Chapter 15: Nape’s Last Chance
It was two weeks since the fall of Nape's castle. The demise of the edifice gave way to a certain peace in Gosha that wasn't known for over four hundred years. Nape was assumed dead: burned alive in the castle. An attempt was made more than once to recover his body, but he was never found. His son Spade, in turn, became leader of his father's pack; but unlike his father, Spade made a decision that turned the tide in Gosha long history of gang activity. He not only refuse to be the alpha male, he adamantly dismissed his father's gang, claiming that he never like it in the first place. With this new decree wolves had no idea what to do, but Spade did not care and made no motions to retract his decision. Reiach continue to speak with him and the young wolf become a believer. News traveled to Drake's pack. The large wolf was had his jaw wrapped (For Durro nearly broke it) was unable to speak a word against the Gospel, but to listened steadily to it as most of his pack followed Kleos. He watched as wolves that has hated each other, cared for one another: they were different. Finally after seven months, Drake summoned is brother Durro; and he white wolf lead his brother to salvation. Even the cynical Casey had to admit that Durro was different. So he decided to be different too, although he said that the love for his top hat would never change.
However there were still outbreaks of old rivalries still springing up, but the land of Gosha was changing and it was a change by the hand of God Himself.
Reiach had completely healed of his wounds that he suffered under Nape. He went to his room one afternoon to pray. He was silent for most of the time and during that silence the Lord brought Nape to his mind again and again. He ran out into the main hall where Casey was reclining in his chair sipping on a cup of juice.
“I think he's still alive!”
“God?” said Casey, “He better be I'm counting on Him.”
“No, Nape.”
Casey gave Reiach a perplexing look.
“No he's not.” replied Casey rolling his eyes, “Everything burned in that fire. Even Spade had a ceremony for his father a week ago certifying his death. I know you had pity on him, but he made his choice--sad when you think about it.”
Casey answer did not satisfy Reiach. He left the castle and began to take a walk. He didn't know where he was going. He found himself in a dense part of the wood. That nagging feeling of Nape's survival was even stronger in the wood, but he could not understand why God was dealing with him in such a manner.
“God, I'm here,” said Reiach.
“I don't know why you have urge me to believe that Nape is still alive. What do you want from me, Lord?”
“Listen.” came the still and peaceful voice.
So Reiach remain quiet as he stood in place. He heard the rustling of the trees as the wind blew; he heard the birds of the air chirping, and he heard his own breathing.
“God, help me to hear what you want me to hear.” he said.
Suddenly all the noise in the background went mute, Reiach couldn't even hear himself breathing. Everything was truly silent, except for one sound--- a strange and agitating sound reached his ear. It was a mixture of gurgling and wheezing that sounded painful and horrid. It was as if something was struggling to breath. The otter followed the sound and it become louder. Reiach came to a stream of water where the breathing was at his highest pitch. Across the stream was a large boulder: the breathing was coming from under it. Revel raced across the stream.
“I have to know.” he said. “If he's still alive I have to know.”
He cautiously crawled under the boulder. He descended into the dark until he could stand and saw something that he would never forget. Lying ten feet in front of him was a body of some animal badly charred. It had no fur from what Reiach could see and its chest would rise and fall with the painful breaths it had to take to stay alive. Reiach took a step forward hardly believing that any living thing could have survived that grand fire at the castle. He shuddered to speak, but forcing the words from his mouth he uttered the wolf's name.
“Nape, is that you?”
The otter's voice was a catalyst to the burnt body and an blood red eye sprung open fixated on him. If Nape could have spoken he would have, but he had no strength to speak. Reiach went on his hands and knees and drew a little closer, perceiving that the wolf was near death.
“I didn't like what you did to me,” he said starting off, “but I have done worst to other creatures. As God has forgiven me, I forgive you Nape. I don't want you to die like this!” The wolf took a painful swallow and returned his glare on Reiach.
“The Gospel is not out to hurt you---it never was. Yes, God changes things. He changes everything he is apart of. He doesn't hate you, Nape, He doesn't take pleasure that any sinner dies without Him. I believe,” Reiach stopped briefly. “I believe he has kept you alive for one final chance. I'm begging you: let Kleos save you---don't go to Hell, please.”
Nape looked on without flinching. There was no movement at all only a eerie gaze of some feeling behind his reddened eyes. Finally, Nape rocked back just a little to bring out a blacked arm. He extended it with a open palm that shook, beckoning Revel to receive it. “Yes, I will pray with you.” said Reiach placing his hand into Nape's. “I know you can't talk. So, squeeze my hand once to say no, and squeeze it twice to say yes, o.k?”
Nape gentle squeeze Reiach's hand twice.
“Good, good!” said Reiach, quite encouraged. “Here we go: do believe that God sent his son into this world to die for the sins of all.”
Nape gently squeezed twice.
“Are you willing,” said Reiach cautiously, “Are you willing for Him to rule over your entire life?
Nape did nothing.
“Are you willing?” repeated the otter, “Are you willing!?”
Suddenly the charred hand tightened with such force that Reiach cringed in pain. “Nape what are you doing?” he said trying to pull his hand away, “ Let go. LET GO! STOP!”
From behind the wolf came his axe that flopped over onto the ground held firmly with his right arm. Reiach pull and cried out, but Nape would not let go. This time the otter's head would fall. Nape struggled to get his footing as the otter did everything in his power to get away. Once upon his feet, Nape raised his axe across his chest for a sure blow. But it never fell and the wolf never saw the otter's head fall from his neck; for a hand unseen by both of them appeared. It quickly touched Nape's muzzle and pulled the remain air out of his lungs. The wolf went limp, the axe fell to the ground, and Reiach was released. Nape was erect for a moment ,dropped to his knees, and then collapsed to the ground.