Chapter 16: Good-bye World.

We now return you to the Chetzian prison where the otter finished his story. Grec sat wide eyed taking everything in that was said. Never in his life could he believe that a wolf could change no more than he could change his spots, but unless the otter was lying, the story was true: and from all accounts the story seemed to be genuine.

“So what happened after that?” said Grec, curiously, “What happened to Phigaro, Durro, Casey, and Drake---they all lived happily ever after, I suppose.”

“Yes and no.” said Reiach, “Durro died two years before I was placed here. But Phigaro and I had many journeys with him across this world--I wish I had the time to tell you of them. Anyway, God lead Phigaro to witness beyond Gosha's borders. He would send me letters about his journeys, but one day the letters stopped. I have already assumed that he has died for the gospel's sake. Casey, from what I can tell, is preaching in Gosha and Drake is assisting him. So you see,” said Reiach smiling, “some sorrow but much joy.”

From behind Grec came his commander, the leopard stood quickly to his feet. “How goes the instigator?” said the commander.

“He has behaved himself favorably.” said Grec looking over to Reiach, “Quite the storyteller.”

“A worthless animal.” said the commander overlooking the otter, “But the emperor has found some value in him. He wants a personal session to hear of this gospel.”

The commander open the jail. Upon entering in he kicked the otter to the floor and began to cruelly chain him.

“Excuse me sir,” said Grec, “I'll take care of it.”

The commander shot a piercing look at his subordinate. Grec quickly explained the interruption.

“I was given the duty of watching him and I want to finish the job, if you would give me the opportunity sir.”

With a smirk, the commander threw the chain at Grec, who caught it from hitting his face.

“Be at the emperor's palace within the hour or I'll come looking for you and you don't want that.”

The commander left and Grec performed his duty. He carried Reiach to the emperor's palace making known to the guards outside that he had an appointment. Once inside the opulent building presented itself with lavish silk tapestries, gold statues, and silver borders for the walls. Grec's commander was waiting for him and escorted his subordinate to the emperor's throne room. It was a rare privilege that Grec was receiving; for no leopard unless he was an officer was allowed in the emperor's throne room. The throne was empty, which gave Grec and Reiach time to look over the scene. Behind the throne was a wall of little statues; some made of wood, others of bronze, while others were made of ivory. Revel ascertained that at least one hundred adorned the wall.

“I never seen so many idols in one place.” said Reiach.

“A god for almost everything.” said Grec, “a god for the morning, a god for the night. A god for every season of the year, and so much more. And your God is….”

“The God of all.” said Reiach confidently.

Two soldiers entered the room carrying a large golden tray. They picked up Reiach and placed him inside. Grec was perplexed.

“What's the reason for this?”

“The emperor doesn't want any blood on the floor.” said one soldier. “Once the head rolls the body will just flop over.”

A fit of horror came over Grec's face.

“I think your god needs to show up right now.” said Grec. “He's already here,” replied Reiach assertively.

Suddenly from their right a trump was sounded and a side door in the throne room came open. A caravan of musicians played a vibrant tone to summon the emperor. And he obeyed his summons. He was young and proud as he walked arrogantly into his room with a silver reef upon his head, a silver silk cloak wrapped stoutly upon his body, and a female leopard (his ninth wife) cuddling and giggling on his arm as he made his way to the throne. He reclined in his elegant chair as his ninth wife hugged his neck from behind. “Is this the problem in Chetz?” said the emperor.

“Indeed he is,” said Grec's commander. “Be not deceived my lord. His words are strong and has turned many from the traditions of Chetz.”

“I am never deceived!” exclaimed the emperor, insulted by the notion. “Especially by a Shavronite.”

The emperor sat up in his throw pushing away his ninth wife apathetically.

“I heard that you, Shavronite, claim that there is a great god who has come in flesh and bone, is that true?”

“True.” said Reiach.

“You also claim that He has power to forgive sin and to change the most wicked of hearts?”

“Also true.”

“Indeed,” said the young emperor smiling, “What is also true is that you have been causing my land much trouble: trouble that deserves death.”

Out of the corner of Reiach's eye he saw Grec's commander spinning an axe: he looked like Nape with the same look of loathing.

“Death has no victory over me.” said Reiach. “I already know you will kill me.”

“You are a true prophet,” replied the emperor reclining back, “However, if you will speak kindly of me and renounce this silly idea of sin, repentance, and salvation I may have a change of heart.”

“But not the right change.” the otter said curtly.

“I would advise to speak kindly,” said Grec leaning over, “You can get out of here alive--the worst he'll do is banishment.”

“What say you, Shavronite?” asked the emperor proudly, “what say you, you're not mute speak up!---what do have to say about me?”

Reiach took a deep breath and replied.

“You're a sinner. You're life is an open rebellion against God. You're on your way to Hell. If you don't repent, committing your life to God's only begotten Son; as I know you have heard about,   you will go to Hell and stay there, period.”

All the royal subjects, including the emperor's ninth wife, were overcome with such a look of dreadful offense that some of them looked as if they were going to swoon. The emperor gradually leaned forward in his throne, eyed the otter with a arrogant smile, and simply said:

“Remove his head from his body.” The emperor gave Grec a direct look. “You, take that axe and chop of his head and you'll be commissioned instantly as a first lieutenant.” Grec received the axe from his superior, who was glad to hear the emperor's favor over him. The leopard looked steadily over Reiach, putting the axe to the back of his neck.

The otter trip forward a little bit, but stood stout; unyielding to the mocking expressions of the leopards in the room.

In a moment of great boldness, even in the emperor's eye's, Grec made a plea to speak to the otter. By the hand of God, the emperor gave approval to the request. Grec knelt down to the otter eye level.

“No more games.” he said whispering, “Tell me you made up the story about Gosha and this gospel changing them; you were jesting at it all; laugh and say that it was all a ruse--a trick!”

“Story?” said Reiach turning his head, “Story? I told you the truth from beginning to end. I am not afraid of death ,Grec, for it has already been conquered by Kleos. He will catch me when you bring your axe upon me. I will not deny Him.”

“Do you truly believe?” said Grec as his lip twittered, “Do you believe?” Reiach smiled and said,

“Truly believe.”

Grec slowly rose to his feet looking at the emperor who was waiting for the execution. The otter stood unashamed and when Grec made a heavy grunt signifying that the axe was raised, the otter closed his eyes. The axe did fall and made its mark perfectly, but the transfer from that present word to the next was so quick that Reaich hardly realized that he was beheaded. He did stumble forward and was caught. He looked up to see who had held him and Kleos was there with a grin.

“I’ve got you.”

Reiach did not speak: for words could not describe the effervescent glory that engulfed him. Tears ran down the otter's face but the hand of his Lord wiped them away.

“Well done,” said Kleos . “Well done good and faithful servant. Come, I have much to discuss with you.”

“Discuss?”

“Yes,” said Kleos, “Everyone will give account of themselves to me, including you.”

“I have failed you many times even after committing my life to you. All the sin; all the disobedience. I don't want to be cast away.”

Kleos put his arm around Reiach's neck as a friend. “Did I ever forsake you while you were alive?”

“No, my Lord.”

“Did I ever get rid of you when you sinned?”

“No.” said Revel confidently.

“So why would I do it now?” replied Kleos.

“Yes, there is much to answer for, but you have trusted in my work and my work was to shed my blood for your sins. Reiach, that is the faith that I, my Father, and Spirit that dwells with us desire for all to have.”

Suddenly Kleos stopped and started to walk away. “Uh, my Lord, where are you going?” said Reiach. “Walk with me.” came the answer.

The otter smiled, nodding his head understandingly. “For eternity I will,” he said catching up, “I will.” And so he did for eternity.