High Kings

Prologue

Light enveloped him. It was warm and soft, propelling him forward. It brushed his mind, filling him with images. It showed him the world and the endless wonders it held.  

"Will that be where I go?" He wondered. Immediately he felt a response whisper in his mind, soft and still.

"No, but it is what you can make it to be." The presence of light held me still, cradling my mind.

"Little one, listen and be still. I have a story to tell."

    ”Long ago, the world was as I have shown to you. Full of laughter and light. People were brothers and sisters to one another and the land was prosperous and full. Love and kindness filled every heart, flourished in the soil of the ground and beamed in the sunlight above. My purpose on this world was to keep the peace. To spread the laughter and joy,”

But I failed.

I failed everyone and everything I loved. I was incapable of my duty as guardian of this world and instead of kindness and love, hate and greed filled the world. It rotted the ground to its core, spreading among the breath of life. It corrupted everything. My purpose was to create joy and light, instead the world turned to darkness, filled with filth and foul deeds.”

A deep sadness entered his mind. The light that held him felt such pain and sorrow it became almost unbearable. His mind choked on its agony and he could feel in his very core the torment it suffered. He wanted to embrace the presence, to cry out and mourn along side it. But, as quickly as it came, the pain left. He was again surrounded in peace and warmth.

“You are young, innocent and new. You have a clean mind and heart, and I have come to ask for your help. My chance has come and gone. I failed, but you can repair my mistakes.” He felt a strong love come from the light. It tickled his mind and breathed into his very being. “Little child,” it spoke gently, “The road will be difficult. I have allowed you to experience my pain. If you take upon this task it will not be the last time you feel as I have.” The light swam around him and caressed his thoughts. “I wish no one to suffer the same fate as I have, but without doing so, thousands of others, young and innocent as yourself, will become trapped in their greed and hate. They will lead a life of misery and anguish. I ask you to make this sacrifice and do what I was unable to do. You have such strength, love and tenderness I believe you can complete this undertaking.”

The light again showed him the world, what it is and what it could be again, restored and strong. He thought back to the pain he was allowed to feel, he felt again the love the light held for him and everyone in the world.

“I’ll do it.”

Laughter and joy burst through his soul, bubbling inside him and flooding him with warmth. “Thank you little child,” voiced the presence of light. “I will remain with you always on your journey.”