The path of Unity

Introduction

The night was cold, full of rain and thunder. Sobbing could be heard coming from the house of General Hout, sobbing full of regret and mystery. General Hout was wearing his grey robes, ready to retire for the night when there was a loud knock at his door. His heavy feet made their way to the door, standing there was one of the Apothecaries, wearing his black robes, his face covered by a white mask, a star pendent could be seen around his neck.

"General, I came as soon as I heard." The Apothecary stated after a moments pause.

General Hout stood in the doorway, moving the lantern higher so that he could see the Apothecary's face. The Apothecary could now see the general's face move clearly. The General was a very well-groomed man, with long black hair and trimmed beard.

"She's in there." He said with a sigh. "Laying on the bed, as still as a willow tree with no wind to rustle the leaves." His head dipped low and in a sombre voice he said the words that he wish he could take back. "She's gone".

The Apothecary matched the General's stance, he placed a gentle hand on the man's left shoulder while his right gripped the pendent dangling around his neck.

"For the soul that has been lost here today, please guide them to the Unity Star. To forever join our brothers and sisters, to keep watch on the souls left here below." The Apothecary said with his head remaining bowed in prayer.

"Five points of Unity of life and death guide us to the light" Hout joined, finishing the prayer.

"Her soul has been saved and guided here tonight." The Apothecary stated, dropping his hand from the General's shoulder after giving a quick reassuring pat.

A young boys voice could be heard coming from the bedroom where the General's late wife was laying.

"Jacob, my son, who are you talking to?" Hout voiced walking over to the young boy.

Jacob looked up into his Father's eyes, "I am talking to mother." He stated confidently.

Hout took a deep breath before responding to the young boy, "Son, your mother has passed."

Jacob turned to look at his Mother's still face, when he noticed a blue glow next to the bed. Standing in the blue glow was the spirit of his Mother. She looked down at her son, smiling she raised her right index finger to her lips in a shushing gesture. She moved her hand and mouthed "I love you" to her son before the light started to fade. And with the fading light, Jacob saw his mother fade with it while he watched on, giving her one last smile.

Unsure of the event that has just occurred, the Apothecary and Hout looked at each other in confusion.