Fool's Errand Read online

  Chadash Chronicles Book One: Fool’s Errand – Second Edition

  Copyright 2015, FaithXFiction Press and David G. Johnson, all rights reserved.

  No part of this publication may be reproduced in whole or in part, or stored in any retrieval system, or transmitted in any form by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise without the written permission of the author. Exception is made for short excerpts used in reviews.

  This book is a work of fiction. Any resemblance of characters to persons living or dead is coincidental.

  The Scripture references/quotes used in this work draw from either the Complete Jewish Bible (1998) or the New American Standard Version (1995) with the context-appropriate name changes from either Yahweh or Adonai or God to “One Lord” as He is known in the context of this novel series.

  To God and His Son, Jesus Christ, without whom nothing in my life would be possible.

  To my daughter, Ariel, who was a constant encouragement and inspiration to keep writing.

  To the fans whose support inspired me to do this second edition.

  Thanks to my brother in Christ, Zerubbabel, whose help with Hebrew and culture knowledge was invaluable in painting parts of this picture accurately.

  Thanks also to Ariel, Stanley and Sharon for your proofreading and feedback during the creation process.

  Special thanks go out to my wife, Amy. Without your support and assistance in keeping the rest of our lives going I would not have found the time to write and complete this work.

  Thanks to Mary C. Findley for her invaluable help with formatting and creating the amazing look and feel for the insides of this book, and her help with cover design work on this series and on so many of my other works. You are a blessing, Mary.

  Finally, thanks to Ralf Schemmann (www.mapsandmore.com) for his amazing cartography work on the maps included in this book. Being a visual person myself, having a view of a fantasy world helps the reader put things into perspective with a picture, or map in this case, being worth a thousand words.

  Foreword

  Prologue

  Chapter 1 – Struggle in the Dark

  Chapter 2 – Disturbing Mysteries

  Chapter 3 – Council in Aton-Ri

  Chapter 4 – The Iron Cur

  Chapter 5 – A Bold Plan

  Chapter 6 – Caravan Assembled

  Chapter 7 – Bumps in the Road

  Chapter 8 – A Meal to Remember

  Chapter 9 – Unexpected Gift

  Chapter 10 - Stonehold

  Chapter 11 – Into the Breach

  Chapter 12 – Aftermath

  Chapter 13 – Unexpected Allies

  Chapter 14 – Into the Mountains

  Chapter 15 – Return of the Berserkers

  Chapter 16 – Secrets Revealed

  Chapter 17 – Road to Varynia

  Chapter 18 – Princess Tarynna

  Chapter 19 – Spider’s Web

  Chapter 20 – Night Flight

  Chapter 21 – A Long, Hard Road

  Afterword

  Glossary/Table of Names

  This book is intended as many things and was written with several purposes in mind. First, it is a fantasy adventure story written by lifelong fan of fantasy and science fiction novels. As such, for those who also are fans of the genre, you will find this book to be an engaging, exciting, and enjoyable fantasy adventure. Should you choose not to engage with the particularly Christian back-story upon which the story’s setting is built, then skipping the prologue and moving straight into the story will not result in losing any of the enjoyment or understanding of the overall storyline.

  Second, this book is intended as a bridge between those who love fantasy literature and Christian readers. Often I found, not only during my own spiritual journey but also during the last several years as a Christian and a minister, that a chasm exists between these two groups. Often, fantasy fans are not Christians, and their encounters with Christians have been generally judgmental and negative experiences. The love of the fantasy genre is often misunderstood or condemned by mainstream Christianity without taking the time to understand it or to get to know the people who love it.

  If a work or author such as Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings or Lewis’s Chronicles of Narnia comes out upfront from a known Christian, then things like wizards, magic, etc are tolerated by mainstream Christianity. If the author, for whatever reason, chooses not to come out up front with their faith, then generally, the work is condemned without bothering to look deeper. I found it somewhat discouraging in reading the work of J. K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series that mainstream Christians were very critical of the work because of its blatant focus on wizardry and magic. I, however, spotted in the works many subtle Christian or biblical parallels, which seemed to go unnoticed by most of the critics. It was not until the final book was out in print that Rowling openly spoke about the themes that were apparent to any Christian readers who bothered to look for them earlier.

  While I openly present this work from a Christian worldview and perspective, I also incorporate aspects of various encounters I have had both as an unbeliever on a spiritual journey and now as a Christian whose life focuses on outreach. I hope in this series to present, through the believing characters in the book, a perspective for fantasy genre fans of what a Christian should be like toward those who do not believe. This life-witness is as important, or I should say even more important, than anything we can say about our faith. The Bible tells us that our actions need to match our words, and I hope to portray in this series that while Christians have their own flaws and failings, overall, the experience of encountering a Christian should be a positive one.

  Third, I hope this work and the believing characters in this work will serve as a mirror and a reminder to Christians how we need to behave when dealing with those who may have radically different understanding or values from us. We need to be a living witness of Christ’s love as we make our sojourn through this world. Remember, our Lord did not spend his time always around those who thought and believed and lived as He did. He left those familiar surroundings and chose to eat and socialize and reach out to Gentiles, tax collectors, prostitutes, and all types of those who society had written off as a bad element. If we are truly to obey the great commission of our Lord, then we must be prepared to leave the comforts of familiar surroundings and be a living, incarnational witness among those who do not live and think and believe as we do.

  Whatever other success comes from this work, if it can serve as a bridge of understanding and outreach between those who love fantasy fiction and those who love Christ, then in my mind, the book will be an overwhelming success. If even one person finds an encounter with God through the story told in these pages, then everything will have been worthwhile. If even one Christian takes an honest look at themself through the mirror of the believing characters in this story and it changes their view, drive, and approach to outreach to others, then the work will have served its purpose. If beyond that, this story proves an engaging and enjoyable tale, which captures the imagination and hearts of readers—both Christian and non-Christian—then that is an even greater bonus and blessing.

  Note about the Second Edition: The story remains substantively unchanged. The primary change is removing this book, and Mystic’s Mayhem, from under the umbrella of my original publisher and into the realm of my self-publishing entity, FaithXFiction Press. Regarding the content, what I hope to remedy are some typos and errors that snuck past the editors and into the first edition. Additionally, with two more years writing experience under my belt, I hope to smooth out some of the writing and point-of-view consistency issues and create a better quality second edition of Fool’s Errand. Some longer descriptions may be streamlined, a
nd where appropriate a bit of extra information about the world or characters may appear. Owners of the first edition should not feel a need to go out and purchase this edition; however, as essentially the same story in the original Fool’s Errand is told in this edition.

  Bringing all of the Chadash Chronicles books into my FaithXFiction portfolio will also allow the publication of an omnibus ebook edition containing the entire Chadash Chronicles trilogy as well as the prequel volume, Saga of the Everking. It is my hope by offering this packaged collection at a reasonable price, new readers will be encouraged to pick up and enjoy Chadash Chronicles as well.

  Lament of Azadriel

  We were made long before the time of man

  for all of time we angels served the Lord

  we were all part of His almighty plan

  but then there came the time of our discord

  No longer were we favored ones of God

  there was another come to take our place

  that He should forsake us we found it odd

  for the pathetic, weakling, human race

  We trusted Him and thus kept our hearts true

  until the Morning Angel came to us

  bold Lucifer he told us what he knew

  and what to do about it we discussed

  “Forsaken ones” oh, Lucifer he cried

  “Because of apes we are forgotten now”

  most beautiful of God he truly tried

  to say we should react and tell us how

  The faithful ones then left Lucifer’s side

  and spoke to God of Lucifer’s dark words

  but we who teemed with arrogance and pride

  it was only Lucifer’s voice we heard

  We forever had sung praise to the Lord

  we were His chosen, how was it we fell

  we were His warriors with holy swords

  God came now to us damning us to Hell

  “Rather than serve in heav’n, we’ll rule in Hell”

  these were the words that Lucifer he spoke

  it was those words we heeded all too well

  the foolish heart in each of us awoke

  and I, Azadriel, now know at last

  the emptiness without God’s loving voice

  and I know I can never change the past

  I can but dwell upon my foolish choice

  Mankind they are forgiven of their sin

  with His forgiveness heaven they shall see

  I played a game that I could never win

  is there forgiveness for the likes of me

  (Circa AD 95 in earth reckoning)

  The twenty-six generals of the rebellion sat in council awaiting the arrival of their leader, the Beautiful One. They waited in silence for what was sure to be a vehement reaction to John’s recording of the vision given to him on Patmos by the Risen One.

  Azadriel vividly remembered the rage that pouring forth from the Beautiful One when Levi’s writing came to light. That missive recorded the Risen One’s words prophesying the end for the rebelling generals and their followers. This latest writing was more than a passing reference to their doom. It was a full-blown revelation of how their battle, already spanning many millennia, would ultimately end. If Levi’s brief remembrance of a passing comment had infuriated Lucifer, this vision given to John would fuel a raging inferno of malice in the heart of the Angel of the Morning that would threaten to incinerate those who merely heard him speak.

  Azadriel and the eight Malakim closest to him were not eager to sit through this impending tirade. As they waited for Lucifer to arrive, Azadriel’s mind began to mull over the proposal that he planned to bring today before the council. It was a dangerous proposition to voice, especially at this time, but he took great comfort knowing the eight who stood with him.

  For millennia, Malakim generals who had sided with Lucifer, along with the millions of lower ranked Malakim who followed them, waged a futile war against the One Lord. Stirrings of regret began seeping into Azadriel’s heart long ago. At first, it was just emptiness deep inside him, little more than a feeling of discontentment. As time passed, he felt ever deeper the pangs of remorse. Centuries later, he realized what filled his heart was a genuine, driving desire to repent of their rebellion and to return to the throne of the One Lord; begging His forgiveness. Azadriel wasted much time in fearing to utter such thoughts to the others. He was certain they would tear him to pieces. He was mistaken.

  Over time, he began to see in the eyes of other Malakim leaders the same dark emptiness filling him. One day, Azadriel could keep silent no longer. He approached his closest brother, Achiram, and shared his heart. To his great joy, he discovered that Achiram’s feelings mirrored his own. Over time, they discovered that the rebellious archangels who had followed Lucifer were divided. In total, eight other Malakim generals shared Azadriel’s desire to lead the fallen back to the throne of the Almighty and throw themselves upon His mercy.

  Another nine showed clear signs of growing weary of Lucifer’s war. No glimmer graced their proud eyes matching the repentant heart Azadriel and the others like him showed. These nine would never repent, but neither would they continue following Lucifer in vain futility until the Day of Judgment.

  The remaining eight Malakim leaders continued in loyal lockstep with Lucifer, disregarding the revelations of the prophets as the ravings of madmen. So drunk with their own power and Lucifer’s lies, they would follow the Beautiful One even unto marching straight into the Lake of Fire. Nine, nine, and nine: the number of discontentment and of arrogance, how ironic.

  Azadriel remembered his conversation with the eight who shared his heart before they answered Lucifer’s summons.

  “My dearest ones, the time has come. We need no longer fear reprisal from Lucifer. We are each as strong as he, and nine others show signs of dissention. I do not believe Mutazz and his eight followers would follow Lucifer to battle against us. The equal division among the Malakim leaders gives us the opportunity we have long awaited. This is our chance to voice our plan and do our utmost to sway the hearts of the others. If Lucifer will not give up his madness even in light of the Apostle John’s revelation, then we who stand repentant must lead the legions back to the throne and trust to His mercy. Let us end our rebellion today.”

  Azadriel’s confidence wavered briefly seeing uneasy looks from several of those he counted among his compatriots. A supportive smile and nod from Achiram bolstered the hesitant and let Achiram know whatever the outcome, the others would stand with him.

  The prince of darkness finally arrived, quite late for his own meeting. No doubt, he had spent many hours fuming in private in order to prepare for what he was about to pour out upon his generals.

  “Doubtless you all are aware of this ridiculous scribbling recorded by the beloved of the Lamb. What drivel! We may be forbidden to touch the flesh of this precious one, but I tell you, I will burn his home down around his ears and sink Patmos into the sea! If the Risen One wants to protect his beloved disciple, He can duplicate his trick with the three Hebrew children to save him from my fire and send him a fish to pull him from the sea.”

  This level of fury was beyond anything Lucifer exhibited before. He spat every pronoun and reference to the One Lord and his words dripped with disdain for the Apostle John.

  “I will see,” continued Lucifer, “that not one copy of this despicable book of lies will ever be seen, save by witches gifted in reading ashes. I will stir the heart of Caesar to such a hatred for the Christians that the smoke from their burning bodies will fill the whole earth. I will...it is...ahhhh!”

  What followed was a series of hate-inspired guttural noises, screeches, and a cacophony of other sounds that defying description. The tirade pouring forth from the most gifted voice ever created by the One Lord seemed an unfitting use for the most beautiful of instruments. When some modicum of control and sanity resurfaced, Lucifer blasted his awestruck generals with an accusatory question.

  “Are you going to say something o
r just sit and stare like the statues men have erected of you?”

  Azadriel’s moment had arrived. Whatever ember of goodness or hope for redemption in Lucifer was now replaced by unquenchably blazing anger and hatred. Lucifer would never agree with Azadriel’s plan to repent and return, but for the sake of the others in whose eyes he had seen doubts, he had to try. As Azadriel was about to speak, he heard the voice of Mutazz, Lucifer’s second in command, preempt him.

  “The battle is over, brother. Our end is prophesized, written, and cannot be changed. How many more millennia would you have us struggle in vain? We shake our fists at the One Lord, and we use all power at our disposal to draw the humans away from the light, but in the end, what have we accomplished? We have killed eleven of His twelve disciples and still His church grows. We murdered Paul and still men come to Him. We have inspired Nero to use the Christians as torches to light his gardens and still they rally to the cross. We have exiled John to Patmos, and yet he still leads and inspires the churches with his epistles. Victory is not our fate. The Lamb revealed to the Apostle John what is to be our future. We will burn forever alongside those we lure away from Him. We beat at the wind, but our end is the same. We cannot win.”

  A hush fell over the Malakim generals as they awaited Lucifer’s response. A long moment passed. Apparently Lucifer was going to stew for quite some time before responding, likely deciding if he could slaughter Mutazz before others came to his aid. Taking advantage of the hiatus, Azadriel spoke.

  “Malakim, this vision of John’s is not news to us. Long have we known our rebellion to be in vain. We have known since the Lamb spoke to Levi of what was to come, that our fate would be the same as the humans who reject the One Lord. Nevertheless, we also know the One Lord from His own words to be merciful for those who repent. Let us end this futile struggle, return to the throne, and throw ourselves on the mercy of the Merciful One. If we unite and lead, the legions will follow us. Let us return not in rebellion but in humility, not with hearts of pride but hearts of repentance. Our fate cannot be worse than it already is, and with His mercy, it may be considerably better.”