“You will … need not fear when destruction comes” (Job 5:21).
A loud shout sounded in the distance, “It's the Duns! They’re raiding our orchards again!” Looking down in a valley, Allen was startled to see some strange-looking creatures shifting here and there among the giant fruit trees.
The old, but not so old man silently counted the heads of the scoundrels. “There’s more than last time. They’re relentless in their constant attacks,” he explained. “All the foods we grow here are free for the taking to all the dwellers of our land. Even the Duns can have all the food they want, and they know that. But they don’t just come and eat the fruit. They purposely destroy the trees, gardens, and anything they can get their paws on and they do it with a vengeance. Of course, we know why they do it. And I suppose it will never stop until the final result is carried out.”
Allen contemplated these words but didn’t understand. “What does he mean, Mike?”
“I’ll explain later, but first we have an urgent task.” Mike set off toward the Duns with the old not so old, man right behind him.
“Hey! Don’t leave without me! I don’t know my way around this place yet.” Allen scurried after them.
As they neared the area were the shouting was coming from, Allen could see a group of figures destroying the surrounding grasses, vegetables, shrubs, and trees. They were pulling everything out by the roots and flinging plants to the ground.
“Man, these are some bizarre looking creatures,” Allen thought as he studied them from a safe distance. They were wearing black robes with hoods that hid their faces, black shoes, and even what could be seen of their faces was black, a blurry black. Their eyes were red as they glared at the approaching group. They growled and grunted as they swiftly and ruthlessly destroyed everything they could get their long curved claws on. Though not very tall, they seemed incredibly powerful.
As Mike got closer, they all stopped and turned their sinister eyes toward their intruders. One looked straight at Allen and without warning bolted toward him. Allen froze in terror! The creature lunged toward him as he grunted a command to all the other Duns, “Attack!”
Allen immediately concluded, “I’m a goner for sure. They destroyed the trees and other bushes with a few swats of their claws. They’ll tear me apart next.” He tried to cry out for help, but fear had seized him to the point that he couldn’t get out a sound. He squeezed his eyes tightly shut and finally choked out a feeble “Help!”
Mike’s familiar voice blared with authority. “Stop in the name of Theos!”
Allen opened his eyes. There was Mike’s massive frame with his broad shoulders squared back and his feet set wide apart. He had drawn his weapon, aimed it at the Duns and they came to an abrupt halt, appearing paralyzed. Mike centered his weapon on the Dun ready to pounce on Allen. Crack! A charge of energy pulsed from the end of the sword and hit the Dun. He vanished into thin air. Mike aimed at another Dun. Zap! Another flash of energy and another Dun disappeared.
Allen threw his hands in the air and let out a whoop! “Wow!” In just a short time, all the Duns had all vanished.
Mike’s gaze was somber, his tone so low that Allen could barely hear him. “I’m sorry they frightened you.”
Allen was delighted he was safe, but he couldn't stop shaking from fear. He realized if Mike hadn’t been there, he would have been destroyed. “Thank you, Mike!”
He felt that big muscular arm again as it drew him in close. “It's all right, Allen. I won’t let anything harm you.”
Allen’s heart raced. “Did you kill all of them?”
Mike shook his head. “No, I didn't kill any of them. There is no killing as you know it, in this kingdom.”
“What? No death? Then what do you call what just happened? I saw it with my own eyes.” More and more puzzling questions loomed in Allen’s head. “Who are those strange creatures?” he inquired.
“Those creatures are from the Dark Region." Mike’s eyebrows rose as he turned toward Allen. “Do you understand?”
“Not really,” was Allen's reply.
Mike just motioned with his arm toward a road ahead. “Come on. Let’s go.”
Allen followed, quietly pondering all that was happening. He said goodbye to the old, not so old, man and some others that had come out of hiding. They all looked different and yet they all looked the same. “Crazy!” Allen thought as he hurried to catch up with Mike. As their feet made contact with the road, off they glided.
“Well, it's time for me to answer some of those probing questions you have rolling around in your head.” Mike’s eyes rested on Allen.
“Finally, I’m going to get some answers!” Allen cheered.