“Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity” (1 Timothy 4:12).
A mix of relief and curiosity flooded Allen’s mind as he coasted along beside Mike on the road.
“The main reason you’re here,” Mike said, “is connected with the story you told me about what’s happening among your friends back home.”
“Really?” A knot of urgency squeezed Allen’s chest.
“Very few people on earth know they’re constantly being observed from this Realm or that their lives are affected in many ways from here as well as from the Dark Region.” Mike took a couple of deep breaths. “We’re always trying to help humans live without fighting and violence in their lives.”
“I didn’t know we’re being watched, but I do know about fighting,” admitted Allen.
“That’s good,” acknowledged Mike. “There are many forces behind this. But before I carry on, there’s something I want you to see.” Mike rubbed his temples and continued, “Very few have ever seen what you are about to see and experience. We hope after you see it you’ll better understand what’s happening here and will return to earth a different person, ready to help us in the fight against darkness.”
Allen’s heart thudded in the pit of his stomach. “I thought I must be here for a purpose.”
“Yes, you are. We’re restricted in your world but we are hopeful to recruit and train a team of, well—” Mike searched for the right words. “I guess I mean secret agents who will enlighten people about how to become sensitive to our warnings and then experience a new way to live. We want to help people avoid those things that are presently messing up and controlling lives.”
“You want me to do that?” Allen shook his head. “Forget it. I'm too young, how could I make a difference?”
Mike wrapped one muscular arm around Allen. “We’re putting a lot of effort into young people. Try to hold your thoughts until after you witness a breathtaking event.”
They glided along the road and as their speed increased, they actually began to fly! Allen found himself floating higher and higher with no effort. Mike was soaring beside him and even though they were traveling at a great speed, Mike’s robe hung straight down and his hair or halo—or whatever it was—stayed perfectly in place. Allen couldn’t believe what was happening was real. Things sure wouldn’t be this way on earth! There’d be a great wind rushing past them and everything would be trailing out behind. But there were no blasts of wind here. Everything was still and quiet. His questions kept piling up.
The sky was bright but there was no sun. In the distance Allen could see a vast valley that they were approaching, surrounded by striking mountains with snow peaks, giant cliffs, lush green forests and numerous waterfalls. A river that was crystal clear meandered on the outer edge of the valley—sometimes it appeared a dark emerald color other times sparkling blue. What was strange was that even from a distance he could see the valley itself was barren with no trees or vegetation. Another part of this breathtaking event—as Mike called it—appeared. There were clearings where Allen caught glimpses of beings living in charming little settlements and villages.
“Look, Mike, is that someone waving at us?” Mike nodded in agreement.
As they passed over a serene vista below, way off in the distance Allen became aware of another unusual setting. He could see a second mountain range but this one was different. An aura of blackness resembling a dense cloud shrouded the whole range.
“I haven’t seen a cloud or the sun since I arrived here, what makes that darkness?” he inquired.
Mike replied in a concerned voice, “That's the Dark Region—the Dominion of Vulpine.”
Allen responded in surprise, “The black creatures from the orchard?”
“Yes, that’s their home.”
Allen’s stomach lurched as he associated that answer with the “welcome” he had received from the Duns. At that moment, he realized he was probably going to find out more about the Dark Region and hoped he was ready for what he was about to discover.
“Let’s head down.”
Allen mentally shook himself and tried to keep his voice steady as he sensed Mike’s intensity. “Has the time come? What am I saying?” Allen tried to silence his thoughts.
Mike echoed, “Yes, the time has come,” and they began the descent.