The Sacred Path

PROLOGUE

Election

Providence has given to our people the choice of their rulers … and it is the duty, as well as the privilege and interest of our Christian nation to select and prefer Christians for their rulers.

—John Jay, The First Chief Justice of the United States

The cigarette smoke was thick in the hotel room where the two men sat … eyes fixed on the television screen in front of them. Today was the day. The plan depended on victory. Both men knew it and both were tense with anticipation. The half empty bottle of whiskey on the table did little to calm their anxiety. If the results didn’t go their way, all hope was gone. Cutting through the deafening silence of the room, a voice came from the television:

This is Nate Philips reporting to you live from outside the historic Peadmont Hotel. Pandemonium is ensuing at the news that candidate Crispin Locke has just been declared the winner in a monumental, landslide victory, securing his place as this country’s first ever Supreme Leader.

The two men turned to each other—each giving an approving nod.

The reporter continued, Locke secured this victory with a staggering 95% of the vote, placing him in the ranks of such great leaders as George Washington himself, this country’s first President, who received a unanimous vote in the pivotal moments of this country’s birth. It seems that the country is again facing a pivotal moment in its history, and Crispin Locke has risen to accept the challenge with his Three-Self campaign.

His message, focusing on peace, unity and tolerance seemed to resonate with the American people in every state as the margin of victory is proving. The celebration has already begun behind me as tens of thousands of people have not only gathered in and around the hotel convention center, but have also filled the streets, causing traffic to literally come to a halt for many miles in all directions.

The traffic headaches, however, have not stopped motorists from getting in on this celebration, as many have left their vehicles in the streets in order to see these events on one of the enormous screens erected throughout the city. It seems that no one wants to miss anything at this historic moment!

Let’s get the thoughts of one of Locke’s many supporters, who came out to witness this tremendous day in American history. What is your name, Sir?

My name is Randal Newman.

And why have you come to the Peadmont Hotel today?

Because I believe in Crispin Locke. He is exactly what we need and his Three-Self policies will stop all of the hate and division that has filled our country. It is time that we move on from the past and look to the future, and Crispin is going to lead us there.

Are you surprised at the margin of victory? … 95% of the American people voted for him.

Not at all. Crispin represents the American people—what we value—what we stand for—what we believe. His message has inspired millions of people in this country, and as the voting has proven, we are trusting in him to lead us into our future.

Thank you, Randal. Enjoy this moment of victory.

I will. Thank you, Nate.

Well, there you have it. The American people have chosen their next leader and his name is Crispin Locke.

Philips paused and pressed a finger to his earpiece. Wait one second. I’m just getting word that Locke is taking the stage for his acceptance speech. Let’s go live to the Convention Center at the Peadmont Hotel, as the Supreme Leader Elect is about to make what will no doubt become a historic victory speech.

Locke emerged from a sea of black-suited men and took the stage. He stood like a tower in the triumph of this moment. His tall, distinguished stature along with his chiseled face and jet black hair truly made him a specimen to behold. He gracefully moved through the countless government aides to the waiting podium filled with media microphones. His appearance brought the crowd to a deafening roar.

Thank you, said Locke, barely audible over the thunderous praise—many in the mass of people with tears of joy streaming down their faces.

Thank you, Locke said again in his deep, baritone voice, patiently waiting for the crowd to allow him the opportunity to speak. It was several more minutes before there was even a slight lapse in the applause.

My fellow Americans … Locke started, but the crowd was relentless in their praise.

My fellow Americans, he said repeatedly, until at last his voice was audible enough to quiet the crowd to a dull roar.

My fellows Americans, today marks a new dawn in our history as a country and as a people.

The crowd roared again, causing Locke to stop speaking. After several more minutes of blissful worship, he raised his hands for the crowd to quiet.

Today you have made a choice … a choice that says that we will not accept anything less than human greatness—that we will not settle for anything that hinders our human abilities or our human potential. We are a nation that not only strives, but prospers, when we are allowed the freedom to be exactly who we are. And freedom is what I offer to you today.

The crowd began to roar again, but Locke leaned into the microphones and began to shout.

"No longer will we be hindered by tired policies and worn out government practices. No longer will we be limited by conforming to someone else’s standards for our lives. We will move into a new future arm in arm, holding high the torch of freedom. We will proclaim with one voice the declaration of peace, unity and toleration … not only for our sake, but for the sake of humankind. No longer are we a nation that is founded upon the notion of e pluribus unum, out of many, one, but we are a nation that shouts from the rooftops, ex unum plurimus, ‘out of one, we are many’!—Many races, many colors, many lifestyles, many nationalities, many religions."

"This is the truth that our country was founded upon and this is what our Founders desired for themselves and their posterity—to live in a country free to be whatever they wanted to be, without fear of reprisal; without fear of persecution; without fear of judgment. America is a free country and we are free people … and together we will forge a new future flying high the banner of liberty!"

Thank you, America. Our journey begins tonight!

The crowd roared to an ear-shattering level as Supreme Leader Elect, Crispin Locke, victoriously waved to his adoring public. Every news media in the world was focused on this man tonight.

Locke gave a final wave of triumph to the thousands of devoted followers, before disappearing once again into the waiting sea of armed men in black suits. He was quickly whisked down a long hallway, through a large steel door, and into the parking lot of the Peadmont, where armored transports were waiting to receive him. Multiple television cameras followed the caravan of black SUVs until they disappeared into the heart of the city.

What inspiring words, said reporter Nate Philips. "Locke has spoken to the heart of the American people. The atmosphere here at the Peadmont is more reminiscent of a rock concert than a political rally. The entire country is glued to their televisions, not wanting to miss any part of this wonderful day. In just a few short months, Candidate Elect Crispin Locke will become this country’s first ever Supreme Leader, Crispin Locke. With the eyes of the country upon him, yes, with the eyes of the world upon him, Locke has taken the mantle of leadership and has placed the weight of America on his shoulders. Locke is the people’s choice for carrying us into the future. What will the future hold? Only time will tell. But with the events that took place tonight, it seems that America’s future looks bright."

This is Nate Philips reporting to you live from the Peadmont Hotel. Let’s send it back to the newsroom, where our political panel will continue their discussion of this historic event.

Thick smoke flowed from the nostrils of one of the men sitting stone faced in the hotel room. The other poured two glasses of whiskey—victory drinks. They each raised their glass and threw the contents down their throats.

Phase one is complete, said the first man, standing to his feet and clicking off the T.V.

Jason, said the other, pulling two yellow rose lapel pins from his pocket. Put this on. It’s time for phase two—we’ve got work to do.

CHAPTER 1

A Strange New World

… For man, when perfected, is the best of animals, but, when separated from law and justice, he is the worst of all; since armed injustice is the more dangerous, and he is equipped at birth with the arms of intelligence and with moral qualities which he may use for the worst ends. Wherefore, if he have not virtue, he is the most unholy and the most savage of animals, and the most full of lust and gluttony.

—Aristotle 320 BC

Two Years And Six Months Later

"D on’t go out there, Sir! It’s not safe!" shouted Nicolas, trembling at the size of the crowd gathering outside the building.

It will be fine, my son. They are reasonable people. All I want to do is talk to them, was the unshaken response from the kindly old man.

"But Sir … they won’t listen … not to you."

You don’t know that, returned the old man, trying his best to listen to his heart instead of his head. I have to try. Nothing will ever change if we can’t communicate with them.

"I order you not to go out there!" thundered Nicolas, knowing his words were a breach of protocol. The nearly forty-year age difference between the two men meant that the only position he held was that of receiving orders, not giving them. I care for you too much to let anything happen to you.

Nicolas, the old man replied in a gentle voice, I appreciate your concern, but when we are long gone from this earth, all that will remain of us are the memories of things we did with the time we were given. The things that are truly memorable are always those that involve great personal risk. Perhaps today is the day that will mark my place in history’s memory.

Nicolas knew there would be no changing the old man’s mind. He slowly moved away from the ornate wooden door that had provided the old man’s only protection from the restless crowd, now beginning to shout obscenities from outside. Then may your memory be found in the truth that you proclaim, he said, as he unlatched the first of two heavy black bolts that secured the door.

The old man smiled and gave an approving nod. He put his hand on Nicolas’ shoulder. You have been a good student, and I know that one day you’ll make the same decision. I am ready.

Nicolas did not reply, as he was not sure that he would make the same decision if faced with these circumstances. He reached down and pulled the door toward him so that he was safely concealed, while the old man now stood in plain sight of the waiting crowd.

The crowd erupted with a tirade of insults and threats. Hater! Intolerant bastard!

The old man was unfazed by the comments as he walked gracefully toward the people. My friends, I am not who you think I … he began. But that was all he was able to get out before a rock slammed into the side of his face. The old man recoiled and his knees buckled. A steady stream of blood flowed from the gash in his cheek, and onto his flowing red robe.

In different times, the sight of a kindly old man being treated so brutally would have caused horror to any onlookers. But the old man’s blood seemed to attract an even bigger crowd, and like a group of sharks who had just been fed a fresh carcass, the crowd rushed toward him—men and women, old and young, each delivering punishing blows to his fragile body.

Kill him! Kill him! was the unified chant.

Nicolas fell against the heavy door that was now secured and double bolted again. The chants of the crowd caused him to sob deeply at what was happening to his mentor and friend. He knew they wouldn’t listen to the old man—they didn’t want to hear anything that he had to say. All they want is to get rid of us—all of us, Nicolas thought to himself. He couldn’t help but wonder how long it would be before this wooden door, which had thus far kept him safe, would no longer be enough. The violence is at our doorstep!

CHAPTER 2

The Decision

When principles that run against your deepest convictions begin to win the day, then battle is your calling, peace has become sin; you must, at the price of dearest peace, lay your convictions bare before friend and enemy, with all the fire of your faith.

—Abraham Kuyper

The gentle fog that caressed the earth slowly began to lift at the rising of the morning sun. It was going to be hot today, perhaps the hottest it had been in years. As John blankly gazed out the kitchen window, grasping tightly to his cup of coffee, he could see a stray dog across the street making a mess of the neighbor’s garbage. In the past, John might have done the neighborly thing and chased the dog away. But times are different. Something else was now occupying every moment of his thoughts this morning—something that would change his life forever.

John sat down and glanced at the newspaper, still open to page 3b from the day before. After reading the article, he hadn’t gotten much sleep. Its contents ran through his mind like a freight train. He had to do something. He had to say something. He sat down, placed his coffee next to the open paper and put his hands to his head. His mind told him that he should utter some sort of prayer, but he just didn’t feel like it—not today. He was tired—the aches in his body told him so.

How did it come to this? he thought to himself, pressing his hands against his forehead. How did we let this happen? John gazed at the headline again, Extremist Silenced, Sentenced to Life without Parole. His heart sunk. He knew this extremist from his college days. Perhaps what disturbed him more was the joyous tone the article took, which was no doubt the sentiment of most, if not all, of the paper’s readers. The public had been pushing for the harshest penalties against these extremists for some time.

Just then he heard footsteps coming down the hallway. Good morning, honey. Did you get any sleep last night? his wife, Beth, asked.

Yeah, I slept a little.

You’re a terrible liar, Beth said, as she poured herself a cup of coffee. She sat down in the chair next to him and gently rubbed his arm. Are you alright?

No, I’m not alright. He pointed to the bold headline on the open newspaper. "This is not alright. Nothing is alright anymore!"

I know … I know.

How could we have been so stupid? How could we have let this happen? We didn’t do anything! We just let it happen!

"We’ve been over this before, John. Not all of us did let this happen."

"But it’s too late! So much hate! So much death! So much suffering! And we let it happen!"

Beth looked away from John and focused on her coffee cup placed on the table before her. I want you to know that I didn’t sleep much last night either. I was thinking about what we talked about and I want you to know that I … ah, Beth paused over her words, I think you should do it, she said with quivering hesitation in her voice.

John pulled his hands from his head and looked into Beth’s eyes. Are you sure about this Beth? You know what it will mean, not only for me, but for you and the kids too.

I know, Beth sniffled, her eyes now filling with tears.

You know that if I do this I might never see you and the kids again.

I know. Beth was trying her best to be confident about her decision. "But I’m also worried about if you don’t do it. Somebody has to do it, John … somebody has to do something."

John sighed deeply, But I don’t know if I can. I don’t know if I can risk losing you and the kids. I don’t know if that is something that I’m willing to give up. I’ve been going back and forth with this all night and I’m having serious doubts about the whole thing.

Doubts?

Yes … doubts. Who am I that I could change anything? I’m just a man. Even if I risk everything to say what needs to be said, will anyone even listen?—Will it do any good?—Any good at all?

"What exactly are we talking about here, because it sounds like you’re doubting more than just your abilities?"

Maybe I am, Beth … maybe I am. I’ve been staring at this article wondering how this happened. How could it have gotten this bad? It’s like a bad dream or a movie or something. How did this world get so backward and upside down right in front of our eyes? Who is really in charge here? So yes … I’m having doubts.

"You can’t think like that. Everybody has doubts, but the important thing is to remember who your trust is really in. You don’t need me to tell you that."

I know. It’s always easy to trust in something when everything is going great … but …

But?

John rubbed his face and sighed deeply again, But when things go bad …

But when things go bad, you’re going to throw in the towel? You’re going to abandoned everything you believe in?

"It just seems so pointless. Just look at this paper … Life in prison! … And for what? What did he change?"

You don’t have any idea what he changed. He might have done a lot of good. His impact might not be known for a while—maybe even years.

Or maybe never.

"John! How can you say that? You know that anyone willing to speak out makes an impact in some way, no matter how small or insignificant it might seem. After all, we are not in charge of the results … we are in charge of the message. Don’t forget that."

"I’m trying. But this is my life we’re talking about here. Your life. Our children’s lives. What kind of a father would I be if I jeopardize my family’s safety? What kind of husband would I be leaving you in your condition?"

Just then, Beth took her gaze off of John and put on her best fake smile.

What’s all the yelling about? came a voice from the hallway.

Oh nothing, sweetie … your dad and I were just talking.

Talking about what? Julie asked.

You know … politics and stuff … boring stuff.

Julie rubbed her eyes, trying to shake off her morning drowsiness. What’s for breakfast?

I can make you something. What would you like?

"Actually, I’m not that hungry, mom. What were you and dad really talking about? Julie saw through Beth’s poor attempt to hide the more grown up conversation that she had just interrupted. Was it what you were talking about last night?"

I …I’m sorry, Julie. We thought you were asleep.

Dad, I just want you to know that I think you should do it too. And no matter what happens, I love you and we will be okay.

This was more than John could take. His face fell into his hands and he burst into deep sobs. Beth and Julie put their arms around him and began to sob as well. For what seemed like hours, no one spoke—they just held each other tightly.

Finally, John gained his composure and turned to Julie. Honey, I want you to know something. I am very proud of you. You and your mother and your sister mean the whole world to me and I don’t know what I would do if I ever lost any of you. We are a family and we always will be. If I do what your mother and I were talking about, that might mean that some bad things are probably going to happen to us—to me, to you, your sister and to your mother. But we will always be a family, okay, John said, as he wiped the tears from his cheeks.

Dad, I’m proud of you too. And no matter what happens to us, I will always be proud of you.

John pulled Julie close to him and held her tightly. Maybe it’s time we have a family meeting? Why don’t you go and wake up your sister.

Alright, Dad. Julie looked at her dad, gave him a kiss on the cheek and then disappeared down the hallway.

So the decision has been made then? John asked, looking for Beth’s reassurance.

Beth paused, gazed briefly out the window, and then looked back to John with tear-filled eyes, Yes honey. I think you have to do this.

John turned to his now cold coffee sitting on the table and stared at it as if his mind was hurting. After a few seconds, he looked up at Beth and said, I love you.

I love you too, John.

Just then Julie appeared, followed by her sister—her hair matted down from the night’s sleep. Why are we up so early? Morgan asked.

Because we’re going to have an important family meeting, informed Beth.

`Bout what, mumbled Morgan.

Why don’t you and your sister come and sit down, John directed.

The girls sat down at the table across from John, while Beth poured them each a cup of milk.

Coffee for me, said Julie, I like mine black.

Oh, you’re funny. Sixteen-year-olds don’t get coffee—they get milk.

Girls, John started, you know things have been very difficult, not only for us but for many families all over this country. And you also know how crazy this world has gotten.

Morgan interrupted, Are you talking about when those men came and took that boy out of my school that one day last fall?

"Yes, well … at least partly. Do you remember why those men came and took that boy out of your school?"

Nobody ever told us why, Daddy. The teachers said that we couldn’t talk about it, but the sixth graders said it was because he was wearing a shirt that had something bad on it.

That’s right, sweetie. That’s exactly why those men came and took that boy out of school that day. And have you seen that boy since then, Morgan?

No, but some of the other kids said that he had to transfer to a different school, Morgan replied in her fourth-grade innocence.

Well, that’s not exactly true. He didn’t transfer to a different school. The government made him and his family move to a place where they can be watched all of the time so they don’t cause any kind of trouble.

Trouble? What kind of trouble would they cause?

Well, that’s not important right now. What is important is that you understand that things have been very difficult for certain people—people that we know and love. And Daddy has decided to try and do something about it—something that I should have done a long time ago. But I didn’t, because I was afraid of what might happen if I did. I was afraid of what might happen to me or to you and your mom. But I have to do it now. And the reason we’re having this family meeting is because I still don’t know what is going to happen. So we need to make a plan.

Daddy, Morgan whimpered. "Are you still scared?"

John hesitated for a moment and then said, Yes, sweetie—daddy is still scared.

Beth interrupted with her fragile voice, sensing that the girls were getting frightened too, But that’s why we need to make a plan, right—so we all know what to do, and that way we don’t have to be scared.

That’s right, John assured. So here’s the plan. Tomorrow morning, you guys are going to get in the car and make your way to the cabin that we used to stay at when you were little. Do you remember that cabin, girls?

I remember, Dad, Julie chimed in. But we haven’t been there for a long time?

I know, said John, staring into the bright blue eyes of his daughter.

But Daddy, the drive to the cabin is so long and there is no other kids to play with there, Morgan complained.

I know it’s a long way to the cabin and I know that there isn’t anyone else around up there. But that’s the point. I don’t know what is going to happen, but you’ll be safe there. That’s the most important thing.

Something is going to happen to you, Daddy? Morgan asked, concern flashing across her face and her lip quivering.

It will be okay, John assured Morgan in his most comforting voice. Nothing to worry about, knowing full well that it was not the truth.

Julie looked at her Dad and knew that he was just trying to make Morgan feel better, but decided it was best not to say anything further.

Just then, the doorbell rang—followed by rather obnoxious knocking. Before John could even get out of his chair, the door shot open and a voice called out, Mornin’, Baxters!

Jake, said John. Well come in, since your already in anyway.

Don’t mind if I do. Is the coffee fresh?

It’s a new pot, Beth smiled, doing her best to make it look like she hadn’t been crying.

Jake sat down next to John at the table and was about to speak when he realized that he had intruded on some important family business. The expression on John’s face said it all.

Oh—I didn’t mean to interrupt. I can come back later.

No, no. Please stay. There’s something I wanted to talk to you about anyway.

Girls, Beth instructed, as she made her way toward the hallway, why don’t you come and get dressed for the day. The girls gulped down what was left of their cups of milk and followed Beth down the hall.

As soon as the girls were safely out of sight, John pushed the newspaper in front of Jake. Did you see this?

Yeah, Jake sighed. I saw it.

Do you remember him from our college days? His room was just down the hall from yours.

Yeah, I remember him. Bright kid too. It used to be that people like him could get away with it for quite a while as long as they kept moving. But over time, they just got more restrictive and technological … They have eyes everywhere now. When he started the last time, they showed up before he could make his way out the back door. That’s how they caught him.

Life in prison without parole! Extremist! Why didn’t we do anything, Jake?

"John … John, you and I were afraid just like everybody else. Just look at the headline on this paper. That could be us you know. Instead of sitting at the table with your family this morning you could be sitting in an eight by eight prison cell … or worse. You should be thankful for what you have."

Thankful? How in the hell can I be thankful!? Yes—I’m sitting here with my family this morning, but what about tomorrow? What about the next day? What else are they going to take away from us? We’ve already given up far too much and we just let them take more from us. There is nothing left to take. So what kind of world will my daughters grow up in? How can I be thankful?

"We all feel the way you do, but what can we do? The powers that be are just too great. All we can do is abide by their rules and be faithful in the small things."

You’re incredible! John roared, a disgusted look flooding his face. How can you say that? If we lose any more or if they put any more restrictions on us, what is left?—What is left? John looked down at the newspaper. After a brief pause, he continued, "That’s why I have to do something."

Whoa, John. Just slow down here and think about what you’re saying. You don’t want to do anything crazy here. Do I need to remind you of the potential consequences, pointing at the newspaper headline. This could be you. What would happen to Beth and the kids, especially with Beth in her weak condition?

Well, that is actually what I wanted to talk to you about. You’ve been my best friend for many years and you’ve always been there when I needed you. You were there when my kids were born, you were there for all of the birthdays, you were there helping us after every one of Beth’s chemo treatments … and … I need you to be there now, Jake. Beth and I have talked about it already. We know what the consequences will probably be. And if anything happens to me, I need you to take care of my family.

John …

But John quickly