Revelation: And the Holy Sceptre

Revelation

And The Holy Sceptre

Wesley D Pillay

AuthorHouse™

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© 2012 by Wesley D Pillay. All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means without the written permission of the author.

Published by AuthorHouse   10/05/2012

ISBN: 978-1-4772-3387-0 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-4772-3386-3 (hc)

ISBN: 978-1-4772-3388-7 (e)

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Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

Contents

Acknowledgements

Dedications

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Acknowledgements

I    WOULD LIKE TO thank the following people who helped me through the continuous obstacles I faced when writing this book.

I would like to thank God, because without him, the idea of this story would have never existed.

Thank you to Bernadene, who is the steel rod that supports my spine when I carry the world on my shoulders… you have been my personal motivator and counsellor and l love you forever!

Thank you to Mum and Dad for believing in me, even when people said that literature was not a career. You are the reason I never gave up and I hope this book makes you proud.

To Abegail, Lucille, Ina and the rest of the team at African Bank… thank you for going through those frustrations with me.

Thank you to April Ross, my check in coordinator. Carla Alvarico, my marketing representative and Brian Lee my design consultant… you guys are the magical workers who make dreams reality!

Thank you to Letsatsi finance for helping me take the first step, in getting a publisher and to FNB bank who helped me through very stressful circumstances.

Thank you to Katlego and Sean who helped me design a fantastic concept. Simplicity is power!

And lastly

Thank you to Dia Mercado… for saving me when I was ready to give up. You praised me and boasted about this book when no one else would! God says… that when you help the ones in need, you are lending to God and he will repay you!

May god watch over all of you… you have all changed my life forever!

Dedications

I dedicate this book to Jamie, my brother.

This is proof that goals are reachable.

And to my little brother Liston and my sister Tamara

You may not be with me right now

But may God bless you, were ever you are!

Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us,

Ephesians 3:20

New International Version (NIV)

1

IT HAD FELT as if the time had flown by far too fast.

The years of popularity in high school were soon nothing more than a distant memory. The vision of facing the real world was exhilarating enough to make our skin tremble.

On a journey, thirty kilometers into the forest, away from the central city and civilization, the only faith in survival was the thought of still being together.

College! Can you believe it? screamed Austin, bouncing around the passenger seat.

His long blond hair blowing wildly over his face as he held his head out the window of the car, howling like a wolf for the forest deer to hear. The majority of North Michigan was covered by the Huron National Forest. However, the forest we were driving through was called Thunder Bay. I smiled at his ironic werewolf like behavior. Staring into the rear view, I noticed Andrew’s expression was slightly similar.

"We’re not even there yet and you’re already this excited. When we do arrive… . Please don’t faint!’ I pleaded.

Austin reacted with a grin and that was it.

Andrew stared out into the forest, the tall trees in every direction, shadows darkening the daylight as we drove. We lived in a little town that was rather isolated by a rain Forest called Alpena in North East Michigan. The town had nothing of interest compared to big cities around the globe. The only big event my town was involved in was hosting the Rally America National Championship race, when it snowed in the winter.

In 2007, saw us have the best retirement destination in America. Wow! What an achievement.

There are some things I will never understand, mumbled Andrew.

He scratched his braided hair very gently. He was confused but still found no reason to mess up his super cool hairstyle, he so often bragged about, his tanned skin frowning over his willow wood brown eyes.

I noticed Andrew again in the mirror.

Talking to yourself is a sign of madness Andrew! I warned.

Ha ha… yeah I was just wondering. Roman City College is one of the best in the country but why is it all the way out here. I mean, just exactly where is this place?

"I know!’ replied Austin with his finger in the air.

Where are we Austin?

"We’re in the middle of nowhere!’

Andrew collapsed back on the seat in defeat.

His giggles were heard throughout the car. From the time we could remember, Austin had always been the clown of the group. His impact on life was to enjoy the fun in everything and to grow with your age, not ahead of it.

His blue eyes closed as he felt the wind get stronger against his face from the speed.

Doubtful by anything Austin might say again Andrew asked me.

How long has Austin been the moron of the year? he joked.

Three years running and I would appreciate your vote. we heard Austin answer.

Look, I’m just saying at least we didn’t have to go into another world and travel to Hogwarts.

The car broke out into laughter, louder than it had been all trip.

It had barely sunk in yet, that WE! Were on our way to Roman City College. It was the most respected campus in the country.

Students had to accomplish some kind of achievement, either academically or sports wise to get accepted.

As expensive as the campus was, all first year students were taken to Rome. It was an opportunity to experience the history as well as the culture of their famous College. Luckily for the three of us, sport was in our blood.

Brought to the campus on a scholarship to play basketball, just like we had back in high school.

Even though I was the shortest player in high school, I was still captain and the highest scoring three pointer in the league. Standing at only 5'6 ft tall, with loose black hair and honey eyes, I never regarded myself as good looking. Although I was noticed a lot by girls in high school, I felt it was more a case of popularity over looks.

Leaving Alpena High school felt like leaving a world on its own behind. Placed on Third Avenue, was literally five minutes from my home. Now, Roman City was half an hour away from my house. The first board estimated that it was twenty four kilometers away from the main town. I could have easily taken the M32—highway and would arrive in half the time, but I preferred using the Indian Reserve road through Thunder Bay. It was quiet and peaceful. The best part was over certain stretches of road, I would give Lewis Hamilton a run for his money.

There were many Universities to choose from but each university in Alpena specialized in a different field. The University Of Cappan Avenue specialized in movies, psychology and entrepreneurship, while the University of Michigan on State Street specialized in medical education. Roman City had a broad variety of courses allowing all of us to stay together. It was privately owned and very rich, which brought me to wonder?

Teenagers from all over the country came here. Were they stuck up like their stereotype suggested?

We were the only six going to this college who actually lived in the town and that was thanks to scholarships.

Any news from the girls? I asked aloud, the question not directed to anyone in specific.

"Yeah, I spoke to Rachael this morning. Apparently they were planning to leave around the same time we were. So they should be nearby. Anyways, when do you have to give the car back to your dad?’ asked Austin.

I replied without taking my eyes off the road.

On the weekend, so I can use until then.

For me, this was a special day. It had been more than a month since I had seen my high school sweetheart, April.

She was overseas with her parents celebrating Christmas in Switzerland.

Skiing was all she spoke about on the phone. I never minded. Hearing her voice was all the comfort I needed, no matter what the topic.

The thought of seeing her again made my heart flutter like a butterfly.

I opened my window, not a lot but enough to breath in the aroma of the forest air. Even though it was only a thirty-minute drive, it felt like hours. The music in the background was devastatingly loud but so what, we loved it.

Besides having April on my mind, the first day of college was enough to tear my stomach lining to pieces.

It was a gross thought but I was that nervous.

As we arrived on campus I parked the car as quickly as possible. Climbing out, I stared at the hundreds of cars, trying to spot just one red VW Jetta with three girls.

My eyes narrowed.

And a patronizing grin wrapped my face as her beauty bestowed on me once again. She focused her eyes on me, smiling back with ecstasy! She was short with a fragile bone structure. Her hair chopped to her shoulders but feathered like that of a fairy tale princess. Her full lips pulling in, revealing her deep dimples and ravishing blue eyes that radiated through the brown shine on her hair.

It was like she felt my eyes on her. She starred at me holding an everlasting gaze. The feeling of being struck by cupid’s arrow every time I looked at her was an overwhelming sensation.

A smile danced on her lips.

I thought long and hard about what I would say to her the moment she stood at my feet.

Luckily that moment never came.

She sprinted across the parking lot and pounced onto me, her hands around my neck and her legs around my waist. Without a moment to breath, I felt her lips on mine. I was still. Nothing I could utter would make this moment any more perfect.

Her feet touched the ground again and I slowly wrapped my arms around her waist.

The sense of her being close enough to smell, the fragrance in her hair overwhelmed me. It was fresh with a touch of mint.

She leaned up for me to see her, the gentle smile of her lips more than enough to cause emotional hyperventilation.

"I’ve missed you so much.’ I whispered

I missed you more. she said beneath her voice.

‘I would say there’s so much to tell you but there isn’t. We spent more time on the phone than anything else."

I barked a laugh in reply.

She kissed me again.

My lips still pressed against hers, I whispered.

Babe?

We’re gonna be late.

I felt her face harden in shock!

"Oh snap!’ she cursed.

Holding my hand, we ran towards the rest of the group near the door.

The campus was more beautiful than I imagined.

It was very old style, with a very English feel. It wasn’t Hogwarts but it felt similar. It was just like the movies, a whole new world from high school.

My mouth was in awe at the size.

Look at this place. said Nina

Her sparkling brown eyes widened as she flicked her long black hair over her shoulder.

Her arm entwined in Andrews as we explored. Inside, the campus was filled with marble pillars reaching the roof, four stories above us. The hallways were wealthy in statues of the greatest roman artists. Statues of Ceaser, the Three Graces and the Four Seasons, they were all artificial copies, that much was obvious because the real statues were priceless and kept in secure museums. I had already seen more than one sculpture of the naked David.

So what time is your basketball practice? asked Rachael.

It was actually not the first word we were expecting to come out of Rachael’s mouth. We were expecting her to tell us the history of the College. She was our little brain box but her major was mythology.

She knew everything there was to know about ancient religions, Gods, Demi-Gods, you name it she knew it.

She could even speak ancient foreign languages.

Not that many, just Greek, Latin, Japanese, Italian and Portuguese.

Like I said… not that many.

Frowning, the thought of April leaving my side was insufferable as we walked them to their first class.

We stood outside her class and watched as everyone else entered. She didn’t wanna go in, I could tell from the groans of disappointment.

It’s our first day guys! said Nina.

I know, I’m so wound up its not even funny! Austin replied.

Dude everything you say is funny… added Andrew.

He raised his hands as if Andrew were praising him. The halls were busy with a rushing flock of youthful adults looking for their class on the first day.

I knew it was time to go, any longer and we would have been in trouble. No one needs that on their first day.

Can’t you sneak into my class; we can sit at the back… ? April teased.

I wish it was that easy but we’ll be with each other at lunch and we have Astrology together.

She smiled at my positive attitude.

Which is your first class? Rachael asked us.

We got literature. Austin answered.

She stuck her finger in her mouth, describing her disgust of absolute boredom. Her green eyes squinted as she waited for us to make our usual blond girl remark. We didn’t this time.

Hey I love literature! I snorted.

Yes Lucas, you always were Romeo in the school plays. she joked.

My reply was nothing more than a sarcastic smirk in her direction.

Time to go I wondered. I kissed April on the cheek and the boys did the same with Rachael and Nina.

2

AS WE WALKED to our very first class of the year, thousands of little thoughts flowed through my mind.

I stared up out the window. A window that was so big, it made the wall look like it was made of glass.

The sky was crystal blue but I wasn’t staring at the view… I was staring beyond.

"Well mum I made it!’ I said beneath my breath.

The literature class was by far the biggest class I’d seen on campus so far. Yet it was filled almost to maximum capacity.

We realized being this late came with the penalty of sitting right at the back, at the top. It looked like a stadium! At the bottom was a stage like floor that stood in front of the projector.

In front of it was the first row of seats.

The seats behind them were a step higher and so on, all the way to us at the top.

There was a door that entered onto the stage at the bottom. It was weird? Only when I stared at it did a man come out.

He was tall, taller than me. In a plush suit that only our college fees could have paid for. He was middle aged and certain portions of his hair were grey.

I felt Austin nudging my shoulder as he put his legs up on the chair in front of him.

Dude that’s the Dean of the whole campus… our first class is with the king of the campus. His voice was low, yet I still managed to hear it tremble with respect.

He glared up at the students with a flare in his eyes.

Good morning, I am Mr. Samuel Collins. But that’s just Mr. Collins to you! he announced.

Literature! The key to human society! Who can tell me someone who has revolutionized literature and how?

His voice was strained as it echoed throughout the room.

I looked around the class but it seemed like no one was interested in answering him. I stared back at him in silence making eye contact for a split second.

He waited in silence.

I had the feeling he’d wait the whole session until someone answered his question. Not hesitating any longer I raised my hand, until he noticed me.

You sir! What’s your name? he asked me.

I could hear Austin and Andrew at my sides forcing me to put my hand down and be inconspicuous. I ignored them and replied.

"My name’s Lucas.’ I said

Lucas, your name sounds familiar.

He paused in thought.

Ah yes, now I remember, our star basketball player.

It was only a moment but suddenly I felt the eyes of the entire room fall on me. Some were curious, some were envious, and some were not impressed. Either way, they all had thoughts on me.

I suddenly had a rush of fear flow through me. It was rather exhilarating.

"You know who I am?’ I asked slightly doubtful.

He smiled; actually it was more a smirk of superiority as he crossed his hands in front of him.

‘Mr. Lockhart, I know everyone in my College!’

Great! Now everyone knows my last name, I wondered with a sigh.

So Mr. Basketball… Can you tell me someone who has revolutionized literature and how?

My voice was rusty and sounded gruff. I hesitated, why I put myself in this position in the first place.

Always acting before thinking!

William Shakespeare influenced the world through literature with his play writing.

He smiled, as if I had answered a question on a game show.

"William Shakespeare!’ he repeated in a much louder voice.

A man whose work revolved around love, betrayal and so the saga continues.

Lucas! he shouted staring at the white board.

"Yes sir!’ I replied startled by his very voice.

"Name me three plays Shakespeare wrote, but only three.’

Oh o, I don’t remember this. We did one Shakespeare play every year. But this was so long ago I thought. As I watched him write Shakespeare’s name on the white board then turn to see my dumbfounded expression. Then in one of those light bulb moments I remembered three but only three he had written.

Thank goodness he didn’t ask me for more. Hopefully this would be the last time he picked on me today.

Hopefully.

Romeo and Juliet, Mid-summer nights dream and Macbeth! I answered proudly.

I sat down hoping this was the end of it. Thankfully it was.

I spent the rest of the lesson admiring how the light in the room dimmed, every time a cloud blocked the sun for a minute or two.

Before I knew it, people were getting up to leave. I wouldn’t have noticed if Austin didn’t nudge my shoulder, breaking me from whatever trance I’d been in.

By now, people were already out the door and no one gave way for us to join. So impatiently we waited until there was a space to push through.

Andrew laughed out loud while staring at the ground.

What’s so funny? Austin asked.

His forehead creased, eyes narrowed and his tone inquisitive.

I just realized we were the last ones in and yet still the last ones out.

The three of us giggled at the irony, although it was cut short when I heard my name called from behind me. I turned to see the Dean standing there, staring at me like I had just broken a rule or something.

Can I see you in my office, there’s a matter I would like to discuss with you. I will pardon you from your next class.

I wondered to myself whether the trade was fair. On the one hand I get off class but in exchange I have a meeting with the Dean.

Schew… Class sounded pretty sweet right about now.

I glared over at Andrew and with a slight shake of my head, he and Austin headed to class without me.

Slowly I made my way towards Mr. Collins. Dead man walking I thought.

He didn’t say another word to me but his impression was that I follow him.

We arrived at his office. It was a room near the edge of the floor.

It’s weird that your office is on the second floor. I said out loud hoping I hadn’t caused any offense.

He laughed, but I barley heard it.

I have an office on every floor in the building. I came to this one because it was closest.

I looked around his office. It looked like it hadn’t been used for ages. All the shelves had dust on them and the air was stuffy and hard to breath.

There were tons of books behind me, on a shelf. Not novels, they were far too thick.

Looking at my side I noticed the whole west wall was made of stone, giving the room that ancient feel. It was dark and gloomy. The blinds were open only enough to let a gleam of light in.

"Thank you!’ he said, as I sat down at the table in front of him.

"Um my pleasure?’ I replied, confused.

‘Thank you for breaking the ice in class today, for a moment I thought I was teaching a bunch of ignorant adolescents."

I smiled in relief.

"o’It s my pleasure!’ I assured him.

So I read your file and I’ve put a good word in for you with Coach Francis for basketball. I have a feeling you’ll produce as you did before.

I paused for a moment.

‘I-I don’t know, but I? Thank you." I mumbled

Pish posh, no need for thanks. You deserve it! So are you looking forward to the trip to Rome in two weeks?

Ecstatic is more the word. I exclaimed.

He slapped his hands together hard enough to echo the small room.

Excellent. I’m expecting big things from you Mr. Lockhart; let me know if you need anything.

I grinned at his kind words and at the same time hated myself for being so judgmental over him.

You can go now Lucas; I wouldn’t want you to miss your lunch.

I got up without another word and stumbled out the office.

Leaving his office in a hurry, I realized just how great my time here could be if I played my cards right.

I was eager to get to the cafeteria and tell the team what had just happened. I was sure Austin and Andrew were most curious.

The cafeteria was white and large. It had two levels; although it was obvious the higher grades got the top-level preference.

There were tables spread out everywhere and the food was amazing. Set out like a buffet. It was on the ground floor, so there were glass sliding doors which were always half open, allowing people to go in and out as they pleased. It wasn’t very full and my friends were easy to spot. April was playing with her desert. What looked to be green jelly? The group seemed to be laughing uncontrollably, so I predicted Austin told another stupid joke or story.

I made my way over, rather inconspicuously.

Sneaking up behind April, I gently pressed my lips against her neck. She bounced up as if the touch of my lips fired her body back to life!

The group burst out into laughter all over again, everyone except for April that is.

She stared at me-Furious!

I was just playing baby. I whispered.

Well, you have to make it up to me! she demanded.

Aah okay?

I want the same thing you did to my neck but on my lips instead.

I leaned in slowly placing my lips against hers. They were warm and soft.

Irresistible in a way you couldn’t get used to. Each time was a new experience.

"Lucas, I’m going to get some more of those potato things… do you want anything?’ Austin asked.

I reached into my pocket to pull out my wallet, but Austin stopped me.

No dude, it’s cool. I’ll get it this time.

I was hesitant still.

I’ll just have a coke and a smile.

He smiled to get that out the way.

Aren’t you gonna eat anything babe? April asked me.

I stared down at her green jelly, which she still hadn’t touched.

Her eyes followed.

Oh! Good point.

She fed me a spoon full before Austin got back with my coke.

So baby, have you told everyone about your trip.

She didn’t respond to me.

"Baby?’ I asked again.

By now everyone had noticed she wasn’t paying attention to us anymore. We followed her gaze to three guys who were harassing a younger girl.

They pulled her by her arm forcefully trying to kiss her lips.

She fought them off but they just laughed before knocking over her bag full of notes and books.

Andrew tried to stand but I held his hand down.

Let it go bro. I whispered.

He stared at me puzzled.

Let it go? Let it go! he yelled.

Did you not see what he did? he asked me in a tone higher than he even expected.

Yeah I saw what he did, but we are heavily outnumbered and it’s not our place to interfere, especially since today’s our first day, but don’t you worry. I guarantee that he’ll get what’s coming to him.

Andrew became calm and I let go of his arm, while I felt Aprils grip tighten as she laid her head on my shoulder.

I hate jerks. she mumbled.

Andrew looked at me with a more restrained face.

Man, I’m sorry for raising my voice, just seeing that got me hyped up.

No need to apologize bro, I’m a little hyped up myself.

He giggled and I joined him.

I decided it was best to change the subject, to something we could all talk about.

Baby you were about to tell us about your trip.

Rachael’s eyes grew large and she sucked her spaghetti in quickly.

Hmmm’ and how come I couldn’t get hold of you.

I laughed out loud.

o’ Yeah, that would be my fault. I teased.

"How was the trip? Nina asked.

It was great but I really missed home a lot. The snow was wonderful and we stayed in a cabin in the mountains. There wasn’t another cabin for miles. I loved it, particularly skiing, although I’m not really that good. she joked.

Austin stared at me, waiting for April to finish.

Changing the subject, Lucas, why did Mr. Collins wanna see you in private? he asked

I heard hmmm and aah in the background. Nina leaned over the table, so I’d get a closer glimpse of her face.

"I heard about that too?’

As I stared around the table, I noticed that it seemed like everyone heard about it.

Only two people could be held responsible for this, Andrew and Austin.

It was actually pretty awesome.

Their eyes widened at the broadness of that statement.

"We spoke about my history at high school and that he put in a good word in with the coach for me. Oh, and we spoke about the trip to Rome!’

I was done speaking but their expressions gave me an impression. As if I was hiding something from them, as if they were expecting a little bit more.

Rachael was first to break her blank expression.

"So all you spoke about is how good you are at basketball and how popular you were in high