"And so Isaiah died…nearly 80 years ago." Hawkins said. "I have lived 95 years…I have seen many miracles and felt the glory of God's love. But that remains the most clear….

"How do we treat the memory of Isaiah Ellis? For while he has done so much for us, he was not a man to be honored as one would a saint. He sinned…he murdered…he was but a man…nothing more.

"Long I have puzzled over this question, and at last I know the answer." Father Hawkins smiled. "Good people of Kermit, Texas…I say we do not honor Isaiah…but we do not shun him either. Instead, let us remember him…his sins and his triumphs, his pain and his joy. Let us forgive him of his sins, as God forgives all, and let us pray that in death…he found the peace he deserved." Father Hawkins smiled. "Go in God's name."

&&&

"Wonderful sermon."

Father Hawkins smiled. "Thank you, Noah. It is always wonderful when you can come up here. How is your grandfather doing?"

Noah Bennet smiled, shaking the reverend's hand. "He is well…he is sorry he couldn't come."

"Not all of us near-100-year-olds can move like me." Hawkins laughed. "Are you returning to Odessa?"

"Yes…tomorrow, infact."

"Want to get back to that young bride of you?" Noah blushed. "I may be a minister, but I know the desires of the flesh…and how they can cause longing." He wagged a finger at Bennet. "But make sure it is only with your wife!"

"Of course!" Noah laughed. "Father…" he paused, thinking. "In Odessa…there is a legend about my great grandfather…about how he was taken by the indians…"

"The last major kidnapping in Texas history…" Hawkins said.

"Yes…I was asking my grandfather about it yesterday, and he told me something strange." Bennet's voice lowered to a whisper. "He claims Isaiah Ellis saved him."

Father Hawkins nodded. "For years I have heard tales of Isaiah's supposed exploits. They are nothing but that, tales. Isaiah died in that church…end of story."

"I thought so…but imagine if he did…you said he had great sight…his descendents could have the same power…"

"Isaiah is dead." Father Hawkins said kindly yet firmly. "Don't let the dreams of people with special abilities send you down a dark path. Now…go visit with your grandfather, then return to that wife of yours."

"Of course…goodbye, Father." Noah said, still thinking about Isaiah and his potential heirs.

"Goodbye, Noah." Father Hawkins said, watching the man exit the church.

"Father Hawkins?" A young woman whispered, walking towards him quickly, her eyes large with fear. She had just entered the church after the congregation had left, a tiny blue bundle in her arms.

"What can I do for you, Meredith?"

"I…I don't know who else to turn to…" She gulped, eyes brimming with tears. "I…I thought I could…but when I look at him…" She and the Father had discussed this, the option, and Hawkins realized sadly that Meredith had decided, at last.

"I understand." Father Hawkins said, holding out his arms, accepting the bundle she held. He lifted the blanket, staring at the newborn. "He is a beautiful child, Meredith…Meredith?" Father Hawkins blinked as he noticed that Meredith was gone, leaving only him and the child standing in the church. "Hmmm…I am sorry, little one, that your mother did not stay…" he sighed.

"It is family tradition, I suppose."

Hawkins turned, finally noticing the ancient man that was still seated in the church, in the last pew, hidden from view when church was in session, but now visible.

"I don't…"

"Abandoned at birth…but destined to find better parents…and grander destinies." The man said, lifting his 100 year frame from the pew. Dressed in a black duster and black hat, the man's face may have been weathered by time…but those eyes…

"Isaiah?" Hawkins whispered in shock, glancing at the old man, then the baby, the child reaching out and trying to grab his nose.

"Perhaps as a middle name." The old man said lightly, his voice cracking with age as he spoke. "I've always been fond of the name Carter." He smirked slightly, before his tired eyes went red. "I can rest well…knowing the he is now here, at last…that he will redeem my family…" He looked at the babe, only he witnessing the child's eyes flashing silver. "Make sure that little one is put in a good home, Hawkins…he has a world of work ahead of him…"

"What do you mean?" Hawkins called out. "Is…is he the new Horsemen?"

Isaiah shook his head sadly. "no…no, with my death, the last of the Horsemen will be gone. The Seven Horns are coming…and the world is to survive, they will need that boy…they will need the Metatron."

And with that, Isaiah Ellis hobbled out of the church. Authorities would find him a week later in the desert, lying in the spot where his father's church had sat. His story was over.

Carter Isaiah Daniels's story…had just begun.