Hey guys! This is the final chapter, because I'm working on my book now. For anyone curious, the title is Another Kind of Mage. If it gets published, look under 'Leigh Hulsey' as the author. It's probably going to be part one of a trilogy...
Anyway, this chapter takes place decades later on... read and please, please tell me your real thoughts; I can't be a good author unless I get your criticism!
God bless, and now we'll begin!
Chapter Eight: Home At Last
Raven stood in a brightly lit expanse of endless space, alone. She could see no one, but heard laughter and rejoicing coming from every direction. She did not move, for she did not know where she was or even how she had gotten here.
She looked down at herself. Gasping in amazement, she realized that this was not the same body she had gotten so accustomed to. This body was pure and beautiful and clothed in white, and though she'd never before seen it, she knew it was hers. She knew because it felt more right than anything else she'd ever known.
Suddenly, she started, realizing that she was no longer alone. Looking up, she gaped, seeing the most beautiful sight she'd ever beheld. Before her, a beautiful figure stood, shining brighter than the sun ever could have, yet these eyes could easily behold him. He stood, smiling down at her, and spoke in a gentle and patient voice that soothed her very soul.
"Hello, Daughter."
And at last, Raven knew where she was, and more so than that, she realized that there was no other place she'd rather be.
"I am here, O Father." Her voice was steady, though her knees shook so harshly she feared that she would collapse.
"Daughter, I have but two questions to ask you," he said to her, peaceful and without malice.
"I've nothing to hide." Raven could only hope that this was true.
"What did you do with my Son, Jesus Christ?"
Raven gulped. She'd known that this was coming. "For years of my life, I lived in ignorance to him, but when finally I accepted him into my heart, I shared him with the world." She spoke only truth, and knew that no other answer would have been good enough now.
"What did you do with the gifts that I gave to you?" he asked, his eyes shining with both pride and adoration. Raven had never seen anyone look at her like that in her entire life, but suddenly knew that that was the only look she'd ever see on his face for all of eternity.
"I provided love to the loveless, I fought for the innocent, and I used my powers for the good of all man-kind. Whenever I could, I lived to return your love and give it to those in need at the same time." Tears were streaming from her eyes, but she was not sad. To the contrary, she was so happy, she wanted to dance, to sing. Instead, she stood still, crying and rejoicing, for she knew what was going to come next.
A gate appeared now, shining golden. The figure with whom she stood now approached her, holding his hand to her. She took it, holding it with everything she had. She was overjoyed to the point of bursting. She didn't know what to say or do, so she did nothing but follow.
The gate opened on its own, swinging effortlessly away from them. They stepped into a vast expanse of grass that was greener than any she'd seen in her life. There were houses everywhere, and all she could see anywhere could be described with one word; paradise. No other word she knew was good enough, and neither was the one she chose, for that matter.
"Well done my good and faithful servant," he was saying, "Raven, welcome home."
The End of The Beginning
