Preface The Path of Twelve Book One Aires: Souls of War

Preface

“All souls decide, consciously or instinctively, to react from the grace of love...Or, the shadow of fear. These decisions either feed the darkness, or the light, within them. Whatever you choose to feed...grows.

As they had struggled to do, throughout their time on Eorthe, Aires’ parents chose love and bravery, not fear and selfishness, when they faced the Lesson of Sacrifice.”

“But, My Grace, as an infant, Aires had no choices,” a gentle voice countered from behind the Divine Grace.

The Teacher brightened, “Well done, my blessing! That is so. Aires was at the mercy of Eorthely events, and the choices of those around him. But consider this...Before he left Elysium, Aires chose his parents. It was one of the first of his choices in this incarnation. One of the most crucial for every Soul that chooses life as a Human. Some forego this opportunity to direct their journey, allowing chance to place them where it will.”

“Isabo chose to let Hammel decide her birth parents. But Aires went his own way. He considered many potential parents, before making his decision. He chose well.”

“His parents loved him beyond all else. From the moment they knew he was to be born, they prayed that he have the best life they could give him. They prayed for health and strength for their child. They had no other care for themselves, save that they be good parents. They thought only of him. They had no other family.”

The Teacher’s voice dropped to a rough whisper, as though even in his infinite grace, he was touched by the story he told. “When the highwaymen set upon the little family; it was the final test of their love for their son. They laid down their lives to protect him from their murderers. They hid Aires beneath a bush. And they chose to fight back with all their might, knowing they stood no chance against their attackers. Though, they perished, their prayers were answered. Their love for their child triumphed. Their sacrifice saved his life.”

“But, what of the King, Divine Grace?” The whist question echoed through the ether of Elysium.

The auriferous form of the Teacher brightened, as it continued, “Ahh, beautiful soul, you would think that he appeared by chance? You must recall the trials the King, himself, was going through. King Unthern was filled with grief. Remember? His queen had perished during the birth of their son, Rainson. Unthern could feel his Soul was shattering under the weight of his sorrow. He prayed, day and night, that he find the strength to go on. He knew that he must find joy in life again, if he was to be a good father to Rainson. As well as a wise ruler for his country. He beseeched all of Elysium to heal his heart. He pled for help from me, and all the other Divine Graces. He cried out for a sign that we had heard his prayers.”

The Teacher assumed a human form, transforming into a short, chubby, golden image of a man. He slowly swept his hands out to his sides, lifting his palms into the air. The celestial firmament of Elysium transformed into a vista of dense, hardwood forest. A narrow, meandering, dirt road barely separated the trees. His listeners gazed around them, as the moment in time unveiled itself.

The Teacher nodded his bald head, and smoothed his marigold yellow linen robes, before narrating the scene, as it unfolded before them.

” King Unthern rode alone, down that deserted forest trail, on a mist shrouded morning, to shed bitter tears in solitude. He was convinced that his prayers were unanswered. That Elysium, and all of us who dwell within it, had turned our backs upon him. He could feel resentment growing in his heart. Rage festered within his mind. Anger ate away his peace. A peace that was shattered when his soulmate had been taken from him. His grief was limitless. He was at the lowest point in his life. He could feel his soul growing darker with each passing day.”

“Then, his choices led him to his answer. The lonely ride, the horse, the twisting, turning road...all was as it was to be.

Through the fog, he heard the babe’s wordless cries for help. He turned his steed and raced down the dirt path. When he saw the ravaged bodies of a man and woman sprawled in the bloodstained grass, he jumped from his stallion, and drew his sword.

He realized he was too late to save the young couple. But, hoped he could save their child. He knelt beside the brush and found our answer to his prayers.

From that moment on, he loved Aires as his own son. Unthern named him for the first sign of Eorthe’s astrological zodiac: Aires, the warrior.”