SHADOWMAN AND THE WANDERER

by John MacLeod

The tall spy, though unbidden, went directly to the Commander's headquarters, where a secret tactical meeting was going on among the chief warlords. He did not look the spy, but rather like an ambassador from another time and age and realm. His clothing beneath his outer covering-- though threadbare-- was far too festive, too... important for a mere slinker and discoverer of secrets. The garments were in fact, left overs from former days; another glory gone by. All had changed since these robes had held any real value, yet, those in decision making positions and a few minor officers, such as this spy, still wore some semblance of their former office.

"Where do you think you're going?" the imposing orderly challenged as the spy made to pass him by without so much as a greeting.

The spy regarded the guard disdainfully for a moment before curtly defending "I have very important information. He'll want to hear my report immediately."

"Skipping channels again, eh? Someday you'll overstep your authority. Can't go in now; they're plotting a new strategy-- very important," the guard mimicked the tone in the spy's voice.

"Well, he'll want to hear me," the spy insisted and tried to push past.

With a rough thrust the guard forced the spy back a pace or two, saying "I said he's in session-- with those more important than the likes of you. You'll have to wait."

Bruised only in ego, the spy brushed his rough outer covering as if to remove the very fingerprints of the guard from it as he retorted "If you delay his hearing this information, I promise you'll suffer."

Something in the cocksure manner of the spy caused the orderly to reconsider. "Well, what's so all-fired portentous about your information that it doesn't need to be classified through channels? Let me have a look."

"Hah! Not likely! I know you; you'll take credit for the report yourself. Besides, it's a verbal report. I haven't had time to write it down. That's how important it is! Now, let me pass."

The orderly barred the entrance, standing squarely in front of the opening, legs spread, arms folded across the chest. The spy knew he lacked the strength to force his way past, yet had to try anyway. For a moment they struggled, facing each other, testing each other's will. It was not for no good reason this orderly had been selected to guard the HQ of the commander, he was known as stubbornness personified. Finally the spy yielded, realizing how useless the struggle was.

With a smug, satisfied look of triumph, the guard decided to be magnanimous in his victory. "I'll see if he thinks your report is so imperative." Intending for the spy to remain outside, the orderly, thinking his point had been made, ducked inside the tent flap.

He had underestimated his opponent, for the spy was known as deviousness personified. He slipped in behind the guard so closely that the tent flap didn't even hit him as it fell back into place.

Inside, a dim, smoky light from somewhere indirectly lit the interior. The spy caught his breath as he glanced about the gathering: here were gathered all the bigwigs, all the power moguls and chief warlords in one place. This was indeed a special meeting. On the obviously dominant throne on a low dais in the center of the tent sat the Commander himself, ruling over all the others with words, glances and small, almost unnoticed motions. As the orderly and the sneaky spy entered all talk ceased and all eyes turned to regard the brash intruders. The Commander was not pleased at the interruption, nor apparently were his subordinates, for they all glared sullenly at the guard and the audacious spy standing just behind him. Though all eyes were on him, the orderly knew better than to speak before he had been invited.

"Well?" intoned the deep resonance of the Commander like a million lost souls crying out from a canyon of grief.

"Excuse me sir, I don't mean to interrupt like this, but you see, there is this spy outsi--!" For the first time the orderly realized he had been tricked, and when the initial moment of shock wore off, reached for the spy's throat in a rage at having his incompetence revealed before the Commander.

"Stay your hand, guard," ordered the Commander. "What is his business?"

Surprised at the interest the Commander showed in the spy, the guard stammered "H-h-he claims to have important information... I told him to go through channels, report his information for classification and all, but he's most insistent on reporting to you in person, as you can see. I tried to warn him of crossing your displeasure, but he--."

The Commander's upraised hand silenced the orderly. The commander had been able to keep the luster of his garments, battle gear, jewelry and crown better than any of his subordinates, yet, he too, looked somewhat ragged and faded in appearance. The war was wearing heavily on him, even though they now controlled all fronts. The bejeweled crown sitting on his brow gave him a regal air, yet the facial features and eyes were sinister, giving an overall pall of malignant power. He lacked any sign of nobility. He was a regent, but a savage one, ruthless and cruel, fighting what he knew to be a futile struggle. He would lose in the end. He knew it beyond any shadow of doubt. To have survived this long was indeed a wonder. And to have succeeded as thoroughly as he had was truly incredible. Going up against vastly superior odds, he had waged both blatant and subtle attacks on his enemy's holdings-- winning surprisingly easily. He controlled the justice systems, politicians, philosophers, religionists, law enforcement, militaries, and the masses. Resistance to him was all but non-existent. And though he used deceit to keep his followers in line, he never deceived himself about the eventual outcome of the conflict. He would eventually lose. It was just a matter of when. His whole meaning of existence now was continuing a bitter but useless struggle as long as possible, making things as harsh and cruel as he dared; inflicting as much pain and damage as he could, for the sake of his hate.

"Report," the Commander ordered after studying the spy for a moment. The orderly receded into the background and out the door.

The spy straightened up, snapped a salute, and declared "He is here, sir."

The warlords and moguls around the room looked blankly at each other, angry that this insolent intruder had drawn the attention of the Commander away from them, especially for such an enigmatic, if not trivial, statement. Then seeing how the Commander reacted to the terse message, that he both understood and considered it worthy of attention, looked spitefully at the smug spy.

"Indeed," muttered the Commander, retreating into himself to contemplate the significance of this turn of events. Obviously this was unexpected news-- and unwelcome. Those in attendance recognized the perilous symptoms of building anger, and began to fear for their own safety. "Are... you... absolutely certain?" His narrowed eyes scrutinized every aspect of the spy's demeanor. His servants were not above overstatement.

"There is no question, sir."

"I see." Again the Commander went within himself to contemplate.

"Sir?" the spy dared intrude into the Commander's inner sanctum. The warlords couldn't believe the audacity of the junior officer. Didn't he know what could be done to him?

"Vacantly the Commander fixed his gaze on the spy, asking "Yes? What is it?"

"I've taken the liberty of putting our strongest battalions on alert, in your name. Knowing the gravity of the situation I thought there was no time to waste."

A gasp emitted from the assembled officers.

"No, no that won't be necessary... yet," the Commander responded with a wicked, self-pleased grin. All present relaxed, the crisis had passed and the Commander was still in control. "I'll personally look into it." He briefly considered those in the room around him, as if deciding whether to let them in on the mystery or not, then said "Put what we have discussed into action. That's all for now."

One of the highest ranking officers stepped forward, asking "Sir, what is this all about?"

"Perhaps, the beginning."

"The beginning of what, sir?"

"The end. Now away, all of you to your units to implement our plans."

Scurrying like rats exposed suddenly to light, the moguls and warlords left their commander's presence, leaving the spy and the Commander alone.

"Tell me," ordered the Commander.

"He was at the river-- the one you assigned to me, the one crazy without our help-- doing his rituals on all the foolish people he could stir up."

"Go on."

"Then another one came wandering through the crowds. Before anything even happened, I knew it was him. I stayed only long enough to observe so I'd have something definite to report, but I knew at once it was him."

"What did you observe?"

"This wanderer came into the river where my assignment was, like I said, performing his ritual on the people. Then a bird-- only much more than a bird-- flew out of nowhere and landed on the newcomer. My assignment took this as some sort of a sign."

"And the crowds?"

"Oh they missed the significance of that sign... but they had another sign that was unmistakable..." the spy's voice began to waver.

The Commander waited.

"It was a voice from... from...."

"Yes, yes, I know from where. What exactly did it say?"

"It told them who he was."

"What? Just like that?"

"Just like that. Of course I put out the word to those of our order on the scene to make it confused, or to misquote it, or even seem like a meaningless noise of nature to the gullible. I think we muted the effect considerably."

"Don't underestimate their planning. They never waste a movement. All your misinformation tactics had already been taken into prior account by them.

"Did I do wrong to try, sir?" The spy was appalled at what might happen to him.

"No. Under the circumstances there was not much more you could've done. Don't worry, you'll be rewarded.

Recognizing his dismissal, the spy retreated, leaving his commander to brood.

"One more thing...." said the Commander catching the spy just before he exited.

"Sir?"

"Where is the wanderer now?"

* * * * *

The man decided on a high vantage point rock from which to survey the terrain. The rock was hot to the touch, he found as he grasped at nooks and crannies to pull himself up. Wet as his garments had been but an hour earlier, the arid heat had allowed no trace of moisture to remain. Reaching over his head for a safe grip, he felt something move beneath his groping hand. It was a scorpion, angrily bobbing its tail stinger in self-defense. The man carefully, softly scooped it up for closer observation. He smiled as he studied the intricate patterns of this desert dweller, so efficiently designed to sustain life in such a hostile environment. He placed the arachnid on another ledge where it could go about its business undisturbed as he continued his climb. Several minutes later he gained the flat top of the rock, and, shielding his eyes against the glare of the sun, read the lay of the land. Not a very promising place to begin, but perfect for what must be done. The first jousts of the battle would be done in this wilderness place, quite the opposite of the first battlefield, when the realm had been lost. That had been a luscious, wonderful garden; but befitting this realm turned inside out, so too, the second battleground must be a barren wilderness.

He scanned the horizon for the lack of heat waves, which would, perhaps, indicate the presence of water. There was no discernible break in the heat waves. He was not worried; it would be available when he needed it. He did see, in the distance, a lion-- rare for this region, but not unheard of-- sleeping off a meal in the shade of an outcropping rock. Near the lion, in the full heat of the blistering sun was the half-eaten remains of an aoudad. Some jackals skulked nearby, not daring to venture too close to the slumbering lion, yet anxious to steal a meal. And vultures circled lazily overhead, waiting their chance to descend and gorge on the bloating carcass.

A dust dervish suddenly appeared, swirling a cloud of dust up into the air. It came straight for the rock on which the man stood watching its unswerving progress with some interest as it went down ravines, over escarpments, even over piles of rock and earth, ever toward him. It stopped abruptly when it reached his position, dust and debris settling to the ground. A shadowy, but human shape stood exactly where the dervish had ceased.

The man on the rock turned away from the shape and sat down, resting his head on his hands, which were folded over his upraised knees.

"Wanderer, are you lost?"

"The man on the rock deliberately picked up his head and turned to face the talker. "You know that I am not."

"Then, what are you doing way out here, away from your own kind? You don't strike me as the hermit type. Perhaps I can help you. Just tell me who you are, and what you're doing here."

"I have no doubt that you know who I am, and why I have come. Furthermore, I have no illusions about who you are."

"Ahh, I see. I know who you think you are, but we both know that it's quite impossible for you to really be-- well, you know."

"Then why have you come to this solitude if not because of who I am?"

"Oh, I often come here. It helps to escape once in a while; the pressures of ruling, you know."

The man on the rock turned away.

"So, am I to assume you've come to meditate? And more, perhaps? Ah-hah! Fasting too? I do hope you'll use common sense. That sort of thing can be overdone. Ruins the health, you know, if prolonged. And water-- out here? Believe me, there's none to be had in the whole desert. You'd be much better off doing your rites and purges in a nicer--."

"Enough!" The man began climbing down.

"Oh, by the way, did I mention dangerous beasts? There are some. More than usual, it seems. Have you seen the lion over there? And snakes, and scorpions too. Even a few stray wolves about too, I shouldn't doubt. Who knows, perhaps even a bear will turn up out here. I don't think I'd like to be out here alone at night in the cold, with all manner of beasts creeping about if I were made of tasty flesh and blood."

The man reached the ground and walked away without a backward glance.

"Not at all a good place to find out that you're not really what you think you are," called the Annoyer after him.

* * * * *

"I saw your fire and knew it must be you."

The man keeping warm by the fire didn't have to turn to see who had just joined him. It was very dark; stars dotted the night sky like distant candles, and the moon had not yet risen.

"What, no greeting? I should've thought you'd be glad for some company by now. It gets pretty lonely out here. Especially after, what is it now, four days?"

The man turned to his unwanted guest. "Three."

"Yes, of course, three. You know how time sort of blends together out here in the wilds. It's so easy to lose track." Getting no further response, the Annoyer tried another tack.

"You were hard to find, building your fire under an enclosure like that. Will you be staying-- such a clever idea-- will you be staying here then for the duration of your... ah... shall we call it your preparation?"

The man did not answer.

"Oh come now, remember, 'it's not good for man to dwell alone'. You do remember that, don't you? How about letting me know where you'll be so I can pay a visit from time to time. After all, bad company is better than no company. There is nothing written in the rites of purging that says you must be alone, is there?"

The man lifted his eyes to the heavens, a truly happy smile on his lips, and said, "I am not alone."

The Shadowman jerked his head back. "Uh, no, of course not, not as long as I'm with you-- oh, ah, I see what you mean. Of course, I'd forgotten that you'd probably be thinking like that. Poor soul! Can't you see how you're deluding yourself? This fasting business is making you light-headed, only serving to reinforce your fantasies, if you want my opinion."

"I don't."

"You are full of fantastic notions, yet don't think the fasting has anything to do with it?"

"I don't want your opinion."

"It's gotten that bad, has it?"

The man lay down, his back to the fire, resting his head on a rock with a rolled up cloth to soften the hardness. Within minutes he was asleep.

* * * * *

"It's been a week, are you going back today?"

The man kept walking as he was led from within.

"Didn't know I was catching you up from behind, did you?" taunted the Shadow.

"Didn't care," was his terse answer as he kept on his pace, sure and even.

"Now that's cruel. That really digs deep."

The man ignored the comment.

"It took me a while to find you. Did you know that? Oh, by the way, I'm not the only one concerned about you, you know.

The man turned and looked the talker straight in the eye. So obviously the talker's last statement was a lie, no comment was needed.

The Shadowman dropped his eyes from the man's. "Well, I am concerned, just not in the same way."

The wanderer resumed his stride.

"I've been to see how your family is getting on without you. I sort of expected you might already have been there, thinking you must have come to your senses by now and returned home to your responsibilities like an elder son should. You know that your brothers can't match your abilities. They try, but customers have come to expect the kind of quality only you can perform. I'm sure the business will suffer if you don't return soon. In fact, I know for a fact that this very day many disgruntled customers will take their business elsewhere. People can be so fickle!" The Annoyer looked closely to see if had scored any points, but the man was inscrutable.

The Shadowman sighed, and said "What will become of your mother, Wanderer? What if the business fails? She'll be left destitute, a widow, and in times like these.... What kind of a son would do that to his mother?"

The man remained unaffected.

"You're a hard one, Wanderer. Can't you see that if you really were what you thought, you'd be loving and kind, and not so intent upon pursuing your fantasy? Have you no care that you are hurting those who love you? If you knew anything at all about love, you'd stop this nonsense now, for the sake of all those who love you and are worried sick about you. Do you hear me?"

The Wanderer continued on his prescribed course alone. The Annoyer had halted in the middle of a wadi, unable to get a rise out of his quarry.

* * * * *

"My, my my! Just look at you! You've wasted away to nothing!"

The sun was setting, casting a pinkish glow on the undersides of the clouds. The man had watched from the craggy summit of a small mountain as the Annoyer climbed up toward him.

"Your health will surely suffer from this abuse, you know. You can't deny your bodily needs for such an extended period of time without sustaining some damage." He scrutinized the man. "Aren't you going to ask me where I've been?" He watched keenly for a reaction. "And then I'm to answer 'Roaming to and fro on the earth,' something like that, remember?"

The man shifted his gaze back to the sunset as he replied "Since you bring that episode up, do you remember how steadfast he remained?"

"So you are determined to persist in this role playing? Very well, consider this: You are throwing away a perfectly good life. Depriving yourself of friends, fun and raising a family, owning your own home and business, being useful to your community-- perhaps becoming a leader in your religion. You have the aptitude for it, you know. Do you really want to throw all that away by persisting in the delusion that you are what even the scholars of your religion state to be an impossibility? Now look, I know you, and that you're not a fanatic, nor lunatic, so why do you carry on this charade? The last three weeks have not only been a drain on you physically, but they're three weeks lost from your life. You are only human-- flesh and blood, with a certain time limit on your life. You can never get those three weeks back again. Don't you know how limited a man's days are? Were I limited to such a short life span I wouldn't waste a minute of it. This is all very unnatural. How can you expect anyone to follow you if you do not share the same desires they do? Surely you can see the logic in that? No one wants to follow an un-human leader. Natural desires are all a part of the human experience, so why don't you stop this absurd behavior and start living?"

The sun disappeared, sinking below the horizon, yet the man's gaze stayed where he had set his eyes.

"You'll never be understood, much less followed. Give it up while you still have your reputation. It is a useless cause, believe me, I know. Even if you really were what you assume, they are too content as they are. Oh, they make a lot of noise about changing, but when given the opportunity, they always choose what's most convenient and comfortable. They'll not even likely respect all the pains you're taking now to prepare yourself to rescue them."

The man closed his eyes, as if listening to an inner voice.

"Okay, so you set them a good example and all that. Since you cannot really be what you think, who will notice or care? No one! Except those whom you have already hurt deeply. Did I mention that your family is concerned about your mental state? Oh yes, they are. Rumor has it you've lost your mind. I wonder where such a nasty little rumor got its start? If you don't quit this fasting and go back home soon, I'm afraid you'll have quite the opposite reputation someone of your aspiration and goal wants."

The Wanderer turned and looked sharply at the Shadowman. "And of what benefit is reputation alone? Better be of no reputation and please God than have a great reputation yet displease God."

The Annoyer got the point. It had been desire for his own grand reputation that had made him lose his high position and become this sniveling warlord of a heap of corrupt human debris and refuse. For the first time, he was the one to break off the conversation.

* * * * *

"What are you trying to do, Wanderer, starve, or cook yourself to death? Remaining out here any longer, that is all, I'm afraid, you will accomplish." For the last two hours the Shadowman had been squatting in the only available shade, silent until now. He was very pleased with himself for having beaten the man to the only semi-protection from the hammering heat of the sun in the vicinity. He knew the man would not deign to ask of him anything-- not even to share the shade; and he had not offered. "It's hot today, isn't it? Much too hot for mere flesh and blood to be out wandering these forsaken barrens. And the sun hasn't reached its zenith yet, imagine. I wonder just how hot its going to get. I don't think there is any water within miles of here either. I was wondering, don't you mind the heat?"

The man sat with his back resting on a rock, holding a piece of his garment out over his head to ward off the direct rays of the sun, elbows propped on his upraised knees. Sweat trickled down his face; no breeze stirred. For the most part he ignored the Annoyer. He would have walked away to find another shady place, but it had suddenly become too hot to travel. Besides, the Annoyer would only beat him to any other spot he could find. He was not unaware of his enemy's tactics.

"I'll bet this is the hottest day yet, in all the five weeks since you've been out here. You must enjoy punishing yourself. We have a name for that you know, in fact, I have some legions who specialize in afflicting such behavior on people. I must say though, they could learn a few things from you. Are you sure you know which side you're on?"

The man continued to ignore the Annoyer.

"Hmmm, stubborn too. Say-- I have an idea. I don't take up much room, why don't you come and share 'my territory'. Can't we both occupy this place without quarrelling?" I know we have our differences, but is there no room for tolerance in your heart?"

The man had not missed the subtle implication in the Shadowman's offer. Little compromises led to larger ones. "That which is already mine I will not share with a usurper."

"Oooh, selfish too! Very well, you're the one in the bright light. If you don't want me to share my shadows with you, I'll just keep them all to myself. Can't say I didn't try."

Looking steadily at the shape in the shade the man declared "I AM the light; whereas outer darkness-- and all its torments-- is all that rightfully belongs to you."

Full of rage at the rebuke, the Shadowman lost his thin veneer of civility and rose up in indignation, breathing out hurtful intent, but left without fulfilling his aspiration on the man. The man considered for a moment, then occupied the shade.

* * * * *

"Surprise, it's me again." The Shadowman returned after only a few hours. "I, uh, had to hurry off earlier. Some important business demanded my immediate attention. Couldn't trust it to subordinates. You know how untrustworthy underlings can be sometimes."

The Wanderer sat close to a fire, trying to get warm. A stiff, chill breeze was blowing a steady stream of sparks and smoke horizontally, rendering the fire ineffectual for warmth.

"Who'd have thought it would be this cold tonight, especially after such a hot afternoon. If I'd had any real power, I'd have done something about that, wouldn't you?"

"I did."

"Ahhh, yes. Point taken. Though you do realize, I meant something... else. Take for instance, this sudden turn-around in the weather. I can see how uncomfortable you are. Why don't you, if you really can, make the wind and cold stop? I mean, seeing that you obviously believe you are something more than just human, why not use some of your supposed powers? After all, what's the point of having power if you don't use it when it's needed?"

"The power that is mine, and the decision to use it, I have lain aside, for the time being," the Wanderer replied.

"Oh sure, that's just an easy way to avoid proving that you are what you think. The fact of it is, you will not use your powers against mine because you know you have no powers!"

Looking directly into the sinister face confronting him, the Wanderer answered:

"The time when I use,

The power I choose,

As you surely lose,

Will be the good news!"

"A riddle!" The Annoyer sat back in mock surprise. "You answer a legitimate challenge with a riddle? Now just what is that supposed to mean? Do you, or do you not have the power to turn this wind? Answer me straight now, no riddles."

"You are very proud, Shadowman, of what you think you know, yet you cannot figure this simple riddle? Where is your power?"

Again the Annoyer rose up from his seat. "Like I thought, you are hiding behind your riddles, betraying to me that you have no authority here in my realm, real or borrowed. If you really were what you want me to believe you are, you would declare yourself plainly and not slink around the wastelands posing riddles."

"The time of my declaration will come, and then Shadowman, I warrant you'll see more of my power and authority than you desire."

"Well let me declare power and authority to you in the present, Riddle-maker! Behold my powers!" As he so said, the wind rushed and increased intensity to a howling pitch. A sudden shrieking blast scattered the burning wood across the desert night in a momentary blaze of dying sparks. Not one hot coal was left in the fire-ring. As suddenly as the wind had arisen, it ceased. "Whom do you suppose made it so hot today that your tongue swelled from thirst and your exposed skin blistered? And whom do you suppose made the night wind arise from the snow-covered mountains to chill and numb your fingers and toes? I did!, and all that was but a small sample of my capabilities. Is that not authority? Is that not power? Unless you can deliver some of that, don't pretend to fool yourself, let alone me."

The man drew his garments tightly about him. "When you are at your strongest, my weakness will topple you and your throne."

Shadowman opened and closed his mouth several times before any audible sounds emitted. When he finally did manage to say some words, they were in mockery, but the Wanderer heard the pent-up rage and quaking fear behind the taunt. "Well, I'd like to see that." He then turned and hurried away.

* * * * *

The spy hesitantly approached his commander as the latter was busily issuing orders to various squadron leaders. Ever since his attempts to thwart the Wanderer out in the desert had not proven successful the Commander was meaner and crueler than usual. How would he react to this news?

"Sir?"

All the Commander had to do was look at his spy, and he knew the message he bore. "He's finished then, is he? Of course, I should have known. Forty days. Tell me all that you observed."

"He returned to where he first entered the desert, and lifted a rock from atop a hole. In the hole there was a jar of anointing oil, grooming articles, and a change of garments. He bathed, washing the desert dust off himself in a pool made by yesterday's downpours."

"Has he taken any food yet?" The Commander was urgent.

"Not up until a moment ago when I left him to report to you."

The Commander was gone in a flash, leaving his subordinates to fend for themselves.

* * * * *

"So Wanderer, you've decided to cut your purge short, I see." The Annoyer had suddenly appeared at the man's side, stepping stride for stride with him. "What was it? The hunger? I remember Moses was famished after the first forty days of his fast. How his face did shine though." The Shadowman made an obvious gesture in examining the Wanderer's face for any evidence of glowing. "As I recall, Moses was given power from his God to fast another forty days. Of course, I can understand you not being empowered like Moses, not wanting to go the whole eighty days."

The man made no reply, but kept walking, eyes straight ahead.

"Hush! Did you hear something? Now what could that sound be? Is that your stomach telling you something? Listen... there it is again. Sure sounds like hunger to me. I bet you're thinking of something delicious to eat right this very minute. Ahh, but after such a long fast, you'll require simple fare, won't you. Nothing too strong, or sweet, or spicy. Something plain and bland, like... bread. Now there's a fine staple to break fast with."

The man kept steadily toward his destination.

"Why are you going that direction? It is a good many miles from here to anywhere in that direction. No shops along the way, no houses; you won't be able to beg or buy bread anywhere along this course for at least twenty miles. Such a long journey, in your condition?"

The Wanderer's pace never slacked.

"Or... could it be that you ended your fast after forty days because you did get some powers after all? Well, if that's true, maybe I'd believe it if you showed me something. If you are the Son of God--" here the Annoyer darted around to be directly in front of the Wanderer, causing him to halt abruptly, "-- use your powers to turn these stones into bread." He was pointing to a few palm-sized, flat rocks laying on the ground.

The man's stomach growled again, and the Shadowman smiled knowingly. "A stomach so long unused is painful when it awakens, is it not?"

Drawing a deep breath, the man replied "Written in the Word it is declared that man is not sustained by what he eats, but rather by taking into him every word from God's mouth." Stepping around the obstructive Annoyer, the man resumed his journey, stepping over the stones in his path.

"Wait!" the Annoyer roared. A whirlwind swept the Wanderer off his feet, spiralling him upward into the sky. The Shadowman continued, "I'm not through with you yet!"

Within seconds the man found himself balancing precariously upon the highest ledge of the Temple, above the precincts of the holy city, far removed from the wilderness he had been in.

"You recognize this place? Good. What better place to declare yourself to the nation than right here? I am offering you the opportunity to do that and settle all question. Just step off the ledge. Imagine the surprise and delight of all the faithful who are awaiting the Anointed One to see you floating down from here on the hands of angels. You're not afraid are you? Don't you believe what is written in your precious book: 'His angels are commanded to guard him, lifting him up, if need be, so not even his feet should strike a stone too hard,'? If you really are this Anointed One, prove it to me-- and your own people. Throw yourself off this ledge. Then they'll see their deliverer coming, borne up by God's own angels. You can avoid the chore of proving yourself to them by this one simple act."

"Do you not wrest holy words from their real meaning, for it is also written: 'Do not challenge God by foolishly testing Him'."

"Come," snarled the Annoyer, whisking the man away with another blast of wind.

The man found himself on the heights of a great mountain. Snow lay in patches on the ground, and high overhead and all around great, gray storm clouds tumbled over each other. The wind tore at his clothing while whipping flurries of snow and rain mixed around him. Lightning followed by booming thunder shook and illuminated the very rocks upon which he stood.

"So you persistently cling to your belief. All right! I do know Who you are. I just wanted to make sure you really were... you. I also know why you've come, though it baffles me why you'd come as one of them! Did you think I'd not see through your disguise?"

The man calmly stared at his opponent, who dropped his eyes after a brief staring match.

"Look, you don't know just how secure I am here. If worse comes to worse, I very much doubt you'll actually be able to dislodge us. Furthermore, you'll get no cooperation from even your own nation, let alone any other nations. You're facing a hopeless task. Once they find out what life with you is like, they'll leave you. After all, we did, didn't we? They're just like us, willful, self-indulgent, power hungry, cruel, lazy, angry, frustrated. They much prefer us ruling them as opposed to you and your Father. I have been able to 'mutate' them away from what they were originally created as. Even You can't make them be what they have no desire to be. Besides, I'll fight You every inch of the way, and the destruction I'll cause will be horrendous. There will be nothing left worth ruling over when I've finished. And You know I'm capable of doing what I threaten. If You even get any followers I will be there to smash them before they get started. You'll have gone through all this frustration and agony for nothing.

"But," the Annoyer changed his ranting to one of reasonableness, "I can spare you all that grief. Behold--."

The swirling clouds parted, and a vision appeared of many peoples, their cities, cultures, achievements, militaries, wealth, wisdom and knowledge, arts and craftsmanship, technologies-- all that was beautiful and marvelous and beneficial in the present age and the ages yet to come.

"All of that is mine. The kings and queens, the masses, the policy makers, and enforcers. I own them. They were given to me. True, I used a little chicanery, a little falsehood, but they wanted to give in to me, else I wouldn't have won it so easily. They are all unquestionably mine. Aren't they beautiful? That is what you came to reclaim from me, is it not? If I resist and fight, all of that will become a pile of rubble, worthless to you or me. Think of the misery and carnage.... It is in your power to prevent that. I'll not fight you, but will leave peaceably. I'll give them to you as a coronation present. I'll banish myself and my hordes to wherever You say. I'll never challenge your right to reign again."

The scenes of the world's beauty and glory faded. The Annoyer stood, now robed in royal garb, bejeweled as a monarch, a cruel but knowing expression on his face. "I'll relinquish all my holdings to you if you but this once bow down before me and pay me the homage due to one of my power and position."

The wind stopped, the clouds ceased their whirling, the very mountain seemed hushed as if waiting to see what would be the man's answer. The man, trembling slightly, outraged at the Shadowman's impudence, declared in a controlled voice "Away from Me, Accuser! It is written: You shall only worship the Lord your God. Him only shall you obey!"

The Annoyer was swept over a precipice at the man's rebuke, and the clouds parted allowing sunshine, and other rays of light to dance around the man.

* * * * *

A little more than three years passed. Now the orders had been given, all personnel were needed. All programs and projects would have to go unsupervised for the time being. Everyone was needed for this massive attack.

"He has proved slippery as a fish, escaping our notice, coming and going as He likes, but no matter. We now have one of His inner circle ready to betray His location to our officials, and I'll personally see to it that he completes his assignment. What about the political ruler? Is he sufficiently under our control to do what we want?"

"He's due back tomorrow."

"Make sure you get to him and prejudice him. Maybe even use the governor's wife to make sure the message gets through, you know, the way we've given her messages before?

"You, Rabble-rouser, do you have your legion ready to assemble the bored, blood-thirsty masses to call out for his death when the moment comes? Good! All right now, everyone pay close attention."

The assembled battalion leaders ceased their clamorous hubbub.

The Commander continued. "All we needed was one slip-up, one mistake, and when He failed to take advantage of the situation the first day of the week when things were beyond our control, He gave us our chance. For some reason He insists on keeping a low profile, waiting, I assume, a more advantageous time. Well, He's waited too long, cause now we have a traitor in His inner circle; and we have the government, and the religious leaders quite worried about him and the stir he caused among the masses with that parade. We have seen to it that he has alienated many important people. He missed his first chance, and we'll not let him get another. Tonight, in the hours of darkness, we make our move. I'm sure he'll resort to his usual place. I myself will see to it that the traitor does his job. You all know your assignments. We must not miss this chance, it may be our last."

"What if... things don't go exactly as planned?" a timid subordinate asked.

"How else can they go? Once he is condemned to death, he will be forced to act. He will have no choice but to begin the destruction-- beginning with those he thought would follow him." A wicked laugh cackled out from the gathering, rejoicing at the thought."'When you are at your strongest, my weakness will topple you and your throne,' did he say? Well, I'll show him. I'll have him backed into such a tight corner that he'll have to use his powers to destroy the very ones he came to rescue, the ones he cares so much about. And I won't even have to be the one to begin the destruction of mankind, he'll be forced to do it himself. That's why it is imperative that no one miss their timing. First, when he goes to the garden we'll all attack him at once, besetting him with every doubt, every wicked thought imaginable. Then while he's still reeling from all that mental assault, he'll be betrayed for money by one of his trusted friends. I'm sure that will add to his discouragement. Then a sham trial by his own people-- be sure only those under our influence are in attendance, otherwise a debate may arise. You know how their leaders love to debate, and if that starts we could miss our timing. So arrange to keep all those sympathetic to him away, understand?

"Next, the provincial government will be persuaded to set aside their feeble notions of justice so that the order of execution can be given. Remember to use that antiquated tradition of switching a condemned prisoner if it becomes necessary.

"Any time after that get set to watch the fun as he reacts and destroys them. I just wonder how he'll do it.... Oh, and one more thing... at the arrest site, make sure none of His followers remain loyal to support him, or encourage him. Either scare them away or have them killed. He must lose even those that are closest to him. His whole invasion of our domain will have been for naught. Did He really think to conquer us single-handedly? Instead he will have to destroy the whole world to protect himself. It's almost time; so, to your assignments."

* * * * *

In a room on the second floor of a small building on a back street, a group of men reclined, eating the prescribed festal meal. None were at the moment, however, eating, for their leader had just made a startling pronouncement, and they were trying to grasp its implications.

"But Master, we don't know where you are going! How can we know the way?" the one nicknamed 'Twin' asked.

The leader answered them, but they still didn't comprehend. They asked more questions, but grew more confused at His answers, because they didn't want it to mean what it sounded like.

"When I am no longer with you I will arrange for the Counselor to come to you and be your comfort in my place. The world knows nothing of Him, but you have seen Him at work in me, and He will be in you! You'll not be left undefended. Then you will be able to comprehend these hard sayings. Whoever loves me will be loved by my Father, and of course, I will love him too, and will reveal myself-- Who I AM-- to such a one."

"What! Only us who love You? You're not going to declare yourself to the whole world? Haven't you come to rule the world?" another asked, startled out of yet another misconception.

"If you love Me, you will obey Me, if you don't love Me, you won't obey Me. That is how I will tell those who truly love Me from those who merely use my name. The Counselor will make all this clear when He comes. I now give you my peace-- not the world's way of peace, but the true peace only I can give. The events about to happen will threaten your faith. Do not allow it to be robbed away from you, remember what I have told you. You should be glad that I am going away, for I go to the joyous presence of my Father. I am telling you all this before it happens, so when it does, you won't be shaken too severely, but will know I knew it was coming, and spoke truly. Find your confidence in that.

"I have not much more time to speak to you, for the prince of this world is coming to beset me with all he has one final time, but he has no power over me. What is about to happen must happen so the world will know that I do this because of my love for My Father, and this is what He has commanded, because He loves you.

"Arise now, it is time to make an end, and a beginning."

NONE OF THE RULERS OF THIS AGE UNDERSTOOD

IT; FOR IF THEY HAD, THEY WOULD NOT HAVE

CRUCIFIED THE LORD OF GLORY.

I Corinthians 2:8 NIV

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