Erling nodded. His Kori wasstrong-willed all right. “And thank you for bringing me here andfor attending to affairs of state.”
“I’m glad to. I want Jaiparto stay a free nation as much as you do.” Erling and Michioembraced, then Michio left.
Inside the small hut, Erling satby the fireplace and held his hands close to the flames. Bakka pouredhim a cup of tea. As Erling drank, its warmth flowed through him andhe felt at peace. The concerns of Jaipar seemed far away.
“You’ve come here seeking tolearn more about ancient truths and the meaning of life,” Bakkasaid, putting a log on the fire, building the flames up to a strongblaze. “It is time for you to unfold to greater spiritual heights,but not in the way you think. You want to retreat from life, but thatis not your destiny. It is time for you to accept your mission inlife, which is to become the ruler of Jaipar alongside Koriann. Thetrials, lessons and experiences you’ve endured have been part ofthis training.
“Your love for Koriann and yourfaith in God was tested in your fight with King Zanton Duborginact.Your love for Koriann was again tested in your decision to live andremain in the physical world. Your years of experience in theCoalition have given you skills you need to fight this war againstKing Zanton and Samrat Condor, and the leadership qualities you needto rule Jaipar. Your inward spiritual training will make you a goodruler.”
“But I’ve lost all interestin this world. I want to live peacefully in Kumba—not fight inanother war. I’ve been fighting Samrat Condor all my adult life.”
“You’re welcome to stay inthe village of Kumba and spend time in training and contemplation forawhile. But eventually you need to return to the world and take yourplace beside Koriann as the joint-ruler of Jaipar.”
“I don’t want theresponsibility of ruling Jaipar,” Erling said. A feeling of anguishclutched his heart. “I don’t feel a part of this world anymore.”
The Master’s piercing eyesstudied Erling. “You will never be part of it as you used to be.”
“You don’t understand. I’mtotally uninterested in this world.”
Bakka gestured in the directionof the village. “Then stay at the village, if that is what youwish.”
“How can I do that? You said itwas my destiny to be ruler of Jaipar.”
“Only if you accept thatdestiny.”
“What will happen to Kori andplanet Borko if I stay at the monastery?”
“I thought you said you weretotally uninterested in this world.”
“That’s overstating it a bit.Of course, I care what happens to Borko and I love Kori.”
A smile spread across theMaster’s round face and his eyes twinkled. “It doesn’t sound asif you’re completely sure you want to withdraw from life. To reacha higher state of consciousness, it’s not necessary to live in amonastery away from the world. You can lead a full, active life. Itis a matter of where you place your attention and on your attitude.
“You are an awakened Soul—aconscious being. At the village it’s easier to place your attentionon God because you don’t have outside distractions and influences.Yet you won’t have the same challenges, pains and pleasures thathelp bring about the purification of Soul. If you decide to marryKoriann, your life will be fulfilling. You and Koriann have a deepbond of love and are committed to one another.”
“But you don’t understand.I—” Erling hesitated to say something so personal, but finallyblurted, “I no longer desire Kori, you know, as a man does awoman.”
Master Bakka nodded inunderstanding. “You almost died and are still readjusting to thephysical world. It’s been a shock on many levels. You now know withcertainty that Soul is immortal. Why did you choose to come back tothe physical world instead of moving on?”
“Kori came to me in the InnerWorlds. I returned because of her. Moreover, I knew I hadn’tfinished the spiritual mission I came into this life to achieve. Yetnow that I’m back in this physical world, I miss the peace andharmony of the higher regions and long to return. I don’t feel thepassion I used to feel for life, for the war, for Kori. I know itdoesn’t really matter if we win or lose the war. It’s all justlessons people need for their spiritual growth.”
Bakka’s eyes caught Erling’swith his gaze. “While it’s true there is always war someplace inthis physical world, Samrat Condor’s spread of dark power needs tobe stopped. He is creating an imbalance in the lower worlds, tryingto extinguish the Secret Teachings and all knowledge of the InnerWorlds, so he can control people and rule in fear.”
“But what can one man doagainst his powers?”
“One man can lead and inspireothers and help stop Samrat Condor’s power from spreadingthroughout planet Borko. Erling, your passion for life will return.You’re not suited to the reclusive life of a monk.”
“Will my passion for Korireturn?”
The Master smiled and nodded. “Ifyou want it to. Sex is a sacred act that lifts two Souls to a higherstate of awareness, if it is between two people who have pure love.Don’t look at the things of this world as holding you downspiritually. I’ve given you enough to think about for now. Pleasestay and have dinner with me before heading to the village. They areexpecting you and the gates will be open when you arrive.”
Erling felt the best he had sinceawakening from his coma. A deep contentment settled over him. It hadbeen the right decision to come here. He needed time to sort throughthings and figure out what direction his life should take.
Onolyn waited on edge for Zac toreturn. In the workroom she felt a new dark power that seemed to beclosing in on her. As the hours passed, her head began to ache, thenthrob and she suspected Seetva had put a spell in the room. Onolynimagined a shield of Light surrounding her and managed to block someof malicious energy, but she was weak and didn’t know how long shecould fight off the hex.
Long after dark, she realized Zacwasn’t coming. Afraid of the nightmares that always came, she triedto stay awake. Though sitting up, her eyes kept shutting. Finally,she
