EXCERPTS: CHAPTER 10: TO THE MOUNTAIN

The sun now sets on a day that has been filled with endless activity where people have died and animals were slaughtered… where the commitment and convictions of dedicated souls sacrificed their very existence to protect a cause that seemed more important than life itself. Still, in dark contrast, others equally dedicated and fueled by anger and greed died on a misguided material quest to destroy God-given treasures while trying to harm those who chose to protect them. Both sides, intertwined in conflict with full knowledge of risk to life and limb - although, as Alex sees it, one side possessing less emotion and compassion-more so, obsessed with the desire to kill whoever got in their way. Nonetheless, despite both sides determined to defeat the other, the preservationists prevailed with a rare victory in a world that seems to be controlled far too much by the dealers of death and destruction.

Even as the souls departed from the lifeless bodies, were these spirits of the dying in fact not locked in hatred until they were separated by their keepers-good or evil-as they were led to their final destination? Were they left with memories of those they loved and who loved them and with thoughts of those who would be left behind? Instead, using every ounce of strength and spirit to survive, did these souls meet their end only with the physical and emotional scars inflicted upon them by their final moments of misery and conflict? Yet, Alex ponders that in a perfect world, people should spend their final hours quietly, surrounded by family, finding their inner peace in preparation of their new journey to a better world - NOT in the grips of war and suffering. Easy enough to say, in a perfect world, but something that is seemingly impossible in this world of conflict where, ironically, God's children kill each other in his name.

Sadly, the combatants expect to be rewarded by a God perceived to support only their beliefs and teachings while expecting to persecute fellow humans who follow other spiritual and moral paths. During these past few months of Alex's evolution, he still cannot understand or accept the blatant disrespect for life, human or non-human, on this planet. Life is supposed to be a gift that man still hasn't quite been able to put much value on. Alex starts to feel that, in order to survive, he must be less consumed by emotion- in a word, step over the dead bodies and look at the bigger picture in his quest to reach his potential-a decision that won't be easy for him to make. A decision increasingly harder to make as he finds that he has this mysterious healing stone in his possession that he doesn't quite know what to do with it...YET.

Confident that his actions of the previous days were just and warranted, Alex sits on a small bluff watching one of God's simplest yet dramatic earthly rewards: a sunset. The red, hot vibrant sun in its daily ritual vibrantly kisses the horizon. Warmed by the sun, basking in the glow of accomplishment but, giving in to the sadness of having to again watch someone he cared for die unfairly, Alex survives this day to selfishly enjoy God's late day light show...in contrast to others who never Will see it again. While humans kill for "treasures" they wish to preserve or exploit, Alex can't accept the first human deaths he has ever witnessed, and never will. He can only sit and stare at the mighty, forbidden mountain. For the first time, it seems less ominous, strangely; instead it is almost inviting, due to the warm glow silhouetting its massive existence. Can it also be that the usual sinister clouds that almost always mysteriously shroud its shape are all but burned-off by the intense, late day sun? The sight entices Alex's curiosity. In addition, for the first time, Alex seems to get a sense of strength from Anna's mysterious green rock that he now grips in his hand.

In the past few days, the stone seems to have gotten warmer. As he puts it on a flat surface in front of him, the pointed part of the stone turns in the direction of the mountain. Again, he moves the pointed part away but, once again, it turns in the direction of the mountain...is this stone actually a primitive compass? Does this mean that this magnificent mountain is actually extending an invitation to enter and these "signs" mean it's finally ready to accept him over all those who have previously failed to enter? Is it now time for Alex to make his trek to this place that magnetically draws him closer and closer and seems to make him stronger in faith and determination? He now knows that the time seems right to complete his journey...his calling. Has Alex finally conceded to the fact that his sole purpose in life is not only of service to animals and nature, but to man himself, has he been chosen, is Alex Murphy THE PROPHET?

Milea Cher: Penny for your thoughts? (Alex is interrupted by a voice from behind)

Alex: You're fired.

Milea Cher: Excuse me? (looking bewildered)

Alex: (looking content, showing a lightly smile) I'll be on my way soon, I'm leaving

Milea Cher: Where are you going? Home?

Alex: Sort of...THERE (pointing to the mountain). It's calling me, and I feel that I won't be complete until I journey there and see what it holds for me.

Milea Cher: I can see that someone didn't explain enough about that place to convince you that nobody comes back from there alive.

Alex: Almost nobody. It's because all who ventured there were never meant to reach the top... I am. Besides, they were doomed long before they started. Their motive was one of personnel gain not of commitment or passion to the calling. I must complete the link. That story you told me about, THE PROPHET of gods creation. The legend I was told of... it's ALL about ME!

Milea Cher: You honestly think that person is You?

Alex: Why not? It all fits, I'm here, in Africa, tomorrow is the last day of the last year of the millennium. It's every 100 years that this prophet is chosen, you said so yourself. You told me the story... I can feel it within me, why can't you? Reach deep into your heart...tell me.

Milea Cher: I can't tell you something I don't feel, son. Besides, you have people like Anna, who has, for her entire existence, dedicated her life to animals. And how about that activist friend of yours? If any one should receive a metal from God, it's him.

Alex: I know EXACTLY who he is, trust me, he's not THE ONE.

Milea Cher: Who is he then?

Alex: You wouldn't believe me in 100 years if I told you. (slightly grinning)

Milea Cher: Try me, you might be surprised. Listen son, even if this story is true, you can't take this journey so lightly. (looking at Alex compassionately, almost chummy) Hey, you've certainly proven you could fill the shoes of the person who now holds the job as prophet but...

Alex: ... But what?

Milea Cher: I don't want to see this new-found confidence turn you into someone who thinks he is bullet-proof...

Alex: ... please don't patronize me. Besides, as you recall, you haven't been invited. So say what you will, I'm going too find the Guide on my own, who's probably waiting out there for me right now. (pointing at the mountain).

Milea Cher: Now that you have brought the name up, LET'S talk about this "Guide" of yours who was supposed to find you, who might I add, has missed a good deal of the action thus far. Where is this person? Why haven't they contacted you, yet? You actually have to walk up to death's door before this person finds the time to talk with you?

Alex: Nothing so important comes so easy. Besides, was he supposed to meet me on the street and say 'Hi Alex, I'm the guide who's going to show you the way... nice to meet you.' He's there... on the mountain... waiting for ME. I can feel it!

Milea Cher: I hope you're right, because when you reach the bottom of the mountain and see that nobody's there except the scattered bones of all the so-called "believers", maybe it will sink in (pauses for a moment). Ah hell, maybe you should go, after all, if that's the only thing that's going to convince you, one way or the other. I'll have to take you though...

Alex: NO! You didn't hear me. I said you weren't invited. Besides, I don't want somebody who's going to brow-beat me the entire trip. It's going to be tough enough without having my confidence deflated during a time when I need to be at my strongest. I must do it myself. Just give me the directions...

Milea Cher: ...Directions? You mean the "powers that be" didn't even give you a road map? (sarcastically)

Alex: Noooooo, they didn't (equally sarcastic but, slightly smiling)

Milea Cher: And what of the "KEY" that is supposed to help you enter. Do you have it?

Alex: I not sure I believe that to be true. Besides, it's the jungle, what possibly do you need a key for. And what would it unlock?

Milea Cher: You're supposed to have an open mind. You're supposed to be ready to accept anything. You're supposed to have ALL the answers.

Alex: I am and I do.

Milea Cher: Do you? You just dazzled me with a speech of confidence and determination only to tell me that you have mental tools (pointing to his head) but, you don't have the manufactured tools to enter the forbidden land.

Alex: If it's me who is chosen, the tools that I need to enter will find me, if not...

Milea Cher: If not, you're dead!

Alex: So be it! I'll say it one last time...I'M READY!

Milea Cher: We'll see about that when the time comes and you witness the evidence of those who were punished for thinking they were chosen to fulfill their crazy endeavor.

Alex: You know, for a guy who doesn't have much faith in the legend, you seem to use it to your advantage. I mean with all your doubts, you certainly know your share of the "facts".

Milea Cher: It's just how I interpreted what I'm taken in over the years from the few people who were lucky enough to return alive from the mountain.

Alex: So it kills you that as an outsider, I may have best qualified to succeed over all the others... doesn't it?

Milea Cher: Nonsense! It's just that I have seen a hundred people, like you, over the years and I'm still waiting for someone to convince me. It's the mountain that makes people crazy. The closer one gets, the more obsessed they become and then it's too late.

Alex: I wish you had a little more faith in my decision to make the journey.

Milea Cher: Oh I do, I'm just not sure YOU do.

Alex: (A few moments of silence) It's that bullet-proof thing again, isn't it? I just thought you believed in me.

Milea Cher: (Acting a bit fatherly) I do, Alex, more than you know. If I didn't care, I'd be pushing you blindly into the path of danger without concern of the risks. Just remember, you absolutely must believe that you, without a doubt, are the person who is entitled to claim the prophecy. The slightest apprehension will be your undoing and to even the odds, you must prepare yourself not just here (pointing to his heart) but here (pointing to his head).

Alex: How much do you know and how can it help me?

Milea Cher: I know enough to help prepare you for what you will be up against when you get there. But, I must be honest, don't think for a moment that I am preparing you to get to the top, I'm preparing you to get back alive once you get to the point where the corpses are piled.

Alex: Thanks, I think. Just get me there. I will soon convince others to have the same faith in me that I have.

Milea Cher: Others already do. (smiling) As I previously said, you have proven yourself to be a deeply strong human being. From the day you arrived I noticed a transition to a spiritually compassionate person who believes not only his dedication to saving God's creations, but believes in himself and the others that surround him. Lastly, let's not forget your commitment to risk your life to help others... you saved some lives back there, at the risk of losing yours, and that's the greatest quality one can possess and you did it using your head AND your heart every step of the way.

Alex: But, you think I'm still not the one who is worthy of claiming the prophecy.

Milea Cher: You have to prove that one yourself, Alex. As you recall, I'm just someone who knows less of the secrets of the mountain than you do, as you put it. (smiling as to remind Alex of his previous words). Look, Alex. You're not going down to the local supermarket son. Most people don't even survive the base of the mountain. You have crocodiles, lions, poisonous snakes not to mention the bandits hiding along the way. I sincerely want you to believe in yourself but, I also want you to be prepared for any situation that arises.

Alex: Your point being...

Milea Cher: I'm afraid you're going to have to take me along. (smiling) Besides, you can't fire me now, you still need to pay me, friend, and I don't take travelers checks. (smiling as he puts his arm around Alex).

Alex: (reluctantly with a slight smile) OK, but when I decide I must continue this journey on my own, you'll HAVE to turn around... no questions asked. It's the only way you're going to be able to come along… agreed?

Milea Cher: Agreed! (also reluctantly)

Alex: I want to leave immediately so we can get there before nightfall. It's a long journey.

About an hour later, Alex and his friend start their trek towards what Alex believes to be a new beginning. As dusk falls, the two men finally reach the base of the mountain and despite the bright, clear evening sky, distant echoes of thunder greet them and seem to get louder as they approach.

Alex: Hear that? He's here! (looking up the mountain with a sly grin)

Milea Cher: Who's here?

Alex: A friend. Someone who will show us the way.

Milea Cher: What way? You're starting to scare me, boy.

Alex: It's the thunder...it's all starting to come together now. (appearing more confident).

Milea Cher: (Observing the decayed bones that litter the area around them) I hope you DO have a friend or two around...we just may need them right about now.

As both men slowly and cautiously proceed, they witness the unrelenting power of a forbidden land that has little forgiveness for those who choose to enter with little faith and large expectations of material-gain. With every step, the charred remains of non-believers litter the continuously narrowing path. Now with machetes in hand, both men cautiously hack their way towards the base of the mountain. Suddenly, out of nowhere the winds kick up in a wild frenzy followed by a massive bolt of lightening that strikes about 20 feet away from where they are standing.

Milea Cher: (Yelling over the sound of the wind and thunder) I thought you said you were absolutely convinced of your new identity.

Alex: I AM!

Milea Cher: Evidently, you're not. Now, quickly (grabbing Alex by the shoulders, looking eye to eye) cast all doubts from your mind. If you really believe in who you think you are: THE ONE, Convince yourself, NOW! Cast ALL doubts that may be hidden deep in you soul. (another bolt of lightning strikes even closer) You won't get another chance, my friend!

Alex looks directly into the eyes of a friend that he now doesn't seem to recognize.

Alex: Are you trying to scare me!

Milea Cher: Close your eyes and reach deeply, search yourself! Cast aside all arrogance and believe in yourself as the person you claim you are. You know it to be and so do I. Now do it, or end up like the other corpses that litter the jungle floor! Alex closes his eyes and is immediately overwhelmed by a sensation that consumes him.

Alex: It is me. I AM The One!

Almost immediately, the violent winds and crashing thunder subside. The force of the storm has subsided, opening an entrance to a clearing that is surrounded by massive stone structures-almost cathedral-like. In the middle is a large stone table. The sky has cleared and a vibrant full moon illuminates the area. Now able to speak in a calmer voice, Alex looks at his friend in awe of what he has seen and heard.

Alex: How did you know?

Milea Cher: About.....?

Alex: You know what about...how did you know I had even the slightest doubt about who I was?

Milea Cher: As you said, it's all in the thunder. The charred bags of bones lying around here belong to all those who felt they could conquer the mountain and its powers, they were wrong-dead wrong! Remember we discussed the fact that only the true prophet can enter the forbidden land...deep down, we now know that to be you. (Alex looks in bewilderment) It always was YOU. Now you must have absolute belief in yourself in order to be accepted into this forbidden land. Only THEN can you enter.

Alex: After all which has happened, I have no hesitations about making the commitment. (acting determined)

Milea Cher: We'll see. Come, let's proceed. (pointing to the open area) The test has just begun.

Alex: Test?

Milea Cher: Even though you have been selected and you are sure you want to be the One, you cannot take over the calling if you aren't fully committed to dedicating 100% of your effort of serving the creator. It's a very big job and demands someone who is ready to make the hard decisions and put the interests of God's work and his creations first. Can you really say that you are that person and you can live up to the responsibilities for the next 100 years?

Alex: As I said, I do. (without hesitation)

Milea Cher: Not so fast. I'm going to give you a little time to consider the offer.

Alex: (Getting a little nervous over the questioning) How do you know so much about this job? What makes you think I can handle it? What experience do you have with the calling of the prophet? (looking eye-to-eye).

CHAPTER 2: THE BIG DAY CHAPTER 8: BACK TO PARADISE