Elric’s full attention turned to the war map and the activities unfolding there. A large black cloud rose up out of Jerusalem and moved toward Bethlehem. Elric shook his head with one hand half-covering his eyes. Unthinkable horrors moved across the map. There would be no stopping the wave of destruction about to wash over the Judean countryside.

In The Baptism, the second book in the series, captain Elric and his team maneuver to keep the King hidden and fight to stay one step ahead of a relentless enemy.

Even as they do, anticipation rises for the coming revelation of the King and the start of His campaign.

The lieutenants filed in and gave their reports. Rebellions and discontent festered throughout the entire region. The tentacles of darkness stretched out from the highest seats of power down into every person’s house. The darkness grew, and pressure built throughout the region.

The logirhim arrived with words from the Throne. The messengers came and went. Lieutenants shot in and out. Captains directed operations on a hundred fronts.

Elric leaned in toward Lacidar and whispered, “It has been a while since I’ve seen the larger picture. Our mission is so focused, it’s easy to forget all the parts that have to come together.”

“Do you miss the regional work?” Lacidar asked. “The complexity, the pace?”

Elric’s eyes sparkled and a slight grin curled his lips. “No, not really. What I miss is from long ago—perfection, peace, holiness…music.”

They watched the controlled mayhem in the middle of the room for another minute.

Elric crossed his arms and said, “Every day we get closer. Even as we wait, I feel like time is speeding up. The revelation of the King is so close—it feels like a mere breath away.”