A moment of silence follows and you find yourself thinking about all you have just heard. Briefly you consider the danger of the mission and whether it is the Overlord’s will or not for such a young team to take on such a great responsibility, but then the realization strikes you like a lightning flash of confirmation. This is what you have been trained to do at the academy. If not this raid, then which one? Is it not the Overlord who gives the victory after all? In the back of your mind you sense the whisper of a still, small voice prompting you to take action.

With a suddenness that surprises even yourself, you push your chair back and stand up.

“Sir, I appreciate your desire to let us think this through, but I, for one, do not need to seek the High One’s will on this, for the Spirit confirms in me at the hearing of your words that this is my duty as a Lightraider. Though I do not know the further details of all that is required, I will pledge to go on this Raid!”

Suddenly you hear the sound of four more chairs scraping across the floor as your friends rise up in almost perfect unison to join you in your decision. Brother Perethan rises as well, a warm smile of approval upon his face.

“Excellent. Your decision pleases me.” Sir Talin says as he moves around the desk to stand before you. Then, to your surprise, he places his hand on your shoulder.

“Tharkon, because of your decisiveness in this matter and proven leadership skills in the past, I am appointing you the leader of this Raid. Receive this position with humility and wisdom for it is a great responsibility and the lives of your companions will depend on decisions you make. Will you accept this trust?”

“If the others will have me as their Raid Leader, Sir, then I accept.” you reply.

The others nod their approval and Sir Talin continues with the details of your quest, turning to gather the parchments from his desk and handing them to you.

“We have included all the instructions you will need to get started in these parchments. Unfortunately, we do not know exactly where either the prisoners or the sacred scrolls are being held for certain. Reports have been vague, but it is often the Overlord’s way to lead one step at a time. Brother Perethan received a Word of Knowledge in prayer this morning that is included among the parchments. It will serve as your starting point.”

“Now let us pray,” says Brother Perethan, “and anoint these young warriors for the task they are about to undertake for they will need a double portion of protection, power and wisdom.”

With that, the three elders encircle your group and lay their hands upon each of your shoulders. As you bow your head to receive the blessing, you begin to feel the peace of the Holy Spirit flow over you and through you, empowering you for what lays ahead. Soon, Brother Perethan’s voice is joined by Sir Ailyn and Sir Talin, agreeing in prayer on your behalf as the chorus of prayer rises in intensity.

And then you are overcome by the awesome presence of the Almighty as He overshadows you like the wing of a great bird and you sense his words speaking to your heart: “I Am the Overlord of Many Names. I have chosen you for such a time as this. Remember that I will be near to you. I will never leave you or forsake you, and lo’ I am with you always, even to the end of the World. You are my beloved child and I will not suffer you to fail in that which I have called you to do if only you will follow me and obey.”

The words flow over you like waters cleansing away all fear and doubt even as the anointing oil of Brother Perethan flows over your head and drips upon your shoulders. As the oil flows over you, you feel the hands of blessing upon your head and the strange sensation of armor being strapped to your body like someone is dressing you for war. But as you open your eyes in curiosity it is not metal that you see upon your body, but a supernatural vision of living light in the form of armor; a breastplate of purest white, boots, belt, and a shield like the sun, strapped to your arm. The Armor of God envelopes you and your companions! You are ready. Though you might be slain, yet will you follow your King!



CONTINUE



QUIT