Pearl

The parchment scroll lay on the marble ledge. It crackled slightly because it was crisp and new and has just been unsealed. The glowing lights made reading it quite easy on the eyes and did not leave any room for a misinterpretation of things. Or of doubt. Besides, the receiver already had an inkling that it was an important summons before breaking the seal and was naturally proven right. “Well now, it looks like I’ve been summoned.” “I like how you state the obvious, old friend. We all have been summoned one way or the other, and this is not your first time, surely.” The receiver’s companion had a naturally lively personality and did enjoy a bit of lighthearted teasing on a regular basis. The receiver is quite used to it and often appreciated it because it added just the right touch of merriment that was quite appropriate in most days. And especially welcomed in more serious times, such as the present. Curious, the companion stood up and joined the receiver in going over the contents of the summons. “How interesting. I had no idea we would encounter it again. Most of mankind believe it to have been lost forever.” “So it has been found then?” “Not really.” “What do you mean? Did it not vanish from the human world below because of age and the ravages of time?” “Not at all. Based on what I’ve heard from the others, the keepers of the faith have safeguarded its existence for nearly two millennia. But in order to keep its existence a secret, it was passed down from one random person to another, never staying in one place for long. And there was no set time when to transfer it to the next keeper. It was all completely unplanned.” “A wise move.” “Indeed. They also made another wise move.” “Which is?” “All throughout their history, they concocted stories and legends about it. Where it is. What it is called. What it looked like. I must say, the stories they’ve come up with are quite creative, and often downright bizarre at times. Some believe it is a rare jewel. Others think it can transmute lead to gold. Not a few even believe it is a living creature, and not an object at all.” “So, in other words it was there all along even when many believe it was lost. Or just one of many myths.” “Yes.” “Then that is very clever of them. I must commend the keepers for being consistent. And for continuing the charade for a surprisingly long time.” “A long time? Two thousand years is just a sneeze for us.” “Ah, but you forget. Time moves differently for them.” “Oh, right. I forgot about that.” “We also don’t sneeze,” the first one said with a smile. Or what could pass for a smile among their kind. “You’re quite the comedian, aren’t you?” But there was no sarcasm in the other one’s voice. There was no need to since several millennia of working together have forged a close bond between them and among the others that no human could even begin to comprehend. Genuine good-natured teasing came hand in hand with genuine praise in their world. “But I don’t joke around when duty calls. Especially, when He gives the orders.” “No, you do not.” “We all do not.” “Praise Him.” The two uttered the words in worshipful unison. They halted before two great doors of an immense height that could not be measured by mortal means. The structure of the doors, as well as its beautiful construction were beyond the capacity of any human language to describe. “I shall take my leave then,” the second one said, accompanied with a small, slight bow. “I wish you would not though.” “Don’t tell me you’re nervous, Nahaliel.” “Hahaha, no. Being in His presence never makes me nervous. But I find myself pondering on this particular summons.” “I can imagine. But He sees everything.” “He knows everything.” “Everything happens for a reason.” “And He makes everything beautiful in its time.” Nahaliel took a step towards the doors that led to the throne room. And stopped. “What is it? Why did you pause?” “I just realized something. They will find it very hard to understand the wondrous but complicated nature of it. And that will make it incredibly difficult to convince them what it is. And what it entails. And how the others also want it for themselves.” “Faith, my friend. As well as hope.” “And most of all, love.” “You will do well, my friend. I’m sure of it.” “Thank you.” With a grace and dignity that was unearthly, Nahaliel entered the throne room and prepared to be briefed on what was to be done. --------------------- “Do you agree to this then, Nahaliel?” “It is the greatest duty - and the greatest joy - to serve Thee.” “Know that the others want it as well. Consider this carefully and well in whatever action you will take.” “I understand.” “And never forget to always take them into account. In fact, they carry much more weight than the others. Remember that each and everyone of them is precious to Me.” “This too, I will follow to the best of my ability.” “I am glad of this. You may go now.” “Thy will be done.” Nahaliel was almost at the great doors when additional instructions were given. “I have given leave for Ruhiel to aid you, if you so wish it.” “Thank You. I am truly grateful for this.” “You are welcome. But do not forget that I love them, despite their great many shortcomings.” “You always have. The passage of time and of all things will not change this.” He was silent for a while and smiled. “Godspeed, Nahaliel.” Indeed! That was quite an interesting word to use … With a clear vision and a nimble heart, Nahaliel left. --------------------- Afterwards and in the space of a heartbeat, the noiseless humming of Nahaliel’s wings signaled a descent to the Earth