Hope in Deep Waters (an AtE story) Ch. 6

The Maker's Good Decree

“Are Grandpa and Nugget and Grandma here too?” inquired Janner.

Yes. And you shall see them again one day, but now is not the time.

“But- Why not?” asked a baffled Janner.

I'm not done with you yet, the Maker responded.

“What does that mean?”

I've heard your mother's prayers and I see how your brother needs you, not just as a physical protector. I have more plans for you in Aerwiar.

Janner was torn. He dearly wanted the opportunity to serve the Maker more with his life and to see his family again and comfort them, but his stomach twisted at the thought of leaving Esben.

His papa placed a strong, gentle hand on his back and pointed out with a smile, “it's not like you'll never see me again. Go on. Serve the Maker. Always remember that I love you and am watching you with pride.”

Janner leaned into his father and smiled.

“Oh, and will you tell your mother and your brother and sister some things for me?”

He told his son the messages.

Janner grinned. “Yes, sir.”

With a cheery look of mischief, Esben playfully punched him in the shoulder. “That's my boy! Till we meet again then.”

“Till we meet again.”

It is time, announced the Maker's voice, powerful as the sea but gentle as a dove. I have great things in store for you, Janner.

As the two syllables of his name faded in his ears, Janner felt a change in his surroundings that he could not describe, though not for lack of trying. A warm spring breeze? No. Waking up from a refreshing sleep? Not quite. Getting out of a warm bath with steam rising off your clean and refreshed skin? That still wasn't it. Soon, he gave up trying to describe it. Come to think of it, that bath metaphor seems more accurate now, he noted. Why was he wet?