Prologue
It was metal. Sure. However, it was more than just an element. It was case hardened-steel. The tip had a pointed edge. It looked sharp. In fact, it was extremely sharp. And not only the tip. The blade was six inches long, serrated, too. It did not matter. From my vantage point, whatever length it was, would be too long. I saw him brace and move his left hand to join the right. Both hands now firmly positioned on the knife handle. He stretched his arms. The blade was tilted slightly upwards, perhaps at a 30-degree angle. He waited for me to do the rest. I obliged. There was absolutely nothing I could do to avoid the impending penetration. The sharp, cold steel was about to make contact with the skin on my chest. It would begin its destructive path and proceed nearly six inches deep, into my body. Vital organs would be destroyed on the short journey. My body, traveling at quite a speed, a combination of 160 pounds of sprinting mass diving in a prone form, was about to impale itself on a cold, ugly weapon. The projection of the impending disaster sent deep chills through my sweating body.
The image, burnt onto my forehead, displayed the events following the death of my body. The reverberations around me were staggering. My whole inner being was about to erupt in a rage of Vesuvius like proportions. Although the image was without sound, it was not quiet. There were torrents of fury speeding throughout the body. Outrage and disbelief at this senseless destruction vibrated from the brain. All organs, including nerves and vessels, were panicked into communicating their desperation. They were unable to implement corrective action. A virus or bacterium could be challenged by sending internal forces to attack. But this? A lifetime of growth and effort was destroyed in just moments. The sheer futility of violent death weighed heavily within my aura. Strangely, I felt no pain. It was numbing I suppose, both physically and intellectually. I felt nothing.
A ghost like crowd gathered and stared down at me. While their forms were apparent, I could not distinguish one from another. However, one emotion was obvious. They wept silently. Then they began to pray. I had heard the prayer many thousands of times, but never for me. ‘Yitgadal’...
Chapter 1
“All new arrivals please move to the open area just to the right of Babel Tower. Take your time, dear souls; we will be admitting you officially over the next few minutes. Please don’t fret or rush. Feel free to stop into any of the many outlets scattered in the surrounding area and help yourselves. Utilize this opportunity to enjoy the beautiful scenery while we prepare for a wonderful welcome to the ultimate destination: Heaven,” the soft, feminine voiced echoed.
“We suggest you remain at a distance within visibility of High Gate, your recent entry point, at all times prior to completion of confirmation. We would hate to lose you at this late hour, especially after your arduous journey of many years on and from Earth. Welcome again, deserving souls. May the rewards you enjoy in Heaven be many multiples greater than the wildest expectations dreamed during your earth sojourn.”