Acts of Redemption

September 8th, 2007

Heroes vs villains

9/8/07 07:21 pm

Brothers and sisters,
The subject of heroism and villainy and good vs evil is one I have spent much time contemplating. What is a hero? Is it someone who triumphed over seemingly insurmountable odds? In the Bible there is the story of David and Goliath. Is David a hero for slaying a giant? Or what about Moses? He led the Israelites out of slavery to the promised land? I would say that both those acts are heroic. Neither man sought praise or adulation. They simply did what they were called to do. There are also plenty of villains in the bible. The Pharoah, King Herod, Pontius Pilate, Judas Iscariot. Why did they do the things they did? Was it weakness of character or simple greed? That certainly played a part. Why else would someone sell out their teacher and Lord for thirty silver pieces?
Villainy is still alive and well today, brothers and sisters. I'm not talking about robbers and murderers although they certainly can be considered villains, but the government that lets so many innocent people suffer and the men in power who can look down on the migrants and the poor. How dare they make them unwelcome in the Lord's house or threaten my ministry? Fifty bucks and a dead cow's fart indeed. How dare they with their vices and sin. Men like Carroll Templeton who can lie with innocent children and then dare to show his face at First Methodist and take the Lord's name in vane in my home. Oppressors who want nothing than to keep good hard working people down.
That is true villainy in these hard times. I intend to counter that with the help of the Lord and my ministry. It is my calling and my destiny. No longer will the Okies, the roadites, the migrants feel lost and downtrodden. They will always have a place in my new Canaan.
As the Lord has willed it so it shall be done.
Amen.

Current Location: New Canaan, CA
Current Mood: contemplative

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August 18th, 2007

Tell about a recurring dream

8/18/07 05:47 pm

A recurring dream? That's easy. Almost every time I fall asleep I dream of a man with a tattoo of a tree with a twisted trunk. He appears in many different locations. I've seen him walking down a country road, on the site of my New Canaan, and in the middle of a cornfield. Often Ben Hawkins is there when he appears. (Usually I'm chasing him.).
He is very muscular, with long black hair and shirtless to expose his tattoos. Another thing I find strange is that he never speaks. Usually he just looks at me. Recently I dreamed he appeared to me by the tree near which I am building my temple. He raised his hand and sliced his palm. Blue blood ran from the wound. I heard myself saying "He is the Usher." When I awoke I realized the "he" in the dream was me. I am the Usher of destruction. The following day I found a tattoo artist in Chinatown and began getting the tree tattoo on my own chest. Wilfred Talbot-Smith told me the blue blood signifies an avatar who has received his boon. (In other words, who has killed their opposite.) I will receive mine when I do away with Henry Scudder.
I don't mind the dreams as they give me insight into what I am. I am the Usher and I will prevail. My new temple will rise and my will shall be done. Such is my destiny and I embrace it.

Current Location: New Canaan, CA
Current Mood: busy

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July 28th, 2007

Letters

7/28/07 05:34 pm

To someone I've hurt

Dear Norman,
My adoptive father. I've always looked up to you. You tried to raise Iris and me as good Christians and for the most part you were successful. You had no way of knowing that saving me would turn out to be your biggest sin. How I wish you would have killed me when I gave you the chance in the chapel. It would have keept me from doing things I never wanted to. I hated watching you lie there in that Bed helpless. (I really hated that it came to that in the first place.)
It pained me even more when I turned my scythe on you. Unfortunately it was necessary. I hope you can understand and that you are finally at peace.
I never stopped loving you. I had no choice in what I did.
Please forgive me.-

Justin

To someone who hurt me

My dear sister,
How it pains me to write this. I never thought the person I'm closest to in this world would end up betraying me. You played the dutiful sister all the while plotting with Norman against me. You wanted to see my downfall at the hands of Ben Hawkins. You invited the very carnival that sheltered him right to our front door.
I liked seeing your fear on the ferris wheel.I wanted you to suffer for what you'd done. My dear two faced sister Iris. You escaped Norman's fate and for that you should be grateful. Next time you won't get off so easily. I am the Usher of destruction and no one plots against me and lives.
Remember that

Current Location: New Canaan, CA
Current Mood: contemplative

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July 11th, 2007

Religion

7/11/07 07:47 pm

Religion. A subject near and dear to my heart. As a man of God I have devoted my life to it's study and practice. Next to Iris the Lord is the person I care about the most. I have striven to do his work to the best of my ability and to lead my flock in these troubled times. And they are troubled. Just take a walk through the camp or a drive through the country and you'll see that. Tommy Dolan doesn't understand why I'll open my arms and offer my hospitality to all who come no matter the circumstances. It's my duty and my calling. Just as Jesus would never turn someone away be they a sinner, a prostitute, a leper, or a beggar, I will never turn my back on my people.
The only question I have about my faith is how can a God who who purports to love his children allow them to suffer as so many are now? It breaks my heart to see some of the migrants that come into the camp. They've lost everything and just have what few possessions they could carry. One thing they haven't lost is their faith. They may not be welcomed at First Methodist but they are always welcomed by the Lord.
If you asked me what the most important function of religion is today I'd say it is to give people comfort and hope in times of need. When the well fed people of priviledge and power (who are no better than pharisees or moneylenders in my opinion) turn their backs on those less fortunate or discriminate against them, they can take heart that not everyone has forsaken them. The Lord will never turn his back on his children no matter what they do.
I am proud to be the left hand of God and to do the work he has ordered me to do. Sinners like Carroll Templeton deserve to feel the cold justice of the Lord. (By rights he should have been struck down long before for laying with a child.) And don't get me started on the other members of my flock at First Methodist. The things I learned about them are frankly shocking. (And they call themselves good Christians) How dare they consider themselves better than the migrants? As it says in the Bible, "Let he who is without sin cast the first stone..." Words to take to heart I would say.
Amen.

Current Location: New Canaan, CA

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June 26th, 2007

My biggest secret

6/26/07 08:22 pm

As a man of the cloth I am somewhat hesitant to reveal this. My biggest secret is that I think I'm in love with my sister Iris. We've always been close, ever since we were small children. I remember snuggling against her as we huddled in the woods near where the train we were traveling on had crashed. Our mother had been killed and our father was who knew where. All we knew was that he had sent a bad man to kill us.
I remember the first time I ever realized I cared for Iris more than just as a sister. It was at the party to celebrate my ordination as a minister. I had stepped out on the veranda for some fresh air and she joined me. We talked and sipped lemonade and before I knew what was happening she was kissing me. Surprisingly I didn't mind or find it strange. I felt the stirrings of some deep primal emotion. I twas exhilarating and at the same time shameful. That night was also the first time I practiced self flagellation. I know what I did then and what I continue to do is a sin. I also know it makes me feel alive and I don't want to stop. It would kill poor Norman if he ever found out, and I shudder to think what the members of my flock at First Methodist would think. (Not that they are innocent of sin by any means. The things I know about them are shocking.)
This is my burden to bear and I bear it willingly.

Current Location: New Canaan, CA

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June 10th, 2007

Describe your perfect day

6/10/07 11:03 am

A perfect day for me would be waking to a beautiful sunny day with the birds singing outside my window and the smell of Iris's bacon and eggs wafting up from the kitchen. I'd have breakfast outside on the terrace overlooking my New Canaan. The Knights of Jericho would be doing their jobs and keeping the camp safe.
After relaxing with a cup of coffee and Iris's pleasant company I would retire to my study and work on my sermon for the evening's service. The words would flow from my pen and I would write a speech sure to hearten and inspire my flock. I am the Usher of destruction. I was chosen for this and I can do nothing less. I would spend the day ministering to my followers and taking care of other pressing business, namely the destruction of Henry Scudder and plotting the eventual end of Ben Hawkins. On a really perfect day Brother Varlyn would bring Scudder to me and I would dispatch him quickly and receive my boon.
In the evening I would preach to my faithful, giving them the hope they need to go on in this harsh world we are living in now. Their hymns of praise will be heard all over the valley.
Once things have concluded I would return to the house and prepare to retire for the night. I would kiss Iris and go into my room. Since this is a perfect day she would join me without hesitation.
I would love to experience a day like this. Someday hopefully I will.

Current Location: New Canaan, California
Current Mood: contemplative

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May 7th, 2007

Tell about one of your scars

5/7/07 07:32 pm

Tell about one of your scars

I have only one scar that means anything. I'm talking of course about the scar in the middle of my chest from being stabbed by the anointed dagger. I'll never forget seeing Ben Hawkins leaning over me with murder in his eyes and feeling the blade piercing my flesh. My only consolation is that I left him equally scarred. Just one more blow from my scythe and I would have finished the job. No sense dwelling on what was a bad situation from the get go. I will get my revenge and that's all that really matters.
Ordinarily a wound such as I received that night in the corn field would have healed quickly and without a scar. The difference in this one is the avataric blood the dagger was infused with.Like Kryptonite for Superman it's an avatar's one vulnerability. I'm honest enough to admit (to myself anyway) that it would have killed me if Sofie hadn't come.
I have mixed feelings about this scar. Part of me hates it. Every time I see it I'm reminded that I failed in destroying Hawkins. I'm reminded of how I was set up by those filthy carnies. Part of me likes it. It reminds me of what must be done and of what I was able to accomplish. The power that went through me as I brought the scythe down on poor deluded Norman and scattered my cowering flock.
Mark my words, I will defeat Hawkins and my kingdom will come. I am the Usher of destruction and it is my destiny.

Current Location: New Canaan, CA
Current Mood: aggravated

April 12th, 2007

Write a fan letter

4/12/07 10:00 pm

I'm not sure I completely understand what you mean by "Fan letter". I'm not really a fan of anyone but the Lord. Here's what I would say to him if I had the chance. (technically I already have since I've stated these things in prayer numerous times.)

My Lord,
As your humble servant I bow before your power and magnificence. I thank you on bended knee for choosing me to be the instrument to carry out your work. I heed your call and accept your service with open arms and heart. I pray you strengthen me for the great tasks ahead and guide the will of those who falter in their faith, those like Iris and Norman.
I also pray that you have mercy on your sons and daughters who are suffering the loss of their homes and their dignity. Grant them rest and salvation and open the hearts of those who would turn them away. Bring life to this dying land and renew the faltering faith of the migrants.
Guide me dear Lord and show me the path I must take. I willingly devoted my life to you and spreading your word. I will do all that you ask with gladness in my heart and peace in my soul. The road before me is long But I shall not falter. I am strong and your all knowing hand guides me. Help me to better serve you and my congregation.
Finally,
I thank you for all the blessings you have bestowed on Iris and myself and pray for continued good health and prosperity. May my new temple flourish in your name and may my words on the radio touch those who need them most. For all these things I pray.
Amen.

Current Location: New Canaan, CA
Current Mood: contemplative

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March 26th, 2007

Time

3/26/07 08:30 pm

"The clock is ticking brothers and sisters. The apocalypse is drawing near. Armageddon is almost upon us..." I spoke those words in my first radio broadcast, well ove a year ago. They were true then and they ring even truer now. A battle has been raging for countless centuries. A battle between good and evil. I am the latest in the long line of avatars of darkness. My path was set long before I was even born. A time of great upheaval is upon us brothers and sisters. The world is in flux and us along with it. Each second that ticks by brings us ever closer to the edge. Will we be able to step back from this precipice or will it lead to our untimely demise? We must consider these questions as we gird our loins and prepare to go forward into the abyss. The land is crying out. Our suffering migrant brothers and sisters are crying out. Will we ignore their pleas or will we help to bring prosperity, to bring life to this desperate land? Meditate on these truths brothers and sisters. Take them to heart. Time is getting short. The hourglass is emptying. Soon the bell will toll and you will be called to action. Will you heed that call or hide in fear? The choice is up to you. I made my decision when I realized my true nature. I will stride proudly into battle. From the ashes my new temple will rise. Victory will be mine. Join me and we will celebrate together on that glorious day when my plan has come to fruition.
Amen.

Current Location: New Canaan, CA
Current Mood: determined

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March 5th, 2007

Despair and disillusionment

3/5/07 08:06 pm

I don't know what I was expecting Henry Scudder to be but it wasn't the man brother Varlyn brought to me. A decrepit old man with long white hair. Avatar of darkness indeed. He wasn't even worthy of standing before me. I shouldn't have underestimated him though. Despite all appearances he was still very powerful. No one expected him to rip Wilfred Talbot-Smith from limb to limb like that, least of all me. I warned him that going to see Scudder was too dangerous. He had his own agendas though and didn't listen to me. What a shame.
I may have been disillusioned by Scudder but I never lost track of what I had to do. One swing of the scythe and the boon was mine. I remember the power flowing through me as I stood near the sacred tree holding Scudder's head aloft. What a feeling of euphoria that was. I was fully the Usher of destruction. The blood of the avatars flowed through me and I was prepared to face Ben Hawkins and prevail. One more task and I would achieve my destiny.
I felt the shock of despair again as I lay in the cornfield several days later, the life flowing out of me. I remember the searing pain of the dagger going in and Hawkins leaning over me. The next thing I knew my dear Sofie was restoring me to life. I also understood at that time that Hawkins still lived. My work was not yet done. I will not despair any more. There is still plenty of time.

Current Location: New Canaan, CA
Current Mood: cranky

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February 18th, 2007

Night

2/18/07 10:58 pm

Mintern was dark and silent. A soft breeze ruffled my hair as I walked towards the former Mr. Chin's. My vision of standing in the street praying as the snow fell and lightning flashed was heavy on my mind. I remembered how the lightning struck the neon sign and the sparks made the snow look like blood. I still could see the crimson red cross that was all that was left of the lights. This former den of inequity will be my new temple.The Lord has spoken and I heed his words.
I entered the empty building and went to the stage. The enormity of my task hung over me like a mantle. Emotions flooded over me as I began to preach. I imagined the room filled with my migrant congregation. I stood at the threshold of destiny.
When I returned home I broke down while talking to Iris. The enormity of my mission was just beginning to become clear to me. Am I worthy to be the Lord's servant? I asked myself that and many more questions as I knelt in my room stripped to the waist and flogged myself. The pain made it real to me. Made me real. I needed to suffer as the Lord did if I was to carry out the tasks he called me to do.
It was then that I began to have an
Inkling of my true nature and purpose.
It was a night I'll never forget.

Current Location: New Canaan, CA
Current Mood: contemplative

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February 2nd, 2007

Hindsight is always 20/20

2/2/07 08:12 pm

I never should have stepped foot on that blasted ferris wheel. I know that now. I let hubris and arrogance cloud my judgment and didn't see the trap laid out before me. I was solely focused on destroying Ben Hawkins and put out of my mind any concern over what the carnies may have had planned. Pride goeth before the fall and I am humbled to admit they nearly got the better of me.
Two good things did come out of this debacle however. Getting to see Iris squirm with fear as we sat stopped at the top of the wheel, and finally giving Norman what he deserved. My mind had never been more clear as when I swung the scythe and dealt death to those who cowered before me. What a feeling of power that was. Holy evil came indeed. I also learned the true nature of my dear Sofie that night as well a dealt Hawkins a blow he likely won't recover from completely.
How maddening it is to have revenge so close then to have it slip through your fingers. This is not over. Not by a long shot. The scar on my chest serves as a reminder of what has come to pass and what is yet for me to do. I will not rest until I achieve my destiny. As it is written in the book of Matthias my will be done.

Current Location: New Canaan, CA
Current Mood: annoyed

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January 28th, 2007

The morning after

1/28/07 04:18 am

It was a night I'll never forget. The carnival right in new Canaan. How they tricked me to get on the ferris wheel then tried to drain the life from me. How I very nearly got my revenge. I'll never forget chasing Ben Hawkins through the cornfield. The cool night air, the dry stalks slapping against me, the exquisite pain as the anointed dagger was plunged into my flesh, the descending darkness after.
My next clear memory is of the wind rustling the corn and the sun on my face. Then Sofie, dear sweet Sofie standing over me amid the withering stalks. I learned then that she is as I am and we share the same dark gifts. I slowly rose, feeling like Lazarus coming from the tomb. I never realized until then just how sweet something as simple as breathing in the cool morning air can be. Sofie turned to return to the house and I followed her. The camp seemed strangely quiet. The carnival had packed up and moved out before first light. "I see you made your choice." I said to Sofie. I was referring to the discussion we had had the previous morning that ended with her telling me to go to hell. It appears she intends to join me in bringing it here. She looked at me silently. I saw all the answer I needed in her eyes. "Thank you." I said softly. "Is this the first time you knew?" She nodded. "Yesterday, in the cabin. I saw what mother had kept hidden from me." We had reached the house by then. Silently, we went inside. There was much more that needed to be discussed but not at that moment. I was tired and certain I looked a fright. There was still a dark reddish scar in the middle of my chest. (I understand that is a result of the avataric blood the dagger was infused with. If Ben Hawkins survives he will have similar scars.) I made my way upstairs. As I passed by Iris's room I saw her kneeling by her bed praying. "Iris?" I said softly. She turned with a mixture of relief and horror on her face. A soft cry escaped her lips. "Justin?" She asked. "I thought you were dead."
"You thought incorrectly." I went to her and embraced her. She backed away and immediately started examining my wounds. "You're hurt." I shook my head. "It's nothing. Just a flesh wound. Get dressed and we'll have breakfast." She hugged me again. "I'm so glad you're alright." I kissed her gently then went to my room to freshen up a bit. I knew I had been restored to life for a reason. My work is not yet done. I am the Usher of destruction and my kingdom will rise.

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December 12th, 2006

Sunrise

12/12/06 10:14 pm

I woke at dawn after having another strange dream. There was a spark of excitement in the pit of my stomach. Today was the day I would either realize my destiny as the Usher or die in the process. I was reminded of this as my razor nicked my flesh bringing forth drops of Blue blood. Looking out my bedroom window I could see the tents of the carnival setting up in the valley. The frame of the ferris wheel looked like a skeleton against the sky. The sunrise seemed even more breathtaking this morning. Perhaps because it could Be my last. (Could be, not will be. I fully intend to get rid of Ben Hawkins once and for all.) I still find it hard to believe Iris invited the people who could be my undoing right into our own back yard. Thankfully I have brother Varlyn and the Knights of Jericho to keep an eye on things.
If I didn't have enough to worry about I found out that Sofie was part of the carnival that sheltered Hawkins and that she couldn't be trusted. The nerve of her to choose him over me and tell me to go to hell. She'll soon learn what a mistake that was. They'll all learn. I am the Usher of destruction and my time is at hand. This is the beginning of the day I'll rid myself of ben Hawkins once and for all and realize my destiny. The time is now.

Current Location: The Temple of Jericho, CA
Current Mood: contemplative

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November 23rd, 2006

Road trip

11/23/06 04:11 am

I was on a journey. A journey of discovery and redemption. My church had been burned to the ground and six children and their matron had perished. My mind was in turmoil as I left the burned out husk of my ministry and got on the bus to who knows where. I spent several subsequent nights in a hobo's camp telling stories and numbing the pain with liquor. That should give you an idea of how far gone I was. I never ordinarily drink alcohol or just take off with only the clothes on my back and without telling Iris. I found my way somehow to a bridge and was contemplating jumping. While overlooking the frigid water I had an epiphany. I knew then what I really was and what I had been called to do. The police came and I was carted off to sherwood state mental hospital. There I was subjected to all sorts of painful and demeaning treatments in an attempt to cure my "religious excitation" as they called it. I soon learned how to make the best of a bad situation and bend people to my will. While hospitalized I completed my memoir, "Acts of redemption", even though I was not allowed pen or paper. Eventually I was released and returned to Mintern. I knew then exactly what I was and that Iris had kept it from me.
This might not have been what you would consider a typical road trip. It wasn't fun, and was actually quite painful. It was necessary though. Sometimes discovery is unpleasant and pain is a necessary side effect.
Amen.

Current Location: The Temple of Jericho, CA
Current Mood: busy

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November 15th, 2006

The moral of the story is

11/15/06 07:37 pm

I'll start from the beginning. I noticed Eleanor McGill the first time she walked into First Methodist. It was hard not to with her ragged clothes and the fact that she was all covered in dirt. I saw how desperately she prayed and it touched me. Then she made the mistake of taking that dollar out of the collection basket. I understand why she did it. Desperate times breed desperate action. That doesn't make it right though. I'm glad Iris saw her do it and kept her from slipping out of the church. After the service I saw the fear in her eyes as I talked to her. She certainly wasn't a criminal, just a victim of the hard times we're living in. At first I was surprised when she began to vomit coins. Then I realized that I made it happen. I was shocked naturally, but part of me was glad. I was given this gift by the Lord for a reason and I wanted to use it.I am truly sorry I had to put the fear of God in Eleanor like that but it was necessary. I'm sure she'll think twice before helping herself like that again. She certainly was a changed woman when I saw her and her family at church the following sunday.
The moral of this story is never help yourself to money from the collection basket. (another moral could be never cross the Usher of destruction.)

Current Location: The temple of Jericho, CA
Current Mood: accomplished

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October 30th, 2006

What do my ancestors mean to me

10/30/06 08:06 pm

What do my ancestors mean to me?

I don't remember much about my mother Plemina. She died when I was very young. I do get the impression from Iris that she was somewhat unbalanced mentally. I didn't know my real father Lucius much either. He left us shortly after I was born. (he also sent an assassin to kill us in America when I was five) I know now that he was what is known as an avatar, a trait I inherited. He and I are the latest in a long line of avatars. Sofie, my daughter is the last in the line. The Omega. Who the foremother of all avatars, the Alpha was I do not know. There have been people like me, Henry Scudder, Ben Hawkins, and Sofie all throughout history. I have only recently learned of my true destiny and what I must do to fulfill it. I would be fairly safe in saying the same is true of Ben Hawkins. Scudder has been denying what he is his whole life. Sofie does not know of her true nature yet. I believe she has an inkling though.
As for my other ancestors, I really can't say much since I don't know much about my family of origin in Russia. Iris says we come from a line of good hard working people. We weren't rich but we were comfortable. I could say the same about my life now. Iris and I have everything we need. I feel I am truly blessed when I see how so many are suffering in these hard times. I try my best to share my good fortune through my ministry. Hopefully I am doing some good.

Current Location: The temple of Jericho, CA
Current Mood: amused

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October 22nd, 2006

What keeps me up at night

10/22/06 11:40 pm

What keeps me up at night?

The work I was called to do. Finding Henry Scudder and receiving my boon.

Thankfully everything is happening as it should. Varlyn was successful in finding Scudder and bringing him to me. That put my mind at rest. I admit that I haven't been sleeping that well since I found out what I must do. I was still up and awake when Brother Varlyn arrived in New Canaan. He did a good job in finding Scudder, but perhaps I should have been more specific in my instructions for controlling him. Wilfred Talbot-Smith informed me that killing Scudder while he was in a drugged state could have disastrous results. I was half ready to ignore him and just get on with it. Thankfully cooler heads prevailed.

Henry Scudder is different than I expected. The avatar of darkness is just a pathetic older man. I could crush him easily if I wanted to, as I could destroy Ben Hawkins. I appreciate Wilfred's knowledge and insight on what I must do to become the usher. I would not have understood what it means to be an avatar without him and the book of Matthias. I do grow tired of him at times though. As for his request, I think it's in his best interest if he doesn't go anywhere near Scudder. He's too valuable as I told him.

I have a lot on my mind lately. My path, my destiny, my followers. Then there's Norman and Iris. I still can't believe Norman tried to kill me. There's no way he'd succeed, it's just that he had the gall to try that irks me. And dear, sweet Iris. I'm having doubts about where her loyalties lie. She and Norman seem thick as thieves lately. With all this to think about it's a wonder I get any sleep at all.

Current Location: The temple of Jericho, CA
Current Mood: awake

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October 13th, 2006

A summer memory

10/13/06 07:24 pm

I remember it like it was yesterday. I was seven and Iris was thirteen, and Norman took us to the carnival for the first time. We thought it was a wondrous place. (there wasn't anything like that in Russia that I can remember.) I especially liked riding the ferris wheel. It seemed like I could see for miles from the top. ( Iris wouldn't even get on it. She was and still is terrified of heights.) Norman bought us balloons and bags of roasted peanuts and we saw the ten in one show. ( we didn't see the cooch. I remember Norman had more than a few words to say about the peddling of flesh.) What I remember most is what happened in the house of mirrors. There didn't seem to be anyone else around. I was captivated by my reflection in the different mirrors and didn't notice that Iris had gone. When I realized I was all alone I panicked and started running around calling out to her. I got myself pretty lost in the process. I finally heard her cry out and ran around a partition to see Iris being attacked by a ragged looking hobo. (it actually wasn't surprising that a hobo would have found his way into the funhouse. The carnival was on the outskirts of Mintern near the train tracks.) "Run Alexei." Iris told me. "Nyet, Nyet." I answered her. Summoning all the courage a seven year old could muster I faced the hobo. "Let her go you brodyaga." ( My English still wasn't perfect.) I felt a rage flowing through me. Suddenly the hobo was jerked backward and his neck snapped sharply. Iris ran over to me. "What did you do Alexei?"
"I don't know." I told her. We ran out of the house of mirrors as fast as we could. Norman had been looking all over for us and lectured us on running off like that. I was too numb at that point to care. As we were leaving a man in a top hat and tails looked at me and said "Every prophet in his house." When I turned back to look at him he was gone. I kind of lost interest in carnivals after that. Now Iris has allowed one to set up in new Canaan. It remains to be seen what will happen. I don't have a good feeling about this.

Current Location: The temple of Jericho, CA
Current Mood: contemplative

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October 7th, 2006

Hidden

10/7/06 08:33 am

Hidden

I don't know if you'd call it a gift or a curse but I have the ability to see inside people's souls and know their most hidden sins. I knew of Carroll Templeton's perversions just by touching him. I also discovered Norman Balthus's darkest sin that way. You can imagine the shock when I saw it was saving and caring for me. I'm not surprised Norman couldn't do what needed to be done in the church that day. He's too much of a good and gentle soul. I'm sorry he had to end up as he did.
I don't always have to touch people to know what they keep most hidden. In First Methodist I needed only to look paritioners in the eyes to reveal their secrets. I shudder to think what I would have learned of Iris if I had gotten that far. Would it have been the burning of the ministry or something else entirely? I also needed only to look at Celeste to know her inner pain. And what pain it was. To need to tear at one's one flesh in penitance. I thought I could help her, poor orphaned girl, but unfortunately her mind proved too weak.
What secrets will I learn next? Only the Lord knows. As his humble servant I do his work and use the abilities I was gifted with.

Current Location: The Temple of Jericho, CA
Current Mood: busy