JONAH – FINAL SEGMENT

When we left Jonah last week, his father, Drake, had given him a key that allowed passage through the portal to a paradise on the other side of the island. The enormity of the sacrifice Tidus had made to try and help him overwhelmed Jonah. He’s taking in this new world but still doesn’t know what his assignment will be. Let’s join Jonah, Tidus, Drake, and Jade for the conclusion of this story.

Jonah turned in a full circle taking in the beauty surrounding him. Palm trees swayed, turquoise water lapped at the shore, birds chirped, and brilliant flowers filled the air with their sweet fragrance.

island

The beauty made his head spin. A large house with stone dragons guarding the entrance sat approximately one hundred yards away.

Drake stood beside Jonah. “You’re home, my son. I have dreamed and hoped for this day when I could claim you. You are strong and brave. You’re everything my son should be.”

Jonah mumbled. “Thank you, sir.”

“I will teach you our ways, and your magic will grow, just as it did with your mother. But, you will have to work hard.”

“You mean like chores?” Jonah asked.

A deep rumbling laugh erupted from Drake’s chest. “I guess you could put it that way.”

Jade reached for Tidus’ hand. “Come, my love. We have some catching up to do.”

Tidus wrapped an arm around his mother’s waist and they walked toward the house, heads together, speaking in low voices. The obvious love between them brought a lump to Jonah’s throat. How he wished for the love of a mother, but his mother was dead and not coming back. He was happy for Tidus, though. The kid deserved to have his family again. He faced Drake.

“I’m ready. What do you have to show me?”

Drake pulled a spyglass from his coat and passed it to Jonah. “Turn around and look through this glass in the direction we came.”

Spyglass2

Jonah put the spyglass up to his eye and let out a shocked gasp. It was as if none of the rocks or brush existed and he had a clear view of the place he’d just left less than half an hour ago.

A smaller boat than the one he had refused to leave on, pulled up to the dock and dropped off a passenger. The memory of himself in that exact situation flooded Jonah. But, wait! It wasn’t a male. It was a female with long flaming red hair!

female red hair

He turned in confusion. “I don’t understand.”

“She, like you, has been banished to the island for her crimes. You will be allowed to help her, but only when she is seeking and ready. You can observe her from time-to-time but, cannot go to her until she does her part of the work.”

Jonah asked. “So, I will be for her like Tidus was for me? Is she my sister? Is she one of us?”

Drake chuckled. “No, my son. She is a mere mortal trying to find her way. And, yes, you will help her. As a half-mortal, you are more able to understand and communicate. She is your first assignment.”

Jonah turned back toward the girl. That moment of helplessness, fear and vulnerability he’d first felt, when he’d been in her shoes, washed over him. It was almost as if he could read her thoughts and emotions.

Drake laid a hand on his shoulder. “Remember what you’ve learned. She must seek inside herself for redemption and answers. In the meantime, you will become my student. And, when you are ready, you will meet the others.”

“Others?” Jonah found words jumbled with thoughts and hard to form.

“Yes, Jonah. Others. We are not alone. But, all in good time. For now, let’s go to the house and get you a proper bath, and clothes.

Jonah nodded and fell into step beside Drake, the powerful Wizard ― his father.

In losing everything, Jonah had found all that he sought. And so it is for us mere mortals from time to time.

THE END

I sincerely hope you’ve enjoyed Jonah’s story. It’s been a pleasure to share it with you. My intent was that maybe you’d find bits and pieces of inspiration along the way. To those of you who followed it from the beginning, thank you from the bottom of my heart!

 

Jonah – Part 14

When we left Jonah last week, not only had he chosen to stay on the island when the boat finally came for him, but he met Drake and Jade and learned a huge secret. Drake is his father. Jonah is half Wizard and half mortal. And now, Drake has told him he has work to do. To say the least, Jonah is overwhelmed with all the developments. I thought I would end Jonah’s story with this segment, but there will be one more. 🙂

“Work to do?” Jonah asked.

“Yes. While you are learning of our ways and practicing the magic, you will be given assignments.” Drake paused. “You see, our original mission on earth was to help mortals find their true selves and lead them into the light and knowledge that lies within each of them.”

“How am I going to do that trapped on this island?” Asked Jonah.

“I will show you. We will work together.” Drake handed Jonah a small staff with a pulsating blue Crystal attached to the end.

blue crystal staff1

Jonah accepted the staff and was surprised to feel it vibrating in his hand. “What is this?”

“It is your key to passage through the portal.” Drake stood and pointed to the North.

Again, Jonah’s head swam. “Portal? I don’t understand, sir.”

“You remember how you tried to follow Tidus the first day you met him, and how the snakes blocked your way while he disappeared through a crevice in a stone?”

Jonah nodded.

“This Crystal allows you passage through that portal into our world.”

Jonah stared at the glowing gem. “I still don’t understand.”

“It will all become clear,” Drake put a hand on Jonah’s shoulder. “Gather your things. Let’s go.”

It only took Jonah a few short minutes to gather his meager possessions. He stuffed everything into a small bag and threw it over his shoulder. With a quick backward glance, Jonah bid farewell to the place where only a short time ago, he’d thought he was doomed to spend the rest of his life. When he stepped away, he watched mesmerized as the hut, the beginnings of the garden, and everything surrounding it dissipated into a dark vapor. Nothing but stinging nettles and tangled brush covered the area.

The four of them, Drake, Jade, Tidus, and Jonah followed a clear and unobstructed path toward the North.

When they reached the crevice in the rock, Drake stood aside. “Go ahead, Jonah.”

Crevice

Jonah hesitated. He held the staff in front of him and cautiously approached the rock. With a swoosh of air, he found himself in the most beautiful tropical paradise imaginable.

He turned around in time to see Drake, Jade, and Tidus appear in a mist. This was where Tidus lived. The enormity of the sacrifice Tidus had made to help him overwhelmed and took his breath away. And, to do it without knowing Jonah was his half-brother.

He approached Tidus with tear-filled eyes. “You gave up all of this to hang out with me in hell?” He made a flourish with his right hand.

Tidus grinned. “It was better than being here completely alone.”

“Thanks, kid,” Jonah choked. “I never imagined your world was this.”

“And, now it’s your world too, Jonah.”

Drake and Jade stood arm-in-arm and observed the two. Jade looked up at her mate. “We did well, my Lord.”

Drake lowered his head and claimed her lips. “That we did, my Lady.”

“I have one regret,” Jade said. “I wish I had been Jonah’s mother.”

Drake sighed. “Ah, my love. I could but wish I had only one regret.”

**Please join me next week for the conclusion to Jonah’s story**

Jonah – Part 13

When we left Tidus and Jonah last week, Jonah had missed the boat. He couldn’t find it in himself to leave Tidus behind, so chose not to go. Now, he’s having serious doubts about whether he did the right thing. And, they have company. Let’s see who it is.

Tidus looked up and let out a cry.

A man dressed in black leather boots, a long black brocade vest adorned with shining gold trim, a red and black silk cape slung across his shoulders and golden sword stood over them.

Drake

Weilderwolves stood like docile pets, on either side of the man. Gone were the blood red fangs and they looked up at him with adoring eyes.

“Father!” Tidus ran to him. “I thought you’d forgotten me.”

Drake embraced his son, then turned his gaze on Jonah.

“You did a righteous thing here today, Jonah. You cared more for Tidus than you did your freedom.”

Jonah swallowed hard unable to find his tongue.

Tidus knelt at his father’s feet and kissed his boots.

Jonah wondered. Was he expected to do the same? He certainly didn’t want to be skinned alive. He joined Tidus.

“Up, the both of you,” Drake ordered.

In an instant, a woman appeared beside Drake. With her long flowing blonde hair, purple, gold and green regality, she resembled a mythical goddess.

Jade

Tidus flew into her arms. “Mother!” Tears streaked down his face and he choked on his words. “I thought you died.”

Jade crooned, “Oh, my son. It was necessary for you to believe you were all alone so that you and Jonah could complete your lessons.” She stroked the boy’s hair. “I didn’t want to leave you but I knew you were ready for the task. You did well, Tidus, son of Drake and Jade.”

Jonah stared with an open mouth. If his life depended on him finding words to say, he’d surely die this minute.

His gaze returned to Drake. An electrifying aura floated around the warlock; something that resembled pictures he’d seen in books of the Aurora Borealis. Jonah sensed the strength of Drake’s magic. It ignited a flame inside him. Oh, how he wanted this gift. But, he was a mere mortal. Mere mortals could never possess magic this strong.

His eyes locked with Drake’s. Light shot out of them into Jonah’s and he blinked hard and struggled to stay on his feet.

Tidus touched Drake’s arm. “Father, Jonah is trapped here. The boat just left.”

“I know, son. It was the final test.”

Jonah found his voice. “Test for what, sir?”

“Come. Sit.” Red velvet chairs appeared out of nowhere.

red velvet

Jonah stumbled forward and found a seat. His head swam with confused thoughts. Was it possible that he was asleep and dreaming? Had the stress of missing the boat cost him what was left of his sanity?

But, he sat and listened.

The Warlock, Drake, spoke with a deep rumble, “You see, Jonah, I knew your mother many years ago. She was a student, learning our ways when the leaders discovered what we were doing and killed her.” He cleared his throat. “But, she was more than just a student. She was my lover.”

Jonah scooted to the edge of his chair. “You knew my mother?”

Drake nodded. “I have watched and waited to see if you would have the same gift. You’ve kept it well hidden but, nevertheless the spark is there.”

Jonah waited for him to continue, his gaze darting from Drake to Jade and Tidus. This had to be a dream. Nothing about it could be real. And yet the plush red velvet chair beneath him felt real.

“The gift?” Jonah asked.

“Like I said, your mother, Elizabeth, was my student,” Drake said. “She was learning how to use the magic, and her powers were growing daily. It broke my heart into a million pieces when they killed her.” His voice hardened. “I wasn’t there to protect her, but let me assure you, young Jonah, that the man responsible for her death paid dearly.”

“Wait,” Jonah interrupted. “Let’s go back. You said my mother was your lover. Does that mean…?” His words trailed off, and he glanced at Jade too embarrassed to continue.

Drake nodded. “Yes, Jonah. You are my son.” Drake reached for Jade’s hand. “It was before I found Jade. I loved Elizabeth and you were born out of that love.”

Again, his head swam. The son of a powerful Warlock? How could that be? And yet it all made sense except for one part.

He faced Drake. “If you are my father, why did you let them put me in the orphanage after they killed my mother?”

Drake sighed. “It was a hard choice, but at that time, we were fighting to survive. The leaders were determined to extinguish all of us and our kind. Many times, I counseled with the elders. I begged them to let me go for you. But, they refused. After all, you were half mortal.”

Jonah ran a hand through his dark hair. “And what happens now? Am I destined to exist in this godforsaken place forever?”

“No. But if you want to learn and grow your magic, you have work to do.”

 

Jonah Part 4

Last week, Jonah had managed to make a stew out of some of his dried buffalo. The books still lay untouched, the message on the note ignored. He has an unlikely visitor who has shown up. Let’s go see what he can find out about this strange boy.

Jonah gripped the boy’s arm so tight he cried out.

“Ouch. You’re hurting me,” he complained.

“If I let go, you better not run. I promise I can hurt you more than you can imagine.” He loosened his grip but maintained contact.

They reached the hut and Jonah pushed the boy inside. He landed on his backside and Jonah followed.

Inside the tiny shelter, Jonah suddenly felt suffocated. What was it with this kid? He wasn’t normal.

“Okay, boy. I need some answers.” He sucked in a breath between his teeth. “Where did you come from?”

“The caves,” replied the boy.

“What caves?”

“I can show you, but you have to promise not to hurt me.”

“What is wrong with your eyes and hands?” Jonah prodded

The boy shrugged. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“Who are you?”

The visitor lifted his chin. “I am Tidus, son of Drake and Jade.”

Jonah sat on his haunches. “That tells me nothing. Are you from the mainland?”

Tidus pointed toward the outline of the giant city over the horizon. “You mean there?”

Jonah nodded.

“No. I tell you, I came through the caves. I was tired of being alone. Tired of the deafening silence, so I went exploring and found you.”

Puzzled, Jonah drew circles in the dirt floor. “Are you an Enchanter?”

“Don’t guess I know what that is.” He shifted and spread his webbed hands in front of him. “Let me show you the caves. It is beautiful on the other side.”

“Fair enough, but don’t try anything funny or it will be the last thing you do. Show me the other side” He brandished the dagger.

They exited the hut and Jonah followed close behind the boy as he moved effortlessly through the brambles and stinging nettles. It almost appeared as if they moved out the boy’s way, but then quickly closed back and Jonah’s skin stung everywhere they touched.

Brambles

After a mile, the boy stopped short. “This is far as I can take you. They won’t let you go any farther.”

Jonah exploded. “They who?”

The boy disappeared into a slim crevice in the earth.

Crevice

Jonah hurried to follow only to find a legion of green slimy snakes blocking the way. He turned to flee and found more curled up and ready to strike in every direction. He screamed. “Tidus! Where are you?”

He was answered by hisses and slithering.

Green Snake

He swung his dagger, turning in a circle, faster and faster. Oblivious to the poisonous thorns and brambles, he vaulted over the snakes and ran as fast as his legs could carry him back to safety.

Breath came in ragged gasps and he didn’t stop running until he was chest deep in the gray muddy water that surrounded his prison. He pounded the water with angry fists and let out a string of curses.