Legends of Amacia: Mysteries of Tiamat
The Marriage

Several days passed and Hannibal’sstrength slowly returned. He spent time in the game room swimming, using theworkout equipment, playing basketball, and practicing his martial arts prowessthrough Kata workouts and sparring. Selina stayed with him constantly, actingas a trainer and assistant. Within a week and a half with Selina’s help, he wasback to normal and deep into planning the expedition to Amacia. The onlydifferences in him consisted of being much more knowledgeable about the Templemachinery and structure being researched along with his hair, which now hadprominent snowy white streaks flowing back from both temples. He also couldread and speak the Stone Language fluently without the need of a computer,which astonished everyone. Hannibal issued orders for no one to penetrate thethird chamber in the Library and told Harry to keep the locket with him at alltimes. No one balked at the order since there were so many other avenues ofresearch being conducted in the Temple. As time passed, the colossal amount ofknowledge infused into Hannibal’s tiny brain slowly filtered back to him intiny bits and pieces. A month after his encounter with the teaching machine inthe Library, the final preparations coalesced for the long anticipatedexpedition.

At 8:00 pm one Wednesday evening,Hannibal lay relaxing on his sofa in his quarters when Harry come calling. Hesat examining several notebooks brought to him by Dan concerning the Libraryresearch. Classical music echoed softly through his quarters. Hannibal heard aknock and called out, “It’s open.” Harry strode in with a mild, happy look onhis face, dressed in a casual manner with a dress shirt, slacks, and loafers.

“What’s going on Harry?” Hannibal askedas Harry sat down on the edge of the recliner next to the sofa.

“Oh, nothing” Harry answered with asmile. “I just thought I’d see if you wanted to come with me to the cafeteriafor a drink or cup of coffee or something. Because we’ve been so busy lately, Ithought that maybe we could just have a friendly drink like we used to. Do youwant to come?”

Hannibal’s gazed narrowed as he triedto figure out Harry’s game. It was out of character for Harry to ask suchthings. He thought for a minute, and then tossed the notebook he was readingaside, sitting up. “Sure. I’d love to,” he chimed.

They rose and Hannibal straightened hisclothes, following Harry to the cafeteria. As they entered the cafeteria, thelights were down, with only a light shining over the table where the drinks satalong with the nearest table. Hannibal eyed the darkness suspiciously as theywalked to the drinks. “What’s your poison?” Harry asked.

“Some lemonade will be fine,” Hannibalanswered as he continued to eye the darkness warily. It made him uneasy notbeing able to see beyond the light perimeter. Harry retrieved him a large glassof lemonade and handed it to him before getting himself a glass of ice tea.They walked to the table under the light and sat down on opposite sides, facingeach other. Hannibal sipped at his drink. “What’s this all about, Harry,” heasked. “You didn’t bring me here to just drink and talk. It’s not like you.”

Harry feigned shock and replied, “Whatdo you mean? I just thought we’d have a friendly drink and talk about theupcoming mission.”

Hannibal took a swallow of his lemonadeagain and looked around at the darkness, knowing down in his gut something wasup. “Oh, come on, Harry. You can’t fool me. I know you’re up to something. Nowspill it,” Hannibal ordered in a friendly tone.

Harry shook his head and smiled.“Nothing gets past you, does it?” he asked.

“Not much,” Hannibal replied tartly.“Not when it’s this obvious. You’re just not devious enough to hide things fromme. I’ve had a lifetime of experience in being devious that allows me to seewhen someone isn’t being straight with me.”

“Is that so?” Harry said with a wrygrin. “Well, in that case, let’s put that boast to the test.”

“What’re you talking about?” Hannibalasked becoming slightly annoyed with Harry’s game.

“Oh, don’t be such a spoil sport, bud,”Harry chided. “I’m not trying to deceive you. But you are right. I did have anulterior motive for bringing you down here. Since you know something is goingon, let me show you what it is.” Raising his voice to the darkness, Harrycalled out, “All right guys. Come on out. He’s caught us.” As soon as Harrysaid that, the lights came up and they found themselves surrounded by everyoneHannibal had brought to the Temple dressed as if going to a formal party.

“Surprise!” they shouted in unison.

Hannibal looked around in shock aseveryone cheered. “What is this?” he asked, totally flabbergasted.

Everyone gathered around as Harryreplied, “I may not be devious enough to hide things from you, but there arepeople here who are. Face it, Hannibal; you’ve done so much for us withoutthought of recompense, so we thought you’d like to know how much we appreciateeverything by throwing a little party for you.”

Hannibal felt overwhelmed by thedisplay and slumped back in this chair. “I don’t know what to say. I’m completelywithout words,” he murmured.

Harry gazed into Hannibal’s eyes andsaid, “You don’t have to say anything. Just enjoy yourself. That’s an order.”Hannibal chuckled at Harry’s mocking order.

As Harry finished speaking, Cynthia andMary wheeled out a large cake with ‘Thank you Hannibal for all you’ve done forus and we love you for it’ written on it.

Hannibal looked at the cake as Cynthiaand Mary sat it on the table in front of him. “Thank you Cynthia,” he murmured,gently grasping Cynthia’s hand. “It’s a beautiful cake.”

“It’s my pleasure,” Cynthia answeredpleasantly. “It’s the least we could do after everything you’ve done for us. Itwasn’t easy for us to do this without you knowing.”

“I’m sure of that,” Hannibal agreed,“especially since I’m spending much more time here than before.”

“This cake is a gift from everyonehere,” Cynthia declared, “just a little token of our esteem for everythingyou’ve given us.”

“Speaking of gifts,” Harry said. “Thereare some here who have gifts for you.” Harry beckoned for those with gifts tobring them forward. “But let’s get some music going first. You like classical,do you not?” he asked. Hannibal nodded yes and classical music began to playthroughout the cafeteria. Thirty people brought forward small presents forHannibal, some of which were hand-made. He took them one at a time and thankedthose who gave them. After all the presents were given, Harry declared, “Wehave one more gift for you…one I know you’re going to love.” He waved into thecrowd and Nathanael suddenly appeared moving through the crowd, reaching thetable in moments, and sitting down next to Hannibal.

Hannibal noticed Nathanael’s dark brownsuit resembled a tuxedo. The music softened as Nathanael spoke. “As Cynthiasaid, it wasn’t easy getting this done without you knowing. But to show ourappreciation for what you’ve done for us and for me personally, let me presentto you my greatest treasure,” he said. Hannibal’s eyebrow rose as he contemplatedwhat this new gift would be. Nathanael waved his feline hand and the crowdquieted, slowly parting.

Hannibal gazed intently as a stunninglybeautiful figure emerged into view. His jaw dropped and his expression revealedabsolute shock. He blinked, rubbed his eyes in disbelief as he recognizedSelina dressed in a beautiful, full-length sleeveless, backless silver eveninggown that complimented her natural color. The gown started at her neck with asparkling turtleneck collar attached to the front of the dress that covered herchest and abdomen to just above the waist like a glove. It showed her assetssmartly, but modestly. The dressed wrapped around her waist coming togethersnugly on the back just above the lower back. Below the waist, the gown hungloosely about her legs, reaching to just above her ankles. On her feet, Selinasported a pair of silver high-heel dress shoes that went with the gown. Amatching silver shawl draped over her shoulders and covered the upper portionof her back and shoulders. Her hair cascaded down her back and over hershoulders. On her hands, Selina sported long silky silver gloves that reachedabove her elbows. She smiled meekly, gliding along effortlessly. Hannibalstared at her, completely lost in her radiant beauty. “May I introduce to youPrincess Selina Milineus: heir to the Kaitian throne,” Nathanael said formally.

Hannibal tore his gazed from Selina asshe stopped a few steps away, looking Nathanael in the eye. “Princess Selina? Ithought that was just your little nick name for her?” he asked with greatamazement.

“Oh no,” Nathanael replied insistently.“It’s more than a nickname. My brother, Raphael was the king of Kaitia, so thatmakes Selina a legitimate princess.”

Hannibal leaned back in his chair andput his hand on the top of his head. “My god…this is unreal. I had no idea thatboth of you were royalty,” he breathed.

Selina approached and sat down next toHannibal. “Remember what I told you the other day,” she purred. “That therewere some things about us that you still didn’t know? Well, this is anotherone.” She reached out and gently clasped Hannibal’s hand in her gloved hands.

“A princess…I still can’t believe it,”Hannibal said. He suddenly looked at Nathanael and finally realized what he wasdoing, totally stunned by it. After a few moments, he asked, “This doesn’t meanwhat I think it does, does it?”

Nathanael nodded with a growing grin.“Yes, it does, my friend,” he crowed. “You and Selina belong together and youknow it.”

“Are you sure about this?” Hannibalasked hesitantly.

Nathanael smiled warmly. “Absolutely,”he replied. “We all have seen how well you two do together. Furthermore, youtwo anticipate each other’s needs as if you’re one being. Anyone that has eyesand half a brain in their head can see how you two look at each other. You loveher more than your very life and she loves you just as much. It’s obvious asthe nose on your human face. Am I sure about giving her to you? Yes, I’m sure.You two, without a doubt, belong together. It’s willed from on High. After theextent she went to in order to help you recover from the incident with theTeacher, it became obvious even to me.” Then Nathanael asked the crowd aroundthem, “Don’t they belong together?” The crowd responded unanimously yes.

Hannibal looked Selina in the eyes andonce again became lost in her radiance. “I was smitten with you the moment Ilaid eyes on you,” he said softly with a sigh and some hesitation. “Are yousure this is what you want to do?”

Selina gazed into Hannibal’s ice blueeyes. “Yes, I do,” she answered without hesitation. “We’re more than kindredspirits. We’re soul mates. I’m nothing without you, and you’re nothing withoutme. We belong together and you know it. I’ve considered and prayed earnestlyabout this for a very long time. And after the last dose of purr therapy I gaveyou to help you recover, I knew it was the Lord’s will that we be together.It’s the right thing to do. He told me so.”

Hannibal took a long draught from hisglass of lemonade and sat the glass on the table before leaning back. “Youtruly believe this is the right thing, knowing full well what we’re about todo?” he asked.

Selina didn’t waver for an instant inher reply. “We both know it’s the right thing, especially because of what we’refixing to do. The Lord has decreed this just as He’s decreed your mission,” shedeclared. “Why else would he insist that we go with you if we weren’t meant tobe together?”

Hannibal briefly looked away. “How canyou be so sure this is the Lord’s doing?” he asked. “You know it would give meno greater pleasure than for us to be together in the way you want. But I needto know for sure this is what the Lord wants. His will has to be the primaryconsideration here. I don’t want to do something that’s not in His will andcause you any grief or harm.”

At that, Harry interrupted. “How canyou say that, Hannibal?” he rebuffed. “How can you not understand that this isthe Lord’s will? Just look at your life, man. Look how the Lord has guided yourevery step. Just look at where you are. Just look at her and the circumstancesin which you two initially met. Look at us. Look at how many times you followedthe Lord’s promptings and saved people, including my family and me, fromgrievous bodily harm. How can you even think about second guessing this whenyou damned well know down in your heart of hearts that this is the Lord’swill.”

Hannibal looked across the table atHarry and knew he spoke the truth. “You’re a true friend, Harry. You’vereminded me of where I came from and the reliance I’ve always put on the Lord,”Hannibal said gratefully. “Thank you.”

Nathanael saw Hannibal’s hesitancy. “Ican understand your reluctance to do this because of what you’re about to do,”Nathanael stated. “If it’ll do you any good, I have one more voice that you mayconsider.” He waved into the crowd and called out, “Brother Paul, could youcome over here, please?” Once again, the crowd quietly parted and anotherfigure approached.

Hannibal looked with curiosity as anelderly man with a closely cropped gray beard wearing a plain gray suitapproached. “Who is he?” he asked Selina as the man approached.

Selina responded only with a smile asthe man came into view. “Your friend is absolutely correct in his conclusionsabout your circumstances. The Lord has been with you over these years. Do younot remember the small village in Cambodia and the miracle of yourdeliverance?” the man asked.

Hannibal immediately recognized thevoice. “Brother Paul? How in the world did you get here?” Hannibal asked,rising from his chair and humbly approaching the man of God.

Brother Paul smiled and held out hisarms. “Hannibal Smith…it’s been a long time since I’ve seen you in mymeetings,” Brother Paul said as they hugged each other.

“But what are you doing here?” Hannibalinsisted, his tone betraying his amazement.

Brother Paul looked Hannibal square inthe eye and patted him on the shoulder. “The Lord is moving, my friend,”Brother Paul declared. “He told me to come see you. At first, I wrestled withcoming because it has been such a long time since I’ve seen you. The last timeI saw you, you were a confident, know-it-all snot-nose who resisted instruction.But even then, your spirit was open and searching for the truth. I’m glad tosee the Lord has driven much of that iniquity out of you. But as I said, atfirst I wrestled with coming to see you. Finally, I gave in, even though I hadno idea how I was going to do it. Then just the other day, some friends ofyours paid us a visit at the farm.”

“He knew we were coming,” Harrydeclared.

Brother Paul sat down with Hannibal andcontinued. “Yes, I knew they were coming. The Lord let me know when, where, andhow they would show up. He also let me know who was coming and why,” he stated.He looked at Nathanael briefly and added, “The Lord even told me who thisimposing fellow was: Nathanael Milineus, brother to the king of Kaitia and highadviser to that king, a Lynxian with a highly intelligent and very beautifuldaughter.” He glanced at Selina as she smiled slightly, tucking her headhumbly. “Anyway, they came to me with a simple request: was it the Lord’s willthat you and Selina be together. I sought the Lord about the request and He letme know that it was within His will that you two be married. He gave only onestipulation for this union. You’re not to consummate the marriage until afteryou have finished the task He has appointed for you,” Brother Paul explained.

Hannibal gazed at Selina with hope inhis eyes, and then back to Brother Paul. He was completely without words.

“The Lord has shown me what He showedyou,” Brother Paul continued, “including the vision you, Harry, and his wifeMary had that night at Harry’s old home. This mission has been yours sincebefore the Lord thought to make you and Selina. Your life has been driven byand continues to be driven by this solemn task placed before you. The Lord knewwhat you needed even before you knew or asked. At this point in the quest, youhave need of a true companion who’ll be there and support you even in thedensest darkness the forces of evil can conjure. This beautiful and imposingLynxian from the other side of the stars is that help. You know it because theLord put that desire in your heart even before you were converted. Her imagehas haunted you since you were a child and now she stands here before you as awilling partner, kindred spirit, and soul mate to assist you in this greattrial. You are to be the hand of the Almighty to deal with this dread perilthat faces us and she’ll help you bear this immense burden. Our Lord is comingsoon but certain details have to be fulfilled before it can happen.”

Before Brother Paul finished speaking,the Holy Spirit suddenly fell upon him and his face glowed brilliantly. Areverenced hush fell over everyone present as the Almighty God, the one andonly Ancient of Days possessed Brother Paul and spoke directly to Hannibalthrough His Prophet. As the prophet spoke, the very power of the words he spokedrove all that stood to their knees. “John Hannibal Smith…Beowulf; you’regreatly beloved and great grace is upon you and your troupe. The time is now.The Black Prince has fully awakened and is drawing all evil to himself tofinish what he started in the 1st Age: a war that threatened all ofcreation with the annihilation of all things past, present, and future backthen until I intervened to halt it. Now the threat to all life and creationrises again from the foulest, most ancient Darkness now that humanity has onceagain lost its way as it did in that distant age. Creation once again stands onthe precipice of oblivion as the dark hordes of the Abyss and the most ancientDarkness stir in their prisons, emboldened by the Black Prince’s movements. Butas in the Days of Darkness at the end of the 1st Age, so will it benow. The end is declared in the beginning. You have been chosen to once againto face the Evil Prince of the most ancient Darkness to rebalance creation andright the wrongs of ages past. Go and face the Black Prince, my son, but notalone. I am with you and have always been with you, even throughout all theages of time and space you do not remember.

“I know your heart, and see your mindand spirit, Hannibal. Much purging of your sin and iniquity has already beendone. Much more is still needed before you can wield the true power I haveinstilled in you; a power I have given to only a handful of beings throughoutmy creation. Only when you fully cleanse yourself of your iniquity and completeyour soul will you be able to stand against the hideous Darkness that seeksyour destruction. Even now, you ponder my words and fret over many thingsbecause of missing memories and lost time. But be sure of this, my beloved son.Despite the hesitation, doubts in yourself, and the seemingly unanswerablequestions that plague your mind and heart continuously, you must not doubt thatyour sins are forgiven. I will finish what I started with you.

“Moreover, this precious creaturebeside you is one of my creations as you are. I made her for one purpose andone only: to be your wife and help-meet. Fear not to take her as your wife. Shewill stand with you in what’s to come and help you in ways you don’t yetcomprehend. Together, you will face down the Evil from the most ancientDarkness that seeks the annihilation of all life and light, and ultimatelydefeat it. I will be with you and her as your strength so fear not to do what Icommand. Therefore, take Selina as your wife, kindred spirit, and soul matethat I created for you without fear, but do not consummate the union until youhave defeated the evil Black Prince that threatens to unleash hell on thisuniverse. Only afterwards can you fully consummate your love with one another.This I also command. You are to take Nathanael and Harry with you when you goto meet the Evil Prince in the cursed wastes of Amacia. They’ll be your eyesand ears in dark places. Heed their words and they’ll stand with you to the endof the matter. When you reach your goal, replace Nicodemus. He’s my prophet to theremnant in Amacia whom will help you secure my people in the cursed darkness ofAmacia. You’ll encounter great perils on the way but fear not, I’ll always bewith you, my son, even unto the very end of all things.” The brilliance ofBrother Paul’s face subsided and he slumped back in his chair, sweat pouringfrom his brow.

Nathanael touched Brother Paul on theshoulder and asked, “Are you all right, brother?”

Brother Paul smiled wearily. “Yes,” hereplied, panting deeply to regain his breath. “Just give me a minute. I haven’thad the Lord speak through me like that in a very long time. My flesh has aterrible time when He does that. Only His will and mercy allow me to surviveHis presence when He does that.” Within a couple of minutes, he recovered hisstrength.

Hannibal sat silently with a completelystunned look on his face. “Oh my word; what an incredible revelation that comesfrom the mouth of the Lord Himself! I don’t pretend to understand what it allmeans beyond the fact the Lord really wants me and Selina together before I goto Amacia,” he finally said, looking at Selina.

Brother Paul laid his hand onHannibal’s shoulder. “Yes, my friend,” he declared. “This marriage is theLord’s will without a doubt. That’s why I’m here. I don’t usually do weddingsbut there are occasional exceptions when the Lord deems them necessary, likenow. As for the rest of what He said, ponder His words and pray. He’ll revealtheir meaning when the time is right.”

“I will,” Hannibal breathed softly.“This is the first time I’ve ever had the Lord speak directly to me like this,so I’m definitely going to take the words to heart. Most of the time, He speaksto me in dreams, intuition, or through angelic visitations, which don’t happenvery often. That’s what makes this so different and special. He literallypossessed you, brother, to speak directly to me about making Selina my wife.I’m so humbled by it.”

“And so you should be,” Brother Paulreplied. “What just happened is a rare gift indeed. The last time the Lordspoke through me like that was thirty years ago shortly after I became Hisprophet. I urge you to ponder His words carefully and do what He commandedwithout hesitation. Marrying this beautiful Lynxian is not just His will, butalso for your benefit and her benefit. You two need each other more than youcan even comprehend.”

Hannibal smiled at Brother Paul, andthen at Selina. “I intend to,” Hannibal declared. “But it feels so strange theway everything just came together. I came down here just to get a drink withHarry and now I’m getting married because of the very job the Lord gave me. Itboggles my mind that He’d speak directly to me like that about this issue.” Hegazed at Selina’s radiance and added, “But you know something, I’m actuallyglad He insists on me marrying Selina now. Not only does it solve some problemsI’ve been dealing with, it also allows me the privilege of having one of themost beautiful and intelligent partners any man could ever dream of having.It’s humbling.” He chuckled softly and said to Selina, “Looks like you got thatwish you told me about the morning after your last purr therapy session.”Selina smiled warmly at Hannibal.

“So do you accept my gift?” Nathanaelasked.

Hannibal looked at Brother Paul, whonodded affirmative, and then looked at Nathanael with tremendous gratitude.“Yes, my friend,” Hannibal replied happily. “It’s the greatest gift anyone hasever given me. And knowing it’s the Lord’s will that this happen makes it allthat much sweeter.” He rose from his seat and gave Nathanael a big bear hug.Looking at his clothes after the hug, he said, “Oh my; I seemed to be a bit under-dressed for a wedding.”

Selina rose and clamped onto his arm.“It doesn’t matter what you’re dressed in,” she purred. “You’re a knight inshining armor as far as I’m concerned, my prince.”

“Yeah,” Harry agreed, rising from hisseat as Mary and Dennis came to stand beside him. “Outward appearance doesn’tmatter. It’s what’s in here that counts,” he said, pointing to Hannibal’sheart.

Brother Paul stood back and surveyedthe situation. Through the Holy Spirit, he judged Hannibal and Selina, seeingthe deep love and devotion they had for one another. He also sensed somethingmuch deeper and mysterious the pair shared: an eerie ancient quality thatpuzzled him, which he kept to himself. Smiling, he once again put a friendlyhand on Hannibal’s shoulder and asked, “So, son; are you ready to officiallymake the commitment in the presence of the Lord and all these people?”

Hannibal didn’t hesitate in his answer.“Since it’s obviously the will of the Father, yes,” he declared. Suddenly,Hannibal realized he had no ring. “Wait, wait…I don’t have a ring,” he calledout urgently.

Nathanael produced an exquisite ring ofgold with small diamonds and emeralds embedded in the gold from his pocket.Handing the ring to Hannibal, Nathanael stated, “I went down to the treasurecave the other day and found this. I hope it’ll do.”

Hannibal took the ring and examined itclosely. “Wow…this is an exquisite ring; a perfect match for a princess,” hereplied. Selina blushed slightly and tucked her head modestly at thecompliment. Hannibal and Selina faced each other while standing before BrotherPaul. Nathanael and Harry stood at Hannibal’s side as Mary and Cynthia stoodnext to Selina. In seconds, the entire research team and their familiesgathered around as witnesses.

“Now before we do this. Do both of youagree to the terms the Lord has laid down: that you not consummate thismarriage until you defeat Black Prince and secure the remnant of Amacia fromthe Darkness. Do you agree to these terms?” Brother Paul asked.

Hannibal and Selina looked at eachother, and then at the prophet, saying simultaneously, “Yes.”

“Very well then…let’s get on with it,”Brother Paul replied, proceeding with a short ceremony that included theexchanging of vows and rings. He pronounced them man and wife and Hannibalkissed Selina for the first time as his wife. A great cheer arose from thecrowd but Brother Paul called for the crowd to be silent. As the crowd quieted,he looked at Hannibal and Selina, standing hand in hand. “What you’ve just doneis a very serious thing,” Brother Paul stated. “Don’t treat it lightly. You’reabout to embark on a very troublesome period for you. Remember the Lord in allthat you do and He will remember you.”

“We will,” Hannibal answered soberly.

“Good,” Brother Paul answered with asmile. Then for the next forty minutes, he preached to the entire group, reprovingand rebuking sin and iniquity, tearing down old ways of doing things andshowing new and better ways of building on their lives as Christians. Hepounded into them the absolute necessity of forgiveness and love for oneanother. He reasoned and pleaded with them about the need for crucifying theiriniquity and doing things the way the Lord wants them done rather than the waythey think and do things. The crowd responded favorably to the preaching,indicating to the prophet that he was reaching them. Hannibal and Selina satthere, hand in hand, as he finished preaching. His last words were once againdirected to Hannibal and Selina. “We all are part of the body of Christ,whether we are from this planet or another. Love one another and keep the Lordfirst. Do that and it’ll be well with you. And when you replace that things arethe darkest, don’t doubt. Remember the Lord and He will deliver you out of yourperil just as He had you Hannibal rescue Selina and her father from their perilon their ship.” Then he lightened his tone and said, “Okay. Now you can haveyour little party. Just be sure not to go overboard. Just remember that theLord is here, so act accordingly.”

“Absolutely,” Hannibal replied. Withinminutes, soft instrumental gospel hymns echoed through the cafeteria withrefreshments being served. Some partook of the refreshments and some satenjoying the music, while some of the older couples slow-danced to the music.

As this occurred, Nathanael approachedthe prophet to see if he was ready to go. Brother Paul indicated he was readyto leave. The prophet went to Hannibal and Selina, who sat at the table havingsome of the cake Cynthia and Mary made. He put his hand on Hannibal’s shoulderand said, “I have to go now, brother. I wish you two Godspeed.”

“Do you really have to go?” Selinapurred.

“I’m afraid so, my dear. I have arebellious house at home that still needs cleaning,” Brother Paul answered witha sigh. “Just remember that the Lord lays your path before you. Deviate from itin no manner and never doubt Him or yourself. Keep the unity you have achievedhere and the Lord will deliver you from your enemies.”

Hannibal stood and hugged the prophet.“I’m so glad that you came,” he stated. “Your words didn’t fall on deaf earshere.”

“I know,” Brother Paul replied. “I’llcontinue to pray for the success of your mission.”

Hannibal gazed intently into his eyes.“I really appreciate that. We need all the prayers that we can get. Only withthe prayers of the saints shall this endeavor be successful.”

Brother Paul patted him on the shoulderagain. “I have to be going now,” he announced, “Godspeed to you both.”

Selina rose and humbly approached theprophet, thanking him. “I hope to see you again someday,” she purred.

The prophet extended his hand and shookher hand firmly. “You’re most welcome and yes, I’m sure I’ll see you again,princess,” he replied warmly. He looked her in the eye and hugged her, to herdelight. “Take care of him, sister. He needs you more than you’ll ever know,”Brother Paul whispered in her ear.

“I will,” Selina whispered back with asmall kiss on his cheek. “Thank you for everything.”

“You’re welcome, princess,” BrotherPaul replied, stepping back with a smile. “Lord willing, I’ll see your angelicface again.”

“I’d like that,” Selina murmured.

At that, he turned to follow Nathanael,who was talking to Hannibal. “See to it that he goes back with something,okay?” Hannibal whispered.

Nathanael nodded, turning to BrotherPaul. “Come. Let’s get you home, brother,” he said and Brother Paul followedhim out of the cafeteria.

Hannibal sat down with a tremendousfeeling of satisfaction and happiness in his soul. The Lord had once againprovided for his needs in a completely unexpected way. He gazed at his wifeSelina with a newfound sense of joy and wonder. He basked in her radiance as hecontemplated what he had just done. For the moment, nothing mattered to himexcept the fact that the Lord had given him after so many years of solitude awife; and not just a wife, a kindred spirit and soul mate who just happened tobe from another planet far across the stars. The music slowly faded, only to bereplaced by a waltz. He watched Selina as she briefly talked with someone.Emotion began building in his chest and slowly worked its way out. Tearsspilled out of his eyes as he found himself weeping softly, broken before theLord because of the His mercy and goodness in providing him with such atreasure.

Selina turned and looked at him,immediately noticing and feeling his emotions. She slid her chair over close tohis and put her arm around him. She didn’t have to ask why he was crying. “Iknow, my prince. You’ve been alone for so long as I have. The Lord has finallymade it right. I know exactly how you feel,” she said softly.

Hannibal gazed deep into her eyes. “Forall my life I’ve been alone,” he murmured. “I tried to remedy the lonelinessand isolation by surround myself with people of like precious faith but therewas still something missing. I tried filling that place with other people, my work,and dozens of other things. Nothing worked until that fateful day that Iplucked you and your father from the jaws of death. That empty place in me hasnow been filled. I’m just beginning to realize that I’m no longer alone andit’s a joy that I can’t even begin to describe.”

Selina squeezed him gently as theytouched foreheads. “I know. I feel the same way,” she murmured. “Come and dancewith me.” She stood up, clasping his hand in order to lead him.

“I’d like to but I don’t know how,”Hannibal replied, blushing with embarrassment.

“Oh, it doesn’t matter. Just fake itlike I do,” Selina answered with a smile. “Besides, no one will care how wellwe dance. We’re all family here anyway.” At that, Hannibal consented andallowed himself to be led out on to the dance floor. Within a couple ofminutes, Selina had him doing a slow waltz with her.

“You clever minx…you knew how to danceall long, didn’t you?” Hannibal asked.

Selina looked him in the eye and smiledmischievously. “Of course I do. I am a princess, you know. I have to know howto dance. Let me show you a dance from where I come from. Just follow my lead.”Hannibal nodded and followed her lead. She led him in an eerie beautiful dancethat was slow and fluid in its motion. It vaguely resembled a combination ofseveral waltzes. They suddenly found themselves the center of attention aseveryone gathered around to see the strange new dance. The dance went on forfive minutes and when it ended, a round of applause went up as a new selectionof classical music began to play. The crowd gradually dispersed as the couplesdanced a slow dance according to the music. Hannibal and Selina danced withtheir heads lying on each other’s shoulders. Just then, Harry cut in. Hannibaldanced with Mary as Harry danced with Selina. After that dance, Hannibal satdown. He watched as some of his trusted researchers and friends took turnsdancing with Selina. While he watched, Nathanael walked in and sat down.Hannibal didn’t notice his approach because of his focus on Selina.

“She’s very beautiful,” Nathanaelcommented. “Especially when she dresses and acts like a real princess should. Ilove it when she lets her true beauty out like this.”

Nathanael’s comment startled Hannibal,making him jump slightly. “Oh, it’s you,” he answered in a shaky, humbled tone.“Yes, she is. She’s absolutely exquisite. She has no equal in beauty. And thething that makes it even better is her physical beauty is but a reflection ofthe beauty she has in her spirit. You’d have to go through millions of women inorder to replace that special combination of physical and inner beauty. It reallyshows in her eyes. She has eyes like the sea after a storm, so calm and gentle.She’s not easily angered and she’s always ready to forgive. It’s such awonderful combination.”

Nathanael smiled and put his felinehand on Hannibal’s shoulder. “You’re right,” he agreed. “You have her down to aT. When we lived on Kaitia, she didn’t have any friends, only acquaintances. Itwas one of the prices of being a princess. So in order to help fill that need,she delved deep into her studies, becoming one of our leading researchers.We’ve worked together since she was big enough to walk. I tried to encourageher to replace some friends and enjoy her childhood. I kept telling her she neededto take time to make friends and not spend every waking moment buried inresearch. It was a fruitless endeavor though. When she was in school, she wasan outcast because of her piercing intelligence. Nearly every person sheconsidered her friend ended up turning on her when she wouldn’t use herposition to do things for them. I remember only one man that I would reallyconsider a friend to her.”

“What happened to him?” Hannibal asked.

“She had a friend while she was doingwhat you would call graduate work,” Nathanael replied. “They were very close.He was killed in a freak accident when the shuttle he was flying on wasdestroyed by a malfunction in our global defenses. An ion cannon that mistookthe shuttle for an enemy craft obliterated it and everyone on it. When shefound out, it devastated her. After that, there was no way we could get herinto a relationship with anyone. Her work consumed her until that fateful daywhen you entered our lives. So you and she are not all that different.”

“You’re so right,” Hannibal answered asthey watched her mingle with the others. The dancing had ceased and they stoodsimply conversing. She would occasionally sneak a peek around at Hannibal. “Didyou get Brother Paul something to take home?” he asked.

“Yes, but he wouldn’t accept it. Hesaid doing the Lord’s will was reward enough,” Nathanael replied.

Hannibal rubbed the side of his face.“That sounds like him. Send him a little something with a note saying it is anoffering for his ministry,” he ordered.

“Sure thing; you want to send him someof the treasure from the treasure cave?” Nathanael asked.

“Yes,” Hannibal answered. “Send somejewels and gold. The world needs to hear his message, even if they reject it.He’s the only one warning that the end of the age is here. All the rest haverejected the message because it interferes with all their pointless plans. Theyhave no idea how drastically the world is going to change here shortly.”

“They aren’t meant to know,” Nathanaelstated. “They’re vessels fitted for destruction, so they mock and scoff themessage to their own destruction. They’re just like my people. Only the Lord’sremnant is going to hear and be ready to stand in that day.”

Hannibal touched Nathanael’s arm,saying, “You’re so right in your assessment. Only those the Lord has drawn tohear are going to heed the message. Many are going to die in what’s coming andthere’s nothing anyone can do about it. The judgment has already been decreedand its fulfillment is at hand. A day doesn’t go by that I don’t think aboutthat. It troubles me that I have suddenly found myself swept up into eventsthat’ll change humanity forever. These events have taken on a life of their ownand I’m powerless to direct them in any way. It seems that my whole life hasbeen that way. The more I try to control the events of my life, the more I’msimply swept along by them like a leaf before the wind, forcing me to reactrather than to act.” He chuckled softly and continued, “The only thing thatmakes it tolerable is that the Lord has apparently guided every decision andevery step I’ve ever taken whether I believed or not.”

Hannibal looked at Selina as shemingled with the crowd. “Just take this evening for instance,” he stated.“Getting married to your daughter was the last thing on my mind when I camedown here tonight. Nor was the Lord speaking directly to me through BrotherPaul about the expedition and marrying Selina. But it always works like thatwhen the Lord works His will. Our idea of what we think is right and what Hiswill is often is two very different things. Moreover, when His will isrevealed, as it was this evening, the only thing we can do is submit, even ifwe think it’s a mistake. But you know...His will is never wrong. One thing thatI have noticed with me is that when He has something really big in mind for me,He always allows me to be blindsided by it so that my faith, rather than myintellect, can act on it. If my intellect gets a hold of it, I usually get intosecond guessing it and that’s when I get into trouble.”

Nathanael sat listening intently asHannibal poured out his heart about the evening. “I was completely blindsidedby the events here tonight,” Hannibal admitted. “I’m still having a problemcomprehending that I’m now married to Selina, even though I know and believewith every fiber of my being that it has been the Lord’s will all along. I wascompletely insane to think anything else. The Lord has always given me whatI’ve needed when I needed it and not a moment before I needed it. Apparently,He thinks I need Selina’s help and I’m not one to really argue with that atthis point.” He paused for a minute and then asked, “How long have you all beenplanning this behind my back?”

Nathanael smiled broadly. “We beenplanning this for more than six months,” he declared. “Initially, it was justsupposed to be a party. A simple ‘thank you for all you’ve done’ party. Itbecame a wedding within the last month, right after the incident in theLibrary. It became obvious then that the two of you belonged together. Itshowed long before that but that night when Harry, Mary, and I saw what lengthsSelina went to in order to bring you out of the coma, that was the final actthat synched it. Then when she brazenly shared your bed in order to give youthat extra dose of her purr therapy to help accelerate your recovery, I knew itthen without a doubt. She has never gone to those lengths for anyone before,much less willingly shared a bed with anyone. So, I had a long talk with herthe night after she slept with you to replace out whether she believed it was theright thing for you two to be together. She let me know in no uncertain termsthat she’s believed that since we first came here.” Nathanael paused a momentas they watched Selina talk with Mary, Harry, and Dennis.

Nathanael looked Hannibal dead in theeye and stated, “Hannibal, she loves you more than you’ll ever know. She’ll diefor you in an instant. Do you know how long I have waited for this? She’s foundin you what she’s needed all her life: someone not just to relate to, butsomeone who will respond to her needs and desires on her level. She told meabout the kiss you gave her when you woke up after the incident with machine inthe Library. You should have heard the way she spoke of it. You touched hersoul with that kiss and inadvertently snared her. And the way she spoke of thatsecond night with you, I saw an excitement in her that I hadn’t seen in years.The last time I saw her anywhere near that excited about a man was when she waswith her boyfriend that was killed in the shuttle incident. Believe me, I’vewaited and prayed for this day a long time. But anyway, it was at that pointthat the party became something more. In order to verify it, we contactedBrother Paul, knowing you believed that he was the prophet of the Lord. Wefigured that if anyone would know about it, he would and he did. We didn’t getthe preparations finished for this until last night. We asked if Brother Paulwould perform the ceremony and he consented. I’ll bet he’ll never do anotherwedding like that again.” Hannibal sat in stunned silence as he tried tocomprehend what Nathanael told him.

Nathanael saw the look and put his handon Hannibal’s knee as Hannibal watched Selina. “You love her, don’t you? Youalways have,” Nathanael said softly.

Hannibal nodded with a sigh. “I do.Lord help me, I do. I love her so much it hurts. It’s hard to believe that youhad everyone in on this and I didn’t know. You all went to a whole lot oftrouble to do this. I’m deeply moved by the gesture,” Hannibal whispered,realizing the vastness of the plot. “You all loved me enough to go to that muchtrouble to show your appreciation. How can I ever thank you all?”

“No thanks are needed,” Nathanaelanswered. “We’re all family here and everyone sees you as the spiritual head ofthis house, just as the prophet is the spiritual head of those who stay on thatfarm with him. Of course, we also know that you submit yourself to his authorityby your example. We all look to you and him for guidance and direction from theLord. The Lord has done a wonderful work here in bringing us together andgetting us to live in harmony and unity. Just look how well everyone respondedto Brother Paul’s preaching. So just remember, we show appreciation to you forall that you’ve done but we give God the glory for Him having you here to beour head. Everyone here loves you dearly. That was the main reason for this. Weall know that you’ll soon go and we wanted to show you how much we loved andappreciated you before you did.”

“I had no idea that you all thought sohighly of me,” Hannibal admitted, once again overcome with the knowledge he hadjust heard from Nathanael. “I figured you all would have resented me somebecause of how hard I pushed you.”

“Not at all,” Nathanael replied. “Weall know the circumstances which you have to deal with, which often aren’t verypleasant. We also remember the circumstances under which you brought everyonehere. Needless to say, they were unusual and sometimes dire. We just fight thegood fight and remember where we came from.”

“You all are the finest group of peopleI’ve ever had the privilege of working with and being part of. And you’re atrue friend and brother in the Lord, Nathanael,” Hannibal returned. “Who knowswhere I would be now without you. Among all the souls that I have encounteredthroughout my life, you and Selina are unique and very special. Selina is yourpride and joy: your greatest treasure. I knew this from the moment we met. Whoelse would give up their most prized possession to a friend without anyhesitation? Very, very few people would even think of giving all like you andSelina have. I can’t thank you enough. You have given me something infinitelymore valuable than all the gold and jewels in the world.”

Nathanael put his hand on Hannibal’sshoulder and looked him in the eye. “Yes,” he agreed. “Selina is my greatesttreasure. She’s my flesh and blood: all that I have left from our old life,family, and world. She’s absolutely precious to me and I’ll do anything to keepher safe. But I’ve come to realize something in the short time we’ve been hereon this small planet. The Lord wants us to give up everything we cling to andrely solely on Him. He doesn’t want anything to come between Him and Hispeople: not our possessions, family, friends, or even our own will. About eightmonths ago, I began to realize that I was eventually going to have to commitSelina into His hands because the way I’ve been shielding her from this worldwasn’t right. Protecting her was getting between the Lord and me. You know thescripture. If you love anything more than Him, you are not worthy of Him. Irealized that I loved my daughter more than Him. At that point, I began to askthe Lord what to do about it. I didn’t get an answer so I simply put her in Hishands. However, the answer as to what to do came a month ago and I knew what Ihad to do. I had to give her up and fortunately, the Lord had me give her up toyou, my closest friend. I know you’ll keep her safe and love her the way sheneeds to be loved. As she herself stated, you’re kindred spirits…soul mates.That’s something that’s extremely rare where I come from and I’m sure it’s thesame here with your people. It takes divine intervention to bring togetherpeople who aren’t just kindred spirits but soul mates too. That shows His powerin dramatic way. You two have been destined to be together since before thecreation of the universe, from the very moment the Lord had you in mind beforeHe made you. I couldn’t ask for a better match for her. The Lord has a way ofdoing that. It was hard to let her go like that but I know and believe the Lordwouldn’t have done this if He weren’t going to get the glory by it.”

“That He does. All the glory goes toHim for this union,” Hannibal said. “She has completed me. That hole in myheart has been healed by the mercy of the Lord.”

As Hannibal and Nathanael talked, thecrowd slowly thinned out as the people slowly left the cafeteria. Theycongratulated Hannibal before going back to their quarters. Selina joinedHannibal and Nathanael at the table with Harry and his family. They talked fora little while. Within a half hour, everyone had gone home except for thosesitting at the table. The music had been shut off and Hannibal looked at hispocket watch. It read 11:30 p.m. “I don’t know about you guys, but I’m beat. Ithas been one long day for me,” he stated wearily.

“Yeah,” Harry agreed. “Let’s go home.”He looked over at Dennis, who had fallen asleep at the table.

“Looks like someone couldn’t wait,”Nathanael said with a fatherly smile.

“Yes; he had a great time tonight,”Harry agreed as he rose from the table and picked Dennis up. Everyone followedhis lead and stood.

“Shall we go home, Princess?” Hannibalasked in a gentlemanly manner, offering his arm.

“It would be my pleasure, sir,” Selinaanswered in a formal, dignified manner fitting of royalty. She and Hanniballocked arms and everyone walked back to the barracks. They conversed as theyslowly covered the distance, stopping at Hannibal’s door.

“I need to get Dennis into bed. I’llsee you love birds in the morning,” Harry stated as he went to his door andentered.

Mary first hugged Selina, and thenHannibal, saying, “I knew you two belonged together since the first time I sawyou together at our house. You’ll not regret what you did tonight.” Hannibaland Selina smiled and thanked her. Mary returned the smile and waved as shedisappeared into the door Harry entered.

Nathanael gazed down at Selina andgently touched her chin with his feline fingers, smiling warmly. “My princesshas finally found her prince,” he chimed. “Our quarters are going to feel alittle empty with you not there.”

“Oh dad,” Selina responded, embracingher father. “I’m not going far away. I’ll be just down the hall, right here.”

Nathanael smiled at her. “Go on,” hepurred. “You’ve waited all your life for this moment. The Lord has given bothof you your heart’s desire. I’ll be here if you need me.” He then looked atHannibal and said, “Take good care of her and if something comes up, I’m herefor you.”

“I will,” Hannibal answered, reachingout and shaking Nathanael’s hand. “And once again, thank you.”

Nathanael and Hannibal locked eyes anda subconscious bond formed between the two of them. “Have a good night,”Nathanael said, walking to his quarters, leaving Hannibal and Selina alone inthe hall.

Hannibal looked at Selina and said, “Iknow it’s not a castle, but I hope it’ll do.”

“It’s a castle in the clouds as far asI’m concerned as long as you’re there,” Selina replied, looking into his eyes.

“I guess there’s one last tradition wehumans do when we marry. It’s this,” Hannibal said as he scooped Selina up andcarried her across the threshold. She let out a tiny squeal of surprise as hepicked her up. “Welcome home, princess,” he said as he gently sat her down onher feet inside his quarters.

“Your people certainly have strangetraditions,” Selina said as she wrapped her arms around him. “This is one thatI especially like,” she said softly as she kissed him passionately.

Hannibal responded in kind and afterthe kiss, he said, “I’d like to get a picture with me dressed moreappropriately. It’s another little thing we do.” They looked into each other’sfaces and despite the love that flowed between them, their weariness andfatigue showed. “You look tired,” he stated.

“You don’t look much better,” sheretorted with a smile.

There was a knock at the door andHannibal said, “We can do the pictures tomorrow.” Then to the door, he calledout, “Come in. It’s open.”

The door slid open revealing Nathanaelwith a small duffel bag. “I thought you might need these tonight. We can getthe rest of your things tomorrow,” he said to Selina as he handed the duffel toher.

“Oh dad…you think of everything,”Selina replied, giving him a hug.

“Okay princess…I’ll see you two in themorning,” Nathanael responded, turning and going out into the hall.

“He sure does look out for you,”Hannibal observed as the door slid shut.

“Yes, he does,” Selina agreed. “In away, it is a bit annoying but I don’t mind. We have come to a dangerous world.I know he tries to shield me from it but I think he’s finally stopped lookingat me as his little girl.”

“In a way, he has,” Hannibal agreed asthey slowly started across the living room, holding hands. “He told me thisevening while you were dancing what convinced him to do that. But there’s onething you can be sure of. You’ll always be his little girl and he’ll always bethere for you, just like me.”

“You’re a true prince among men,”Selina replied, smiling. “Nobility is not determined by title but by action.You have proven your nobility time and time again with your selfless actionsand concern for the people around you.”

“Thank you,” Hannibal repliedgratefully. “I appreciate that. It helps to keep me humble.”

“It’s my pleasure,” Selina answered as Hanniballed her down the hall to the bedroom.