“The path was wide enough to walk two at a time, however, the group walked in a staggered line, bonds not yet formed, leaving an open space next to each person creating an interestingly serpent like pattern down the path. Our humble clothing of a simple, one-piece, off-white, sleeveless cloth ending just above our knees, and a simple soft rope as a belt, gently swayed as we walked. The sandals on our feet were of a soft sturdy brown leather, the straps ending at our ankles, provided durable support. The pine trees remained incredibly thick not only on both sides of the path, but over our heads as well, causing the mind to wonder what lie beyond the trees. The reality was we did not know the place we just came from, nor the place we were going. I suppose in this moment the unknown actually fit quite well. Interestingly, the thick foliage surrounding us should have prevented any meaningful light from illuminating the path, yet we were able to see clearly as if the sun itself shone upon the path. App, the first to follow Speaker’s son down the path eventually found himself walking side by side with him. Speaker’s son engaged him in a conversation, clearly light-hearted, as evidenced by jovial smiles and an occasional laugh, however, the words shared could not be heard. One of the Malakh that had followed App in the meadow was not far behind them, followed by Tabi, and then myself. While some of us had a certain element of caution built into our personalities, there was never any indication or apparent need to be cautious in the environment we were in. The meadow not only appeared tranquil but filled the heart with peace. This path we now walked on, mind you, a path of unknown leading towards more unknown, and yet there was peace. This place knew no evil, and your mind and heart could feel this.
We continued down this path, most of us intently peering at the foliage around us, some exchanging brief words amongst each other, App and the Speaker’s son engaged in conversation. As a shepherd overlooking a flock, he would occasionally look back to ensure he had not lost any of us, a satisfied look on his face each time. He was such a captivating person, possessing an obvious father-like personality, yet childlike joy and enthusiasm. He and App conversed as lifelong friends might, the son always taking a deep interest in App’s questions and responses. As we continued to walk the path began to broaden until the trees began to thin, eventually leading to another clearing. In the clearing was a large raised platform with large white pillars lining the perimeter of the platform. The pillars sustained a massive roof, the edge of which was as elegantly adorned with all manner of vines and greenery. Flowing through the greenery was a glassy, clear liquid, unconstrained by any material, yet flowing in sync. The pillars had vertical grooves molded into them with the unknown liquid gently falling from above the pillar, following the lines of the grooves. The bases of the pillars had solid bowl-like objects at their base where the liquid would flow out of sight. In the center of the raised platform was a table. The son stopped, turned to look at us, and smiled the smile of a child showing his father his newest Lego creation, as if he had been waiting for this moment for a very long time.
At this point there was timid hesitation amongst the Malakh as to what to do next. Eleven of us gathered at the edge of the clearing, while App, full of bold curiosity, walked ahead of the son and approached the platform. The son gently waved us onward toward the platform, nodding reassuringly, as if this structure and the table within had always been ours. App stepped onto the platform first and looked around in stunned amazement, the rest of us following not far behind. There were beautiful marble-like steps to the side, however, I proceeded to step onto the platform without their assistance and looked around in awe. The table at the center of the platform was a large, dark wood, triangle-shaped table, with flat edges in place of each corner of the triangle. The table was ornately carved, appearing to be sanded or manipulated to a beautiful smooth finish. There were fifteen chairs at the table, one placed at each of the flat corners, and four chairs between each corner. The sets of four chairs were each carved of a different, yet just as beautiful dark wood, with a symbol carved, or burned, or perhaps stamped into the top of each chair near where one’s head would be. The symbol looked like a thicker triangle with a thinner triangle inlaid in it, however, where the corners should have been on the thicker triangle were flat, the points of the inner triangle gently touching the flat area that should have been a corner. The three chairs at the flat corners were different from the other twelve, each possessing unique characteristics. While there was not necessarily a head of the table due to the shape, one of the three chairs was clearly the seat of honor, and could be thought of as the head. This chair was larger than the others, innately carved, and trimmed with a yellow metal. Interestingly, the three chairs at the corners of the triangular table did not possess the symbol the others did.
Standing next to the gold trimmed, larger chair was Speaker. In that moment, I recalled him standing next to Tabi in the meadow and asking if we were hungry, however, whether it was due to being captivated by the Ruach or being caught up in observing the other Malakh, I do not recall him walking with us down the path, yet there he stood waiting for us. He was patiently observing us, a twinkle in his eye, an obvious pride in his smile. This powerful moment remains one of my most vivid memories. Speaker beckoned us to join him at the table. Speaker’s son stood beside the chair at the flat corner of the triangle to the right of Speaker. The son indicated for App to sit in the chair immediately to the right of Speaker, followed by myself, then Tabi, and one of the other inquisitive Malakh I had been standing near in the meadow. The four Malakh that had gravitated to App in the meadow were directed to sit to the immediate left of Speaker, and the last four were directed to sit at what would have been considered the bottom of the triangle. One of the Malakh directed to sit to the left of Speaker initially began to pull the chair out at the flat corner to Speaker’s left, however, Speaker, as a loving grandfather so gently rebukes his grandchild, he gently requested the Malakh not sit in the chair on the corner. The Malakh quickly expressed an apology and moved to the next chair over, leaving the corner chair open. Everyone was seated, however all eyes remained aloft, in awe of the intricate vines traveling around the edges of the ceiling and pillars and more interestingly the liquid flowing around them.”
Briefly breaking away from the story, Mik looked at Kai and said, “You will see Speaker’s love for beauty and architecture woven throughout this tale. This was my first encounter, and far more telling than I could have known at the time.”
Mik continued, “Speaker remained standing, yet did not speak. He always placed a great deal of emphasis on the importance and power of words, but oftentimes seemed to exude even more power by not using them, allowing for moments to be processed in one’s own mind without manipulation. To this day, I try to imitate this trait, though it has never come as naturally. One by one the Malakh’s gazes slowly traversed from the beauty above to Speaker. One of the Malakh seated to the left of Speaker remained in a trance-like state, staring up, requiring a nudge from the Malakh next to him. I would later learn to call him Sid. Perhaps this is where his love for design began, or perhaps his trance was due to an innate love.
Speaker made eye contact with his son, and gave the slightest of nods. He then looked at the empty chair in the other flat corner of the triangle table. The gesture was ever so slight, the bottom of his beard drifting but a fraction downward, however I believe I saw him nod at the empty chair. He then turned to his right, his piercing, yet gentle gaze meeting App’s eyes and he stated, “Welcome App.” He then proceeded down the line, “Welcome Mik, welcome Tabi, welcome Raf.” Passing over the flat corner where the son was seated, he looked at the next Malakh and stated, “Welcome Uriah, welcome Ragg, welcome Zera, welcome Sal.” Passing over the empty corner chair, he continued, “Welcome Sid, welcome Koka, welcome Ram, welcome Asa.”
With the tone and volume of controlled strength only Speaker could embody, a projection as if giving a pregame speech, yet the gentleness of a clinician speaking to a patient laying on a couch, Speaker stated, “I have spoken each of you. You are my greatest work. You are not a guest at this table but a family member. You have each been spoken with unique qualities, innate traits, and special gifts, all of which will be brought to light in its time. You are the first of the Malakh, the Twelve. More Malakh will be spoken at the proper time, however, none will compare to, nor ever be as great as the Twelve. You will lead, you will serve, you will be part of my council.”
Each of us remained captivated by his words, yet each time his eyes met yours, you could not help but feel as if he was reading your thoughts with the deep, observant stare. The son sat silent, simply because taking in the scene as one might a sunset from a pier hanging over the beach. The son always projected such joy, such contentment.
Stolen novel; please report.
Speaker continued, “You each are a citizen of the land of Doxa, and your charge will be to care for this land and all within it. Look around the table.” Speaker allowed for each of us to slowly work our gaze around the table, using methodical silence to fill a void words never could. “You are as brothers, as family, and you will first care for one another.” Speaker again used silence to allow the words to gather weight as a faucet filling a bowl. He then continued, “While there are a great many important things we must discuss, none are more than the first. Let us eat.” With a smile as radiant as a full moon on a starless night, Speaker looked on as all of the Malakh gasped at the sight of the entire triangle table being full of every type of food you could imagine, and many more you could not.
Mik, sighing and temporarily breaking away from the story said to Kai, “It is hard to describe some of the foods, though some of my favorites from this day actually resemble your steak, some of the spicy rice dishes found in Asia, and those large, roasted turkey legs at your fairs and amusement parks. There were plenty of delicious fruits and vegetables, some of which you have and some you don’t, though I’ve never personally cared much for either.”
Kai, smirking, and quietly laughing, said, “I’ve never cared much for fruits or vegetables either.” Mik, chuckled lightly and stated, “You know Kai, you’re not so bad”, before continuing on with the story.
Mik pressed on, “As I stated, we had many faculties when we were spoken, and the concept of food made sense, though being hungry did not, that is, until this moment. Food is an incredibly powerful substance, particularly delicious food. A meal, a meal with people you know you belong with, is truly one of the greatest bonds that can be shared, and it was in this moment the bonding of the Malakh began. Speaker announced, “Please enjoy this food, prepared by my son, but more importantly, enjoy each other's company and get to know one another. There are no enemies here.”
Having watchfully observed each other in the meadow, App and I were already very well aware of each other, and it did not go unnoticed we were the two seated to the immediate right of the Speaker. While we did not necessarily understand it, we knew this to likely be a place of honor. App and I turned slightly towards each other, neither quite sure how to initiate a conversation. Over App’s shoulder I could see a twinkle in Speaker’s eye that would have made Dumbledore jealous. Setting down the massive leg of whatever meat he was about to bite into, and a hearty chuckle bellowing from his throat, Speaker said, “Here in Doxa, when meeting someone new, you extend your hand like this.” Speaker extended his right arm forwards toward App and indicated App should do the same. He then grabbed hold of App’s forearm and nodded for App to do the same. He gave App a slight bow of his head to which App responded. Speaker continued, “The one who initially extended their hand should state their name first, and the other should respond.” With a beaming smile and using his massive turkey leg-like food in his hand as a college instructor would a pointer, Speaker pointed at me and said, “Now you try.”
App turned to face me, neither of us were sure who should make the first move, and we found ourselves in an awkward staring contest. Speaker laughed so hard the piece of meat he had just bitten off the leg flew out of his mouth. Through the laugh he then yelled, “You two are quite the tough guys aren’t you! Mik, you go first!” Speaker’s laugh, his joy, his presence were so overwhelming, and so contagious. I don’t remember who broke first, but App and I suddenly found ourselves grinning broadly at each other. A warm, welcoming Doxa handshake followed. I introduced myself as Mik, and App responded in turn. I told App, “I can’t believe you just walked up to Speaker in the meadow like you owned the place!” App laughed at me and said, “No way! I can’t believe you were able to just sit back and observe! I couldn’t even help myself, I had to walk forward, I had to find out!”
App and I seemed to simultaneously notice the odd sense of quiet around us, as two friends notice they were the only ones still talking after the teacher had held up their hand asking the class to quiet down. We looked up at the others at the table and noticed none of them had begun talking yet. We both turned to our left, looking at Speaker. With a smirk on his face he leaned forward and quietly stated so only we could hear, “This is the first of countless moments in which the rest of the twelve will look to you two for guidance.” I turned back to look at the table, processing what Speaker had just shared, only to find App already standing, tapping my shoulder indicating I should do the same. App and I demonstrated a proper introduction to the group and returned to our seats. There was a brief moment of silence before Tabi turned to Raf, having been qualified to complete a Doxa introduction, and extended his hand. The rest of the table began doing the same. A moment later the entire table had exploded in conversation. I noticed Speaker and his son make eye contact and smile at each other.
App and I returned to our conversation about the beginning, the moment in the meadow. We spoke for several minutes before I noticed Speaker leaning forward in his chair as if waiting for his turn to say something. App, deep in his story about the moment he took charge in the meadow did not notice until I simply pointed at Speaker. App, caught off guard turned to look at Speaker and said, “I’m so sorry, I didn’t even notice you!” Speaker, his cheeks full of joy, laughed softly and told App, “It’s quite ok.” Speaker then addressed both of us, “The Malakh are the most powerful beings ever spoken. You all have a great deal to learn, however, the two of you were spoken to lead. I encourage you two to get to know each other well, to explore together, to do life together. Your friendship, your bond will drive the Malakh.” With his palm facing up, Speaker waved his hand, indicating we look at the rest of the table and said, “You two demonstrating a Doxa handshake changed this entire table and this entire time. How much more influence will you have when leading in important things? Do not ever take that for granted, for it is the proper manner of things.”
Both solemnly nodded and Speaker returned to his meal while the two returned to conversation. The conversations continued around the table, though Doxa does not have time, so there is no way to measure for how long. Eventually, Speaker stood and his son walked around the table to join him. A short moment later the table had noticed the two standing at the head of the table, both smiling, both simply observing. The table came to a slow quiet. Once the table was quiet, Speaker stated, “Thank you for joining us for this meal. This is your home and your table with many memories to come. I’m sure many of you have questions. Are there any we can answer now?” There was quiet murmuring around the table, though none bold enough to ask a question, until App stepped forward of course. At the sight of App stepping forward, Speaker began to chuckle again, slowly shaking his head, and obviously thoroughly entertained, stated, “And what might be your question dear App?” App, with no hesitation, responded, “You say we were spoken by you, you have shared this delicious food with us, you’ve even shared customs with us, yet, we don’t know why we are here.” Speaker, with a smile still on his face, but now a twinkle in his eye responded, “I didn’t hear a question in there.” Leaning back in my chair, stomach full from the delicious food, I said, “You know App, he does have a good point there.”
The entire table erupted in laughter, including App. App then amended his statement and asked, “Why are we here?” Speaker, twinkle still in his eye, but now a contemplative look, and a deep stare into App’s eyes sat silently. In my head I was thinking there was no way he didn’t know that was the first question that would be asked. In hindsight he had probably already read App’s thoughts and knew it would be asked. Speaker, after a slightly awkward period of silence, responded, “You have seen the intricacies of this platform and table, you have seen the beauty of the meadow. You will see in time my love for beauty, my love for joy, my love for creativity, my love for the proper manner of things. You will also see my love for friendship, my love for relationship and my love for the intangible all these things create. This is why you all were spoken. You are this. In short time you will see other things I have spoken, animals, nature, architecture, yet none compare to you. Soon, I intend to speak many, many more Malakh, but none will equal you in power or capabilities, and it will be the Twelve’s duty to lead them.”
The silence was deafening. This was the first time since arriving on the platform where the table rested that it had been so quiet you could hear the water floating through the vines actually sounded like a small creek moving over smooth stones. While I suppose none of us could have really envisioned a proper answer from Speaker, I do not believe this response was anticipated by any of us. App turned to look at me, a sense of camaraderie, a sense of a shared goal written into his eyes. We were the Twelve. We were spoken to exemplify beauty and creativity. We were spoken to lead.”
