As the wood of the fire crackled, the embers rose to the heavens, and the cricket symphony played the eloquent tune, Mik took a deep breath and continued, “At the conclusion of what amounted to our first family dinner we were shown to our quarters. While Malakh do not sleep, we do pray, meditate, and have personal possessions, all of which our personal quarters were used for. At the conclusion of the meal, Speaker stood once more, patiently waiting, as only the greatest of teachers can, for all side conversations to dissipate. Sid, not wanting to be caught not paying attention again was one of the first to notice. Speaker stated, “Meals will be served here as needed, however, if you are in Doxa, family dinner will always be announced and you are all always invited as the importance of sharing life over a meal cannot be overstated.” As I have mentioned several times, we were spoken outside of time, so to say suppers were held in the evenings wouldn’t quite make sense, though we found suppers tended to be regularly held and often at the conclusion of training or work over a given period. Speaker continued, “My son will now show you each to your quarters. These areas are your personal space for possessions, meditation, and if you simply need seclusion.”

  The son stood with a grin, indicating with a slight lifting of both hands and a curling of his fingers at the lower knuckle, that we should all do the same. The son then began walking to the opposite side of the platform we had entered from. He descended the steps into a pristine clearing of vibrant green grass and a gentle breeze. Peculiarly, this side of the platform was walled by trees that would no doubt provoke a sense of awe even in your greatest Redwoods or Sequoias. I later learned these were the trees of Doxa, the greatest of all trees. The mere bark exuded wisdom only an object that knows no time could even begin to emit. While there are truly incredible structures both here and in Doxa, the trees of Doxa, some appearing to reach the very clouds themselves, represent a greatness and yet an intricacy, only a living monument can display. The bark itself, thicker than a man’s torso, clads the tree in a noble armor. The branches were broad of shoulder, standing at attention, a never-ceasing sentry. These great branches were ordained with intricate leaves, each different in shape as a snowflake. An eternal alliance stood between the trees, the fern-like vegetation of the ground, and the vines that draped the trees in as beautiful jewelry. A faint dust rose from around the trees, an almost unnoticeable glow gently radiating from it. In many ways they are alive much like us. The trees of Doxa declare the glory, exemplify the creativity, and exude the love for beauty that Speaker commands. They do not know time, and the very rings within them carry the tales of the times even before the Malakh.

  Much like the original clearing, a path led from this clearing into the forest of the trees of Doxa. The son waited for the rest of the Malakh to descend from the platform before proceeding towards the path. The path was much larger than the first path, allowing for three or perhaps even four Malakh to comfortably walk side by side, though most found themselves walking two by two. While conversations from the dinner table had initially resumed as we descended the platform, a solemn awe had settled over the group as we approached the path and were overcome by the trees. The initial meadow had filled one's mind with peace, while this meadow and the trees of Doxa can only be described as majestic. As these trees were far larger than the pines of the first path they did not create a wall as much as they stood as sentries watching over a sacred land. App and I found ourselves side by side as we entered the path, following behind the son. The son repeatedly turned to look at us, jovial, almost giddy as we walked along the path, as if he had a great surprise waiting at the end of the journey, while we remained in awe of the trees.

  The trees commanded such a great amount of space there did not appear to be any pattern or structure in their positioning, though the majesty that radiated from them left little doubt as to their intentional design. Their great leaves created a beautiful canopy over our heads, a canopy that served as home to many creatures. Over time I was able to develop not only an appreciation, but an understanding of many of these creatures. Some resembled the blue jays of your North American forests, or the toucans of your South American jungles, and yet others the chimpanzees of your Central African rainforests. Certainly none were actually blue jays, toucans, or chimpanzees, but I would venture to guess you would find them very similar. The sentry-like trees solemnly stood watch as we strolled down the path.

  App, gaining the son’s attention, as he placed his palm on the nearest tree, asked, “What are these?” The son, lips gently pinching together, an aura of respect permeating from his gaze, looked from the base of the tree to the canopy and responded, “These are the great trees of Doxa, the Dynami. My father spoke these. They intertwine strength, beauty, and vibrant life in a way very few things can, even in Doxa.” App clearly sensed the majesty. To this day, I don’t recall many moments in which App was as reverent as he was in this moment. In the way a beautiful painting can exemplify an artist’s gifts, the Dynami filled us with wonder and awe at Speaker’s power. As far as the eye could see through the trees to each side of the path, the great Dynami stood, bringing tangible life to the forest.

  The group of Malakh, led by the son, continued down the path leading into the forest of centurion-like Dynami, conversations resuming as the initial awe gave way to the spirit of adventure. At this stage we were completely unaware of the physical abilities and characteristics we possessed, therefore we remained constrained in the three original categories of the meadow, the bold, the contemplative and the cautious, though we were no longer in those original groups, but in groups of two, delineated by the friendships forged at the family dinner. Of course this left App and I walking together, and our discussion returned to our previous topic, App abruptly walking up to Speaker in the meadow. App, already emboldened by this new sense of adventure as we pressed into the forest of Dynami discussed why it simply felt right to approach Speaker, and he did not even consider potential consequences, but rather was unwilling to allow the uncertainty of the unknown to continue to weigh on him.

  The low murmur of conversation reverberated through the forest, however, the deeper we trekked into the forest the greater the sounds of the forest itself grew. Some of the sounds you no doubt would recognize, frogs, crickets, and the tweeting of birds. There were however, many other sounds, often sounding as a beautiful violin or as gentle as a harp. As the musical sounds grew in volume, the low murmurs of conversation began to fade into a state of quiet curiosity. App was the first to notice, there, maybe thirty feet off the ground, burning on a tree branch, a flame. It was flickering light blue to dark blue, about the size of a small bonfire, the sound of a breathtaking Celtic fiddle emitting from within it. My heart ached as the music slowed and lowered in volume, only to begin racing as the pace and volume increased. My mind rode an incredible rollercoaster of emotions yearning for more as the volume faded, and feeling completely overwhelmed as it increased. Up ahead, the son had paused to take in the blue fire and the majestic sound emitting from it. App continued to walk forward while his head slowly turned, his eyes captivated with the flame. He was so consumed by the flame he ran directly into the son, nearly knocking him to the ground. As a stone being thrown into a still pond, the blue flame rippled with the commotion, and the sound faded. App profusely apologized to the son, however, the rest of the Malakh became perfectly still as the ripples continued until the flame slowly began to grow. The flame started to separate, a vibrant electric blue on the outside, a dark blue emitting from the center, and faint semi-vertical lines began to appear in rows across the entirety. Another low murmur began to stir through the Malakh as what had appeared to be flame slowly opened into wings, and the proud yet graceful crest and head of a bird rose from under the wings. A mesmerizing ploom of tail feathers, previously nestled into the wings slowly dropped down, revealing tail feathers not unlike the appearance of a rooster, though emitting an electrifying blue flame. The crest protruding from the top of the creature's head had a similar appearance to the tail, elegantly curling back from the top of the head and down the creature's back. The feathers of the creature appeared to be a pulsing blue flame, with an electric blue current visibly coursing through it.

  The son, smiling broadly, and finally convincing App ten apologies was plenty sufficient, returned his attention to the beautiful flame, or creature, or whatever it was. Smile still radiating, the son stated, “This is a Chari, one of the most majestic creatures in all of Doxa.” The creature tilted its head slightly sideways while turning it towards the group, the facial features appearing similar to a hawk, with the piercing eyes of a bald eagle. Descending the neck were incredible feathers similar to those of the tail and the crest. Suddenly, with no warning, the creature spread its beautiful wings, gracefully left the present branch and gently floated down to a branch that was at our eye level. Turning its head sideways again, it peered at us. While the eyes remained piercing, there was also a tenderness and curiosity as it studied us. This was most certainly not a time for movement or sound, as such, we remained perfectly still, allowing this creature to command the moment. I felt a pang of sadness in my heart, and realized the beautiful sound had stopped. I found myself yearning for the sound to continue. The creature, satisfied with its assessment of the group, focused its attention on me and then App. The inquisitive eyes bore through the two of us. Stoic as a stone, it did not give any indication of emotion, yet as it stared at App for a long moment, a single tear slowly fell from the corner of its eye, rolled down the beautiful feathers and gently descended to the dirt of the path.

  The Chari then turned its gaze to the son. The son nodded, stoically approached the creature, and began to gently stroke the feathers from the radiating crest down the back. As the son stroked the feathers, I noticed it was not actually on fire, but a near electricity could be seen coursing through the feathers, giving off a licking flame-like aura. “Hello old friend”, the son softly spoke. He continued speaking to the Chari for a few moments, though in such hushed tones, the conversation will never be known. As quickly as it all started, the feathers rippled, creating the flickering fire mirage and the creature gently ascended to its original perch. A short moment later, the beautiful sound, the musical melody began to fill the air, and I once again rode the roller coaster of despair and joy, sadness and excitement.

  The author's narrative has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.

  With a slight, sideways nod of the head, the son indicated we should continue our journey. What a magical moment, a moment so elegant, it felt wrong to simply continue walking. It was as if allowing a great musician to proceed to the next song without applause, yet we did continue on, pushing further down the path, deeper into the Dynami. As a person who had never left their home, it was not possible to grasp the magnitude of what we were experiencing at the time, as that was all we knew. App and I began talking again. App, completely fascinated by the Chari, yet, very frustrated he had allowed himself to be so captivated he had collided with the son, raised his voice again and said, “I’m sorry again, I truly don’t know how I’d become so consumed.” The son started laughing and said, “I do, the Chari. Fascinating creatures, Chari, you know. For all of their external beauty, their most creative attribute is actually their ability to read another being. No, not just facial expressions or even emotion, but to look deep within and actually understand someone to their very core.”

  The son left this statement simmering in the air and continued walking ahead of the group, appearing deep in thought, yet joyful as a child walking down a toy aisle. App turned again to look at me, slowly walking forward, though perpetually concerned with the son and their proximity. He stated, “I’m not sure what to think of this place, captivating, no doubt, beautiful, certainly, but there is this aching feeling as if we have only begun to experience this place, Doxa, or whatever they called it.” App had pronounced Doxa, Dosha, and I subtly corrected him to enunciate the “x” and pronounce it as D-o-ck-sa. App eyed me with a grinning suspicion, and said, “You certainly are the rule follower are you not? I suppose you’ll correct me if I say the word Sherry for the fire bird thing we just saw?” I chuckled and corrected him to remind him the son had stated the bird was named Chari, enunciating it as K-uh-ri, with a long I. App, clearly amused, said, “You’re signing up for a full time job if you intend to always keep me out of trouble.” Chuckling again, I responded that was a rather bold statement for someone who had just been spoken. With the speed of a cracking whip, App responded, “We may have just been spoken, but I have no doubt of the mischief I am capable of.” I rolled my eyes and told App he had already proven his mischievous capabilities by running over the son, which was met with an entertained glare from App.

  As we continued walking, App and I continued our brotherly banter, while also contemplating the duty Speaker had tasked us with. Subconsciously looking back at the other Malakh, we both expressed a confusion with this duty to lead the others, and what the tangible carrying out of this assignment might look like. As I subconsciously gazed back at the others I noticed Tabi and Raf were in deep conversation and the closest to us, followed by Sid and Koka, who were engaged in their own conversation, though far more dramatic in their tones and body language. Unbeknownst to us, the rebar had been placed and the deep footings of a robust foundation had been poured into the friendships of those who had sat next to each other at the dinner table. App had noticed these bonds as well, and commented how quickly the Malakh had moved from suspicion and confusion to bonding, all with a simple meal.

  The son slowed his pace, his gaze locked on the forest to our right, his eyes clearly following something out of our line of sight. App, more concerned with his proximity to the son, than whatever the son was tracking, hardly noticed a large, black creature exiting the tree line on all fours just off to his right. The creature walked on its rear feet and the knuckles of its front hands, similar to your gorillas, however, rose up to its full height, standing on just its feet as it made its way on to the path. Thick, short hair hung all over the exposed portions of its body, with broad shoulders, large biceps, and forearms that would make Popeye jealous. A soft leathery skin was visible on its face, stomach and fingers, while defined muscles rose up its broad V-shaped back, fading into large trapezius muscles at the base of its neck. The front of the creature had deeply defined abdominal lines and sculpted pectoral muscles supporting the broad shoulders. Gentle brown eyes radiated a searching contemplation. The hair from around his head and neck were pulled back into two long, thick braids, one of which rested on each shoulder like an ancient American Indian warrior. A simple, light brown bag clung tightly to his barrel-like chest, held in place by a flat band extending diagonally from the bag over one shoulder and around the width of the chest. Though the creature was slightly shorter than the Malakh, the power of a raging bull, yet the wisdom of an observant philosopher radiated from him. He was tangible meekness, controlled strength, clearly capable of extreme violence, yet, capable of controlling it. Despite the power radiating from the creature, there was a tenderness in his facial expressions. Whether startled, terrified, or simply astonished, App stared as the creature walked by him and approached the son. The greeting previously demonstrated at dinner was executed with muscle-memory fluidity, the creature ever careful to ensure it bowed slightly lower than the son.

  The son turned and faced the Malakh, not needing to ask for attention, as all eyes were captivated, and all conversation had already ceased. The son stated, “This is Eli, the leader of the Avopeia, the guardians of the Dynami, and one of the wisest citizens of Doxa.” Eli gazed out over the group of Malakh, much like Speaker in the meadow, patiently working through the process of eye contact and a slight nod with each of the Malakh, ending with a gaze ricocheting between me and App. Eli did not speak with us, but simply observed, observed our appearance, our demeanor, our body language. Seemingly content with his assessment, Eli nodded to the son, and slowly, yet purposefully returned to the forest, returning to all four feet as we were last able to glimpse his incredible V-shaped, sculpted back.

  The Chari may or may not have been a chance meeting, this moment with Eli was not. He was clearly aware of when we would be walking from the dinner. His assessment of us was certainly intentional, though I can’t say if it was curiosity on the part of Eli or a request from Speaker himself. Either way, while stoic, Eli had paused longer when observing me and App, though as a veteran poker player, no valuable information could be gleaned from his facial expression.

  As a person speeding past a police officer, not noticing until the last moment, the Malakh appeared apprehensive at the forest around them, almost shocked by the new thought, we were not alone. The birds and small animals were no bother, in fact were incredible to see, however, the sudden appearance of a so-called Avopeia, had left everyone noticeably apprehensive. Not that we assumed we were alone in the forest, but truth be told, I don’t think any of us had considered the possibility we were not. The son, breaking the silence, stepped forward and stated, “There is nothing to fear from Eli or any of the Avopeia for that matter.” A coughing, almost gagging sound, came from the front of the group, as App asked, “You mean to tell me there’s more of those out here?” The son chuckled and replied, “You will have plenty of time to learn from and speak with Eli and other members of the Avopeia. They are incredibly wise and will be some your instructors.”

  App, still the only Malakh to find his voice, quickly asked, “Just to be clear, the beast that just disappeared into the forest will be instructing us? What is it they will be instructing us in? Can they speak?”

  The son, as always, perplexingly calm for the situation, chuckled at App and said, “So many questions, yet all will be answered in the proper time. Let us continue on our journey.” The remaining Malakh, uncertain of the next step, began to move towards the son. The son turned and continued down the path. As App and I began to follow, the son spun on the balls of his feet, pointed to our right along the tree line, eyes bulging from their sockets, and yelled, “Watch out!” App let out a yelp as a dog accidentally getting its foot stepped on, and spun on his heels to face the direction the son had indicated. Sid dropped to the ground, taking a slightly awkward push up position, chin close to the floor. I’d be dishonest if I didn’t say my stomach dropped and my heart ached as I spun to meet the threat. After a quick scan of the area, I turned back to see the son, a sly smirk on his face, just as he began turning back to resume the journey to the quarters of the Malakh.

  The son was so fluid in his motion and statement it took many of the Twelve quite some time to recover. It wasn’t until App started claiming he had not been startled, and the cry out was simply a warning to all of us to be on the lookout for anything nefarious, that the rest of us relaxed and began to enjoy the moment.

  We continued down the path, deeper and deeper into the forest of Doxa. There were innumerable living creatures both animal and vegetation, each a life force of its own, each resounding with beauty and creativity, each yearning to display the glory of Speaker. As we walked around a relatively sharp right hand turn I began to hear the sound of water. Not the tyrannical rush of a mountain river overcome by snow melt, nor the slow, methodical trickle of a creek lost in a meadow, but that of a healthy river, teeming with life. Another turn, now to the left, and we found ourselves confronted by the breathtaking beauty of a river whose waters elegantly moved over and between the river stones below, water so clear, in places it seemed as if there was no water at all, and full of the abundant life only a river of this beauty could sustain. Fish shockingly similar in appearance to all varieties of your discus, coy, and jewel cichlids swam about, all of which had a faint glow about them, all seemingly giving of their life force back to the waters.

  As we walked along the river, the son stooped down, slowly allowing four fingers of his left hand to gently divert the water, leaving a momentary eloquent trail, only to be swallowed back into the motion of the river as it traveled on. Without looking up at us or speaking to anybody in particular, he said, “This is the River Zoe, the great river of Doxa. It moves at different speeds and strengths throughout Doxa, but its beauty and life force remain the same.”

  This river was much like your Nile, Amazon, or Mississippi, life giving, beautiful, a hallmark of the land it flows through, and a guide to all who sought it. We followed the path along the river until it began to widen, eventually transitioning from dirt to compacted rock, and last to neatly laid paver stones. The stones were simple rectangles, about eight inches in width and four inches in length, however, there was no mistaking the precision of the cut and placement of these stones. At last the River Zoe bent to the right and our path obediently followed suit. As we made the turn, our journey came to an abrupt end. We had arrived at our quarters, the son didn’t have to say a word, we just knew.”