New Megiddo Rising: An ‘Apostates’ Novella (The Apostates Book 0) Read online

  New Megiddo Rising

  An “Apostates” Novella

  By Lars Teeney

  To independent authors

  who keep the struggle alive

  First Edition, Published September 2015.

  New Megiddo Rising: An “Apostates” Novella. Copyright © 2015 by Lars Teeney. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, digital, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, or conveyed via the Internet or a Web site without prior written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

  Some characters in this book are based on historical figures. Most characters and events in this book are fictitious. Any resemblance to persons living or dead is strictly coincidental.

  Inquires should be emailed to:

  Lars Teeney

  [email protected]

  http://larsteeney.tumblr.com

  http://www.facebook.com/larsteeney

  A DISCLAIMER, AND A NOTE ON RELIGION (REDUX)

  The story contained within these pages, while having some basis in historical fact, at its essence, is a work of fiction. I have taken great liberty with accounts of historical events, and some have been completely fictionalized for dramatic effect. That being said, the overall historical framework is based on fact. Also, this book is critical of America in its current form as well as its form in the hypothetical future of this book. Red-blooded, American patriots should not be surprised if they are offended reading this book.

  In addition, this story is not a criticism of religion itself. The story does not dispute, deny or admit the existence of God, or any other holy deity. What the story does concern itself with, is criticizing those strains of Christianity that concern themselves with imposing their will and belief on people that do not share them. This story is a warning against fundamentalist strains of religion that seek to usurp power, influence policy and tear down the separation of church and state, within our country. It can be considered a wider condemnation for any religious organization that seeks to establish theocracy in the world today. On a lighter note, enjoy!

  Table of Contents

  PROLOGUE

  Ch. 1 - IRON SHARPENS IRON

  Ch. 2 - ALL IS VANITY

  Ch. 3 - A QUIVER FULL OF ARROWS

  Ch. 4 - STILL IN THE DARK

  Ch. 5 - LET THE CHILDREN ALONE

  Ch. 6 - DOCTRINES OF DEVILS

  Ch. 7 - THE LABORER DESERVES HIS WAGES

  Ch. 8 - FOOLS DESPISE WISDOM

  Ch. 9 - ENTER THROUGH THE NARROW GATE.

  Ch. 10 - BEHOLD A PALE HORSE

  Ch. 11 - A SONG OF ASCENTS

  Ch. 12 - WHO WILL TREAD DOWN OUR FOES

  EPILOGUE

  PROLOGUE

  The Governor of the state of “Coahuila y Tejas” had been riding north for over a week now. Jose Viesca’s retinue was composed of thirty infantry, twenty lancers, and two cannon. There were a number of camp followers and servants who also trailed the column. The way had been muddy and plagued by unseasonal rain in northern Coahuila. Despite the difficulties Jose believed this trip to be of the utmost importance to Mexico. He pulled a golden spyglass from the saddlebag hanging off of his stallion. He contracted the device and peered through the dirty lenses. On the horizon, he spied a ramshackle palisade of timber stakes, and a white structure with a cross atop its spire. Jose’s column had made it to New Megiddo, Texas. He ordered an envoy of four lancers to ride ahead to announce their arrival and to arrange for entry to the fortified settlement.

  Governor Viesca hoped that there would be no altercation this day. He had sent advanced notice of his intent to visit, and the residents of New Megiddo were tenants of Mexico, after all. He watched intently as his riders were received at the gatehouse and then a representative of New Megiddo rode out with them back to the column to parlay with Governor Viesca.

  “Saludos, Gobernador. ¿Quieres entrar en Nueva Meguido? (Greetings, Governor. Do you want to enter New Megiddo?)” asked the Anglo who had accompanied the Governor’s riders.

  “Sí. Yo estoy aquí para cumplir con Brigham Wainwright. (Yes. I’m here to meet Brigham Wainwright.)” The Governor responded firmly.

  “Muy bien, señor. Por favor sígame. (Very good, sir. Please follow me.)” the Anglo bade the Governor and his retinue forward. He rode with several of his aides through the gate of New Megiddo. When Governor Viesca looked around he took in a chaotic scene. Many families were camped in the open with flimsy tents and cook fires smoking. Dirty children play in the mud, and women in stained dresses struggled to stitch clothing and grind millet. The men wore wild beards and some raccoon fur hats. One man looked up at the Governor with wild eyes and spat a load of spent tobacco into the dirt. Another man sharpened a large knife on a whetstone. Governor Viesca assumed that these families had been part of a fresh wave of immigrants pouring into Tejas.

  The men reached the central structure of the settlement; the town hall, church, and fortress redoubt all-in-one. The men dismounted their horses and hitched them up to posts in front of the white, adobe building.

  “Reverendo Wainwright es a través de estas puertas. Él te está esperando. (Reverend Wainwright is right through these doors. He is expecting you.) the Anglo waved the Governor and his entourage on through the doors. Inside they came upon a peculiar scene. The roughly hewn, wooden pews had been pushed to one side of the sanctuary, presenting an open space. Many children sat on the planks of the floor, and all were singing. Off to the side of the pulpit was a man perched at a Schaffer piano, belting out a tune. The kids sang along, as did eight other women that flanked the piano, providing falsetto support. The man was dressed in an expensive, fashionable coat, with the tails hanging down from the piano bench. The man’s black top hat rested on the bench beside him. He donned trousers of a neutral gray color, and immaculate, shined dress shoes. He was in mid-verse when one of his militia men interrupted him, announcing the arrival of the Governor.Heturnedto look and smiled; muttonchops swaying in the air.

  “Governor Viesca! How delightful for you to grace us with your presence! I trust the Lord watched over you on your journey?” Reverend Brigham Wainwright exclaimed, clearly displaying his oratory skills learned from an aristocratic upbringing.

  “Louisa, Venassa, Frencesca, Anahita, Lorraine, Caroline, Brunhild, and Theresa! Please escort the children out of the sanctuary. I have official business to attend to!” Reverend Brigham stood up from the bench and straightened his lapels and placed his top hat upon his head. He strutted slowly through the sanctuary toward the Governor and his entourage.

  “Reverend Wainwright, so glad we could meet once again. Are you teaching all these children? Village children?” the Governor asked with some curiosity.

  “Oh, those whipper-snappers? Heavens no, I am just doing my part as loving father to keep them occupied!” he exclaimed.

  “They are all yours? All thirty?” The Governor asked with a raised eyebrow.

  “As much as I would like to profess my virility as a man, I would not be honest, as there are only twenty-seven in that brood. My eight wives keep me well stocked with heirs,” the Reverend confessed.

  “Impressive. Well, as much as I would love to discuss your family life further, my men and I have made a long journey and would appreciate provisions and accommodations,” the Governor requested.

  “Why! By all means! Captain, see to his men. Governor, please come back t
his evening and we shall dine together,” the Reverend stated. The Governor nodded with appreciation and followed the Captain out to get situated. The Reverend looked on with a jovial smile.

  ⍟ ⍟ ⍟

  Governor Viesca and his aides had settled in, washed up, and had recuperated from their trek, and now had made their way back to the fortified church. They were led into the Reverend Wainwright’s manor that was conjoined to the structure in the rear. The men moved to a fully-stocked, stately dining room. A large, silver candelabra stood at the center of the rectangular table. The courses had been laid out by the house staff, featuring a pig, roasted to perfection, and an assortment of sliced fruit, bread and cheeses were spread out across the table. The only drink on offer besides water was apple cider as New Megiddo was a dry town, but apple cider was crucial due to lack of potable water. The Governor’s entourage took their seats and the Reverend walked into the room, dressed in his finest suit.

  “Governor—gentlemen, let us give thanks to the Lord for this bounty!” The Reverend proceeded to lead them in a long-winded prayer to God. When he was done the hungry Mexican delegation scooped up massive portions of food onto their plates, not waiting for the serving staff.

  “Reverend, was it true that the Lord spoke to you and led you to this place?” Governor Viesca asked.

  “Why, yes it is! I ran a prosperous plantation in my native Virginia; cotton. I was well stocked with slaves and could have everything I ever wanted. But, I felt a profound emptiness in my life. Not long after I took to the bottle and gambling. One night when I was at my lowest, the Lord appeared to me and told me to give up my old life, gather a flock, and come to this place! New Megiddo was to be the promised land for my flock!” the Reverend fondly recounted.

  “I am glad that you have brought your flock to my state, and that you remain a loyal subject to the Mexican government. Your influence and leadership are valuable to us all. Which is what brings me here. As you know, your countrymen come pouring, illegally, over the border into Tejas! We welcome a limited amount, through the correct avenues, but now the trickle becomes a torrent!” The Governor complained.

  “I hear you, Governor. Tejas is an inviting land,” he said.

  “Well, now I implore you. Use your influence in the American Capital to stem the tide of these immigrants!” The Governor pleaded.

  “Of course, Governor! I will do my utmost to discourage Americans who would come here illegally!” The Reverend placated him.

  “Bueno! Because, as you know I have already stationed troops along the border. If it gets worse I will be forced to garrison the Gringo settlements. We all want to live peacefully together but how can this be when American immigrants outnumber the citizens by two to one?” The Governor asked, taking a swig of cider, awaiting the Reverend’s answer.

  “Believe me, Governor, if foreigners were invading my country I would do all it took to keep them out! I appreciate the Mexican government’s hospitality to me and my flock. You have my pledge to talk to the American government to send their rabble to settle elsewhere...At any rate, how ’bout we get down to feasting and merriment? I have a special treat for you! Ladies!” The Reverend was quick to shut the discussion down. His eight wives came marching into the dining hall in a neat line. They began to sing “Nearer, My God, to Thee”,

  “Nearer, my God, to Thee, nearer to Thee!

  E’en though it be a cross that raiseth me;

  Still all my song shall be nearer, my God, to Thee,”

  On they sang, well into the night, while all continued to feast, until full bellies and cider caused eyelids to grow heavy. The Governor’s entourage retired shortly thereafter.

  ⍟ ⍟ ⍟

  The Governor’s column had packed, mounted up and had passed through the gates of New Megiddo. They were beginning their southern trek back to the capital of the state “Coahuila y Tejas”, which was Saltillo. Reverend Brigham Wainwright stood at the gate and watched them ride on, and he waved. His Captain of militia stood at his side.

  “You didn’t really mean to talk to the American government to stop settlers from comin’, did ya?” the Captain asked nervously.

  “Captain, you know me. Of course not. But, one in a leadership position must possess the quality of subtlety. We of Angelo-Saxon stock do not yet possess the strength to openly rebel against the Mexican government. But, make no mistake, I plan to flood this God-given land with my flock. It is our divine right to rule here,” the Reverend said with a stern face of iron. The Captain smiled when he heard this, and the Reverend placed a hand on his shoulder. The Governor’s column had traveled over the horizon, and so the Reverend and his Captain entered New Megiddo and latched the massive wooden gate shut behind them.

  ⍟ ⍟ ⍟

  IRON SHARPENS IRON

  The featureless, utilitarian room was uninviting and frigid. Two sets of bunk beds lined the walls; equipped with drab sheets that looked to have been used for years. The thought made her cringe with discomfort. She was urged forward by the Warden of the blockhouse; further into the cell-like room. She took small, reluctant steps. She gazed up at the bunk on the opposite wall. Inquiring yet threatening eyes traced her movements. The look from the two little girls languishing on the bunk was one of disdainful curiosity. She felt the tension increase in the room as the intense girls on the bunk realized their territory would shrink.

  “This is your new home, Ayane. The Lord has blessed you with a roof over your head and food to eat. Girls, please welcome Ayane Inoguchi. Please be courteous to one another. Now, go ahead, get settled in!” The Warden urged Ayane toward her bed. Ayane felt anxiety overtake her and she wanted to cry, but she suppressed those feelings; even at her age she recognized the need to not show vulnerability in her current plight. The wolves waited and watched intently for signs of weakness. The Warden turned with haste and exited the room. As the door was shut and locked behind her Ayane could feel her previous life being archived for posterity within her synapses.

  “Hey you! What’s your name?” A girl with a face that had been sandblasted with freckles snarled.

  “Ayane,” she conceded meekly.

  “Ayane? What kind of name is that?”

  “It is a Japanese name meaning ‘colorful sound’,” she stated matter-of-factly, trying not to let her nervousness show.

  “Japanese? You’re one of those people we defeated in the Holy War, and you have a stupid name,” the freckled girl said spitefully.The other darker-skinned girl just sat on her bunk, chuckling.

  “First of all, that would be the Chinese—” Before Ayane could finish her words every child was pinged via their neural implants.

  “Attention, Virtuous children of the Twin Peaks Island Home of Virtue, Education, and Love. Please prepare to assemble in the Sanctuary. We have a special guest from the Church of New Megiddo Central Authority that has come to deliver a message to us. Wardens are to escort their wards post-haste,” the announcement stated dryly.Thepredatory little girls turned from Ayane to get themselves presentable for the assembly. Ayane was chilled with fear, but a part of her wanted the confrontation with the girls; some deep, buried urge to render flesh from bone.

  The Warden rushed back into the room to hasten the children toward the Sanctuary, so Ayane turned her attention to formalities. Soon all the boys and girls of the blockhouse were being herded toward the center of the H.O.V.E.L. to this mystery speaker.

  ⍟ ⍟ ⍟

  A man, clad in a white, country-western suit, with a matching white cowboy hat, and rattle snake-skin boots was rendered on the retinal H.U.D.s of each child in attendance. The man spoke with a red face.

  “Blessings upon ya’ll, Virtuous children of the Lord. Of course ya’ll know me well, I am your Reverend Wilhelm Wainwright. I have called ya’ll here for a special announcement. I am pleased to tell ya’ll that this grand H.O.V.E.L. that you call home is now under the jurisdiction of a new Father; Father Rupert von Manstein! Father, please co
me out and introduce yourself!” With that the Spiritual Leader of the Church of New Megiddo terminated the communication that was beamed to the retinal ‘Heads Up Display’ of all the children of the H.O.V.E.L. Most children cheered; Ayane sat silently. A middle-aged man in full regalia climbed the pulpit of the sanctuary, which was the grandest room in the entire H.O.V.E.L. Massive, golden organ pipes climbed the walls to converge on the vaulted arch ceiling; spewing fourth the music of Heaven. There was no speakers or choir in the sanctuary; the music was fed directly to the minds of the attendees.

  “My, my—It is a privilege to see all of your shining faces. Every child residing in this H.O.V.E.L. is the future of New Megiddo. As your new Father, I promise to guide and protect this district so that everyone can continue Holy studies without fear of interruption from tainting influence.” Father von Manstein gazed over his captive audience. His pride at that moment overflowed like bovine mammary.

  “I just want to assure you all that in many ways it shall be business as usual around here. However, there will be a few changes under my watch. The changes will be reflected in the classroom. I want all the Virtuous children here to strive for excellence in the study of Scripture. Your instructors shall go into more detail. Well, I am so glad to meet such a Virtuous student body. Now then, I won’t keep you waiting—off to your studies!” von Manstein shooed the children away with a dismissive hand. The wardens gathered their lots and ushered them out of the Sanctuary. Ayane sat still and silent as the rest of the children shuffled by her. The freckled bully made an extra effort to make eye contact as she passed Ayane. Ayane just stared straight ahead.

  “Father, I assure you that we maintain the most stringent standards when it comes to producing Virtuous citizens for New Megiddo—but—the overwhelming flow of Apostate children that are placed with us—they are very defiant. It is very difficult to change their nature.” The Chief Warden was walking with Father von Manstein, down the central aisle. Ayane could hear their conversation due to the acoustics of the Sanctuary.