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| The Call of Shadows |
As Obadiah balances life as Brian Sessions, a quiet moment on a gospel radio show is interrupted by rumblings beneath the surface. A ghost is watching, a scroll is missing, and Heaven itself is stirring. While angels debate his fate in the Celestial Watchtower, Obadiah begins to feel the old weight return — not as punishment, but as purpose. Scroll to the read the episode below »
Episode 10 | The Call of Shadows| A Park Bench. A Promise. A Watchtower.
“This is WGOD Gospel Radio, and I’m Kat Dawson. Today, we’re joined by Professor Brian Sessions, director of the Arklow Bible Museum, to discuss the museum’s upcoming exhibit featuring new discoveries tied to Nehemiah’s rebuilding of Jerusalem. Welcome to the show, Professor Sessions!”
“Thank you, Kat. I’m happy to be here,” Brian replied with a calm, easy smile.
“So tell us,” Kat began, leaning into the mic, “what’s so special about these new artifacts?”
“These pieces offer an incredible glimpse into one of the Bible’s most resilient figures,” Brian explained. “From ancient tools to inscriptions, they highlight Nehemiah’s unwavering faith and leadership during one of the most challenging times in Israel’s history.”
“That sounds amazing,” Kat said. “And this isn’t just for Christians, right? Anyone can enjoy the exhibit?”
“Absolutely,” Brian assured her. “These artifacts aren’t just relics of faith — they’re windows into our shared human story. They’re meant to inspire anyone curious about the past.”
Kat nodded. “I hear Mr. Jonathan Harrington, one of Baylor City’s most prominent philanthropists, has been a big supporter of the museum.”
Brian’s expression shifted, growing more somber. “Jonathan’s generosity has been vital to our efforts. He truly understood the importance of preserving history.”
“He’s a great man,” Kat said. “We need more like him.”
Brian returned her smile. “I couldn’t agree more.”
___The next morning, crisp autumn air carried the earthy scent of fallen leaves. Brian strolled through Serenity Park, stopping at Ricky’s fruit stand to pick up a few apples for Laric.
“Stocking up for your nephew?” came a familiar voice.
Brian turned to see Dr. Cassandra Gregory approaching, her light blue jacket catching the morning sunlight.
“Good morning, Cassandra,” he said, smiling. “It’s Laric’s favorite snack.”
They wandered through the market, the hum of conversation and laughter blending with the rustle of leaves. Cassandra gestured toward a bench beneath the old oak tree, and they sat.
“You know,” she said, studying him, “I’ve been meaning to ask you something about Daniel.”
Brian’s expression softened. “How’s he doing?”
“He’s recovering well,” she said with relief, then hesitated. “But I still don’t understand how you did it.”
Brian tilted his head slightly, his expression unreadable.
“I tried everything to get him back,” she continued. “Then I came to you, and somehow, within a week, Daniel was home.” Her voice dropped. “You cut through the kind of red tape that stops governments in their tracks. How?”
Brian leaned back, gazing toward the fountain where children played. “Sometimes, when the path seems blocked, you have to look higher for answers. Like I said… I know people.”
Cassandra’s lips curved into a faint smile. “You always have a way of dodging direct questions, Brian.”
Before he could respond, Principal Marilynn Cross bustled toward them, clipboard in hand.
“Professor Sessions! Dr. Gregory! Just the people I need.”
“Good morning, Marilynn,” Cassandra said, amused. “What’s the emergency?”
“We need more chaperones for prom,” Marilynn said breathlessly. “You two are perfect. Please say yes.”
Brian chuckled. “Laric wants to go, so I suppose I can keep an eye on him.”
Cassandra sighed. “Fine. But only because I’m terrible at dancing, and no one will expect me to try.” With a wave, she turned and left.
“Give me a call, Marilynn,” Brian called after her.
He leaned back on the bench. A warm glow shimmered beside him — the signal of a heavenly presence.
“Michael,” Obadiah said, straightening up.
The archangel appeared beside him, radiating light.
“You did well, Obadiah,” Michael said. “Many lives were saved.”
Obadiah exhaled. “I know Cassandra’s relieved. Thank you for sending the angels.”
Michael offered a gentle smile. “All that matters is Daniel is safe — and Cassandra’s faith remains strong.”
Obadiah rubbed his hands together slowly. “The lock,” he murmured. “I didn’t expect it to open.”
“You didn’t need to expect it,” Michael said. “Only to act.”
“I thought it was gone,” Obadiah confessed. “I gave it up when I walked away.”
Michael’s eyes softened. “You didn’t lose your purpose, Obadiah. You buried it. Heaven doesn’t forget those who still have work to do.”
Obadiah nodded. “Then I suppose I’m not as done as I thought.”
“No,” Michael said. “You’re only beginning.”
He rose. “We’ll be in touch.”
___
Above the Earthly Plane| The Celestial Watchtower
A chamber not built, but born of light and will, floated beyond time’s reach. The stars outside shifted in reverent silence as the archangels gathered in the Watchtower — a place where destinies were weighed and futures whispered.
Raguel paced near the edge, the light of the cosmos gleaming off his robes. “He’s unstable,” he said, voice tight with concern. “He walks the line between past and present. Between warrior and wanderer.”
“He answered the call,” Michael replied calmly, his wings folded behind him like resting swords.
Gabriel stepped forward, his eyes shining like tempered steel. “The mission was a success, yes. But Obadiah is still fractured. He doubts his power. He doubts us. He doubts himself.”
“He has reason to,” Raguel interjected. “We left him in silence for sixteen years. Wouldn’t you question your calling?”
The room dimmed momentarily as silence settled. Then, softly, a new voice filled the chamber.
“He’s held the line longer than most would have,” Raphael said from the far side of the circle, his healing aura pulsing gently. “Even after exile. Even after loss.”
“He buried his wings,” Raguel argued. “What soldier turns his back on Heaven’s command?”
Michael’s eyes narrowed, though his tone remained steady. “A soldier who carries more weight than most. One who has seen the cost of duty.”
“He disobeyed once—”
“And saved lives,” Gabriel cut in. “He saw what we refused to. That sometimes the rules are not enough. Sometimes, obedience is not the highest form of service.”
Raguel’s wings flared slightly, not in anger — but in resistance. “He’s been touched by Earth for too long. What if it’s changed him?”
“It has,” Michael agreed. “But not into something weaker — into something more human. And that is precisely why we need him.”
Gabriel looked toward the constellation window where Earth shimmered like a tear of light. “The war below is no longer just between Heaven and Hell. It’s waged in the hearts of men. Obadiah understands that in ways we no longer can.”
Raphael added gently, “He loves. He grieves. He doubts. That makes him dangerous — but also necessary. He does not just carry orders; he carries burdens. That makes him the best of us.”
Raguel’s face softened just slightly. “And if he fails again?”
“Then we catch him,” Michael said. “We carry him. As we should have before.”
A hush followed — deeper than silence. The chamber responded with a soft glow, as if even Heaven was reconsidering its judgments.
“Then the vote is cast,” Gabriel said. “We continue to call him.”
“More missions will come,” Raguel warned.
Michael nodded. “And he will rise to meet them — not because he must, but because he chooses to.”
Light burst silently across the chamber, like the exhale of eternity.
Below them, Obadiah walked the Earth, unaware that his fate — and perhaps the fate of many — still hung between shadow and light.
TO BE CONTINUED…
🔙 Next, in Episode 11: The Anointed and The Fallen
At a high-profile museum fundraiser, Brian Sessions plays the role of director with ease — but behind the glass and polite smiles, Obadiah feels the heavens shifting.
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