Page 30 of The Syphon King

The answer to that tied his tongue. Amazing how his brother managed tounlock every door he held shut with both hands. “Two words sum it all up. Dark and terror.”

Seer confirmed his worst fears with, “You’re spot on. But we’re in good hands.”

“You say this collectively,” Bishop fished, praying he had some kind of spiritual assurance for him.

“I do. Because my prayers are all over you, Brother.” He reached out and squeezed his neck then slapped his back. “Always are. Always will be.”

“And I can’t thank you enough for that.”

“I know what you fear but you don’t need to,” he said.

Bishop wanted to believe that hedidknow. “You sound sure.”

“I am. Because I know my God and I know you. And I know how He feels about you. That’s never changed, no matter how stubborn you are.”

They walked in silence as words weighed heavy in Bishop’s gut. “I feel like...a fraud every time I think of...even praying.”

“It’ll get easier.”

“There’s just...no dirtier feeling. Knowing how filthy you are while in the presence of a perfectGod. I can’t ever shake that.”

“Knowing how dirty you are is the beginning of being clean.”

Bishop’s legs turned to stone as he closed his eyes, unable to take another step. “You realize... this is the darkness and terror I fear most?”

“I do,” he assured quietly. “As you should. The fear of God is the start of your salvation. You’re a father now. A husband. You never felt worthy before but maybe you’ll finally see that you are. Through their eyes. Since you don’t believe a damn word I tell you.”

Bishop’s breath caught in his chest as he shook his head. “It’s not all gonna end now, is it, Brother? When I’ve just found my heaven after all these years of hell?”

“I can see pieces, but I can’t see all. This is a very sharp bend in the road that ends many things but it's not the end ofallthings.”

He forced himself to walk and breathe again. “I can sure fucking handle that.”

He suddenly wanted to hug his Brother again, tighter than ever. “I cannot...begin to express to you how unbelievably relieved I am that you’re here at a time like this.”

“Think Cherie asked the other day if that little cottage next to the soap house wasavailable.” He cast a twinkling glance at him, and Bishop laughed and hoped at what he was saying.

“If it isn’t it will be. Or I’ll build you one.”

“Maybe an addition on the Basilique.”

“You got it. You’re joking, but I’m not. And once it’s built, you’re obligated, Preacher.”

“Well, somebody’s gotta lead those sermons you’re in dire need of hearing.”

Bishop stopped in his tracks eyeing him. “I’m serious.”

He nodded. “Same.”

“Cherie really wants to? And her boy?”

“Wherever I am, there Ma Cherie’s beautiful heart is also. Her son needs to be around family, and I don’t like my wife that far out alone.”

“Now you’re speaking my language,” Bishop said, back to walking.

“I heard Jek was talking with your ex.”

“Yeah. And it doesn’t bother me one bit. Other than the risk he’s taking.”

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