Page 28 of A Gathering Storm

Daniel had seen the man’s disdain before. Jackson was appointed to the leader of the world military by Kirkpatrick, but that wouldn’t last long. Jackson was not the man Daniel wanted on his team. The general was a Christian and had been very vocal about his faith. He’d use Jackson’s experience to locate Strike Force and destroy them, and then he’d remove the general from his position.

Daniel rounded the conference table and marched to within a few feet of the older man. “Then do better.” He kept his tone low and non confrontational, but Jackson recoiled at the fire blazing in Daniel’s eyes. “I want them found within the hour. Call me when you have news.”

Daniel strode out of the room without caring about Jackson’s reaction. He stepped out into the chilly evening and walked a little way from the castle, then he turned to absorb its magnificent presence.

“They will be expecting what’s coming.” His master appeared at Daniel’s side like he had for years. Guiding him through each valley of his life. Preparing him for his glorious future as world leader.

“What should I do differently? I wish to please you.”

His master was happy with his answer. “Their days are few. You must not lose focus on what I want.”

Daniel affirmed with a nod. “I would never. We are close to victory.”

He smiled. “Yes, we are. Soon, everything will be under your control, and part of their threat will be removed. You won’t have to worry about them for long.”

Daniel had become a scholar of the Bible in preparation for future events. He knew the word of God by heart. And his place in it. “Yes, Master.” Daniel watched the prince of this world turn his head up against the fierce breeze blowing across the countryside, sniffing the air as he’d seen him do many times. He’d barely been old enough to walk when the master first visited. Since then, he’d been at his side every day. Walton’s “glorious plan,” as he called it, had been his master’s creation. He’d put Walton in Daniel’s life for a reason because the ambassador had the political pull as well as the wealth and influence to bring the current events to fruition.

His master came close to Daniel. The familiar fissure of unease that was always there whenever he was close sped down Daniel’s spine. He placed his hands on Daniel’s shoulders and looked deep into his eyes. Daniel could feel his own will slipping away, the desire to please growing.

“The world must believe there is peace on the horizon. They cannot know what is happening to those who believe in an Almighty God. You must begin the next phase of rhetoric. The followers of Him are the reason the world has been in chaos for these many years. People like those in Strike Force and others who are trying to create anarchy must be shown in their true light. When we obliterate them, the world will finally live in harmony.”

Daniel believed he responded, but he wasn’t sure.

“I want you to hold a press conference tomorrow. You will lead it. Walton must begin to recede into the background. I want the world to see my strong and confident representative.”

Daniel nodded once. “Yes, Master.”

He smiled, but there was nothing reassuring about it. Many times through the years, Daniel had wondered what his life would be like if he’d rejected his master’s plan. Gone his own way. Lived a normal life like others.

“You will impress it upon the world that those who are causing anarchy must be eliminated. Will be eliminated. For world peace. You understand?”

He did. He’d heard this command many times. It had been driven into his mind over and over. “Yes, I understand.”

“Good. We have to move forward quickly. The time is approaching for His intervention. Before that happens, I want the world to know what the traitors have been up to.” He released Daniel, and a relieved breath escaped from his lips. He blinked rapidly and realized he was now alone and so weak, as if all the energy in his body had been zapped by his master’s touch.

The press conference was critical. It must happen. Daniel returned to the castle right away and hurried up to Walton’s and Mamie’s suite. The guard outside Walton’s door didn’t hesitate to do as Daniel asked and knocked.

A handful of moments passed and then Walton opened the door.

“I would like to speak with you about our next move.”

Walton nodded absently. He appeared the doddering old man that he was for the first time, and Daniel almost regretted that Walton’s time was passing.

He came in and closed the door behind him. “Where is Mamie?” The older woman had been like a mother to him. Always doting.

“She wasn’t feeling well. I sent her home to New York.”

Daniel inclined his head. “A wise move. Mamie has no purpose in what is to happen. She must live out her time in peace.”

For most people those words would be disturbing, but Walton never flinched. He understood who was calling the shots and he wasn’t about to cross Daniel.

Daniel moved to the window. The lights of Berlin twinkled below the castle. The world would soon be his. Excitement surged through every vein in his body as he turned from the window. “Tomorrow, I will host a press conference. You will be there with me, but you will not speak.”

Walton blinked rapidly while a frown pulled together his bushy white eyebrows.

“Do you understand?” Daniel repeated. He still would require Walton’s help in bringing certain nations together, but he wouldn’t let the old man hijack the press conference to brag about his own accomplishments. Daniel locked eyes with Walton. His answer now would affect the future of his place in Daniel’s regime.

A small smile wavered on Walton’s lips. “Of course, I understand. I, too, have my orders.”

---