Unholy Empire: Chronicles of the Host, Vol 2: Chronicles of the Host, Book 2 Read Online Free PDF Page B

Eden again,” said Cain. The boys loved to hear stories told and retold of life in Eden before the banishment. Abel settled himself next to Eve, his head in her lap as he slurped up the remainder of the stew.
    A’dam looked at his little family, their faces dancing in the reflection of the evening fire. They all looked forward to these moments in the stillness of the night, with all the day’s work done. Stories helped break up the long, hard day before another one just like it started. His sons each had their favorite stories about Eden—Eve and the monkey who would not leave her alone until she finally threw a melon at it; A’dam and the first time a hawk actually landed on his shoulder. Cain always enjoyed the humorous stories of life in Eden. Abel liked hearing about the Lord. Inevitably, though, the stories always ended up at their disobedience.
    “It is very important that you know that we might still be in Eden today, had we honored God rather than ourselves. Always remember this. We were without excuse, and neither do you have an excuse to fail Him. In fact, it’s time you began to worship Him.”
    A’dam looked tenderly at Eve, who took her cue and went inside the cave. The two boys looked at their father, not knowing exactly what he meant. A’dam seemed to be trying to find the words. His sons sat quietly before him, waiting on their father. Finally A’dam spoke.
    “When I was in Eden, even before your mother was around, the Lord had fellowship with me, just as we are sitting by this fire together,” he began. “It was a wonderful time when I walked with God.” He looked at his boys. “I walked with God. You understand?” They nodded. “I sat next to Him, as we are seated. I knew Him…and I betrayed Him. I want you to understand this, because you must make your own way with the Lord. You must seek to please Him and obey Him always.”
    “Yes, Father,” the boys said in unison.
    “You don’t understand, I know,” said A’dam. “But your mother and I have brought you into a world that is not simply a place of shepherding and raising crops. It is a beautiful world but a dangerous one…”
    A’dam looked around as if he were being watched by an unseen observer. He motioned to his sons, who leaned in to hear him whisper. “There is a promise. A promise that will avenge the damage your mother and I caused by our disobedience in Eden. One will be born who will overcome the evil that the serpent brings to this world.”
    The two boys looked at their father solemnly. They had never seen him in such a serious frame of mind before. “Your mother and I live for the day that you will undo the horrible damage we have done. The Lord told us and the serpent that one of our children would accomplish this.” A’dam looked at Cain and put a hand on his shoulder. “You are our firstborn. We believe this to be your task.” Cain swallowed hard, eyes wide. “And that is why you must both begin to worship the Lord in ways that demonstrate your loyalty to Him. To give back to Him of those things that you love most. To offer Him of your very best.”
    “You mean we are to bring an offering to the Lord?” asked Cain.
    “Yes,” said A’dam. “But you must not think you are offering to God from your own ability or strength. There is nothing worthwhile that we can present to Him. It must be done in simple belief and trust. That is how you worship God. That is how you overcome the evil in this world. And that is how the promise can be realized.”
    Abel looked at his father with a new understanding and compassion. The fire cast a glow on him that made him seem suddenly years older. In an instant, Abel’s mind flashed back to glimpses of growing up and watching his father’s passionate hope to recapture something he had thrown away. He remembered A’dam in worship, talking to God and offering Him the firstlings of the sheep. He also remembered the frustration and bitterness that sometimes rose up, as