Now, Tiet had to respond. He looked around at his supposed army-a few left of his crew and family and a group of one hundred adolescents and children. "Aija, this is no army. These are only children and there are thousands of Agonotti-we're hopelessly outnumbered."
Aija gave a stern look that reminded Tiet who was really in control. "The Eternal One will provide you an army, my King. You must trust Him."
Tiet felt scolded and appropriately so. Aija reached a hand for someone standing back behind him. A young boy emerged to join the prophet. It was the boy leader that had held his son captive in the basement level of one of the abandoned buildings back in Sector City.
"Young Jayce has provided me with information concerning a resistance movement underway here on Draconis. He will take you to their leader and you will find your army among them. Elithias will provide, but the battle will not be easily won. Within the Logostus is found the prophecy of the empty hand. The prophecy tells of one who will come to fight against the rebellious host and shall defeat them with no weapon in his hand. He will be the rod of Elithias' judgment. The power of Lucin's hold on your people shall be destroyed and the Agonotti will be carried away and reserved for judgment."
"So you're saying I will be victorious over them?" Tiet asked.
Aija looked at the king. Then his eyes turned to look at Kale. "The rod of Elithias' judgment will be victorious, my King."
This satisfied Tiet, even if Aija still sounded a bit cryptic in his replies
"There is no time for delay," Aija said. "You must get underway to the place that Jayce will lead you." Aija walked down the ramp and through the crowd. Tiet stepped to him, meeting his son and Emil there as well.
"Where are you going?" Tiet asked. "You talk like you're not going with us."
"I can't go with you, my King. The Lord has called me to depart to a place apart in order to intercede for you."
Kale spoke up and said, "But we can't-"
"Master Kale, you must go on without me for now. I will see you again, when it is time. Remember that the arm of the flesh will fail, but when hope seems gone, pray."
The prophet is certainly mysterious, if nothing else, thought Tiet. The promise of victory comforted him. Aija walked on past them. "We'll see you when you return, Aija," Tiet said.
Aija paused, but did not turn. Then he continued on through the children and proceeded to walk beyond the group through the tall grass stalks toward the hills in the distance.
"I can't believe we have to go on without him," Kale said.
"We'll just have to trust Elithias," Tiet said. "Let's get everyone onboard. Like the man said, we don't have time to waste."