Captive of Circumstances

On a mountain near the highest peak of the scattered Appalachian Mountains dotting the northeastern part of the state of Alabama stood a great boardwalk—a human-built convenience that allowed tourists to walk the long stretch of sometimes-rocky terrain, free of poison oak and snakes, to reach the incredible view from the highest mountain in Alabama. The bridge-like structure extended to the very edge of the mountain, resting at its end upon a special place called Bald Rock. Not only was it a dynamic human adventure to walk out to enjoy the view, but it held under its foundation another world, totally oblivious to humankind. It was a complete society of tiny people, struggling with living in their harsh miniature world and its challenges. The tiny populace admired the human population that frequented their mountain range as tourists and hikers, who were unaware of their secret miniature society just below them. It was a society that was building a mighty army, not to conquer the human world, but to follow the human example and protect freedom, establish democracy, and build a society of trade and commerce.

Deep under the huge rock existed a small cave to human eyes, yet with a great cavern complete with a vast lake currently low on water because of the long Alabama drought of 2007–2008, its driest in recorded history. Surrounding that lake was a large community, including a small military base, where a ceremony was preparing to commence. In that very formation, Eddie stood proudly at attention. The presence of his command radiated the same pride and joy exhibited by the Second Brigade, in formation, on the opposite side of the open area. Each brigade stood ready, anticipating the approaching two graduating classes of new soldiers, along with their two new commanders, who were selected from their own ranks. The new candidates stood ready to test the two remaining Swords of Promise. Of the four, only two swords had chosen leaders to hold the honor of not only bearing sword but also to be magically clothed in a super suit of body armor, giving the chosen one great powers and prestige near the caliber of the very angels in the heavens.

Eddie placed his own sword (given to him by his dying father) on the shelf, completing the four. He had survived the rugged training, and found that his sword had chosen him, providing the suit of protection that now adorned his body. The second sword chose his now-beloved wife, Karen, but for six graduations, had commanded graduate after graduate who had faced the disappointment of not being the next chosen warrior to achieve this high honor. This particular group had caught Eddie’s eye through the entire training. One young lady, a person he had rescued from a horribly abusive situation several months earlier, showed great leadership potential and skill in completion. She even defeated the strongest male from the other graduating company after an enduring tiebreaker. Both marched ahead of their companies, proud of their soldiers and the pending honor to approach the swords. The two companies marched in and the graduation proceeded, but Eddie could only think of the pending sword tests and felt great hope in seeing the duties and responsibilities he and his spouse had carried over the past few months passed to new commanders for the two brigades. Their experience would move to greater leadership roles in the growing democracy.

Across the assembly area, Eddie admired his wife and her position of importance. She carried the same honor, with her brigade standing also at attention that day, anticipating the ceremonial test of the swords. She wore her blade strapped to her left hip, and its polished chrome glistened in the firelight from the torches around them. The cave ceiling echoed the commands of the commandant, and Karen marched sharply to the front of the two companies.

“Captain Carmen Nicolas, front and center.” Karen’s voice boomed with confidence and excitement.

Carmen darted quickly to the front stage, stopping two steps in front of Commander Karen Cortez. Snapping a quick salute, she said in a strong voice, “Captain Nicolas, reporting as ordered, ma’am!”

Karen returned her salute and addressed the audience. “It is with great pride and privilege at each graduation that the chosen captains march to the cabinet and reach for the Sword of Promise. Taking the sword from the cabinet, if the blade glows with the selection and chooses the captain, the leadership gained far exceeds command, and the bearer reaches the great status as one of the four leaders of promise. Many have made this attempt, but only two have succeeded in the task. If rejected by the sword, the blade will vanish, leaving only the hilt of the sword and a great disappointment with all of us. Our desire is once again to complete the circle of four to regain the leadership potential unheard of in this young democracy since the great war that overthrew the emperor of darkness.”

Applause rang forth from the benches behind each formation holding the many dignitaries from the supporting provinces scattered across Cheaha Mountain.

“Carmen, test the swords.” A snappy salute followed the command and a wink from Karen. “I’ll do my best, ma’am,” Carmen said. She took a right-face and marched four steps to the commander’s left and turned left, approaching the sword cabinet. It’s glass front was removed; it was well lit, and guarded by two armed soldiers in full dress uniforms of spectacular color.

With a sharp halt, the young woman nervously reached into the sword cabinet, slowly, cautiously, as if feeling the swords to determine which to take hold of. Her hand reached down for the hilt of the sword, lifting it from the case, and it glowed. The crowd gasped with excitement. As she stepped from the case and did an about-face, holding the sword straight up in front of her, the transformation began. The glow moved from the blade to her hand and covered her entire body. Her graduation uniform changed to a commander’s dress uniform equal to Eddie and Karen’s. The sword’s hilt of shining chrome appeared on her left side, and she placed the sword inside it and marched to stand beside Karen on her right side.

The companies gave a great cheer, as did the entire assembly.

“Now we call on Captain Dexter Marcus of graduating company two to come forward and report to me,” Karen said, her voice already showing the excitement and anticipation. Captain Dexter darted from the head of his platoon to take his position in front of Commander Cortez. Snapping a quick salute, he said in a loud, forceful voice, “Ma’am, Captain Dexter reporting as ordered.”

Returning his salute, she hesitated for a moment, as if admiring the second challenger. “You may test the sword, Captain,” she said, raising her salute to send him toward his destiny. “Yes, ma’am.” The young captain moved sharply to the sword cabinet. As magnificently as the first sword test, Dexter’s hand selected the only remaining sword, and it also glowed, choosing him as its new owner. He did an about-face, and the glow moved from the blade to engulf him in a new uniform of a commander. He marched sharply to stand to the far right of the two other commanders.