The Time Before Wisdom

A royal official is sent back through time to fulfil a duty that will save an old city.

A bright noon sun shot light and warmth across the city of Evercrest as people smiled and decorated the buildings and even the castle was adorned with ribbons and colorful tassels. Vice governor Neiman walked down the street.

“Good morning, Vice governor! What time will the head governor deliver his address?” said a citizen.

“I don’t know.”

“I wonder why we are the only province who celebrates the new year.”

Neiman shrugged. “Our city is remote with little influence.”

Neiman looked at the towering clock in the square indicating twelve O’clock. “I’ll be riding through the outskirts of Evercrest.” Neiman smiled and left to retrieve a horse from the stalls and set entered the wilderness.

Flowers released fragrances filled the land. After an hour, he dismounted and sat before a river back. The sun’s glistening reflection danced across the surface. He drifted off to sleep.

He awoke and it was late nightfall. “I have to get back!”

Neiman rode home and arrived at Evercrest. Torches and braziers lined the streets as all eyes waited for the immense clock to strike midnight. The crowd counted down-“Three, two, ONE!”

The clock rang twelve times and at the last ring, he blacked out.

He awoke laying on a bed and saw confetti of the ground through a window. “Why did I faint? At least the people had a good time.” He stood, exited the house he was in and reeled back at the sight of a stranger in the governor’s cloak. Neiman approached him.

“Sir, where is governor Eutychus?”

The man chuckled. “My son is a little bit young to be governor.”

Neiman observed that the castle was partially erected. He noticed the absence of other buildings. Even the square clock tower was half built.

Neiman gasped and shook himself. “I’m dreaming!”

“And why are you dressed in the vice governor’s attire? Thadeus would be offended.”

Neiman was speechless as the surroundings seemed to spin around him. “Vice governor Thadeus died over a decade ago!”

“You’re delirious, sir!”

“I’m going to my chamber in the castle!”

“I don’t know who you are, sir! Are you daft?”

Neiman took a deep breath and ran a palm down his face. “It’s like I’m in the past! What happened?”

“You need a physician,” said the man before Neiman.

“I’m alright, thank you.” Neiman left with thoughts spinning in his head. As he walked, he recognized no one. He sat on a bench. Then an old man sat next to him. “You are in the past, Neiman.”

“Who are you?”

“I’m a Hatious, a priest who brought you here from the future.”

Neiman gasped. “But…why?”

“In your time, Evercrest is on the precipice of destruction. You must give the message of the Gospel.”

“I’m confused.”

Hatious took out a small book with a cross engraved on its cover and opened it then gave it to Neiman. “Read the first page.”

Neiman covered his mouth. “Did all this really happen?”

“Yes-nearly one-thousand years ago. Now go to the square and proclaim the message you have read.”

“What if I am rejected?”

“Some will but those who believe will save the city from doom.”

Nieman rose. He gazed at the sky and sighed. “So be it, then.” He walked to the square and took a large wooden crate and stood on it. “Heed me, people of Evercrest!”

Eyes shot at him.

“I proclaim a wondrous truth you have been chosen to behold.”

The crowd was silent.

“Centuries ago, a man sent from God in heaven came to Earth to give a message of salvation. He was the very Son of God and He came to bear the trespasses of sinful man. He died and returned to life so all who believe will live forever in heaven with Him.”

Neiman felt an essence of peace go throughout the audience.

“Where did you learn of this message?” said a man.

“From the pages of the book that I hold in my hand.” Neiman raised the book over his head.

“How do you know this is true?” said a young lady in a bright blue dress.

A man in the crowd answered the question. “It is true, Athena! I can’t explain it.”

“This man is mad! Why listen to him?” said the man from before.

A loud argument ensued and after much chiding, Neiman stepped off the box. The governor passed through the crowd and looked into Neiman’s eyes. “Quite a tale, sir. Where do you come from?”

Neiman hesitated. “A place far from here in more way than one.”

Hatious the priest approached Nieman. “It is done! The future has been altered. I return you to your day.”

Again, Neiman blacked out. He awoke on a soft bed with the towering clock visible through a window to his right.

He ran out into the warmth of the day. He gasped at what he saw.

A large cathedral with a bronze cross over a spear-shaped double door rose gallantly in the air. He smiled broadly and he teared up. He walked along the streets and gazed at the joyful faces that were more than just excitement but had a deeper source.

The head governor approached him. “God bless you, Neiman!”

The greeting made his heart leap.

A servant rushed up to the governor. “Lord! We are being besieged by an army at the gate!”

“Come with me, Neiman!” said the governor who mounted a horse and rode with Neiman riding too.

Devilish brutes in overwhelming numbers and sizes rammed at the gate that was about to breach.

All citizens kneeled and prayed.

The ground quaked and three-winged beings appeared in a flash of light. The assailants froze as they were cut down by fiery swords of the angelic hosts. In seconds, the foes were slain.

The people cheered and thanked God.

“Let this be an official holiday to celebrate the deliverance of God this day!” said the governor.

Neiman cried. From that day on, a golden era of enlightenment and peace followed.