I was determined, grounded in fearlessness. Yet I realized that I was not prepared for such things. How could I truly stand against a God, if that was what he was? I found my hand touching the talisman tucked beneath my tunic. It was hot to the touch, as if it had done something. I pulled it out to look closer at it. It glowed like never before. I could see light coming from it now. I had never seen it like this. I knew this amulet was special. I could not remove it from my own neck. I had always had it with me. Uncle said it was always there and could not be removed. But he refused to tell me anything more about it.

He always said, “On your 21st birthday I will tell you all about it and give you a special gift.”...

Please subscribe to keep reading.