Read Online A Sacred Storm by Dominic C. James - Free Book Online Page A

thankful that Massa and his men had left them behind. If they hadn’t he would probably be having to wear robes like the monks, and even in the jungle it wasn’t a good look.
    â€œYou shouldn’t be so hard on yourself really, mate,” said Stratton as he dried himself off. “You might think you’ve done nothing with your life, but I’m sure to other people it probably looks very exciting. I mean, I’m sure there’s loads of people out there who would love to be in Special Branch. You’ve been the Prime Minister’s personal bodyguard for Christ’s sake! How cool is that?! It’s better than working in a factory isn’t it?”
    â€œWhen you say it like that it sounds better,” Jennings admitted. “I suppose when you’re in a job you tend to forget how it looks to other people. The reality is never quite as glamorous though.”
    â€œMaybe it’s not your job that’s the problem,” said Stratton.
    â€œMaybe you’re right.”
    Stratton put his clothes back on and slung his towel over his shoulder. “Right then mate, are you ready for this?”
    â€œI guess so,” said Jennings doubtfully.
    â€œWell then, let’s go and find Majami.”
    Stratton had persuaded Jennings to receive an attunement from the monk. He believed it essential in the current climate that Jennings be protected as much as possible from the negative energies that were sweeping the globe. Although a basic attunement would not give him immunity, it would give him a deeper spiritual insight and make him more aware of what was going on around him. Stratton had also tried to get Grady to agree to one, but the suggestion was met with a typically humorous dismissal, so he had let the matter lie.
    When they got back to the hut Majami was waiting for them. He took them inside to his quarters and bade Jennings sit on a chair in the middle of the room. There was a lit candle in each corner, the air filled with a delicate waft of incense. Majami instructed Jennings to close his eyes and relax with his hands in the prayer position, and to think about letting positive energies flow through his body. Only six months previously Jennings would have laughed at what he was doing, but today, in the middle of the jungle with Majami, it seemed like the most natural thing in the world.
    At first Jennings found it hard to imagine the energies flowing like Majami had suggested, but as soon as he felt the monk’s hand touch the crown of his head he immediately felt a subtle surge of warmth travel through his body. After that he remembered little of the physical aspects save for Majami making signs on his palms. What he did recall was the sensation of floating in another dimension, a divine weightlessness that transcended the world as he knew it. It was like speeding through the cosmos at a million miles an hour and standing motionless at the same time. It was like a seismic explosion of knowledge had hit him full in the face and illuminated his entire mind, as a blind man regaining his sight after years in the dark. And most of all it was simply beautiful, like nothing his temporal existence could even begin to match.
    When he finally came back to earth he could hear Majami’s mellifluous voice coaxing him out of his trance. He opened his eyes slowly and found the world out of focus. The room was blanketed by a thick haze, with Majami appearing pixilated. Jennings shook his head and blinked but his vision remained fuzzy.
    â€œIs everything alright?” Majami asked.
    â€œI’m not sure,” Jennings drawled. “I feel a bit drunk.”
    â€œGood,” said Majami. “That means the attunement is strong. It will take some time to ground yourself again. Just sit there until you feel your senses return to normal. I will go and fetch some water.”
    Jennings leant back in the chair and enjoyed the moment. The fact that his faculties were