Free Flight into Darkness (Flight Trilogy, Book 2) by Mike Coe Page A

rebuilding of the Old City walls in Jerusalem. Four years later, when the project was complete, I sealed the most important double-arched gate leading into the Old City. The gate that has many names—the East Gate; the Mercy Gate; the Shushan Gate—but most importantly, it is referred to as the Golden Gate. It remains closed today.”
    “Why was this Golden Gate so important?” Usman asked.
    “As a student of history, you should know that the Golden Gate on the east wall of the Old City of Jerusalem is an extremely significant landmark in reference to history and to eschatology for all three of the major monotheistic religions: Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.”
    “I know this, but I don’t understand the connection.”
    “The Jews link the Messiah’s arrival with this gate. According to Jewish tradition, when the Messiah returns, He will enter the Temple Mount through this gate. Christians have for centuries associated this Golden Gate with Palm Sunday and the Second Advent of Christ.
    Around A.D. 33, according to the book of Luke in the Christian’s Bible, Jesus entered Jerusalem through the Golden Gate (East Gate) as he came down from the Mount of Olives to the temple. It is prophesied that upon His return, He will again enter through the Golden Gate.
    “But you and I know this is the place of Allah’s final judgment. That is why I believe, as Suleyman, I sealed this gate to prevent the Messiah's entrance.” Samael noticed Usman begin to squirm. Suddenly, he jerked in pain, grabbing his stomach. “Are you okay?” The contractions appeared much stronger than before.
    Usman pushed back from the table and stood quickly, doubled at the waist. “I’ll be back….”
    “Take your time.”
    Usman rushed off holding his stomach.
    Samael wasn’t sure if he needed to bother explaining to Usman the real story behind the Golden Gates. For the same reason Mehmet had sealed the Golden Gate when he took Constantinople, Suleyman sealed the Golden Gate in Israel.
    Although the greatness of Mehmet and Suleyman is known by many, and their accomplishments are well documented in the history books, the history books do not record the common thread that Samael knew tied these two men together—their soul’s deep yearning for Keroessa.
    For now, he enjoyed the silence. Usman’s questions and unbridled excitement had tired him. His mind emptied every thought, but one: Keroessa. He continued to reflect on what he believed to be the real reason for his soul’s journey into the skin of the tall, white albino.
    There can only be one Golden Gate .

CHAPTER 9
    With Usman busy dealing with his spastic colon, Samael lifted his gaze into the black sky, closed his eyes, and released his mind to explore his past.
    Three lives, three journeys—all for the polishing and perfecting of his soul—had prepared him for his next mission on Earth. Stirred with stimulating currents of focused energy, he was more assured than ever that the multiple journeys of his soul had led him to this point.
    His newly-found freedom through regression had connected him with his past and purpose for this life. Thoughts associated with his beloved mother lingered, filling him with warmth radiating throughout his body. The leaves seemed to rustle in harmony with his sense of satisfaction.
    Usman returned, walking slowly, his face pale. He stood by his chair. “Sorry for taking so long. The caffeine must have set it off.”
    “I hope you can handle the long trip that is ahead of us.”
    “I’ve lived with this since I was a child. I’ll be fine.” Usman quickly diverted the conversation. “I’m packed and ready to go.”
    Samael stood and hugged the small, delicate man. “I will see you at the airport in the morning.” Usman bid Samael farewell. Wasting no time, the little man scuffled off holding his stomach.
    Their flight was scheduled to depart tomorrow from Ataturk Airport at 9:45 a.m. on Turkish Airlines, connecting with American Airlines in