Glorious Appearing: The End Of Days by Tim Lahaye, Jerry B. Jenkins

cease, ” Nicolae said. “When you are all in place, I shall tell you what you just witnessed and what you will remember.”
    An Asian dignitary raised a hand, consternation on his face.
    “Please hold all questions, just for a moment.”
    An African stood, hand also raised.
    “Please honor my request, sir,” Carpathia said. “I will get to you in a moment if you will extend this courtesy. ”
    The African sat, clearly troubled. Others looked at each other, eyes narrow, shaking their heads.
    “Ladies and gentlemen and soldiers,” Carpathia began, but he was interrupted by a man at the door. “What is it?”
    “Because of the carnage outside, Excellency, we have been unable to find a paramedic unit for this room.”
    “Thank you. No longer needed.”
    “And, your grace, neither have we been able to determine the source of the heat that caused the stampede.”
    “I believe that issue is moot now, is it not? Anyone uncomfortable?”
    “Not from the heat,” an Aussie said, “but I have some serious questions about what just—”
    “I shall ask you too, sir, to hold all questions and comments for another moment. Thank you. And, sir?” he added, addressing the one in the archway. “Would you mind staying as I offer an explanation?”
    The man moved past Mac and stood behind those seated at the far end of the table from Carpathia.
    “Ladies and gentlemen,” Nicolae began in his most mellow, persuasive tone, slowly scanning the room and looking briefly but directly into the eyes of everyone. “Do not feel obligated to look away this time. I am choosing to connect with you visually. You have just been privileged to enjoy a unique experience. You were present when I left this mortal body and took on my divine form. I charged you with all the rights and privileges that attend your station as loyal followers and encouraged you in the battle to come.
    “You shall become aware as we leave this place and mount up to ride into our glorious victory that the enemy has succeeded in penetrating the ground above, essentially our ceiling. I divinely protected myself, you included, but they caused a stampede that has caused many casualties among our troops and our livestock, which, as you know, we value as highly as our human resources. But do not be alarmed. Do not fear. Our resources are limitless. I shall lead you up and out, and there will be enough mounts for all. Now, there were some comments and questions?”
    The Asian stood, bowing. “I just wanted to thank you, Excellency, for the privilege you have extended to me and my party. To have been here for this most momentous and historic moment will become the memory of a lifetime, and we are most grateful.”
    “Thank you. Yes, sir?”
    The African stood. “I would like to echo that sentiment, your holiness, on behalf of my staff. You are most worthy to be praised, and we look forward to joining you in your ultimate victory, after which the world shall see you for who you truly are.”
    Mac wanted to shout an amen. If he was the only believer in the room—and he couldn’t imagine otherwise—he was the only one not hypnotically hoodwinked by Carpathia.
    The exit to the surface was surreal. The men and women were led and followed by contingents of the soldiers, giving Mac a perfect view of their response to what had befallen everyone else. The place was worse than any war zone. Hundreds of horses and even more men and women lay dead in hideous repose, broken, trampled, crushed, torn to pieces. The stench of the stables was nothing compared to the steaming entrails of human and beast, and yet the men and women from the meeting room stepped on and over the remains as if traipsing through a meadow.
    No one made a face, held his nose, or had a comment. It was as if they could not see the slaughter that soaked their shoes and caused dirt to adhere to the blood. As they reached the surface they blithely stamped their feet and thanked the soldiers for their assistance. The