THE SAYNT PODCAST

The-Saynt - Act 2, Episode 12 - False Witness

Thu, 10 Feb 2011 11:40:12 -0500

After losing the journalist at the construction yard Christopher pressed forward, relentless in his search for Benjamin. He followed the spirit until he came to a local night club on Salt Lake City’s darker west side. There, nestled amongst pungent dumpsters and crumbling brick, Chris found the dimly illuminated entrance to a popular discothèque. Loud music emanated from the steel red door. It deafened the space between the two large bouncers who stood beside it. And from the strong confirmation of spirit Chris knew that at last he had found Ben.

Chris pushed his way past the patrons standing in line. Their shouts of objection could hardly compete with the techno music that resounded from inside. He tried to enter through the front red door but was barred by one of the bouncers who bore a large scowl. Chris, finding that he had become more adept at reading the sins of others, looked hard at the marks which stained the bouncer’s soul. Looking to him Chris said, “Have you have asked your wife for forgiveness yet?” The Bouncer, stunned, opened his mouth but said nothing. Then Chris broke from the bouncers grip and freely entered into the club.

Once Inside, Chris followed a long and narrow hall. He paused to enter the men’s bathroom and was revolted by the filth therein. Chris forced himself to the washbasin where he cleaned his hands and splashed cold water onto his face. Looking up, he caught his reflection in the mirror. The ghost of the man he once knew stared back. Chris was visibly shaken. He could see it in his own countenance. Then, becoming afraid, Chris slowly unbuttoned his shirt with expectation. It was just as Sam had warned. Christopher’s garments were stained red with blood. Chris gasped. He had become consumed by his own anger. And though his eyes had welled with tears, Chris buttoned his shirt and headed to the dance floor.

Chris followed the loud music to the main floor. There, under the scattered colored lights, people of all ages and backgrounds danced through faux smoke to the beat of the rhythm. Chris wandered through the rave, surveying the scene. At the far end of the club, seated at the bar, he saw him. Benjamin. Every muscle in Christopher’s body tensed in anticipation. He crossed the floor and approached Ben from behind. Chris tapped Ben on the shoulder but Ben did not turn. “Leave me alone,” he replied. Angry, Chris grabbed Ben by both shoulders and forcibly turned his seat 180 degrees. “I don’t think we understand each other,” Christopher said. And Benjamin, whose face had initially reflected shock, turned stone cold with fear.

To Chris, Ben’s expression was an admission of guilt. Ben attempted to speak but not before Christopher succumbed entirely to rage. Chris grabbed Ben, wrenched him from his seat, and threw him to the dance floor. Several of the patrons stopped dancing and turned in surprise. A large man who had been seated at the bar poked at Chris from behind and told him to take it outside. But Chris, irrepressible, responded with a deft kick to the man’s chest. The man fell back into the group of onlookers spilling several drinks across the bar.

With the sudden commotion the entire club had turned its focus on Chris. The bar tender reached across the wood counter and attempted to grab at him but Chris grappled with his attackers hand. The Aikido hold nearly broke the bar tenders wrist, then Chris shoved the bartender back into the glass bottles which lined the back of bar. The bartender lost balance, knocked over a glass votive, and the small flame of the candle inside ignited the fumes of the spilled alcohol.

It took only a moment for the full gravity of situation to set in. As the flames wicked across the bar and up to the ceiling the club patrons began to scream. Chris pushed them aside as they fled and searched for Benjamin amid the chaos. He found Ben lying on the ground, no doubt with a broken leg, as he attempted to crawl across the dance floor. Chris pursued him and surmised, as he did, that the DJ had abandoned his post. For throughout the club the techno music continued to play while the flames rose and fell, as if in synchronous harmony, to its tempo.

Christopher leapt upon Benjamin, rolled him onto his back and wrestled him to the ground. Pinning him to the floor, Chris looked deep into Benjamin’s face as Benjamin sobbed uncontrollably. Chris looked up to see that the fire was spreading through the club. Nearly all of the patrons had fled while a few club employees remained, trying desperately to fight flames. Then, hearing his name, Christopher turned his attention back toward Ben. “I’m sorry Mr. Saynt” Ben said, “I’m sorry”.

Christopher pulled Benjamin close until they were nose to nose. Barely able to contain his anger Chris cried through clinched teeth “What is it! What do you mean you’re sorry? What did you do? What did you do to my family?” Chris raised his hand with the intent to strike Benjamin but then paused as he noticed the bitter scent of death. Though he sat frozen, his heart raced, and Christopher’s hand sat suspended in the still air. A cold chill settled over him. He looked to his side and there, kneeling beside him, was Lucifer. “You did it Chris. You found him. And now you know what you must do.” Lucifer said, ”You must kill him”.

The Saynt - Act 2, Episode 11 - Through the Needle’s Eye

Fri, 10 Dec 2010 16:38:49 -0500

Christopher followed the concrete stairway, leaving the garden behind him. He ignored the coarse grind of the stone door as it slid shut, closing the entrance through which he came. Alone, Christopher felt his way through the darkness running his hands against the smooth surface. At the bottom of a long stairway he came to a clean and dimly lit hallway with stark white and painted cement walls. Chris recalled hearing rumors of such tunnels. Passageways, that ran beneath the city, which were used by the church to safely transport the prophet and his apostles.

Chris followed the long hallway. He passed the occasional steel door and tried few handles along the way. All locked. His only choice was to continue forward through the seemingly endless corridor of white. As he walked, Christopher ruminated over his encounter with the adversary. He wondered about Benjamin. Why had he seemed familiar, and why did the adversary want him slain? Was Benjamin linked to the murder of his family? Sam had said that Lucifer employed half-truths. And though Chris believed Sam, he remained unsure.

Christopher turned a corner and the hallway came to an abrupt end. There, mounted against the wall, was a service ladder. He gripped the cold iron rungs, placed one hand over the other, and climbed to the surface above. Christopher emerged through a secret opening and found himself atop a round stone platform. He smiled softly as recognition sat in. He had been there before, with Rachel, many times. It was a monument to church leaders of the past. But more compelling, Chris realized that he had arrived at Brigham Young’s grave.

Chris stepped off the platform and was greeted by the perplexed faces of two young children. “Just inspecting the tunnel,” Chris said. But the two astounded children gave no reply. They stared at Chris as their mother, who crossed from the gardens beyond, hurried them away. “You shouldn’t talk to strangers,” she told them and Chris couldn’t help but grin at the situation. Here, Chris recognized the graves of Brigham Young, his wife, and his children. Chris smiled as he imagined what fantastical notions filled the children’s minds as they watched a strange man suddenly materialize from the ground below.

Christopher noticed then that the sun drew heavy against the western sky. Knowing that time was short he paid his respects to the dead and took his leave. Jogging, Chris went west and made his way along 1st Avenue. He tuned to the spirit entirely, letting it guide and direct his movements. As he passed into downtown Chris neared the Salt Lake Temple and paused. He looked briefly in the reflection pool allowing his heart a small respite with pleasant thoughts of Rachel. Then leaving the temple grounds Chris turned south, still in pursuit of Benjamin, and still letting the spirit guide his way.

Chris went no more than a mile when he realized that he was being followed. An unknown pursuer had been trailing him for several blocks. Chris turned to confront the stalker and was surprised when he saw Mace Docket, the female reporter from the train. She had recognized Chris at the accident and had tried to approach him. Here she was now. Unsure of how to react, Christopher did something that even he found unexpected. Christopher turned from Mace Docket and ran.

Mace called out to Chris but he was already on the move. With extraordinary speed he raced from the street and made his way to a nearby building. The unfinished structure was draped in plastic and surrounded by a metal fence. From the activity around the building Chris could tell that it was undergoing renovation. Chris leapt the fence, and did not look back. From the rattling of the chain link he could tell that Mace had given chase behind him. He continued to run, entering the construction yard, hoping to lose her in the commotion.

Amidst shouts and protests from workers Christopher ran through the half built structure. To the sounds of saws and the whine of drills Chris leapt over building materials, ducked through unfinished walls, and sprinted across uneven floors. Mace desperately tried to keep up, but was no match for his infinite energy and resurrected agility. Behind, Chris heard Mace cursing in frustration, still calling his name. But he continued to run for several minutes before stopping. When Chris finally slowed, and looked back, she was gone.

The Saynt - Act 2, Episode 10 - A Circle of Stones

Fri, 29 Oct 2010 14:18:35 -0400

Christopher Saynt woke begrudgingly. He was full of the spirit and lay glazed in the rays of a warm orange sun. Gently, he rose from the soft grass on which he laid. Everything around him was dreamlike and mystical. He stood and saw what appeared to be a Masonic garden. It was a menagerie of stone carvings, chiseled statues, and carefully placed stones. Chris wondered if he was dreaming and he began to wander through its pathways. As he casually passed over meticulously engraved stone a cool breeze ran its fingers through his blonde hair.

Chris sensed that the garden was a secret and magical place. At every corner were unusual and astonishing sculptures, each with their own spiritual reference or token. Amongst them was a large Sphinx. The quartzite statue, weighing several tons, appeared to be crouching. Its frozen face looked in anticipation toward the entrance of the garden. Intrigued, Chris followed the gaze of the stone beast. There, at the iron gates, was his spiritual guide, Sam.

“Welcome to the Gilgal Gardens” Sam said. They walked in silence through the gardens for a time. Then Chris sat, taking position on a large boulder and Sam sat beside him. “What is this place?” Christopher asked. “It is safe Chris. And that is enough for you to know”. Chris looked to the scriptural and poetic references that were carved in the flagstones at his feet. He wondered how he could have lived in Salt Lake for so many years and not known that such an oasis existed in the heart of the city.

In the garden Christopher saw a stone alter, used for the burning of sacrificial offerings. The implication of fire sent shrills through him as he recalled the dark flame of the adversary. He remembered the missing sword too and looked to Sam. He asked why his Heavenly Father abandoned him during his confrontation with Lucifer. Sam placed his hand on Christopher’s shoulder and said to him “How can you expect the Word of God to protect you Chris if you do not carry it with you?”

Chris pondered Sam’s words in silence. He looked up to the sun which still shone down upon him. He felt its warm caress and was reminded of the dove. Then Sam stood saying, “Here, I want to show you something.” Sam drew his hand through the air, just as he did for Chris at the Salt Lake temple several days before. The veil peeled away before Christopher’s eyes and the garden before him came to life. Chris was amazed. He’d never seen such a thing. The statues literally came alive. Some were speaking to one another. Some were singing praises to Heavenly Father. Others merely sat, serene and contented, with warm welcoming smiles.

The flora in the garden came alive too. The trees appeared to breathe as they stretched their limbs toward the sky, while the flowers swayed in tune to the songs of praise. The entire garden was not only alive, but sentient. They were all aware of Sam and Chris and they were pleased that they were there. Chris looked to Sam as if asking for permission. Sam nodded in approval and Chris walked among the creations and interacted with the living stone. Many of the statues only smiled at him, but some who spoke bore witness to Chris of their testimonies and love for Christ.

When Chris had seen and been everywhere in the garden, Sam closed the veil. He spoke to Chris in earnest and reminded him of his pact with God. He reminded Christopher that the adversary used half-truths to manipulate the children of men. As he spoke, Chris thought of Benjamin, the man who Lucifer had blamed for the death of his family.

They walked to a special place in the garden where Sam touched a number of stones. The rock beneath them opened revealing a subterranean staircase in the ground below. Sam told Chris that the path would lead him to Benjamin. Chris was surprised. He had not mentioned Benjamin’s name to Sam. And yet somehow, he knew. Sam then told Chris that when he found Benjamin he would face a choice. Would he seek to do his Father’s will? Or, would he take the sinister alternative? Chris weighed Sam’s words carefully. Then, without looking back, descended into the earth.

Episode 9 - The Fallen One

Fri, 1 Oct 2010 17:15:20 -0400

As the adversary drew near, the light faded, and the unwanted advances of obscurity took hold in Christopher’s mind. The space around Christopher turned still and cold. With the change in temperature Chris noticed that an acrid smell of burnt sulfur and bitter citrus had filled the air. The unwelcomed visitor, Lucifer, spoke again, calling Chris by name. His penetrating voice was glib and unequivocally commanding. Christopher fought the need to run. He tried hard not to succumb to the dread of the situation. And though his knees went weak, Christopher tried hard not to show it.

Lucifer’s leering grin was nefarious and masked only by the shadow’s which concealed him. He knew that Christopher was shaken, and he relished it. Closer, the adversary inched toward Christopher, but ever so lightly. He stayed within Christopher’s peripheral vision, always just out of sight, and whispered his lies. Leaning in close Lucifer said “They called for you by name Chris. They were so beautiful, your daughters and your wife. It was a pity that you could not be there. Their deaths were so…pointless.”

Satan’s words filled Christopher’s mind with graphic images of Rachel, Madison, and Emily. He closed his eyes as if to shut them out, but the venomous imagery seeped like poison into his consciousness. Christopher tried to respond but could not. His words, weak and fragile, betrayed him as they dissipated in empty breath. Lucifer, anticipating Christopher’s response, replied “Oh Christopher. Do you think that I wished this? That I caused this? No. I cannot rule over the agency of others Chris. That is against the will of the Father. It was not I who killed your family. It was another.”

The false empathy in Satan’s voice was evident, but the doublespeak and twisted truth’s bewildered Christopher’s mind. “I do not relish in the pain of others” Lucifer continued, “It is my obligation to command over sin. It is my calling. This responsibility was bestowed upon me by the Father and it is my duty to serve mankind in this way.” Christopher’s fear gave way to anger. He drew strength from the vengeance inside him and looked to the adversary. “Cut to the chase serpent” Chris said. Then Lucifer, eager to oblige, squared up to Chris until the two were face to face and looked Chris in the eyes.

“I know what you seek brother” Lucifer replied, “I know who it is you look for. You seek the man who murdered your family. Of course you do. And has the Father given him to you Chris? After all your begging and pleading, has the Father granted you this one small wish?” Chris hesitated, but Satan persisted undeterred. “No. He hasn’t. Has He Chris? And why do you think the Father, who is capable of any and everything, ignores you so? I’ll tell you why brother. Because He does not love you as I do.”

Chris became angry at Lucifer’s attempts to confuse him. He started as if to rebuke Lucifer saying “Go to…” but stopped short, realizing the absurdity of his command. Lucifer laughed. “Go where Christopher? To hell? Perhaps, but before I depart allow me to give you this small gift.”

Lucifer showed Christopher a dark vision of strange man. In the vision Chris saw the man from behind the coffee shop. The same man whom Chris had searched for earlier that day. “His name is Benjamin,” Lucifer said, “And when you find him Chris you must kill him. You must kill him before he murders again. Before he slaughters another family as he did yours.” Christopher turned from the vision, pained by the implication of it. Then he looked out over the city with tears in his eyes and said to Lucifer “You lie”.

“Oh really?” Lucifer replied. “Well. Perhaps you are right Chris. Perhaps it’s not worth going after the criminal who killed your family. Perchance it would even be foolhardy for you to seek after the villain, the man, who did this…” With a wave of his hand Lucifer cast another dark vision. This one was of Rachel and Christopher’s daughters. They were covered in blood, calling Christopher’s name, and burning in a great fire. Angry, Christopher decided that Satan’s charade was at an end. He summoned what strength remained inside of him, and crossed over into the spirit world.

The Saynt passed through the veil and stepped into a raging tornado of dark fire. The flames spread skyward above him and their dark shadows traced the lines in his golden armor. The Saynt steadied himself before the fearsome and dark angel that rose before him. He reached for his sword only to find it missing. Stunned, he looked back to the dark lord who was Lucifer and whose countenance was terrible, but stunning.

Lucifer looked down at Christopher with cold eyes. The expression upon his dark face was wrought with scorn and disdain. “Stand not against me oh favored champion of our Lord!” Satan cried. His words, though tainted with sarcasm, boasted with false authority. “I am a son of the morning glory. I am star of the Heavens. I am the light bearer, the shining one. You have no power in my domain Chris Saynt!”

Lucifer practically spit Christopher’s name as he stood tall and began to advance through blackened fire. The Saynt retreated backward, looked again for his sword, the Word of God. Lucifer pressed closer, still shouting. “Now it is I, your Dark Lord, whom you will serve!” Then the ground beneath Chris hardened and cracked. Lucifer raised his hand, and called into existence a blade of shadow. The Saynt, still bearing his shield, raised it in defense, and from his armor burned a white fire.

Being aware of his perilous situation the Saynt cried out to his Savior Jesus Christ. As the dark angel smiled it seemed as though Christopher’s cry would go unanswered. But then, blotted against the dark sky, a small white dove descended from the heavens. It passed into the tornado, resolute and unafraid, and flew toward them. Following it, flowing from behind like a large white ribbon, came a bright light that cut through the storm and melted through the dark flame.

Lucifer cried out in anger as the dove drew close. Then, with a leer, he sank into the shadows. The Saynt watched as the fire diminished and the dark flames followed their master. Above him, the white dove continued to draw near. As it spiraled from the heavens the space around it became increasingly bright. The Saynt tried to shield his eyes but the light from the dove penetrated everything. It touched his face and sank deep into his skin. Then the light pried open The Saynt’s heart. The Saynt screamed but the light numbed his pain, washed away his tears, and put him into a deep and peaceful sleep.

Episode 8 - A Greater Dispensation

Fri, 10 Sep 2010 21:02:05 -0400

Christopher ran against a darkening sky, making his way toward the alleyway from before. The memory of the conspicuously placed article in the library taunted and teased him. As he hurried, the faces of his family began to materialize in passersby. Their lifeless expressions, cold and hard, watched Chris from the faces of strangers, pedestrians and from children playing in the grass. He knew that the images were mere illusions. But they pained him nonetheless.

Chris turned his attention to the new and compelling desire that welled within him, to find the strange man; the man who had looked familiar to Chris, but who ran away. Something about the encounter puzzled Chris. He couldn’t help but feel that the stranger was connected to the wanton murder of his family. Chris began to run harder. His determined feet fell heavy upon the hot asphalt. He thought of Sam’s warning to put aside the vengeance within him. But try as he might, the need to find the killer burned inside of Christopher like an insidious fire.

Barely winded, Chris reached his destination behind the alleyway. It had grown dark. Behind the coffee shop was not a soul to be found. This realization became ever more literal as Chris peered into the spirit realm but saw nothing of consequence. Disappointed, Chris lowered his gaze. Night had come, and with it the call to rest. But for Chris there was no place to go. He realized how alone and isolated he had felt since his resurrection. The world, once his companion in life, seemed foreign to him now.

Chris began to walk south. He walked alone in silence like the quiet raven that flew above him. In his mind’s eye Christopher recalled the events of that dark and terrible night. The night that he found the broken bodies of Rachel and his daughters…

Christopher had just purchased Madison’s birthday present. He had expected to share the news with Rachel first, but had been unable to reach her by phone all day. In playful anticipation he imagined giving the gift to Madison. In his mind’s eye he saw her broadening brown eyes and widening smile. But the magic of the moment died that day when Chris opened the splintered door and crossed the bloody threshold into his home. The smell of death permeated the still air. And the quaintly wrapped present, just a few moments after he entered, fell silently from his hands onto the stained floor.

As the painful memory of their deaths surfaced in Christopher’s mind he realized that he was no longer walking, but was standing at the foot of a broad and weathered concrete stairway. He had lost track of time and from the height of the moon guessed that he had walked for miles. Before him rose the stately tower of the Second Ward Chapel building. This ward house, with its gothic revival style and its gold colored brick, was very familiar to Chris. It was in fact, Rachel’s home ward. Chris gazed upward in astonishment and saw the raven which had been following him.

Christopher felt uneasy about the bird which sat perched atop the highest parapet wall. Cocking its head to one side, the ominous avian spied him from above. Chris returned its wary glare, and then whistled. But the bird, with a rustle of its feathers, only scoffed at Christopher’s attempt to communicate, then flew away. Seeking solitude, Chris decided to try the front door of the chapel but found it locked. Undeterred, he went to the back of the building where he found a wall mounted ladder. He ascended the iron rails to the rooftop and looked out to the city beyond.

Chris thought to pray to his Heavenly Father for guidance. He knew that he was troubled. He had let hatred harden his heart and he felt ashamed. Chris tried to pray, but the words would not come. Christopher tried again, kneeling this time, when a dark and heavy cloud settled over him. The hair on Christopher’s neck stood to attention and a sensation of chilled electricity ran down his spine. He was paralyzed and, suddenly, filled with a terrible fear. Chris was near panic when he felt a presence, a sinister and treacherous manifestation from behind. Before Christopher could turn to face the dark visitor it spoke. “Hello brother” And the words, as they pierced the night air, filled Chris with a dread beyond reason.

Episode 7 - The Things We’re Not Proud Of

Fri, 20 Aug 2010 17:16:37 -0400

The scent of burnt metal fills the air and a crowd of onlookers draw near. Christopher Saynt is looking for Ashley, searching the soiled faces of the dazed riders. He crosses to the far side of the tracks and sees that Ashley has left the wreckage. She is making her way to the City Library. He calls her name but she runs when she catches sight of him. Chris follows despite the appeals from medical workers who are now on the scene. And the journalist, Mace Dockett, watches him as he goes.

Chris runs into the library and enters the Urban Room, a five story glass atrium that is filled with street vendors and busy library patrons. He sees that Ashley has taken the spiral staircase to his right. He knows, though he is not sure how, that she is heading to the roof top gardens above. Chris makes his way to the glass elevator, hoping to close the distance between them. But he is frustrated with the slow ascent and the realization that he is once again one step behind.

Ashley exits onto the library’s Crescent Wall with Chris in pursuit. She has climbed over the protective rail and is sitting on the edge that faces the plaza below. Ashley is sobbing. Who are you? she asks Why are you trying to help me? Chris doesn’t reply. Instead he climbs the rail and sits beside her. The entire valley stretches before them. They look to the shining sun above, to the snow capped Wasatch Mountains, and to the children who play in the fountain below.

Chris returns Ashley’s Book of Mormon and this gesture breaks the barrier between them. Ashley begins to accept Chris and they talk for hours. Ashley is afraid that her sins will distance her from God. She’s worried that God hates her, just as she hates herself. Chris sees the dark stains that scar Ashley’s sweet spirit. He looks within and finds the deeds that are the cause of her shame. Sometimes he says we do things were not proud of. Ashley looks at him with wet eyes. Then Chris decides to shares his heart with Ashley. It has been a long time since he has done so. He tells her of his love for Rachel, for his daughters, and his Savior. When he finishes, he’s near tears.

Ashley steps back over the protective rail. She tells Chris that she is afraid of the men in the alleyway. Chris feels an inexplicable prompting and tells Ashley to go to her aunt in Illinois. Ashley is surprised at Chris’s insight, but she lets her curiosity go. She tells Chris that she hasn’t spoken to her Aunt in many years. She’s worried that shell be turned away. But Chris knows the very opposite is true. He tells Ashley that her aunt has been waiting for her. Ashley takes Chris by the hand and looks earnestly into his eyes. She feels the spirit in Christopher’s words. Then she thanks him with a short embrace, and leaves.

Ashley passes Sam who is walking up the Crescent Wall. Sam is in a white suit and wearing dark sunglasses. Sam remarks on the beautiful day, but Chris says nothing. Instead, Christopher looks out into the blue sky. Sam congratulates Chris but Christopher expresses that he wants to be alone. Chris turns to catch Sam’s response but Sam is gone. Not surprised, Chris heads back into the library. He spends a few moments wandering in apathy through the rows of books. Then, finding that he is tired for the first time all day, Chris sinks into a chair.

It takes a moment before Chris spies the news article on the table beside him. It pertains to the murder of his family. Chris feels that the placement of the article is all too suspicious and he looks around only to find that he is alone. As Christopher crumples the article in his hand he is hit with a realization. He remembers the thug behind the coffee shop, the one who ran the other direction, and he thinks he knows the man. Chris springs from the chair, reinvigorated, and runs from the library. He’s determined as he makes his way back to the coffee shop. Determined, but unaware of the dark and malevolent raven that follows him from above.

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Episode 6 - Keep Your Arm and Legs in at All Times

Sat, 3 Jul 2010 22:30:40 -0400

Saynt tightens his grip around his sword. The blade shines brightly as the flames trickle from its razor sharp edge. This fight will be much different he thinks to himself. And the shadow beast, who seems to sense this change in Saynt’s courage, gives an antagonizing snarl in response. Saynt broadens his stance, and levels the Word of God, pointing its tip at the demon. Not this time Saynt says. Then the beast discharges a chilling scream as it leaps in Saynt’s direction.

To the passengers on the train there is no disturbance. A rushing wind, a change in temperature; this is all that comes of the ethereal combat around them. Christopher’s physical form stands motionless, as if dazed, in the center of the aisle. A man asks if he’d like to sit, but Chris does not respond. The oddity of the situation begins to drawn attention. One woman, a local journalist, looks up from her cell phone. And, recognizing Chris, her eyes widen with surprise.

Unaware of the events on the train Saynt battles against his foe. The shade-beast is swift and strong but Saynt soon realizes that he truly out matches this opponent. The creature bites and claws desperately at Saynt but his armor holds. With each cut of the sword the beast falls back until it is finally trapped near the front of the train. You cannot defeat the master the beast says in a guttural voice and the creatures ability to speak, albeit harshly, takes Saynt by surprise.

The demon attempts to take advantage of Saynt’s bewilderment. But Saynt soon recovers and drives his sword deep inside the creatures chest. The blade rips through the darkness that shrouds the demons body, piercing it with fire. The monster screams, but before succumbing entirely, releases a dark pulsating energy into the train. Then it sneers at Saynt before exploding into a radiant blast of light.

Christopher Saynt comes to and finds himself lying on the floor of a now shuddering train. The passengers are screaming and the train is beginning to sway violently as it picks up speed. Whatever the shadow beast released into the train it has sent it out of control. Chris attempts to stand, stumbles, then rises again and races toward the control car. He forces his way through the locked door to find the unconscious operator slumped over the controls.

Chris frantically manipulates the knobs and levers on the control board but the train does not respond. Knowing that time is short, he begins to hurry people to the front of the train. The rear car of the train is beginning to dislodge and is drifting into traffic. Cars swerve wildly to avoid being crushed. The electrified lines above begin twist and break, sending shards of white sparks into the air. Chris returns to the control car, places his hands over the controls, and prays to his Heavenly Father.

The train begins to slow in response to Christopher’s plea. But the momentum of the train is more than he can bear. The rear section of the train disengages entirely and tumbles into the traffic behind them. Chris finally sees Ashley holding tightly to a handrail. He shouts for the riders to brace for impact but the collision never comes. Instead, Chris looks up to see a host of angels who have harnessed the train. They are pulling against it, slowing it down. With a final shudder the train stops, their roller coaster ride at an end.

As the sounds of sirens approach the riders of the train begin to thank Chris profusely. You saved us some say. You’re a saint others cry. Then some on the train begin to take notice that, while the riders are cut and bruised, Chris has survived the incident without injury. Chris begins to share in their realization when the woman journalist steps forward. I know you she says. You’re Christopher Saynt.

Episode 5 - The Girl with the Golden Hair

Thu, 17 Jun 2010 11:39:21 -0400

With Sam gone, Christopher Saynt now sits alone. The young girl in the coffee shop, the one referenced to by Sam, is certainly easy on the eyes. Chris notices how her thick gold hair falls gracefully on her bare shoulders. Her beauty draws him closer. For a moment, he is reminded of his daughter Emily. As he watches her she looks up from her cup and takes notice of Chris. She chances a fleeting glance in his direction and their eyes lock momentarily, but she quickly looks away.

Chris wonders what Sam meant by starting with her. After a short hesitation he decides to brave a conversation. But before the words begin to fall from his lips there is a sudden shouting from the far side of the counter. A man with a dry coarse voice is calling for an Ashley. The blonde girl stands in response, leaving her book on the table, and goes to the caller. There are a few hushed words between the two and then Ashley is ushered out the back door.

Chris is suspicious about the exchange of words between Ashley and the strange man. He collects her book from the coffee table and heads towards the rear of the store. Before he reaches the exit he hears a muffled painful cry. Instinct tells him that it is Ashleys. He explodes out the back door, book in hand. His awkward exit from the building catches the three malevolent looking men off guard. The one with the dry coarse voice is holding Ashley by her hair. The beautiful blonde hair. The hair that reminds him of Emily.

A bearded man in a torn denim jacket tells Chris that the events occurring behind the coffee shop are not his business and to get lost. Chris grabs him by the shirt, punches him hard in the nose, and watches as he slumps to the asphalt, unconscious. Chris turns to the two remaining thugs. One, who looks somewhat familiar, has a particular odd expression on his face.

Chris thinks he knows this individual but he cant recall how. However he does not have time to respond to the mans look of surprise because the third man, the one with the dry coarse voice, is coming at Chris with a knife. Chris deflects the blade and thanks God for the Aikido classes that he took in college. Then Chris kicks the attacker in his side and he too goes down, gasping for breath.

Chris looks up to see that Ashley is running down the street. The other man, the one with the strange expression, is running too but in the opposite direction. Chris decides to chase after Ashley. While running he realizes that he is still holding her book in his hand. It is a Book of Mormon. Ashley runs east towards a Trax platform and boards a westbound train. Chris barely reaches the train in time and enters it several cars behind her.

When on the train Chris begins to make his way toward the front. Hes looking for Ashley when he notices the auras of the souls of those on board. One soul in particular takes him by surprise. At first the soul appears entirely black but Chris soon discerns that it is something more ominous. The color of this soul is not black but is a colorless void. It too is also making its way toward the head of the train, closer to Ashleys.

Chris wonders if the dark figure is also looking for the girl with golden hair. Then he recalls Sams counsel about his ability to cross into the spirit realm. Chris concentrates, draws strength from within, and finds that he is standing on an iridescent train. As before, Chris is in his blinding armor. His sword, the Word of God, burns in his right hand. And directly in front of him, in place of the colorless aura, now stands the same foul shadow beast that Chris had fought earlier that day.

Episode 4 - Lost Sheep

Fri, 21 May 2010 17:43:35 -0400

Still dumbfounded by Sams remark, Chris does not see the dark creature as it slams into him at a terrible speed. Saynt falls to the earth with a great crash, his golden armor scouring across the pavement. Teeth gnashing, and claws tearing, the demon leaps on him. It tries to pry the sword from Saynts hand but is burned by the white fire. Sam yells at Saynt to stand. The Army of Helaman, previously undeterred in their vigil, now takes interest.

The Saynt stands, dazed, as the demon places a mighty blow on his chest. Saynt is knocked across the street and into the nearby building. The soldiers are yelling encouragements now. The demon screams in response. Crazed, it comes for Saynt again. This time Saynt parries the attack. The onlookers cheer. Saynt raises his mighty sword, the Word of God. It blazes with white fire. He swings at his monstrous foe but cuts only air. The demon has vanished and reappeared behind Saynt. It strikes him on the back of the helm and Saynt collapses into unconsciousness.

When Christopher Saynt wakes he sees that his guide is by his side. He is back in the material realm. Sam seems to find the entire exercise amusing. Chris doesnt share his sentiments. Sam tells Chris that, in the spirit realm, there is no danger of physical death. However it is possible, Sam explains, for Saynt to be knocked back to the physical side of existence if he is defeated in combat or placed under enough stress. Chris can only return to the spirit realm once both his faith and stamina have returned.

Chris questions Sam about his purpose. Sam does not answer and looks to a raven on a nearby tree. It is watching them. Sam suggests they find a safer place to continue their discussion. They walk to 4th south, head east, and stop at a local coffee shop.

Sam asks Chris what he thought of the bird. Chris is confused at first but then recalls thinking of Rachel, Madison and Emily. He recalls being angry about their murders. Sam cautions Chris that Lucifer will try to tempt Chris into vengeance. He reminds Chris to check his garments for staining, the manifestation of Chris's desire for retribution.

Again, Chris inquires about his role as Gods Champion. Sam tells him that the Second Coming is near. Both sides, good and evil, are battling for key souls. Souls whose efforts on earth could change the course of things to come. The Adversary is working tirelessly to trap these chosen spirits in misery, despair and sin.

It is up to Christopher to find these lost sheep, and to save them from the efforts of the Fallen One. Sam also advises Chris that he must do his work in anonymity. After all, everyone thinks Chris is dead. The police think he is a murderer. And the associates of the drug dealer who Chris killed do not think that kindly of him either.

Chris doubts his ability to carry through with the task. He is afraid. He recounts the lost battle. He tells Sam that he doesnt even know where to start. Sam tells him to start with the young woman seated behind him. Chris turns and sees the attractive blonde, seated alone. When he looks back Sam is gone.

Episode 3 - All is not what it seems

Sat, 8 May 2010 18:42:24 -0400

Christopher Saynt plummets from the roof. He is aware of the wind as it rushes past. He sees the Salt Lake temple and his thoughts turn to Rachel. He recalls their sealing ceremony and her loving smile. He can see her, in his minds eye, kneeling by the altar. Then Chris realizes that he is no longer falling. He is walking along 3rd and Main St. with his Nephite guide. Chris asks his guide what happened. "Why not tell me?" his guide replies. Chris is puzzled and asks his guide for his name. The Nephite replies that he cannot reveal it. Chris jokingly tells his guide that he will call him Sam. His guide seems amused.

They continue to walk north on Main towards Temple Square. Sam tells Chris to look at the people around them. Chris notices that he can see the auras of those near him. Each is a unique swirling mass of light and color and is intertwined with dark spots of various shape and size. These spots, Sam explains, are sins. Sam tells Chris that he has the ability to see the spirits of others and from these he will be able to ascertain basic information about them.

They pass an alleyway. Chris sees a menacing black dog in the shadows. It is watching them from behind a dumpster. Sam notices it as well and says "There is one other who takes an interest in your destiny Saynt. And he too is also watching." Chris looks back toward the alley, but the dog has vanished.

Sam goes on to explain to Chris that he has a resurrected body. However, because Chris did not obtain salvation, it is also still a mortal body. Sam explains that Chris will be resistant to pain, fatigue, hunger, illness and other weaknesses of the body. However, as Chris remains mortal, he will remain susceptible to injury and, though unlikely, even death.

They reach temple square. Sam makes a motion of his hand and the air peels away like a veil before them. Chris sees the spirit world on earth. Sam tells Chris that he has the ability to see and cross over between both realms. What Chris sees before him is startling. Encircling the temple, standing on its walls, are 2000 spirit Nephite warriors. Sam tells Chris that this is the Army of Helaman.

Chris also sees that the streets are full of demons and other evil spirits. Many have taken on beastly and monstrous forms. They are spread around the Temple as if holding it under siege. The creatures bellow, and spit, and gesture at the air. But in spite of their taunting the Nephite warriors stand unmoving in their celestial glory.

Sam tells Chris to look upon himself. Chris is surprised to see that he is covered, head to toe, in full golden armor. Sam tells Chris that this is his form in the spirit world and that the armor is of the same gold used to forge the plates. Chris holds a sword in his right hand. Sam tells him that the sword is the Word of God. Chris also notices that, apart from the brilliant gold armor, his entire body is wreathed in white fire.

Chris is mystified and afraid. He is pondering the gravity of his circumstances when one of the evil spirits takes notice of him. It screeches and starts to come his way. Chris steps back and asks Sam what he is to do. "Do?" Sam replies. "You are the Champion of God Christopher Saynt! And from the looks of it, this shadow beast wants a fight."

Episode 2 - One of the Three

Wed, 28 Apr 2010 10:55:09 -0400

Chris sits trapped in limbo, a cold and dark existence that lies between Outer Darkness and the Telestial kingdom. Blanketed in the angels light, Christopher listens as the angel presents an offer from his Heavenly Father. The angel explains that, because of his murderous deed, Christophers soul is already lost.

However, because of the dire circumstances surrounding the death of Chris's family, his Heavenly Father has taken pity on him. In that regard, the angel explains that his Heavenly Father will resurrect Chris and return him to physical existence. In exchange, Chris must take upon himself the mantle as his Heavenly Father's Champion on earth.

Chris questions the details of his Heavenly Father's plan but the angel tells him that all will be revealed at a later time. The angel explains that Chris will remain accountable for his deeds and will one day face judgment for his sins. The benefit of this proposal, the angel explains, is that Chris will be given the opportunity to demonstrate his true merit before his family who now reside in heaven.

Chris is bereft and he realizes that his wife and daughters have come to know his sin. The implication of disappointment is almost more than he can bear. He does not fully understand the angels offer but he accepts. The angel then withdraws from Chris and the disfigured demons in the shadows come closer.

Chris thinks he is abandoned until a warm rain of pure illumination begins to shower upon him. He can feel each drop of light as the radiant energy fuses into his flesh and bone. Amazed, Chris stands in awe at the glow which has enveloped him. Every cell in his body burns with a great intensity and his thoughts turn to a brilliant and lasting white.

Chris abruptly finds that he is standing in his old apartment. The apartment is now empty and filled with dust. There is a man standing in the corner, watching him. It is raining outside. The man says "Welcome home Chris". Chris questions him. The man identifies himself as "One of the Three" and tells Chris that he will be his guide. He also tells Chris that it has been 18 months since his death.

Chris is still clothed in the same garments from the night of his suicide. Chris looks around his apartment and his thoughts turn to Rachel, Emily and Madison. He falls to the floor into uncontrollable sobs. His guide comforts him and takes him to the bathroom where, earlier, Chris committed suicide. His guide has him look in the mirror where Chris sees that his own garments have become stained and spotted with blood.

The guide explains to Chris that his garments represent a tangible reflection of his pain and vengeance. He further asserts that, should his garments become entirely stained, his Heavenly Father's offer will be forfeit and Chris will return to death. Only by doing the work of his Heavenly Father will Christophers garments to revert back to white.

Chris finds that he is now suddenly dressed and standing on the roof of the Joseph Smith Memorial Building with his guide. They are looking down at Temple Square. The rain has gone and the sun is setting over the western desert. The guide tells Chris that he is a Nephite disciple from long ago. He explains that he and his two companions have been doing the Lords work on earth. The Nephite then tells Chris that being his guide was preordained. Then, without provocation, he pushes Chris from the roof.

Episode 1 - As It Was Ordained

Thu, 15 Apr 2010 13:46:49 -0400

Who is Christopher Saynt? Husband. Father of two. Sinner. Or preordained champion of men? Several years after moving to Salt Lake City Christopher Saynt joined the LDS church. Shortly after, he was sealed in the temple to his beautiful wife Rachel and to their two daughters, Madison and Emily. He believed that their happiness would last for time and eternity. He was wrong.

Thirteen days later Christopher discovered the lifeless bodies of his wife and their two daughters. The brutality of their murder hit the media on a national level. With no leads, the investigation soon went cold. Christopher spiraled into deep devastation. He lost his job, abandoned his friends, and forsook his relationship with God.

Emotionally distraught, and broken, Chris soon took shelter in his sordid past; a dark and questionable time that was littered with drugs and alcohol. It was during this depression, on a bitter winter night, that Chris met his fate outside of a squalid bar in Salt Lake City

While stumbling home Christopher is accosted by a drug dealer in a dimly lit alleyway. The assailant pulls out a knife and it triggers a breaking point for Chris. The pent up hate over the loss of his family becomes an uncontrollable flood. Chris tackles his assailant to the ground and wrests away the knife. In a fit of rage he turns the weapon against his attacker and savagely murders him.

Chris flees home to his apartment with the knife in hand. He hides the weapon under a loose floor board and slumps against the wall. Amidst screams and sobs he curses at his Heavenly Father and desperately calls the names of his family members. Then, falling into an emotional outburst, Chris ransacks his own home, leaving his possessions strewn on the soiled floor.

Later, a despondent Chris turns on the TV. He finds his genocidal deeds on the 10 oclock news and concludes that only one option remains to him. Carefully, he fills the bath with hot water, strips down to his garments, and enters the tub. Surrounded by pictures of Rachel and the girls, Chris cut himself with the same knife that he used in the alleyway. As the life force seeps from him Chris falls into blackness while the water stains red.

A thousand years seem to pass in the span of a moment. Christopher hears his name and awakes on the rim of outer darkness. He is trapped between two worlds; imprisoned between the Telestial kingdom and hell. Chris wonders if he is blind. A thick darkness veils his eyes. The surface upon which he sits is wet and cold.

Suddenly, a bright and white light, intense beyond measure, appears above him. In its midst stands an angel. Chris can see now that a multitude of demons and sinister inhabitants have surrounded him this entire time. They are foul, dark and disfigured. But fearing the light they keep their distance as they paw and spit at the air.

Chris sees too that he is still wearing his garments. They are stained dark red from his blood. Then the angel calls Chris by name. It is the same voice that woke him. The angel tells Chris that the time has come for him to make a choice. A choice that was foretold just as Christopher was preordained...