Former Beaufort native writes 'From There In Eternity,' featuring familiar biblical characters

Thanks to Beaufort native W. Kent Alston II of Maryland for sharing a snippet of his new novel.

Kent is the son of the late W. Kent Alston Sr. and Mayme Eady Alston. His father was principal at Beaufort's segregated Robert Smalls High School from 1937 until his death in 1962.

Kent is a retired federal government employee, having worked for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration and the Department of Health and Human Services. In retirement, he is involved in real estate investing. He resides in Maryland with his wife, four children and one grandchild.

Kent writes: "I recently published a book that created fictional accounts of angelic/demonic beings and how they interacted with various biblical characters. The book covers portions of the Bible from creation to Revelation and includes action/suspense scenes."

Following is an excerpt from the book, titled "From There In Eternity."

'ENEMIES WITHIN'By W. Kent Alston II

The westerly breeze coming across the Sea of Galilee was so invigorating that it affected one's entire body. It was the type of feeling that made you happy to be alive, John said to himself. It was early morning and many of the fishermen from the surrounding villages had indeed started their business for the day. As Jesus looked out on the vast water, he had already decided he would use the occasion to take some of his followers and cross over the Sea of Galilee to the other side. It was eight miles wide. He then prompted John, Peter and a few others to enter John's boat with a destination he held to himself. It was the one time that John felt compelled not to say anything and just assist Jesus in whatever capacity he might ask of him.

While John's boat was large enough to hold several men plus a sizable catch, it was not Jesus' intentions of catching fish. As they pushed the boat from shore, the strong breeze quickly moved it due east.

Soon they lost sight of the fishermen in the area. The bright blue skies made it an ideal day to travel by boat. It also gave one an appreciation for the serenity of being out on the water and the luxury to escape the crowds of people from the cities. It was also a time for relaxation, so John thought.

As the boat continued its trek, suddenly the breeze became a strong wind and the bright blue skies yielded an unusually dark and nearly blacken one. The strong wind and waves tossed the boat about. By now, the men had begun to secure the sails. John looked over at Peter -- the two of them, soaked from the driving rain, sensed that something was unusual about this storm. They had witnessed strong storms before, but given the fierceness of this one, which appeared to be a gale, they called for Jesus.

But where was he? The driving rain was one thing, the thunder and lightning unnerving ...

Kkkaaaclllllladd!!! Kkkaaaclllllladd!!! Over and over again.

"How could a beautiful day turn so ugly ... so fast," John exclaimed.

He wished he had stayed in the comforts of the synagogue. Still, there was the question. Where was Jesus? "He must be below deck," someone yelled.

Hurriedly, they ran below and to their surprise found him sleeping ...

"Master! Master!" Peter screamed as he attempted to outdo the hallowing wind.

With no answer, Peter shook Jesus and also cried out his name ...

"Jesus ... Master ... we will perish. Do you not care that we will all drown from this evil that has come upon us?"

Finally, Jesus woke up and without saying a word went topside ... raised his arms and uttered ...

"Peace ... be still."

Immediately, a tranquil calm was ushered in and the gulls that disappeared had now reappeared along with large schools of fish racing in the bright waters. A brilliant blue sky looked over a now glossy and smooth sea. A crisp cool breeze was re-enacted like it was before -- pushing the boat farther east. Each of the disciples looked at one another in sheer amazement. Then Thomas spoke ...

"Really ... who is he?"

Then John said to the others, as Jesus walked to the starboard side of the boat ...

"What kind of man is this that even the wind ... the thunder, all obey his command?"

Was he really God in the flesh, John asked himself as he looked at Jesus.

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This story was originally published March 9, 2014 at 4:00 PM with the headline "Former Beaufort native writes 'From There In Eternity,' featuring familiar biblical characters."