Unconquered Son
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Once, it told him, it answered to many names: Ba'al, Ra, Shamash, Helios, Apollo and Baldr. The last pagan Romans called it Sol Invcitus, the Unconquered Sun.
Once, it told him, it stood as protector and nurturer of life, patron of soldiers and saints, a burning eye in the heavens standing vigilant watch over humanity's daylight hours.
But if you tell Dr. Vic Samson something, there's a good chance he won't believe you. A hungrily inquiring mind is the lasting consequence of being brought up by academics, and he's adept at finding doubts and points of criticism about just about anything.
He doesn't believe in gods. He's studied too many of the religions of too many fallen civilisations to place any stock in the power of divinity to save you from catastrophe.
All he knows is that when he touched a long-forgotten memento from one of his father's digs, he heard something -- an old, wise, powerful voice, claiming to be that same fiery force that spoke to so many ancients before him -- speak to him.
"Your people have forgotten the fire that nourished you and held back the long dark before the dawn of the world. But the torches flicker and falter in the wind. The blackness threatens to encroach once again.
The spark must be reignited. The fire must burn once more. They must again know the might of the unconquered sun. They must believe. They must have hope.
And you, Victor Samson, will give it to them."