He sat up...

[Jacobus Loki]

...and immediately saw a vision. (Well, what do you expect?).

Standing beside his bed was Loki, of whom he was the namesake. Loki smiled. Well, for him it was a smile. A human would see a smile, but others would see a reflection of humor, cunning, and at least three fiendish plans.

"He lives. Barely for a time, but he lives."

"Uhhnnn", was about all Jake could manage.

"I call thee to a new quest!"

"Besides not getting carved up, and breathing regularly?"

"Sarcasm! My son indeed!"

"What quest?" He always needed something to do, plan, conspire about.

"Modernists have dared to change the flag of the Imperial Republic."

"I thought that was just a part of my raving nightmare."

"Nightmare, yes, but not only for you, for all Shireroth, and for all the Race of Man. For on the Last Day those who will stand for Man will seek a banner, a standard to rally behind. If that Pan-African-Caribbean flag is still there, they may not know it. The Battle may be lost."

"But surely......"

"DON'T EVER CALL ME SHIRLEY!" Loki roared.

"Sorry."

He recovered his composure and continued, "You must take this," and he handed him a shining new copy of the Old Flag."You must keep this before the nation, and, Mors willing, you must bring this to the Battle and Rally those who cannot see the other."

"You mean............"

"Yes. You are Chosen to live through all of the trials to come. I think."

"You think!"

But he was gone. Jake was alone. Bu the flag was still on the bed.