Martin had seen this happen before, but this time he was startled. “But Father, the signal hasn’t come! How can you possibly—â€?

“I know.â€? Leroy inturrupted. “It is here. Call the people.â€?

Martin hesitantly but obediantly turned and walked back into the room toward the large rope hanging down from the ceiling. He grabbed the rope with both hands, and jumped. He fell down, taking his portion of the rope with him, and a huge bell echoed out over the land. He jumped again, and again he fell, taking the rope with him. He repeated this seven times, for this was the signal for the townspeople to gather. All over the planet, people would be hearing their local bell, and getting out of bed for the receiving of the Prophecy.

Martin picked himself off the floor slowly, still uneasy. Usually he could also tell when a Prophecy was coming. They could both feel the extra energy waves in the air, but this time, there was nothing, and he had no idea how his father could tell, nor whether he was right or not.