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@ellette-giselle wow!!
poor Ernst, but at least he saved that soldier!
"When in doubt, eat cheese crackers."-me to my charries who don't even know about cheese crackers
Honestly, I think it’s more “poor Rolf”
“Light lasts forever. Darkness lasts not even for one second, when you turn on the light.”
@ellette-giselle very true, it’s really worse for him.
Freezing to death is a nasty way to go though.
"When in doubt, eat cheese crackers."-me to my charries who don't even know about cheese crackers
Yeah, true.
At least it was cold enough that it killed him pretty quick.
Ugh. I sound so heartless and not at all like I was tearing up AGAIN when I edited that scene, even though I’ve been over it more times then I can count.
Anyways.
“Light lasts forever. Darkness lasts not even for one second, when you turn on the light.”
Ugh. I sound so heartless and not at all like I was tearing up AGAIN when I edited that scene, even though I’ve been over it more times then I can count.
lol
"When in doubt, eat cheese crackers."-me to my charries who don't even know about cheese crackers
@freed_and_redeemed @hybridlore @koshka @keilah-h @elishavet-pidyon @liberty @linus-smallprint
NEXT SECTION!
“They’re back!” yelled a child’s voice.
Leon scrambled to his feet and ran for the entrance to the cave. Roland, Liesl and several others followed. They stepped out into the evening light just in time to see the hunting party being let into the barricade.
Leon stopped and horror gripped him. One sled had camping gear and the other had game. But the sled Julian pulled bore a soldier with bandages about his leg and chest. Rolf was gently easing the last sled into the barricade. It carried something covered with a cloak and wolfskins. Most frightening of all, Ernst was nowhere to be seen.
Liesl gasped. She raced toward her brother, her hair flying out behind her. Roland and Leon followed while the rest hung back.
Rolf turned to look at them, and Leon saw his hands and arms were bandaged. Worse than that was the fact that he had clearly been crying. He held out his arms and Liesl ran into his embrace. “No Rolf, no!” she whispered. Roland came to a stop. One look at his friend, and he knew.
Rolf carefully moved out of Liesl’s embrace and pulled off the sled’s harness. He knelt by the sled and Liesl fell to her knees at his side. Rolf gently pulled away the cloak.
Leon sucked in a sharp breath and turned away. He saw Julian watching him, tears in his eyes. Behind him Leisl let out a piecing wail, and he turned back to see her face buried against Ernst’s still form. Roland was at her side now, his arm about her. Leon looked back at Ernst. His face was deathly white, but his expression was so full of peace that it brought tears to Leon’s eyes. He quietly stepped away and came to where Julian was slipping out of his sled harness.
Leon knelt by the wounded soldier’s side. His face was flushed with fever, and he was sleeping fitfully. “What happened?” Leon asked.
Julian sighed. “He knew Philipp, Hans, and the others. They’re dead Leon. All of them.”
Leon didn’t know how to respond, but the anguish on his face was enough.
Julian continued, his voice hoarse. “He ran away, and we found him wounded in the woods. We heard the soldiers and tried to escape. We got trapped up against a frozen river and risked crossing. We were almost safe when Jens was shot and wounded. Ernst turned around and went back for him. The ice was braking and Ernst got him to safety, but he fell through. It was so cold he died minutes after we dragged him to shore. It was horrible, Leon. We tried so hard, but there was no time to get him warm and no way we could have saved him.”
Leon was silent, but inside he was reeling from the news. So many dead. So many lost. Oh God! How long? How long?
***
The seventeenth year of Emperor Haidronias’s reign
March 25th
The EmpireI cannot believe Ernst is gone. I knew him for just a short time, and yet he filled that place Aelic had always held as a dear little brother. Oh, how I miss them both! Last night I could hardly write down what had happened. Oh God, how long? How long, oh Lord, will you let this go on? How long must we suffer in this evil land? We are broken and hurting. Please help us! Help us to trust You.
When I think back on that moment, I know that if Ernst had known it would cost him his life, he still would have run back for Jens. There truly is no greater love then to give one’s life for another. I think when I watched him run back, I almost knew he was gonging to die. The expression on his face when he turned around makes me wonder if he guessed the same.
I must go now. Leon has just come to tell me that they are ready to burry Ernst. Oh God, how many more must I watch die? Lord help us!~Julian.
Julian stood silently by Leon’s side as Rolf and Roland carefully lowered Ernst into the grave they had dug. Liesl stood nearby, tears streaming down her face and her hands clasped tightly together. The rest of those from the little settlement stood nearby, and Even Jens was there, leaning on Walter’s supporting arm.
Rolf carefully began to fill in the dirt over his brother with Roland’s help. As they worked, Liesl’s voice broke the silence. It was steady, but laced with tears and the tune of her song was filled with pleading and sorrow, yet a small touch of hope lingered after each word.
How long, oh Lord, how long
Will this go on, go on?
How long, oh Lord, how long
Will this go on, go on?My eyes have seen the darkness
The violence, lies and sin
your people turned and blinded
and burdened deep withinHow long, oh Lord, how long
Will this go on, go on?
How long, oh Lord, how long
Will this go on, go on?Julian’s voice was choked as he joined her. Around him he could hear the others lifting their voices, and some lifted their hands heavenward, while others wept quietly.
We know You’re not asleep, God
We know that You can see
Your people are oppressed, God
We’re longing to be freeRise up, oh Judge, rise up
Make right what is unjust
Rise up, oh Judge, rise up
Make right what is unjustWho will rise up for justice?
Who will stand with those in need?
Your people are your body
With broken hands and feetHow long, oh Lord, How long?
‘Till justice will roll on?
How long, oh Lord, How long?
‘Till justice will roll on?
‘Till justice will roll on…Rolf laid the last shovelful of dirt and stepped back. He bent and picked up a large stone from the ground. He carefully laid it over the head of the grave, and Roland knelt to scrape more dirt and rocks about it. Then the two stepped back and stood beside Liesl.
Rolf lifted his hands. “Father God, we commit our dear brother Ernst to You. We believe in Your power to resurrect the dead, and Your mercy through the sacrifice of Your son. We know Ernst is with You now, and we thank You that he is safe and home. Heal our sorrow and help us to trust You. Give us the strength to go on until the day when we will stand face to face with You, and all that was wrong will be made right.”
Julian murmured quiet agreement along with the rest. Slowly, those gathered began to leave, some pausing to say something to the three. At long last, all were gone save the three, and Leon and Julian. The two young men walked to where Rolf and his sister and brother-in-law stood.
Leon embraced Rolf, who cried quietly. Liesl was leaning against Roland, her face hidden against his chest. Julian stood at their side. Looking at the stone over the grave, he read the roughly chiseled words.
Ernst Kline
John 15:13Julian knew that verse by heart, and tears filled his eyes as he whispered the words softly in the frozen night. “‘Greater love has no man than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.’”
***
The seventeenth year of Emperor Haidronias’s reign
May 7th
The EmpireThe days have bled into weeks, and it’s still cold. We had another fall of snow last night. Two more inches on the ground! Oh God, when will this winter end? We’ve kept scouts posted ever since the escape from the soldiers at the river. So far, no one has seen any sign of them, thank God.
~Julian
The seventeenth year of Emperor Haidronias’s reign
May 10th
The EmpireOh how I miss Ernst. His cheery laughter no longer brightens these gloomy days. Rolf can hardly bare the loss, and he has become uncharacteristically sober. Liesl and Roland take it hard as well, but at least they have each other. One thing that comforts Rolf is taking care of Jens. I have never seen him so tender and caring! I cannot help but wonder if he feels a bond to the young man his brother died for.
Jens is improving, but he has still not been able to get up. He lies on his bedroll and listens in rapt attention as Rolf reads God’s Word to him.
I thank God that Rolf has not let the loss of his brother turn him bitter and hateful. No, far from it, he cares day and night for the man his brother died for. It is a beautiful glimpse of Christ’s love.~Leon
The seventeenth year of Emperor Haidronias’s reign
May 15th
The EmpireThe sun is staying out longer and longer and finally the snow shows signs of melting. I wonder what we will do when it does. Already, Walter and several others are drawing up plans for the village they will build here. There is a group of young men who plan to take a week to explore farther out and see what lies beyond this forest. There is much talk of staying here forever. I must admit, there is plenty of game, and the fields we have come across might be plowed and seed planted. It is not impossible to live here and not just survive but actually have a good home. Still, I wonder…
~Leon
The seventeenth year of Emperor Haidronias’s reign
May 18th
The EmpireThe snow is turning to slush, and we are starting to get a bit of mud mixed into it. I have never been more delighted to see mud in my life! The afternoons are warm enough that Leon comes outside to study with some of the young men in the sunlight. He was able to help cut some wood yesterday. Today he spent all morning playing with the children and is now sleeping. I worry about him. I can’t help but remember the times when he marched all day long carrying full battle gear and didn’t once falter. Oh Lord, please help him to regain at least some of his strength, enough so that he might join us again.
I have been thinking about the spring. There is talk of staying here permanently. I wonder if that is what God has called me to do. Did we fight this long and this hard only to retreat to comfort? Is this really it, Lord? Did You plan for me to live the rest of my life among our brothers and sisters safe within these mountains? How I would love that! Still… there is a feeling within that tells me there is still more work to be done. It’s not finished yet. I wonder what has become of those who stayed behind Someone must go to them! We cannot abandon those churches. Heinrich and Johannes in the University, the church in Clonabay… so many others. Someone must go to them. I am sure of it.~Julian
The seventeenth year of Emperor Haidronias’s reign
May 27th
The EmpireThank You Lord! Oh thank You! Never in my life have I seen a more beautiful sight! Today, one of the girls found a small white flower growing in the woods. Even now, many of the people here are gathered about her. It’s as if we have never seen a blossom before! Oh, it is so breathtaking and delicate! I never knew how a flower petal shimmered and seemed to change color depending on the light. It is so beautiful. And, best of all, it means spring is truly coming!
~Julian
The seventeenth year of Emperor Haidronias’s reign
May 29th
The EmpireThe warm weather has certainly worked wonders for me! I feel so much stronger! It is nothing to my old strength, but I was able to stay outside all day, and I don’t feel as tired and dizzy as I have been. Jens was finally able to get up today. Rolf took him outside and Jens cried when he saw the sunlight and the little shoots of grass coming up through the dead leaves and mud. It is so beautiful. I will never shrug at the beauty of God’s creation again.
~Leon
The seventeenth year of Emperor Haidronias’s reign
June 4th
The EmpireI’m going back. I must.
I would love nothing more than to stay here and live in peace and security. But that is not what I have been called to. I am a soldier, and I will forever be one. My Captain is telling me that it is not time to lay down my sword. He is calling me back out onto the front lines and I must go. Oh Lord, be with me!~Leon
***
“Leon?”
Leon looked up from his writing. “What is it, Julian?”
Julian sat down beside him on the large rock and looked out into the forest. “Can I talk to you a moment?”
“Of course,” Leon replied, closing his journal.
Julian hesitated. At last, he spoke. “Leon, I… I don’t know how to say this but… well… I have to go. I need to go back down there into the cities and towns. There are brothers and sisters still in this fight and there are lost and dying people who need me to tell them the truth before it’s too late! I would love nothing more than to stay here, but God is telling me my task isn’t done yet.”
Leon sat in silence for a long time. Finally, he nodded. “I have felt the same way. I need to go back as well.”
Julian looked up, a smile brightening his face. “Then God has not called me to go alone! He has given me my dearest brother to fight this battle at my side.”
“Well, we’ve done everything together since we met. I see no reason to stop,” Leon chuckled.
“But what about the people here? Will they be alright without us?” Julian asked.
Leon nodded. “You have seen for yourself the many young men who have been training in the ways of a leader, and there are men like Walter who are ready to step in and take our place if we leave. If they continue to raise up their sons and daughters in the ways of God, they will do well.”
Julian looked out toward the woods. “When will we leave?”
Leon thought a few moments. “Next week, unless it snows again. So far it has done nothing but get warmer. The snow is almost all melted, and I think we’ll be able to make it safely down without too much trouble.”
“What if the soldiers are still looking for us?”
Leon bit is lower lip. “If we’re captured, then we have to tell them were the only fugitives who survived the winter. Perhaps that will protect the others.”
Julian nodded. “Well, we should probably tell people that we plan to leave.”
Leon agreed.
Julian stood up and lent back a little to carefully walk down the steep slope of the large rock they sat on.
“Julian?”
Julian looked back. “What?”
“Will you pray with me before you go?”.
Julian turned and scrambled back up to where his friend sat. The two bowed their heads, and Leon began. “Father God, thank You for seeing us safely through the winter. Thank You for all You have done for us and all You have blessed us with. Thank You for choosing Julian and I to be a part of Your plan for the Empire. Use us how You will, Lord. Give us the strength to do whatever You call us to. We trust You Lord, and we are Yours to use as You will.”
Julian continued Leon’s prayer. “Oh Lord, I must admit I would love to stay here in comfort and safety, but I have felt You calling me back into the heat of the fight. Clothe me in Your armor and strengthen my arm for the struggle. May Your sword be sharp and ready in my hand, and may I never neglect to wield it. Lead us and show us Your will. We trust You, Father.”
The two looked up and Leon smiled. “Thank you.”
Julian nodded.
Leon let out a long breath. “I guess we had better tell the others. Besides, I think I smell supper.”
***
“This is amazing bread,” Walter remarked. “I can hardly believe it was made out of acorns!”
“There’s some Dock seed flour in it too,” Liesl replied.
Roland laughed. “Who knew there were so many good things to eat right here in the wild.”
“I can honestly hardly tell the difference between this and normal brown bread,” Jens agreed.
Walter nudged Julian. “You seem quiet tonight. What’s on your mind?”
Julian looked to Leon.
Leon turned to Walter. “Julian and I are leaving.”
The small party fell silent. Around them, the sound of eating, talk, and laughter from the other groups seemed deafening.
“Leaving?” Roland finally managed. “Why?”
“God has called us both back into the fight,” Julian said.
“When?” Liesl whispered.
“Most likely sometime next week,” Leon replied. “We need to go back to those towns and cities where believers stayed behind. We need to find out if any survived and if they did, give them encouragement.”
“There are also so many lost people out there,” Julian added. “They need the truth. We have to go back.”
“You are sure this is what God has called you to do?” Walter asked.
The two nodded.
Rolf looked down at pulled at a loose string on the hem of his shirt. “I would come with you, honestly, I would. But I… I’m not ready. I need more time after my father and brother died. I’m not strong enough to face that again just now.”
Leon laid a hand on his shoulder. “Rolf, you have been such a wonderful brother, and you have gone through so much with us. It was an honor to work at your side for so long. If God has not called you to go, then you should stay. We will miss you, but if this is not God’s will for you yet, then stay.”
“I would come, but now God has called me to another task,” Roland said, putting an arm about his wife.
“Of course,” Leon smiled. “Actually, I’ve been praying about this, and I want to ask you something. Rolf, Roland, and Walter, would you three take our place here and lead the church?”
“Us!” Roland exclaimed.
“We couldn’t,” Rolf added quickly.
“Why?” Leon asked.
“Well, because…. Well, we…” Roland was scrambling for some reason behind the knee-jerk reaction.
“You are so much more qualified. You have known God longer than any of us.” Rolf ventured.
“But we’re leaving,” Julian said.
There was silence.
Leon looked at Roland and Rolf. “You two have shown nothing but strong faith, a deep zeal for the Lord, wisdom, and humility. You are both strong leaders, and I could think of no one I would rather leave the people with then you two.” Leon said. Then he looked to Walter. “You are a true brother in Christ and a strong leader. I know that we can trust you with these people. You are humble, but you are not afraid to speak the truth. I have full confidence all three of you will hold each other accountable and lead these people in the ways of God. Pray about it, and if the Lord shows you this is right, then come and tell us.”
“We will,” Roland promised.
“I’ve had a taste of leading my church and I have learned much this winter. I am ready, but I will need others to lead with me,” Walter said.
Leon nodded. Then he turned to Jens. “What can you tell us about what we’ll be walking into?”
“Not much, I’m afraid,” Jens replied. “I haven’t been near the Capital for some while. I spent most of these last months in the mountains hunting for you. All I have heard is that the emperor is bent on destroying ever last one of us. They want the very memory of God to be wiped from this land.”
Leon shook his head, a smile playing at the corner of his mouth. “‘On this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.’”
“Leon is right, they are fighting a battle they cannot win, because they do not fight merely against us. They fight against the Lord God Almighty,” Rolf said.
***
The seventeenth year of Emperor Haidronias’s reign
June 15th
The EmpireTomorrow morning, we leave. Rolf and Roland both came to us this week and told us they were ready to take up leadership in the church. As Leon told them, there is no one we would rather see the people in the hands of then Rolf, Walter, and Roland. They will be well cared for, and those three will stay true to Christ and lead the people in His ways. I pray they will be safe up here. Perhaps one day they will return to the towns and cities and all will be different in the Empire. Lord, please help our country. We need Your help!
~Julian
The sun was just beginning to paint the sky with color when Julian and Leon stepped outside. All the people of the little winter settlement were gathered, and some cried. Leon embraced Walter, slapping him on the back. “It has been wonderful to know you. I still remember that day when you called me to your home to speak of God.”
“You were terrified,” Walter grinned.
“Yes, I was,” Leon agreed.
“Do you know, it was your fear that caught my attention. I saw you were afraid, yet you were bold, courteous, and completely honest. That’s when I knew there was something different about you,” Walter said.
Leon smiled and gripped his hand. “I thank God for what he has done in your life. You are a true man of God, and a strong warrior in His army. I look forward to the day we will meet again.”
“You as well, my friend,” Walter said.
Leon turned away and faced Roland, Liesl, and Rolf. Liesl hugged him. “Thank you for giving up freedom in Ardenta to come to us. I can hardly bear the thought of the life we would have faced had you not,” she said.
Roland hugged Leon fiercely. Leon clapped him on the back, blinking back tears. The next moment, Rolf nearly knocked his breath out with an embrace of his own. “I’ll miss you both,” Leon said. “It has been such an honor to travel with you and to fight this battle at your sides. May God bless you and give you strength for whatever lies in store. I look forward to the day when we meet again, whether here on earth or with our Father in heaven.”
The three embraced again, and when they stepped away, Roland’s face was screwed up tightly and Rolf was wiping his eyes with the back of his hand. Leon stepped away to let Julian say his farewells.
“Leon?”
Leon turned and smiled down at Emil.
“Leon, do you have to go?” Emil asked.
“Yes,” Leon replied.
“But why? Don’t you like it here?” Emil managed, swallowing back tears.
Leon felt tears sting his own eyes. “I love it here. I would like nothing better to stay, Emil.”
“Then why do you have to go?” Emil asked, scrubbing tears from his eyes with clenched fists.
Leon laid a hand on the boy’s shoulder. “Emil, Jesus Christ is my Captain, and I am His soldier. He has called me into the fight, and I must follow His orders. I must go back to those we left behind and I have to continue the work we started.”
“Will you be killed?” Emil choked out.
“Maybe,” Leon said quietly. He crouched down and opened his arms. Emil flung himself at Leon, wrapping his small arms tightly about him. Leon hugged the boy, tears filling his eyes. “Emil, He will be with me. No matter what happens, Jesus Christ will never leave me or forsake me. I’ll be in the heat of the battle, but He’ll be right there with me.”
“But Leon, what if the soldiers hurt you. I don’t want them to hurt you,” Emil sobbed.
Leon closed his eyes, memories of the Empire’s cruelty flashing across his mind. “If that happens, Emil, the Lord will be at my side, and He will give me strength. And when it’s over, I will be with Him,” Leon whispered.
Emil buried his face in Leon’s scarf and cried. Leon held him for a few moments, fighting his own tears. At last, he found his voice. “Emil, Emil, look at me.”
Emil lifted his head, and Leon cupped the boy’s face in his hands. “Emil, I promise you that we will meet again. You and I both belong to God, and when we die, we will meet again. I promise.”
Emil nodded, sniffing.
Leon wiped the tears from the boy’s face. “Emil, I want you to be strong. Cling to Jesus and follow in His ways. Never back down, and never turn from Him, no matter what happens. You are a soldier, Emil. Your King and Captain has called you into the fight. There is no surrender, no backing down, no negotiation. Fight hard Emil and never lay down your sword until you stand before Jesus Christ and the battle is over.”
“I promise, Leon,” Emil said.
Leon hugged the boy again. After a long moment, he let him go and got to his feet. He laid his hand on the Emil’s shoulder and smiled down at him. Then, taking a deep breath, he turned and walked to where Julian waited.
Leon shouldered his pack and bid farewell one last time to Rolf, Roland, Liesl, and Walter. Then he and Julian turned and set off toward the foot of the mountains and the battle that lay beyond.
“Light lasts forever. Darkness lasts not even for one second, when you turn on the light.”
How long, oh Lord, how long
Will this go on, go on?
How long, oh Lord, how long
Will this go on, go on?Was this song inspired by Psalm 13? We have a similar hymn we sing at out church inspired by that Psalm.
So they are headed back now. I guess they couldn’t hide in the mountains forever. I think you chose just the right moment for this as it is time to get the story moving forward again.
Sometimes it is necessary to paint the sky black in order to see the stars.
Yes, it is.
Really?! That’s so cool!
This is the version of that psalm set to music that I always loved.
We also have another Psalm 13 hymn in our church too. I like this version best though. It just really gets the feel right.
So they are headed back now. I guess they couldn’t hide in the mountains forever. I think you chose just the right moment for this as it is time to get the story moving forward again.
Yup. Oh nice. Glad the timing was good. And we’re back to ground level because I’ve shed the side characters.
Any thoughts on that? Do you think it’s good that it’s just back to Leon and Julian, or are you annoyed/disappointed that the side characters were left behind.
“Light lasts forever. Darkness lasts not even for one second, when you turn on the light.”
Ah. Not sure what version I like better. Gravitating towards the one I already know, but only because it is familiar.
This is the version we sing at our church. Is it the same one your church uses?
Any thoughts on that? Do you think it’s good that it’s just back to Leon and Julian, or are you annoyed/disappointed that the side characters were left behind.
Well, maybe a little annoyed. Starting over always feels a little strange. But I suspect they will run into some familiar faces along the way.
Sometimes it is necessary to paint the sky black in order to see the stars.
Hmm. It just seemed odd. I mean, Rolf is clearly needing a break. Roland is married…….
Yeah, we’ll run into a couple friends again.
Plus, I did want to focus on Leon and Julian a bit more. I feel like they are starting to drift a little bit. With Leon struggling physically, and Julian having trouble with what’s happening around them, I feel like more of their personalities are being uncovered and they are even changing a little.
*shrug* idk.
Oooo! I like this song!!! I’ve heard it before. It’s not the version we sing, but I can’t find our version.
“Light lasts forever. Darkness lasts not even for one second, when you turn on the light.”
@ellette-giselle wow! So are the other Christians gonna stay in the mountains forever (well, not forever, but at least for a decently long time, maybe make a town there) or are they gonna go over the mountains and to some hypothetical other side?
"When in doubt, eat cheese crackers."-me to my charries who don't even know about cheese crackers
they’ll be up in the mountains. If you looked on the map (which will be in the front of the book) you would see that the Empire controls these mountain ranges and the harbors beyond.
“Light lasts forever. Darkness lasts not even for one second, when you turn on the light.”
@ellette-giselle cool, cool, I guess there’ll be a little town there from now on. I didn’t see the map, or if I did it was a while back ago.
are they still living in the cave or have they started doing something else? I can remember a few stories of Christian factions escaping into caves and stuff to avoid persecution and living there for a while.
"When in doubt, eat cheese crackers."-me to my charries who don't even know about cheese crackers
I didn’t post a map on this book. Just the first one. I can post that again.
they are in the caves right now, but they are drawing up plans to build a village up there.
“Light lasts forever. Darkness lasts not even for one second, when you turn on the light.”
So as you can see, the Empire has outposts along all boarders. So crossing boarders is not much of an option.
“Light lasts forever. Darkness lasts not even for one second, when you turn on the light.”
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