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Great. Just wanted to make sure you didn’t think I was ignoring ya.
Fires will rise to testify that 2+2=4. Swords will be drawn to prove that leaves are green in summer
Nope. XD
"Don't shine so that others can see you. Shine so that through you, others can see Him." ~ C.S.L.
@freed_and_redeemed @hybridlore @koshka @keilah-h @elishavet-pidyon @linus-smallprint
I was gonna give people a chance to catch up while I busy myself shooting and poor characters and dumping them out of airplanes……. but I think I’ll post the next section now.
Fires will rise to testify that 2+2=4. Swords will be drawn to prove that leaves are green in summer
@freed_and_redeemed @hybridlore @koshka @keilah-h @elishavet-pidyon @linus-smallprint
NEXT SECTION!!!
Two days later, Leon was walking home from visiting the Krügers in the late evening. He was nearly home when someone called out, “You there, what’s your business?”
Leon turned around and saw a young soldier leaning against a wall in the light of a street lantern. “I’m on my way home from visiting a friend.”
“Are you competing in the games?” the soldier asked.
“No, why do you ask?” Leon wondered.
“You carry yourself like one who knows the art of fighting, and you are built like a warrior,” the soldier replied.
Leon smiled. “You have a sharp eye. I do know swordsmanship, you are right, but I don’t compete in the games.”
The soldier stepped forward. “Where did you learn?”
“I served in the army when I was a boy,” Leon replied.
“Ah, a veteran of many campaigns?” the soldier asked.
Leon nodded. “Several.”
“Honorable discharge?” the soldier guessed.
“I got out after the wars in Ardenta,” Leon replied.
“I fought there as well!” the soldier exclaimed. “They were a tough bunch, those Ardentans. I honestly don’t mind that we lost that country. It would have been hard to hold, and I’m sure we would have dealt with no end of rebellions.”
Leon nodded in agreement.
“Rowan Lange,” the soldier said suddenly, holding out his hand.
Leon shook it. “Leon.”
“Just Leon?” Rowan asked.
Leon grinned. “Just Leon.”
Rowan squinted at him. “Your face seems familiar.”
“Not sure why,” Leon shrugged.
A smile turned up the corner of Rowan’s mouth. “You’re one of those celebrated war heroes who would rather just forget, aren’t you.”
“I’m not a war hero,” Leon replied.
Rowan cocked his head slightly and smiled. “Alright, Leon, have it your way.”
Leon glanced down the street. “I had better make my way home. It’s growing late.”
“Of course,” Rowan replied, stepping out of the way. “I hope to see you again, Leon.”
Leon turned and walked away. As he went, he prayed silently. Lord, open Rowan’s heart to the truth. If there is any way You want me to reach him, show me how.
***
Julian glanced up at the roof near the edge of the square as he spoke. He could see Fox watching up there, and knew he was on the alert. The people were listening intently. Apparently, ten silver pieces wasn’t worth the entertainment they were enjoying.
Julian turned his attention on the people around him and spoke straight to them, praying all the while that God would open their hearts. It was only about twenty minutes before he heard Leon’s shout.
Julian looked up in surprise to see several armed horsemen charging straight at him. Leon scrambled out of the way as a soldier whipped his sword toward him.
Julian stumbled away from another, barely ducking a blow aimed for his head. He leapt off the edge of the fountain and jerked away from another strike. He tumbled hard and a spearman swiveled his horse around. Julian threw himself backwards and came up against the fountain just as the spearman thrust his weapon forward. The blade just missed and sliced Julian’s arm before sparking against the stone wall.
Julian rolled to his feet and bolted. He could hear galloping hooves behind him, and he skidded around sharply before diving to the ground and rolling under a baker’s stall. The horseman yelled and urged his horse around the stall, but Julian had gained several strides. He dodged and ducked through the marketplace, and at last reached a street and broke into a dead run.
Skidding into a side street, he dove down behind a pile of barrels and crouched, holding his breath. Two horses galloped by, followed by a few peasant men on foot. Then, there was silence.
Julian stayed hidden for several minutes before daring to venture out and set off for home. When he arrived, he found everyone but Fox.
Leon embraced him with whispered thanks to God. “That was close Julian. I’m so sorry I didn’t see them sooner.”
“No worries, that was just God making sure I got in my morning run,” Julian replied.
Leon laughed and shoved him.
“Julian! Your arm!” Konner cried.
Julian looked down at his bloodstained sleeve. “Oh, I guess it does hurt.”
Leon and Paul were already running for hot water and bandages. Julian sat down and slowly peeled back the bloody fabric. “Ow,” he muttered. “That’s a nasty one.”
A little while later, Fox arrived with news that he had overheard two officers saying that something had to be done, and they had to find out who the rebels were and who led them.
“Well, this will be interesting,” Leon said.
Julian nodded, adjusting the bandage around his arm. “I guess we had all better get good at running.”
“We should plan some escape routes,” Zoltan remarked.
Leon nodded. “Agreed.”
“Finally, this is starting to get exciting,” Julian grinned.
***
“Leon, didn’t Konner say his family wanted us to come down for lunch and talk about some things?” Julian asked as he come into the room.
Leon looked up from his desk. “We’re we supposed to do that today?”
“Yeah, but we still have about an hour to get down there,” Julian replied.
Leon scrambled up and hurried to get his cloak.
The two were soon walking down the street on their way to visit Konner’s family. As they were passing through the square, a fluttering poster nailed to a wall caught Julian’s attention.
They Julian moved toward it, and Leon followed. The two stood there and read silently. Julian glanced about and saw the square was mostly empty. Turning back to the poster, he reached up and tore it down.
“Well, that’s a little more excitement than we bargained for,” Leon said.
Julian shrugged and folded the piece of parchment before pushing it into his pocket. “We should probably keep going, otherwise we’ll be late for lunch.”
“I wonder how they found out,” Leon mused as the two turned away.
Julian raised an eyebrow. “Does it matter?”
Leon shrugged.
Julian glanced back at the square. “I wonder how long it will take for everyone to figure out who we are.”
Leon just shrugged again.
Fires will rise to testify that 2+2=4. Swords will be drawn to prove that leaves are green in summer
You’re really just going to leave me hanging like that?? 😳
"Don't shine so that others can see you. Shine so that through you, others can see Him." ~ C.S.L.
Congratulations on your graduation!
I was gonna give people a chance to catch up
Sorry, it was a busy weekend and yesterday was rather ironic. It was a holiday yesterday, so I had to work for most of it and I spent at least an hour cleaning soap. Who thought that soap needed to be cleaned? Anyway, I’ll get into the feedback now.
and there were three new families and several single young men we have not seen before
Okay. Where are all those ladies and older people hiding?
Or is the culture of the empire one where woman of marrying age still live with their parents even if they are pagans? Though a young woman still could be saved without the rest of her family.
Happy to see it’s not just young men though.
“It’s not a very large sum,” Julian said, trying to be hopeful.
“Makes you feel unimportant, doesn’t it?” Leon teased.
“The question is, what are we to do?” Fox asked. “This certainly will mean something to someone!”
Julian’s ‘why can’t I be worth more’ versus Fox’s ‘Help! It’s over now!’ was amusing. It would be funny if Fox just gave Julian strange looks of absolute confusion during this.
Hananiah, Azariah, Mishael
This still throws me off. Not just because we tend to refer to them more by their Babalonian names, but the Bible itself uses the Babalonian names more than the Hebrew ones. Through that entire account of the fiery furnace, they are called Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. (Then we know Daniel Better as Daniel , because that name is used more often.)
If it really bothers you keep it the way it is. I just wanted to point out more on why this is confusing and why it would be confusing your characters would come to the same conclusion as you on this.
“I know, but he carried himself in a very aggressive manner,” Leon replied. “We lost much when Dietrich died.”
Not aggressive enough to control a stallion though. But prehapes I am just misunderstanding training horses. (Which is quite likely.)
Rowan replied, stepping out of the way. “I hope to see you again, Leon.”
I kind of like him and hope to see him again as well.
“Finally, this is starting to get exciting,” Julian grinned.
If you wanted to expand on the joke of Fox’s more cautious approach versus Julian talking about persecution as it is fun, this is a great place to do it. You could have Fox shake his head, call Julian crazy, or something else.
The two were soon walking down the street on their way to visit Konner’s family. As they were passing through the square, a fluttering poster nailed to a wall caught Julian’s attention.
They Julian moved toward it, and Leon followed. The two stood there and read silently. Julian glanced about and saw the square was mostly empty. Turning back to the poster, he reached up and tore it down.
“Well, that’s a little more excitement than we bargained for,” Leon said.
But what was on the poster? *tension*
Thank you for the sections!
Sometimes it is necessary to paint the sky black in order to see the stars.
Absolutely.
Fires will rise to testify that 2+2=4. Swords will be drawn to prove that leaves are green in summer
Thank you!
I spent at least an hour cleaning soap
what?!
Okay. Where are all those ladies and older people hiding?
In the olden days girls didn’t really do things on their own. In Roman culture it was actually inappropriate for a young woman to be on the streets alone. Plus, they were considered as property of their father or husband, so they didn’t get to branch off by themselves. That’s why they would need a brother, father, husband, or household slave charged with their care to take them to places, including church meetings. Older people normally made decisions in families, and honestly, the “wise old men” were really only in their fifties to sixties because people didn’t live much longer then their thirties and forties in those days. So having young men moving around on their own was most common. And, having young men is positions of leadership was not strange at all.
Anyways. History lesson.
You’re welcome. ☺️
Julian’s ‘why can’t I be worth more’ versus Fox’s ‘Help! It’s over now!’ was amusing.
Lololol. I love Julian.
And then sometimes I’d like to knock some sense into him.
I guess I refer to Daniel’s friends that way because that’s the way I always do in my mind. They are actually refereed to more in that way then by their Babylonian names, It’s just that the Babylonian names were used in the most famous incident. Plus, Daniel is refereed to by his Babylonian name more times then his Hebrew one, accept for his famous incident.
Not aggressive enough to control a stallion though. But prehapes I am just misunderstanding training horses. (Which is quite likely.)
yeah no.
You get aggressive with a stallion, and a guarantee you will regret it. You will befriend a stallion though much patients, and you will earn his trust after a long time. Only then will you ride him because he gives you permission to get on his back.
Some stallions are forced into submission, but they’re the horses that throw their riders in battle, or stomp them to death while they’re sleeping in their camp. Those stallions are angry and will have their revenge.
Aggressive people do not mix with stallions.
I kind of like him and hope to see him again as well.
Hmmmm…….. 😏
But what was on the poster? *tension*
Glad people are starting to wonder!!
Thank you for the sections!
*blink* Oh. You’re welcome!
Fires will rise to testify that 2+2=4. Swords will be drawn to prove that leaves are green in summer
what?!
Like I said, yesterday was ironic.
Anyways. History lesson.
Aggressive people do not mix with stallions.
Okay, those explanations make sense.
I guess I refer to Daniel’s friends that way because that’s the way I always do in my mind. They are actually refereed to more in that way then by their Babylonian names, It’s just that the Babylonian names were used in the most famous incident. Plus, Daniel is refereed to by his Babylonian name more times then his Hebrew one, accept for his famous incident.
Really? It seemed Daniel’s friends are referred to by their Babylonian names, but maybe that is just in the book of Daniel. Huh. I guess the most famous stuff is what ends up sticking around more.
Sometimes it is necessary to paint the sky black in order to see the stars.
still very confused…. Washing soap?
Really? It seemed Daniel’s friends are referred to by their Babylonian names, but maybe that is just in the book of Daniel. Huh. I guess the most famous stuff is what ends up sticking around more.
I can check my notes again, but when I did an indeph study into Daniel I’m almost positive the only time their Babylonian names are used was that one story.
maybe one other time too….
I can check my notes again.Fires will rise to testify that 2+2=4. Swords will be drawn to prove that leaves are green in summer
still very confused…. Washing soap?
With more soap, of course.
I guess I wasn’t washing the soap directly, but at the store I work at, we sell unpack aged bars of different soaps. Bits of them chip off and it can get really messy, so one in a while we have to clean that and the building dust out of there and reorganize the soap bars so it is nice and neat again.
I can check my notes again, but when I did an indeph study into Daniel I’m almost positive the only time their Babylonian names are used was that one story.
I was just looking at this again, and it seems they really are only in the first three chapters of Daniel. In chapter 1, it is their promotion, and the matter of the food. In chapter two, they briefly appear when Daniel talks to them about the mater of the kings dream. In these they are called by their Hebrew names. After that, when they are appointed over the affairs of the province of Babylon and then the events with the golden image, the text switches to their Babylonian names. So its about even.
Sometimes it is necessary to paint the sky black in order to see the stars.
ah, that makes a little more sense.
okay then. Looks like we both win. I forgot their Babylonian names were used when they were set over provinces.
Fires will rise to testify that 2+2=4. Swords will be drawn to prove that leaves are green in summer
I guess I doesn’t really matter anyway. It’s just something that throws me off, but after you get into the story, its clear who you are talking about.
Sometimes it is necessary to paint the sky black in order to see the stars.
@ellette-giselle That was close. Good thing that soldier doesn’t seem to know him.
I kinda also wanna know what was on the poster.
"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 @linus-smallprintNEXT SECTION!!!
Leon and Julian enjoyed their time with Konner and his family, and the notice was almost forgotten in Julian’s pocket.
It was evening that they returned home. Fox had come back from the carpenters where he worked, and he was busy making a meal. “How was your visit?”
“It was good,” Leon replied. He glanced at Julian and then continued. “Fox, we need to pray about something.”
“Why? What happened?” Fox asked, turning to face them.
“We saw this in the square,” Julian said, pulling the poster from his pocket and unfolding it on the table.
Fox picked it up and read quickly. “What!” he exclaimed. “How did they find out?”
Julian shrugged. “That’s not really the point. The point is we need to pray.”
“Of course,” Fox said, but he was still staring at the poster.
Leon turned to Julian. “Julian, why don’t you help Fox with the meal. I need to go and pray alone about this. I should probably write it down too. Heinrich and Johannes––” he broke off and cleared his throat. “Well, they would have said it was important to record.”
“Of course,” Julian replied.
Leon held out his hand, and Fox returned the poster to him, a rather dazed expression on his face. Leon gave him a nod and turned to his room. When he reached it, he sat down at the desk and flipped open his journal. Then, he spread out the poster on the table. “Father God, I’m giving this to You. See what they have done, Lord? We need Your help right now.” He let out a long breath and then read the poster again.
Reward
25 gold pieces for the capture of
Leon Fischer
and
Julian Damoss
Traitors, deserters, and perpetuators of the curse.If any news of either of these men is heard, report to the captain of the temple troops immediately. For sheltering and fraternizing with these men, the punishment is fines and public retribution.
By order of His Royal Majesty
Emperor HaidroniasLeon sighed and shook his head slowly. “That’s a lot of money. Too much for the people to stand by and watch. Well Lord, there it is. What are we supposed to do about it? Are we supposed to keep going on as usual, or should we go into hiding? I wish I knew. Oh Lord, I’m ready to do either, just make Your will clear to me so that I might obey You fully. Don’t let fear sway me or deafen my ears to Your voice.”
He picked up his quill and wet it in ink. After a few moments’ thought, he began to write.
The seventeenth year of Emperor Haidronias’s reign
September 18th
The EmpireJulian and I are hunted men. Somehow our enemies have discovered who we are, and they’ve put a substantial price on our heads. Twenty-five pieces of gold for our capture. That’s enough to buy a pair of fine horses of a good piece of land. It’s a small fortune to most of the people living in small, crammed flats. They won’t be passing this chance by lightly. I wonder what God wants us to do. I have felt no deep urge to hide, yet neither have I felt one to go out and continue our work. I wish I knew what we are supposed to do.
One thought I cannot get out of my mind, we were hunted in Ardenta for defecting and stirring up the people to follow Christ instead of the false gods of the Empire. But that was years ago. Surely, they have let that die. And how did they find out we are here? It’s all very confusing. Two things are certain; our lives are in danger, and God will be faithful.~Leon
Letting out a deep breath, Leon set down his quill and waited for the page to dry. When it had, he closed the journal and went into the other room. “Fox, I need to speak with you about something.”
“What?” Fox asked, looking up from where he was setting the table with wooden bowls and spoons.
“Listen, that notice says that anyone sheltering or fraternizing with us will be punished. You know it will be severe.”
“I have no doubt,” Fox agreed.
“Fox, Julian and I are putting you in danger. We can leave. We completely understand and won’t be offended. We’ll stay in the inn.”
“He’s right,” Julian agreed, from where he stood in the doorway. “We are putting you in danger.”
“I’m already in danger,” Fox replied. “I don’t see how you two are going to really change that, and the loss of your company would be worse than the fraction of danger you could add. No, you’re staying right here.”
“Are you sure?” Leon asked.
“Of course I am, I don’t want to have to cook every day,” Fox replied.
Julian and Leon grinned, and the matter was decided.
***
The Sabbath came, and Julian and Leon went with Fox to the meeting place. They were not stopped by anyone, nor even given so much as a second glance. The meeting that morning was led by Reinhold. Afterwards, Leon and Julian spent some time talking with the people and then decided to start for home. Fox was going to the Krüger’s, and Mrs. Krüger invited Leon and Julian to come too.
Leon had promised to bring some notes over for a study Konner was doing, so he and Julian decided to stop home first.
The two were walking down a quiet street and had just turned a corner, when they came face to face with a soldier.
Before either had a moment to react, the soldier had grabbed Leon and yanked him into a side alley. Julian leapt at him, but the soldier jerked back. “Hush,” he hissed.
Leon was breathing quickly, and the two looked at the soldier warily.
The young soldier beckoned, and they cautiously followed him a few steps deeper into the alley. The soldier looked about and then drew close. “You’re the ones!” he exclaimed in a hoarse whisper. “That’s why you wouldn’t tell me who you were!”
“Rowan?” Leon asked, in surprise. “What’s going on? What are you doing?”
“By the gods! I was actually talking to one of the Empire’s greatest traitors and didn’t even know it!” Rowan whispered
“Rowan, it’s not what you think,” Leon said. “We did nothing wrong except for realize that the gods of the Empire were false.”
“The Empire killed my brother, that is why we ran,” Julian added.
“Oh gods,” Rowan swore.
“Listen, Rowan, we need to go,” Leon said, taking a slow step back.
Rowan grabbed his arm. “No wait, I have to tell you something. It’s my fault.”
“What do you mean?” Leon asked.
“There were several of us talking about the Ardantin conquest, and we were telling of war heroes we knew, and I mentioned I had met one named Leon. Somehow the Sergeant found out. He asked me where I had seen you, and I told him it had been in the city. The next thing I knew they had the reward out. I didn’t mean any harm to you, honestly,” Rowan said. “I didn’t even know you were hunted men.”
Leon nodded. “There is no way you could have known.”
Rowen heisted. “Leon, I don’t know what to think of all this, but you don’t seem like what they say you are, and I have always been able to judge character. I… I ought to tell them that we met. I ought to arrest you… I don’t know what is happening, but for some reason, I can’t.”
“Rowan, I was once a soldier like you. In fact, I was an officer,” Leon said. “I came face to face with one of the followers of the true God, and I knew I had to arrest him. I felt the same way you feel now. It’s because—”
Rowan held up a hand and turned away. “I don’t want to hear it. Just go. Now.”
Leon nodded, and he and Julian backed away. They reached the entrace of the alley, and Leon hesitated. Rowan looked at him for a moment. Then he turned away. Leon let out a slow breath and moved back into the street. He and Julian quickened their pace. Looking over his shoulder, Leon could see Rowan was watching them. Lord, open his eyes.
***
The seventeenth year of Emperor Haidronias’s reign
September 25th
The EmpireWell, we’re not dead yet. It’s been a week, and they haven’t found us. The soldiers in the streets seem more watchful than ever, and the mood of the entire city has changed. There is excitement for the coming games, but an underlying current of suspicion that the man beside you might be the traitor that rewards you with a fortune.
We’ve stuck to our work of witnessing as we go about our day, but none of us have dared to speak publicly in the market or square. Every time I turn around, I feel like a hundred men are watching me, ready to take me down in a moment. It’s completely nerve wracking to try and go outside. And the worst part is, the more worried I am, the more tense I act, which draws attention, which then makes me more worried, and it’s all one vicious cycle. I had forgotten how horrible it was to be hunted night and day.~Julian
The seventeenth year of Emperor Haidronias’s reign
September 27th
The EmpireStill here and unharmed. I can’t stop thinking about Rowan. Why would he risk his life to come and tell us what had happened when it wouldn’t even fix anything? I wonder if he is struggling with that sense of guilt that I often did before I saw the truth. It was a horrible feeling of being guilty but not knowing why. He’s desperate, I can see it. I wish there was a way to get to him. I would do it no matter the cost, if only I knew how to find him! But there would be no way to do so. I don’t even know if he’s still here. Perhaps his company was just passing through.
Oh Lord, this is out of my hands. All of this is out of my hands. I give Rowan to You, Father. Please Lord, please touch his heart. Please open his eyes before the end. I give this city to You. It is a place of such darkness and evil. Oh Lord, shine a light here! Open the eyes of the blind! I give You my friends and companions. Protect them and guide them. Help them to trust You and give them peace. I give myself to You. Lead me in the paths of righteousness, guide my on the narrow road, and don’t let me falter. May Your will be done.~Leon.
The seventeenth year of Emperor Haidronias’s reign
September 28th
The EmpireThe games are drawing near. They will begin on the seventh of October. It is an important day in the religion of the Empire. I used to know why, but I have forgotten. It’s so strange and relieving that I don’t remember half of the religion I once followed. It shows how devoted I was. Or rather, undevoted.
I can’t shake this feeling I have. It is a strange one. A feeling of… of something. I can’t place it. I seem to keep reading or remembering a certain passage.
“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.”Is God telling me something? Perhaps He is reminding me that I am a light, and I cannot stay hidden.
I am afraid. I’m worried we’ll put the others in danger if we go out there. Oh Lord, You know what will happen. May Your will be done.~Leon
The seventeenth year of Emperor Haidronias’s reign
September 30th
The EmpireWe’re going out. Leon is waiting by the door, and Fox is lacing up his boots. There’s a chill in the air. Winter is coming. I’ll need my cloak. God protect us.
~Julian.
The seventeenth year of Emperor Haidronias’s reign
October 1st
The EmpireYesterday, all of us returned home safely. The people seemed eager to hear what we had to say. The soldiers stood around the square, and I was sure they were going to attack us any moment, but we were not interrupted, and when we left, no one tried to stop us. It was nothing but the hand of God that held the soldiers back.
Oh Lord, You are the Most High, and You command everything– even the soldiers of the Empire.~Julian.
The seventeenth year of Emperor Haidronias’s reign
October 2nd
The EmpireOvernight, winter has come. Yesterday only a few of us wore cloaks, today the sky is grey and little flurries of snow come now and then. With only Fox working a steady job we are running short of money. Julian and I were able to work odd jobs here and there during the summer, and we had money that had been given to us by our brothers and sisters in other towns, but we have used nearly all of it. We are trying to ration our wood, but it’s frigid in here. I’m wearing my hat and gloves at this moment, and Julian has just put on his boots. It looks like another long, hard winter for the Empire. I wonder if it’s been cold everywhere. The winters are so harsh, and the summer seems so short. Perhaps next year there will be a lighter winter.
We’ll be going out to the square again this afternoon. Thank You Father, for keeping us safe. May Your will be done today.~Leon
Fires will rise to testify that 2+2=4. Swords will be drawn to prove that leaves are green in summer
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