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@hybridlore @linus-smallprint @koshka @keilah-h @elishavet-pidyon @liberty
NEXT SECTION!!!
The sixteenth year of Emperor Haidronias’s reign
October 7th
The EmpireAs you will see by yesterday’s entries, I have returned to the Empire. It took all of yesterday to chronicle everything that happened to Rolf and I in our enslavement. I will never forget the joy of returning home, and I thank God that he has shown us his mercy and love and brought us back. We were not a day too soon, for Roland had finally taken on the terrible task of writing to the Kleins to tell them of Rolf’s. He would have sent that letter today if we had not arrived. I continue to be amazed by God’s ways and timing.
We are staying in the home of the Steins in the small town of Landstraten. Julian and the others have been here for a month now, but so far there are only three believing families— the Stiens and their son and daughter’s two families. The farmers are simple folk and easily frightened by the priests, who hold a strong sway in these parts. The word is that this winter will be worse than the one before, and the priests tell the people that it is because of us. Julian says it has not been easy for them here. Despite all this, some have still believed, and though three families may seem like few compared to those who came to believe in Clonabay and some of the others towns and villages, three families are just as precious and important in the eyes of God.
I cannot even begin to tell how wonderful it has been to be back at Julian’s side and reunited with the Aelic and Roland. It is so encouraging and strengthening to be with these dear brothers and to worship among other believers. Freedom is beautifully sweet, and I shall never take it for granted again.~Leon
The sixteenth year of Emperor Haidronias’s reign
October 9th
The EmpireIt is so wonderful to have Leon and Rolf back. Oh, thank You Father for bringing them home!
These last few days have been some of the most wonderful days of my life. Leon and I have been talking, and we know winter will be setting in soon. Already the nights have grown cold, and frost will soon come. Once the snow starts, we will all be trapped here. Leon and I have both felt an urge to leave for the Capital, and if we are to go, then we must do so soon, or the snow will set in. I must admit, part of me doesn’t want to go now that we have been reunited with Rolf and Leon again. Who knows what trials we will face, and even here in a town that mostly opposes us, there is peace and security with the Steins and their children who have come to faith. Mr. and Mrs. Stein have been so kind, and young Hue has formed quiet a friendship with Aelic. Erich and his wife Helene are such a sweet couple, and Erich has the makings of a strong leader. The Stien’s daughter Flora and her husband Quintus are kind already very dear to us, and they have the sweetest children. They remind me so much of those in Sabina’s orphanage back in Ardenta. When I see them, I remember how much I love children. It will be hard to leave them all behind. I trust God though. It will be exciting— and frightening, to see what He has planned for us next. No matter how dark or hard the path may be, I know He will be with us, and I am glad I shall go with Leon at my side.~Julian
The sixteenth year of Emperor Haidronias’s reign
October 10th
The EmpireWe have decided to set out for the Capital. I have already written a letter to Johannes and Heinrich, asking the University to send leaders for the church in this town, as those here do not feel called or ready to take on the task. The messenger was on a fast horse, and we hope to have a reply in a week’s time.
So, we are really doing it. We are really going to the Capital. Well, this will be like a conquest strategy. We fight our way inward, always aiming for the Capital, conquering towns and villages as we go, until we stand at the heart of the country and the seat of power. But this time it is not officers who lead, it is Christ, and it is not soldiers we fight, it is the power of the evil one.
I feel a dread of going to the Capital after all that Rolf and I endured in slavery. I want to stop and rest and fellowship in peace with those I love. But this is war. There is no time to rest, for we stand on the front lines, and the enemy will not rest. We must keep going, and we must press on. we must keep fighting until the end. When this battle is over, then we will rest in eternal peace. Now is the time to fight! We can’t stand down, we can’t rest, we must fight! We must take up our swords and follow our King and Captain into battle. There are still places that lie in darkness. There are still towns and cities where the flag of Christ does not fly. We are here for conquest, total and complete. We make no negotiations with the enemy. We will give him no ground. It is time to fight!
~Leon***
The sixteenth year of Emperor Haidronias’s reign
October 17thTo Leon, our dear brothers with him, and the church in Landstraten.
Greetings.It was a great blessing indeed to hear from you after so long! We had begun to worry that some evil may have befallen you. You wrote that the Church in Clonabay was strong, and Godly leaders were in place so we would not need to send them. God be praised for that. They will have many opportunities to share the Truth with far off nations and lands because of their position in a town that is so widely traversed.
The two young men we are sending will stop in Clonabay to encourage the believers before they continue on to Landstraten. Their names are Wolf Hartmann and Peter Becker. They have trained here for a year now and were both called to come to you and take up this new challenge for Christ’s glory. They will be bringing with them the gifts of several finished copies of the Scriptures for the churches in Clonabay and Landstraten, as well as for you to take on your journey to the Capital.
We have all been praying for you and the churches, and we will continue to do so. I pray that someday you will come and visit us at the University, for I think you would be very pleased at the work we have done here. I can almost feel God’s Spirit and power in the very walls of this building. Night and day, the sounds of prayers, Scripture reading, and hymns, echo through its walls. This place has become a fortress for God. I pray you will see it one day.
We send our prayers, greetings, and encouragement to you all. May God bless the work you are doing, and the journey you are about to undertake.~ Heinrich, Johannes, and the brothers at the University.
Leon folded up the letter after he finished reading it aloud to the small group gathered in the Stein’s home. “As soon as they arrive, we will set out for the Capital and try to race the winter storms there.”
“And what if the snow sets in while you are still traveling?” Erich asked, gently bouncing his baby on his knee.
“We’ll still press on to the Capital,” Leon said.
“How soon do you think they will be here?” Mr. Stein asked.
“A week at most. They will have set out when our letter arrived, so they must be close to Clonabay, if not there already,” Leon replied.
“Well then, we had better make the best of the time you have left with us,” Mrs. Stein remarked. “I propose a gathering here every night for fellowship and hot meals.”
“With games!” Hue exclaimed.
“And prayer and singing,” his brother-in-law added.
Julian grinned. “Now that’s an idea I like!”
***
The sixteenth year of Emperor Haidronias’s reign
October 20th
The EmpireWe have had a wonderful time of fellowship here in Landstraten, and I find it even harder to leave. Wolf Hartmann and Peter Becker arrived this evening, and I enjoy them already. They are both sincere and honest young men, and they have a strong and passionate zeal for Christ that I know will serve them well in their time here. They told us that many young men have set out from the University to spread the Truth to the towns and villages nearby, and they plan to go farther and farther afield. I am glad for the privilege of meeting Peter and Wolf before we leave for the Capital. I am now at peace about Landstraten, for I know that I leave this little flock in the guard of strong and true shepherds. Someday, I hope to return and see what wonders God will work here.
Well, I had better see to it that my bag is packed, for we leave early tomorrow morning. May God’s will be done.
~LeonThe next morning, Leon, Julian, and the others bade farewell to the little congregation in Landstraten. They promised to return to visit if God allowed, and they also hope to be able to write letters of encouragement and information on what was happening in the Capital. Then the five set out on their journey, wrapped up in scarves, hats, gloves, and thick clothing with cloaks overtop. The morning air was crisp and chill and foretold of colder days to come.
They traveled swiftly that day, only stopping when it was too dark to continue. That evening, they ate, set a watch, and slept. They were up early the next morning, and after breakfast and a short time of prayer, they journeyed on. So, the days passed, and the journey drew to a close.
One afternoon, Aelic, who had run a few paces ahead, came racing back to the small company. “I think I see the Capital!”
They quickened their pace and climbed up the rocky slopes. Sure enough, there was the city lying below them.
Leon slowly straightened and stood looking at the gates, flags, and beyond that the temples and the palace. He looked to where Julian stood beside him, an expression of determination on his face. Rolf stood a few paces away, shielding his eyes, Roland just behind him.
Aelic had already started down the slope, and now he turned, the wind snatching his cloak and trying to use it to drag him forward. “What are we waiting for? We made it! Let’s go!”
Leon took a deep breath. “Father God, guide us and protect us. May Your will be done.”
“Amen,” Julian murmured.
Leon followed Aelic down the road, Julian at his side. They came to the gates, and Leon slowed, remembering the times he had ridden through them on a battle charger, his troops following behind. He glanced at Julian and saw pain in his eyes. The last time they had been here, Adrian had been with them.
The five joined the trickle of people going into the city. They passed through the gates unchallenged and walked through the streets. Aelic, Rolf, and Roland had a hard time keeping up, for they were constantly pausing to stare about them in awe. Never had they been in so big of a city before.
It took the little group the better part of two hours to arrive at the inn Leon and Julian had decided on. when they got there, the sun was low in the sky, and they were all hungry.
Leon paid for two rooms, and the companions carried their packs upstairs and took a moment to gather their thoughts. Then they returned downstairs for supper. After the meal, they went up to Leon, Julian, and Aelic’s room where they talked, prayed, and read a passage together. Then they bid one another goodnight, premising to meet again downstairs in the morning.
It took Leon a long time to fall asleep, and he could hear Julian shifting restlessly as well. Aelic’s breathing was deep and peaceful, and Leon envied him. Finally, after many hours, Leon drifted into uneasy sleep.
The next morning, the five rejoined for breakfast.
“Well, we made it to the Capital,” Rolf remarked, as he picked up a hot roll from the basket of bread on their table.
“I’m ready to get started,” Aelic grinned.
“We need to take this slowly,” Leon cautioned.
“Why?” Aelic demanded.
Leon was surprised, for he hadn’t seen the boy this forceful very often. “Well, we are in the heart of the Empire, and this is the center of the pagan worship, and the emperor is here as well. There will be a lot of danger.”
“All the more reason to start now,” Aelic replied. “If we are going to be stopped, then we should do as much as we can before they stop us.”
“I agree with both of you,” Julian said. “Aelic is right that we need to do all we can before we are stopped, and I am positive they will try to stop us— and may very well succeed. However, Leon is right that we must keep this in mind. we must be bold as lions, yes, but also shrewd as serpents–– like Jesus stated. We must use wisdom, and we must not act on our own. We must act how God directs. We must be bold, but not rash. We must be shrewd, but not cowards.”
Leon raised an eyebrow in surprise. “For once, I actually agree.”
Julian smirked.
“So then, where and how should we start?” Rolf asked.
“Well, we can go to the city square where they make public announcements. That will get to a lot of people very quickly, but it also puts us in a lot of danger,” Leon said slowly.
Roland leaned forward. “What kind of danger, exactly?”
“Arrest and a warning, or perhaps public punishment. Death would not be likely the first time… but one never knows,” Leon shrugged. “The problem is that once something like that happens, the officials will have their eyes on us, and it will be hard to continue work.”
“I purpose we start slowly,” Julian remarked. “Let’s try to go to the people and speak face to face on a personal level. This will be good for two reasons. One, we will be lest noticed, and two, the people will feel a certain draw to us, for I guarantee the priests are not taking that sort of time to care about them. Once we have a few followers, then we will talk about taking bolder, more drastic steps.”
“Again, shockingly enough, I agree,” Leon remarked.
Julian chuckled.
“Then let’s pray right now,” Rolf suggested.
They joined hands around the table, and Leon spoke. “Lord, You know our plan. If this is the approach you want us to take, then open the ears and hearts of the people. If not, then please make it clear.”
When they looked up at one another, each nodded, and Leon they were ready. “Alright then. Let’s pick an area and divide up, but in close proximity. If anyone get lost, then return to this inn. We’ll meet back here this evening.”
The others agreed and rose. Julian gave Leon a nod, and Leon took a deep breath. “Father, guide us.”
No half-heartedness and no worldly fear must turn us aside from following the light unflinchingly.
Cool!!! I really liked the idea of a Daniel twist. Plus, it gives me Narnia fkashbacks with Shasta in the desert. That just makes me happy. 😊
Yes! I was reminded of Shasta as well!
But why do you like him over Rolf’s other friends??! (I mean, I like him best, but I know his entire story. You just saw a tiny bit of it.)
Funny…it seems we end up liking the same characters…but not all of the time. Well, I was going to like Gareth best…until you put that scene with Conrad!!!! I was 100% sold then. I don’t know. Maybe it’s because I tend to like weak characters but end up being strong in Him.
Can I know Conrad’s whole story?
Yeah, that no longer surprises me. I know one too… except he was born after the book, so technically his mama stole my name, not the other way around. 😂
Wait…she actually named her son after your character? Oh! Now that I think of it, I have a Conrad character as well! He was based off Conroy, though.
"He who never quotes will never be quoted." ~Charles Spurgeon
*squeals with delight over a new treasure*
Erich and his wife Helene are such a sweet couple, and Erich has the makings of a strong leader.
*dances around the room*
I am SO stealing that name from you!!!!!!! I have a Helen in my story…but I never thought of spelling it like that! It fits my character so much more to add an “e” to the end! *party noises* 🎉 Wait till Burd sees this! He’s going to agree with me 100%.
The last time they had been here, Adrian had been with them.
😲 I have an Adrian too! What’s your Adrian like?
Speaking of Adrians, have you ever read “Lysbeth”?
"He who never quotes will never be quoted." ~Charles Spurgeon
Good morning!!! You’re bright and early! Normally Hybridlore is my first reader. Looks like you got her place! 😂
That makes sense about Conrad.
Can I know Conrad’s whole story?
The whole thing? Girl, it’s like a whole ‘nother book! I know the whole life of every character who has a name, (and even some who don’t). It’s just part of how I world build I guess. 😂
Maybe if you send me an email I might roughly outline it……. 😝
Wait…she actually named her son after your character?
I’m not sure. She may have, or it may have been a name she already wanted.
Haha!!! That is the German way to spell that name, and it’s actually pronounced Hel-ē-n (like with a hard “E” in the middle.) But you can also pronounce it normal.
😲 I have an Adrian too! What’s your Adrian like?
dead.
He died in the beginning of book 2. Hybridelore almost killed me for it.
(it was a rather brutal scene………)
Speaking of Adrians, have you ever read “Lysbeth”?
No! What’s it about?!?
No half-heartedness and no worldly fear must turn us aside from following the light unflinchingly.
yesterday it was 80 degrees.
Today it’s 5 and snowing.
what a life!
🤣
No half-heartedness and no worldly fear must turn us aside from following the light unflinchingly.
Oh no! @liberty beat me! XD
yesterday it was 80 degrees.
Today it’s 5 and snowing.
That’s rather strange . . . 🤔 Sounds like Colorado, but I don’t even think it’s that extreme there. Today we have a high of nearly 80.
He died in the beginning of book 2. Hybridelore almost killed me for it.
(it was a rather brutal scene………)
Oh boy… I was shocked. 🥺😢 But, then Julian and Leon wouldn’t have become Christians, and then we wouldn’t be here, so . . . *still sniffles for baby Joseph*
That is the German way to spell that name, and it’s actually pronounced Hel-ē-n (like with a hard “E” in the middle.)
Hurricane Helene, anyone?
Ellette, looks like it’s getting interesting. I’m starting to wonder how long it will be until they’re arrested (can’t be very long…) 😖 The Capital is really dangerous, right?
Once we have a few followers, then we will talk about taking bolder, more drastic steps.”
“Again, shockingly enough, I agree,” Leon remarked.Wow, Julian has matured! 🤣
Anyway. great section! Looking forward to the next part! 😁
"Don't shine so that others can see you. Shine so that through you, others can see Him." ~ C. S.
Yup! You’ll have to be quicker on the draw. 😂
but I don’t even think it’s that extreme there.
Nope, not Colorado. Weather changes like that are normal for us in our crazy state. This is life, y’all. We don’t get spring and fall. Just winter and summer.
Oh boy… I was shocked. 🥺😢 But, then Julian and Leon wouldn’t have become Christians, and then we wouldn’t be here, so . . . *still sniffles for baby Joseph*
See!! *crosses arms* I don’t kill characters without a reason. I don’t even kill them. My badguys do.
Sooo…. are you more upset that Adrian died or Joseph was traumatized?
Ellette, looks like it’s getting interesting. I’m starting to wonder how long it will be until they’re arrested (can’t be very long…) 😖 The Capital is really dangerous, right?
Yes. It is very, very dangerous. It’s basically ancient Rome with some Germanic twists. (I also pulled from Athens a little)
Wow, Julian has matured! 🤣
Yeah…. it took him losing Leon to knock a little sense into him.
Anyway. great section! Looking forward to the next part! 😁
You sure?
No half-heartedness and no worldly fear must turn us aside from following the light unflinchingly.
😂
That’s crazy. Colorado is kind of notorious for that, I thought, but I’ve never been to your state before.
I don’t kill characters without a reason. I don’t even kill them. My badguys do.
Ahem—I don’t see much of a reason for Conrad’s death. Aaron and Adrian can be explained, I guess, but there’s still lots of other people you’ve killed.
And we all know you hire your villains to kill the characters. It’s on your orders.Yes. It is very, very dangerous. It’s basically ancient Rome with some Germanic twists. (I also pulled from Athens a little)
Yeah… *starts to fear for your characters safety*
Just remember, the Character Witness Protection is watching you. 😎🧐
Yeah…. it took him losing Leon to knock a little sense into him.
XD
You sure?
*second guesses self * *still wants to see it* 🥺🫣
"Don't shine so that others can see you. Shine so that through you, others can see Him." ~ C. S.
I used to live in Colorado.
It is nothing like this place.
Ahem—I don’t see much of a reason for Conrad’s death.
That’s because you don’t know his full story.
I know his life, and I know that it was the completion of his character arc.
Yeah… *starts to fear for your characters safety*
yeah you should!
*second guesses self * *still wants to see it* 🥺🫣
technically I should make you wait for tomorrow…….. but I am feeling rather nice today………
No half-heartedness and no worldly fear must turn us aside from following the light unflinchingly.
That’s because you don’t know his full story.
I know his life, and I know that it was the completion of his character arc.
Well, okay, maybe. 😝
technically I should make you wait for tomorrow…….. but I am feeling rather nice today………
*gasps* A bonus section?
"Don't shine so that others can see you. Shine so that through you, others can see Him." ~ C. S.
Maybe in a minute then……..
No half-heartedness and no worldly fear must turn us aside from following the light unflinchingly.
Okay! 😁
"Don't shine so that others can see you. Shine so that through you, others can see Him." ~ C. S.
I’m catching up! I loved the scene where the lion protected them from the hyenas. It reminds me of The Horse and his Boy when Shasta is in the desert and Aslan comes to help him.
All at once a chair went flying, narrowly missing Rolf.
lol why is this funny to me. (It probably wasn’t funny to him though.)
I’m glad they found the Clonabay church!
Although, the whole “these people with their talk of the One True God are gonna bring a curse” thing from the Imperials is getting…..a tiny bit old? Even though that’d be the priests’ likely reaction to the fact that they’re being usurped by the truth, maybe figure out variations, riffs on that idea, from city to city. I don’t think it’s all the same priests for the whole Empire.
It’s good that the whole group is being reunited! Although knowing you that will probably end really badly.
That’s because you don’t know his full story.
I know his life, and I know that it was the completion of his character arc.
Well, you might have to make that clear to your readers if it isn’t.
If you know something that justifies X, and your readers don’t, and X is something particularly important, it might really mess with your readers. It’s not bad that you have the scene (and it’s actually a really great scene!) you just might wanna provide a bit of context at some point in time.
I’ve had to deal with that too–going through a draft, I read something, and since I know what the characters look like, act like, etc. a scene makes perfect sense to me, but then I realize that if I were a new reader, I would have like zero idea of what this references. So I’d have to go back and add stuff.
Of course, you could just promise another book with that story. That might be the best course of action here.
"When in doubt, eat cheese crackers."-me to my charries who don't even know about cheese crackers
It reminds me of The Horse and his Boy when Shasta is in the desert and Aslan comes to help him.
Yup, reminds me of that too. And Daniel!
lol why is this funny to me. (It probably wasn’t funny to him though.)
Lololol. It was funny to me….
Although, the whole “these people with their talk of the One True God are gonna bring a curse” thing from the Imperials is getting…..a tiny bit old?
eh….. you’d be surprised how many persecution waves in Rome were started by that line. It’s the pretty common go-to. Bad things are happening, blame shift, trigger mob effect, dirty work is done for them.
Well, you might have to make that clear to your readers if it isn’t.
but if I did that for every character then this would be a never ending story! 😂
No half-heartedness and no worldly fear must turn us aside from following the light unflinchingly.
but if I did that for every character then this would be a never ending story! 😂
but that would be good! You would never be out of a job. You could write books your entire life entirely centered on this universe. You could rival Warrior Cats in how many published books there are in the series. (that series has 119 with six more in varying stages of development, written by four different authors)
"When in doubt, eat cheese crackers."-me to my charries who don't even know about cheese crackers
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