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No prob!
I’m glad you like it!
I have come to a place where I am 100% sure Linus will make me go back and add in some fillers because it’s too big of a time jump, but I haven’t got the time to add those in right now. I’ll try to post next week after BR is finished.
Man is born for the fight, to be forged and molded into a sharper, finer, stronger image of God
@hybridlore @linus-smallprint @koshka @keilah-h @elishavet-pidyon @grcr
NEXT SECTION!
Time continued to pass, and the days grew warmer and longer. Joseph thrived as he spent his days working hard in the fields and the evening studying with his brothers in Christ, or fellowshipping with the Caddick family. It was during this time that things began to change, and something else started to take precedence in Joseph’s mind. Something that was stronger even then the constant fear that haunted him.
One evening, there was a knock at the door. Stephen got up to answer it, and a little while later he returned with two young men. Joseph scrambled to his feet with a cry of delight. “Julian! Leon! What are you doing here?”
“Now that the gates of the cities are open, we have more freedom to move about from place to place,” Leon explained. We’ve been trying to visit all the churches more frequently than we used to.
“We’ve become the church’s messenger service,” Julian added with a chuckle.
“Please have a seat,” Mr. Caddick told them.
“Here, let me take your cloaks,” Amelia added, hurriedly.
“Can I bring you something to eat?” Mr. Caddick asked.
In a few moments the two travelers were settled and the Caddicks and Joseph gathered about them, eager to hear of their travels.
After Leon and Julian had gotten a few bites to eat, Mr. Caddick spoke. “How have things been in the towns and villages?”
“There’s still a great deal of idolatry,” Julian replied.
Leon nodded in agreement. “After the wave of attacks, we went through, most of the churches have gone underground and there are too few bold men willing to speak the truth in the open.”
“I believe the women are to blame as well,” Mrs. Caddick put in gently. “We are not to teach, but we still have voices, and we should do more to use them for Christ as we speak with our friends or the strangers we meet.”
Leon tilted his head toward her. “You are right, ma’am.”
“I just wish there was something we could do,” Julian said. “I know many would come to Christ if the Empire wasn’t such a threat.”
“But if they only come when there’s no threat, what kind of faith is that?” Amelia asked.
“Very true,” Leon agreed.
Talk turned to other things, but Joseph was thinking. He glanced over at Amelia, watching her as she listened to Julian and Leon. Her brown eyes were gentle with a tender compassion for the people Leon spoke of, and the firelight played across her face.
Joseph looked away and rejoined the conversation.
Later that evening, after everyone had retired for the night, Joseph began a letter to Sabina. Leon and Julian would be visiting another town, but they had mentioned passing through the Capital, and Leon said they could most likely bring word back as well.
Joseph wet his quill with ink and set it to the paper before him.
Dear Sabina,
I hope this letter finds you safe and well. I haven’t heard from you in so long, and I worried a little; especially over the winter when there wasn’t much to do but think!
Julian and Leon are here, and they plan to stop by home before they go back out again. Julian says they will do all they can to bring your reply before they start again. They were telling some amazing stories tonight, which I am sure they will share with you. Oh, how God has worked in their lives! It is amazing how He has protected them! They are so bold and courageous as well.
As you know, it is spring, and what a joy it is to be out working in the fields. Mrs. Caddick said all the boys in the household have a terrible case of spring fever. She is so kind and sweet, and she doesn’t get one bit angry, even when we act more like children then young men. Stephen, David, and I are as bad as Quin and Andrew at times. I just have so much energy and joy that it’s hard to know how to contain it.
Today, Mrs. Caddick greeted us as we came in the house with a ball she had made. Now we have the finest games in the street outside the house, just like I used to when I was little.
Over the winter, we began copying down the Bible, and what a joy it is to see them completed and given into eager hands. Mr. Caddick, Stephen, and David have started to lead in the church, and it has been such a help and blessing to me. I see now why Paul encouraged Timothy to find men to share the burden of leadership with. It is so much better when I can work with my brothers instead of alone.
How was winter for all of you? How are the children? Did the ones in alley ever come out? How are Noah, Darrien, Asher, and Eric? How are you? Tell me all about everything.
Sabina, I have an important question for you. You see I… well this is hard to explain, I don’t really know how to begin. You see… well… how did you know Aaron was the one you were to marry?
Oh, now I’ve gone and done it! That wasn’t the way I meant to explain this. Alright, I’ll start over. There is— there might be— a young woman I am interested in with the possibility of marriage. You see, this past winter, I began to feel a longing I have never felt or understood before. A longing for a wife. I have come to see how much of a help and strength Mrs. Caddick is to Mr. Caddick, and I see what a sweet and beautiful gift marriage is. Looking in the Bible, I have found so many passages and verses about marriage. I have prayed about it, and the answer that I get is a greater stirring in my heart to seek a wife. There is a young woman I have come to know very well, and I have watched her all this winter. I feel I should take the next step, for when I pray about her, I feel such peace about it! I don’t know how to approach this or who to talk to about it. Would you please copy down the verses Aaron studied when he was interested in you?
I’m sure this comes as such a shock, and I hope I haven’t caused you any pain by bringing this up. My deepest desire is to do as God would want me to, even if it means I must never get married. Still, I feel Him leading me in this direction. I need help though, as I am completely lost on the matter, and I have very little idea of how to begin. I will continue to pray about this, and I ask that you would pray for me.
I love you, Sabina. I know I say this so often, but you are truly the best mother I could ever wish for. I am praying for you and the children, and of course Asher, Eric, Darrien and Noah as well. Give them my greetings.
Your loving son,
Joseph.
Joseph set down his quill and leaned back, deep in thought. “Well Father, I’ve told Sabina. Please help me, and please lead and guide me in this. Help me to know Your will, Father.”
Folding up the letter, Joseph sealed it and wrote Sabina’s name on the outside. He took a deep breath and set the letter on the table, then he stood and walked to his bed. He sat down and flipped open his Bible. The pages fell open to a passage he had continued to study the last few months.
‘Then the Lord God said, “It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper fit for him.” Now out of the ground the Lord God had formed every beast of the field and every bird of the heavens and brought them to the man to see what he would call them. And whatever the man called every living creature, that was its name. The man gave names to all livestock and to the birds of the heavens and to every beast of the field. But for Adam there was not found a helper fit for him. So the Lord God caused a deep sleep to fall upon the man, and while he slept took one of his ribs and closed up its place with flesh. And the rib that the Lord God had taken from the man He made into a woman and brought her to the man. Then the man said,
“This at last is bone of my bones
and flesh of my flesh;
she shall be called Woman,
because she was taken out of Man.”Therefore, a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.’
Joseph sat and pondered those verses over and over. “‘It is not good that man should be alone,’” he murmured. “‘God made a woman and brought her to him… Therefore, a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.’” he leaned back with a sigh. “Father, is it right that I should be alone, or have you made for me a woman to be my helper? Have you created one for me to hold fast to and become one with? Is it not good that I should be alone? Oh Father, if this is so, then bring her to me, as you did for Adam. Show me who she is and please give me wisdom.”
Man is born for the fight, to be forged and molded into a sharper, finer, stronger image of God
Hah! @linus-smallprint and I called it!! 😆
So, good section. The end… I know you said there are going to be parts of the books where you include longer scripture passages. That’s fine, but this scene kind of feels almost exactly like Aaron’s did, when he was studying the Bible about a husband and wife. I think it’s too similar. Could you maybe try to switch it up a bit by having him have a conversation with someone, who reminds him of God’s design for a husband and wife, or maybe he struggles with his questions a little longer, until he talks to Amelia’s dad or Sabina. I don’t know—it’s your decision—but those are my thoughts as a reader. We’ll see what everyone else says. Otherwise, good job!
Some day you will be old enough to start reading fairy tales again. ~ C.S. Lewis
You sure did.It wasn’t a hard one tho.
Hmmm. I see what you mean.
I might switch that.
We’ll see what @linus-smallprint says.
Thanks so much for the feedback!
Man is born for the fight, to be forged and molded into a sharper, finer, stronger image of God
“We’ve become the church’s messenger service,” Julian added with a chuckle.
How much do these guys travel in a week?
Hah! linus-smallprint and I called it!! 😆
Yup. Totally called that.
I think @hybridlore has a good point. Joseph also mentioned in the letter that he has been studying this subject, so we know he’s doing it. Hybrid’s suggestion will add some nice variety.
Another thing. I feel like we haven’t seen this relationship develop. Joseph and Amelia have interacted a couple of times now, but his interactions with here haven’t been anything special yet compared to his interactions with the rest of the family, if you know what I mean. Why is Joseph attracted to Amelia? Yes, I did guess you would put them together when you introduced Amelia. But that was because of their age and story patterns. I don’t really understand why Joseph is considering going for her.
One thing you could do is go back to that conversation when Amelia makes some observations on Mary’s bravery. Joseph’s surprised by her observation, but you never told us if he admires it or not. You ended it this way:
They were silent, each lost in their own thoughts.
Joseph is not paying much attention to Amelia in the moment because he is too busy thinking about her observation. But this is the perfect time to show something in Joseph. Maybe he likes the way she got him to think about something more deeply. Say something here before you move on to Ezra Sullivan, even if it’s just one sentence. And that might even be enough for me to understand Joseph in this last section.
@ellette-giselle I agree with Linus on that too. Show some more Joseph and Amelia scenes!!
Some day you will be old enough to start reading fairy tales again. ~ C.S. Lewis
How did I know y’all were going to say this.
What did I tell you, Hybridlore? I said, I’m trying to work on the next section, but Linus is going to make me redo it and add some fillers.
grrrr.
Okay. Hmmm.
I’ll cut that scene you both agree on.
I’ll try to fill in some Joseph and Amelia stuff.
How much do these guys travel in a week?
You would be surprised.
A lot.
A whole lot.
They are used to forced marches in the military, and they are trying to not stay in one place too long in order to keep from being recognized. It’s been almost eight years, but the Empire doesn’t let go of grudges easily.
More on that later…………..
Man is born for the fight, to be forged and molded into a sharper, finer, stronger image of God
@hybridlore @linus-smallprint @koshka @keilah-h @elishavet-pidyon @grcr
Okay, I made the suggested changes to the last couple of sections, and I’m working on some more Joseph/Amelia interactions. I thought I’d just go ahead and post the next scene while I take care of the other stuff.
NEXT SECTION
After Leon and Julian left, Joseph began to grow a little on edge and tense with waiting. He was constantly pausing his work in the fields to look toward the road. Stephen and David surely noticed, but Joseph was grateful that they didn’t say anything about it. Now that he had voiced his hidden thoughts in his letter, Joseph found the dynamics within the Caddick home changing. He found it difficult to be in the same room with Amelia, and he carefully avoided her without drawing attention to the fact. Every time he was near her, he wanted to talk with her, sit beside her, or just be near her. Joseph wasn’t ready to say anything to Mr. Caddick until he got Sabina’s letter, and he certainly wasn’t going to make any move toward a relationship with Amelia without her father’s consent. So, Joseph deftly avoided contact with her, and the days dragged into eternity.
At last, almost a month later, Joseph and the older Caddick boys came home to find guests. Joseph stepped into the house and glanced toward the sitting room. Julian was lying on the floor playing a game with Andrew and Beth, and Leon sat beside him, laughing at something one of the children had said.
“Julian! Leon!” Joseph cried, hurrying into the room. Leon looked up and grinned. “Hello Joseph, we were passing nearby and thought we’d stop to visit.”
Joseph hugged his two friends. “Did you make it to the Capital yet?”
“Yes,” Julian replied. “Everyone is doing well, and Asher and Eric said to tell you hello. They’re quiet the strapping young men now, and Eric is far taller than me. He’s taller than Asher as well.”
Joseph chuckled, imagining the friendly arguments that must have ensued once that fact was discovered.
“Hello Julian and Leon!” Stephen exclaimed as he came in. “What a pleasant surprise.”
Leon greeted him, and Julian reached over and picked up his satchel from where it sat on the floor. He flipped it open and held up a letter. “I believe this is for you, Joseph.”
Joseph pounced on it. “From Sabina?”
Julian nodded.
“Why, it’s Julian and Leon!” David laughed as he stepped into the room.
“Hello David,” Julian said with a smile.
Joseph slipped quickly from the room and bolted up the stairs. He scrambled into his room and closed the door. Then, he dropped down on the bed and tore open the letter, hurriedly unfolding it with hands that shook slightly.
My Dear Boy,
It was so wonderful to hear from you again. I must confess, I worried about you over the winter as well. We are all safe and sound here. Alicia, Noah and Darrien send their greetings, and Eric says to tell you that he is sure he’s taller than you. Asher told me to remind you to look to Christ in all things, no matter what, and says he hopes to see you soon.
The church here continues to grow stronger, and thanks be to God, the Empire seems to have lost interest in us… for a time. I wonder what it is that has their attention. The soldiers here are nervous, and things are starting to feel tense. I wonder if it is that way where you are.
The children are doing well, and more of them have come to Christ! Oh Joseph, such a wonderful thing has happened! Adeline, one of the orphan girls, turned seventeen in the late autumn. Well, one of the young men you were studying with, Mark, asked her to be his wife! They are the sweetest, dearest couple, and they are so trusting of each other and the Lord. They were married last week! It was such a beautiful and wonderful time for us all. What a priceless reminder of what will one day happen when Christ returns to claim us: His bride.
Oh, the children in the alleyways. Those poor lost little ones. No, they have not come out, and it has been a great trial of patience for me. During the winter only one of them would come and take the food, then he or she would scurry away to where the rest are hiding. I made them blankets and brought them with me, as well as some clothes. I am so, so worried about them! They will not speak, and once, when I tried to talk to them, they ran and wouldn’t come out all day. They are like frightened little wild animals. I want to take them in my arms and kiss away their tears and worries, but to act rashly will cost me everything I have won. Yes, I am winning their trust, little by little. They still don’t make eye-contact, but they come up to me easier and don’t run so quickly once they have what I have given them. I pray that someday soon they will let me take them home and care for them.
I made Cedric sit down with me and tell me all he knows of the little ones living there. He says some are orphans from the war, but most have been abandoned. He says all they have ever known from other people is cruelty. His little band of orphans couldn’t even make friends with them. They are rough and born fighters. He told me one of the boys— their leader— killed an Imperial soldier. They stick together, and they will die for each other. They hate and hurt and fight the world. “They need Jesus,” he said to me. “Jesus is the only one who could ever reach them.”
That is the situation as of now. I continue to pray and wait. They have started to come out in more numbers with the warmer weather. My little friend always wants to hold my hand, and he seems like he is trying to remember the feel. Today he brought it up and touched his cheek with it. I must be absolutely still when he touches me, or else he will run in terror and not come out for several days. He is such a darling little one, and it makes me cry to think of them all so lost and alone in this big city so full of evil.
Now to turn to this very important matter you have told me of. Oh Joseph, I cried with joy when I heard that you may have found a young woman you love, and God has called you to marry! I will not ask who it is, nor try to guess, though my girl’s heart longs to know. I am so, so glad you are seeking the Lord in this. Of course, I will tell you all I can that will help you.
How did I know Aaron was the right one?
Well, let me think. I had known Aaron for close to two years then, and I had always admired him. Somewhere in that time, I began to feel something deeper than admiration. I prayed about it, and began to study the Bible, seeking to find all I must be and all he must be. I had such a strong peace and assurance about it, and when he asked me to get to know him with the intention of marriage, I was so ready.
Aaron and I walked so close to God during that time. We constantly sought Him in prayer, and never made any move before we both felt Him leading us to. Sadly, I had no father and mother, so we could not go through the courtship I always desired; a relationship guarded and guided by his and my parents. I had no brother or guardian either, in fact, Turin asked Aaron to be my guardian, so things were a bit unusual for us. We trusted God to lead us though, and we always strove to be pure and accountable. We were never alone together, and we sought wisdom from those around us who could see the relationship.
I must warn you, you cannot try to copy the relationship Aaron and I had, for you are not us. Seek instead to imitate Christ and to put Him first in your life. Regarding the young woman, you must be ready to protect her, provide for her, love her, and guide her, and be willing to give your life for her.
I won’t say much more about that, for I want to leave that between you and God, as well as the girl’s father or guardian. I will copy the two pages Aaron had, as well as the references to the verses. I encourage you to study them for yourself.
Let’s see, he said he used proverbs, especially 31, he used Timothy, Titus, Peter, and Genesis 2. Here is what he wrote:
A Wife.
Her husband must be able to trust her in all things. She must be a hard worker at home. A keeper of the home. Sober remaining self-controlled. Diligent. Wise and thrifty. Generous and caring. Has God-given strength and dignity. Fears the Lord. One who will love her children. One who will love her husband. Chaste. Obedient to her husband. Good. Helps others in need. Fears the Lord. Not idle. Wears modest apparel. Learns in quietness without having authority over, or teaching, men. Not a busybody or tattler. Not one who is contentious. One who is wise and speaks with kindness. Submissive to her husband. Her husband’s closest friend. Pure and righteous. Teachable.
A Husband.
He must be a strong leader. He must be blameless. He must be above reproach even in the eyes of non-Christians. Not self-willed. Should not be easily angered. Not given to drinking. Not a striker. Not controlled or ruled by desire for money, regardless if he gains it by good or bad methods. He must have obedient children. The husband and lover of one woman. A lover of hospitality. A companion of good men. Sober and self-controlled. Just and innocent. Not one who shows partiality. He must hold fast to the Word of God and be ready with a defense of his faith. A teacher of his family by word and deed. He must be humble. Vigilant and watchful. Not a new convert but a strong believer. He must strive to become spiritually perfect and pure. His wife’s closest friend. Her protector. He must be sacrificial. The provider of his family. Full of the Holy spirit and faith. A man of Biblical grace and power. He must be willing to give his life for her.
I hope this helps you. I will continue to pray for you as you take this next step into your life. As for beginning a relationship, the first thing you need to do is pray. When you feel God leading you to, then go and speak to her father or guardian. Be honest and speak as God leads you to. I will be praying for you. I have not told anyone else of this, as you did not give me permission to. I only told Noah and Darrien that you could use prayer right now over some decisions and new steps in your life. They will be praying for you as well.
I love you, Joseph. May God bless you and guide you in this next season of your life. I am eager to hear from you again, so be sure to send another letter with Julian and Leon whenever they pass through.
I love you.
Sabina
Joseph sat and stared at the letter for a long time, rereading several places over again. At last, he pulled out his Bible and began to study the passages and books noted down by Sabina. He saw where each thing on Aaron’s lists came from, and he deeply believed each one. He looked over the one listing traits and qualities of a wife. She has each of these, though some in greater abundance then others. Still, I have seen she is teachable and constantly growing spiritually, he thought.
Next, Joseph looked over the one listing traits for a husband. Hmm, the hardest ones on here for me would be my anger and being ready to defend my faith. I know that sounds so silly when I am here teaching the Word of God, but I am terrified of the Empire and what they will do if they find out who and what I am. Will I have the strength? Oh, I don’t know. Could I look my killers in the eye and condemn myself to death through my belief in Christ?
Joseph shuddered. “Oh God help me! why am I so afraid?”
He looked back down at the letter. Anger. Oh, I hate it when I get angry, but I can become so enraged with the Empire and what they are doing. Oh Father, purify this anger into righteous anger towards sin, and hate of sin, but not rage and hate for those around me. Help me to hate the evil they do and forgive the ones who do it.
Joseph folded up the letter and got to his feet. Laying it on the desk, he opened the door and walked into the hall and nearly ran smack into Julian. “Joseph, I was hoping to get a chance to see you. You bolted as soon as I gave you that letter. Is everything alright?”
“Yes,” Joseph replied. “I’m sorry Julian, I wasn’t thinking. I was just so eager to hear from home. Do you want to come in?” he added, motioning to his room. “I would actually like to talk to you.”
“Of course,” Julian replied.
The two entered Joseph’s room and sat on the floor. “Good letter?” Julian asked.
“Very,” Joseph replied.
A smile played around the corner of Julian’s mouth. “You seem uncharacteristically sober.”
Joseph sighed. “Well, I was thinking about something… well, a lot of things… and one of them I wanted to talk to you about.”
“I’m listening,” Julian encouraged.
Joseph looked at the floor. All at once, he spoke. “Julian, are you ever afraid?”
Julian smiled. “Lots of times. More times than I can count.”
Joseph hesitated and then looked up. “Julian, are you afraid of the Empire?”
“In what way?” Julian asked.
“Are… are you afraid of them capturing you, and what they would do to you if they did, and if you would have the strength to stay true to Christ?”
“I see,” Julian said quietly. He sat in thought for a long time. “Yes,” he said at last. “Yes, I am afraid of being captured, and I do fear their cruelty. They are cruel, very cruel, and sometimes at night, I lie awake and try not to imagine what they would do if they caught me. I wonder if I could go through it, or if I would break— and the thought of braking frightens me more than anything. Then think about my brother, Adrian. I think about him a lot. Adrain was always the quiet and shy. He was never certain about anything, and he just did whatever everyone around him did. He was afraid of the Empire, afraid of being different, and afraid of being unwanted. I was always the leader, and he followed my steps like a shadow.”
Julian smiled sadly and slowly shook his head. “When he ran, I was so hurt and shocked. I couldn’t understand what had come over him. Then I found you two hiding. I never could have caused him to be hurt, I only thought to convince him to come back. But when I saw the look in his eyes, I knew something had happened. It was a look I had never seen before, and I realized he had found purpose and meaning in his life. When he died… it was horrible, and I’m sure you know that. I won’t go through that again, for both our sake. But I remember seeing the courage and faith he displayed and being completely bewildered by it. Now, when I think of that moment, it gives me hope. My frightened, shy, swayable little brother held so firm, standing so strong against so much opposition, hate and cruelty, and willingly giving up his life for God. I know it was not Adrain who did that. My brother would never have had the strength. It was God through Adrain, working in Adrain, and giving him strength and endurance.”
Joseph nodded slowly, recalling the look on Adrian’s face, and the slightest smile he had given.
Julian’s voice broke into his thoughts. “I do fear what can happen, but I also have hope and peace. I know that God will never leave me or forsake me. He will give me the strength to endure, and he will not make the trial too great for me. There are several verses I have memorized that give me hope and encouragement. Hebrews 13:5-6— ‘For He has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” So, we can confidently say, “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?”’ James 1:12— ‘Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.’ And finally, those words at the end of Matthew. Just a few words–– just one sentence–– but it gives me immeasurable courage and strength. ‘“I will be with you, even to the end of the age.”’ He has promised to be with us forever. I think I am ready to go through anything as long as He is at my side. Here, do you have your Bible?”
Joseph reached over and picked up his Bible from the bed. He turned and handed Julian the book, and the young man opened it, thumbing through the pages. “Ah, here it is,” he said, passing the Bible back to Joseph. “This is the one I am working on memorizing.”
Joseph followed Julian’s pointing finger and slowly read.
‘So have no fear of them, for nothing is covered that will not be revealed, or hidden that will not be known. What I tell you in the dark, say in the light, and what you hear whispered, proclaim on the housetops. And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear Him who can destroy both soul and body in hell. Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. But even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows. So everyone who acknowledges Me before men, I also will acknowledge before My Father who is in heaven, but whoever denies Me before men, I also will deny before My Father who is in heaven.’
Joseph looked up. “It makes me think of one of my favorite passages in Timothy; ‘The saying is trustworthy, for: If we have died with him, we will also live with him; if we endure, we will also reign with him; if we deny him, he also will deny us; if we are faithless, he remains faithful— for he cannot deny himself.’”
“Yes, it does,” Julian agreed.
Joseph stared down at his Bible. “It’s hard. I know all this is true, but still, I’m afraid! I don’t want to be afraid. Is it wrong that I am afraid? Does it mean I don’t trust God like I thought I did?”
“I can’t claim to have all the answers,” Julian said slowly, carefully considering each word as he spoke it. “This is what I do know; I know that others before us have been afraid, but in the end, through God’s strength, they have held fast and stayed true. We can’t know what will happen, and something truly horrific may lay ahead for one or both of us. We can spend our days afraid of what might happen, and fearing we will not have the strength, or we can give that fear to God, and trust Him to give us the strength when the time comes.”
Joseph nodded, but did not reply.
“It’s not something you can do once, either,” Julian said with a smile. “I have had to do it so many times, sometimes more than once in a single day. But each time I speak these truths— proclaiming my trust in Him and the knowledge that He will be with me— it gives me so much strength and peace. If I endure— through his strength— I will live with Him. If I deny Him, He will deny me. He will be with me forever, and all I must do is cry out to Him and He will carry me through the valley of the shadow.”
Joseph looked up at his friend. “Thank you, Julian. It has been so good to finally talk to someone about this again.”
Julian nodded and gripped his shoulder. “Anytime, Joseph.”
Man is born for the fight, to be forged and molded into a sharper, finer, stronger image of God
Aw, cute scene between Joseph and Julian! I noticed a few typos, but that’s not a big deal. Only other thing is, I noticed that in Sabina’s letter someone said that the orphans need Jesus. I don’t know why, I can’t remember too many references to Him, so that stood out to me since many fantasy books use a different name for Jesus. That’s probably my just my bad though. Anyway, great job!
Some day you will be old enough to start reading fairy tales again. ~ C.S. Lewis
Thank you!
Cute scene between Joseph and Julian? Hmm, not exactly the word I would have gone for…… lol. I think I get what you mean tho.
Ah. I use the name Jesus a lot in my writing. It’s a name with power.
Man is born for the fight, to be forged and molded into a sharper, finer, stronger image of God
So, Joseph deftly avoided contact with her, and the days dragged into eternity.
Not an easy task since they are living in the same house. No wonder it felt like an eternity.
Eric says to tell you that he is sure he’s taller than you.
A great accomplishment.
Let’s see, he said he used proverbs, especially 31, he used Timothy, Titus, Peter, and Genesis 2. Here is what he wrote:
A Wife.
Her husband must…
A Husband.
He must be…
I think this is a good way to include the requirements for marriage. Ironically, since this is a direct repeat from the first book, it feels less like a repeat than a scene of Joseph studying all for himself. You said all that you needed to and provided the Bible passages so that the reader can look into the matter further. It also connects us back to Aaron again.
lol. Poor Joseph. It must have been awful for him.
ah yes. Eric is very proud of himself.
good. Good! I’m so glad this scene works well! “touch down Tulip!!” (Storks if you haven’t scene the movie that quite come from)
I’m surprised there was no comment on the Julian/Joseph conversation.
was it good? Does it fit?Man is born for the fight, to be forged and molded into a sharper, finer, stronger image of God
good. Good! I’m so glad this scene works well! “touch down Tulip!!” (Storks if you haven’t scene the movie that quite come from)
Have seen that, but it’s been a while. (5 more minutes, and then we stop!)
I’m surprised there was no comment on the Julian/Joseph conversation.
was it good? Does it fit?Think so. It makes sense that Joseph would go to Julian over the Caddicks for this since he feels that they can’t relate to him. I know the Caddicks are not Josephs family, but sometimes we are more open to the advice of people out of the home.
(5 more minutes, and then we stop!)
SUCH A GOOD MOVIE!
Of course there’s the whole storks delver babies theory which isn’t true, (but I don’t know any people who still believe that)
but there are so many subtle things that are so, so good!
And the humor is chef’s kiss!
Okay, glad the scene works. thx!
Man is born for the fight, to be forged and molded into a sharper, finer, stronger image of God
@hybridlore @linus-smallprint @koshka @keilah-h @elishavet-pidyon @grcr
NEXT SECTION
The next morning, Julian and Leon left to start another journey. They wouldn’t be returning to the capital, so Joseph sent no return letter to Sabina.
Joseph walked with the two former soldiers outside the gates of the town. It was good to be with old friends. They stopped some ways from the town entrance.
Julian shifted his pack and turned to smile at Joseph. “Thanks for walking with us.”
“Of course,” Joseph replied. He hesitated, and then looked up at them. “Do you ever wish… are you tired of…”
“Do we wish we weren’t always on the run, hunted day and night by the soldiers?” Leon asked, guessing the young man’s thoughts.
Joseph smiled slightly. “Yes, I was wondering that.”
Leon nodded. “I am tired of it. You know, there’s not much more I could wish for then a home of my own. A place to settle and say, ‘this home is mine, this house is mine, these fields are mine, this family is mine.’” Leon paused, and when he spoke again his voice had dropped to a lower, almost sad tone. “With the way things are right now, neither of us will get married.”
“Leon’s right,” Julian agreed, quietly. “I could never ask someone I loved to share this life that I live right now. It wouldn’t be right. I couldn’t provide for her and protect her like I need to, and what kind of man would drag children into this?” He shook his head. “No, it wouldn’t be right.”
“I… I’m sorry,” Joseph said, unsure of how to reply.
Julian gave him a half smile. “It’s hard always being on the run, never knowing if you’ll get a meal or place to sleep. But God knew what He was doing. Leon and I have both been very independent all our lives. We didn’t do anything for anyone, we controlled our lives, we had the final say. Being in the army was a little bit hard on us, but Leon rose in rank, and I was close behind him. We could have been at the top. Besides, we still had some say and stability.”
“Now God pulled the floor right out from under us,” Leon chuckled. “I don’t even know if we’ll sleep tonight or find good water or wood for a fire.”
“It has forced us to lean on God and surrender our lives to Him,” Julian continued. “When we first started out like this, I used to have some very near things to temper tantrums.”
Leon laughed, a knowing expression on his face.
Julian grinned sheepishly. “I hated not being in control, and even more I hated the instability. In the army I gave up some control, but it was replaced by a regular order. I knew what each day would look like, and there was no reason that would ever change. But now…” he laughed. “Let’s just say God knew I needed to grow in some areas of my life. It’s been a fight, but after nine years, I have finally learned to submit completely to my Father in heaven, and I am so free and at peace. It was hard, but the reward is so sweet.”
Leon nodded in agreement. “It helps me to look forward to my heavenly home and I remember that this is not my true home. I am traveling to a better place. God sure made a point in showing us that.”
“I’m tired, but it is a good tired,” Julian concluded. “It is a weariness that drives me to hope and trust in my Father, and it’s a tiredness that is longing for a perfect rest.”
There was a long moment of silence, and then Leon hiked up his rucksack. “Well, we had better try to make some ground today.”
Joseph stepped forward and the two embraced. Then Joseph turned to Julian. Julian hugged him, slapping him on the back. “It was good to see you, Joseph. You are doing a wonderful job here. Well done.”
“Thank you,” Joseph replied.
The two friends parted. “God go with you both,” Joseph said.
“And you,” Leon answered.
“Until we meet again,” Julian added.
“Until then,” Joseph agreed.
The two former soldiers turned and walked down the road together. Julian turned once to wave farewell, and Joseph raised a hand in answer. “Until then,” he repeated softly.
As Joseph watched, he wondered if they would ever meet again in this life.
***
The rest of that day passed with work in the fields. Joseph enjoyed the relationship with Stephen and David that grew as they spent time working side by side. Joseph had a lot to think about that day, and he was quieter than normal.
When they arrived home, he was met by Quin and Andrew. “Come and play!” they cried, tumbling out of the house with the ball.
“I will,” Stephen agreed.
“I would love to, honestly I would, but I need to go and do something,” Joseph said.
“Will you come when you’re done?” Andrew asked.
“I’ll try,” Joseph promised. He hurried inside, leaving the laughter of the four brothers behind. He went to the washroom and scrubbed the dirt from his face and hands. Coming back into the kitchen, he spotted Mrs. Caddick. “Mrs. Caddick?”
“What is it, Joseph?” she replied, smiling kindly at him.
“Would you tell me when Mr. Caddick gets home? I would like to speak with him.”
“Of course. Is anything wrong?” Mrs. Caddick wondered.
“No ma’am, I would just like to speak with him. I’ll be in my room, if that’s alright,” Joseph replied.
“Of course,” Mrs. Caddick smiled.
Joseph went upstairs to his room and closed the door behind him. He sat down on the bed and picked up his Bible. For a long time, he just sat, not opening it. “Oh, Father help me,” he whispered. “Give me courage, lead and guide me. Give me peace about this if this is the right thing. If not, then make it very clear. I… I’m frightened! Oh, give me peace… and patience to wait.”
Joseph got up and clasped his hands behind his back. He began to pace back and forth from one end of the room to the other. He stopped and looked out the window, letting out a long sigh. Then he sat down and opened his Bible, he turned several pages and sat with it open on his lap, staring off at the wall. With a jerk he closed it and leapt to his feet, beginning to pace again.
It seemed like an eternity passed before there was a knock. Joseph nearly tripped himself in his haste to get to the door. He grasped the handle and opened it. “Mr. Caddick!” he exclaimed, nearly jumping back in surprise.
“How are you doing Joseph?” Mr. Caddick asked. “I’m glad to see you so excited to greet me,” he added with a laugh.
“Come in,” Joseph said, nearly stuttering in his haste. He looked around the room and spotted the chair by the desk. “Here,” he said, spinning it about with such a rush that he nearly fell over it.
Mr. Caddick laughed. “The floor is fine for me, son,” he said, settling down.
“Alright,” Joseph replied. He closed the door and then slowly sat down, facing Mr. Caddick. He took a moment to calm his breathing.
Mr. Caddick smiled at him. “Is everything alright, Joseph?”
Joseph nodded and drew in a slow breath. “So… how was your day at work?”
“It went well. But do you really want to hear about that?” Mr. Caddick asked, a grin playing at the corner of his mouth.
Joseph shook his head slowly. “No, not really. At least… not at the moment.”
Mr. Caddick nodded. “So, we could spend some time pretending to ask interesting questions and pretending to be interested in the answers— or we could just get to the point. I would prefer the later, if you don’t mind.”
Joseph nodded, smiling and flushing. “I’m sorry. Of course.” He took another deep breath. Lord, help me. “Mr. Caddick, I don’t really know how to explain this, or even where to begin. You see… well… you see.” He paused and took in two breaths. “God has put a strong desire on my heart; the desire for a wife. I have spent much time in prayer and watching, and sir, I… I would like to court your daughter, Amelia.”
Mr. Caddick didn’t answer for a long time, and Joseph watched him closely, inwardly berating himself. Now that the words were out, he could think of a thousand better ways to have said them.
At last, Mr. Caddick spoke. “You have prayed about this?”
“Yes sir,” Joseph replied hoarsely. He swallowed hard and cleared his throat.
“Have you said anything to Amelia, or made your feelings known to her in any way?” Mr. Caddick asked.
“No sir,” Joseph answered, looking straight at him when he said it.
There was a long moment of silence. Then, Mr. Caddick looked at him, a question in his eyes. “Why Amelia?”
“I’m sorry, what?” Joseph asked, not completely understanding.
“Why do you think my daughter is the one you should marry?” Mr. Caddick repeated.
“Oh. Well…” Joseph paused a moment to gather his thoughts. “Well sir, I have known her quite some time now, and I respect and enjoy all I have seen in her. She is all that I would look for in a future wife, and even more. She is what God calls a wife to be. I have prayed long and earnestly about marriage, and recently I have felt something new towards Amelia. Something beyond the love for a sister in Christ. I enjoy her company; I love her personality… I began to pray about her specifically, and God filled me with a strong urge that she was the one. I have peace about the matter, and I believe He is leading me to pursue a relationship with her. I could truly love your daughter, very deeply.”
“Could?” Mr. Caddick asked.
Joseph lowered his gaze, color rising to his face. “I… I do love her, sir. I am sorry, I tried not to, but I do.”
“You have done nothing wrong,” Mr. Caddick replied. “Your interest in Amelia is not a sin, and from what I have seen and heard, you have acted most nobly and honorably in this matter.”
Joseph looked up, wondering who ought to speak next. Mr. Caddick did. “Now, the giving away of my daughter to another man is no light thing. I must have time to pray and think and talk with my wife about it. Also, there are things I need to speak to you about. I have quite a few standards for the young man I give my daughter away too, just as she has standards for whom she will bind herself to.”
Joseph nodded, and worry crept over him. What if I’m not enough? What if I’m not the kind of man Mr. Caddick wants to give his daughter to? What if I’m not the man Amelia wants to bind herself to for life? He took a deep breath. Father, I trust you. Please help me trust you
***
Joseph was waiting.
After talking for many hours to Mr. Caddick, he was waiting for an answer to his request to court Amelia. Mr. Caddick wanted at least a week to pray and talk to his wife, and Joseph had to admit that was perfectly reasonable. Still, it was horrible waiting and wondering. He spent much time and prayer about it, but only felt his affection for Amelia strengthen as he observed her little acts of kindness and serving each day. Now that he had spoken to Mr. Caddick, Joseph tried to watch himself more than ever around Amelia, and he often slipped from the room if she came in.
“Joseph, catch!”
Joseph had been so lost in thought he had almost forgotten what he was doing. He turned and caught the ball just in time. For a moment he was unhindered. Then David was racing towards him. Joseph turned to run.
“Joseph here! Throw to me! Throw to me!” came a shout. Joseph spotted Andrew. The twelve-year-old was standing near the goal they were trying to reach. The problem was, to get the ball to him, Joseph would have to throw it hard, and Andrew was notoriously bad at catching hard passes. If Joseph wanted to win, he should run the ball himself. But Andrew was practically jumping up and down, trying to get Joseph to see him. The boy would rather be included in the game then win.
The thoughts flashed through Joseph’s mind in a matter of seconds, and the next moment he had thrown the ball to Andrew.
Andrew ran a step forward to catch the ball and then jumped to receive it. He caught it, but it slipped from his fingers. He dove to catch it and came down hard on the street.
“Andrew! Are you alright!” Stephen cried, running toward his little brother. The other boys hurried after him.
“I caught it!” Andrew cried. “David! I was this close! I almost had it all the way! I caught it!”
David laughed. “You sure did. Well done!”
Joseph smiled; glad he had sacrificed victory to bring joy to Andrew.
“You are still one point behind,” Stephen said, pushing Joseph playfully.
“Well, we are going to gain that one point in a matter of moments,” Joseph replied. He turned to Andrew. “Oh, your knees!” he exclaimed.
Andrew looked down at his torn pant legs and the blood trickling down his legs. “Ow,” he said slowly.
Joseph dropped to one knee beside him and Stephen dropped down on the other side. “You alright?” Joseph asked.
Andrew was completely engaged in slowly pealing back his torn clothing from the cuts.
David looked over Joseph’s shoulder. “I think he’ll be alright.”
“Here, let me take a look at that,” Stephen said, brushing Andrew’s hands away. “It’s not too deep, but we better clean the dirt out of it.”
Joseph laughed suddenly, a somewhat sad look in his eyes. “Eric, Asher, and I used to come in about every day with torn cloths and scrapes and bruises. Sabina was always there, ready to patch us and our clothes.” He flashed a grin at Andrew. “Come on, up you get,” he said, giving the boy a hand. “We’ll go get him cleaned up and then we’ll come back out.”
“Right. I could use the brake,” David said.
Inside, Amelia quickly swept in with warm water and a cloth. She spoke gently, making a joke here and there to distract Andrew and she poured the water from the kettle over the fire.
Andrew bent down and began licking his cuts. “Gross!” Amelia exclaimed. “Stop that you little monkey!” She quickly sliced a piece of bread from the loaf on the counter and handed it to her brother. “Put this in your mouth instead.” Andrew began eating rapidly, wincing slightly as Amelia bathed the cuts.
Joseph stood by the kitchen door, waiting for Andrew and trying not to watch Amelia. He was startled by a hand on his arm. He turned to see Mr. Caddick home from work. “Hello,” he said, stepping aside.
“Hello, Joseph. May I speak to you?” Mr. Caddick asked.
“Yes sir,” Joseph replied.
The two went upstairs, and ended up in Joseph’s small bedroom, the door shut behind them. Joseph turned to Mr. Caddick, his heart racing. Mr. Caddick smiled at him. “Joseph, I have been talking to my wife, and we have both prayed about this matter.”
Joseph nodded.
“Two nights ago, we spoke to Amelia about this,” Mr. Caddick continued, and Joseph started slightly.
“Today, all three of us have reached an answer. You have my wife’s and my full permission and blessing to court our daughter, and Amelia is ready to begin this relationship.”
Joseph felt he could hardly breath, and for a long moment he just looked at Mr. Caddick. Then he drew in a breath in a rush and broke out of his daze. “I may court her?” he whispered, hardly daring to believe it.
“Yes,” Mr. Caddick replied, a broad smile crossing his face.
“Oh sir! Oh, thank you Mr. Caddick!” Joseph cried.
“There is one condition,” Mr. Caddick said.
“Yes sir?” Joseph asked.
“You must walk through this with my wife and I always a part of it, and God must be in the center. If He shows any one of us something is not right, we must discus changes,” Mr. Caddick said.
“Yes sir,” Joseph agreed.
“And,” Mr. Caddick continued. “I want you to be in full possession of a home before you are engaged to my daughter. I would like you to have a stable job, but I know with the way the Empire is in control of the work forces that is too much to ask. But I do want you to have a home for her.”
“Yes sir,” Joseph replied. “I wish it could be a place in the country, but as of yet, we must still live in the cities and towns.”
Mr. Caddick nodded. “Someday, please God, that will change.” He stepped forward and the two shook hands and then embraced quickly. Mr. Caddick slapped Joseph on the back. “God bless you,” he said. “Now, let’s go down and tell Amelia.”
The two walked downstairs and into the kitchen. Amelia was there, helping her mother with supper. Ruth was with them, but Beth was in the other room.
“Ruth, please go play with Beth for a little while,” Mr. Caddick instructed.
“Yes, father,” she replied, and hurried from the room.
Mr. Caddick turned to his eldest daughter. “Amelia, would you come here?”
She came to him and stood in front of Joseph. He caught her eye, and she smiled, a rosy color coming to her cheeks.
Mr. Caddick rested a hand on his daughter’s shoulder. “Amelia, Joseph has asked to court you, and I have given him you mother’s and my permission.”
Amelia smiled, her eyes filling with joy.
“We only ask that you both will place Christ in the center of this relationship and always keep your mother and I by your sides,” Mr. Caddick continued as his wife drew near.
“Yes father,” Amelia agreed, unable to take her eyes from Joseph’s face.
Mr. Caddick smiled broadly. “Will you pray with us now as we step into this new season of your lives together?”
“Yes,” they both said.
Mr. and Mrs. Caddick placed their hands on Joseph and Amelia’s shoulders. The four stood in a circle, heads bowed. “Father God, we come before You today as Amelia and Joseph begin this new and very important time in their lives,” Mr. Caddick began. “We ask that You guide them and guard them, and that they will seek You in all things. We ask You to give Amelia’s mother and I wisdom as we walk beside them and guide them.”
Mrs. Caddick murmured her agreement. “Father, protect and guide Joseph and Amelia. Give them wisdom and make their path clear before them. Give John and I wisdom as we go through this with them. Give us all peace if this is of You, and if not, then warn us now.”
It took a moment for Joseph to find his voice. “Lord, please lead Amelia and I as we step into this new season of our lives. Help us to put You above all else, and to seek to glorify You in all that we say and do. Keep us both pure and far from temptation. Help us grow closer to You in this time and give us both wisdom and guidance.”
“Father God, thank You so much for bringing Joseph into my life,” Amelia began. “Help us to walk in Your ways and to trust You and listen to Your guidance. Protect us and help us to walk purely and upright. Lead us every step of the way.”
They all looked up, and Joseph smiled at Amelia. She smiled back, joy shining from her eyes. Mr. and Mrs. Caddick hugged to two in turn, and then Mrs. Caddick smiled, wiping her eyes. “Well, everyone is probably hungry, so I had better finish supper.”
Joseph laughed, his voice shaking slightly.
That evening, as everyone sat down to supper, Quinlan found himself ousted from his seat beside Joseph. He was about to remark on the fact, when he realized his sister was the one who had taken his seat. “Amelia’s sitting next to Joseph!” Andrew fairly yelled.
Mr. Caddick just laughed, and Joseph smiled, knowing every single Caddick child was staring at him and Amelia.
After he gave the blessing, Mr. Caddick began to eat as if nothing unusual had happened. At last, he looked up to find all the children staring at him. He raised an eyebrow. “Is something wrong?”
No one replied, but Amelia almost choked on the water she was trying to drink.
“Oh,” Mr. Caddick said, drawing out the word. “Did I forget to mention that Amelia and Joseph are courting?”
The room exploded.
Man is born for the fight, to be forged and molded into a sharper, finer, stronger image of God
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