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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.”
Rough life. I am reminded that Jesus, while maybe not a fugitive, lived a similar life for us.
And Jesus said to him, “Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head.” – Matthew 8:20 (ESV)
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.”
I chuckled at this.
Joseph smiled; glad he had sacrificed victory to bring joy to Andrew.
Nice guy.
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.
Ew. Yeah, eat the bread instead.
The room exploded.
With excitement, or literally? (I guess I will find out soon enough in the next section.) The end was fun to read, especially with the confusion of the rest of the family.
I’m sorry. My mind went here:
“Okay so it didn’t really explode. I just wanted you to turn the page really fast.
You see, if you turn the pages quickly, you might rip one of them. If you do that, then obviously you’ll want to go buy another copy of the book. Who wants one with a ripped page? Not you. You have refined tastes.”
Good section!
Lol, the last part. 😆
I think the scene felt a little awkward just because we haven’t seen much of Amelia and what she feels about Joseph, but I think you’re working on adding in more of that. Otherwise, good job.
Some day you will be old enough to start reading fairy tales again. ~ C.S. Lewis
Yeah, it is a rough life. I feel like a lot of people will read about Leon and Julian and be like, “oh cool, the messenger missionaries on the run from soldiers” and not really think about what that would be like for NINE YEARS.
I chuckled at this.
so did I. lol.
Ew. Yeah, eat the bread instead.
You’ve never licked cuts as a kid?
With excitement, or literally? (I guess I will find out soon enough in the next section.) The end was fun to read, especially with the confusion of the rest of the family.
I’m sorry. My mind went here:
“Okay so it didn’t really explode. I just wanted you to turn the page really fast.
You see, if you turn the pages quickly, you might rip one of them. If you do that, then obviously you’ll want to go buy another copy of the book. Who wants one with a ripped page? Not you. You have refined tastes.”
I knew it. I knew it. As I was posting that I was thinking, “grrr, Alcatraz ruined perfectly good expressions referring to shock and surprise.”
I’m so glad you’re enjoying it.
Hmmm, well this book is explicitly Joseph’s POV, so you won’t hear much about Amelia’s thoughts unless she speaks them aloud to him.
Man is born for the fight, to be forged and molded into a sharper, finer, stronger image of God
Ah. Such fun. I love the kid’s reactions. XD
Leon laughed, a knowing expression on his face.
So…what is a knowing expression? Raised eyebrows? A smirk? This is such a vague description that his face won’t settle into one expression for me. It’s just a blur.
This is random, but I’ve noticed that your characters pray in turns. Is that normal for y’all? I don’t think I’ve ever done that before (we tend to be like “let’s pray” and everyone immediately begins. Unless it’s for a meal when we have one person pray, you know?). Anyway, that was random, but it was interesting to think about.
First Grand Historian of Arreth and the Lesser Realms (aka Kitty)
Fork the GorkSo fun to hear from you on this!!
Yes, I know! The kids are so fun!
Hmmm, I might add more to the “knowing look” lol.
Well, with this I wanted each one of them to say a prayer. With big things in our family we normally all go around and say a prayer. Sometimes though, just one family remember prays. It really all depends on the situation.
Man is born for the fight, to be forged and molded into a sharper, finer, stronger image of God
You’ve never licked cuts as a kid?
Nope.
I knew it. I knew it. As I was posting that I was thinking, “grrr, Alcatraz ruined perfectly good expressions referring to shock and surprise.”
Yup.
What!?
what kind of childhood did you have never licking cuts? It’s a vital part of being a kid. lol.
Seriously, you could have caught any one of the kids at our church licking cuts after a ball game in the gravel parking-lot.
(cats do it too, btw)
Man is born for the fight, to be forged and molded into a sharper, finer, stronger image of God
I don’t think I ever really did that either . . . unless it was like, a cut on my finger. I’ve never really heard of people licking their knees 😶
Some day you will be old enough to start reading fairy tales again. ~ C.S. Lewis
It’s just really any cut. Hands, knees, elbows, shins. I don’t know why we all do it. I think it’s because it makes the stinging stop. *shrug*
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 weeks passed, and Joseph lived through them in a blur of joy and excitement. He and Amelia had many wonderful conversations with her parents, and even some between just the two of them. They worked together when they could and enjoyed observing one another. Neither of them had yet experienced physical contact of any sort. Joseph hadn’t even held Amelia’s hand. It had been something that they had both agreed on at the beginning of the relationship, with their parents’ full approval. After much discussion on the matter, Mr. Caddick suggested the arrangement and Josef and Amelia had agreed. Living in the same house together would bring up interesting temptations of its own, and they had decided that if they had no physical contact with one another, they could better grow a firmer relationship without distractions.
At first, it had been hard for Joseph. So often he had reached for her hand, or opened an arm to loop about her waist, and had been forced to pull back sharply. He wondered if she noticed and hoped she hadn’t. He couldn’t know that she had the same struggle and would have liked nothing better than to lean against him and rest in the protection of his arms. Alone, they both prayed desperately about this, and God gave them the strength to remain pure and hold to their convictions.
It wasn’t long before the blessing of this choice began to make itself known. Without the distraction of a physical relationship, the two grew closer to each other and to God in a stronger and purer way then they ever could have.
Every day on his way home from the fields, Joseph would select a flower from the tall grass and bring it home as a gift for Amelia.
One day, the two had a very important conversation that they would remember all their lives. They were sitting on the steps outside the house, watching the little ones play ‘shooting stones’ in the street.
Joseph smiled, watching the boy’s legs wave in the air as they lay on the ground, carefully concentrating in launching stones at other stones. Ruth sat cross-legged on the street, watching and calculating her next shot, and Beth stood with a hand on Quin’s back, a handful of stones clenched tightly in the other fist.
“Don’t you love children,” Joseph said quietly.
Amelia nodded. “I always wanted to have so many. Too many to count,” she added with a laugh. “I have waited for the day to hold my own baby for so long. I can hardly wait.”
Joseph was silent for a long moment, turning something over in his mind. At last, he spoke slowly. “Amelia, what if… what if we couldn’t have children?”
He didn’t look at her, but he heard her sharp intake of breath. “What do you mean?” she asked, softly.
“What if God never gives us children,” he said quietly. “Could you… could you handle that, or would you wish you hadn’t married me?”
Amelia was silent for a long moment. Joseph knew how much children meant to her, and he didn’t push for an answer. He knew it must be difficult to fathom; just as it had been for him when the question first came to his mind. At last, she spoke, a catch in her voice. “Children mean so, so much to me. But God is in control. If it was His will that we never have a child of our own, I would trust Him. I would be very disappointed, I’m afraid, and I know I would cry. I couldn’t help it…” she trailed off and twisted a strand of her hair around her finger.
Joseph looked at her. “I would be terribly sad too, Amelia. I don’t think there’s anything wrong with that.”
Amelia nodded slowly. “Perhaps… if that happened… maybe we could adopt some children, like what you told me of Sabina’s work in the city. Would you be willing to?”
“Oh of course,” Joseph said quickly. “I love children so much as well, and I would love to adopt any child the Lord brought to us. Of course, I long to have ones of my own. But I would trust God as well, and together we would learn to accept His will.”
Amelia looked up at him. “Do you think you really could just let go and trust Him? I… I’m afraid I would find it dreadfully hard.”
Joseph looked at his hands. “Well… I don’t know if I can give that answer. Sitting her right now, I’d say of course I would. But in the situation, itself… I suppose all I can say is that I believe God would give us the strength, and I pray that I would remember that when the time came.”
“Joseph, Amelia, come play!” Quin called.
Joseph looked to Amelia, and she grinned. Together the two stood and hurried down into the street to play with the children.
Another month passed, and summer was at its height. Work in the fields progressed, and hours were longer.
One afternoon, as Joseph paused to drink from his water skin, he glanced over the field. “Stephen.”
Stephen lifted his head from where he was weeding a row. “What?”
Joseph moved to crouch beside him. “How many guards are normally out here?”
“Twenty. Seven on horseback, the others on foot. They rotate ever two hours with fresh guards. Why?”
Joseph looked up again, his eyes scanning the fields. “Because, unless I’m blind, there are only three horsemen and seven foot-soldiers.”
“What’s wrong?” David asked, coming to join them.
“Joseph thinks some of the guards are missing,” Stephen replied.
David glanced around. “He’s right. They are.”
Stephen shrugged. “Oh well, we had better not waste time wondering.”
The three got back to work, but Joseph had a nagging feeling at the back of his mind. Something someone had said to him… something about Imperial soldiers. He glanced at the nearest horseman. The young officer was tense, a hand on the hilt of his sword, and his eyes roving restlessly.
Joseph looked away, but the worry continued to gnaw at him.
That evening, the three returned to find Julian and Leon. “You just can’t seem to stay away, can you?” Joseph laughed, giving his friends a hug.
Julian laughed. “It’s been three months.”
Leon looked a little more sober. “This time, we have an important reason. We’re only staying the night so Joseph, if you have a letter, you had better write it this evening.”
Joseph glanced from one to the other. “Is everything alright?”
Julian looked at Leon, who shrugged.
“Tell us about it at supper,” David suggested. “I’m sure father will want to hear.”
Steps sounded and Amelia came into the room. She gave her brothers a quick hug and then smiled at Joseph. Joseph returned the smile and slipped the flower from the lacing of his vest.
Amelia took it and buried her nose in the fragrant blossom. “Thank you, Joseph!
Leon raised an eyebrow and Julian whistled.
Joseph laughed, suddenly remembering they didn’t know. “Leon, Julian, this is Amelia,” he said.
“Do you think my memory is that bad?” Julian asked in mock offence.
Joseph’s race reddened.
“That’s the look of a young man in love,” Leon teased.
Joseph laughed, his ears going even redder. “Amelia and I have been courting for three months now.”
“I’m so glad, Joseph,” Julian replied, hugging him fiercely.
Leon nodded, embracing Joseph and slapping him on the back. “I can’t wait to witness what God has in store for the both of you.”
That night, as the family at dinner, Leon and Julian told of their travels over the past three months.
At last, Julian looked to Leon, a question in his glance. Leon leaned forward, dropping his voice to a low tone. “For a while we’ve noticed a change, and I am sure some of you have seen it as well. The soldiers are not so intent on what happens inside Ardenta, and we have been able to get away with much more than we ever thought we could. That’s part of the reason are visits have been much more frequent. The soldiers hardly pay attention to what happens inside the cities. They are…” he paused, looking for the right word.
“Distracted,” Julian said.
Leon nodded. “A weeks ago, Julian and I were near the eastern border, when we noticed something strange. The Imperial troops are massing along the border, messengers ride back and forth, and soldiers move in close ranks. It looks like a defensive setup. Then, one night as we lay watching them, a skirmish broke out along the border. Some of the Imperial soldiers were killed, and tents were burned. The attackers weren’t caught.”
“Who’s attacking them?” Stephen asked.
“Surely not Ardentan rebels. The people are far too terrified for that,” Mr. Caddick put in.
Leon leaned closer. “We can’t be sure, but our hope and prayer is that it is an army come to rescue us. We’re not positive, but Julian saw one of the attackers, and he thinks the uniform might have been Vendailian.”
Joseph sucked in a sharp breath.
“Do they have a chance?” Mr. Caddick asked. “Could they beat the Empire?”
“Vendailia alone? Never. But if they have banded with one or more of their allies, then yes, they stand a good chance,” Leon replied.
“Why would they fight the Empire?” David asked. “I mean, what do they gain? Are all the countries going to war over us as we pass from hand to hand? Will we never be free?”
“I don’t know,” Julian replied. “But there are good reasons, and not all of them the gain of Ardenta as a state.”
“If they wanted Ardenta, they could have taken it before the Empire struck,” Leon pointed out. “It would have been much easier than trying to take Ardenta from the hands of the Empire. I believe they do it for one of two things, or perhaps both of them. One, If the empire now holds their eastern border, Vendailia is in danger of being taken over. With Vendailia out of the picture, Articara, Donthanas, and Ortogira are all in danger of being falling to the Empire. Articara and Donthanas have a strong alliance with Vendailia, and Ortogira has signed a peace treaty with them. If someone with a good head on their shoulders were to lay out the dangers of Vandalia’s fall— and the probability of it with their eastern border now held by the Empire— I think at least Donthanas and Articara would band with them to push the empire out of Ardenta.”
“What is the other reason?” Stephen asked.
“That someone was able to find out about what they are doing here. They closed the boarder to keep us in, but also to keep visitors out. Their tyranny won’t go over well with a lot of the other countries. I think the former is more likely, but Vendailia and Articara would probably try to free us if they knew what was going on,” Leon said.
“So, someone is trying to push the empire out of Ardenta, for one reason or the other, and if they win, we will be free?” Amelia asked, not daring to voice the thought above a whisper.
Leon and Julian glanced at one another and then looked back at their attentive listeners. “I cannot honestly say for sure… but it is very likely. All we can do is pray that God uses them to set us free,” Leon said.
“If that is His will,” Julian added.
“Then let us do so right now,” Mr. Caddick said.
The rest all nodded and soon all heads were bowed in prayer. They prayed for a long time, from Mr. Caddick down to Beth, asking that God’s will be done, and praying for their freedom.
When they separated for bed, Joseph hurried to his room to write Sabina a letter. “Joseph,” Julian called.
Joseph paused on the stairs. “Yes?”
Julian’s face was sober. “Don’t tell her anything of what we have just spoken of. We will tell them by word of mouth. If for some reason that letter was taken and read, it could end the lives of many, including your own. You can be assured the Empire will do all in its power to keep the happening at the boarder a secret, lest people rise in rebellion from within.”
Joseph nodded and then turned and ran up the stairs. Once in his room, he pulled out his writing supplies and sat at his desk.
My Dear Sabina,
Oh, such wonderful news! Amelia and I are courting! It has been the most wonderful experience in my life! She seems to draw my closer and closer to God each day, and her faith is so inspiring. Her gentle ways, quiet spirit, and strong belief in God is so beautiful, and as we speak of God and study the Bible together, I feel a closeness to Him that I have never known. She sees so much in Scripture; God has truly given her a gift of understanding His Word. The questions she asks cause me to search deeper into God’s word and sometimes look at passages in a whole new light. I hope I do half as much for her as she has for me.
Mr. and Mrs. Caddick walk through this with us step-by-step, and it is so wonderful. They have provoked some very deep and honest conversations that are a bit frightening at times, but so, so good to have. Amelia and I are allowed to talk between ourselves, but always in the sight of her family members. I don’t mind. I am thankful, for it helps to drive temptation far from me. Sometimes, I feel I cannot possibly wait for her to be mine, but other times, I see how much I really must grow.
I have continued work in the fields and am splitting my wages. Half for the Caddicks, and half toward our future home. I have looked about with David and Stephen, searching for a house. They are always selling, for people can’t seem to stay in one place these days. I don’t blame them, after being forced to stay in the same city for nine years. Still, nothing has sold that I feel like is right for us. I don’t really know what I’m searching for, but I asked God to show me where He wants us to live, and so far, I have not felt peace about any of them.
The church is doing well, and it continues to strengthen. There is almost a new person every week! How are the children? How are you? How are Noah, Darrien and the others? Please be sure to give them my good news and thank you so much for not speaking of this to them until now.
How are the alley children? Have they come out?
Oh Sabina, you cannot imagine how much a miss you! I really must come and see you soon! I love you so much, and I pray for you and the others every day. Thank you so much for all the help and encouragement you have given me through your letters.
Your loving son,
Joseph
Joseph let the letter dry, and then folded and sealed it, writing Sabina’s name on the front. He was so excited for her to read it and find out what had happened. He was even more excited for her reply.
The next morning, Julian and Leon left, taking the letter with them. They promised to return before making their way back to the Eastern Border to spy on Imperial movements.
Joseph waited eagerly for their return, and while he waited, he worked. He worked long and hard, and–– unknown to him–– Mr. and Mrs. Caddick watched and listened. David and Stephen also watched Joseph closely, for they loved their sister dearly. Mr. and Mrs. Caddick listened with approval to the things the two brothers told them about Joseph.
The next week, Leon and Julian returned, and with them they brought a letter.
That night, Joseph sat down on his bed and hurriedly opened it.
My Dear Joseph,
It was such a joy to receive your letter! I cried for joy when I read the first line. When I finished, I raced downstairs to tell Noah, Darrien, Asher, Eric, and Alicia the good news. Noah and Darrien shouted like boys, and slapped one another on the back, talking as if they had been the ones to set the whole thing up. Asher claims he guessed something of the sort had been on your mind, while Eric laughed at the thought of you being married, and Alicia went into a chatter about flowers and dresses. They are so happy to have “Our Joseph” on his way to being settled with a family of his own.
I am so, so happy for you Joseph. I prayed this would happen, for what you have told me of Amelia has led me to believe she is a very godly young woman. I am so excited to meet her someday. You really must come and see us. Perhaps she may come with you, and one or two of her brothers as protection. I would love to meet them as well.
The children are doing quite well, and Jenny is engaged to a godly young man in the church. I am so happy for her. Cedric has expressed interest in Alice Donner. Do you remember her? She was the one who always wore her hair in two braids wrapped in a crown above her head. I suppose you wouldn’t remember details like that. Those are the sort of things I remember.
Darrien and Noah are doing very well and send their love and congratulations. They are so happy for you, Joseph.
Asher says that you were the first, but hopefully not the last. He and Eric also send congratulations, and of course Alica does as well.
I am also doing very well. So many children in the house really strengthens and refreshes me. I know you might think otherwise, but I love children so, so much.
Oh, my poor little ones in the alleys. No! They will not come out! Sometimes I am on the verge of grabbing one of them and taking them home, but I know how foolish that would be. I would lose all of them from my impatience! The littlest ones seem to linger longer than normal, but I still can’t make any move towards them. However, there has been an interesting change.
Today, I came face to face with their leader. I believe he was injured when the others came to me, for from what I can see of him, he would never have sent them into danger he had not approached me first.
I was sitting on the step I normally sit on, holding out bread and cheese in my hands. The children were coming and taking it, the littler ones more easily than the older ones— who still approach me as an enemy they are outwitting.
Then I saw him. He was standing in the shadows, and he gave one short whistle. His followers saw him and scattered. I have never seen them fly so fast. The little ones ran to him and hid behind him, as if seeking shelter from danger, though some dared to look at me from behind the safety he provided.
He turned and said something to them, and they stood and waited. Then he approached me.
He walked very straight, with his head thrown back as if he ruled the world. But as he walked, I saw he limped horribly, and there was a bloodied bandage about his leg. As he came closer, I saw the whiteness about his lips and knew the leg had to be giving him horrible pain. Still, he came right up to me and paused, looking me over. Then he spoke, quite softly and in a very sure tone. He was not threatening or trying to show his control. He was just telling me the truth. He said, “If you touch one of them, or lift a finger against them, I will kill you.”
I was startled, and for a moment said nothing. Then I recovered myself and looked him in the eye. “That is not my intent. I seek only to feed and clothe them,” I said.
He looked at me for a long time. Then he turned and walked away. He came to where the smallest children waited and bent and picked one up. I could hardly think of the pain it must have caused him, but he held the little one close and walked back into the shadows, the others clinging to his hands, arms and clothes. They really do love him, I am sure of it, and he loves them. He cannot be older then fifteen, yet I can no longer doubt the rumor that he killed a soldier. He could do it, I’m sure. Perhaps that was how he was injured, or perhaps he fell or was trapped. Or— and I shudder to think of it— perhaps he was captured after he killed the soldier.
I could see so much pain in his face, and I cannot begin to imagine what he has suffered and been through. But, watching the way he treats the children, I see love and gentleness under the armor he wares. If I am ever to win them, I see now I must win him. If he will come, I have won them all. I continue to seek the Lord in this, and though it is so, so hard to wait, I am learning to trust His timing.
I will continue to pray for all of you, and especially your relationship with Amelia. May God continue to guard and guide you in this.
I love you, Joseph.
Sabina
Joseph smiled as he closed the letter. No matter what, Sabina’s letters always made him feel a little piece of home. “Still,” he murmured, his face clouding slightly. “I don’t know if I like the idea of Sabina trying to befriend a killer.” He sighed and shook his head. “Not that she’d stop. Oh Sabina, you are so kind and so full of Christ’s love. I know He would do exactly as you are doing. When will I be able to act out of love like that without fearing the consequences?”
Man is born for the fight, to be forged and molded into a sharper, finer, stronger image of God
Looks good!
Some day you will be old enough to start reading fairy tales again. ~ C.S. Lewis
thanks!
Man is born for the fight, to be forged and molded into a sharper, finer, stronger image of God
At first, it had been hard for Joseph. So often he had reached for her hand, or opened an arm to loop about her waist, and had been forced to pull back sharply. He wondered if she noticed and hoped she hadn’t. He couldn’t know that she had the same struggle and would have liked nothing better than to lean against him and rest in the protection of his arms. Alone, they both prayed desperately about this, and God gave them the strength to remain pure and hold to their convictions.
Again, the sort of topic that makes me uncomfortable. I think you handle it fine, and don’t say anything more than needed. I just wonder if it is necessary. Yes, I did ask for some more Joseph and Amelia moments, but I was thinking more about talking about their faith (like some of the Aaron and Sabina moments in the first draft), or just hanging out. Maybe Joseph trying and failing to impress her.
But on the other hand, I suppose you are encouraging other dating people to behave. I don’t know. If you feel it helps your story, keep it in.
You switched to Amelia’s perspective. If you keep this in, I think it’s better if you stick with Joseph’s perspective. This will add to the theme of Joseph feeling he has struggles that no one else does.
“Amelia, what if… what if we couldn’t have children?”
This is something I would be more inclined to keep it. I can see why Joseph might be asking this, recalling that Sabina always wanted children, but never could have any with Aaron since the never got married.
I guess this is a topic I am going to have to deal with for my story as well.
Joseph laughed, suddenly remembering they didn’t know. “Leon, Julian, this is Amelia,” he said.
“Do you think my memory is that bad?” Julian asked in mock offence.
Joseph’s race reddened.
“That’s the look of a young man in love,” Leon teased.
Awkward!
Leon leaned closer. “We can’t be sure, but our hope and prayer is that it is an army come to rescue us. We’re not positive, but Julian saw one of the attackers, and he thinks the uniform might have been Vendailian.”
Hmm! A light at the end of the tunnel for Ardentan. Could this also be from the influence of the soldiers who fled the country?
Joseph waited eagerly for their return, and while he waited, he worked. He worked long and hard, and–– unknown to him–– Mr. and Mrs. Caddick watched and listened. David and Stephen also watched Joseph closely, for they loved their sister dearly. Mr. and Mrs. Caddick listened with approval to the things the two brothers told them about Joseph.
Changing perspective again.
I’m a little confused from this paragraph. What are the Caddick’s watching? How he work, his relationship with Amelia, both? Or is this to do with the letter to Sabina somehow (being David and Stephen’s sister in Christ)? What sort of things are the two boys saying to their parents? Good things, but about what?
He walked very straight, with his head thrown back as if he ruled the world. But as he walked, I saw he limped horribly, and there was a bloodied bandage about his leg. As he came closer, I saw the whiteness about his lips and knew the leg had to be giving him horrible pain. Still, he came right up to me and paused, looking me over. Then he spoke, quite softly and in a very sure tone. He was not threatening or trying to show his control. He was just telling me the truth. He said, “If you touch one of them, or lift a finger against them, I will kill you.”
A true Ardentan. This is turning into a whole side story. I kind of like it. It feels like a short or something.
Again, the sort of topic that makes me uncomfortable. I think you handle it fine, and don’t say anything more than needed. I just wonder if it is necessary.
That makes you uncomfortable? Just saying a guy wants to give the girl he loves a hug?
I found this greatly funny. Sorry. I probably shouldn’t.
So I think I’m going to keep it. Why? Because. I say so. lol. No, I’m keeping it because of the many relationships I’ve seen. Even in my church. I’ve seen couples who commit to a pure courtship, yet they are very physical. They Don’t kiss or even do things considered inappropriate, But when hanging out with them I found most of their interactions geared toward the physical. When they got married, there were some rough spots early on where they had to have conversations about things that they should have discussed long before marriage, but were to distracted by their physical relationship to do. Flip side, we have two of my best friends relationships. One of them, she and the guy agreed, (with their parents) to not even hold hands until they were engaged. The other couple held hands while they prayed and even sometimes while they walked together, but their first hug was when they were engaged, and even during their engagement they only gave each other quick side hugs. For both couples, on their wedding day, they got to have their first kiss and first real hug at once. It was pretty cool because everyone knew how long they’d waited for this! While I hung out with them, their interactions were always geared toward conversation, or playing games together, or asking each other questions. Then, when they were married, they went into marriage having all the important, and even some unimportant things, disused, and they were able to be physical with no bounds because they didn’t have to worry about crossing the line because they were married, and it was certainly far sweeter to watch them hug or sit close together after marriage. However God designed us to be physically attracted, so not being physical with someone you love is very difficult. Talking to those young couples, they both told me it was extremely hard, and there were times when they thought they couldn’t do it and had to ask parents for encouragement and God for strength. However, they all agreed that it was 100% worth the wait and the difficulty and, if they had to go back, they would never change what they did. It really does make for a healthier courting relationship. Soooooo, of course that’s what I want my characters to do. (plus they are living in the same house which makes temptations kinda sky-rocket. They see each other every day!) However, I want the reader to see that it’s not super easy and all fine sailing. It’s tough, but the reword is 100% worth it.
And, the jump to Amelia shows that this isn’t just a guy struggle. While men may be more prone to the physical side of relationship, this is also hard for girls as well.
So, there’s my ramble on it and the reasons why I’m keeping it the way it is. 😉
This will add to the theme of Joseph feeling he has struggles that no one else does.
Well, if you remember, part of that theme is the reader sees the truth that he is not alone. Joseph doesn’t know that Amelia feels this way, he just hopes that she doesn’t know how hard the struggle is for him.
Awkward!
Oh. You have no idea. This is mild.
At our church, while the girls are all chittering away with the young woman who has just begun her courtship and being all excited with her, the fella is going through army-level hazing from his mates. They are the most dreadful teases on the face of the earth. So, by the end of a few ten minutes, the girl is stary-eyed and chatting with her friends, and the guy is red and knocking his friends against the wall.
*shrug* it’s a thing.
It’s the boys way of saying congratulations I guess, because they’re the ones who whoop the loudest at the weddings and strut around like they were the ones who single-handedly got the couple together and married them. XD
Hmm! A light at the end of the tunnel for Ardentan. Could this also be from the influence of the soldiers who fled the country?
Maybe.
I am so surprised you didn’t see this sooner! I dropped hints a while back, and you are the one who is always jumping to conclusions that I wasn’t ready for you to make. Now that I’m dropping hints, I start reading your posts and go “why isn’t he seeing this?” lol.
I’m a little confused from this paragraph. What are the Caddick’s watching? How he work, his relationship with Amelia, both? Or is this to do with the letter to Sabina somehow (being David and Stephen’s sister in Christ)? What sort of things are the two boys saying to their parents? Good things, but about what?
I can cut this one if I need to. They were watching his diligence and the way he acts when he doesn’t know people are watching. It’s not necessary. I can cut it.
A true Ardentan. This is turning into a whole side story. I kind of like it. It feels like a short or something.
Oh. You have no idea.
This is just getting good.
Sabina has some spunk! I’ve gotta say!
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!
“Joseph, what if I displease you?”
Joseph and Amelia were sitting on the steps in what had become their normal place for talking. They were watching as David and Stephen played ball with the younger boys. Joseph had just finished playing a round when Amelia came out, and he had hurried to sit down beside her. Now he turned to her with a laugh. “What do you mean? How are you planning on displeasing me? Have you got some tricks up you sleeve I haven’t discovered yet?”
Amelia laughed along with him. “No. I’m serious though. What if I do something you wouldn’t like me to do, or do something in a way you don’t like? What if I cook something you don’t like, or make something different from the way mother or Sabina do? What if I want to continue a tradition in my home that you don’t like, or I want to have things arranged a certain way and you want it a different way? What would you do?”
Joseph was silent a moment, his hands clasped over his knee. “It’s a little hard to answer that without known the specifics. The list could go on forever, and some things are more important than others. I pray that won’t happen often. In fact, I don’t think it has too if we just talk about things a lot and are patient. Communicating with each other is very important and will help us avoid a lot of misunderstandings.” He thought about it for a little while and then continued. “I suppose it would depend on what it is, like I said. If it was a minor thing, I would hope I could just let it go and not make a big deal about it. I shouldn’t always demand my way. Being the head of the family doesn’t give me a right to selfishly pursue my own interests and desires without thinking of yours. If it were a major thing that I feel should not be happening, I would tell you so. Especially if you were not following God’s will in a matter, like refusing to discipline our children or something like that. Then I would have to confront you about it. But I hope if it comes down to preferences and something is really annoying me, maybe we could come to a compromise.” Joseph laughed. “Or I might just have to shut my mouth and get over it.”
Amelia smiled. “You shouldn’t be the only one having to compromise, though I do hope we don’t annoy one another that often.”
Joseph grinned. “I grew up with Asher and Eric. I’m pretty hard to annoy.”
Amelia laughed. But then her face grew serious. “I pray I will always listen to you if you correct me, and I pray I will be teachable.”
***
Joseph continued to look for a home, and David and Stephen helped. He also continued work and alternated with Mr. Caddick, Stephen, and David in teaching in the church. He helped training young men up as leaders, spent time with the Caddick children, and had long talks with Amelia and her parents.
One afternoon, on their way home from the fields, Stephen suggested they make a stop at his uncle’s inn. “If Quin’s still there we can walk home with him.”
“Why not,” Joseph shrugged. “We’ll hardly go out of our path.”
It wasn’t long before they arrived at the inn. The three stepped inside and were instantly greeted by one of the young men who had started coming to the church. “Joseph, I have a question for you.”
Joseph looked around the room. The inn was all but empty, and Quin was standing behind the bar, cleaning the last of the plates. Stephen and David moved to help him, and Joseph went to join their friend. “What is it, William?”
“Oh, I was only wondering, where was the passage that you taught from last week?” Will asked. “I was looking for it the other day and I couldn’t find it.”
“You mean the parable of the Good Shepherd?” Joseph asked.
William nodded.
“You can find that in Matthew and in John,” Joseph replied.
William snapped his fingers. “Ah, that was it. This whole time I’ve been reading Mark backwards and forwards trying to find it.”
The two laughed, and then William stood up and laid a few coins on the table. “I’ll be glad to have my own home soon with a good supper at my own table.”
“Have you found a place yet?” Joseph asked.
William sighed. “No, nothing I can afford, and with the way I live from Inn to Inn I could never provide for Rose.”
Joseph nodded. “I know the feeling. I’ve got to find a place for Amelia and me as well.”
“Well, I’ll be praying for you,” William said.
“Same to you,” Joseph grinned. “Are you staying here tonight?”
“No, the Stikemans invited me to spend the night. I’m very grateful, for it will save money toward the new house,” William replied. “You’re quite blessed with your job in the fields. It may be frustrating to have to buy back everything you worked to grow, but at least you have steady pay.” He shouldered his pack. “The Lord will provide though, and if it’s His will Rose and I get married, I’ll find work and a place for us to live.”
The two bid farewell, and Joseph watched the young man make his way out the door. All at once, a hand came down on his shoulder. Joseph started and turned. Mr. Caddick’s brother, the innkeeper, was standing behind him, a stern expression on his face. “Young man, I ask that you keep your rebellion out of my inn.”
“What?” Joseph asked in surprise.
“Don’t play the fool,” the Innkeeper growled. “You and I both know what you and that good-for-nothing fellow were talking about. You keep it out of my inn, do you hear me?”
Joseph was completely taken aback. “Sir, I think you’ve made—”
“And another thing,” interrupted the innkeeper. “I know what you’re trying to do and let me warn you that it won’t work.”
Joseph slowly shook his head. “I don’t think I follow.”
“Amelia.”
Joseph looked up sharply. “What about her?”
“Let me put it plainly,” the Innkeeper said, tersely. “A young man on the wrong end of the Empire comes into town. He’s got no money, no family, no connections. He meets a pretty— and rather naïve— girl who, if married, stands to inherit part of a profitable inn when her uncle dies. Are you following yet?”
Joseph’s jaw clenched. “Sir, you are mistaken.”
“Oh, am I?” the Innkeeper retorted.
“What’s going on over here?” David asked easily as he joined them.
The Innkeeper looked up at David, his eyes narrowed. “You had better watch yourself. keep your mouth in check and your head down. I don’t want to be involved in any way when you’re arrested.”
David looked surprised, but his tone was easy when he spoke. “Has something happened, Uncle?”
“You and Stephen are reckless fools, that’s what happened,” his uncle retorted. “And my brother is a fool for not keeping his sons in check and strange boys on the look for pretty girls out of his home.”
David lifted an eyebrow. “I’m sorry if we have put you in any danger.”
“Just keep your mouths shut around here,” his uncle retorted. “Now you had better collect your little brother. His shift is over.”
“I’m here,” Quin said, walking up with Stephen. “Did I do anything?” he asked, anxiously.
“No, you’ve done nothing,” his uncle sighed. “If only you’ll keep your ears deaf to the words of fools.”
“Oh, I try to do that all the time,” Quin replied, eagerly. “Father read to us that the man who walks with wise men will be wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm.”
“Is that so,” the Innkeeper replied. He gave Joseph and David a sideways glance. Then he reached into the pouch at his belt and withdrew several coins. He counted them out into Quin’s hand. “This is your week’s wages.”
Quin’s eyes shown. “I can’t wait to tell father! Come on!” He called to his older brothers before dashing from the room.
Joseph and the older Caddick boys followed. When they were out in the streets, Stephen turned to them. “What was that all about?”
David shrugged. “He’s always thought we were fools for what we believe, but he’s never gotten that railed up about it.” He looked at Joseph questioningly.
Joseph sighed. “He must have overheard Will and me. We were talking about a passage and then about work and trusting God to help us find homes to buy.” He shrugged. “He got a little angry about it and said not to insight rebellion in his inn or something like that.”
Stephen raised an eyebrow. “Was that all? You look a little upset.”
Joseph shrugged. “Come on, we had better catch up to Quin.”
When the boys arrived home, Quin dashed into the kitchen, forgetting to take his boots off. Mr. Caddick had just gotten home, and Joseph watched as Quin came up to him and held out the coins in his sweaty palm. “Here father!”
Mr. Caddick smiled as he took the money from his son. “Thank you, Quin. This money has come just at the right time. I am so blessed to have another man’s wages every week. It helps us immensely.”
Quin smiled broadly, and when he left the kitchen, he carried himself as if he was the tallest man in the house. Stephen and David said hello to their father and handed over their week’s pay. After they left, Joseph stepped forward. “Here sir,” he said, adding his money to the pile of coins on the table. He turned to leave, but Mr. Caddick caught his arm. “Joseph, you looked troubled. What is it?”
Joseph turned to face him. he straightened. “Sir, I want you to know that I love Amelia, and any money she might inherit never even entered my mind.”
Mr. Caddick looked surprised. “Sit down, Joseph.”
Joseph obeyed, and Mr. Caddick took the chair next to him, turning to face Joseph. “Now what on earth is this about?”
Joseph heisted a moment, and then he poured out the whole story. When he was finished, he looked up.
Mr. Caddick was silent, his right hand clenched into a fist. At last, he spoke. “Joseph, what my brother said to you was wrong. I have never doubted your intentions toward Amelia, and neither has my wife of Amelia’s older brothers. We all know you love her, and we all know you are an honorable man. I don’t want you to have a house to prove your wealth or good intentions, I only want you to have a place for my daughter to live before you marry her.”
Joseph nodded. “I understand sir. And thank you.”
Mr. Caddick laid a hand on Joseph’s shoulder. “Thank you for telling me about this, and for having the courage to come to me and clarify what you thought might be a problem.”
Joseph smiled slightly. “I have to say I’m very relieved to know none of you think the way he does.”
Mr. Caddick smiled back. “If I did, I never would have let you within a hundred leagues of my daughter.” He squeezed Joseph’s shoulder. “You are an honorable man. One I will be proud to give my daughter to.”
***
It was toward the end of summer that David and Joseph were walking through the streets of the town. They had gone to deliver some food Mrs. Caddick and Amelia had prepared for a family in the church and were now on their way home.
They came to a section where the houses were a little more spread out, and though small, they looked comfortable and tidy. The two were about to turn down a street when Joseph paused. A man and woman were struggling to load a huge box onto a cart. Nodding to David, he walked toward them. “Can I help you?”
The man nodded, and Joseph quickly hurried to help the woman lift her end, while David helped the man. Once it was loaded, the man caught his breath. “Thank you, boys. My wife and I are getting ready to move to the capital. We just received word that our son is there, and he has a family.” The man’s eyes filled slightly. “Nine years it’s been since I last saw him, just newly wed to a beautiful young woman from our town. Now they have seven children!”
“I’m so glad you found out they were there!” David exclaimed.
“Yes, I can’t wait to meet them and hold the new baby!” Exclaimed the woman.
“Do you have a buyer for the house?” Joseph asked curiously.
“Well, that is our one restraint,” the man sighed. “We don’t have anyone to buy the house, so we haven’t the money to make the journey.”
Joseph was suddenly full of interest. “I am looking for a home. May I take a look at this place?”
“Of course, come right inside,” the man said. They walked up the steps to the door. Inside, Joseph looked about the open kitchen and dining room, the living room and the upstairs bedrooms. The whole time he prayed silently; Father, show me if this is the place. Please show me.
At last, he and David—who had gone with him— followed the man back outside. “It is a beautiful little place,” Joseph said, “And I like it very much. Could I come back and show it to a few others so they can help me make a decision?”
“Yes, but if someone comes before you, I can’t promise I won’t sell it. We need to leave as soon as possible,” the man said.
“I will come as soon as I am able,” Joseph promised.
He and David waved and then hurried toward home. “What did you think of it?” Joseph asked.
“I liked it,” David replied. “It is a very nice and cozy looking little place, and it seems strong and sturdily built. It is also near our home.”
“Those are my thoughts exactly,” Joseph agreed.
That evening, he returned with Mr. and Mrs. Caddick, Stephen and Amelia. The five of them looked over the place, and Joseph watched his four companion’s faces intently. At last, they gathered outside in front of the door. “It’s well built,” Mr. Caddick said.
“It is a very sweet place, and there is plenty of room, but not too much room,” Mrs. Caddick added.
“The cellar is firm, and the walls and roof are well made,” Stephen put in.
Joseph looked to Amelia. “I love it,” she said, smiling gently.
“What’s the price?” Mr. Caddick inquired.
“I haven’t asked,” Joseph replied, and worry crept through him.
“If you can afford it, I love this place,” Amelia told him.
Joseph nodded and took a deep breath. He turned and walked to where the owner stood a discreet distance away. Father, if this is Your will, have him name a price I can afford.
The man looked up and smiled. “Well, lad?”
“I am very interested, but have limited money to work with,” Joseph said.
“How much can you pay?” the man asked.
“Fifty gold coins. That is all I have in the world,” Joseph replied.
The man looked at him for a long moment, and then looked to where Amelia stood, watching anxiously.
“Wife?” he asked, nodding her way.
“That is my hope, but I must have a home first,” Joseph smiled.
The man thought a moment and then nodded. “Very well, thirty-five, and no more.”
“Thirty-five!” Joseph gasped. “Oh sir—”
“Say no more,” the man interrupted. “Let’s shake on it and be done.”
Joseph counted out the money and handed it over. The two shook hands, Joseph smiling broadly. “I cannot thank you enough sir,” he said.
“I was once young and in love,” the man said, smiling in remembrance. “I worked very hard for her, and it was worth it. Once you have her, never let go, do you hear? No matter what happens, don’t you ever let her go.”
“Yes sir,” Joseph replied. “I never will.”
Joseph walked back toward the anxious little group. Amelia took one look at him and covered her mouth with her hands. “Oh Joseph!”
“It’s mine,” Joseph said, laughing in excitement and joy. “Thanks be to God, it’s mine. And so, please God, it will soon be ours,” he added, smiling down on her.
Stephen clapped him on the back and Mr. Caddick shook his hand while Mrs. Caddick hugged her daughter.
***
The sun shown down on the street as Joseph and Amelia walked together. They were walking back and forth on the length of street that was in front of the Caddick’s house. Joseph was wondering how to begin a subject that was bothering him. Finally, he spoke; “Amelia, what should I know about you that I don’t even know to ask. Is there anything I should know about you and don’t?”
Amelia didn’t respond, and two little spots of color rose to her cheeks. They walked to the end of the street in silence and turned to start back the other way.
“You must have a long list, the way you’re thinking,” Joseph said, laughing lightly. He wanted her to feel more comfortable and was starting to wish he hadn’t asked the question. Still, he wanted to know the answer if she was to be his wife.
“I hope there aren’t too many things,” Amelia smiled. “I guess I must admit I was trying to decide if I should tell you or hide them. They aren’t things I’m proud of and… well… we must be honest with each other, mustn’t we?” she finished, looking earnestly into his eyes.
“Yes, we must if we want to have a good relationship,” Joseph replied soberly. “If it helps, let me tell you something about me you probably don’t know.” Amelia looked up at him, and Joseph hesitated, suddenly wondering if he really wanted Amelia to know the truth. He sighed and looked away. “There is something that I struggle with, and it haunts me. It is fear, Amelia. Fear of the future, a wrenching terror of what the Empire can and will do to me if I’m caught. I am afraid of them, Amelia. I know I shouldn’t fear them, but trust in the Lord and fear Him who can destroy both here and after death. Still, I let my fear of them get in the way of doing what is right sometimes. I have never given up my faith, or gone along with evil, but I haven’t spoken out boldly, and I would rather lie low then face a point when I must decide. I feel I have been called to bring God’s word to this town, but I can’t do that if I won’t speak because I am afraid. I have been forced to seek the Lord about this over and over, but still that fear haunts me. A fear that— after seeing such cruelty and evil done to those I love— I will waver and brake if the time comes. I don’t think many people know this about me. I try to hide it because I’m ashamed.” Joseph kicked a lose pebble and watched it bounce along the cobblestones.
Amelia had been looking at the road while he spoke, and now she looked up, a single tear trickling down her cheek. “I am so sorry for trying to hold back from you,” she whispered. “You so trustfully lay yourself bare and reveal your secret struggle to me, and I considered tying to lie and say I had none. I’m so sorry, Joseph.”
“I forgive you,” Joseph said, a smile touching the corner of his mouth. “I understand how hard it is.”
Amelia let out a long breath. “My biggest struggle is not being able to be wrong. I hate messing up and having to admit I was wrong or having failures and struggles in my life. It is very hard for me to apologize too, because to apologize means I must admit I was wrong. I don’t like to do that. I just… well, I hate being wrong, you know?”
Joseph laughed. “I don’t like it much, either.”
Amelia smiled up at him. “I’m glad you understand. And Joseph, I haven’t seen nearly as much as you have, but I understand what it’s like to be afraid.”
Joseph was silent for a while. Then he looked up at her. “I am glad we told each other these things. It is important that we are always honest with one another. Now we can pray for each other. And be a better encouragement”
Amelia nodded, smiling brightly.
A few days passed, and Joseph continued in the hard work of the fields. He didn’t get a chance to talk to Amelia alone those few days, and he thought he caught a look of worry in her eyes, he didn’t think much about it.
The minute Joseph got home, up to his room and spend the time in prayer and preparing for the Sabbath meeting he was to lead.
Sabbath morning came and went, and that evening, Joseph got a chance to talk with Amelia. They were walking up and down the street, lost in thought. Joseph was thinking deeply about many things and remembering the last time they had walked here, and how honest Amelia had been with him.
Amelia was watching him anxiously, but he did not notice.
At last, Amelia stopped, and with a fearful look in her eyes, spoke. “Joseph, please tell me what’s wrong.”
“Wrong!” Joseph exclaimed. “Nothing. At least, I hope nothing is. I was just thinking.”
He walked on alone for about five steps and then stopped short. Breathing a silent prayer he turned around. “Amelia Caddick, I love you with all my heart. Will you marry me?”
Amelia gasped and stared at him with wide eyes.
“Don’t worry, I spoke to your father and mother last night,” Joseph said, seeing the surprise and question in her eyes. “They gave their full blessing and consent.”
Amelia had both hands over her mouth and just stood staring at him. Finally, she took a timid step towards him, and he held out a hand. For the first time in their lives, Amelia placed her hand in Joseph’s, and he felt a thrill race through him. “Yes,” she whispered, looking up into his eyes, her own brimming with tears and full of trust and love. “Oh yes Joseph! Oh yes!”
Joseph squeezed her hands tightly and then hugged her. A second later they stepped apart and Joseph took her hands again. “Oh Amelia,” he whispered. “I promise to love and protect you all the days of my life, and to provide for you what God allows. I will lead you and any children we may have to walk in His steps and serve Him with all our hearts. I will always, always lead you in the ways of God; I promise.”
Amelia smiled up at him. “I will love you until I die, Joseph Conway. I will follow where you lead and walk the path God has set before us.”
Joseph squeezed bother her hands, his eyes brimming with tears. “I love you, Amelia.”
“I love you too, Joseph,” Amelia replied.
Hand in hand, ran back toward the house, eager to tell the rest of the family the joyful news.
Man is born for the fight, to be forged and molded into a sharper, finer, stronger image of God
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