- This topic has 569 replies, 8 voices, and was last updated 7 hours, 51 minutes ago by
.
-
Posts
-
Hah!! I called it!!
There were a whole lot of hysterics in that scene, but I guess I get where it was coming from. Joseph is so sweet to Amelia.
Oh boy… this is not good for the Cadwicks. Or Amelia and Joseph. 😬
INTP 🧡 Homeschooler 🧡 WIP: The Color of Hope
Okay, so I have a question. Would you have still called it if Amelia hadn’t brought up wanting a baby in the letter to Sabina?
Did you call it the whole time, or was there any point that you actually thought she was sick.
Should I cut out the baby part in the letter to make this scene more stressful, or no?
Oh boy… this is not good for the Cadwicks. Or Amelia and Joseph. 😬
or Beric.
Man is born for the fight, to be forged and molded into a sharper, finer, stronger image of God
Hmm. I’m not sure. I think that definitely raised it to the front of my mind, but honestly, in the beginning I might have still been a little suspicious (I usually am when young married woman aren’t feeling well, because that’s usually the author trying to be sneaky lol.)
I sort of accepted that your “Hmm, that would be.” meant it might not happen, so I was a little concerned. I think maybe giving a reason for her to “know” she has the plague would help. It’ll be interesting to see what Linus thinks.
INTP 🧡 Homeschooler 🧡 WIP: The Color of Hope
Yes, I am interested in what he says. It may just be a girl thing to catch stuff like that and it might go right over his head.
Man is born for the fight, to be forged and molded into a sharper, finer, stronger image of God
Lol 😂 As long as he doesn’t read the posts in between.
INTP 🧡 Homeschooler 🧡 WIP: The Color of Hope
btw, I’m surprised the protection squad isn’t out in full force yet.
I guess Koshka and Elishiavet are behind.
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
12/30/24
NEXT SECTION!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
“Would you pass the bread?” Stephen asked.
Joseph handed it to him, and Stephen cut a slice. “Amelia, this is truly an amazing supper.”
“It sure is,” Joseph agreed.
Amelia smiled with pleasure. “I’m glad you thought to give me a few hours’ warning that you were coming,” she said.
“I would like Stephen and David to come to supper every night, then we could have treats like this,” Beric grinned.
Amelia laughed as he held out his bowl for another helping. “You certainly are on the road to becoming taller than Joseph!”
“It’s good to share a meal with you two again,” David said. “We’ve all missed having you live with us.”
“So much so, that mother is having you over for dinner,” Stephen nodded.
“Oh lovely! Shall I bring anything?” Amelia asked.
“Just all three of yourselves,” David replied.
“What day?” Joseph asked.
Stephen shrugged and looked at David.
“How about two days’ time,” David said. “Mother is having guests tomorrow or else I’m sure she would have wanted you then.”
“That would be perfect,” Amelia said.
After supper, David and Stephen pitched in to help clean the kitchen. The five had a wonderful time as the two brothers invented impossible races and competitions. At last, still laughing, the five sat around the table to talk.
After some time, the conversation turned to the events in the town.
“How long has it been since we talked to the peddler?” David asked.
“A week and a half,” Joseph replied.
“Nothing has happened so far, thank God,” David said.
“Yes,” Stephen agreed. “But I have a feeling that something will.”
“It’s the same for me as well,” Joseph agreed.
Amelia and Beric nodded quietly.
Stephen let out a long breath. “Well, we’ve all known something like this could happen. We expected it to for years. God blessed us with a time of peace and rest, but now we’re back on the front lines again. We will always be at war with the devil, and he will always seek to kill and destroy.”
Joseph nodded. “Have you seen your uncle?”
The two shook their heads.
“Have you heard any news of Cousin Mary?” Amelia asked.
“None,” David replied.
The five were silent for a time. At last, David let out a breath. “We should probably start home soon. I don’t think it’s safe on the streets at night, even for us.”
“Do you have time to pray with us?” Joseph asked.
“Oh, of course,” David replied.
Joseph turned to Beric. “Would you go get my Bible?”
Beric nodded and hurried from the room.
David smiled after him. “You’ve done well with him,” he said to Joseph and Amelia.
Joseph smiled and laid his hand over Amelia’s. “It was only by the grace of God.”
“I can’t wait for the next!” Amelia exclaimed. “Beric is going to be such an amazing big brother.”
“August, right?” Stephen asked.
Amelia nodded. “August or September.”
“That will be close harvest time,” David remarked.
“I know. It will be so much of an extra help having Beric with me, and mama is going to lend me Ruth for as long as I need her,” Amelia replied.
“Quin will be joining us in the fields this year,” Stephen said.
“Oh? Is he excited?” Joseph asked.
“Very,” David grinned.
Beric returned and sat down beside Joseph.
Joseph opened the Bible and flipped to the place they had left off. Beric leaned against his shoulder to read with him.
“Where are we?” Stephen asked.
“Psalm 91,” Joseph replied. He found the place and began to read. “‘He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” For He will deliver you from the snare of the fowler and from the deadly pestilence. He will cover you with His pinions, and under His wings you will find refuge…”
When Joseph finished, there was silence. A knock sounded on the back door, startling them.
“It must be Quin come to join us,” Stephen grinned. “Nothing will keep him away from here for long.”
“I’ll let him in,” Joseph said. He stood up and crossed to the back door, which opened into the kitchen. He unbarred it and pulled the door open.
Outside stood several Imperial soldiers.
Joseph sucked in a sharp breath. “Can I help you?” he asked, forcing his voice not to waver.
“That’s him,” said a man standing off to the side. “He’s one of their leaders.”
David rose, a look of surprise and dread on his face. “Uncle?”
The man stepped into the light and Joseph felt a chill run down his spine. It was the Innkeeper. A sickening feeling of dread filled him, and he took a step back.
Without a word, the soldiers started into the room. Joseph backed up and stood with his back to the table where his family was, shielding them from the approaching soldiers. David was still on his feet, and Stephen was watching the soldiers tensely. Amelia was on the other side of the table, holding Beric’s hand tightly.
Joseph looked at the soldiers and singled out an officer among them. “Sir, is there something I can help you with?”
“We received a report that was, to say the least, disturbing,” the officer replied easily. “This good man here has watched you some time. He says you are frequently holding meetings in your home at night.” He looked at Stephen and David. “Are they related?”
“My brothers,” Joseph replied.
“And the girl and boy?”
“My wife and son.”
The officer was looking about the kitchen. “I see no household shrine. Perhaps you keep it in another part of the house? I would dearly love to pay my respects.” His voice was friendly, but there was a dangerous look in his eyes.
Joseph let out a slow breath. “We have none.”
“No shrine?” the officer asked in mock surprise. “Then how do you worship the gods each day, as you have been commanded?”
“We do not serve the false gods of the Empire. We worship the one true God,” Joseph said, firmly.
The officer smiled slowly. “Search the house for more of them.”
Joseph took a slow step back and his hand found the table. He sat down slowly as the soldiers spread out over the house. Amelia’s arms went around him, and he felt her face pressed against his back. Beric was on his other side and Joseph wrapped his arm about his son’s shoulders.
David was looking at his uncle, who had stepped into the doorway. “Uncle, why?” he asked, softly.
The Innkeeper crossed his arms over his chest and glared at David. “These men came for him,” he said, nodding to Joseph. “If you weren’t such a fool you wouldn’t be here at all.”
“He is our sister’s husband. Your niece’s husband! How could you do this to her? Do you think these soldiers will leave her unharmed?” David asked, his voice filled with reproach.
The Innkeeper shifted slightly. “She was a fool to marry him.”
They could hear the tramp of the soldiers about the house, going up and down the stairs and opening and slamming doors.
Joseph leaned back against the table and closed his eyes. “Father, help us, please help us,” he whispered. “Protect us and comfort us. Give us strength.”
David was still facing their uncle, trying to come to terms with the betrayal. “What have we ever done that makes you hate us so much?”
At that the Innkeeper lunged forward and grabbed David. “What have you done? You killed my daughter!”
Joseph tried to rise, but a soldier pushed him back down.
David’s eyes softened. “She’s dead?”
His uncle struck him hard across the face.
“That’s enough,” the Imperial officer said.
For a moment it looked like the Innkeeper would ignore him. Then, he shoved David away and took a step back. “The only reason I don’t kill you myself is because I know these men will make you pay for what you’ve done,” he growled. The hesitant guilt that had first been on his face when he betrayed them was gone, and all that was left was hate.
David slowly sat down on the bench next to Stephen.
The soldiers began to gather in the kitchen again. The officer turned to his men; eyebrow raised.
“No one sir,” one of the soldiers said. “There are two extra bedrooms, but they don’t all seem to be lived in.”
“They are for guests or travelers,” Joseph said in answer to the officer’s look.
“There is a room for a baby, but no one in it,” another soldier added.
“Where is the baby?” the officer demanded.
“It will be born this summer,” Joseph replied. “We were only preparing.”
The officer looked at him for a long moment, then nodded.
Joseph watched the men, wondering what would come next. The officer stepped toward them, and Joseph tensed. The man was looking at the open Bible on the table. “Look here men, these are their books of magic. They were working to kill another one of us when we came in!”
His men growled and cursed angrily.
“They are not books of magic!” Joseph exclaimed. “They’re––”
A hard blow to the face silenced him.
Amelia gasped.
The officer leaned close to Joseph. “Don’t try to lie your way out of this.” He straightened and looked at them all. “You are under arrest for being enemies of the Empire. All of you.”
Joseph paled but did not look away from the officer. The man stepped back and several soldiers came toward them. One of the men grabbed Beric by the collar and yanked him to his feet. Beric let out a cry of terror.
Joseph tried to rise but two of the soldiers grabbed him.
Beric was twisting wildly, fighting to get free.
“Make him stop or I’ll kill him,” the officer threatened, laying a hand on the dagger at his belt.
Joseph’s throat tightened. “Beric! Beric stop!”
For a moment Beric froze, and his terrified gaze fell on Joseph.
“Beric don’t fight them,” Joseph said. “It will only make it worse.”
Beric looked at Joseph, his face white with fear. The soldiers wrenched his arms roughly behind his back and tied them tightly.
Joseph’s arms were twisted behind his back, and he bit his lip as the rough cords dug into his wrists and caused his hands to tingle with numbness.
Amelia stood on her own, and the soldiers were a less rough with her— something Joseph was extremely thankful for.
David and Stephen were next. When they had been bound, the five were dragged outside to where a wagon and horse waited. They were forced roughly into it, and then one of the soldiers slammed the tailgate. Beric slid his way to Joseph’s side and leaned against him, trembling with fear. Joseph felt tears fill his eyes, for it hurt him to see the boy so frightened.
Amelia was sitting next to him, and he looked towards her. “Are you alright?” he mouthed.
She nodded.
Stephen struggled into a sitting position and looked at David.
No one said anything. There was nothing to say. They were all still stunned by what had happened. Joseph felt the betrayal of being handed over to the Empire by a fellow Ardentan, but he knew for Stephen, David, and Amelia it must be worse.
One of the soldiers climbed on the front of the wagon, and the rest mounted their horses. The wagon started with a jerk, and Joseph drew in a sharp breath. “Father God, help us.”
***
Steps, steps, and more steps. They were in the fort and going down— down into darkness and whatever terrors the night would hold. Their hollow steps sounded eerie, and Joseph could feel that dark presence of evil around them. He felt it trying to choke the hope from him and kill the faith he so desperately clung to.
They were walking along a damp hall sparsely lit by torches. Then one soldier paused and began fumbling with keys. Joseph saw heavy wooden doors with barred windows lining the hall. Oh God, please don’t let them separate us! He begged silently.
The door opened and the guards cut their bonds and ordered them all in. Then the door was slammed and locked behind them, and the steps of their captors faded up the stairs.
Joseph blinked, letting his eyes adjust to the dim light as he rubbed feeling back into his hands. He knew why the guards had unbound them. It was a chilling reminder that they would never leave this place without the Empire letting them.
Joseph heard steps to his left, and the next moment Beric’s arms were about him. Joseph pulled the boy close and felt Beric shaking with fear. Amelia came from his right and placed a hand on his shoulder. David and Stephen joined them, and they stood silently, the dim light of the flickering torches in the hall drifting through the window.
At last, David spoke. “God knew this would happen. He knew from before the beginning of time. He knows our beginning and end, and He has been preparing each of us for this moment.”
“Yes,” Stephen agreed. “Since I have to face this trial, I am glad I am not alone but will walk through it with strong brothers and a sister.”
“I have a feeling we will need all our strength for the time ahead. Let’s try to get some sleep while we can,” David said.
Joseph crouched and hesitantly touched the ground. “It’s dry.”
The five sat with their backs against one of the walls. “It’s very small,” David said, trying to stretch out his legs and accidentally kicking Joseph.
“Since it’s so small and there are so many of us, it will be warmer down here,” Amelia pointed out.
“Dear Amelia, you’d find a ray of sunlight in the middle of the night,” Stephen laughed.
Joseph smiled and wrapped his arm about her.
Beric lay on the ground, his back against Joseph and his head pillowed on his arm. After trying to get comfortable in an upright position, Joseph gave in and lay with his back to Beric’s, one arm under his head, and the other about Amelia, who cuddled up close to him.
Stephen and David were soon lying back-to-back a few feet away. One after another, peace swept over them, and they slept.
All but Joseph.
He lay in the darkness, listening to the different sounds and jumping at nearly every one. At first none of this had seemed real. This was what he had been terrified of for most of his life, and it didn’t seem possible that it was actually happening. Part of him was surprised it wasn’t as terrible as he had thought, but another part of him could only imagine the horrors that might lay ahead. And to have Amelia and Beric tangled up in it too… Joseph shuddered and pulled Amelia closer. She sighed and shifted in her sleep.
Joseph licked his dry lips and tried to calm his breathing. How can they sleep? He wondered as he listened to the quiet breathing of those around him. Oh Lord, I don’t think I’m ready for this. I wish I was Aaron…
It was many hours later that weariness finally won and Joseph drifted into a fitful sleep.
***
The next morning, Joseph opened his eyes. Amelia was still in his arms, and he could feel Beric at his back. The deep breathing of those with him told him he was the only one awake. Joseph lay unmoving for some time, not wanting to wake Amelia. At last, she opened her eyes and looked up at him. “Good morning,” she whispered.
“Good morning,” he replied with a smile. The two carefully sat up and looked about.
David, Stephen, and Beric were still asleep. Joseph looked with sorrow on the boy. “He’s so, so frightened, Amelia,” he said softly.
“I know,” she replied. “Did you see the look in his eyes when they tide him up last night? He was almost wild with terror.”
“He has horrible memories and deep scars to fuel that fear,” Joseph softly. “We both do,” he added in a near whisper.
Amelia gently tilted his chin so that he was looking at her. “Joseph, what’s wrong?”
Joseph pulled away and closed his eyes. “Amelia… I’m terrified.”
“Oh Joseph, so am I,” she whispered.
“Not like I am,” Joseph replied. “I was awake for hours last night just sick with fear. Even Beric is braver than I am.”
Amelia cupped her hands around Joseph’s face. “Joseph, look at me.”
Joseph did.
“Joseph, God will give you strength. It is His strength you see in each of us. It was His strength that was in you when you spoke to the officer in the house!”
“What do you mean?” Joseph asked.
“When you spoke to the officer, Joseph, when he asked about the shrine.”
For a moment Joseph looked at her in confusion. Then, slowly, the memory came back to him. “I… I forgot about that. I didn’t even think about what I was going to say, I just said it.”
Amelia smiled. “See Joseph! God is keeping His word. He said that we are not to fear in the time to come for the words we are to speak for they will be given to us in the time we need them. And so will the strength we need.”
Joseph hardly heard her. Suddenly a conversation he had forgotten came back as clearly as if he had just had it the day before.
“Joseph, Aaron felt the same fear you face now.”
“He did?”
“When Aaron was arrested, I was able to go and speak to him. Do you remember?”
“Yes.”
“He was afraid, Joseph, oh he was so scared! We both were. We loved each other so deeply, and both of us were terrified of his death. But we both loved God more. He gave up his life and the marriage we might have had for his Savior, and I was in complete agreement with what he did. We were both so afraid, but we called on God for strength, and He gave it to us. He gave Aaron the strength to die, and me the strength to let him go. The very last thing I ever did with Aaron, was pray. The last moments we ever spent together were moments of prayer. He was scared Joseph. His hands were shaking when he held mine. But God gave him strength. The look of peace and courage in his eyes, the firmness and willingness to lay down his life… it was all because of Christ in him. That was what made Aaron the man he was.”
Joseph let out a slow breath. He lifted his head and met Amelia’s eyes. “I… I think that my whole life I… I was thinking about this all wrong.”
Amelia just smiled and laid a hand against his cheek.
Slowly something was sliding into place for Joseph. He stood and began to pace, stepping over David’s legs. He turned back toward Amelia, his arms crossed loosely over his chest and his brow furrowed. “I’ve let myself be deceived. My whole life I thought I’d never have the strength, and I was right. But it’s not about me at all! None of this is.” Joseph waved his hand to punctuate his words. “My whole life I’ve been worried about what I can and can’t do, but this isn’t going to happen through me. It’s God who will do the impossible. It is He who will give me strength. This is what everyone has been telling me my whole life! How have I not seen it until now?”
He stepped back over David and made his way to the other wall. Then he turned again toward Amelia. “Aaron was terrified, Adrian was weak, Asher and Eric were just boys… it wasn’t them at all. God gave Aaron courage. God gave Adrian strength. God made men of Asher and Eric. It was Him, Amelia. It always has been, and it always will be! How did I miss this? How could I have been so blind?”
“I think that often we get so tangled in a lie that we can’t see the truth right in front of us, even though it’s as plain as day. The devil is the father of lies, the prince of darkness, and a great deceiver. You aren’t the first man he’s tried to bring down with deception,” Amelia replied.
Joseph turned and walked the other way again. “I see it now, I see it so clearly,” he murmured, his back to Amelia. “It’s like someone brought a torch into a dark room, or… or drew a curtain back from a window! It’s so clear!” Joseph turned and hurried to Amelia. Dropped to his knees in front of her, he took both her hands in his. “Amelia, I’m ready now. I am ready to face anything, because I can finally see that it’s not up to me to face it alone. God will give me the strength and the courage and the words to speak. That’s enough. It has always been enough.”
Amelia put her hands on either side of his face and kissed his forehead. Then she wrapped her arms about him and pulled him close. “Oh Joseph… oh thank God,” she whispered.
Joseph hugged her tightly. He was still afraid, and he was terrified at the thought of losing her. But Joseph had finally come to understand that he wasn’t the one who had to provide the strength to face this trial, and that knowledge lifted a great weight off his shoulders.
After a time, Joseph sat down on the ground beside Amelia and put his arm around her. “Are you feeling alright?”
“I felt just a little sick when I woke up, but I’m better now,” Amelia replied.
Joseph hugged her and she leaned against him. “God has blessed us with such a beautiful life, hasn’t He,” she said.
“Yes,” Joseph replied. “Yes, He has. Despite all the pain and sorrow, I would never trade it for another. Looking back, I can see now that those trials shaped me and prepared me for this. God used them to make me the man I am.”
“The man I love,” Amelia smiled.
Joseph kissed the top of her head. He looked about the room as the torchlight from the hall flickered through the bars and cast shadows about the place. “I wonder what time it is.”
“Or what day it is,” Amelia mused. “For all we know, we have been sleeping for an entire week.”
Joseph blinked and then laughed. “Amelia Conway— what on earth!”
She grinned up at him. “Who knows?”
Their laughter woke Beric, who rolled over and sat up.
“Good morning, sweetheart,” Amelia said, beckoning him over.
He crawled to Joseph’s side and sat next to him. “Is it morning or night?”
“I think it’s morning, but who can tell,” Joseph replied. “Right Amelia?”
Amelia laughed.
Beric let out a long breath. “I’m afraid.”
Joseph instantly sobered. “So am I, Beric. We all are. We have to trust God though that fear, and believe that He will stay by our side, no matter what comes. ‘Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me.’ We must believe this and hold on to this truth. God will bring us safely home, through whatever may come.”
Stephen and David woke a few moments later–– Stephen greeting the world with the words “What’s for breakfast?” before he was fully awake.
For what seemed like hours, the five were left to themselves. They passed the time in seeing how many scripture passages they could recite. Not only was it interesting and a good way to pass time, but it was extremely strengthening and encouraging.
It was David who heard the steps first. They all fell silent, listening as the soldiers approached. The door was unlocked, and they scrambled to their feet. The soldiers motioned for them to follow, and the five stepped out into the hall. Joseph took Amelia’s hand in one of his, and Beric’s in the other. They walked along the halls, and Joseph sent up a silent prayer. Father, place a shield around us.
They ascended a flight of stairs to the level above. Joseph looked up and down the hall. It was lighter up here, for the torches were much more frequent. The guard leading the way came to a stop at a door. He pushed it open and motioned the captives to enter.
Joseph looked about the room. It was large with a great desk along one wall. There was no other furniture in the room. Seated at the desk was a man in official looking clothing. He was writing something down, and the five stood in silence. There was no noise but the scratch of the quill, and it sent a shiver down Joseph’s spine.
At last, the man looked up. When Joseph saw his eyes, he shuddered; they were filled with cruelty.
“Who are you?” the man asked, looking at Joseph.
“Joseph Conway,” Joseph said.
“And who are they?”
“My wife and son; Amelia and Beric, and my brothers; Stephen and David,” Joseph replied. He hoped that the man would not ask for Stephen and David’s full names. If he did, and they gave them, it would put the rest of the Caddick’s in danger.
The man seemed to think Joseph meant they were his brothers by blood, for he did not question any farther on the matter.
Joseph took a deep breath and spoke. “Sir, we have no dealing with any magic of any sort.”
The man leaned back and laughed, his eyes glinting wickedly. “Of course you don’t” he said.
Joseph was confused. Wasn’t that the whole reason…
“I know you don’t, the officers know you don’t, the priests know you don’t. But the people don’t know.” The man leaned forward, looking from one to the other. “The people and the common men-at-arms will believe whatever we tell them. They are frightened, angry, and grieving as this plague continues to kill, and so we bring them to us, and we point at something that they can blame. It was just too good of a chance to miss.”
“But why?” Joseph asked. “Why us?”
“Because you are followers of the one they call Christ, and I hate all that you believe. You are a threat, because if the people believe in your God instead of ours, then we can no longer control them.”
The slim hope Joseph had held onto that he could clear up the rumor and get them freed was instantly shattered.
The man rose and pointed at Joseph. “I would like nothing better than to see you dead. Nothing… except seeing you brake. That would be far more rewarding… for all of us. So, here are the terms I have for you. In three days’ time, they plan to kill you. If, before that time, you renounce this foolishness, you will be set free.”
Joseph shook his head. “We will never give up our faith.”
“Those are bold words young man. See how bold you still are at the end of those three days. I have plenty of time; I have all the time in the world! But you will soon find that you do not.” The man sat down and picked up his quill. “You will go back to your cell and talk this over among yourselves. You have all day to imagine what ‘persuasive’ methods we will use to help you see the truth. Tomorrow, I will call you one at a time and receive your answer.”
“I can tell you our answer now. It’s no,” Stephen said.
“Think it over,” the man replied.
He began writing again, and the guards stepped forward. They returned with their captives to the darkness once more, and there the five were left alone.
Beric sat down against the wall, and Joseph came to his side. He put an arm about the boy’s shoulders and felt him tremble. “Beric,” he said softly.
Beric looked up at Joseph and then threw his arms tightly about him. Joseph hugged the boy close. “I’m here, Beric. I have you.”
Amelia sank down beside them and laid her hand on Beric’s back.
Stephen and David stood alone together in the corner of the room.
After a long time, Beric looked up at Joseph. “I can’t do it,” he whispered. “I can’t do it alone! Please don’t let them make me do it alone!”
“Oh Beric, I wish with all my heart that I could be there with you! But it is not in my hands,” Joseph replied.
“It’s in theirs,” Beric whispered. “We are in their hands! They can do what they want! We always have been.”
“No Beric, the situation is not in their hands, and we are not in their hands. We are in God’s hands, and everything that happens will happen only because He allows it to. No one can do anything to us that God has not allowed. And, if He allows it, He will give us the strength to endure it,” Joseph replied. “God has plans for us, and they are plans for good, not for evil.”
“Then how can he let such evil men capture us?” Beric asked.
“‘As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good,’” Joseph quoted. “God will be with you, my son. You are never alone, and you are never fatherless.”
Beric leaned against Joseph, drawing comfort from the words and embrace of his father.
Joseph spoke quietly. “Beric, for most of my life I have been terrified I wouldn’t have the strength to face this. Now I see that I was right. I won’t. no one who ever faced something like this had the strength. God gave it to them. He will give you strength, Beric. I promise, and what’s more, He promised.”
Beric swallowed hard and nodded.
David gave Amelia a questioning glance, and she motioned to them with her hand. The two brothers sat down with them.
“So, it looks like we have a whole day to spend together,” Amelia said cheerfully.
“I have an idea,” Stephen said. “Let’s find a verse to go with each letter of the alphabet.”
“Alright, you first,” said Joseph.
Stephen thought a few seconds. “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”
“Be still and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” Joseph said.
Beric thought longer than the others. After a moment he looked up. “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, make known your requests to God,” Amelia said.
David had his ready and went the moment she finished. “Every word of God is pure; He is a shield to those who put their trust in Him.”
The five continued the game, going round in a cercle. They laughed, made mistakes, and searched their memories for the verses they had learned by heard. As each promise of God was spoke, Joseph felt peace sweeping over him.
Finally, the last few verses were spoken. “I have U, don’t I?” Stephen asked. “Hmmm. Alright, how about this one; Unto You I lift up my eyes, O You who are enthroned in the heavens!”
Joseph was next. “Very truly I tell you, the one who believes has eternal life.”
“We love because He first loved us,” Beric quoted.
“Looks like you’re stuck with X, sis,” David chuckled.
Amelia made a face at him. She sat in thought for a time, murmuring verses under breath. “I have one. eXalt the Lord our God and worship at His footstool; He is holy.”
“That starts with an E, dear,” Stephen smirked.
“Oh, let her be,” Joseph said. “I don’t think there is a verse that starts with X.”
The brothers laughed, and Stephen nudged Amelia playfully.
“Alright, my turn,” Joseph said. “You will seek Me and find Me, when you seek Me with all your heart.”
“Good one,” David said. “Alright Stephen, you have Z.”
“See if you do any better than my X,” Amelia teased.
“Oh, you watch me,” Stephen retorted playfully. He thought a moment. “Zion heard and was glad; and the daughters of Judah rejoiced because of Your words, O Lord.”
“How did you memorize that?” Joseph laughed. “It’s so abstract!”
“It’s in a passage I memorized,” Stephen admitted.
When the low laughter had died down, they sat in silence, wondering how much time had passed and how close they were to the next morning.
It was then that Stephen remembered he was carrying Quin’s shooting stones in his pocket from the game they had been playing. He pulled them out, and the five gathered in a circle and began their game of shooting stones.
Soon talk and laughter rang out through the halls, and many confused guards paused to listen and wonder what sort of crazy people they were guarding.
So, the day passed in many rounds of shooting stones, sleep, talk, prayer and reciting scripture. If the men of the Empire had hoped the day of waiting and dreading what was to come would conquer–– or at least weaken–– their captives, they failed miserably, for the five hardly even thought of the time to come.
After many hours, Beric began to yawn, and it wasn’t long before he had curled up and fallen to sleep. Amelia was next to join him, followed by David.
Joseph and Stephen were in hot contest for the shooting stone championship, and they stayed up for two more hours before Stephen finally won.
“Good game,” Joseph laughed, shaking hands with him.
“Thanks,” Stephen grinned. “I’ll have to fight it out with Quin for the winer’s place when we get home.”
Joseph didn’t reply.
Stephen also realized what he had said, and he looked away. After a while he gathered up the shooting stones and put them in his pocket. “I wonder if they play games like this in heaven,” he muttered.
Joseph smiled tightly. “I think there will be far better things,” he said quietly.
Stephen nodded and drew in a deep breath. “I wish I could have told them goodbye.”
Joseph put an arm about his shoulders. “Me too,” he said. “I hope Sabina doesn’t take it too hard.”
Stephen looked up at him. “Let’s try to get some sleep before tomorrow.”
Joseph nodded. He turned and lay down beside Amelia, pulling her close to him. She sighed in her sleep and her arms found him.
Joseph smiled sadly. “I love you,” he whispered.
Man is born for the fight, to be forged and molded into a sharper, finer, stronger image of God
Ellette!!!!! 🥺🥺
What are you going to do to them??
INTP 🧡 Homeschooler 🧡 WIP: The Color of Hope
Good scenes, though. Joseph was a tiny bit preachy when he had his character shift arc, but it worked since that’s been his struggle since the beginning.
I can’t wait to see what happens next. 🥺
INTP 🧡 Homeschooler 🧡 WIP: The Color of Hope
Ellette!!!!! 🥺🥺
What are you going to do to them??
lol. Wouldn’t you like to know?!
Who would you be the most upset about if I wipe them all out?
Glad the scene is good.
Preachy? In what way?
I can’t wait to see what happens next. 🥺
That emoji contradicts those words. lol.
Man is born for the fight, to be forged and molded into a sharper, finer, stronger image of God
No comment about the Uncle betraying them?
Man is born for the fight, to be forged and molded into a sharper, finer, stronger image of God
Joseph, Amelia, and Beric. I don’t know her brothers well enough yet.
I’ve let myself be deceived. My whole life I thought I’d never have the strength, and I was right. But it’s not about me at all! None of this is.” Joseph waved his hand to punctuate his words. “My whole life I’ve been worried about what I can and can’t do, but this isn’t going to happen through me. It’s God who will do the impossible. It is He who will give me strength. This is what everyone has been telling me my whole life! How have I not seen it until now?”
I wouldn’t have you change it, I was just letting you know about my initial thought.
I have conflicting feelings. 🥺🫣
INTP 🧡 Homeschooler 🧡 WIP: The Color of Hope
Joseph, Amelia, and Beric. I don’t know her brothers well enough yet.
What if you could only save one of those three?
(And I’m totally just being a beast because no matter what you say I’m not changing anything.)
Eh, I wasn’t surprised.
I didn’t think you would be surprised, I just wanted to know thoughts. Like does it makes sense, or does it feel forced?
Man is born for the fight, to be forged and molded into a sharper, finer, stronger image of God
Yep, we’re behind. Absolutely wiped off the map, wot. It’s just the way it’s been, wot. Life, you know. The real wringer.
*Takes off hare ears* I like how this is going. I will be furious if you kill them, but also… I really like these scenes. The dungeons plus the hope that the Allied Armies will come in time is a great mix. I want to read more because I really don’t know which way it will go.
I also like it because it’s reminding me of my Kos-SK WIP (Kingdom of Shadows/Shattered Kingdoms). The third and fourth books specifically, since that’s when Alwin and Winifrith meet, marry, and tip the world upside down.
There’s also a similar situation when Winifrith faints while working with the village women and Alwin comes home to five ladies helping his very pale wife into the house. (Which brings up some childhood trauma.) It’s several weeks before they realize her what malady is. However, I refuse to clear it up for the reader. That would be too easy. (If you’ve ever read On the Edge of Time or Emma it may be written similarly.)
BTW. The 😎 Protection Squad 😎 is not my creation, though I may be the only one who still references it the way we used to. We have representatives everywhere. Write wisely. 😎
You have listened to fears, child. Come, let me breathe on you... Are you brave again? -Aslan
- You must be logged in to reply to this topic.