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@linus-smallprint ooof Ender’s Game.
Good example for a dystopian writer, horribly graphic writing (and also the occasional curse words? I remember there being Marvel-level cursing but not much worse).
Luckily I’m not the kind who’s perturbed by violence in writing. Watching it would be a different story, but reading that kind of thing really doesn’t affect me one way or the other.
But there is NO FLIPPIN’ WAY I would give that book to nine-year-olds lol
"When in doubt, eat cheese crackers."-me to my charries who don't even know about cheese crackers
Hey, thank you so much for this!
Yes, that’s exactly what I’m trying to do, and I’m so glad you can see that! Makes me so happy!!!
Man is born for the fight, to be forged and molded into a sharper, finer, stronger image of God
Look, if anyone picks up the series at book two, they deserve to be confused. *shrug*
If there’s any recap I’ll put a little in the Blurb on the back. But otherwise, what’s here is what they get.
Good Grief! Book two for nine year olds! NO WAY! It is so dark!
I’m a little torn. I think most of the conversation you have is alright. Josephs’s questions flow naturally, and Noah takes the time to respond. However, the whole bit about free will and God’s sovereign choice doesn’t flow as well.
Okay, that would be the only part I would cut.
(Unless I missed something again, like how I missed that Joseph was eating porridge for breakfast and my mind defaulted to a bowl full of yogurt-covered pretzels in milk instead. (My mind was in a weird place then))
WHAT? That doesn’t even fit with the period!!!
Okay, I can add a little more outside description.
Are there any rivers that flow through here? Also, did you use Inkarnate?
Yes, I did. I didn’t detail any rivers because they are smaller ones and probably wouldn’t be seen from the bird’s eye view I have.
Also, Do you want me to wait for you to reply before posting new section, or should I just keep posting one or two every day?
Man is born for the fight, to be forged and molded into a sharper, finer, stronger image of God
Look, if anyone picks up the series at book two, they deserve to be confused. *shrug*
I have a friend with the same mindset. Alcatraz Smeadry will probably approve heartily!
WHAT? That doesn’t even fit with the period!!!
Like I said, my mind was in a weird place. Specifically in the place of a reader snacking on some yogurt-covered pretzels.
Yes, I did. I didn’t detail any rivers because they are smaller ones and probably wouldn’t be seen from the bird’s eye view I have.
Ah, okay.
Also, Do you want me to wait for you to reply before posting new section, or should I just keep posting one or two every day?
You can post every couple of days. I can go over a couple of sections at one, and no need to keep everyone else waiting for my sake.
Like I said, my mind was in a weird place. Specifically in the place of a reader snacking on some yogurt-covered pretzels.
Ew.
Honestly, I have always found those things rather nasty. They taste like artificial sweetener. Or at least the ones I’ve had always do.
You can post every couple of days. I can go over a couple of sections at one, and no need to keep everyone else waiting for my sake.
Great then. I hope to have a new section on here every day.
I would like to post one later today, but that doesn’t look like it’ll be happening. I may need to wait until tomorrow.
Man is born for the fight, to be forged and molded into a sharper, finer, stronger image of God
@linus-smallprint @keilah-h @hybridlore
NEXT SECTION
A day passed, and then another. Slowly, Joseph was beginning to come to terms with his grief. He was beginning to spend more time praying, asking God to help him. He knew he could never be like Aaron, but maybe God would at least help him triumph over the nightmares that stole his sleep each night.
A few more days passed, and Joseph began to change. While he was still quiet, it wasn’t the silence of a wounded animal in a corner, but rather a thoughtful, grave silence.
One afternoon, Joseph sat alone by the window. His head was tilted upward to see the faint sliver of sky that showed above the walls of the buildings. Sabina found him there and came to sit on the bench. In her hands was a book. “What are you thinking?” she asked, softly.
Joseph looked up at her. “I was looking at the sky. I can only see a little tiny bit of it now, but back in the country, I could see it going on forever. I think this is what Noah meant when he talked last Sabbath about God’s plans for us. It’s like we are at the window, looking at the tiny bit of the sky, but God is outside the city, and He can see all of it.” He didn’t speak for a long moment, his brows narrowed in thought. Then at last, almost to himself, he said, “Aaron is outside the city too. I’m sure he likes that.”
Sabina placed a hand on his shoulder and spoke softly. “Joseph, Aaron’s guard, Adrian, gave me Aaron’s satchel. I finally brought myself to open it today. There is something for you.”
Joseph looked up quickly. Sabina opened the book in her hand and flipped through it. Toward the end, she stopped. She looked down at the page a moment, and then handed it to Joseph.
Joseph took the book with trembling hands, and his eyes came to rest on the neatly handwritten page. He sucked in a sharp breath when he saw what it was.
A letter, addressed to him.
My Dear Joseph,
I don’t know how to begin this; It is so hard to say farewell. Dear little one, how I will miss you. Joseph, I have been called to lay down my life for Christ. I know that this is not the end, and I will live with God forever and one day we will meet again. There is joy, yet a bitter-sweet joy, for I am sorry to leave you and the others. Joseph, do you remember that day in the Great Hall? You were the first to come to me; the first to believe. Oh Joseph, your faith is strong; so strong. I love you so much, and it has been such a joy to watch you grow stronger in Christ. Joseph, on the day I left and came here to Ardenta, my father told me something. He said he was proud of me, and he told me to remember that no matter where I was, what happened, or who did what, I was never fatherless. Now, I will say the same to you. Joseph, I am proud of the young man you are growing into. I know you have given your life to Christ, and there is nothing better; nothing that would make me prouder or bring me more joy. Joseph, no matter where you are, what happens, or who does what, you are NEVER fatherless. Cling to your Father in heaven, and He will guide you. Walk in His ways without looking to the right or the left. Joseph, you once told me you wanted to be just like me. Well, all men must die. I will die tomorrow, and though you may strive to follow in my steps, I ask that you do something better. Follow in Christ’s steps. He must be your Leader, for He is the perfect, undying Captain and King. He will never leave you and never fail you. Walk in His shadow, as I have striven to do. Try to be just like Him in everything. Look up to Him and He will lead you. He will always be with you, and He will never leave you. I believe God will call you to do much for Him, and all I ask is that you heed that call and follow Him in all that you do. Lead the other children by your example and be a servant to them.
Joseph, I don’t want to frighten you, but you must know the truth. This is a cruel and dark time that we live in. I wish so much that I could be there with you, helping you, leading you, praying with you, preparing you, but I can’t. However, I need you to understand something. God is taking me from you now, but that does not mean He will leave you to face this world alone. He will raise up men to guide you and encourage you. And, even if He doesn’t, I know that He will never leave you. When you come face to face with any trials, He will be standing there with you, and if you fall, he will carry you home. Just hold fast and stand firm in the faith. He will lead you safely through the shadow of death and into everlasting life.
There is one last thing. Joseph, I won’t be able to be there with Sabina. So, am asking, will you please take care of her for me? I know you are young, and I don’t expect you to care for her the way a grown man would be able to, but would you please help her? Can you try to comfort her when I am gone, and will you please pray with her? I love you both so much, and I feel better knowing that you will be together.May the Lord bless you and keep you; may He make His face to shine upon you and give you peace.
I love you my dearest boy. Farewell until we meet again.
Aaron Dalvarian
Joseph felt tears fill his eyes, and he turned away so they wouldn’t fall on the page. After a long moment, he spoke, “May I have this?”
Sabina nodded and took the book. She placed her fingers along the seam of the page and carefully ripped it out. She handed the page to Joseph, and he held it tightly, staring down at the words.
Sabina laid a hand on his shoulder and the two sat still for a long time. At last, Sabina rose. “There are letters for the others. I must see that they get them.”
Joseph nodded but did not look up. He heard her steps fade into the other room. Closing his eyes, he pressed the letter against his nose and mouth and drew in a breath. There was a clinging scent of outdoors and laughter that still cling to it, and Joseph hugged the letter to his chest.
This was his last piece of Aaron, and he would never let it go.
***
A week passed, and Joseph began to relax into his new normal life— a life without Aaron.
He cried often, thinking of the brave young man he had loved as a father.
Noah and Joseph spoke together often, though their chances top talk grew less frequent as Noah grew strong enough to search for a steady job. One evening, as Noah tucked Joseph into bed, he paused and looked down at the boy. “Asher and Eric miss him too, you know.”
“Not in the same way,” Joseph whispered.
Noah nodded slowly. “Maybe not, but we all loved him, and it hurts them too. I think you should try to start spending time with them. They need a friend.”
“I don’t want to be one right now,” Joseph replied.
Noah sat down on the edge of the bed. “I don’t often want to do the things God calls me to do. No one likes to do things that make them uncomfortable or bring the pain, but sometimes we need to. I think you should start being a brother to those boys. Perhaps, in bringing joy and comfort to others, you’ll find it yourself.” He smiled and squeezed Joseph’s hand. “Pray and ask God to help you to be a good friend to them.”
Joseph nodded uncertainly. “Alright Noah, I’ll try.”
So, Joseph set about trying to rebuild the friendship he had with Asher and Eric. They welcomed his presence with some wariness, but as time passed, the three drew closer together, and Asher and Eric began to look up to Joseph as an older brother.
Things were changing for all the Ardantin church. Bereft of their leader, they felt adrift at first. But as the time passed, the Believers discovered just how ready Noah and Darrien had been to fill Aaron’s place. Instead of being driven away by the threat of sharing Aaron’s fate, young men came to Darrien and Noah, ready to take up the call to lead and asking to be trained.
Another change had taken place— one that was a secret to all but Noah, Darrien, Sabina, and Joseph. Joseph didn’t know the whole, and he wasn’t really supposed to know any of it. It had all happened by accident really, but he was glad he knew, for it gave him hope.
It was one fine evening after a rather warm day, that Joseph discovered the secret.
Asher and Eric were playing up on the roof, away from the foulness of the streets, and out of the way of those returning to their homes for the night. Joseph was sitting on the steps that lead up to the roof, resting in the shade. Though he was growing closer to Asher and Eric, there were times when he needed to get away from their laughter and rough housing to sit and think.
Joseph looked up at saw a figure coming along the street. Most people were walking slowly toward their homes, dragging weary legs with heads bowed. They felt the loss of their freedom heavily.
However, this man walked with strong, purposeful strides, and did not look to the right or left. Whoever it was, he was wearing a full, dark-brown cloak with a deep hood. He was walking toward the orphanage, and Joseph scrambled to his feet. He moved to intercept the stranger, his breath racing. He was tense and nervous, and fear battled with the urgency to warn the others if this was a threat.
Joseph moved to the door and stood with his back to it, facing the man. One hand was on the doorknob, lest he needed to beat a hasty retreat.
The stranger came toward him and then slowed. He seemed to hesitate a moment, and then came right up to Joseph. “Good evening.”
“Good evening,” Joseph managed, though his mouth was dry. He tried to see the man’s face under the hood. Most of it was shadowed, but Joseph could see he was clean-shaven and surprisingly young— about how old Aaron had been. The man turned his head slightly, and a flicker of light fell across the upper half of his face, glinting off his eyes.
Joseph stiffened, and a stab of dread tore through him. The eyes were blue.
No Ardantin had blue eyes.
Joseph’s hand tightened on the doorknob.
The young man was watching Joseph. “I came to speak to Noah. Is he at home?”
Joseph didn’t answer. He was growing more frightened as the seconds passed. A foreign stranger wanting to speak to Noah?
The young man smiled gently. “Please, I mean him no harm. We are good friends.”
Joseph slowly began shaking his head.
The young man turned to glance over his shoulder, and as he did, his cloak slipped open. Joseph caught one glimpse of the concealed uniform, and that was enough.
With a scream of terror, he yanked open the door and fled into the house. “Sabina! Sabina quick! They’re trying to take Noah!”
Hurried steps crossed the floor upstairs, and the sound of running came from the kitchen. Sabina arrived first, her face white and a wet cloth still in her hand from cleaning dishes. Joseph threw himself at her and hung on tightly. Sabina’s hands trembled as she grabbed hold of him. “What happened? What’s wrong
“A soldier,” Joseph choked. “He’s after Noah!”
Noah and Darrien came in, their faces worried. “What’s happening?” Darrien asked.
“A soldier is here,” Joseph gasped out, tears streaking his face. “He’s trying to get Noah.”
For a moment the two were startled. Then, a strange look crossed Noah’s face. “Was he wearing a brown cloak?”
Joseph nodded shakily. “But I saw his uniform!” his arms tightened around Sabina’s waist.
Noah smiled and hurried from the room. “Noah don’t!” Jospeh screamed franticly. “Noah, don’t go!”
“Hush, hush,” Sabina whispered, trying to sooth the distraught boy.
Noah’s voice drifted back into the room, followed by the soldier’s.
Sabina and Darrien’s faces cleared the moment they heard the stranger’s voice
“Joseph, it’s alright! No one is going to hurt Noah,” Sabina comforted.
Joseph couldn’t hear her. He was shaking and sobbing, his arms wound tightly around Sabina’s waist. He heard steps, and a moment later someone dropped to their knees beside him. “Joseph, it’s alright, I’m here. No one is going to hurt us.”
Joseph looked up and saw Noah. With a hoarse cry he threw himself at the young an, and Noah wrapped his arms around him. Joseph clung top Noah, gasping for breath and shaking. After a few minutes, he calmed down and his hold on Noah loosened. Noah gently cupped Joseph’s face in his hands. “Joseph, it’s alright. Everyone is safe.”
Joseph swallowed hard and nodded. Noah got to his feet, a hand still resting on Joseph’s shoulder.
Joseph looked up and saw the soldier was standing there, a strange expression on his shadowed face. Joseph edged closer to Noah, partially hiding behind him. His wide eyes were fixed on the soldier, and his expression was unsure.
“Sabina, Darrien, it’s good to see you both,” the soldier said, nodding to them. Joseph saw that he was only a few inches taller than Sabina, though— unknown to him— this young man was tall among his own people.
The soldier crossed toward Noah and pushed back his hood, revealing almost white-blond hair. He dropped to one knee and looked at Joseph. “Please forgive me, I had no intention of frightening you. I would never harm anyone here. I give you my word of honor.”
Joseph slowly nodded.
The young man held out a hand. “I’m Adrian Damoss.”
After a moment’s hesitation, Joseph let go of Noah and tentatively put his hand in the young soldier’s. “Joseph,” he whispered. “Jospeh Conway.”
Adrian squeezed his hand slightly. “Joseph, please believe me, I would never, ever harm you, Noah, or anyone else here. Will you trust me?”
Joseph bit his lower lip, letting his eyes travel over the soldier. At last, he carefully nodded.
Aidrian rose and offered a hand to Darrien, who shook it warmly. “I’m glad to see you, Adrian.”
“You as well,” Adrian replied.
Joseph edged back behind Noah. He watched with interest and some confusion as Adrian greeted Sabina and Darrien. He did not understand why they were friends with an Imperial soldier, but he couldn’t dismiss the look of honesty in the soldier’s eyes when he promised not to hurt them.
At last, Noah turned to Adrian. “Would you like to come to the kitchen? The boys are outside, and Sabina will call them in a little while. We can study in there and no one will disturb us.”
“Yes, that will do well,” Adrian agreed. “I am eager to read more, for I have never encountered anything like your God.”
“Is Noah teaching you about God?” Joseph asked, his fear forgotten for a moment.
Adrian turned and smiled at him. “Yes, joseph, he is.”
“Do you believe what he says?” Joseph enquired, moving out from behind Noah a little more.
Adrian laughed and made a so-so gesture with his hands. “I am not sure. I am intrigued— very much so. But I have not made a final decision as of yet. I remain neutral for the moment, though I plan to learn all I can of your God.”
“Can’t you see it’s true?” Joseph asked. Then he stepped back toward Noah again, frightened by his own boldness.
Adrian laughed again. “My people are scholars. We do not leap to embrace new ways until they have been tested, tried, proven true, and we have learned much of them.”
“And we’re the ones the world calls stubborn,” Darrien muttered.
Adrian flashed a grin at him. He looked back at Joseph, and his face took on a graver expression. “I have seen this faith tested, tried and proven pure in Aaron.”
Joseph sucked in a sharp breath.
Adrian smiled sadly at him. “Under normal circumstances, I would readily except, but there is too much at stake.” He looked up at Noah. “Please, don’t let him mention my visit here tonight.”
Noah placed both hands on Joseph’s shoulders. “He is trustworthy. He will say nothing.”
Adrian nodded and gave Joseph a quick smile. Then he and Darrian walked into the kitchen. Noah gave Joseph’s shoulder one last squeeze, and then followed them.
Sabina came and rested a hand on Joseph’s shoulder. After a moment, she drew him to the bench by the window, and the two sat down. Sabina put her arm about Joseph, and he leaned close, resting his head against her. At last, Sabina spoke. “Joseph, you understand you must never say anything to anyone about Adrian coming here?”
Joseph nodded. “Sabina, what did he mean he would believe but the stakes are too high?”
Sabina did not reply for a time, her hand moving soothingly over Joseph’s back. “I don’t fully understand, but I believe it has something to do with his position as an Imperial soldier. It will be dangerous for him to become a Christian, and I think he is afraid.”
They sat in silence for a long while, and Joseph watched the people passing through the streets on their way home from work. Laughter sounded and a ball rolled into the street. Asher dashed out to grab it before scrambling out of sight again.
“Has he been here before?” Joseph asked.
Sabina nodded. “A few times. He normally comes after you boys are in bed.”
“Have you talked to him?”
Sabina hesitated. “I couldn’t the first two times.”
Joseph looked up at her. “Why not?”
“Because…” Sabina caught her breath and slowly let it out. “Because, Joseph, I was so, so sad about Aaron, and when Adrian came, he made me think of the cruel things they did to him. The way they murdered him in front of all those people as if it was entertainment,” she said the last word with such venom, that Joseph pulled back slightly. Sabina’s eyes were flooded with tears, and one spilled down her cheek. “The way they questioned him over and over, the way that they tried to use me as a weapon against him to force him to comply—” she broke off, sucking in a long breath. Then she hugged Joseph tightly. “I was angry, Joseph, and my anger kept me from seeing Adrain as he is— a lost and hurting young man whom God loves. He loved Adrain so much, that He sent His only Son to die for Him.”
Sabina swallowed, and her voice grew hoarse. “I let my anger against evil turn to hatred.” She bit her lip and sniffed back tears. At last, she spoke. “Last time he came, I apologized to him. He was so kind and gentle, Joseph. Instead of talking with Noah and Darrien, which he had endangered himself to cone and do, he sat down with me and spoke about Aaron. He told me everything he knew about him, and he told me how brave he was.” Sabina smiled through her tears and hugged Joseph, resting her chin on his head.
Joseph snuggled close to her and closed his eyes, feeling comfort wash over him and her gentle embrace.
Finally, Sabina let him go. “It’s getting late, I should call the boys. Why don’t you go wash up and get into bed.”
Joseph nodded, getting to his feet. He put his arms around Sabina’s neck and kissed her gently on the cheek. “I love you, Sabina.”
Sabina smiled and kissed his forehead. “I love you too, Joseph.”
Man is born for the fight, to be forged and molded into a sharper, finer, stronger image of God
wow.
crickets.
I didn’t think it was THAT bad.
lololol
Man is born for the fight, to be forged and molded into a sharper, finer, stronger image of God
@ellette-giselle no it’s not bad, I just haven’t read it yet. Lol
"When in doubt, eat cheese crackers."-me to my charries who don't even know about cheese crackers
There we go, there is that Ardenta mistrust appearing. Poor Joseph. It’s completely understandable why he freaked out. I’m glad this is how you reintroduced Adrian to us instead of just having Joseph already know and accept him. It adds a little tension and some dramatic irony. It is a good way for Joseph to begin to understand that there is light in the darkness of Aaron’s death. This was a good section!
One question. Why did Adrian wear his uniform to the orphanage? Does he have other clothing he could wear?
Also, I did notice a few typos:
Joseph looked up and saw Noah. With a hoarse cry he threw himself at the young an,
Adrian turned and smiled at him. “Yes, joseph, he is.”
@ellette-giselle I echo Linus’s statement–this was a great way to re-introduce Adrian to the narrative!
"When in doubt, eat cheese crackers."-me to my charries who don't even know about cheese crackers
Thanks y’all! This was so great to come home to!
I’m glad y’all liked Adrian’s reintroduction! It’s one of my favorite scenes.
Ah, thanks Linus for the typo catches.
There we go, there is that Ardenta mistrust appearing.
Yes. Glad you caught that! Not only is the poor kid traumatized by soldiers, (as alluded to in the previous section) but he does have the classic Ardentan mistrust. And I was thinking over what you said about the Ardentan’s being wary of accepting new converts, and I liked the idea and was wondering why I hadn’t used it. Then I remembered. They don’t mistrust all people. They mistrust strangers. They are, however, extremely loyal to their own country and the people pf their country. If that makes sense. So, yeah, that’s why I hadn’t done that.
Poor Joseph. It’s completely understandable why he freaked out.
I know. *sniff sniff* It’s so hard to be a hardhearted author when dealing with little kids. I’ll thrash a teenager any day, (particularly a guy. They can take it) but little kids……… Oh well. It’s for the good of the book, and may be for his good too.
Okay, why the uniform? Well, (as will be explained later) Adrian isn’t supposed to be here at all. He’s supposed to be in the Fort or on patrol, not messing around with civilians. So, technically he’s actually on patrol, but he was using the cloak to help hide the fact that he’s going in and out of the orphanage, and the fact that he’s not an Ardentan. He’s hoping to avoid suspicion.
Man is born for the fight, to be forged and molded into a sharper, finer, stronger image of God
@linus-smallprint @keilah-h @hybridlore
“Joseph!” Asher yelled.
Joseph spun toward his friend and saw the ball in his hand. “Throw it!” he shouted, running several paces backwards.
Asher threw the ball and Joseph caught it. Eric came racing out of the house, whooping in the afternoon sunshine.
The days were growing warmer, and with the spring came a wild energy in the boys. Sabina had finally resorted to kicking them all outside for the afternoon so she and Alicia could have a moment of quiet.
Joseph turned and grinned at Asher. He held out the ball. “You want it?”
Asher nodded.
“Come get it then, before we take it across that line,” Joseph challenged, pointing to a long crack in the street behind Asher, and then motioning to Eric. “No ground.”
Asher’s smile broadened. “Prepare for defeat.”
Joseph’s eyes narrowed. “Yes, we will prepare for defeat. Your defeat.”
Eric laughed.
Asher bent slightly at the knees. “Ready when you are.”
Eric darted out along the street, running to Asher’s left. Joseph raced straight at Asher. Asher waited, bouncing on the balls of his feet and watching the two boys.
At the last possible moment, he darted in at Joseph and dove for his legs. Joseph jumped sideways, but Asher grabbed one of his legs. As Joseph fell, he threw the ball as hard and a straight as he could. Asher leapt, trying to smack it out of the air and make it touch the ground, but he just missed. Eric darted forward to catch the ball, as Asher landed his jump wrong and tumbled to the cobblestones.
Joseph and Asher both regained their footing at once and dashed after Eric. Joseph ran forward and wide, while Asher pounded off after his little brother. Joseph raced behind the line and waved his arm. “Eric! Here!”
Eric swiveled and threw. Joseph leapt to catch the ball and folded it against his chest. He missed his land and came down hard. “It’s in!”
Asher and Eric ran to him as he rolled over and sat up. “Oh, look at your knee!” Asher exclaimed.
Joseph looked down and winced. “Ow.” He carefully pulled open the edges of the large tear across the knee of his pants, revealing a long bleeding scrape. “Sabina isn’t going to be happy, she just patched these,” he said, looking woefully at the several patches over the other knee.
“Asher, your elbow’s bleeding,” Eric commented.
“Is it?” Asher asked. He tried to twist his arm around to see it. “Well, at least I was only wearing my vest. Now Sabina doesn’t have to patch another shirt.”
Joseph was licking the blood of his scraped knee, but he looked up to criticize Asher’s wound. “Mine is bleeding more.”
“Yes, well mine is longer,” Asher replied, trying to lick his elbow. He gave up and shoved his hands in his pockets. “Do you remember what it was like to play ball in the country?”
“Yes,” Eric said longingly. “There was always soft grass and dirt to fall on, and sometimes James would knock us into the river while we played, and then we would dunk each other. James always won.”
Asher looked down and kicked a lose cobblestone. “James was a good brother. I miss him.”
No one spoke.
At last, Joseph got to his feet and tossed the ball into Asher’s hands. “Your turn.”
“You and Eric won,” Asher protested.
Joseph shrugged and smiled. “Go ahead, you can have my turn.”
***
Later that day, Adrian came to their house once again. Joseph was in the kitchen, and he heard Noah and Adrian’s voices in the hall. “I tried, but I think someone’s getting suspicious. They shifted my patrol,” Adrain was saying.
“Well just make sure you aren’t followed. I can try to arrange a different place to meet with you, but I can’t have you bringing danger to the children or the girls,” Noah replied.
“Of course not. I’ll stop coming all together if anyone follows me.”
“I didn’t ask that. I just want you to be careful.”
The two entered the kitchen, and Adrain broke off sharply. “Hello Joseph.”
Joseph smiled slightly and slipped off the bench. Without a word, he crept from the room, leaving Noah and Adrian alone.
Adrain’s voice floated down the hall. “Quiet little thing.”
“He’s seen much. Too much for a child his age,” Noah sighed.
“Poor boy,” Adrain murmured.
Joseph heard no more, for he had reached the stairs. He hurried up them and met Sabina in the hallway. “Can I go outside?”
Sabina hesitated. “It’s late. You boys already ate dinner.”
“Please Sabina. I want to be alone for a little bit. I want to see the stars.”
Sabina smiled sadly, her eyes taking on the look they always did when something made her think of Aaron. “Alright Joseph, you may go.”
Joseph hurried to his room and reached under his pillow. Pulling out a folded piece of paper, he went back downstairs and slipped outside.
In a few moments he was sitting on the roof, the evening breeze playing with his hair and gently stroking his face. Joseph liked it up here. The roof had always been a sort of refuge to him. It was up in the fresh air— though it was nothing compared to the country.
Still, it was away from the confined streets, and he could feel the wind on his face and see the sky. Perhaps most important, it had been Aaron’s favorite place, and that made it special to Joseph. After a moment, he unfolded the paper. It was Aaron’s letter, and Joseph began to slowly read it. He had already memorized the whole thing, but it was still good to look at the familiar handwriting. When he was finished, Joseph lay back on the roof and looked up at the sky. The sun had already set somewhere out of sight. He wished he could have seen it. He missed sunsets. But there were still stars, and now he set about finding the first ones.
Joseph didn’t know how long he lay there. He was only half awake, and he may have dozed off once or twice without knowing it, for all at once the sky was a dark velvety blue, and full of stars. He sat up and slowly got to his feet. Quietly, he walked toward the stairs, his bare feet making no sound. He was halfway down when he noticed someone sitting on the steps near the bottom. He hesitated, and then cautiously edged down. “Hello?” he asked softly.
The figure started and turned quickly. “Who’s there?”
“Joseph,” the boy replied, his voice wavering.
The young man at the bottom of the steps relaxed. “It’s late. What were you doing up there?”
“I was looking at the stars and reading a letter. Sabina said I might,” Joesph replied. He could not make out the young man, but the voice was Adrian’s.
“Come down,” Adrian said. “It’s alright, I won’t hurt you,” he added.
Joseph came and sat on the second-to-bottom step beside the young soldier. They were silent— Joseph watching Adrian, and Adrian with his hands folded over his knees and his head bowed.
“Did you talk to Noah again?” Joseph asked, breaking the silence.
Adrian nodded, the light of the street lanterns casting shadows over his face.
“Do you believe what he’s telling you?” Joseph asked softly.
Adrian let out a long breath. “I… I still have much to consider. The facts, you know— it all lies in the facts and evidence…” his voice died away.
“You’re scared,” Joseph said, the realization dawning on him. He hadn’t meant to say it out loud. He hadn’t meant to say anything. But, looking at Adrian, he had seen the fear that filled him. He had suddenly been drawn to the young soldier, for the look on his face mirrored the terror Joseph often felt.
Adrian seemed surprised, and then relieved. He looked down, but his voice was sincere when he spoke. “Yes, I am scared.”
“Why?” Joseph asked, encouraged by the responce.
“Because I am a soldier of the Empire. If I take this new faith as my own, I must turn my back on all my country believes, and all I am called to defend and uphold. It would be an act of treason, and if I do it… they’ll kill me.”
Joseph laid a hand on Adrian’s arm. He was horribly frightened, but the compassion he felt for this soldier outweighed his fear, and he found he had words to speak. “You will die if you don’t. If you do not believe in God, then you will die for your sins. But, if you do believe in him, then you will live. And if you die, you will go and be with Him, like Aaron.”
Adrian turned to look at the child beside him. “Do you truly believe that?”
Joseph nodded.
Adrian looked down at his hands, as if seeking answers from them. “Is it worth dying for?” he asked in a whisper.
“Aaron did,” Joseph replied, softly
“Yes, he did,” Adrian agreed. “And he said it was worth it.” He looked at Joseph again, and there was a new light in his eyes. “Thank you.”
Joseph nodded and looked down, suddenly shy again. Adrian rose and held out a hand to him. “You’d best come inside; the curfew has started.”
Joseph took the offered hand and let Adrian pull him to his feet. “Goodnight, my little friend,” Adrian said, softly.
“Goodnight,” Joseph whispered, shyly. He turned and hurried to the door. He paused, a hand on the knob, and looked back. Adrian was still standing by the steps, his back to Joseph and his head bowed in thought.
Joseph turned away and opened the door, slipping inside the warmth of the house.
Man is born for the fight, to be forged and molded into a sharper, finer, stronger image of God
odd
it sent it twice
Man is born for the fight, to be forged and molded into a sharper, finer, stronger image of God
Weirdly it’s sending a lot of your posts twice 🤔
Such a cute scene with Joseph & Adrian!!
Some day you will be old enough to start reading fairy tales again. ~ C.S. Lewis
Weirdly it’s sending a lot of your posts twice 🤔
I know! I don’t know why it keeps doing that. Grrr.
Such a cute scene with Joseph & Adrian!!
Aw! Thanks! Which scene were you referring too? The last one, or the one I just posted?
Man is born for the fight, to be forged and molded into a sharper, finer, stronger image of God
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