Chapter Six

‘Now Father Monks, please understand,’ Leigha tried once more, ‘Timothy has not returned with the rest of the herbs needed to heal the village. I can’t heal those whom you deem worthy…’

‘God deems worthy.’ Monks interjected. Leigha rolled her eyes.

‘I do not care if God ordained the Saints to be healed before the sinners; children are to be seen to before the adults. No exceptions.’ She planted her hands on her hips, which were covered with a bright yellow skirt.

I was trying not to listen too much to them. Mother always said those who listen to others never hear well of themselves. Besides I was supposed to be giving Akelf Lokke his broth. (To call it broth was a bit of an overstatement for it was merely water with a bit of salt and pepper.)

Ever since the plague had taken over~exactly two months ago today~ our Kingdoms supplies were dangerously low, and it took over a week to bring in supplies form other villages. Then the fact that there was no leadership in the throne, twas hard to keep what supplies you obtained for thieves were roaming about everywhere.

These were indeed dark times.

‘God gave me a vision child!’ Minks blundered his face red. ‘I want these people cured so they may be fit to assist the ones who are truly impaired.’

Monks received a vision. Is this true my Lord?

Not from me, yet I am not the Only Power strong enough to disguise Itself. Wolves do it very well, when innocent and folly sheep are about.

I smiled. ‘Here child, Leigha says you must take it all.’ I grinned as the boy clamped his fingers over his nose while he choked down another spoonful.

‘WHEN GOD COMES DOWN FROM HEAVEN AND TELLS ME TO CURE THEM I SHALL! BUT UNTIL THEN WE SHALL PROCEED WITH DOING THINGS MY WAY~ UNDERSTAND?’ Well, apparently Leigha McCloud’s dainty, feminine, voice could be as harsh as my low voice.

I could not see them due to this stupid quilt, but I could tell from the rigid way Monks held his silhouette he was a bit steamed.

The screaming started up again; only this time Father Monks was cursing Leigha in ‘God’s name’. This had to end.

‘…MAY GOD CURSE YOU DEMON FOR REFUSING TO HEAL HIS SAINTS!’ Father Monks was drawing the cross on his chest so fast my eyes barely caught it. I stood in the shadows watching.

By this time most everyone was used to at least someone shouting at Leigha~usually it was me~so not many people really cared.

‘OH PARDON ME GREAT SAINT, ‘ Leigha mocked with a bow, ‘I DIDN’T REALIZE HOW MORE IMPORTANT YOU AND YOUR…’

‘Your what Leigha? Jackals?’ I whispered from the corner. Slowly I stepped out, my bare feet leaving prints in the ‘holy water’ Monks used to drive the ‘demons’ away from Leigha.

‘Stay out Julie.’ Leigha snarled.

‘That’s the one thing you and I can agree upon…’ Monks pronounced ‘Lady O’Leary if you don’t mind, we can settle this ourselves.’ Monks gracefully said. He was dressed in a long purple robe adorned with many jewels of the purest gold. He wore a large silver cross around his neck, reflecting just how much the cross meant to him. I thought of the verse talking about the Hypocrites who wore such fine clothes.

‘Fine.’ I snapped, ‘just leave God out of it.’

‘Now we can’t just leave God out of this Lady, He’s already in it, He is in everything after all.’ He smiled at me as he slowly and pointedly explained what I already knew.

I’ll not for the life of me understand why God loves to put foolish, stubborn, and utterly stupid people in my life.

Ossian flew into the barn. Landing on my shoulder she purred delicately. Though it sounded as more of a warning.

A warning to whom though, Monks, or me?

I sighed heavily. ‘Allen, these Saints~they already have their place in Heaven, God’s hand is already upon them.’ I whipped the quilt back to expose Akelf. ‘But people like this only have me and Leigha to help and guide them, God’s with them, yes, but right now He’s using us to help them. If these people die they won’t get to Heaven, we must treat them with our earthly powers, God will take care of His own with His Grace and Wisdom.’

Monks looked at me as if I had left my mind. ‘Well, I didn’t realize God’s prodigals were more important than his own.’ He whipped around and walked out of the barn, slamming the doors behind him.

Leigha turned to look at me strangely. ‘Thank you.’ She said whirling back to her herbs.

‘Don’t worry,’ I whispered in her ear. ‘He’ll be back tomorrow claiming God showed him a vision telling him that we were right. Yet he will make it sound as though he knew it all the time, and we were just two stupid girls who were thick enough to mess with him.’

I felt Leigha’s grin as I went back to spooning Akelf his flavored water.

‘Nic, how are you feeling?’ I asked as I walked to his cottage.

‘Tired,’ He grinned. I know how he felt, scrubbing floors, and moving the rest of the hay and grains out of the barn can really take it out of you. But we did get it done, though I am afraid it will not be enough.

Another child died today, Leigha nearly killed herself trying to save him. I feel as if the more we do the worse it gets. But no matter how hard I try I canst stand by watch, which to me is the cruelest of any punishment.

‘Juliana, what are you thinking?’ Nic opened the door to his cottage as I collapsed in the nearest chair.

I shut my eyes. ‘I was thinking about little Kykele, his parents…I hope they’ll be alright.’

‘I am sure they will. They have no choice, they still have twelve others to take care of.’ Nic leaned down and kissed my forehead.

‘Nic I do not know if the town’ll survive this. The last vision showed the whole town.

‘Things will get better.’ Nic whispered. I tried to tell myself they would, but I knew it would only get worse.

‘Maybe that will.’ I said trying to lift both his and my spirits.

‘Where’s Timothy?’ Nic asked dragging me out of the sleep I was about to fall in to.

‘Uhhh…’ Now that was a very good question. He returned with the rest of the herbs the day before yesterday, then had begun hanging about the barn (though he didn’t help much with the sick), but I do not remember seeing him any today~or yesterday for that matter. Perhaps he went hunting again, most likely he just needed some ‘alone time’ also known as ‘time away from Juliana and her annoying Nic.’ I sighed and closed my eyes. ‘I don’t know Nic, he rarely ever checks with me before he just disappears.’ I grumbled. It sounded a bit mean to my ears but I was too tired to care.

‘I see.’ Nic said slowly. ‘Well, I suppose I should walk you home it’s getting dark and I can barely keep my eyes open.’ He said shortly.

Leigha was in an exceptionally bad mood today due to the fact that Father Monks and several of his ‘Saints’ started in on her again. I believe her irritability spread to Nic and me.

I rose off the chair regretfully, for I would not have minded curling up and sleeping there until this horror had passed.

The light of Nic’s candle guided the way as we, in silence, made our way on the path~ which seemed endless~ to my home. I was just glad I was not Nic, who had to make this journey once more to get back to his cabin.

I walked as quietly as I could in the darkness, pulling the cloak tighter every now and then as the cool January breeze flailed up. Since the staring of the plague we had not seen the rays of the sun through the darkening clouds. Days were so very depressing, it seemed as though they never had a beginning, nor much of an end.

I was lost in my miserable brooding when Nic collapsed next to me with a loud grunt. ‘NIC!!’ I screamed while I bent next him. His face had turned a pale white; his lips were black and foaming. He was shaking all over as I ripped the breeches on his legs.

‘NO!!!!!!’ I cried to the wind.

His legs were covered with ugly purple boils~the boils of this great evil put upon us. ‘Julie!’ Timothy called running up to me. ‘What’s…’ His voice trailed off when he saw Nic’s shaking body. I looked up at him my eyes pleading with him to do something.

He bent down, scooped up Nic’s body. ‘Must…get…him to Leigha. Julie pull yourself together! C’mon if we don’t get there he will die.’ Not waiting for me he took off to the barns.

I stared after him tears blinding my eyes. For the last time I saw anybody like that was when I was five years old and my Father had been struck with a poisonous arrow.

Chapter 7

(Another note from me, Elf. I don’t know how much you’re enjoying this book, but I hope it’s a lot. I am kinda going through a bit of a writers bloc so I am having problems getting things to flow as I want them to, so be patient these chapters may change one day to the next, but this wasn’t the real reason I am writing this.

This book was started out as a dream, like all my other books, and it morphed into what it is now. When I started writing this in October of last year I was getting ready to turn 16, I was trying to finish Feelings at War, plus I was working on Geometry (which I flunked.). A lot of things happened since I wrote down the name Juliana O’Leary. We’re now at War, I am 16, people close to me have died, and once again my whole perspective on life has changed. I knew all these changes would come about sooner or later, that’s why when writing Julie, I allowed her to have all the problems and frustrations I normally have. As you read this you will probably see phrases laced in that apply more to today’s life than yesterdays. Julie’s story isn’t that much different than most of ours, and what I am asking is if you would help me make Julie’s story better. If you have something that you want changed or you have any questions about any characters ( I am already thinking of starting a series of books on Nic’s family.) Email me; I have a ton of stuff written about the history of Tylslnd. My emails are, elfofthecross@yahoo.com .

Thank you for your help. Okay now back to The Future of the Past.)

‘That moth hasn’t budged one inch in the past two hours.’ I whispered to the woman I was sharing this cot with. Leigha had ordered me to attempt to get some sleep after three hours of pacing the dirt whilst she and Timothy worked on Nic.

‘Ah, but that spider hasn’t even flinched in the two weeks I’ve been here.’ I smiled at her. We were both staring blankly at the ceiling, she herself wasn’t sick, I supposed she had family members who were. Most women who weren’t sick stayed here and helped Leigha out in anyway they can, though Leigha told me they could be worse than the sick. ‘I thought you were asleep.’

I grimaced. Sleep was something that required one to be at peace, I was way past peace. ‘How does Leigha expect me to sleep when Nic’s in there dying?’ It didn’t matter how much whining, griping, moaning, groaning, or reasoning I did, I just couldn’t bring myself to blame this on God. Even though I really wanted to, (and even though part of me figured it was His fault) I knew deep, down there was a reason Nic was sick, I just wish He would tell me why.

‘Same way she expects me to sleep.’ The woman shrugged. I had been working in this place for the past two months and not once had I seen this woman. ‘She comes in and checks on me, if I ain’t asleep she gives me a sleeping potion.’ She made a face. I nodded in sympathy.

‘Leigha’s herbs are of the devil. I had to cram a whole spoonful of it down one child’s throat.’

She gave her agreement. ‘I just pretend I’m asleep and go on.’ I laughed.

She smiled wanly. ‘What’s your name?’

‘Juliana O’Leary.’

‘Ah, I thought you were, that red hair of yours gives you away.’ She touched my hair.

‘What’s your name?’

‘Oh well, I am Amethyst, but most people call me Ammy.’

I tasted her name. ‘Ammy? I like that. Most call me Julie or Fox, they said Juliana is too hard to say.’

‘It is, but I still like it. Well,’ she sighed deeply, ‘perhaps you and I should get some sleep…tomorrow, perhaps we shall find our loves all better.’

I nodded slowly. God, I prayed in my heart, for her kindness to me I ask you to heal her family. I felt a gentle breeze flow through the room.

I knew He would grant it for her.

‘Not to worry Ammy,’ I whispered, ‘this time tomorrow you will be in your home with your husband by your side.’

‘Such vain hope you give a person Miss Julie.’ She murmured. I turned over and faced the wall, smiling in spite of Nic dying in the next room.

‘Give it to me straight Leigha, how is he?’ I was pouring me my second bowl of porridge. It was nearly noon, after rounds (Leigha forbade me to even glance at Nic, thought my heart bled every time I heard his chest aching coughs escaping the protection of the quilt) the town was slowly starting to heal, or at least it appeared that way, we hadn’t had a new case in almost a week. Which was something that hadn’t happened since this Plague came upon us.

‘Julie, he made the night~that was something in itself. Probably the worst part of this illness is the night.’ This I knew after dragging out dead body after dead body in the morning. I never quite figured out why. ‘Right now all that can help him is prayer.’ She quickly gathered her things and threw them into the dish pail. ‘Oh by the way,’ she added gathering the ribbons of her apron around her waist, ‘we have three cots that aren’t being used…’ I felt my eyes twinkle merrily, ‘tonight I thought we’d go report to Monks that three of his blessed flock has been healed.’ Her eyes glowed angrily. ‘That (her word to describe him was so harsh it made Timothy blush) is actually taking the sick into his church and caring for them there.’ She shook her head in utter frustration. ‘He doesn’t know one herb from another…anyway’ she called going behind the quilt, ‘they’re having some sort of healing service for them tonight and I was hoping one of us could check on them and sneak them some herbs.’ Her voice grew fainter.

‘Healing service?’ I asked Timothy who was devouring his fifth bowl.

‘Monks way of uncursing the curses you and Leigha put on those poor people.’ He hid the sarcasm in his voice.

‘Oh.’ I rose form the table to search out Ammy and see how her family was.

‘Oh, Julie how can I thank you!?’ The woman ran towards me and grabbed my shoulders before I knew what was going on.

‘Thank me for what?’ I choked out.

‘You healed my family.’ Her smile screamed joy to me.

Now I must confess I felt pretty good about myself, but that good feeling ended quickly as a large set of talons dug into my head.

My dear Ossian was back. ‘You should be thanking God, kind woman, He answered my request.’ In an instant that woman was on her knees singing a grand song of praise. It took all I had not to shout for joy.

‘I must go Ammy, may God grant you the blessings of His will.’ I disappeared into the shadows, praising God in my own way.

The church was in total chaos. Timothy, Leigha, and I stood at the back. Before us were men and women screaming curses upon…actually I never could make out what they were cursing…but whatever it was it must have been really bad for they were cutting themselves with daggers~even the children.

Leigha’s face mirrored horror as we made our way to an empty pew. Ducking blood, holy water, and curses, we quickly sat down trying to look as inconspicuous as possible.

‘What is going on?’ Leigha hissed.

‘They’re cursing something…’ Timothy leaned back to try and decipher some of the babbling.

They’re cursing Me, Julie. They think I brought this Plague upon them. They have turned their back to Me.

No why would they go and curse God? Didn’t the Angel warn James that this was coming?

I bit my lip. I sat there quietly trying to keep out of it until~

‘People of Tylslnd, I tell you this, God has turned His back to you, He no longer hears you, He has turned a deaf ear to us.’ Father Monk roared, setting a blaze a stack of Bibles in the middle of the church.

I felt the anger rise into my blood. My fists began clenching, my hair shot sparks out of my skin.

This foolishness had to be put to an end.

‘People of Tylslnd…listen to me.’ But not a one of them looked up. I caught Father Monks saying a few words that shouldn’t have been included in a mass service.

Leigha, who was sitting next to me, had her eyes dancing with glee as she watched this whole town make fools of themselves.

I gave her my most vicious look, as I let out a shrill whistle.

Ossian flew in; she swiftly and purposely went from every few people landing on their heads, making as much ruckus as they themselves were. I thought it was quite amusing.

I stepped behind the pulpit, the picture of Mother Mary behind me. ‘Now do you mind quieting your tongues long enough to hear my words?’ I snapped as they turned to me.

‘There, that’s much better. You all know me as Juliana O’Leary~the one who is taking care of your sick while you are cursing the God Who wants to help you…’

‘And that’s one hell of a job you are doing, you and that witch friend of yours!’ Farmer Jokile screamed, his wife pulling him down on the pew vainly trying to calm him.

‘Sit down Sir.’ Timothy said calmly. Farmer Jokile griped himself into the bench.

‘We are doing our best, this hate is stronger than any love we here have, and our continually arguing and fighting does not help matters. We must gather our strength and lay it before God…’

‘God!!’ This time it was Rolf who stood up, I sighed deeply. God please don’t let me kill these people. ‘God, has nothing to do with it he’s up there laying on his cloud while we’re down here dying.’

‘We?!? What we?’ I argued. ‘None of us are dead. We’re still here, we’re the solders God has chosen to fight this evil, and all we can do is fight with ourselves. The Bible says ‘Blessed are the Peacemakers for they shall be called the children of God.’ People of the Kingdom which I love, we must be the peacemakers. God loves us so much.’

‘How do you know witch? If God cared about us so much He wouldn’t be murdering our kids like he is.’ That drew snorts of agreement.

‘If you call my sister a witch one more time…’ Timothy glared at Rolf.

‘Timothy you’re not helping.’ I whispered under my breath.

Ossian flew to my shoulder, Juliana repeat these words. I AM what I AM. I AM the God of your past present and each of your futures. I have a purpose behind what I AM doing. You are not to understand~not yet. Know that I love you and I am protecting you, I AM the I AM, I will be your guide through this valley of death.

‘God~you know, the one sitting up there playing with his toes while we’re down here suffering~his message is this. I AM what I AM. I AM the God of your past present and each of your futures. I have a purpose behind what I AM doing. You are not to understand~not yet. Know that I love you and I am protecting you, I AM the I AM, I will be your guide through this valley of death.’ Now if I was in the crowd and I just heard this, I would be at least a bit on the hopeful side. But do you think those fools were? No Sir.

Waves of whispers made their way to the front as I stood there in frustrated silence. ‘She’s demon possessed. ‘ Father Monks said loudly. ‘No one can hear God, save of course those who are of the priesthood.’ He puffed himself out. I thought he resembled a male bird in mating season. All the sudden I had the picture of him with a bunch of Leigha’s feathers covering his body strutting in front of the chicks.

That mental picture was the only thing that got me through the next few moments of my life.

‘You,’ I pointed to Monks, ‘you have just shown your ignorance.’ Sneers met my ears.

‘Father Monks rounded on me in record timing. ‘You see! This is not our Juliana O’Leary talking~her Father wouldn’t stand for it, nor would her Mother~it’s a demon, this child is possessed with the devil.’

I looked at him carefully. His eyes glinted with malice. Something was wrong.

But I didn’t have time to figure out what that something was wrong for my dear brother’s hand was enclosed tightly around Monks’ neck.

‘APOLOGIZE!’ He bellowed. ‘My SISTER is NO DEMON NOR IS SHE POSSESSED BY ONE!’ Monks just gasped for air.

No sooner had Timothy made his roar than the whole town started gathering around him. ‘Let him go you animal!’ … ‘He’s a preist~he knows what he knows.’ Men were pounding Timothy on the head with their fists. Younger boys kicked him hard in the shins. All the while I was shouting ‘STOP!’ as was Leigha. However~as usual~they ignored me. I saw through the mess Monks crawl out from underneath a pair of feet then slither towards the door.

But he never made it.

An old man emerged from out of nowhere. I had never in my like seen one like him. His skin was black as night, yet his eyes glowed with a strange and maniatic light.

‘Every one of you return to your seats.’ He spoke the words slowly and quietly, nonetheless to my very surprise, the throng heeded him and quit their senseless beating of Timothy. Quickly Leigha ran to his side and hauled him to the pew.

‘Ald, ‘ Monks said icily, delicately rising off the floor, ‘what are you doing here?’

The Old Man leaned on his staff. Ald…Ald…that name sounded familiar to me…

‘I knew you’d be down here starting off trouble,’ angrily he glanced towards the burning stack of Bibles ‘I thought I’d come here and start some trouble of my own.’

Monks glared daggers at him. ‘You have no King, you have no hope, you have no faith, just because you don’t have your way.’ His eyes were of the strangest color I’d ever seen. Not a blue or black more of a darkness. ‘You have one last chance Monks, you will die before the girl will. You will move out of the way or be removed.’ His deep eyes stared into mine. ‘Stay out of God’s Way.’ And with that he left leaving a stunned Allen Monks trembling in his wake.

Chapter 8

Chapter Eight

Kings of Worms

‘That was amazing.’ Leigha finally breathed. Monks practically begged us to relieve him of those people who were infected worse than any of the others I had ever seen. ‘If they live,’ Leigha told him, ‘they will live a cursed life one with many problems and trials. And they have you to blame for it.’ I thought Monks was going to explode right then and there but he sucked up and said, ‘Very well.’ It took all I had not to smile.

‘Who was that man?’ She asked Timothy. He shrugged a return, ‘I’ve never met him, though he sounds a lot like someone we know.’ I shook my head in mock irritation.

‘How’s your head?’ Leigha had wrapped a torn piece of her head around a lovely bruise pulsing beneath his skin.

‘Better. Still sore though.’

‘It probably will be for a while. That was a hard whack.’

‘Just shows that that hard head of yours is worth something.’ I dodged as a large hand made its way around my neck but I forgot about the other which was coiled on my waist.

He squished me into a giant bear hug. We laughed all the way home completely oblivious to the problems that had been tossed in our laps.

Timothy was in another one of his lovely moods. And, I think its sorta my fault. Well, not really my fault, both our faults…okay so really my fault.

Everything was going good. Timothy had been almost civil the past few weeks, while I was taking care of Nic and trying not to kill Leigha and Monks, who, by the way, had disregarded the old man’s warning and has been parading around the barn with his “priests” (I use this term loosely) calling on Jesus to pour his blood down on us “fools”, so far nothing has happened, unless you count Timothy going out with a stick threatening to beat them up, which I found rather entertaining especially when the children began biting their ankles. Leigha and I about died with laughter.

But then I had to go and ruin everything! ( Even though I still don’t really think its all my fault.)

‘Timothy,’ I asked two nights ago while I was fixing our broth in the barn, ‘why did you come back? Truthfully.’ Why I asked this stupid question is beyond me.

‘I don’t know.’ He mumbled defensively. ‘Why?’

‘No reason, simple question.’ He looked at me strangely.

‘Well, I suppose I wanted to see if you were good.’

‘Why wouldn’t I be?’

It seemed to me he was carefully picking the right words with which to answer for I had the broth served and had prayed over it before he answered. ‘I felt like you were in trouble.’

‘Felt? What does felt mean?’ I asked, although I knew the answer to that question. God had called Him. Now the real question was why?

‘Felt, Julie. Like a shiver.’ Now there’s something that I need to say about my brother. Rarely ever does he get mad over what normal people would normally get mad over, Timothy chose to get mad (and stay mad) over little things, like my hair, he had a fit the first he saw Nic’s Mother putting it in a braid instead of him. He went on a rampage and tore up two chairs and axed three trees to ribbons in one day. Needless to say, she never touched my hair again. But on normal things, like stubbing a toe or something, he never showed any type of frustration or irritation. This was one of those times. ‘Julie what does it matter the reason I came back?’ He slammed his fist on the table causing me, Ossian, Hubert, Leigha, and the rest to jump.

‘Forget it Timothy. Sorry for bringing it up.’ I whispered embarrassment creeping into my cheeks.

‘No you brought it up, you finish it.’ His face went to an odd red. A vein at the top of his head began to poke out. (Now does this make any sense to you? Getting mad over one question, don’t worry I didn’t understand either.)

‘What’s there to finish?’ I snapped. ‘I was just wondering, I forget how horrid it is for me to ask you anything that you don’t want to hear.’

‘Oh I see. So what you want me to say I came back to beg your and the Felons apologies, or that I came to wish you a happy life? What Julie?’ Spit was flying everywhere as he jumped from his chair spilling it to the ground, I watched as everyone in the room quietly left the table and the two O’Leary’s alone. Even Hubert crawled around Timothy’s giant feet tail between his legs. If I wasn’t so mad I would have laughed.

‘You know what your problem is Timothy O’Leary? You expect everyone to hate you and scorn you so then you can hate them instead of loving them. It must just rile your feathers to see this town treat you with respect and thankfulness to nearly kill yourself hunting to provide food and medicine for their families.’ I stared at him, barely able to keep the tears out of my voice. My brother just looked at me for an instant, I thought I was to get slapped; instead he just turned on his heel and slammed the front door behind him.

‘ That could have gone better.’ Leigha and her sarcastic self finally said. I just stared at her.

I think I just messed up again.

See what I mean? Not really MY fault. Oh well, I suppose there’s enough blame to go around. I was mopping the sweat around Nic’s forehead when a new face appeared at the split in the curtain (quilt, but Leigha insists it’s a curtain, if you roll your eyes at this, I understand completely as I have done so many times.)

The girl couldn’t have been more than four years old. She had a ring of golden curls framing her angelic face. Her bright blue eyes screamed terror when she saw she was caught.

‘Don’t go.’ I cried grabbing the hem of her dress. That’s where the ugly boils peeking from her legs. ‘Here child, come sit by me, I don’t bite.’ I smiled. ‘Well, I don’t bite hard.’ The girl grinned shyly. Timidly she sat on the mat next to me. I gave her one more smile then turned back to Nic.

Usually after the first two weeks the plagued began to turn the corner, but Nic was not. In spite of all the medicine and attention we’ve given him, he just will not get better. His face was in a constant state of horrors, his dreams a window to the terrors of hell. Never in my life had I uttered so many prayers in so much haste.

‘Where are your parents?’ I asked bringing the cool towel to meet Nic’s fevered head. I was irritated at Leigha over his head; she made me shave off every bit of his tan hair so the fever wouldn’t spread so fast so hard.

‘In the ground.’ Her eyes brought out the pain of her heart.

‘Oh.’ I tried to ignore the tears in her eyes, but I found I was blinded by my own.

It just wasn’t fair!! The Kingdom of Tylslnd was turning into a barren wasteland. Though the people were healing the land was not. Life left our boarders leaving death in its wake. Crops were dead, water was mud, the sun’s glory was gone all we had left was dreary skies. Robbers~out of sheer hunger, and the thought of having no King~looted the dead’s homes taking all the had left behind. Food was still being brought to us from the other villages but our money was running out and the Royal Court refused to open its treasure to us.

The King! The very thought of him made me ill. He and his cowardliness poured such anger through my blood I shudder to think what I might do to him if I ever met him again.

A soft word pulled me out of my fury. ‘Lady.’ I looked at the girl sharply, I forgot she was there.

‘Yes?’

‘He won’t die.’ She said these words with such assurance my mind didn’t understand them.

‘Of course he won’t die.’ My smile faltered, I gave her a reassuring pat on the head. Gently she laid her hand on his. ‘Its cold…but his head’s warm.’ Stupid tears! A sign of weakness. I hated to cry and yet here I was doing this stupid female…stuff. ‘Mommy’s head was cold, but her hands were warm.’ A lump formed in my throat. She spoke as if she was just stating the simple facts of life, not the reality of this evil.

‘My parents died when I was your age.’ I whispered more to myself than to the girl.

‘Did you cry?’

‘Yes, I cried a lot, I still do.’ The girl looked at me in horror. ‘What’s wrong?’ Her hands squeezed Nic’s so hard I thought she was going to break it off. ‘I didn’t cry when Mommy and Daddy died. I tried…but I couldn’t get the tears to come out…all I could do was stare at them…’ Her voice trailed off.

‘What’s your name?’

She wouldn’t bring her eyes to meet mine. ‘Narcissi.’ She squeezed out around the dry sobs in her throat.

‘I’ll tell you a secret Narcissi,’ I gathered her up in my arms. ‘When anything goes wrong in my life, I do one of two things. I cry or get mad.’ I smiled evilly. ‘Over the past few months I’ve learned neither gets you anywhere, nevertheless my anger and my tears are my strengths and my weaknesses. They’re a part of me.’ I brushed the tears from her eyes. ‘Now my brother Timothy does something that’s a lot like you. When Daddy died all Timothy did was go outside and shovel mud form one pile into another. That was the only way he knew how to let his emotions escape him. Maybe you don’t need tears or fire to get your frustrations out. Not crying at your parents death doesn’t make you a horrible person; it just means you have to find another way to let your feelings go. Personally, I’d recommend tearing down all these blasted curtains.’ The girl smirked but a yawn interrupted it. ‘The I would have to put up with Leigha’s anger.’

‘Ah,’ I whispered to the sleeping child. ‘Leigha’s anger is nothing compared to what yours will be.’

The rain was blinding and irritating. I had just put Narcissi to bed when I saw Ossian out the window. I knew something was amiss since she had disappeared a few weeks ago left with a vow.

When we meet again; you will leave this place and go to another, My Name is needed there.

So here I was standing in the window in rain the violet cloak tossing in the wind and rain waiting on Ossian to decide to come down.

You will go to see the King. I have a message for him. Your brother will be accompanying you.

Since I have matured in my ways I will not tell you the words that I screamed here, but I will say that they were not very Christ like.

I stormed into the barn nearly knocking Leigha and two little kids over. ‘Juliana O’Leary what the devil is wrong with you?!’ Leigha screamed as I made my way to the back of the barn to retrieve my shoes.

‘Need to go see King James. Have to go with Timothy.’ My voice managed to get out in my fury. Why in all of heaven did Timothy have to go? I am more than capable of taking care of myself.

‘But he’s a week away!’ Leigha roared.

‘I know.’

‘So your just gonna leave me here while you go catch up with your wayward King?’ Leigha thundered back to the front of the barn. Several people were staring at us in amazement as our shouting continued.

‘Yes Leigha, you’re a healer after all, I’m pretty sure you can handle things here.’ I tried to make it sound like a compliment.

‘I hate you.’ Leigha screamed then spun on her heel and vanished behind the quilt.

‘Well, I don’t have warm feelings towards you either.’ Tears stung my eyes; I knew I didn’t mean that.

Three Days Later

The wheels squeaked in perfect harmony with the horses steps. Dirt billowed its way behind the creaky wagon, marking its way upon the path between the Kingdom of Tylslnd and the village of Ryherm. The birds songs were more joyous with each mile they passed. If only Timothy and I could share the same joy.

Irritation was written on both our faces. When Timothy came to pick me up at the barn he had the most dazed look on his, I assumed it was due to the fact that a certain angel ordered him to come get me.

But now that look was replaced with deep anger and resentment. ‘This is all your fault.’ He finally snapped, after saying little or nothing over this long and boring journey.

‘My fault? How is it my fault?’ I looked at him in surprise.

He thought for a minute then answered. ‘You are the one who refused to go to China with me, if you had, neither of would be in this mess.’

I sighed and rolled my eyes at the same time. ‘Timothy, that is the most stupidest thing I have ever heard in my life. First off, I am engaged to Nic, we couldn’t just pack up and leave because you are afraid to face your past. Second, God wouldn’t let me leave anyway, He called me to do this. So it really doesn’t matter.’

His nostrils flared. ‘God called you? Julie, do you honestly think that the Creator of the world called you, Juliana O’Leary, to what, go tell James what a jerk he is?’ He laughed at his joke.

I didn’t. ‘I don’t have to answer you, nor do I have to acknowledge your presence. I have no idea of why God called you to bring me to James, but he did, however that doesn’t mean that I have to like it. Now if you’ll excuse me, I’ll be ignoring you and your wise statements for the rest of the trip.’

‘Fine with me.’ Timothy snapped.

And that’s just about how the whole trip went.

The village of Ryherm was actually part of Tylslnd, but it was so far away that not many maps included it as part of the larger Kingdom.

‘There it is, the castle where James is staying in.’ Timothy announced. Had I not been so preoccupied with my sweating palms and beating heart, I would have wondered how Timothy could have known where they were staying.

‘Fine. Let’s get this over with.’ We made our way to the gates; I was very much surprised at the ease of entering the castle. Not a guard one stood in our way.

God.

Ossian was perched upon the shoulder of my long purple cloak. Over the last months, I had grown attached to this cloak. It was so warm and soft, and yet at the same time light and the way it billowed in the wind took my breath away.

The inside of the great hall was truly a site to behold. Beautiful stone accented the fine rugs that flowed down the walls. Swords and shields made of gold were mounted upon pegs above the great throne of the King and Queen. (Normally the governors of the villages lived here, but I had a sneaky suspicion certain members of the Kingdom kicked them out. ‘State your business.’ A burly soldier ordered Timothy holding out his spear so we couldn’t pass. I knew from his fine uniform he was a royal knight.

‘We are here to do business with the King.’ Timothy grunted. I burrowed my head farther into the hood in fear of being recognized.

‘The King is busy.’ A figure said from a long flight of stairs. I spun around to meet the eyes of Queen Alice. She was the most beautiful woman I have ever seen. Her hair was done in tiny curls trying to cover the crown of jewels atop her head. Her dress was of the purest golden silk flowing down and fanning out as a waterfall. She wore a long shawl covering her frail shoulders and her feet were adorned with the most precious of shoes to be found.

‘I don’t care.’ Timothy bellowed, ‘we still need to see him.’ Knights were pouring in from every side of the room; swords drawn. Timothy kept his finger on his own but didn’t raise it.

To me that was more dangerous.

Alice raised a slender hand. ‘The King is busy. Our Kingdom has fallen into despair with this plague. He is getting some sleep for he can not sleep at night thinking of what those poor souls must be going through.’

Yes, and all you do is sit here on your royal cushion. I glowered at the shadows around my face.

Alright God, You sent me here, I need You to fill me with the right things to do and say.

‘We need to see King James.’ He pressed.

‘Didn’t you hear Mother? Daddy is busy!’ A voice shrieked. From behind the darkness a figure emerged. A little girl no more than ten with light brown hair and an angelic face.

It was my little sister.

‘Yes child,’ Timothy whispered swallowing his shock, ‘I understand that…’ Timothy and the two continued in their argument while I felt myself slip out into another dream.

Time is your enemy now Juliana. You must see the King now before he takes your time. You know what to do and say. The Angel moved behind the Queen. Open your eyes, its time you knew the truth.

All at once I was standing in a different room. It was lit by a single candle held in the blurry reflection of the mirror. As I moved closed the reflection took shape. It was a girl in a long black dress adorned with lace and precious stones. Her head wore a crown so magnificent it was worthy of any King and then some.

The girl was a reflection of me.

The only difference was the look on our faces. Mine held shock and hers was a hunger for blood, vengeance, a human soul. All the sudden the room went dark. Slowly my eyes trailed to the candle. The orb of light was no longer white but black and it was no longer dripping wax to the floor but blood. As the blood hit the floor it crumbled into a pile of red flames. I lurched back in horror only to feel the edge of a dagger at my throat.

‘Revenge is one that never comes from the future. It draws its power and strength from the past. However, revenge comes in many forms, open your eyes to the truth.’ The reflection jammed the dagger into my back. I felt to the ground gasping for air around the pain in my heart.

‘The good of the past are often the worst of the future, remember that and you just might win.’ She disappeared back into the mirror as I closed my eyes to death’s power.

And opened them to the irritated face of Alice and Megan. I pulled the hood off my head just as the guards were about to drag Timothy out of the castle. ‘You will take us to see your King. The child he rejected has returned. The one with no past or future is here.’ Queen Alice took one look at me and fainted.

Chapter Nine

The Truth is a Lie.

‘Mother!’ Megan screamed catching her before she hit the floor. ‘You. Get me some water for her.’ She barked to the nearest guard. Hastily he ran to the pump nearly tripping over his feet.

‘Come’ was all I could say to this drama playing out before us. Timothy joined me as we made our way up the stars. ‘Your eyes are redder than fire, Julie.’ He whispered while we walked to the end of the hall.

‘I know. I had another vision.’ I hissed through the folds of the shadows.

‘Oh.’

‘Be on your guard.’ I added before opening the door. The room brought out all the darkness I had been dwelling with over the past year.

There he was crouched down to an old man the King of the mightiest Kingdom on earth. Though in this moment he looked anything but. His hair had grown down to the middle of his back, the clothes once fit for a King now looked like refuge the poor would wear in desperation. His crown sat at a sharp angle on his unruly hair and his sword leaned against the table that he was bent over.

Timothy and I stood there watching his back in silent disbelief, until a sharp voice screeched behind us. ‘Your not to be up here!’ Megan was supporting her Mother on side and a knight was on the other.

‘No matter child, I’ve been expecting them.’ If it hadn’t have been for the heavy hood the look on my face when he turned around might have broken every mirror on this planet.

James face really didn’t look like a face at all. It looked more like Leigha’s oatmeal. The features were haggard with fatigue and guilt from not lifting your hand to help your citizens.

‘Who are you?’ James asked rather bluntly.

‘The one the Lord has sent.’ I can’t describe the feeling one gets when talking but not really knowing what you are saying for it really isn’t you saying but a greater Power. ‘You took my past from me…I gave Him my present…my future. You know who I am.’

Dawning appeared in James’ eyes as he stood to meet his full height. ‘You,’ he snorted to Timothy, ‘are Gilroy’s son.’

‘Yes.’ James nodded. He turned to his wife.

‘Alice.’ He breathed her name gently. The Queen’s eyes fluttered open. He cupped her face tenderly while murmuring words of comfort. I noticed Timothy’s eyes dilate in annoyance. Waiting was not one of his strengths.

Slowly James looked back to me. ‘I shall ask you one more time, who are you?’

I stared straight into his cold eyes. ‘The daughter you rejected eleven years ago.’

‘Juliana O’Leary. I thought you were dead.’ He took a small step back.

‘You!’ Alice sneered angrily. ‘You have haunted our dreams and our past, and now you come to ruin our future.’

‘You have ruined your own future by not embracing the mercy God gave you and even now you sit in royalty while your subjects sit in misery. Your cowardice has ruined your future.’ I flipped the hood back dispelling the shadows guarding my face.

‘What do you want with us?’ James asked after digesting what was said.

‘To warn you, the future of your families mistakes is coming. You have trespassed against yourselves and now you must face the consequences, now you must suffer as the people of Tylslnd have suffered. All because of your pride.’

‘There is no hope, then?’ Alice interjected.

‘Hope there is,’ I answered turning to meet her anger. ‘However, only you can find it. You must look down into yourself and find that what’s good and honorable left in both you and this earth. Hold on to what you find and never let go. In the end only hope, faith, and vast amounts of love will save us.’

The king was staring at me in awe. ‘You know the truth.’

‘I know the lies of the truth.’ I answered quietly.

‘What’s that supposed to mean?’ He snapped, stepping in front of my face. I could smell the stench of staleness in his hair.

‘I know the lies you have passed off to be the truth. The lies concerning Gilroy’s children. All of his children.’ I stared at Megan’s defiant figure.

‘You.’ He sneered grabbing the sword at the table. ‘Death is too good for a servant of Him.’ The sword whipped out barely missing my face. I grabbed the blade with my hand.

‘I wouldn’t do that again.’ I said with a smile. ‘For you see, my brother needs no excuse to tear your head off with his bare hands, and I’m sure that sword of his could do things much faster. As well as’ I let go of the blade. James fell back with a large grunt of pain; the sword was glowing red with the flame of the Lord’s anger. ‘thousands of angels armed at the throne of the Almighty Jehovah. Besides killing me won’t destroy the Shadow of Evil.’

Everyone’s faces turned from white to grey. Megan rose from the chair she had collapsed in earlier. ‘You act as if this plague is our fault.’

‘It is and it isn’t.’ Was the answer. I met James’ eyes with my red ones. ‘You have been asked to complete a mission and you shrugged off your duties. For your act of disobedience everything you hold dear will be given to the one you hate.’ I lifted the hood back on my head. ‘Come Timothy.’ The royal family sat in our wake in stunned silence.

‘Julie here I’ll fix the tea.’ Timothy took the pot away from my shaking hands. We sat quietly in peace thankful that there were two days between us and the wrath of King James. ‘Julie I want you to know that I am sorry.’ He whispered after taking a few sips of the hot tea.

‘Of course you are.’ I grinned slyly. Timothy gave a small smile.

‘I thought you still hated me. That’s why I came back. I wanted to see if you still hated me.’

‘Why would I hate you?’

‘Because James chose me instead of you.’ Timothy said after some time.

‘Oh.’ I stared into the red fire. Sparks flew off the wood Timothy had spent the past hour gathering. ‘I never hated you Timothy. You just don’t understand what it was like growing up without a Mother or Father. Knowing your sister was living life to the fullest in the arms of the King and Queen and waking up each morning never knowing whether your brother would be there today or if he decided to just pack up and leave. To see your Father die one minute and then the next be thrown out of the castle in fear. To grow up with nightmares of that arrow hitting you. To know that you were the one that everyone forgot about. I think I resented you and every other living human for that. But I never hated you.’

‘Julie I tried. If you knew how much I wanted to take you away from the Felons. I wanted to shove you into James’ arms and make him take you. Julie, you gotta understand, I lived in that palace for a year. It was pure torture getting up at a certain time, being at a certain place, being dressed in certain clothes. I knew you couldn’t handle that Julie. Besides you were happy with the Felons. I new I couldn’t give you what you really needed.’ Tears sprung into his large black eyes. He roughly brushed the back with his hand. ‘All I wanted was to make you happy. It seemed the harder I tried the more hatred you gave me.’

I laid my hand on his leg. ‘But Timothy there’s something you don’t understand. It wasn’t the gifts I wanted, or the money, or even that dull castle. All I wanted was someone who would love me, not because I am Gilroy’s and Suzana’s child…only that I am what I am. All I really wanted was a big brother who would strangle all the monsters in my dreams and scare the darkness off, a brother who would beat up anyone who dared to mess with his sister. A brother who didn’t mind giving her a hug every now and then.’

‘Well, I failed miserably.’ Timothy alleged.

‘Only in your mind have you. You were the one who scared off Rolf, you were the one who defended me against the King.’

‘Only because Nic is sick.’

‘Ah, but it could be you on that mat just as easily as Nic. God chose you to help me Timothy, the same way he chose me.’ I smiled. ‘The past is the past. All we can do is change the future.’

‘Is there a future worth saving?’ Timothy asked brushing a lock of curls from my forehead.

‘Yes.’ I answered curling up next to him. I felt him stiffen slightly.

‘You love that Nic, don’t you?’ He wrapped his arm clumsily around me.

‘Yes, why?’

‘I hope he gets better.’ Was all he would say.

‘I love you Timothy.’ I whispered falling asleep.

‘I love you too, Fox.’

‘No, I don’t think there’s anything wrong with Alice.’ Timothy was gnawing on a piece of cheese and lightly tapping the horses’ backs with the reigns. We were bet a few hours away from Tylslnd.

‘Well, she married James.’ I retorted. As far as royal people went Alice was tolerable. She did help the poor by giving them extra food from the castle. I just didn’t like her. ‘She’s a bit of a poor dresser.’

Timothy rolled his eyes. ‘So…wearing a black cape is the standard nowadays?’

‘It’s a purple cloak.’ I corrected.

‘I think Alice is a very beautiful woman.’ Timothy began.

‘Beauty’s only skin deep.’

He glanced at me evilly. ‘Well, jealousy goes way past the skin.’ I stuck my tongue out at his gloating face. It was good to have my brother back.

I felt my knee nervously shake as we approached the gates of the city. Timothy gently laid a large hand on it. ‘Relax. He’ll be fine.’

‘I hope so.’ Was all my now chattering teeth could choke out.

‘I know so.’ He smiled reassuringly. I tried to give him one back; it wouldn’t come.

‘Leigha hinted around that he may not live.’ I defended my nervousness.

‘Leigha.’ He snorted loudly. ‘That woman is almost as loony as you are, my dearest Fox.’

‘Almost? Look at her clothes!’

‘What is it with you and women’s clothes?! I swear.’ His eyes twinkled. ‘Leigha exaggerates was too much, I wouldn’t believe a word she says.’

‘I’ll try to bear that in mine.’

‘Good.’ The hoofs chirped merrily in the mud. The sky was still dark with dread. The silence of evil was still taking its hold on our Kingdom, stubbornly refusing to let it go. No more were there colors, just dullness and blackness.

I was back home.

‘Whoa.’ Timothy said to the horses stopping the wagon in front of the barn. I jumped out and leaped into the place of sickness.

‘LEIGHA! NIC!’ I screamed going from mat to mat. There were not as many people there as there was when I left. That was either a very good thing or a very bad thing. ‘Nic?’ The mat he usually slept on was empty.

Panic started to sit in. I dashed to the next mat vainly looking for a glimpse of his still form. Nothing. He wasn’t here…he wasn’t here…

‘Julie!’ Leigha’s voice caught hold of me and pulled me out of the nightmare.

I grabbed her thin shoulders. ‘Where’s Nic…he didn’t…’ My voice trailed off. I dared not say the last word. Please God no…

‘Julie go look out back.’ Leigha gently prodded me with her palms. Slowly I walked to the back of the barn not wanting to spoil what little hope I had left. A dull sound of an axe hitting wood met my ears as I opened the back door.

A boy was splitting wood not looking up to see who was there. He had gained weight and was almost back to his normal size. I noticed his pants were a bit shorter than I remembered them, and his baby curls awkwardly arranged on his blistered head.

Nonetheless, he was still my Nic.

‘Two seconds Leigha’ He fumed splitting another log, ‘and I’ll have this wood split, if you’d just shut that door it wouldn’t get so cold in there.’

I finally found my voice. I slammed the door behind. ‘Happy now?’ I touched his arm.

He jumped a good foot then slowly turned to meet me. ‘Julie?’ I tired to give him a yes, I really did, but all that would come out was one giant sob. ‘Julie!’ He screamed dragging me too him and wrapping his arms about me. Tears flowed from both our eyes as we gave each other a kiss that was long overdue. ‘Leigha said you wouldn’t be back for another two days.’ He finally croaked.

I purred. ‘Mmm…amazing how fast those horses can go…’

Nic smiled. ‘You did it Julie. The plague has loosened its grip on us. The town is finally starting to heal.’ His perfect blue eyes showed a hidden joy that only I could read.

‘No, God did it.’ He laughed.

‘I love you Madam O’Leary.’ He kissed me gently I tasted salt and sweetness on his lips.

‘And I love you Master Felon.’

‘Now all we need to do is make you Mistress Felon.’ His eyes snapped with excitement. ‘And as quickly as possible.’

‘My sentiments exactly my good man.’ We laughed as I allowed him to lead back in the barn to Timothy and Leigha.

After eight months of hell and evil our time of peace has come. But for how long? The plague cut the number of people in half. However, hope was being found. Homes that were forgotten in sickness were being repaired. Seeds, both of kindness and of plants were being sown. Though the sky reflected doom, the earth gave off hope.

Nic and I were to be wed tomorrow, by none other than Farmer Goelp, who was more than happy to marry “his lad” to the “prettiest girl that ever lived.” But today was a day for friends, I insisted that Leigha take a walk with me now that the plague had slowed down somewhat, and though she claimed to be very tired, I persuaded her to take a short one anyway.

‘So how is your dress coming?’ We walked along the trail that led north of my cabin into a rig of woods that surrounded the outer parts of the village.

‘Oh, it’s a long tragic story. First we ran out of the light purple material we were going to use for the skirt, so we had to switch that out with the cream, then one of the women actually asked Timothy if he knew how to sew.’ Leigha both laughed. Timothy sewing, that was unimaginable.

‘Mr. Left Thumbs?’ Leigha cooed loudly.

‘Yes, its been a very long two weeks. But you know what…its worth it. I’ve been waiting for this it seems like forever.’

‘How long have you and Nic been together?’

‘Oh well I’ve known Nic ever since I was five, but we have only been together together since I was fifteen.’ Nic and I realized we loved each other more than the normal brother and sister, best friend love after his parents and Timothy left. Neither of had anyone but each other to turn made each of us realize how much we really meant to one another.

‘How did you know he was the one?’ Leigha has the prettiest eyelashes I have ever seen. I decided sitting down on the flat rock next to her.

‘Simple. His eyes.’

‘His eyes?’ She looked confused.

‘Ah, when I was little my Mother used to say that eyes are windows to the soul, but whose soul?’

‘Your soul?’

‘Sorta. When I look into Nic’s eyes, its not his soul I see, but mine. I see the love I have for him, and the love he has for me. I see the depth of love we have for each other and somehow I know everything will be just fine. One only hopes that their eyes reflect the same hope and love.’

Leigha wiped a tear off her eye. ‘You know Julie, if you would just calm down and quit trying to change everyone, you are actually quite nice.’

‘Well, thank you Leigha.’ I smiled. ‘And when you’re not so bossy and pushy you’re nice.’

We both erupted in the sweet sound of laughter. ‘You know Julie,’ Leigha whispered chewing on a thin blade of grass, ‘I’ve always wondered something, why did God pick us?’

‘I thought there wasn’t a God?’ I answered saucily.

‘Oh, there’s a God.’ Leigha beamed secretly.

Thank You.

I was trying to come up with something to say when my eyes hit a tiny purple flower. I picked it gently and handed it to her. ‘Me, you, Timothy, Nic, we are all different from most people ~you and I especially. We see the world through different eyes, we think in many ways not normal by human standards, and we love in a more real way than most others. Its not that we’re any better than anyone one else, or that we’re more qualified, its simply because we are chosen. Try to imagine everyone on this planet as a field full of flowers. Some are beautiful, wondrous to behold, while others are plain, and some are just downright ugly. Many are broken wounded from the thorns around them, however there are those few who are all these things ~or none of these at all. And yet these broken, weak, ugly ones are those of which God seeks out. God doesn’t use “normal” people who are smart, beautiful, and strong. God uses the flowers that are weak, looked down on by the others, those of whom are willing to give up their place in that field to go among the thorns to change them into new flowers. Us four, we’re those that God chose. He sent us to the thorns to bring them back to his field.’ Absently I ran my hand over the sharp grass surrounding the large rock. ‘Ouch.’ I yelped cutting my hand on a blade.

‘Here.’ Leigha pressed a bit of herbs into my palm. Tenderly she lifted them back up, the cut was gone.

‘Thanks, I hope that helped.’ I muttered in embarrassment.

‘Your welcome and it did.’ We sat in an awkward silence for what seemed like an eternity. ‘So what type of flower are you?’ Leigha finally asked.

‘Me?’ I thought for a minute. ‘I would be a purple rose with thorns. I would have scarlet drops nestled into the petals. And you?’

‘Well, I would be a midnight blue lily. I would have leaves stem out all around me. Black would mar my petals, yet white purity would be my center.’

‘And if I was a flower,’ Nic whispered joining us on the rock. ‘I would be the grape vines crawling among the roses and lilies to keep them from killing each other. My vines would be a deep green marred with blackness like Leigha’s and yet would have scarlet drops like Julie’s.’

‘And what would Timothy be?’ I asked.

Nic’s eyes danced with mirth. ‘Poison Ivy.’ We fell prostate to laughter. After some small talk Nic at last informed us of his intrusion. ‘Julie, I know your busy but, those buzzards…pardon me…ladies of the church want to know why your holding services in the barn and not in the house of God.’ He heaved a heavy sigh. ‘No matter what I tell them they insist upon having you scream at them and kick them out of the barn in stead of me.’

‘Ah…well, then if that be case. Of course I shall.’ I smiled ‘Are you coming with us Leigha?’

‘Yes.’ She rose off the rock still cradling the tiny flower in her hand. I grabbed her arm.

‘You know the Bible says there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.* I have yet to find that friend…until now.’

Her face broke into a bright smile. ‘As have I.’

*That verse is Proverbs 18:24.

Chapter Ten.

A New Beginning with an Old Ending.

‘You look absolutely beautiful, Fox.’ Ammy finally breathed staring at me (who felt like a board on a stool) with tear filled eyes. ‘I remember Jade and my wedding day…it was so beautiful…you’re a blessed girl, my child.’

I tried to give her a small however when one feels like they just ate their heart one probably should keep their mouth closed.

‘What Julie is trying to say in her own way is Thank You Ammy.’ Leigha thoughtfully repeated for me.

My dress had come out better than anyone could have hoped. The skirt was a creamy white adorned and the bodice was the lightest purple I had ever laid eyes on. Leigha had fashioned my hair over the past three hours so it was piled atop my head in such a lovely way the Queen herself would be jealous.

Or so I told Leigha.

‘I need my cloak.’ I announced finding my voice.

‘JULIANA O’LEARY YOU ARE NOT WEARING THAT CLOAK ON YOUR WEDDING DAY!! AFTER ALL THE TIME WE SPENT ON THAT DRESS OF YOURS. I’LL PERSONALLY KILL YOU IF YOU EVEN TOUCH IT!!’ Leigha shrieked. We were dressing in the small barn then we would go to the larger barn.

‘And I’ll help her do it.’ Ammy warned.

‘Do what?’ Timothy asked lounging in the door frame of the barn.

‘Kill Julie.’ Leigha answered simply.

‘Kill Julie? On her wedding day?’ He shook his head. ‘Well, you might have to go kill the groom…he’s thrown up his breakfast all over his tunic and now they are running back to get him another one.’ A mad laugh escaped Ammy as she collapsed on to the ground.

‘My husband did the same thing.’ She roared at the panic look on my face. ‘Don’t worry lass, it’s a man thing.’

I nodded shakily. ‘Is that all Timothy?’ I asked praying it was.

‘No. There’s a couple of animals and a little girl who’s been standing at the door waiting patiently for a certain red head to come and compliment their dresses, fur, and wings.

I smiled at him as I went to the door to get Narcissi, Hubert, and my Dear Ossian.

‘You looked beautiful.’ I proclaimed scooping the tiny girl into my arms.

‘I have a family.’ She whispered in to my ear. ‘A big family with six brothers and three sisters. And you know what, they said I could come visit you anytime I wanted, and if you ever have a baby, I get to help you take care of it.’ I laughed at her glee.

‘Yes, you can be its big sister. Now come in, Leigha can help you with your hair.’ I watched as she pranced into the small barn.

‘And now for you too. I see Timothy gave you a bath.’ I solemnly shook paws with the bull dog. ‘I’d pick you up, but Leigha would probably kill if she saw your paw prints on my dress. If there was a way…you would be the one leading me down the aisle, for you are my brother.’ I kissed him on his head. ‘Now go see if you can perk my Nic up.’

‘And you.’ I held my arm out for the mighty bird to rest. Her eyes were the same flame of red as were mine. I hadn’t told anyone about the dream. However its shadows invaded my dreams every time my head touched the pillow. ‘Though we started off on the wrong foot, you know you’re my best friend.’ The bird nuzzled its head on my shoulder.

Enjoy your day, my Dear. You have done well. I shall send one who will prepare you for the next wave of evil. Listen to him, for he is much wiser than your pride.

I smiled at the Heavens. ‘I love You God. And I thank You for loving me, even though I can be a bit of a pain…and yes, I do lack faith and experience as some might say. But I thank You for giving me a chance. No one has ever done that before.’

‘Julie?’ Timothy asked. ‘Are you ready?’

‘No.’ I cried.

‘Well, everyone else is.’ He smiled at me. ‘You look just like Mother. If you only had her grace…’ I beamed.

‘Thank you, Timothy.’ I said lacing my arm into his.

Looking at everyone’s faces while I walked with Timothy to meet a very green Nic and an equally red Goelp, I realized something. No matter what they odds or how much strength the opposition holds, love and truth shall prevail. No matter how much you lack or how much you have, without the strength of God you will fail. Maybe not in the past or even in your present…but the future is God’s no one else’s and as long as He’s in charge and as long as there’s a future for this planet and it’s people, mercy and judgment will be given to all. Maybe not the way we want it to be given or in the time we think it should be dealt in…but it still will be grated to all.

For God’s love is greater than any love we could give, and God’s forgiveness is mightier than all our strength multiplied by infinity.

And that’s why I was chosen, because God needed a vessel to pour His love in, and He wanted the vessel to pour it out to other people.

‘I now pronounce you man and wife…you may kiss your bride.’ Farmer Goelp didn’t even finish the sentence before Nic swept me in his arms to bring me into the peace only he himself can grant me.

‘And now let’s eat!’ A voice shouted from somewhere in the barn.

‘I love Nicholas Felon.’ I whispered above the laughing and crying.

‘As I you Juliana Felon.’ His voice was barely heard over Ossian’s mighty cry from a top her place on my shoulder. ‘Come,’ he murmured in my ear ‘let’s eat.’

In that happiness Nic and I made our way to his cottage where we danced to the song of joyful peace that wondrous day away.

Darkness…fire…terror swept through my dreams. I ran as fast as I could trying to escape but every where I turned brought more horror more blank faces. The cloaked figure stood as he once had, his presence beckoning my heart.

The time is still. He hissed beneath the shining robe blinding the darkness around it. The Creature is growing in strength. Happiness will be but a memory. If you fail or win time shall go.

God is with you even when men are not…God loves even when you don’t love yourself. You are a His Prophetess. You are His voice. Go now and become complete.

Sweat poured from my temples as I awoke in Nic’s arms. Ossian sat perched on the window sill.

Time to go. The wind whispered gliding through the trees.

I rose off the bed grabbing the cloak sitting on the bed. ‘Yes, ‘ I muttered bending to kiss Nic’s forehead. ‘The future is coming.’ Quietly I shut the door behind me. I breathed the sweet air of darkness.

No one~not even a Prophet~knows what the future holds…but there was one thing I did know…the One Who held and ruled the future. And as long as I continued to be His, nothing can prevail against me.

I stepped on to the trail disappearing into the darkness of blind faith.

The Mystery of the Mysteries

It has no name no past…

          No present; no time…

            It holds the hope of our dreams

                The want of our needs guiding us to life supreme.

We wait for it, and yet are never quite ready for it when it arrives.

         It grants us hopes and blessings according to our past failures or triumphs

            It gives us Faith in the Being that controls it; for none of us can.

We walk in its shadows; cower in its wake.

         We tremble in the mighty rumble of its power…

            Embrace the beauty of its mercy.

And just what is this mighty thing?

         That makes mighty men crumble; terrible towers fall.

            It tis to be the future, the place where all our hopes come to light

And all our fears back to the darkness.

This is the 101st page of the Future of the Past. I have never written 100 pages before and I thought it was appropriate to give all my thanks here.

God. For the inspiration and words of this story, even though I have all of Julie’s personality flaws…You love me anyways and I thank you for that.

Stacey. (Hallelujah! Hallelujah) The pep talks…the help…everything. You are a great friend, and I thank you for having the patience of Gath with all my mistakes, both in my books and in my life.

Ocean. **Cyber Hug** You are definitely my big sis in the faith. Thanks for all the inspiration and help you give me. (Just so you know Ammy is based on you.)

Waffles. LEIGHA!! One word…apple!! My best friend…my number one amigo… the best editor in the entire planet…I told you I’d get this finished.

Shayla (did I spell it right?)…United…Scott…Joseph…Austin…Nancy. Yall are some really cool folks. (Says this in her best Texan twang) Thanks for everything especially your friendship.

My Family. Thanks for your love.

Everyone else. Thank you for actually reading this book. After eight months of on and off work I actually finished it. I promise there will be a Book II, hopefully sometime before school starts. The Epilogue should be finished in a couple of weeks. I am working on another book though; it’s called THE SYNOTS if you are interested in reading it. Once again everyone I know thank you for treating me the way you do, for every character in this book is based on a real person… now you get to figure which character you are.

Hey, I love you guys and I thank you for taking the time to read this and I hope it has given you some inspiration as it has me. Jeremiah 32:27 sums up this book the best… I am the LORD the God of all mankind…IS there ANYTHING too hard for me?

Love you all. ~ Rachel.

Hey. Got a new book, The Synots, should be up in a few days, in sci fi section. I never can mark the addy right, so put moonstar or Hardy Boys in the search bar, it will say something about Hardy fanfiction. Luvs, , Elf (Jer. 32:37)