The Warrior's Way Part 1

Chapter One

"Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Psalm 23:4" The words were her constant companion as she'd tried to push through the pain and continue across the barren desert valley with the heat sapping her strength. With nothing but cracked parched earth and shimmering heat waves as far as the eye could see all around, the sun beat against her relentlessly. She felt herself loosing her grip on time as her mind struggled with the trauma. The days leading up to this moment replayed across her mind like a reel. Her family and the little cottage she lived in with them. Her study of God's word. Her work tending her plants and reading her favorite books. But most of all Nathan and all those moments with him. Would she ever see him again or would this mission cost her her life here on earth? A wry chuckle escaped her lips as her weakened mind thought of the irony of here and now compared to that day so long ago, yet not so long ago. The day she had first come to Nathan's rescue. The day that it had stormed so hard a flood washed out the city of LeFence. Oh how she longed for just a little of that water right now.
Lefence was a city high up on the top of the mountain. Nathan was raised in a lovely house with everything he and his family needed and then some. And like all people of LeFence they didn't want to be bothered by the people that refused to get along. The people of The Way lived in the hill country to the right of LeFence and the people of the world lived in the deep valley to the left. But he refused to even think about the battles between the two or the reasons for them. He was happy here and whenever there was a prickle of something missing in his life he refused to think about that as well, and would go out and hang out with his friends or play card games with his twin sister until the feeling passed. He wanted to get as much happiness out of his life here on earth as he could and he was convinced he was living a good life. Until the day the flood came. It had started out like any other day. The sky was blue and the sun was shining when Nathan paused to pull on his sneakers by the back door. "Hey, where are you going?" his twin Natalie asked, as she leaned a shoulder against the door frame.
"Out to meet the guys, we're going to play some ball and maybe head to get a soda after. Why? You want to come?" He wiggled his eyebrows at his sister, "Chris will be there." He gave her a knowing look.
"Why would I care if your best friend is there or not?" she feigned indifference, "But maybe a soda sounds good later. I have to get ready first."
Nathan knew "get ready" was code for hours of makeup and hair prep that his beautiful sister didn't even need, "Right, see ya." Nathan jogged out of their back yard to find a group of his friends standing with a larger group of LeFence citizens gathering to hear someone speak. Nathan drew closer to his best friend Chris, "Hey what's going on?"
"Hey, oh some nut from the hill country going on about something."
The crowd began to laugh at the man and some began to leave but he cried out, "Please you must listen, a storm is coming! A flood is coming!"
"A storm? It's sunny and the sky is blue. Look there are barely any clouds. And LeFence has never had a flood." a woman replied as she began to walk away shaking her head. Nathan noticed there were a few people that were listening to the man and they seemed to believe him for some reason. He looked to the sky himself and agreed with the woman, "So, are we playing ball or what?" he asked his buddies.
"Yeah." they all replied and turned to head out to the field just outside of town. Chris grew very quiet as they walked, "What's up?" Nathan asked.
"What do you mean?"
"Come on Chris you're never this quiet, so what's up?"
Chris looked up at the sky with a few white puffy clouds hanging amongst the blue now. "Do you ever get this feeling of 'something missing'?"
Nathan felt a tug in his gut, "What do you mean?" he didn't want to admit he knew exactly what Chris was talking about, he didn't even want to think about that feeling.
"It's just that when those people from the hill country come they seem to have such a contentment or sense of purpose. Haven't you noticed? I mean even that nut back there seemed to really have a reason, you know?"
"A reason for what?" Nathan asked.
"A reason to live."
"You think we don't have a reason to live?"
Chris stopped at the edge of the field as the other guys began to circle up and pick teams in it's center. He turned and looked Nathan in the eye, "What is the reason Nate?"
Nathan thought about a million answers he could give but he was embarrassed that they were all so shallow. And when he looked into his friends eyes he couldn't be anything but honest, "I don't know."
Suddenly thunder crashed in the distance and they looked in horror to the North at a huge bank of black clouds pouring rain. Fear gripped his heart in a vice as the man's words came back to him, "A storm is coming! A flood is coming!"
"Nate?" And that was the last thing he remembered hearing before the water rushed out of no where and washed them all away. Away from the field, away from LeFence, away from their very lives. Water ripped him off the mountain and washed him down to the hill county. Debris sweeping around him he tried to fight to stay above the water, but it sucked him down and tore at him. Finally something crashed into him, hitting him in the head, and everything went black.

Chapter Two

The alarm bell rang in the center of her village. Charlotte threw the handle of her satchel over her head, leaving the baskets of herbs she was harvesting after the storm had passed, and rushed out to join the gathered crowd of their village at it's center. "What's happened Peter?" she asked as soon as she reached them.
"The rains caused a massive flood in LeFence; the whole city was washed away."
Gasps echoed throughout the crowd.
"Prayer warriors gather and the rest that are able to form search groups to look for survivors spread out along the base of the mountain and work up. Charlotte do you have all you need?"
"Yes, I have my satchel and the apothecary is fully stocked."
The people of The Way worked and searched; gathering the survivors and treating wounds. Charlotte's mother stayed in the apothecary and gave whatever was needed to those that came to fetch it, while Charlotte worked directly amongst the wounded. A grueling 24 hours later Charlotte found Peter again, "How are things?" she asked.
"As good as can be expected. All of the wounded have been either placed with families to see to their convalescence or admitted to the clinc, and we haven't found anyone else for at least 2 hours."
"Praise God. My family and I have treated everyone's immediate injuries and I'm going now to harvest more yarrow and a few other things to replenish the apothecary."
"You need to get some rest." Peter countered.
"So do you," she smiled at him, "But I can't rest until I know all of the herbs needed in the coming days are replenished. My mind won't be calm until then, so you go get some rest and I won't be long."
"Very well, but be cautious, and don't go alone."
"Of course; I'll take Sissy. Mama's made sure she's slept and eaten, and this way Mama can take a rest while we're gone."
He smiled and nodded, "Just make sure you get some rest to."
"I will," she promised.
Humming a hymn Charlotte found her 7 year old sister, Sissy, outside dancing with butterflies and happy to go on a "gathering adventure" as she called it. They strolled through the fields to the edge of the mountain where she new some yarrow grew. As she worked, and Sissy wove a flower crown, Charlotte found a patch of yarrow that had just been sparred being buried in mud that had slid from the mountain. "Thank you Father God for sparing this herb You knew I would need." she prayed as she bent to harvest it, as she leaned down she felt a nudge from The Holy Spirit. Looking around she tried to see what The Lord was trying to tell her. There, tucked up under the yarrow and just visible from the end of the mud slide was a hand leading to an arm. She frantically moved brush that had been shielding the person's face. Their body was completely buried in mud up to their face. Only from their bottom lip up was exposed and the arm she had seen was buried at the elbow so just the tricep and their wrist and hand were exposed. Sissy came running, flowers bouncing on her head, "Are they dead?" she said in a scared whisper.
Charlotte frantically scooped mud away from the chest and when she had freed the upper body she pressed her ear to the chest to listen for a heart beat. She almost cheered when she heard a faint thump and then reached her hand to their nose to feel soft puffs of breath; she noted it was a young man early to mid twenties. It was a miracle he was still breathing and alive. "Run Sissy, get Bobby and Papa tell them to bring a stretcher." She continued to excavate him as her baby sister ran off. She noted a broken leg and dislocated shoulder. After ensuring he was completely out of the mud and as stable as she could get him with his injuries, her father and their neighbor Robby came running with Peter and the stretcher, "Our house is closest Papa," she said as they worked to load him onto the stretcher. He nodded then lifted his end and they headed to the back room Papa had added to their cottage for when they needed to take in a patient.
Papa and the men transferred the man to the bed and then Papa scooped up Sissy and he and Robby went back to their houses. Mama waited at the door to the room, and Charlotte told her what she would need from what they still had in the apothecary. She also gave her the satchel full of freshly harvested yarrow and then set to work. Peter stayed and helped her set his broken leg and reset his shoulder. The injured man had an open wound on his head so she cleaned it and applied a yarrow and calendula poultice her mother had brought to her as they worked. She also applied it to any scrape or cut she came across. "Thank you Peter,"
"Of course, send someone for me if you need any more assistance." Peter left and Charlotte knelt by the bed to pray over the injured man before getting settled in the chair beside his bed with a book. This might be a long night.

Chapter Three

It had been a long night, but this one in the desert threatened to be even longer. The sun was making one last attempt to scorch her as it slipped from the horizon. She paused in her trek to lift her flask of water to her lips for a small sip. Then continued on in her journey and her memories.

A cry woke her from the chair where she had fallen asleep reading. The man was thrashing as much as his battered body would allow. "Shhh," she soothed and took the hand of his uninjured arm, "You are safe now." he stopped thrashing at her touch, but still moaned. She knelt by the bed once more and bowed her head.

Pain, excruciating pain, pulled Nathan from the darkness. He slowly became aware of smells; first smells of something herbal and refreshing. He tried to concentrate on where the pain was emanating from, but it felt like his whole body was the cause. What had happened to him?  He couldn't think clearly.  Then he heard a voice soothing and steady. Forcing his eyes open to slits he saw the most beautiful woman he had ever seen kneeling next to his prone body. She had her head bowed and her hand raised toward him palm out, "Lord please heal all that I cannot. Heal all that I cannot see or reach. Jehovah Rapha repair and restore. Give me the wisdom to know what I can do and give him the peace he needs to rest and heal. In Thy Name Lord Jesus, Amen." with those words Nathan fell back into the darkness of oblivion but this time a calm enfolded him and he rested.
When voices woke him again he didn't try to open his eyes, instead he tried to concentrate on the voices. The pain was still there but less consuming now and he could think past it. "Has he woken at all?" a man's voice he had never heard before asked.
"He thrashed in his sleep last night at one time but that was all. I gave him some pain relief tincture then and this morning and we are just waiting to see if he awakens." that was the voice of the woman; he would recognize that voice anywhere.
"Do we need to move him to the clinic with the others?" the man's voice again.
"No, I don't want him moved right now. How are the others?" she replied.
"As well as can be expected, the children are scared but doing well in the families watching over them. The clinic isn't as full any more as more of the recovering patients were also placed. There are a few still too injured to move and some are still unconscious." the voices were moving away from him now.
"Thanks Peter, just let me know if there's anything needed or anything that I can do." she said and then he heard a door softly close as he slipped back into sleep.

The next conscious sensation he felt was a warm breeze making his eyelashes flutter and tickle across his cheek. He opened his eyes to find it wasn't a breeze but a pixie of a little girl just inches from his face and when he opened his eyes she startled and screamed at the top of her lungs flying backwards. He tried not to scream as well, but her scream made him jump and instinctively reach for his ears which wrenched his shoulder and tore a yell of pain from his dry throat.
"What is going on?" two women came rushing into the room.
"Mama, Mama, he opened his eyes!" the little girl scrambled to the older of the two and buried herself in her skirt.
"That's a good thing you little scamp and if you hadn't been in here, like Charlotte told you not to be, you wouldn't have scared the poor man. Now off to your Papa," she swatted at the little girl's behind as she ran from the room. "I'll go get him some broth," she told the younger woman before leaving. The younger woman was the one that had knelt by him...was it just last night....it felt like at least a year ago. She moved to him now and sat in a chair next to him, "Where are you hurting?" she asked as she reached to gently readjust the sling on his injured arm.
"Everywhere," he rasped.
She leaned toward him with a cup of water and he nearly cried with relief as it ran down his throat.
"I'm sorry my little sister frightened you," she smiled at him, "She's a handful that one. Mama says all her grey hairs are from Sissy."
She removed the cup after a time and turned the left side of her face to him as she set it on a table above his head. A huge scar marred the left side of her beautiful face, he tried not to react, but he must have tensed because the smile left her lips and she turned so he could only see the right side of her face again. "My mother will bring you some broth, and I put some pain reliever in the water so you should start to feel it's effects soon."
"Where am I?" he asked as he looked up to see bundles of herbs drying above him in all the rafters of the room.
"You were washed down the mountain form LeFence. Do you remember anything?"
Suddenly flashes of memories came to him, the flood, his friends, his family. "My friends? My sister and parents?" he looked to his nurse.
"Do you know your name. Or their names? We can inquire. There is a group preparing to leave shortly to make their way to LeFence to see what aid they can render and news they can find."
"Nathan, my name is Nathan and my twin's name is Natalie. She was still in our house, but my parents were at the market I think. I was with my friend, Chris when the waters came out of no where." His breathing started coming too fast.
"Easy," she soothed and stroked his cheek with the back of her hand. It was a motherly gesture but fire raced from her touch straight to his heart. He swam in her deep chocolate eyes, "You're safe now. I will let the ones leaving know and they will find out what they can about your family and friend."
Her mother returned then with a bowl and his stomach growled at the savory scent causing both women to smile broadly, "You're hungry and that is a good sign," the mother announced. Charlotte took the bowl and slowly fed him, it took so much energy from him that his eye lids were drooping by the time she scraped the bottom of the bowl. Without a word she rose and left the room as he succumbed to more sleep.

Nathan was a handsome man, Charlotte could tell even through all the bruises and scrapes. After placing the bowl in the kitchen she wrote down the names Nathan had given to her and a quick note then told Sissy to run them over to Peter while she worked in the apothecary to prepare some more salves and herbs to dry so they would be ready when needed. She had already set some calendula and oregano salve aside for Nathan's wounds. 'Hmmm...Nathan', she thought, 'I wonder if he knows his name means "Gift of God" '. Through the open door of the apothecary she heard Sissy singing Jesus Loves Me and started to hum along.
"Yes Jesus Loves Me, Yes Jesus Loves me, Yes Jesus Loves me, The Bible tells me so."

Nathan heard singing and opened his eyes to find the door to the room he was in open and the little screaming girl sitting cross legged in the door way. When he looked at her, tensed for her to scream again, she simply gasped and rolled to the right, hiding behind the door frame and peeking at him with one eye. He couldn't help but smile. "Are you going to scream again?" he asked.
Instead of answering she asked a question of her own, "Is your name Nathan?"
Hearing their conversation Charlotte came out of the apothecary and slipped up behind Sissy.
"Where did you learn that?" he asked.
"I can read and Charlotte sent a note to Peter with your name in it." Sissy replied and Charlotte shook her head, rolling her eyes in exasperation. "And you have a sister right?" she asked next having crawled from around the door frame and into the room. "Is she my age?"
"No, she's my age." he replied patiently.
"How did that happen?" she asked.
He chuckled lightly, "She's my twin."
"OH, like Liza and Lily!" Sissy exclaimed. Charlotte was about to come to the doorway and tell her that he didn't know who they were when he answered.
"Yup, if they were born on the same day, they are twins to."
"Am I bothering you?" Sissy asked as she finally got to her feet. Charlotte almost held her breathe to hear his answer.
"Nope, I'm actually kinda lonely in here and wondered if you might stay and chat with me, but only if you won't get in trouble."
Charlotte smiled, "Gift of God" indeed, she silently moved back to the apothecary and called from within the room, "SISSY!"
Her sister came running looking slightly guilty and completely wary, "Yes?"
"I need you to do something for me," Charlotte poured some warm water into a bowl and beckoned her forward, "I need you to wash your hands completely clean and then take this salve to Nathan and apply it to the scratches and scrapes on his face and arms ok?"
Sissy's face brightened as she moved into the apothecary and plunged her hands into the water. After Charlotte made sure her hands were spotless she handed her the jar of salve and told her to walk slowly and be very careful. Sissy never moved so slowly in her life. Charlotte watched from the doorway of the apothecary as she made her way back to Nathan's room and listened to the timber of their voices with a smile on her face the whole time.
After a while Sissy brought back the half empty salve jar and after washing her hands again ran out to play so Charlotte decided she better check on Nathan. She moved quietly to the door in case he was sleeping and found it still wide open. He was propped up in the bed a little more and shiny from the salve smeared not just on his scrapes and cuts, but all over his face, his arms, wrists, and hands and she thought she even saw some on his feet. Charlotte covered her mouth with her hand as a laugh burst out.
"It's that bad is it?" he asked with the most beautiful smile she had ever seen.
Her heart tripped at that smile, but she covered it well as she tried to control the giggles, "She was just supposed to put it on your wounds." she answered.
"She said that when she started, but then she said her sister's salves are good for all of your skin not just scraped skin. In truth I think it got away from her on my arm," he said looking at a scrape on his elbow, "but she was too embraced to admit it so she just slathered it everywhere."
"Even on your feet?" Charlotte asked.
He looked down at his shiny feet, "Oh yes, when she finished with my face she said she thought she saw a scratch on my little toe on that foot and I think if my leg wasn't broken she would have done them to; just for good measure. I'm shocked she stopped at only half the jar." Charlotte laughed again and a twinkle entered Nathan's eyes.
"I must say I do smell better." he teased next and Charlotte's laughs grew, "but the trouble is now I'm making myself hungry." tears ran down her cheeks.
"Oh stop, please, I can't take it." she said wiping the tears away and holding her aching stomach muscles, "Well, Sissy is nothing if not thorough."
He smiled broadly doing strange things to her heart again, "She was singing a song earlier. What was it?" he asked seriously now.
"Jesus Loves me." she answered.
"Oh."
"Have you ever heard it?" she asked.
"No."
"Oh," she took something from the table above his head and tucked it to her middle wrapping her arms around it, "Do you know who Jesus is?" she asked gently.
"I've heard His name mentioned by people like..." he paused awkwardly.
"Like me." she finished for him completely unoffended.
"Yes, but I didn't really pay any attention and while I'm extremely grateful for you and what you've done I don't want....I mean," he sighed deeply, "I'm kinda tired right now after your sister's ministrations." he tried to grin at her again, but she just looked him in the eye without smiling in return.
"Of course," she replied knowingly and without breaking eye contact she set the book back on the table above him, "I'll let you rest." then she blinked and left the room, closing the door behind her.

Chapter Four

Rest. Yes, she needed some rest. Dawn was just beginning to break and the heat would soon come flooding back. Charlotte stopped and sat on the crusted hard ground before reaching into her satchel, pulling out the jar of the only food she had left, just a few chia seeds, and bowed her head in prayer, "Thank You Lord for this food. Please Father give me wisdom and guide me out of this desert. Make this food strengthen and bless my body. I need You, in Jesus' name." then she took just a pinch of the chia seeds and placed them in her mouth. Curling onto her side she let her dreams take her back to her memories.
As the days went on Nathan began to heal and he grew more handsome by the day. It wasn't just his looks, but his heart that drew Charlotte the most. His kindness and respect when speaking to her parents, his patients when he spoke to Sissy, and his gratefulness with her. But he still refused to have any conversations about The Lord. Charlotte didn't press him, instead she let Sissy's daily singing outside his room as she played do it's work. He Papa shaved his whiskers for him when they would bother him. Her mother would bring him food and chat with him to keep him company when she could. There were times Charlotte could see him contemplating things, but when she entered the room he would just smile and say something teasing. The Bible hadn't moved from where she placed it on the table above him the last time.
One morning her Papa helped him move to a cushioned bench she had Sissy help her to construct right outside his room so he could spend some time in the sunshine and fresh air. "If you need anything just call, I'll be in the apothecary." she told him and he just nodded as he kept his eyes shut, his face tipped up, soaking in the warm sun and breathing deeply of the sweet breeze that stirred the mint to perfume the air.
Before she could reach the apothecary though a great commotion came from the pen where their nearest neighbor Bobby kept his sheep. She watched as Bobby came to check on his flock and she spied a sheep in distress. It had gotten it's head stuck in the fence he had built to keep them safe. It wiggled and struggled, but stubbornly continued to try to free itself. Bobby stood watch over it and waited for just the right moment to free it's head. She glanced one last time at Nathan and found him watching the scene as well. Then she went in to work on some things the clinic needed for the other patients still recovering there.

After that first time Sissy hadn't asked to apply salve again so Charlotte did it and the affection for Nathan in her heart made warmth spread through her like warm honey. But as long as he remained separated from her One True Love she would not allow her feelings to rule her and entertain romantic thoughts, though he would tease her to make her smile regularly. The next morning though he watched her closely instead as she applied the salve to his face.
"How did you get that?" he asked quietly, marking his own face, but his eyes caressed her scarred cheek.
"I cut myself," she replied quickly as she finished and worked on putting the lid back on the salve jar.
"What? How?"
She sighed deeply as the feelings of shame once again tried to engulf her and she sat down in the chair next to him heavily, "It's a long story."
"I'm not going anywhere." he smiled, but she didn't answer with one of her own this time, instead sorrow filled her eyes. She bowed her head and had to encourage herself in The Lord; reminding herself He had forgiven her and the weight of shame wasn't hers to carry anymore. Nathan waited patiently. Perhaps if she told him her story he would be more open to hearing The Gospel for himself.
"I was thirteen," she began, "and a group of girls my age were going to go to the city to a concert. My parents told me I couldn't go with them and I was angry. So I snuck out and went with them anyway. On the dark streets we weren't paying attention and were attacked. I got separated from the others and was kidnapped by slavers. They sold me to a brothel owner that had a rich client that thought I was very beautiful. I fought them and declared I would not belong to him and do the things...." she swallowed hard as bile tried to rise from the memories, "They gave me to a madam that washed me, clothed me in silks, and put on some makeup. When I would try to stop her or alter what she had done she would patiently reapply or repair any damage. At one time I got up from the chair and ran to a window in the room. I broke it trying to jump; I thought that I would rather die than become what they wanted. But as soon as I lifted the skirt of the dress to jump, the guard at the door came in and grabbed me roughly. It was then the madam snapped at him that he needed to be more gentle because the buyer didn't want me marked and his harsh grip would leave bruises. He sat me down in the chair again and she inspected me for any cuts or injuries then left to get a new dress since I had torn that one when I broke the window. I saw a shard of glass on the floor had landed next to the chair and I was able to pick it up before she came back in. I hid it under the chairs cushion while she changed me and I waited. Before she escorted me out of the room I palmed the glass and when they presented me to the buyer....I sliced my face." she traced the motion of her scar and grimaced as though she could still feel the pain of the glass cutting into her skin. "Everyone in the room erupted in anger and I was bleeding so badly. The buyer stormed out, but I was still trapped. I was trying to get free in my own power." she shook her head sadly, "I passed out from blood loss and it wasn't until I came to in some dark alley, dumped like trash, that I cried out to The Lord for help."
"Why wouldn't The Lord help you before that though!?" Nathan asked angrily.
She smiled sweetly at him, "Nathan were you watching yesterday when one of Bobby's sheep got it's head stuck in the fence?"
"What? Yeah I guess, but what does that have to do with anything?"
"When the sheep was thrashing around and wouldn't be still Bobby didn't go rushing over and try to help it right away. He waited until the sheep had exhausted itself first and was more receptive to receive his help. If Bobby had tried to help in the beginning that animal would have fought him every step of the way. Possibly hurting itself in the process." She smiled again and drew a thumb down her scar, "God is merciful and loving. He will not force us, but lets us go our own way if we choose to. And we must live with the consequences of our choices."
Nathan was silent as he contemplated her words; he stared at the quilt covering his legs. "You should get some rest." she said softly and slowly rose from the chair.
"How did The Lord help you?" the question was quiet almost like he hoped she wouldn't hear him.
She smiled down at him as she stood behind the chair now, "A group of warriors had been searching for me once they learned I had gone with the group of girls and was missing. My Papa among them. Peter first found me, but it was Papa I remember." She looked away as though seeing the scene even now, "He ran down that alley and scooped me into his arms and wouldn't let me go until I was safely back here with Mama to nurse me back to health." she looked back at him, "They said they couldn't find me and didn't know where to look, but when they stopped and prayed a strange old woman showed up and said she saw rough men carrying a girl down that alley and that they needed to check on her. And then she just disappeared as quickly as she had appeared." and with that Charlotte left him for The Lord to work on his heart as only He could.

The next day Charlotte was removing Nathan's sling so they could start working strength back into his arm when Peter suddenly spoke from the doorway.
"Charlotte you're needed at the clinic."
"What is it; do you know what I might need?" she asked as she collected her ever present satchel.
"Maggie said she had to speak with you urgently; that is all I know."
"Ok, I'll check on you when I get back Nathan." she spoke over her shoulder as she walked quickly out of the door. Peter went back to his work as she made her way to the center of the village.
"Charlotte!" Maggie called when she saw her.
"Maggie what is it?"
"I think we found one of the men you were looking for."
"One of Nathan's friends?"
"Yes, but Charlotte he's not going to live much longer. That's why I sent for you right away."
"Oh no," she rushed with Maggie to the bed side of the wounded man. He was lying in a bed with one of the elder saints sitting next to him speaking softly and holding his hand. The young man looked familiar to her and she slowly realized she had splinted him when he was first found and sent him to the clinic right away that first day after the flood.
"He only regained consciousness three days ago." Maggie explained while they watched from the doorway, "He didn't tell us his name until this morning though. William has been here every day since he was brought in, tending to him. William said he felt The Lord telling him he needed to speak to this young man and he's been doing just that ever since he was brought in and more earnestly these past threes days he's been conscious."
"Charlotte," William greeted her, having turned to face the door, "Come and meet Chris." he held out his hand and got up from the chair, "I think he has one last thing for his friend." She sat in the chair and took the young man's hand in her own. He was so broken and injured, but the most beautiful smile was on his face and it was like he shone with a light from within.
The light beating down on her in this desert could not compare to the light shining from Chris' face that day. The joy would forever be imprinted in her memory, and so would what he wanted her to do just before drawing his last breathe.

The whole way back to Nathan, Charlotte gripped the precious paper in her hands and prayed. But as she drew near to the house her steps slowed to a crawl, even so she still made it too quickly to the door of his room. Instead of going in, she chickened out, and leaned her head against the door whispering urgently, "Oh Father in heaven how do I tell him?"
An image of Chris lying in the bed, using one of his precious final breathes to whisper, "Quickly." flooded her mind.
"Yes Father." taking a deep breathe and steeling herself she knocked and opened the door like she always did.
"Charlotte!" Sissy laughed as she bounded up from the chair beside Nathan, "Mama sent me in to keep Nathan company while you were gone! Did I do a good job Nathan?"
"Yes Sissy you did an excellent job." he assured her and his eyes were filled with so much patient affection it nearly undid her. Tears burned her own eyes.
"You should go tell Mama Nathan said what a good job you did." Charlotte said.
"That's a good idea maybe she'll give me a piece of pie before supper!" Sissy cried and ran from the room.
Nathan looked up at her then and his smile dimmed, "What's wrong?"
"You're friend Chris just passed away." she said softly but quickly. Pain etched it's way across his face and the sight buckled her knees so she sat heavily in the chair next to him as she began to tell the story.
"He was brought in at the beginning of the rescue search and immediately taken to the clinic. I bandaged his sever wounds myself that day. He has been unconscious until 3 days ago, but didn't tell them his name was Chris until just this morning. As soon as he did, Maggie, a nurse there, remembered I was inquiring about a Chris and she sent for me. His injuries were too great and he was dying, but he said he had to hang on until he could make sure you knew something Nathan." she smoothed the folded piece of paper, not able to look at his stricken face anymore, "He had me write you a letter before drawing his last breathe." tears fell freely down her face as she looked up again and reached out the letter for Nathan to take. He just stared at it, then slowly, as if afraid to touch it, he took it from her hand. She bit her bottom lip. "I want to be alone." he said.
"Of course." she rose slowly, "I'll be in the apothecary if you need anything." she looked back at him one last time before shutting the door. He just sat there staring at the piece of paper, the words within etched in her own mind. She recalled them as she walked slowly towards the apothecary, "Dear Nathan, I don't have long left in this world so I'll make this fast. Do you remember what we were talking about just before the flood? The feeling of something missing. Nathan I've found it! It's not a something but a Someone! It's Jesus! He's real, and He died so that we can live and have purpose! I'm not afraid to die any more either Nathan, I'm ready! I will be with Him for all eternity now completely filled and fulfilled no longer empty. Oh Nathan please accept Him as your Lord and Savior to and then we can see each other again. I wish I could have told you this face to face, but I cling to the hope that one day I will see you again in Heaven; though I also hope not too soon. I feel like He has more for you to do on this earth first. Thank you for being my friend Nate, Chris."
She didn't even make it to the apothecary door before an excruciating cry of pain tore from behind Nathan's door. She rushed back and found him bowed, hunched over the letter weeping. She moved to him and sat on the edge of the bed and wrapping him in her arms she rubbed his back letting him cry.
After a time he pulled back from her and wiped his eyes roughly, then rolled away from her towards the wall.
Sissy came running to the door and skidded to a stop, "Hey, what's the matter?"
Charlotte got up and went to her at the door, "Nathan's heart is hurting. He just lost a friend." she said softly as she pushed Sissy's wild hair behind her ear lovingly.
"Oh, I'm sorry Nate." she said before turning and walking away. Her little shoulders slumped and head hung so low it crushed Charlotte's heart deeper.
She looked back at Nathan one last time and found him watching her now. His eyes seemed larger and if possible even more blue; magnified by tears gathering on his bottom lashes. She could have drowned in those eyes. Warmth pooled through her body starting from her chest and moving out. "Charlotte!" her Mama's voice sent a shock through her like lightning from the sky. She jumped and fled the room like she was guilty of something...perhaps she was. Just because Chris had pled for his friend to accept Jesus as his Lord and Savior didn't mean he would choose to. And she would not become unequally yoked.

Chapter Five

Sometime later Charlotte braved Nathan's presence again taking him a piece of Mama's pie before supper. Charlotte new it was her Mama's way of sending her love to Nathan's hurting heart in the best way she could at the moment. They all knew he had a sweet tooth. The soft melody of her sister's voice drew her up short of entering the open doorway, "Nate?"
"Hi Sissy." his voice rumbled gently. Charlotte chanced a peek around the door frame and what she saw almost made her drop the slice of pie. Sissy, with two rings of herb crowns on her head, making it look as though the plant was growing directly out of her head, crawled right up onto the bed with him. Shocking him into silence as he leaned away enough to make room for her there. Once there she took one of the rings, Charlotte guessed made of mint by the smells reaching her even outside the room, and plopped it on Nathan's head, then she took his face in her little hands and said "I prayed for you while I made these crowns and The Lord told me to tell you that we both love you and that...well...I know it's not the same, but I'll be your friend." then she threw her little arms around his neck and squeezed as hard as she could. After a beat Nathan's arms came up to pat her on the back, "Thank you Sissy." Charlotte saw fresh tears brim his eyes, but wasn't sure whether it was from the love of her sister or the powerful smell of the mint.
"SISSY!" Mama called from the house and Charlotte pressed flat against the wall to the right of the door out of sight until her sister flew from the open door calling back to Nathan that she would be right back.
Then Charlotte rounded the door frame and saw him wiping his eyes, the mint ring drooping to the left a little. And when the menthol made her eyes begin to water before she even reached his bedside a giggle bubbled up and escaped before she could suppress it. He looked at her sharply, but when he saw her eyes watering as she tried to balance the pie plate and wipe her eyes with the back of her free hand, he caught the tickle of humor, and burst out laughing with her. By the time Sissy came back with a piece of pie of her own they were both laughing hysterically with tears pouring freely down both their faces and her question of, "What's so funny?" only made it worse.

After scraping the last crumbs of pie from his plate, and she suspected seriously contemplating licking it, Nathan reluctantly handed it to her. She in turn handed it to Sissy who ran it and her own back to Mama. Sissy's powerful crown now hung on the outside of the door like a wreath. "What happens when I am finally well?" Nathan asked trying to adjust his casted leg into a more comfortable position in the bed.
"You choose." she replied as she helped him get the pillows just right to support him better, she sent tingles along his hair line when her hand brushed his neck as she worked the pillow into place.
"Choose what?" he asked as he stared into her eyes. She was so close he could see they weren't just brown but also had gold in them.
She laughed and it sent a thrill to his tender heart, "That's up to you. You may stay here in the hill country, or you may go back to Lefence and see if things are repaired or can be rebuilt. Or...." she hesitated and bit her bottom lip as though catching the words before they could escape.
"Or?" he prompted.
Charlotte sent up a quick prayer, Lord don't let me push too hard; give me the right words.
"Or....you could choose The Way, call to Jesus to become your Savior and forgive you of your sins." she finished.
Nathan stilled and they both fell silent; she leaned back away from him resting her back against the chair's back. He looked away from Charlotte's eyes out the open door to the distant mountain. "I wonder about my sister. What will she choose?" Charlotte suddenly turned away from him, pulling his attention back to her.
"What?" he asked angling to try and see her face. She was hiding it completely from him now. "Charlotte, what is it?" his gut clenched tight at the thought of his sister being dead as well.
She looked at him and the sorrow in her eyes nearly broke him, "What?" he asked more urgently, "What's wrong?" panic started to bloom in his chest making it tight.
"Before I left the clinic news came from the group that has been helping in LeFence. They have discovered that your sister was washed to the other side of the mountain."
“Is she dead?" he asked trying to concentrate past the pounding of his heart.
She opened her mouth to answer then paused and finally said, "She was seen being carried away by people of the world and they only carry away those still alive, but....”
“But what?” he snapped now.
“When someone gets washed to the world's side of the mountain they aren't given a choice. Those of the world take you, and won't willingly let you go." she announced in a rush.
"What? So she's...a prisoner?" Charlotte nodded solemnly. He hadn't realized he had leaned toward her rising up from the pillows they had so painstakingly adjust, but he fell back onto them now, stricken, trying to make his mind wrap around what his sister must be going through.
"There is hope." she continued quietly, "If anyone in the world wants to leave and they cry out to The Savior He will rescue them, but..."
"But what?" he asked again more softly this time.
"But if she tries to leave on her own power she will not make it," his eyes moved to her scarred cheek as she spoke, "And, if she doesn't want to leave..."
"What?" he interrupted, "Why would she not want to leave if she's a prisoner." his eyebrows drew together darkly.
Charlotte bit her bottom lip again and prayed for the right words once again, "Some choose not to fight the world; to go along is easier. Or some are deceived into thinking it's not a bad place to live. And then some...well..." she looked out the door, "When you ignore your conscience enough you can become numb to it entirely and think your sin isn't sin."
"What will happen if she doesn't escape."
She turned back to him sorrow making her eyes darker, "For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.".

Chapter Six

Nathan saw his sister writhing in pain in a dark place, he tried to call to her, but his voice was drowned out by her screams, suddenly the screams seemed all to real and Nathan woke from his nightmare in a cold sweat sitting straight up as he realized the echoes of the screams were coming from right outside the room. His leg ached from the sudden movement and then a crash sounded at the door. It flew open flinging Sissy's mint wreath with the force. Five people that moved like black shadows instead of humans crushed it under their feet as they advanced on him so quickly he could barely roll away from them; unable to even search for a weapon of defense. The last thing his eyes saw of his recovery room was The Bible still sitting on the corner of the table above his head. "NO!", he cried as four of them carried him away, his leg in agony, waves of dizziness swallowing him, drowning him. The pain told him this was real and not just another nightmare. Somehow he knew that these were the people of the world and they had come to raid the village and steal as many as they could. Nathan tried to see as he struggled to free himself, but his captors were too strong, "HELP!" he cried even though they jerked and pulled at him even more violently and hit him in the head trying to silence him. All at once a war cry and light broke through the darkness. He tilted his head back and caught a glimpse of the fifth shadow fighting a warrior with a mighty sword and soon more warriors joined in. As soon as they took over fighting the shadow the first warrior advanced on the four that had him almost to the edge of the village now. He thrashed harder crying out from panic and then pain seared his body when they dislocated his shoulder again. The Warrior of Light sliced at the two that had his upper body and they dropped him while the two that had his legs continued on, his head hit the ground repeatedly and he struggled to hold on to consciousness until suddenly the rest of him crashed to the earth and he was still. Fighting the darkness creeping in at the sides of his vision he looked up and standing over him he recognized the warrior, it was Charlotte and she had rescued him once again. Her sword raised at the ready and armor shining bright, lighting up the darkness. The look of shear determination on her face crouched and ready for battle sent a chill down his spine. A growl came from behind and before them and he realized they were surrounded. She gave a mighty war cry and raised her sword as all four shadows attacked at once and the clashing of blades was the last sound he heard before slipping into oblivion.

Chapter Seven

"IN THE NAME OF JESUS YOU WILL NOT TAKE HIM!" she cried before four blades clashed with hers, "The Lord is my strength and song, and is become my salvation." she quoted Psalm 118:14 and repelled all four blades. With a mighty swing around driven by the strength within her she sliced at the enemies forcing them back.
They hissed and growled, "Give us the man."
Psalm 140:1-2 flowed from her lips as her sword raised once more, "Deliver me, O Lord, from the evil man: preserve me from the violent man; Which imagine mischiefs in their heart; continually are they gathered together for war." With a roar they fell back from her attack, but advanced quickly once again. Suddenly more Warriors were there, swords clashing and the enemy at last retreated, the light driving out the dark shadows.
She knelt by Nathan, "He's alive just unconscious we should move him before he wakes to spare him the agony." She rose and bowed her head with the rest of the Warriors as she prayed, "Thank You Jesus, 'Blessed be the Lord my strength which teacheth my hands to war, and my fingers to fight:' Amen."
"Amen" echoed from her fellow warriors. Some bent to lift Nathan as Peter reported the losses and wounded to her.
The Lord had awoken her just before the first scream shattered the peaceful night. She had made it to the house's door just as they had broken into Nathan's recovery room. She had seen a Shadow woman fleeing with one of the children first, the child crying and thrashing in her arms, and had defeated her, rescuing the child, before reaching the defender on the team that had stolen Nathan. "We lost two, both young men.” Peter gravely told her now, “But we gained 5 shadow soldiers. They're being transferred to the secured wing of the clinic now and yarrow will be needed for most."
"And the children, Peter?" she asked.
"Terrified, but all well. Their injuries are minor, scrapes and bruising mostly. That little one you rescued has a bruise where the woman grasped her arm and she pulled her shoulder but did not dislocate it. The families that have been looking after all of the children have all been reunited with them."
"Alright I'll tend to Nathan then gather the yarrow and anything else that may be needed."
"Very well, there's going to be a group gathering for prayer to seek guidance on the two lost as well."
"'Praise ye the Lord. O give thanks unto the Lord; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.'" she quoted.
"Psalm 106:1, Amen." He patted her on the shoulder and strode away to spread the word.
She made her way to the recovery room to tend to Nathan. His shoulder was redislocated and she had to reset it, the pain bringing him back to consciousness quickly. She tried to soothe him and dripped pain tincture into his mouth as he groaned. She tried to move away from him to retrieve the sling once more when he grabbed her arm with his good hand, "Don't leave me." fear radiated from his eyes and she placed her hand on his grasping her arm tightly.
"Nathan it's ok, you're safe now."
"Why would they do this?" he asked frantically.
Her thumb rubbed the back of his hand "It's just their way, but you're safe now." she repeated. Then she turned and stretched to reached his sling without him releasing her arm. As she came back closer to him he finally realized the grip he had on her and released, "I'm sorry." he whispered.
"It's ok," she quoted 2 Timothy 1:7 as she slowly wrapped his injured arm into the sling and moved the straps around his neck to tie it, "For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind." Her voice so close to his ear and her arms around his neck soothed his panic and he closed his eyes trying to slow his breathing, but when her hand brushed the hair at his neck tingles sent a shiver down his back and his heart tripped in a completely different way. His eyes flew open and they were so close as she looked into them that she felt like she was looking in to the sky on a stormy day. She couldn't help herself and brushed his hair from his forehead tenderly. He reached up and grasped her wrist and pressed a desperate kiss to her palm. The pulse in her wrist fluttered, and he moved their hands to rest over his heart, "Charlotte," he struggled with what to say.
"Yes?" she was shocked at the raspy whisper that escaped her lips.
He looked deep into her eyes again and could find all he could say was, "Thank you."
She grinned softly and extracted her hand from his. "I need to check your leg and get you something to help you rest and then I need to get to the clinic."
"What?," and just like that all the panic clutched at him again, "You're not going out there!"
"Nathan, I must, there are injured that need my aid."
And then the image of her fighting off the shadows returned to him and he realized how crazy it was for him to be telling her she couldn't do anything. She had rescued him....again! A soft knock came on the door and Charlotte's mother came in with a cup of tea. Charlotte spoke softly to her then returned to Nathan, "My mother will sit with you while I go to the clinic." she gathered her satchel and was gone as though she feared he would start begging her to stay....again. Embarrassment flood his chest and he couldn't look her mother in the eye as he received the tea thanking her. Thankfully her mom must have put a sleeping draught in the tea because he started falling asleep even before finishing the whole cup; she sat in the chair next to him and had taken The Bible off of the table. After flipping through the pages she began to read aloud and he fell asleep listening to the soothing words and the sound of her voice.

Charlotte woke to the heat of the desert. A buzzard startled when she moved and she screamed by instinct at the sudden, harsh movement. "Get out of here I'm not dead yet." she grumbled.
'I'm not finished yet', resounded in her heart from The Still Small Voice.
"Yes Lord. 'I laid me down and slept; I awaked; for the Lord sustained me.' Psalm 3:5." and with that she rose and began her journey again.

Nathan woke to Sissy's worried little face the next morning. He tried to smile but it turned into more of a grimace, "Good morning little pixie." he rasped.
"Are you ok?" she asked.
"I think I will be."
"Good, because Mama said to stay with you while she went to get breakfast and before Charlotte got back from helping the shadow warriors at the clinic."
The smile fell from his face "What?!" he snapped and she flinched. He realized she had never heard him bark at her and he immediately apologized. Then in a softer voice he asked again, "What do you mean she's helping the shadow warriors?"
"Some were hurt very badly and had to be taken to the clinic." her little eyes looked so innocent he decided to save his words for Charlotte when next he saw her. 'If she returns safely at all', he thought darkly.
As if thinking about her had called her to him she breezed in, looking tired, but also with a smile for him and her sister. Sissy excused herself feeling the tension radiating from him. Charlotte studied his eyes for a moment then went about her work. He remained sullen, working through how to start this conversation. Finally she sat in the chair and said, "Alright, what's wrong? You've been in serious pain before and still never been this gruff. You look like a lion with a sore paw. Talk to me."
"I have a sore paw thanks to those people." he growled.
"Nathan your anger is only hurting you it's not effecting them in the least."
"Well excuse me if I'm not able to be happy about what they did to me!"
"I'm not happy about what they did, but I'm not going to let my anger rule me either." she replied calmly.
"Oh no, what you're doing is worse than being happy." he accused.
She began to gather her supplies, "You're not making any sense and I still have other patients to tend this morning."
"Shadow soldiers?" he asked with venom.
She paused in putting her satchel's strap over her head before answering, "Yes," as she completed the motion.
"Why are you helping them?" his voice was laced with such bitterness she was surprised they didn't leave a taste in his mouth, perhaps they did.
After praying for wisdom she asked, "What would you have me do with those too wounded to leave?"
"Kill them!"
She nodded as though she had expected his answer, "And what if one of them was your sister?"
"My sister would NEVER do the things they did?"
Sorrow filled her eyes, "One of those I wounded last night is a young woman around your sister's age. She came here because she was deceived into thinking the child she was stealing from here was in grave danger and that she was on a rescue mission." Finished gathering her supplies she turned to him and pinned him with her eyes, "What if it had been you? Would you have me kill you instead of help you? When I found you I didn't know you were from LeFence you could have just as easily been from the world's side of the mountain."
She waited for him to think and when he dropped his eyes her voice softened as she quoted Luke 6:27 "But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you," then she rose gracefully and left through the open door; a cool sweet minty breeze flowing in after her.
He turned his body enough to see the corner of the table and found The Bible Charlotte's mother had placed back there when she finished reading from it last night. He remembered hearing those very words from where she had been reading so he started searching for them hoping they would make better sense if he read them himself.

Chapter Eight

On the day of Chris' funeral Peter helped Charlotte prepare a cart for Nathan and she settled him as comfortably into the bed as she could. He tried to contain the groans, but when one escaped she gave him the look that said she didn't think this was a good idea, "I'm going to my friend's funeral." he said with determination.
"I didn't say anything," she said putting her hands in the air in surrender.
He couldn't help but grin at her. Peter drove the cart to the cemetery and right up to the place where they would bury Chris so he wouldn't even have to get out of the cart for the funeral. They had already buried him and a fresh mound of dirt with a simple cross at one end was where his friend lay. It looked so peaceful here but that bothered him for some reason. A man stood with a book in his hands next to the cross, Nathan realized it must be a Bible. "Dear brothers, sisters, and friend of Chris," he began as he acknowledged Nathan, causing him to squirm at being singled out. He glanced around at the other's in the small gathering. Charlotte stood on his right and Peter on his left. Her parents had Sissy between them close to the man speaking, Sissy held a woven circle of flowers in her little hands, and there was a young woman and an older man he did not know. The man with The Bible continued, "we are gathered here for a brother. Chris gave his life to The Lord before it was too late, and now he is free for all of eternity. Brother William has asked to speak about his time with Chris." He motioned for the older man to step forward.
William looked at Nathan as he spoke, "I was led by The Lord to come tend to Chris as long as he was with us. I felt such an urgency in my heart on the day he was found and brought to the clinic. It was a knowing deep in my heart. A knowing that there was a young man who desperately needed and wanted to know our Savior." as Nathan tried not to squirm again William looked away to the others gathered, and then at the grave, "When I arrived he was unconscious. At first I was confused, not knowing how I was to speak to someone asleep, and then I realized I was looking at things all wrong. Chris was a captive audience." William smiled at his own joke and a chuckle rumbled softly around the group. It pierced Nathan's heart and upset him greatly and he repositioned again. How could they all joke and laugh at a funeral, "I read to Chris, sang hymns as I tended to him, and prayed over him in those days and when he finally woke he said he knew my voice." at last tears welled in this William's eyes, but they didn't make Nathan feel any better, in many ways they made him feel worse. This stranger acted like he knew Chris, maybe more than Nathan, but that wasn't possible. He had spent only three days with him awake, he even admitted, the rest of the time Chris had been unconscious. "I was so awed and humbled by the picture of our Lord in that moment." William continued as he looked up to the heavens and let the tears fall unashamedly, "Those who walk in this world without The Lord are unconscious just like our Chris was. But God is calling to them, speaking over them, speaking through His Word, if only they would wake and realize they know His voice." he paused and looked to Nathan again. Nathan refused to make eye contact with him anymore. The man continued anyway, "Chris asked that we sing the song that he heard me singing when he first awoke." And then the man began to sing, "Amazing grace, how sweet the sound," Everyone except Nathan began to join in, even little Sissy,
"That saved a wretch like me
I once was lost but now am found
Was blind but now I see
'Twas grace that taught my heart to fear
And grace my fears relieved
How precious did that grace appear
The hour I first believed
Through many dangers, toils, and snares
I have already come
'Twas grace that brought me safe thus far
And grace will lead me home
When we've been there ten thousand years
Bright shining as the sun
We've no less days to sing God's praise
Than when we first begun."
Goosebumps broke out on Nathan's arms and he closed his eyes against the sting of tears. It did no good and they began to flow down his face unchecked. His heart hurt as silence held reign after the last note everyone but him sang. Sissy quietly brought the ring of flowers forward and hung them on the cross at the head of the mound, "Take me back," Nathan nearly choked on the words. Without a word Peter and Charlotte drove the cart back to her house and settled him in his recovery room. He turned to the wall away from Charlotte so she left him.

Chapter Nine

Exhaustion pulled at Charlotte's body to rest, but she pressed on forcing one foot in front of the other. She startled when in her path a pile of bones became clear. Bending with her hands on her knees she panted trying to catch her breath though her lungs felt seared from the hot air, "Lord why? Why am I here? Am I going the right way? Am I doing the right thing?" despair tried to grip her. Would The Lord bring her here just to let her die? "No." she replied aloud, "You have to have a purpose for all of this. Isaiah 55:8-9 'For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.'" she couldn't bring herself to quote the next verse about rain, snow, and bread though as she pressed on past the bones, but she also couldn't stop the memories of Nathan once more.

It had been weeks since the funeral and Nathan wouldn't say much of anything. He no longer teased or smiled. Not even Sissy could pull him from his silent mourning. When she would come in to bring him meals Charlotte noticed that The Bible hadn't been moved since before the funeral. She had told him that he needed to start moving around more and should come to the house to eat with them now that he was healing, she had even given him a pair of crutches to be able to get around with on his own, but he said he wanted to remain where he was; so the crutches too remained untouched and unmoved. He hadn't allowed her Papa to help him shave and he was starting to smell. One day however Charlotte had had enough. She tried to pray for the grace to be meek in this, but she could feel the impatience bubbling inside and any amount of shaking might set it off. She took a deep breathe of fresh air before entering the room, making a mental note to have Sissy make one of her powerful mint crowns again to hang inside the room this time, not only might it freshen the air but maybe it would drive Nathan from within it. She grinned at the thought and cheerfully said, "Good morning." as she entered.
He did not reply, he just laid there with his back to her, ignoring her. She set the tray on the chair's seat, "Mama fixed you a hardy breakfast and says she doesn't want to see any go to waste this time." She stood back waiting for some acknowledgment. But he gave her nothing, so she tried again, "After you eat you'll have the energy to get cleaned up a bit. Papa had to go help a neighbor, but I can help you shave or even Peter said he would come over and help you with whatever you needed. You would feel better if you moved around a bit and got all nice and clean. So what do you say?" She crossed her arms in front of her and tapped her toe waiting for him to give her an answer, any answer would be a victory right now even if it was No. But when all he did was shrug one shoulder that was the last straw, "That's it!" she snapped. Her outburst didn't even cause him to lift his head. She marched out of the open door and retrieved a bucket full of water from the apothecary. Marching back she dumped the whole bucket onto him in the bed; covers and all. She reasoned they needed a good washing to and even if his cast got wet it was about time it came off as well. He sputtered as the cold water drenched him and he finally rose up, twisting to look at here like she had lost her mind, "You were not rescued and healed to lay in this bed day after day wasting your life." she screamed towering over him, "My family and I did not pour all our love and care into you for you to just give up! Do you really think this is what Chris would want?"
That did it, temper flared in his eyes and he braced himself on is hand to rotate and rise even more, "I don't know what he would want because he's dead!" he snapped.
"Yes Nathan, Chris is dead, but you are alive! Whether you like it or not there is more for you to do in this life! And if the roles were reversed do you think Chris would be wallowing in this room wasting his life? No, he would be out living it! Not lying in this bed smelling so bad your making my herbs wilt instead of dry. I've had enough, Nathan, if you don't change your mind maybe you'd get better at the clinic because you sure aren't getting any better here any more and I have too much work to do to waste time on someone that doesn't even want my help." and with that she spun on her toes and marched out, the bucket knocking against her leg as it swung from the handle in her hand. She returned it to the apothecary without bothering to refill it and then promptly marched out to one of her favorite trees at the edge of town, she felt like steam was coming out of her ears, she screamed to release the pressure like a steam engine when it stops, "Lord I don't know what to do with him anymore!" but then guilt at losing her temper began to flood her heart and she groaned, "Father forgive me. I allowed my temper to get the best of me and I'm sorry." she leaned a hand against the trunk, but when she felt sap she removed her hand quickly and was about to go back and apologize to Nathan when she heard a rustling of some leaves and looked up. Sissy sat hiding in the branches with a comb twisted and snarled in her long unbraided hair with tear tracks down her face.
Charlotte gasped at the mess, "Sissy, what have you done?"
"Oh Lottie don't be mad at me to, I tried to fix it." Sissy pleaded.
"Come down here and let me see." she said in a softer voice.
Sissy climbed down a little lower then jumped from the tree while Charlotte tried to hold back a scream of fear at her wild leap, "Oh Sissy." she said now in dismay as she looked at her hair.
Sissy stood there head hung low, bottom lip trembling, her long hair coated with sap on the ends of the right side and the comb twisted and snarled in the left, looking even worse than when she was in the tree. "Oh Sissy." she said again, "Why have you done this?"
"Oh Lottie, PLEASE help me. Mama will be so mad." tears began to flow freely down her little face making Charlotte's heart ache. It wasn't lost on her though that the little scamp kept using the nickname she'd given her when she had been two and hadn't used in years, "I just wanted to see if the wind from the top of this tree would lift my hair and blow it out behind me. I didn't know it would get sap in it!"
"Alright I'll help you, but we'll probably have to cut your hair." Charlotte warned as she reached for the mess.
"Oh no Lottie! Please I don't want my hair cut!" she cried harder.
"Well you should have thought of that before you tried to take care of this yourself. If it was just the sap I was dealing with it might have been another story, but this comb....” Sissy began to wail, "Oh Sissy." Charlotte immediately dropped her sister's hair, comb and all, and squatted to her level. Wrapping her little sister in her arms she rubbed her back and told her she would need to be quiet unless she wanted Mama to hear. That immediately did the trick and reduced her sister to nothing more than silent sniffles. "Come on." Charlotte rose and took her by the hand. She set up a chair outside the apothecary and placed a sheet around Sissy so the hair she had to cut off wouldn't itch, "Now, I won't take off any more than I need to."
"Will you still be able to braid it?" she asked with a sniffle.
"Yes of course." Charlotte soothed as she began, "Now Sissy you know you're gonna have to tell Mama right?"
Sissy groaned like she was sick.
Charlotte continued, "To cut this out and braid up your hair like nothing happened would be a deception wouldn't it?"
"I guess so." she lamented.
Charlotte lifted Sissy's chin to look her in the eye, "You guess so?"
Fresh tears welled, "Yes, I know."
"That's better." she allowed her chin to drop again and began to even out her hair's new length.
Sissy quoted Ephesians 4:25, "Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbor: for we are members one of another."
"That's right," Charlotte encouraged as she set the scissors aside and began to braid up her sister's hair. Wrapping it around her head as she worked she turned Sissy's head to the right.
"Hi Nathan." Sissy said sadly causing Charlotte to glance up at the open door way to his recovery room to behold a wonderous site. Nathan was leaning on the crutches watching them. When she noticed he was still sopping wet from the bucket of water heat rushed to her face.
"Hi songbird. What's wrong?" he asked and to hear his voice again after so much of his silence sent joy through her.
"I got in a mess." Sissy lamented, then her little brow scrunched as she considered him, "What happened to you?" Charlotte quickly redirected her eyes back to the job at hand and finished braiding Sissy's hair.
"I got the start of a bath." he replied dryly.
"Oh good because...." anticipating Sissy was about to tell him how much he needed one Charlotte cut her off.
"There we go, now, I think it's best if you go find Mama."
Sissy groaned again, but headed towards the house when Charlotte released her from the sheet. She snapped it a few times procrastinating as long as she could.
"Do you have time for one more customer?" Nathan asked as he moved out into the sunshine. Charlotte froze mid snap and at the thought of having her fingers in his hair her throat went dry. Not trusting what her voice might give away she simply nodded and didn't even look him in the eye. He of course thought she was still mad at him.
He crutched over to the chair and sat then waited as she wrapped the sheet around him. She ran her fingers through his thick hair a few times before beginning to snip away the length. Silence enfolded them and he closed his eyes as she worked. She finished and when she reached to remove the sheet she felt a squeeze to her heart letting her know now was the time to apologize. As she worked at the sheet she said in a soft voice, "I'm sorry for dumping the bucket of water on you Nathan; it was wrong of me." His eyes opened and she was trapped in their blue depths.
"You were right." he replied.
She grinned, "Still, I probably should have gone about things differently." her heart leapt when he grinned in return.
"But then you wouldn't have gotten such a head start on my bath and the laundry all in one." and at his teasing something inside her took over and she threw her arms around him in a hug so fierce the chair rocked. His arms came around her and they just held each other with the sheet trapped between them.
"I missed you." she whispered in his ear.
"I love you." he replied. In shock she released him and he let her step back. When she looked into his face he looked as surprised at his words as she was, and that was probably the only reason she didn't flee.
"Wow Nathan!" Sissy came running from the house and stopped right in between them, "You look so much better already!" she exclaimed as she tilted her head to the side and studied him, then turned to look at her sister, "Why do you both look like that?"
Charlotte forced her eyes from Nathan's to look at her sister, "Look like what?"
"I don't know," she considered for a beat and then said, "Like how I feel when I step on something slick and almost fall." Charlotte nervously glanced at Nathan and he at her before they both looked away.
"Well, you're looking better." they both jumped guiltily at the sound of Peter's voice as he approached. Sissy ran to meet him and took his hand. He glanced at Charlotte's face with a look of concern, but directed his question to Nathan, "Now how about a shave to make the transformation complete?"
Before Nathan could answer, Charlotte replied, "Yes Peter, thank you. I'll collect what you need." and then she did flee.

Chapter Ten

Nathan saying "I love you." echoed in her memory even now in this barren land, or was it in her heart.  There could never be a happy future with him as long as he stayed lost; for she had been Found long ago and they would forever pull in opposite directions. Lost....she felt lost now to though. Maybe she had taken a wrong turn or made a wrong decision along the way, "Lord help." she breathed out. 'Keep going', her heart seemed to thump repeatedly, 'Keep going'. So she kept forcing one foot in front of the other. The sun was descending and the last blast of heat was trying to blind her as she walked towards it's resting place. Her eyes watered as she tried to block the light with her hand and keep going.  Tears had flowed freely though when she and Nathan had had their last conversation. 

Things had been awkward around Nathan since he had said I love you. They both avoided being alone together, and he started to take meals with the whole family focusing more on speaking to her Papa, and he began spending more and more time with Peter or Bobby. One evening he came back without his cast and she didn't say a word, but the next day she went to visit Maggie and take her some things for the clinic. She found out he had come by when Peter had mentioned it was probably time for the cast to come off and after they had examined him they agreed and took it off, "I'm sorry Charlotte if we did the wrong thing, he said that you were busy in the apothecary and while I was still wary the cast did need to come off." she explained.

"Oh no Maggie, that's fine, I just wanted to ensure all was well." Charlotte rushed to assure her.
But Maggie furrowed her brow in confusion, "Didn't you ask him?"
Heat rushed to her cheeks as she grasped for a reply, "He's been spending a lot of time with Peter and Bobby and I have been in the apothecary so we haven't really talked much." she could tell by the look on Maggie's face she wasn't buying the excuses, but she was kind and didn't press the issue.  When Charlotte had walked back from town in silence was the first time she heard the Still Small Voice's whisper of 'Prepare'.  She stopped mid step and placing a hand to her heart looked up to the sky.  "Prepare for what Lord?" she whispered.  Her mind spiraled, prepare for Nathan to leave?  Prepare for a coming disaster?  Prepare for...what?  When she didn't hear anything else she continued to the house instead of the apothecary.  "Oh Charlotte I was just going to look for you." her mother said as soon as she entered the house.
"What is it Mama?"
"We are running very low on some supplies from the city and need to prepare for a trip to resupply."
The word "prepare" caught her attention.
"When?" she asked.
"As soon as possible.  I need to speak with your Papa, but I've been praying on it and I think he can stay here with Sissy while you and I go.  I know she will be disappointed, but we will be much faster just the two of us," Charlotte also knew Mama hated to take Sissy anywhere near large cities after what had happened to her all those years ago.  Her Mama studied her before continuing, "And if something comes up Maggie could look after the apothecary while we are away." she added softly.
"What do you mean?" Charlotte asked carefully.
"I don't know yet, but I sense The Lord has something for us to do." Mama paused before reaching out and taking Charlotte's hand, "Something for you to do."
"All I've heard is 'Prepare' but Mama I don't know what to prepare." anxiety began to rise inside.
"Easy Charlotte." Mama soothed, "The Lord will lead if you go to Him.  Now why don't you have some prayer time while I find your Papa."
As soon as her mother left Charlotte went to her room and hit her knees at the side of her bed.  She poured her heart out and then just remained there, quiet, listening.  Mama was right, after she got up she didn't have all of the answers, but she felt The Lord's peace and felt Him leading her to the next step.  She went to the apothecary to prepare what she would need.
That's where Nathan found her.
"Charlotte?" she stilled at his voice then turned suddenly to find him filling the doorway of the apothecary.
"Is everything alright?" she asked.
"Can we talk?" was his reply.
"Of course." her heart beat double time with nervousness.  She motioned to two chairs and took the first one she came to.  He joined her in the other before he began.
"I've been speaking with Peter and he explained to me why you reacted the way you did when I told you I love you." she froze in shock that he was so close to Peter he was comfortable with sharing something so intimate with him, before she could find her voice to respond he broke her heart, "I want to follow The Way for you, but I don't know that I can."
"You can not choose The Way for me." she finally managed, shaken free from the shock by the pain, "You must choose it for yourself." She felt an even greater sense of peace about leaving flow like a balm to her heart now.  If she was an obstacle between Nathan and The Lord she wanted to get out of the way.  "I'm not going to be here anyway."
"What?" he was the one in shock now.
"Mama and I are going on a trip to get some things that we need."
"When?"
The Still Small Voice whispered 'Tomorrow' so she replied, "Tomorrow."
"When will you be back?"
"I'm not sure."
"What do you mean you're not sure?" he demanded, his voice hardening.
She looked into his stormy eyes, "Nathan....my times are in The Lord's hands."
"And what is that supposed to mean?!" he snapped.
Irritation sparked in her at his tone, "It means I will be gone as long as The Lord wills."
"See, it's things like that that I don't understand!  You would trust a God that would allow things like that flood and the death of so many.  You would trust that those evil people you help in the clinic won't just murder everyone in this village!"
"Yes." she proclaimed without hesitation.
"Why?"
"Because He is my first Love.  Because Romans 8:28 tells us 'And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.' ALL things Nathan.  If it hadn't been for that flood I never would have met you.  I was called to care for you for a season Nathan and it has been one of the greatest blessings in my life, but now I am called elsewhere.  I don't know yet what for or what will happen, but I know that God has a plan and this is very important." she was shouting by the end of her declaration.
He grew quiet just staring at her so she continued with what she felt The Spirit was putting in her heart to say, "I am human Nathan.  I am no savior; I am merely an earthen vessel for The Savior.  Jesus is the only constant never changing one."
And without any reply Nathan got up and left the apothecary shattering Charlotte's heart completely with his leaving.

Chapter Eleven

The next morning he refused to see them as her Mother and she left.  Peter bid them safe journey and assured her that he would still look after Nathan for as long as he chose to remain in the village, and that he would continue to point him to Salvation.  It was the only comfort she would have after their last encounter.  As they traveled she poured out her heart to God over Nathan and when they reached the city she was exhausted.  After her mother and she found a place to stay they immediately went to bed and Charlotte fell into a dreamless deep sleep.  When she awoke her mother had food for her and she felt completely revived.  They spent the day purchasing all they needed, but slowly through out the day Charlotte started to feel a pressing on her heart.  Her mother studied her and prayed for her anytime Charlotte stopped to just look off into the distant desert to the west of the city.  Finally when they returned to their lodgings and Charlotte stood at their west facing window she confided in her mother.  "I've got to go on a journey alone Mama, and I think you are supposed to wait here for my return." she spoke softly.
Her mother joined her at the window and linked her arm through Charlotte's.  "What is The Lord telling you?" she asked.
"I'm not sure, but I feel He's calling me to travel across that desert." her mother's muscles tensed causing Charlotte to look into her eyes, "I think it has something to do with Nathan's sister."
Her mother nodded slowly, "I have been hearing 'Wait' ever since we arrived here." she admitted, "Come, we both need a good nights sleep."
Once again Charlotte slept deeply, but in the early morning hours she dreamed she stood at the edge of the vast desert and a woman's cry reached her echoing across the sand and then she saw a young man sitting at the other side of the dessert, head in his hands and a bottle by his side.  'Help them' The Still Small Voice resounded within her.  She startled awake and flew to a sitting position in the bed to a view out the window of the desert being painted by dawns light.

Chapter Twelve

She had packed her things and her mother added a few more to her satchel promising to pray until her return.  And then with thoughts of Nathan she took her first step into the desert.
And it was here, collapsed onto her hands and knees, that she remembered that first step, "Lord I can not go on." she whispered, her lips dry and cracked.  Her hands and knees pressed into the hard unyielding, equally cracked earth as she panted; the dryness all around and within her overwhelming.  Her water was gone, her food was gone, and she was at her end.  She rolled and stretched out on her back arms stretched wide to the open sky as barren as the land and closing her eyes rasped one final word, "Help." 

Nathan wandered to the cemetery just like he did every day since Charlotte had left.  It was here that he hid instead of saying good bye to her and her mother that final morning.  No matter how many questions Peter answered Nathan couldn't understand what had happened to Chris to change him so much.
"Hello," a woman's voice startled him from his thoughts.  He turned to find her smiling apologetically at him, "I'm sorry to disturb you."
"You're not," he assured her but he couldn't quite smile back.
She approached him slowly, "Did you know him?" she gestured towards Chris's grave
Nathan's brow furrowed as he wondered how to answer the very question that he had been trying to answer for weeks, he settled for, "In some ways yes, but I'm beginning to realize in many ways no."
"What do you mean?" she asked as she reached his side and looked down at the simple grave.
Nathan looked over at her and traced her profile, until she looked at him assessing her.  He noted her green eyes and blonde hair added to the sweet shape of her face to make a pretty picture, but it only made his heart ache for a pair of dark brown eyes that seemed to peer into his very soul and the dark hair that was so soft and silky it made him crave to run his fingers through it again and again.  He looked back at the grave once more, "I grew up with him, but I've come to realize I didn't really know him at all."
They stood there for a long time lost in their own thoughts, until suddenly she broke the silence once more.  "My name is Eva, I've heard from some here that yours is Nathan right?" he looked at her with suspicion now.  Had she sought him out and for what purpose?
"Yes," he replied shortly.
Her friendly grin lowered a bit at his sharp tone, but did not completely disappear, "I was just curious about someone named Charlotte and hoped you could help me." a pang at hearing her name stabbed his heart.
"What about her?" he asked, this time her smile did fall at his continued gruff tone.
"Well no one will tell me where she's gone or when she'll be back, but they all say she tended you and spent a lot of time with you before she left.  I um....I guess I wanted to thank her."
"She went with her mother to collect supplies they need for the apothecary they have."  he didn't share that he suspected that wasn't the half of why she left nor that he feared she had been called away from that goal for a much more dangerous mission.  A thought that left his chest hallow every night when he tried to sleep.
"Do you know when she'll return?" she asked.
He turned from her and looked out over the hills as he replied, "No," his heart ached.
Eva sighed deeply, "Neither does anyone else." she said exasperatedly, "It's just that I had some really important questions for her and I really need the answers." she kicked at a stone in frustration, but then cried our in pain when it hurt her toes.
He looked at her sharply, "Who are you?" he asked studying her once more.
She sighed deeply again and hung her head as though in shame; her shoulders drooped pitifully, "I'm the woman that tried to steal the child the night of the raid and Charlotte stopped me,"
Shock coursed through him, "What are you doing here...." he looked around franticly for a second.
"Loose?" she finished for him, "They said I was free to go or stay.  I think I'm watched wherever I go to make sure I don't try anything, but I know now that what I was doing is wrong.  I would leave right now except..."
"Except what?" he demanded.
"Why did she do it?"
"Do what, stop you?" he asked with disgust.
"No," she snapped, "why did she help me?"
He let a beat go by studying Chris's cross before replying, "I asked her the same thing once."
"What did she say?" she asked urgently now taking a step toward him.
He looked her in the eye and quoted Charlotte's words from that night, "But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you,"
She gasped and covered her mouth with a shaking hand and as tears began to flow from her eyes she turned and ran out of the cemetery and away from Nathan.  He had had enough contemplation for one day and feeling emotionally spent he returned to his recovery room.  He heard Sissy singing in the house and knew her Papa was there, but not feeling up to company he just went to bed early.  Nathan dreamed he was being carried away by the shadow people again.  Except he thought in a dream you weren't supposed to feel pain.  He felt heat all through his body and pain tearing at him.  He looked for Charlotte in her armor, but she was no where to be found.  He was on his own, completely alone, and panic started to strangle him.  Then he realized it wasn't panic; the shadows weren't moving him anymore instead they where strangling him.  He tried to fight back, but he was weakening too quickly.  Suddenly the images of a sheep struggling with it's head caught in a fence flashed through his mind and Charlotte's voice seemed to echo all around and within him, "I am human Nathan.  I am no savior; I am merely an earthen vessel for The Savior.  Jesus is the only constant never changing one....I was trying to get free in my own power...God is merciful and loving.  He will not force us, but lets us go our own way if we choose to.  And we must live with the consequences of our choices.....I cried out to The Lord for help."
The last seemed to echo and repeat.
"I cried out to The Lord for help."
"Cried out to The Lord for help."
And suddenly the echo changed: "Cry out to The Lord for help! Cry out to The Lord for help!"
As he gasped, drawing no air now, in his heart he cried out "JESUS HELP!"  Suddenly the shadow's grip loosened and he was able to get some air.  "JESUS HELP ME!" He cried again and the shadows fled.  He finally woke flying from the bed.  His body drenched in sweat and heart pounding.  He hit his knees by the side of the bed.  "Oh Lord Jesus help me.  Peter tells me all I must do is ask so please help me...save me.  I don't want to continue down the path I was on I want to be rescued and Charlotte said I couldn't do it on my own power.  Please save me."  At first there was no change except his heart slowing.  Silence descended in the little room and his breathing slowed.  Then it was almost quietly that he sensed a Prescence with him, not in the room but within him. "Pray for Charlotte," it urged.  And he obeyed.

Charlotte jolted when suddenly a drop of water landed in the palm of her hand.  She turned her head and stared at it convinced she was hallucinating, but then another landed on her scarred cheek.  She looked up into the sky at clouds that weren't there before and watched as raindrops came more frequently bathing her in blessed moisture.  A laugh bubbled up out of her and she cried, "HALLELUJAH!" then left her mouth open to catch falling rain.  It washed the dust away and soothed her dry sunburned skin.  The rain was warm and felt like the best bath she had ever taken.  She rolled and rising quickly emptied her satchel and opened ever empty jar she had; laying them out to catch the rain.  When one would fill to the top she would drink some and put a lid on it to store in her satchel once more.  As soon as all of the jars she had were filled, the rain stopped.  Completely refreshed and with a new sense of invigoration she climbed the hill to find a city lay just on the other side, completely open to the desert, with no walls or obstacles, just open for her to enter.  She bowed her head, "Thank you Lord for brining me through.  Thank you for your guidance.  Please continue to guide me and give me wisdom as to what's next.  Lead on Lord." and then raising her head she looked toward the city with renewed determination.