Kingdom Come the Series: Volume One

Contents

Mountains & Valleys

Prologue

Chapter 1:

Beyond Belief

Chapter 2:

Around The Mountain

Chapter 3:

The Voice Of Truth

Chapter 4:

The Power Within

Chapter 5:

The Narrow Way

Chapter 6:

Overcoming Shortcomings

Chapter 7:

The Appointed Time

Saints & Sinners

Chapter 1:

Jubilee And Urgency

Chapter 2:

Ranks And Files

Chapter 3:

A Dove And A Raven

Chapter 4:

Seen And Not Heard

Chapter 5:

Black And Blue

Chapter 6:

Fear And Trembling

Chapter 7:

Safe And Sound

Lions & Lambs

Chapter 1:

The Marks Of The Cross

Chapter 2:

White Fields

Chapter 3:

Black Hearts

Chapter 4:

Deep, Dark Secrets

Chapter 5:

The Sorrow Of The Sowers

Chapter 6:

Seasons Of The Soul

Chapter 7:

The Breaking Of A Heart

Roses & Thorns

Chapter 1:

Open Book

Chapter 2:

A Thorn In The Flesh

Chapter 3:

Where Healing Begins

Chapter 4:

Shades Of Gray

Chapter 5:

Guilty As Sin

Chapter 6:

Cold Blood

Chapter 7:

Into Darkness

A Note

From The Author

A minister…a mountain…and a mission.

Mountains & Valleys

Casey Lee

KINGDOM COME: Mountains & Valleys

is dedicated to:

Christian, my brother;

One young person whose

battle against this world

has so greatly inspired

the telling of this tale.

My mom who has

supported and encouraged me

the most with my dreams;

Who stirred in me a passion for God

and love for writing.

God;

The divine inspiration

behind all of this.

Without Him, I am nothing.

Prologue

THE MISSION WAS CLEAR. THREE CHILDREN, seven mentors, one goal. It wouldn’t be easy. Two of the mentors knew that and they were prepared—as prepared as they could rightfully be anyway. However, the children knew nothing…not yet.

Are you ready for this, Silvanus? the firm, but gentle voice of Chief Minister Paulus Prudent penetrated the stillness of the dim and quiet office within the confines of the underground church.

I am, sir.

A curt nod from Silvanus Scathe accompanied his words.

The persecution of the church has begun and is becoming more heated with each passing day, Prudent began the briefing with a tired and sorrowful sigh, We simply do not know how long we have to do what God has called us to do. That is why we must gather others—youth in particular—to carry on until Kingdom come.

Scathe searched Prudent’s eyes with his own. Staring unblinking at the aged man before him, there were times when Scathe could almost believe he was looking at Moses himself. In his heart, he knew that Prudent was aware of more than what he was elaborating on, but Scathe chose not to question anything. Not just yet. He trusted that his elder would speak of such things when the time was right, so, for the time being, Scathe only listened attentively.

Three more have been selected—youth, that is, Prudent continued, studying the papers before him on his desk, unaware of Scathe’s deep blue eyes boring into him, Two girls and a boy, all from different homes, but good friends nonetheless. From eldest to youngest, they are Willen Hartt, Abel Vykter, and Redina Tuserve. Abel is the boy.

Permit me one question, sir? Scathe lifted an imploring hand.

Yes, Silvanus?

Why youth? Scathe uttered the question that had been twisting through his mind since this briefing began.

Prudent leaned back in his chair and closed his eyes, holding steepled fingers just under his nose. He appeared to be deeply considering how to go about answering Scathe’s question in the best way possible. When he opened his eyes again, he stared at the younger man in silence, a small smile subtly crinkling the corners of his aged, but twinkling eyes.

Youth have not been entirely tainted or beaten down by the world as opposed to people your age or that of myself, Silvanus, he answered at last, Not only that, but young people possess a lot more faith and trust than do skeptical adults. If they could learn to tap into the spiritual power they have, perhaps they could make a greater impact on this world in the short time it has left.

Scathe said nothing, but his gaze shifted off. He appeared to be mulling these things over in his mind. His attention returned to fix itself on Prudent as the old man spoke again.

I’m entrusting you with the responsibility of fetching these three and bringing them back here, he said, passing the papers across the desk to Scathe, Once they are in your care, it is your job to test them and find out where their strengths lie. Weaknesses as well. From there, we will know how to best grow them up in the Lord.

Scathe sat in silence for a moment, staring blankly at the floor. Again, he appeared to be in deep thought and the hard lines of an inner conflict began to form across his brow.

Is there a problem, Silvanus? Prudent asked, keenly aware of just how much the younger man had a tendency to think himself into perplexity.

Why do you trust me? There was no hesitation. He drilled Prudent with his gaze.

Prudent’s shoulders shuddered with an inaudible chuckle. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord sees the heart. He gave Scathe a knowing look.

First Samuel 16:7, Scathe muttered, looking away again. He absently closed his right hand over his left shoulder.

Prudent smiled and rose from his seat. You’d best retire for the night. You’ll want an early start. I shall see you at dawn to bid you farewell and pray with you before you leave.

Scathe allowed himself to be ushered to the door, where he departed after bidding Prudent a good night. He forced a smile, but he wasn’t happy. Neither was he at ease. His mind was greatly troubled and it wasn’t over the physical journey he faced in the morning. It was something far deeper, far darker—something even he himself didn’t fully understand.

Chapter 1:

Beyond Belief

SLEEP WAS RESTLESS FOR SILVANUS SCATHE and, though his eyelids were heavy and he was sporting a nasty headache, he was grateful to have the first wisps of dawn filtering through the dark curtains within his chambers. He had already prepared what little he would need for the journey the night before, so all he had to do was ready himself.

Coming up the staircase dimly lit by flickering wall torches, Scathe startled when he saw a ghostly figure waiting at the top of the steps. It was only Paulus Prudent, but, dressed in his silvery mantel and cloak, at a glance of one who has had very little sleep, he did look ghostly.

Good morning, Silvanus, the old man greeted him warmly with a hearty clap on the back, which didn’t do much to settle Scathe’s raw nerves, Are you ready for your journey?

As ready as I’ll ever be, I suppose, Scathe stifled a groan from the impact of Prudent’s hand on his back.

Never underestimate the strength of the elderly, he thought wryly.

Splendid, Prudent smiled, You’ll want to get a good meal, then you’ll be on your way—

Actually, Scathe’s stomach took a sickening drop at the thought, Thank you, but no. I’ll pass.

Are you sure? Prudent raised his frost-colored eyebrows, It’s not exactly wise to make a long journey on foot when you’re running on empty, is it?

It’s quite all right, sir, Scathe assured him, raising a hand to head off any further insistence, I know what I’m capable of.

Well, at least take some raisins, Prudent piped up, shoving a box of shriveled grapes at Scathe before he even had time to protest, They make for a great nutritious snack when you’re on the road.

Forgive me, sir, but I—

"Here, take two boxes. One for each pocket. These nifty little boxes are pretty convenient. Travel size, if I do say so myself."

At this point, Scathe saw no point in arguing. It was obvious Prudent wasn’t listening anyway, so he tolerated the old man stuffing a box of raisins into each pocket of his cloak.

I hate raisins, Scathe thought with a grimace, but he didn’t speak the thought. Grin and bear it, Silvanus. Grin and bear it.

Thank you, sir.

Polite to a fault, especially to his chief.

You’re most welcome, Prudent replied cheerfully. Too cheerfully.

Scathe straightened and adjusted the bag of necessities he shouldered. He forced a polite smile at Prudent, then stepped away from him, heading down the cobblestone corridor. He paused in Trinity Hall, a place where the corridor opened up into a lobby of sorts. On the eastern side stood three large open windows. The tops were arched elegantly with the center window a good foot taller than the other two. The three windows represented the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, hence the name Trinity Hall.

The young minister walked to the center window and gazed out over the mountainous land. The sun was just brimming over a mountain a bit lower than the one that housed the underground church. A gentle breeze wafted through the windows, lifting Scathe’s shoulder-length ebony hair softly and playing with Prudent’s grizzled beard. The old man stepped up beside the younger and squinted out at the rising sun.

Beautiful, isn’t it? he asked quietly.

Mm, Scathe grunted in response.

Tell me what it is that troubles you, Silvanus? It was a question, not a demand.

No time, sir, Scathe answered, shifting his burden yet again as he stepped away from the windows and moved briskly down the corridor to the Entrance Hall.

Prudent heaved a sigh and followed after him, the staff in his hand clunking rhythmically on the stone floor.

When they reached the large mahogany stained-glass doors, Scathe stopped and turned to face the Chief Minister, who pulled a small vial of amber oil from inside his cloak. Removing the cork stopper, he dipped a finger in the oil and as Scathe bowed his head, Prudent touched the oil to his brow.

As the first example of Jesus these children will see prior to their journey, you have a great responsibility, Prudent reminded him gently before beginning his prayer, resting firm hands on Scathe’s lean shoulders, Dear Lord, be with Your servant. Give him the words that he should speak and guide his path safely, for the world is more treacherous than it has ever been before. The days are evil; love has grown cold. Fill him with Your love that it may pour out from him and fill others. Be with the children he is going out to find and open their hearts that they may receive his words with a willingness to serve You. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Amen, Scathe echoed quietly, then looked up into his elder’s kind face, Thank you, sir.

He started to turn away, but one firm hand remained on his shoulder and it turned him back, pulling him into a bear hug that more or less forced the air from his lungs.

Again, he thought, Never underestimate the strength of the elderly.

Take care, Silvanus, Prudent said, either unaware of the slight popping of Scathe’s joints or just ignoring them altogether, God be with you.

Scathe took a deep breath upon being released and, with a respectful nod to Paulus Prudent, he turned on his heel and opened the heavy doors. Stepping out into the cool morning, he shrugged a little deeper into his cloak and, again, he felt the firm grip on his shoulder.

Don’t forget this, the old man said, holding out the staff he had been carrying.

Shaped like a shepherd’s rod, it was and had always been Scathe’s. In addition to a cross worn around his or her neck, each minister also had a shepherd staff to remind them of their position and responsibility. On occasions such as these, the staves were put to physical use.

Scathe took the staff with a sheepish smile and then, of his own accord, he reached out and hugged his old friend and fatherly figure.

Forty-three days, Scathe said quietly as he released Prudent and stepped back.

Forty-three days, Prudent mused, Three days down the mountain…

…and forty days back up, they finished in unison.

I’m definitely too old for that, Prudent chuckled.

Moses wasn’t, Scathe pointed out with a smirk, "And that was forty years around a mountain."

Be off with you, Silvanus, Prudent grumbled, giving the younger man a playful shove, You’re in the prayers of all of us.

By this time, many residents—teachers and students alike—had gathered outside the City On A Hill, as the church had come to be called, to see Scathe off. He waved back to a few hanging out the Trinity Hall windows and others gathered here and there.

Heaven is counting on you, Silvanus! Prudent’s final words rang out to him, echoing in the stillness of the morning.

With a look of determination, Scathe broke into a brisk jog, picking his way down the mountain with practiced ease. He would reach his destiny within three days.

In the valleys below the towering mountain ranges, there stood a small village that had fallen under severe persecution. An oppressive darkness rested upon the area—so dense it was almost a physical presence. Many houses stood vacant and vandalized with doors off their hinges and windows broken, shredded curtains waving from the inner gloom like the ragged arms of an apparition.

People—Christian people—had been arrested and dragged off mercilessly. Few souls remained. Those that did, like Redina Tuserve, Willen Hartt, and Abel Vykter, were shaken, afraid, and somewhat paralyzed in a state of shock. Those few that did remain were also little more than mere children.

What are we going to do? Willen fretted as she sat cross-legged on the floor of Abel’s tree house. The three had taken refuge there when their parents had been arrested. The tree house was high up and well hidden, providing a safe place for the children to hide.

I hate those good-for-nothing—

Abel, it’s okay, Redina put a hand on his shoulder, knowing the boy’s temper could sometimes cause him to say things he would later regret, We’ll think of something.

At least they’re still alive, Willen put in, ever optimistic in even the darkest situations.

As far as we know, Abel reminded her, I just don’t understand why all of this is happening to us.

Suddenly, the bell that hung near the door to the tree house rang out. Someone was down below, tugging on the rope. The hearts of all three children began to beat faster.

Who’s that? Willen gasped, backing away from the door.

They’ve found us! Redina’s wide eyes shifted between her two friends.

It was then that Abel rose from his seat and approached the door, which was a closed hatch in the floor. He cracked it open and looked down. Below, he saw a hooded, cloaked figure. In the density of the shade, the figure appeared to be dressed in black, but he couldn’t tell for sure. From his aerial view, he couldn’t tell if the figure was a man or a woman either. He closed the door softly and backed away.

It’s somebody in a black hooded robe or something, he reported to his friends in barely a whisper.

Are there others? Redina asked.

Didn’t seem to be, Abel shook his head and shrugged.

The bell began to ring again and all three jumped, their alarm rising. They waited in silence, but whoever it was remained, ringing the bell every few minutes.

Why doesn’t he—err…she? Uh…whoever it is—why don’t they just go away? Willen whimpered.

I know you’re up there, children, the voice was clearly male, Willen Hartt, Redina Tuserve, Abel Vykter.

Go see what he wants, Redina hissed at Abel.

What? Me?

Yes, you.

Abel glowered at Redina, but he got up anyway and, amid another round of the bell clanging, he called down to the cloaked figure.

What do you want?

And how do you know who we are? Redina joined Abel at the door.

I can answer all of your questions if you will either come down here or permit me to enter. The man tipped his head back and looked up at them. There was an urgency etched in his features, but nothing that seemed immediately hostile.

What should we do? Abel asked.

Let’s drop rotten eggs on his head, Willen suggested.

Willen, first off, we don’t have any rotten eggs up here, Redina pointed out, doing nothing to hide the annoyance in her voice, Second, even if we did, that’s a dumb idea.

Well? Abel prompted again.

I say we have him come up here, Redina answered, Simply because he could have an ambush waiting down there for us and, if he tries anything stupid up here, we have him outnumbered.

Good point, Abel nodded, then turned to speak to the stranger, You may enter.

Taking a quick glance over his shoulder as though to be sure he wasn’t being watched, the cloaked man climbed the ladder and slipped through the hatch. He was rather tall, so, like Abel, he had to stoop slightly to avoid hitting his head.

Upon entering, the man seated himself on the floor and removed his hood, revealing a lean face framed by black shoulder-length hair and eyes of such a deep smoky blue, they almost appeared black in the dim lighting.

My thanks to you for your trust, the man said, his expression unreadable, That’s the first step in the right direction.

Who are you? Redina was never one to beat around the bush.

"Yeah, and how do you know who we are?" Abel demanded, his tone carrying the defensive arrogance typical for a boy his age.

I am Minister Silvanus Scathe, the man answered, pulling three papers from his cloak, I know who you are because these documents were given to me. I was sent for you by Chief Minister Paulus Prudent from the City On A Hill. A three-day journey from there has brought me here to inform you that you are wanted for a very important mission.

Us? Willen asked, her wide eyes growing wider, Oh, cool. Uh…what kind of mission?

That’s to remain confidential for the time being, Scathe answered firmly, It’s not safe here. This place has eyes and ears that this information is not intended for. Will you come with me?

Where? Redina asked.

Back to the City On A Hill, Scathe replied, already getting to his feet once again, You are expected at an appointed time. It’s important that we leave now.

How do we know you’re a friend? Abel asked, blocking Scathe’s path to the door, For all we know, you could be a spy from those guys that took our families. How do we know you’re not trying to trick us?

I give you my word, Scathe pulled a black, leather-bound Bible from within the folds of his cloak and placed his right hand on its cover, If you find me guilty of deceiving you in the things I have said here, rest assured, I will fall under the wrath of God.

Abel still looked skeptical, but Redina was convinced. She could sense something genuine in this cloaked stranger—something desperate within the depths of his smoky eyes.

He’s not lying, Abel, she spoke firmly, Let’s go. There is nothing left for us here anyway.

Very well, Scathe heaved a soft sigh of relief. Time was of the essence and he wasted none in pulling up his hood, brushing past Abel, and descending the ladder to the ground.

The children followed.

Should we bring any supplies with us? Redina asked, suddenly concerned.

Bring nothing, Scathe spoke with hasty urgency, All you need will be provided. Leave it all and let’s go.

Romeo! Willen suddenly cried out and bolted for her home three houses down.

What?! Scathe spun completely around, taken aback.

Willen! Redina shouted as she ran after her.

Abel took off after the girls and Scathe had no choice but to pursue them, his patience already being tested. He pulled up and slackened his pace when they drew near the lonely little house and the children darted through a gate in the backyard. Scathe followed, though he was too tired to run anymore.

By the time he reached the gate, the children were coming back, Willen clutching a small colorful rooster under her arm.

I can’t leave him behind. She lovingly stroked the rooster’s comb and looked at Scathe with pleading eyes. He’s all the family I have left.

Absolutely not, Scathe answered firmly, The presence of a chicken would only hinder us on our journey.

Even Abel and Redina couldn’t help but regard Scathe with a skeptical glance on that one.

Oh, please, Minister Scathe? Willen begged, stepping closer, He’ll die here all by himself.

No. Scathe was unshakable. He folded his arms across his chest and turned his back on her pleading face.

Oh please, please, please? Willen persisted, tugging on the sleeve of his cloak, He won’t be any trouble—I promise.

"The answer is no, Ms. Hartt."

Redina was clever and that was no secret. She could see that neither Willen nor Scathe had any intentions of giving in to the other. Both of them were stubbornly refusing to bend and if something didn’t give, they were going to be standing out here going nowhere for a very long time.

Minister Scathe, she piped up, You’d better just let Willen bring Romeo along.

Why is that? Scathe questioned with a scoff.

Because you said time was important in all of this, she reminded him, If you don’t let her take the chicken, we’re just going to be standing around here going nowhere while the minutes tick away. I know Willen. She won’t leave him behind.

The look on Scathe’s face gave Redina a feeling of satisfaction. She had him and she could see that he was trying to come up with a way to counter that simple fact. Apparently, after a few moments, he could see no other way but hers and he made a defeated face to accompany his sigh of resignation.

Oh, very well, he huffed and stormed off, no doubt a little irritated, Come along, children.

Thanks, Redi, Willen whispered to Redina.

Don’t mention it.

The group walked along in silence for a while, perhaps giving Scathe a little time to get over the whole chicken argument. Finally, Willen worked up the nerve to fall into step beside him and speak up. She tugged on his sleeve again to get his attention.

Thanks for letting Romeo come along, Minister Scathe.

Scathe’s response was a barely audible grunt.

Can I ask you something? Willen continued.

Go ahead.

"If you’re a good guy, umm…why the black clothes?"

Scathe stopped and looked down his nose at her. His response was simple.

Good guys don’t always wear white.

Well, yeah, but there are other colors besides black, you know? Willen continued cheerfully, Like why not blue? Or yellow? Yellow is bright and happy. Or what about pink—?

Scathe’s sudden whirl to face Willen with an extremely annoyed expression somehow reminded Abel of a striking snake. He didn’t like the guy. No matter what Redina said or believed, there was something about him that Abel just didn’t trust.

"Pink, indeed," Scathe spat in disgust as he resumed walking.

Willen said nothing more to the minister as they continued on and she slackened her pace to fall back in step with her two friends. She seemed sad as she walked along, Romeo’s head bobbing with every step she took as he rode on her shoulder.

Scathe stole a glance over his shoulder and noted the downcast expression of the one called Willen. He sighed and slackened his pace a bit, finally stopping and turning to face the children.

I’m sorry, he said to Willen, I didn’t mean to be so short with you. I just need you all to understand the importance of this mission and the urgency with which you were called.

Which reminds me, Abel spoke up with an air of impatience, Might you be filling us in on that yet?

Scathe glanced around warily. Not here. Not now. Later. Come.

Again, he turned and strode off purposefully, the children having to pick up the pace in order to keep up. They walked along for what seemed like hours of silence, each youth’s mind wandering elsewhere in thought. When Scathe pulled up abruptly, all three almost collided with him. Looking up, they discovered they were at the foothills of a towering mountain range.

Where do we go now? Willen asked.

We go up, Scathe replied matter-of-factly, already lifting a foot to begin the ascent, but Willen’s hand reached out to snag his cloak in a grip firm enough to stop him.

Wait, wait, wait, she breathed, Up? Up…there?

Precisely, Ms. Hartt, Scathe was becoming impatient again, You don’t see anywhere else to go, do you?

Willen looked around. Well, we could go back? The suggestion was sheepish.

Scathe’s complexion darkened for a brief second, then his face softened as he realized that Willen was afraid and wanted to return to something familiar for reassurance. He spread his arms and guided the children away from the mountain a little ways to a patch of grass in the sun where a fallen tree lay.

Sit, he told them as he seated himself on the tree. He looked at Willen. Tell me, is there anything back there to return to?

Willen looked thoughtful. I…I don’t know.

Is there anyone you love or care about back there? Scathe continued, I mean, your parents are gone. Your little rooster is right here. Your friends. What lies back there for you?

Nothing, I guess, Willen looked down at her feet.

But what awaits us up there? Abel questioned, gesturing toward the mountains.

Something greater, the man answered with a peculiar glint in his eyes. It almost looked like the hint of a knowing smile. Are you ready, willing, and able to follow me?

All three looked at each other and nodded in agreement. It was at that point that Scathe was on his feet once again. Without another word, he began the ascent. The children followed, although not with so much grace as one so skilled as the mysterious minister.

So are you like…a pastor or something? Abel asked at length, being the closest to keeping up with their guide.

Why do you ask? Scathe never slackened his pace.

You referred to yourself as a minister. Ministers are pastors, right?

Not necessarily.

Explain? Abel prompted hopefully.

The Biblical meaning of the word is simply ‘one who serves’, Scathe obliged, I’m no more than a mere servant, sent to guide you into a mission greater than you may ever realize.

They all pulled up on a ledge far, yet not too far, up the mountain. Looking down, the three were astounded at the view.

Wow, Redina breathed, You can see for miles from up here.

This is merely the tip of the iceberg, Scathe allowed himself a small smile, We have much higher to go.

He stooped and pulled out three of what appeared to be backpacks—very large backpacks—from within a small cavern in the rocks. Each backpack bore an odd resemblance to a cross, with the part that rested against the back rising vertically and the bedroll strapped toward the top horizontally.

One for each of you, he said as he hefted each one to each child in turn, then he pulled out his staff.

What’s that? Redina inquired as she shrugged into the shoulder straps.

A walking stick? Willen guessed, trying to mimic Redina’s actions without jostling Romeo from his lofty perch.

It’s a staff, Scathe answered, running his hand over the smooth wood with a sense of fondness.

What’s it for? Abel asked.

It has many uses. Each will be demonstrated at the appointed time. You will see. Come. We have a long journey ahead.

No more was said as they continued, much slower now with their burdens. Scathe had no such hindrances though, so his pace was never altered. This frustrated the children as they quickly exhausted themselves struggling to keep up and, despite their protests, Scathe refused to slow down.

Several times, they lost sight of him altogether. Abel was getting angry. This was not his cup of tea, following some enigmatic weirdo all over a mountainside—especially when the enigmatic weirdo insisted on maintaining a nearly impossible pace up the precarious cliffs of the steepest mountains in the area. It was hot and the going was anything but easy. Abel had had enough. In a mild tantrum, he pulled to a stop and threw down his pack, glaring daggers at their guide.

You! Scathe! he barked, pointing a finger at the minister who had come within view several feet above him, Where in the world are you taking us?

Scathe looked down his prominent nose at the boy as the two girls, bedraggled and weary, joined Abel on the ledge. That peculiar glint appeared in his eyes once again and the hint of a smile tugged at the corners of his mouth. He answered the question simply, but ambiguously nonetheless, with two words.

Beyond belief.

Chapter 2:

Around The Mountain

THE ANSWER THEY HAD RECEIVED FROM Silvanus Scathe regarding their destination was less than Abel had expected. He found himself resenting the so-called minister even more for it and the last thing he wanted to do was keep following him, but what choice did he have? Redina and Willen continued following and seemed undaunted by Scathe’s irritating ambiguity. In fact, they seemed mesmerized by his skill and determined to keep up.

When Scathe finally decided to be merciful and allowed them to stop and rest, they were exhausted, but he seemed as full of energy as he had at the point in which they had originally started up the mountain.

How do you do that? Redina asked, slightly winded as she leaned against a boulder and stared wide-eyed at Scathe.

Do what, Ms. Tuserve? Scathe seemed preoccupied with studying the grain of wood his staff was made of.

Climb the mountain like you do.

Isn’t it obvious? Abel frowned, He’s probably been climbing this mountain for years and he’s used to it.

Allow me to set you straight on something, Mr. Vykter, Scathe turned to face him, his expression cool, I have not set foot to climb this mountain in over 13 years.

All three children bore expressions of disbelief, but they didn’t question him. For some reason, when the man said something, it could be taken no other way but seriously.

Let me show you something, Scathe continued, seating himself on one of the smaller boulders scattered on the ledge.

He pulled the black leather-bound Bible from the folds of his cloak and leafed through the pages. The children leaned in out of curiosity, but none of them said a word as he began to read.

‘The Lord God is my strength; He will make my feet like deer’s feet, and He will make me walk on my high hills.’

For just a moment, Abel thought he saw the Bible spread on Scathe’s lap transform into what appeared to be a sword. The vision was brief—very brief—about as quick as a flash of lightning. The boy blinked and rubbed his eyes to be sure he wasn’t seeing things. It didn’t happen again. The Bible remained a Bible.

Scathe looked up at Abel’s puzzled expression.

Is there a problem, Mr. Vykter?

Uh…no. No, there’s no problem, Abel shook his head, It’s just…where did that verse come from?

Abel was trying to get things on a more normal subject. He didn’t feel quite right blurting out that he thought he had seen a Bible morph into a sword. He especially didn’t feel right blurting such impossible nonsense to someone as painfully serious as Scathe.

Habakkuk, Scathe replied, letting the Book fall shut, Habakkuk 3:19, if you want it precisely.

Oh, Abel blinked, Cool.

Something else you’d like to ask me, Mr. Vykter?

No. No, that’s all.

So you’re saying you have feet like a deer? Redina asked unable to help glancing down at Scathe’s black boots.

In a literal sense, no, Scathe smirked, then grew serious, But in a spiritual sense, yes.

So if it’s not literal, how are you physically able to climb this mountain like you do?

You’ll see. Scathe, remaining a mystery through and through, rose to his feet without saying anything more on the matter. If you children are ready to proceed, we might go along now.

With reluctant sighs, the children picked up their packs and followed, trying even harder to keep up with their guide. Redina kept stealing glances at his boots, almost expecting them to appear as deer’s hooves.

They never did.

The matter of the Bible appearing to turn into a sword continued to trouble Abel. It bothered him until he could scarcely keep quiet about it. He was surprised by how much it truly troubled him. He was even more surprised when he looked up to see Scathe traveling beside him at a sane pace, drilling him with his smoky blue eyes.

Something troubles you, Mr. Vykter.

It was a statement, not a question.

No, Abel countered, avoiding his gaze.

Your words say no, but your eyes and your mannerisms speak quite the contrary. Something troubles you. Perhaps I can help?

It’s silly. Nothing really.

Perhaps not. What you think is silly may be a key to the very answers you seek.

You’re going to laugh.

Trust me, Vykter, I do not laugh often and I never do without very good reason.

His expression could not possibly have been more serious.

You’ll think this is good reason.

Try me.

Abel took a deep breath, suddenly feeling anxious over bringing up what it was he thought he saw.

Well, the boy cleared his throat nervously, Remember when you opened your Bible?

Scathe merely nodded.

I…I thought I saw it become…something else.

Something like…? Scathe urged him on.

Like…a sword.

And you think it to be a vain imagination? Scathe asked, surprising Abel by maintaining the serious tone he had been carrying all along, You think you didn’t really see it?

Well…yeah.

Well…you did.

Without warning, Scathe whipped out his Bible. It flew open and was suddenly pointing directly at Abel in the unmistakable form of a two-edged sword. Abel jumped back—and found himself pressed with his back to a solid rock wall.

Whoa… Abel was breathing hard and fast and his eyes were huge, How—?

You’ll see, Scathe smirked, flipping the sword so that it once again became a Bible and it fell shut, You’ll see because I will show you—all of you. You have much to learn and only a certain amount of time in which to learn it.

Abel was still in shock as Scathe put his Bible away and strode off to resume his faster-than-you pace. He stared after the thin black-clad man for several moments before he regained his composure and found the nerve to move.

What in the world is going on here?

The journey continued without any further incidents, but Abel couldn’t get the image out of his head of that Bible turning into a sword right before his eyes. Thinking back on it, he wished he had been steady enough at the time to reach out and touch the sword to be sure it was real. He wondered if he should talk to Willen and Redina about it. Scathe hadn’t told him not to, but…

You okay, Abel? Willen asked as she fell into step beside him.

Huh? Oh, yeah, Abel nodded, Yeah, I’m okay. How about you?

It’s tough keeping up with him, I’ll admit, she said, nodding in Scathe’s direction as he leaped with ease onto a narrow ledge, But this is actually kind of fun.

I guess, Abel shrugged, But…

But…?

Doesn’t Scathe seem…strange to you?

Strange how?

I don’t know. Like…supernatural strange.

Willen squinted up at their guide. Not really. Is this about the deer feet thing?

Sort of, Abel tried not to show that he was disappointed she did not share in his suspicions, But also…other things.

What kind of things?

I’m not sure I should say.

Why not?

It’s just something I don’t quite understand right now, Abel shook his head, I’ll tell you more about it when I figure things out.

Willen didn’t press the issue, but she looked puzzled. They trudged on in silence until they reached another ledge upon which Scathe had paused.

I think it’s time I reveal to you the power you are meant to have, he was gravely serious when he spoke, You carry it on you now even as we speak.

The children gave him blank looks.

Take off your backpacks, Scathe instructed, And reach into the right side pockets. Without looking, tell me what you feel.

A…a book? Willen guessed.

Definitely a book, Redina confirmed as she reached in.

Same here, Abel added.

Very good, Scathe approved, Pull them out.

Willen pulled out a bright pink leather-bound Bible, Redina’s was purple, and Abel’s was a rich crimson.

Ooh, it’s so pretty, Willen gasped, running a finger along the spine of the Book, Thank you, Minister Scathe.

Thank the Lord, Scathe offered a modest smile, It is not I who has given you such a gift. I have merely delivered them to you.

They have our names on them, Redina noticed, delicately running her finger over the cursive gold lettering in the lower right corner of the cover, These are beautiful.

Beautiful and deadly, Scathe added, The Word of God is alive and timeless and the greatest gift He ever bestowed upon men. There is more power within those pages than your minds could ever comprehend—power that must be used boldly, but carefully.

How can one be bold and careful at the same time? Redina asked, lifting her eyes from the Bible in her hands for the first time.

I will teach you, the minister answered, There is a strong difference between being bold and being reckless. We must not cross that fine line. It could be the difference between life and death; victory and defeat.

All this time, Abel had remained relatively quiet. In fact, he had turned his back to the others, including Scathe, and he was flipping the Bible open repeatedly, trying to do what Scathe had done earlier.

Another time and another place, Mr. Vykter, Scathe said softly, placing a firm hand on Abel’s shoulder and startling the boy, who had been so focused that he was unaware the minister had come up beside him. Scathe continued. I assure you, before this appointed time is through, you will know greater things. Come.

He stepped away and motioned for them to follow.

Isn’t this awesome, Abel? Redina asked, speaking of the Bible in her hands.

Yeah. Awesome. He seemed distracted.

What’s wrong? Willen asked, coming up on his other side.

Abel couldn’t hold back anymore. He had to tell them.

I saw Scathe turn his Bible into a sword, he blurted out in an urgent but low voice, He did it right in front of me—pointed the thing at my chest. It scared the living hell out of me!

That is exactly what it was supposed to do, Mr. Vykter.

All three whirled around to find Scathe standing directly behind them, his cloak blowing ominously in the strengthening winds. Apparently, he had doubled back and was following them for quite some time, watching and listening as the children interacted with one another.

What’s that supposed to mean? Abel didn’t bother to hide the anger that blatantly came across in his tone of voice. Scathe was scaring him. The guy was downright spooky.

The Word of God is a weapon, sharper than a two-edged sword, Scathe explained, stepping forward and causing the children to instinctively step aside to let him pass through, It‘s bound to be a frightful thing—especially to anything pertaining to hell.

He’s telling the truth then? Redina asked, "Your