Unusual Activities

 Unusual Activities

Sunday morning Aunt Helen fixed one of Terah's favorite breakfasts. There were homemade biscuits and gravy, fried eggs and grits. Aunt Helen and Uncle Fred seemed to be exceptionally kind and attentive to everyone, Terah observed.

They suggested that after lunch they all take a ride in the country and even visit an ice cream parlor afterward before coming home. Summer vacation had just begun but usually nothing special happened at that time because there was so much yard and garden work needing to be done.

“Have I missed somebody's birthday?” Olson wanted to know.

“No, of course not,” said Aunt Helen, patting Olson's hand. “We just thought it would be nice to get away from the regular routine and all do something together.”

Uncle Fred just smiled and nodded. Everyone did their chores in record time and there was not even one complaint. Lunch was simple and light. Before taking off for the afternoon ride, Uncle Fred complimented everyone on how efficiently and pleasantly they had done their work. The kids all looked at each other with a look of wonder. Olson came to Neiah with the question that was on all their minds.

“What's goin' on?” he whispered.

“I don't know,” Neiah whispered in answer. “Maybe something has happened and they just haven't told us yet, like maybe dad got a raise or something. You know they don't spend money on car gas just for rides, or for ice cream, when there's no special occasion. Just let's enjoy it, Olson, and be very good so it will last as long as possible.”

They rode into the country with their windows rolled down to let in a breeze. “They're acting like rich people who have nothing better to do than to ride around enjoying the scenery and spending money,” Neiah whispered to Terah.

“Well, maybe, but I do enjoy it very much.” Terah replied. Neiah agreed with a big smile.“Me too.”

Suddenly Olson yelled, “Look, dad, there's a big collie like Sugar in that yard. Maybe we should stop and ask if it's a male. It's beautiful! We could make a lot of money selling full-blooded collie pups, couldn't we?”

Uncle Fred told Olson that such pups would be worth something all right, but if he were to talk to the owners it would have to be another day. “That's right smart thinkin,' son.” he said. “Right good business sense.”

Again the kids looked at each other and shrugged their shoulders. They weren't used to so many compliments, leisure family time and favorite foods, all on just an ordinary day. Soon they were driving up to a large farm. To the children's surprise Uncle Fred pulled into the edge of the driveway and turned off the car.

“Why don't we get out and watch these fine horses for a minute?” he suggested, pointing to some horses behind a long wooden fence to the right of the driveway. The fencing looked to surround a few acres of land, the front of which ran not far off the road. Inside were six beautiful horses.

“Now Olson,” his dad spoke firmly, “do not jump out and move quickly or loudly. You mustn't frighten them.”

Terah noticed the look in her uncle's eye. She hadn't realized he admired horses so. She was excited herself and wanted to run to the fence and crawl right over. Instead she walked quietly and slowly, stopping to pick a handful of tall grass. A young Palomino colt lifted his head and watched her carefully. To her delight, he pranced over to the fence where she stood and began nibbling the grass she held through it.Everyone became very quiet and stared. Her aunt and cousins weren't used to being around horses. They were a little afraid of them.

“What if he bites her fingers?” Neiah wondered aloud.

“He seems quite friendly,” her father tried to assure her. The owner walked up with a bucket of oats.

“Afternoon, Fred! So you did decide to bring your young-uns out to see my horses, after all.”

“Afternoon, John. I'd like you to meet my family.”Come to find out, Uncle Fred knew the owner of the place from work. He had offered Fred to bring his kids out sometime but Fred had always found other things more important until now.

Watching Terah with the colt, Mr. Spencer asked her if she would like to feed the oats to the horses. She was thrilled to be able to go inside the corral. As she was pouring the oats into large buckets, all the horses began to gather around her.

“Well, fellas,” she said. “Mighty nice to meet ya!” and she giggled. A couple of the horses nuzzled her, then stuck their heads in the buckets and started eating. She hated leaving the corral with Mr. Spencer, but as they were walking back to the gate he told her, “I think those horses took a likin' to ya. Do you think your family would like to come back and do some ridin' some time soon?”

“I... I... don't know. I would! I would love to ride one of those lovely animals!” She looked toward her uncle then back to Mr. Spencer with a hopeful look on her face.

“Maybe he would, too,” Mr. Spencer said with a wink. “Let me see what I can do. I happen to know your uncle likes horses. He used to have one when he was a kid and told me he used to love to ride.”

Terah looked surprised. She smiled and nodded. To her joy Uncle Fred was pleased with the idea and said he would try to bring the kids back in a few days, maybe the following weekend. He thanked his friend warmly, shaking his hand. The children could hardly believe their ears. Olson almost squealed but Neiah's hand went over his mouth just in time. When she let go, he kept saying “Wow!” over and over like a broken record.

A little later while enjoying a strawberry sundae, Terah kept thinking about those horses.

“Don't you like your ice cream or are you even tasting it?” Aunt Helen asked. “You look a little dazed!”

“Oh yes! It's delicious! Thank you! It's just that I keep thinking about those graceful horses. I can hardly wait to actually sit on one!”

“I can wait!” Neiah spoke up. “It looks awfully high up there to me!”

“Tell you what,” Uncle Fred offered. “I'll see if it's all right with Mr. Spencer for us to go riding Tuesday evening if all of you children pitch in and work hard with us in the garden tomorrow. If it's all right, I'll take you back that evening after supper. Is it a deal?”

“Let's see,” Olson piped up. “We work hard in the garden on Monday and get to ride horses on Tuesday? Right?”

“Yes, if Mr. Spencer agrees.That's right.”

“Cool!,” Olson shouted.

“I'll work hard enough for all of us,” Terah said, smiling happily, “I truly want to ride one of those horses!”

“Okay, then. If everyone works, everyone will ride. But if only one works, only one will ride. Got it?”

Uncle Fred sounded very firm, but he smiled and gave Terah a quick wink. Before he knew what was happening, she had dropped her spoon, jumped up, ran over, hugged him tightly and planted a big kiss on his cheek. Such spontaneous outbursts didn't happen much in the Zeer family, let alone in a public place. Fred turned bright red. He reached up and patted Terah's shoulder. Everyone laughed merrily. Fred dropped his head a second, still blushing, then stood up and said, “Everyone load up. It's time to head home.”

When no one else was looking, he smiled at Terah again and gave her another wink. The events of the day didn't wipe away all of Terah's anxieties about the coming weekend but it had given her other things to think about and look forward to.

Uncle Fred does care about me, she thought. Surely he won't let anything bad happen to me, if he can help it. Monday was going to be busy with plenty of work to do, so that should make sleep come easy that night. All tomorrow there would be those beautiful horses to think about and soon the thrill of actually being able to ride them.

Terah decided she would pass the time working and daydreaming. This should make time fly, at least for for the rest of the day and Monday. It would keep her from fretting about the upcoming weekend

Neiah was thinking that perhaps her dad and mom had found out that the lady, Mirah, wouldn't be coming on the weekend after all and felt like celebrating. That might explain all the special things they were doing. That was the best explanation she could think of for such a special Sunday.

Terah didn't think so. She didn't tell Neiah what she was really thinking. She figured it was more probable that something bad was going to happen on Saturday and Uncle Fred and Aunt Helen were trying to make up for it now. They were trying to show the kids an especially good time while they were all together and before everything changed. Even so, Saturday was six days away. She told herself she would only think about the good things happening right now.

Curled up in bed that night, she had barely dozed off when she heard her daddy's voice again and saw his smiling face. He kept saying, “Aren't the animals a wonder, Terah? God made them for us to enjoy.” Then she and her daddy were riding across an open field on big, beauitful horses, laughing as the wind blew their hair in all directions. She was already smiling when she woke Monday morning. She didn't lay around a few minutes trying to get good and awake like other mornings. She jumped up and dressed as fast as she could.

It was a fairly cool morning, good for the outdoor work everyone was about to do. There was hoeing, weeding, mulching and watering to do.

Olson grumbled about having to work. Neiah grumbled about tired, sore arms and back. But Terah whistled as she worked. She was glad to be busy. She worked cheerfully and steadily. She took a shorter lunch break than the others and when Aunt Helen said they had done enough, Terah continued to work.

Aunt Helen had planted the tomato plants early and they were growing well already. Now there were far too many suckers on them. They were in serious need of pruning. It wouldn't hurt to work a little longer and finish the tomatoes. Terah was actually enjoying seeing the change that everyone working together had made in the garden. Working a little longer would just make the day pass quicker anyway. So she worked on while the others were cleaning up.

When Uncle Fred arrived home from work, she was was almost finished. Seeing the transformation, he said, “Now, this is a fine garden! Surely you didn't do this alone, did you?”

“Oh, no. The others worked till 2. I wanted to finish the tomatoes so the whole garden would look nice and be done. I'm almost done now. It's sort of like putting the finishing touch on a Christmas tree. Don't they look nice now?”

“Indeed they do and our tomatoes should grow larger too. Come now young lady. Get cleaned up for supper.”

“Okay. I'll tend Sugar and the pups as soon as I finish and I'll not linger. I'll be quick about it.”

Her uncle smiled. As he walked toward the house he nodded his head and said,“Bless you, child,” then under his breath, “She's such a blessing.”

That evening at supper, Uncle Fred announced that he had talked to Mr. Spencer and all was arranged. They would be going riding tomorrow evening.

“Just fix something light that we can eat quickly,” he told his wife, “nothing heavy before we ride.”

All the children were happy to be going back but Neiah did not want to ride. She asked if she could just watch the others.

“Why on earth?”Aunt Helen wanted to know.

“I think the horses are beautiful and I love watching them but the idea of getting on one scares me. Please, couldn't I just watch?”

“If that's how you feel after we get there then that'll be fine,” her father told her. “But you might feel different if you would just sit on one for a few minutes and see how it feels.”

Helen said she would bring a couple of lawn chairs for herself and Neiah. Neiah was relieved and asked what they should wear.

“Blue Jeans to protect your legs and a cool top,” her mother instructed. “It's supposed to be a pretty hot day. And make sure your hair is pulled back away from your face.”

“I want everyone ready to eat, then jump into the car when I get home at 3:30, understand?” Fred said. He knew they would be ready, anxious and waiting. The next day Terah decided to clean the barn in order to keep herself busy and make time pass. Neiah warned her not to make herself so tired that she wouldn't feel like riding. Sure enough, when Neiah came into the barn to tell her she should clean up and get ready to go, she found her sound asleep on a pile of hay.

“Get up. Dad will be here in about an hour, Terah, and we have to eat!” Terah didn't remember falling asleep but it must have been a long nap because she felt great. She was glad to have to hurry and glad to be able to focus on the horses. Working in the barn alone, the memories had started coming again. Only this time they had not brought much happiness. She was uncomfortable when they came, now that she feared there may be some negative aspect to her past. She didn't know what she might learn on Saturday, or for that matter, what might become of her. When a memory had surfaced about her mother, it was different from others before. It was hazy, but she knew she had been crying for her mother and some other woman was leaving her standing somewhere alone. It made her shudder with fear.

'No! No! No!' she had told herself. 'My mother never would have left me! Never!' She tried hard not to remember anything. In fact, she sat in the hay holding her knees and purposely concentrating on the horses she had seen and fed. She made herself picture the little Palomino from the top of his head to the tip of his tail. She imagined herself buying him from his owner and leading him away. Somewhere in the midst of her thoughts she must have fallen asleep. Thankfully there had been no more dreams.

When they were finally pulling up to the farm, Terah was so excited she felt she could hardly breathe. When the car stopped, Olson opened the door so fast he nearly fell out, in his excitement.

“Settle down, young man,” his mother told him.

“Everybody take it easy and be very polite.” “Follow instructions,” their father said. “These are living creatures and must be respected. “One more thing. Terah picks her horse and goes first since she did the most work.”

Olson had a lot of mean and angry things to say at that point, but upon being told he was coming close to forfeiting his ride altogether he apologized. He even bit his tongue to keep from sticking it out at Terah.

Mr. Spencer came out to the corral carrying some bridles and cheerfully greeted everyone. He was in a jolly mood, ready to show the kids a good time.

“There are two of the horses that are more gentle than the others. Since there's three kids, you'll have to take turns.”

“Um... well, I'm not ridin', just watchin'.” Neiah told him.

“Are you sure? Maple is very gentle and easy with children.”

“Thank you. I'm sure.”

“Then Maple is for me,” said Uncle Fred, “unless Terah prefers her.”Everyone looked surprised.

“What about me?” Olson spoke up anxiously.

“Your turn is after me, Olson. That is, if you have a nice attitude when I finish. You need time to work on fixin' your attitude.”

Olson frowned, pulled his lips in tightly, changed his expression to a comical smile, and didn't speak. Everyone chuckled.

“So, Terah, which horse do you want to ride? There's also Mama Belle,” Mr. Spencer told her. “She's the little Palomino's mother. She's good natured too, but somewhat taller than Maple.”

“Oh yes, I'd like to ride the mother!” Terah looked at Uncle Fred as he said, “So we'll ride together, young lady. Shall we?”

This was better than she had expected - a ride with Uncle Fred! What fun! Mr. Spencer brought Mama Belle to Terah and she began stroking her mane. “So you're a mama, huh? Then you know how to be very careful with little girls, don't you? You understand that I need you to teach me how to do this right. So I'll listen and pay close attention to you, okay?”

Terah spoke in almost a whisper. Mama Belle nuzzled her gently and was very patient as Mr. Spencer bridled her and put on her saddle. She stood still as Terah was helped into the saddle.

Terah listened quietly to Mr. Spencer's instructions, then said to the horse, “Okay, Mama Belle, let's go for a walk together. I'm listening to you. Take care of me, okay?” She felt high up looking out at Aunt Helen, Neiah and Olson, who were watching from the fence. She felt a little afraid for a minute or two, but made herself relax.

Mama Belle began to walk slowly at first. Terah felt she was really looking out for her. It must have been wonderful to go everywhere like this before there were cars, she thought. For the first ten minutes or so, she just walked her horse, petting and praising her a lot. Soon she was comfortable to go at different speeds. Uncle Fred surprised her by riding like a pro. She didn't know until later that for years before he had married he had always had a horse.

Mr. Spencer explained to Terah what it meant to trot, canter, lope and gallop. He showed her how to sit in each case. She was a good learner. She only galloped Mama Belle a little but she loved it. Uncle Fred galloped with her, which of course made it all the more fun. She had the time of her life. They had a good time riding together for about half an hour. Then it was Olson's turn. Uncle Fred let Terah ride the entire hour.

Olson had a good time too. He had a hard time remembering instructions or understanding them, however. His ride was so rough and awkward that he had a hard time staying on the horse even though Maple was patient and lazy after her time with Fred.

When the hour was over, Terah hugged Mama Belle and told her she was the best horse around. Olson tried to come out of the saddle by himself far too fast. He misjudged the distance from the stirrup to the ground and had quite a fall. He was such a comical sight that Uncle Fred and Neiah burst into laughter.

He stood up, dusted himself off and with both hands on his hips, headed out of the corral, saying, “Did you see that rascal buck me off? I'm wise to her now. She'll never do that again!”

At this uncle Fred and Neiah nearly rolled with laughter and even Aunt Helen couldn't resist laughing. That horse had stood perfectly still while Olson tumbled to the ground. Neiah thought for sure she saw Maple turn her head and grin at him.

Mr. Spencer offered to let Terah help him with the horses after their ride. She was thrilled and more than willing to help. She felt she could spend her whole life with these beautiful creatures that her father said God had made for man.

The rest of the night, Terah's mind and heart were too full of joy and thoughts about horses to worry about the coming Saturday. She could not, however, escape her dreams. While she slept that night, thoughts of her parents came again. She dreamed she was very young and was riding high upon her father's shoulders, as he walked all around a large zoo showing her all kinds of animals.At least it was not a sad or frightening dream. She woke feeling happy. Soon, however, her emotions changed and she felt confused.

The rest of the week days were pretty routine, except for the large water trough Uncle Fred filled with water for the children to play in one evening and the big watermelon he bought from a man who brought a truckload from the south.. The weather had been terribly hot for a couple of days and the water was a treat. After supper they ate that big melon outside on the porch.

There was a marked difference in all the days of that week. It was Uncle Fred and Aunt Helen's attitudes. They were far more attentive to the children than usual. They actually seemed to watch them and take pleasure in their presence. Terah felt this had something to do with the upcoming Saturday, but she decided to try and enjoy things as much as possible for now in case something bad did happen. She also tried to close off all the memories she had cherished for so long. Remembering anything might provoke some new memory that could be awful, maybe one of the things she would learn about on Saturday. It would hurt more if she kept believing all the beautiful things.

The problem of the dreams, however, didn't go away. There was just no way to control dreams. In fact the more she tried to push away the memories the more she dreamed and the more vivid those dreams became. The sensation of touch, especially become more vivid, the feeling of daddy's clean shaven face, mama's arms around her, her hands on her hair and daddy's big hands lifting her in the air. She would wake feeling happy then quickly become angry. Oh, why won't it stop? she thought. It may all be a lie, so why won't it go away and leave me alone!

Finally Saturday arrived, the feared and dreaded day. At breakfast Uncle Fred told the children that they would be camping out in the barn after supper. He said that he and Aunt Helen were having an important visitor that evening to discuss some business. He said it was a private matter and could take a while.

“You kids can take some blankets and your pillows. You can make beds in the hay. It should be fun. You can take out some board games, popcorn and a big pitcher of iced tea. Stay up late and just have a good time.”

Aunt Helen even baked a large batch of oatmeal-chocolate chip cookies for their camp out. Neiah and Terah looked at each other, frightened expressions on their faces. Quickly, Terah looked away trying not to show how nervous and frightened she was. Her stomach felt sick. It was happening and there was nothing she could do about it unless she were to run away. But where could she go?

Neiah had tried all week to get more information but hadn't succeeded. She tried to get a peek at the mail, did some eavesdropping and even asked some sneaky questions but to no avail. Terah only hoped now that Uncle Fred would somehow be able to make everything all right. Yet deep inside she felt that after tonight nothing would ever be the same. This, she thought, is why they've made this week so special. In case there's no more time for such things.

“A campout! Cool!” shouted Olson. “And we get to stay up late! Wow! I didn't know you and Mom had so many good ideas! But what sort of business is so private anyways?”

“Private business,” Uncle Fred said, in a chastening tone.

“Oh, yeah. I mean, yes sir.”

“Well now, never mind. Just do your chores quickly and we'll drive out and see the horses again. No riding 'em today we'll just look at 'em and maybe pet 'em a little. Go ahead now. Hurry up.”

“Oh, man, I must be dreaming all this stuff!” Olson shouted again. “Hurrah! Come on, girls let's get chores done fast! Bet I can beat you both!”

Neiah patted Terah's arm as she started out of the house, saying in a whisper, “Don't worry, dad will take care of everything.”

“He's hiding us,” Terah told her. “That's why we're being confined to the barn.”

“No way! Anyone could find us in the barn. You have to stop worrying. Dad won't let anyone bother you. You can trust him.”

Neiah made up her mind to try and make Terah feel better somehow and make tonight too fun for worry. But her own heart pounded hard and she felt awfully fidgety.

God's Care of Details

God's Care of Details

The morning air was cool as Mirah woke that new summer morning at Natalie's home in Kansas. Everything was so peaceful here, no sense of rush or worry. Last night had been one of the most peaceful evenings Mirah had ever experienced. Natalie had suggested they put off the ending of her long tale until today and spend a little time swimming in the lake before having supper on the back porch.

It was such a pretty setting with the woods surrounding the lake. The birds chattering and singing had a soothing effect. Natalie spread blankets under a huge weeping willow tree and set a bundle of large towels on them. Both the early evening air and the water were warm and inviting.

At first Mirah simply floated and watched some very busy squirrels hustling up and down a large oak tree. Just as she was about to turn her attention to some swimming, Natalie, who had eased up carefully and silently behind her, splashed her face with water. A royal water fight quickly ensued between the two young women.

Mr. Benson was having a great time floating and watching the comical sight until the two females surprised him by dunking him completely. There was plenty of splashing, laughing and chasing until everyone agreed to a truce and a rest before supper. They toweled off, wrapped in towels, lay in the sun, dozed and nearly fell asleep.

David lay there thinking how amazing it was that this person who might even now be his Queen had made herself a friend, refusing to acknowledge others as inferior to her in position or value or in any other way. Today they had actually played together as friends, like children without a care in the world, and now they lay only a few feet apart, resting in the sun as it filtered through the leaves of the large willow. Natalie could, he realized, go back to Teylia Island and claim her throne. As Queen she could demand obedience and subservience of both him and Mirah. Yet in his heart he knew that what they had between them today was exactly what Natalie wanted. She would rather they be brother and sister in the Lord and lifelong friends than to ever live as the ruler of an Island. And he knew, too, that it had been the Savior who had made her what she was today.

As the sun began to set, Natalie roused her guests and goaded them into the house to clean up for supper. Eating on the porch had been perfect. The star-filled night sky was exquisite. The stars seemed alive. Everything was serene and Natalie, Mirah thought, was amazingly beautiful for one whose body had endured such a dreaded disease and been restored.

The calm of her spirit, after all she had been through, amazed Mirah. Perhaps I should pay more attention to this business of God, she thought. She decided to have Natalie or David explain more to her about the meaning of the word “Savior” and how one becomes a child of God. One thing was certain, those of her acquaintances who had a relationship with God, seemed to be much more confident, happy and peaceful than other folks she knew.

Apparently God had done miraculous things for Natalie, things no human could ever do. That night when she went to bed, she tried her hand at praying. She asked God to help her understand what Natalie and even Edward had understood about him.

This morning as she prepared for the day, she found herself anxious to hear what Natalie had done with the last two years of her life. Everything she had heard of Natalie's last seven years up to this point had been remarkable. Mirah could understand her great desire to get Terah back now. This would certainly be a great place for Terah to live. But still she wondered how the Zeers were going to react to the news. As a matter of fact, how would Terah take such shocking news? Well, there was still an entire week before finding out and facing that ordeal. She mustn't let the thought of it ruin her last day with Natalie.

She got up and quickly packed her things. The flight home wasn't until evening, but she would get the packing out of the way now and not have to do it later. She finished, then double-checked the room to be sure everything was as nice as when she had arrived. She dressed, then went to the kitchen. No one was there but there was hot coffee in a pot on the stove and the table was set with cereal bowls, silverware, cups, sugar and cream.

She slipped out the back door to take a stroll by the water and found Natalie sitting at the patio table reading the Bible.

“Morning!” she said, smiling pleasantly. “Are you leaving us without eating or saying good bye?”

“Morning to you, too, Miss. Thought I would take a little stroll till, everyone was up.”

“Go ahead. I have a feeling Mr. Benson needed some extra rest after the workout we put him through last night.”

Both ladies laughed remembering their funny antics the night before and how hilarious everyone had looked. “I won't be long,” Mirah said as she headed off to the wooded area, not far from the water's edge.

“Still laughin', are you?” Mr. Benson said pertly, walking through the door, just as Mirah walked behind a tree. “I swear none of us are a day over seventeen! Why, I haven't slept so soundly in years, even though I woke from a dream about a young woman I miss very much. If she were here I think I could just stay forever. Things are simple here, but perfect. Yes, this is perfect.”

“I see, David. Do I know the young lady you are missing? Does she know how you feel?”

“Sure! You know Susanne, all right. I aim to be certain she knows when I return. She's a special lady. Met Jesus thanks to her encounter with your husband. She and the Father have a close relationship now.”

“I'm glad to hear it, David! And you have a close relationship with her?”

“Yes, indeed.” He looked thoughtful for a moment. Natalie decided she would ask no more on that subject until he felt like talking about it.

“Do you think my daughter will like it here, David?” she asked.

“I don't see how she could help it. I'm sure she'll love it. She'll love being with her mother, too.”

“I hope so, David, I mean...” She sounded somewhat uneasy. Well... I hope leaving where she is now won't be too hard on her. But then...” Her voice changed to one of more confidence. “I know this is the place God has given me to bring her home to and I know it's the right time.” David put his hand on her shoulder.

“I'm certain it is, sweetheart. I know it is.”

“Watch it,” she smiled, “or I might just keep you. I could use a father, you know. How about some breakfast?”

Mirah came back into the kitchen as Natalie was finishing setting out the food. She sighed deeply and stretched out her arms.

“I wish I could live in a place like this where there's so much privacy and no extravagances to deal with,” she said.

“Maybe you could if you really wanted to make a change. Anything's possible. Wash your hands and let's eat.”

“Yes ma'am.”

As they sat down Natalie reminded Mirah that her house was only about five miles from a small town. “Very convenient. If you ever decide to move you're welcome to stay here with me while you find yourself some work and your own place.”

“Hey!” Mirah laughed, “now you're really tempting me!”

“Well, now” Mr. Benson put in, “before we all up and leave the Queen and move in on this young lady, let's give her a chance to tell us how she got from the hospital to this perfect home.”

After breakfast, they sat in lawn chairs in the shade of a large oak as Natalie finished her story.

“When I left the hospital, I did go back to the Johnsons' for another year. I felt so strong and energetic that I was able to do more work than ever before. Many evenings the three of us studied the Bible, sang and prayed together. It was great for my spirit.

“I was anxious to save enough money to get a place for me and Terah, but nearly everything I earned was going to the hospital bills. Getting on my own any time soon looked impossible. The Johnsons began encouraging me to send for Terah and bring her there to live with me. I knew there wasn't enough room but I needed to get her back. So one evening I closed myself in my tiny room and began to really seek God, asking him to make a way and to show me what to do. It was not right for my little girl to be without her mother. Suddenly I felt an urgency to call Edward's uncle.

“I left the house, went to a pay phone and called him. He was so excited at hearing my voice, he nearly shouted.

“I told him a very short form of my story since I had last talked with him and where I was at the time. When I finished he said, 'Now listen, Natalie, this has gone on long enough and God has made a way to end it. Edward's father passed away about a year ago. He left a fairly large sum of money to be divided between his children, their spouses or grandchildren. Edward's portion would automatically go to you, but I could not reach you since you hadn't given me a phone number or called back since your first call. I also knew I was not to let anyone know you were alive until I got word from you. So I convinced the family to put Edward's portion into a savings account while I searched for Terah. It's been collecting interest all this time. Now, if you're willing to let the family know you're alive you will have more than enough money to get a place and get your daughter home.

'But you'll need proof of who you are - a birth or marriage certificate will be necessary in order for the money to be turned over to you. Natalie, there is enough to pay your debts and put things right and it's about time.'

'But Uncle Bill,' I told him, 'when I walked out of that hospital years ago, I never returned to my home for anything. I just left it all. Surely all my belongings are gone who knows where. I had no family who would claim anything.'

'Please listen to me, Natalie. We could send for a copy of the marriage certificate, but even then we would need some identification such as your birth certificate. Do you have that?

'No, mother kept that.'

'Okay, so getting that could take a long time and all sorts of complications could arise once you make yourself known to the Queen. I hope you will listen and do as I ask. I want you to go back to where your home was with Edward. Surely you had some friends there. Visit your old home-place and ask questions. I feel like you should do this. I don't know what you'll find but I feel strongly it is the first thing you should do. I'll loan you the money for the trip and to cover your expenses for a while. For some reason I feel someone there knows something that will help. Perhaps a friend kept your marriage license as a keepsake or something. I don't know. But I feel there is an answer there that will get the money left to you in your hands quickly. Will you go, just because you trust me?'

“I agreed to go, not knowing what I would find. To my amazement, upon returning I found Aunt Bessie, who had also been our landlady, had stored all of our belongings in a large outbuilding on her farm. When she saw me walking up the drive, she squealed and shouted. ' I knew it! I knew it! Oh glory be!' She ran to me and hugged me hard.”

'Oh, sweet child,' she said, 'I've been prayin' for you all these years. Down deep I always believed a day would come when I would see you come walkin' up that drive and today you did! Praise God, you did! Here you are, you precious dear, and with quite a story to tell of God's grace andpower, I'm just certain!.”

'Aunt Bessie!' I cried, and hid my face on her shoulder. 'How good to see you again! But how? How on earth could you know? Why would you think I was still alive?'

'Why, I just knew that story of your death was a lie! I knew you were either in trouble or hiding from your mother. I overheard a few things at the hospital and figured out that a lot of the trouble Satan tried to bring on you folks was done through your mama. I'm no fool, honey. Why, goodness, a closed casket instead of showing off her beautiful daughter all royal like? Not that mother of yours! It wasn't like you had been in an accident and been messed up. Two and two never did make five, I say. Oh, let me look at you again!'

“She stepped back looked me over good, then grabbed me and started hugging me again.

“I couldn't hold back the tears. 'Aunt Bessie, you are so wise! Only God could have let you know! And you really have been praying for me all this time?'

'Well, of course, what do you think? Now come on inside and let me get you set down and get you something cold to drink.'

“She held on to me all the way into the house and helped me to a chair like I was a little child. She didn't seem to want to let go of me, and to tell the truth, I didn't want her to.”

'Aunt Bessie, I wanted to come back but I was afraid my mother would track me here and I still don't know who she used to kill Edward.'

'Aw, yes, I see. That family you had dinner with the night Edward died just seem to vanish off of the face of the earth. I have a feelin' they were part of it.'

“So,” Mr. Benson interrupted, “at that point you still did not know that your mother had died?”

“My mother is dead?” Natalie looked shocked.

“David,” Mirah put in, “Natalie has been shut in so much of the time and trying not to be noticed by her mother, she must not have heard.”

“When? How?”

“They said it was a heart attack, four years ago.” David explained. “Your sister's been ruling in her place.”

“Poor thing! Poor Natasha and so young for such a job!” Natalie dropped her head into her hands and sat silent for a few minutes. When she spoke again she looked thoughtful but not distressed.

“Then much has changed. How does Natasha fare? Does she seem lonely?”

David and Mirah looked at each other, both at a loss as to how to proceed. It seemed awkward to try and comfort Natalie when she was now talking about her sister and showing no sorrow over her mother.

Mr. Benson winked at Mirah, cleared his throat and said, “I think Mirah could answer that best.”

“Well, yes, I do think she's lonely. She hasn't married and I'm sure she misses you. She took your passing pretty hard at first. But she has become a very focused young Queen and the people seem quite encouraged since she took the throne.”

“I told Uncle Bill that I intended to visit Natasha some day but I was thinking I would have to sneak in somehow to avoid my mother's detection. Now she's the Queen herself.”

“Will she not fear you coming to claim the throne if she learns you're alive?” Mirah wondered alou

“Well, she needn't, but she might. I don't know. Power does strange things to people. I just don't know how she would react. Eventually I suppose I'll find out.”

Natalie sat in silence a few minutes more, seemingly absorbing all this new information, then she simply smiled again and said, “Well, now, where was I?”

David and Mirah looked at each other and shrugged their shoulders. Evidently Natalie wasn't going to talk about her mother or her feelings right now and she certainly did not appear saddened by the news. Maybe she needed time to let the reality sink in. She went on as though she hadn't even heard about it.

“Aunt Bessie said she could never bring herself to get rid of our things. Said she even checked on them now and then to be sure they were dry and free of critters, as she called mice and such. She put pest poison inside the building and rearranged things from time to time. But best of all, she had brought our pictures, including our family album and my box of important papers such as my marriage license inside and kept them in a closet.

'My husband, thought I worried over your things too much,' she told me.

'Especially since you were supposed to be dead. Said he wanted you to be alive as much as anyone, but after all, there had even been a funeral. But I reminded him of the closed casket.'

'Don't you find that a mite odd? I asked him. All he would do is shake his head and say 'I don't know. Just don't know.'

“She told him there were precious memories stored in that building, that couldn't be replaced and that they had no use for the building anyway. I'm thankful she kept believing.

It was about four months before the money my father-in-law had left was in an account of my own. After all those years, four months wasn't very long. I knew God was moving on my and Terah's account in his own way and time. Uncle Bill was right. There was enough to pay off the hospital. Then I began looking for a home. I looked for a couple of months before I found this place sitting empty, but without a for sale sign. I questioned folks around town and in the country until I got the owner's name. He lived out of state so I wrote him a letter asking if he would be willing to sell the place and for how much. I kept looking at other places while I waited for a reply but I was drawn to this one.

“I felt I should be in the country and there wasn't much available in the price range I felt I should stay in. When I finally heard from the owner he offered me the place, which included twenty-five acres, for a price far beneath what I had been willing to pay. I was ecstatic even though I had never actually been inside the house. I had only looked through the windows as best I could. I was even more elated after going through it. The place was mine within a month.

“I began having repairs done, cleaning, painting, papering, etc. Mrs Johnson helped me and we both had a lot of fun doing it, especially Terah's room. It took eight weeks, till it was finished and I was satisfied with the home I was bringing my daughter to. “It took time to get packed back in Missouri and moving here. I stayed with Aunt Bessie while I packed and went through things. It was an emotional time but I had both Aunt Bessie and Uncle Bob to help me through it.

“The Johnsons were thrilled for me and offered to help me with moving my things from Aunt Bessie's. Since they seldom did any sort of traveling they looked at going with me to get and move my things as a mini-vacation, even though they worked hard. We made a jolly event of it all. I saw to it they ate out in nice restaurants and that we had fun. They loved meeting Aunt Bessie and Uncle Bob and enjoyed their company. And they were very happy to see me as a woman on my own taking back my life. So while it was work it was a joyous time as well. “When they saw my place and I saw the look in Sophie's eyes, I knew I must do something for them after all they had done for me. I could never really pay them back. But neither did I like the thought of them going back home to their tiny house after they saw the spacious place Terah and I now had to live in. I was able to give them some of the money the Lord had given me. And I was excited when I heard from them later that they had put it toward a nice place that was larger and had a good sized basement with an outside door that Sophie was going to use for her own sewing shop. They also had a large yard with a nice garden spot. The money I gave them paid the place half off and their payments were small enough as to be easy for them to handle.

“The rest of the time, until I sent the note to Mirah, was filled with all that goes into getting a house set up. At night I spent a lot of time alone with God. I needed some alone time to reflect on all that had happened in my life, to listen to the Lord and to prepare for motherhood again. I was at peace and ready when I mailed that old envelope, anxious to find my daughter and get her back in my arms.” Natalie looked at Mirah now as if expecting her to fill in the next chapter: the one on getting Terah back. For a moment everyone sat silently. Mr. Benson breathed deeply, nodded his head and broke the silence.

“Amazing and absolutely glorious,” he said rather softly.“It is a story to think on for a long time and to wonder at the awesomeness and the wonder of our Lord. And to think that there is more of the story to come. Wonderful things soon to take place. If it were a book I had just read I would be eager for the sequel - in fact, quite impatient to read it.”

“And Mirah plays an important role in the next few pages,” Natalie said. “But first she has some information for me.”

“Well,” Mirah began, “I guess it's time for my part. Natalie, when I left you in the hospital I took Terah to my sister's friends in Colorado. They had a six-year-old daughter and a one-year-old son.”

This was what Natalie had been waiting anxiously to hear. She hadn't asked before now, thinking it only right to explain her own absence first and why she hadn't sent for Terah before now. Now she sat on the edge of her seat, obviously eager to hear everything.

“According to my sister, they were very stable people. I had met them myself when I visited her once before. They were very down to earth and family oriented. They were more than willing to help and asked for nothing in return. Of course, at first they thought, as I did, that it would be temporary. When they learned you were dead, they never once considered parting with Terah.

“I've been sending them money every week to help out with Terah's needs. They contact me from time to time and assure me she is well, bright, helpful and never any trouble. I've only visited a couple of times in the first two years. Everything was homey and clean. Both times Terah seemed very well adjusted, rather quiet and actually seemed favored in a way, treated sort of special.”

“I'm so glad to hear it, Mirah! That's good news. I've been anxious to know all about her, but first I felt you should know that I hadn't simply gone off and abandoned her. I knew you would see to it she was in good hands. And if anything had been wrong with her I knew that I would know it as soon as I saw you again. When I saw you at the airport I knew immediately that Terah was fine and I would have her with me soon.

“You have been giving these people your own money? I had no idea. I guess there was so much for me to think about and to accomplish in order just to get to her again that I never thought about that side of the matter. I just kept thinking, I know Mirah is keeping her safe.' I am so sorry for the burden you've born because of me.” Now Mr. Benson spoke up before Mirah could speak.

“Natalie, perhaps the good Lord allowed you not to think on this too much because with all the other things you had to deal with it might have overwhelmed you. Remember he said in his Word that he would not allow us to be tempted more than what we could bear, and even with what temptation we do bear, he makes a way of escape.”

“Thank you, David. You must be right. But Mirah, I will repay you financially, though I can never truly repay you for being such a kind, faithful friend and all that you have gone through on my behalf.”

“There's no need, Natalie. It hasn't been a problem or a burden. I earn more than I need anyway and I figured it would be better for Terah if I sent enough to the Zeers to see that she had her needs met. That gave me peace. The Zeers are just common folks. Mr. Zeer works hard to provide his family's needs. Their life is simple, but the family is close and caring. I get letters now and then and I have been assured that they love Terah as their own and that she is such a thoughtful person that their own children look up to her as though she were the oldest. I have notified them that I'm coming to talk to them this coming Saturday.”

“I'll be with you, Mirah.”

“Are you sure that's wise?”

“It's right. I have to be there.”

Seeing Mirah's look of concern, David again spoke up. “Yes, she must go. God has timed this whole thing out so it must be in his hands even now. And Mirah, this mother can wait no longer.”

“All right then. It seems Natalie's God has already moved mountains for her. I guess I needn't worry now.”

“That's a good girl,” David said with a smile.

“Thank you, Mirah. It really will turn out all right. I just know it.” Natalie gave Mirah a big hug.

“Now if only I could have communicated with Natasha. How I would love to tell her everything and have her know Terah.”

“Maybe in time that will happen, once you're certain what her attitude will be,”Mr. Benson said as he stood up and stretched.“This visit has encouraged me immensely. I feel stronger than before I came. I know God lives, but hearing of his awesome deeds in the lives of his children refreshes the spirit!

Natalie looked out over the lake, stretched her own arms over her head and with a look of deep satisfaction said, “I live because he lives!”

“Okay, you two,” Mirah laughed, “isn't it about time to refresh our stomachs and taste buds?”

“Come on then, I'll take the two of you for a ride around the countryside and our little town,” Natalie offered, getting up and reaching for Mirah's hand.

“We'll have lunch at Miller's Diner where the cooking tastes like some of the best home cooking around.”

That evening as David and Mirah were flying home their minds and hearts were full. Both hated leaving Natalie behind. Both were anxious to see Susanne and tell her all. One, of course, was more anxious than the other. The two days away from her had seemed more like a month. David was not only anxious to share Natalie's story with her but to find out if she would share the rest of her life with him as his wife.

Both he and Mirah were to be disappointed when they arrived home upon learning that Susanne was gone with the Queen. They were to be further disappointed when she did not come back on Monday. Each spent much of their time alone doing a lot of thinking.

For Mirah, Natalie's story of her life clearly demonstrated a most unusual connection to God. Their communications were as those of intimate, personal friends. This relationship with God, as well as David and Susanne's relationship with him, gave them courage, comfort and wisdom, the likes of which she was not accustomed to seeing. As she listened and observed them, it was as if they lived in another world that she only viewed through a dark window. She found that she envied them. She wanted on the other side of that window. She determined to find out how to enter that life which she had heard Mr. Benson call “a life hid with Christ in God.” It sounded like a safe place to be.

She and Mr. Benson went their separate ways upon returning home both deeply involved in private contemplation, both comparing their own life with the life Natalie lived in her home in Kansas and both finding their own wanting. Both felt a certain dissatisfaction. There was more of life to be had. What was to be considered now was how to get it. Consider they did.

A Daring Plan

A Daring Plan

Queen Natasha woke bright and early Sunday morning to the usual sounds of her parakeets chirping. She had large aviaries in the two main rooms of her private quarters which sat before large picture windows. The drapes were drawn back not long after the sun rose each morning. To her the voices, of the birds, which so often calmed her spirit and relaxed her, bespoke of life and freedom in her otherwise gloomy world where she herself felt caged in with no real options to do anything but play out the role she was born to play.

This morning, as was common on Sundays, Natasha had her breakfast in bed. She sat propped up against a huge mound of pillows enjoying the sounds of forty-some birds chirping and singing. She was thinking about faithful Susanne who had worked at the palace since Natasha was eight years old and Susanne herself only twenty. She arrived just a few days before Mirah.

Natasha had grown to love seeing Susanne enter a room, because so often she carried with her good things to eat. She served it with a smile and a twinkle in her eye that seemed to say, “I love making you happy,” unlike her mother who seemed to wear a painted smile on her pretty face while she spent her one hour each morning with her daughters and whose mind was almost always somewhere else. She almost never answered the girls' questions without being asked two or three times unless she was in one of her moods of being extremely proud of her daughters' beauty. At those times she would rattle on about how they made every other mother envy her and how they would grow up to be as powerful and envied as she.

Natasha had been especially uncomfortable when her mother was in one of those moods. She wanted her mother's approval but this made her feel unreal somehow, more like a lovely trophy of her mother's achievements than a beloved daughter.

I don't blame Natalie, she thought, for leaving to be w ith someone who really loved her. Susanne was always different. She was hired for her baking ability but Natasha knew, as she looked back, that Susanne had always had other abilities, some of which she might now put to good use. She smiled remembering a time when she was only eight years old and Natalie was ten.

Their mother was very angry with them for missing their first hour of studies and telling no one where they were. They had become so involved with a tea party with their dolls in the conservatory that they lost track of time. When Mr. Benson found them and escorted them to the library they began to cry, knowing they must face their mother's wrath.

Susanne saw their tears and heard their fear as she entered to bring the tutor a cold drink. With a sly smile she said, “I'll bet your mother would be very proud to see the drawings you did of her in art class yesterday. She would probably be quite flattered. Well, excuse me, my ladies. I'm on my way to see your mother now to serve her some of my new, extra delicious cookies.” With that she gave them a wink.

The girls looked at each other, understanding the message well, smiled happily and ran quickly to their rooms to fetch their art pads. They headed directly to their mother, who sat on her throne rapping her fingernails impatiently.

Susanne met them at the door, saying, “Perhaps I should go in first, girls. She doesn't like to be kept waiting.”

As soon as Queen Lucienda saw Susanne and smelled her treats, her mood softened a little.

“What is this, my dear Susann, that you bring your Queen on this irritating day?” she asked smiling.

“A treat for your palate, I hope, Your Majesty.”

“Here, here, your timing is perfect. I'm sure it is something wonderful!” She grabbed a cookie anxiously. With one bite, a roll of the eyes, and a deep sigh, she relaxed and settled herself comfortably.

“My dear, you have outdone yourself and just when I needed a little pampering.” She smiled. “Leave the whole tray.”

“Thank you,” Susanne said with a bow. “And if it please the Queen, there are two beautiful young princesses standing outside of the door who have drawn the most lovely portraits of their mother, as to surely make her abundantly proud. They are anxious to show Her Majesty.”

“Of me?” she asked, now looking delighted. “Why, of course. Of course! Send my darlings in!”

So Susanne sent the girls running excitedly to their mother, who had quite forgotten having been angry with them by the time they approached her with, “Mother! Mother! Look how beautiful we made you in art class yesterday! Aren't you just gorgeous?”

Seeing her daughters apparently so pleased at believing they had captured her beauty on paper touched the Queen. She was impressed with her daughters' abilities and what she thought was great pride and admiration for their mother.

When she finally sent them on their way her mood was greatly altered. She spoke of what wonderful and exceptional girls were her own. Natasha knew this was exactly what Susanne had anticipated. She had planned the whole thing to restore them to their mother's good graces, softening her mood with her cookies in preparation to receive them.

Susanne helped them many times with her wisdom, quick thinking and understanding heart. She had a way of not really appearing to be doing so at all.

She had this same skill when offering many innovative ideas for improvements in things about the palace that were great helps to the workers, for which the workers received commendation from the Queen. Natasha, though only a teenager at the time some of these things took place, noticedhow Susanne and her wisdom went without recognition, though she never seemed to mind. She was glad to help and happy to see others happy. She had a way of making others feel her ideas were really their own.

Natasha was glad now that Susanne was still on the palace staff. She decided it was high time she receive a little payback for her years of service and kindness. She would make good use of Susanne's wisdom and enjoy her pleasant company as well.

The Queen sent word to have Susanne come to her in her chambers as soon as she returned home. “I will see her alone,” she instructed, “and tell her not to change into her uniform but to come directly here. I want lunch for myself and Susanne served here as soon as she arrives.”

Natasha had formulated a plan that had her feeling like a teenager again. She was going to actually have some fun for the first time in a very long time thanks to Susanne.

It was nearly 1 o'clock before Susanne returned from worshiping with friends in an elderly couple's home. She hurried to the Queen's chambers, looking lively and joyful. It had been a long time since Natasha had seen Susanne after returning from worship. She had always wondered what went on there that put her in such high spirits.

“Well, Susanne, I'm glad you're finally here. I'm famished,” Natasha began. “ I ordered some lunch for us. I'll have it served right away, if that's all right with you.”

“Yes, that's fine. I'm hungry too.”

“You look like you've had a good morning, Susanne.”

“I really have. I love Sundays.”

“I remember. You always did. And I always wondered what you did that lifted your spirits so.”

“Oh, I wish you could come with me some time and see for yourself. Really, though, it's the Lord himself who lifts my spirit.”

Natasha only smiled, nodded and went on. “Well, sit down. I want to talk to you about an idea I have and ask you a question. I want to talk about having a good time for a change. It's not something I do very often anymore, since Natalie's been gone and I have to be Queen. But just suppose that you were going to the far eastern quarter on your own, for a visit - not business, mind you, and not on an errand for the Queen. What might you do just for the fun of it.?”

“Well, let me see. I hear they keep things much more according to Swedish tradition, passed down from your mother's father's ancestors, in that area. I think I would like to eat at one of the cafes. It might be fun to eat totally Swedish food and do a little shopping. I would probably just stroll around the shops, enjoy seeing how people live there and even spend the night in a local inn.”

“That sounds just right, Susanne. That is what we're going to do!” Natasha looked excited and eager. Susanne looked surprised.

“Life gets pretty routine and boring for me around here. We may have an unpleasant task to tend to in that area tomorrow, but it won't take all day. The whole day need not be misery. First we'll do some of the things you've mentioned, then visit the prison in early evening. We'll even spend the night at one of those inns. Who knows, Susanne, we may even find some interesting men. If there are to be kings on our throne at some point I must have a husband and male offspring, don't you think?”

The Queen smiled at Susanne, then laughed. Susanne looked totally shocked. She lifted her eyebrows, opened her mouth as if to speak but didn't know what to say.

“Oh, Susanne, don't let it bother you, that I would think like this. Iam a woman, you know.”

“Of course you are. I just never pictured you out walking around looking for men,” Susanne said with a chuckle.

“When it comes to men, I'm more interested in strength of character than class,” Natasha said. “The right class meant everything to my mother, but there's not a man worth looking at among the upper crust. They're hardly men at all, spoiled, arrogant, selfish, and disgustingly weak. That about sums them up. But if among my loyal subjects there should be a man of strength and courage who knows how to think beyond himself, he may well be worth knowing. Anyway I hardly ever meet anyone closed up in this place. The kindest and strongest man I know right now is my own bodyguard. He is something!”

“May I speak freely?”

“Of course. There's only friends here. That's why I'm so open with you now.”

“Okay, then. Natasha, how are you to know what a man is really like? In the presence of the Queen people often withdraw, become quite formal and quiet, or even put on airs.”

“That will be the fun part. I haven't had real fun in so long! Tomorrow no one who sees me will even know I am the Queen. I want you to help me by picking out some new clothes for me. After we're a good distance from the palace grounds tomorrow, I will change into the common dress of the people and disguise myself. I'll have two of my best guards change also and accompany us, posing as brothers. What do you think?”

“I think my Queen is daring. She reminds me of a lively teenage princess I once knew. I also think it sounds like a workable plan- a fun one. We should do it.”

The two ladies smiled a mischievous smile at each other and Natasha said, “Ah hah! Then it's settled. We will do it!”

“Will your guards be able to pull off such an act?”

“I know two, my closest, who will be quite good at it and will enjoy the adventure if I'm not mistaken.”

Susanne laughed, shaking her head.“It's been a long time since I've seen this side of you. I think this will be good for you. We'll feel like private detectives or something. But you must not forget yourself either when you are speaking to your guards.”

Natasha was laughing too. “Oh, I will be careful. This will be a good diversion from the gloomy work of everyday life and much better than visiting a prison camp. It's time I had some fun and have it I will. With your help I know we can pull it off.”

“I definitely will help. I do think it's a good idea, Natasha. My, my, what will happen next?”

This time it was Natasha who hugged Susanne. “Oooo, it's so good to hear my name again! And so good to have a friend to share with! I feel quite young all of a sudden!”

Susanne smiled and said, “Speaking of friendship, I got something the other day as a token of ours. You don't really have to wear it, of course, if you would rather not. I mean, it's not terribly expensive. But I got one for both of us.” She handed the small ring box to the Queen and opened her own.

As she opened it, Natasha's eyes grew large and she looked first at hers, then at Susanne's. “Friendship rings,” Susanne said, “a token...”

“Oh my!” Natasha cut in, “how absolutely perfect! I'll wear it always! Thank you so...” But she had to stop. She couldn't speak for a minute.

“Good,” Susanne said. “I'm glad you like the idea.”

Natasha swallowed hard and nodded.

“I can hardly believe you thought of such a thing. But it's so like my precious Susanne. You have always been so very thoughtful.”

Susanne put her ring on then suggested, “Maybe we should eat before we pass out from lack of nutrition. What do you think?”

“I think you are right. Then after we eat and you have a rest, would you mind doing a little secret shopping for me for some street clothes? I really cannot ask anyone else.”

Susanne was glad to see her Queen so enthusiastic about something for a change and looking so youthful. “Certainly, and after I pick them out I'll bring them here for you to try on, see how they fit and how you like them.”

Natasha was lively and excited as the two ladies ate their lunch and chatted. She was looking forward to her adventure.

Susanne was glad to have this time with her. However, it would mean a longer day tomorrow, a longer time before she would see David, the only man she was interested in seeing herself.

Well, she thought, I'll be so busy that time should pass swiftly. This is something Natasha needs and I want to be there for her. I'll just have to stay focused on what is at hand and do my best in the situation.

The rest of the afternoon was busy with preparations. The whole affair was rather a thing of amazement to Susanne.

I don't know what it is, she thought, but God is surely up to something.

Prelude To An Adventure

Prelude To An Adventure

The Queen asked specifically for Susanne to bring refreshments for herself and Ramier Dueien (Doo-een), who reported to the Queen once a year on the condition of the prison work camps. He also reported to her any time there were concerns he felt required her attention. Today she would hear him out in the arboretum. If she had to discuss such depressing affairs concerning such a depressing place at least it might ease the mood a little to be surrounded by beautiful flowers and luscious smells. She requested Susanne bring her a tray of her favorite cookies, freshly baked. 

As Susanne poured the fresh-squeezed pineapple and strawberry juice over ice in a large chilled goblet, Her Majesty asked, “What do you think, Susanne?” “Ma'am?” Susanne responded.

“Ramier tells me that over the past several years there has been an amazing change in what once was our worst and roughest prison camp. To this particular camp, in the far eastern quarter, the most vile and hardened criminals are sent. It required very severe discipline to keep some semblance of order and actually get some productive work out of these reprobates. Still, there were often reprehensible outbreaks of violence. Mr. Ramier now informs me that this camp has not only improved gradually and steadily for the last few years but has become the most productive of all the camps and seems to function with little occasion of conflict.

“Do you think it would be a good thing for the Queen to reward the commander in charge of this facility and perhaps give the inmates a rest day as a reward to them or do you have another thought on the matter?” 

Mr. Duien shifted uneasily. He was not comfortable seeing the Queen asking the opinion of a mere maid who had no knowledge of such things. His time, he thought, was being wasted.

 “I am merely a maid, Your Majesty.” Ramier lifted his eyes and suppressed a desire to smirk. 

“Yes, Susanne, that is your position, but you are a very efficient maid who has been a comfort to her Queen and who I've learned, over the years, is a woman of wisdom. I want to hear your opinion.” Susanne bowed and thanked the Queen for her kindness, then asked, “Has the same commander been over the camp from the time it began to improve?” “

A good question. What of it Ramier?” “No, there have been three.”

“Perhaps,” offered Susanne, “the Queen might consider visiting the camp herself, unexpectedly, to observe what is taking place and whether or not Her Majesty approves of the methods being used to induce this productivity. If Her Majesty does find these methods to be agreeable, she might wish to instruct the commanders of the other camps to follow suit. “If such a visit were to be advertised among the people, after the fact, it might serve as an encouragement to your subjects to have even greater faith that their Queen is interested in all that concerns her kingdom, thus increasing their trust and affection for her. This may also boost their morale. After such a visit, Her Majesty may decide what, if any, reward best pleases her.”

 “A prison camp is no place for our Queen!” Mr. Dueien said disgustedly. “Others can take care of such things for her. How can you suggest Her Majesty go into such a vile place?”

“I thought you said it was greatly improved, Ramier. I'll thank you to speak with respect when you speak to Susanne from now on. I asked for her opinion, did I not?” 

“Yes, Your Majesty, you did.” 

“Susanne, you have spoken to me with more wisdom than I've heard in a long time.” She looked at Ramier, narrowing her eyes and frowning, a look that in itself reproved and put him in his place. “Even if I do loathe the thought of actually observing a prison camp, such a move could well be worth the discomfort. Surely I am not Queen purely for the comfort of it, but hopefully to serve the people.

“I'll tell you what, Susanne. You accompany me. Your company will comfort me and I could use someone with your insight and wisdom at my side. What do you think of that?”

“I am honored, of course. I would love to accompany you.” 

The Queen smiled. “It's settled, then. Ramier, we'll leave on Monday. Do not inform the camp of my intentions. I expect to find the place as it normally is without any special preparations for a visit from the Queen. Stick around here this weekend and be ready to accompany me early Monday morning. Be prepared to take notes on all I tell you. Oh, and Mr. Ramier, from now on, when Susanne speaks to you it will be as though it were I speaking. Do you understand? You will treat her with the utmost respect as my representative. Now you are dismissed.”

Susanne did not know what to think. As the door closed behind Ramier, Natasha looked at Susanne with a twinkle in her eye. 

“That made the proud man uncomfortable and put him in his place, I'm sure!” she chuckled. “Susanne, I could use a friend who I can trust. Someone who will be honest with me, rather than just flatter me as most people feel they must, to keep out of trouble and gain my favor. You have known me since I was a child and helped me out of many a scrape. You are older and you are wise. “However, I know that a friend cannot be appointed, hired or purchased. It must be a choice. If you would consider being a friend to me, you will certainly be treated as you deserve.”

 “You want me to serve you in my regular capacity and yet be your friend?” 

“Just as I must be your Queen as well as your friend. Perhaps I should give you an official position as my personal confidant or advisor. However, that title in and of itself could require a need for added protection for you. We'll have to figure some things out as we go but I'm sure we can. The truth is Susanne you are both older and wiser than myself and would be better at this job than I am. If only I could just give it to you, but alas I cannot. You've helped me out with your wisdom since I was a child. I get lonely and sick of never even hearing my own name. Will you at least consider it?” Susanne had certainly not expected all of this when she entered the arboretum to serve cookies to the Queen but she was thankful to have her trust. She bowed and said, “Of course. I would love to be a friend to my Queen. I care what happens to Her Majesty and would be honored to serve in any capacity she needs me.” 

“Well then, when we are alone, no more bowing and no more of this, 'Her Majesty' stuff. I have a name and I want to hear it used. To you I am Natasha and I grant you the favored position of friend. Soon I may make it official that you are my advisor. Yes, I think that is what should be done and soon. This means you are free to speak your true feelings and opinions to me even if it is not what I want to hear. I need someone to be real, honest and upfront with me - a real friend. I think you will be able to do it best.” 

Susanne felt herself blush, then did exactly what she felt she should do even if she was taking a chance. She walked up to Natasha, gave her a hug and said, 'Thank you for trusting me, Natasha.” Natasha looked surprised for a second or two, then laughed and said,

 “You are more than welcome. Now go take the day off. You've just been given added responsibilities which means you will also have some added privileges. We'll go over the details later. But for now take some time off. I think we'll have some fun, too. Heaven knows I need a little diversion now and then and so do you.”

 “If that's what you want then we will,” Susanne assured her, then excused herself. 

Walking back to her room, she felt honored, excited and nervous, too. She had agreed to this new position without knowing what all it might entail. 

“Oh, Lord,” she whispered, “please show me the way and give me wisdom. I feel you are in this so I place it all in your hands. Guide me and help me be what Natasha needs me to be.” She went to her room and spent some time in prayer. As she left for lunch she noticed how alone she felt. She was so used to talking things over with David and now she missed him. She wondered what was going on in the states and if he was having a good time. She felt something good was happening and was anxious to hear all about it. Having an unexpected afternoon off, she decided to spend it in town. The palace felt large, empty and cold with David gone. She realized now that he was her only close friend. Of course she knew a lot of people, like the other kitchen workers, who she worked around on a daily basis. Most were pleasant and friendly but usually very busy and, for the most part, preoccupied with work and their own lives on the outside, which did not include Susanne. There were the people she worshiped with, who she felt a special bond to. But she never opened her inner self to anyone the way she did to David. He had become a very important part of her life. She realized this, especially now when she found herself feeling so very alone. 

My, she thought, imagine how Natasha must feel all of the time. And so young to be in such a position! Well, I'll just get myself busy, she said to herself, and have a nice afternoon of shopping. I'll even eat supper out. This w ill be a pamper-Susanne afternoon. This idea put her in a more jolly mood, so off she went. 

The day did turn out to be both fun and relaxing. She bought herself a few new outfits; something she rarely took the time to do and last but best of all, friendship rings for herself and Natasha. Early in the day she found a lovely gold band with two small diamonds in it and had a duplicate made. It was ready to pick up at 7 that evening. So after a delicious supper she picked it up, feeling quite excited. If Natasha didn't find the ring elegant enough to wear she could at least keep it as a token of their friendship. Susanne returned to the palace feeling nearly like a teenager after a fun day in town until she stepped inside the palace doors. Immediately she wanted to go to the kitchen, get a piece of pie and something to drink, sit at the little wooden table in the corner and share her day with David. Oh well, she thought, I'll have pie and a drink in my room and turn in early. I'm already tired. 

With all that had taken place that morning with Natasha and her busy afternoon, she felt ready to rest. She did just that, falling asleep nearly as soon as she laid down. Almost as quickly, she began dreaming a most unusual dream. She found herself standing in a place she did not recognize. She was out of doors in a very dusty place facing a large rocky hill. There was a somewhat stocky man of

medium height, hard at work digging rocks out of the side of the hill. His back was to her. To the man's right was a large rock with a flat, smooth surface, on which lay a black Bible. She watched as another man walked toward him from his left. The first man stopped, went over to the large rock, picked up the Bible, handed it to the man who had just arrived, gave him a pat on the back, then resumed his work. There was instantly another Bible on the rock. 

A few seconds later, another man coming from another direction walked toward him and the same thing took place again. One by one, men of all sizes and shapes took their turn approaching the busy man, who always stopped, gave them a Bible and a pat on the back. Some of the men would clutch the Bible to their chests and fairly skip or dance for joy. Others would run, shouting joyously as they left the man, who always went right back to his work. 

This continued until the sun went down, when the man stopped his work, walked over to the rock, lay his head upon it and rested. Susanne began to walk toward him as he lay there, resting very still beneath only the light of the moon and stars. When she was close enough to see his face he opened his eyes and smiled at her. She woke with a start, sitting bolt upright, her heart beating rapidly. She knew that face!

 Now she was wide awake, but the dream still felt so real. It was as though she had truly experienced the entire episode.

“Oh, David...” she whispered. She got up and walked to the window seat, opened the window and sat looking out. The breeze felt good on her face and the sweet aroma of hundreds of roses in the garden below wafted through the air, filling her senses. She was glad to have this room where her window afforded such a beautiful view of the garden, which David kept looking like a touch of heaven.

“I wonder if you will always be in this lovely setting, David,” she spoke into the night. “I wonder if God has work for you beyond this place, in a place of great need.” 

As she sat looking out at the grand gazebo which was kept lit up at night, white, trimmed in gold, surrounded by scarlet, white and yellow roses, her thoughts went back to the day when a young carpenter arrived to build that gazebo.

In so many ways he made her think of the carpenter, born in Bethlehem so long ago, to be her Savior. He had indeed been an unusual man. Never before had she seen such love and assurance in any man. God reached out to her through that carpenter and revealed his love for her. It was the beginning of a life change, occurring from deep within her. David had changed too. Now he was the most loving men she knew.

The memory of that long ago day warmed her heart. Looking into the serene night sky, Susanne talked to God as one who was very familiar with him until sleep began again to press in upon her. When she lay down she was peaceful and sleep came easily. In the early morning, however, she dreamed the same dream, detail for detail and again she woke with a start. It was only 6:30 and she wouldn't be leaving for worship until 9 o'clock. So she lay awhile longer, pondering what the dream might mean or represent.

This was not the first dream she had had, that she knew had meaning, but she was very disturbed emotionally and moved spiritually by this one.

“I know, Lord,” she prayed quietly, “that your Word brings life and peace. Does the rock represent you who are the rock of our salvation and the cornerstone of the church? Is this dream just an example of what I should be doing in my own life?” 

"No, she said to herself. I mustn't deceive myself. My spirit knows there is more to it than that. I must pray as God leads and listen carefully even if I do not yet understand all that is to be revealed.

As she walked to her friend's home a little later where she joined other friends for worship, she again noticed how alone she felt. The walk usually seemed much shorter as she and David walked together, talked, laughed and even sang. 

My, how different the world is, she thought, when only one person is missing! 

David would be home on Monday but she would be gone with Natasha, probably most of the day. She was glad to be going except for missing David and Mirah's return. Her emotions were mixed with wanting to go and yet not wanting to be gone on Monday. Part of her was glad and quite anxious to go with the Queen. Surely God was up to something with all that happened yesterday in the arboretum. But she wondered just what it might be and what might happen on their trip tomorrow. Did I agree too quickly without taking time to pray first? she wondered. I reacted according to the immediate need. No, I do feel the Lord was guiding me. If I have made a mistake, I will trust him to show me what to do. But I do feel I am on the right path, at least for now. Well, I'll just have my brothers and sisters pray for me concerning this today at worship. I do wonder what my role w ill be like tomorrow .