Artemis Breaker Chp. 2

C H A P T E R 

I I

A Queer Disappearance 

A S   G O S S I P  spread through town, people began to wonder about the strange artist who had  suddenly disappeared. Word got out, and rumors were spread. Artemis knew that if the townspeople were to find out she was dead, they would ask questions. But Artemis promised himself they would never find out the whole truth. If they knew she was murdered, their entire reputation and honor would be destroyed forever.

Athena burst through the door with a bucket of water in her hand. She set it down on the ground. “I’m going to brew some tea.”

“I don’t want any.”

Athena looked down. “I talked to Armand.”

“I know. He cried.” Artemis put a log on the fire. Times were tough in Jamestown, when winter came. “Don’t say anymore.”

“I thought you wanted him to believe Mother was on a trip.”

“He’s just too smart, he probably already knows. He’s so young. He doesn’t deserve this.”

Athena straightened up. “Artie, get up. It’s been a week. You’ve had your time to grieve. It’s time to get back to life.”

Artemis shot a warning look at her. “Don’t you see? What life is there? We’re orphans. Orphans are useless. You see the beggars that were raised orphans. They’re pathetic.”

“They refuse to get a job, yes. But that’s not your concern. Now get up!” Athen now stood with hands on her hips, angry as a mad hen.

Artemis stood. “You know ‘Thena, every time we’ve tried to talk, it just turns out to be an argument.”

“Dare we try again?”

“No, ‘Thena. You listen to me and do what I bid you. But no more. If Armand sees us fighting…he’ll know.”

Athena scoffed. “So that’s it? Let’s just completely stop talking to each other, for the child’s sake.”

“Yes! It’s bad enough we’ve fallen apart, but I’m not going to let my brother fall apart either!”

“Maybe you have. But I haven’t. I’m going to grow up and be the first one to fly to the moon, or the most famous scientist to ever have lived. But I’m not going to sit in that chair and watch life fade away.”

Artemis looked at the fire withering. He poured coffee on it. “I’m going to town. Stay here.”

“What will you do?” 

Artemis shrugged. “I’m sure we need supplies.” He stood up, grabbed his hat, and fled out the door.

The snow began to fall harder but Artemis didn’t seem to notice. And as time went on, the moments turned into hours.

Athena watched by the window, worried sick. Armand tugged on her skirt. 

“What is it?”

“I’m hungry. We haven’t any meal.”

Athena sighed and went to check the cupboards. “I’m sure we have something.” But her confidence was to no avail. For she knew what lay beyond the cupboard doors.

“Why are we always hungry? Why must we be so poor? Now we’re orphans!”

Athena gasped. “Wh-why would you say something like that?”

Little Armand sniffled lightly. “Mama’s gone.”

The house was silent for a moment. And then Athena felt the overwhelming wave of truth wash over her. That, yes. Mama was gone. Gone forever. Just like Papa.

Athena brushed her thoughts passed her. “Artemis will bring home food.” Athena glanced out the window. It looked to be a howling mess outside. “It’s a blizzard.” She whispered. She turned to the eight-year-old boy. “Armand. I need you to stay here. I am going out to find Artemis.”

Athena grabbed her coat and wrap and dashed outside. The strong force of the wind made it almost impossible to stand up straight. But she pressed on.

“Artemis!” Her voice hardly carried over the wind, and she was sure he couldn’t hear her.

Artemis heard the distinct voices inside.

“And you killed her?” A plump man questioned.

The man—the killer who killed Mother, stood there, still bundled up. You could hardly see his face. 

“I did what I thought what best. I couldn’t trust her. She could get us all hanged.”

The plump man sighed and ran his chubby fingers over the smooth sides of the chair. “Do you think they have….allies, perhaps?”

The man shook his head. “They looked secretive. But…”

“Yes?”

The killer hesitated.

“Out with it!”
Artemis gasped. He recognized that voice. “Mr. Beltifar.” He said to himself. He had been his father’s work partner and true friend. He also owned almost everything in Jamestown.

The killer approached quietly. “They have children.”

Beltifar eyed him suspiciously. “You are afraid of children, now?”

“No. But what I’ve heard…their family is strange. Evil, perhaps.”

“What?” Artemis covered his mouth. He spoke loudly than he should have.

“Did you hear that?” Beltifar walked to the window. 

Artemis sat underneath, still as a stone, praying he wouldn’t get caught. Or he would be the next to go..

“They have strange names. Greek names. Some say, they study mythology. The girl gets taught by her brother. She’s smart. He’s…clever.”

Beltifar leaned back in his chair. “What do you propose we do? And also, what shall I call you? I have yet to know your name.”

“Rage. Matthias Rage.”

Beltifar chuckled. “Rage? Oh, well, people don’t get to pick out their names. Anyway, you didn’t answer my first question.”

“I don’t think it’s right to do so…”

“Do what? I haven’t got all day!”

“Kill them.”

“Kill the children?”

“Yes.”

Beltifar shrugged. “Fine. But make it silent and quick. Not too painful. I used to know these children. And yes, very bright.”

Matthias tipped his hat.

Athena walked out in the blizzard, and could hardly see her own hand in front of her face. Then she saw an orange light. It was the light in a window. 

“Artemis!”

Artemis gasped. “No.” He whispered.

Matthias ran outside. “Who’s out there?” He yelled. He saw Athena. He prepared his gun and just as he shot, Artemis sped across the yard and pushed her from the way.

“You’re crazy!” He stumbled to get up but couldn’t.

“What is it? What is it?”

Artemis looked at his hand. Blood dripped down. “I’ve been shot.”

“We’ll get you a doctor!”

“No! They’re going to kill us.” 

The snow got thicker and Matthias couldn’t see them no longer.

That gave them a chance to get away.

“We need to go home.”

“And then we need to leave. They know where we live.”

Athena put her arm under his and helped him walk. The bullet was deep into his leg.

Matthias looked out into the whiteness of the blizzard. “I’ll find you. I’ll find very last one of you.”

Artemis Breaker Chp. 1

 Hi everyone, it’s been a long time since I last posted, hasn’t it??

Here’s a story, that I don’t remember if I already mentioned, but anyways here it is. It’s not finished, though…I didn’t get bored of it, I just lost where I was going with it. 

Hope you don’t think it’s dumb!

The  A D V E N T U R E S of 

A R T E M I S   B R E A K E R 

Fate Unfolded

1764

A R TE M I S  gasped. Two men stood by his  mother. They seemed to be questioning her.

“I promise, I don’t know. Please! I promise! He just disappeared! I don’t know where he went!”

A man slid out his knife and held it up to her neck.

Sweat trickled down Mother’s forehead. “I won’t say anything! No one will know you came! Please! I swear!”

Artemis watched from the fogged window and saw his own breath, out in the winter air. What did Mother do? He didn’t understand. But he was scared. Very scared.

“Please!” Mother pleaded.

The tall man put his face so close to her, she felt his reeking breath on her face. He narrowed his eyes and whispered, “You won’t say anything.”

Mother nodded. “Not a word. Not as long as my soul endures.”

The man’s eyes were fiery with hatred. “You won’t be able to talk when I kill you.”

Mother screamed. “I have children! They need me!”

“Well, that’s just too bad.” The killer got close.

Artemis buried his face in his hands. He swore to himself he would never forget that scream. Not if he lived forever. That scream would haunt him the rest of his days and follow him into his grave.

There was a thump. Mother’s lifeless body collapsed to the wood floor and the man heaved her onto his shoulder, his assistant trailing close behind. The younger man looked both ways and then blew out the candle. They walked down the steps and passed where Artemis was lurking in the bushes.

Artemis saw the once smiling and beautiful mother, now cold and still on the backs of those killers. He felt he should have stopped them. But he knew they would have killed him also. And then his little sister and brother would have no one to take care of them.

What would happen to them, Artemis didn’t know. They had been a quite strange family, that most people stayed away from. The girls were taught everything the boys were taught in school. And Mother had been so smart—and an artist. People thought she was some kind of a witch.

Artemis felt his chin. The cold truth would plague him until his death. He was an orphan. And now both his parents were murdered. His father disappeared nearly a decade ago. When someone came to his door, only a few years ago and bore the dreadful news of him being food poisoned, Artemis had ignored him. Not Father. Father was too strong for that. He had just wandered from home and lost his way. But he was coming back. And he was searching for Artemis and his family.

The boy, now fourteen, was smart and capable. He was quiet and had an interest in seeing how things work, along with reading and studying them. He didn’t have real friends, only the ones in books. But he didn’t care. He never did. But now, his life seemed to just fall apart and fate unfolded before his very eyes.

His siblings would be coming home from the preacher’s house any moment. Mother had been feeling ill and her paintings weren’t as bright and vivid as they once were. Artemis stayed home and took care of her, while the children stayed from the way.

Artemis went inside. There was a faint bloodstain. The men must’ve tried to clean it, but failed to do so. That haunting blood stain would stay there until the house withered away. How would he explain when Athena would question it?

“Artie…”

Artemis sat on the rocking chair by the glowing hearth. He didn’t even notice his sister come in.

“Artemis.”

He looked up. His sister stood before him, books in hand.

“What?”

She looked to the floor. “Where is Mother?” Her voice was concerned and serious. 

The expression on her brother’s face and the grief in his eyes explained it all.

“What? Why?” She dropped her books onto the floor. “She didn’t do anything. They just…killed her?”

Artemis looked into the fire.

Athena sighed with depression. “What do I tell Armand?” Her shaky voice trembled and tears dared to escape her eyes. But she held strong. She would be strong for her brother as long as she needed to be.

“Don’t.” Artemis never once looked away from the fire.

“Will you look at me?” Athena wiped her tears on her coat. 

“Tell him,” he began, “tell him Mother went on a trip. She’ll won’t be back for awhile.”

“You can’t do that to him. It will just hurt the more when he finds out the truth.”

“Just—” Artemis looked at her with desperation lingering in his eyes,“tell him.”

Athena sighed and nodded her head. “Do you know where they took her?”

Artemis scowled at her. “If I knew where she was buried, I would be there. Go get Armand. Ready him for sleep.” His tone was harsh.

Athena left suddenly and when she opened the door, the cold air blew in. 

Artemis looked through the small window and saw the snow falling gracefully. He wouldn’t cry. Not now, not ever. He needed to stay strong. He knew people disliked him and his family. He knew it would be hard. But he didn’t need anyone. He didn’t depend on anyone. And if he needed a job done, the first person he would go to would be himself.

Life had just gotten a lot harder and there was nothing anyone could do about it. Except Artemis Breaker himself. And himself was all he needed.

Across the Sea Chp. 16

16

F O R G I V E N

Colin and Fiona watched the sun set. They sat on the roof of the palace. 

Fiona sighed. “I can’t believe I’m seeing you again. I thought you would never come back.”

“I almost didn’t. I didn’t want to trust anyone but myself.”

“Colin. Sometimes it’s okay to need help.”

“I know. But Fiona…Ireland’s still our home. No matter how much you like it here.”

“I know Colin. I don’t know how all this happened. One day we were talking by the sea, and the next we were aboard the ship of the Barbary Pirates. And then…something inside me moved. And I had this longing to help Ronan. I didn’t want him to live a life of fear. He has a hard past, you know.”

“I can sense it in his eyes. And Fiona…I can’t help but feel that I shouldn’t see anything right now.”

“Why?”

“There was young slave boy on the ship. He was hurt and alone. But I felt that even in the darkness he probably saw more than I did. His eyes were open. Mine were sealed closed.”

“Everyone is like that, until they’re forgiven. Ronan freed those slaves. I hope that he will learn to trust God more. But I know he is on the right road.”

“Fiona…that day. The day when Ronan almost died, I pushed him overboard because he told me he’d marry you. I despised him for that and I wanted him dead. But now—there’s no one I’d rather trust than Ronan for you.”

“I know how you feel. It seems all so weird. I remember when I first laid eyes on him. I wanted to kick his perfectly white teeth out. But now, I feel God wants me to become his partner. He needs a friend.”

Colin sighed. “I think I should return to Ireland.”

“What?”

“I feel guilt. Papa would’ve wanted us to live on the farm. Not here, with pirates.”

“But Colin, don’t you see? God wants us here. He wants us to change these pirates. What if we prevented more raids? What if we turned their hearts? I think…I think you belong here. On the sea, somewhere full of adventure. I think God wants you to change these people.”

Colin smiled. “I feel that too. But—” He wiped away a tear. “Mama and Papa are buried there.”

Fiona rested her arm around his shoulder. “Just listen for God’s instructions. If you feel He wants you there, in Ireland…go for it. But just know, you will always be welcome here.”

Colin turned to face her. “I think I will stay.”

Fiona laughed. “I would have never guessed this would be our purpose. But somehow, now, after everything thing that’s happened, it feels just right.”

“Yes. This is where our destiny lies. Across the sea.”

And that is the conclusion of my novelette! I hope you enjoyed! This was written when I was a bit younger, so I hope everything makes good sense.

Enjoy your day!

Across the Sea Chp. 15

15

S A V E D

Colin woke up. He looked around. He was still there. Trapped on a deserted island. But he decided to look around.

Colin ran with all his might, in hope that maybe, just maybe there was a boat. 

He spotted something brown hidden in long grasses. He sighed with relief and cried. It was a boat.

“A boat! A boat!” He ran faster and faster and pulled the boat out of the grass. He looked at the sky. 

“Thank you.” He whispered.

Fiona combed out her long red hair. She wore a chain of flowers on her head and a silky blue dress. She was to marry Ronan. He truly loved her and she truly loved him.

Before this day, she had told him,

“Accept my God, and I will always be there for you. He will help you Ronan. You don’t have to hide anymore.”

“I did pray. I prayed for a friend. And He brought me you.”

Fiona walked down the aisle in the huge stone castle. People played flutes and mandolins.

She met Ronan’s gaze. 

Colin raced up the steps and into the palace. He searched around. “Where is she?”

‘’You will take this Irish lass to be your wife, through sickness and in health…”

“I do.” Ronan finally said.

“And you, Fiona Braygan. You will take this…”

“I do.”

“Then you may—”

“Wait!!” Colin ran down the aisle and crashed into Fiona. He hugged her closer than he had ever done. “Fiona, I—I’m sorry.” 

Fiona was so surprised she could hardly speak. “What happened, I was so worried for you.”

“I was shipwrecked. But…He helped me. God helped me. And…I’m ready to trust him.”

Fiona laughed with joy. “Oh, Colin, I’m so glad!” She hugged him again and almost cried.

Ronan stood there and when Colin met his gaze, he felt ashamed immediately. 

“Ronan, I…”

Ronan shook his head. “Don’t apologize. It takes courage to do what you did. You shall always be a respected man from now on.”

Colin was speechless. “Ronan, I deserve to be hanged.”

“Maybe. But God had forgiven me. So I forgive you. The Irish stand together. If you feel pain, then I must also.”

Colin couldn’t believe his ears. “You’re an Irish lad?”

“Maybe.” Ronan laughed and hugged Colin.

Colin hugged him back.

“We’ll start over. In just a moment you will be my brother.”

Colin nodded.

The priest continued. “You may kiss the bride.”

And that was that.

Healer of Pain Chp. 22

Chapter Twenty-Two

Conjuring up Courage 

Caleb set down the photo of Theodore. Three whole monthes had passed since his death. Caleb thought of him everyday. And he would continue to.

Andrew walked in. 

Caleb smiled and looked back to the picture. So young. So frail. Why did he have to die?

Andrew saw the troubled look on Caleb’s face. “You know…usually the groom looks a bit more joyful. This is the happiest day of your life.”

Caleb nodded. “Sorry. It’s just—Theo would’ve wanted to see this.” Caleb corrected himself. “He would’ve wanted to be here, I mean.”

Andrew stepped closer to where Caleb stood. “Theodore was the most bravest, courageous, and faithful man I’ve ever known. He trusted God to direct his steps.”

“I know that. But it could’ve—it should have been me. Not Theodore. Why would someone, someone even as mean as Akin—why would he want to hurt an innocent person? Someone who had no idea what was coming?”

“It wasn’t on purpose.”

“You don’t know that.”

Caleb sighed and set down the picture. The death of his cousin was still fresh.

Andrew put his hand on Caleb’s shoulder. “You know, there’s a lot of stuff I said to Theodore, that I would take back for the world. But that’s just how God works. He wants us to live, knowing that we never know when it will be our loved one’s time, or our time ourselves. We can’t take life for advantage. It’s too short.”

Caleb smiled. “Thanks. I needed that.”

Andrew patted him on the back. “Now get out there, and smile a bit. Do it for Erin. And do it for yourself.”

Caleb laughed. “I’ll do that. I picked a pretty exotic place to get married, didn’t I?” Caleb peeked out the window.

Andrew shrugged. “After what we’ve been through, nothing seems exotic anymore. We just seem to fit right in.”

Caleb nodded. “Right.” He swallowed hard in his throat. “I’m just so nervous.”

“You’re supposed to be. But that’s okay. Just conjure up the courage you need and walk down down that aisle confidently. 

Erin looked in the mirror. Her gown dragged on the floor. A white rose was twisted in her golden hair. 

Marion walked in. “You look beautiful.” She came by the mirror and adjusted Erin’s wedding veil.

“I’m so scared.” Erin whispered.

“You’ll be alright. This is the day you and Caleb have been waiting for.”

Erin smiled. “Right.” She looked in the mirror. “I feel like I’m missing something.”

“You’re fine. If I were you, I’d get out there. The whole village is waiting.”

Erin laughed. She would have never thought her wedding would be in Brazil.

Avery walked in. “Are you ready?”

Erin nodded.

Avery took her arm in arm. “It’s time.” He whispered.

Avery led Erin down the aisle. Rows of people stood up and gazed with awe as the beautiful bride walked down.

Caleb turned around. Erin was but a few feet away. He had been waiting for this day since the minute Erin Micheals stepped off the jet.

Caleb and Erin stood together.

Caleb wondered who would lead the ceremony. Then suddenly, a familiar voice called out, “Do I hear, someone’s having a wedding?”

Caleb turned around. “Mr. Riley Davis!”

Mr. Riley laughed and held his book in hand.

“What are you doing here?” Caleb asked excitedly.

“Why, I wouldn’t miss this for the world.”

Mr. Riley said the words.

It was down to Caleb and Erin now.

Caleb gazed into Erin’s eyes. “I do.” He said.

Mr. Riley turned to the bride. “Do you take this man to be your lawfully wedded husband? To love him and cherish him?”

The room grew silent. And when Erin said the words, a loud and joyous cheer filled the village.

“I pronounce you, Mr. and Mrs. Peters, husband and wife!”

The crowds stood up and applauded.

Caleb took Erin’s hand, and together they ran down the aisle.

A red jet was waiting for them.

“Ready for another adventure?” Caleb helped Erin into the plane. 

“Why not?” Erin hollered back.

The happy couple yelled their goodbyes and climbed up into the little plane.

Erin closed the door. “Where to?”

Caleb shrugged. “How would you like to go to…Saudi Arabia?”

“Sounds like a plan.”

“A missionary’s work is never done,” Caleb laughed. Luckily, he could drive a plane. And as he lifted the jet off the ground and into the sky, a still small voice was telling him, this was what he was meant to do.

The End

A  F  T  E  R  W  O  R  D  S…

Matthew took a seat on the bench. He wiped his forehead and inhaled a deep breath. He felt weird without Caleb. Now he was alone.

Andrew grabbed his bag off the ground. “I guess I should go.”

Marion looked up from her cleaning the tables. “Where are you off to?”

Andrew’s face grew serious. “Well, Marion…I’m leaving. I’m gonna travel the world, make something of myself. I might even become a doctor or an archeologist.”

Marion nodded, solemnly. “I’m gonna miss you, Andrew. You might be gone for some time.”

“Yeah, probably.”

Avery took off his hat. “We’ll all miss you.”

Matthew sat quietly.

Andrew noticed. 

Avery looked at Matthew, in a way of trying to tell him to say goodbye to Andrew.

Matthew shakily stood up and made his way to Andrew. For a second, they stared into each other’s eyes, both waiting for the other to speak.

“Have a good time…you know, traveling around the world or whatever.” Matthew mumbled. “It’s what you’ve always wanted to do, isn’t it…”

“Yeah, it is.” Andrew looked to the floor. He revealed the slightest smile. “You know, you’re not all that bad…”

“Careful—you almost said something nice to me,” Matthew chuckled.

Andrew stepped closer and hugged him. “Until next time, Matt.”

Matthew nodded. “Until next time.” 

Marion was in the room that Theodore had stayed in. She found his bag on the bed. Still full with supplies, as if he were coming back. She opened it and found a wrinkled up piece of paper. The date was the same date, the day his father died. It was a poem. More like a song.

I’d travel the world, any day for you…

Marion blinked back tears. Underneath the poem, was the words, Written for Marion Carmichael

Marion slid the paper into her pocket. This, she would treasure for the rest of her days.

Matthew came in. “Hi, Marion.”

“Hi, Matthew.” Marion turned to meet his eyes.

Matthew leaned against the doorway. “I’m gonna leave for America, tomorrow. You coming?”

Marion nodded. “Yeah. I guess I go with you. Wouldn’t want you to get into trouble, but then again, I guess It wouldn't really effect me.”

Matthew laughed. “For a minute there, I thought you actually cared about me.”

Marion’s gaze met his and she smiled warmly. “I do, Matthew. I do.”

. . .

That is it! That's the end of my novel! I'm so excited to publish it and I hope you guys enjoyed it. And if you have read it, please tell me what you think in the comments.

Have a great day, everyone! 

Across the Sea Chp. 13

13

S H I P  W R E C K

Colin rowed and rowed, faster and faster. The clouds were dark and the rain began to patter.

Oh, no.

Crash! The lightening striked the boat. The boat was on fire!

Colin dumped water as fast as he could but the wood was breaking.

He had a sinking ship on fire in the middle of a terrible storm.

The thunder roared and in an instant—everything went dark.

Fiona looked over the side of the ship. They were at Arabia! Saudi Arabia at last.

The boat was anchored down on the sand and the crew exited happily.

Ronan guided her down the ramp.

“We’re home, Fiona. I hope you like it here.”

“Home is where you are, Ronan.”

Colin woke up. He was on what it looked to be a deserted island. There was sand and rocks. Only a few small trees were scattered around. His boat was destroyed. He was shipwrecked. 

“What?! You’ve left me to die of hunger and thirst!” He waved his fist at the sky. 

Hours went by, and it sounded weird to say, but Colin was cold. In fact, he was freezing. Hungry, tired, and freezing.

He tried to hug his knees against his chest, he shivered and coughed. He could see his own breath.

It seemed hopeless. Two whole days had gone by with no water and no food. Colin accepted that he was going to die.

In the mists of the lonely night, a voice awakened him.

Pray, Colin. You know I’m here.

Colin cried. “I don’t need to!” He screamed.

If you trust Me and serve Me, I will help you.

“No! I can’t!” 

14

O C E A N   O F   F A I T H

Colin almost fell on his knees, he felt the ground shake and his head spin. Three more days had past. He was slowly losing his mind.

“What do you want from me?” He yelled angrily.

Pray, Colin and I will help you. 

Tears streamed down his face. 

God was showing him memories of his parents when they had first taught him to pray.

“He won’t fail you son. But you’ll be sure to fail Him.”

“Why?”

“Well, that’s just how it is, lad. God is perfect and holy. But us—we’re just pieces of clay he molded into different shapes and sizes.”

Little Colin laughed.

 Colin cried, remembering when Papa had told him that.

There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. “Do not let your hearts be troubled.

Colin, deep in his heart, wanted to believe that God was real and that He could help. But that longing seemed to be chained down in the depths of his heart. He wanted to free it. He remembered Fiona’s words.

“You don’t always have to depend on yourself. God can help.”

Colin had pushed her away. But the truth was, God could help. But would He?

Just trust Me.

Colin dropped to his shaking knees. “I…I’m sorry.” He covered his face with his hands. “I’m not worthy of anyone’s help. I deserve to starve and die.”

Everyone deserves to die, Colin. But your sins are forgiven if you repent. Repent and trust me.

Colin looked up at the night sky. “I—I’m sorry. And…I trust You. Please. Please help me.” And suddenly, Colin eyes closed and he fainted

Healer of Pain Chp. 21

Chapter Twenty-One

Changed Heart 

 Caleb woke up. The shadows of dreariness seemed to chain him. He wanted to scream, but he had lost his voice. He couldn’t talk. He could hardly breathe. He was covered in mud and rain water. His skin was pale and his lips, purple. He tried to walk but couldn’t. He laid back down.

Caleb sat up. He was in a small room near a fire. 

Erin sat beside the bed and quickly put a frozen rag to his face.

Caleb pushed it away. “Where’s Theodore?” He asked, in a serious tone. He made himself believe earlier was just a nightmare. “Where is he?” He roared.

Erin gasped. She went sorting through her bag. She took out a powder and mixed it around in water. “Here. Drink this.”

Caleb breathed quicker. “You didn’t answer my question.”

“Caleb, you’re sick. You have pneumonia. If you get up, you could get worse.”

“Let me up!” Caleb went to stand but lost his balance. “Show me to Theodore.”

“I can’t do that.”

Caleb laughed deliriously. “You—you’re really refusing—to show me—?” Caleb collapsed back on the bed. “I—I can’t believe you. You traitor. You’re crazy!” He breathed loudly and Erin looked scared.

“You are very unwell.”

Caleb’s face turned into a cold and bitter stare. “Take me to my cousin now.”

Erin stood up and backed away. “I will get someone if you don’t lie down.

Caleb sighed and closed his eyes. The room grew blurry to him. He rubbed his eyes and felt his forehead. His headache slowly became worse. “What is happening to me?”

“Just sleep.”

“I can’t just sleep. I want—” He paused. He saw the figures of men talking outside. He heard muffled voices in the dark. 

“What will we do with the body?” One asked.

“Bury it.”

“Where?”

“Anywhere. In the jungle, perhaps.”

“Who is he?”

“He’s the man cousin. He was speared.”

Caleb’s head spun. Flashes of Theodore crying out in pain and blood spilling out his mouth made Caleb feel nauseous. “No. No, no. It can’t be.” He was beginning to get back to his senses.

Erin tried to get him back in bed, but he persisted to walk outside. 

He shoved past her and into the darkness.

The men stopped and looked at him. Behind them lay a wrapped up figure, in the back of a wagon.

Caleb gasped. He went to the wagon and pulled back the sheet. The lifeless face of Theodore haunted him. “I could have saved you.”

The men stared at him. “There was a man. The man the one with the spear was after. It’s his fault. Not yours.”

Caleb looked at them wearily. “Matthew?”

“He shoved past your friend and the speared one plunged into him.”

“No.” Caleb snapped. “Not Matthew. He wouldn’t do that.”

“It wasn’t on purpose.”

“He wouldn’t have ran past Theodore.” Caleb turned back to the body. He covered his face back up. He rested his head on Theodore’s body and cried. “Please wake up, please.”

The men left.

Another man appeared.

Caleb didn’t bother to look up. He cried and hugged Theodore, soaking the sheet he was wrapped in.

The man’s tear stained face shone in the moonlight. It must have been one in the morning. 

“I—” He couldn’t talk.

Caleb looked up to see Matthew. He was crying.

Matthew didn’t dare to step forward. His slow tears broke into a hard sob. He bent down on his knees and pleaded, “Please. Please! Kill me. I deserve to die. I beg of you, kill me and justice will be served. To you, to all your friends.” He looked at Theodore. “And to Theodore too.”

Caleb walked towards him.

Matthew grabbed his shirt. “You must want to kill me. Just do it. I don’t deserve to live. Not after what I did. Not after everything I’ve done. I—I’m horrible. I’m a wretch.”

Caleb stared at the crying man for a few moments. It was hard to believe this was Matthew. 

Matthew was too ashamed to look at him. So he kept his head down. “It wasn’t on purpose! It was an accident! I’m sorry! It was an accident!”

Caleb saw the guilt in Matthew’s frightened eyes. He held out his hand to him.

Matthew stared. Then after a silence, he took it. “Please.” He whispered. “Just kill me. If you don’t, I’ll do it myself. I can’t bear to live.”

Caleb’s breath was visible in the moonlight. He took Matthew’s hand and embraced him into his arms.

Matthew’s arms wrapped around him as well. He cried. “Why are you doing this to me? I don’t deserve this.”

“I forgive you. And Theodore does too.” Caleb hugged him for a long time. When they let go, Matthew breathed shakily. “What can I do—to ever earn your trust? I can never be your friend. But I want you to know I will always be here. I will make it up to you, I swear!”

Caleb smiled and breathed shakily as well. He could hardly stand. But Matthew needed him now more than ever.

 “You are more my friend now than you could ever be. You are forgiven. You have made it up to me now. You’re free and you have earned my trust.” Caleb breathed for air. “Ask Jesus to forgive you.”

Matthew gasped. “I—I can’t.”

“The day you ask forgiveness from Him—is the day you will receive it from me.”

“But—”

“He’ll love you. He’ll always be there for you. Please.”

“I’m not worthy to say a word to Him.”

“None of us are. But that’s why He came. He came to earth to save you and me. He pardoned us. He forgave us. And He’ll make us worthy. If you’ll just ask Him.”

Matthew kneeled down. “Will you help me?”

Caleb cried tears of joy. “I will always help you.” 

The rains settled and a rainbow lit the sky. The gathering was sad and drear. For the loss of a friend suffered them.

In a little place in the Amazon, there lies a very special grave. The grave of a man who had brought a revival. A man named Theodore Peters.

Caleb left the group and placed a bible in Theodore’s cold hands.

The coffin shut.

Marion cried. She hid her face with her hands.

Andrew dropped a handful of flowers on the coffin as it was lowered into the ground.

Avery’s tears slowly slid down his wrinkled cheeks. “Theodore was almost my son. He was and still is a beloved cousin, son, and friend. He led the first revival in this place. And he left the place that was safe—” Avery choked on tears. “Just to save a child’s father.”

Caleb never felt this way in all his life. But he had a peace that no one else had. He looked around. Matthew was nowhere in sight. Caleb disappeared from the crowd and into the jungle. It wasn’t long before he found Matthew. Standing there, in the middle of the Amazon, stood he. His back was turned from Caleb. A handful of flowers was in his hands.

Caleb went to him.

Matthew had tears. “I—I can’t believe I’m saying this. But—I loved Theodore. Now, more than ever. And I did nothing to him besides mock him. I was cruel. I called him names. And he was always nice to me. Nice. And loving. Matthew turned to Caleb. “Why did he do that?”

Caleb put his hand on Matthew’s shoulder. “He was a Christian. You can be that too.”

Matthew looked back to the ground. He tried not to cry. But his tears were not hidden. “Why did he have to be blind?”

Caleb was silent.

“He could’ve ran. But he didn’t know. It wasn’t his fault. It wasn’t his fault!”

“I know.” Caleb said. “But God has a reason for these things. If he never went blind…his father would’ve never been shamed of him. And the only reason I brought him to Peru, was because of his father. And if he had never come to Peru—”

“Then he would be alive.”

“Yes. But also about a hundred people wouldn’t be saved. They’d go living on, sinfully and wickedly for the rest of their lives. No one would’ve come to repentance. Not them. Not you.”

Matthew sighed. “I’ll consider it.”

Caleb smiled. “You need to do more than just consider it.”

“It’s not that easy.”

“I know. But you’ll be thankful you did it. I promise.” Caleb took out a small bible from his coat pocket. “I bring this everywhere I go. Because I need it. I live by it. Do that with me. Together.”

Matthew stared at the book.

“I will help you. I will always help you and forgive you when you mess up. As long as you’ll forgive me, when I mess up.”

“There’s nothing to forgive.”

“Matthew, it isn’t like that.” Caleb turned to a book in the Bible, and read, “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” He took a breath. “We’re equal. But I have Christ in my heart. And with that, comes a peace that is far greater than anything imaginable.”

The sun was going down and the orange and pink lit the sky. 

Matthew stood silently for a long time. He looked behind him. He saw the distant funeral.

“Come.”

“I can’t. I couldn’t go.”

“Yes you could. Theodore would’ve wanted you to come.” Caleb grabbed Matthew’s hand. He took him to the place where Theodore was buried. Most of everyone left. Marion, Erin, Andrew and Avery stood there in silence.

Matthew hesitated. The flowers that he held, he placed them on Theodore’s grave. He thought these people would forever hate him. But someone stepped away from her spot and walked towards him.

Marion gave a gentle smile. “It’s okay.” She whispered.

Avery looked at Matthew. Matthew looked at him.

Avery put his hand on Matthew’s shoulder. “It’s good to have you back son.”

Matthew looked away. 

“I thought you were gone.”

“I almost was.” Matthew slowly touched his father’s hands. Then he wrapped his arms around him and hugged him. “Can you ever forgive me?” 

Avery hugged him close and stroked his brown hair. “Yes, son.”

Matthew turned to the rest of the group. His gaze turned to Andrew who stood miserably. He went to him.

Andrew refused to look at him. 

“Andrew.” 

Andrew still looked away. 

“I’m sorry.”

Andrew made eye contact with him. But it was brief.

“Can I ask for forgiveness?”

Andrew shrugged but still looked down. 

Matthew looked at Caleb and then back at Andrew. “Will you forgive me?”

The group was quiet.

Andrew’s gaze turned to Matthew. He saw the sincereness in his eyes. He was sorry.

“I forgive you.”

Matthew sighed with relief.

Andrew looked to his feet. “That doesn’t make us friends, or anything.”

The circle laughed.

“It’s a start.” Matthew grinned.