The Quickening: Book #4 in Bright Star Journals

By Byron Calhoun

Story number 4 from the previous “Bright Star Journals” introduces Cousin Mercy Smithton of Heather and Edward Fillingston into the adventures of Logoland. The children enter Logoland through a magical attic window in their grandfather’s old house. Mercy meets Groundgood the gnome while Edward and Heather are transported to the capitol city of Sanctua in Logoland. Once there, they find the true king of Logoland, Barbabus X, has been deposed and the evil Licentiousions have taken control. Edward and Heather must find the king and return Logoland to the Bright Star. The children must cross the “Desert of Doubting” to Licentia. Mercy joins them and off they set with the help of their guide Andrew the Armadillo. They are attacked by the harpies and soldiers of Licentia but the dogs of Logoland help them defeat the evil ones. The children bind shelter in the desert at the “Oasis of Irene”. In the oasis, they are discovered and escape through a door provided by the Bright Star. Mercy meets the Bright Star in the caves at the “Oasis of Irene” and learns about faith. Their adventures to find the King would take them through many adventures including passing into the “Woods of Forgetting” which they now encamped, across the “River of Wrongdoing”, into the “Mountains of Temptation”, through the “Pass of Hopelessness”, across the “Plains of Pouting” and into the “Hills of Hostility”. Come along and see how to rescue a king while learning about true courage and character!

• Language: English
• Publisher: Byron Calhoun
• Release date: Feb 10, 2014
• ISBN: 9781311164629

Byron Calhoun

Dr Byron C. Calhoun, MD, has authored a previous non-fiction book on male infertility “When a Husband is Infertile: Options for the Christian Couple” through Baker books. He has also authored over 70 scientific medical research articles in the obstetric and gynecologic literature, presented over 100 scientific papers, participated in over 40 research projects, and has published numerous articles on medical and ethical aspects of obstetrics and gynecology. Dr Calhoun serves as Professor and Vice-Chair in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the West Virginia University-Charleston. He began writing children’s stories for his own children; reading to them and incorporating their comments into the story lines. Dr Calhoun continues to actively practice medicine in high risk obstetrics, perform diagnostic obstetrical ultrasound, and participate in prenatal diagnosis counseling. Dr Calhoun and his wife, Kathryn, have 5 children, and, 2 lovely granddaughters.

Book preview

The Quickening

The Bright Star Journals

Number 4

Byron C. Calhoun

&

Mercy A. Calhoun

Copyright 2014 by

Byron C. Calhoun

&

Mercy A. Calhoun

Smashwords Edition

". . .whereunto ye do well that ye take head, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts." II Peter 1:19

Dedicated to my wife Kathryn, my children-Paul, Daniel, Joshua, Faith, Mercy, and my Lord Jesus Christ to whom I owe all. Soli Deo Gloria!

Bright Star Journals #4

Chapter 1

The Quickening

KABOOM, echoed across the back lawn as the fireworks ignited the night sky. The Fillingston children, Heather and Edward, stared up in the 4th of July night sky at their Grandparent Fillingston’s house in Minnesota.

You might remember the children from their other adventures with the Bright Star, if not, you will meet them in their latest adventure. You will also make the acquaintance of Mercy Smithton, cousin to Edward, Heather; and me, the teller of this tale. My name is Paul Fillingston, cousin to Edward, Heather, and Mercy. I will share their wonderful story as they related it to me.

Oh, that was lovely, breathed Heather watching the multicolored rockets explode overhead. I do so love the 4th of July fireworks. Heather was a blond, green-eyed little lady with a passion for animals and adventure. She was ten years old now and somewhat of a tomboy.

Yeah, sis, Granddad Fillingston always seems to find the best fireworks to launch off on the 4th, agreed Edward, Heather’s brother. Edward, the older of the two was 13 years old now with brown hair and blue eyes. He loved odd old books and was the sort of person to have around in a tight spot. He was especially fond of his sister Heather and humored her enormously.

I’m not so sure I like them. They are sooo boring, added Mercy the Fillingston’s cousin from Illinois.

But don’t you just think the colors and lights make them wonderful? All the reds, purples, oranges, and greens just light up the sky, replied Heather.

All the same, they are boring and they are not nearly as nice as the ones at home in Illinois at Chicago when they set them off over Lake Michigan by the Navy Pier, sniffedpouted Mercy.

The Fillingston children looked at each other and rolled their eyes. The summer holiday seemed trying with their cousin Mercy Smithton around. She did not like the old Fillingston house, the chores, nor playing all the indoor games. Mercy liked to run outside, climb trees, and ride horses. She came to spend the summer since her parents took a trip to the Middle East as part of an archeological expedition for their college employment. Mercy had been very put out that she was not allowed to attend, but, at nine years of age, was too young for such a trip. Her mother was Heather and Edward’s sister so she was their first cousin.

Mercy possessed lovely blue eyes, thick blond hair, a quick wit, a lithe athletic build, and boundless energy. The lack of a horse to ride became her major topic of complaint. Her own horse Star stayed home in Illinois since her parents deemed it impracticable to ship the horse to Michigan for the summer. Mercy forever complained about the fact she could not ride at the Grandparent’s home. Everything was better in Illinois and the Fillingston children with the Grandparents were boring. Needless to note, Mercy’s comments did not endear her to Heather or Edward.

Well, then why don’t you go back to Illinois and leave us alone, returned Edward.

Ed, that wasn’t nice, exclaimed Heather, you need to apologize to Mercy.

Not likely, snorted Edward who turned his back to the girls to watch the fireworks finish.

Come on Ed, don’t be such a pill, pleaded Heather who knew that Mercy would pout for several hours making Heather’s life miserable.

I don’t want his old apology anyhow, huffed Mercy.

Oh, alright. I am sorry I was mean, said Edward.

Humpf. Not very convincing an apology, noted Mercy.

Why you. . ., began Edward.

Ed, warned Heather.

"I am very sorry that I was mean," replied Edward with a fake smile.

Okay, but you really hurt my feelings, sniffed Mercy.

Oh brother, murmured Edward under his breath.

Heather elbowed Edward and he became silent.

By this time the fireworks finished and the other adults began to drift to the drinks and snacks on the tables set up for the occasion. Grandfather Fillingston lit the citronella torches around the back patio to keep the mosquitoes at bay and everything took on a gay, party-like atmosphere. Grandmother Fillingston’s special zucchini bread lay in thick slices on a plate along side her special sugar cookies she always made. Her sugar cookies tasted like the old fashioned kind because she followed a recipe from one of her more ancient cookbooks written before everyone thought butter and cream were evil. The cookies were full of fresh butter and eggs (from her own free running hens), whole cream from the local dairy (of happy cows from natural grass pasture fields according to Granddad), and real cane sugar. The cookies came out of the oven with just a slight hint of brown on top; soft, chewy in the middle; and the size of a small dessert plate. They never became hard and crunchy but stayed soft and chewy, melting in your mouth in a delirious burst of sweetness with a hint of tang. Grandmother said it was the cream of tartar that gave the cookies the special tang. Neither of the Fillingston children could imagine a 4th of July, or any special occasion for that matter, without the sugar cookies in attendance. The zucchini bread was the piece-de-resistance only appearing in the summer when the zucchini was fresh and tender from Grandmother’s garden. The zucchini bread recipe came from Grandmother’s-grandmother who created the special bread during her life as a young woman back in Pennsylvania growing up on a farm.

Mercy took a piece of zucchini bread and bit into it with relish.

Oh, this is gross! exclaimed Mercy spitting out the bite. It has little green thingies in it!

That would be the zucchini in the bread. Hence the name ‘zucchini bread,’ noted Edward dryly.

I can’t believe you like this stuff! It’s nasty and full of the vegetable junk! returned Mercy with a sour face.

We actually find it quite tasty and you not liking it just leaves more for me to eat, replied Edward cheerfully who could eat a whole loaf of zucchini bread in one sitting.

Ed, warned Heather. Mercy, why don’t you try a sugar cookie instead? They are really yummy! asked Heather.

Hmph. Grumped Mercy. We’ll see if they are as good as our cookies at home. Mercy carefully lifted one of the cookies gingerly to her nose. They smell alright. She gently bit into the edge of the cookie and her eyes widened in surprise. These are really good!

We thought you might like them, didn’t we Ed? said Heather looking at Edward meaningfully.

Oh, yes. We thought you would enjoy them a lot, answered Edward raising his eyebrows a bit in mock surprise.

Well, what are we going to do now, began Mercy.

I suspect we will talk a bit and then go to bed since we all have chores in the morning with work to do. Staying up too late just makes everyone tired and cranky, replied Edward.

"But I’m not tired yet and I want to do something. Isn’t there anything we can do,"whined Mercy.

It’s a bit dark to think about doing much right now, said Heather. I suppose we could go in and play a game.

I am not interested in any old game. They can be sooo boring. How about having a game of hide and seek in the house? asked Mercy.

Hmmm. I suppose we could ask Grandfather if we can play inside, murmured Edward. I’ll find out if it is okay while the grown ups finish visiting.

Edward walked over to Grandfather Fillingston who stood by the punch bowel serving up the carbonated lemon-lime concoction Grandmother Fillingston always made for parties. Grandfather was chatting with the neighbor, Mr Odom who lived down the road.

Excuse me Grandfather, began Edward politely. He did not want to be rude and interrupt Grandfather. May I ask a question?

Certainly, replied Grandfather. What may I do for you, Edward?

Well Grandfather, we would like to go spend some time inside playing hide and seek if we could.

Really? answered Grandfather with a twinkle in his eye. You will be careful and not scare Mercy won’t you?

Oh yes sir, said Edward. We wouldn’t scare her and we promise not to stay up too late since we have chores tomorrow.

Very well. Go play but be careful, this house can be a little strange at night.

Thanks Grandfather. We’ll be careful, replied Edward.

Ed scampered off to join Heather and Mercy.

Grandfather said it is okay to go play inside in the house, shared Edward excitedly.

In spite of working at being very level headed about playing hide and seek, Edward loved every opportunity to explore and play in the old house. The house actually was more of a mansion, having been built in the 1850’s by our great, great grandfather Fillingston. He had been a steamboat captain and built the lovely home on the banks of the Mississippi he loved so well. The house with its beautiful grounds was called Fairview. The house consisted of a brick outside with numerous cubbies and crannies to investigate. Grandfather told the children there were things about the house that not even he knew about. It seems their great, great-Grandfather Fillingston enjoyed secrecy and built so many rooms and passage-ways that Grandfather said no one even knew where they all were. At least that is what Grandfather Fillingston told them.

Besides, you never knew if you might end up on some totally unexpected adventure. Both Heather and Edward exchanged meaningful glances. Mercy did not notice the look but was excited as well. She had never had an opportunity to truly explore the house since her arrival. The children ran into the house through the back French doors.

Where to first? asked Mercy. What should we explore first?

Well, began Heather. There is always the library, the music room, or the sitting room. We can play in there.

Naw, we have been there before. How about we head upstairs to play in the rooms on the third floor? It has lots more rooms and we never played there before, suggested Edward.

I don’t care where we play. Let’s just get going. I don’t want to sit and talk all night, said Mercy.

Alright, alright. The third floor is where we’ll play. But the rules are that you can’t leave the third floor to hide. It is the only place you can hide this time, said Edward.

I’ll be ‘it’ the first time, volunteered Heather. I will give you 3 minutes by my watch to hide and then I will come find you. If I don’t find you in 20 minutes by our watches, then we start over with a new person as the seeker.

Okay, agreed Edward.

Fine, said Mercy.

I’ll stay here on the first floor so I can’t hear where you go or see which way you went to hide, said Heather.

Great! We’re off then, replied Edward as he vaulted up the stairs.

Wait for me! wailed Mercy as she ran after Edward.

The two scurried up the stairs to hide.

Edward reached the top of the large, winding mahogany staircase first and turned to the right. Mercy vaulted up the stairs two steps behind Edward and went to the left. Both hurried to find the best place to hide in the short amount of time they had. Heather was a great hide and seek player. Edward knew he had to find a superb place to hide or he would lose. He hoped that his knowledge of the house gave him an edge over Mercy while hiding.

Mercy ran down the hall not knowing exactly where to go. She noticed a darkened room to her left and ducked into it. She could barely make out the contents of the room as she entered into it. Her sharp eyes saw a large old sea chest sitting in the corner. Too obvious, she thought. To fool Heather she lifted the lid slightly ajar and ran into the closet. She pulled the clothes aside and saw a small door with a handle. She opened it a peered into a small room. She could barely see and felt for a light switch. There wasn’t one. She could just make out the wood floor and some objects in the room. She made a quick decision. She pulled the clothes back in front of the door and slid a large picture carefully over the door handle. Mercy closed the door behind her but not completely. One ought never close a door behind themselves in a room that they don’t really know about. It might lock behind them and they might not be able to get back out. Heather, felt her way along the left wall and found a small chair to sit upon. As her eyes adjusted to dim light, she noticed a small window at the end of the room letting in a dim amount of light into the room. The room seemed to be about 8 X 10 feet with a sloping ceiling toward the rafters. At its highest the room was about 6 feet high but sloped down to about 4 feet.

At the end of the room appeared to be a window. Funny, she did not remember seeing a window at this end of the house. As Mercy watched, the window began to glow with a bluish light. She stood up to get a better look. At first, Mercy thought she was imagining the window’s increasing light but soon the light intensified and began to shine forth. The window’s center seemed to grow and soon outlined a bright and golden appearing star. The rays burst forth and filled the room with the bluish-golden light. Mercy gasped and shielded her eyes.

As Mercy watched, the window grew even larger in size and suddenly enveloped the room. With a terrific tug Mercy felt herself pulled through the window in the center of the bright star!

Mercy later described feeling like she was falling forever like jumping off a high diving board into the pool, only in slow-motion. She burst through the sky and rolled onto a soft, green meadow. Mercy landed in a tumbled lump on the ground not sure what happened or where she was.

Oomph! exclaimed Mercy.

Wwwhat happened and where am I? she muttered.

The sun was shining, birds were singing, and the air possessed a lovely delicious smell of fresh grass warmed in the sunlight. Mercy blinked, rubbed her eyes, and just stared around. She had no idea what exactly had happened or where she now sat.

Mercy took her surroundings and noted she was in the middle of a small meadow with beautiful trees all around her. A breeze caressed her cheeks. She rose and began to walk across the grass. She trudged up a slight rise and reached the top. Mercy crested the small hill and saw a quaint little white stone cottage sitting at the forest’s edge. There was a roof of thatch, neat round porthole windows, and a lovely carved wooden door with pictures of what Mercy thought were trees, dragons, and knights. Smoke drifted lazily from the chimney, and now, she caught the smell of what she thought was bacon. Mercy did not know what she ought to do next. She had not heard of or had anything to do with imagination or stories about wonderful storybook lands. Her school was progressive and taught mostly sciences and reality as her teachers called it. Faced with an adventure into a strange and new land, she did not know what to do.

Suddenly, the door of the cottage flew open and out stepped a gnome. Now, Mercy had never seen a gnome so she thought he was just an ordinary short person. Gnomes are not just short people but really a whole different race. But, this was Groundgood, the Grandson of Groundfirm from our previous adventures with Heather and Edward. Mercy was indeed in Logoland. But, she did not know that at the time. Groundgood stood about 4 ½ feet tall and was dressed in the traditional gnome clothes of a green cloth jerkin, knee breeches of brown, and thick