The Ryder

By Dr Carrie Wachsmann

In this fantasy-adventure story, David, 13 years old, and his 10-year-old sister Jessica have been sent to their grandparents' farm in BC's Cariboo region. Their parents have recently separated and both children are in need of a rest and healing.
Soon after their arrival, Grandpa shows them a very special book "a large, ancient-looking book", with a lock. Inside the book is a "picture of two children standing on a path in the middle of a dark and misty forest." Underneath are the cryptic worlds:
WHEN LOST IN THE MYSTERIOUS FOREST
THROUGH ENEMY LAND HE RIDES
CALL FOR HIM AND HE WILL BE
THE LIGHT WHERE DARKNESS HIDES.
On the other page is the picture of a man surrounded by brightness, astride a beautiful white horse. As the children gaze upon this picture, they are suddenly transported to the land of Antoch, on a distant planet, where an evil king has taken over the land. The children are then enlisted to assist "The Ryder" to take back the kingdom for Himself and restore peace, love, and harmony to His people.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Heartbeat Productions Inc.
• Release date: Jun 26, 2018
• ISBN: 9781895112696

Book preview

Dedicated to

my parents

Peter and Helen Heide

&

our children

Minde and Hart

Thank you to

Thank you to my husband Win, for all the encouragement and support he gives me. As my best critic, he contributes immensely to the success of my writing projects.

I am grateful to the exemplary authors such as C.S. Lewis and Dr. John White, whose writings have inspired me to pursue my dream of writing Christian fantasy.

Author's Notes

What's inside the cover?

David and Jessica have just arrived at their grandparent's farm in the Cariboo. Previously, they welcomed these visits with great enthusiasm, but this time is different. Things have changed.

Then without warning, through a series of bizarre events, they find themselves involved in a most unusual and exciting adventure in the land of Antoch; a land where dreams do come true, and life is never what you expect.

Will Jessica escape from the lions’ den? What will happen to David, trapped high up on the treacherous mountain, alone face to face with the huge mountain cat?

What about the Ryder? Who is this mysterious person who effects everything He touches and everyone He meets?

Having given up my dream of being a writer already in grade five, it took my husband, two college profs and a caring Bible teacher to help me dig deep, grab that long forgotten dream, face my fears...and write.

I was fifteen when I first read C.S. Lewis’ Chronicle of Narnia. I recall thinking, I wish I could write stories like this. But - I already believed I could not.

Here I am today, writing. Thankfully God doesn’t create in us a desire and not give us what it takes to fulfill that desire. One thing I’ve learned over the years - following your heart’s passion is a must. When you feel His pleasure, you are doing what you were created to do. Nothing else will satisfy.

Below you will find what’s called a QR Code. Using your Smartphone, and a QR reader app, take a picture of the code and it will take you directly to my author’s website at

Carrie's Author Website

qrcode

The Adventure Begins!

Chapter 1

Grandparent’s Farm

Grandparent's farm 2

With a satisfied sigh, Grandpa Hilton pushed himself away from the dinner table and leaned back against the sturdy old captain’s chair. Grandma dear, that was delicious, he said, wiping the crumbs from his bushy, Fu Manchu moustache. Reaching across from the table, he helped himself to a toothpick and began to clean his teeth in a familiar and distinctive manner.

Dinner had been eaten in awkward silence. Jessica and David had arrived that afternoon and would be spending the following summer months in the Cariboo with their grandparents. Normally, the prospect of spending two months on the ranch would delight them, but this year was different. The previous week their father had left, (a separation they called it) and now they were sent to their grandparent’s, to get away from it all, as David put it. These unpleasant circumstances had left the children’s enthusiasm for the farm seriously wanting.

Grandma Hilton, a stout little woman, her handsome face softly lined with age, looked questioningly at her husband sitting at the far end of the table. Raising his bushy eyebrows, he responded by shrugging his huge shoulders as if to say, and what do we do now? And that’s when Grandma came right out with it.

I think we ought to talk about your parents’ separation, Jessica, David. Don’t you agree Harold? She said. We really need to deal with this issue, especially since you’ll be spending the summer with us.

Jessica looked down at her hands clasped tightly in her lap, and fiercely bit her bottom lip to keep it from trembling. She was determined not to cry. That would only make things worse. David would make fun of her and she couldn’t bear that right now. She snuck a glance at her older brother, slunk deep in his chair, feet thrust under the table, with both hands dug deep in the pockets of his faded blue denims.

Oh, she hated him right then. He didn’t seem to care at all. He didn’t need mom and dad around any more, at least that was what he had said. After all he was thirteen and she was only just ten. But somehow, she couldn’t quite believe it didn’t matter to him that mom and dad didn’t live together any more.

I know how difficult your parents’ separation is for you, Grandma continued, her voice revealing that warmth and earnestness of her heart. We love your mother and father too and it hurts us to see this happening to the family. Despite what is happening between them, you must remember that they both love you very much.

Again Jessica fought back the tears that welled up in her big brown eyes. How she wanted to hear those words. If only she could be sure. David’s response was quite another matter. Tossing his dark head back in defiance, he merely mumbled under his breath, a disbelieving, grunting sound. Then he stared past them all, and out the large picture window.

That is when Grandpa Hilton stood up, cleared his throat and said in his most authoritative voice, It’s time we all clear off the table. Then David and I are going to take a walk down to the stables to have a look at some of the new colts.

Giving Grandma a reassuring wink, he began to gather up the dirty dishes. Now son, he said encouragingly, placing a firm hand on David’s shoulder, we’ve all got to pitch in. Only way to get things done around here, remember?

In a few minutes, the dishes were piled high in the sink and Grandma and David were off to the stables. Jessica stood alone in the kitchen. She had always loved this cheerful room. The evening sun, still bright and warm, beamed thought the spacious windows and danced across the little kitchen. Grandma’s plants seemed to thrive in the cozy atmosphere, and Jessica thought it must be because Grandma always sang while she worked. She had read somewhere that plants like people to talk and sing to them. It was supposed to help them grow, they said.

Do you really understand it when someone talks to you? She asked a little ivy that was reaching its way up the side of the sill, as if to get as close to the warm sunshine as possible. Maybe you can just feel if I like you. I do like plants you know. Goodness, you look rather dry.

Yes, Ivy could use a nice glass of warm water Jessica, Grandmas said as she walked into the kitchen, tying her crisp apron around her ample waist. Then you can get the tea towel and we’ll work on these dishes.

Jessica felt a little silly, realizing Grandma had heard her conversation with the plant. She was about to explain that she thought talking to plants was really quite silly, when Grandma said, Plants like to be around people, you know, listen to them sing and talk. I think they like to be told they’re loved, just like humans.

Jessica giggled. I was just thinking about that, she said.

You must love them a whole lot ‘cause they’re beautiful. Oh Grandma, I do love you so, Jessica said, gratefully throwing her arms around her grandmother’s neck. And Grandpa too, and the farm. It’s just that I’m so sad sometimes and afraid, and David, he’s being mean.

Grandma's Kitchen B W

Well sweetheart, Grandma said putting her hands into the soapy dish water, that’s all going to change.

What makes you say that? asked Jessica hopefully.

Oh, it’s just a feeling that I have, she said smiling. I guess you could say I know something you don’t know. I’m certain this summer is going to be very special for the both of you.

And to be sure, a very special summer began for them that very night.

Chapter 2

The very important book

David and Jessica, curled up in the weathered chesterfield beside the warm crackling fire, were enjoying a cup of hot chocolate, when Jessica, who loved warm fires and stories, piped, Grandpa, please tell us a story before we go to bed.

David’s face lit up just a little, for although he thought that he was too old for bedtime stories, he couldn’t help but listen to one of Grandpa’s. Now Grandpa Hilton was a very wise man, even if he was quite old, and he knew just what the children needed. Taking a rusty key from the pocket of his tired, but very comfortable housecoat, he pulled a large, ancient looking book from the top shelf of the bookcase. Carefully he unlocked the golden case.

Ooooh, gasped Jessica, her face eager with anticipation. What a beautiful book! she exclaimed, reaching out her little hand to caress the shiny cover.

Why do you keep it locked up, Grandpa? she questioned.

Oh don’t ask such stupid questions, chimed in David, giving his sister one of his know it all looks. I bet it’s a very important book, and you always lock up things that are very important, don’t you know!

Jessica’s hand dropped to her lap. She screwed up her little freckled nose and stuck her tongue out at David in disdain. Before it could develop into an argument, Grandpa sat down between the two and said, Now, now lad, don’t be so hard on your sister. And watch your language. Stupid is not a word we want to use.

He looked into the boy’s handsome face, that so reminded him of himself so many years ago. "Actually, yes, this book is a very special book. You’re right David, and it has been in our family for years. The last time it was opened was when your mother was a child. In fact, it would do her good to open its cover for herself right now.

Some day this book will be yours, when you’re old enough, and know how to care for it and use it properly. You see children, (and it was at this point that Grandpa got a very curious look in his eyes) the stories in this book are always different. He went on, his voice barely audible. It has a mystery about it that even I do not fully understand.

After a long pause,