The Unfettered Promise: The Promise Series, #4

By J. Anne Lezsley

Does God truly hear the deep desires of our hearts?

The work to establish the new Settlement that Willow Springs has been instructed to Plant is now well underway. Friends and brethren both old and new labor side by side to bless their efforts and one another as a new community, a new family at large, emerges. The miraculous becomes commonplace as a new way and understanding of life inculcates itself both for the leadership of the new Silver Cascade Settlement, and for those who sent them.

Newly minted connections and relationships for those from both Settlements stand present for the trials and tragedies that arise with neither omen nor object. The Spirit of Truth begins to employ a small child to speak on His behalf. One man who has waited faithfully for Divine guidance upon his life begins to learn why his path has steered away from all of his peers'.

When each man and woman turns to the quiet of his or her own heart, to revisit the prayers prayed in secret, the question each unfailingly returns to is this: What now, Father?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Glass Willow Press
• Release date: Oct 9, 2018
• ISBN: 9781725945432

Book preview

Chapter 1

Late Mid-September 2154

My son, you needn’t exert yourself beyond your strength... Though speaking in concern, Andrew could not help but smile at Alexander, toiling beside his Governor toward the construction of the Willow Springs Settlement’s new Planting’s meetinghouse.

The young woodcarver laughed, lighthearted. "Father, you have sent me here, to father this Settlement alongside my Brothers. I would be irresponsible not to set my hands to the labor of its raising. Only don’t allow Sarah to witness how much work I am doing."

To this, his former tradesmaster laughed with him, as did their fellows near enough to have heard the exchange.

Already I know you and your wife both well enough to be assured you’ve borrowed more than trouble thus far this morning, jabbed Callum, a silversmith from the Sterling Valley Settlement whom the Elect had recruited to join the new Settlement’s Planting as part of their table of leadership, grinning broadly. He turned aside to receive a number of planks from Alaric, who had retrieved them from the nearby wagon.

Indeed so, the latter man, a stonemason also from Sterling Valley, agreed.

Joseph, who, with Peter, had been consulting the building’s plans several yards away, approached, then. The problem you’re creating for yourself, Brother, he told Alexander, is the manner in which you're crouched. You may feel alright at present; however, you’re setting your damaged muscles to seize later in the day. Gripping him by the elbows, Joseph lifted his friend only enough to shift position so that he no longer bore weight upon his left leg.

"Would that you would join us here, Brother," the woodcarver murmured.

I know, Joseph replied softly. None regrets that I must disappoint you more deeply than I. However, I cannot heed a call I haven’t received of the Spirit of Truth, Brother. Resting a hand on Alexander’s shoulder as he crouched beside him, the stonemason spoke deeply to his lifelong kindred friend. All I know, Alexander, is that Kadosh has some other plan for me. I know not a single one of the details – only that I must wait until He tells me where to place my foot before I take a step in any direction.

Alexander nodded. "That I am able to understand, dear Brother. All the same, your loss is deeply felt in your absence from my life, now."

Joseph smiled in reply. Likewise, Brother. Which is why I am here now, to lend the strength of my hands to the tasks before you.

Within an additional hour, with so many hands devoted to the work, the foundation’s frame was completed. Andrew and Callum assisted Alexander to his feet to make way for Peter, Joseph, and Alaric to take over in their trade skill.

Peter – the eldermost of the three masons – consulted with Alaric over the materials he had supplied, intrigued by how they differed from that which he was accustomed to employing for such purposes.

This will be more appropriate to the climate strata here, the younger man explicated. The dried product will be softer after it has set, yet no less stable. It’s more conducive to stability in the types of winter conditions we’re apt to encounter without crumbling in brittleness.

A wise forethought, then, Joseph praised, at his tradespartner’s side. What are the procedures for preparing it? We defer to you, sir.

Alaric chuckled. Please don’t call me ‘sir,’ Joseph. I’m scarcely older than you are. And the process should be no different than for any other mixture – possibly only the proportions are a bit different.

All the same, Peter replied, it’s yours to guide us.

Alexander, observing the exchange, inhaled and exhaled deeply.

The action drew Andrew’s attention to him. Are you well, my son?

"This is well. It is as it ought be. I cannot explain the sense that’s come over me any other way."

Judah, Ravi, and David walked the grounds that would eventually host the Settlement’s chapel.

This is holy ground, David, the teacher from Willow Springs, commented. I sense it already.

Ravi, a crops farmer who’d been recruited from the Sterling Valley Settlement to serve as an Elder of the Planting, nodded agreement. It’s our desire, sir, to consecrate the place in prayer before a single foundation stone is laid. Will you join us in that effort?

"You honor me to ask. Judah – will you lead us? You are one of the sent ones chosen to lead this community. It is something of your right."

The blacksmith lowered to one knee upon the yet-undisturbed earth and its vegetation.

Ian assisted Sarah and Melinda with the makeshift cookfire as they prepared the midday meal for the volunteers who were spread across numerous sites throughout the soon-to-be Settlement.

How are you feeling, my dove? he murmured into his wife’s ear as he embraced her from behind.

Melinda leaned backward into his strength and rested her head upon his shoulder. "I’m well, Beloved. This work, it ... feels right, doesn’t it?"

He grinned. Every slightest task to which I’ve set my hand has thrilled my heart with confirmation, Melinda. I’m gratified to hear you feel the same. He kissed her before releasing his hold of her waist, that they both might resume the work before them. And moreover, I’m pleased to see you happy, my darling.

A drastic change of venue is sometimes the very thing that renders the needed aid, dear heart, she replied, taking hold of his hand for a moment.

Father! Judah leapt from the table in elation during the meal when he sighted Thomas’ arrival. Racing to greet his former tradespartner, and holding fast with an iron grip to the coppersmith’s nape, he half-shouted in his joy, We hadn’t been expecting you!

Dear Son! Thomas laughed as he replied. Nothing would keep me from you during these days of your need. I was only delayed by the wait for Abigail’s parents to arrive this morning. He followed the blacksmith back to the improvised plywood-sheet table, where the remainder of its occupants shifted in order to free the seat beside Judah’s for Thomas’ occupancy. Now that we are bereft of you and Ian both in Willow Springs, we are in need of Josiah’s assistance at the veterinary clinic as we prepare in anticipation of another to be added to our family. Celine is proving as rambunctious as her sisters, and the three of them together are more than we may tame without the additional aid that Priscilla now shall provide.

Judah gaped at his surrogate father. "...Another? Why had you said nothing before our departure? Surely, you’d known by then. How did Abigail deceive even me? I am the one who noted her maternity with Celine, before you, her own husband!"

By this point, Andrew, across the table from them and several seats away, had erupted in roaring laughter... as had several others around them from Willow Springs.

My Son, – tears of mirth spilled forth from the coppersmith’s eyes as he chuckled – "would you have remained about the business Kadosh has laid in your hands, had you known? We’ve known – and Abigail has been at peace in the knowledge, this time – and we chose together to permit you to go, unaware, for your own best good. I tell you now, Judah, that you may share in the joy of our family as our son."

When shall this new little one be welcomed? We’ll wish to be present to add our blessings, if we may, enquired Hadura from the position at her husband’s right hand, her soft tone a calming influence over him.  

Viscerally bracing for another outburst, Thomas replied, Sometime at the end of Christmastide.

Coughing heavily, Judah turned away from the table.

Please tell me, father, Alexander remarked to Andrew beside him, that you and Caeleigh haven’t similar news forthcoming.

The carpenter chortled. "Dear son, I’ve only had my first four consecutive hours’ sleep within the past week. While Catharine is bent upon sleeping through the night as soon as she may, her brother prefers to see each hour before the dawn as a separate occasion, and wakes her each time he does."

Alaric – you’re assured the foundation is set? Peter sought from across the newly laid slab as together they inspected it.

The younger man rose from his crouch and dusted his hands. Yessir. Construction may commence in the morning, given how little of the day remains.

Nonsense! Andrew called with a wide grin as he approached the site, Simeon and Robert, architects both, at his side. Though your Brothers from Willow Springs were young during the time of our Planting, they ought recall the rapidity with which this may be done, given sufficient hands. Brother! he shouted for Thomas, who steered nearer the large wagonload of building materials.  Summon all the others from their respective sites. We’ll have the outer shell of this structure completed by evening!

Alaric looked to Robert as the architect he’d known lifelong, for assurance.

"Do not seek counsel of me, Brother, the latter man replied. We are to be instructed in that which I have only seen in diagrams, never in execution."

"How do you dare tolerate such discomfort, my precious?" Judah asked of his wife as Hadura stretched out beside him upon the ground beneath the tent he had raised for the pair of them.

She smiled in the twilight. Judah, you’ve laid half a dozen blankets upon the ground beneath us, and the grass in this meadow was tall before you tamped it down. We’re well cushioned. Resting her head upon his shoulder and slipping a hand into his half-unbuttoned shirt to press her fingers over his heart, she gently chided him, "The work of this Planting is not solely before you, Judah – it’s before us, together, in the partnership of our marriage. As I labored beside you in prayer, so shall I also now with my hands as we prepare the land and raise the buildings."

With these words of reminder, they both peered through the opening of the tent beyond their feet at the silhouette of their new meetinghouse, standing tall and proud in the center of the meadow. Many had been the hands to set its blocks in place – including those of women, who found that work within their capability – before the masons completed the latter steps to fill the cores of the exterior walls, stage by stage as the walls had grown higher. Simeon’s declaration that they might call the building nigh complete, excepting a desire for vaulted ceilings, had raised a shout of celebration from the assembly.

The corners of the weighted tarpaulins covering the tops of the walls fluttered in a light breeze.

You wish to go, Hadura murmured, knowing well her husband’s mind. She sat up beside him as he rebuttoned his shirt.

Forgive me, Beloved – I cannot refuse the nudgings of the Spirit of Truth. Rising to his knees, he made his way to the tent’s exit.

His wife followed. Where you go, so also shall I, my lover, she whispered, placing her hand flat beside his against the newly erected wall.

Sighing in overwhelmed gratitude, Judah interrupted himself to grasp her chin and lift it that he might kiss her. I bless you, precious wife. Now, together, let us bless this, the first structure of our Settlement, the center of its life and community, and all who shall enter it.

Chapter 2

Late Mid-September 2154

Good morning! Judah called to those who were returning to the site from having spent the night in their yet-home Settlements. Sparing little time for pleasantries, he turned once more to the cookfire and the coffee he and those who had stayed had begun preparing for the early arrivals.

Melinda leapt from the first wagon into her Beloved’s arms. "Tell me, she spoke to Judah, that you haven’t allowed my husband charge of the coffee for everyone this morning."

No, my dove. Ian laughed. Robert has been allotted that task. He kissed her as though drinking from an oasis. Oh, how I missed you last night. Did you sleep well?

But for the loneliness, she replied. Fresh air and sound labor will tire the body profoundly.

Alexander sought to conceal his distaste for the need of assistance to dismount the wagon. Would that I could have stayed here, as well, with you, my Brothers. However, Sarah would never have permitted it.

Alexander, you’re in pain already and the day hasn’t yet begun. The milliner stood with stern fists planted at her hips. Whatever you did without my knowledge yesterday must have been punishing.

"Then permit the soreness to punish me, and don’t you, also, he retorted gently, hooking his free arm about her waist and pulling her near to be kissed. Be my wife, sweetheart. I already have a mother."

Callum laughed as he and Alaric assisted the women from Sterling Valley aground from their wagons.

"I knew you’d find trouble for setting that foundation frame yesterday," the latter man taunted the woodcarver.

Ravi raised his hands as the group assembled, a natural gravitation already drawing them despite recent acquaintances between the two halves. Let peace reign over us, now, all, my friends.

Wait! Hadura called, jogging from the tent in which she and her husband had spent the night. I found it difficult to change clothes without standing upright, she breathlessly explained, arriving. "I’ll sleep fully dressed, and upon the ground, but I set the limitation at not wearing clean clothes every day. I can’t allow myself to be so uncivilized."

Chuckling as he embraced her, Judah kissed her temple. I bless you for your tenacity, my precious. You’ve already exceeded what I would have asked of you in this venture.

You need a shave.

He and Ian both laughed.

My apologies, Hadura – that’s something that shall need to be done without until we’ve completed the lodginghouse.

His wife shuddered in anticipation.

What do we wish further for our meetinghouse? Robert enquired after their morning prayers had concluded.

Alexander surveyed the building in whose shadow they stood. Alaric and I have discussed the matter and would prefer the elevated ceilings. From my discussions with Simeon and David, it’s my understanding that doing so would provide you an acoustic chamber more conducive for the daily teachings, Ravi.

I’ve brought the additional cement mix materials for the wall cores from my workshop this morning. Supplies have been pouring in from other Settlements, donated toward our efforts, or offered as payment in trade for goods requested of Sterling Valley, Alaric contributed.

And I had taken one of the iron rods home with me last night, Callum added, directing his remarks to Judah, "and gave it to my brother Kieran. He’s a blacksmith as well, and able to begin producing more of them from the model. Without access to your smithy, you’re unable to do such work, and Thomas, I’m gathering, is apt to be busied with other concerns as the autumn progresses."

Judah nodded. "I thank you for the foresight, Callum. Thomas and I prepared what we could in advance, and he and Peter will resupply us today. However, what’s been prefabricated will be exhausted before we’ve constructed everything we’ll need to call this Settlement ready for habitation.

The lodginghouse will be quite an undertaking, Ian contributed. In order to host our volunteers in a long-term period, it’ll need to be larger than the one Willow Springs boasts, if we’re only to have the one.

Zahra murmured a reminder to her husband.

Yes, Ravi replied softly. I thank you, my lovely one. He looked to Robert, Callum, Hannah, Tirzah, and Alaric in turn. We are agreed? And Robert, you speak for Giovanna, as well?

Each affirmed so.

Judah, there is another matter to be discussed, the crops farmer declared. Though for the monument of the matter, I ask that we speak these words upon the site of the chapel. May we proceed there now?

Sarah hesitated. Won’t you allow us to feed you first?

Her husband grinned. My wife – always the mother to whatever chicks she might gather beneath her wings. Be at ease, sweetheart. We’ve already breakfasted this morning.

What if no one else has? she protested, to accumulating collective chuckles.

We’re able to wait, Robert promised. After this matter is seen to, you may dote upon us all ‘til your heart’s content.

As a group, they relocated according to Ravi’s request.

Upon conferrence, Alaric stepped forth from those out of Sterling Valley. Judah, he addressed the man who stood at center of those sent by Willow Springs. "We whom you, Ian, and Alexander have recruited to join your table of leadership, as the Elect of this Planting, are honored by your choice of us, all. We’ve observed how the three of you operate in concert, how you cherish your wives, and how you incline your hearts toward the Spirit of Truth’s every whisper for this new Settlement – our new Settlement, I must correct myself. You have welcomed us to join you as co-laborers and equals at your side, in prayer, in the land, and in the burgeoning love for all that shall occur within the boundaries we have trod over this plot of land. Permit us now to speak upon what it is that we have received for this table of leadership, that extends beyond our observations."

We have seen, Judah, Callum spoke up, "how your Brothers defer to you, in the natural rhythm of your working together. We recognize that this is an authority for which you have not asked, nor do you command it. Upon first sighting such behavior among you, we took the matter to heart in prayer, seeking how we were to respond in light of our lack of the lifetime kindred bonds with you that they enjoy. The answer has been resounding."

"You, Judah, are our Governor. Ravi, already agreed to be the new Settlement’s teacher, utilized this position to make himself the one of their representatives to carry authority. Knowing, from all our discussions over the preceding months, that this new Settlement is to be ordered differently from any other from its very foundations, not a one of us deems it out of our ordinary that the election process for chief father of the community also so be. We nominate you. Each one of the eight of us come from Sterling Valley to seat at your table of leadership are in unanimous agreement with what is plainly displayed in your Brothers and Sisters. You, sir, are as of this day the Governor of this Settlement, with all the duties and entailments of that office laid in your hands.

I now charge all the rest of us to uphold you – and your wife – daily in a covering of prayer and wise counsel as you seek to fulfill this sacred responsibility. Our fealty is yours, if you’ll forgive so medieval a term. He smiled, bemused at his own expense.

The blacksmith turned tear-flooded eyes to the men and women at his right and left. Do you concur with such assertion? he sought of them.

Brother, you know we do, Ian spoke for the four of them, his own voice as strained by the moment as Judah’s had become. The station has been yours from the day Alexander and I had need to seek and retrieve you from the wilderness after you stopped to pray and received the wisdom that guides us all now.

Leaning heavily upon his cane yet trying not to do as it sank into the soft earth, Alexander rounded in front of the man to face him. Kneel, Judah, and be properly blessed.

The morning meal they shared in had not yet concluded when those laborers volunteering from Willow Springs arrived for the day.

Something is amiss in my son, Thomas murmured to Andrew, noting promptly the man’s altered bearing.

The carpenter nodded concurrence. Everett, see to the horses, please.

Yessir.

Approaching in lockstep, the two men competed silently to be the better each at concealing his worry.

We bring you the iron bars to complete the meetinghouse this morning, should you choose to further elevate the walls, and the plywood both to roof the structure and lay the subfloor, Andrew tested his theory by addressing Robert, seated at the near end of their would-be table. Peter and Joseph will follow later today with additional materials to begin the lodginghouse, as well as volunteer laborers.

With due respect, sir, the architect deferred, such reports are best served given to our Governor, now that he’s been so named.

Judah slowly raised his head toward the man who had become a second mentor to him, his eyes seeking counsel.

Andrew extended a hand of invitation. Walk with me, my son. After they had crossed the meadow, he turned to the younger man. You’ve had an eventful morning, then?

"It could be described so. Judah half-chuckled, then immediately sobered. Father, I foreknew it. Kadosh had told me ... the first day. He’d gone to the length of telling me to write that portion of His missive on a separate page and tear it from the book. Only Hadura has known all this while."

And yet you seem troubled. Judah, my counsel is ever yours. More so now than before. Speak freely, my son. You cannot give offense with your questions.

The younger man studied the placement of his footfalls for a number of steps, blinking, swallowing, considering his words. I’ve been concerned that I might have unconsciously orchestrated events as they’ve unfolded to this conclusion.

I would say no. Andrew stopped their progress and set a hand to his companion’s shoulder. Judah, not only I, but also Caleb, recognized the mantle borne upon your shoulders, of fatherhood-leadership for a people. It is a truly unique gift one must have received in order to carry out the duties charged to a Governor of a Settlement.

Judah failed to meet the elder man’s eyes, yet unconvinced – at the least, not wholly so.

Simeon and Ezra likewise suspected this was to come, I believe, Andrew furthered. The three of us sought not to prognosticate, though to be truthful with you, the sense has been pervasive – Caeleigh and I have been in prayer for you and Hadura for a number of months already.

In the privacy of their conversation, Judah permitted a few tears to fall. I thank you, sir.

Dear son. Andrew wrapped a warm right hand around the nape of the blacksmith’s neck. You are equal to the task.

Chapter 3

Late September 2154

It’s beginning to take recognizable shape, Ravi commented with satisfaction as he and Judah walked the growing perimeter of occupied land at sunrise, covering the Settlement’s newest accomplishments in prayer.

Indeed, the blacksmith commented with a smile. And I thank you for joining me this morning. I have a thought, and I mean to propose it this morning when everyone convenes before breakfast – though if you are amiable, I wish to seek your thoughts on it first, as the one most affected by the proposal.

The crops farmer nodded. Of course, Governor.

Judah chuckled. You say that only to tweak me.

I say it because it’s true.

I’ve been consulting with Ezra, the Governor opted to deflect further discussion of his new title. "One of the objectives the Planters of Willow Springs set for themselves was to achieve independence as quickly as possible, and they sought to do so by beginning to establish the farmsteads in as early a stage as we find ourselves now. I understand that now is not the appropriate time for planting crops, nor that our unique origins will permit such rapid independence were it to be three, or six, months earlier, anyway. All the same, the preparations for the establishment of the farmsteads could be made now, should the volunteers be known and ready."

Ravi gave the idea consideration as they continued around behind the chapel, the lumber of its cedar fascia yet so new that they could smell its nearly-heady scent. This new – to those of us from Sterling Valley – construction technique you’ve brought with you has a proven rapidity that continues to amaze me, he began. "I know Alaric has secured a promise from your Brother, Joseph, to assist and supervise in construction until he himself feels secure in his knowledge and execution of the method. That said, I believe there may be a fortuitous timing to your plan, as expressed. There will not only be homes and toolsheds to be raised – also the storehouses may be constructed now and stand in wait, as well as the barns and stables. Expand your thinking a bit, Judah: there will be not only those farmers charged with the raising of grain and vegetable crops, such as myself – there will also be those raising livestock and cattle. The second of these two groups are less dependent upon a season, and in fact will find it better to move their animals at a time other than the spring and early summer."

As you have spoken, so let it be done, Judah replied fully in the same level of candor he had received. Pending, of course, the others’ agreement. He grinned. "This is what I am growing to appreciate most in you, Ravi. You consider the factors beyond the reach of your own realm of proficiency, and that which does not affect you but indirectly. If I am to be any benefit to our people, it is for their best good that you have my ear as one of my Elders."

You honor me with such praise, sir. Ravi ducked his head in a half-bow.

Judah flushed crimson, and compensated for it by smiling. Don’t ever dare call me ‘sir,’ Ravi. We are kindred in our service to those whose care has been entrusted into our hands.

The smile was returned with straightened shoulders. Yes, Brother.

"...This will, of course, commence dependent upon the completion of the primary stables and appendant veterinary facility, Ian," Judah assured as he concluded the presentation of his thoughts to the full table of leadership convened in the meetinghouse.

The stable manager shook his head, confirming himself to be the solitary dissenting vote. There is ... another project ... I believe Kadosh would have us pursue before committing to such an extensive undertaking.

Altogether at ease despite having been refused by the closest of his counsel and sensing that Ian was not, Judah reclined in his chair, thereby removing all trace of confrontation from his posture. Speak your mind, Brother, he invited peaceably.

I had hoped, Ian fought not to stammer, as Melinda took hold of his hands, fisted together upon the tabletop, that I had not been the only one to receive this instruction. It appears now that I have.

Tell us, Brother. Alexander, across the table, sat forward in keen interest. All I’ve received is a spark just this moment that whatever it is you’ve to tell us is to be heeded.

A sigh of relief relaxed Ian’s frame. I thank you, Alexander. I have been praying for exactly such a confirmation.

What has you so beset? Hadura enquired beside her husband, growing increasingly puzzled.

"We are to construct a bridge – over the wadi. Not merely a footbridge, either. This is to be large, stable, and permanent ... something capable of supporting herds and laden wagons. The only piece of it that mystifies me is why."

Perhaps that will become clear after it is complete, Alaric suggested. In the meanwhile, my father and uncle are both engineers. I shall seek that they assist you in the design of the structure, Ian. Presuming, of course, that you were given a vision of how this bridge is to appear in accompaniment to the verbal instruction.

Three jaws fell gape; six eyes rounded owl-wide.

How could you suppose with such accuracy that both had occurred? Ian all but whispered.

Alexander swallowed to remedy a dry throat. The three of us had told no one other than each other.

You confided to me, Hadura rebutted gently to her yet-stricken husband.

At that moment, Sarah, who had minutes earlier darted into the kitchen to check on the progress of the breakfast casseroles she had made and brew another pot of coffee, returned with the latter. What happened? she asked regarding the stunned-beyond-recovery men, of whom one was her own husband.

Conferring briefly, wordlessly, with his own lifetime fellows, Callum rested his forearms upon the tabletop. "Forgive us. Based upon the way we’ve heard you speak of your experiences, we’ve believed that these encounters are as ordinary for you as they have been for us, all of our lives. This exchange, however, demonstrates otherwise."

... ‘Ordinary.’ You said ‘ordinary’... Judah latched onto the word, and upon it pulled himself from his stupor.

Robert took note of the muttering. There’s something in that, for you. Tell us. Please.

Sarah and Melinda worked in tandem to prepare and serve coffee to their husbands and Judah.

Peppermint, Melinda murmured as she pressed the mug into her Governor’s hands. It’ll waken your senses and your mind. I had prepared for the fact that Ian was restless during much of the night over the matter he’s had to relay to you.

Alexander, having raised his mug to breathe in the vapors, noted, Peppermint and something else besides.

"Chocolate. A slow grin crept across Ian’s face. My dove, when and from where have you acquired cocoa beans?"

White Falls Canyon, by way of Nathalie in Blue Creek. She and my father sent them to Andrew, to be given to me, last month.

Blank expressions surrounded the table once more.

You’ve turned the tide upon us, Alaric remarked.

In reply, Melinda seized and replenished his coffee, then added the flavored oils she’d carried with her that morning.

His involuntary response to the first sip wrought raucous laughter from those who’d heralded from Willow Springs.

The mug began to pass around. A timer in the kitchen sounded, calling Sarah once more away.

"Simply try it, Hannah, Callum pleaded with his wife. I know your disfavor for coffee, yet I believe you’ll find this worth the sampling."

Who is Nathalie, that you refer to her by name in collective with your father? Giovanna ventured to enquire.

Melinda leaned into her husband as he drew her nearer. She’s my father’s second wife. My mother passed into eternal reward a year and a half ago.

Forgive the question, then, Robert murmured on his chagrinned wife’s behalf. Pausing briefly, he repeated his initial enquiry. What was it, Judah, that arrested your attention in Callum’s use of the word ‘ordinary’ in speaking of the manner in which the Spirit of Truth communicates with us?

We were promised – he interrupted himself to thank Sarah as she served him a portion of the meal she had prepared – "by the Spirit Himself that the occurrences which were at the time yet quite new and foreign to us would become ordinary. It was the repetition of that same word now that called to memory for me that which had been spoken four months ago as Ian, Alexander, and I travailed in prayer and forethought for this Settlement at Hadura’s and my kitchen table."

After offering thanks for both the meal before them and Sarah’s efforts that had produced it, Ravi continued the conversation as they ate. "Such intimate and ongoing interactions with the Spirit of Truth in one’s relationship with Kadosh were generally, I believe, attributed to those followers of the Christ who were once referred to as ‘charismatic.’ To us, the term feels to be a misnomer. Such has been the way of faith-life in Sterling Valley for so long that otherwise is considered aberration. We must plead your forgiveness of our ignorance for presuming the experience of other Settlements has matched our