Rise of the Caretakers: Forever Man - Book 2

By Ed Booth

Father Jean came and stood next to Darby as he reclined and said, I will be returning to the abbey. I will pray for yer soul Darby and ask god what ye need to pay. It could be quite a substantial sum as ye have lived a very sinful life.

Yes, yesI know, but it will be worth it to avoid the fiery flames.

For the first time, and in a perplexed tone of voice, Christian spoke to Father Jean, You are not serious? Making Darby pay for forgiveness, a gift that is freely given.

With a look of incredulity, Father Jean replied, Darbys sins are great and the cost of penance must equally fit his crimes.

You heard him. The next time he meets the Death Angel he will be taken to Hell and left there. If he doesnt pay for his sins he has no hope of avoiding the fiery flames.

Shaking in anger, Christian looked straight into the eyes of Darby OHerlihy and said, Do not listen to this fool, Darby! To be a Christian is to believe that Jesus Christ came to this world to offer His life as a ransom for those who would believe and entrust their lives to Him. His shed blood upon the cross is the payment for your sins. It is not something we as men pay for monetarily!

If that be the case, then the poor and needy are doomed to die and to be carried to the fiery pit to burn there forever separated from a loving and caring God.

It is written:

For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, John 3:16 [KJV] that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

In anger Father Jean responded, Where are these written Words you speak of and who has them? Are you the Caretaker of them? If you are produce them so that we can see them for ourselves.

• Language: English
• Publisher: WestBow Press
• Release date: Apr 20, 2016
• ISBN: 9781512733662

Ed Booth

Ed Booth is a mechanical engineer living in Central Florida with his wife, Sherry. Ed has worked in the mining and mineral processes industry as an operator, manager, and engineer for thirty-plus years. Writing is a way to express his faith in Christ. The Forever Man series is his first endeavor into the fictional writing field.

Book preview

Prologue

A large powerfully built man sits beneath a tree pondering the events that occurred during his life time, a journey spanning four hundred years and encompassing many generations of men. He rises to his feet and walks to a pool of clear water. Standing at the water's edge he looks at his reflection. An ageless face framed by a dark beard and short cropped graying hair reflects back. With calloused hands he touches upon the numerous scars, remembering how each one was applied to his body. He is as strong and vigorous today as when his Master set him upon his journey from the edge of the abyss centuries ago. To some he is called warrior, to others... villain. No matter ... he holds true to his beliefs... He will always be... Christian.

The morning sun rises higher into the sky and Christian watches the horse and dog playing happily upon the field. He smiles knowing the joy they feel... a joy that keeps them young and invigorated.

Young...? a term he cannot comprehend. Time and decay do not affect him. He witnesses the repeating cycle of birth to death... and the slow process of change within the landscape as the only evidence of the curse.

Christian scans the line of mountains south of him. Closing his eyes he can still see within his mind the white stone fortifications of Trolls Bane, the impressive city towering thousands of feet above the plain. Trolls Bane now lays buried deep beneath a vast mountain lake. At the edge of that lake is a towering waterfall. The cascading flow thunders as it spills into a winding river before him. While further west within the snow covered summits lie the treasures Ari and the scholars from Havens Home collected. Parts of that treasure were the scrolls John entrusted into his and Aurelius hand when he was a boy.

As he awaited the upcoming meeting, Christian let his mind drift...remembering his adventure until this point in time.

Not long after the destruction of Trolls Bane Christian journeyed east beyond the Fire Plains until he came upon a great body of water. For uncounted years he wandered north and south along the eastern coastal regions. His journey brought him into contact with many primitive, nomadic societies who sustained themselves by following migrating herds of wild animals. He proclaimed the Word of God to them, but they could not comprehend the Truth. Instead, his apparent immortality created problems for the cultures he visited. They began to worship him instead of the Christ. They called him the Forever Man and his reputation spread until it grew into legend.

Despondently he journeyed until he passed beyond the reaches of local lore and started life anew. Staying until another culture and generation fell into the same pattern of misguided adoration... and forcing him to move away.

Returning to Jerusalem, he discovered more writings. Spent many years there learning about Christ and the Children of Promise. He befriended a scholar who exposed him to the writings of David, Moses and Ezra. That was the good.

There were also the bad. Satan was there and he incited the Children of Israel and Ishmael to fight for supremacy of Jerusalem. He witnessed the factions among those who claimed knowledge of the Word of God. The followers of Christ battled with the religious leaders who held to the Law and did not believe that Jesus was the promised Messiah.

Christian grew weary of the division and was compelled to travel again. He journeyed to the fertile lands south and west of Egypt. The fertile land housed the great behemoths. Creatures rivaling in size and ferocity the great dragons he witnessed at Trolls Bane. He also discovered that men could be cruel to men as he watched the gathering of slaves to be sold into world markets.

After time in Africa, Christian sailed the Great Sea and returned to the modern day power in the world... Rome. Persecution against Christians was rampant there. To Christian's dismay, sacred texts were collected and burned, lost forever. He opposed the destruction of the manuscripts and was arrested, cited for treason. His punishment... sentenced to gladiatorial combat in the coliseum to amuse spectators. The scars upon his face and body remind him of the brutality that was exacted upon him there.

Then he recalled with unending persecution, came hope. A new emperor came into power and he declared Christianity as the dominant religion of Rome. Christian was freed.

Weary of bloodshed, Christian left Rome and journeyed northeast. As he trekked he was reunited with Asahel and Jack and together they searched for Havens Home. Sadly, after several hundred years the forest had encroached upon the city and re-claimed the streets. The only vestiges left were the weathered stones that comprised the buildings and their foundations. No evidence showed that it had once been a thriving Christian community.

The next several years Christian stayed within the familiar ruins to heal... emotionally, as well as physically. In solitude, away from people, while exploring the region, he searched for and found the entrance to the underground passage he and his friends used centuries earlier to pass through the Great Mountains. Unfortunately the passage inside the mountain was blocked from centuries of quakes and slides that continually shaped and re-shaped the mountain.

Of late, within his spirit, he felt a compelling desire to skirt the mountains and return to the vicinity of where Trolls Bane once stood. Once there he would wait for someone from his past.

Chapter 1

The early morning sun rose higher into the sky and Christian watched the black horse run to and fro upon the field while the black and white dog ran along next to him yelping happily. He smiled as he watched them play, two old friends who never grew tired of each other. By watching them he felt their joy and was invigorated. It was that joy that kept them young.

Hundreds of years elapsed since their journey began? For the man and the animals upon the field time had no meaning. Christian did not even know what time was. The changes in the landscape and seasons were the only things that reminded him that time existed. He and the animals looked and appeared the same as when his Master set them upon their journey.

Christian stood and whistled and the horse and dog came running to him. He placed his saddle and gear upon Asahel's back and climbed up and settled himself. Soon they were travelling west. The air was cool and fragrant as spring was returning to the land. Keeping the mountains on their left, Christian looked north and remembered the vast plain with the tall grasses swaying in the wind. Now the plains were nearly gone as trees and forestland began dominating the landscape.

He came upon a dried watercourse and remembered the great river flowing from the northern forest, past New Beginning and then approaching the southern range. Was this the same riverbed? If it wasn't, where was it...? Had the birth of the forest redirected its flow?

Another few days of travel brought him to the plain that four hundred years earlier was the starting point for a journey into the then Outland Plains. The great waterfall being the landmark, its waters cascading down a slope that started a thousand feet above. The origin being a massive mountain lake and beneath the lake waters lay the ruins of Trolls Bane.

He followed the river west as it noisily wound its way through massive rocks and canyons. He moved a day's journey away from the falls and camped beneath a copse of trees that grew alongside the clear flowing waters of the river. That evening he dined upon trout caught from the river.

Christian would wait here until an old friend ventured out for a long anticipated meeting. Time did not matter, so he set up camp and prepared to wait for however long it took for his friend to appear.

There was a dramatic change to the landscape since he last passed this way. After the battle of Trolls Bane ended the treeless plains spread as far as the eye could see. Now the forest came right to the edge of the river. The trees grew and climbed high upon the mountain slopes. The river, like a ribbon, turned here and there as it wound its way through forest and mountain terrain. There was an abundance of fish and game and Christian knew he would not go hungry.

After waiting several days, one morning as Christian was relaxing along the riverbank, a hooded man approached along the opposite riverbank.

As the man came and stood along the opposite shore, without uncovering his face, he raised his voice and asked, Do you have food enough for a stranger?

Jack sitting next to Christian stood and began wagging his tail as Christian answered, There are fish cooking upon the camp fire...! You are welcome to join me!

The river was deep and wide at this juncture and the man looked up and down the waterway searching for a place to cross.

It may take me awhile to find a place to cross, but I will come and dine with you.

I will prepare the meal for when you arrive, replied Christian.

Christian then made the short walk to his camp and began preparing for the arrival of the stranger. It was not long before Jack was yelping excitedly as the stranger came striding into camp. Christian knew that it was far too short a time for the man to find his way across the rapidly flowing stream.

Good morning spoke the stranger as he stopped to pet Jack.

Good morning replied Christian without turning to face the cloaked figure.

Christian turned and faced the visitor as the man was continuing to show Jack attention. The man then turned and faced Christian while uncovering his head from the folds of his cloak... it was Michael.

With a smile upon his face Christian said, I have been expecting you.

It has been awhile, replied Michael as he continued patting Jack.

In my spirit I felt that someone from the Master was going to meet me. I was compelled to return here and wait.

Answering, Michael responded, That is good! You have begun to hear the One Christ spoke about... the Comforter. He is manifesting His presence within you to become one in harmony with your spirit. It is wonderful the bond between them and coupled with the Word of God, you will continue to grow stronger as you continue on your journey.

Continue on my journey... Christian echoed whimsically.

Christian continued, I have travelled too many places since we last met ...seen many strange and wonderful things. Even here, the landscape has changed since I last stood here four hundred years ago.

God's Creation is always changing... growing ...The old fades away while the new takes its place.

Yes the old fades ... I have witnessed the old dying. Yet I do not grow old and die and apparently neither do you. Christian said that as he alternated looking between Michael ... Jack ... and Asahel.

Christian handed Michael a plate of fish and the two of them sat down. As they ate, their conversation continued with Michael replying, It is as the Master said...is it not? He told you that you would journey upon the earth until He returned.

I thought He was going to return with the battle at Trolls Bane. He did not return then...He hasn't returned at all... but I continue to live on.

At the edge of the abyss Jesus told you that you were to be a witness. As a witness you observe and then relay what you've seen to those who follow. When you began your journey it was the beginning of an era. What you confess to others along the way is the thread that binds epochs together. Eventually, your witness will be the truth that shines through the darkness and points to Jesus Christ and His Word as the only way to eternal life.

"What is eternal life? I have heard about it many times and spoke of it to many others, but I am not sure what it is...? Is it the fountain of youth? Does it mean that I will not face death?

Other than you Michael...I have lived longer than any man. At times the loneliness can be unbearable. Not having someone to draw close to and share experiences. Those I have befriended have lived and died, while I linger. I see those who have wives and families and wonder why I am denied that pleasure?

Michael stopped eating and glanced at Christian, remarking, You wonder why...? It should be obvious.

Knowingly Christian answered, I know I will face the sorrow of loss over and over again as they live, grow old and die while I live on... Besides what woman would want to join with me if she knew that she would grow old, while I would remain unchanged and doomed to wander the earth waiting upon my Lord to return... and children...? I don't even want to imagine.

"You look at life and think it is periodic.... You are born, you live out a period of time and then you die! That is not eternal life. God is eternal and He created man in His image.

In a way you have been given a glimpse of it. You live and your body does not experience the Curse of Time. You live and are susceptible to the fallen nature as any man is, but once you are unfettered from the fallen nature of man you will live as He created you, eternally in His presence.

Christian just stared at Michael, and then he asked, How long have you been on your journey?

Time is not relevant to such as I. I know of no other way to live and that is all that I can say.

The two of them just sat there for a time. Christian trying to make sense of it all and Michael waiting until Christian was ready to listen to what he had to say.

After several minutes Christian stated, I know there is a reason why you have come. I knew it as I travelled here.

For men time is moving forward and the Word of God is ready to continue on His journey.

Christian just stared and then with a puzzled look upon his face, he asked, His journey...I don't understand?

Michael answered, "As you fulfill your calling... you will discover from the Word of God a verse stating:

'In the beginning was the Word,

And the Word was with God,              John 1:1 [KJV]

And the Word was God,

He was with God in the beginning.'

John, who named you, wrote those words. Just like many others who have been inspired by God have written similar Words. The Words have been scattered and are now ready to journey to a place where they can be combined and written into one volume for men to hear and learn.

Christian recalled, I remember Ari saying that he believed the Words of God would eventually come together for men to read and learn who Christ is. He had hoped that the scholars at Havens Home would be the ones to piece it altogether, but in the end he did not believe it would happen during his lifetime, and he was right.

Michael added, Gods timing is different than men's. Men are hindered by time, which is why time is a curse. Men's lives are but short intervals in time, while God is eternal.

What am I to do?

"You will travel to Britain and there you will witness the birth of a baby. That baby will grow and become an integral participant in the early journeys of God's Word. You will be a caretaker and witness to this child. You will observe his growth from a child to a man and interact with him on his journey to enlightenment and like anything worthwhile there will be adventure and challenges that he will have to endure.

"This man, and many others after him, will search out and discover where the Word is hidden... And just like when you began this journey, when you were directed by the Holy Spirit to Ari and the scholars of Havens Home, these people will bring the Words of God together and bind them into one volume. With the aid of the Holy Spirit they will decipher what the Word of God wants to say to men.

After the establishment of compiling of God's Word, you will continue as Caretaker until the time to spread God's written Word into the world of men.

The two men spent the next few days reminiscing about time past and discussing the future events to come. It was true that Christian dealt with the fallen nature of man that weakened him and he sought consoling words from Michael to help bolster his spirit. In time Christian accepted his lot in life and said so to Michael.

After several days of counsel the two prepared to part ways. It was decided that Christian would travel northwest through the land of Gaul until he came to the shores of the channel leading to the Isle of Britain.

Christian prepared to set off and was making final preparations when Michael approached and offered a final word, Satan and his minions will oppose you at every turn, but do not be afraid, for you are a chosen vessel of our Lord and Master, Jesus Christ.

Christian climbed atop Asahel's back and settled into the saddle. Reaching down he offered his hand to Michael and said, We will meet again old friend.

As Christian set out Michael called after him, "Remember what the Master, our Lord declared to you:

'No weapon forged against you will succeed

This is the heritage of the Lord's servants      Isaiah 54:17 [KJV]

And their righteousness is from God.'"

Chapter 2

Several days after leaving Michael at the river, west of the submerged ruins of Trolls Bane, Christian along with Asahel and Jack, were making their way through the northern forests of Gaul. After leaving the river Christian noticed that the forests had gradually supplanted the grasslands of hundreds of years earlier. The terrain felt and looked young. The trees grew through the tall grasses and Christian could see through them for miles. He found a meandering wagon trail and followed it as it wound its way through the thicker groves of trees. The warm springtime air was full of the sounds of birds singing and the hum of bees as they flitted from one fragrant blossom to another.

One day as evening approached, he topped a knoll and several hundred yards below him, was a small village. A few small huts and plots of newly planted crops with a few men and boys tending it were all that he could see. Christian thought of making his way down and making himself known, but changed his mind and decided to camp at a distance away. He was afraid that the villagers might perceive him as a threat. It would be better to wait until morning before making an appearance among them. He found a spot that was well hidden from the settlement and soon he and the animals were settled for the night.

With the small fire burning and Jack lying at his feet, Christian pondered the forthcoming task. The Word of God was ready to continue His journey. For his whole existence he thought of the Words of God as trinkets and scrolls, objects that Ari and the Scholars of Havens Home called treasures. Now, he knew that the Word had personal relevance and was tangible. He remembered the mountain place where the scrolls were hidden away. Christian left the Word there in the frozen peaks, possibly buried in snow and ice. Now he was to search out a child that had yet to be born and when he became of age, he was to aid Christian in the rediscovery of the treasure. It struck him odd that, God does truly work in mysterious ways to accomplish His purpose.

The following morning, with Christian sitting atop Asahel and Jack trotting alongside, the three of them approached the village. As they came into the center of the huts they were met by men carrying farm implements and one or two holding swords. Christian looked into their faces and he could see the looks of trepidation in each one's eyes.

My name is Christian and I am passing through... I am hoping for a few provisions and news of happenings between here and the Island of Britain.

A few uncomfortable moments passed before an older man stepped forward and asked, Christian...? Is that your name or your faith?

It is both...my name is Christian, but I am also a believer in our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

A few more uncomfortable moments passed as the men gathered and spoke amongst themselves. Every now and then one would peek at him from out of the clot of men discussing what to do. Finally, the older man who originally spoke to him walked up and said, Welcome Christian, I am Jael and these are my friends and family members. We will talk and provide you with provisions.

Well met. replied Christian.

As Christian dismounted, Jael spoke to a young boy, Tomas take his horse and get him some feed.

An older woman came from one of the huts and Jael spoke to her, Ada... fetch us bread and wine.

Christian followed Jael and two other men as they walked to a large tree with wooden chairs situated around a fire pit. The rest of the men and watchers left to tend their duties.

Shortly Ada and a couple of young girls brought bread and wine to the four men seated around the now blazing fire.

As they ate Jael asked, You say you are travelling to the Isle of Britain...what are your plans once arriving there?

By craft I am a blacksmith...by faith I am a witness for my Lord.

I would be careful mentioning that you are a Christian to people. The priests have preyed upon the poor and unfortunate, taking wages and food in the name of your Lord, stated Brogan Earl.

Shaking his head, Jael replied, That is in Rome, Brogan. The priests you speak of won't leave their richly adorned temples and venture into the wild lands. Here in the wilderness the people still wait for the return of Jesus. It is still our hope that He will return and set up His Kingdom.

Therin Cleese the final member who sat listening chimed in, This is a hard land...why would a God such as Christ want to set up His Kingdom here?

Christian voiced his thoughts, When I lie back and look into the night sky, I see the stars and the vast expanse above and wonder how far away they are. It is written that in the beginning God hung the sun, moon and stars in the sky and He called it Paradise... or Heaven. Whatever it is, it is the dwelling place of God and His Son and I believe it is narrow minded to limit Him to this small outpost. The earth and the expanse beyond are all part of His Universal Kingdom.

For the next few minutes the four men sat eating and contemplating what was said. Then Christian asked, How far from Britain am I?

Brogan Earl spoke, If you take your time and are not set upon by the roving bands of highwaymen, in a week you should be at the coast. Look for a town there called White Cliff. There you can earn wages to pay for transport to London.

Christian questioned, London...I heard there are Roman Garrisons stationed there.

Jael answered, There were until Rome pulled out. They left a void, no government, and no military to keep the peace. The inhabitants fought for control against invaders from the north and east. A great man emerged and banded the people together. They drove the invaders from their shores. I hear they have made him king.

What is his name?

I don't know...I heard he is of Roman descent and stayed when Rome pulled out many years ago.

Christian asked, You spoke of highwaymen...who are they?

Therin Cleese replied, Brigands... unscrupulous men who prey upon the weak, in ambush they rob and kill the unsuspecting traveler. You may be big and strong my friend, but they are like the jackals. They band together and attack, killing for pleasure and to acquire mere pennies.

Brogan Earl then added, If the highwaymen don't kill you then the strange creatures from the Black Forest will assail you. I have heard that they use beautiful young women as bait. When you get near they cast a spell upon you and steal your soul. The body that is left is then inhabited by an evil spirit...

Brogan Earl quit speaking when he noticed Christian's intense glare into his eyes when he mentioned, ...casting spells and stealing souls.

Even though it had been nearly five hundred years, Christian still remembered Pharma and the witches there. Did they still exist?

The sound of Jael's voice cut through into Christians mind as he said, "Gentlemen, enough. Are you trying to frighten our guest? In any journey there are trials... and do we run and hide hoping they will not come upon us? Of course not...!

"Christian, do not let my friends here deter you from your goal. They are well intentioned and are probably correct in some sense of the word, but any journey you are on will have pitfalls. It is those pitfalls we overcome that make us stronger.

You are welcome to stay here as long as you like...a blacksmith would make a fine addition to our burgeoning community.

I will stay a few days and work to pay for the provisions your village is providing me.

Jael and his fellow villagers smiled at Christians offer, Good ... that is good! Jael remarked as he clasped Christian's hand in friendship.

After a week Christian said his farewells to Jael and the members of the small village. Christian repaired their implements and shoed a few of the draft horses and for that they provided him with enough provisions to last several days upon the road.

Late in the afternoon, two days out of the village, Christian came upon a wide river flowing south. They trekked next to the watercourse following it for several miles. When he came to a shallow place that he and the animals could ford, he dismounted and decided to stop and set camp for the night.

At twilight he decided to bathe and scour the grime from his travel weary body. As he was washing, upon the riverbank, Jack began to growl. Asahel raised his head from grazing and was looking in the direction that Jack was facing. Looking, Christian followed the line of their gaze and there a hundred or so yards away was a beautiful young girl sitting atop a white horse...or what he thought was a horse. This animal had all the attributes of most horses except for the long singular horn protruding from between its eyes. Christian gasped in surprise, It is a unicorn!

It was clear that Jack was becoming more agitated and soon he began to bark as he trotted in their direction. Christian began moving toward his gear to remove his broadsword when the girl, and the horned horse she was riding, turned and fled north. Jack bolted after them and gave chase while Christian called for him to stop. The dog disappeared behind some thick brush just past where the girl had been watching him.

Quickly he gathered his gear and dressed. Soon he was atop Asahel and was heading in the direction that Jack disappeared. As he came to the place where the girl watched him, Jack was trotting back to meet them, glancing periodically behind him.

That's it worry me next time... Christian spoke to the dog as he trotted up to him.

He then began examining the ground where the unicorn had stood and to his surprise he could not find any hoof prints in the soft ground. He examined the area where Asahel stood and he noticed the deep impressions the big black left in the soft earth. The white horse was nearly as big or maybe even bigger than Asahel, but no matter where he looked, there were no hoof prints to be found.

The hairs on the back of his neck were standing on end and he could not help but think of Tiara and the Witches of Pharma. Was this girl a witch? Was she trying to get close enough to cast a spell upon him?

What am I doing ... I am starting to sound like Brogan Earl. The next thing I will be afraid of my own shadow.

Christian climbed back into the saddle and followed the river northward, glancing periodically at the trail looking for any sign of hoof prints. After an hour the sun went down in the west and he returned to camp. That night he did not sleep as he kept listening for anything out of the ordinary. His imagination played tricks on him throughout the night and he again chastised himself for being afraid. He constantly watched Jack. Expecting any moment for the dog to jump up and begin barking, but instead the dog slept soundly at his feet all night.

After a restless night, when morning came, Christian rose up wearily and after a light breakfast he was back riding following the river. The river turned west and he continued following the trail. By midday he came upon the Black Forest that Brogan Earl had described. In contrast to the other forest land he had come through, this forest truly was dark and he could understand where the name Black Forest came from. Like a dark wall the gnarled lichen covered trees blocked his way. Below him Jack seemed agitated and issued a low growl as if in warning, even brave Asahel twitched nervously beneath him.

The trail turned south while the river continued north skirting the edge of the dark woods. Christian pointed Asahel toward the southern trail and followed it as it ran parallel to the forest edge. They followed it while keeping a close watch upon the dark boughs. The wind was blowing gently from the north and he could smell the stink of rotting vegetation. Ferns grew thick upon the forest perimeter, blocking any view into the interior of the trees.

Christian was hoping to put some distance between him and the forest before nightfall and urged Asahel along at a faster pace. He did not travel very far before he noticed another trail approaching from the south. This new trail merged onto the westerly trail he was riding upon. The ground of the southern trail was churned up, showing the ruts left by wagon wheels. The freshly turned earth signified that the wagons had passed by not too long ago and were travelling at a rapid pace. Wondering what could have caused them to travel so quickly, he urged Asahel along even faster while he kept a wary eye upon their surroundings. The edge of the Black Forest was still a mile away north and continued as far as he could see west.

As the sun began to dip closer to the western horizon the three of them came upon the wreckage of a small caravan. By appearances the accident happened recently.

Christian quickly dismounted and ran about searching the wreckage for survivors. What he found puzzled him. One, all the occupants were dead and consisted of only women and girls, no men were found among the bodies. Two, the draft animals were nowhere to be seen and finally, the wagons were hewn as Christian noted the massive blade marks along their structures.

Christian could not imagine that the women and girls had ventured out without men folk to act as defenders against highwaymen. And by the looks of the scattered cargo, why would the robbers leave their booty behind? Were the brigands only after the plodding draft horses? Nothing made sense to him.

Christian began collecting the bodies and piling them onto the overturned wagons and scattered cargo. As night was approaching he planned to build funeral pyres from the destroyed wagons and burn the dead. It was going to be another restless night.

As he lit the fires, he thought he heard a faint sound coming from a copse of trees not far from where he stood watching the fires burn. At the sound Jack ran ahead to investigate and then he began barking. Christian grabbed his broadsword and ran to investigate. What he found saddened him, for there sitting against a tree was an old woman. Her frock was soaked in blood and as he moved closer to investigate her wounds he saw the deep wound that went from her left shoulder across to her right hip. There was not much he was going to be able to do to help her.

Dear mother, what happened here? Christian asked as soothingly as he could.

She glanced up and looked into Christians eyes and in a barely audible whisper asked, Have you seen me boy Tom?

No I haven't...where is he?

It was the young girl...she came this morning as we set out and bewitched the men folk.

She coughed and blood trickled out along the corners of her mouth as she continued, The men and boys ran off following her...they left us women folk behind.

Where do you think they went...the men folk... that is? Christian asked trying to keep her alert

The forest... she coughed again and this time Christian could hear the death rattle as her breathing became shallow. He knew it would not be long before she would pass away.

With an effort she said, The horses went wild and fled following the white demon she rode upon...then...then we were attacked by Satan himself along with great creatures...there skin was like bark and they towered over the wagons like trees. I tried to run...but one of them found me. The next thing I remember was your face looking at me. With that said she smiled and closed her eyes.

For the rest of the night Christian tended to the fires. His mind went to the old woman's final words. She said that they were attacked by Satan himself and great creatures with skin like bark that towered over the wagons. Wood Trolls...? Was she describing Wood Trolls? He remembered the ground opening up and swallowing the trolls during the battle of Trolls Bane hundreds of years ago. The girl and the white horse...the woman called it a white demon. Christian was beginning to feel sick. Was it possible that after all these years Satan was returning with a new army...to attack man again?

Then he remembered what Michael had said in parting weeks earlier:

"Satan and his minions will oppose you at every turn,

but do not be afraid,

for you are a servant of our Lord and Master, Jesus Christ."

Then the words of the dragon Lightbender echoed in his mind, My master will return and we will fight against you.

He was on a journey to witness a baby being born and then be a caretaker for him during his life, a baby who would grow into a man and participate in bringing the Word of God to men.

Christian looked at Jack and said, I guess Satan is going to try to make things difficult.

Jack just cocked his head and looked at him curiously.

Morning came and Christian buried what human remains were left from the fire. Then they set off towards the west following the trail and keeping the dark forest on their right. The weariness of two sleepless nights weighed heavily upon him as they began moving along the trail.

A moment after setting off, there in the distance was the young girl watching them approach upon her white steed. Immediately Jack set off barking and running towards them and this time Asahel was not going to be left behind and set off after Jack. Christian was left to hang on as the animals chased after the mysterious girl. As soon as Jack and Asahel began their pursuit, the girl and her horse fled, streaking across the open field back towards the dark woods perimeter. Asahel was not far behind as she and her horse entered the forest. The denseness of the woodlands interior caused Asahel to pause in his pursuit as the black searched for any entryway into the forest. Jack rushed past the horse and entered a narrow, barely perceptible passage through the verdure.

Christian pulled hard on the horse's reins, trying to stop him from following Jack into the dense thicket. With steam belching from his nose, Asahel pulled up short, whinnying loudly in protest.

Christian shouted to the horse, We don't know what is inside ... we must be careful before rushing in... it could be a trap!

As soon as Christian finished shouting, a loud yelp sounded from within the densely packed ferns and not long after Jack ran out of the forest.

Leading the animals away to a safe distance, Christian turned and scanned the nearby perimeter expecting any moment for something unusual to happen. After several minutes, the serenity of the atmosphere remained unchanged.

Christian patted Asahel's flank and urged the horse back toward the trail. Calling for Jack, they rode away. The rest of the day Christian put the miles from where the blonde haired girl entered the forest behind him.

The next several hours Christian struggled to stay awake and on more than one occasion nearly fell off the back of Asahel. The Black Forest continued as far as he could see and he was hoping to get beyond its dark boughs before stopping and resting. Finally, he realized, he had to stop and sleep. So around midday he guided Asahel just south of the trail and stopped near a cluster of boulders and dismounted. Without taking time to set camp, he pulled his bedroll from behind the saddle and lay down amidst the rocks. In minutes he was asleep and did not awake until several hours after sundown. When he awoke he could see the silhouette of Jack sitting upon his haunches watching out into the darkness like a sentinel watching over his charge.

Nothing will get past you old friend, he said to Jack as he pet the dog on his way to collect fuel for a fire. As he emerged from the stones, there stood Asahel. To Christian it appeared that the horse was also guarding his shelter.

After a time a fire was burning and three of them crowded close as the night air was chilly. Christian covered up in his bedroll and was soon asleep. Just before the dawn he was awakened by cold rain pelting his face. He crawled to an overhang and looked out toward the trail. Jack was still in the same place he found him during the night, sitting and watching. Christian thought the dog was guarding him while he slept, but now the thought occurred that Jack was waiting for something. Maybe it was the girl and the unicorn.

As the dawn came it was apparent that the rain was here to stay and Christian decided to wait in the shelter of rocks until the rain stopped. The drizzly cold rain fell for several more hours while he sat there trying to stay warm and dry. Christian wrapped up tightly in his bedroll, while Jack and Asahel huddled close to the larger stones.

Then suddenly Jack stood and made a low growling noise. Immediately Christian had his sword in hand and came to look to where Jack was facing. Through the mist and rain he made out a dark figure of a horse and rider slowly walking down the trail. The closer the shadowy figure came, the clearer the image became. The horse was an old sway backed mare while the heavily cloaked person atop it sat hunched over, trying to avoid the rain. When they got closer Christian emerged from the rocks and shouted.

His shout startled the poor horse and it nearly unseated her rider as it rose up on its hind legs and tried bolting away. The rider reacted quickly and regained control of the frightened animal.

Christian walked up with his sword in hand and asked, "Where are