Firstborns: The Storm

By Sir Charles Davis

The group called the Firstborns heard the call of God and embarked on a journey to a land of peace and joy. But to get there, they must trek through dangerous terrain filled with bandits and marauders, whose only ambition was to steal and kill travelers. Furthermore, hot on their trail were the short, stout man and tall, thin man, their mortal and relentless enemies. They hired mercenaries to hunt them down and slaughter all men, women, and children. Not daunted, the Firstborns continued forward, their faith wholly in God, who had called them, and they met each undertaking and conflict inside and outside the group with courage.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Page Publishing, Inc.
• Release date: Nov 3, 2022
• ISBN: 9781662486456

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Firstborns

The Storm

Sir Charles Davis

Copyright © 2022 Sir Charles Davis

All rights reserved

First Edition

PAGE PUBLISHING

Conneaut Lake, PA

First originally published by Page Publishing 2022

ISBN 978-1-6624-8644-9 (pbk)

ISBN 978-1-6624-8645-6 (digital)

Printed in the United States of America

Table of Contents

Prologue

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24

Chapter 25

Chapter 26

Chapter 27

Chapter 28

Chapter 29

Chapter 30

Chapter 31

Chapter 32

Chapter 33

Chapter 34

Chapter 35

Chapter 36

Chapter 37

Chapter 38

Chapter 39

Chapter 40

Chapter 41

Chapter 42

Chapter 43

Chapter 44

Epilogue

Acknowledgments

Spiritual Journey of the Author

Other Thrilling Works by Sir Charles Davis

About the Author

To Katlyn and Lynsey

And Jesus is the Head of His many membered body, the Church. Her name is Ecclesia and she is His bride. She is as pure gold without wrinkle and without spots. She is a mature bride, sanctified, and righteous—full of the Holy Spirit. She is crowned with His glory, clad with His strength and grandeur. Her tongue is rich with truth and wisdom to fervently speak peace. She is a woman of noble character and her joy is in her adoration for her groom, Jesus, the Christ.

Prologue

And the sound came from heaven, it blanketed the whole earth and only those who had an ear to hear, to perceive by His Spirit would be able to receive this Holy message from on High.

The time had come for the gathering of God's people, His children. The sweet, mellow sound from heaven touched the spirits of those in the north, south, east, and west. And when they heard the sound, the voice of God, they hearkened unto it and prepared their hearts to travel to the place that God had established for them.

It was a place where they could proclaim His infinite greatness, declare the beauty of his holiness, and celebrate the joy of being in His presence. Some called this place the garden of Eden or the holy mountain of God; others called it the city of the great king or even the new Jerusalem. There were a few who called it a place that was not a place because this place had no geographical location, no longitudes and latitudes, that could be used to find it on a map. Many believed that it was a divine knowing, an awakening of the spirit within, and yet others believed it was God's presence on earth, a place where they could meet God. Whatever their belief was about this place, they all knew that it would take the Holy Spirit to guide them there.

They prepared themselves for the journey, and all who heard the call would follow it without reservation or hesitation. Like so many estuaries that flowed into rivers and rivers into oceans, the children of God would flow into His vastness, His magnificence, and His beauty. And they would learn to trust in the Lord with all their heart and not depend on their own understanding, for the trials and tribulations would be many. Their faith in Him and love for Him would grow as they went through water and through fire. God was bringing the body of Christ together.

However, hidden within the body were malcontents and insurgents. They were waiting like cowards in the dark to steal, kill, and annihilate what God had purposed for his people. They were not true believers of Christ. They were distractors and agitators, whose purpose was to impede the movement of the people of God. They were skeptics and pessimists, who were easy prey for the adversary to influence and control. He, the adversary, had scattered them among the people of God to destroy them.

Nevertheless, Jesus, the Christ, the Son of the true and living God, and the King of kings and Lord of lords, had already separated the wheat from the tares in the Spirit before time was time; and the children of God would be witnesses of this as they walked out their salvation by the leading of the Holy Spirit. They would be able to pluck out the tares from among them.

There were changes taking place within all the groups that had left the Inter Mal so many years ago. Their children had grown into adulthood. The compartments in the transports had ceased being thronged with children's laughter. Only memories occupied these silent rooms now. The parents' hearts ached with mixed emotions as they let go and celebrate their children's marriages. Still, this gladness, this joy, was fleeting, for there was a malevolent shadow being cast toward them by an enemy, whose patience and determination aimed to destroy them.

Chapter 1

Malcom focused ahead. Slow down, William. He pointed. See that light between the trees? It seems to be coming at us.

William slowed down. Yeah, I've been noticing that too. They both watched the light come closer.

Malcom patted William on the shoulder. Stop here. He called out, Isao and Daktari, you two go out in the forest and stay hidden. We have a bright light coming toward us.

While they exited the transport, a voice was heard from within the light as it approached them. Ahoy! Ahoy there!

Malcom walked out of the transport and yelled, Your lights are blinding. Can you turn them off?

Oh, sorry, mate. I forgot. The voice ordered, Secure forward lights.

What was revealed surprised Malcom and his group. It was huge and longer and taller than their transport, and it had what looked like sheets strapped to poles. But what amazed Malcom the most was that this vehicle was on wheels, a lot of wheels. Isao and Daktari came out from behind the trees as the massive vehicle passed by them.

They heard a voice cry out, All ahead stop, and the vehicle slowed to a halt. A gate was opened from its side, and a plank was shoved out to the ground. Isao and Daktari positioned themselves back behind the trees while Malcom stood in front of the transport. Three armed men came down the plank.

When the first man saw Malcom, he gave him a wave. Greetings, my friend. Sorry about the lights. I forgot we had them on.

Malcom returned the greeting. Hello. My name is Malcom. He stared at the men, who had their weapons raised, behind the one who spoke.

The man turned to them and shook his head, and the other men lowered their weapons. My name is John Brooks—JB for short. He pointed to the man next to him. This is my first mate, Starbuck. He turned and pointed to the huge vehicle. "This is my ship, USS Constitution, and we are heading north."

Malcom whistled, and Isao and Daktari came from behind the trees.

John looked at them and laughed. I see that we are both prudent men. I like that. It means we have something in common.

Malcom smiled then asked, What is this vehicle called? He, Isao, and Daktari walked around it with John and his men.

This, my friend, is called a ship. John was proud to talk about his ship. Now everyone came out of Malcom's transport to look at John's gigantic transport. John continued. We are from the eastern seaboard region, and we weren't graced with technology as you. He pointed to Malcom's transport. But we had this ship in an old maritime museum with other ancient yet useful artifacts from our past, so we took this ship. She was a great ship in her heyday. We restored her and, with a little improvising, made her useful for us today. Come on board, Malcom. Bring your people, and let us show you our home.

Malcom was hesitant. However, John broke the tension. "I have seen the name on your transport: God Is My Strength." He took them to see the name on his ship: Rose of Sharon. Malcom extended his hand as if it was an olive branch, and they properly greeted each other. A broad smile appeared on John's face. Now bring your people. Come aboard, and let's celebrate the blessings of the Lord. They walked up the plank to the deck of the ship, and John introduced them to his people. John shouted, Praise be to the Lord our God. He's bringing His people together. He hollered for all to hear, particularly Malcom, There is a storm coming, and it is against us. Nevertheless, we will overcome it, for He is with us.

All of John's people yelled, Hallelujah!

JB was bubbling with excitement like a little boy on his birthday. He nearly tripped as he high-stepped his way past Malcom. Come, come. Follow me. He pointed to the writing on an old tapestry hanging on the bulkhead: A sailor always, even today, keeps an eye open to windward, for that is the direction from which the weather comes, and a violent squall can be dangerous, even to a modern-powered vessel.

JB resumed his monologue. It is said that a man named Kipling wrote those words years before the world was turned into four regions, and these words ring loud speaking to us today. This ship holds a courageous name and in her prime took part in many battles. She stands a proud 220 feet high, 204 feet long, and 43 feet wide with three masts that allow us to catch the wind and soar across this land. But we have more than that when the air currents are not in our favor. We have six turbo diesel engines that power twenty-four wheels beneath the hull. Malcom and his group followed JB as he gave them a tour of their magnificent ship.

There are four decks. One is the spar, or top, deck, on which you are standing. We have twenty cannons, ten on each side. JB took them downstairs. "This is the gun deck that houses thirty cannons—fifteen on portside and fifteen on starboard. On the top deck, we have two bow chasers and two stern chasers—ah, cannons. The next deck is the berthing deck for our sleeping quarters and for eating our meals. It was originally an open space made for five hundred men, but since we are just one hundred plus children, we have sectioned off the space to make compartments for families—separate compartments for single men and women. The compartments are spacious for travel.

We have changed the orlop deck to fit our needs for food storage, generators to run our refrigeration, freezer units, and galley and storage for gallons of fuel. And in the main hold, we have the engine room and keep our munitions of cannonballs that are especially made, grenades, one hundred harpoons with diamond-tipped, explosive heads for piercing armor, and of course, sniper rifles, shotguns, rocket launchers, pistols, and swords. Here—he pointed to a corner—is an elevator on pulleys that we use to hoist the ammo to the gun deck. Now let's go to the berthing deck and feast together.

Isao and Daktari, his wife, and new son, Jawara, had stayed in the transport, keeping guard, even as men from the ship kept watch. There was never a time to let one's guard down.

Tahini asked JB, Why are the walls shiny?

JB slid his hand over the bulkhead. As you can see, this ship is made from the finest live oak and white oak, and what we have done is reinforced the ship from the inside out. Inside, we have a tungsten and titanium steel alloy made at our foundry, and we applied it on the bulkhead or walls throughout the ship. We know that we will be coming against modern armament, and so on the outside, on the hull of the ship, we have a rubber synthesized type of substance that can repel small arms fire and absorb rocket fire by disseminating its explosive blow so that we don't take in the full impact in one area.

Next, he took them to the control room. This is the brains of the ship. They saw all kinds of electronic apparatuses at work. From here, we steer the ship. He pointed to a wheel. And over here, we have electronic devices and sensors for heating and cooling. We also have quantum stealth, he proudly boasted. We have covered all areas of the ship with a substance made of high-tech digital camouflage patterns, and when engaged, the ship will become invisible. Not wanting to bore you further—he grinned—basically, it bends the light around us so we can blend in with our environment. Their faces remained blank.

JB explained, We can appear to have disappeared. He saw their skepticism, so he spoke to one of the men who had taken their guests down the gangplank. Watch was all JB said, and the ship vanished before their eyes. He laughed and stood in front of the ship. It is still here. He demonstrated that truth by hitting the ship. But to all who may look upon her, she is gone. They all watched in awe as the ship reappeared.

Malcom asked, And you said you weren't graced with technology. How did you accomplish this?

JB smiled. We are mostly scientists and engineers. We read a lot, experiment, and we build. We are prepared for battle, but we've not been tested.

Malcom stared at him. Then why?

Why are we out here? Because we heard God's call, JB answered.

Malcom nodded. We, too, have heard His call. We are northbound. He then took JB to see their transport.

First thing JB noticed was that the transport had seen battle. He eyed Malcom. I think it would be to our advantage if we traveled to the north with you.

Malcom agreed. I believe there is always strength in numbers, and even though you are not warriors, I would rather have you with me than against me.

Great! JB shouted. Do you have a map?

Malcom took out his map and showed JB and Starbuck the village they were going to, and one of JB's men took out a pad and a pencil and wrote down the coordinates to check it on their map.

* * *

Napayshni stood on a distant hill and watched Malcom and his people through his handheld telescope. It seems as though our quarry has picked up friends. Bring me the map. He looked it over. Yes, here's the place where we shall ambush him and his friends. He put his finger on the map. Captain, assemble the men. We will meet them at this clearing before they get to the village. The captain saluted and commanded his men.

* * *

Malcom and his group led the way in their transport. The great ship was not as fast as the transport, but it was able to stay about thirty yards behind them. The advantage of the ship was its crow's nest, which allowed the person stationed there to see far off—not just before the horizon but what was on the horizon.

Jake, equipped with his binoculars, had the watch this day, and he yelled, There's dust on the horizon moving east fast.

JB took out his spyglass and scanned the horizon. Can you see what is causing the dust?

Yes, several small transports, many men on foot and on horses.

Do you see any colors?

No.

Can you tell where they are headed?

There is a clearing ahead of them just before the village.

JB thought a moment. They mean to cut us off, he yelled. Keep an eye on them, and let me know when they stop.

Yes, sir.

JB signaled the command deck. All ahead stop.

* * *

Pablo looked in the side mirror of the transport. Malcom, it looks like JB has stopped.

Malcom stared at his side mirror. Turn around, Pablo.

* * *

JB let down their gangplank as Malcom's transport came alongside.

Malcom asked, Is there a problem?

JB pointed to the east. I think we may have one. We saw several transports and horses moving toward the clearing in front of the village. Could be they want to cut us off from getting to the village.

Malcom whispered, So he finally shows himself.

JB studied him. Who has shown himself?

Malcom shook his head. I don't know for sure, but we happened upon a village that was completely destroyed by an army. We have with us the lone survivor, and I believe the dust you saw is the one who attacked and killed everyone in her village. I think his name is Napayshni.

JB rubbed his balding head. Well, how do you think we should approach this?

Malcom sighed. This is not your fight.

JB smiled. Tell me something, Malcom. What happens to you when you stub your big toe?

What?

I will tell you what will happen to save time: Your mouth will let out a yell, your hand or hands will immediately go to your toe's aid, and your fingers will comfort that toe. Your eyes will see if any damage was done to that toe because your whole body becomes concerned about that toe. Now are we not the body of Christ?

Malcom and those in his group smiled and said, Amen. They put their heads together and formed a plan of attack. Malcom and his group got back into their transport, and JB went back aboard his ship and prepared his people for their first battle.

In Malcom's vehicle, William sat in the navigator's seat. Pacey was at one Gatling gun, and Elissa at the other. Daktari took the turret, and Isao prepared himself. The rest of the women, except for Ama and Sophia, readied themselves for battle. Malcom took out the map and explained, We'll be attacking them with the sun at our back. They will be temporarily blinded to our advance. We'll flank them here. He pointed at the map. Any questions? All are ready. He sat in the driver's seat and started the engine. They had been in numerous battles. They knew what to do, and they knew what was expected of them.

Clara asked, What can I do?

Isao stood beside her, handed her a rifle, and said, Protect your son. She took the rifle and nodded. Clara had given birth to a healthy boy, whom she named Khalil after his father, and she gave him a second name: Isao. Khalil was now four years old and was with Ama.

Aboard the Constitution, JB and Starbuck were getting their people into position. Ronald Fleet was on the gun deck, directing his crew when to hoist the ammo up on the elevator. He delegated his authority to two of his men, who were in charge of the cannons. He had sharpshooters in the riggings, stern, aft, and crow's nest. Located on the forefront of the ship was a large gun used to fire the harpoons, which was manned by James and Raphael.

JB called for silence to pray and afterward yelled, We have practiced this time and time again. You know what to do. To your stations! The children were taken to a safe place below. JB went to the command deck and yelled, Colors! The men quickly raised a flag with a shield and a sword embroidered in gold on a purple field and words that read, Jesus is Lord. JB yelled, All ahead full!

* * *

Napayshni was now in position, and he had deployed his men in key places from where he could ensnare his opponent. He had at his command forty-five transports fully armed with machine guns and rocket launchers, and each transport carried ten men. Fifty men on horseback armed with rifles, swords, and grappling hooks normally used to breach fort walls would now be used to board the ship, along with a hundred men on foot with small arms.

There was no doubt in Napayshni's mind that this was his victory. He eyed the landscape, searching for the transport, but did not see it. He concluded that the two had just passed each other on their journey to wherever. He smiled. This will be easier than I thought. He then signaled for his transports to attack. He did not see Malcom come over the rise on his flank.

* * *

JB ordered, Arm the cannons with ten-second-delay shells and fire on my command. After firing them, reload with shells that explode on impact. Sharpshooters, prepare to repel boarding party. James and Raphael, I want you to concentrate your harpoons on their largest transport. They were coming into position.

Napayshni's transports attacked the front and both sides of the ship, and the battle began. JB yelled, Fire cannons! The ship rocked as the cannons released their shells, and they struck behind the oncoming enemies and did not explode when they hit the ground. The enemy dropped to the ground, then stood thinking the shells were duds. They continued charging the ship.

JB yelled, Reload and change the degree so that the shells hit the ground in front of them. Fire! This time, when the shells hit the ground, they exploded; and when the enemy turned to avoid the shells, the unexploded shells detonated, refusing them a retreat. Seeing this, Napayshni signaled his horsemen forward to use their grappling hooks to board the ship.

Starbuck shouted at the sharpshooters in the riggings, Do not—I repeat, do not—waste your shots. Today is one shot, one kill! Steady. Wait, wait. Now fire! The sharpshooters were deadly with each shot fired.

Malcom and his group watched in amazement. JB and his people were fighting like seasoned warriors. The opportunity opened for Malcom. Okay, people, let's get into this fight. They started forward, attacking Napayshni's flank.

* * *

Napayshni's horsemen were trying desperately to board the ship, but the sharpshooters were keeping them at bay. Napayshni ordered his foot soldiers forward. Fire at the men on the ropes! This was not going to be as easy as he thought. He was losing more men than he wanted to. Then his driver pointed. He grimaced when he spotted Malcom's transport coming out of the sunlight on his left flank and quickly waved his hand, signaling the remaining transports in reserve to attack them.

* * *

Malcom yelled, William, we have a transport to our left. Load rockets. He turned left. Fire! Soon, they found themselves amid the fighting. Pacey, Elissa, and Daktari were taking out the enemy with their Gatling guns, causing them to fall back.

* * *

Napayshni's men were beginning to scatter. He knew he had to reorganize his men, or all would be lost. He signaled for his men to fall back. He knew his biggest problem was that big thing in front of him. He decided to leave enough men to keep Malcom occupied while the main force attacked the front.

* * *

Malcom saw some of Napayshni's transports turning and shouted, They are going after JB. He maneuvered his transport between the enemy and the ship, firing rockets ahead to clear a path. Suddenly, shrapnel hit the side of the transport, and Elissa fell backward. Clara rushed to her. Isao, she cried out, Elissa's been hit! Isao helped get her out of the seat, and Clara took over. Isao took Elissa back to the safe area in the transport. Ama and Sophia attended to her wounds.

Napayshni had left five transports behind to contend with Malcom, and they had taken out four. Malcom asked, Anyone see that fifth transport? Daktari, can you see it from up there?

No. I have lost him in the smoke. Then he yelled, I see him. Too close to fire. He's ramming us. Hold on!

The transport broadsided them and put a stop to their forward motion. Isao quickly jumped out of the transport with Clara hot on his heels. The men who could run out of their transport, firing at them. Isao and Clara fired back. Three of the men ran out of ammo, threw down their rifles, drew their swords, and charged toward Isao. Isao was happy to oblige them. He drew his swords and ran toward them, yelling.

Clara shot one as he aimed for Isao. She aimed her rifle at the other three men, but she couldn't fire. They were moving too fast and were too close to Isao. She watched in amazement as he fought, killing all three. Clara and Isao removed the other bodies from the transport that had rammed them and backed it up. William called out, Now we have two transports, and Isao and Clara went after Napayshni.

Napayshni was coming up to JB's ship. He yelled, Ready rockets. Fire! Several rockets hit the ship all at once.

JB yelled, Load smoke shells. Fire! Load harpoon and aim for that large transport in the front, leading them. He pushed a button on his control panel. The ship absorbed and displaced the explosions from the rockets and vanished.

As the smoke cleared, the ship was not seen; and for an instant, Napayshni thought he had blown it up until it reappeared and fired rockets back at him. He could not believe it as he scanned the battlefield and observed his great army in retreat. Suddenly, one of his men pointed and let out a scream. Napayshni spotted in time a huge projectile coming his way. He immediately opened the transport and jumped out just as it hit. His transport was obliterated, and he did not escape unscathed. Shrapnel ripped across his thigh. Malcom and Isao were coming up to him fast. He ignored the pain and hobbled to catch a horse.

Clara noticed him running toward a horse, and without thinking, she jumped out of her transport, rifle in hand, and chased him. Isao gave her cover fire from the transport. Napayshni grabbed a horse but was having difficulty mounting it. Clara was in range. She lifted her rifle and took aim. He glared at her. He knew she had him in her sight. Yet for reasons unknown to him, she did not fire and instead took the rifle from her shoulder. He saw her mouth move as though she was speaking to him, and she did not shoot.

Napayshni wasn't going to pass this up. He took out his sword, started his horse in full gallop, and charged toward her. Clara turned to walk away. He raised his sword, but it was never brought down to strike. Two arrows struck him in the chest, knocking him backward, off his horse. Clara never turned around.

When Isao caught up with her, he asked, Why didn't you shoot him?

She looked at him with tears flowing down her face. I was going to. Then I heard my father's voice saying to forgive him, let go of the hate, so I did.

Isao gave her a hug, and they walked to their transport. The battle was over, the enemy was in retreat, and all those who lay on the battlefield were either dead or dying. Malcom pulled alongside the ship, leaped out of the transport, and met JB as he came down the gangplank. They looked at each other, smiled, laughed, and hugged.

Chapter 2

In the five years that passed, Mayumi had given birth to a healthy son, and he was named Johnathan after his grandfather. The people in the village were ready to depart and go north when a disturbance erupted among the villagers. Guillaume called a special meeting to be held at their town hall to hear what the problem was all about. It appeared that fifty or so people had gotten themselves together to complain about leaving. They had not heard any sound from the Lord, so why should they leave? They theorized the worst: So tell us what will happen when we get out there and find that there is nothing there.

Guillaume, joined by the elders, Steven, and his group, listened and wondered where this grumbling was coming from or how it had started. Guillaume raised his hand. Wait, friends. Why are you causing such a ruckus among the people? Have I not said that if you do not believe as we do that God our Father is calling us, you can stay behind? No one is making you leave or join us in our journey.

They were quiet for a moment and then continued asking, But what happens if nothing is there? We feel that it is our duty to warn those who are going with you that there may be no God out there, only death. They would be better off staying here. The people were getting disgruntled and began to take the side of those men.

Guillaume repeated, No one will make you leave if you want to stay.

They were still not satisfied with that answer and continued to spew negative words not only about the journey but also about their God as well. Without warning, the children of Guillaume's and Steven's group came forward and raised their hands toward the irritated crowd. Rickie, Guillaume's grandson, spoke to their spirit. You who are full of the spirit of the enemy, begone out of them in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. You do not belong here, and neither shall you hinder what God is doing. Begone now!

All the children spoke. In the name of Jesus, and the men and women began to scream, moan, and fall to the ground as though they were in immense pain. A great wind blew over them, and when they stood, they were in control of their faculties once again. The adults stood in awe while praising God.

Guillaume and Steven both knew they had an enemy who did not want them to go north. They knew that this enemy would try to stop them again. Still, they continued to pack and prepare to leave.

* * *

Many of the people with Guillaume were seafaring folk, and they built two clipper ships to take them north by sea. Within the midst of Guillaume's people were craftsman, carpenters, blacksmiths, coopers, pitch melters, shipwrights, and others. It took almost three years to gather timber. They collected oak and pine trees from the forest nearby and manufactured pitch to use to waterproof and caulk the seams on the ship. The ships would be able to transport twenty-five people each. Others built horse- or mule-pulled, covered wagons to cross by land.

It was spring when the day came for them to leave. Guillaume prayed, ending it with, May the Lord watch over you until we meet again. Everyone said, Amen. Weapons, water, and food were stored in the wagons and on the ships. They hugged and kissed one another and went their separate ways. Guillaume traveled with Steven in their transport. Cyrus took the driver's seat, and Kale sat beside him in the navigator's seat.

Steven looked at the multitude of people boarding the ships and climbing into their wagons. He did not realize that this little village held so many, and it was not just that but also the diversity. Truly, he thought, God has cast His net and brought in every kind of fish. He smiled as they got on their way. But he wondered how even though the event happened five years ago, it was still fresh in his mind, and he replayed it in his mind's eye as he traveled. He remembered as Guillaume walked off his porch and met him as he was coming up the path to his house.

* * *

"What brings you here, mon frère?"

Steven shook Guillaume's hand. I had something happen yesterday with my visit with Jim Kendell and his family.

Guillaume stretched his head. Jim Kendell? Jim Kendell. We do not have anyone here named Kendell.

But my family and I met with them at their house on the far end of town near the forest edge.

Guillaume shook his head. No, no one has lived there in years.

I'm telling you, Guillaume, my family and I were there yesterday with the Kendell family.

Guillaume rubbed his chin and said, Let's go take a look.

Steven followed Guillaume to the house. Guillaume went inside, and Steven waited outside. When he came out, he went to the rear of the house; and when he came back, he looked at Steven. "You were right, mon frère, someone was here, and they came here just to meet you and your family. Strange. Very strange."

Steven did not know if he was glad that he was right or not. I have had a feeling of being followed, and I don't know why or by whom.

Whoever they were, Guillaume spoke, they meant to do you and yours harm. They are gone now, but no doubt you will meet them again.

No doubt, Steven repeated, and he wondered about those black birds that his daughter had mentioned. He shook his head.

* * *

Mayumi's call stirred Steven from reminiscing, and he turned to face her. Standing in front of him was his daughter, Niu, in the dress her mother wore when she invited him for dinner. Somehow, without him realizing it, his daughter had grown into a beautiful woman.

Steven walked over to Mayumi. When did this happen?

Mayumi took his hand. Right before your eyes.

Niu was eighteen years of age and had been spending a lot of time with Rickie, Guillaume's grandson, under the scrutiny of Mayumi. Steven's eyes widened. Why is she dressed like that? Now Guillaume stood and walked to Steven, and they sat down and talked. Steven yelled, Your grandson? When did this start?

Guillaume raised an eyebrow. You knew. Think back, Steven. Niu always spoke to you about coming to my house. You did know that she wasn't coming to see me? Guillaume exchanged a knowing glance with Mayumi.

Steven sat silent and whispered, How did I miss it? He looked at his wife.

Niu grabbed his hand. Her eyes sparkled. Daddy, you were the first man I ever loved. You taught me and raised me in that love. No one can ever take that from me or you. God has placed a man in my life not to take your place but for me to share my life with.

Steven looked into her eyes, searching for his little Niu. What he saw were the eyes of a woman who was his little girl.

Niu kissed him