Thrown to the Wolves (The Faith in Peril Trilogy) Read online

  “Me too.”

  “Why are you smiling? What’s gotten into you?”

  “Nothing.” I rinsed my hands, trying to clean the fingernails.

  “You like him a great deal, don’t you?”

  I knew whom she referred to, but I remained coy. “Pardon?”

  “Daniel. You’ve grown closer. I suppose one good thing came out of the rain. It forced us together.”

  Something had shifted, that much was true. “I’ve forgiven him for what he did, not just in words, but I can feel it.” This revelation did not displease me.

  “It’s not up to you to forgive, but I’m glad you moved past it.”

  “He’s going to write Oliver and apologize. It’s all that can be done now. It may never reach him.”

  “If Oliver is alive even. We don’t know what happened to the family.”

  “Yes, that's what I mean.”

  “But what about Daniel? Will you court him now?”

  I tried to suppress a grin, but it emerged anyhow. “I believe so.”

  She sighed dramatically. “Well, thank the Lord. This shall finally put everyone out of their misery.” She beamed. “You’re well-suited.”

  I found it impossible to argue with that statement. “It seems that way.” Something snapped behind us, prompting me to look over my shoulder. “Good morning.”

  Daniel smiled broadly, looking handsome despite his messy hair and bleary eyes. “It is a great morning, isn’t it?”

  Anna sighed dramatically. “Oh, gracious. I hope the walk’s not long today. I don’t know how much more of this I can stand.”

  “Stop it,” I chastised, although I wasn’t offended in the least.

  “That water’s hardly drinkable,” said Daniel, kneeling to wash his face.

  “No, it isn’t,” I agreed. “I’ve been using the leaves on the trees. Rainwater’s better than a stagnant puddle.”

  “That’s what I’ll do.” He washed quickly, wetting his arms and neck, while Anna got to her feet, limping away. “How’s the foot?”

  “It’s sore, but this shall not stop me. We’re walking as soon as we can. I’m nearly dizzy with hunger.”

  “Drink more water,” I advised. “The leaves will provide.”

  “I will.”

  Jacob stood in the distance, examining a bush, looking for berries. “Will it be many hours, do you think?”

  “Yes, I’m afraid.” He sat next to me, with his knees upward. “Did you sleep well?”

  “Well enough.”

  “We might not have another chance to talk like this. I wanted to ask you something.”

  “What?”

  “Will you let me court you?”

  I had been expecting the question, yet I could not stop the way my heart raced hearing it again. “Yes, Daniel.”

  “Even though I did something that upset you terribly all those years ago?”

  “I’ve forgiven you, but it wasn’t really my place. I’m sorry I judged you so harshly.”

  “I deserved it. My behavior was appalling.”

  “But no one’s perfect. We all make mistakes. I’m willful and prideful, and I’ve no right to pass judgment.”

  “But you saw something you disliked, and that’s a legitimate feeling. You shouldn’t have to deal with people you despise.”

  “I don’t feel that way anymore,” I murmured.

  “How do you feel?”

  Oh, my goodness. That was a rather blunt question. These emotions were so new, so foreign; I had barely had the time to assess them properly. “I’m … I … I’ve never felt this way. I don’t know how to classify it.”

  “Is it a good feeling?”

  I glanced at him, noting he looked worried, hanging on my every word, and terrified I might reject him. “It’s good.”

  “Could you see yourself married to me?”

  “Daniel! We’ve not even courted yet.”

  “If I have to wait a year and a half to be with you, I’ll go mad.”

  “But patience is a virtue,” I countered, teasing him.

  He grimaced. “Not in this instance.”

  “They’ll want us to court to be sure our feelings aren’t fleeting and superficial. You know as well as I do that marriage is forever.”

  “It would be unfortunate to be trapped with someone incompatible.”

  “That’s why we must wait. Mam told me sometimes it takes years to truly get to know someone.”

  “I’ll only be able to see you every other week.” He sighed. “It’s not fair.”

  “We’re neighbors. I’m sure we’ll meet on the road a time or two.”

  He groaned, lowering his head. “I wish they’d make an exception.”

  I touched his hand. “It’s for the best. If it’s God’s will that we’re joined, then we will be. We’ll have the rest of our lives together.”

  His fingers closed around mine, and he brought my hand to his mouth, kissing it. “I adore you, Rebekah.”

  “Oh, Daniel.”

  “It’ll be agony having to wait, but I’m willing to do it. I’ve been trying to court you for two years. What’s another year?”

  “I’ve wasted so much time.” If I had only known how I would feel now, we could have already been married.

  “No. You needed to know your own mind. We needed this time to talk, so we could clear the air and the bad feelings. I’m grateful you were lost in the woods, because I was able to find you. We might’ve missed something very special otherwise.”

  He had assessed the situation in an interesting way. “True.” He had yet to let go of my hand. “If it’s any consolation, the walk home will be rather slow.”

  He smiled slightly. “Your sister can’t walk any faster; that’s for certain.”

  “Then we have more time.” I felt reluctant to get up, not wanting the moment to end, enjoying every second I spent with Daniel, but I knew we had to leave. He seemed to have more on his mind.

  “I knew you were the one, even before I truly knew you. Talking to you like this, it confirms everything.”

  “There’s a thin line between love and hate, isn’t there? I always thought I hated you, even though I shouldn’t hate anyone.”

  “You kept the flowers.”

  “My sister has a very big mouth, but, yes, I did.”

  “You didn’t hate me then.”

  “Perhaps I just like flowers,” I said, teasingly. His grin made me smile too.

  “Then from this day forward we’ll start again. A new beginning.”

  “Yes.”

  “Are you certain? You’re not just grateful I recued you, are you? You don’t have to be kind to me out of a sense of duty or obligation.”

  “I’m very grateful, Daniel. I see now that it was God’s plan. We’re all exactly where we should be. None of this was an accident.” I added meaningfully, “It’s not duty or obligation. That’s not what I’m feeling.”

  “There are quite a few people searching for you right now, yet I was the only one who came in this direction. I asked Him for guidance, and He brought me here. I’m certain of it.”

  “He’s never wrong then.” I had a thought. “It’s almost like He sent me my husband.”

  Daniel squeezed my hand. “He did.” Overcome with emotion, my eyes flooded with tears, which mortified me. “Why the sadness?”

  “I’m not sad. I’m just … so happy. I never thought I’d be this happy starving and dirty, but that almost doesn’t matter. This is the most remarkable thing that’s ever happened to me.”

  “Ich liebe dich.”

  It seemed far too early to declare such strong emotions, but I could not deny them. “I love you too.”

  He got to his feet, bringing me with him. “Then let’s tell the world.”

  I glanced at the trees over my head, glimpsing the blue of the sky between the branches. A new day had dawned, and we had survived our ordeal, although poor Molly was lost forever. We’d had an unexpected adventure, which had opened the
door to my future.

  Daniel held my hand, leading me back to the shelter, where Anna and Jacob had knelt to pray. They had gathered a small bunch of berries, which filled two broad leaves. We knelt beside them while Daniel led the morning prayer. After we recited the Lord’s Prayer, we shared the simple offering, although it hardly satisfied my hunger. Then we drank what fluid we could from the trees, going from leaf to leaf; the small droplets were enough to alleviate thirst.

  After we set out on the day’s journey, Daniel walked before us, while Anna and I followed, with Jacob bringing up the rear. He carried a sharpened stick, while Daniel held the rifle, traversing diligently over plants and grasses. When we came upon another orange ribbon, the gladness I felt brought a smile to my face. Daniel knew exactly where we were and what direction to continue in.

  The dew of morning had dampened the bottom of my dress, the strips of material hanging and filthy. My apron was stained in many places, as was Anna’s. Jacob’s pants were dirty, his shirt stained, and his face filthy. We all needed baths. I longed for food, my belly rumbling distractingly. Jacob began to sing, “Jesus Liebt die Kleine Kinder” and we joined along, the harmony helping to pass the time in an enjoyable manner. I wasn’t certain how far we had gone, yet Anna continued to walk, using the sturdy branches for support, but limping noticeably.

  Daniel stopped abruptly, his neck stiffening.

  “What is it?” I asked. He held up a hand for quiet, and we all halted, standing amongst the trees, listening.

  “I thought I heard something.”

  I glanced at Jacob; his attention remained on the forest. “Did you hear anything?”

  “It’s not what I heard,” he murmured. “I feel like I’m being watched. Got goose bumps on my arms.”

  Anna glanced at me. “It’s very quiet now, isn’t it? There were birds before.”

  Annoyed that we had been delayed, I said, “Can’t we go on? I don’t want to stand here like this. I’d rather be home.”

  Daniel nodded, but his expression remained alert and thoughtful. “We’ll continue, but keep an eye out. I can’t put my finger on it, but something’s out there.”

  “Animals,” I said. “Rabbits, squirrels, foxes, and the like. It’s the woods.”

  “All right. No singing for a while. Let’s just go as quietly as possible.” He strode forward, gripping the rifle, while we followed.

  The lack of nourishment, my belly rumbling incessantly, begging to be fed, magnified the unpleasantness of the trail. Anna grimaced with each step, determined not to slow us down. We made decent progress, stopping an hour later at another orange ribbon, which Daniel untied and tucked into his rucksack. We set out to find berries and mushrooms, scouring the area with diligence. I too then felt goose bumps, although for me, it was the hair standing on end at the back of my neck. I turned, expecting to see someone, and there was nothing.

  Daniel stayed at a distance, speaking with Anna, while Jacob had disappeared, crouching in the underbrush, picking berries. My gaze skimmed from one side to the other, and I turned, performing the same task, seeing something yellow flashing within the bushes, but it disappeared in an instant. I stared at where I thought I had seen the light, believing it to be the eyes of an animal. The surroundings seemed strangely quiet, with a distinct lack of birdcalls. It felt like being watched. An uneasy suspicion had replaced the joy and the hope of the morning.

  There’s something here.

  It’s nothing, just a rabbit.

  When does a rabbit have bright yellow eyes?

  Oh, Rebekah. This can’t be good.

  It’s just an animal. It’ll go away.

  I’m not so sure.

  The way I had paused, staring around me in such a manner had garnered Daniel’s attention, his gaze keen in my direction. He too then craned his neck, his look scouring the area. He whispered something to Anna, and she also began to search the woods. While Jacob hummed a happy tune, the three of us remained on guard, seeking and listening for danger. I noted which trees were nearby, and most of them had grown far too large to climb, their trunks broad. None of them would offer protection in the least.

  But he has a weapon.

  With only a few cartridges.

  It’s why he didn’t want to waste them firing into the air.

  Everything will be fine. I mustn’t panic.

  An uneasy feeling continued to prickle, and the quest for berries wasn’t as important now. I wanted to be nearer to Daniel and my sister, and I moved with deliberate steps, determined to join them, and, when I did, Daniel waved to Jacob, who had gotten to his feet, his hat slightly askew.

  “What is it?” he asked loudly.

  Our worst fears were confirmed then; the first low growl rattled through my consciousness, and it was followed by another and then another, until the noise surrounded us. My spirits plummeted, while desperation sank into my bones. There weren’t any trees to climb, because the thicket was devoid of newer growth. Jacob’s face drained to white, his eyes flashing with fear. He rushed for us, his feet pounding into the earth, while Daniel lifted the rifle, cradling it against his shoulder, while gazing through the sights. A loud blast echoed in my ears, while a creature yelped in the distance.

  I saw nothing, but I heard the howls of wolves, as they hid in the bushes around us. I could not tell how many there were, but I suspected more than five. We were trapped. Anna gave me one of her sticks, while holding the other defensively. She appeared as pale and frightened as Jacob, struggling to stand on both legs, yet prepared to fight. In the face of her bravery, I did the same, emulating her, while holding the stick before me. I felt anything but confident, though. I had never known fear such as this.

  Jacob said, “It’s the whole pack. They’ve been following us.”

  I had heard them in the night. “Yes, unfortunately.”

  “What do they want?” he asked. “Wouldn’t venison taste better?”

  “We’re in their territory,” said Daniel, who stood nearby, holding the rifle, waiting for the perfect shot. “I got one. I’m surprised they haven’t run off yet.”

  A low growl—far too close, had me spinning around, holding the branch in a protective manner. “Oh, gracious!” The animal hid nearby, but I could not see it. I stared closely at the bushes, spying movement and the flash of yellow eyes. “How many are there?” My heart plummeted.

  “Too many,” murmured Anna. “Lord, please save us. We’re in dire need of your help. We shall not last another minute without you.”

  Daniel had a target in his sights, holding the weapon steady against his shoulder, his finger on the trigger. His patience and calm in this moment of fear and panic struck me then. Most men knew how to hunt, when to shoot, and when not to risk wasting a precious bullet. When he finally fired, a loud yelp followed this, as he had hit his intended target. The shattering bang hurt my ears, the sound ricocheting into the distance. Another wolf cried out wounded. How he could even see them perplexed me. We waited breathlessly for what would happen next.

  Movement shook the bushes, and I braced myself for an attack, but the sounds of whining and howling seemed not as close now. The wolves had moved further away, retreating. My heart had been hammering fiercely; my forehead damp with perspiration, the anxiety of the situation had heightened all of my senses. We had not seen our enemy, the wolves having kept themselves well hidden, crouching in the bushes, yet howling their intent.

  I approached Daniel, feeling a wave of gratitude that brought tears to my eyes. We would have died, if it weren’t for him. He reached for me, pulling me into his arms.

  “They’re gone now, Rebekah,” he murmured, near my ear.

  I wrapped my arms around his neck, pressing myself to him. “That was terrifying.”

  “They’ll leave us alone now. I got two of them.”

  “We would’ve died, if not for you.” I met his gaze. “You saved us all.”

  “Wolves don’t typically hunt humans. It’s rather odd.” A smile transfor
med his face. “You must smell especially tasty.”

  He could joke at a time like this. “I doubt that. I smell horrid.” I removed my arms from around his neck, but he continued to hold me close. “How many bullets do you have left?”

  “Enough. We’ve a few hours of walking yet, then we’ll be home.” Another shot rang out, which had our attention. “That was close.”

  I stepped away from him, glancing at my sister. “It’s someone else.”

  “They heard us,” said Daniel. “It’s the rescue, I suppose. No one’s hunting now, because everyone’s searching for you.”

  “Praise be,” uttered Anna. “I can’t wait to see Dat. I know it’s Dat and David.”

  “Then let’s continue,” said Daniel. “It’s this way.” He grasped my hand, squeezing. “Are you ready?”

  “I am.”

  Chapter Fourteen

  I traversed roots and rocks, my boots at times sinking into the mud. Puddles of water had collected in places from the rain the night before. Alert for any sign of trouble, Daniel scoured the surrounds, his expression stony, yet diligent, not wanting another attack, although we would not be able to prevent it. I did not sense being observed as before; the wolves had gone, hopefully for good. We had encountered the body of one of the animals, bleeding profusely from the wound in its side. Being near death, the animal did not move. Jacob, using Daniel’s knife, slit its throat, to end the suffering, and we continued on, not wanting to look at it another moment.

  Those long hours allowed me to think about all the things that had happened in the past three days, and how my life had irrevocably altered. We had been pushed to the limits of fear, starvation, and tiredness, but we had persevered through prayer and grit with an equal measure of luck. Whenever I glanced at Daniel, I felt an absurd amount of affection towards him, not being able to wait to tell Mam that he and I would court. She knew how I loathed him and why, but all of that had changed now. Those feelings had been replaced with renewed trust and respect.

  We came upon another ribbon, and, as Daniel untied it, he glanced at me. “We’re nearly there now.”

  “Where will we emerge?”

  “Near my property. I entered the woods from that way.”