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

  “Oh, of course.”

  A voice in the distance caught our attention. Someone had shouted. Daniel’s head snapped in that direction. “People are coming,” he said excitedly, his eyes wide.

  “Can you see who it is?”

  “People!” shouted Anna. “I see someone!”

  Excitement rushed through me, with a fair amount of relief. Our ordeal was nearly over. “Oh, thank God.”

  Daniel’s arm went around me, pulling me close. “This is our last moment for a long while,” he murmured. I glanced at his face, finding him happy, but wistful. “I’ll miss you, counting the hours until next Sunday night.”

  He would drive me home after singing, and we would begin our courtship. “I’ll miss you too.”

  He kissed my forehead. “I adore you, Rebekah.”

  I grasped him, squeezing. “I feel the same. Thank you for saving us. Thank you for everything.” The tender and private could not last, because we pulled apart within seconds, not wanting to be seen by the newcomers.

  I had hoped it would be Dat and David, but it was not. I recognized Michael Esch and his father, which I found ironic. He had been the man I had hoped would court me, but now I could not imagine anyone but Daniel in that position.

  “Hello!” Michael shouted. “Are you hurt? We heard gunfire.”

  “We’re fine,” said Daniel. “But Anna’s twisted her ankle.”

  “What did you shoot?” asked Mr. Esch, as he and his son approach, both carrying rifles.

  “Wolves,” said Jacob. “We were set upon by wolves.”

  This announcement left the men gobsmacked, their expressions stunned.

  “It’s true,” said Jacob. “Mean and nasty animals.” His face twisted in distaste.

  “I killed two of them,” said Daniel.

  “That’s troubling news indeed,” said Mr. Esch. His eyes skimmed over us. “You look the worse for wear, but you’re alive. You’ve had your parents worried sick.”

  “Where’s Dat?” asked Jacob. “Are they looking for us?”

  “Oh, yes. Everyone’s looking. We’ve been searching for three days.”

  “Goodness, we’ve caused so much trouble.” I felt badly that people had to put their lives on hold to wander around in the wilderness. “I’m dreadfully sorry. It was a horrible mistake. We never should’ve gone in the woods near sunset. We hadn’t meant to cause so much trouble.”

  Michael waved a hand, shaking his head. “It doesn’t matter, Rebekah. What’s important is that you’re all well. We’ve been going around in circles, while Mr. Stoltzfus found you. Lucky for that, eh?” He grinned. “From the looks of it, you’ve had quite an adventure.”

  “Indeed we have,” said Anna. “I’m eager to see my family. We haven’t eaten anything substantial in days. I’d give anything for food.”

  “Then come along,” said Mr. Esch. “Your families will want to know you’re well. This will lighten everyone’s spirits.”

  “Here,” said Michael. “Get on my back, Anna. Let’s hurry, so we can tell everyone the happy news. They thought the worst for a while. Everyone’s been praying in vigil, while waiting for word.”

  I felt even worse then, knowing Mam and been praying and in distress for days. How I longed to see her, to assure her all was well. I, being the oldest girl in the family, felt closest to my mother, and our bond remained the strongest. She had more than likely not slept at all during this time.

  We set out almost immediately. Daniel and I and Jacob brought up the rear, while Michael carried Anna, piggyback. The feeling was jubilant, as the mood had lightened with the rescue. We neared the forest’s edge; the greenness of a field could be seen in the distance, with the outline of a white house. Civilization was within our grasp, the ordeal nearly over.

  I glanced at Daniel, finding him looking at me. “I can’t tell you how grateful I am.”

  “You needn’t.”

  “But I am.”

  “It is I who am grateful. You’ll be my wife soon.”

  That sent a tingle up my backbone. “I will ... in time.”

  “Hopefully less than a year.”

  I sighed. “We shall try our best. It’s impossible to go against the Ordnung.” The rules that governed our lives remained firmly in place, and they would be difficult to alter.

  His grin held regret. “I know.”

  “Will you be in the fields often?”

  “Yes.”

  “I walk my siblings to school.”

  “I’m well aware of that.”

  “Then we can talk then.”

  “Indeed.”

  I beamed, while staring at my feet. All was not hopeless for Daniel and I. We would not truly suffer, although the next few months would be a battle with impatience, but then again, this was yet another test, and I felt certain we would prevail. God had thrown us together in this manner for a purpose.

  Emerging into stark sunlight, I squinted at the vastness of the field, greatly relieved to have left the forest behind. While Michael carried Anna, Jacob, Daniel, and I followed, striding down a row of corn, the stalks reaching our hips. This crop would not be harvested until the fall. People waited near the house, as we must have been seen. A dog ran out, greeting us enthusiastically, his tail swooshing from side to side. The family had company, because several buggies were in the barnyard.

  Shouts rang out, and people emerged, hurrying for us, but they were not members of my family. Daniel’s family, his brothers and sisters, embraced him, happy to see him and smiling at his success.

  “Well, this is a happy day,” said Mr. Stoltzfus, patting Jacob on the back. “You’re the dirtiest bunch of people I’ve ever seen, but we sure are relieved you’re here. Come inside, and have some refreshment. We’ll take you home shortly.”

  Mrs. Stoltzfus embraced her son. “Daniel. I knew you’d find them. You were so determined.” She cast me a look, smiling. “Are any of you injured? What’s the matter with Anna?”

  “I hurt my ankle, but I’m fine.”

  Daniel’s brothers and sisters loitered, staring at us in wonder. “What did you eat?” asked John.

  “Not much,” said Jacob. “Berries and mushrooms.”

  “I’m starved,” said Anna. “But I’d rather see my parents. Are Dat and David still in the woods?”

  “I believe so,” said Mr. Esch. They took a new route this morning. We’ll see if we can contact them later. Someone will go in and tell them.”

  “I can do it,” said Henry. He was Daniel’s younger brother. “I can tell them.”

  “All right, but don’t get yourself lost,” said Mr. Stoltzfus. “One rescue today is enough.”

  “I won’t. I need a weapon.” He hurried into the house.

  “We were set upon by wolves,” said Daniel. “I killed two of them this morning. They would’ve killed us, if I didn’t have a rifle.” His look held special meaning.

  “Sounds like we’re going to have to hunt again,” said Mr. Stoltzfus. “The pack’s gotten too large.”

  “And dangerous,” agreed Daniel.

  “Well, come inside,” said Mrs. Stoltzfus. “We’ve bread and jam and meat for you. You’re welcome to whatever you want.” Daniel’s sisters helped Anna to walk, aiding her towards the steps. “Have a little nourishment, and then you can go home.”

  “Thank you,” I said, casting Daniel a glance. He had been looking at me. Relief and gladness shone from my smile. “I’m so happy.”

  “As am I,” he murmured.

  The kitchen was through the parlor to the back, as animals scurried underfoot and everyone chatted at once. While we knelt before our chairs in prayer—Daniel’s Dat leading the prayer—we waited impatiently for the opportunity to eat, our bellies protesting noisily. After sitting, plates came our way filled with bread and stew; the aroma had my mouth watering. We ate slowly, mindful that our bellies had shrunk over the days. My belly felt full after only a few bites, but I continued on until I worried I might burst. Daniel’s sister
s, Rose, Jane, and Mary, refilled our glasses and heaped more food onto the plates, but we could not eat another bite.

  “They’ll get sick,” warned Mrs. Stoltzfus. “That’s fine for now.”

  We must have been a sight in our filthy clothing, the ends of the dresses shredded to bits. Bathing later would be an absolute joy. I could only imagine how poorly we smelled, although no one would mention it.

  Once we had eaten, Mr. Stoltzfus offered to drive us home, but Daniel interjected, “I’ll do it.” He got to his feet, staring at his family. “The rescue isn’t complete, until I take them home.”

  His mother glanced at me, and then Daniel, her look considering. Women had a rather keen sense about things, and I knew she unraveled puzzles easily, her smile perceptive. “Then you mustn’t waste another moment. They’re eager to see their loved ones.”

  Jacob jumped to his feet. “Thank you for the food, Mr. and Mrs. Stoltzfus. It was very good, but my belly hurts now.”

  Everyone laughed at that.

  “I’ll hitch the horse to the buggy,” offered Adam.

  “Thank you,” said Daniel. “Let’s go then. I’m sure your family is waiting for good news. They shouldn’t worry another moment.”

  I stood, scraping the legs of the chair on the floor. “Thank you for your kindness. It was much appreciated.”

  “You’re welcome, Rebekah,” said Mr. Stoltzfus. “It was no trouble at all.”

  “I’m sorry we’re such a mess.”

  Mrs. Stoltzfus shook her head, smiling. “It’s no bother. What’s important is you’re all well. It’s a relief for everyone.”

  The entire community had been out searching for us, which was slightly overwhelming to think about, but they would have done this for anyone who was missing. It was our way to help our neighbor, and we did so without question.

  The Stoltzfus family followed us out of the house, along with several dogs underfoot. The buggy waited, and we clambered inside, grateful we would be home within ten minutes. Anna and Jacob waved out the window, while I sat with Daniel, who called to the horse. These would be our last few moments together, until the singing next Sunday. As the horse trotted from the yard, we turned onto the dirt road, which would bring us home. My family waited, not knowing that we had survived our ordeal, yet praying for our return.

  “Your family’s very kind,” I said.

  “They’d be kind to anyone in need, as would yours.”

  “Yes.”

  His gaze roamed over my face. “You’re beautiful, even filthy.”

  “Oh, I daresay, love has gotten into your eyes or you must be blind.”

  A broad smile split his face. “I see just fine.”

  Jacob began singing, and Anna joined him, the pair not wanting to hear our private conversation, I surmised. My sister rolled her eyes dramatically, feigning exasperation. I tried my best to ignore her.

  “I think your mother knows,” I said.

  “More than likely, especially since I’ve confided in her over the years. I told her I wanted to court you.”

  He has waited a long time for this. I had to admire his patience. “Why have you never lost interest? I rejected you thoroughly, and you never gave up. Most men would’ve found another woman.”

  “I don’t want another.” His smile had vanished. “I only want you.”

  The sudden thickness in my throat proved difficult to swallow through. “I’m … speechless. You … stun me.”

  Now he smiled. “Good. I hope it won’t be the last time either.”

  I longed to embrace him, perplexed by how strong this emotion felt. “Shall I see you on the road tomorrow morning?”

  “Yes.”

  My house came into view, the roofline jutting over the tree in the yard. Other buggies had been left here, as people gathered for the search. “We’re nearly there.” The singing continued, while my brother and sister’s happiness shone upon their dirty faces. “I’m torn.” He glanced at me. “I’m relieved to be home, but we’ll be separated. I feel safe with you. I owe you my life.”

  “You can thank me by marrying me.”

  I searched for a retort, but became speechless again, staring at him, while his grin expanded.

  “Meine schöne Frau,” he murmured.

  He had called me his beautiful wife. I worried Anna might have heard that. She leaned out the window, waving frantically. “Mam!” she shouted. “Mam! Ruth!”

  The few moments Daniel and I had shared were over now, as my family emerged from within the house, running towards us. Dat and David were missing, as they remained in the woods searching. Daniel pulled the buggy into the drive, stopping near the hitching post, although he would more than likely not be staying.

  “Jacob, Anna, Rebekah!” shouted Mam. She carried Abe, while rushing towards us. “Oh, praise be!” Tears flooded her eyes.

  I scrambled from the buggy, reaching for Abe. “Give him to me!” How I had missed my baby brother, smelling his face, inhaling the aroma that belonged uniquely to him. “I missed you.” I peppered him with kisses, while Mam gripped me, squeezing fiercely. I handed the baby to Ruth, who hugged me as well.

  “I was so worried!”

  “We’re fine, Mam, but Anna hurt her ankle.” I hugged my mother again, while tears of happiness flooded my eyes.

  Jacob and Anna received hugs from Ruth, and then Mam embraced them, her tears falling unchecked. She gazed at Daniel, who stood by the buggy smiling. “Thank you for bringing my children home.”

  “It’s my pleasure, Mrs. Glick.”

  “He found us in the woods,” said Anna.

  “He shot wolves to save us too,” said Jacob.

  “Heaven’s mercy.” Mam approached him, holding out her arms. “Thank you, Daniel. You’ll never know how grateful I am for all you’ve done.” She had caught him off-guard, his composure faltering for a moment, but he hugged her in return.

  “It was no trouble.”

  “Yes, it was,” said Jacob. “We nearly died. If it wasn’t for Daniel, we’d be a wolf’s dinner right now.”

  “Won’t you come inside then?” asked Mam. “Have some refreshment. I’ve been baking for days. We’ve more food than we know what to do with. People have been sleeping here too.” She glanced at me. “Your father and brother are still searching for you.”

  “I can’t stay, but thank you for the invitation.” Daniel nodded in my direction. “I’ll … I’ll see you all next Sunday.”

  Church was every other Sunday, and we would have to wait another week before we saw one another again, although speaking with him on the road in the mornings would help our plight somewhat.

  Mam knew how I felt regarding Daniel, as I had confided to her about loathing him. Her polite smile held hints of confusion, her eyes darting between us. “Yes, we shall see your family next Sunday. Now, I must look at Anna’s ankle.”

  “I’m fine, but I need a fresh pair of clothes.”

  “Let’s all go in then. I’ll have to put the water on. You need baths as well.”

  This would be farewell for Daniel and I, and I felt suddenly listless, not wanting him to go. “Thank you again,” I murmured, as everyone took to the steps, following Mam. We had not told them yet about Molly or our adventures in detail. They hadn’t realized the dog was not with us. “I’m reluctant to say goodbye.”

  “I’m glad to hear it.” He grinned.

  “Please tell your parents how much we enjoyed the food. It was perfect and lovely.”

  “You’re perfect and lovely.”

  “Oh, stop that,” I giggled. “I’m a mess right now.”

  “Nothing that soap and water can’t cure.”

  Mam had stopped on the steps to stare at us. Everyone else had gone into the house.

  “Everyone will know,” I whispered.

  “Let them. I don’t care.” He held out a hand. “This will have to do for now.” I shook it, but he grasped me firmly. “I’ll see you in the morning, Rebekah. I’ll think about you every
minute of the day and night, until we meet again.”

  “Me too.”

  He moved slowly from me, our hands sliding free incrementally. I watched, as he made his way to the buggy, settling inside and grasping the reins. He glanced out the window before the conveyance turned, waving. A feeling of loss and yearning kept me rooted to the spot, staring after him, the buggy trundling down the road away from our farm.

  “What was that about?” asked Mam, who had witnessed our goodbyes.

  “I don’t think I hate him anymore.”

  “I would say not. What happened in the woods?”

  “So much,” I murmured.

  Her hands rested on my shoulders. “I’ve never been so worried in my life, but I had faith you’d be well. I’m relieved all our prayers were answered.”

  I turned to face her. “It was the worst and best thing that ever happened to me. You’ve yet to hear all the details. We truly were in danger, Mam. We could’ve died. Daniel saved us.”

  Her smile was bittersweet. “I see.” She touched my face. “You’re so dirty, but you look far too happy for what you’ve been through. You’ve got the look of love in your eyes.”

  I nodded, not trusting my voice.

  “He’s a fine man. I’m glad you’ve forgiven him. It seems as if you’ve made peace … and then some.”

  “Yes, I … I don’t loath him anymore.”

  “I would say not,” she giggled, taking my hand. “We can discuss it later, my darling. You need a bath. Are you hungry?”

  “The Stoltzfus’s fed us before we came.”

  “I’m glad to hear it.”

  I glanced over my shoulder one last time, seeing the little black buggy in the distance, knowing that the man I loved sat within it … yet it drove away. Tomorrow could not happen soon enough. The wait would be … agony.

  Chapter Fifteen

  The reunion that evening overflowed with joy. Dat and David returned from the woods, believing us still lost, until they entered the house and found us waiting for them. They had found our scraps of clothing, but the trail had run dry. We regaled them with stories of our encounters with the wolves and how Daniel had shot them, thereby thwarting the attack and saving our lives. Molly’s death saddened everyone, but we accepted the loss pragmatically, much like we viewed any death. Sorrow was a part of life, and we wept for Molly, missing her presence. Jacob would have to satisfy himself with Topper. The cat was thrilled to see us, rubbing against our legs and purring.