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

  My emotions that evening ran the gamut from relief to inexplicable bouts of fear, wondering if I heard howling in the distance. I wanted to shut all the windows in the house to separate myself from the outside. I had not anticipated feeling this way, even dreading having to walk to the outhouse. This must be an after effect of the ordeal I had suffered, and I hoped I would feel like myself shortly.

  Anna and I bathed in a metal tub in the kitchen before supper, while Jacob took a swim in the pond with Dat and David. While sitting in my room, untangling my hair, I replayed the events of our time in the woods, remembering everything from the horror of being lost in the dark, to the sheer terror I felt while climbing the tree to save myself. Had all of that truly happened? It seemed like some strange dream—a distant nightmare.

  Mam and Ruth came to see me, standing in the room expectantly. “So, tell us about Daniel,” said Ruth. “Anna says you no longer hate him.”

  I would share my feelings, although it really wasn’t anyone’s business. “No, I don’t hate him.”

  My younger sister sat on the bed; her pleasing features were expectant. “Is it true you’re courting?”

  “I will be after the singing next Sunday. It’s not something that’ll be announced until then.” I sighed. “It seems like an eternity.”

  Mam’s smile spoke volumes. “I remember that. Two weeks is an eternity when you’re in love. It’s going to go by very slowly, I'm afraid.”

  “Is there anyway to hurry the process? Must we wait an entire year to wed?”

  This had stunned my mother, as her eyebrows shot up. Her mouth opened, forming an O. “We’re talking marriage already?”

  “Yes,” I said firmly. “Yes, we are.”

  “Before you’ve even courted openly?”

  “Yes.”

  She glanced at Ruth. “My dear, could you check on Abe, please? I need a word with your sister.”

  “The baby’s sleeping.”

  “I … that’s good, but I need to speak to Rebekah.”

  “Oh, that’s not fair.” She slid off the bed, frowning. “I want to hear this discussion. It was just starting to get good.”

  Mam shooed her to the door, pushing her out gently. “I know, but this is between your sister and I. Be obedient and make yourself scarce.” Ruth left, grumbling something under her breath. Mam returned a second later, sitting next to me. “Now, I must know what happened? Why the sudden rush to marriage?” Her look had hardened.

  “It’s not what you think. We’ve done nothing wrong, other than fall in love. He was respectful at all times. We were never alone. It’s not that at all. We just wish to be together.”

  “Given how you’ve hated him all these years, it’s strange how you’ve suddenly had a complete change of heart. You’ve survived quite the ordeal, my love. Your thoughts are in conflict now. It’s best not to make any rash decisions while in this state. I recommend letting the dust settle for some time before jumping into something as irrevocable as marriage.”

  I agreed with her, but I stubbornly wanted it my way. “How long will we have to wait?”

  “You must court for a while, Rebekah. Several months, at least.” She smiled sympathetically. “You’ll survive this. You’ve been through worse.”

  “I love him.”

  Her mouth fell open again. I had shocked her speechless.

  I twisted my hair into a bun, securing it with pins. “I never felt this before, and it’s … almost impossible to describe. It’s like … it’s a little euphoric. Like the way I feel after singing, when the moment takes me over. It’s a lovely feeling. Do you feel that for Dat?”

  “I do.” She patted my hand. “I’m happy for you.” Her arm went around my shoulders. “I’m so relieved you’re alive. I was so worried.”

  “I’m sorry we terrified everyone. We were stupid to go walking so late. Then the dog wouldn’t listen, but she didn’t deserve to die that way. She saved us the first time, distracting the wolves so we could take shelter in the trees.”

  “I prayed every day for your safe return. That’s all that matters to me now. Molly was a hero for you. She was a silly dog, but she saved you. I’ll always be thankful to her for that.”

  “Daniel saved us as well.”

  “I know. If you wish to court Daniel Stoltzfus, then you have my blessing. But wait and see how you feel about him come next Sunday. I’ll break the news to your father. Maybe there’s something that can be done to shorten the time, but it’ll still be months. I’m sorry, but that’s how it is.”

  “I know.”

  She got to her feet. “You look very tired, my love. Get some sleep.”

  “I need to say prayers first.”

  “All right.” She kissed my forehead. “You rest, my darling. Good night.”

  I went to bed, while jubilant voices rang out from below, my family talking and laughing. Our rescue was cause for celebration, because the outcome had been a happy one. Everyone in the community would be speaking about our adventures for weeks to come.

  ***

  In the morning, I was eager to bring my siblings to school, because I planned to see Daniel again, hopefully being able to chat with him on the way home. I had not felt any differently after waking, still clinging to this newfound conviction that I loved him. It had been a relief to sleep in my own bed; the softness of the mattress felt luxurious against my tired and sore body. I ached everywhere, as we had walked for miles and miles each day and slept on a hardened surface at night.

  Anna stirred, stretching and arching her back like a cat. “Oh, no …”

  “Good morning,” I said.

  “I wish I could sleep all day. I’m still tired.”

  “How’s your foot?”

  “I don’t know.” She yawned. “I wish we had the day free.”

  “You’re behind on your schoolwork. I’m going down for breakfast. We have cows to milk before we leave.”

  She gave me a look. “I didn’t miss that chore.”

  “Nor I, but I enjoy drinking milk and eating butter.”

  “Butter is yummy.”

  “Stop talking. You woke me,” grumbled Ruth. “Can’t I have five more minutes?”

  “I’m going down. I’ll be back to wake you in six minutes.” Topper, the cat, had been sleeping with Ruth; the animal laid curled up in-between her legs. She too was in no rush to wake. “See you soon.”

  “Why are you in such fine spirits?” asked Anna. “Oh, never mind. I think I know.” I had confided that I hoped to speak to Daniel, if he happened to be driving by in his wagon. “Ugh. Love birds make me sick.”

  I closed the door, grinning broadly. An hour later, we were fed and ready, the lunches made and placed in metal boxes with handles. Ruth had been allowed to stay home these past three days as well, while waiting for our rescue. Mam worked in the kitchen, bustling between the sink and the table, taking plates and then filling them. Dat sat with David, the men needing to return to the fields soon, as they had been out already working hard to make up for the missing days. Our misadventure had caused everyone more labor, and I felt badly about it, vowing to be extra helpful to Mam for the rest of the week. I would take on more of her chores.

  Once we on our way, the brightness of morning shone in my eyes, while the fresh scent of grass and clover filled my lungs. I strolled with my sisters down rows of corn towards the woods, but we would take an easy path, one we knew well. This was the shortcut to the schoolhouse. Anna walked without a limp today. She had recovered from the accident, although she needed to refrain from running for several days to not reinjure her ankle.

  Once through the woods, we emerged onto another field that we crossed, until a small assortment of buildings came into view, the school being one of them. A buggy stood out front, which belonged to the teacher. The other students perceived my sisters, and several girls came over.

  “Have a good day,” I said.

  Ruth waved over her shoulder. “Goodbye, Rebekah.”

  I le
ft them then, knowing they were safe. I would return by the road, wanting and hoping to catch sight of Daniel. There were other buggies out, the passengers nodding to me, as they passed. Men labored in the fields, some harvesting, some tilling, the work tedious and exhausting. Dat and David would also be employed in this manner for many hours today.

  While I walked, I hummed a happy tune, glancing behind me often for any sight of Daniel, but I remained alone for the moment, heading towards home. The house wasn’t in my line of sight yet, because the road curved slightly, but it would appear eventually. I prayed Daniel came upon me well before then. It would be a shame, if we had missed each other.

  Would I feel any differently about him today? Mam worried my affections were the result of the trauma I had experienced, but I doubted that. My hatred had masked my true feelings—emotions I had been far too conflicted and unsure of to admit to. There had always been something about Daniel that had fascinated me, and being with him in the woods had shed light on the situation.

  The sound of wheels had me pivoting on my heel. Was that Daniel? A buggy approached, but it held an older couple. They called to me, “Good morning.”

  “Good morning,” I said.

  I spied my house, and I slowed, not wanting to reach it too soon. I scanned the fields on either side, trying desperately to find Daniel, but I failed to see him. Plodding on, although at a very slow pace, I wondered why he could not be here today. Perhaps, his father required him to work or he had not been paying close enough attention to the time. My spirits waned, a feeling of despair turning down the edges of my mouth. Maybe I would see him on tomorrow’s walk?

  Just when I thought all hope was lost, and I had accepted that something had kept him, the sound of horse’s hooves caught my attention. I swung around to see Daniel, who galloped towards me, his hat nearly flying from his head. He smiled, as he approached, halting abruptly, while dust billowed into the air around us.

  “Rebekah! I’m so sorry!”

  “You didn’t forget, did you?”

  He dismounted. “No, of course not. I was in the north field. I had to steal a horse to get here.” He held the reins, the animal snorting. “How are you? You look beautiful.”

  “I’m fine. I worried I wouldn’t see you.”

  “So then you still feel the same?”

  “It’s only been a few hours.” I fell into step with him, although our walk was slow. “Is your family happy to have you back?”

  “Yes. I told them all about what happened. There’s a meeting regarding the wolves tomorrow. We have to cull the pack. They’re becoming too numerous to be safe.”

  “I agree.”

  “I’ve spoken to my father about marrying you. He’s not surprised. Neither is Mam. She suspected something yesterday.”

  “She’s an astute woman.” I smiled at him, feeling like bubbles had burst in my belly. “I confessed to my mother. She knows too.”

  “I’ll court you officially next Sunday, and then we can begin the long and arduous journey to the altar.”

  “Goodness,” I murmured, smiling. “How impatient love is.”

  “Indeed.” He stopped walking then, eyeing my house. We had approached the top of the drive. “I wanted to ask you something. Would you indulge me?”

  “What is it?”

  “Would you pray with me before you go?”

  That request struck me as odd. “Of course, but … what exactly are we praying for?”

  “Now that you’ve agreed to let me court you, I wanted to ask Him for guidance, something special, just for us.”

  I blinked, stunned, yet heartened by this request. “Pray for us?”

  “As a couple. For our future. For what we might have together, for what we do have. Where we want to go from here. All those questions that aren’t answered. He might be able to smooth the way. It’ll be easier, if He’s on our side.”

  This request had touched me deeply. “I think that’s a marvelous idea.” I adored everything he had just said.

  “Then shall we kneel here?” He indicated the dirt by the side of the road.

  The simplicity of the setting, being out in the sun in the morning with the man I loved, while he clutched the reins of his horse, it struck me so powerfully then. We knelt together, bowing our heads beside the horse, who snorted and pawed, while Daniel began to speak.

  “Our Heavenly Father who cares for us in heaven. Rebekah and I humbly ask you to watch over us and guide us. We’ve decided to be together, to make a life together, and we would ask you for your blessing. We’re your humble servants in this life and after. It is our desire to do your will, my Lord. If, for some reason, you do not wish us to join in marriage, please ease whatever suffering such a break would cause.”

  I glanced at Daniel, seeing him with his eyes closed.

  “Thank you for guiding us to safety and for all your blessings. I’ve not been an ideal servant, but I’ve tried my best to live by your principles. I’ve promised to make amends to Oliver directly, which I’ll do shortly. Rebekah and I shall try to be patient, while we wait until we can marry.” He murmured fervently, “Please send me extra patience, Lord. I’ll need it in the coming months.”

  I tried not to smile at that, because prayer was a serious matter. The importance of our first prayer together as a couple could not be understated.

  “As always, we shall endeavor to yield to your divine providence, and to do your will in all things. They will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.”

  “Amen,” I said. A gust of wind brought up my apron, the material floating around me. Strangely, I felt differently now. A sense of calm had replaced the rough edges. I hadn’t realized how anxious I had been. “Daniel?”

  “Yes?” He got to his feet, reaching for me.

  “That was lovely.” The moment had been entirely personal for us, yet we had shared it with God, inviting Him into our relationship. “We might just survive it now.”

  He knew what I referred to, grinning. “Yes, we might.”

  “I never thought I’d be this happy.” Here we were, two young people standing by the roadside. We did not have a home or a buggy between us, but nothing had ever been more perfect.

  “I want to do this again tomorrow.”

  I glanced at my house, noting that Mam stood on the porch with Abe in her arms. “I do too.”

  He followed my stare, waving. “Guten Morgen!” he called.

  “You too, Daniel,” she said, squinting in the sunlight.

  An exuberant, yet regretful expression stole across his face. “I have to go, but I don’t want to.”

  “You’ll be in my thoughts.” As I spoke those words, I knew I would think about him often today. Time was going to go by very slowly.

  “I’ll see you again tomorrow morning, but I shall think of you every minute.”

  “Oh, dear. We’re a piteous couple.”

  “No, we’re in love, but I pity our separation.”

  “It’s no worse than what everyone experiences.”

  “That’s true. That still doesn’t make it any easier.” He appeared thoughtful. “I’ve found the one I want, and she wants me. That’s a miracle right there. I was worried you’d never accept me. I’ll always be grateful to your brother and Molly for getting you lost. This miracle never would’ve happened, if it weren’t for them.”

  “I’m grateful too.” I smiled at him, feeling as if I might burst with happiness. “I see you with new eyes, Daniel. I see you clearly now. My judgment isn’t in the way anymore.”

  He blinked rapidly, as he had let his emotions get the best of him. “I am deeply relieved for that.” He nodded solemnly.

  The weight of the conversation lingered, and I tried to lighten it. “Then you should go. I’ve so much to do. Mam is probably wondering why we’re standing here like this.”

  “It’s because we’ve lost our minds.”

  I laughed, “And that’s a wondrous thing, isn’t it?”

  “It is.” He pulled on th
e reins, moving away. “I’ll see you tomorrow morning and the morning after.”

  “Yes.”

  “Then Sunday night after the singing.”

  “Yes, Daniel.”

  “Then every morning after that until the next Sunday.”

  I stood with my hands on my hips, watching him go, but wishing he could stay. “Yes.”

  “Then we’ll be married.”

  “So soon?” I giggled.

  He pointed at me. “You and I are going to pray on this particular topic. If anyone can help facility it, it’s Him.”

  I adored his humor. “If you say so.”

  “No, He will say so.”

  Leading the horse away, Daniel stepped into the stirrup. “Goodbye, Mrs. Stoltzfus.”

  “Oh, my.” I waved to him, my smile firmly in place, while joy lightened my mood, lifting my spirits. “You will be my husband,” I whispered to myself. “This is only the beginning.”

  He trotted down the lane, while I watched him go, noting that Mam had disappeared into the house. The weeks and months to come would be a trial, but Daniel and I were destined to be together. Of that, I remained certain.

  The End

  Here is an excerpt from the second book of The Faith in Peril Trilogy,

  Tears of the Bishop

  Clusters of Ox Eye Daisies grew nearby, and, having nothing better to do, I began to pick them, collecting the small white flowers. I then set about the task of weaving them together, the stems bending easily under the direction of my dexterous fingers. While thus occupied, I hummed to myself. Bishop Hartzler seemed content to sit and watch, the chain of daisies growing with the addition of each new flower.

  “That’s pretty.”

  I glanced at him, noting the greenness of his eyes, but, today, they were not as red-rimmed. “It’s a daisy chain.”