The Ultimate Investment

One desperate night, Thomas Saxton knelt upon the dirt floor of his little shack and plead for God to end his miserable life. His prayer was so sincere, so filled with pain, God decided to answer his prayer… What happened next gave Thomas the surprise of his life!

Below is the rest of the story. It’s approximately 43,000 words in length, and along the lines of Jonathan Livingston Seagull, or The Little Prince. Just a simple story, but hopefully, one that will leave a lasting impression. It is posted here, free, in it’s entirety.

The City of Love

A Fable

by
Robert J. Adames

Buckaroo Press
P.O. Box 3081
St. George, Utah 84771

Prologue

Sasha hefted the wood onto one arm and pulled the door shut against the howling wind. The air was growing cooler, and an early storm was brewing.
Helga finished clearing away the supper plates and stood rinsing them at the wash basin.

The children, in their bed clothes, huddled by the dwindling fire, waiting for it to be stoked with fresh wood. They moved back as Sasha let the wood slip onto the stone hearth, and began stoking the fire with fresh pieces.

Satisfied, they gathered around the “Story Teller’s Chair.”

Tonight it was Father’s turn to tell a story; a turn they all took as the days grew shorter and the family spent more time indoors.

Sasha scooped up two year old Allisa into his arms and took his place in the well-worn rocker. His other two children arranged themselves on the floor.

Sasha Jr., a bright lad of four, smoothed out each wrinkle of his blanket. He didn’t like anything to disturb his sense of order. Sasha was amazed a person so young could be so serious. He often saw glimpses of himself in the intense countenance of his son. But he also saw through the serious side to the fun loving soul buried deep down.

In contrast, Tabitha had no sense of order. She was happy-go-lucky to a fault. They’d just cut her dark, curly hair because her ten year old arms found it difficult to comb through the painful snags. She’d insisted on having it cut because, “She was just too old now for her mother to be combing her hair.”

Sasha smiled, recalling the defiant airs Tabitha had taken until Mother relented. Tabitha’s hair reflected her personality; fun loving and adventurous, but sometimes ratty and hard to manage.
The fire popped as the new wood began to catch, and the wind outside moaned.

The time for story telling had begun.

Story telling had become a ritual after months of following the same routine. It was started by whoever’s turn it was to sit in the “Story Teller’s Chair.” The person in the chair — tonight it was Sasha — began by saying, “It looks like it’s going to be a long night. What’ll we do til bedtime?”

As always, the reply would ring out.

“Let’s hear a story!”

The person in the “Story Teller’s Chair” would then ask, “Who knows a story to tell?”
“You do.”

“What story should I tell?”

Young Allisa tugged on Sasha’s grizzled whiskers. “Luff?”

“Yes, yes,” chorused Tabitha and Sasha Jr. They pounded their hands on the arm of the old rocker. “Tell us the story about the City of Love.”

“But I told that one last time, Don’t you want to hear a different story?”

“No. Tell us that story Daddy,” Tabitha said.

Then came another tug on his whiskers.

“Luff!” Allisa said.

“That settles it.” Helga said, sitting in her chair with some mending. “How can you refuse such lovely children?”

“The City of Love it is then.”

“Hooray!”

Everyone settled in to make themselves comfortable.

“It all began in a little town . . .”

Part one: The Gift

Chapter 1

The town was nestled at the base of a great mountain, a towering mountain with jutting cliffs and craggy peaks. The peaks were so high they often blocked the clouds as they floated overhead, bunching them up into puffy billows of white and grey, until they burned off with the sun’s heat, or slipped around to continue on their wispy trek across the sky.

“Get out of my way you old fool!” The carter stood up in his seat, waving his arms. “I don’t got all day for you to slodge around. I got work to do. Now move it!”

“Wait your turn! You don’t own the road” The old man said. He slowed his pace, taking each step with great care. He ducked his head hiding a smile. That’ll show him.

The carter’s face turned red. His curses echoed down the street.

The town was surrounded on all other sides by a sprawling valley, rolling hills of meadow lush with green grasses and wild flowers.

“What do you mean six pence!” The woman glared at the merchant. “It’s not worth half that much and you know it.”

“Say what you like, Lady, but I’m the only one in town who carries this merchandise. If you don’t like my price, you don’t have to buy. Now, pay up or move on.”

The lady threw the merchandise on the table and stamped across the street.

In the evenings, the sun would light wisps of clouds bunched against the mountain, staining the sky with vivid splashes of red, orange, gold, crimson, and blue, all combining to darken and grow richer as the sun set.

“Gimmee my ball back!”

“You want it back, you’ll have to take it!” The bully held the ball just out of reach.

Without warning, the younger boy launched himself at the bully, grabbing him around the neck and throwing him to the dirt. Others in the street came running, adults and kids, men and women, all gathered around, shouting and jostling. No one wanted to help. They wanted to watch . . . And fight!

Two angels floated over the town and sat on the highest peak of the mountain. They’d come quite a distance to see this particular sunset. It was planned to be the best in quite some time. They’d even had a hand in creating it.

It was just reaching dusk as they settled in to watch . . .

“I can’t believe how selfish you are!” a wife yelled at her husband. Her shouting was barely heard over the crying of her infant son lying unattended on the floor.

“Quiet woman! Can’t I ever have a minute’s peace? You’re as ugly as you are noisy.” Her husband slapped his hand on the table. “And shut that kid up or I’ll throw you both out!”

…The first angel winced like he’d been hit with a slap across the face. “What’s this?” He leaned over the cliff and squinted down toward the town. “What’s wrong with these people? They’re so angry.”

“I know,” the second shivered. “I’ve never felt it so strong before. Something’s happening.”
“What do you think it is?”

“I don’t know, but I think we’d better find out. They aren’t even noticing the sunset. The nerve of some people, never appreciating anything we do for them.”

The angels tilted their heads down toward the town, relaxing and reaching out . . .

Pain! Misery! Anger!

The angels shuddered, grasping hold of the cliff to keep from falling off.

Selfishness! Greed!

“We have to do something,” the first said.

“You’re right, of course, but what?”

At that moment, a prayer drifted up from the town below. It was so filled with pain, it lanced into their minds like a hot poker.

The angels grabbed their heads, weaving back and forth with the pain until they could dampen the affect. Such intensity! Had that come from a mortal? They paused to listen.

“Oh God . . . ” said old Thomas Saxton, kneeling on the dirt floor of his ramshackle home. “I don’t know if you’re listening. But, please . . . if you can hear me . . . I don’t want to live anymore. I hate my life! I hate this town. These people. And they hate me. Even my wife hates me! Every day, children come out and throw stones at my shop, and torment me. My business is failing . . . I don’t know what to do!

“Oh God, I’ve never asked for much. But now I’m pleading . . . Please! Just end it all. I can’t do it myself . . . but let me rest. Please . . . please. Just put an end to my miserable life.”
Thomas pulled himself from his knees, his body sagging like it was nothing but a pitiful heap of bone and flesh. He climbed into the rickety bed next to his sleeping wife, and clenched his eyes closed, waiting for the mercy of sleep.

The dark of the room gave his skin a slight tint of grey, deepening the creases and worry lines of his long oval face and loose cheeks, showing more clearly in the darkness the wearing of age. His hair had receded far back on his forehead leaving only wispy, white strands of hair to cover his crown, providing a contrast to his dark brown eyes. His large frame lay restless, askew on the bed, slightly bent from hunkering over his tools and pounding at his smith’s forge for so many years

“Poor Thomas. Can’t we help?” The second angel turned to his companion.

“Yes, I believe we can. You know there’s a limit to how much we can do, but I think we should answer his prayer.”

There was a long pause. “Hmm . . . Answer his prayer . . . What a wonderful idea! Let’s put an end to his miserable life.”

The angels jumped off the peak and floated down to hover over the small home. They were invisible to mortal eyes.

The first angel grasped a handful of dust from his pouch. He cast it over the house, and watched it settle onto the worn and patched roof. It sifted through the cracks, down through the rafters, and into the single room below, finally coming to rest on the old man. It glowed faintly on contact, then melted beneath his skin.

A peaceful smile crossed his lips. He drifted into a deep sleep, a deeper sleep than ever before.
He felt so peaceful.

He felt himself drifting away . . .

Chapter 2

Thomas stood in total darkness. A darkness so heavy he could hardly breathe. Dank and cold, chilling him from the bottoms of his feet all up through his body. He shivered, wrapping his arms tight about him.

“Who’s out there?” he called.

Utter silence. No echo returned. The heavy darkness pounded his voice to nothingness.

“Is someone there?” Panic edged his voice. He looked around, but couldn’t see a thing. Just dense darkness everywhere he looked. Have I ceased to exist? Is this what it’s like to die? Have I become part of . . . nothing? Fear gripped him, constricting his bowels. Bile rose up in his throat. He began to collapse.

“Peace . . . ”

A wave of warmth flooded him. He stumbled under the change. He’d heard the word spoken, but it wasn’t a physical sound. The darkness was too intense for that. He’d heard it without sound. It had echoed from the center of his breast outward. He’d felt the word.

“Peace . . . ”

Again he was washed with burning comfort. It filled him, calmed him. It burned away the fear and the chill.

What’s happening! Where am I? He squinted, trying to pierce the darkness again with his vision, but he couldn’t even see his hand in front of his face.

A tiny point of light flickered. It was no bigger than the tip of his finger, but it pulsed, each beat sending a wave of warmth over him, burning away the darkness and fear that had started creeping back inside.

He backed away, until he realized he was backing into that terrible nothingness. Hesitating, he looking back and forth between the unknown ahead, and the darkness behind.

Then the light grew, enlarging with each pulse, flashing into the darkness with each new surge, lancing out scintillations of light, bathing him in warmth with each wave.

He wanted — no — he needed that warmth. Taking one last look behind, he let it draw him forward.

The light reached out, embraced him, pulled him into a blinding portal opening up to receive him . . . Inside.

The darkness flashed in a brilliant pop! And was gone.

Thomas’ eyes hurt. He squinted as his eyes adjusted, turning all around to try and see where he was.

He found himself standing in the midst of a glowing city. Crystalline spires reached high in every direction. Buildings rose on every side, absorbing and emanating light. The street was the same. But it was also the color and texture of the finest gold he could imagine. It was beautiful! Looking up toward a source of light so bright he had to duck his head before it burned his eyes.

Then, he felt something . . . A presence. Rubbing his eyes, he tried to force back the glare so he could see. Something, someone was waiting for him.

He’d been surrounded! Encircled by a group of beings the likes of which he’d never seen before. They were like himself, men and women, only different. They glowed! Glowing with the same subtle light as the city. Yet this wasn’t reflected light. It was an inner radiance that seemed to make their skin, their hair, their eyes, even their clothing radiate a warmth that was light. It didn’t blind, didn’t glare. But it was brilliant, like being able to stare into the sun and feel all its warmth without hurting your eyes or getting burned.

They moved closer.

He backed away, turning his head back and forth, looking for an opening. They hesitated. They peered at him with intense dark eyes. Then he began to feel . . .

Peace . . .

The feeling rushed over him again and again. He was no longer afraid, and didn’t understand. His fear had all been drained away with the warmth and peace that had washed over him. He stopped backing away. Instead he just stood, staring. Staring at these . . .

“Friends,” the thought formed in his mind. “We are friends.” The beings stepped forward. Thomas didn’t move. Some embraced him. They seemed so familiar, like he knew them, but couldn’t quite remember who, or where he’d seen them before.

“Don’t be afraid,” one of the beings said. At least he thought he’d said something. He hadn’t heard any sound. The words had echoed in his mind. It was brushed with such a texture of softness his apprehension faded.

What’s happening to me? It must be a dream.

“In a manner of speaking,” another being said, Thomas again hearing the words in his mind. This mental touch was different. It came from another of the beings facing him. He looked, and could tell which one.

“You may be dreaming. We can’t tell.”

“How did you know what I’m thinking?”

“We have no need of speech here. We speak through thoughts and feelings.”

“How?”

“The purest form of language is the touch of one soul to another. When we’re free of all deception, this type of speech naturally evolves.”

“AAHHH!” Thomas clutched his chest, gasping. Something was happening to him. Something he didn’t understand. He looked at the beings surrounding him, wanting answers. Wanting help.

But they did nothing. They remained silent, staring.

Thomas breathed deep, his chest heaving. What’s happening to me?

A swelling. A warmth started to rise within. He was scared, but the swift rising warmth drained it away. He began to feel good . . . Contented. Acceptance; a deep feeling of love, and compassion, was emanating from these glorious beings.

The feelings surged and crested through him, burning in ever increasing waves until he was sure he’d be consumed!

He glanced at his body. It was glowing!

“What’s happening?”

“You know.” One of the beings said/thought. “Search your feelings.”

Thomas cocked his head. “What?”

“Search your feelings. We found this buried so deep inside you, we thought we’d bring it out . . . To give you rest.”

Thomas concentrated, feeling inside himself. It was hard. He’d not done it in years. But there was something . . . Something he could almost tell . . .

“Love! I can feel it! It’s love!”

It filled his soul, rushing in like a dam had burst, washing over him, cleansing him. He felt so clean . . . so new!

“Consider this a gift,” one of the beings spoke/thought.

“A gift?” Thomas again looked at his body. It continued to glow as bright as the beings around him.

One took his hand.

“The power of love is attracted to light and warmth. It’s like skin being part of your body; it becomes inseparable.”

Thomas felt like shouting. Shouting out in a loud burst of glory.

“Hallelujah! Hurrah!” It felt good to let it out.

The glowing beings smiled.

“I never knew a man could feel so good –” Thomas said, “– short of being in Heaven.” Heaven? Thomas’ eyes grew wide.

He remembered praying, just before . . . It seemed so long ago, when he’d knelt at his bedside.

“Am I dead?” He looked around in sudden panic.

No answer.

“Where am I?”

Still no answer.

Then everything started growing hazy and dark. The images began to blur and fade. He felt a gentle shaking . . .

Chapter 3

“Thomas, wake up. It’s getting late.” He stirred.

Sarah watched him turn over and go back to sleep. With a sigh, she brushed back the curly, grey hair she kept short and shook him again, this time harder. “Come on Thomas, it’s late. Breakfast is almost ready.”

She stepped back, crossing the room to get out of Thomas’ way. Her light green eyes watching, nervous. Thomas was always surly, but even more so in the mornings.

Thomas sat up, the last vestiges of sleep fading. He rubbed his eyes, realizing he’d only been dreaming. He held up his arm. The dream had seemed so real. His body had actually glowed! He sat a long moment. His disappointment threatened to smother him.

“You feeling all right?” Sarah asked, not sure whether she dared move closer or not.

Do I feel all right? Thomas thought. He nodded in Sarah’s direction, then felt for any sign of illness.

There! He sensed a lingering, a faint smoldering ember buried so deep he couldn’t feel it unless he concentrated very hard.

Was it really just a dream?

In silence he pulled on his clothes while Sarah turned back to make herself busy in the kitchen of the small room they lived in, her slender frame moving back and forth across the cupboard space, reaching, testing, sprinkling.

“Sarah, dear.”

Sarah started, turning to see what was wrong. She tilted her head, confused. Thomas never spoke to her nice.

“I wouldn’t like any breakfast this morning. I need to be alone for a while. Need some time to think.”

Sarah opened her mouth, a harsh reply about preparing a wasted breakfast started out, but Thomas held up his hand. He moved over. She backed away. He moved still closer, she bumped up against the counter, she couldn’t get away . . .

And then he hugged her! She flinched. And he kissed her on the cheek! She flinched again.
Then, her mouth open, Sarah watched Thomas walk over to the door and grab his dusty hat.

“I’ll be back for supper . . . ” He paused in the open doorway. “I love you,” he said, then stepped outside.

Sarah collapsed onto a chair, her hand touching where Thomas had kissed her. She stared at the door.

Thomas gazed at the morning sun just rising above the mountain’s highest peak. He closed his eyes, tilting his head back, reveling in the warmth on his face as the sun climbed higher in the sky.

He turned, looking at everything, as if seeing it all for the first time. The frost, melting into dew, made the grass and rocks glisten.

“It’s beautiful! Why haven’t I ever noticed this? — OOHHH!”

He clutched his chest. It’s just like in the dream!

Noticing the change, the warmth he’d felt the night before began to swell again, as if it, too, were surging to life with the rising of the sun.

Thomas took deep breaths as the swelling continued, filling him with warmth. Sighing with relief, he hadn’t realized he’d been so scared. Not scared with fright, but scared that the dream had only been that . . . a dream, and that he was still the same person he’d been.
Maybe it had only been a dream, but at least he still had that wonderful feeling. That’s what mattered most.

He held up the back of his hand, half expecting it to have the same glowing radiance as in his dream and he was startled. The sun’s rays reflected off his tanned skin and graying hair just enough to give the illusion of a very subtle glint.

Prying his eyes away from his skin, he again looked around, taking in the beauty of nature coming awake. Wild flowers were catching their first sliver of the sun. He could almost feel them straining; reaching up towards the sun, gathering in it’s energy. Kneeling, he noticed insects crawling about, gathering dew for moisture. Farther out a rabbit popped out of its burrow. It stretched each leg to drive away the stiff cold of the night.

“I’ve been missing so much.” Thomas slapped his thighs and stretched, the warmth giving him energy, making him want to move. He took one last look around his place, then hiked over to the mountain path he wanted to follow. Turning onto the trail, he paused, tilting his head. Something else was rising inside.

Narrowing his eyes, his eyebrows bunched together.

“Freedom!” he cried. “I feel freedom!” Dancing around in a circle, his happiness let his body run free.

What’s happening to me? Shouldn’t I be worried? It feels so good! You shouldn’t be worried when you feel so good should you? Besides, something’s different. Something inside me has changed.

Thomas stopped. But what if these feelings leave? What if I become myself again? A wave of revulsion swept through him.

No! I won’t let it happen! No matter what it takes.

He tried to recall the dream. The memory was fading. All he remembered were his new feelings, and a distinct impression it was all, somehow, a ‘gift.’

If it is a gift, maybe I’m not meant to understand, just enjoy . . .

But is that all?

He moved on up the path . . .

The sun high overhead, Thomas found himself standing below a waterfall crashing down into a rippling pond. It was surrounded by a large rolling meadow, tall with mountain grasses, an occasional patch of flowers added a splash of bright color. Breezy gusts of wind whispered across the meadow making the grass dance and sway, while the splashing of the water lulled his senses.

He sat on a rock. On the far side of the meadow, a doe with her fawn gingerly stepped out of the rustling pines, the doe’s ears twitching, the fawn close behind, nudging its mother onward.
Thomas looked into the feathery blue sky. Patches of wispy clouds drifted overhead. He felt small, humble. Yet grateful.

“I’ve been making myself so miserable! And all the time I’ve had everything I ever needed. Sarah, my house, my work. And look at this beautiful world! I never realized how lucky I am!”

Chapter 4

“Thomas! Where have you. . .”

“It’s okay, Sarah. These are for you.” He handed Sarah a bouquet of wild flowers he’d gathered, then sat her down and explained his dream of the night before, and of his new feelings.

The story seemed far too incredible for Sarah to believe, but she couldn’t argue with the change that had come over him. He’d never brought her flowers on any occasion! Nor had he ever been so kind, gentle, and conscious of her needs.

Thomas took her in his arms.

She felt a spark, a jolt. It was strange . . . Wonderful. What was it?

It started as a low, smoldering feeling, then swelled suddenly, igniting clear through her body in a flash! burning hot for an instant, then leaving her tingling . . .

Tears began to stream down her cheeks. So this was it! This is how love felt! Ohhh! She had dreamed of this for so long! Now she had it. At last she knew love. Real love!

“I don’t know why I’m crying.” She leaned her head against Thomas, her arms resting on his chest. “I feel so good, I just can’t help it.”

And so, the gift was shared.

Chapter 5

The next morning, as soon as he awoke, Thomas again searched his feelings. Relief! The love, the warm glow, still burned inside. He was glad.

He heard a noise. It was Sarah, fixing breakfast, humming as she worked. She’d never done that before. She flashed him a smile.

Thomas smiled back.

For the first time in their marriage, he and Sarah had experienced love. True love.
After breakfast, Thomas kissed Sarah goodbye, and went outside to begin his work. His steps had a vigor he hadn’t felt in years.

He’d decided while on the mountain, that he’d make good use of the gift he’d been given. Never again would he allow himself to become the miserable old man he’d been.
He strode down the path to his small smith’s shop, whistling as he went. Over the years, he’d let the stone structure run down. It was high time he fixed it up.

He cleared away the weeds, moved and stacked the discarded equipment used for spare parts, and brushed the entire outside of the building with a hard bristle brush. It looked like new.
Next he climbed on the roof and patched the holes. Inside, he moved everything out that wasn’t fastened down to give it a thorough cleaning.

He was carrying out the last load when he noticed Sarah coming down the path with a tray of food.

“Wow!” Sarah looked ten years younger. She wore the patterned dress he’d given her years ago. Her hair was tied back with flowers.

“You look lovely.”

“That’s your fault, ” Sarah said.

“Oh no. I’ve been the one holding you back all these years.”

“What do you mean, all these years? I don’t know about you, old man, but I’m still quite young.”

“Sarah, You look as lovely as when we were first married.” Thomas helped her with the tray. “It seems as if everything is starting all over for us.”

“I feel it too,” Sarah said. “I don’t know how, or why, but I think we’ve been given another chance. A chance to do things right.”

High above town, two angels were watching, and nodded.

Chapter 6

By late afternoon, Thomas was in his newly cleaned and organized shop, working on a sign to hang above the door. As he worked, he listened. He was expecting something he didn’t want to miss.

Soon, high-pitched voices approached from way down the dusty road. He abandoned his work and crept out the back door.

The children came up the rise, overlooking the shop, and crouched down, trying to stay hidden. They huddled together in a secret council, each looking for a clod or rock.
Almost every day after school, the children came out this way as a challenge of their bravery. They had to do something — something bad enough — to make “Old Thomas” come chase them away. It was a great thrill.

The leader, finding a perfect clod, got ready to give the signal. When he threw, the others would follow with a barrage down onto the building. He brought back his arm . . .

“I have a better idea.”

The kids spun, eyes popping open. Before them stood none other than “Old Thomas.” They were trapped!

“How’d you kids like to join us for some fresh baked cookies? They just came out of the oven, and we can’t possibly eat them all.”

The kids darted their eyes back and forth. There was no escape!

Thomas came forward and reached out to a little girl. It was the first time she’d come with the group, so she’d never seen Thomas’ anger. She didn’t know any better.

She took his hand, and they started down to the house.

“Come on,” Thomas called back over his shoulder. “The cookies’ll get cold.”

The leader opened his mouth to call after them. Nothing came out. He looked up the road, escape was easy now . . . But he’d promised his parents he’d look after his sister. He was scared, but there was nothing else he could do. With a shrug, he loped down the path to catch up. The rest, not wanting to be called “chicken,” later on, followed behind.

“My, what lovely children,” Sarah sized up the six assorted boys and girls that padded into the room. “Come. Sit. Make yourself at home while I get the treats.”

Sarah went over to the counter and began arranging the platters. There came a tug on her apron and she looked down to see a curly haired girl smiling back.

“I can help,” the girl said, reaching up, not quite tall enough to grasp the saucers.
Sarah stooped down.

“Why thank you?”

“My name’s Ciccily. I’m Bobby’s sister.” She pointed to her brother.

“Ciccily, what a lovely name. Would you take these platters over and give one to each child? Then come back and help me pass out the milk. Can you do that?”

“Yes, Ma’am.”

The cookies and milk served, they all sat to “chat.”

“Seeing you kids every day the way I have, makes me feel like we’re great friends already.” Thomas smiled.

One of the kids coughed, like he was choking on the cookie he’d just popped into his mouth. The others stared at the floor.

“Now, now. Don’t worry,” Thomas laughed. “We’re going to be friends now — real friends. So let’s get to know each other.”

The kids lifted their eyes. Thomas’ manner seemed to put them at ease . . . A little.
“Now,” Sarah interrupted. “Tell us who you are, and who your folks are. We probably know them . . . ”

Time passed, and they all had a great time visiting. If fact, it was so fun, they almost had to push the children out before it got too late.

Sarah gathered up the dishes and stood pumping the handle at the sink. Thomas came up behind, wrapping his arms around her.

“Thanks for helping me with the kids,” Thomas said. “They surely took a liking to you.”
“You mean to my cookies. I really enjoyed having them here, though. They’re so full of energy, I feel younger, just being with them. It makes me wonder why we never had children.”
“Isn’t it a little late for that now?” Thomas teased.

“You know what I mean.”

“Yes,” Thomas sighed. “I guess that’s something else we missed.”

“…That was really thoughtful of you to invite them in,” Sarah continued. “Aren’t those the same kids who always bothered you before?”

“Yep.”

“What made you think to invite them in?”

“Well, while I was out working, an idea just popped into my head. The best way to get rid of an enemy is to make him your friend.”

Sarah raised her eyebrows. Thomas shrugged. “Like I said, it just came out of nowhere, but it felt right. I liked it so much, I thought I’d try it out. Do you think it worked?”

“I think you’re a genius,” Sarah flipped her towel over Thomas’ neck and pulled him close.

“I’m no genius, I just think someone up there” — Thomas pointed to the ceiling — “has taken a liking to us.”

“Right now, I’m taking a liking to you.” Thomas was pulled closer . . .

High above, two angels, grinning from ear to ear, shook hands.

Chapter 7

“Morning Thomas.”

“Good morning Mr. Dimsdale. How can I help you?” Thomas looked up from his workbench as the barrel chested man stepped inside the small shop.

Robert Dimsdale peered out from under bushy eyebrows, wondering if Thomas was feeling well. Thomas was never polite.

He ought to inquire after Thomas’ health, but thought better of it. No sense asking for trouble.
“I’ve been having problems with my surrey,” he grunted. “I was wondering if you could take a look.”

“Of course. Is it outside?”

Surprised, Mr. Dimsdale swung his bulk around to follow. Ordinarily Thomas would have argued, told him to come back later, or some other nonsense. But now he seemed, different . . . pleasant even. Something must be wrong.

He bent to watch as Thomas began his examination of the wagon.

“Be careful mind you. I know if I’m being cheated.”

“Of course, Mr. Dimsdale. I’ll try my best not to cheat you.”

Dimsdale’s bushy eyebrows drew close together, he wasn’t sure if he’d just been insulted or not.

“By the way,” Thomas called from under the wagon. “You have delightful children. They paid us a visit yesterday.”

Mr. Dimsdale jerked his head back. His kids had gotten home late, all smiles and silliness, saying something about visiting “Old Thomas.” Were they in trouble? At the time he’d passed it off as mischief. They were always doing that. But then their giggling rubbed off on him. He couldn’t remember spending a more giggly evening. It’d been irritating.

What’s happening? He wondered. Thomas? Inviting children in to visit? It just wasn’t his normal, ornery self.

“I think I’ve found the problem,” Thomas announced a moment later. He climbed out wiping his hands with a cloth. “The problem looks worse than it is.”

“Oh really. What do you need to do?”

“First, have you recently gone through a river with the surrey, then left it idle for a time?”

“Not that I . . . Wait. Yes, about a month ago. I used it during the past flood. I had to cross the stream a couple of times for deliveries.”

“What happened,” Thomas said, “is that the water didn’t completely dry out of your spring joints, and they rusted. When you didn’t ride it for a while, the rust spread and fused the joints in place.”

“What’ll the repairs cost?” Mr. Dimsdale tensed.

“Just a minute,” Thomas took a large hammer and chisel back underneath the surrey. There were loud clangs as Thomas pounded key stress points. Mr. Dimsdale knelt down, squinting at what was being done.

After a while, Thomas climbed back out.

“You’re all set Mr. Dimsdale,” Thomas gestured for him to climb aboard.

“You mean it’s fixed? But what do I owe you?”

“Not a thing Mr. Dimsdale. All it took was a little pounding to free up the joints. Just make sure you ride it sooner after a storm, or going through the stream, so the joints don’t rust up again.”

“Thanks . . . And call me Robert.” He reached down his hand.
An invisible burst of energy arched. It lanced through Mr. Dimsdale’s arm into his breast, then spread, tingling like tiny pinpricks, throughout his body. Startled, he sat back in his seat. He shook his head to clear his senses.

“Oh, one more thing,” Thomas hurried back into his shop, returning with a square of rough cloth. “This should clean off the remaining rust. It’d be a good job for Bobby. He can bring it back next time he stops in. And say hello to Ciccily too. She’s such a good girl. You must be very proud of your children.”

“Oh? Why yes.” Mr. Dimsdale blinked his eyes. What happened? He took a deep breath.
“Are you all right?”

“What? Oh. Yes. Yes, I’m fine . . . And thanks again Thomas. I really appreciate your helping out. I wish you’d let me pay.”

“That’s not necessary. I was just trying to lend a hand. . . And make a friend in the bargain.”

“Why of course!” Now something is affecting me! “Friends it is!”

“Thank you. I’m glad you stopped by.”

“Me too! And thanks.” I don’t know what this is, but is sure feels good!
Robert saluted, snapped the reins, and rode on up the road.

Chapter 8

“Hurry up Sarah. We want to make the visits before it gets too late.”

“I know, I know. But there’s plenty of time. You want to make sure the food’s ready don’t you?”

“Of course — Here, let me help.”

Thomas stepped across the room as Sarah put covers on four baskets of food.
“You take these,” Sarah handed Thomas two baskets. “I’ll get my coat, and we can be on our way.”

Sarah donned a coat, grabbed the remaining baskets, and passed through the door Thomas was holding open.

“By the way. Where are we going?”

“You promise you’ll still go if I tell?”

“It can’t be all that bad, can it?”

“Depends on how you look at it.”

“Come on, Thomas. Out with it.”

“Well,” Thomas ducked his head. “I thought we’d visit the Johnson’s first.”

“What!”

Chuckling, Thomas held the baskets up for protection. “Trust me on this one?”

Sarah thought a moment. “Okay, but I just can’t help remembering the last time you and Mr. Johnson were together.”

“No one remembers better than I . . . but we’ve got to start healing some of those old wounds.”

“Some wounds are too deep to be healed.”

“Maybe so,” Thomas agreed. “But at least we can try.”

A long silence drifted between them as they continued up the road. Finally Sarah spoke again.
“Thomas, will you think less of me if I admit I’m scared?”

“No. Of course not . . . I’m nervous myself. But still, it’s something we need to do, if only to be at peace with ourselves.”

Sarah pursed her lips and nodded.

The Johnson’s home was just a bit larger than Thomas and Sarah’s, and built out of heavy river stone. It was surrounded by a white picket fence with cracked and peeling paint. The yard was a mixture of weeds and mountain grass which grew in large clumps, especially around the posts of the gate. Next to the house was a strip of semi-cleared ground where a few plants, flowers, and shrubs had been planted, then forgotten.

“Skreeek!” the hinges complained as Thomas pulled open the scrabbly gate. Thomas and Sarah cringed.

“First thing I’m going to do, is oil and repair these hinges.” Thomas said as they moved through.

“There’s not a thing of mine I’d have you touch!”

Clyde Johnson blustered out onto the porch. He was a large man. A stone mason by trade, well muscled from handling all the heavy rock. He was just younger than Thomas, balding on top and scraggly tufts of gray on either side of his crown. He wore a burlap jerkin, the sleeves rolled up well passed his elbows, with old, patched coveralls. His thin leather vest had seen years of wear, and thick soled boots made the porch creek under his heavy frame.

“What’re you doing here? I thought I made it plain I never wanted to see you on my property again.”

Sarah hesitated, Thomas stepped forward.

“Take it easy, Clyde, we just came by to pay a neighborly visit.”

“There ain’t nothin neighborly ’bout you, Thomas. Now get on off my property ‘fore I throw you off.”

“Wait a minute.” Thomas said. “We came here to try and set things straight.”

“What’re you talking about. You never set things straight with nobody.”

“Well,” Thomas smiled. “Since you hate me most of anybody, I figured this was the best place to start.”

Clyde folded his arms across his chest.

“And just how do you propose to set things straight? The way I reckon, there’s not much you can set right ’bout the way you tried to cheat me.” His face darkened. “Nope. The damage’s been done. It’s mighty hard to fix.”

“You’re right,” Thomas said, “but I want to try.”

“Who’s out there, Clyde?” Clyde’s wife peered out the door around the bulk of her husband.
Robyn was a frail woman, her tan dress and brown checked apron clashed with her grey streaked hair, which had been tied back in a bun. Her eyes shown pale above faint circles, giving the impression of her being ill. She was wringing her hands. She just hated it when Clyde was angry — which was most of the time.

“Ohh!” she gasped, seeing Thomas and Sarah.

“Hello Robyn. It’s me, Sarah. I know it’s a little past supper time, but I thought maybe, if you haven’t eaten, we’ve got some food here. . .” Sarah stepped around Thomas and held up one of the baskets.

Robyn glanced at Clyde, then back to Sarah. She bit the corner of her finger. What should she do?

Thomas picked up where Sarah left off.

“What do you say, Clyde? Will you let us in so I can explain?”

Clyde scratched his long sideburns. “Well, I guess it won’t hurt too much — long as you don’t over stay your welcome.”

Clyde waved his hand for Thomas and Sarah to make their way up the rickety steps. “I’ve been hearin ’bout your change of heart all through town. Old man Dimsdale says you’re a nice guy now. What’s different? You bang your head on somethin and see the light?”

“You don’t know how close you are,” Thomas laughed. “But at least, I’m trying to change. And I hope to prove it to you.”

“We’ll see,” Clyde said.

Sarah followed Robyn into the kitchen. Thomas and Clyde went over to the fireplace.

The inside was as rough as the outside. One wall of the main room was lined with sparse cabinets and a tiny sink, serving as the kitchen. A wooden table sat against the far wall. Two chairs were tucked underneath.

The rest of the walls were lined with faded wood, and the floor was of dusty shale, covered here and there with threadbare rugs, trying to temper the atmosphere, but having little success.

There were a few chairs in the room lashed together with leather strips. On the table, drooping flowers sat arranged in a discarded can.

Clyde’s pride and joy was the enormous rock fireplace built into the far wall. It was his masterpiece. A showcase of his best work. He rested a foot on the hearth, gesturing for Thomas to have a seat.

“Tell me,” Clyde said. “Just how is it you’re going to make amends?”

Thomas shrugged off his coat, and draped it over the back of his chair. “I figured on challenging you to a contest.”

“A contest? What on earth are you talking about?”

“Well, I thought it’d be a good way for us to settle our differences.”

“Oh, so you came to pick a fight.” Clyde placed both feet on the floor and hitched his thumbs in his overalls.

“No!” Thomas said. “Now you’re jumping ahead of me. I’m not here to pick a fight. I’m here to settle our differences. I thought a contest would be the best way.”

“I’m listening.” Clyde narrowed his eyes.

“You and me have this feud, right?”

Clyde nodded.

“Well, I think now’s the best time to see who wins. Then we can put it behind us.”

“You got that right.” Clyde took a step forward.

“Hold on. I already told you I’m not here to fight.”

“Well then what are you talking about?” Clyde stopped short.

“Yes. Just what are you talking about?” Sarah said as she and Robyn came over from the kitchen.

“If you’d all let me finish,” Thomas said. “I’ll be glad to tell you.”

“Go on then!” Clyde said. “No one’s stopping you.”

“Thanks.” Thomas took a deep breath.

“Clyde, I’m proposing the winner of our contest becomes the winner of the feud. The loser has to admit he’s been wrong all along. Are you up to something like that?”

“Depends on what it is,” Clyde rubbed his chin.

“Good.” Thomas said. “I want to put this behind us once and for all.”

“You still haven’t said what the contest is.”

“Oh,” Thomas remembered. “How about an arm wrestle?”

“A what!” Clyde gaped.

Sarah stifled a giggle with the back of her hand.

Robyn sank into a chair, wringing her hands.

“Yes, Clyde, I want to challenge you to an arm wrestle. And remember, the loser has to admit to everyone he’s been wrong — and a fool to boot.”

“You must have hit your head pretty hard to make a fool challenge like that to me. But, since you named it, I’d be pretty stupid to turn it down.”

Clyde pulled the chairs out of the way and lay two dusty rugs together on the floor. Thomas knelt down on one, rolling up his sleeves.

“I don’t know what you’ve been thinking,” Clyde said, “but you’re finally going to get what you deserve.”

A smile crossed Thomas’ face as he lay down and reached out his hand.

The moment their hands touched, an invisible spark of energy flashed. It lanced up Clyde’s arm and into his chest. From there it blazed through every inch of his body, leaving a faint tingling.

Clyde snatched his hand away and stared in his palm, looking for evidence of the jolt.
“Something wrong?” Thomas asked.

Embarrassed, Clyde shook his head. “No . . . everything’s fine. Just want to make sure I got a good grip is all.”

“Suit yourself,” Thomas held out his hand again.

Clyde paused, taking a few deep breaths. A glowing warmth was spreading through his body. He’d never felt anything like it before.

What’s happening? Has Thomas done something to me?

Again, Clyde looked at his hand. There was no mark. Still the glowing grew, and burned. It sent wave after wave of heat . . . And comfort . . .

Again, he hesitated. It felt really good. Almost . . . happy. Yes! That what it was. Really happy. In fact, it felt so good he couldn’t help but smile . . . then laugh.

He laughed out loud, a few chuckles at first, then burst out in loud guffaws, growing into wracks of uncontrollable laughter.

At first, Thomas lay there, staring at Clyde. Then he got caught up in Clyde’s laughter. He began to chuckle . . . then laugh. Pretty soon he was competing with Clyde in who was laughing the hardest.

Then Sarah, watching the men, began to giggle too. She glanced over at Robyn, who sat rigid, her face pale, her expression worried.

Sarah placed a comforting hand on Robyn’s shoulder . . .

A bolt of energy sparked through the contact. It speared into Robyn’s heart, and spread flashing waves of tingling joy. She quivered, turning to Sarah, unsure of what, if anything, had happened.

Was she imagining things? Or was there something in Sarah’s touch?

There must be something. I can feel it spread. It’s so warm, so good!

“Are you okay, Robyn?” Sarah asked.

What’s happening? Robyn wondered. She sensed a brightness in the room. But then she realized the room wasn’t brighter, it’s just that she was seeing everything different. Like scales had been washed from her eyes, like she was seeing everything clear for the first time.

Everything seems new! Seems brighter. What is it?

The inner glowing pulsed and grew, spreading hot waves of comfort. Then, Robyn smiled . . . She giggled . . . Then laughed, like everyone else, carried away in laughter she couldn’t stop — nor did she want to. It felt too good!

The laughter finally started to die. Thomas sat up, his back to the hearth, wiping tears from his eyes.

“Whew! I haven’t laughed so hard in years. I’m afraid it’s taken all my strength. You’ll have to give me a minute before we can finish our arm wrestle.”

Clyde, taking deep breaths to calm himself, waved his hand.

“No matter, Thomas. There’s no need for a contest. What say we just forget about the whole thing.”

“Are you sure?” Thomas said. “I mean, it really was my fault, this feud and all. I want to make amends.”

“No,” Clyde answered, again waving his hand. “There’s no need. I was just as stubborn as you. Like I said, let’s just forget about it.”

Sarah happened to glance at Robyn. Tears streaked her cheeks, but she was smiling. Her countenance lit the air with a glow. She grasped Sarah’s hand.

“I’ve never felt so good! There’s . . . there’s a feeling in this home that’s never been here before. Can you feel it?”

Everyone stopped. They hesitated. There it was! It was very low, a crystal sparkling warmth. Robyn had been ever so sensitive to notice. But then it grew, as if it gathered strength from their notice. It was so warm . . . It filled them with peace.

“Thank you!” Robyn said. “Thank you for bringing this wonderful feeling into our home.”

And so, the gift was spread . . .

Chapter 9

Robert Dimsdale eased back behind his pine desk in his small, sparsely decorated office, sitting in his one indulgence, a cushioned high back chair. He was a no-nonsense man, and everything he did, he did straight out.

Steepling his fingers underneath his heavy chin, he pondered over the recent changes in his life.
You know, things really haven’t changed, it’s just that I’ve changed. I feel different about everything.

He shook his head. Well whatever it is, I’m glad of the change. And I won’t let it stop with me!

For several days he’d felt a strong urge to do something. To spread the goodwill along. The desire had grown into a sense of mission. He realized with his position in the community, he could do a great deal of good. If only he could touch others the same as he’d been touched . . .

“This is it,” Dimsdale mumbled over his fingers. “This is where I begin to do my part.”
There was a knock.

“Come in,” Mr. Dimsdale took a deep breath to ease his uncharacteristic nervousness. The door swung open and three sturdy men strode in. Each wore sweat stained coveralls, holding heavy gloves in calloused hands.

If you were called into the boss’s office it was never good news. In fact, on the work floor, it was just understood if you were ever called up, you may as well start packing. The three men, each a shift foreman, had started racking their brains the moment they’d received notice. What did I do wrong? each had questioned. What am I going to do? How can I support my family? It wasn’t easy finding jobs in this small of town. It had been hard enough working for Dimsdale, but now it’d be even worse.

“Have a seat.” Robert gestured to three chairs he’d placed in front of his desk. The men took their seats in silence. Taking in the rigid posture of his foremen, Dimsdale smiled.

“Relax men. There’s no harm that’ll come to you here.” He leaned forward resting his arms on the desk. “I know what you must be thinking, but you’re wrong. Dead wrong, in fact!”

“Begging your pardon, Mr. Dimsdale,” one spoke up. “I’m not sure I follow what you mean, but if I’ve done something wrong, please don’t release me. If it’s cost the company money, I’ll be glad to work it off — if you’ll give me a little time . . . ”

“Nonsense man. It’s Harry, isn’t it?” The man nodded and shrank deeper in his chair.

“Harry, you, Sam, and Mark, here, were called in to be rewarded, not fired, for heaven’s sake.” The men had never considered that possibility. They didn’t know what to say.

“Come now,” Mr. Dimsdale continued. “That’s not such bad news is it?”

“Oh no, not bad news at all,” the men assured, still shaken.

“That’s better. Furthermore, there’s going to be some changes around here.”

Now here it comes. They braced for the bad news.

“I want you to spread the word that starting today, I’m going to change the way everyone get’s paid.”

It was too good to be true.

“Starting tomorrow, not only will you three be getting substantial raises, but I want you to tell your people that everyone’s getting a raise.”

Mark and Sam gaped. Harry collapsed in his chair with relief. He’d been so worried about how he’d provide for his family if he lost this job.

“And that’s not all.” Mr. Dimsdale leaned further across the desk, his hands animating the points. “This business has been good to me, and there’s no reason it can’t be good to everyone who works here too. Along with the raise, I want you to tell the men that they’ll also be sharing in the company’s profits.”

This is unbelievable!

A grin crossed Mr. Dimsdale’s face.

The men looked at each other. Is this really happening? They weren’t sure. Finally Harry spoke again.

“Mr. Dimsdale, are you sure about this? I mean, your not just foolin’ with us are you?”

“Absolutely not!” Mr. Dimsdale sat up in his chair.

“Of course, with the profit sharing, the men’ll have to insure the company continues to have healthy profits to share. They can’t let down on their work, mind you, but there’s no question, I’m serious.”

Now this was more like Dimsdale. It was a ploy to get them to work harder. Or was it? What was the catch? There had to be a catch.

“Don’t worry,” Mr. Dimsdale waved his hand. “I’m not expecting longer hours or harder work — although that wouldn’t be bad, mind you. The main reason is to reward everyone for doing a fine job.”

There was silence. The men didn’t know what to say. They still weren’t sure what was happening. Finally, Mr. Dimsdale got up and came around his desk.

The men stood, realizing the interview was over . . . And they still had their jobs!
“Thanks men,” Mr. Dimsdale grasped each man’s hand in a firm handshake. A subtle spark of energy passed with each clasp. “I appreciate your working for this company. And don’t forget. I meant what I said — about giving everyone a raise, and sharing profits, I mean. Be sure and tell everyone on your shifts.” He held open the door.

“Yessir,” Harry answered. His steps had more bounce. All three had been affected. Something good was happening. They just knew it.

Mr. Dimsdale pulled the door shut and moved back over to his desk. “The next thing I need to do is get the other business owners together. If we’re smart, we can make this town a better place — for everyone.”

Days later, at Mr. Dimsdale’s plant, someone on the work floor commented about how different things seemed now. “I don’t dread coming to work anymore. In fact, I’m really starting to enjoy it.” Others on the shift nodded. They’d noticed the same thing. They’d never worked harder, but then again, they’d never felt happier. Wages were up. Spirits were up. And most pleasing to Mr. Robert Dimsdale — profits were up.

Chapter 10

“Look, Mommy. What’s going on over there?” Jimmy stopped in the middle of main street. He pointed toward the square where a group of people had gathered.

“Jimmy, you’re standing in the middle of the road. Come over to the other side so the carts can go by.”

“But I want to see what those people are doing.” He pointed again.

“Okay. We’ll go see what it is. Now come out of the way before you get hurt.”

They crossed, Bonnie grabbing hold of his hand. Then she looked up the street where Jimmy had pointed. People were gathering in the main square, but they seemed to be coming and going, not staying.

Bonnie was curious.

Making sure she had a firm hold of Jimmy, they moved up the walk, passing bustles of people as they went. Looking around, Bonnie noticed they weren’t the only curious ones making their way to the square. Others seeing the commotion, were drifting that way as well.

As they approached the square, they could see people were bunched around the central plaza. In the midst, there were people handing a small object to each person as they came up to see what was going on. They edged forward. Nothing like this had ever happened before.
Everyone came up to the center of the gathering, were given something, then left. Bonnie could tell, as the people left, something was different about them. They were smiling, some laughing. This was getting more interesting all the time. She felt an excitement, a sparkling, in the air. Jimmy could feel it too. He kept tugging her forward. “Come on Mom, we’re almost there.”

“Bonnie! Bonnie! Over here!”

Glancing toward the voice, Bonnie saw a lady about her same age, black hair swirling, jumping up and down, waving from a small gap in the press.

“Sheila?” Bonnie called. “Sheila, is that you?”

“Over here, Bonnie. Come over here, I have something for you!”
“Mom! That’s Willie’s mom. Come on.” Jimmy snaked a path through the people.

Bonnie had noticed Jimmy was playing a lot more with Willie, and both boys had seemed happier together than she’d ever remembered. She’d wondered what they were up to.

Sheila was working over a large stack of crates filled with small pots. She and others were handing them out. When people came up, they would hand them a pot, say something Bonnie couldn’t hear, then give them a hug! Such a display! Right in the middle of main street.

“Hi Mrs. Grimshaw!” Jimmy called.

“Why hello, Jimmy! Hi Bonnie! I’m so glad to see you.”

“What’s all this? I mean, what are you doing?” Bonnie asked.

“Oh this? A group of us got together and decided it would be fun to do something for the town. Things are changing around here, if you haven’t noticed. Everyone seems to be getting along. And things are going so well, we thought we’d do something to help. It’s great isn’t it?”

“Uh . . . Yes, I guess,” Bonnie said. She wasn’t quite sure what Sheila was talking about.
“Anyway,” Sheila continued. “Delbert, over at the nursery donated these pots. We filled them with a little potting soil and a few flower seeds. All you have to do is add water. Soon you’ll have some flowers to brighten things up.”

“Here.” Sheila picked up two of the tiny pots and handed one to Bonnie, and the other to Jimmy.

“Gosh, thanks!” Jimmy’s eyes grew wide.

“Uhh, thanks,” Bonnie said.

“Your welcome!” Sheila grabbed Bonnie in a hug. A spark of energy passed between them. It surged and spread, leaving Bonnie warm and tingly. It was a feeling she’d never felt before. She wobbled on her feet.

“It’s been so good to see you here, Bonnie . . . Bonnie, are you all right?” Sheila noticed her swaying.

“What? Oh yes. Yes I’m fine, thanks. And Thanks for the plants . . . Really!”

Bonnie was starting to feel really good. The warmth was spreading and growing. “I’ll take these home and set them to growing right away. You can never have too many flowers.”

“You can say that again,” Sheila answered. “Be sure to come by and see me sometime this week.”

“Count on it.”

“Can I come too?” Jimmy asked.

“Of course you can,” Sheila answered. “I’ll tell Willie you’re coming. He’ll be really excited.”

“That’s great!” Jimmy exclaimed.

“Thanks,” Bonnie said. “Thanks so much for everything!”

And so, the gift continued to be spread throughout town. No one was left untouched.

Chapter 11

“Thomas,” Sarah poked her head into the shop.

“Yes?” Thomas looked up from his work.

“I’m going into town to run some errands, would you like to come?”

“I’m sorry,” Thomas wiped his hands on a rag. “I’ve got a back log of work, and I’m right in the middle of an important project. Can you manage without me?”

“Well . . . I suppose I could . . . ”

“Is something wrong?”

“No,” Sarah answered. “Nothing’s wrong . . . ” She pursed her lips, thinking. “I was just . . . hoping you would come into town with me today. I mean it’s such a lovely day and all.”

“Come on now,” Thomas pressed. “Something’s up. What is it?”

“Oh nothing, nothing at all. I was just really hoping you would come into town with me. That’s all.”

“Well, if you won’t tell me what’s going on, I guess I’ll have to find out myself.” Thomas grabbed his hat off the peg. “How long do you think we’ll be?”

“Oh, not long.” She shrugged her shoulders.

“I’ll ‘not long’ you!” Thomas swatted at her with his hat.

On the way into town, Thomas couldn’t get any more out of Sarah. She was being quite smug. Giving up, he settled down to enjoy the warm sun and pleasant walk.
On the outskirts of town, at the end of main street, Thomas stopped.

“Sarah, something’s wrong.”

“What do you mean?”

“The town. No one’s out. There isn’t anyone on the streets. It isn’t a holiday is it?”

“Not that I know of.”

“Come on,” Thomas said. “Let’s take a look and see what’s going on.”

They approached the closest building, Dimsdale Mill and Lumber. It was a wood paneled, two story building fronting main street.

Thomas stepped onto the porch and pulled at the door.

“It’s locked! There must be something going on. Robert never closes unless it’s one of the big holidays.”

Thomas bent, cupped his hands to the window, and peered through the glass.

“There’s no one inside, and all the lights are out.”

“Maybe something more important came up,” Sarah said.

“This is really odd . . . Come on, Sarah,” he stepped off the porch. “Let’s take a look down at the town square. Maybe all the people went there for some reason.”

“That’s a good idea.” Sarah followed in Thomas’ long striding wake. She covered a smile with the back of her hand.

Moving a few more blocks up main street, they came in sight of the town square. They still hadn’t seen a soul, and Thomas was becoming more agitated.

“This has really got me worried. Even on a holiday, there’s always people in the square. Where has everyone gone?”

“I’m sure there’s a perfectly good explanation. After all, we do live a ways out of town. Maybe word was sent around to have a gathering someplace else and we weren’t informed.”

“That could be,” Thomas agreed. “But why wouldn’t they gather in the square? After all, that’s what it’s for.”

“I know!” Sarah said. “Why don’t we try the Government house? If they’re having a gathering somewhere, they’d have it posted on the public notice board, wouldn’t they?”

“Great idea!” Thomas strode off, leaving Sarah standing.

She sighed, then hurried to catch up.

The Government House sat at the head of the town square. It was three stories of rough hewn blocks, a pitched roof, and white wood trimming on the eaves and windows. On the second level, a balcony stretched over the main entrance, from which dignitaries could address gathered crowds in the square. Unseen, below ground level, was an archives basement. It was by far the biggest building in town, and the center piece of the community.

Thomas ascended the wide, concrete steps two at a time, and pulled open one of the tall double doors. He waited for Sarah to catch up as he peered within.

“I still don’t see anyone here.”

“Let’s look at the public notices.” Sarah said. They both moved to the big board hung on the far wall.

“Nothing! This is really wrong. I can’t figure it out.”

“Calm down, dear,” Sarah said. “I’m sure there’s a perfectly good explanation.”
“Not me. I’m going to have a look around.”

Thomas went from room to room, peering in, rapping on doors, hoping to find someone . . . Anyone, who could tell him where everyone had gone.

Sarah sat on the wide steps leading to the upper levels. She listened as Thomas moved around the building. Finally he came back.

“No one’s here.” Thomas helped Sarah to her feet. “I can’t figure it out. I even went up the back stairs to the mayor’s office.”

Sarah raised her eyebrows.

“No one’s here.” Thomas wiped beads of perspiration from his brow. “I’m getting worried.”

“Did you check the assembly room?”

“I didn’t think anyone would be up there if no one else was in the building.”

“Well, shouldn’t we check?”

“What’s the use?” Thomas sighed. “There’d be someone at the reception desk-” Thomas gestured to the small desk at one side of the foyer “-if there was a meeting going on upstairs.”

“Why don’t we try? It won’t hurt to at least look. After all, we may find something.”

“Okay,” Thomas held out his arm to help Sarah up the steps.

They climbed the steps in silence, passing the second floor landing, turning to proceed up the remaining flight of stairs up to the assembly room.

“I’d forgotten how steep these steps are,” Sarah said.

Thomas didn’t answer. His eyes were fixed on the double doors leading to the assembly room.

“Look!” Thomas pointed to the gap at the base of the doors. “There’s light coming out. Someone’s in there.”

“What do you think it means?” Sarah asked.

“You stay here. We don’t know what’s going on, and I’d prefer you stay back until I know it’s safe.”

Sarah nodded. Thomas stepped to the door and took hold of the knob.

Suddenly, both doors swung inward. Thomas fell back in surprise.

A loud booming voice from within the room called out, “Would Thomas Saxton please approach the podium!”

Two men came out onto the landing, and taking Thomas by the arms, escorted him down the aisle.

On either side, Thomas could see all the townspeople gathered.

So this is where everyone went. I wonder what’s going on?

The mayor stood on the stage in official dress. He was flanked by Robert Dimsdale and Clyde Johnson, each in their finest clothes.

These are my friends! Thomas thought. But why don’t they look happy to see me? The expression on Robert’s face was drawn and solemn, a look he hadn’t seen from Robert in quite a while.

And then there was Clyde.

Hadn’t he patched things up? The look on his face didn’t give Thomas any comfort.

All was silent in the great hall, save the sounds of their footsteps on the hardwood floor.
Where’s Sarah? Is she okay? He tried to crane his neck to look back, but his escorts wouldn’t allow him to turn.

Abruptly, they released Thomas in front of the podium below the mayor.

Thomas’ ire was beginning to rise. They had no cause to treat him like this. He was a citizen here. He hadn’t done anything wrong. What right did they have to treat him and Sarah like this — having a secret meeting and all.

Sarah walked up and looped her arm around his back. She looked up at him and he noticed her smile.

“Thomas Saxton,” the mayor announced. “You have been summoned here to answer serious charges which have been levied against you.”

“What charge? What have I done?”

“The accused will please be silent,” the mayor said. He had a strange look on his face Thomas couldn’t read. “I will now read the charges.”

The mayor unrolled a white parchment.

“It is charged of one, Thomas Saxton, that he has sought to undermine the tradition of this town.”

Thomas’ mouth fell open.

“That the named accused, by his undue influence, sought to obtain many friends, associates, and advocates to his strange and untraditional beliefs of peace and harmony between all peoples.”

At this point, the mayor began to smile. “Heretofore, our town was known as a solemn town. A town of much dignity and forbearance. A town of many serious minded people. We were a people not given to the show of emotion, nor of allowing emotion to influence our way of living.”
Robert and Clyde started smiling now, and Sarah squeezed Thomas with the arm she still had about his waist.

Thomas was confused.

“And because of this lack of feeling,” the mayor continued, “this people did exhibit to outsiders, and indeed to one another, open hostility and intolerance.

“The man standing before us is accused of trying to alter that traditional way of life, and indeed, of accomplishing much of his aim.

“It has been brought to my attention, and witnessed by all within this room,” the mayor’s hand swept across the audience, “that our town now has a new feeling. A feeling of friendship and harmony . . . A feeling of Love!”

Now Thomas was catching on. A smile began to grow from the corners of his mouth, and his face began to color with the heat of embarrassment.

The mayor caught Thomas’ reaction, and continued to read.

“This feeling of love has grown and spread in our town until our traditional misery has been completely destroyed.

“And we have only one man to blame for this. That man stands before us today.”
Robert and Clyde stepped forward. The mayor handed them a small polished wood case, then turned back to the parchment.

“By the power vested in me, as mayor of this city, I now judge one, Thomas Saxton, guilty of all charges!”

The pronouncement struck Thomas like a slap in the face.

The mayor gestured for him to step onto the rostrum.

Thomas looked at Sarah. She pushed him forward.

Thomas stumbled up and turned to face the audience.

The mayor continued.

“Thomas Saxton. Because of your efforts to promote peace, harmony, and love throughout our entire valley, by the power vested in me, I hereby bestow upon you the title of Ambassador! Our City’s newest, and highest honor!”

The audience began to applaud. Robert opened the case and brought out a gold medallion looped with a red and blue ribbon.

Clyde took hold of the other end of ribbon and they both set it over Thomas’ head, arranging it over his shoulders and against his chest.

The townspeople came to their feet, continuing their applause. Sarah joined Thomas on the stand and was taken into a warm embrace.

“You knew about this didn’t you!” Thomas accused.

Sarah just smiled and hugged him again.

High on a peak, overlooking the valley, two Angels watched the cheering townspeople below.
“Isn’t it amazing how fast the power of love spreads?”

“It is. But it’s a shame it doesn’t last,” The second replied.
“True. So true.”

Part Two: The Challenge

Chapter 12

Two years later found Thomas striding up main street. A group of people stopped him.

“Thomas, have you heard?” He nodded and moved on a little further — only to be stopped again.

“Thomas, do you know about the bandits? What are we going to do?” He stopped, calmed the people as best he could, then moved on toward his destination.

After many stops, and many brief, distressing conversations, he arrived at the Government House. Without hesitation, he took the concrete steps two at a time, entered the main foyer, up the first flight of stairs, then veered to the right, into the mayor’s office.

The mayor rose. “Thomas, I’m glad you’re here.”

Over the last two years Thomas had become a ranking member of the town council, and a leading citizen.

The mayor grasped Thomas’ hand in a firm shake, his relief evident. “This is the third report of raids this week. The bandits are getting bolder. We need to do something now, before any of our people get hurt.”

“I agree,” Thomas said. He took a seat in front of the mayor’s desk. He paused for a moment. “What do we know about these bandits anyway?”

The mayor rubbed his eyes. “Not much, I’m afraid. Just rumors. They began as a small group of misfits run out of their own city. They took to the hills and started stealing from outlying homes to survive. As time passed, they were joined by others who figured there was safety in numbers. The larger they grew, the bolder they got until the city was forced to send out the militia.

“It’s said,” the mayor stepped over to peer out the window, “that rather than be captured, they moved on. I guess they just keep moving, staying one step ahead of troops sent to drive them off.”

“Just in case,” the mayor came away from the window and sat on the corner of his desk. “I’ve sent word to Hiram, the captain of the militia. He should be here soon. I thought it best we consider this option right now. Maybe we can prompt these bandits to move on and leave us alone.”

Thomas blanched.

“Are you sure? I mean, I hate to just pass this problem on. Besides, we’ve never had to use the militia before. The men . . . They’re merchants and farmers, not soldiers. Someone’s bound to get hurt — or even killed.”

“But what other choice do we have?” the mayor said. “If we don’t drive them off, they’ll stay here and ransack our homes. In the last raid, they held Benjamin Wilk’s family at gunpoint! Before, they only ranged through barns, or fields, when no one was around. Now they’re getting desperate.”

The mayor shook his head. “No, if we don’t act now, someone’ll get killed anyway. And I won’t wait for that! At least sending out the militia is better than waiting for them to come after us. Heavens Thomas! Waiting puts our wives and children at risk.”

The mayor sighed and strode around the desk. Thomas knew the mayor wasn’t irritated at him, just the situation. But there must be something else they could do. Something which wouldn’t put anyone at risk. He just knew it.

“Mr. Mayor, I don’t have any other alternatives to suggest right now, but I don’t think calling out the militia is the answer.”

He raised his hand to forestall the mayor’s objections. “I do, however, support your preparing the militia. Just in case. Using the militia only passes the problem on to another town — and still carries risk to the fathers and husbands who serve.”

“If there’s another solution,” the mayor said, “I’d be happy to hear it.”

Thomas rose to his feet. “All I ask is that we take time to consider all our options.”

The mayor nodded. “But we can’t wait more than a couple of days to decide, though. If we don’t have any other alternatives by then, I’m going to have to ask for the council’s support in using the militia. I won’t wait for them to come after us. I just won’t do it!”

“I know,” Thomas said. “And thanks for your time, Mr. Mayor.”

“Come on Thomas,” the mayor reached out and squeezed his shoulder. “We’ll come out okay.”
Thomas nodded agreement he didn’t feel.

On the way home, Thomas pondered over the problem. He understood the mayor’s concern. The last raid had struck a nerve. A family held at gunpoint in their own home . . . He could only imagine how frightened Ben had been for his wife and kids. If he were in a similar situation, he’d do anything to keep Sarah safe.

And that’s exactly what the mayor is thinking.

Sarah met him at the door. She knew something was wrong.

“How was your meeting?”

“Not well, I’m afraid. The mayor has decided to call out the militia and send the bandits packing.”

“But he can’t . . . Someone’ll get hurt — or even killed.”

“My words exactly,” Thomas said. “Not to mention the fact sending out the militia won’t solve the problem, only pass it on to the next town.”

Thomas hung his coat on the hook and sat. Sarah joined him.

“I just know there’s another way to handle this. A way that won’t put any people at risk.”
He stood and started pacing. “The answer’s there somewhere. I just know it.”

Sarah watched, helpless. Then a thought sprang to her mind.

“Remember what we talked about . . . It was two years ago? You know . . . when we first had the children in to visit? You told me the best way to get rid of an enemy is to make him your friend.”

Thomas froze.

“That’s it! That’s the answer! What we need to do!”

He wrapped Sarah in a hug, then rushed to the door.

“Where are you going?”

“I’ve got to go,” Thomas grabbed his hat. “I need to gather the council. I need to meet with the mayor!”

Thomas opened the door, hesitated, caught in the middle of a thought. He turned to Sarah’s confused expression. “I think you need to come too.”

He snatched Sarah’s coat off the hook. “It’ll probably take both of us to convince them.”

“Convince them of what?”

On the way, Thomas outlined his plan.

“You can’t mean it!” Sarah blurted. “It’s too dangerous! You’re too old!”

Chapter 13

Several days later . . .

“Well Thomas,” the mayor used his official voice, loud enough for everyone in the square to hear. “Everything is finally ready.” Then in a lower voice for Thomas, “You still want to do this?”

Thomas looked over at Sarah. He hesitated until he caught her brave smile and nod.

“…I’m ready. Remember to give me at least two weeks. And keep the food drops stocked. That should stop the raids — and help us with the bandits.”

Thomas hefted his pack over one shoulder, then took Sarah in an embrace. He held her tight, giving and drawing strength at once. He realized this may be their last moment together.

He forced that thought aside, then dabbed one of her tears with his finger, fighting to hold back his own. He kissed her, squeezed her arm, then made his way through the quiet crowd.
People reached out to touch him, or pat him on the back in silent, awkward encouragement.
A few men, who’d requested to come along, stood at the edge of the crowd, waiting. They’d argued fiercely against his going alone, but in the end, Thomas won out. Only one life would be risked, and it would be his. They grasped his hand, saying nothing, their eyes saying what words couldn’t express.

The stillness of the crowd was unnerving, yet appropriate. They watched Thomas leave.

Chapter 14

Outside town, Thomas turned up the path he’d chosen to follow into the mountain. The last time he’d passed this way, it was after his dream. The dream that had forever changed his life. Taking in the great beauty as he walked, he remembered the new joy he’d experienced along this way. He wondered if something similar would happen this time.

How could men be so cruel when surrounded by such wonder?

“Hold Mister!” Thomas jumped, raising his walking stick in defense. He’d been surrounded by a group of gaunt men. They circled warily, holding off.

“Who’s your leader?” Thomas asked, looking at each man, trying pick him out.

The men were garbed in rags, a nervous desperation in their eyes. They carried clubs… And yes, knives strapped to their legs.

There was no answer to his question. Just circling, waiting…

Thomas looked at each man again. Beads of perspiration had formed on his forehead. He decided his best option for surviving this would be a quick, and hopefully painless, surrender. He mustered his courage with a deep breath, stood tall, then threw down his stick.

The men were surprised and jumped back.

“I’ve come to speak with your leader,” Thomas boomed. “Will you take me to him? I have a message from the town.”

The men, confused, acted like they didn’t know what to do.

A low, mocking laughter broke the silence. Thomas turned in its direction.

“You are in no position to ask anything.”

The speaker stepped from behind the thick foliage bordering the trail. The man was tall, had shiny black hair, and chiseled countenance. He was handsome except for dark, scowling eyes. Those eyes… they troubled Thomas.

“Who are you?” Thomas asked.

“I ask the questions, not answer them,” the man said. “Who are you, and what are you doing out here?”

“Who I am isn’t important. I have a message to be delivered to your leader.”

“I am the leader. Give it here.” The man held out his hand.

The men surrounding Thomas glanced at their supposed leader, they looked back and forth at each other, acting like they didn’t understand what was going on.

Thomas knew. The dark man was lying.

“The message is only for your real leader. And I carry it here,” Thomas pointed to his head. “No one hears it but him. I’m sure he’d be very disappointed if he didn’t get it.”

“You’re pretty bold,” the dark man said. “You’d better watch your tongue, or you’re liable to have it cut out.”

Thomas wouldn’t have put it past him, but he held his ground, staring back into his eyes. Silence was his only weapon.

The man broke from Thomas’ stare, and looked at the expectant faces of his men.

“Your message better be important or you won’t survive the consequences.”

If this man was an example of what he was up against, Thomas had an idea he may not survive anyway.

Now why did I think that? Thomas wondered. I don’t even know him. But there was something, something Thomas couldn’t perceive, which made him very uncomfortable with the man.

The man gestured two men to lead the way. As soon as Thomas turned to follow, he heard a dull thud! A sudden flash of pain lanced through the back of his head, and everything went dark.

Laughing, the dark man stood over Thomas’ unconscious form.

“I’ll take you to Zim, but you’ll go my way.” He replaced the small club at his hip, then directed his men to search and strip their captive. “No one makes a fool of me!”

Chapter 15

Thomas awoke. It was pitch black. He lay naked, face down on the cold, damp ground.
Where am I? What’s going on?

Pain seared through his skull as he tried to roll over. He slowly remembered what had happened.

At least I’m not dead.

He sat up, massaging the back of his neck and gently touched the lump on the back of his head. It seared with pain.

He looked around. He couldn’t see a thing, much less make out what kind of cell he was in. He struggled to his feet then moved across the dirt floor. He held his hands out, feeling his way, until he came in contact with a rough stone surface. He followed the line of the wall to his right until he was certain he’d walked completely around in a circle without feeling any doorway. He guessed they’d dumped him into some kind of pit. Whether they had just left him there to die, or would fetch him later, he didn’t know.

The stiffness eased with movement so Thomas decided to explore his surroundings. If abandoned, he’d need to find a way out. If not, it’d still pay to know what sort of prison he was in.

Down on his hands and knees, he moved forward, his hands stretched out in front. He didn’t want to fall into another pit hidden in the dark.

His hands brushed against something soft. He reached out further, passing his hands over the material until he was certain what it was.

Clothing! His clothing! At least someone out there hadn’t wanted him to stay naked.
He struggled back into his clothing, feeling a little less vulnerable. Then he heard the faint sound of voices. He drew as close as he could against one wall. He’d learned his lesson. No way was he going to let anyone come from behind.

He listened as the voices grew louder. A faint flickering of light began to penetrate the darkness.

The light grew brighter until a torch was thrust over the side of the pit twelve or so feet above where Thomas stood. He hugged the wall beneath, staying hidden as long as possible.

A face peered out over the edge.

“Old Man, we know you’re there. We’ve been sent to fetch you. Zim wouldn’t like it if you kept him waiting.”

Thomas hesitated, then stepped out from the wall. It took a moment for them to see him in the dim light, but then they threw down a rope.

“Climb the rope. And don’t try anything stupid, or we’ll put you back down and forget about you.”

Thomas began the climb. He wasn’t as young as he used to be, but knots had been tied into the rope for handholds. Finally, he was pulled up over the edge by two other guards.

“Follow me, and no talking!”

That suited Thomas. He was so out of breath from the climb, he doubted he could say anything anyway.

The bright morning sunlight blinded Thomas as they emerged from a cave set high in a cliff face. A camp sprawled below. Tent tops dotted the wispy grass of a high mountain meadow. The meadow was large. Thomas estimated it stretched more than half the area of the town.
This must be on the back side of the mountain. The town side is too steep for a clearing like this.

Wisps of smoke rose from a communal campfire he saw far to the left of the meadow where rock escarpments provided shelter from the wind. Smaller fires burned in a few places among the many worn and patched tents he passed. Above rose the rocky crag of mountain’s highest peak. It’s jutting baldness seemed so close, so immense at this distance.

The meadow was broken at various distances by large outcroppings of rocks. On each rocky crag, an armed man stood watch.

This isn’t just a camp, it’s a whole settlement.

People stopped their activities to stare as they moved through camp, their blank expressions troubled him. Everything was silent, subdued. Even the children were hushed, as if afraid any sound would bring immediate peril.

These aren’t bandits, they’re refugees!

At the far end of the camp, his escort stopped in front of what appeared to be the largest of the tents. It was set against a ring of trees, marking the end of the meadow. A large boulder, about knee high to Thomas, sat next to the entrance. He assumed that’s where people sat while waiting.

“Wait here!” confirmed the guard. “Zim will send for you when he’s ready.” His escorts all moved into the tent.

He strained his ears, but couldn’t hear anything within.
He took a seat on the rock. After a minute or two a few curious children gathered to look him over.

He smiled.

There was no response. No change in the children’s expressions. He’d never seen anything like it.

Trying something different, Thomas crouched down and rubbed a patch of dirt smooth. He picked up a stick and drew two vertical lines intersected by two horizontal lines. In the center box formed by the lines, Thomas drew an “X”.

With the most winning smile he could manage, he held the stick out to the oldest boy, raising his eyebrows in silent challenge.

The lad took the proffered stick, looked at the marks in the dirt, then back at Thomas. After a time of silent scrutiny, he placed the tip of the stick in one of the boxes and crudely scratched an “O”. The stick was passed back to Thomas for his next move…

Thomas was grateful he wasn’t called in right away. It wasn’t long before he had a growing number of children laughing and playing at his feet. He felt much better. Playing with children always raised his spirits — and it gave him a chance to show he meant no harm.

A timid little girl came close, presenting a soiled straw doll for his inspection. Looking and displaying great interest in her doll, he coaxed a bright smile from her tiny smudged features. He gathered her into his lap where she snuggled close, blissfully drinking in his comforting presence.

The rest of the children, having taken over the game, played happily among themselves at his feet.

Chapter 16

“Zim will see you now!” The booming voice of the guard startled the children. They scampered off in all directions. The guard had come out of the tent to find Thomas enthralling the children in a fantastic story. At first, the guard’s features had grown tender. Such a scene was all too scarce in this forsaken camp. Then his discipline took over. This man was a stranger! He shouldn’t be allowed anywhere near the children!

Watching the children run off, Thomas rose to his feet. He smiled in silent apology for any wrong he’d committed. The guard’s features softened again as he glimpsed a small girl turning to wave goodbye to Thomas just before darting around a tent.

He held open the flap and pointed for Thomas to step inside.

The first chamber of the tent was lit by lamps hanging from support poles. It was bleak and small, obviously used as a waiting room. The first chamber led into the next, a larger room where a group of men sat around a rough hewn rectangular table. At the head, opposite him, sat a middle aged man with straight dark hair with subtle touches of grey at the sides. His cheeks were sharp and full, but his grey eyes were drawn and hollow. Lines of worry made him look as if he were carrying the wisdom of hard experience. He looked tired. Sad and tired.
The black haired man who’d captured Thomas stood behind. He flashed a satisfied grin as Thomas entered.

“Here is the man I captured,” the dark man announced. “He claims to have a message he can give only to you, Zim.” He spoke to the man seated at the head of the table.

Thomas looked at Zim, inclining his head in greeting.

“Welcome to our camp,” Zim said. His voice was deep, but not harsh. “I apologize for the way you arrived, but I’m sure you can appreciate our need for secrecy. It’s not our intent to cause harm.”

Thomas nodded.

“Give us your message old man.” the dark man blurted.

“Lobo,” Zim turned, fixing the man with a stern glare. “Remember, I conduct here. You are only a guest at this council.”

So the man’s name is Lobo, Thomas thought. I once had a dog with that name… It suits him… Thomas allowed a slight smile to touch his lips.

Lobo’s face flushed red.

“Now,” Zim turned back to Thomas. “I’d like to hear your message. It must be important, for you to risk coming out here among us outlaws.” Thomas noted the irony in his voice.

“I can see you haven’t chosen this life, sir,” Thomas said. “I want you to know, I come as a friend — a friend with an invitation from the village you’ve been recently… visiting.”

“Oh really,” Zim’s eyebrows rose. “What sort of invitation?”

“An invitation to join us,” Thomas answered.

Silence. The men seated at the table looked at one another.

“What do you mean?” one asked.

“I carry an invitation from my people for you to come down into the valley — to join us. To live among us as friends.”

“Is this a joke?” the man asked.

“I told you he was no real messenger,” Lobo came around the table and took hold of Thomas’ arm. “He’s just a crazy old man who wandered too far from town and lied to save his skin. Let me take him away.”

Thomas broke from his grasp and pushed Lobo aside. Lobo tripped on a rumpled rug and went down.

“I can prove it!” Thomas said.

Lobo sprang to his feet, eyes fierce, fists clenched.

“Hold!” Zim boomed. “Don’t move Lobo, or I’ll throw you into the pit.”

Lobo, holding back, glared at Thomas with narrowed eyes.

“You said you could prove you’re speaking for the town,” Zim said. “What proof do you offer?”

“First, let me explain our invitation. Then I’ll prove we’re sincere.”

“You’re curious, but brave. You’ve earned a hearing.” Zim glanced around the table, each man nodded assent. “Proceed.”

“Thank you,” Thomas straightened his clothing. “We don’t know much about you. All we’ve heard are rumors — rumors which are seldom to be trusted. We’d really like to welcome you as friends, rather than enemies. If you want to be our enemy, you’ll have to earn that distinction for yourselves.”

Thomas noticed the men looking at each other around the table. They appeared surprised. They were curious. It looked like no one had ever tried to understand them. Only judge them.

“My friends, I’m really not much with flowery words. Please let me just speak plainly how we feel.”

Zim nodded.

“I can tell from your camp you don’t relish living as you do — being constantly on the run, always fearing for your lives. It isn’t right that you or your children live this way.

“You haven’t harmed anyone, and you’ve only taken food and clothing, not valuables; things only people concerned with survival would take. You’re really not bandits, are you?”
Silence met his question, but Thomas knew he was right.

“There’s plenty of good land in our valley. We’ll give you some–”

“You’d just give us land? Are you serious?” Zim hesitated a bit. “Why would you do this?”

“You’ll find my people are different than most.” Thomas smiled. “They’re not so concerned with possessions that they can’t give a lift to someone in need. Besides, the land you’ll get hasn’t been used in years. It isn’t our best, but it’s workable. And it’ll give you a place of your own.”
“It’s a trick!” Lobo snarled. “They only want us down where they can fight!”

“You mentioned you had proof.” Zim cut Lobo off with an icy stare.

“I do. To prove our sincerity, we’ve set out food and provisions. You can have all you need while you make up your minds what to do.”

“That’s not proof!” Lobo said. “He doesn’t speak for anyone but himself! Let me kill him now and be done with it.”

“No killing!” Zim pounded the table. “We don’t kill! We only take what we must until we find our own place again.”

Zim stood and squared off against Lobo.

“We allowed you and your men to join us only if you agreed to follow our ways. If you do not honor this, you will leave!”

Lobo looked around the table for any support. He found none. He was silent, appearing to debate within himself, then. “No,” his voice was low. “We will honor the agreement.”

Not satisfied, Zim continued to glare.

“We’ve had enough of your outbursts, you will leave this meeting… Now!”

Lobo flinched like he’d been struck. Then glaring between Thomas and Zim, he stalked out.
With Lobo gone, Zim sat again, taking a deep breath. “As much as I hate to admit it, Lobo has a point. Please understand our caution…”

“No need to explain,” Thomas said. He looked around the table. “By the way, let me introduce myself, My name is Thomas, Thomas Saxton.”

“Yes, Thomas.” Zim nodded.

“You said something about food…” another at the table spoke up. He was a young man, the youngest at the table.

These people must be starving! Thomas thought. “Yes, we’ve put some food out for you to find. I’ll tell you where it is.”

The men turned to Zim.

“Prepare a small group to gather the food,” Zim said after a brief pause. “We still have much to consider. And…” he inclined his head toward Thomas, “We must be cautious.”

Zim rose, came around the table and clasped hands with Thomas.

An invisible pulse of energy flashed. A fire lanced up Zim’s arm igniting in his heart, then sending a calm throughout his body. It happened in the briefest of instants, but Zim felt the slight jolt, then wondered if he’d imagined it. He looked at Thomas.

Thomas shrugged, his smile growing.

The burning continued to grow, pulsing with waves of comforting warmth. Zim knew he should be alarmed, but he wasn’t. He wasn’t even sure any of it was really happening. It felt good, all bright and tingly. He hadn’t felt this way since… Since he was home.

“Thank you, Thomas,” Zim gave a slight shudder, recovering. “You’ve offered us some hope, but forgive us if we move slowly. We’ve not been able to trust anyone before, but perhaps it will be different with your people.”

Chapter 17

“Zim, come quick! They’ve brought the supplies!”

Zim stood and followed the messenger out into the mid-day sun.

“Bring Thomas to the gathering area,” He directed to a guard, then turned to one of his counselors. “Have the supplies taken there, and spread the word to gather.”

The counselor moved off and Zim walked with the others to the gathering area.

The gathering area was a wide sloping hillside just down from the camp. It was a natural amphitheater covered with mountain grasses for soft seating. At the bottom of the slope was a level clearing from which the leaders could address the gathering.

Word spread. The people dropped whatever they’d been doing and came. Thomas was brought and escorted down to the level. Zim inclined his head in greeting as Thomas came to stand beside him.

The last to arrive was the scouting party, burdened with supplies left at the drop point. They stopped at the outer fringes of the slope until people parted to let them through. They were tired, having traveled all night to return, but they had an air of excitement. Some nearest the party offered to help, but they refused, and continued down to the central clearing.

Space was made and the supplies were placed on the ground in front of Zim and his counselors.
Thomas was nervous. He looked over the people. Their faces radiated hope at having fresh food and clothing, yet there was still uncertainty. They were waiting for Zim. They’d been driven out so much, having something good happen wasn’t to be trusted outright. Thomas also knew Lobo had been circulating, telling everyone it was a trap; that people of the lowlands wanted to capture them, and make them slaves.

The leader of the scouting party stepped forward to make his report.

“How’d you fare, Samuel?” Zim asked.

“The supplies were there, just like we were told. But we waited before coming out, just in case… After a bit, we gathered everything up and came straight back.”

“You didn’t see anyone then?” Zim asked.

“Well, not really…” Samuel brushed his hair back from his brow. “A farmer did happened along as we were gathering everything up. I think we surprised him more than he did us.”

“What happened?”

Samuel chuckled “Well, after we’d both recovered, he introduced himself and apologized for coming up on us. He said that he’d been told the place was off limits, but it was so much shorter for him to reach his other fields this way he didn’t think one man would matter.”

“Was there anything you didn’t sense was right? I mean, did he ask you anything about our people, where we were, how many of us there were, anything like that?”

“Nope,” Samuel answered. “But he did offer to lend us a pack horse. I wish we’d have taken him up on it. That mountain is steep!” He put his foot on one of the packs and leaned on the one knee.

“I think these folks are being square with us. I think everything’s okay.”

“Thanks.” Zim said. “And our thanks to all of you.” He nodded to the men who’d made the trip. “Why don’t you all lay low for a day or so, you’ve made a hard and fast trip.”

“There were a lot more supplies than I thought there’d be,” Samuel straightened. “The people below appear to be pretty generous.”

“And this is only the beginning, if you’ll let us continue,” Thomas moved forward. “My people will send up whatever you need until you’ve decided what to do.”

Zim hesitated, then turned to one of his counselors. Everyone waited.

“Zephram, could you see that everything is distributed fairly. No sense in letting the supplies gather dust.”

Excitement passed through the gathering. People pressed forward.

“Wait! Hold!” Lobo moved forward from where he’d been standing. “Are you sure this is a good idea? We haven’t decided to trust these people have we?” Lobo’s voice grated in Zim’s ears.

“Nothing’s been decided yet,” Zim answered, keeping his tone low and reasonable. “But I can see no reason why we shouldn’t put the supplies to use.”

“But I don’t think that’s such a good idea,” Lobo pressed. “If we fall for this, we’ll become dependent and sucked into their trap. I think we should wait, send some scouts down into the valley and see what their real plan is. For all we know, the food could be poisoned!”

“Poison!” People shrunk back.

“It’s okay!” Thomas raised his hands. “I’ll be the first to taste anything if you have any doubts. My people wouldn’t do that!” He turned to Lobo. “We’d have nothing to gain. We’re trying to help!”

“I think it’s okay,” Samuel interrupted. “Nothing was tampered with. We watched the town for a long time before picking things up. We didn’t see anything suspicious.” Samuel eyed Lobo. It was plain he didn’t trust him either.

“I just don’t want us to make a mistake,” Lobo said, affecting an innocent look. “We’d be easy prey the moment we set foot out of these mountains.”

“Continue the dispersement,” Zim directed. The people moved forward again, but slower now, uncertain.

Turning to Lobo, Zim spoke in a subdued angry hiss. “I’ll remind you to bring your concerns to the council. All these matters were considered, and you know it!”

“I don’t trust him!” Lobo pointed at Thomas.

“I don’t know what I’ve done to get you mad, friend –”

“I’m not your friend!” Lobo jabbed a finger at Thomas. “I don’t like you, nor do I trust your people!”

“Enough!” Zim commanded. “There’ll be no argument. There’s plenty of time to determine trust later. For now, we have fresh supplies to disperse and people to care for.

“We also need to remember,” Zim continued. “It is we who are the outsiders here.”

Zim turned to Thomas. “If you’ll give your word you won’t leave, I’ll grant you free reign of this camp. You’re not our hostage,” He eyed Lobo, his meaning clear.

“We just want to make certain we’re not discovered before we’re ready.”

“You have my word.” Thomas said. “And the first thing I’ll do, with your permission of course, is make a list for the next load of supplies… And perhaps I can add a note, just to let my wife know I’m okay?”

Zim nodded.

“Thank You!” Thomas breathed a sigh of relief. “Thank you.”

Chapter 18

“Blast it all!” Will kicked at a clump of rocks. “I’ll never get this pole straitened.”

“But we need it.” Millie said. She sat next to their slumped tent, trying to hold it up, and calm their fussing baby at the same time. “I can’t hold this much longer, and the other poles are bending.”

“I know, I know, but I’ve already tried to straighten this thing out a dozen times. I’m afraid if I put more pressure on it, it’ll snap. And there’s no more poles in camp. I checked.

“Couldn’t you just try it one more time?” Millie raised her voice above the crying child.
“I’m doing all I can!” Will snapped.

“Perhaps I can help…”

Both jerked around to the sound of Thomas’ voice. He’d come so quietly they hadn’t noticed.

“I’m sorry to eavesdrop,” Thomas said. “I was out visiting and I heard the baby fussing. I stopped over to see if there’s anything I can do to help.”

“We’re fine!” Will answered.

The baby squealed. Millie tried to comfort and shush the little girl while still holding the tent up. She showed the strain.

“Please. Down in the valley I’m a smith. I can help with that pole.”

Will glanced at Millie.

“I’m no tent maker,” Thomas continued. “But I do know metal. I know an easier way to straighten that pole without breaking it.”

Sighing, Will nodded. “Okay. I do need help, but I don’t have anything to pay…”

“No payment is necessary.” Thomas walked forward extending his hand. “My name’s Thomas.”
“Will,” he answered and took Thomas’ proffered hand.

A subtle spark of energy passed between them. It was such a slight jolt, Will didn’t feel anything. But it was there.

He paused, cocking his head, looking at Thomas. His eyes narrowed, then gestured to Millie who was still trying to quiet their child. “This is Millie, and our daughter, Tysa.”

Millie looked up pursing her lips in a brief, terse smile.

“Thomas…” Will leaned on the pole he’d been working on. “Aren’t you the man from down in the valley? The one who brought the food and clothing?”

“Well,” Thomas hesitated. “I didn’t bring it, exactly, we put it out for your people to find. But the supplies are a gift; a way to show we mean you no harm. We only want to help.”

Millie jostled little Tysa into a more comfortable position. “I’ve heard the townspeople have invited us to come down and live with them. Is that true?”

“Yes, it’s true,” Thomas answered. “May I?”

He stepped over and held out his hands for the fussing baby. “Some people say I have a way with children.”

Millie hesitated, glancing at Will for help. She didn’t want a stranger to hold her baby. He nodded to go ahead. She was confused. She glanced at Will again.

“It’s okay, Millie. I think we can trust Thomas.”

Her eyes widened, but then let Thomas take Tysa.

“There you go, little Tysa,” Thomas soothed, cradling her in his arms. “Calm down little one, everything is going to be fine, just fine.”

The baby coughed, she cried a few more breaths, then stopped! She stared up at Thomas with bright blue eyes and began cooing. Will and Millie were stunned.

“How did you do that?” Millie said. “She’s been crying for hours!”

“I don’t know,” Thomas shrugged. “Maybe it’s the novelty of seeing such an old, grizzled face.”

“I don’t think so,” Will said. “I get the feeling you have a calming affect on a lot of people.”
Millie glanced at Will again. What had gotten into him?

Thomas’ face colored with embarrassment. “That’s really nice of you to say. Now about that pole of yours…” he changed the subject.

“The first thing we need to do is build a small fire so we can heat the metal a bit. It’ll make it more flexible…”

Will and Millie questioned him about his people as he helped straighten the pole, .
“Would you really just give us land?” Will asked.

“Yes. It’s not our best, and it won’t be easy, but at least it’s a place you can settle, and call your own. It’d be your new home.”

“Home,” Millie sighed. “What a wonderful word.”

Chapter 19

“Excuse me, ladies,” Thomas set down the heavy canvas bag with a clank. All the women turned from working over the cooking pots. The communal pits were set on the far side of camp, in a clearing next to a tall rock escarpment that rose up from the meadow floor. It shielded from the wind, and provided shade in the late afternoon. The assigned women did all the cooking for the camp. This helped maintain a social atmosphere — something vitally important for the morale of the people — and, more important, helped stretch short supplies.
“I’m sorry to interrupt,” Thomas wiped his brow. “Zim told me to speak with Mavie about the new supplies. They just arrived and I wanted to bring them by.”

The women remained silent, looking at Thomas, then each other. They appeared pleased, but none spoke.

Thomas wondered. He’d made sure to speak with as many women as he could. He knew what the women needed, and his people had responded well. New pots, pans, and dishes filled the heavy bag. Thomas also had his tools sent so he could repair the larger cracked and rusted pots.

“Is Mavie here?” he asked.

Still silence. Several of the women looked away, making themselves busy again.

“I’m here,” a thin elderly woman finally spoke up. The women moved aside so Thomas could see her better. She was huddled over a large cooking pot, stirring the contents. She didn’t look up as she continued, “But I don’t wish to speak with you.”

“But I’ve brought fresh cooking utensils… I think you’ll at least want to look at what’s been sent.”

“Then you think too much, sir!” Mavie raised to face Thomas. “We’ve no need of your charity.”

Mavie was a small wiry woman, grey and frail, but Thomas could tell by her stance, she was tough — toughened by circumstance. She wore a drab grey patched dress covered by a course brown apron. Her wispy hair hung semi-neatly almost to her shoulder. Her eyes were a fierce brown that pierced out from sharp cheekbones. She stooped slightly, but carried such a bearing that none could fail to pick her out as a leader.

She’d been the Head Woman for many years. Even Zim deferred to her judgement — when it was offered.

Although they’d never met, Thomas had heard of her. She and her people — this whole settlement — had been driven from their homes by their supposed neighbors. They were driven out because they were different, a different culture with different beliefs. Their greedy neighbors, seeing what their collective industry had gathered, grew jealous, and intimidated. They’d seized their property, and forced them out at gunpoint. At each place they traveled to, they were spurned and taken advantage of. Finally it was more than they could take. They decided to start taking what they needed, if only to survive, until they could find a new place. A place far from any others. A place where they could be left alone to live as they saw fit.

Mavie and her husband had decided to stay and fight…

It was the charity of a neighbor, checking on others before leaving to join with the rest, who foundMavie and nursed her back to health. Since then, Mavie had been sullen, indrawn, a dark shadow of her former self. She did her duty with cold efficiency, and made sure others pulled their weight, but none could spark anything back into what had once been a great woman.
“But this isn’t charity,” Thomas argued. “It’s a gift –”

“Call it what you will,” Mavie gestured for the women to go back about their work. “It’s still charity to me. Charity weakens. And one thing my people don’t need right now is weakness. No, sir, we’ve done fine so far, and we’ll continue to get by without your help. Good day!”
Mavie turned back to her work.

Thomas just stood there, wondering. He was at a loss. He thought they’d be overjoyed to get the supplies. Maybe he could pass out the utensils anyway — in spite of Mavie. He’d seen the looks in the eyes of the women. He knew they’d accept… But that wouldn’t be right either.

Occasionally, some of the women would glance in his direction, eyeing the great canvass bag filled with things which would make their lives so much easier. Yet, they couldn’t, or wouldn’t, cross Mavie’s judgement. They had respect, and some fear, of Mavie.

Seeing nothing else he could do, Thomas gathered up the sack, slung it across his back, and started back towards his tent.

“Wait a minute!”

Thomas turned.

“Mavie,” a woman had taken her by the hand. “We need those supplies. There must be some way we could accept without it being charity.”

Thomas moved closer to the cook fires and set the big bag down again. The other women gathered around, hopeful.

“There is no way I would accept anything of an outsider!” Mavie looked directly at

Thomas. “Have you women forgotten how we were treated? Have you forgotten so soon how strangers stripped you of everything you own, then cast you out to die?

“Have you forgotten your children’s hungry faces? The desperate look in your man’s eyes? Have you forgotten so soon how you’ve been driven from place to place without any mercy!”
“No,” Mavie stepped forward to stand in front of Thomas. “I haven’t forgotten! I haven’t forgotten how I was forced to watch as a mob beat my husband. I haven’t forgotten how they laughed as I plead for his life, then slowly killed him.”

Then Mavie’s voice fell low and ice cold. “Nor have I forgotten how they treated me after…” Mavie shuddered.

“I will never forget! I will never forgive! And I, most certainly, will never allow anything like that happen to me again!”

The air was still and silent. No one dared speak. No one moved.

Finally, Mavie spoke, a deep sigh racked her small frame. “I’ve said my peace. I hold no grudge against you, sir,” she waved her hand at Thomas, “but with what I’ve been through — what we’ve all been through,” she looked around at the other women. “We are not a people who can stand any more heartbreak. Nor can we afford to let down our guard.”

Thomas looked at Mavie, then at the others. He’d met many of them, seen their children, and spoken with their husbands. He’d felt their despair, and knew of their hardships, but it hadn’t seemed real to him, the great suffering these people had gone through, until now.

“I can’t possibly say anything to take away your pain,” Thomas said, his voice soft. “All I can say is that my people are different. But you can only take my word for it. There’s nothing I can say that would prove any different.

“And after all you’ve been through, I can’t ask you to trust me just because I said so.”
Thomas stepped back a pace and bowed.

“I won’t ask you to accept any charity. It would be demeaning to one such as yourself. Please accept my apology for offering it.”

Mavie stared at Thomas, her eyebrows furrowed as if trying to divine some sinister purpose in him. It was as if she was surprised he wasn’t trying harder to convince her she was wrong, to convince her his people were different. Yet she felt something was different about this man. It was something she couldn’t describe, but it was there just the same.

“Thank you for understanding,” she said.

Again Thomas bowed.

He gathered up the heavy sack of wares, slung it across his back, and walked down the trail.
Mavie watched, thinking.

Something good is happening here. I can feel it. I don’t know why, but I shouldn’t let this moment pass.

“Wait!” she cried.

Thomas turned.

“Maybe there’s something we can work out.”

Thomas came back.

“I will not accept any charity!” she stated, glancing at the women, “but perhaps we have something we can exchange in trade. My people are known for their craftsmanship…”
“Yes! Bartering.” Thomas sat down the heavy sack and pulled it open for the women to see. It was filled with pans, skillets, pots, dishes, and cups — things the camp desperately lacked.
A flutter of excitement spread.

“Back to work, all of you!” Mavie waved her hands. “Leave the bargaining to me. I’ll see they’re distributed fairly. Now go on. Back to your chores!”

The women sprang back to their assigned tasks, and Mavie scowled at their good humor.

“Permit me to introduce myself,” Thomas held out his hand. “My name is Thomas –”

“I know who you are.” She ignored the proffered hand. This went against her better judgement, but she was doing it for the good of her people. It was true, they needed those supplies, but to keep her own peace of mind, she had to make sure the supplies were received on her terms.

“Let’s look at what you’ve brought.”

Thomas held open the sack and allowed Mavie to dig through and place the wares on the ground. After her inspection, the bargaining began.

Thomas didn’t haggle or set any prices. He allowed Mavie to have her say in what she would pay for each item. She insisted on paying what she felt was a fair price, and wouldn’t pay a bit less.

Although the items of handiwork she proposed in trade were not yet made, she assured Thomas that she, personally, would see to it the goods were finished and delivered as payment.
She then had a women come over with writing materials to make a record, and a copy given to Thomas.

When all was concluded, they stood.

“There’s just one more thing we need to discuss,” Thomas said.

Mavie raised her eyebrows.

“I’ve noticed your kettles and larger pots need some repair. I had the town send up some of my tools. I’m a blacksmith.” Thomas took off his hat and held it in his hands.

“With some make shift bellows, I can do some of the repairs you’ll need.”

Mavie remained silent.

“I know you’ll not accept my work as a gift, no matter how much I want to give it to you. I also know, you’ll want to pay me for my services.”

“Yes, you know all this,” Mavie said. “Out with it now, what is it you’re getting at.”
“Well,” Thomas hesitated. “I let you set the prices on all the other goods without any argument. Now for my services, I want your agreement that you’ll let me set the price without any of your argument.”

Mavie pursed her lips.

“I’ll be fair, but you’re going to have to trust me.”

“Trust!” Mavie’s anger ignited. “After what I’ve been through, you can even think of asking me to trust you?”

“You’ll have to if you want your pots repaired.” Thomas tried to keep his voice low, soothing.
Mavie stewed. She looked back at the rusted and cracked kettles the women were working with. She drew a deep breath.

This man only appeared to be agreeable. Now he has me right where he wants me!
During the bargaining, she hadn’t sensed anything bad. Just the opposite, in fact. She’d sensed she could trust him, and that he did care about her people. But she shouldn’t have trusted her feelings! Feelings could be wrong! She’d already gone too far in dealing with this man. Yet she was stuck.

“What’s your price?”

“You first have to agree that you’ll pay,” Thomas pressed. “Remember I didn’t give you any argument when you set the price for our goods.”

Mavie squinted at Thomas, as if trying to see inside his soul. He had a slight smile on his face. It wasn’t malicious, nor condescending. It was a warm and kindly smile, with just a hint of childish mischief.

An old memory flashed in Mavie’s mind. She remembered many years ago, back to her childhood, something her mother had said. “Always look at a person’s smile,” she’d said. “A person can’t hide what’s in a smile.”

Now why did that come back to me just now?

She shook her head and again looked at Thomas. She could see. Thomas wasn’t trying to take advantage — at least if her mother had been right. But somehow, she sensed it would be okay. Her mother had never been wrong about those sort of things.

She breathed deep, calming her anxiety, but determined to have a safe position from which to argue if it became necessary.

“I agree,” she said. “I’ll pay your price if I think it’s fair. Otherwise I’ll not have you touch our pots.”

There was no gloating or laughing and Thomas let out an almost imperceptible sigh of relief.
“That’s fine,” Thomas agreed. “Now for my price.”

Mavie held her breath.

“To fix your pots, my price is that you give me a chance to earn your trust. I know you have good reason not to, and I don’t argue with that. I only ask that you give me a chance. A chance to show you my people are sincere. I only ask that you keep an open mind, and allow me to help — without further payment.”

Mavie was stunned.

“I know it may not seem a high price,” Thomas said. “But I know, for you, it’s the highest price I could ask. Still… it’s the only price I’ll accept.”

Mavie remained silent, an inner conflict raging.

“What do you say,” Thomas held out his hand to seal the bargain.

Mavie reached out her hand.

No! You mustn’t!

Yet she saw her hand reaching out of it’s own accord.

Wait! Stop!

Their hands clasped.

A flash of invisible energy surged. The jolt twinged Mavie. She shuddered, then calmed as there grew such a pleasant sensation within her, she blinked in wonder.

She felt the energy flashing hot through her body, settling into her breast, a warm pulsating rhythm, a tingling all over.

What’s happening?

She looked at Thomas.

He stood smiling, still holding her hand. “Are you alright?” he asked, reaching out with his other to steady her.

“I… I’m fine, I think. I just feel a little… dizzy — no -” she couldn’t describe the feeling.
The warmth in her breast began to grow and send hot, comforting waves surging to every inch of her frame. The tightness in her chest — the tightness from all the pain she’d carried with her — began to unwind. The pain began to drain, to seep out.

Panic! She had to hold on! The pain. The tightness! It was her security. It filled her. It carried her. It helped her carry on, doggedly, day after mournful day.

The tightness continued to unravel, and the pain poured away faster and faster, until she was completely drained, sagging under Thomas’ comforting support.

There was nothing left! She was nothing but a hollow, empty husk. She collapsed. Thomas caught her and held her up.

Then a spark touched off in her heart. The warmth began to change. It grew in hot waves, surging and pulsing, filling the places left empty by the pain. Coursing through the emptiness, the waves caressed her with peace… Comfort…

She couldn’t speak. She tried, but couldn’t. She breathed deeply, reveling in the feeling of being filled…

The women rushed over.

“What’s happening! What’s wrong!”

“Nothing…” Mavie gasped. “I’m alright.” Tears welled up and began to run down her cheeks. “I’m fine…” She straitened, pulling on Thomas to hold her up. Strength was surging back into her frame. “… I’m really… Fine!”

She smiled! Smiled for the first time since… Since before… She was smiling!

The women didn’t ask for any further explanation. Just seeing the change was enough. They embraced her and wept with her.

They loved her.

Chapter 20

“Go on with your story now, Nickie,” Zim urged. “There’s no need being afraid. We just want you to tell us what happened. That’s all.”

The young, tow headed boy glanced around the table at the leaders of his people. Never had such a young boy been called into Council for testimony, but then again, these were different times. Something was happening. He didn’t know what it was, but he could feel it. Everyone felt it.

His father, standing behind him, squeezed his shoulders, reminding him that people — important people — were waiting.

“Well Sir… I mean Sirs,” he looked at the other leaders in apology. “My sister and me thought it would be fun to go over to the cliffs. We wanted to see if we could see the town down in the valley that everyone’s been talking about.”

Glancing back at his father, Nickie realized he was still going to be punished for wandering so far away from camp without an adult, but he could also tell the punishment would come later. The look in his father’s eyes and the brief nod of his head told him he could continue without penalty. At least from the leaders here in Council.

“Well, Um… On our way over to the cliffs, Jeanie, my little sister, saw a little animal. She wanted to try and catch it and maybe keep it for a pet. So we chased it a little ways until it went down its hole.

“I couldn’t tell what it was, but it didn’t look like it would be mean, so I got a long stick and poked it down the hole to see if I could get it to come back out.”

Faint smiles crossed some of the men’s faces. It was typical of a nine year old who’d been penned up too long.

“I was poking the stick down the hole when I heard a loud growl, and the thing came back up the hole after us!”

There was a small cough, as one of the leaders stifled a laugh with his hand. Zim glared at the man, willing him to school his expression.

Zim gestured for the boy to continue, but not before he caught sight of a few more of his council hiding grins.

“Go on, Nickie,” his father urged.

“When the animal came back up the hole, I yelled at Jeanie to run. I dropped the stick and jumped out of the way.

“It was really mad and took out after Jeanie. It’s a good thing it couldn’t run very fast or it would have got her too.

“I was yelling for Jeanie to run over to some big rocks and climb up them really fast. She was running and screaming and crying. I didn’t know what to do, so I picked up the stick and started chasing after them.

“When I got close enough, I started hitting at it with the stick, and then it turned back around and came after me! I was pretty scared, so I turned around and started running back the other way.”

Nickie paused for a moment to catch his breath and calm down. The experience was still vivid in his young mind.

“Tell them about the man you saw,” his father prompted.

“Oh yea,” Nickie nodded. “Well I’m a pretty fast runner…” Nickie’s father squeezed his shoulders, reminding him not to brag, and to just get on with the story. “Anyway, I looked back and Jeanie was up on the big rocks, and the animal was still chasing me. It didn’t look like it would stop, so I sort of circled back around to the rocks, so I could climb up there with Jeanie.

“I made it up the rocks, and the critter just stayed at the bottom, growling something fierce. It wouldn’t go away. I must have really made it mad!

“Jeanie was still scared and crying.” Nickie bowed his head. “And… Well, I was scared… And I cried a little too… Until this man came up to see what we were crying about.”

“What did the man look like? Did you know him?” Zim asked.

“Sure,” Nickie brightened. “It was Thomas. You know, the man from down in the valley?”

Zim nodded. Thomas was supposed to stay in the camp! He’d better speak to him about it. It wouldn’t do to have him leaving camp this way. Not now.

“It was really neat!” Nickie continued. “He came up behind the animal and started talking really soft-like. I shushed Jeanie up so we could watch. Thomas told us everything would be okay.
“I wasn’t so sure though, because as Thomas got closer, the animal turned and really growled, and acted like it was going to go after Thomas. But Thomas just kept walking closer, and talking really soft and nice to the animal.”

“I don’t know. I think he must have really been talking to the animal because after a little while, it stopped growling and laid down. Then Thomas, still talking soft, got up really close and started petting it!”

“Now that’s a might hard to believe!” one of the men at the table said. “I’ve never seen a badger do that! I mean, it must have been a badger. They’re mean. I’ve never heard of one being tamed so fast!”

Murmurs of agreement went around the table. Zim looked at Nickie’s father.

“I can’t explain it,” he said. “But Jeanie says the same thing. She says Thomas actually picked it up and carried it back to its den.”

“I was going to tell that part too!” Nickie blurted. A stern look from his father quieted him down.
“When Thomas brought the kids home, he didn’t say anything about the animal. He just mentioned he’d found the kids wandering a little too far from camp.”

Zim sat a moment, digesting this latest event. “Well,” he said finally. “We’re glad your children are safe. And thanks for telling us.”

Nickie’s father nodded. “I’m sorry for the trouble. It won’t happen again, will it Son?”

Nickie nodded and adopted a very penitent air.

“It’s okay,” Zim sighed. “We’re all getting restless. We’ll be making a decision soon… You can pass it around.”

Ben hesitated, then nodded again, a spark of hope in his eyes.

“Thank you, sir! I’ll start letting people know.”

They hurried out.

Zim looked at the expectant faces of his counselors. “I think we’ve conducted all our business for today. Let’s adjourn and think about what we’ve discussed, then meet tomorrow to plan what to do.”

The men rose and shuffled out into the early evening chill.

Zim followed, but didn’t go to supper. He needed to think. He needed to be alone for a while.
Walking through the woods deep in thought, Zim was not altogether surprised to find himself standing at the cliff edge. Dim points of light showed from the homes far below.

He saw a sentry seated on an rock outcropping just a ways up the slope. He waved in the dark, and the sentry saluted. The sentries were used to seeing him here. He came here to think. To ponder. A decision was drawing close.

What would happen if his people left the mountain, and joined the townspeople below? What were the risks? He’d been over them countless times. Could they be trusted? He sighed in the darkness. And would this really be best for his people?

Thomas, really, was their only link with the people below. Zim had watched as he’d mingled with his people. He’d seen how his people had changed. Was it Thomas? Or was it just the prospect of a possible home. No more running.

He knew Thomas was different. But shouldn’t he be more concerned about it? Shouldn’t he be worried about the affects he was having on his people?

And just what were those affects? His people seemed to have hope. Even if things didn’t work out here, they were at peace. They knew they would someday, if not now, find a place of their own. Their faith was being restored.

Zim felt it. He felt everything would be fine. He knew he should be concerned, just for caution’s sake, but he wasn’t. He couldn’t explain it, but as he thought about it, it didn’t matter. As long as he knew, on whatever level he knew, he was doing the best for his people. That’s what mattered most.

The relief of final decision washed over him.

Yes. Thomas is a man of conscience and loyalty. A man with whom we can deal honorably. Perhaps his people really are like him.

Chapter 21

“Thomas, may I speak with you a moment?”

Thomas he rose to his feet. He waved to the children he’d been playing with and followed Zim a little ways off to the side.

“I’ve been in contact with the mayor of your town,” Zim said. “I’ve received all the assurances I need that your people are as honorable as you.

“The matter has been put before my people.” He took Thomas by the elbow and began walking towards the edge of camp. “I will not decide for them something they must decide for themselves. We’ve gathered to make our decision. I thought you’d like to be here when they did.”

Rounding the final row of patched and worn tents, they came to the gathering area. It was filled with people seated on the grassy slope.

Zim gestured for Thomas to accompany him down to the central clearing.

When they reached the level, Zim turned and raised his hands for attention.

“My people, you all know why we’re gathered. We’ve come to decide whether we will accept the offer of Thomas and his people; to unite with them; or to move on, to continue our search for a land we can settle; away from any who would persecute us.”

Thomas looked out at the crowd, scarcely breathing. He saw smiles, calm features.

“Hold!” A voice boomed from the edge of the crowd. “I demand to be heard!”

Everyone turned. Lobo and his men made their way down to the level, shoving people aside who didn’t move fast enough.

Lobo faced Zim. “I demand to be the voice of opposition.”

“The time for voicing opposition has passed. You knew it, yet you made no opposition until now?”

Zim took a deep breath to keep control. He turned to the people. He must follow the law.
“Lobo has come among us at the time of decision, demanding to raise a voice of opposition. He knew his voice should have been raised during the time of consideration, yet he remained silent. I am constrained to deny him the right of speech, yet because the matter before you is so important, I will put the decision to you. Should Lobo be allowed to speak?”
Silence.

Lobo looked around at the gathering. By law, his supporters couldn’t speak. Only others could side with him.

Zim waited. Still nothing. There was only the swishing of a slight mountain breeze moving through the grass and trees.

“It appears no one is interested to hear what you have to say.”

“Then,” a smile crept over Lobo’s dark features. “I demand the right of challenge!”

Zim felt a pit opening in his stomach. This must have been what Lobo wanted all along.
Angry murmurs passed through the crowd, gathering volume.

“Away with him!” someone yelled. “Away! He cares only for himself. He doesn’t deserve such a right!”

“I demand my rights!” Lobo shouted. “I demand the right of challenge. It is the law!”

Thomas turned to Zim. “What’s happening? What is this right of challenge?”

“It means you’ve lost old man! It means I finally get to kill you!”

“You can’t kill me,” Thomas was getting angry. “A man like you spends all his strength making threats, with no courage to back them up.”

“We’ll see,” hate flashed in Lobo’s eyes. “We’ll see!”

“I accept the challenge!” Thomas shouted.

Zim spun. His mouth gaped open.

There were protests from the crowd.

“No!”

“Don’t allow this!”

“Remove Lobo! Banish him!”

Before Zim could intervene, Thomas raised his voice again.

“My friends, if you come down into the valley, you’ll agree to live by our laws. When I’m up here, I live according to your laws.

“I’ve grown to love you as my own. I also respect your laws. They are just. Although sometimes, they can be used by wicked people for their own purposes.” He glared at Lobo.

“The truth will win out, whatever the challenge!”

A loud cheer sounded across the valley, echoing back from the peaks above.

Then Thomas, turned to Zim in low tones. “What is this right of challenge anyway?”

“I wish you hadn’t made that speech. I may have been able to save you. The people are against Lobo, and they’re right. He’s only interested in himself. He cares nothing for my people. He has no right being here!”

“Zim, I meant what I said… at least, I think I did.” Thomas scratched his chin.

“Does this challenge mean Lobo and I fight to influence the decision of the people?”

“That’s what it means.”

Thomas looked out at all the people. Perhaps he’d spoken too quickly — he was kind of old, surely no match for Lobo.

He started to worry. Then…

“Tell me specifically what the law states,” Thomas kept a wary eye on Lobo. “I think I have an idea.”

Chapter 22

The people were still seated on the ground, conversing quietly. Zim paced back and forth on the level.

Lobo was gathered with his group off to one side of the level. There was a wide space between them and any others, the air between thick with animosity. Despite their laughter and bravado, they huddled together for security. Two of Lobo’s supporters had already deserted, slinking away into the crowd.

A hush fell over the gathering. Zim glanced up. All eyes turned as Thomas arrived at the top of the slope. He had retired for a time of solitude as provided for in the law. Lobo had waived his right.

Zim didn’t know why Thomas wanted to meditate. It was only delaying the inevitable… Or was it? Did Thomas think the delay would wear on Lobo’s nerve? No… Lobo was different. That couldn’t be the reason.

When Zim had explained the right of challenge to Thomas, he’d seen a gleam in his eye, a half smile playing across his face. Zim had been irritated, thinking Thomas wasn’t taking this seriously.

“It’s all so needless!” Zim cursed under his breath.

Thomas strode down to the central clearing. People parted way for him in silence. He nodded and smiled as he passed.

“The man doesn’t even have sense enough to be afraid,” Lobo prodded one of his cronies. “Maybe he doesn’t realize he’s going to die.” He moved over to meet Thomas in the center of the clearing.

Both men faced each other, Zim stood between them as judge.

“The right of challenge has been given and accepted according to our law.” Zim turned to Lobo. “As challenger, you decide the end of the challenge. How will the challenge end?”
“To the death!” Lobo said.

A hush fell as Zim turned to Thomas.

“The challenge is to the death. As the one challenged, you have the right to choose the weapons and the form of combat. What do you choose?”

Thomas looked out over the people. They looked pensive, fearful. For him? He hoped so. A smile crossed his face.

Zim grew angry. How could he be so flippant about this?

Thomas flashed him a wink.

“Before I choose, I wish to speak.”

“No!” Lobo argued. “He must answer the challenge now!”

“I’m the judge.” Zim reminded. “I decide what happens.”

Then to Thomas, “Why do you wish to speak? You must answer the challenge.”

“According to your law,” Thomas said. “The challenge is to help people decide between two opposing views. If I understand it right, the people are under no obligation to vote in favor of the victor of the challenge. Am I correct?”

“You are correct,” Zim said. “That’s why your death here would be so meaningless. Even if you die, the people could still vote in your favor. The challenge is only meant to offer a minority a chance to gain an extra hearing, by presenting new evidence, or by their performance in the challenge. Lobo is manipulating our law to suit himself!”

“Then because the voice of the people may not change,” Thomas said. “I want to first ask the people if the challenge will make any difference in how they’ll vote.”

Zim paused.

“Permission is granted!”

“What!” Lobo shouted. “I protest!”

“You will be silent!” Zim motioned for his guards to step forward. “I have ruled, and you’ll abide by that rule or your challenge will be revoked!”

“Okay, old man,” Lobo’s grim smile was forced. “I’ve waited this long, I can wait a while longer.”
“Oh, It won’t take long,” Thomas said. “I just want the people to see what kind of man you really are.”

“Oh?” Lobo said. “And what kind is that?”

Ignoring him, Thomas turned to Zim.

Zim raised his voice.

“My people. You’ve gathered to make a decision. A choice between joining the people in the valley below, or moving on, in hopes of finding a home somewhere else.

“Your vote was interrupted by this man.” He gestured to Lobo. “Now I ask you, will your choice be altered if Lobo wins the challenge?”

“No!” “Our choice won’t change!” “No!” came many loud shouts. Lobo and his men remained silent.

“You see,” Zim’s eyes bored into Lobo’s. “Even if you win the challenge, you have already lost.”

“Oh no,” Lobo answered. “The old man will be dead. That’s all the victory I need.”

“Don’t be so sure,” Thomas said. “It may not be as easy as you think.”

“Don’t worry, old man. I’m up to whatever you’ve got.”

Thomas turned to Zim. “Since the challenge won’t affect the people’s choice, then I respectfully request the vote to be taken now.” He tilted his head towards Lobo, “I’ll honor the challenge regardless of the outcome.”

Zim looked for any sign of protest from Lobo. He found a blank stare. Lobo was trying to figure out what Thomas was up to. Zim turned back to the people.

“Since the challenge will not affect the choice of the people, the challenger and the challenged have agreed to have the vote taken now!”

“What?” Lobo jolted out of his stupor. “Wait –”

Zim cut him off.

“All those choosing to go down into the valley, say aye.”

A thunderous “Aye!” resounded.

“Those opposed, say nay.”

“Nay!” One solitary vote from Lobo. Even his strongest supporters had become silent, bowing to the pressure of the crowd.

“The choice has been made!”

A cheer filled the meadow and echoed off the craggy peaks above.

The tumult slowly died and all eyes focused again on the clearing. Zim spoke.

“The choice has been made, Lobo. It can’t be changed. Do you now wish to withdraw your challenge? It no longer serves any purpose.”

Lobo grinned through clenched teeth. He saw now how Thomas had maneuvered him. He was mad.

“The challenge stands!”

“No!!!” The crowd roared. They swarmed toward the level.

Thomas jumped in their way.

“Hold! Wait!” He raised his arms.

“I said I’d honor the challenge. I mean to do this!”

Murmurs began to gather volume again, but Thomas, hands still raised, called again for their attention.

“I agreed to it. Don’t worry!”

“Are you mad?” Zim came to his side. “The people don’t want to see you killed, and neither do I. I’m going to put a stop to this.”

“No,” Thomas grabbed Zim’s arm. “Trust me. I know what I’m doing.”

Zim looked at Thomas for a long while then turned to the people. “According to our law, and by agreement of both parties, the challenge will be honored.”

There were still rumblings from the crowd. Zim turned to Thomas.

“You have the right to choose the weapons and the nature of the combat.”

“Yes, I do,” Thomas said. “But first, I just wanted these people to know Lobo’s nothing but a murderer, plain and simple.” He turned to Lobo. “How do these people feel about murderers, Lobo?”

Lobo glanced at the faces in the crowd. They were filled with anger and rage, all directed at him. He looked back at Thomas, choking back the fear he was beginning to feel.

“You’re wasting your breath old man,” he said, swallowing, yet still trying to maintain his swaggering aires. “Are you prepared to die?”

“The question is,” Thomas countered. “Are you prepared to die?”

Lobo was startled.

“I’ll give you one last chance. You can withdraw your challenge now, and I’ll let you live.”
Lobo laughed. It was small, forced.

“Your words are empty, old man. Answer the challenge or I’ll kill you where you stand.”

“Very well,” Thomas said. “I’ve never wronged you in any way, yet you seek my life. Remember, it’s you, and you alone who is responsible.”

Lobo remained silent.

Thomas turned back to Zim.

“For my choice of weapons… I choose feathers.”

“What!” Lobo exclaimed. “What do you mean! What kind of weapons are feathers!”

“Silence!” Zim demanded.

An amused rippled passed through the crowd. Bits of laughter burst out. Surely Thomas wasn’t serious.

“Silence,” Zim called again. He looked at Thomas’ beaming face and shook his head.

“Your choice is feathers?”

Thomas nodded.

Shrugging, Zim sent two men to retrieve the nearest feathers they could find.

“And what do you choose as the nature of the combat?”

Thomas’ grin grew wider.

“The nature of the combat will be as follows: Two children of my choosing will be brought to the front. Lobo and I will each be given a feather. The first man who can make the child in front of him laugh, will win the challenge, and will have the right to execute the other!”
Lobo’s eyes grew wide.

“This is mockery! It’s no combat. It’s a silly child’s game! It’s illegal! It mocks our law!”
“How dare you speak of mocking our law!” Zim snarled. “If anyone has abused our law, it’s you!”

The crowd burst out in roars of laughter.

Lobo looked anxiously at the lesser leaders, seeking support. There was none.

He turned to Zim. “I reject his choice!”

“You cannot reject what I have ruled as legal and binding.” A smile lit Zim’s features. “I’d suggest you learn how to make a child laugh. We all know how Thomas is with children.”
Again, Lobo searched the crowd for any signs of support. He found nothing but laughter and ridicule. Snarling, he turned on Thomas.

Thomas met his eyes in a cold stare. All the humor had vanished. Lobo felt a chill run down his spine.

“Others may find this amusing,” Thomas said. “But I’m serious. Unless you withdraw your challenge now, I’ll see you put to death!”

The crowd hushed. The chill in Lobo’s spine spread until it numbed his mind. He couldn’t speak.
Zim broke the heavy silence, as beads of sweat started down Lobo’s ashen face.

“What say you, Lobo? Will you withdraw your challenge? The odds aren’t so stacked in your favor now. Thomas is being more merciful than you deserve.”

Lobo said nothing for a time. Then bowed his head.

“I withdraw my challenge.”

The valley erupted with cheers and shouting. The crowd snatched Thomas and hoisted him on their shoulders. A victory celebration was announced.

Victory! Total and complete!

Nobody noticed Lobo stepping off the level, his scowl deepening, his cheeks flushed with rage.

“My time will come!”

Not too far above, the angels heaved sighs of relief.

“Wasn’t that a bit close?” the first said.

The second didn’t answer. He was still trying to catch his breath.

Time

Chapter 23

When Thomas came back down from the mountain with his new friends, he set to work on expanding he and Sarah’s little home. He figured it was high time he gave Sarah a better place to live.

Thomas started in, but didn’t get far before the whole town turned out. He was overwhelmed. Mr. Dimsdale came with supplies, and Zim’s people provided laborers and craftsmen.

It took great persuasion by Thomas and Sarah to convince everyone they only wanted a small home, not the mansion everyone thought they should have.

With so many people and supplies, the home had been completed in no time. It ended up being an immaculate, three bedroom home. Thomas argued they couldn’t possibly use that much space, but it was the smallest the group would build.

The centerpiece of the home, at Clyde Johnson’s insistence, was a large rock fireplace, rivaling his own in beauty and workmanship. Clyde did all the work himself, not letting anyone else touch it.

They built new corrals, a clearing for Thomas to work on larger wagons, and a space where people could gather and socialize. That had been Sarah’s most ardent request.

Zim’s people were welcomed into the valley with open arms. They were given land which, with gratitude, they accepted.

They began to mingle and prosper, and paid back all the towns they’d raided in their extreme circumstances. Their wounds, and their memories of bad times began to heal.

The whole valley flourished as never before. No one was ever turned away hungry or cold. Everyone worked, and added to the community. The people’s lives were filled with joy.

Word spread and newcomers and visitors began flocking to the town. The peace and serenity of the town became the wonder of all the surrounding country.

Thomas retired from the City Council, looking forward to his last years being happy and uneventful.

His friend, the mayor retired as well. A new mayor, a newcomer to the valley, was elected in his place.

For the first 3 years of the new mayor’s term, everything continued as before. The people were happy and prosperous.

Then… The changes began.

Chapter 24

Robert Dimsdale sat behind his desk, trying to decide which report he should study first.

There was a knock.

“Come in.”

The door swung open. A prim young constable stepped into the room.

“And what can I do for you, young man?” Robert’s eyebrows raised. He’d heard the mayor was hiring more of these spit and polish types, but couldn’t figure out what the need was. Maybe he was about to find out.

“Sir,” the constable began. “I have been sent to deliver this summons.”

“Oh, what type of summons? Have I done something wrong?”

“That is not for me to judge, sir,” the constable held out an envelope.

“I was told to remain and see if you had any questions.”

“Very well,” Mr. Dimsdale tore open the letter. “Have a seat.”

“Thank you, sir.” The young man placed himself on the edge of a chair.

Robert glanced at his stiff posture. “I didn’t know you were required to sit at attention?”

The constable remained silent. Robert shrugged and went back to reading the summons.

The more he read, the harder he began to breath, and the tighter he gripped the paper.

“What is this?”

“It is a summons, sir”

“I know that!” Robert said. “I mean, why did you even send this to me. If a customer isn’t happy with my products or work, all he needs to do is talk to me.”

Robert smacked the paper with the back of his hand.

“This summons says I’m to appear before the City Magistrate. I’m to plead my case concerning a dissatisfied customer.”

Standing, Robert came around the desk.

“I didn’t even know we had a City Magistrate.”

“We do now, sir.” The constable rose to his feet and backed away. Robert was a big man, and there wasn’t much room.

“The mayor has graciously volunteered to fill this position until one is appointed.”

“I see,” Robert said. “And has the mayor also volunteered to run my business too?”

“Sir, I can only answer questions relating to the summons.”

“I’m sorry, son,” Robert sat on the corner of his desk. “It’s just that we haven’t had any complaints we haven’t been able to solve ourselves. Who’s the customer, son? I’ll see that the problem’s solved right away.”

“I’m sorry sir, but that’s no longer possible.”

“What?”

“A new executive order, sir. It makes it illegal for anyone to solve a business or personal dispute outside of court. It’s an order designed to preserve the peace.”

“You mean if a customer isn’t happy with my work, he has to take me to court? He can’t just come in and tell me so I can fix it?”

“That is correct, sir.” The constable said.

“The mayor has made himself available for any and all complaints. He feels it is part of his duty as an elected official.”

“That’s very noble,” Robert interrupted. “But does he really know what he’s doing? I can see going to court to settle problems that can’t be solved any other way, but to taking every problem to court? That’s absurd!”

Robert shook his head and took up a quill and paper from his desk.

“Son, I’m writing a note to the mayor letting him know I’ll take care of the matter. Although I appreciate his intentions, I think I can solve the problem quicker, and more peacefully than he can.

The constable opened his mouth, trying to speak, but Robert continued.

“If the matter continues to drag on without my customer being satisfied, then I’ll be happy to appear before this City Magistrate.”

“I’m sorry, sir. There are no exceptions listed in the new order.”

“Say that again?”

“Sir, you cannot do that. You must appear before the City Magistrate to solve the complaint. It is the law.”

“What do you mean, it’s the law? The mayor can’t just arbitrarily decide what should be a new law. It needs to go before the City Council and be approved!”

“I’m sorry sir, but it’s in a new executive order. It falls under the authority of the mayor to issue such orders. Such authority was recently given to him by City Council vote.”

“What City Council vote? I never heard about this.”

“Did you attend the meeting, sir?”

“Why, no. I didn’t think I needed to.” Robert waved his hand. “I didn’t know that was going to be on the agenda. If I did, I would’ve been there!”

“You will have full opportunity to study the ordinance and executive order, sir. It is listed in the minutes of the meeting.”

Robert gaped. He couldn’t think of anything else to say. The constable waited a moment, then spoke.

“Sir, would you please accompany me to the Government House? The court is in session, and the Magistrate is waiting to hear the complaint.”

“Right now? You can’t be serious! You expect me to drop everything and come at the mayor’s beck and call to some silly court. I’ve got work to do, especially now that I’ve got a customer that isn’t satisfied!”

“Begging your pardon, sir,” the constable steeled himself. “Part of the executive order contained a provision guaranteeing the plaintiff a speedy hearing. This right is given so people don’t allow too long a time before resolving disputes. It prevents tempers from rising way out of proportion to the complaint. The mayor feels one and all should make themselves available at a moment’s notice so nothing can detract from the harmony we now enjoy.”

“That’s a wonderful speech, lad. Too bad the mayor doesn’t understand what this’ll really do to the harmony of the valley.”

“I assure you, sir, the mayor has only the most honorable of intentions.” The constable stood taller. “He knows full well what he is doing.”

“I just bet he does,” Robert said. “Come on, son. Let me get my coat. I may as well get this over with. Then maybe I can talk some sense into this mayor of ours.”

“Thank you, sir.” The constable held open the door.

“Mr. Dimsdale,” the mayor saw Robert step through the doorway into the assembly room. “We’ve been waiting for you. I appreciate your leaving your workplace to resolve this matter expeditiously.”

The mayor had black curly hair cut short and a well trimmed beard shaded with grey in the chin. His piercing blue eyes didn’t offer comfort or warmth. Instead they mirrored a quick mind and flashing intellect that engendered favor and confidence, but left one wondering if something else were also buried beneath the outward show.

He was standing on the rostrum behind a podium. On the audience floor, were two smaller podiums facing him. Behind the far one stood his long time friend, Stanley Walker.

Robert remained silent, nodding to Stanley in greeting. Stanley dropped his head, avoiding any eye contact. Robert took his place behind the other podium.

“Look,” Robert began. “I know you mean well, Mr. Mayor, but I think Stan and I can –”

“Mr. Dimsdale,” the mayor said. “I’m sorry, but in court, the plaintiff and defendant are only allowed to speak through their designated representatives.”

The mayor gestured to the two men seated at tables behind them. “These men have been assigned by the court to represent you. This way, our communication will not devolve into a shouting match between parties.”

“Is that another one of your new executive orders?” Robert gripped his podium and squeezed, his knuckles turning white.

“You assume correctly Mr. Dimsdale. But it is not, I assure you, a means for creating problems for our citizenry. Instead, I want you to know I am firmly committed to maintaining the peaceful environment which has brought such prosperity to our town.”

“Save it for reelection.” Robert then looked over at Stanley.

“The fact is, Mr. Mayor, we’ve been able to keep the peace in this valley because we’ve worked things out between ourselves — without having to make such a fuss.”

The mayor’s face reddened. “Your comments and concern are duly noted, Mr. Dimsdale. My experience in government, however, leads me to different conclusions.

“I would appreciate your indulging the court, and abiding by the established rules and procedures. Once the matter is resolved, you may both be on your way.”

Robert paused, then shrugged. “Okay.”

“Thank you, gentlemen. We will first hear from Mr. Walker’s representative.”

A skinny balding man in formal court garb and wire framed spectacles perched half way down his nose scurried over to stand by Stanley. Adjusting his spectacles in precise movements, he held up a parchment and read in officious, nasal tones,

“The plaintiff alleges that he purchased a new set of tools at the defendant’s establishment. Upon the first time he put said tools to use, one of them broke. The plaintiff argues that the tool was defective and is suing for replacement.”

The representative put the parchment down, folded his spectacles and placed them on the upper corner of the podium.

The mayor turned to Robert.

“Hearing the stated charges, you may now have time to confer with your representative.”

Robert turned and bumped into his representative standing right at his elbow.

“Where did you come from?” Robert stepped back. The young man was almost an exact replica of the other, except more hair, and thankfully, no spectacles.

“Beg your pardon?” the young man said.

“Oh, never mind! Look, Mr. Mayor, I don’t need any time to confer–”

“Mr. Dimsdale!” The mayor said. “Please communicate through your representative.”

Robert sighed and turned to the young man who’d leaned close to listen. He whispered instructions.

His counselor took precise notes, but became agitated. “Sir,” he spoke in hushed tones. “I must tell you, we don’t need to do this! We could show misuse of the tool, we could show he really didn’t purchase that tool from you, we have any number of defenses. Why, we could even accuse Mr. Walker of…”

“That’s far enough!” Mr. Dimsdale pushed the young man back. Everyone in court turned. “Just do what I told you. I don’t need your advice. I only need your mouth to say what I want you to say. Any questions?”

Shaking his head, the young man slid carefully by Robert and took his place at the podium. The mayor recognized the change and addressed the representative.

“How does Mr. Dimsdale plead?”

The young man edged further away from Mr. Dimsdale as he spoke.

“Mr. Dimsdale pleads guilty; and further agrees to provide either a new tool to Mr. Walker, or a complete new set of tools, whichever would best satisfy Mr. Walker.”

The mayor listened, then turned to Mr. Walker’s counselor. “Do you accept?”

Stanley nodded to his representative.

“We accept, your honor!”

Outside the government house Stanley Walker caught up with Robert.

“I’m sorry Robert. I was on my way back to the store to talk with you when the constable stopped me. I guess he’d overheard me tell someone I was coming in to exchange a defective tool, and he came hauled me off to that cock-and-bull court. I didn’t have any choice!”

Stanley placed his hand on Robert’s shoulder. “I know the trouble this put you through. Let’s just forget about the tools, okay? I’m really sorry.”

“Don’t you worry, Stan. I know it wasn’t you. And as for the tools, come on over to the store and I’ll personally see you get a new set.”

They started towards the store. After a few steps Robert spoke again.

“What really worries me, is if this silly court continues, It’ll ruin our town!”

Chapter 25

“Zim! come quick. Loren’s in a fight and won’t break it up!”

Zim bolted from his chair. Thomas, who had just dropped by for a visit, stood also.

“Where’re they at?” Zim asked the flushed messenger.

“Over by the well.”

“Thanks lad… Come on Thomas.” They hurried out the door.

Zim’s people had been given a sizeable portion of land on the east side of the valley. It wasn’t the most fertile, but Zim’s people had been industrious, irrigating from nearby streams to make the land spring up with all types of crops. They’d saved the flat land for planting, then each family had built around a large community well they’d dug. It became their social gathering place.

“This is what I’ve been talking about,” Zim said as they moved towards the well. “This isn’t the first fight, and they’re not just with my people. I’ve heard from Dimsdale. He’s as frustrated as I am. I can’t put my finger on it, but there’s something strange going on. There’s a tension building here, an underlying feeling I can’t describe, but it’s here!”

“I’ve felt it too,” Thomas said. “But what’s causing it? At first, I thought it was just the natural friction of bringing two cultures together, but the more I see, the deeper I think it goes.”

“Robert thinks its being caused by the policies of the mayor… And I agree.” Zim said. “Ever since I heard about this new court he’d set up, I knew it wouldn’t come to any good. He’s made it so people can’t hardly talk anymore. We’re all becoming strangers again.”

“Have you talked with the mayor?” Thomas asked.

“I tried. But I didn’t get very far. He was cordial, but didn’t hear a word I said.

“I tried too,” Thomas said. “All I got was the same speech he’d given Robert earlier. You know, the one about how he is only trying to keep tensions from rising. He said he only wanted to help people resolve their difficulties quickly and peacefully.”

Thomas was breathing hard. They were moving fast.

“I don’t think he really means it,” Zim said. “If he were sincere about preserving peace, he wouldn’t be trying to stir things up in that court of his. Have you seen them?”

Thomas nodded.

“Those rules about not being allowed to speak for yourself,” Zim stopped. “What a crock! And then, there’s those representatives. It seems all they do is argue. They don’t care whether what they’re saying is right or not. All they want to do is win!”

“And people see it isn’t right,” Thomas agreed. “It makes them angry and they lose faith in any sort of fairness. It’s the honest people who’re hurt the most.”

“And the tension continues to grow.” Zim said. “It all seems centered with the mayor. I don’t like what I’m saying, but we can’t ignore it.”

Thomas was quiet.

“Come on,” Zim gestured for them to keep moving. “The well is just around this last house.”

They turned the corner just in time to see two men yanked to their feet and pushed against a wall by two armed constables.

“When did they start carrying guns?” Thomas asked.

“Just recently. The mayor says it’s necessary for their safety. It seems people have been venting a little of their frustration on the constables.”

“I can see why,” Thomas pointed to the rough treatment the two men were receiving. The constables jerked them around to fasten restraints on their hands and ankles.

“Oh my…!” Thomas hurried to the other side of the square before Zim realized what was happening.

“Give me that!” Thomas snatched a gun out of the hand of a young constable who’d been pointing it at a group of people standing off to the side. “Don’t you ever draw your gun on innocent people!”

“Here now, what’s this!” an older constable came over.

“Be careful, constable,” Zim caught up to stand by Thomas. “There’s no need to be upset. Thomas was just preventing a serious accident.”

Zim took the gun, emptied the bullets, then handed it to the older constable.

“Your young friend here had drawn on some people who had nothing to do with the fight.”

“I’ll decide that, mister.” the constable took the gun and bullets. He glared at the younger constable.

“Sir,” Zim continued. “Could we possibly help? I know Loren here,” He pointed out one of the disheveled men standing under guard. “I think it’s simply grown way out of proportion.”

“I wish you could help, mister,” the older constable said. “Things have been getting out of hand. Fights are springing up all over. Our stockade is packed with you fools.”

Zim bridled. Thomas stopped him with a gentle hand on the arm.

“What my friend means, is that we should take our people here and calm them down. We’ll even make sure they stay out of trouble until they appear in court. It’ll keep you from adding at least these two to your stockade.”

“Sorry, sir,” the constable said. “Can’t allow it. The procedure is for them to be locked in separate cells to cool down until the issue’s been resolved.”

“We can do that just as easy as you,” Zim said.

“You two stay out of this!” The younger constable grabbed the gun back from the older constable. “We’ll run you in too. We can do it, you know, for interfering with official business.”

“Calm down lad!” The older constable said. “You don’t want to go on report for the foolish thing you did now, do you? Now get on over and help with the prisoners!”

The younger constable hesitated a moment, flashed a look of contempt at Thomas and Zim, then obeyed.

With a tired sigh, the older constable turned and raised his voice in an announcement.

“I know you people don’t like seeing your friends carted off, but there’s nothing I can do. All we’re trying to do is keep the peace.”

He turned back to Zim. “If you really want to help out, try and do something about all this fighting. They’re your people! I can’t believe how bad it’s getting. I wish I knew what’s causing all this.”

“If we told you, you’d never believe us,” Zim said.

The constable cocked his head at Zim.

“That’s okay, constable,” Thomas said before Zim could get into it any further. “We know you’re just doing your job. Thank you.” The older constable nodded.

“But rest assured,” Thomas said before the constable turned away. “We definitely intend to do something about this… something right at the very heart of the problem.”

The constable hesitated. He studied Thomas. Then turned and issued orders to take the two brawlers back to the stockade.

Chapter 26

“Mr. Mayor, honored Council Members,” Thomas stood at the front of the large assembly room, facing the mayor and City Council.

“My friends and I,” Thomas gestured to the large group gathered in the audience chairs. “We’ve come to express our concerns regarding the dramatic increase in violence in our town.”

Thomas stepped back from the podium and waited to be recognized. The mayor was the chairman of the city council and conducted all council meetings.

“Mr. Saxton,” the mayor said. “I’m pleased to see you, but you were not included on tonight’s agenda –.”

“I apologize for that, Mr. Mayor,” Thomas interrupted. “As a former member of this community’s city council, I understand how important it is to conduct your meetings in an orderly fashion, and to follow the outlined agenda. There seems to have been a misunderstanding, however…”

“A misunderstanding?”

“Yes. You see, I contacted your staff, Mr. Mayor, and asked to be included on the agenda for tonight’s meeting, but was told public comment was no longer allowed at City Council meetings until the last meeting of each month — and further told that the item for discussion had to be registered with the staff at least two months in advance for approval by the mayor.

“You and I both know, Mr. Mayor, that according to our City Charter — a charter which has not been amended, nor can be amended solely by the mayor, without a majority vote of the people — any citizen, or group of citizens can request and be granted a hearing before the City Council, as long as they have given adequate notice to be included on the agenda. We contacted your staff several days ago, and they refused to place us on the agenda.”

The mayor started to scowl.

“As you can see,” Thomas continued. “I believe your staff has made a mistake. Or perhaps they’ve been instructed improperly.”

The City Council looked back and forth at each other. “Is this true, Mr. Mayor?” one asked.

Not taking his eyes off Thomas, the mayor answered.

“Council Members I assure you I will look into the matter as soon as this meeting is over.”

“Mr. Saxton. I appreciate your bringing this… error… to my attention. It will be rectified immediately.”

Thomas nodded. “Thank you Mr. Mayor. I’m sure it was just an oversight. Perhaps your staff was just being eager to help you with your… ambitions… for this community.”

The mayor glared at Thomas, his face reddening. Yet no one else seemed to notice Thomas’ choice of wording.

“Mr. Saxton, since you and your friends have made the effort to attend our meeting, why don’t you take the time you need right now — assuming my fellow council members have no objections?”

The mayor glanced at the other members. “No?” They shook their heads.

“Thank you, Mr. Mayor, Council Members,” Thomas said. “I’ll try to be brief so as not to hold up your other business.”

“I have here,” Thomas held up a stack of papers, “a petition signed by many of the townspeople requesting the City Council to reconsider the powers given to the mayor in a recent council meeting. The specific powers we are asking be rescinded are those dealing with the mayor’s authority to issue executive orders based under a new, broadly defined police power ordinance.”

The mayor fidgeted.

“We have met with many people,” Thomas continued, “who’ve recently been involved in some rather severe altercations. We’ve determined the reason behind many of the disputes is that the people involved couldn’t, by executive order, resolve their differences before the situation became serious. These people were drawn, against their will, by that executive order, into court. They had no opportunity to work out the differences privately first. Instead they were forced into a court, where they couldn’t even talk with one another.

“This is rather hard to explain.” Thomas saw the stony looks on the council member’s faces. He was surprised. These people used to be his friends, yet they acted like they didn’t even know him.

“We do not dispute that if two people haven’t been able to resolve their differences, then going to a third party would be the next step. But having to go before a judge, and not even being able to speak for yourself makes it almost impossible to resolve conflict. It aggravates it!”

Thomas paused. He turned to look back at his friends. They smiled, nodding him to go ahead.

“Included with the petitions, are several situations, showing our point. In all instances, we believe the problems could have been prevented and resolved prior to any need of a court action.”

Thomas handed the papers to the clerk, who took them to the mayor. The mayor made no move to disperse them.

“There are enough for everyone,” Thomas prompted.

The mayor made a great show of distributing the copies. The council members started thumbing through the pages. Some took notice of the contents and the names on the petition, but most just went through the motions, showing polite interest.

“Mr. Mayor, Council Members, you all know me. I’ve tried to serve this community, and I’ve been involved in some of its major changes. You know I’m not a speech maker, or a politician, but I do know one thing. This court is causing our problems rather than solving them.

“I know court’s a place for resolving disputes, but this court isn’t being used properly. A court should be the last place people go. First, they should try and work it out alone. People need to talk to each other, not hide behind court representatives.

“This court separates people. It isolates them. It encourages people to cover their mistakes instead of owning up to them. All these representatives try to do is argue their way out of problems. What they really should be doing is agreeing on what is the right thing to do, and then focus on doing it!

“In these courts, what is right has no meaning!”

Thomas stared at the council. They still weren’t stirring. Nothing he said was sinking in. Growing frustrated, he jabbed his finger at the mayor. “This court… And the mayor… are what’s causing the harm to this valley! Not the people. Think back to when the contentions started…

“It was only after the courts started, and the constables started forcing people to attend them, that the problems started. Think about it. You’ll see I’m right!”

Surprised at the outburst, the council members began to sit forward in their chairs. They acted like they were listening, at least a little. Was he really right? The disturbances did start about the time of the courts, and they’d been growing ever since. These thoughts were written on their faces. They started looking at the papers in front of them, then looking at each other.

The mayor looked on either side. He felt the shift in the council members’ mood. He had to do something to hold them.

“It sounds to me,” the mayor said, “that you’re attacking me as well as my policies. I wonder, Mr. Saxton, are you running for mayor in the next election?”

Chuckles rose from the council members and from various places in the audience. They turned back to the mayor.

“Council members,” the mayor continued. “Thomas is a very respected member of our community. Indeed, we’ve bestowed upon him our community’s highest honors. But with all due respect, he has been out of the community service arena for quite a while. Perhaps hasn’t realized the scope of our problems.”

“I realize the scope only too well,” Thomas said. “And the information I have says we need to do away with these courts right now! We need to allow people to start working together again.”

“In the past six months,” the mayor said, ignoring Thomas. “We’ve seen an overall increase in petty disturbances of 500 percent. We’ve seen an increase in theft, fighting, and vandalism of 300 percent. We’ve seen an increase of domestic violence of 200 percent. These statistics continue to rise.

“I can see,” the mayor waved a hand at Thomas, “how Mr. Saxton feels he can correlate the increases in disturbances with the starting of the courts, but I can’t think you’d associated the courts as being the cause of these disturbances.

“After all, if you remember when the police powers ordinance was enacted, we foresaw the need for such measures as we have taken, and that’s the reason we enacted the ordinance.

“Our community is growing rapidly. It only stands to reason that we’d see an increase in crime. It’s naive to suppose we wouldn’t.”

The mayor looked at each council member, seeing he had the momentum again.

“And it’s a good thing, we enacted those court procedures when we did. Think of the problems we’d be having now, if we hadn’t?”

The council members nodded their heads. The indecision started to fade.

“Mr. Saxton, we appreciate your concern, and laud your involvement in our community, but unless there is any discussion to the contrary…” the mayor looked at each council member. They shook their heads in turn. “Then perhaps we should proceed with our agenda.”

Organizing his papers on the desk, the mayor looked down at Thomas still standing at the podium.

“Thank you again, Mr. Saxton for your concern. I assure you your suggestions are well taken, but we have everything well in hand. Thank you for your… Opinion.”

Outside the Government house everyone gathered.

“I can’t believe they didn’t listen!” Clyde said. “Those people must be stupid not to see what’s right in front of their noses!”

“I can see why,” Zim remarked. “That mayor is pretty smooth. It reminds me of someone I haven’t seen in a long time.”

Thomas looked at Zim.

“And I think it’s more than just the court cases,” he continued. “It’s something deeper. I can feel it in the air, in the mood of the people, in the atmosphere of the whole town. The court cases, the problems with the mayor, I think they’re just the effects of something we haven’t seen yet.”

“How can we fight it then if we don’t know what it is?” Robert said. “Are you sure we’re not just chasing shadows?”

“No… I don’t think so,” Sarah broke in. “I’ve been feeling it too. I didn’t say anything because I was afraid you’d all think I was crazy — maybe I am. I’ve been feeling as if something were just… wrong. I don’t know how to even explain it, but now that Zim’s brought it up, I think he’s right. It’s in the whole atmosphere and mood of the town. The spirit of this whole valley has changed for some reason.”

“The question is, what do we do about it?” Clyde said. “You all know I’m not the most sensitive guy around, but I know there’s something going on that needs fixing! I don’t care what the problem is — and it really don’t matter. The way I see it, if we stop the change somehow, then the problem takes care of itself, don’t it?”

No one answered.

“I don’t know if we’re going to find all the answers right now,” Sarah said. “But one thing I know for sure, we can’t let this discourage us. After all, we’ve never had to rely upon the mayor or the city council to solve our problems before have we?”

“What do you have in mind?” Robert asked. “I thought going to the city council was our last resort, and it didn’t work. That silly executive order, is still in effect.”

“I’m not talking about that,” Sarah said. She grabbed Thomas by the arm. “Remember how we all came to be such good friends? We didn’t wait for the mayor, or city council to get us together did we? We just tried to be… you know… neighborly!”

Clyde was the first to catch on. “I see what you’re saying.” He looked around at everyone else. “Do you see? We should get started right away! I hate to see what’s been happening to people who used to be such good friends. If we can’t do anything at the top, I say we start right at the bottom and work our way up.”

“Right!” Sarah said. “I’m surprised we didn’t think of this before. After all, if we want to help people the best place to work is right with the people.”

Thomas, finally coming out of his stupor of wondering why they didn’t make more progress with the council, caught on to what she was saying. “Do you really think it’ll work?”

“Of course it’ll work,” she said. “We’re all living proof of it aren’t we?”

Everyone laughed — except Zim.

“Hey Zim,” Thomas prodded. “We’ve lost the battle, but we’re far from losing the war. It’s no reason to be so straight.”

“I’m not,” Zim answered. “I just want to get this all sorted out.”

“Come on, friend,” Robert clapped him on the back. “Let it rest a while. It’ll come to us. Right now, we’ve got work to do, and you’re our best man! Don’t go sour on us now.”

“Don’t you worry about that!” Zim said. “You know I’m a long ways from being sour on one of your crazy plans.”

“That’s better.” Robert clouted him again. “Let’s get to work.”

Chapter 27

“That’s the last trial for today, Your Honor.” The clerk started gathering his papers. “The case load seems to be dropping off.”

“So I’ve noticed,” the mayor sat back in his tall cushioned chair. He rested his feet on the new desk he’d had built on the stage of the assembly room. “Why do you suppose that is?” He spoke in as neutral a voice as he could manage. He didn’t want to scare this dull-witted clerk, who was just foolish enough to say what he really thought, rather than what the mayor wanted to hear.

The clerk, flattered the mayor would ask his opinion, stood taller and thought before answering.

“Maybe it has something to do with the things Thomas Saxton and his friends have been doing.”

“Yes?” the mayor encouraged. “I’d heard they were up to something. What do you know of their efforts?”

“It’s funny you should ask, Your Honor. I was just visited the other day by a couple of my neighbors. They’ve been working pretty closely with Mr. Saxton.”

“Yes, and what did they want?” the mayor schooled his voice.

“Oh they didn’t want anything. They just came by to visit and deliver a message.”

“What sort of message?” The mayor leaned forward in his chair.

“Oh, it was just a simple message, really. They just said they were part of a growing group of concerned citizens who wanted to help the valley return to its peaceful ways. The message was mainly about promoting peace and harmony between neighbors and friends.”

Great! The mayor fought to keep himself calm. He pressed the clerk in as subtle a fashion as he could. This may be the opening I need.

“Did they say anything about trying to settle their… uh… unharmonious differences outside of court?”

“You mean, did they say anything that would encourage violation of any of your executive orders?”

The mayor sat back and rolled his eyes. This clerk must really be stupid.

“Oh no!” The clerk shook his head. “I paid close attention to that — after all, I’m an officer of the court. I listened carefully, but they didn’t even come close to a violation of your orders. It was just the opposite, in fact.”

“How so?” The mayor was curious now. This was different than he’d expected.

“Well,” the clerk paused to think again. “Instead of encouraging people to settle their differences outside of court, they encouraged me to trust others — to deal in an open and honest fashion — to prevent disputes before they occur.”

“And then,” the clerk continued, raising a finger to finish the point. “My neighbors said, ‘If a dispute arises, be sure to obey the law and appear in court — but still be open and honest no matter what you’re tempted to do.’”

“Did they know you were a clerk?” the mayor pressed. He still had to get something, no matter how small. “Perhaps your visitors knew, and changed their real message, so they wouldn’t appear to be subverting the law.”

“No… I don’t think so. I think the message I heard is pretty much the same everyone is hearing.”

“Everyone?” The mayor was startled.

“Oh yes! Didn’t you know? Thomas and his friends have been visiting everyone in town.”

The mayor closed his eyes in troubled thought. The clerk, not seeming to notice, continued speaking.

“Their message makes a lot of sense, don’t you think?”

The mayor nodded absently. The clerk took this as acceptance and continued.

“Anyway, their efforts seem to be doing some good. Thomas and his friends are really be trying to help you, sir, in bringing peace back to the valley.

The clerk paused. “I mean, the message was positive, and I just had a calm feeling about it all. It kind of made me want to do what they were saying. Made me feel real good!”

“Good… Oh yes!” the mayor snapped from his repose. “Thomas and his friends are doing a great service for our community. I’ll draft a letter of commendation and see that they receive a public award.”

“That’s a great idea!” the clerk said. “But I don’t think that’s why they’re doing it… for any rewards, I mean. I think they’re really sincere in wanting to help you keep the peace. Heaven knows you’re doing your part, spending all your time here, helping people resolve their conflicts and all.”

The mayor ignored him. He was leaning back in his chair again, eyes closed, deep in thought.

The clerk waited for a moment, watching. There was no more response. He shrugged, placed his papers in his satchel, and left the room.

Moments later…

“I told you to be careful,” a voice came from the far end of the room.

The mayor opened his eyes and sought in the direction of the voice.

“I warned you about that old man. He’s a sly one. And Zim’s no slouch either — I know.”

A lanky, dark haired man stepped across the room and onto the rostrum. He sat on the corner of the mayor’s desk.

“If there’s any problems, it’s with your plan,” the mayor answered. He glanced around, nervous someone would overhear. “Besides, as soon as I catch that Thomas in anything it’ll be all the excuse I need to get him out of the way.”

“That’s going to be the hard part,” The stranger reached down and flicked some papers on the desk. “That man can duck out of more things than anyone I’ve ever seen.”

“Don’t you worry about Thomas. I’ll deal with him soon enough.” The mayor started gathering up his papers. “You just make sure you hold up your end of the bargain.”

“Oh, I will.” The stranger stood. “I’ve got more men coming; and the last shipment of weapons have arrived.”

“You just make sure they’re completely loyal to me!” the mayor rose to his feet.

“No problem. Have I ever let you down?”

“No,” the mayor admitted. “But we’re too close to getting what we want to have anything go wrong now.”

“You just keep your eyes on that old man and everything will go just fine,” the stranger said.

“I don’t know what it is between you and Thomas,” the mayor paused before stepping off the rostrum. “But don’t worry. I can handle him easy enough. He’ll be in your hands before you know it. All I need is just need the right excuse.”

“That’s what I’m counting on,” the stranger said as the mayor left the room. “That’s what I’m counting on.”

Chapter 28

“Ladies!” Sarah called over the murmurs of the gathering. “Ladies… And of course, you gentlemen who’ve joined us.”

There was a ripple of amusement as the Ladies filling the school house took notice of the burly Clyde Johnson and two other men who’d decided to join them in their monthly quilting meeting. They filed to various parts of the room and took their seats.

The other two men appeared quite self conscious, but Clyde, who’d discovered a passion for quilting and needlework, was completely unabashed.

He’d explained to the ladies in an earlier meeting, that needlework helped relieve stress and was something intricate he could work on — to give him a break from working with large stone. Since then, he’d been a regular member of their gatherings. He’d even convinced these other men to come today. He didn’t worry that they didn’t feel comfortable. The women would be quick to accept them, as they had with him. Besides, he was a little distracted. He knew the real reason behind today’s meeting and was anxious that everything work out well.

“Ladies, can I have your attention?” Sarah called out again. The conversations subsided. The small room carried her voice easily.

“As we begin our monthly quilting meeting… And visiting session, of course.” Muffled laughter passed around the room. “We have a special topic of discussion we would like to propose.” The women looked at each other. This was something new.

“Go on with your quilting as you normally would, but please, take careful note of everything you’re doing with your quilts. It will have an important bearing on the topic we need to discuss today.”

Sarah’s inflection was noticed. The ladies (and men) were curious.

An elderly lady close to the front of the room raised her hand.

“Yes, Hilda?”

“You all know I can’t stand to wait.” Another ruffle of laughter spread throughout the room. “What are we going to be talking about?”

“I’m sorry,” Sarah answered. “I’m afraid we can’t discuss it until the proper time.”

“Rats!”

Laughter again filled the school room.

“Robyn and I will pass out some refreshments. After we’ve gotten a little ways into our quilting, we’ll start our special meeting.”

Robyn picked up a tray of punch and circulated around the room. Sarah soon joined her with a tray of cookies and little bite-sized goodies the ladies had baked for the occasion.

After they’d started the refreshments around, and the ladies (and men) had gotten well into their quilting activities, Robyn and Sarah huddled together in a far corner of the room.

“Quite a few ladies tried to get me to tell,” Robyn said. “This is going just as I hoped it would.

“It certainly is. I even had one of the men try and get me to tell.” Sarah laughed. “And they think we women are bad!

“This was such a great idea, Robyn, how did you ever think of it?”

“Well,” Robyn said. “You know how hard it is for me to go out visiting people — especially if I don’t know them very well.”

Sarah nodded.

“I really wanted to help in spreading our message around town. And I knew we were holding these meetings each month. I thought we could just, you know, use these meetings to spread the message.”

“But the way you thought of starting the discussion… It’s just wonderful!”

“Well, I knew it’d need to be done a little differently, so the message would catch hold. There’s so many people here it needs to be different, or they really wouldn’t listen. It wouldn’t sink in the way it needs to.”

Sarah agreed. She knew how hard it was to reach everyone in a large group. She felt lucky she’d been able to get their attention to even make the announcement.

“Look,” Robyn indicated the quilters. “I think we’re ready. Why don’t you go get the meeting started?”

“Why do I always have to do the dirty work? It was your idea.”

“Because you’re so good at it.” Robyn smiled and walked over to the nearest quilting group, gesturing for Sarah to go ahead.

Taking a deep breath, Sarah moved to the front of the room. “May I have your attention please?”

To her surprise, the buzzing of voices died down, and all eyes turned towards Sarah.

My! That was easy. They are curious.

“Today, as I mentioned at the beginning, we have a special topic we need to discuss.”

All eyes were intent on her. Some had turned their chairs around to face the front. It’s as if they innately sensed how important this meeting could be. Sarah felt the excitement in the room rising.

“As you all know, our town has been having some problems lately. The peace we’ve all worked so hard to build has been broken by pockets of violence.”

There were mumbles and nods of agreement all through the room.

“Our town government has tried different ways to deal with this problem –”

“You mean the government is the problem!” blurted an anonymous voice. There was a rolling murmur of agreement.

“Ladies… please.” Sarah called. “We haven’t come here to point blame. Instead, we want to focus on what we can do about the problems; how we can make a difference, and get our old town back again.”

“What do you mean?” asked another voice from the group. “What can we do? I thought this was something we were just going to have to live with.”

“I’m getting to that,” Sarah said. “That’s why I wanted you to pay close attention to your quilting today.”

“Robyn and I,” She gestured to and embarrassed Robyn, who was trying to fade into the background. “We think that the solution to these problems are found in our quilts!”

“What?” “In our quilts?” “What on earth do you mean?”

“Just what I said,” Sarah answered. “The solutions to our town’s problems are in our quilts.”

Confused rumblings began as Sarah moved from the front of the room to walk between the various quilting frames set up for the meeting.

“Think about this for a moment. Can a government impose peace upon a people they govern?” There was silence throughout the room as they pondered the question.

“A government can set restrictions and enforce rules, and they can even impose a sense of discipline, but can they really legislate, or order peace?”

There were hesitant shakes of the head among the group, some indicating one way, others another.

Sarah stopped to make a point. “The peace of any country, any nation, or even a small city like ours, where does it ultimately come from?

“The government may declare that we should live in peace. It can establish laws that we should lead peaceful lives. It can even enforce those laws and make people do the things they think will lead to peace, but is it working in our town? Has that helped preserve the peace?”

“No!” came the reply. “We have the laws, but they still haven’t brought peace.”

“Then where does peace come from? We had it in our valley before didn’t we? Where has it gone?”

“Well, it comes from us, doesn’t it?” one lady ventured. “I mean, peace can only be brought by the people deciding to live peaceful lives — all the people.”

“I agree,” spoke another. “Before, we had peace, even when we didn’t have all these new laws about courts and such. We had peace because we all loved each other, and wanted to get along. That’s what brought the peace, nothing else!”

“Does everyone agree with that?” Sarah asked.

“I agree,” another lady said raising her hand. “But I think it goes even further. Peace really comes from within our hearts. If we want peace, we have to start with ourselves, then our families, then to our neighbors and on throughout town. After all, isn’t that the way anything starts and gets spread around? Even the common cold gets spread that way!”

Laughter filled the schoolhouse.

“If we want the peace back, we have to bring it back,” Sarah said. “We are the only ones who can do it.”

“Yes!” “That’s right,” came comments from the gathering.

“And like I said earlier,” Sarah grinned, “the way we do this is by using the same methods we use in making these quilts.

“So now we get to the quilts!” Hilda Blurted. The spirit of the room continued to lighten.

“Let me explain.” Sarah walked over to the nearest circle who’d been sewing a patchwork together.

“May I?” she held up the beginnings of their work.

“You see, our town is like this patchwork. We’re like different pieces of cloth who’ve been sewn together by a common thread. We’re all different. We come from different cultures and different backgrounds. Yet we’ve all joined together here, in our little city, to make a life for ourselves and for our families.”

Sarah handed the cloth squares back and moved on to another circle.

“In order to have order and happiness, though,” Sarah indicated a quilting frame and stands with the base quilt stretched across. “We need to have a framework, and support for our efforts. We need a base of understanding to work from.

“In our case,” Sarah rested her hand on a stand, “to restore the peace to our town, we need a base of love, and a framework of trust,” she brushed her hand along the frame. “If we love and trust one another, we’ll be supporting, and strengthening one another, and we’ll be held together by that common thread until our work is finished.”

Sarah saw nods of agreement as she moved to the next circle.

“You see here,” Sarah pointed to the quilt on the frame, “they’re adding a layer of batting to make the quilt softer and warmer.

“In the same way, we need to have a layer of softness and warmth. We need to be able to overlook the faults and foibles of our neighbors. And if you’re lucky, they’ll do the same for you…” Chuckles sounded in the room.

“We need to have compassion, and not be judgmental. We need to soften up a bit.

“I know I’m not perfect,” Sarah turned about the room. “And I daresay, no one in this room is.”

The ladies agreed. They were starting to see her meaning. This was so exciting!

Sarah moved over to the next frame.

“Here, they’re sewing the top layer, the batting, and the bottom layer together. And they have to make sure that the stitching isn’t too far apart or the batting will shift and leave some areas without padding or warmth.”

“How do you think this relates to our community?” Sarah asked. She looked around the room.

“We need to make sure we’re all tightly knit together,” one woman called out.

“We need to work together and be kind to all people, not just those who are kind to us,” answered another.

Many ladies were now nodding in agreement.

“Also,” the spunky Hilda boomed. “We need to join all the things we’ve talked about together. We want to create a beautiful covering for this town!”

“Oh yes!” “That’s right!” “Such a wonderful way to look at it!” they all agreed.

Sarah waited till the room started to quiet down again.

“I didn’t mean to take so much of your quilting time,” she said. “I just wanted to introduce the topic for discussion in your groups. It’s something you can talk about while you’re working.”

There was an impromptu burst of applause. As it continued, Sarah tried to wave away the attention.

The ladies had really taken hold of the message. There was such a wonderful feeling in the room.

“We’ve been so worried about our town!” one lady said. “We just didn’t know what we could do. But what you just said — it makes sense! We are the ones that really need to take hold of the situation. We just can’t wait for someone else to do something.”

“This is just what we needed!” another said. “It’ll make all the difference. It really is up to us! And we’re just the ones who can make it work. Those men may bluster and visit all around, but we women will make sure the message sinks in!”

Laughter rang out while Clyde, playfully, adopted a hurt look.

CRASH!!

Some of the women squealed and ducked. Others jumped and turned, looking for the source of the noise.

The school room door burst inward to reveal the thin frame of a constable. He was flanked by two others, each brandishing a short, polished club. The constables strode to the front of the room.

Clyde rose his bulk out of the chair and moved to intercept them as they confronted Sarah and Robyn.

“What’s the meaning of this gathering!” the constable bellowed. Then he noticed the bristling bulk of Clyde’s muscles tightening in anger as he strode over. He adopted a more humble stance and backed away a step. “I mean… We came here… because we heard reports… uh… reports of a possible riot.”

Robyn’s cheeks flushed. She shook her finger in the constable’s face. “You know very well what’s going on! We have our quilting meeting here each and every month! And you have no business interrupting it!”

“That’s right!” “Let him know good!” The other ladies were angry too.

“I’m sorry… uh… But we’re under orders, Mam. The mayor has ordered us… I mean, he wants us to investigate all gatherings… It’s to prevent any possible riots.”

“Riots? That’s crazy!” Clyde said. The men backed another step away from him. “How could sewing quilts possibly be a riot?”

“I assure you,” Sarah moved between them, glancing first at Robyn, then at Clyde, a subtle warning in the briefest of nods. “There is no riot here.”

“Uh… Yes Mam,” the constable looked around the room in nervous inspection. “I can see that, Mam.”

“That’s good,” Sarah continued, controlling her voice. “And thank you for visiting us…” She left the sentence dangling.

Clyde folded his huge arms across his chest, waited for a moment, then. “Don’t you think you should be going on about your rounds?”

“Uh… I think so… I mean, yes sir! Mam,” he bobbed his head to Clyde, then Robyn. Then drawing himself up, he motioned for his men to follow, and left, pulling the door shut softly behind them.

“Robyn? What came over you? I’ve never seen you so angry.” Sarah laughed.

“Oh, I’m so sorry! I don’t know what happened. I was just… so mad, I couldn’t help myself! I’m sick and tired of those bullies sticking their noses in everyone else’s business!” Her cheeks flushed again. “I mean, here we are, talking about bringing the peace back to our beautiful valley, and in crashes those constables. They’re the ones we should worry about. Not the people!”

“Here, here!” many agreed. “Who do they think they are, anyway?”

“Our meeting was going so well.” Robyn said, her shoulders drooped.

“It still is going well,” one of the ladies came forward, putting her arm around Robyn. “In fact, this little episode just proves the truth of what you were talking about. If peace is going to return to our valley, then it’s up to us to bring it — not our, so called, government!”

“And this meeting’s also given me some good ideas to help it along,” Clyde interrupted. “I think a few more of these meetings are called for, don’t you think?”

“It’s just like a man to steal a good idea!” Sarah teased.

“Who cares!” another woman replied. “As long as it works! We just want our valley back.”

“Amen!” came the final, loud reply from Hilda.

Chapter 29

“I don’t believe this!” Clyde held out a crumpled parchment for Thomas to see. “That mayor is fighting us! He’s trying to block everything we do!”

“Easy now, Clyde. You and Robyn come on in. Zim’s already here, and you can tell us what it’s all about.”

“Hasn’t Zim seen this?” Clyde took his hat from his head as he stepped through the door into the front room.

“Seen what?” Zim asked, standing up to shake Clyde’s hand.

“Hello Robyn.” Sarah called, coming out of the kitchen to exchange hugs. “Why don’t you come into the kitchen and we can fix everyone a bite to eat.”

“I think you’ll want to hear this too,” Robyn said.

“Is it that bad?” Sarah wiped her hands on her apron.

“I’ll say!” Clyde said. He paced the length of the floor to stand in front of the fireplace. “That mayor has issued a new executive order, but this time, I think he’s gone a might too far!”

“Will someone please calm down enough to explain what’s going on?” Zim complained.

“Well, you know those meetings we’ve been having? Those very productive and peaceful meetings we’ve been having?” Clyde’s frustration came out in a rush. “It seems the mayor doesn’t like all the progress we’ve been making, and has decided to put a stop to any public gathering that he doesn’t approve of.”

“Come on now, Clyde,” Thomas said. “Surely he can’t do something as drastic as that. After all, the fighting and arguments have stopped — or at least I haven’t heard of any for quite some time. And his court cases have all but stopped too.”

“Maybe that’s what’s got him worried then. Go on. Read the proclamation.”

Thomas held the parchment up, looked at his friends, embarrassed, then stretched his hand out further so he could read better. “I guess my eyesight has to act up, along with the rest of my body.”

There were muffled chuckles, until they noticed Thomas’ troubled look. He began to read out loud.

“Be it known to all citizens, by order of the mayor, all public gatherings of any kind are to cease from this point on.

“All persons wishing to conduct any gathering of more than five (5) persons, whether in a public place or in a private residence, must first have the prior written approval of the mayor.

“This proclamation and restriction has been deemed legal per ordinance #4751 of the City’s annotated legal code, granted in City Council Session #895.

“Any and all questions regarding this proclamation must be directed to the office of the mayor.”

“Well I’ll be…” Zim mused. “This is going a long way to prove the point I was trying to make with you, Thomas. The mayor doesn’t want peace, or prosperity, or anything else. He’s bucking to take control of everything he can get his hands on.”

“Now that’s a bit drastic, don’t you think? Why would he want to do something like that?”

“I’m sorry to be the one to say this, friend,” Zim patted Thomas on the arm. “But in things like this, you’re a bit naive. You forget that I’ve already been run out of several other towns — by people just like the mayor. It looks like it’s starting all over again.”

“By heaven, I’ll never let that happen!” Clyde ranted. “I’ll take on that scruffy mayor, and all his pretty boys too before I’ll allow one stitch of our freedom drain away.”

“We’ve already lost quite a bit!” Sarah’s tone was so bitter Thomas turned a startled glance toward her.

“It’s true!” Sarah continued. “We’ve let the mayor hoodwink the city council to a point where he can pretty much do as he pleases — and he has!”

“Now everyone calm down,” Thomas said. He waved to the chairs in the room. “Come on. Let’s sit down and think this through. Let’s think about what’s really happening.”

Everyone found a seat.

“First of all, we’re safe, because we only have 5 people here…”

Thomas looked around the room.

“Come on. It’s just a joke.”

“I’m afraid we’re not in a joking mood,” Sarah answered.

“Well maybe this will help,” Thomas said, still thinking through the situation as he talked. “Let’s look for a moment about what we’ve already done — even if the mayor has tried to stop us at every turn. Go on, look!” The others remained blank.

“Okay,” Thomas continued. “See if this follows.” He began ticking off each point on his fingers. “First, the mayor wants everyone to go to court — whether for his own reasons, or whether he really was sincere in wanting to help.”

“What did we do?” Thomas asked. “We obeyed, but then we started working right with the people, to put a stop to any reason for even going to court.”

“Now how many court cases are there?” Thomas looked around the little group.

“I think they’ve all but dried up,” Clyde answered, confused.

“Exactly!”

The others in the room looked at each other.

“You still with me?” Thomas asked. “Second, we started having meetings — thanks to Robyn’s great idea.” Robyn blushed.

“The meetings worked! And the arguments and fights started to stop.

“It was no small thanks to the fact that there are no more court cases, but mainly, I think, it’s because we’ve helped the people to rediscover the love and trust they had for each other!

“Don’t you see! No matter what the mayor does, it’s the people who decide the way they want this community to be! Not the mayor! The mayor can bounce around any old ordinance he wants, but as a people, we’ve still done everything we’ve wanted to do. We’ve reestablished the peace, we’ve stopped the bickering and fighting. We have our town back!”

“Yes, but for how long?” Zim interrupted. “If we can’t have these meetings everything’ll fall apart. People need to gather and socialize. Keeping people apart is what started this whole mess in the first place.”

“I agree,” Sarah said. “But I don’t think the mayor will give his permission for our meetings, no matter how good they are.”

“That’s okay too,” Thomas said. “The way I see it, we don’t need his permission.”

“What? What do you mean?” Clyde said. “I thought we agreed to obey the law, no matter what.”

“That we did,” Thomas said. “But I’m not talking about breaking any law.”

“How do you figure on holding any more meetings then — without the mayor’s permission, I mean. The proclamation seemed pretty clear to me,” Clyde said.

“Oh that’s the easy part,” Thomas answered. “And our problem with the mayor is going to take care of itself, so we won’t have to worry about him for much longer either.”

“I’m not following this at all. Is anybody else?” Zim asked. He looked around the room. “How about explaining it to us slow folks.”

“Okay,” Thomas said. “Let me ask you all a question. How popular do you think the mayor is right now. I mean with all the voters in the community?”

“Not very,” Robyn answered. “I don’t know of anyone who has a good thing to say about him.”

“What do you think are his chances of being reelected then? After all, the election is just six months away.”

“I see what you’re saying,” Sarah said. “We really don’t have to worry about the mayor, because he won’t be mayor much longer. All we need to worry about is holding on until he gets voted out of office.”

“That,” Thomas agreed, “and locating a good candidate who can take his place.” He glanced at Zim.

“I’m not sure I like the way this is going,” Zim said, shifting in his seat. “I’m no politician. Besides, I’ve been trying to find someone to take my place, on the council for my people.”

“Well then,” Thomas laughed. “You’re the perfect person for the job. You said yourself, you’re not a politician, and as soon as your council finds a replacement, you won’t have anything better to do.”

Everyone laughed but Zim. He sat staring at Thomas with a hint of malice in his eyes.

“You still haven’t explained how we can hold meetings without the mayor’s permission,” Zim reminded, trying to change the subject.

“Like I said,” Thomas answered. “That’s the easy part. Why don’t you all rest a spell while Sarah and I fix you a bite to eat. After all, you wouldn’t want to plan a spontaneous town picnic on an empty stomach would you?”

“I’m lost again,” Clyde said.

“Think about this while we’re cooking, then,” Thomas said. “How far does the mayor’s authority go; I mean geographically speaking?”

Clyde scratched his chin. “Well, I guess since he’s the mayor of the city, his authority runs to the city limits?”

“Exactly!” Thomas’ smile grew bigger.

Chapter 30

“Friends! Friends…” Zim said. “May I have your attention please?” The whole town was gathered in the large meadow just outside of town. Zim was standing on a high point of a rolling rise where everyone could both see and hear.

“Friends, thank you for coming. We’re so happy that you got our message, and that you’d join us. I should point out,” he smiled, “that we also invited the mayor. As you can see, he declined to come.” Faint laughter reached his ears.

“You’ve all brought your lunch, and I’m sure you’re anxious to eat, but before we begin, we’d first like to hear a few words from the man who’s idea this town picnic was.

“I’d like to call on Thomas Saxton to say a few words.” Zim motioned for Thomas to step forward.

His hat in his hands, Thomas moved to the rise and looked out over all the people.

“My friends… I’m sorry to keep you all from eating.”

Again there was laughter.

“I didn’t want to say anything, really… Just being here, together… All of us. Well, that’s enough for me.”

He looked back over at Zim. “But there are some people here who insist I say a few words. So I’ll try and keep my words as few as possible.”

Chuckles ruffled through the crowd.

“When I first thought of having us all get together for a little picnic, I just wanted us to be able to socialize, to visit, have fun, and let the kids to play some games.

“But now as I look out over such an inspiring sight, I think we should declare this a celebration. A celebration of how far we as a community have come.

“We should celebrate how we’ve overcome our own prejudices, our fears, and our angers, to create a city in which everyone truly is a kind neighbor.

“We’ve all worked so hard to build peace and love for one another that even now, if you’re very still, you can sense it in the very air around you.”

There was complete stillness. Everyone sought to feel what Thomas was talking about. It was a warm, peaceful feeling welling up in each of their hearts. It was a growing, burning feeling that calmed and comforted.

CRACK!

A shot rang out across the valley.

CRACK!

Twenty armed constables came jogging out from the town in tight formation. They broke at the edge of the crowd and spread across the base of the meadow, brandishing their arms. The chief trotted up the rise, flanked by two guards, each carrying a rifle.

“What is the meaning of this gathering?” the constable asked, addressing Thomas.

Zim, Clyde, and Robert moved up beside Thomas, their eyes flashing with anger.

“This gathering has nothing to do with you!” Clyde said. “You’ve no power here. We’re outside the city limits. Not even the mayor has any authority outside the city!”

“A simple technicality,” the constable said. “This is a town gathering, whether it’s in town or not, it falls under the jurisdiction of the government.”

“That’s where you’re wrong, lad!” Robert said. “We, as a people, decide who’s jurisdiction we’re subject to.”

“Easy, Robert,” Thomas put a restraining hand on Robert’s arm. “I think they’re serious.” He pointed down the gentle rise at the group of constables. Their guns were held at the ready.

“That’s right Mr. Saxton,” the constable said. “I have orders to disperse this gathering immediately. The mayor has received reports that there is a conspiracy afoot to subvert the government. I am to use whatever force necessary.”

Zim moved closer to Thomas. “I think we’d better do what he says. Some of those young constables look pretty nervous. Remember last time?”

“I remember,” Thomas said. He looked back at the constable.

“What do you propose?”

“Like you, I don’t want any trouble. Since you’re outside the city limits, and felt you were justified, there won’t be any arrests — this time. Just tell everyone the meeting is canceled. Have them gather their things and return to their homes.”

“This is ridiculous!” Robert said. “What makes you think you can order us around like that?”

“It’s okay,” Thomas soothed. “We won’t have to worry about it much longer.”

“I’m not sure I like your meaning, sir,” the constable said, “but for the sake of the peace, today, I’m going to pretend I didn’t hear it.”

“Oh don’t worry about what I said, constable. You’ll know exactly what I mean in just a moment. I assure you, it’s perfectly legal, and non-seditious.”

Thomas looked out over the people and raised his voice.

“I’m afraid our picnic has been declared illegal.”

“No!” “This isn’t fair!” “Don’t listen!” came a chorus of angry replies.

“Friends! Listen!” Thomas cried over the tumult. “Let’s not chance anyone getting hurt. The time to voice your opinion is coming soon.” Thomas glanced at the constable.

“You’ll have a chance during the upcoming election to let your voice be heard. If you don’t agree with what’s happening today, you can change it…”

“That’s enough, Mr. Saxton!” The constable moved forward. “You’ve had your say, now tell the people to move on to their homes.

“I believe I’ll leave that honor to you.” Thomas stepped aside.

The constable stepped forward and waited for all eyes to be turned on him.

“People,” he called. “This meeting is illegal under the new public gathering order. To avoid any problems, we ask that you please return to your homes. We are doing this for your own protection and safety. We have received word of possible violent groups which are seeking to subvert the government of our city. In order to contain such movements, it has been deemed necessary to curtail public activities until the situation has been brought under control.”

“That’s fictitious nonsense!” Robert growled. “The only subversion going on here is in the mayor’s office.”

“What did you say?” the constable turned.

“Nothing,” Thomas replied. “We’re just disappointed our picnic is ruined, that’s all.”

The constable stared at Robert, then turned back to the crowd.

“People, please,” the constable called again. “Return to your homes. All will return to normal soon.”

No one moved.

Nervous, the constable turned to Thomas. “I don’t want to do this the hard way…” he let his meaning hang.

Thomas moved forward again and nodded to the nearest families. They began gathering their things and taking hold of their children’s hands. Others followed suit and began dispersing.

The constable made a hand signal to his men at the end of the meadow. They divided into two groups, allowing people wide passage back to their homes.

“The rule applies to you folks as well,” the constable reminded.

“We want to make sure the people make it home safely” Clyde said.

“As you will.” The constable marched back down the gentle slope to stand with his men.

“I think I’ll go down and stand close by those constables for a moment,” Clyde gestured for Robyn to stay. “I want to make sure none of them gets too nervous.”

“I’ll join you,” Robert called, gathering his belongings.

The two men hurried down off the rise, offering encouraging words to those they passed.

“This really is wrong.” Zim said in low tones.

“What do you mean?” Thomas sensed a deeper meaning from his friend.

“I mean the mayor’s not this stupid.” Zim continued, keeping an eye on the people as they moved back into town. “He certainly realizes that if he weren’t popular at election time, he wouldn’t be reelected.”

“I don’t know, the mayor’s been doing plenty of stupid things lately.”

“I don’t buy it.” Zim said. “The mayor’s a sharp politician if I’ve ever seen one. There’s something were not seeing.”

“What do you think it is?”

“Well, for some time, I’ve been scouting around. Have you noticed that all the constables are armed lately?”

“I’d noticed,” Thomas said.

“And how many of those constables are from our town?”

“None.” Thomas cocked his head, thinking.

“Right!” Zim said. “All the constables are from outside. Why would we want all the constables be from outside our community? Wouldn’t we want some of our own people serving?”

Thomas raised his eyebrows. He hadn’t thought of that.

“And going further,” Zim continued. “I’ve been seeing some familiar faces… Faces I haven’t seen since…”

“Since up on the mountain.?” Thomas filled in.

“Yes. I’ve been hoping it was just coincidence, but now I’m smelling a very big rat.”

“Me too,” Thomas said. “But even if your suspicion is right, it shouldn’t change our plans, should it?”

“I don’t know.” Zim’s brow knotted in thought. “You don’t know these people like I do. I think it’s time I look up one of our familiar constables, and see how he came to be employed here.”

“Just be careful,” Thomas said. “Be careful.”

Chapter 31

“Oh, Zim,” Sarah cracked open the door and recognized him standing in the darkness. “Come in. The others have already arrived.”

Zim glanced back out into the dark, making sure no one had followed him, then stepped inside, stripped off his coat and handed it to Sarah.

“I’m sorry to be so late,” he said.

“Not to worry,” Sarah said, “sit down, the others are already here. Thomas will be right out.”

Zim strode over to the fireplace. He nodded to those who’d already arrived. No one spoke. They all carried the same bleak expression.

Zim clasped hands with Robert and Clyde. The old mayor stood also. As they grasped hands, Zim spoke.

“I sure wish you hadn’t retired. It would have saved us all a lot of trouble.”

Half hearted chuckles filled the room, then fell silent. Thinking of nothing else to say, Zim turned back to warm himself at the fire.

“Good evening friends,” Thomas strode into the room. He walked over and shook hands with everyone before sitting.

“As much as I enjoy having you all here, we’d better dispense with the pleasantries and get started.”

He looked at Zim, nodding for him to begin.

“I’m sorry to call you all out this late, but we don’t have much time. I’ve got some terrible news. We have to act now, or we’ll lose everything.”

“What?” Clyde looked at Zim, then the others.

“The mayor’s planning to take control of the valley — by force if necessary. There won’t be any more elections, no democratic government, nothing. He wants all the power for himself.”

“Ridiculous!” Robert burst out.

“Impossible!” Clyde said. “This can’t be true.”

Noise and confusion filled the room, except for Thomas, Zim, and the man Thomas was pointing at… The former mayor. They saw his gesture and turned to the former mayor. His face was ashen and he was nodding his head.

“I’ve seen it coming,” he said. “The mayor’s maneuvering, the executive orders, the courts. I’d guessed it was only a matter of time until he was ready to take everything over. I didn’t say anything, because… Because I was just sure it wouldn’t happen; not here; not in our peaceful little valley. I was sure everything would straighten itself back out, that we’d be able to stop it. But I saw it all along.” He ducked his head down between his sagging shoulders. “I should have said something… I’m sorry.”

“Don’t blame yourself,” Thomas said. “We all saw it coming, but didn’t know — and still don’t know what we can do about it. Or do we? Zim?”

Zim shook his head. “There’s more. It’s Lobo… he’s back. He’s the one behind the mayor in all of this. It’s his planning, his men, his arms. I should have pushed us harder to do something when we could!”

“Who’s Lobo?” The old mayor turned in his seat toward Thomas. “What does he have to do with all this?”

Thomas’ eyes dimmed. He felt very tired. “Lobo’s an old… Acquaintance I met up on the mountain. He and I… We had a disagreement.”

Zim snorted.

“Lobo tried to kill Thomas! …At least until Thomas made such a fool of him, he left camp.”

“I’d hoped he’d gone for good.” Thomas let out a long, slow sigh.

“As did I,” Zim agreed. “But he’s here, and he’s the one behind everything.”

“You still haven’t told us what this is all about.” Robert interrupted. “How can a single man be such a threat?”

“This single man planned the whole thing, handed it over to the mayor, And now directs the town’s armed constables… Exclusively. We’ve been carefully maneuvered into a bad situation. They’ve built a small army right under our noses! If we don’t like what they want to do, well, too bad. The constables will see to it everyone stays in line.

“This is serious,” Robert said.

Thomas rose and moved to the fire. “Are you sure about all this?”

“I am,” Zim said. “This morning, we caught one of Lobo’s men sneaking around where he shouldn’t have been. He’d been sent out to see what we were up to, to see if we suspected anything. The man was such a coward, it didn’t take much to get him to tell us everything.”

“And what are their plans?” the former mayor asked.

“In short, they plan to install themselves as dictators. Anyone who doesn’t agree, will have to discuss it with the constables.”

“They can’t be that stupid!” Clyde said. “We’ll fight!”

“And how many people would die before either side won?” The former mayor said. “How many of us have kept guns around the house? How many of us have the heart to fight?”

Silence…

“As much as I hate the thought,” Thomas said. “I should have insisted the challenge on the mountain continue… and had Lobo killed.”

All eyes turned on Thomas, shocked, confused.

“After all,” he continued, ignoring their looks. “Isn’t the life of one man a small price to pay for the lives of so many in our valley?”

“Come on, Thomas,” Zim said. “You know you couldn’t have done it.”

“Besides,” the former mayor said. “The new mayor is just as much to blame. If this Lobo fellow hadn’t shown up, he probably would’ve started it himself. It seems he’s a different sort than we’d all supposed.”

“Taking blame doesn’t solve the problem.” Robert said. “We need to put a stop to this madness — and fast!”

CRASH!!!

Lobo stepped through the broken doorway, flanked by four constables. His dark eyes rested on each man until he came to Thomas.

“So, we meet again, old man. This time There’s no one to hide behind.” He tilted his head at Zim.

Bristling, Zim faced Lobo. Guns snapped up to train on him.

“Easy Zim. These men have orders to shoot anyone interfering with our arrest.”

We’ve done nothing wrong!” the former mayor protested. “You have no business here. I demand you leave, now!”

Lobo laughed. “On the contrary, we have every right to be here. We have an official warrant for the arrest of Thomas Saxton.”

“On what charge!” Robert demanded.

“Why, treason, of course. It’s all legal, you know. It’s signed by the mayor, himself.”

Lobo held out a parchment bearing the mayor’s seal.

“This is a sham and you know it.” Zim said.

“Have care what you say, Zim, or I’ll arrest you too.”

“That suits me fine! You know this isn’t going to work.”

“Oh? From what I see, it looks as if it already has.” Lobo motioned for his men to take hold of Thomas.

Zim tensed, ready to spring.

Thomas warned him away. “Don’t do it, Zim. There’s nothing you can do now but get yourself killed.”

Looking across the room, Thomas saw Sarah, her face white with fear. “I need you to take care of Sarah.”

Zim hesitated, fighting his fury. He looked at Thomas, then at Sarah. Finally, he relaxed and nodded.

“Oh, this is such a noble scene,” Lobo taunted. “Go ahead and try, Zim. It would suit me fine to kill you too!”

“It’s okay, Thomas,” Robert moved forward. The guns snapped to train on him. He stopped short. “We’ll watch after Sarah… then we’ll come after you.” He glared at Lobo.

“Be careful, Dimsdale. We’re well able to enforce whatever we desire.” “I’ll be okay,” Thomas looked at Sarah. “I’ll get this all worked out and be back soon.”

“Of course he will,” Lobo answered. “If he’s innocent, he’ll be returned in no time.” A smile crossed his face. “Let’s go!”

Thomas was jerked out the door. There was nothing his friends could do.

High above town, two angels were watching…

“What can we do?” one asked. “We’ve got to stop this. They’ll kill Thomas.”

“We must do nothing.” the other answered. “This must be allowed to run its course.”

“But it can’t. It isn’t time… is it?”

“I’m afraid so,” was the answer.

“Oh, no!”

Chapter 32

“Stay put until we come back!”

Thomas was thrust into a dimly lit room in the basement of the government house.

“There’s a guard outside the door, just in case you’re feeling foolish.” His escort stepped back and bolted the door.

“Every time I meet up with Lobo, I end up in a dark hole,” Thomas murmured.

He crossed the room and sank onto a small cot. He sat, his back propped against the wall. He positioned himself with a clear view of the door, and closed his eyes. He was tired. “I’m getting too old for this.”

He sat in silence for a time, his thoughts ranging. His anger began to rise.

“Enough!” He pounded his fist on the sagging springs of the cot. This is it! This time I put a stop to it once and for all!

“Quiet in there!” The guard pounded on the door. “You keep quiet or we’ll come in and gag you. Understand?”

Thomas didn’t answer.

He sat back and made himself relax. He closed his eyes. A peaceful feeling flooded him.

There it is again!

He remembered the first time he’d felt those feelings. What a change! He’d been transformed. What freedom! He let the feeling wash through, calming him.

“That’s it!” His eyes popped open. He knew what he needed to do! It would solve everything!

First, though, he had to deal with Lobo. Lobo was a problem. Then he needed to let Zim know. But how? He needed to get a message to him. He’ll know what to do from there.

So much depended on things he couldn’t control.

Once again, Thomas closed his eyes, this time trying to detail everything he could. The peaceful feeling burned hotter. He was on the right track. He knew it!

Chapter 33

“On your feet old man!” the guard shouted, startling Thomas awake. “What? I must have dozed off. What time is it?”

“I wouldn’t be too worried about the time, especially since yours has run out.” The guard laughed, nudging his companion. Thomas recognized the speaker as one of Lobo’s men.

Thomas was yanked to his feet. Looking at the other guard, he thought he saw a small hint of sympathy. Maybe he could play on that. Surely not all the guards were heartless. He needed to keep watch. Anything would help at this point.

He was ushered up the stairs and onto the main floor. As he passed a window, he saw people gathered, holding torches in the dark. He tried to get a better look, but was pushed on from behind.

Zim and the others must have spread the word.

He hoped they stayed calm. All he needed was a little more time… and a whole lot of luck.

Thomas continued past the heavily guarded front door. The guards seemed nervous, fear showing in their eyes — a fear which could easily explode in disaster. It was going to be close. All he needed was an opening, a chance to get a message to Zim.

His escort trudged him up the stairs, round the corner, and pushed Thomas headlong into the mayor’s office. He stumbled and fell, sprawling at Lobo’s feet. Lobo laughed, kicking Thomas in the ribs. He doubled up with pain.

“Reinforce the guard at the back entrance,” Lobo ordered. “And have the men show their guns through the windows. That’ll make them think twice before trying anything stupid.”

Thomas struggled to his knees.

“That’s a good position for you, old man,” Lobo said. “You can start begging.”

“Then I’m afraid you’re in for some disappointment.” Thomas wheezed, holding his side.

“Put our guest in a chair, Lobo.” the mayor said from behind his desk. “Some guest.” Thomas shrugged off Lobo’s hands, and sat in the chair he’d shoved forward. “What do you want with me?”

“Nothing much. We just want to work out a deal.”

Thomas’ eyebrows raised. “Oh? What if I won’t deal?”

“Then we’ll kill you, and as many of your friends as it takes to restore order… My order,” the mayor said.

“I can see you’ve made a perfect friend, Lobo. He thinks just like you.” Thomas said.

“We do think alike,” the mayor agreed. “But make no mistake, I’m the one in charge. Lobo’s merely agreed to serve with me until things have settled down a bit.”

“In return for what?”

“That’s none of your concern,” Lobo said. “At least not yet, anyway. If I were you, I’d be more concerned with staying alive.”

The mayor stood and came around his desk. “I also think you should consider how many of your friends you want to see die before you see things our way.”

“What is it you want from me? As Lobo is always reminding me, I’m nothing but an old man. I can’t do anything to harm you.”

“Oh, but you already have!” The mayor leaned down, his face right in front of Thomas. “Your influence, and the influence of your friends, harms me a great deal! You see, you have a tendency to lead people in a direction I don’t like.”

“You mean, towards freedom.”

The mayor swung, catching Thomas a heavy blow across the face.

“I think you should listen, rather than talk! If this drags on, we’ll be forced to shoot some of your friends outside to dampen their enthusiasm. We don’t want them to interrupt our little discussion quite yet.”

The mayor strode over and looked out the window. “You wouldn’t want their blood on your head, now, would you?”

Thomas remained silent, his gaze straight ahead.

“Well then,” the mayor continued, going back to sit at his desk. “Here’s our offer: If your people will submit peacefully to my authority, no one will be hurt.”

“Such a generous offer,” Thomas mocked.

“Maybe not,” the mayor said, “but it’s the only one you’re going to get.”

“These aren’t my people. They decide for themselves what they’ll do. I don’t see how I fit into all this.”

“This is how you fit in.” The mayor leaned forward on his desk. “You use your influence, and convince your friends to submit peacefully. After all, I’ve been given to understand you’re a man of peace.”

“And if I refuse?”

“Then we’ll kill you, and throw your body into the street. It’d be a perfect example of how serious we are.”

“But don’t plan on being noble,” Lobo interrupted from behind. “We’re also prepared to discourage — with force — any ideas your friends may have of fighting back.”

“What you need to decide,” the mayor said, “is whether you want to keep the peace or whether you want your friends to die. Either way, I still have control. You, however, have the choice. It will be on your head.”

Thomas turned to Lobo.

“I’ve never tried to be your enemy. It’s not too late. Stop this before anyone gets hurt. You’ll both be allowed to leave in peace. I can guarantee that!”

“What? Are you serious?” Lobo gaped.

“You’ll never succeed,” Thomas answered.

Lobo laughed. “I don’t think you’ll be around to see it, but we’re going to win all right.”

There was a long silence. Then Thomas spoke again.

“I just wanted to give you one last chance before I have to kill you.”

Lobo roared with laughter.

Thomas turned. “As for you, Mr. Mayor, I’m afraid you’ve already destroyed yourself. You’ll never have control over these people unless they allow it. They’re my friends, I know them. No matter what you do, you’ll never have control.”

“Then they’ll die!” the mayor snarled. “And you’ll be the first!”

He took a deep breath to calm himself. “You were right, Lobo. But still, I had to try. I guess now we follow your plan. The old man is yours. Kill him however you wish. Just make sure it sends that mob outside a very clear message.” He glanced out the window again, surprised at the number of people gathered. “It seems you have quite a few friends. Too bad you won’t have a chance to say goodbye.”

“At last,” Lobo’s eyes flashed. “It’s you and me, Thomas. I should’ve killed you the first time we met.”

“You were a coward then, and still are,” Thomas said.

“Talk’s cheap old man, and you do way too much of it. This time you won’t be able to talk your way out. I finally get to silence you forever! Any last request?”

This was it! It was small, but it was an opening. He tried to stifle his excitement. He couldn’t ask for too much, but he needed something… He needed some time alone at the very least.

“I’d like some time alone… To prepare…”

Lobo turned to the mayor.

“I think that’s reasonable,” the mayor nodded. “You may have five minutes.”

Then to Lobo, “Take him to one of the side rooms and lock him in. From there he’ll be able to see the friends he’s condemned to die with his stubbornness. Perhaps he’ll have a change of heart?”

Thomas remained silent.

“Take him.” The mayor ordered.

Thomas was taken to a small room just down the hall. They pulled the door open and thrust him in.

“Start saying your prayers,” Lobo laughed. He pulled the door shut and clicked the lock.

Thomas didn’t waste any time. He stripped off his shirt and began searching for something to write with. He found it! a small piece of charcoal from the fireplace.

He spread his shirt on the floor then stopped to think. He didn’t have much time, and even less room, for a message. Finally, he leaned over and began scratching. His hand trembling, he wrote eight words…

Finishing, he sat back on his heels. “Oh God,” he plead. “Please help my friends understand this message… And give me strength to finish what I must do.”

The angels, watching from high above, lighted off the cliff and swooped down towards town. No one could see them. They wanted to be close when it finally happened. It was time.

Thomas got back to his feet. He felt calm. Somehow everything would work out. He knew it. “Or maybe you’re just going crazy with the stress,” he mumbled.

He gathered his shirt and wrapped it around his fist. He began to feel a tightness in his chest and stomach. He walked over the window and looked out. Below, he could see the townspeople gathered in the dim light of early morning. He’d been here all through the night. The glow of the sun was just starting to rise above the mountain.

He caught sight of Zim. Their eyes met, trying to speak to each other, without words. Somehow, it worked… at least a little… as these two men, as close as brothers, sensed the others feelings. They both smiled, nodding to one another in silent farewell.

Thomas took a step back from the window, raised his covered fist, and drove it through the window. It shattered with a crash. He unwrapped his shirt from his hand and threw it down to Zim.

Thomas chanced a look back at the door. Lobo was yelling “Open the door! Open the door!” fighting with the latch to get in. Thomas turned back to the window, shouting just as Lobo and his men burst into the room.

“Read the message, Zim! Don’t be afraid to start over! Don’t be afraid!”

Thomas was jerked back from the window and thrown down hard. He was surprised, he didn’t feel any pain.

Lobo stood over him.

“Your time is up, old man. I don’t know what you’re up to, but it won’t do you any good. I plan on making a good show of the way you die!”

Thomas rose to his feet and waited.

The mayor walked in.

“Have you changed your mind?”

Thomas didn’t answer.

“Too bad. Well, I tried to reason with you. Now your friends will pay the price… And you call yourself a man of peace!”

“Sometimes the only way to have peace is to fight for it.” Thomas glared at the mayor. “I feel sorry for you. Peace is something you’ll never experience. After tonight, you’ll always be haunted by guilt. It’ll weigh on your soul. It’ll press you down no matter where you are. You’ll try and hide from it, but you can’t. You can’t hide from yourself!”

“Quite a speech,” the mayor said. “To bad your friends couldn’t hear it. It’s wasted on me, you know.

“Take him, Lobo. I’m tired of waiting.”

“Gladly!” He drew his knife and placed it against Thomas’ neck. “Time to die, old man. Come on, we’ve got a show to put on. We want everyone to see what happens to noble people.”

Thomas was moved down through the building, out the front door, and onto the steps. The crowd surged forward. Zim held Thomas’ shirt in his hands.

Lobo pressed the knife tighter against Thomas’ throat, and the crowd stopped.

On the balcony above the landing, the mayor walked out, flanked by armed guards. He leaned out over the railing, facing the crowd.

“My people,” he announced. “Today ushers in a new order. You will now look to me — and to me only — for your leadership. If you obey my orders, you will be happy and enjoy peace. Under my leadership, the town will grow and prosper. I will not be a harsh nor unkind ruler, but I will have order!

“To those who will not accept my rule, we have arranged a small example of how we’ll deal with you.”

The mayor nodded to Lobo.

Grinning, Lobo pressed the knife still harder against Thomas’ throat. It broke the skin and blood started to seep through.

“It’s time, old man.”

There was a blur of movement. Thomas backed from under Lobo’s grasp and took hold of the knife. It was so fast, Lobo didn’t know what had happened. He barely kept hold of the knife.

Strain showed on each man’s face as they struggled, but slowly the knife turned its deadly point towards Thomas, inching its way towards his bared breast.

“You’re pretty tricky,” Lobo said through clenched teeth. “But not tricky enough. You’re still going to die — this just makes for a better show.”

Lobo kicked out and caught Thomas in the side. He fell from the blow, but pulled Lobo down with him, still struggling for the knife.

“You see what I mean?” Lobo grinned. “You can’t stop me.”

Thomas continued to struggle, saving his breath and strength. He didn’t know how long he could hold out.

The crowd moved forward, trying to come to Thomas’ aid, but constables on the balcony raised their rifles and took aim. “Hold up,” Zim held the crowd back. He pointed to the constables. Fighting in himself, he moved a bit closer but couldn’t move any closer without endangering everyone.

All they could do was stand by and watch as Thomas fought for his life.

Thomas pulled hard to his side, and Lobo moved, both rolling down off the steps into the dusty street. They held to the knife with death grips, Lobo ending up on top.

A beam of bright sunlight speared down from the peaks above as the sun crept higher in the sky. It grew and broadened as the sun rose higher over the mountain. It lit upon the government house and slowly crept down it’s walls to where the two men struggled for life. A tip of light touched Thomas’ outstretched arm. He felt a sudden surge of energy. He was growing stronger!

The knife stopped its downward movement. Lobo’s eyes grew wide. Thomas’ body surged with warmth. He glowed! The sun’s heat was filling him with coursing strength, as they were now bathed in the bright light.

Thomas took a deep breath, gathering all his newfound strength for one last move.

He wrenched Lobo to one side, pulling hard, and coming up on top. He reversed the knife and plunged downward.

A haunting groan escaped Lobo’s lips. He was dead.

Thomas let go of the knife. He pushed to his feet. His legs were wobbly and unsteady. He stared into the rising sun.

What happened?

For a moment, no one moved — except one.

The mayor wrenched a rifle from a startled guard. He took aim.

“Thomas!” Zim shouted. Everything seemed to move in slow motion.

Thomas turned.

CRACK!!!

The slug struck Thomas full in the chest. He toppled back to rest at Zim’s feet. Zim fell to his knees, cradling Thomas’ head in his lap.

Thomas reached up a hand grasping Zim’s arm. His breathing was labored and heavy. “Take care of Sarah.” His voice was raspy. “I don’t think I’ll be able to do it any more.”

Zim clenched his eyes. He held his friend tighter, rocking back and forth.

Gasping, Thomas spoke again.

“The shirt… Do you understand?”

Zim couldn’t speak. He nodded. He understood.

“Don’t let the mayor win.” Thomas swallowed, wincing in pain. “You know what to do?”

Again, Zim could only nod.

Satisfied, Thomas relaxed. He opened his eyes again, looking up at the people pressing close. He smiled. They were all his friends. True friends.

Off to the side, something bright caught his eye. Two men stepped forward. Thomas recognized them — at least he thought he did. He didn’t know their names, but they seemed so… familiar.

“Hello Thomas,” one of them spoke. Strange. He hadn’t heard any sound. The words had echoed in his mind.

“You’re back!” Thomas said aloud.

Zim was startled and looked around. “What?”

“They can neither see nor hear us,” the other spoke, again, only in Thomas’ mind. They moved closer, Thomas could see the glow surrounding them.

“Thomas, we’ve come for you. It’s time.”

“But what about Sarah?” Thomas asked aloud.

“I’ll take care of her,” Zim said. “I promise!” But Thomas wasn’t paying attention to him. He was concentrating on those others — the glowing men. Why can’t Zim see them?

“Sarah will be fine,” one assured silently. “She won’t be long in following, you know. And where you’re going, you won’t be alone. You have friends there, waiting your return.”

“I have… Friends…” Thomas sighed. It was his last breath.

Chapter 34

Thomas was suddenly standing at the side of the two glowing beings. His pain was gone. Zim was still cradling his empty, lifeless body, sobbing.

“Your work here is finished, but your influence will remain for a long while to come.”

Something prompted Thomas to hold up his hand. It glowed! Just like the other time… But wait.

He turned back to Zim. It hurt to see him like this. He wanted to talk to him, tell him he was alright.

“I wish I could comfort him,” Thomas thought to the others. “Sarah will somehow know I’m okay… I can feel it… But I wish I could comfort Zim.”

“You can.”

An idea sprang to Thomas’ mind. The others smiled. He went over and rested his hand gently above Zim’s shoulder. There was a flash of invisible energy arching between he and Zim. Thomas felt the warmth flowing between them.

Zim sat up, his eyes blinking.

Thomas closed his eyes and concentrated.

“He’s here,” Zim cried out. “He’s still here with us!” He closed his eyes, basking in the familiar feelings he and Thomas had always shared. Thomas continued the contact, concentrating on his message. “Thomas will always be with us.” Zim smiled. The tears continued, but still, he smiled. “Thomas will always be with us!”

Reluctantly, Thomas broke the contact and watched.

Zim rose to his feet, looking at those gathered around. “Let’s go,” he announced. “We’ve nothing more to do here!”

Zim gathered up Thomas’ lifeless body and carried it away. The crowd followed.

“Come, Thomas,” one of his glowing friends came forward and touched his arm. “It’s time to go.”

Thomas turned. Just in front of them, a small point of blinding light appeared. The point grew and expanded until the brilliance was large enough to walk through. Without hesitation, the two men stepped forward and were swallowed in the light.

Thomas approached, uncertain. He felt himself filling with warmth and light. And something else… Yes! It was that same feeling! That tremendous feeling of love and complete acceptance he’d felt so long ago. It flowed through, and around him!

“It had been real!”

Uncertain no longer, he stepped boldly into the light.

The City of Love

Chapter 35

“What do you mean everyone is gone!”

The lieutenant fidgeted in front of the mayor’s desk.

“I’m sorry sir,” he stammered, still trying to remain at attention. “We found no one in the town. It’s deserted. Half of the guard is missing as well.”

“What!”

After Thomas had died and the crowd dispersed, the mayor thought it prudent to let everyone cool down before pushing any harder to establish his rule. He’d stayed holed up in the Government House for the past three days, not daring to leave its protection.

He hadn’t meant to shoot Thomas, but after seeing the way he’d killed Lobo, he had to do something. He was terrified the crowd would swarm into the building and he’d be next. Things had gotten way out of control. He needed to let things calm down.

For three days he watched and waited. There was no activity in the town. The streets remained deserted. Not a single soul stirred. He kept expecting the townspeople to return; to finish what they’d started, swarm the Government House, and execute him. He’d kept his guards close. He knew he needed protection, but it was starting to wear on him now. He had to know what was happening, what the people were planning. He sent out a small patrol.

The lieutenant had returned. His report was troubling.

“Are you sure?” the mayor asked.

“Absolutely sir. Everything is abandoned. Everyone has gone… Everyone.”

The mayor stared out into empty space. So he’d lost after all. Even in winning, he’d still lost — just as Thomas had said. He’d gained the power he wanted, but the people he would rule had simply… Left.

His face grew red with anger. He’d kill them all! He’d send out his constables and bring them back, or kill them where they stood!

Then he hesitated. Half his guard had deserted too. He looked nervously at the Lieutenant. Was he in on something? Were the rest of his guards really loyal? Maybe it was a trap! Maybe they’re just waiting for the right moment to spring it! Everyone was against him. They all wanted him dead.

The mayor continued to sit, staring out the window, eyes darting back and forth… He quietly went insane.

Chapter 36

“My friends,” Zim raised his hands, stilling the murmurs of the crowd. “We are gathered here to honor the founder of this city. A man, who never having set foot here, nevertheless is at its heart and soul.”

The people’s faces beamed. They were gathered in the new central square of the new city they were building. Colored pennants fluttered in the morning breeze, adorning every building in town, whether finished or not. They were just beginning their work, but were proud of what they’d accomplished so far.

The flagstones of the square were crisp in their newness, and a new fountain splashed down in tiered levels, cascading like a gentle mountain stream.

They were gathered around a platform at the side of the fountain, beside a huge shrouded monolith which cast a shadow down the center of the square.

The sun’s brilliance overhead, contrasted against the vibrant green and granite sides of another beautiful mountain, much like the mountain they’d abandoned four years earlier, which silhouetted the town with a tall, majestic backdrop. It’s colors glistened in reflected light. Their first glimpse of this valley had left no doubt that they’d found their new home.

“We are here to honor a man who sacrificed his very life,” Zim continued, “so that we might find freedom. A freedom not only from the tyranny of wicked men, but also a freedom of spirit.

“He showed each of us how to loosen the chains which bind our hearts; to reach out, to lift and strengthen, to find joy through the power of love.” Zim smiled. “It was the simplest of gifts, yet the greatest of powers.”

Murmurs of agreement spread through the gathering.

“For this reason,” Zim continued. “We have unanimously decided to name our city, The City of Love!”

A cheer filled the square.

“We decided on this name in hopes it will always remind us of the perfect way to live. And to show others who may visit us, of what we’ve learned.

“Now, in memory of our founder we’ve built this statue -” Zim gestured to the monolith. “- a monument which will always remain as a memorial to the man who first loved us, so we could learn to love each other.”

Zim stepped back. Another man stepped forward and took hold of a loosened corner of the shroud. With a mighty tug, he pulled it free.

“Ahhh!” The crowd said with one voice.

Before them, on a raised marble stand in the middle of the fountain, stood a twenty foot statue of Thomas. But it wasn’t the proud visionary pose of other statues, instead, it was uniquely Thomas. He stood holding his hat in his hands, head slightly bowed, his ever gentle smile cast upon his lips. Engraved on the base of the statue, were the last words he’d written to Zim, the message on his shirt.

“True freedom begins with freedom of the heart.”

There was silence. Everyone paused, remembing.

Zim stepped back to the stand. He was followed by four young men, dressed for traveling. They wore heavy coats, hats, and carry sacks slung across their backs.

“In honor of Thomas’ memory, these young men have volunteered to dedicate a portion of their lives in teaching others of the power of love.

“They leave today as messengers, to teach all who’ll listen, of the things we’ve learned. It’s their hope — and ours — that they can spread the love we share to others in need of healing, and end the type of strife which drove us here.”

“Hurrah!! Hooray!!” The cheers echoed from the valley to the top of the mountain.

On the highest peak sat two angels, watching the celebration below. They looked at each other, glowing in their joy.

“Well, Thomas dear, I guess there’s hope after all.”

“Of course, Sarah. There’s always hope, as long as there’s love!”

Epilogue

Sasha looked at his children. Little Allisa had fallen asleep in his arms. Sasha Jr. was dozing. Tabitha lay facing the dying fire, deep in thought.

“Daddy,” she asked. “Is that story true?”

“Of course not,” Sasha Jr. stirred, turning onto his back and stretching. “It’s just a story.”

“Don’t be too quick to judge, son,” Sasha cautioned. “It’s a very old story. It was told to my father by his father before him.”

“See!” Tabitha said. “It is true. I just know it is.”

“The important thing, children,” Helga soothed, “is that we learn the lesson meant by the story.”

“What is that, Mommy?” Tabitha asked.

“It means to be nice to everyone!” Sasha Jr. blurted again.

“Yes,” Helga agreed. “And especially your sisters.” She eyed her son. Tabitha stuck out her tongue.

“Off to bed now,” Sasha said.

“And don’t forget to say your prayers. We’ll come tuck you in as soon as we’ve put Allisa to bed.”

The children were asleep. Sasha and Helga sat together, watching the dying coals in the fireplace. The wind had stopped, and snow was blanketing the ground in a layer of white. Frost was forming crystal patterns on the inside of the windows.

A muffled knock at the door interrupted their private thoughts. They glanced at one another. Sasha shrugged. He hadn’t been expecting anyone.

Again, the knock on the door, this time a little louder. More urgent.

Sasha jumped up and swung the door open. He greeted a bundled figure covered with snow.

“Come in. Come in out of the cold!”

“Thank you, sir. I was caught out in the storm, and yours was the first house I could find.”

“It is a harsh night,” Sasha helped the young man shed his coat, hat, and the long scarf he’d wrapped around his neck. “What causes you to be traveling on a night like this?”

The visitor gratefully sat in the rocker as Sasha put fresh wood on the fire.

“I’m a messenger.” the young man said. “I come from a city quite a ways from here, maybe you’ve heard of it. It’s called The City of Love.”

*** I hope you enjoyed your free copy of The City of Love. Other books and posts are available for you to browse. Just go to the top of the page and click on the links.