Unbroken Kingdom

by Lorie Gurnett

  “I find it easier to forgive others, but I don’t know if I can forgive myself,” Katerina admitted.

  “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death.”7 Senora stated, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”8

  “How can you forgive me? I almost killed you, and I might as well have injured Sam myself. I was the one who sent them to Shadow Dominion.” Katerina hung her head in shame.

  “Lucas is the king of deception. He knew you would do anything to save me. I probably would’ve done the same thing for you. Don’t lose heart. You can’t let him win,” Crystal declared.

  Katerina looked up at her with tears in her eyes. “Please leave me. I have to prepare for the Called Ones and finalize arrangements for the funeral procession. Go see how Sam and Bobbie are doing.”

  Senora opened her mouth to protest when Crystal raised her hand to stop her. Senora only bowed and left the throne room.

  “Crystal, I don’t think I can do this. I’m not Mother. She always seemed to have the answers,” Katerina said.

  “Guard your heart. You’re not alone. The Saviour’s with you and He’ll give you the words to say,” Crystal declared.

  “How can you be so sure?”

  “For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.9 Let’s pray together. The battle’s unavoidable, but we need to surrender the outcome into God’s hands. ‘Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he’ll make straight your paths.’”10

  “I’m full of fear, grief, doubt, and shame. How could the Saviour ask me to lead this group into battle? Isn’t there someone more qualified? What about Sir Gervon?” Katerina asked.

  “Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.11 For nothing will be impossible with God.”12 Crystal stated, “Kat, pray with me. Let’s surrender this battle into the Saviour’s hands.” The two girls knelt and prayed.

  The guard opened the door to a large bedroom. Robert cautiously walked toward the bed and placed Sam onto it. “Thank you, Bobbie,” Sam replied.

  “How’re you doin? What did they do to you?” Robert asked.

  “I-I’ll be ok,” Sam whispered as Senora entered the room. The guard left to return to his post. “Nora? How are you?” Senora touched her eagle pendant, “Scarlett’s pendant, you still have it,” Sam said as she pointed at the scar on Robert’s arm. “How is it he carries the same symbol on his skin?”

  “He got it when he saved my life.” Senora smiled at Robert. “I think that’s what brought him here.”

  “What do you mean?” Robert asked.

  “There’s so much I need to tell you, Bobbie. You’re in danger, though,” Senora warned.

  “I don’t have time for this. Lucas and Drayvon need to pay.” Robert grumbled and clenched his fists. “No one deserves to be tortured like this.”

  “I know, but we need to trust God’s plan,” Senora said.

  Pacing around the room, he punched his left fist into his right hand. Spitting each word as if it were poison in his mouth, and said, “God’s plan? Was its God’s plan for you to get caught in the fire? Was its God’s plan for my dad to be tortured as a kid? Was its God’s plan for my dad to beat my mom? Where was God when Trevor died?” Robert said each word with conviction and hatred in his eyes.

  “As for them, they meant evil against you, but God meant it for good to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today. So do not fear; God will provide for you and your little ones.13 Please find comfort in this truth. We may not understand these things, but we need to trust that God will work things out for good,” Senora proclaimed.

  “How can you be so sure?” Robert asked.

  “Because God knows all things, and He has a plan. I’ve seen Him work in your life as well as mine. He won’t abandon us now,” Senora declared.

  “I don’t know. I need to think about all this,” Robert replied. Senora approached him and placed her hand on his shoulder, but Robert pushed her away and left the room.

  “I’m sorry you had to see that.” Senora turned her attention to Sam.

  “I understand. He’s a mystery to me,” Sam said.

  “He has suffered a lot. Anger has been his wall of protection that kept others at a safe distance. He knows the Saviour, but he struggles with trusting Him.”

  Sam scooted herself up to rest her back against the headboard. As the room began to spin, she raised her hand to her temple. “We all carry lies from our past. I understand his doubts. One thing Drayvon revealed to me was an old memory from my childhood, one long since lost or forgotten. He meant the memory to destroy my belief in the Saviour, but instead of feeling forgotten, abandoned, and unworthy, I was reminded of my faith, adoption, forgiveness, and hope.”

  Fiddling with the corner of the blanket, Senora stared out the window. “God has never given up on us.” She looked intently into Sam’s eyes. “You taught me that. You’re one of the strongest people I know.” Waving her finger through the sun rays flowing in through the window, she got a far-off look. “Where there’s light, darkness is forced to flee. We’re more than conquerors.”

  Staring at the shadows Senora’s hand formed on the floor, her thoughts drifted back to the memory of her mom. “You need to know that Sam is not my real name.”

  Suddenly dropping her hand in her lap, she turned in shock. “What do you mean?”

  Sheepishly fiddling with the edge of her sheet, she swallowed a lump forming in her throat. Coughing to clear her voice, she said, “When Delores found me, I was a scared and lost child. The Silver Dragon killed my mother. When Drayvon revealed this memory to me, he revealed my old name. I was called Starstorm.”

  Curiously looking at the ceiling, Senora scratched her chin, deep in thought. “There are meanings behind names. Starstorm means ‘my courage has just started to turn into freedom,’ and Samantha means ‘God heard.’” Senora jumped from the bed excitedly and clapped her hands. “So, your courage has been turned into freedom because God heard you. He has not forgotten you, but He has strengthened you in both your faith and your name. Hold onto both names, and God’s strength will shine through your weakness.” She began to skip around the room.

  Unable to contain her laughter, Sam started laughing until it hurt and tears welled up in her eyes. “I never thought of it that way.” She sadly shook her head and became somber. “But Drayvon has somehow blocked my dragon side. I can’t transform anymore. I fear I’m stuck in this form forever. I may have lost part of myself, but I haven’t lost who I am.”

  Stopping in her tracks, she looked around the room. Near the far wall sat an old rocking chair, and on it was a knitted blanket. Senora shuffled over to it, grabbed the blanket and returned to the bed. She placed the blanket over Sam, and said, “Regain your strength you’re still a fighter. Just like Bobbie, you have that determination to prevail. I believe in both of you.”

  Sam took hold of her hand and gently squeezed it. “I don’t know about Bobbie; he holds a lot of anger and doubt within him. But when I look into his eyes, I feel strangely drawn to him.”

  Trying to stifle a laugh, she snorted. “Bobbie? No, he’s just a broken man who seeks to protect and serve his Saviour. He’s on his own faith journey as we all are. But he’s chosen by God.”

  As sleep began to take over, Sam snuggled down under the blanket, resting her head on the pillow and yawning. “How do you know for sure?”

  Tucking the blanket around Sam’s body, she smiled. “I’ve seen his pain and turmoil. I’ve also seen his transformation from darkness into light. He understands he can do nothing without God.”

  Her eyes fluttered, and her words were but a whisper. “It’s different with Bo
bbie. I felt safe with him but also fear his anger.”

  Backing slowly away, she turned toward the door. “Trust the Lord’s guidance. Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.”14

  “How did you get so smart?”

  Resting her hand on the doorframe, she looked over her shoulder. “Ever since we first met, I’ve been praying for wisdom, and I’ve been getting to know God more by faithfully studying His Word.”

  “Nora, can I speak with Sam alone?” Katerina asked as she appeared in the bedroom doorway. Senora turned with a start, nodded, and left the room. “Sam, I’m sorry for my deception. Can you ever forgive me?”

  Sam turned to face the wall. “We’ve all been deceived, and all have sinned, but we need to not lose heart. Our faith in God’s plan will unify us. I’m tired; please let me rest for now.” Sam sighed.

  Katerina turned toward the door, but before she left the room, she looked over her shoulder and said, “Thank you.”

  Startled by Katerina’s response, Sam stared at her. “For what?”

  “Despite my betrayal, you still stand with me. I need your support; honestly, I’m barely holding myself together. Rest now. I want you at the funeral procession tomorrow.” Katerina stepped out into the hallway. The head of the guard was waiting for her.

  “Lady Kat, The Called have come, and their leaders are waiting for you in the war room. Are you ready to address them?” the guard asked.

  “Tomorrow. I need to rest now. Show them to their accommodations. We’ll gather after the crowd address and procession tomorrow,” Katerina replied.

  “As you wish.” The guard bowed and retreated down the hallway.

  Katerina headed to her room and closed the door.

  15

  Farewell

  The door creeped open, startling Katerina awake. Crystal jumped on her bed. “Come on, lazybones. Time to wake up.” Crystal laughed and jumped so hard Katerina bounded out of bed and landed on the floor with a thud.

  “I forgot how much of a morning person you are.”

  “I know this is a somber time. Today’s the day we say goodbye. But with a little laughter to start the day, maybe you won’t feel so weighed down and crushed.” Crystal sat cross-legged on Katerina’s bed. Katerina stood and walked over to her wardrobe. Crystal leaped to her feet and dashed ahead of her. She quickly pulled out a green hooded cloak, black dress, and a dark green top.

  “Are you kidding me?” Katerina grabbed the black dress, tossed it into the wardrobe, and quickly pulled out a green pair of leggings.

  Crystal rolled her eyes and giggled. “You never want to wear a dress, do you?” Crystal sighed as she left the room to get ready.

  Once dressed, Katerina stepped out into the dimly lit hallway. The head guard met her. “Lady Kat, it’s almost time,” he said as he handed Katerina a locked golden chest.

  “Is it in there?” Katerina whispered trying desperately to swallow her fear.

  “Yes, Lady Kat. Queen Scarlett’s heart is safely inside,” the guard replied.

  Cradling the small golden chest, she thought. Such a small thing to hold something so precious.

  She focused her eyes as she made her way to the balcony. Overlooking the courtyard, she was surprised to see the large crowd below. Joined by Crystal and Sam, she raised the golden chest in the air. A wave of people raised their hands in honour of Queen Scarlett. “As the Saviour binds our hearts together in life, may we always be bound in death. Join the procession. We ride to the Forest of Truth. Scarlett’s heart stood for truth. Today, we’ll bind it with truth,” Katerina declared. The crowd erupted with applause.

  Crystal embraced Katerina and whispered in her ear, “It’s ok to cry. Today we say goodbye, but remember our hearts are always bound together in love. You’re not alone in this.”

  Thought she still felt a little weak, Sam raised her hand and placed it on Katerina’s shoulder. “You start the procession.” Katerina lowered the chest and held it close to her heart. Now’s the time to show strength. There’ll be a time to shed tears, but today’s not that day. At least not for me, Katerina thought to herself. She turned on her heel and stormed toward the courtyard. Sam and Crystal were in tow. With her eyes fixed on her horse, she gently laid the golden chest in her saddlebag and mounted her horse. Sam and Crystal did the same and lined their horses to stand on either side of hers. She set her stone face on the horizon, turning to examine the others as they each, in turn, mounted their horses. Continuing down the line was Sir Gervon, followed by Donella and the elves, and two horse drawn wagons that carried Queen Scarlett and Princess Delores’s bodies. Senora and Robert stood confidently on either side of the cart. Katerina’s eyes scanned the sea of creatures and humans alike who had turned out to honour them, and the Muddlings were in the rear, where they always preferred. She nodded as they set out to empty the castle and made their journey to the Forest of Truth.

  “They’ve emptied Castle Calvarias. Treasure Kingdom’s open for the taking,” Drayvon reported to Lucas.

  “Give them this day. Their destruction’s at hand. Patience.” Lucas sighed.

  “It’s much more fun to toy with their emotions. Their brokenness and grief will make them weak. We’ll crush them but not in the Forest of Truth or on this day. We’ll crush them, you’ll feast. Don’t worry about that.”

  “Worry? I don’t worry.”

  “Patience.” Lucas watched the procession marched on from his shadowy hiding place. He turned and made his way back toward Sheol Mountain. Drayvon growled in frustration but followed Lucas anyway.

  As Katerina’s horse reached the edge of the Forest of Truth, she dismounted and pulled the golden chest from her saddlebag. Crystal, Sam, and Sir Gervon dismounted too. Katerina turned and smiled at them. “I only want a small procession here. The forest must not be disturbed. Crystal, Sam, Sir Gervon, and Nora. Please join me?” Katerina called.

  As all eyes fall on Senora, her eyes widened and cheeks went red. “Me? Why me?” she asked.

  “You, although only here for a short time, brought my mother back to Crystal and I. You gave us a few more years with her. I see you as family. As I see Sir Gervon as a wise guide and protector,” Katerina stated. The five left the large group at the border of the Forest of Truth as they walked to the center of the forest.

  Senora hugged her shoulders. This is nothing like any funeral I’ve ever been to. Katerina turned to face the other four. The group of five formed a small circle as Katerina raised the golden chest in the air once more. She bent down and placed it on the mossy ground. While Crystal’s cheeks flooded with tears, Katerina’s eyes were dry and set. Sir Gervon discreetly brushed a tear away, hoping no one noticed, as Sam knelt beside the chest.

  “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me,” Sam whispered.1

  Crystal kneeled next to Sam, “Very truly I tell you, whoever hears my word and believed him who sent me has eternal life and will not be judged but has crossed over from death to life.”2

  Sir Gervon placed his hand on Crystal’s shoulder and declared, “The people living in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned.”3

  Suddenly, the Tall Bearded Man appeared and said, “Then I heard a voice from heaven say, ‘Write this: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on. Yes, says the Spirit, they will rest from their labour, for their deeds will follow them.’”4

  Katerina looked up with a start. “Father? Is that you?”

  “Kat, Crystal, your mother and I are one. We’re so proud of you,” The Man stated as he disappeared again.

  Katerina looked at the golden chest once again and kneeled. She placed her hand on the chest. “For if we’ve been united with him in death like this, we’ll certainly also be united with him in a resurrection
like this.”5 Katerina sighed.

  Senora paced uncomfortably. I feel like I’m intruding. Why am I here? Suddenly, she found herself face to face with her brother, Trevor.

  “Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble, and he saved them from their distress. He brought them out of darkness, the utter darkness, and broke away their chains.”6 Senora stumbled backward, almost losing her balance.

  “Trevor? Why’re you? How’re you here?” Senora asked.

  “I’m here to remind you, but now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves of God, the benefit you reap to holiness, and the result’s eternal life. For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord,” Trevor reminded her.7

  “I thought I would never see you again. Are we bound in death now? Or through God’s eternal life?” Senora asked.

  “Just remember because of the tender mercy of our God, by which the rising sun will come to us from heaven to shine on those living in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the path of peace.8 Your strength comes with truth. I’m with you. May you be a light in this dark time.” Trevor replied and was gone as quickly as he had appeared. Senora turned her attention back to the group of four. She stepped close and kneeled next to Crystal.

  “For the perishable must clothe itself with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality. When the perishable has been clothed with immortality, then the saying that’s written will come true: ‘Death has been swallowed up in victory. Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?’” Senora whispered.9 Crystal hugged Senora and Katerina. Sir Gervon dug a deep hole as Katerina slowly lowered the chest in.