“Don’t mind him,” the second guard said as he left the cell block and headed for Sam’s room. Chester paced his prison cell and chuckled.
Sam rested in bed when the door flew open. She jumped in fear and nearly fell off the bed. “Sorry to disturb you, Lady Sam,” the guard stated.
“What is it?” Sam asked.
“A creature no, an enemy no, a visitor.”
“Well, what is it? A creature, an enemy, or a visitor?”
“Yes.”
“You aren’t making sense.”
“Sorry, this whole thing doesn’t make sense. Can you stand? Walk? Follow me.”
Sam staggered to her feet. “I think so. Where’re we going?”
“The cell blocks.”
“Wait! Did I do something wrong? Is Lady Kat sending me to the cell block? Is that young lady losing her mind?”
“No, someone’s in the cell block. Asking for you.”
“Asking for me? What sort of visitor?”
“I can’t explain. Just follow me, please.” The guard led Sam down to the cell block, and she followed, feeling a little uneasy about this mysterious visitor.
Sam froze in her tracks when she caught sight of the dark creature pacing in his cell. The creature raised his hands, pleading, “Wait and hear me out.” He chuckled nervously. Sam walked close to the cell door.
“Ok, talk.”
“Master defeated you. Yes?” Sam reached through the cell bars and grabbed a handful of the creature’s fur and pulled him into the bars, banging his head. “Ouch! I mean no disrespect. This meeting isn’t going well.”
Sam released his fur and relaxed again. “Speak but guard your words carefully.”
“I knew your mother.” Sam staggered back a few steps.
“What did you say?”
“You heard me, Starstorm. I was the one who warned her. Don’t be sad, because sad backwards is das, and das not good. You know it takes patience to listen: it takes skill to pretend you’re listening.11 But she didn’t listen. No one ever listens to poor Chester. Misfit to the end, I guess.”
“How do you know that name?”
“Master wanted you to think you were unlovable. But your mother chose to give her life to save yours. That’s courage. I may not understand love, but I know courage. I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave man isn’t he who does not feel afraid but he who conquers that fear.12 Fear is like poison, it will keep harming you until you find the antidote. Dragons are strong. I’m close to Master. Learned to deceive. I deceive to survive.”
“That’s just it: deception is the way of the dark one. Lucas is the king of deception. Why should I trust you?”
The creature looked up into Sam’s eyes. “Courage is resistance to fear, mastery of fear, not absence of fear.13 You have your mother’s eyes. Your mother trusted me.”
“And she’s dead.”
“May be dead, but you live. Lord Lucas’s plan was thwarted before. I’m already doomed, but I can still deceive. ‘Above all, be the heroine of your life, not the victim.’14 I clumsy Misfit Shadow Knight, burden, but I can get close to Master.”
“You haven’t said anything that makes me trust you.”
“I know you’re wise to guard your heart. But when you don’t trust, you stand alone. Divided and easily defeated.”
“What do you have in mind?”
“The lord and master will gather at the Fiery Crossroads. The fires will ignite. The battle will cross over. No stopping that.”
“You aren’t sounding helpful.” Sam crossed her arms.
“I get close to Master. I use his plan against him. He divided you spy in your ranks.” Sam jumped at the cell door again. Chester shrunk back.
“Spy? What do you mean spy?”
“I know not who. I just know there is one. Get me in the war room meeting. I join the fight.”
“Yes, but whose side would you be fighting on?”
“I got you out, didn’t I? I showed that girl where you were. Me! No one else. I fight both. But Master believes I fight only for him. Deception, see?”
“No, I don’t see. I’m not allowing the enemy into that meeting.”
“Enemy? I helped you. Does no one listen around here? No wonder Master captured you so easily last time. Why were you in Shadow Dominion was beyond me.”
“You’re not doing a very good job of convincing me.”
“The Dragon Kingdom is now in hiding. Your mother gave her life for you so you could stand against him at the right time. With you still alive, the Dragon Kingdom still survived. Lord’s failure the Silver Dragon’s deceit. He wanted you to be no more. You mustn’t surrender. No matter what. Guard your heart. Don’t allow anyone close. The spy could be anyone. You know I’m not spy. Get me in the meeting. I provide intel?”
Sam walked over to the cell block entrance, grabbed the key, and unlocked the cell door. “Don’t make me regret this.” Chester wobbled toward the entrance “What do they call you anyways?”
Chester paused before leaving the cell block. “You mean besides Misfit? They call me Chester.” He bolted up the cell room stairs and out of sight, leaving a lingering hyena chuckle in the air. Sam staggered and leaned against the wall to wait for the room to stop spinning. Father, please; I hope I didn’t do the wrong thing. Please reveal the spy before it’s too late. In Jesus name, amen, Sam prayed as she slowly made her way toward the war room.
Soon, a strange laughter permeated from outside the war room door. All eyes shift toward the door as it flew open. “I hear you’re plotting to stand against the master and lord.” Senora’s eyes grow wide as she stared at Chester. “I may be a Misfit, but I know the master. Master Drayvon will attack at the Fiery Crosswords. This war will cross over. I can help. My misfits and I know the gaps in his perimeter.”
“You and what misfits?” Katerina asked
“There are more of us. I have a small following just outside your gates.”
“More Shadow Knights?” Katerina questioned.
“No, Misfits, silly. I’m the head guide to Misfits within the Shadow Knights. Try to keep up, will ya? I offer our help to you, Lady Kat. Will you accept? My misfits hide just beyond your gates, waiting for my signal.”
Katerina feared these creatures. They’re Shadow Knights. “You serve Drayvon. Why would we trust you?”
“It’s ok if you don’t like me. Not everyone has good taste.”
“Wait. May I speak?” Senora asked. All eyes shifted from Chester to Kat and now to Senora.
“Speak then,” Katerina ordered.
“I know he’s a Shadow Knight, but he risked his life to free Sam and Bobbie. He helped us escape. He could have killed us or turned us back to Drayvon and Lucas, but he didn’t,” Senora said.
“Can you promise me that he won’t turn on us?” Donella asked.
“I…” Senora looked from Donella to Chester, back to Donella to Katerina, then from Katerina to Robert, “I…” Soon the door creaked from behind Chester.
All eyes looked to the door. “I believe in him. He risked everything, even though he knew it was a death sentence for him. He won’t turn on us,” Sam declared with such authority behind each word.
“Lady Sam, we were told you were resting,” Donella stated.
“It’s true; I’m weak. But the Lord’s strength shines through my weakness. Both worlds depend on us. We need to put aside our differences and trust the Saviour’s leadership,” Sam replied. Everyone nodded in agreement.
“Well said. Now we need to gather around and discuss our battle strategies,” Katerina declared.
“One question for Lady Sam,” Donella interrupted.
“What is it, Donella?” Sam asked.
“The Red Dragon. Will she fight?” Donella asked.
“Drayvon has blocked that side. But I’ll fight. I’ve been trained in combat by both Queen Scarlett and Princess Delores,” Sam declared. “I fight for freedom and for family. Family isn�
��t just blood. The ultimate King and my Saviour is eternal and unchanging. He’s the one true God and King.”
“You say that with such authority. By whose authority do you speak?” Donella asked.
“Therefore, I am a chosen one of God. We need to stand firm in His truth and leading. Unify as the true body of the King. I speak with the authority of the Saviour,” Sam said.
“A child of the Saviour, ok. If you speak with the Saviour’s authority, how do we know you’re true? You just were a captive of Drayvon. Were you not?” Donella asked.
“Leave her be, Donella,” Gervon commanded. Donella leaned back against the wall as if struck silent by Gervon’s words. “Unity is what we need now, not division. Let’s hear Lady Kat out. Donella, you can just be silent.”
Everyone turned their attention toward Katerina and the battle map before her. Robert walked over to Sam. She leaned on him for support as Katerina laid out a battle strategy. Senora was amazed at the calming connection Sam had with Robert.
17
Crosswords of Fire
As the battle meeting came to a close, Robert turned his face toward Sam. “Are you sure you’re strong enough to fight?” he asked.
Sam looked up at him, pushed him away, and stormed out of the room. She looked over her shoulder and said, “‘Even youths shall faint and be weary, and young men shall fall exhausted; but they who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.’1 This is my fight more than yours. I’ll be fine.”
Robert scratched the back of his head in confusion. “What did I say?”
Senora approached Robert and placed her hand on his shoulder. “Give her some time.”
Robert glared at Senora and shrugged her hand off, “From the sound of it, time is what we don’t have.” Robert stormed out of the room and headed to the courtyard. As he slowly made his way down the staircase his thoughts started to convict him. Why did I snap at Nora? I know she’s here to help. But when I look in her eyes, I’m reminded of how I have failed her. It’s my time to prove myself worthy. I need to do this, not just for Nora, but for myself too. Robert secretly made a promise to himself. Senora was left staring at the open door, confused by Robert’s actions and questioning what she should do next.
Katerina walked up behind her and said, “How can you still trust me after what I did to you?”
Senora turned her attention toward Katerina. “Oh, Kat, you’ve suffered so much at the hand of Lucas. We all make mistakes, but you’ve learned from yours. I trust you.” Senora held her hand out toward Katerina. Katerina hesitantly shook it.
“Are you up for this battle? How much combat experience do you have?” Katerina asked.
“I…well…um…none, I guess,” Senora sighed.
Katerina jumped in surprise. “What? Come with me.” Katerina ordered as she grabbed Senora’s arm and dragged her from the war room. The two emerged into the courtyard; Katerina dragged her toward the barn and shoved her forward. Senora turned to look at Katerina in confusion. Katerina tossed a sword at her feet. “Pick it up.”
“What? Why?” Senora asked.
“Pick it up fight me. You learn by doing. Pick it up.”
Senora hesitated. I don’t want to fight. Katerina is half my size. In her hesitation, Katerina kicked the sword away, sending dust flying at her face. “The enemy will attack even if you hesitate. Lucas is relentless. You cannot afford to hesitate. Fight me.” As Senora staggered and brushed dirt from her eyes, Katerina lunged toward her. Her sword came down, and the clang of metal frightened Senora. She looked up through her tear-filled eyes and saw Robert standing over her, holding the sword Katerina had thrown at her. Both swords were connected right above her body. She quickly crawled out of the way.
“Leave her alone. What’s wrong with you, kid?” Robert asked.
“Nothing. We need to be our best. Lucas must fall. If we aren’t good enough, why’re we here?” Katerina stated as she swung her sword at Robert. He swung his sword and blocked her attack. “I see you’ve some sword experience.”
“A little. I used to sword fight with Trevor, when we were young. Sam taught me some things too. But I’ve more experience with a rifle.” Robert dodged another swing of Katerina’s sword. He closed his eyes and saw Trevor’s bloody body at the bottom of his basement stairs. Instantly grief invaded his thoughts. He opened his eyes to Senora glaring at him.
Staggering backward, Senora wiped a tear from her eyes. “Trevor taught me stuff too. I can fight my own battles. Stop hindering me.” Senora folded her hands in front of her and stomped her foot.
Robert quickly shoved Senora aside while Katerina’s foot kicked him in the face, knocking him to his knees. Robert spat blood on the ground.
“What are you doing, Bobbie? I said, I can fight my own battles.”
Ignoring Senora’s words, Robert leapt to his feet. “Don’t worry, Nora. I got this.”
Senora stood and stared Robert down. “The horse is made ready for the day of battle, but the victory belongs to the Lord.”2 Senora heard shuffling from behind her when Robert shoved her out of the way once again. Katerina’s sword clanged with Roberts once more. Senora watched frozen as Katerina spun and kicked Robert in the side of the head, knocking him to the ground.
“Stop it, both of you!” Senora shouted. Robert pushed Senora away and stood.
“Again, you may have caught me off guard, but I’m not broken,” Robert said, lunging at Katerina. Katerina staggered backward and kicked dirt at Robert’s face. Seeing her attack coming, he swiftly placed his arm up to protect his eyes and swung his sword downward, knocking Katerina to the ground. He held the sword in front of Katerina’s face. “Do you yield?”
“You’re a good fighter. But mercy isn’t a luxury that Lucas or Drayvon will ever offer.” Katerina tossed her sword aside. She stood, nodded at Robert and returned to the castle.
Senora approached Robert.
“What was that?” Senora asked.
Robert’s anger subsided, and he turned to face Senora, sighing. “I just don’t know, Nora.”
“Hey, you say that we need to be focused, and yet you mention Trevor. Trevor has nothing to do with this battle. His strength is always with us, but he is gone. He is not coming back. It is not your job to protect me. ‘But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one.’”3
“I can’t focus and protect you all the time.”
“So? You are not God in this situation. God will protect me. You don’t have to. Who ever said it was your job to protect me?”
“You know what I mean. You know. Since…”
“Since what?”
“Trevor. I mean, I think.” The sound of police sirens rang softly in her ears flashes of her mom dropping the phone, the sounds of the car tires squeaked, as they rushed to the scene. Pushing the thoughts aside, she reached for the sword at her feet.
“What? I told you, Trevor is not here. I am. Stop trying to be him.” She raised the sword and aimed it at Robert.
Robert rolled his eyes and sighed. “You’re just getting in the way here. Go home.”
“Ummm, I have been here before. Besides, ‘For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.’4 God is with me. He directs my heart in His love and Christ’s perseverance. I have a reason for being here. Do you? Allow me to show you.”
“Show me what? We are at the eve of battle. We need to train, not argue. Mind your own business.” He spat the words at her. “Why’re you even here? Go home. Before you get hurt.” Robert scanned the crowd standing around staring at them. “What’re you all lookin’ at? You need to be ready too.” Robert threw his sword to the ground. What can I say to make her leave? I don’t mean to be rude, but I want her to be safe. I know she cares. At least she understands me, Robert walked over to a stack of rifles leaning against the stable wall. He selected a 303 rifle with a scope and str
ap, draped it over his shoulder, grabbed a small box of cartridges, and walked toward a targeting range. Senora’s sword slipped from her fingers as she stared at Robert’s back.
Sam watched the whole scene play out from a high window in the castle. Both admiration and fear lingered within her. She understood the pain of loss Katerina faced right now, but Robert, his anger was so great, yet he held such compassion too. Torn by the wave of confusion lying beneath the surface, she watched as Robert fired at the target shot after unrelenting shot. She looked at Senora, who picked up the sword and clumsily swung it around in the air. Sam turned to head down to the courtyard when Katerina stopped her. Staggering back a little, Sam reached for the wall to stabilize herself. “You’re still weak,” Katerina declared.
Sam stared at her. “This is my fight.”
“Yes, but I’ve got a quest for you.”
“Another quest? How dare you! Are you sending me to my death this time? Have you forgotten me completely?”
“Forgotten you? No, never. I know what I did, and I’m paying the price. But this is different.” Katerina walked past Sam and looked out the window at Robert. “He’s strong, but Lucas knows anger. He feeds on it.” Katerina looked at Sam with concern. “He’s torn between two worlds. This battle will be at the Fiery Crossroads. You’ll need to be ready.”
“Ready for what?” Katerina pulled a red gem from her pocket and handed it to Sam. “What’s this?”
“It’s how I crossed over before. If the battle crosses worlds, you’ll need to find the strength and wisdom to unite Bobbie.”
“I don’t understand.” Sam stared at the strange red gem.
“You will. If you see smoke rising, think of Bobbie, and the gem will take you to him.”
“On the battlefield? But you said I was too weak. You’re not making sense.”
“No, not the battlefield.”
“But you said he was a good fighter. Why would you hold him back?”
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