by D. I. Telbat
Eric took a deep breath, praising God for the family he now beheld—his family.
"You look like a proud father," Gretchen said as she approached from the darkness. She hooked her arm around his. "What's on your mind?"
"I may or may not break out in song at all that Christ has blessed us with. I'm alive. My son is smiling. And the people around me are recognizing their Creator."
"It's more than we imagined, huh?" She leaned against him. "You really think He's coming soon?"
"Jesus? Yes! Most in America, I gather, thought He would've already come to collect His Church. But trusting Him as Lord includes believing His timing is always right."
"Speaking of timing, how much longer will you and Andy sleep all alone in that lodge of yours?" Gretchen asked.
Arm in arm, they approached the fires, the food, and Hank's tale of more bears than there actually were.
"Alone? We have Runner in there with us now, too." He chuckled. "I can't imagine who else we'd ask to join us."
"If you don't find us a preacher soon, I'm liable to tell Dad to stand in, if he'd agree to touch a Bible for a ceremony."
She shoved him playfully and went to help her mother with the stew.
Andy, playing with the other orphans, nearly plowed into Eric. Eric caught the boy and steadied him on his feet. He knelt in front of the six-year-old.
"I've been meaning to talk to you about something, Andy."
"What is it?" He set a hand on Eric's shoulder, the gesture taking the words from Eric for a moment.
"When we were still at the cabin, we agreed that we like our family just the way it is—you and me. Remember?"
"Yeah. Now we have a new cabin," Andy said.
"That's true. We also agreed that if we wanted to add anyone else to our family, we'd each need to approve of any additions."
"Who? Runner?"
"No, Runner's just fine. I was thinking more along the lines of Gretchen."
"The hunter? In our cabin?" He frowned and seemed to look at Gretchen in a new light. "I guess so. If she doesn't mind Runner."
"I think the whole camp enjoys having Runner here."
"It might be good to have another hunter in our cabin, I guess," Andy said. "That way, you won't have to wake up anyone else in camp when you want to get her to go out early for a hunt."
"That certainly would be an advantage." Eric nodded. "I was thinking along the lines of a wife as well."
"A wife? In our cabin?"
"A wife, yes. For me. I've never been married, and now I see she is coming along as a new believer. And maybe, if you accept, she could try to be a mother to you, too. She wouldn't replace your real mom, but your real mom would want you to have a mother, I think."
"Makes sense. Well, I guess if you like her." Andy cocked his head. "Joel said he brought back a big ol' bear bone for Runner. I think he feels bad for killing the other Runner."
"Could be." Eric patted the boy on the back. "Maybe it's best to let him know you appreciate it."
"I will."
Andy threw his arms around Eric's neck, then darted off to join the ruckus. Over the fire, Gretchen smiled at Eric. He winked at her, then faced the river. Everything seemed as right as it could be, but in those days, harmony was fleeting. Winter was coming, and wood needed to be gathered. Mastover hadn't seen the last of the Liberation Organization, and Mad Man south of Mastover would be one of Commander Morris' most hunted enemies. Yes, further danger was in the breeze . . .
But whatever might come, Eric was determined to remain steadfast on the path the Lord had prepared. He'd entrusted his soul to God, and through peril or even burning at the stake, he would anticipate being with Jesus Christ soon. Forever.
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Dear Reader,
Thanks for reading STEADFAST Book THREE! I pray the Lord has blessed you through my writing. If you liked it, please share the link with your friends, and leave a short comment/review on Amazon. That will help me a lot. Thank you!
I've given you another behind-the-scenes peek into the bad guys' mindset, so be sure to scroll to the end of the book for that Bonus Chapter!
Find more info on upcoming novellas in The Steadfast Series at ditelbat.com/steadfast-series on our website.
The Steadfast Series is just beginning! The post-apocalyptic adventure will continue, with new novellas to be added in the near future, and even a full-length novel that features characters across the continent. For Steadfast updates, novel news, and free short stories, be sure to subscribe here for our weekly posts and exclusive subscriber gifts. Come join the adventure!
Happy reading!
David Telbat
*~*
Character Sketch
Andy Adkins
The young son of Joyce, Andy was born since Pan-Day, and has been trained by his father how to carry a rifle and how to be a man in an unfriendly land. Beside his trusty dog Runner, Andy is as asset even at his young age.
Eric Radner
This man in his mid-thirties was once a blogger, traveled America, and lived a luxurious life. Now, he has run to the mountains of Wyoming to hide as the Meridia Virus sweeps the nation. With no survival skills, he must learn to stay alive in the wilderness. Though his greatest cravings are for his own safety and solitude, he knows since he's a Christian now, he must set his own desires aside to help those in need.
Gretchen Worcester
In her mid-thirties, this fiery woman has earned the nickname "Grim" for her no-nonsense attitude. When armed with her hunting rifle and skinning knife, she may be the best ally for the mountain survivors.
Hank Worcester
As a native of the town of Mastover, Hank is a fierce defender of what America once was. His mood swings and rough disposition make him a prominent resistance leader against America's newest challenges.
Joel Grayport
Once a popular student in Mastover, this native of Wyoming has taken up his bow to provide meat for his small family. If he can lose his father's reputation, he might become a welcome party to the resistance.
Joyce Adkins
As a young mother and wife, she is independent and determined to carve a life out from the rural landscape with her small family.
Judge Zachary Grayport
The tyrant who rules the town of Mastover. His dark eyes seem to dare the boldest resistance fighters to attack his town—and suffer the consequence of hanging or being burned at the stake.
Milton Pickford
As the older brother of Sheriff Leo, big Milt is protective and ornery.
Talia Wiseman
Now in her eighties, this traveler from Seattle is in the fight for her life against racial prejudice and an outbreak of the virus.
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Glossary
Pan-Day
Panic destroyed and killed as many Americans as did the pandemic (the Meridia Virus) when it swept across the continent. When more cities were under quarantine than not, all banks had closed, and civil panic reached its peak—that day became known as Pan-Day. The pandemic and panic prevailed from that day on.
Lib-Org
This nickname for the Liberation Organization is the label by which the rogue military unit is known as it sweeps across Western America, in the name of freedom. They wear black and gray uniforms, and their leader is Commander Morris. Their forces number in the thousands, complete with vehicles fueled by confiscated fuel.
The Resistance
Fighting against thousands, these survivors in the woods number only three hundred fighting men, each wearing a red, white, and blue armband over their patched clothing. But in the midst of their combat against the Lib-Org, they are burdened with one hundred women, children, and wounded.
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Other Books by D.I. Telbat
Arabian Variable, a Covert Action Suspense; eBook
Called To Gobi, a Christian End Times Chronicle; eBook, Paperback
COIL Extractions, a FREE Short Story Collection; eBook
Dark Edge: Prequel to The COIL Series; FREE eBook & Audio; also in Paperback
Dark Liaison: A Christian Suspense Novel, Book One in The COIL Series; Audio, eBook, Print
Dark Hearted, Book Two in The COIL Series; Audio, eBook, Paperback
Dark Rule, Book Three in The COIL Series; Audio, eBook, Paperback
Dark Vessel, Book Four in The COIL Series; Audio, eBook, Paperback
Dark Zeal, Book Five in The COIL Series; Audio, eBook, Paperback
Distant Boundary, Prequel to The COIL Legacy; FREE eBook
Distant Contact, Book One to The COIL Legacy; eBook
Distant Front, Book Two in The COIL Legacy; eBook
Distant Harm, Book Three in The COIL Legacy; soon to be eBook
God’s Colonel, an End Times Novel; eBook
Jaguar Dusk, a Christian Special Forces Novel; eBook
Primary Objective: A Christian Rescue Mission, Novelette; eBook
Soldier of Hope, A POW Survival Story in Afghanistan; eBook
The Legend of Okeanos: A Tale of Restoration, Survival, and a Great White Shark; eBook
The Steadfast Series: America’s Last Days; End Times Novellas
Visit Novel Update News for current and upcoming novel news
Coming Soon:
COIL Recruits for Christ: A Short Story Collection
Fury in the Storm: Where Christians Dare, Bk1; a Covert Christian Mission Suspense
Tears in the Wind: Where Christians Dare, Bk2
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About the Author
D.I. Telbat desires to honor the Lord with his life and writing. He is recognized as an author of clean, Suspenseful Fiction with a Faith Focus. Because of his love for the Persecuted Church, many of his stories are about persecuted Christians—their sacrifices, sufferings, and rescues. Weekly on his Telbat's Tablet website/blog at ditelbat.com, David Telbat offers FREE Christian adventure and suspense short stories, or related posts, which include his novel news, book reviews, Author Reflections, and challenges for today's Christian. Subscribe to receive exclusive gifts and discounts. See David's complete bio at ditelbat.com/about/.
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Contact
https://ditelbat.com/contact/
Follow us on Twitter! @DITelbat
*~*
Steadfast Book One
BONUS CHAPTER
*~ NEXT PAGE! ~*
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BONUS CHAPTER
for
Steadfast Book Three
Commander Kelly Morris of the Liberation Organization drove into his Coeur d'Alene headquarters around midnight. His driver tapped the fuel gauge. The dial registered on empty. The five other Humvees his soldiers had driven to Wyoming certainly had empty tanks as well. His army's fuel reserves were nearly depleted.
As exhausted as his body was, Morris' mind was racing. Anxiety had left him fidgeting in the front seat the whole day as they had driven back from Wyoming to Northern Idaho. Leaving his men, he climbed the stairs to his quarters in the old college dorm building, hoping for some time alone. He didn't want his men to sense his sour mood and discouragement from the wasted trip to Mastover. Morris was unaccustomed to defeat! However, a bike messenger was asleep on the floor in front of his door, so being alone wasn't yet an option.
Morris nudged the young man with the toe of his boot. The messenger leapt to his feet and saluted. If Morris remembered correctly, the man's name was Hoyle. He'd been hazed by some of the regular troops, so Morris had moved him to the bike messenger corps.
"At ease, soldier. What's so pressing at this time of night?"
"Bad news, sir."
"More, huh?" Morris unlocked his door and walked into a room that held only the essentials for an overnight stay, though he'd been living there for months. "Well, what is it? Out with it, and we can both get some sleep."
"Actually, sir . . ." Hoyle shuffled through several slips of paper in his hands. "I drew the low card this evening. The others left their communiques with me."
"Do any of them have good news?"
"I'm sure you'll be able to find something worthwhile in some of these, sir." Hoyle studied one paper, then rearranged it to the back of his stack. "The lookout you left in Wyoming as you guys left this morning relayed a message already. I guess things didn't go well there, huh?"
"What's the message?"
"The town of Mastover has destroyed the two bridges leading in and out of town. There's only a rope bridge for pedestrians south of town remaining over the river, the side of town that faces the wilderness."
"That was expected. Our supply lines are now completely cut off. We'll have to send word through Southern Idaho to reroute trucks to reach us here."
"But how could Mastover force our hand, sir? I mean, we're the Lib-Org. They're just a little town. I remember when we drove through there a year ago. We liberated them from their backward, isolated thinking. They owe us."
"Not everyone is grateful, young man. Don't worry. They'll pay for their betrayal, eventually. What else?"
"Um, there were about twenty desertions while you were gone."
"Twenty?" Morris' knees felt weak. "So many, huh?"
"The MPs were on patrol, but they didn't see them leave. They think the deserters went south."
"Did they take any fuel or vehicles?"
"No, just bikes. You want to send some men after them?"
Morris sat down in a wooden chair and folded his hands. Desertions had been growing the last six months. People were losing hope in his vision for a liberated America. As fast as his fuel was running out, his personnel were fleeing. He didn't want to admit aloud that deserters reflected on his leadership, but he feared the men were already whispering.
"We have to get this army moving west again—at all costs!"
"Well, sir, that regards another message." Hoyle took a step back, and Morris read the involuntary action as a sign of the news. "Spokane has dug in better on the east and west sides of the freeway leading into the city. They look like homesteaders, reports say—people from the mountains. They've probably grown up hunting and they'll know how to use their rifles. One of your captains said that a head-on attack as you planned may not be wisest."
""Such small minds standing against progress. Homesteaders!" Morris drew his handkerchief and touched it to his forehead. It was going to be a long summer in the dorms if they had to continue holding out at Coeur d'Alene. "Such madness seems to be the new virus. First Mastover, now here."
"Speaking of the virus, there's been an outbreak in Vancouver. We have an outpost just south of the US-Canadian border in Bellingham. They say it's not good."
"So? There's been outbreaks before. We're equipped to avoid them." Morris stuffed his handkerchief back into his pocket. "How's this one any different?"
"This time, there's a mass exodus out of Canada. Vancouver residents are flooding on foot into Seattle. They're spreading the virus. Seattle's resources will be taxed, one of the scouts thinks. Bellingham forecasts that Seattle residents, those we were hoping to unite with, will be scattered."
"Those who aren't killed by the virus will be hard to rally together again." Morris cursed. "Our cause is just. We have to continue!"
"An Oregon scout says there's a new government rumored to have formed in San Diego. They're heavily armed and moving up the coast, gathering resources before we can get to them."
"Well, that's just great!" Morris rose to his feet and turned to his window. It faced the moonlit, calm lake. What a contrast to his tumultuous heart, he thought. He had so much to give America, but she kept resisting change and renewal. "What's the point of defeating Spokane if we have to meet an organized army coming up from California?"
"Maybe we could join them? Or they could join us? Maybe our cause is the same."
Morris felt pressure in his sinuses. He remembered the sensation as a child, an indication that he was about to cry. He hadn't wept for years, but he'd never felt such helplessness, either. Ever since they'd moved through Mastover, thi
ngs had been falling apart. How could one town catapult such change to his whole organization?
"We need to change our strategy." He turned from the window and struck his palm with his fist. "Yes! We don't need to press west. We need to shore up what we've won. We need to occupy the hearts and minds of the towns we've already liberated. We need to ensure America doesn't revert to its old ways of faith and moral righteousness. If we are barred from moving farther west, then we'll reinforce what we've already taken."
"So, back to Montana?"
"And Wyoming and Iowa and Ohio—all the way back to Atlanta! We'll set up outposts everywhere—with our own people, this time, instead of hoping the locals can maintain their new liberty. Raise armies of liberators and loyalists, whole towns committed to the new purity of science without religious fiction, a proud America without the shame of condemning moralists. We need the regulation of calculating government without the mindless direction of individualistic beliefs. To survive, we must unite this country!"
"It sounds like a new vision, sir." Hoyle beamed. "A revival!"
"Yes! A revival!"
"Might Mastover be involved, sir?"
"Oh, yes, Mastover will be part of the revival, and part of the cleansing. We'll make an example out of them." Morris stared at a spot on the wall, remembering that morning. "There was a man in Mastover. He was willing to die for his empty ideas. If he could sway a whole town using his pointless convictions, just think what I could give the people with the glorious Liberation Organization and a revived government!"
"It sounds great, sir!"
"But there's work to be done, son, before we can meet our goals. We need to appeal more broadly to hearts and re-establish our supply lines. This new revival starts tonight!"
~The End of Steadfast Book Three Bonus Chapter~
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