Eva had said they would build him a cottage when she hired him, but now that looked doubtful. Maybe he could have an apartment out here once he proved his worth. “I have a few ideas for expanding the farm operation, if Leonard chooses me.”
Solo turned and Isaac had to walk backward this time while they carried the shelves. “Yeah? Like what?”
“Well, the soil and temperature here are perfect for growing sugar beets, but Leonard doesn’t plant any. The inn relies on traders for sugar, while feeding sometimes twenty people a day. I could easily grow enough, maybe even twice what we need. That way we could trade the rest, maybe for lantern fuel. Tonight, the trader from Northcrest said Eva asked if he had any lantern fuel to trade but he was out.” He brushed his gloves together before they lifted the last shelf. “And there is a perfect place between here and the creek to build a bigger cold house. We could double our dairy storage.”
Solo lowered his end of the shelf down first. “It sounds like you’ve given it some thought.”
“I have.” When Isaac set the shelf on the ground, the end of his scarf caught on its splintered edge. He quickly yanked it away. As they walked out of the empty space and into the light, he saw a long string of yarn hanging from the scarf.
“Rats!”
Solo gave him a quick glance. “Better have Sybil fix that before you make it worse.”
He’d just told her how much he liked it and now he had to tell her he’d already ruined it. What a buffoon! After this, he wouldn’t have to worry about whether she liked him. He lifted the yarn to tie it off, but it only unraveled more. “I guess you’re right. After I check on Chloe, I’ll go see if Sybil is still in the kitchen.”
* * *
Sybil sat across from Eva at the dinette table in the kitchen, both pretending to look over recipe cards. Sybil had doused the flame in the stove’s firebox and only one lantern was still lit. Everything in her wanted to go upstairs to her lovely, quiet room and gaze out the window until she fell asleep, but she couldn’t. She’d been included in an important task.
The eight overseers who had gathered here to discuss pertinent Land business asked her and Eva to make sure no one went into the dining hall while they met. She was rarely included in such tasks and would not disappoint.
All of the Land’s overseers spoke with the clarity and volume of men accustomed to public address. Though they’d asked for privacy, so far Sybil could hear every word from the kitchen.
And their words were getting heated.
She whispered to Eva, “It’s a pity there isn’t a door to close off the dining hall.”
“A pity for them maybe but not for us. I rather enjoy hearing a conversation no one else in the Land is allowed to hear. Only the overseers and you and I know what is being said in there tonight.”
“And the overseer from Riverside brought his son.”
“Yes, Philip is his name. Philip Roberts.”
She stifled a yawn. “Are we related?”
“Distantly, I believe.”
Sybil didn’t care much for the Land’s inheritance traditions since Revel wasn’t adhering to them. It was comforting to set aside a rule and consider it ridiculous if a loved one was breaking it. And even more comforting still to point out when others were being inconsistent too. “Why could Mr. Roberts have his son in the meetings, but none of the other overseers could bring their heirs?”
Eva leaned forward and her eyes brightened. “Oh, Philip isn’t Mr. Roberts’ heir. Philip’s twin brother will be the next overseer of Riverside. Philip is the second son.”
“Well, if Mr. Roberts was allowed to bring Philip, John Colburn should have brought Connor… and Revel.”
Eva rolled her eyes. “Revel wouldn’t have come here even if he was the subject of the discussions.”
Sybil hated when her sister lost hope in Revel’s return. “He will be here as soon as he starts riding for the new courier system. That’s probably what this meeting is about—routing and scheduling the couriers and so forth.”
The men’s voices grew in volume and flowed down the hallway with the force of conviction. Sybil didn’t know one overseer’s voice from the other yet. Eva straightened her posture and gazed at Sybil and they listened as one man’s voice rose above the rest.
“Gentlemen, our founders established our customs based on New Testament principles. Instilling these traditions from birth has made each generation eager to obey and not to disappoint their elders, willing to submit and not to be put out of the community, and fulfilled in finding peace and stability in the product of the traditions: a quiet life of satisfying work, a protective community, and the love of a functioning family.
“Our founders witnessed how deeply ingrained hostility was leading to a civil war in America before they departed those shores, and so they favored pacifism in their new land, believing it to be according to Christ’s teachings. No penal system has been needed in the Land other than the church excluding any non-repentant offender from the protection, provision, and fellowship of the community. This method has suited our villages perfectly well for over one hundred sixty years.”
“Hear, hear!”
Another voice interrupted, “Except when John Colburn’s dear wife was murdered in his own home. Neither John nor anyone else had any way of punishing Felix and his sons for their crime, let alone a way to stop them from attacking elsewhere.”
The men went silent for a moment.
Eva’s eyes widened. They were talking about John Colburn and he was in the room with them. Sybil’s fingers found a stack of recipe cards to fiddle with, but she didn’t look down at them. Her gaze remained locked with her sister’s.
Finally, a gentler voice spoke up. “That is why when Connor Bradshaw arrived in my village, I wanted to keep his military mind from influencing our people away from our peaceful traditions and I also wanted to allow him to take on the responsibility of securing my village. I felt that at last God had sent someone who could help to prevent further violence within the Land and attacks from the outside world.”
The other men remained silent.
Eva whispered, “I think John is talking about the security teams Connor is training.”
Sybil whispered back, “That’s the whole reason Revel still lives in Good Springs. He enjoys learning from Connor and helping to train other men to fight to defend us.”
The stern voice spoke again. “But giving Connor Bradshaw authority and sending him into all the villages to teach men to fight has made some feel like the traditions of the Land are being contested. Of course, I am concerned about the outsiders who came to the Land, but I don’t believe the outside world is a big enough threat to turn our back on our peaceful ways.”
Someone else added, “We should continue to trust God for our protection and should welcome any foreigner who comes to our shores needing aid. Our policies have always been and must always be ruled by: Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.”
“Hear, hear!”
Then the stern voice said, “And as far as Connor’s idea of starting a courier system… I understand the traders are sometimes unreliable in delivering messages, but we can establish a professional code for traders that complies with the founders’ traditions. We need not add a courier system between villages at present. Simplicity must remain the order of the Land.”
“Hear, hear.”
“I agree.”
“As do I.”
All at once the men’s words hit Sybil in the gut. “If they don’t start the courier system, Revel won’t be stationed at Riverside and won’t need to come to the inn twice a week.”
Eva touched her hand. “Calm down, Syb. We don’t know what will happen. They are simply discussing it for now.”
More of the men’s voices chimed in, agreeing with the stern voice.
“Simplicity is best. The outsider’s ideas will complicate our lives.”
“Indeed.”
“Besides, it’s enough for people to support
us and the schoolteachers and the physicians. We shouldn’t add new positions like couriers and military men or security officers or whatever you wish to call them. That would be too burdensome to the people.”
“The founders never wanted a big government.”
“Agreed. No new positions.”
Then John Colburn spoke again. “To be fair, gentlemen, Connor and the men he has trained to protect our village have never asked for payment nor intend to. And they simply want to train men in each village to defend their community.”
A baritone response boomed. “With new weapons, I’m told.”
John’s voice never wavered. “I understand your concerns, and I too wish it were unnecessary to prepare for defense. However, I oversee the village that appears to be the easiest place of entry for the Land. If outsiders were walking into your villages and shooting guns at your people, you might change your opinion.”
An older, gruff voice spoke up with a slower cadence to his words. “If hostile invaders come to the Land, the battle is not ours but the Lord’s.”
“It would have to be,” a younger voice said. “What defense could a few men in each village provide if an army invaded?”
John answered, “Connor says military invasion is unlikely because the Land is hidden and because of the current condition of the outside world. He says small-party threats are most likely, like the one he and his men encountered in March.”
“And three of the four outsiders died in that encounter.”
“They were shooting at our men.”
“We cannot condone violence.”
John continued, “Gentlemen, I too would prefer miraculous intervention in every circumstance. However, just as God sometimes uses medicine to heal and sometimes uses others to provide sustenance, sometimes He raises up warriors to protect the righteous. Without Connor training the security team in Good Springs, the two gunmen who came ashore on Bailey’s boat would have taken innocent lives.”
All fell silent in the dining hall.
Sybil leaned against the table and rested her tired head on her arm.
Eva whispered, “You can go to bed. I’ll stay and make sure no one disturbs their meeting.”
Her body was desperate for sleep, but there was no way she was going upstairs yet, not until she found out what they would decide about the courier system and the security teams. She was depending on those new jobs to be a way to bring her brother home. She stretched to wake herself up. “I’m fine. You can go up if you need to check on Zeke.”
A sweet smile brightened Eva’s face. “Solo wanted to meet me on the porch when he and Isaac finished moving the old shelves in the stable block. He is probably waiting for me on the porch by now.”
“You can go out to meet him. I’ll stay here.”
The overseers started speaking again, so Eva raised a finger. “I’ll go in a moment. I want to hear this first.”
The stern voice started speaking again, and Eva whispered. “That’s Mr. Roberts from Riverside.”
Sybil nodded her acknowledgment.
The Riverside overseer said, “I propose we vote on both matters by a show of hands…”
Eva huffed. “Great. Just great. We won’t know who is on which side.”
“First, Connor Bradshaw’s suggested courier system. He believes it will ensure messages are delivered more efficiently. We would, however, have to compensate the riders. All in favor of starting this courier system.”
Then after a moment. “Very well. There will be no courier system. We will write a code of conduct for the traders to make them aware of our expectations. Who will draft that code? Excellent. Thank you, Mr. Vestal.”
Sybil’s heart grew heavier by the beat. “That means Revel will only come to the inn when he travels through with Connor to train men for security.”
Eva pressed her lips together. “And that’s only if—”
Brief mumblings came from the dining hall, then Mr. Roberts said, “Second, the matter of allowing Connor Bradshaw to train a militia in each village. Remember, men, that when the founders came to these shores, they called it the Land to remind future generations that it is not ours but God’s. They trusted in God’s providence and we must follow their example. But since the village John Colburn oversees is near the point-of-entry to the Land, he’s been influenced by the outsider. So we must put the matter to a vote. A show of hands, please gentlemen.”
After another brief silence, Mr. Roberts said, “One to seven.” His stern voice briefly softened. “I am sorry for what you’ve been through, John. We pray God grants you peace in trusting in His protection.” He cleared his throat and its fullness returned. “There will be no more training men to fight for battle. Which brings us to our final issue of business this evening. As I mentioned in my letter when I called this meeting, many of us are concerned with the inn not being a part of any village and therefore not under any authority. With Frederick’s illness and Revel’s refusal to take over his father’s work, it is clear there is no leadership at the inn. This inn is vital to the Land and must be placed under the authority of an overseer.”
Eva slapped both hands on the tile tabletop, her face scrunched in offense. “How dare they?”
The men went quiet out in the dining hall, so Sybil covered Eva’s hands with her own and shook her head, begging her with a look to be quiet. Eva drew a long breath, her nostrils flared. Finally, she leaned back in her seat, looking no less tense.
The men were murmuring, and Sybil tried to pick out pieces of their conversation. “Solomon Cotter is their new stable manager.”
“And two more men live here now.”
John Colburn added, “Plus, I brought Bailey here with me, as she will work as the new gardener.”
“Permanently?”
“For the foreseeable future.”
“And the others?”
Mr. Roberts answered, “First it was just Frederick’s family. But then Leonard and Claudia joined them.”
“But they are relatives, are they not?”
“Indeed. But these others aren’t.”
“Falls Creek is becoming a community of its own.”
“With no competent leadership. Frederick is unfit.”
Sybil could hear Eva’s teeth grind.
“Frederick has two of the men competing for the farm manager position. They both moved here believing the job was theirs.”
“See, he’s an unfit leader.”
“Hear, hear.”
Mr. Roberts’ stern voice amplified with authority. “That is why I proposed in my letter to make Falls Creek an official village and to consider my son Philip for the overseer position. I sent you his qualifications, and you’ve each had the opportunity to interview him. Should we approve this measure, we could build a small chapel within a week. Ten days at the most. Since it is winter, most of us have lighter workloads at home. We can spare the time.”
John spoke up, “Frederick Roberts may no longer be able to make wise decisions for the inn, but what about the other men? Is there anyone here who could lead them for now?”
At least John Colburn was trying to help her family. She would find out what his favorite dish was and make it for him.
Mr. Roberts responded, “As the overseer of the nearest village to Falls Creek, I’ve always kept informed on the goings on here. Leonard was weakened by a stroke several months ago. Solomon is new to the inn and was only a horse trainer before that. He doesn’t have any leadership experience. Isaac Owens and the other man are both young and not qualified to lead. And John, despite your earnest efforts, Revel has refused to accept his place as Frederick’s replacement. Eva runs the inn, as best I can tell, and we have far better options than placing the burden of management on a woman.”
Eva huffed. “I’ve been running the inn just fine for years, thank you very much.”
“Falls Creek is growing into a village and needs immediate leadership. Its growth should be shepherded by an overseer.”
“Hear,
hear.”
“I agree.”
“By a show of hands, who votes to make Falls Creek an official village and ordain Philip Roberts as its first overseer.”
Silence seeped down the hallway and into the shadows of the kitchen. Eva shoved out of her chair and began pacing between the table and the sink like a cat in a cage.
Sybil’s tired stomach flopped inside her. First, Revel’s courier job was eliminated before it had begun. Then, the overseers decided there would not be security training in the Land, and now this. The way of life at Falls Creek could be changed forever by the simple vote of eight men, none of whom lived here or knew what life was like at the isolated inn.
Her family might awaken in the morning as a part of an official village under an overseer’s authority, and there was nothing she could do about it.
“Very good,” Mr. Roberts’ voice boomed from the dining hall, a twinge of victory bolstering his words. “Falls Creek is now an official village of the Land, her first overseer being Mr. Philip Roberts. Excellent decision, gentlemen. Quite excellent. Congratulations, son.”
“Yes, congratulations, Philip.”
“Hear, hear.”
Chapter Six
Sybil sat at the dinette table, dumbfounded. Her mouth opened just enough to let air in. Why would they make such a weighty decision about Falls Creek so easily? And make it without consulting her father?
This inn was his home, his life, his business. He’d rightfully inherited it from his father who had built it himself. And it would soon belong to Revel. So maybe he wasn’t eagerly following in his father’s footsteps, but he would.
So maybe several new people had relocated to the inn and there was potential for more growth, but it seemed like normal family growth to her. Solo and Eva would probably marry and have children. Whether Leonard chose Isaac or Eddie for the farm manager job, either man would probably have a family here eventually. Maybe Bailey would too someday.
Uncharted Promises (The Uncharted Series Book 8) Page 6