by P A Minyard
“Who are you and what have you done with my little brother?” Beth said boldly.
Jonathan stopped filling his plate. He looked up to find them both staring at him. He realized his appearance was to blame. “It would be ungentlemanly of me to accompany such fine women in a state of disarray,” he said.
Beth’s jaw dropped and she found it difficult to contain herself. She was determined to find out why Jonathan was behaving so oddly. She looked back at her mother, who still seemed perplexed.
“I think he’s got a crush on his new teacher,” Beth proclaimed.
“Do not!” Jonathan shot back.
“What else could it be?” She tried to bait him into saying something but Jonathan was having none of it. He just kept eating, ignoring her comment, knowing full well it was driving her crazy. By the end of the meal, Beth could no longer stand the tension. She made her move as her mother began clearing the table.
“Let me get that,” Beth spoke up.
“Are you sure?” her mother hesitated.
“Jonathan will help me, won’t you?”
“Of course,” Jonathan replied cheerfully.
Beth waited for her mother to take her leave before getting to the point. “What’s going on with you?” she demanded.
“Nothing,” Jonathan grinned.
“Jonathan, you promised...”
“I’ve got a surprise for you,” Jonathan blurted out, almost unable to contain himself. “It will make everything better.”
“What surprise? What are you talking about? Is this why you’re acting so weird?”
“I can’t tell you just yet; please don’t make me. I don’t want to spoil it for you.” He ducked his head as if embarrassed.
“Well, it must be some surprise,” Beth conceded. “I haven’t seen you act this way since Daniel left.”
Jonathan turned quickly from her view as he tried to slink out of the kitchen.
“Where are you going?” Beth called out after him.
“You didn’t really need my help now, did you?” he said as he rushed out the door.
“Some things never change.” Beth rolled her eyes and shook her head, but there was a wide smile across her lips.
Daniel slowly became aware of his surroundings. The pain was gone and the thunderous battle silenced. A faint light caught his attention. He could see a young soldier wandering near a tree line. The sun shone brightly down on both of them, and he could feel its warmth upon his face. The soldier turned to look at Daniel; it was the boy who’d wandered amidst the fighting, but his eyes were full of hope rather than distant emptiness like before. He smiled as he moved ahead of Daniel, who tried to keep up but felt as if someone held him in place. Daniel struggled as the young man faded out of view, leaving only darkness and confusion.
“Daniel,” a voice began. “Your heart is pure, your soul wiped clean by the murderer’s knife. You are Beloved in the Father’s eyes.”
“Where did that soldier go? Why can’t I follow him?” Daniel began to panic.
“You may choose to follow that soldier or you may choose to follow a greater purpose,” the voice answered in a soothing tone.
“Greater purpose?” Daniel sighed. “Who are you and where are my men?”
“I am here on behalf of the Father, and you have not yet passed into his kingdom. Your service is required.”
“I don’t understand.”
“All of the men previously under your command have been killed. They are beyond your help now. You are a kind and gentle man, Daniel. Will you give now in death as you so often gave in life?”
“Death?” Daniel paused. The word shook him and he hesitated. His thoughts turned back to the young soldier and the peaceful look about him. He longed for that as well. “If I am truly dead, please allow me to join my men wherever they may be.”
“The Father has need of your attributes,” the voice pressed. “Will you not lend your kindness to those in great need?”
“If what you say is true and I am dead, how can I help anyone now?” Daniel replied. “I don’t know what this is about. Please, that boy, my men, why can’t I be with them?”
“There are many things in this world unknown to you. You must trust that the Father has a reason. You can only do what is in your heart, and your heart has always been filled with compassion.”
“My greatest downfall, according to Duff.” Daniel was caught off guard by his own words. “Where is Duff?”
“He waits for your return, along with Jonathan and Beth. They need you. Others need you as well.”
“They need me?” Daniel felt a tug from within as his heart swelled at the mention of their names.
“I can say no more. The choice is yours. There is no right or wrong answer.” The voice paused and heaved a great sigh. “I will ask again, but only this once more. Will you give now in death as you so often gave in life? Will you answer the call to service one more time?”
Daniel paused but only momentarily. “I believe I need them as well. Yes, I will answer the call.”
Weeks had passed since the Battle of Antietam, but if felt more like a fleeting moment for Daniel. His eyes began to open and focus on the ceiling of the church. His head was heavy and he struggled to turn it to one side. Duff sat by the bed. His right arm was in a sling, but a broad smile shone across his face.
“Duff...? Where am I?” Daniel asked in a scratchy voice.
“You son of a bitch!” Duff exclaimed. “I thought you’d left me behind.”
“I don’t understand.” Daniel was still groggy.
“You’re a hero, you wily bastard!”
Daniel just stared back at him.
“Don’t you remember?” Duff asked. “The boys said you went after that Confederate officer who was harassing one of our wounded.”
“Confederate officer?! That’s impossible. You’re wrong. How could a Confederate officer get so deep within our lines?” Daniel asked defiantly.
“Deep within our lines?” Duff asked, furrowing his brows. “You were leading the charge. Don’t you remember?”
“I don’t remember that,” Daniel responded, feeling confused.
“Well, that doesn’t surprise me. The boys said you had a crazed look in your eyes and then you really got mad when he stabbed you in the chest.” Daniel slowly raised his hand to his heart placing it on the thick bandage that was wrapped around him. “The vision... the voice… was it nothing more than a dream?”
“I’m telling you that’s not what happened. It was a Union colonel and we were at the back of the forces.” Daniel was agitated and struggled to lift himself from the bed.
Duff paid no attention to his odd comment. “Just where do you think you’re going?” he asked, trying to hold him down with his good arm. Daniel fought back and only stopped when he saw his friend wince.
“What happened to you?” Daniel let loose the tension in his body, and lay still.
“I was shot in the shoulder. It’s nothing compared to what you’ve been through.”
“You have no idea what I’ve been through.” Daniel shook his head in defeat.
“You should get some rest,” Duff said, and stood up from his chair. “I’ll let the doctors know that you’re awake.”
Duff walked over to two gentlemen and began conversing with them. Daniel watched as all three turned to look at him. They chatted for a short time, glancing back at him every now and then. Duff returned to his bedside.
“We’re hoping you’ll be strong enough to make the journey home in a few weeks; beds are in short supply,” he explained.
Daniel lifted his head and could see other wounded filling the room. “You’re a free man; your papers will be processed immediately.” Daniel’s eyes got wide and he felt his breath catch. He was dumbstruck by the words. “That can’t be,” he said.
“You will get stronger, but the doctors say that you’ll never fully recover. The fight is done for you now — you’ve given enough.”
“You won’t
be rid of me so easily,” Daniel shot back.
“I’ll be taking you back myself,” Duff replied. “Can’t have you getting lost along the way — you never did have much sense of direction.”
“Are you worried about me or just looking forward to my mother’s hospitality?”
“Your mother’s a fine woman.”
“And a finer cook, I’d wager.”
“That too,” Duff said enthusiastically. “In fact, I bet she can’t wait to see me.”
“Can’t wait to see you?” Daniel almost laughed.
“That’s right,” Duff said cockily. “She’ll be so grateful that I brought you home that she’ll surely invite me to stay through Christmas.
Someone’s got to keep an eye on you. Just look what happens when you run off to your own devices.”
“So now you’re my protector,” Daniel said, still amused.
“I never should have let you out of my sight.”
Daniel’s soft smile was all the answer Duff needed. He watched as Duff’s eyes dropped and he swallowed his next words.
“You get some rest now,” Duff said as he turned to leave. “I’ll make all the arrangements.”
Sitting in class was tortuous, even though it only took up half the day. Jonathan’s mind would wander as he stared at the front of the classroom, pretending to pay attention. He never minded when the younger children became unruly. They were always seated at the front of the small classroom so the teacher could restore order quickly and they couldn’t be distracted by the two windows on either side of the room.
Jonathan was more interested in planning his surprise. He wanted to share the news of Daniel’s return with his family, but he wanted it to be special. Beth’s birthday was in the middle of November, just a week away, and it seemed like the perfect time. He could wrap the letter and give it to her as a present; his mother would have to help him with the bow, though; he never could get that right. The thoughts so occupied him that he didn’t notice class had ended and that the other students had already filed out of the schoolhouse.
“If only I could hold your attention thus,” the teacher said as she touched Jonathan’s shoulder. He turned bright red, startled by her comment and the emptiness of the room. He bashfully turned his eyes toward her. She simply smiled and nodded toward the door. Jonathan gathered up his jacket and books and rushed out.
Outside, three older boys took turns pushing Joshua’s little brother Benjamin to the ground. Jonathan dropped everything in order to throw himself into the middle of the commotion, tackling one of the bullies along the way. He jumped to his feet and pulled another one off Benjamin. He then placed himself between the bullies and the boy.
“You’ve had your fun,” Jonathan said, out of breath. “Now leave him be.”
“What’s it to you?” the first bully said with a cocky, self-assured swagger.
“He’s nothing but a freak,” the second one said. “It’s what he deserves.”
Jonathan reached out and punched the boy in the gut, causing him to double over. The other bullies became incensed and rushed Jonathan, wrestling him to the ground, punching and kicking him along the way. Jonathan fought back, and even though he was outnumbered and rapidly incurring injury upon injury, he dealt some damage of his own. He could feel blood running from his nose and the rush of pain to his knuckles every time he landed a blow. But he kicked and punched his way to the top of the pile and took on the biggest of the bullies one on one. Jonathan sent him to the ground with one blow to the jaw. The others ran off.
“Don’t you think you should leave too?” Jonathan, undeterred by the blood running from his mouth, asked the larger boy, who still lay on the ground.
The boy scrambled to his feet and ran away. Benjamin sat on the ground, frozen with fear and unable to move or call out for help. Jonathan reached down and pulled him up, and together they walked away from the schoolyard.
“I’m sorry,” Ben said as they walked along with their heads hung low. They were in no rush. It didn’t matter who started it; they would probably both be punished for their involvement.
“What happened?”
“They were making fun of you. They said they were going off to join the war soon and that you were too afraid to join them. I told them they should knock it off because Daniel would be home soon. I saw it last night.”
“Ben!” Jonathan scolded him. “You know your brother doesn’t want you talking about your dreams.”
“Yeah, well, they shouldn’t have called you a coward.”
“I appreciate you standing up for me, but next time you should just let it go. I think Josh would prefer that too.”
Jonathan started to tuck his shirt back in and straighten himself up. “You’re right, you know. Daniel said he’d be home for Christmas.”
“No.” Benjamin looked over. “He’ll be home sooner than that. I saw the horse stop in front of your house and everything. Another soldier has to help him down from the saddle but...”
“Is he hurt?” Jonathan interrupted.
“He just looked tired.”
Jonathan was relieved. “I’m sorry I snapped at you, Ben. You can’t tell anyone else about this, all right?”
Benjamin nodded as they came up to the cutoff where they parted ways. Jonathan stood there watching him walk away until he felt sure that none of the other boys had followed them and that Benjamin would be safe.
Even though he was excited at the prospect of seeing Daniel soon, Jonathan hesitated. Every step closer to his home was a step closer to explaining himself. He didn’t often get into fights. The mere sight of Joshua at his side intimidated anyone who had delusions of grandeur. But those days were gone now. And how would he explain why the fight started? All the stress his father was under left him less tolerant of horseplay. There was no longer time for boys to be boys. “But Daniel would understand,” he thought. “Daniel would have jumped right in just like I did.”
Jonathan dropped his head when he heard two riders coming up from behind. He moved to one side of the road, keeping his face hidden. If neighbors were to see him like this, it would make the situation that much worse.
“We’re looking for the Parker house,” said one of the riders. “Is it nearby?”
They pulled their horses next to Jonathan. He froze at the sound of the man’s voice. Jonathan swallowed hard as he began to cry. He looked up to find Daniel and Duff beaming back at him. Their uniforms looked new, as if not yet tested by battle, and Daniel sat tall in his saddle looking confident and determined. But their smiles quickly turned at the sight of Jonathan’s bruised face and bloodied shirt.
“Who did this to you?” Duff called out as he jumped down from his horse.
Jonathan just stood there, his eyes fixed on Daniel. His head shook slightly from side to side and his lower lip quivered. He couldn’t stop the tears from falling even though he didn’t want Daniel to see him like this. He watched as Daniel’s face softened.
“You must have put up quite a fight,” Daniel said.
“There were three of them.” Jonathan’s voice cracked.
“Three?!” Duff exclaimed as he walked up to Jonathan. “I thought your older brother was tough, but I may have to rethink that notion.” He looked Jonathan over until he was satisfied that the boy’s injuries were minor.
Jonathan’s gaze remained fixed on Daniel. His injuries and the shock of finally seeing his brother left him unable to formulate a thought.
“Can you ride?” Duff asked, patting Jonathan on the back.
“Yes.”
Duff took Jonathan back to his horse and helped him into the saddle. He took the reins in his hand and led the horse down the road. Daniel pulled his horse alongside Jonathan.
“Father’s words will probably sting more than that split lip,” Daniel said.
Jonathan sniffed and wiped his face with his sleeve. His cheeks began to flush as he swallowed hard again. He kept staring at Daniel. It was just like Benjamin said; he looked tired.
His beard had filled in and he’d lost some weight. He didn’t look injured, just done; maybe done with being a soldier, Jonathan hoped.
“Don’t worry,” Daniel said, “My arrival will provide sufficient cover for your antics today.”
Jonathan finally found a smile.
“And where was Joshua during all of this?” Daniel asked.
“He’s not at school anymore. He’s needed on the farm all the time now.”
“I imagine you had a good reason,” Daniel said.
“Benjamin.”
“I see.” Daniel nodded. “Well, if you are to be Benjamin’s protector, I shall have to show you how to fight multiple opponents.”
“That’s really more my expertise,” Duff interjected.
“The benefactor of a few drunken brawls, I’d wager.” Daniel leaned in close to Jonathan so only he could hear. He reached over and rubbed Jonathan on his head.
Jonathan’s smile widened further, and his tears had stopped.
“If memory serves me well, I believe six men is my record,” Duff continued.
“Six?” Daniel rolled his eyes so Jonathan could see.
“You do realize that alcohol can affect your eyesight. Are you sure you weren’t seeing double?”
Duff stopped walking and turned toward the brothers with a wry smile.
“That might very well explain how I was able to knock two down with each blow!”
4
ALMOST HOME
Daniel rode in silence next to Jonathan as Duff regaled them with one of his many pugilistic adventures. Daniel had heard the story several times and chose to focus on the scenery. He had forgotten how beautiful northern Pennsylvania was in autumn colors. The vibrant reds and yellows painted amongst the greens of the pine trees; the clear, blue sky the perfect backdrop. Their laughter told him it was time to return to the conversation. He looked down the road and saw Beth rushing for them, her coat and long dress hampering her progress. She seemed only to notice Jonathan.
“How can I ever repay your kindness, good sirs?” She brushed past Duff to Jonathan’s side.
“There’s really no need to be so formal,” Daniel answered.