OLD STORY

THE SAFE HOUSE

PART 1

He walked nearly blind as dense smoke rolled across the city, trees and buildings set fire in the latest attack. The sun’s meagre light cast dim shadows around him like demons haunting the living world. Choked with every breath, Jason stumbled along and prayed for a landmark in the haze. Any sign that he was close to safety and needed rest.

With the two weeks of travel from the mountains to reach Lesotho, in the Maluti Mountains, his time was rather relaxing. He had always enjoyed the quiet of the country, and being alone seemed to suit him well, but in the city his troubles multiplied. Before he could reach the safe-house, an old bookstore on the north edge of the Mountains, the bombing began. Whether an assault against certain groups, or more of the Devil’s mayhem to bring down destruction, Jason did not want to know.

Having word of his brother in law had sent him to find and hopefully save the youth, but getting him back to safety unseen was always the hard part. He knew he would find help at the way-station shop, if he was able to get there without being killed. The attack now was more hindrance than harm, though it took place in a well-populated area, the only damages seemed to be empty buildings. That and keeping people scared for their lives.

Every sound was magnified by fear, the sirens in the distance, or the occasional car as it drove by, was all he found of life in the surroundings of his vision. Only minutes before, crowds of people passed in the streets, until the bombs began to fall and chaos broke loose. Now, the near silence was frightening, as any vehicle could be Police out to round up innocent people.

Slowly, a breeze stirred the air as the wind picked up and blew the smoke away behind him. Jason knelt at the back of boarded-up building, as he strained to hear if anyone followed, he said a short prayer for thanks in getting him this far.

Used to such long days of running, he was still thankful for the brief rest he gained, wherever he found it. A dog barked off to his right and he jumped at imagined threats. Again he ran on in hope of safety. His steps quickened as the air cleared for a few moments, nearly at a run as he crossed a small park he remembered from years before, then down the alleyway on the North side.

Somewhere in the alleys ahead was the safe-house, if he reached the building by nightfall. Jason had made his way as secret as possible from the Christian colony above Denver (Ramhlanqa). He came across very few people and spoke to no one but those he had met in the past, others like himself who tried to understand God’s will in their life, through now mainly on the run or in hiding.

Precious years had slipped passed in a world gone mad, where laws were set up not for man’s safety, but to gain power for the wealthy and condemn the weak. The few people who remained that sought peace ----cast out and hunted as animals, all for wanting a Godly life. But still they fought on to that final day.

Until the disappearance of all he knew as Christians, even his own wife, Jason had doubted the words of the ministers, not realizing the truth of the Lord’s salvation. After the loss of friends and loved one, living day-to-day in a shadowed existence, he found his strength in God and those who followed Him. He relied on his faith to see him through and counting each trial as a blessing.

Personal nightmares haunted his sleep with visions of the end time, seen all too real in his waking hours. Dreams of a battle that raged on the Earth where man struggled not to win, but to destroy one another. Yet in the last glorious moments, his one true hope --- the mighty return of the Lord and the coming of His great army, angels and martyred saints of long ago.

People from all walks of life, standing witness to the awesome power of the Lord in His final triumph over evil. Those blessed to live out the trial, overcoming the grief of the world’s hatred, would shine in the new light of God’s glory, living on in eternal peace with the Lord of all creation. This was his only dream, both the nightmare of death, and the hope of unending joy in the arms of a loving King.

Years had passed since Jason truly felt safe, every face he saw possibly a hunter that sought to cast him in chains, for nothing more than what he held in his heart. His faith grew with each passing trial, even as his hope in staying alive until that final day began to grow thin. How long he could stay ahead of the hunters, to brush death and still remain safe? Jason knew it was only a matter of time, and he prayed his Lord would return first.

Evening drew on before he found the place he sought, the old used-book store had been closed for years and boarded up with a look of being abandoned, the secret known to but a few new Christians that worked in the area to help others reach sanctuary. As a guide for such groups, Jason knew the cost of keeping the place hidden and waited to be sure no one was around as he made his way down the alley.

As he neared the back of the old shop, he prayed he might find rest at last, if just for a night. A weathered stain in the wood panels of the door was a mark many would overlook, but those who wanted freedom from the world’s chaos saw the cross for the truth it was. A sign of peace.

A quick glance around the area and Jason lightly tapped a set numbered pattern on the door. One part of a code known only to the faithful, the other was the greeting itself. He waited in the shadow for some time before the response came. Just as he began to fear the worst, the small panel opened in the door and a grumbled voice called out.

“Looking for something?”

“The Mount of Carmel,” Jason replied softly, speaking of the passage of Elijah and the calling down fire from heaven. The panel closed and he heard the security bar being removed from the other side of the door. As it opened, and the elderly man’s face lit up with a smile, Jason knew he was safe.

“Praise God.” the old man said as he looked around the alley before closing the door. “With the bombing this morning I was worried.”

“I was out in it,” Jason followed the man down a hall then a flight of stairs leading to a basement. “Mostly older building, but a few shops. I didn’t stay to see how many may have been hurt.”

“We can only pray for the lost,” the elder replied. The cellar was rebuilt to look as home like as they could make it, little more than a few chairs, an old sofa, and a dining table, where an old woman sat reading. As she looked up, Jason received a welcome shock.

“Well I’ll be,” the old secretary from the church he and his wife attended, Leah Granger, rose to her feet and smiled. “Jason Patterson. I always knew you were too nice to be a real Christian.”

“Ms Granger?” he said with surprise, “But I would have thought…”

“Yes, dear boy, so did I, in my old pride,” the woman took him by the arm and led him to a chair. “Pride, my boy, the down fall of many a good heart. Imagine my shock. Pastor Reynolds never came back that day, and then the news broadcast.”

‘But, you were a Christian.”

“It was old Harry here who showed me the true light of things,” Leah went on as the old man placed cups on the table, and the smell of fresh coffee filled Jason’s mind. ’I became bitter after it happened. Hated the fact I had worked so hard doing as I thought best. Even got angry at the Lord for leading me wrong all those years. But this old-man talked sense. Made me realize I had been the one to lead myself all that time, and not for God’s glory but my own. It seems I was more interested in the workings of the Church than working for the Church.”

“Weren’t me what showed ya,” the old man laughed, ’I’m just an old drunk. Didn’t learn the truth ’til later.”

“I was with Mr Reynolds when he was taken up,” Jason spoke over his cup as he turned it in his hands, savouring its warmth like a memory. “Nearly wrecked the car he was driving at the time, then found Lisa gone as well.”

In the moment of silence that followed, his mind wandered back a few days before the disappearances. Lisa had planned a reunion, a simple cook-out near the Lake. They had laughed during breakfast about how badly his family got along. In the end she had her way and everyone agreed to come for the outing. With all his misgivings, Jason was still glad to hear of them getting together in once place again.

In a detached way, he heard Harry speak as he stirred soup in a pan on the stove against the wall. The smell of seasoned stew was truly a welcome aroma. As most of Jason’s latest meals were mainly rabbit over an open fire, the idea of fresh cooked vegetables was a blessing.

‘Didn’t even go to church,” the older man was saying as he brought a stack of bowls out of the cupboard. “When it happened I just thought I was seeing things, as drunk as I was at the time. Some woman was handing me a track telling me about the Lord’s second coming, and then poof. Imagined I dreamt it all,’ till I saw that flier she handed me.”

‘So, Jason,” Leah began as she placed bread on the table. “What brings you out our way? Travel is not safe right now, as you may know.”

“Yes, and I wouldn’t be here if not helping others out.” As they sat down to the meal, Jason told his story of the trials he had passed through. How he helped to set up a colony, and then how word came to him of his wife’s brother.

“Not many in the area I don’t know of,” Harry said. “What’s his name, maybe I can Help You?”

“Shadrach, goes by Shad, or used to.”

‘Oh Jason, I’ve heard of him,” the old secretary shook her head sadly. “He’s a bad one. You’ll have a time getting him to go, and not safe once he’s there.”

“How so?”

“He is lackey in a local Coven here,” Harry explained. “Runs a group of vigilantes. Most of the burnings here are from his group.”

Jason felt at a loss. He had felt responsible for the young man as soon as he heard Lisa’s brother still lived. As his heart sank, words of his beloved wife came back to him.

“Sometimes we have to do things we might not like,” Lisa had told him long ago. “It’s important because it’s right, and if we don’t, others may suffer.”

He saw the sad look of pain on the elder’s face as he tried to reach out for his help, and knew he had little Choice. He could not leave the young man. Bringing the lost to the hope of peace was his job now ---- even at the cost of his own life.

‘God help me, I still have to try.”

The fire roared as blistering heat reached the tree lined drive of the home 30 metres away. As he slid out of a borrowed van, parked in the shadows down the street, Jason felt an evil straight from the pit.

He had followed James for some time, waiting for a moment he might get him alone, all in hopes of keeping him safe. Getting word of his brother -in-law still alive, Jason had travelled for days to reach the city. With Harry’s help, and use of his old van, he had been able to find the young-man, but the boy before him was no longer his wife’s little brother. Now it was not his life. Jason feared for, but the man’s soul. Tears mixed with the stinging smoke of the burning home as Jason realized the youth was beyond his help.

Watching in despair as blurred shadows ran out of the flaming house, to be caught and beaten by armed men on the front lawn. The blaze lending a gruesome light to the scene as the man he sought reached for a small child, held firm in a woman’s arms.

Overwhelmed with shame for being unable to help protect the family and stop the vigilantes trying to destroy their lives. Knowing the man and the reason behind his actions only made matters worse. James had become one of the Hunters---- those seeking the last remnants of the Christian faith. Jason’s beloved wife’s brother had been possessed of monstrous evil. The hate of peace in a world of chaos.

The man’s fist struck full-force to the mother’s face. Knocked to the ground as she struggled to keep her babe safe, only to have it torn from her hands and lifted by an ankle, to be held up to the flames like a sacrifice. Jason viewed the true horror of the man as he screamed at the crying child, a mockery of its fight to be free.

He nearly failed completely as a knife rose above the small girl of perhaps eight years of age. Too young to be taken out of the world, even one with such pain. Anger grew within Jason, knowing he alone could do little against so many, and he knelt next to a tree to voice a silent prayer for guidance, the means to stand up to the hate of the devil’s servant.

A calmness came over him in a moment as resolve poured into his heart and mind, flowing to every shaking limb in his body. Words of strength filled his soul as the will of his God was made known to him. In a flash of determined motion, Jason moved from the shadows in a power that would see him walk through the wall of fire.

PART TWO

Once more, in a haunting dream of destruction and reflection of days passed, flames rose from a house before him. Crackling sounds, as loud as thunder, drowned out everything but the devil's laughter. Jason watched the silhouette between him and the burning home--the youth for whom he had been searching--holding a child in the air by the foot; a knife raised for a killing plunge.

"Where is your God?" Jason heard the young man shout at the child’s parents as they knelt in front of him. The arm began to come down.

He listened to the pleas of the mother and father, who were being held back by force as their daughter was made ready for the slaughter. The girl’s screams of fear and pain were more than he could bear. Anger stirred up within him, lending him strength to act--a movement so bold and quick that no-one could stand in his way.

Out of the shadows he ran, clearing the ground in front of the house in seconds. After knocking out the guards that were holding the parents, he continued on; his speed still unchecked.

Jason's hand shot out in a blur, taking the blade away from the man and slapping an open palm across his face. The madman staggered and dropped the child, turning to view his assailant.

"Who do you think you are?" the man shouted, hysteria carving his appearance into a demonic mask, scarred by disease and plague.

"A Levite of God, come to send you where you belong," Jason replied, thrusting out the man's own knife in an action so fast that it was not seen, until the handle was protruding from his chest.

Lifting the young girl, Jason turned back toward the parents, who were just standing to their feet. Still moving rapidly as he passed, Jason saw the dazed look of surprise and fear on the father's face. Jason motioned him on, without slowing to see if the family followed.

Reaching the roadside, Jason sat the child inside a waiting van which was barely noticed in the dim light of the flames. Only then did he turn to find the others right behind him.

"Get in and stay down," he ordered, glancing back in the direction of the carnage of the burning home. As he opened the driver’s door, Jason could make out the forms of the two guards running towards them. Even as the engine roared to life, he could hear the demonic laughter shrieking from the inferno. Driving away, Jason thought he caught sight of a shadowed form dancing in the blaze, screaming out in hate of mankind.

The nightmare changed but slightly, as the scene became one of wider-spread destruction. Cities at war within themselves, looting and killing on every side, bodies left to rot in the streets. Again the vision moved, this time to a large valley, armies gathered, bombs falling, flames and smoke rising into the air. In the depth of his dream, words were spoken, calling out to his troubled heart, yet bringing no comfort.

The world's children play in their greed,

Casting lies and curses as if they were stones,

Their wilfulness, as it were, laws to themselves.

They know not the fires that burn against them.

They feed the flames in haste to seek the world,

Lusting for more, never satisfied, shouting in their greed.

With mocking laughter, the devil hands them dead seed,

And they feed from the woe of his hand.

Slowly the trumpet rises, the servant prepares to sound,

The earth stands still for a moment’s time,

Silence felt in a heart’s beating.

A flaming spark is set to the fuel heaped high,

Yet the soulless dance on, heedless of their despair,

Mindful only of their merriment, desire, and lust for more.

The warning sounds, but they hear it not,

For the laughter of their evil way mocks on.

The trumpet sounds, they pause in fear,

Too late they see the flames rain down.

The trumpet sounds, the heap falls too,

Consuming the blooded wine of their mirth.

The trumpet sounds, and the flames rage high,

The soulless reap the reward of their greed,

Shouting the torment of their eternal pain.

The Trumpet sounds, as the hater mocks on,

Laughing at man's despair.

Fire began to fall from the skies like rain, burning everything in its path, and still the mock laughter came out of Jason's dream, as though to torment his very soul.

Then, loud and strong, a voice was heard above the rest. A mighty call going out, ringing across the heavens, as well as the Earth.

Beware... for when the final trumpet sounds, you shall stand ready....

Sword in hand to do battle for your Lord....

And you shall stand victorious with the KING.

Jason woke from the dream, startled to find someone standing over him. Drawing back in fear, he protectively thrust his arms before him.

"Jason, it's ok," the man said quickly, stepping away so as not to frighten him more. "It's me, Barry. Remember...Matat?"

"Barry...I’m sorry," Jason stammered as he rose to his feet. "I must have fallen asleep."

"It’s understandable. You haven't slept in a week."

Jason searched the area for signs of movement; any indication that someone might be following or watching them. Slowly the memories came back to him--securing the family, a week of late-night running, hiding through the day. Although everything now seemed as it should, his haste to reach safety caused Jason to see trouble around every corner and bush.

Kilometres to the west, the hills came together, and Jason thought he could make out the dip in the land where the outpost was located--a small valley, on the edge of the foothills and cliffs, leading to the mountains beyond. In his mind's eye he felt he could see the pass and the colony that was hidden away in the caves below the tree-line of the higher peaks.

Glancing back, he watched the family gathered under the trees on the banks of the stream they had been following for two days. The worry on the mother’s face was clear to see, and even the boys were growing fearful. Jason was sure that his dreamtime shouting had not helped.

"How's your daughter?" he asked in a low voice.

As cold as the morning was, the child was drenched in sweat. "The fever is worse,” the woman replied. “I don't know how long...."

"The station is not far; we'll make it by noon. They'll have medicine there."

Jason stared down at the child, resting in her mother's lap. Her eyes pleaded with him for rescue--a comfort he was not able to give. Torn between waiting and going on to the desperately needed security of the shelter, Jason reached out in the only way possible. Softly he spoke words of prayer--seeking healing and well-being for the young girl, and strength to go on for another day.

"Across these fields is a farm; you can get help," he said aloud, more to the child than anyone else. "I'll take you there. They'll get you to a colony where you’ll all be safe."

The girl's tired eyes held him firm, not letting go. They cried out to him, "Don't leave."

"It’s not far now, Kiddo, and you can rest," he replied to the unspoken request, while praying in his heart, "Keep her whole, Lord, just a little longer."

Carol, the mother, rose to her feet, holding the child close for warmth. Barry had offered to carry her, but she would not release her baby. Fear for the little girl was the only strength she showed.

Slowly, the group gathered what possessions they owned, and headed out across the fields. Dew-covered stocks dripped in the cool morning air, pasting wet seeds to their clothing as they brushed past.

The grain was tall for the beginning of Spring, left to grow unharvested from the previous years, the height worked well to give cover as the family headed to the north along the hills. Even walking in the warm afternoon sunlight, the wet stalks made for a cold damp day. The nearest road, no more than an old back highway, unused as the land passed unnoticed in the last gathering seasons, but still unsafe for those in hiding.

To the untrained eye, the whole country seemed abandoned, and the farm appeared as a ruined group of old buildings. Viewed from the air, it would seem as though no one had checked the crops in several years--possibly not since the disappearances. However, as a guide familiar with the area, Jason knew better. Even in the bright light of day, he sensed something out of place; a danger that he couldn't see openly.

As the family took a break beneath a large, twisted oak on the edge of the fields, he had a chance to look around. Being careful of his footing, he made a short climb to the upper branches of the tree. Stretching above the canopy, he caught a glimpse of the old farm buildings--the way-station and transfer point for those he protected. He had made the journey before and knew well how things went. This was the hardest part, when they were so close, yet had to wait, sometimes hours, for the all clear.

So far, the trip had been an easy one. Headed north-west out of Matat across the plains, his only real concern had been the weather turning bad as the group reached the mountains. They had travelled by night for most of the way, packed into the back of Harry's old van, stopping during the daytime and hiding in old warehouses or barns along the route to Colby, Mvenyane. From there, it had been a long and arduous walk for more than a week to reach the way-station in the foothills outside of Denver.

The youngest of the children, Shelley, had come down with a fever, which had not seemed to cause any problems at first. The girl kept up with her family and only slowed near the end of the day's tiring march.

The rest-stop was well deserved, and much needed after wading through the tall, wet grain. Though Shelley made no complaint, Jason knew the trek had worn her thin. As he glanced down from the high branches, he saw the child sleeping in her mother's arms. Her father stood close by, almost as if guarding them both. It was clear how much the family loved one another by their show of attention. Even the oldest of the boys, Kyle, who was not yet sixteen years old, offered to carry the girl's pack to make things easier. For Jason, it was evidence of more of God's little blessings living on in a world of chaos.

Staying the previous night in the cold, damp air of the open field had made matters worse, and Jason was beginning to fear for the child. With her frail, sweat-drenched body, she needed the help that the way-station provided. Medicine was always kept on hand for emergencies, but for now they could only sit and wait as the day crawled by.

In the distance, beyond the old buildings of the farm, the road stretched both east and west, out across the plains and farther up into the hills. Jason could see for kilometres from his perch in the treetop, watching the settlement for any sign of movement; anything that would show it was safe to go on.

As he watched, it came to him what was out of place. The last time he had passed through, the dogs had been aware of his presence before he was in sight of the fields. This time there was only silence.

Climbing down to the lower branches, Jason called down to the father of the group, "Barry, in the front pouch of my pack, grab the field-glasses."

Keeping to the side of the old oak, so as not to frighten his family, Barry waited for Jason to reach the ground, and then asked in a hushed tone, "What's happened?"

"Not sure." Jason placed the strap of the binoculars around his neck, tucking the glasses in his jacket as he turned back to the tree. "Something is not right, and I need a better view." Then, seeing the expression on the man's face, he added in a louder voice, "My own paranoia most likely. Rest easy until I check it out."

As he made his way back to the top branches, Jason knew the man was watching him; waiting for a sign of hope. His heart broke from the plight of the family, as well as the fact that he could do nothing but pray and wait.

Reaching the top, Jason brought out the binoculars, and searched the area. At first he saw no movement, as though the place were abandoned. Then, tuning in a clearer view, he found a dog lying down by the back of one of the outer sheds. As he adjusted the scope, he saw an arm sticking out of the shed door with the ground beneath stained darkly. Jason did not need to see more to understand all that had happened.

He scanned the distant countryside for the sight of anyone who might possibly be watching the farm, but he saw nothing except kilometres of grain fields waving in the gentle breeze. Everything seemed deserted, but in fear he felt the presence of hunters seeking them--the last Christians of a dying hope for humanity.

Jason whispered a silent prayer for protection of the family below him, not knowing what should be done. The way-station had always been the end of the trail for him. Normally his task only called for him to bring the groups this far, but now his main hope was to reach the safety of the colony in one piece.

His eyes flew open at the sound of a soft moan from the young girl, and he started down the tree at a rapid pace. Halfway to the ground, he slowed to catch his breath and check his speed, so as not to show his fear. As Jason walked over to where the family sat, he could see Barry’s own concern showing strongly--both for his daughter and the unknown danger that lay ahead.

Calmly removing his jacket, Jason knelt before the mother, wrapped Shelley tight, and smiled as he took her overly warm hand in his. As her eyes slowly opened and looked up at him, he reached out to brush wet strands of hair from her fevered face.

"Don't worry kid," he said, trying to bring comfort, even though his fears made the words seem like lies. "You’ll be ok soon; we're almost home."

Rising to his feet, Jason caught Barry's eye, and nodded in the direction of the farm, away from his family. The man followed as Jason walked back to the far side of the clearing.

"I saw something I need to check," he quietly told the father. "I want you to keep everyone here and out of sight."

"What's wrong? Is there trouble?"

"I think the worst is passed already, but just in case ... you see those two peaks?" Jason turned and pointed west to a line of high hills. "Almost a day’s walk and you will come to a stream flowing down from that point. If you hear anything--anything at all--grab your family and head out. Someone will find you."

"If it's not safe, maybe we should...."

"I didn't see anyone moving," Jason said as he glanced towards the children sitting together in the shade on the other side of the tree. In his heart he was praying that it was all his imagination, but he knew well what he had seen. "I want a closer look. Keep every one quiet until I get back."

"Ok Jason. Be careful."

Jason walked away quickly, bent low to stay out of sight. He reached a ditch at the edge of the field and followed it to the first of the outbuildings. There, he hunched down in the tall weeds to get a better view of the main grounds. Still, nothing was moving on the farm--not so much as a chicken scratching the ground for stray seed.

Moving along the side of the shed that he had seen from the treetop, he slowed to a crawl, feeling his way by sound as well as by sight; fearful of every fleeting shadow in the corner of his vision.

Soon the smell of decay alone was enough to show that it had been some time since anyone had been near. Jason held his breath as he looked about the yard. Sprawled across the porch steps was the body of a man who appeared to have been shot in the back while trying to get away. He had been left to rot where he fell. It was then Jason knew that the hunters had missed no one, though the wild dogs had done more than their share.

As he moved slowly from the shadow of the building towards the main house, Jason tried to stay out of sight while still watching everything around him. He had seen the work of the hunters before, and was ready for what he would find. The home would be stripped of everything useful--all the furniture, clothes, and food would be gone. He was also sure that they would have cleaned out any medicines as well, but for the child's sake, he prayed that something would be left.

Pressed against the wall beside the door, he strained to hear even the slightest sound of movement. Visions of the sweat-drenched little girl played havoc on his already overstressed state of mind, so he calmed himself with prayer, seeking comfort for Shelley more than for his own safety.

"As long as she makes it, Lord. Keep them safe."

Peace returned to his spirit, and Jason turned to step through the doorway of the old house. At the squeak of a board, his heart skipped, and he froze for a moment. Silence returned, and he began his search once more.

In each room he saw the same thing--bare walls and litter, scraps of paper and trash left behind as useless. He made his way to the kitchen and discovered that even the cabinets had been torn out. It was a disaster.

Moving to the stairs, Jason headed up to the second floor, where he was surprised to find a very useful box in one of the bedrooms. Then he found an even greater blessing. Inside the box were thick blankets. Immediately he said a silent prayer of thanksgiving, knowing that the blankets would provide much-needed covering if they were to spend another night in the open.

From the way things looked, Jason felt sure that almost a week had passed since anyone had been near the way-station.

"It may be safe for a while at least," he thought, "and Shelley won’t be so exposed to the cold air."

Even so, he knew that work would need to be done before he dared to bring the family in. The bodies would have to be removed, or the family might be too frightened to stay in the shelter that was most essential for the young girl.

As he turned back towards the stairs, a stream of light shone into the hall through one of the bedroom windows. Dust motes floated in the air, catching his eye and revealing an object on the floor. He had seen nothing but trash earlier, but now, as he reached for the small jar, his heart raced. Tears began to flow as he dumped the contents of a half bottle of Bayer Aspirin onto his shaking palm.

His joy at finding the medicine was so great that he thought little of using one of the precious blankets to move the body from the back step. He worked quickly, placing it with the other body that was already in the shed. Then, using the broken door, he closed them off from view--at least as well as was possible. Then, no longer caring if others were about, Jason headed out in an easy walk which turned into a run.

Making his way back to the ditch, he hurried to reach the family--his only prayer for the child’s safety. Jason could feel the Lord with him, and knew that he would keep watch to protect them.

Nearing the group, Jason knew that he should have slowed down, but he didn’t. Barry had seen him running and, fearing the worst, had grabbed their things and prepared to flee.

Breathless, Jason could not say a word for a moment, but motioned for silence as he showed the family the blessings he had found. Once he caught his breath, he told them about the house, and how he believed it would be safe enough--at least for the night.

"Clouds are moving in," he said, after helping to gather packs and belongings. "It might rain tonight, and help hide any tracks. The place looks in bad shape, but at least we’ll be out of the weather."

Barry got his family together, and Carol wrapped her fevered child in one of the blankets, holding her close. Keeping low, Jason led the group slowly back to the old farm building. This time, he walked in from a different direction, trying to keep clear of the shed and its contents. He knew that it would be hard enough for everyone to get past the stench, without the added fear of discovering what had caused it. As they came near, he quickly explained that a dog he had found earlier on the steps was the reason for the smell.

After everyone was settled inside, Jason set to the task of checking the other buildings, in the hope that something else may have been overlooked. However, as evening came, he gave up the fruitless search, finding that the hunters had, once again, done a complete job of stripping the place.

The storm moved in and things grew darker, but at least they had shelter out of the wet night. Knowing the fireplace to be stable, and that the smoke would not give their presence away in the downpour, Jason allowed a small fire to be lit. The meagre meal they prepared was like a feast after so many days of cold food, and the heat was good for keeping young Shelley warm.

Sitting in the shadowed doorway, watching the rain in the late hours, Jason thought about whether they might chance staying the next day if it were still raining. Knowing that the colony was a good two days’ walk away, brought him some comfort, but he was troubled by the idea of taking the family out in such weather. Seeing the group huddled together in the dark house, finally sleeping, he searched the past for words long remembered.

“Help, Lord; for the godly man ceaseth;

For the faithful fail from among the children of men.

They speak vanity every one with his neighbour:

With flattering lips and with a double heart do they speak.

The Lord shall cut off all flattering lips,

And the tongue that speaketh proud things:

Who have said, With our tongue will we prevail;

Our lips are our own: who is lord over us?

For the oppression of the poor, for the sighing of the needy,

Now will I arise, saith the Lord;

I will set him in safety from him that puffeth at him.

The words of the Lord are pure words:

As silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times.

Thou shalt keep them, O Lord,

Thou shalt preserve them from this generation for ever.

The wicked walk on every side,

When the vilest men are exalted.”

As he sat staring into the dark, streaks of lightning flashed across the sky in an awesome show of God's power, making the old words ring true to his heart. Fearful of those seeking after them--the last remnant of God-fearing Man--Jason sat long into the night.

The hours wore on, and the stress of the day slowly drained the rest of his strength, until sleep overtook him, only to cast him to the depths of shadowed dreams.

Shaken from the sleep he did not mean to take, Jason jumped to his feet and searched about, fearful of movement in the pre-dawn hours. As the memory of where they were came back to him, he began to relax. Quietly he counted the forms lying on the ground around him. Finding that all was still safe for the moment, he stepped out of the broken doorway of the old house and stood in silence as the light grew in the early morning. Once more he tried to shake the ill feeling out of his mind; visions of a haunted dream of loved ones vanishing before his eyes.

A mist fell in a blinding fog, heavy as a curtain draped over the world. Even with the coming day, the sun was nothing but a disk in a thick haze.

The sound of an approaching car was like a ghost from his past, when he had been fearful of unknown hunters that sought to lay traps for unwary Christians in the last days.

Beneath the overhang of a building, that now seemed as if it would fall in the next gust of wind, Jason watched the fog roll in the wake of the passing car. The headlights glowed like demonic eyes in the dense cloud of mist. Expecting to hear the sound of brakes as it turned aside, Jason said a silent prayer of thanks when the car continued on, and silence once more enveloped his surroundings, casting him back to the shadow of his own thoughts.

Months had run into years while Jason ran--hiding every moment and afraid to show himself to any but those who were also running. He had come across many who had been hoping for a better way; a way of peace in a world gone mad. Some had been taken, or killed--yet others made it to safety, such as the family that was now in his care, by using guides to help them reach places of safety, out of the hands of the hunters. There were officials who tried to silence anyone who started digging into the disappearance of all the Christians, and those who came hunting simply because of their hate, and would kill anyone who stood in their way, taking anything they wanted in a lawless world.

In spite of this, people did begin to search for answers to what had happened, and when they did, they learned the truth of God's word. They discovered how He had said that He would remove His faithful from a time of madness, when the wicked would rise unchecked. These new followers of Christ were people like Jason, whose loved ones had vanished. Some had immediately understood what had happened, while others were lost in doubt and fear, as life around them fell into chaos.

Jason could remember his own shock when a friend had vanished before his eyes. The car they were in had nearly crashed until Jason managed to reach into the driver's seat and pull the car to a stop.

Though living through the disappearance, the greater pain came when he found his wife had also disappeared from the same moving car. No word of warning, no signs of wonder, and no great trumpet's blast. One minute, they had been laughing as they drove to a family reunion that he was attending for the sake of her love. The next moment, his wife and friend had vanished without a trace, leaving just a haunting memory behind.

Glancing over his shoulder into the ruined farm house, Jason saw the darkened outlines of the man and woman he was working for as guide and protector--leading them and their children to the safe house in the mountains, to be handed on to others for transport to the hidden colony. There were only a handful of small caves in the hills, and the number of refugees grew daily. More space would be needed soon, but for now it was the only way, and it was up to Jason to see that they made it to safety.

He had made the trip ten times in the past, with but one casualty--a rebellious boy who had been fighting against his father, and nearly caused the whole group to be killed.

This time, they had been truly blessed to reach the way-station, but he knew it was only a matter of time before the hunters caught up. The blessings of his Lord were spread thin, and his fears multiplied with every passing day. Jason knew that he could always stay in hiding at the colony, but that was never his way--not when there was work to be done helping others.

As the morning grew brighter, his fear grew as well. Though the fog hid them, it also made travelling in the hills much harder. Jason prayed for strength to be able to lead the group safely through the day. He tried to remain hopeful that this was the last family, and at last it would be over; that the great and final return of the Lord would put an end to the running forever. Soft and silent, the words poured from his heart.

“All holy Father God and Lord of mercy,

Mighty King and Creator of all that has life,

Bless me in my walk this day, as always.

Be within as the path grows darker,

As my trial is now upon me in my weakness,

Show brightly Your strength within.

I walk in Your way, merciful God,

To do what is good, and right, and just,

Yet in the world of men I must stand a while.

Let me not falter in the trial that is to come,

Grant Your strength within me Father,

That I might walk with You in that final day.

Create within my lowly heart the means,

That I would seek Your presence always,

Rejoicing every moment, lifting voice in praise.

Place in me the greater good of Your hope,

And cause me to see the blessed day,

Even in the midst of the darkest night.

The burden I bear grows heavy on my soul,

As I watch Your people fall by the wayside,

Turning to revel in the shadows of their sin.

I plead with Thee, O mighty Lord and King,

Just in all Your ways, let me not stumble,

As my eyes grow dim from much weeping.

Give of Your great love and light, O Lord,

A beacon of strength within my lowly being,

That I might once more stand in hope.

Let not my life be downcast in the eyes of man,

Nor my struggles be seen as weakness,

But as a greater glory to Your Holy name.

In dying let others see Your blessing upon me,

That I held faithful to Your golden way,

Giving love and hope to my fallen brother.

Another day in Your presence O loving King,

To lift another in my burdened care,

Shining the light of Your love to the world.

I seek that my worth is but a mirror of You,

Your glory shining forth as the new sun,

The morning star of the first of all days.

Renew the Life within me, O gracious Father,

That all that is seen within my trials,

Is the light of Your strength within.”

As the morning light grew and the fog began to burn off, Jason woke the others, and started the day with a cold meal of water, dried meat, and some apples they had found in a field the day before.

Slowly, the group moved about, gathering their small packs and preparing to head out once more to seek a blessing in the arms of a loving God.

Shelley stared as Jason helped her older brother adjust the straps on his pack. There was a look of wonder in her sad eyes. As he looked down at her, Jason viewed the hundreds of children he had known--each one was like the child he had never had. Forcing a smile for her sake, he reached over to run a hand through her dark, uncombed hair.

"Ready to go kid?"

"Do you know what really happened?" Shelley's voice was quiet, yet bold, as she asked her question. Her mother's shocked face said much of how he himself felt--fearful of saying the wrong words. "Mom and Dad won’t tell me, but I think there has been a war."

Jason sighed as he knelt down before the child, and then, fighting his own tears, pulled her close in a gentle hug. Though Shelley’s fever had broken during the night, she still had a weak, frail look about her. If the colony had not been so close, he would never make her travel in the damp, mountain air.

Finally, he began to speak. "A very old war."

The group slowly gathered around as he spoke. "Man fell to sin in the beginning, and the war has raged against it ever since. But our God is a loving God, and He made a way for man. Some found it, and the Lord took them away. They are the ones who have vanished--the true believers in Christ. Many, like us, doubted at first, and now we must find our way back to Him. Yet with His blessing, we will gain that love once again and go to be with Him in Heaven."

Slowly Jason released the small girl as he got to his feet and looked around at the family. He beheld the fear and doubt in their eyes, seeking for hope in the confusion of the world. Within his heart, Jason said another prayer, for God to grant them the same inner strength to go on and see the final day of God's glory.

"Come on folks," Jason stepped out the back door, headed towards the fields and the hills beyond. "The day is before us, and paradise awaits."

The day remained cool, though the wind came out of the south. The fog had finally lifted by midmorning, as the group took a break at the start of the upward path into the hills. The little one seemed better, but was still struggling, even with the slower pace that Jason had set for them. Kyle did his best to keep her spirits up, telling jokes and encouraging her about how well she had done. He was also quick to help her whenever she lagged behind.

As the family continued their way through a small valley, climbing around the large stones in the creek-bed, Jason offered to carry Shelley piggyback. Barry took the second child, ten-year-old Benny. Carol did quite well on the rough ground, but Kyle stayed close by, in case she needed a hand. Their progress was much better than Jason had hoped.

"If we can make it this far again in the afternoon, we’ll be able to reach a safe spot to camp for the night,” he said. “Then on to the colony at first light. We'll be there in time for breakfast."

The idea of hot food and a warm place to sleep was always a blessing. Since the long hike had started, to the west of Colby, their warmest shelter had been in the way-station. After the stream in the hills the previous evening, and the climb this morning, the family dreaded another night in the open.

On his own, Jason might have made the main caves in a day from the Farm, but he knew that the children would not make it at such a pace. Carol had been a real trooper overall, and as strong as Barry had tried to show himself, for the kids’ sake, Jason knew that the stress of the past month had finally caught up and it was beginning to slow them both down. All Jason could do was set a steady walk, keep the others going, and think of nothing but the end of the line.

It was slightly warmer in the afternoon, but as the hills closed in and sunset drew nearer, the air became cooler. Although there was not much by way of shelter until they reached the caves, the camp he hoped for was more than on the edge of a field. A small stream wound through the rocks along a cliff, making an undercut that presented a covered space the size of a single room. They would also be able to have a fire without being seen, even from the air.

"Who trespasses on this mountain?" a voice called out from the trees in front of them.

The group stopped short. Fear showed in Barry's eyes, but Jason only smiled.

"A man with lovely feet," he shouted back, adding a laugh as he set the girl on the ground. "Actually, they're kind of sore."

"Jason?" a man said in surprise, stepping onto the trail. "Precious Lord, it is you. Been no news from the farm in weeks. We had begun to worry."

"You won’t get any either," he replied sadly, shaking his head as he turned to Barry to make introductions. "We're safe. This is John--he's part of the colony. John, meet the Winters--Barry, his wife, Carol, and the kids. Kyle's the oldest, this one’s Benny, and the little sweetheart is Shelley." He reached down and brushed a stray curl off the child's face. "Watch out for the smile--it's a killer."

"I see that," the man said, as he took Barry's hand in a firm grip. "How was the trip?"

"Long," Barry sighed. "I have never walked so far in my life."

"Well, you're almost home. Another kilometre or two up this hill."

"The kids won't reach it tonight," Jason said, knowing that none of them would make the climb without a rest. "Is anyone with you? We need a doc to check on the little one. She took a fever a few days ago. It was a real miracle that we found some aspirin left in the station."

"Nada," John replied, shaking his head as he stared towards the valley. "What happened?"

"Hunters," he stated plainly. Then, kneeling on the ground in front of Shelley, he said to her, "You'll be ok now. I’m going to get help."

Turning to John, who stood watching, he motioned ahead to the bend in the stream. "Get these people to the cliff-camp and cook the food they have. I’m headed up to get Marvin and some others. I'll try to be back before dark."

Carol took the girl in her arms as Jason started up the trail, almost at a run. Not even looking back as he rounded a corner, he cut across the stream in a few steps, heading along the cliff to an open path to the caves that were nearly two kilometres away.

Barry stared in amazement as he disappeared into the trees.

"Come on folks," John said, grabbing two packs, one in each arm. "Let’s get you to a nice fire, and something to eat. Not far now and you can rest." He saw the weak look on Shelley's face and knew Jason was right--they wouldn't have been able to go much further. "Don't worry little one, if I know Jason, he’ll be back before it even starts thinking of getting dark."

Part Three

The sun passed the mountains early in the day, and twilight had already caused the shadows to thicken. Jason pushed the returning group more with every passing second. He laughed, aware that it seemed as though the child were his own, and that she was in a life or death struggle. Knowing that he would get back to the camp by nightfall, and that John would keep them safe in the meantime, he tried to relax.

Marvin, the closest thing the colony had to a real doctor, was not so young, and could not walk at a hard pace, even downhill. The other member of the little group, James, was a good strong kid--nearly an adult at seventeen--who was able to run the hills in the dark if need be. Jason had thought it would be great to have someone closer to Kyle's age to help them reach the caves, and was sure that the two teenagers would quickly make friends.

Though the sky showed some light, the trail was getting darker as they came out of the trees and saw the fire on the opposite side of the stream. Careful of his footing in the running water, Marvin still slipped, but was saved from a fall by young James.

Hearing Benny calling his name excitedly, Jason jumped across the stream with his longer steps. It did his heart good knowing that he had run most of the way to bring help.

"Told you I'd be back," he laughed, as he walked up to the family and removed the pack he had refilled with goods at the colony. Though the flames gave off enough light to see, it took a moment to find everyone in the shadows. "How's the kid?"

"Still a bit warm," John replied, as Barry stood up to greet the others. "But at least she’s sleeping."

"I boiled the last of those apples," the child's father said, sounding tired. "She ate some, then went right to sleep."

"No problem," Marvin said, as he placed a small bag on the ground next to the fire. "We brought food for breakfast and a few extra blankets."

"Forgive me," Jason mumbled, shaking his head to clear his thoughts. "Barry, this is Marvin Granger, the group's doctor."

"I ain’t no such thing," the older man said in a gruff, country voice, as he knelt by the young girl. "I was an PN and a care-provider for years though. The good Lord has His hands full keeping wild ones like Jason alive, so I do what I can to keep 'em healthy." Turning to James, he added, "Go get more wood. I can hardly see."

Kyle was already on his feet, and the two boys were off into the shadows without another word. Jason dug through the packs and brought out the extra blankets, as well as some tea so they would all be able to have a warm drink to chase the cool, night air.

Suddenly, Shelley was startled from her sleep. Seeing a strange man leaning over her, she panicked and started to shout. Barry laid his hand on his daughter's shoulder to comfort her.

"It's ok, baby girl. He’s here to help."

Her actions still showed fear as she held onto her dad, not letting him leave her side. After a short examination, the old man stood to his feet, and told Barry that his little girl would be fine, as long as they continued to keep her as warm as they could.

"Don't worry little lady," the old man smiled, "I think you're gonna live. Seems like you caught a cold-bug."

The girl settled and pulled the covers back over herself, shivering from the cold as much as the fever.

Later, when the boys returned with an armload of wood each, Jason piled more on the fire, adding light as well as warmth. He glanced at the sleeping child, then rose to his feet and put a hand on Barry's shoulder.

"Go get some rest," he told the man in a quiet voice. "Don't worry. I’ll wake you in time for breakfast."

Barry laughed softly as he walked over to his sleeping wife, and lay down beside her, being careful not to disturb the girl who was resting between them.

In the glow of dancing flames, Jason saw the family huddled together as they slept. It had been a hard week, but his rest would come. For now, all that mattered was that they were safe. Reaching for the last of the blankets, he tossed it to Kyle and sent him to bed as well.

James stirred the coals and cautiously put on another chunk of wood. Across the fire, Jason saw Marvin stretch out, with his back resting against the cliff wall and a long, thick coat wrapped around him, the old man nodded off right where he sat.

Life was a struggle, and as far as Jason could tell, it seemed to be getting worse as time went by.

With the new group added in, there were now forty-five families at the colony--nearly two hundred people--and winter in the mountains was always bitter. The farm down in the valley was the main source for news and goods. Sneaking to the fields for grain was not a problem, but their own gardens had little of the vegetables needed to feed so many.

Once again, Jason sat in the dark thinking of the past--of his wife and the hopes he had held for a family. Now, as he thought of his old life, he saw the Lord's work in it all. God knew they would be separated one day, and had withheld children from them. Lisa had claimed it didn't matter--that the joy they shared was enough, but he had realized that she longed for kids of her own.

For her sake, Jason had tried doing the right things--even going to church. At that time, he did not truly believe, but when she had been taken, the truth was almost too much to bear. From that time on, each child he rescued was like trying to save his own soul. Fighting every step of the way to keep it together and stay alive, Jason prayed more and counted all blessings as miracles.

A sound in the trees caused Jason to look up. It was John, standing in the open area near the stream, looking up at the starry sky, possibly keeping a prayerful vigil in the night. Turning back towards the family beyond the fire, Jason found himself wondering what would become of them all. He wanted the rest that he sought so badly--to be able to sleep, free from fear. To no longer need to go out into the hate of the world, nor see the destruction that Mankind had brought upon themselves through greed.

As James added another stick to the coals to keep the flames burning until morning, Jason said one last prayer, seeking hope in the comfort of his God. Blessings for all those of the colony of the faithful and protection from the evil that continued to grow.

Slowly he drifted off, only to be plagued once more with haunted visions--cities and forests burnt down and laid waste, as bombs fell in a distant valley where armies collided in a great battle at the end of the world.

The older boys were up at first light. James knew the woods and had taken Kyle to the best place to view the sunrise through the trees. There was a small clearing where the hillside slid away and one could see for kilometres across the plains below.

The morning was clear, and already the chill of the night had lost some of its hold. They were so near to the colony that the group was allowed to sleep until they woke on their own. It was almost noon before Shelley crawled out from under her covers.

Jason smiled as he watched the family start the day, knowing that the rest had done them good. The last bit of their walk to the main caves would now be an easy one.

Jason had risen with the dawn to boil the first pot of coffee he had been able to have in some time. It was a rare commodity for a man in hiding, but if the advantage came, he accepted it and praised God for the blessing.

When things had started to go bad after the disappearance of the Christians, one of the Faithful, an old, mine prospector, had gathered his children and made for the hills. As things had become progressively worse within a matter of months, others began to wander into the area--tiny handfuls of humanity, seeking freedom from the chaos of the world. Soon they began seeking out lost loved ones, trying to find those who were still alive and bring them to the safety of the hidden caves.

Jason had looked for his last, living brother, Phillip. His parents had vanished, along with so many others, including his sister, Janice. Phillip and his wife, Jen, had relocated to Denver, but by the time Jason reached there, Jen had already died and Phil was crippled by the plague.

He travelled north after that, on the run from a law that prevented men from having a free will. In his travels, he came across others in hiding, camped in the mountains and only wanting to live a life of peace. To these few, Jason first spoke the truth of the disappearances--that the Lord had returned for His chosen people, and the end had finally come.

After that, Jason found the couple at the farm, and began the way-station drop for those sneaking to the colony. The original pair had since passed away, but had been replaced so that the outpost could continue as a transfer point.

Sitting in the morning sun, Jason watched the years flow by like the ice-melt waters of the stream. He remembered the reason for this latest trip into the world--his wife’s little brother was hooked up with a gang of outlaws in Shayamoya. What Jason had discovered was far worse.

No more than twenty years old, the young man ruled over others by fear; killing in the name of a government that he didn't even understand. He was leader to a group of Hunters that were sent by local officials to remove any Christians they found. Most were burned alive in their own homes.

In a moment of righteous anger, Jason had struck back, making a stand for the family that he had begun to care for. From then, he was marked and hunted for taking vengeance on those who sought to destroy the love of God that took his beloved Lisa to heaven in the twinkling of an eye.

After two weeks of running, he still fought the agony of having killed for the sake of another--even in the defence of a child. Returning to find the station ruined and the people massacred like animals, his fear had grown even more, as did his desire for the coming Judgment Day.

"You seem lost in thought."

Startled, Jason turned to see Carol and her husband walking towards him.

"Is everything ok? I mean, we’ve made it, right?"

"Ya," he laughed. "Guess I'm still jumpy. Thinking of the past does that to me."

"With what happened...." Carol began to say.

"You're all alive, aren't you?" Jason cut in. "That's all that counts. You have a life before you and, God willing, a peaceful one from here on. The Lord's battle rages. All we can do is wait."

For some time, they sat, not speaking, listening to John moving around at the cliff-side camp. When he called out about the coffee being almost gone, Jason smiled to himself and lifted his old travel mug in his friend’s direction. Immediately, John’s laugh rang in the clear, morning air.

"I remember the day it happened," Carol finally said, breaking the silence of her own thoughts. "The disappearances I mean. I was with Mom at the kitchen table, like we are here, except Mom prefers tea."

Jason could feel the woman’s pain without even seeing the expression of loss on her face. He understood that feeling--regretted doubts. By force of will, he kept his eyes on the water flowing at his feet.

"She was going on about a Bible study," the woman continued, "and a prayer session afterwards. I laughed as always. But now ... I wonder if she's laughing?"

Barry wrapped an arm around his wife and pulled her close, not knowing what to say to bring comfort. Jason knew they had been through the same scene before, searching for answers to everyone's question: “How long, O Lord, holy and true, dost thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth?”

"Your Mom is crying like you are," Jason said in a soft voice. "If she looked and saw the suffering of the world, how could she not cry?"

"I worked that morning," Barry added, after the silence began to grow. "Heard a crash and a scream, stepped out of the office and nearly got run down by a forklift. The driver had...."

"On my way to a cookout," Jason kept the talk going, while picking up a rock and tossing it to the other side of the stream. "A family reunion my wife had set-up. The pastor was giving us a ride. Lucky I was in the front seat. I had no idea what happened at the time. I just reached over and grabbed the wheel, pulled the car to a stop, and turned to see if Lisa was ok. I was so shocked to find her gone as well, that I barely got out of the car before a truck ran into it."

"We all seen the like," Marvin said as he walked up to the group. Shelley was holding his hand until she drew near, then she dropped it and ran to her mom. "A plane crashed down in my neighbour’s yard--wasted his house completely, but he was blessed. He was taken a full minute when the thing hit. I heard of a preacher in St. Louis, raised his eyes after prayer to find his whole congregation missing, with him left behind to wonder."

"Many are called but few chosen," Jason said, answering the confusion on Barry's face. "Who do you think the 'Goats' were that the Lord spoke of? Those that would stand up proclaiming all the things they did in His name, but all for their own glory. And the Lord's reply?"

"Be gone from Me, yea workers of iniquity," John shouted from the edge of camp, "for I know yea not."

"I guess we better move," Jason reached out a hand to the small girl. "The caves aren't far. You feel up to a walk?"

"I'm ok," Shelley replied, though reaching out to Jason’s hand, she remained seated in her mom's lap.

"There are some girls your age that are waiting for another to come along."

"Really?" The sparkle grew in her eyes as she slid to her feet. Carol had to smile at the strength returning to her daughter.

"Twins, no less," Marvin laughed, as the two walked towards the cliff edge to gather blankets. John could be heard joking about another child for Uncle Jason.

Within minutes, packs were ready and the group was once again on the trail for their new home and the comfort of the Faithful.

The morning sun lasted late into the day, until clouds began rolling across the spring mountains. In the changeable weather of the season, storms would move in, causing flash floods, or even worse, bring a return to the fury of winter, blocking the higher trails with a foot of snow. The caves ran deep in the hills, and such storms caused only mild discomfort. Several connecting tunnels linked the main passages together, making it safe to get around, but having few caverns for living space, seemed overly confining.

About a hundred years earlier, a cave-in had occurred within the complex system of old mineshafts, which resulted in large areas being opened. Once the debris was cleared and the ground levelled, an apartment-setting had been built to meet the needs of a colony, with smaller rooms set aside for family dwellings.

The basic framework was made of split log beams, set up in a scaffold-like structure. Later, as abandoned homesteads were found in the mountains, they were stripped for needed material. Lumber was brought in for the floors and to cover the bare walls. Woodstoves were carried in for cooking, and vents cut to the surface to allow the smoke to escape. All these things helped to make the accommodations better--which was important, as the number of people arriving continued to increase, and room grew less. Soon other passages would need to be dug out and cleaned.

The smaller of these opened caverns, was cleared and maintained as a meeting hall. Situated near the entrance of the main passage, it made a good gathering place and communal dining area. Doyle, the old prospector and founder of the colony, had told how it had been the original quarters for the miners who had worked the hills before he did. The ventilation shafts created even circulation, and with just a few lanterns, the room could be well lit. Living underground meant that temperatures remained constant, with heat only needed for cooking and breaking the damp chill of the caves.

On such days of stormy weather, the large passages were a welcome sight. Most of the residents were families, and the small built-up rooms had been given to them as homes. Those few single men, like Jason, lived mainly in the front hall, sleeping at night by one of the woodstoves, or even stretched out on a table. Though life may have been rough in the colony, it was not unbearable.

After getting the Winter family settled in, Jason sought out the elders of the community, in order to tell of his trip and all that had taken place. They each welcomed him and offered prayers for his loss.

Jason had been fearful that the elders might call for him to leave the gathering because of his actions, so found comfort, to a point, that none of them spoke a word against what he had done. Instead, they unanimously agreed that Jason should take a rest, particularly as the storm would now keep any danger away. With the Faithful finally within the safety of the caves, he would have time to visit other friends that he had in the colony.

Jason willingly took the task upon himself to introduce Barry and Carol to the others. Though Glenn Jensen, one of the main Elders, offered to do so, Jason thought it would be better for him to do it, as they had grown close to one another over the past weeks.

Young James had quickly started a friendship with the two Winter boys, and the trio were soon inseparable--running through the passages, finding every turn and shadow. It was a true adventure for the city-raised children. Shelley stayed by her parents for most of the day, still feeling weak but, none-the-less, wanting to know more of her new home.

While showing the family around, Jason kept his word and made their first stop at the Granger's, to meet Mercy and Mary. The dark-haired, very excited, twins took to Shelley as though they had been born sisters, and followed along as the adults made a tour of the colony tunnels. The constant giggling from the three placed a smile on Jason's face, and brought joy to his spirit.

After making their way back to the gathering hall for a warm drink and conversation, the children went off to play a game at one of the many tables, leaving the adults to talk. Another of the single men, and a good friend of Jason's, was seated near the warmth of a cook-stove, reading an old, weathered Bible to one of the elderly couples.

Mark was a kind man, but one noticed in his expression the pain that was troubling his heart. Unlike most of those seeking refuge, Mark’s family had all died while trying to reach the colony. The slide that took his wife and children also caught his guide, burying them in a mountain of mud, rock and snow. Left on the hillside to find his own way, he would soon have perished, had a group of men not been out hunting for fresh game.

As Jason sat the new couple down and sought out cups of hot tea, the words Mark was reading aloud in his strong, clear, voice seemed like a balm to the weary soul.

"To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:

A time to be born, and a time to die;

A time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted;

A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up;

A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance;

A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together;

A time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;

A time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away;

A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;

A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace.

What profit hath he that worketh in that wherein he laboureth?

I have seen the travail, which God hath given to the sons of men to be exercised in it.

He hath made every thing beautiful in his time: also he hath set the world in their heart, so that no man can find out the work that God maketh from the beginning to the end.

I know that there is no good in them, but for a man to rejoice, and to do good in his life."

"Vanity of vanities, all is vanity," Jason said as he placed a steaming mug on the table. "A wise man, old Solomon"

"Hello Jason," Mrs. Collins, the elderly woman, reached out a warm, but shaky, hand in greeting. "We've all been praying for you. How was the trip?"

"Safe enough," Jason lied, wishing not to trouble the older couple. Waving in Barry's direction, he added, "If not for the Winter family, I would say I should have stayed here."

"You didn't find Lisa's brother, then?" Mark asked, moving over to make room as Jason took a seat.

"I found him," he replied sadly. "He is laid to rest, but not with the Lord."

"I am sorry, my friend," Mark stated, placing a hand on Jason's shoulder.

"The time to mourn is passed," Jason said in return, making light of the trials, as always. "Now I need some laughter. Tell me how things have been here."

After introducing Barry and Carol, he sat and listened to all the tales of the many children and families of the colony--from the birth of the latest grandchild, to one of the men spraining a leg while gathering fresh, spring herbs. It was all healing for Jason's spirit-- being back among friends, with life's daily struggles set aside, replaced with kindness and prayer for one another.

As talk turned to how the Winters had met, and the age of each of their children, Jason once again drifted to his past--to when he had first met Lisa. Back then, his trials had seemed so great, but when compared to present burdens, they were really nothing at all. He remembered, so vividly, the day he had met her, and even now it brought a smile to his heart....

The rain came down in sheets, overflowing street gutters in seconds and flooding the raised sidewalk in many places. Taking shelter for a moment under the Interstate 20 Bypass bridge, Jason sat on the rail and watched the near-solid wall of water change to falling ice, as hail dumped from the thunderstorm that covered the city in rolling, black clouds.

Feeling some concern about being in the lower parts of town if the river happened to break through the dike, his only thought was to reach safety, and not lose his job if late for work again.

The fact that he had been caught in the downpour may give some excuse, as his employer knew he would be walking--although it was really his own fault. His car had been taken a month earlier for non-payment, all because he had tried a get-rich-quick scheme that his friends had come up with.

"Lost big on that flop of a plan," he mumbled to himself as the sky grew darker still. The wind picked up and he felt there was no choice but to head for the awning of the nearest building. Soaked in less than a minute, he ran as quickly as he could, gusts pushing him back as he struggled across every intersection.

A big van pulled alongside, and the door rolled open to reveal a young woman in the driver's seat, shouting to be heard over the noise of a sign rattling in the gale-force wind. "Get in!"

Jason's foot slipped on the curb, landing him in a deep puddle of rushing water. Once inside the van, closed off from the raging weather, he glanced up at his sister, who shook her head as though the storm was his fault.

"You should have taken the bus!"

"They're not running, remember," Jason shouted. "They're still on strike."

"I thought that was over?" Janice pulled slowly back into traffic.

"So did I, but they aren't out yet." He slumped against the division wall and stared out the window. "I couldn't call a cab because I'm broke till payday, and now this.... My luck is terrible."

"You only need the right motivation, Bro."

"And the idea of living on the streets isn't good enough?" he laughed. "I kid you not, Sis, if I lose my job now, I'm stuck with nothing. No rent money next week, and the utilities already gave final notice. But, on the brighter note, I won't be bothered by a car payment."

"You should work for Phil and Jen," Janice said as she turned in to the parking lot of the mini-mart where Jason worked. "How about food? I might swing some groceries by later."

"I am not working as a flower boy, forget it," he replied as he prepared to dash into the store. "Besides, I don't mind macaroni for every meal."

"I’ll bring something by,” Janice threatened. “Now get."

In a mad scramble for the store’s entrance, he almost ran down the shop owner as he stepped out of the "Employee's Only" area at the counter. Dripping in the doorway, Jason glared at his smiling boss.

"Wow, a new record! You're actually early."

"I hate weather like this," Jason stated, taking off the jacket that had done nothing to keep the rain from soaking him clean through. "I would have been late if Sis hadn't come by making a delivery."

"Well, it'll be an easy day for you, so don't worry," the owner told him, pointing to the young lady at the register. "I want you to help teach our new night clerk the ropes."

"Wonderful."

"I may still need to replace you," the man said as he headed out. "So train her good."

"Ya, ya," he mumbled at the man's back as he left, before turning to the girl behind the counter. "Hi, the name's Jason."

"Lisa," she smiled warmly and laughed. "And you look like a drowned rat."

"Gee, thanks." Jason reached for a towel and scrubbed it over his head to dry off. "You gotta do what you gotta do to get by these days."

"With the Lord's blessing, Man shall prosper," Lisa told him. "We don't have to struggle when there is help."

He stared at her for a moment, the damp cloth resting around his neck and shoulders. "Or the right motivation," he thought, then smiled as the storm broke up and sunlight streamed in the front window. "I think my luck is changing."

His "luck," as he called it then, had changed in a great way. Looking back, he could see the blessings that the Lord had laid at his feet. Not only in meeting the woman who would be his greatest inspiration, giving him courage and motivation, as well as a kick when he did wrong, and love to fill his world. With her loss in the disappearance of so many Christians, it spurred him on to accept the Lord in truth--if only to be together again with her in the physical presence of God.

Coming back from his thoughts to the present, Jason saw that dinner was laid out, with a good stew of fresh roots, herbs, and wild game. He knew the taste to be that of mountain goat, and joked with some of the men about "the hunted becoming the hunter," and that he would go out to get better meat.

With only a few men able to leave their families for more than a day, feeding the whole colony became a matter of getting whatever came near. To hunt deer or elk on the lower slopes, or to go down the longer track to the plains for cows, was a job of several days-- possibly weeks. Trying to stay hidden at the same time made it very risky work. Even so, Jason did manage to get a few men to offer to go with him the next day.

The conversation dwindled down, and evening prayer was given by the gathered elders, after which smaller groups headed back to the dwellings set aside for them. Barry had offered a place for Jason, who thanked him, but said that things would be too crowded, and that he liked it near the entrance.

As night settled in on the caves, Jason leaned against an outer wall of the main tunnel. The storm slowly passed and stars began to appear as the clouds broke apart. He stared out at the star-filled sky, with its backdrop of the moon rising over snow-tipped hills. It was always an awe-inspiring sight for Jason, but even more so in the mountains, where the moon and the stars seemed close enough to brush against the fingers of his hand.

"A mirror to the mind of God," he thought, while viewing the heavens. "To actually reach out and touch Him is like touching a star ... or reaching beyond them."

Later that night, as he slept stretched out on a bench by the woodstove in the main hall, Jason did not dream of a world in chaos, but instead, one at peace with his God. Man and beast alike, walking free of fear and doubt. Somewhere in the deepest part of his vision, Jason found the strength of courage to reach out beyond the mirror and touch the Morning Star.

Watching the clearing from behind the trunk of a large pine tree, Jason laughed at the sight. Fourteen healthy does and six good-sized bucks, all closed into a hunting coral without a single shot wasted. James had told the men about the herd early in the morning, and by the afternoon they were ready for the kill. That was when Mark had come up with a better plan.

"If we can catch the lot alive," he said, "we’ll have fresh meat for months."

"Where would we keep 'em?" Marvin’s youngest son, Milton, asked. "If we tied 'em up somehow, great; but deer just jump any fence."

"Not if we kept them inside the caves," James pointed out. "Remember the pocket cave we found that doesn't go anywhere."

"We thought to use that as storage," Mark agreed, knowing the place James had suggested. Then he started detailing a plan to lure the deer to a small, clear spot in the trees. "If we take the net we used to trap geese last fall, and drop it on them after they enter, we might end up with the whole herd."

"They're not cows," Milton stated with a laugh. "How are we to get 'em back? We can't lead 'em on a rope."

"Drag poles," Jason replied. "We aren't far from the colony. Once the deer are netted and wrapped up, James can run back and bring ten men. With the deer tied two to a pole, we can get the lot and be home by dark. Not bad for a two day hunt."

Seeing the scheme work was a miracle in itself. The netting dropped, catching all but one of the females. It was no great loss to miss out on one. With the two moose they had tracked the day before, they would have more meat than any of the families had been able to have, at one time, in over a year.

Elder Jensen and the others arrived a few hours later, in time to see the men tying the rest of the small herd to poles. Three men held each deer down, as another tied it. Holding 200 kilos of thrashing, panicked animal was a real chore, and the task of carrying them back was no easier--but it was well worth the effort. By sunset, the group had enough meat to last for quite a while, with no fears of it rotting.

Dinner that evening was a celebration. Not only had the men brought fresh game, but they had also discovered that four of the does were expecting. One of the elders joked about having a growing herd.

Although winter depleted the store of food goods, spring showed the greatness of God's blessing for the year.

During the meal, talk changed from food supplies to people, and word spread that someone's daughter had been found in K- City, alive but in hiding. As soon as he heard this news, Jason knew the question that was coming--even before Elder Jensen asked it. Even though he had hoped to be free for some time, the needs of others always seemed to come first--at least in their eyes.

He woke from another nightmare--this time of his wife. She was walking towards him with a tray of his favourite breakfast, only to vanish, leaving him twisted in loss and pain. Coming back to consciousness, questions began to haunt Jason once again. After three days in the colony, with the freedom to leave the world to care for itself, thoughts of staying had caused him to drop his guard and begin to relax.

His talks with the gathered elders the night before had brought on dreams of the destruction of man--burning and killing until he was the last; no more than a shadow wandering in the wilderness.

His was a life of running for the sake of others; it was almost all he could remember.

"Why me?" he had asked the elders. "I’ve only just come back from seeing the results of one hunt--our most needed help killed off by savages. Their bodies left to rot and feed the wild dogs ... and you want me to go back?"

"Now Jason, be reasonable," Elder Jensen said. "We only learned that Lincoln's daughter was alive three weeks ago. Her husband went off to the war last year. If we had known then, you might have been able to make a round trip for both families."

"Please?" Lincoln Pierce was nearly 75, and had never fully recovered from the pneumonia he had come down with last winter "She’s all the family I've got left."

"I understand your feelings, Son," Marvin Granger put in from the opposite side of the split-log dining table. "If I was more able, I'd offer to go along ... just to get out of these caves. Jason, you know what the world's become. Ask yourself--would you leave a loved one in that?"

"I have no loved ones anymore," Jason replied, as he walked out into the dark of the passage to seek the night air.

Even now, in the first light of morning, he could still hear the words of the elder's argument, and the old man's plea for help. But in his dreams he viewed the world as it is--a harsh battleground that needs to be struggled through just to remain alive.

The morning sunlight brought him no warmth, nor did it bring the answer to his prayers. He hoped to stay behind this time, closing off the chaos of Man's making once and for all. To leave forever a place where you worked for pennies, and paid five times as much for a stale loaf of bread. His prayer was that even one person would truly understand what this work was doing to him. More of his heart died with each trip out, while the hate of men grew.

As the day turned toward evening, Jason sat on the rocky shore of the small lake that was a short way from the colony. In any other part of the country, it wouldn’t be anything more than a pond. Calm and smooth as glass, with the trees and mountains beyond reflected on the water like a mirror of God’s perfected world.

Tossing a stone across the surface, he repeated his words of the night before: "Why me?"

He was so wrapped in his question, that he did not hear the others approach until a warm, tiny hand slid into his own. Turning, he found the kids standing behind him, and his heart almost stopped--not from fear, but out of love.

They were all present: Kyle and James, the young Jamison boy, who Jason had once carried for nearly four kilometres with a snake bite, the Carlton girl, who broke an ankle her first year at the colony, even old Granger's twin granddaughters that had run off in a thunderstorm and got lost. They were all kids that he had given himself to protect.

"You're going away, aren't you?" Shelley asked in a soft voice. She was still weak, but growing stronger every day.

Jason did not say a word. Choked to the point of tears, he took the small girl onto his lap as he sat down on a large rock at the water's edge. He looked around as the children drew near--some sat on the ground, while others stood, all looking as though waiting for him to answer Shelley’s question.

In each one he saw the reason for wanting a child--a love of life and the hope for a better day to come. Memories came unchallenged, viewed for the first time in what seemed a lifetime. His own wish for a son or daughter was not granted, but now he realized the truth of it. These were all his children--but even more so, they belonged to God.

"Sometimes we have to do things we might not like," Jason said after a moment, slowly rocking the girl in his arms, shocked in finding himself repeating the words Lisa had said so long ago. "Following rules and doing our work. It's important because it's right, and if we don't, others may suffer. Jesus was no different. He came into the world to bring hope, and yet knew in the end He would have to die on that cross."

He looked up at their faces, one by one, knowing they understood. Slow and soft, Jason began to hum a tune he had learned as a child. He remembered his grandmother sitting in her old chair, holding him close and singing the song as he fell asleep.

Rising to his feet, Jason headed back toward the caves, with the kids gathered around him as he went. As they walked, they sang the old chorus, growing louder as they drew nearer to the colony.

"Jesus loves the little children,

All the children of the world.

Red and yellow, black and white,

They're all precious in his sight.

Jesus loves the little children of the world."

Early the next morning, as the sun first began to kiss the high peaks, Jason was already halfway down the mountain, on his way back to the chaotic nightmare of the world of men. A prayer was in his heart for the protection of those he was once more leaving behind, and for safety on the road that was before him.

Without a word of goodbye, Jason Patterson walked on; headed back to the killing fields of the tribulation.