Adele's Stories

I gasped for air and struggled against the tide. This was not how today was supposed to go. The last thing on my mind was a betrayal. But that also meant I owed someone an apology. And just my luck here he comes in his boat to save me. Again. He reached out his hand toward me and helped me into the boat. I fell on my back and took deep gasping breaths. I needed to say something but I needed to get enough air in my lungs first. I expected him to berate me. To say I told you so. But he only smiled and steered the boat toward land.

“I’m glad you’re okay. Did he hurt you?” I shook my head and sat up.

“No. He only threw me over board.” I put my head in my hands and groaned. “You were right. I should have listened to you. Lark can’t be trusted.”

His gaze was filled with pity. That was the last thing I needed right now. “Just take me home.” His gaze fell.

“We can’t go home Hannah.”

My head shot up. “What do you mean?” He looked away from me.

“Lark. He torched the haven. Everyone scattered. People started meeting up at flathead but there are still few people unaccounted for.”

My gut wrenched and I bit back a sob. But I couldn’t stop a few tears from leaking out. “This is all my fault.” My voice was so quiet I didn’t think Evan even heard me. But he did.

“Don’t blame yourself Hannah. We all agreed to let him in. We all trusted him.” I shook my head.

“Except for you. We should have listened. You’ve never been wrong before. Your our prophet for heavens sake! You were the only one we should have listened to. We messed up Evan. I’m so sorry.”

Evan started shaking his head before I could even finish. “We’re all human Hannah. We live in a fallen world, we all make mistakes. Even me. Besides none of that matters now. We need to focus on the future. What we’re gonna do next. Everyone’s waiting for you. They still trust you as their leader.”

“They shouldn’t.”

“And yet they do. They need you Hannah. ‘Be strong and courageous do not be afraid-‘”

“-‘for the Lord your God is with you wherever you may go.’” I finished the verse that had become the mantra of the rebellion. Evan smiled.

“God deemed you our leader for a reason. And you made a mistake like every other leader who has ever lived. Even the wisest king Solomon and his father David who was known as a man after God’s own heart. They all messed up too. But this fight isn’t over. God is still with us and fighting for us. You just have to believe it too.”

I pondered his words quietly as I watched the dock draw closer. He tied us to the dock and leapt out. He turned back around and held out his hand to me. I took it graciously and smiled. “You’re right. It’s time to move on. We still have a lot of work to do. But with God going before us I know we will win.” Evan beamed.

“Save the speech for the people.”

I laughed for what felt like the first time in years. I let Evan lead the way to flathead even though I probably knew the way better than him. We picked our way through the rubble of the outer town. I hadn’t realized how bad the destruction was when they bombed it a week ago. My heart clenched when I realized this is what the haven probably looked like now. Although I noticed Evan was taking the long way to flathead, probably to avoid the haven. Once we reached the part of town that was still intact, we slunk into the shadows of alleyways and maneuvered through town hoping not to be seen. Though, I doubt anyone would report us if they did see us. There has been plenty of unrest since the first bombing two weeks ago. Has it really been that long? It feels like just yesterday.

It wasn’t long before flathead came into view. We skirted between the two rock walls and made our way over to where the group had gathered. They seemed to be arguing. Or at least yelling at each other. No one noticed our approach. I turned to the rock wall and began to climb making my way to the ledge a few feet above the ground. I’d done this so many times now I didn’t even need to think to make my way up. I hauled myself over the ledge and faced the discordant crowd.

“My people!” I called. They stilled before turning up to look at me. I saw equal looks of relief and anger. Maybe a little fear. “My people.” I said quieter but just as firm. I didn’t need to speak too loudly for the canyon walls carried my voice well. “I have let you down. I allowed a traitor into our midst and I trusted him without reservation. And because of that our home had been destroyed. We have lost loved ones. And I am sorry. I take full responsibility for what happened. You have no reason to continue trusting me. And if you wish for me to step down as leader I understand and will respect your wishes. But before you decide let me say one last thing. This fight is not over yet. We have them scared. That’s why they sent a traitor. And I know we are still strong even after everything. God is still on our side. He has never left us and he never will. I know how strong you all are. You’ve faced so much strife and came out stronger. You are resilient and determined. I know that once you people put your mind to something it will get done. I know because I’ve seen it. And I know you can do it again. Don’t give up. Band together once again. Why is it you are quarreling? Are we not better when we are one? We are all different people with different skills, but when we use them together, when we use them to help each other we can move mountains. So I am calling you to fight. Fight for your futures, fight for your children’s future. Fight because He has called us to fight and the battle before us had already been won. Fight for the Lord our God!” I pumped my fist in the air and waited. Praying. Hoping. And the my heart soared as every person in the canyon took up my call.

“For the Lord our God!”