Bastian tucked his hands casually into his pockets and gave the men a laid-back smile. “Isn’t that the best way to commune with God? By walking through nature?But ask the animals, and they will teach you, or the birds in the sky and they will tell you. In his hand is the life of every creature.”He gave them a look that was both challenging and conciliatory. “At least I think that’s how the scripture goes. We were just reading it, but I have a bad memory.” He looked at me and all I could do was nod, shock having stolen my voice.
Clement and Stanley looked less sure of themselves. “You’re meant to reserve your voice for God. Not shout for all the world to hear,” Stanley growled, clearly trying to find something to admonish us for.
Again, Bastian stepped in. “The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.” He came to stand beside me, facing the elders. “I understand the need for silence in some things, but our voices are instruments of God, are they not?”
He was toeing a dangerous line. He was questioning Pastor’s edicts. He was using the Holy Word against an elder. I could tell by the harsh lines of their mouths that Stanley and Clement were furious. Their eyes flashed with anger. But they didn’t drag anyone off to The Refuge.
Bastian had ensured that.
“And it’s also written:Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.” Stanley reminded all of us, his voice cold and more than a little scary. “It’s time you all return to The Retreat for Daily Devotional.”
I seemed to finally wake up. I hurried to the children, herding them back through the trees towards home, not giving the elders time to change their mind.
“That was too close,” Anne whispered, her face pale, her hands trembling.
I nodded, glancing back at Bastian. He walked with Rosie who clung to his hand again, not giving Stanley or Clement another look.
When we were hidden in the dense trees, I waited for him to catch up.
“Thank you,” was all I said once we were walking together.
Bastian looked down at Rosie who was now sucking on her thumb. Something she had been told time and time again not to do. Knowing the consequences, I gently pulled her hand away from her mouth.
“You don’t need to thank me,” Bastian responded. “Today was fun, but I didn’t get the sense that Mr. Tough Guy one and two back there would agree.”
“No. They wouldn’t. We were meant to be reading from the Bible. I was derelict in my duties.” I felt a deep sense of shame for letting myself be waylaid. For letting myself stray from the path.
“What I said was true, you know. Being outside, enjoying life, is just as Godly as reading from a musty old book. Probably more so.”
I could argue with him, but I didn’t want to. Because I had fun today. The kids did too. And I wouldn’t feel badly about that.
“I had no idea you knew the Bible so well,” I said instead.
Bastian chuckled. “Well, I’m no Biblical scholar. But since coming here I figured I’d learn a few passages that could be helpful. Seems I picked the right ones.”
“Well, I was impressed,” I admitted.
Bastian’s fingers brushed mine. “That’s an added bonus then.” His blue eyes twinkled with amusement.
Maybe Bastian Scott wasn’t entirely untrustworthy. Perhaps he wasn’t a wolf amongst the sheep.
Because I found myself liking him. Cautiously. Warily.
And when he smiled, I smiled back.
“Bastian! Over here!” Rosie called out from across the dining hall before being scolded by her mother for being too loud.
I headed over to table occupied by Rosie Fisk and her family. “Good morning, Rosie. How are you today?” I asked her.
“I told Mommy about the woolly worm you found and how you made sure he stayed with his family,” she said excitedly, her eyes gleaming.
“I appreciate your kindness towards our daughter, Bastian,” Mrs. Fisk said stiffly, as though she were only speaking to me out of obligation. “It’s good of you to show her all God’s creatures.”
Mr. Fisk, a tall, reedy looking man with wire rimmed glasses that sat precariously on the edge of his nose, held out his hand. “Blessings to you, Bastian.”
I shook his hand, still not sure how to respond to the strange mannerisms of most of The Gathering members.
“I liked spending time with the children. They’re all very well behaved.” I knew I had to be careful what I said. I quickly figured out that our brief game of hide and seek was a big no-no. From what I could tell, the kids at The Retreat weren’t given any time to just be children. Their entire day was spent praying or working.
