Twenty minutes later, Tori handed Nyla her new son wrapped in a blanket. The birth was amazing, stunning, beautiful to watch a new life come into the world. What a miracle! And he was so small, so fragile, and yet so perfectly made.
Jane had clipped the cord and tied it off and was now helping deliver the afterbirth.
Tears streamed down Tori’s cheeks as Nyla held her son close and got her first look at his face.
“He’s beautiful. Just like his father,” she said and kissed him on the forehead. “How can I ever thank you two?” She glanced up at Tori and Jane.
“It wasn’t us.” Tori began gathering bloody cloths. “You did all the work, with the Lord’s help. We were just here to catch the little guy. What will you name him?”
Now it was Nyla’s turn to cry as she stared at her son. “If it was a boy, Calan wanted him named Daniel.”
“Good name.” Tori wiped her own tears. “After a good, Godly man.”
“And Calan’s mentor.” Nyla gave a sad smile, and Tori knew she missed her husband. Terribly. Just like Tori missed Thomas.
“Do you think we’ll ever see them again?” Tori asked.
???
Two weeks later
The forest was beautiful this time of day. Tori drew a deep breath of fresh air—at least as fresh as it could get in this world—and sat on a boulder perched before the entrance to the cave. She came out here every evening as the sun set, her special time alone with the Lord, to pray, to praise, to enjoy the birds chirping and watch the setting sun paint red and orange on leaves and tree trunks before it left for the day.
Since Thomas and Calan had been caught, the days blurred together in a mishmash of the work and activities required to care for and feed God’s people. Unfortunately—and against both Tori and Nyla’s warnings—a few of them had traveled into the nearest city, hoping for news of lost loved ones. They never returned. Most likely captured by the NWU. Now, their group was down to a mere twenty-two souls, most of whom were either too weak, old, or young to fend for themselves. Nyla and Calan had done a great job running things, but in his absence, Tori had stepped up. And even more so now that Nyla was a new mother.
Yet there were days when Tori strained under the burden placed upon her. Not just the physical burden of providing food and protection, but the spiritual one. Who was she but an ex-druggie who didn’t have sense enough not to get involved in the occult?
Sure, with Nyla’s counsel, Tori realized she’d been forgiven, that she didn’t have to earn God’s love and approval. But still…
Lord, are you sure You have the right person for the job?
A brown bird with red feathers on his head landed on a branch above her and sang such a happy tune, she couldn’t help but smile.
Yes, dear one. I am sending help.
Wait, did she hear that right? Help?
A vision sprinted so fast through her mind, she barely saw it, barely recognized Thomas and…. Kyle?… walking through the forest.
Leaping to her feet, she scanned the trees and shrubs. She turned her ear to listen for any unusual sound. Nothing.
Still, shehadseen them. She knew it.
Diving back into the cave, she hurried to get Nyla. It took some convincing, but the new mother reluctantly handed Daniel to Brianna for safe keeping and followed Tori into the forest.
“Are you sure, Tor?” she asked.
Tori brushed aside a branch and forged ahead. “I’m sure. It’s them. I saw it.”
“You saw Kyle?”
“Yes.” She smiled at her friend over her shoulder. “Can you believe it?”
“No,” Nyla said. “Listen, if it’s them and they are close, shouldn’t we be more cautious? Neither of them were saved last time we saw them. They could be hunting us.”
Halting, Tori spun to face her friend. “Good point. But… I don’t know. When the vision came, I sensed joy, peace, not anger or fear. It didn’t even occur to me that they could be our enemies. They were happy, smiling.”Crud. Tori drew a deep breath and frowned. Aaron had tricked her, had deceived her for so long. She had not seen him for what he was. Was she making another mistake?
Nyla gripped her hand. “I know you’re thinking of Aaron, but you have grown since then. You learned from that experience, and you’re stronger for it.”
