“Why? Where else could she go?”
“She gave me only two weeks to get here before they planned on going deeper into the forest.” She ran a hand through her mass of black hair and looked up at him. “And it’s already been two weeks. We’re never going to make it.”
Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Philippians 2:9-11
Chapter 24
Tori stood and tucked the map back inside her pack. Hot wind whipped up from the canyon and blasted over them as they stared dumbfounded at the obstacle before them. She wanted to cry, but she had no tears left. Instead she just stood there, longing to pray, but not even sure how to do that anymore.
The sun sank lower in the western sky as dark clouds rolled in above them. Callie began to fuss, and Brianna slipped away to feed her.
Aaron shook his head. “Guess we need to go back and find shelter for the night.”
No! She didn’t want to go back. She didn’t want to retreat. They’d come too far.
Father, help! Finally, she cried out to the only One who’d always been there for her.
Precious daughter…
The comforting greeting eased through her like sweet molasses, shoving aside all her anger and misgivings.
I’m sorry, Father. I’m sorry I was angry.
Open your eyes,was the only response.
She spun around to find Aaron waving his cane over the field they’d just passed through. Odd.
A fork of white-hot lightning shot from the clouds and struck the field. Instantly, the dry grass burst into flames.
What the heck?
A gust of wind swirled around them, passing over the field and tossing embers through the air in every direction. Other parts of the field soon ignited. Tori could only stare at what quickly became a wall of fire.
“What the…. ?” Pivoting, Thomas uttered a curse word.
Brianna drew her children close and exchanged a frightened glance with Tori.
She turned to the right, seeking a path of escape, but a blazing tree had already fallen across the dirt, blocking their way.
“This way!” She started toward the left, but in the distance, a field of blazing brush ran right up to the canyon.
A gust of smoke nearly suffocated Tori as she stormed toward Aaron. “What did you do?”
Backing away, the old man stumbled over his cane. “What?”
Halting before him, she poked his chest with her finger. “I saw you. Waving your cane over the field. What did you do?” She seethed, glaring at him. “Whatare you?”
“Tori!” Grabbing her arm, Thomas yanked her back, coughing. “Stop it. He’s just an old man.”
“No, he’s not.” The voice came from Carla, who moved to stand between Thomas and Tori. Everyone’s gazes latched onto the little girl.
“He doesn’t have an angel,” she said.
Aaron laughed uncomfortably.
Thomas joined him.
