Nodding, Mitch led the way through a maze of tunnels deeper into the cave, finally ending up in a large enclosure. A hole in the roof above let out the smoke from several small fires, while providing fresh air for those below. Scattered across the cave floor were blankets, sleeping bags, pots, pans, medical equipment, laundry hanging on lines, and even an old stuffed chair.
At least fifteen more people ran to welcome them, drilling Nyla with questions, bringing the total number of saints to twenty-five. Men and women of all ages and races, living together, helping each other, meeting all needs. It reminded Tori of the Book of Acts and the early Christians. She smiled.
The scent of unwashed humans melded with the savory scent of food cooking, and her stomach lurched even as her mouth watered.Food. Real food.
“You must be starving.” Nyla led Tori and Brianna to sit by one of the fires and within minutes, an older woman named Mary brought them bowls of stew. A crowd gathered around them as they ate, curious about the newcomers.
Tori gulped down the delicious feast, trying to answer their questions as best she could.
What is it like out in the world now? What things did they see? Had they seen the images of the Beast? What about the Mark? How did they evade capture?
Between her and Brianna, they did their best to convey the events of their harrowing journey, including the crucifixions, the Neflams spy, and how they’d lost Sara. Callie slept through the entire thing, but Carla entertained everyone with stories of the angels who’d accompanied them, angels who were still with them, she announced. A fact Nyla confirmed with a smile.
Yet, the memory of Sara, along with the loss of Thomas, pressed heavy on Tori. She found it difficult to rejoice for any of their victories, even to find peace in this incredible sanctuary. She’d failed. Yes, she’d brought Brianna and her children to safety, but what about Sara and Thomas? And now Calan had been caught because of her.
“Let’s pray,” Nyla said, reaching one hand toward Tori and one to the person on her other side. Soon, the entire group formed one big circle, hand in hand, and each took turns both praising God and praying for Calan and Thomas and for the saints across the world to keep the faith and their testimony and not to love their lives to the death.
Tori had never heard such heartfelt prayers delivered with both laughter and tears. When it came to her turn, the Holy Spirit seemed to take over, offering up a plea with such passion and eloquence, she knew it had not come from her. After her prayer, someone spoke in tongues and another interpreted.
“Be encouraged, saints. Stay strong in the power of My Might, for the days ahead will be difficult, but your reward will be great! Even now, all of heaven cheers you on. Keep the faith, do not deny My Name. Endure all things and soon you will enter your rest, a glorious eternal future so wonderful, you cannot imagine. I love you with an everlasting love.”
After the Words were spoken, silence drifted over the crowd. Tears filled Tori’s eyes, and she fell to her knees before the one, true living God. Others followed and soon songs of praise and worship echoed through the cavern as the saints lifted hands in the air.
“The angels are dancing!” Carla exclaimed as she began to twirl and hop around the cave. Two other children joined her, giggling.
Tori had never been with so many saints in one place. Nor had she felt the power of the Holy Spirit so strongly. Love, joy, and peace flooded her heart, temporarily pushing out the sorrow and pain. Perhaps this was but a glimpse of the joy of heaven, of being with Jesus.
The worship went on for at least an hour, but soon with yawns and stretched arms, people retreated to their sleeping bags. Nyla led Tori and Brianna and the girls to an empty corner of the cave and gave them pillows and blankets.
But Tori couldn’t sleep.
With the praise of God on her lips, Brianna quickly drifted off, both her children snuggled beside her. Soon light snoring filled the cave, along with the sizzle of coals and somewhere thedrip-dripof water.
Still, Tori couldn’t sleep. Shoving aside her blanket, she sat and glanced around. Movement caught her eye, and she saw Nyla sitting by one of the fires, staring at the flames.
“Can’t sleep either?” Tori said as she gestured to a spot beside Nyla. “May I?”
Nyla smiled. “Sure.”
Lowering to sit, Tori drew her knees up to her chest and sighed. “Thinking about Calan?” she asked, then suddenly felt stupid. Of course the woman was. He was her husband, the father of her child.
Nyla caressed her large belly. “Yes. We haven’t been apart for over a year now.” She wiped a tear from her eye. “I guess I feel a bit lost without him.” She glanced around the cave. “By the grace of God, we started this place together with only five people. Look what the Lord has done.”
Tori’s heart grew heavy. “I’m so sorry, Nyla. It’s all my fault. I led the troops here.”
“What?” She huffed. “No way.”
“If you hadn’t come out to meet us, Calan would—”
“Stop thinking like that right now.” Nyla’s tone bore the authority she’d no doubt used when she’d been an NWU Peace Keeper.
Tori ran her fingers over the course dirt covering the bottom of the cave. “But it’s true.”
Nyla shook her head. “Do you think God didn’t know what would happen? Do you think He’s worried about this kink in His plan?” She laughed. “Calan is in God’s capable hands, and His will be done.”
“But what if he never comes…” Tori gulped.
Nyla gripped her hand. “Then I’ll see him in heaven.”
