Free The New Guard (Crossroads Book 1) by Matthew M. Johns

enough enlightenment to
humble themselves and work toward God’s purpose.
    “We can
talk more about that later, though; for now you should
know that First Thunder has offered to ride with us as far as the next
sanctuary.”
    Sister
Oswald, who had joined the group as David was explaining about the Coterie,
suddenly cleared her throat loudly to get everyone’s attention. “Enough
talking!  I’ve been told that there are enough differences in the
Crossroads to keep a non-native asking questions all their days. You must all
rest. I’ve laid some night clothes out in your rooms. In the morning, we will
have supplies for your journey.”
    Brother
Oswald nodded and ushered David and his family up the curved staircase that led
to the second floor; then they continued to a secluded stairwell at the end of
the gallery of rooms on that floor. Upon topping the stairs, Brother Oswald
showed the family a washroom and three adjoining rooms, with several beds in
each one.
    David and
the children thanked the Oswalds, then set about getting ready for bed. Once
everybody was washed and changed, David called for them one last time.
    “We are
safe here and therefore don’t need to set a watch. However, the older children
will soon learn how to watch the camp during the night, as there is not always
a sanctuary within a day’s travel. I know there is a great deal of strangeness
yet to experience, and I will do my best to keep you informed as we go along.
However, our survival will often depend on quick action, more so than at home,
and I expect to be obeyed first; then when the time is opportune, I can address
questions and concerns.
    “You all
must be very tired,” David said, motioning toward Dinah and Mary, who were
already nodding off. “Get some rest, and I’ll see you in the morning.”
    With
that, David picked up the littlest two and tucked them into the same bed. They
became alert enough to ask of water and nightly prayers. David knelt next to
their bed and prayed with them, asking for protection over the family. Dinah
thanked God for talking dogs, while Mary asked for Mommy and the baby to be
with them. When the prayer ended, she grabbed David’s hands, and with desperate
eyes she asked him when they would be back with Mommy.
    David
sighed. “Soon, I hope, soon.”
    With
that, the girls snuggled close together and nearly instantly drifted off to
sleep. David left the room only to come face to face with Esther in the
hallway. She, too, had a longing, desperate look in her eyes. When she spoke,
David could tell she was nearly on the verge of tears.
    “Do you
know when we’ll meet up with Mom, or were you just trying to comfort Mary and
Dinah?”
    With a
gentle movement David pulled the young girl to him. She clamped onto him as if
seeking to bury herself as far into him as possible. When he spoke his voice
rumbled her body.
    “I hope,
Esther; I hope we will all be together soon. I don’t know the time or place;
only God knows that. We can only hope and pray.”
    She
didn’t let go. In a few moments, she looked up at him, tear tracks on her face.
“What about home; is it true we’ll never go back?”
    David
looked into her eyes, but on the periphery, he saw most of the other children
standing around or peeking out. When he spoke, he spoke to them all. “No, going
home isn’t even remotely likely. On Earth, there are people who have travelled
to the Way World and returned, though it is rare they linger on Earth for long.
We have been brought here for a purpose that has yet to be revealed. We must
trust in God, and in time He will reveal it.”
    “So what
about our house?” This came from Ruth, a tinge of anger washing away her
sadness. David looked up as she continued. “What about our stuff? What about
the friends we left behind?”
    Before
the words came out of his mouth, a sadness washed over him that each of the
children could plainly see. Esther dropped her embrace but stayed near,
unwilling to fully part from