In this true story based on a happening in 1549, yes you read that right, Heidi is left to fend for herself when her husband flees the city. In a rash moment, he had spoken against the political and religious leaders of the day and that was not smart. Although she finds comfort with the people of God, it is very dangerous to be seen with them.
Heidi wouldn’t have ever noticed it if Jared hadn’t turned abruptly down the narrow footpath angling towards the back of the shanty. Soft singing could faintly be heard as she passed the shuttered window. After saying the correct password Heidi was ushered into the dimly lit room. Tension fell away like a cloak. What a peaceful atmosphere! What radiance shone from the faces close enough to be seen.
Heidi went over to the one small window in the hut and peered out. It was dark, very dark out tonight. She opened the door softly and glanced back. Neither child stirred.
Every step of the way Heidi was sure that someone was following her.
Once she stopped to look back but saw no one. Or what was that a strangely shaped blob attached to one of the bushes in the neighbors' yard? Just to be on the safe side, Heidi turned off a street sooner than she had planned, but her heart pounded. What if they don’t wait because I came too late? She sneaked another look back. Are there any shuffling footsteps in the dimness, any shadows that don’t belong out here so late at night? She tried to still her shaky breathing and, after one more hasty look around, darted through an overgrown lot and towards the elm tree beside the bridge. Now her heart was in her mouth. Belatedly she realized this was a favorite hangout of homeless people. Perhaps she would stumble over a sleeping body, or be attacked by someone who ought to be sleeping!
Heedless of who might be watching her, Heidi quickened her pace, then picked up her skirts and darted through the trash and underbrush just as fast as she could. Good! The tree was in sight! What a relief! What pure relief! What? No one was there. Heidi’s heart sank and her steps slowed. They didn’t wait. They didn’t dare wait. It was too dangerous. Not knowing what else to do, she kept on walking closer. A shadow separated itself from the back of the tree and moved towards her. Heidi hesitated. Should she go closer or shouldn’t she? Ah, she recognized him. It was Mary’s teenaged brother.
“The rest have gone on ahead,” he said in a low voice. “Just follow me at a distance, and we’ll be okay.”
Heidi nodded, and readjusted the basket she had over her arm for no ‘practical?’ reason.
Heidi nodded, and readjusted the basket she had over her arm for no ‘practical?’ reason.
Without another word he strode on ahead, whistling merrily, but not a church tune!
Heidi found it hard to keep him in sight without appearing to be rushed.
Oh, look, a candle in a side window almost hidden by the bushes. What a welcoming glow!
Heidi listened quietly, drinking in every word of the songs, prayers, testimonies, and exhortations. This is what I want. These people have a faith that is worth dying for. None of them seem to be afraid of the future. They have a Comforter, a Saviour and I want Him to.
That very night Heidi gave her life to God and promised to follow Him regardless of the cost. That was no casual promise in those days, and she knew not how soon it would be tested.www.marilynshistoricalnovels.com
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