In this series the church is represented as a castle somewhat reminiscent of Medieval times. For more of the story check the accompanying pages.
In the
lookout tower on the Castle of Love, one of the watchmen held the
high powered binoculars to his eyes and slowly scanned the desert
waste that spread out before him right to the distant horizon.
“Do
you see any activity?” The young soldier at his side asked.
The watchman
handed the binoculars over to him and pointed. “See that little
group at just slightly less than one-oh-five? They seem to be
wearying of the way.”
“Shall I send a dart? One of Agape's darts?”
“Shall I send a dart? One of Agape's darts?”
The watchman
shook his head. “No, not yet; hook up the sound waves and we will
see if we can catch what they are saying.”
“Sir?”
The
watchman was intently scanning the desert once again. He looked over
the glasses. “Yes?”
“I
recorded the conversation. It is rather faint and staticy in places,
but see what you think of it.”
The
watchman adjusted the earphones and turned up the volume, and this is
what he made out.
“Look,
everyone, I think there is a castle over yonder.”
“Sorry,
Fiona. That’s just a mirage. There are no castles in these parts.”
“But
what if it was. Just what if! Then we could find rest and shelter.”
The
watchman whipped off the earphones, eyes shining; “Shoot a dart,
shoot one of Cupid’s darts,” He cried, “But aim true!”
Daniel’s
hand trembled as he shot not once, not twice but three times! Others
crowded around and watched in breathless suspense as the darts
glistened and soared in the dry summer’s heat.
One
dart had hit its mark; Fiona’s breast. They exuberantly clapped
each other on the back while Daniel snatched up the earphones and
someone else the binoculars.
Fiona’s
hand pressed against her chest. “I felt such a warmth come over me
when I spoke of that castle, just now. Kelsey, let’s try to find it.
Maybe it is a true haven. It looks so beautiful as if the light
diffuses from within.”
Kelsey
picked up another dart; it still had a slight glow and was warm to
the touch.
“You
maybe are right. I also am weary of this desert land.” But he
hesitated, and then threw the dart down. The others had already
started to walk on ahead.
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Daniel
whirled to face his Captain. “May I go? May I rush over there and
lead them to safety?”
The
Captain was pleased with the youthful enthusiasm. “Go, lad, but
remember to use much tact and discretion. They are used to their old
ways and may not be eager to change. ”
The
other young recruits leaned over the balustrade surrounding the tower
and watched him march swiftly through the gathering darkness, his
trusty lamp held high as he traveled.
“It’s
dangerous out there,” Simon observed.
“Yes,
but he is following instructions, and not going out on his own,”
James reminded him.
Simon
nodded as they watched the tiny prick of light grow smaller then leap
high when Daniel reached the small group who were sitting on boulders
and eating their lunch.
“May
the King bless his efforts,” The watchman murmured with moist eyes,
while the others nodded in agreement.