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Image Credit: Picture purchased and licensed for use from 123rf.com. The model(s) in this image is in / and are no way connected with this story nor supports nor conveys the issues and situations brought up within the story. The model(s) use is solely used for the representation of looks of the main character(s) of this particular story. ~Sephrena

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Previously:
 
The house where Glory/Ronnie surfaces from the bed exists in 1856 (pre-Civil War) near Salem, Massachusetts, it began as a house and safe haven for sojourners. Historically we, Ronnie, see it as part of the ‘Underground Railroad’ in the pre-Civil War era. It's presence however, dates back to the beginning of this colony in the 1600s and to the present.

Glory and Susanne are living in 1856. The original Glory and Abigail date back to the time of the Salem Witch Trials in the 1600s. The house first acted as a safe haven for those fleeing radical Puritanism; Native Americans from colonialists who did not know historically that the native Americans were friends and crucial to many who migrated there from England for their survival, to being there for those subject to witch hunts. It also included the poor, those of other religious origins as well as the sick.

I hugged Mom/Susanne and knew, Susanne and I were not alone tonight. “So I am a descendant of an angel, neat?” I paused and thought about it, “I think.”… “You are right to think about that,”she said. Then she told me to get ready for bed and then I could read…

As I got ready for bed I noticed a spot of blood and told Susan. Susan said, "You had begun to menstruate; you’re becoming a young woman. There's a kettle of hot water on the stove get it and poured in a basin and wash yourself well. We will clean this after that." She got out a cloth belt, I put on and Susan pinned a bulky piece of cloth to it, placing it between my legs and pinned it back again to the belt. I put on my night shirt, while others could not see it I could feel its presence…

“You will need to check it and we will need to change it at times during the next few days." I was getting a taste of what it literally meant to be ‘on the rag’; I'm glad she did not tell Dad.

I read a book with the letters of Abigail Adams, wife of John Adams… until I was ready for bed. Mrs. Adams showed she was well educated, strong in thought and expression and did indeed influence his thinking and encouraged him…He had the courage of his convictions, knowing her support…If I get back to My life I will have to check this out; it would make for a great paper…

I wondered several times during the day; if I go under the covers tonight…would I be back in my world? I did not want to chance ending my time as a girl… I am tired and would love to rest and wake to a new day as Glory…
 
 
Chapter 2
 
When I woke, it was no dream; I was still Glory and in her bed of long ago. There was the unpleasant reality of a cloth that I needed to change, but I was up in time to save my nightshirt and the cloth under me. The water in the picture for washing was now cold, but I did what was needed and dressed for the day.

There was no closet or chest of drawers with an abundance of clothes. I had three dresses, while none were real fancy; I could tell one was for Sundays, the Sabbath as Suanne calls it. I dressed in my work smock, drank a cup of water and went out of my room. Mom told me to bundle up and go out and help dad.

I went out and called Laddie but he didn’t come; I heard him and the cows coming up from the pasture, Dad had got them this morning. I went to the ice house and got an empty container for today’s milk. This morning I set up the milking stations; Pails and stools for milking and hay for the cows to eat. I would milk the cows in the center station. I knew enough to shew away Mollie and other cows from getting ahead of Daut.

When we were done, everything was readied for the afternoon and the fresh milk placed in the ice house. We’d take time to eat, but not too much as dad had a milk route. Breakfast was good, It was hot and a big meal today.

Dad said I was to go with him. It made it easier if I stayed with the horse and wagon as he poured out the milk needed at each house. Most did not pay him today, but some meat, corn or meal was handed over by others. Most of the cheese and milk was delivered to town a general store, an inn as well as the café.

Town kids were going to school, Pa said, “Glory next year you’ll need to be up earlier if you want to go to school in town.” When we got to my country school, most of the other students were already there. Though, Bobby and Hank were usually late; having more chores and living farther away. Dad held out to me a ribbon for my hair, which I tied in a ponytail before saying goodbye.

Ha, it was a little country school with desks or tables of different sizes, tablets for writing. Only two rows had ink, mine was one of them. Miss Gail started the day with prayer, instructions, and questions about yesterday’s lessons. I guess I am a pretty smart student and good in cooperating. I was not used to a teacher smiling at me and for saying answers correctly.

Margaret, Todd, and I were to help younger students. Somehow I knew what I was to do. When she spoke I helped Molly and little Billy to follow along when she was teaching them, numbers or the alphabet. Bobby and Hank were now present that meant I had to watch my hair and ribbon when I sat in front of them.

When it was our turn to be taught, each of us took turns in reading. It wasn’t hard to know who were in lower grades or had more trouble. Miss Gail did not do as was asked, to pass over poor readers. It was not always pretty to listen, but she knew those kids would probably only go up to 8th grade and needed to learn here.

We were proud of our country school, Adams School; more of us made it into the town school and did well at the end of year competition. I would be lucky because most girls were not encouraged or allowed to go to the town school. Some would even be married during the coming year.

I had to show Miss Gail how much more I read in my book and explain what I learned. Our state was proud of the Adams for being Presidents and our place in history. However, most didn’t like memory work. Miss Gail was different in thinking girls should learn. She reminded girls, “If your husband dies, you better be able to speak up for yourself and family.”

I had a hard-boiled egg and cheese for lunch as usual. They were what we had and the hard-boiled egg was easy to carry. Playtime was mostly talking time as in eighth grade it was not always good to do little kid stuff. I did help to push kids on the swing, help a small one down from a tree or help stop an argument.

When school was out I knew to hurry home as I had to help with milking. I looked at my hands and while they were prettier than a boy’s, they were not like those of the girls in town. Even most girls in the country have chores but did not do much farm work if they had brothers. By then I knew how to ride a horse, read books and would get to go to school in town because my grades are good and my parents think it is important.

When I got home Mom was surprised to see me in the milk barn. “Is not today, Thursday why aren’t you over to play with Abby?” I hadn’t remembered Glory had Thursdays to play. I should have gone there by another way from school.

But today I felt yucky and needed to change something any way. I went inside and heated up some water. First I made tea for Mom and Dad and took them some bread and cheese curds. Then I went and changed out of my clothes, washed and changed my cloth. Having fresh clothes on, felt good and I have decided to stay home and read.

I had a diary that I also wrote in. I notice it had been a week since I last wrote in it. I looked back a month and saw Mom had me write the first time I bled. That time I was happier to be a woman. This time I wrote ‘It smells worse when there is more blood and I knew why I felt worse.

I am reading about Abigail Adams, I wonder if my Mom or Abby were named for her. I write that I do not feel like myself; I wonder in the future if I will remember why? The name Ronnie might not be important to you then.’

Mom was in the house and looked over my shoulder. “I like how you said that. I wonder if you will remember or be the same,” she said.

“Mom, could we have potato soup tonight?” I asked

She asks, "Glory please cut a piece of ham off in the ice house and bring it in and get a half pail of potatoes as well. ‘Ha, I got my wish.’ Mom is a good cook and her soups are great. I didn’t mind peeling potatoes when I got what I wanted. Mom was cooking the potatoes a little and I got the milk to be used. I set the table and was free again to read.

Dad was upset as one of the cows was sick and needed to be placed in a stall and kept away from the others. It meant one less cow to milk and it would take a while to know if she was really sick or pregnant. Dad spoke about when the bull got out and hoped not too many cows would calf. “More than one more and I may need to look for another milk cow or we will have to make do with less income for a while.”

If she and others got sick it would be a lot worse. I heard Dad and Mom talk about that possibility.

After dinner as it began to get dark, there was a knock on the door, but when Mom answered no one was there. A while later the same thing happened again. This time when no one was there Dad took a rifle and went out to check the barn and yard. When he came back there were a black man and woman with him.

They spoke good English which was unusual for a slave. They said, “We are Abraham and Mary.” Susan quickly asked them in so she could close the door. “We have been living and working in Boston but a Southern posse had come to take us back for as runaway slaves.” He explained he had bought Mary’s freedom but was told that might not hold up in a southern court if she did in fact even receive a trial. Though he had been free for seven years, the 1850 Compromise Act superseded state protection.

Mom had put out some rolls and cheese and poured milk for them to eat. Dad had opened the floor door to the cistern and moved a beam holding a collapsing wall. The beam, however, held boards over a hole and entrance to a secret room under the house. It was where Abraham and Mary would stay tonight. Dad and Abraham tried to backtrack and make a trail going to the ocean to the north, hoping to have time to double back.

It was very dark when Dad and Abraham got back. Mary was already in the secret room and Abraham soon joined her. Abraham said their boys were already to a ship to take them to England, but the ports were being watched for the parents so they would need to travel from Canada.

Now I knew what Abby’s mother meant about me sleeping over someone. She thought they were hidden in the cistern. Come morning they were let up into the house, but dad would check the roads. Men with dogs to the north were watching three roads. Dad received the news from the church and came home. Abraham and Mary would stay another night. Laddie would stay in the house after evening chores.

Dad had taught me how to place the beam in the cistern back in place in case of an emergency and we needed to hide them. “Glory, if that is needed you go completely into the water as you will need to say you fell into the water.” It was early evening when strangers came six men and dogs; they wanted to search the house and farm. I never saw Laddie get so angry with Dad’s command. Dad restrained him but did not ask him to calm down.

I was scared and showed it. Dad and Mom were scared but looked very upset. Though Dad said no they checked the rest of the farm. Dad could not protect the farm and the house. “If you find someone hiding takes them and be gone. I have no love for slavers, but I will not break the law. If you damage my property I will get the authorities to arrest you for payment.” Dad was antsy the rest of the night, but he would not leave the house to check the farm till morning.

They did do damage, but they did not find Mary and Abraham. It was another day before the men headed back south, but they paid for their damages, over $25 to our farm. New England law did not sympathize with southern posses. Sunday when we went to church the someone watched our wagon believing we might be carrying the man and woman. A friend Russell Cook took Abraham and Mary in another direction to freedom.

It was said that the posse's slave wagon had eight people being taken back south. It was said slaves were valued at $600-700 per person. That made Abraham and Mary very valuable; if Abraham and Mary had more children, that would make them that much more valuable in being taken back.

I waited two more nights before tunneling under the covers but it was not until the second night I find there was a breeze and the portal was open.

When I woke up in Shalom it was Sunday morning and the old woman, Ms. Jenkins, was not surprised to see me. “Boy, you had me worried till the fever broke last night. I have washed your clothes and I think you better get out of that girl's nightshirt before I take you back.”

“I called your family yesterday and told them where you were and that you were sick. I suspect if they tried to take you home you might have died then since you weren’t all here.” I was not sure exactly what she meant, but I was not certain I wanted to know.

After I changed and she fed me, she drove her 1940 Ford out of the garage and gave me a ride home. My brothers had gone to Sunday school, but my parents had not left yet for church when we stopped at the house. I wanted to go in alone, but Ms. Jenkins said she was talking to my parents.

She spoke calmly but when my Dad showed some anger toward me she spoke up. “Mr. Gaines, I don’t think you want to get angry with the boy. I am a scary old lady to some and if you hurt the boy, you too should be scared of me.”

Dad took offense at what she said and Mom defended Dad. “I have some pictures being developed that you might not want authorities to see?” she said plainly. Dad asked and then demanded to know where they were. Later he offered her money. She never did reply, and while my parents were not happy they treated me more civilly.

Mom and Dad were upset with me after Ms. Jenkins left, but they did not hit me. I told them when I ran away I was sick with a fever and that old lady Jenkins helped me. I felt bad about calling her ‘old lady’ Jenkins but Dad didn’t guess that I really liked her.

Mid-afternoon after Sunday dinner I cut through some yards and made my way over to Gloria Peace’s house.

I thought I better introduce myself as I was sure she wouldn’t recognize me. One, she was a very good student and probably didn’t know us rowdy kids; second, I was behaving and acting with manners which few had seen before. Her mother came to the door and invited me in when I asked for Gloria. I told Gloria “Happy Birthday!” Then I handed her three flowers out of my mother’s flower bed. I knew two were tulips but the other was yellow and looked like the mouthpiece to an old telephone.

I looked at her Mom and I didn’t see any glow or wings, so I was wondering if I should say anything. “Gloria, this might sound crazy but I need to ask. Do you know if there is an angel in you?”

She said, “Are you trying to be sweet on me? Why would you ask a question like that?” I was told once, ‘You know when someone does not want to answer a question if they answer with another question?’ Well, Gloria gave me two questions so I just stared.

She took me by the hand and took me outside, telling her mother, “If Judy comes to tell her we are out back.” Next thing I knew we were swinging on a swing set. Well, I had never been swinging with a girl unless we were at a family gathering.

She asked, “Do you know something you’re not telling me?” She paused and commenced to tell me about her Aunt who visited her on her 12 birthday. “Aunt Susanne said I was named for a great, great, great something grandmother.” I described Mom Susan and Gloria asked, “How do you know my Aunt Susanne?”

“Do you know where your Aunt Susanne lives?”

“She said, my ancestor Glory moved back to Plymouth after her mother died. Do you believe that my namesake Glory Cook lived in Plymouth? That was the good news; the bad news there were no Cooks who came over on the Mayflower.”

I said, “But Abigail Hopkins did. It is harder to follow the women of a family. Stephen Hopkins daughter married a Cook who came to the colony about five years later after they came on the Mayflower.” I changed the subject, “Do you know who Abigail Adams was and that she wrote a book of letters?”

Gloria asked, “You don’t think I am also related to a President? Abigail Adams wrote the letters, but I don’t think she ever knew they would be put into a book.” Gloria paused, “Ronnie, how do you know these things? I don’t mean to be cruel but you don’t act much like a student in school.”

Judy announced herself as she came into the backyard. She was surprised to see who Gloria was talking to. Judy had a sharp tongue. “Ronnie, Mrs. Peace said Gloria was back here with a young gentleman, I’m surprised to see it was you.” Ouch, that hurt.

I thought I overstayed my welcome so I excused myself, but Gloria said not yet. I don’t know why I stayed, as we went into the house and watched Walt Disney. It wasn’t Davy Crocket or 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea. I got to watch Cinderella with two girls and a mom. Her dad was there but as a husband, he had to be.

When Mrs. Peace served us popcorn, I relaxed and thought of being Glory and thought how neat of an experience it would be for Glory to watch television with Gloria. I politely excused myself at the end of the program and then cut back through the yards and got back home.

My brother and sister were surprised when I came home and even more surprised by the peaceful evening we had as a family. Come Monday for a change, I wanted to go to school. Our history teacher was surprised when I spoke concerning the Civil War. He said it was President Lincoln who strong-armed the North to take a stand against the South, but I protested. I said the southern states angered the northern states pressing the use of the Fugitive Act though they had had not signed most of the 1850 Compromise.

Mr. Branch accused me of disturbing the class; he also wanted to know who gave me my false information. When I spoke of Abraham and Mary’s flight to Canada, he said I had a vivid imagination. I should have known being a good student did not bode well for me.

Dad was again upset with me when I got home. Mom had gotten a call from school and Dad was called home to take care of me. That he did as things were back to normal as Dad beat on me and I beat it out of the house. I hoped I would mislead them as I ran in a different direction from the house toward two other areas I was known to hide.

I waited for sundown before I knocked on Ms. Jenkins’ back door. My parents and the police had already been there, she was not surprised when I finally did come to her door. She gave me a bowl of soup and I asked for Glory’s nightshirt and went to bed early. I tunneled under the top sheet to no avail.

It wasn’t until 9:30 p.m. when the police knocked at the door; I felt the draft under the covers. I don’t think Ms. Jenkins was surprised when the bed was found to be empty. I had turned around when I got to the other side. I wanted to know she was alright.

I woke up on Tuesday, at my home with Susan and Daniel Cook, but it was now the first week of May. The calm of peace was disturbed that night with a couple coming to the house seeking refuge. Their story was slavers had warrants for their arrest for helping Abraham and Susan to escape from Boston.

Mom muffled my speech when I sought to speak. Dad was not comfortable with their story. Mom had given them some cheese and rolls, but they were blindfolded when dad took them into a hiding place in the barn. It was well after we went to bed when men once again came in search of Dad’s hideaway.

Laddie was again in the house, but the men threatened to break their way in anyway. Dad held his ground and yelled that they were not free to search the farm. It bought him some time as they searched the farm and found the couple in the barn.

Dad was accused of not only hiding this couple but Abraham and Mary. Dad was angry and demanded the men get the authorities in Salem to make the arrest. It would be sunrise before the sheriff was out and by then we were milking the cows, and almost finished.

The sheriff had investigated the first incident so he waited for the accusers to share all their evidence against dad. He checked the search warrant and knew it came from a magistrate sympathetic to slavers, but also outside the district of his authority. The couple gave evidence of clothing they found from them in the barn hideaway, which they said were the property of Abraham and Mary. Dad, the Sheriff, and his deputies knew the haystack when the Posse came and searched were not located where they were hiding the night before. The Sheriff took two people in for giving false information.

He told them they lied with false testimony and that the law here did not have much sympathy for slavers.

I was too nervous to go to school. When everyone left except a few friends, Mom and Dad thanked me and said they were proud of me. I broke down and cried. I knew I came so close to speaking up several times. I could have been responsible for my dad to be arrested. Bad things would have happened to him.

I was afraid of God because I came so close to getting one of his angels killed. Mom visited with me in my room and told my fears were not warranted. But I had not told her of why I was afraid of and yet she knew. She told me, “Daniel is not an angel but he is as precious to God as anyone I know.

“Your father does not know you have been a time traveler. Glory has been living here but until you came, she was without joy, it was like her life did not have a spirit and soul. Now that you are here she has both and will remain.

“But what happens to Glory if I go back?” I asked.

“Do you want to go back?” Susan asked. I paused for I knew I didn’t save to see Gloria.

‘Gloria is now as your great, great, great-granddaughter and you are Glory. The portal will not open again unless God would want Glory to travel as such and that is very, very unusual.”

“But you were with your sister and you have been to see Gloria back where I came from.”

“I have not seen Gloria yet, though I know she lives, because you told me, and I knew it was true,” Susan said. “Did you see me there? Glory, it may be hard for you to understand but an angel is not God. I am not all-knowing nor do I know the future unless God would reveal it to me.”

“Glory, Ronnie too was a descendant of an angel. But when that angel died your family not only stopped believing, they became absorbed in bitterness and the light of their spirit went out. Remember when you recognized I was an angel and when you saw Gloria did you see a glow about her. There was another you, you have seen as well.”

“Ms. Jenkins was she an angel, once when I woke there was a glow about her and she knew so much.” I wondered about her.

“Yes, I believe you are correct. I think she might be Angelina; who was first with William Penn and then with your General Washington north of Philadelphia.”

“Glory, would you open your mouth and your eyes wide? God wants me to blow the angelic spirit back upon you” I did and Susanne did. I could feel a tingle in my eyes, nostrils and in my mouth going down my throat.

Mom talked to me, saying I would not see many angels or others with a strong spirit. My love and appreciation for nature, especially the ocean and two smaller bays were my favorite and my love grew. My appreciation and ability to enjoy such grew at least four fold.

Salem is out at the end of a peninsula with no other towns close by. If dad or mom needed more than was available in Strips they needed to go to Peabody. Boston was a several day trip and usually made only once a year. Since we had milking cows if someone went to Boston the other two needed to stay home to milk the cows and do other chores. It was an incentive to do well in school.

When Mom and I went back out to visit with others Mr. and Mrs. Roberts were the only couple still there. Charlotte Roberts was a distant relative to dad and the family was closer as friends. While we visited their son Marcus came bringing his younger sisters. While the second sister was near my age, Marcus took more interest in me. He was sixteen. He told me I was his incentive to stay awake at church.

I found with my period that my feelings for him came more from my body as well as my heart. It caused me to wonder if I could become pregnant. I’m not sure if that would be a good question to ask Mom but who else would know.

I did dare to ask Mom that night and she answered me with a question that meant I surely could. She asked me if I wanted to raise my children on a farm and miss going on to school in town. Mom and Dad had two children of their own: Travis was at college in Boston and Franklin worked as a bookkeeper in Peabody, Massachusetts. He was married; his wife Elizabeth was carrying their second child.

I had not met Franklin yet but I would be staying with them for several weeks to help her, care for the younger child and keep house. I was excited as Glory to live in a bigger community and live in town.

Sunday we went to church and I helped Mrs. Hopkins with her seven children. We were back in the cry room as Hermione needed to nurse her baby. Boys big enough not to belong often tried to come back wanting to see a mom nurse her baby.

Marcus had helped take the offering and then came over to the doorway hoping I would come out. I told him to be patient as my father wanted him to come over after church. After church Dad allowed Marcus and me to walk back to the house.

Marcus chose a long route, saying he wanted to show me something. The route must have caught Margaret Evans from school by surprise. She was riding a horse that bolted when we drew near. The horse took Margaret under a low branch and she was knocked off the horse, she fell hard to the ground.

When Marcus and I ran to help her; I saw something Marcus couldn’t see. Though she was stunned, she, Margaret, had an aura of a deep red and dark purple shrouding her. Mom’s word of putting aside judgment spoke to me as I checked to make sure she was okay. As Margaret became conscious I sent Marcus to get the horse.

It was obvious to me that Margaret observed my spirit as I did hers. Marcus came back without the horse so we took Margaret to my house which was a mile and a half closer than hers. When we got to my home, we put her on my bed as I knew I would need some privacy. I knew my mother would be coming home soon but Margaret was already in pain.

I knew angels and witches both had healing powers, but neither could do much in the healing of oneself. So I took off Margaret’s blouse to have a look and seek to heal her shoulder. Mom had shown me a small container before today. So I got it and I broke the wax seal and poured a little oil upon Margaret’s shoulder. I rubbed it in and pressed down my hands. I asked for healing but did not use a name of God but my hands warmed up as did her shoulder. The heat had gone deep and took its time. I looked to Margaret and proceeded to give thanks.

As we finished with her shoulder, I heard my parents come home. Mom knocked at the door and entered as we finished. Margaret pulled her blouse back on to button it. But as Margaret saw my mother she recoiled. My Mom had calmed herself and her aura was not overwhelming, but Margaret knew the spirit was strong within her. Mom asked Margaret to remain calm.

She called for my Dad to go Margaret’s home and to tell her family Margaret was hurt but not terribly so, tell of her accident and ask for Carol to come for her daughter. My Dad asked Marcus to take care of the farm when he left.

Mom turned to Margaret and asked her what she would use to heal her ankle as Mom explained her desire for Margaret to use her power through me as a conduit to healing her ankle. From the anguish still on her face, Mom knew the injury was significant.

I responded in disbelief and questioned my mother with one small word, “Mom?”

“Glory this is for you as much as it is for Margaret. You let self get in the way of your vision.”

Margaret told us what she needed and I knew enough to search our supplies in the house and Mom went out to our property to collect a few odd ingredients. We mixed them and place them on a large leaf as Margaret asked to use as a compress.

Margaret searched with her hands the best places to set her hands upon me to act as receptors. The left side of my neck and my right shoulder were what she chose. “The left side of your neck to give my power voice and your right shoulder for strength,” she said. With that, she began and I only understood a part of what she said, but I could feel the flow of power.

My hands and the compress cooled and Mom knew I was worried. Mom said, “So she does not work as you, relax she too has healing power.” As I relaxed my resistance, the power flowed more freely and then there was a ‘pop’ from her ankle and a cry from Margaret. Her pain quickly subsided and the power ceased to flow.

Carol, Margaret’s Mom knocked and came through the door as we were done. Carol looked at my Mom and said, “Thanks, Susanne.”

Mom said, “It was our daughters who worked their powers.”

Carol asked, “Could you leave us a moment so I can speak with my daughter.” So we stepped out of the room and to the main room of the house. I understood, most would think there were no significant injuries, others would believe it was Carol who healed, and yet others might believe it was God through Mom or me.

Mom asked me ‘to keep my words’. Dad and Marcus were at work with the cows. Carol and Margaret were soon out with us and it was decided we would eat together. We used three good size chickens for the cause of the meal, and vegetables canned last year as well as lettuce and spinach fresh from the garden.

Marcus was sent back to the Evans’ to get the Evans to eat with us. Carol sent a note to bring her bread and their wine as well as some potatoes to the dinner. Margaret and I prepared some of the food but Mom and Carol did most of the cooking. This happening gave the reason for our mothers’ friendship to be warm. That would be good news for them as well as Margaret and me.

We didn’t drink much wine, but we would drink and enjoy what was shared with us. Sunday’s meals were usually good, but today’s was extra good. Margaret and I walked around the farm after we washed the dinner dishes. I apologized for judging her, she smiled. “Thanks for what you did for me. Why did you do it if you don’t like my kind?” Margaret asked.

“I knew my Mom would want me to try; I hadn’t healed anyone before. You’re my classmate and I only knew you to be good.”

Margaret gave me a hug and asked, “Can we be more than classmates?”

“I think I am going to like being your friend.”

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To Be Continued...
 

 

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Image Credit: Picture purchased and licensed for use from

123rf.com. The model(s) in this image is in / and are no way connected with this story nor supports nor conveys the issues and situations brought up within the story. The model(s) use is solely used for the representation of looks of the main character(s) of this particular story. ~Sephrena

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Previously:
 
As Glory set out to change him, she was wondering if a young Wiccan would have strange parts and markings as stories had reported. But no he appeared as a young boy...
Time passed and we were well into the winter when men came again in the dark. The Sheriff Hollins of our district was with them and they had a warrant for my father’s arrest.
Margie and I looked at each other and then looked up. The one angel looked joyous as well as disturbingly powerful.
 
 
Chapter 3
 
Carol sent a note to bring her bread and their wine as well as some potatoes to the dinner. Margaret and I prepared some of the food but Mom and Carol did most of the cooking. This happening gave a reason for our mothers’ friendship to renew its warmth. That would be good news for them as well as Margaret and me.

We usually didn’t drink much wine, but today we would drink and enjoy what was shared with us. Sunday’s meals were usually good, but today’s was extra good.

“I knew my Mom would want me to try; I hadn’t healed anyone before. You’re my classmate and I only knew you to be good.” …Margaret gave me a hug and asked, “Can we be more than classmates?” …“I think I am going to like being your friend.”

Glory and Margaret slept that night in the loft in the barn at the Evans’ farm. Their talk of boys was not limited to the few at school, but those from town and each knew a few boys the other one had not. Margaret has learned and used more of her gifts from her mother’s side than Glory has so far. Glory was looking forward to being with a girl her own age. Mom and her sister-in-law were the only two she ever remembered staying with.

Glory no longer readily remembered she had been a boy, but now found herself at odds with a friend she has come to love that she sees as a witch. “O God if this is you working in a strange way give me the wisdom to know it.” Her mother had given her permission to be at the Evans home. So she relaxed in trust that it was okay and maybe a time to learn, but learn what she did not know.

When morning came down from the loft as Mr. Evans readied to milk the cows. Shaun their son was not yet up and out and Mr. Evans was tickled a young lass was helping him. They had but six cows so they were mostly done when Shaun finally came out.

Shaun was embarrassed that Glory was doing his chore, but he also found Glory to be attractive. He did not know either way how to react. Like a bear he grabbed around her, lifting her from the milk stool. Glory had let out a yelp until she realized it was Shaun. She liked the strength of his arms and already liked how he looks. “So did I take the big boy’s spot,” she teased.

Dirk the father, looked around and teased Shaun as well. “The Lass helps you out and you treat her as a sack of potatoes. When they are ready for school, I want you to carry her books as well as your sisters to school.”

Shaun was upset for he had stopped going to school when he finished at the country school two years ago. “Dad, I don’t go to school anymore!”

“I know Shaun, it will be quite obvious that you are either enchanted with her looks or learning a lesson,” Dirk said with a laugh. Margaret had come down and joined in the laugh and asked Glory to come into the house with her. But Glory first got two more pails, one for Shaun and one for Mr. Evans, and took their pails to the other milk already collected; save one pail Margaret said they needed inside for breakfast.

Carole was now busy in the kitchen and asked the girls to help her. Margaret would help in the kitchen as Glory was asked to wake the other children. Little Dirk was not quite two and had wet his clothes during the night. As Glory set out to change him, she was wondering if a young Wiccan would have strange parts and markings as stories had reported. But no he appeared as a young boy.

When Glory carried little Dirk out to his mom, Carole smiled seeing he had been changed. “How are you little Trey,” she asked? “I am sorry Glory; it was not your job to change him. I forgot to hang him up in the loft last night.” Carole was now having fun with Glory as she knew one of the tales was that Wiccans slept as bats sometimes.

Margaret jumped onto the spoof, “Glory, don’t worry we do not do that when we have guests.” The other children either laughed or scratched their head.

Glory was confused by the name ‘Trey’, “Mrs. Evans why do you call little Dirk ‘Trey’?” Carole paused thinking Glory should have remembered her other son who had died four years ago.

“We named him Dirk after his father and Dirk, Jr. who died four years ago of whooping cough. ‘Trey’ is because he is the third Dirk and it is easier for me to know if I am talking about Dirk the little baby or Dirk my biggest baby.” Everyone laughed as Carole joked at her husband’s expense. Dirk Jr. was not the only one of the siblings to die young. The Evans had nine children but only six were still alive. Another son and daughter had also died one at birth and another in the outbreak of the Whooping Cough.

The breakfast porridge was good and a little meat was served as there was a guest. And true to Mr. Evans’ word Shaun had to carry Glory and Margaret’s books. And sure enough other students were asking why. Only Marcus was a bit upset as he like both of the girls and had recently walked Glory home from church.

Shaun, however, had been advised by his dad to say something nice to Glory if he did like her. “Glory, I want to apologize how I treated you in the barn. I also thank you for the good work you did with my dad as well as helping my Mom.” Glory was surprised by Shaun’s words and how he behaved on the walk to school. She found herself hugging Shaun and thanking him. Her hug drew some giggles and talk as Shaun walked away.

Miss. Gail called us into the school with a hand school bell. Marcus was happy and sat close to me in class after Shaun left. Marcus walked me home from church and he was hoping I was his girl.

Miss Gail started the school day with prayer and asking our help with the younger students. Little Billy was upset as he had to share me with Suzy Evans as we read from a reader. Glory was confused as her memory as a boy, pictured country schools as he had seen on ‘Little House on the Prairie’ each with a large school bell and enough readers to go around. But near Salem in 1850s things weren’t as glamorous. It was, however, more enjoyable for Glory as she got to work with the little children.

Town schools were usually better supplied with readers, a library of sorts and things like maps, bigger chalkboards and a couple of their teachers were completely trained. Miss. Gail, however, had the best record of the country schools in the area. Come Wednesdays she had a choir for those who could stay longer. My voice as Glory was strong and melodious and I now enjoyed singing.

Thursday, I would be due to go to Abby’s to play, but wished I could go to Margaret’s, Margie as I was now calling my friend. She told me her Mom did not usually do bad potions or curses. It was usually determined by those who requested her help. “Mom tends to help most people, but she does threaten those who turn their backs to her or her family after she helps them. Snakes don’t often bite people, but those who break their word are more likely to get bit, my Mom says,” Margie said.

She did want to collect some of my blood the next time I had a period, “The blood of a virgin has power” Margie told me. I was not sure if I should let her have any or just say nothing when it happened. She told me her mom used a lot of roots, spices and things from nature.

I was spending more time with Mom as she was teaching me to pray as well as heal. Little Billy comes the end of the week was the first one I remember praying for. It is hard to know or prove if one made a difference as they have already had medicine and people caring for them. Billy’s tummy hurt plenty, Mom said something had burst inside and he had a bad infection. She expected him to die as his family was already angry at God. And they wouldn’t ask for help.

Someone in the church said we were not to pray for him, but that was after I had already prayed. Someone told me, “You should have waited. If you did it without God or someone asking you could be in trouble.”

I was very scared, but I knew I needed to ask my mother and I was happy I did. Mom said, “Yes, you should discern if God wanted to use you. But you do not have to worry about doing something good and asking God. God may have in fact answered your prayer, but right now all we know is little Billy Morgan is getting well.”

“One thing you might want to do is not to tell others unless God asks you. There are many people who don’t want or expect God to do good things if it is not their will,” Mom told me.

“I thought we are to do good, God’s will not our own and that we should love others as God has already loved us.” Mom hugged me and told me I was a very good girl.

“Glory, you should not be surprised that many people think they are doing God’s will when they are really doing as they want. They mistake their own will for God’s.”

“Mom, you said I am a very good girl but aren’t I an angel like you are? Being good is automatic for us, isn’t it”

Mom reminded me about when we talked about being a believer, “Think of it this way: You are a Christian in what Jesus did for you, but you are still becoming a Christian in the way you live. Being an Angel is mostly being whom you are, but there also is something about needing to grow as an angel as well.”

Mom told me, “Sometimes I just know I am an Angel doing God’s will and sometimes I am not so certain I am doing the right thing. I really get upset with myself if I think I did something wrong according to God’s will.” Then Mom asked me, “If you ever find in the Bible where it says angels are always right please let me know.”

“Well, I just thought you always are right, aren’t you?”

She said, “You know better than that! What you and I think doesn’t always match. Most of the times it is on small things, but sometimes we differ on things we think are very important. We even get upset with each other.”

“Mom here you are right, I guess I am not even close to being an Angel,” I was so ashamed. Mom hugged me, rubbed my back. “Honey, you are quite a good angel, Billy’s well isn’t he and I believe God is quite proud of you.”

Time passed and we were well into the winter when men came again in the dark. The Sheriff Hollins of our district was with them and they had a warrant for my father’s arrest. The Sheriff knew what my father did was right but he arrested him anyway.

Mom and I could have always been near my Dad as angels in spirit. But because we had the farm and many chores with animals we had to be human and do things as the farm required.

I soon became angry with prayer and good thoughts and took some money to see Margie. I was angry thinking the real Glory had lost her real Mom because of injustice. And now hatred was seeking to take my father as well. I would not stand by and let that happen.

Two days later my Father was still in jail and nothing had happened. Toward evening when it was getting dark Carole and Margaret came to visit. Mom and I were close to being finished with the milk cows when we heard Laddie bark. Mom went out as I had two cows yet to milk and then I heard Carole and Margie speaking. I worked to be done as quickly as I could.

I was milking the last cow and all I did was to look at Margie and she knew, ‘I wanted to know why nothing had happened?’ Margie spoke and her mother was with her, “I can’t do what you have asked, my mother says it is not right. You need to act with your own gifts and power.”

My Mom became sad as she understood what Margie was indicating. Carole asked my Mom, “Susanne would you mind if we showed both of these young women their next lesson at the same time?”

We finished in the barn, left Laddie at the farm and started to Salem, but we were no sooner on the path and we were arriving in town. Both Margie and I were stunned. Mom pointed toward the jail and asked me what I saw. I saw the jail but was not impressed. Margie was told to do the same and she saw a bit more but not everything. “There is a glow over the jail, but I do not see what causes it,” Margie told her Mom. My Mom asked us both to “Look at the hotel and tavern, but use more than your eyes to see.”

We looked at the tavern and hotel and this time I saw the glow of colors and within the glow, I saw two spirits. Carole acknowledged the same. I looked back to the jail and shook Margie as I saw her glow and two more spirits. Mom now asked, “Do you think those men can defeat those angels?” I looked again and now saw the angels with drawn swords.

Carole told us, “Once I sought to do what was right but almost died and would have if Susanne had not protected me. That could have happened tonight or yesterday to Margie if she tried to go after those bad men.” Carole hugged me and Mom hugged Margie and then we were in one another's’ arms, the four of us.

Margie could have been killed trying to help do what I asked. I tried to manipulate other powers when I did not trust my own. Mom waved to the angels but asked me not to speak to them. I asked her as she turned back, “Are we not going to see Dad and make sure he is alright?”

“You should already know he is alright. But now that you do, we can see if Sheriff Hollins is there.” We were yet fifteen feet from the jail when my Mother called in, “Sheriff Hollins are you there?” The Sheriff soon made himself known and he smiled when he saw the four of us.

“Susan and Carole are under the protection of two forces,” the Sheriff smirked?

Carole joked back, “We know your prisoner is protected and we hope you are being protected as well.” Margie and I looked at each other and then looked up. The one angel looked joyous as well as disturbingly powerful. We were glad when we went in to see my Dad and the angels were out of our site.

What I thought was Mom’s scarf she gave to Dad as an extra blanket, along with two eggs she pulled from her pocket. She looked at Sheriff Hollins as she pulled out two more eggs. “I hope I am giving the right ones to my husband’ she joked, I would want him to have the ones I intended for you.”

The Sheriff tapped all four hard-boiled eggs on his desk until they cracked. He threw one egg to his assistant. The Sheriff told Michaels his assistant “If either of these women is on your side, you can feel a little bit safer, but not fully safe.” I was upset with the Sheriff but my mother took my hand as she asked if we could be in with Dad.

“Daniel, the Cook women are here to visit you, please step back.’’ Mom gave Dad a big hug and kiss, it had not been my experience before that husband and wife really loved each other and showed affection like that. Being Glory Cook was a neat change. I too gave Dad a hug and wished him home soon. Dad was surprised to see Carole and Margie there and Mom told Dad about the Angels over the jail and hotel. Dad looked out his small window toward the hotel and could only see a dull glow over it. Mom’s saying it, however, was enough for Dad.

We would have stopped and eaten at the restaurant at the hotel but the Sheriff asked us not too. There was another tavern, but Mom wouldn’t allow us to go there. We bought some cheese rolls and sausage at the mercantile and ate it on our way home. Mom had the Evans take Laddie home with them. They would release Laddie when they were home safe.

Laddie was home probably fifteen minutes after the Evans let him go. It was a great day, but an emotionally tiring day, and I was glad to have done. I was back from the outhouse when I sat down and Mom held me; I shook and cried. When I saw the angels and thought how Margie could have died if she unknowingly went against the men the angels were guarding. She would have gone to get at the men because I wanted her too. I was sadly surprised at the thought of angels being powerful and with swords.

Mom asked what my image of angels was and she giggled when I talked of glorious white radiant angels with halos and wings. Instead of colors, they were always a sterile white like good cowboys or white knights. Seemingly Susan hadn’t seen our TV programs and movies. Her idea of good angels was not so pretty, “Didn’t you ever wonder why Mary and others were scared to see Gabriel or other angels?”

“People in 1960 say that God is not mean and angels are just good human messengers,” I could see Mom was not all that happy when I told her that. “A lot of people go to church back at my old home. And on TV the good guys wore white and the bad guys wear black. God’s just a voice or an old guy with a white beard.”

“Mom, why did you wave at the angels? Were you just trying to be nice or did you know them?” I inquired.

“I didn’t know all four but I know Meric and Ruach. I suspect one or all of them will dine with us sometime after your Dad is home.” “How was it that Aunt Carole almost died and how did you save her?”

“The Angel Joan saw Carole as a young Wiccan going after a person that Joan was charged to protect. I knew Carole went there to help her friend Martha; like Margie tonight was trying to help a friend, a believer I also knew and loved. Martha would have been sick if Carole had died, so I needed to protect her.”

“The Angel Joan had knocked Carole down and was ready to kill her when I stepped between them. Joan knows me and cooled her wrath until I could explain. Some angels do not like my friendship with Carole but God and angels like Joan are comfortable and trust me.”

I asked Mom, “How come we don’t hear of Joan or women angels as being warriors?”

Mom told me, “You do, you have heard of Joan but you call her Joan of Arc and think of her as a saint who was, but she’s an angel. God doesn’t like people to be ignorant, but God allows you and people to dwell in ignorance if the world so chose. Did you know that Joan was only captured and killed because it was done by people of faith? God would not have allowed evil to have done it alone.”

“Is that really true Mother,” I asked? Mom explained “That many of the divisions of God’s Church are manmade. Distinctions like nations, language and skin color should be seen like colors of a rainbow that glorify the sky and the Creator. God used Native Americans to help Pilgrims to live in America peacefully. But then you become strangers and ideas like ‘us and them’ and soon made killing ‘them’ as acceptable and even good.”

I was tearful in my mother’s arms but that night she did not console me by wiping away my tears. Instead, she increased my compassion and heart for those who died. When I finally went to bed my mother slept with me. I fell asleep in her arms.

Getting up for morning chores did not come easy, but they needed to be done. When we went out to the barn there were two pigs there. We did not know if they were lost, having strayed from another farm, or left as a payment. I would stay home from school today so we could make a strong pen for them next to the barn.

Sheriff Hollins sent a message out to us that Dad was to be before a judge this afternoon. He wasn’t sure what was going on, stressing it could be good or bad news. However, it wasn’t business as usual and he hoped Susan could be there.

I strongly wanted to go but Mom insisted someone needed to stay at the house insisting it was not a good time to leave the farm unattended. I made Mom an early lunch of cheese, bread and the broth from the night before.

Mom had taken a good amount of time in thought and prayer. It was the first time I could see a strong glow around her. The glow was not a timid pink but a vibrant mixture of color. When I gave her a hug to say goodbye she was very warm; excited about something, yet she gave her attention to me. “Glory, I trust you to be strong, your Dad and I will be alright as God’s charge will be with us.”

It was high noon as Mom left for Salem to make sure she was there in time. It was early afternoon when four men left the trail near our place. Not recognizing even one from being in our area I called for Laddie to be at my side. The men were within earshot when I yelled for Meric, “Meric please come and bring another warrior with you!”

One man had a mean laugh, “O you keep your own army of warriors do yah. Too bad no one seems to be showing up.” The lead man spoke, “We thought none of you would be here, we had hoped we wouldn’t need to hurt anyone. You should run off quickly; I am sure your Dad would not want you hurt or spoiled… who knows it could even be worse than that.”

I had a pitchfork in my hand and Laddie growling at my side. There was dad’s rifle just inside the door. There was an aura around the men but I could not tell if any other being or thing was there. My fear was growing, but I kept my focus on prayer and my eyes open in expectation. Two of the men were now less than twenty feet from me. I had my back to the door of the house but had decided to stand my ground outside. I felt safer in the open, and the fear of what might happen subsided. My heart was growing warm with a courage that I did not know.

Then a light came quickly into the yard and separated to become two. First I made out the colors of Meric; then I saw him and another angel. The leader said, “Girly it is time to leave or you will treat as trash with the rest of the place. The only difference being we will enjoy what we do to you much more.”

“You will regret your respect for women and I am sorry for the way you will come to know that God is real.”

With an angry laugh that caused me to shudder the man said, “Sorry, B* but I’m the answer to your prayer.” His grin was nasty and he raised a hand with an awesome club. With his next step, there came a howling wind and a dead branch flew toward him, impaling in his side. Dirt flew into the eyes of the men and debris from the wind wounded the foul moth scum who had first threatened me harm. There was a flash of light as Meric passed judgment on two. They appeared to be struck by lightning but I knew better.

Meric smile at me, “You are not the Glory I have known, but I am glad we meet. We thank you for calling me. Your power would have been sufficient, but now you can truly say you did not harm them. Send your dog for help as someone needs to go for your sheriff.”

I sent Laddie to the school path as Marcus, Margaret or others should be going home. Volvi bound the leader and the scum-bucket with a vine and threw them into the air and said, “Go before the Lord!” I saw those men no more. We went into the house as a rainstorm was passing over.

Meric excused their selves when I heard Laddie returning. Marcus and Margaret came together and I welcomed them into the house as they were now wet and cold. Marcus was more into the gruesome sight of the two dead men.

Anything I tried to tell Marcus was discounted as the imaginings of a hysterical girl, so when it came time to send for the sheriff and to tell my Mom I sent Marcus. While I wasn’t sure what he would say; I knew the Sheriff would come and my Mom would know: something happened and I was alright.

I found more comfort in Margie staying than with Marcus. Margie and I giggled as we talked. I told her, “You and Marcus have the makings of a good couple.”

“Yeah, he’s a hard worker, nice looks and I can send him on an errand when I need him out of my hair. But he is a believer like you, except not understanding that could be a problem.”

I gave her a hug, “You are a wise woman Margie.”

“That’s strange words coming from someone who does not believe as I do.”

“I don’t, but I now know you are a precious friend and believe you are good,” I said. “I am glad we have Moms who are strong enough to teach us better than most.”

“Glory, I have known you for years but it is only recently you have spiritually awoken to who you are, I do not know what has changed. What happened to you,” Margie finally asked?

“I literally woke up one morning and I was a new person,” I laughed as Margie did not know how true it was.

“Do angels travel through portals and move as time travelers?” Margie threw out the idea perchance but noticed my expression change. She also knew I was not about ready to tell her.

Carole Evans, Margie’s Mom came to the house with Shaun, after Margie’s little brothers and sister made it home without her. Carole had no trouble understanding what transpired. The Sheriff came next and later Mom and Dad were to follow.

Sheriff Hollins not only saw the two dead men, but weapons that had fallen from the men who Sheriff Hollins said must have been wounded and runoff. His explanation was, he was not likely to find the men since the rain had washed their tracks away. Mom told me, Hollins knew more happened but as far as public records were a concern, unexplainable things ceased to happen around Salem almost 200 years ago.

The Sheriff had found bullets lodged in the door and house behind me. They were discharged when the men were struck by lightning. He said, “By where they were struck down and where you were standing bullets traveled within a foot of you. You were well within your rights concerning whatever you did to the others.”

When Mom and Dad arrived home it became a joyous occasion. Seemingly Dad’s adversaries sought to have him transferred to a federal prison. “One of the men against dad broke on the witness stand in fear of something and revealed the evidence was false.” Mom was the only one who could explain his fear as she was the only one who could see Ruach’s sword ready to kill him.

Mom said, “Ruach lost his patience when Meric was called away.” Dad did not have the vision to see or the ears to hear, but he was becoming a believer in what he did not know.

It was not funny but that evening Margaret and I both began our periods and what was strange to me was Carole saying, “It is a sign you are sisters.” I looked at Mom and she agreed and explained the phenomenon to me and Margaret…

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To Be Continued...
 

 

 

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Image Credit: Picture purchased and licensed for use from

123rf.com. The model(s) in this image is in / and are no way connected with this story nor supports nor conveys the issues and situations brought up within the story. The model(s) use is solely used for the representation of looks of the main character(s) of this particular story. ~Sephrena

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Previously:
 
Laddie barked but quickly stopped and we now knew why. Meric and Ruach were at the door and though they were now human size Laddie sensed their power and decided to lie over in the corner...

Beth was well educated and had her own mind which was good at living with Michael. She became like a tutor and soul-mate to me, helping me to become an even better student for the years ahead. The bigots in society did not all live a distance off in the South, nor was it all black and white. Much of it had to do with money, influence and how people saw others be they, common workers or women...

The following day Anne began to run a fever and come late afternoon it would not let up. Beth was nursing Anne when she asked me to sit down. “Michael has told me before that his Mom is an angel and while he said he isn’t he thinks you might be...”
 
 
Chapter 4
 
Glory was shaken with the near-death experience; the idea being an angel was not a safeguard rattled her. She was afraid for her friend Margaret as well. Susan noticed as Glory’s eyes followed Margaret wherever she was, even to the extent of watching Margaret when she used the outhouse.

It was cool as the evening set in, but I was feeling warm an icky as I explained I wasn’t feeling that good. “Well you have looked like you were getting a little puffy, but I thought it was just your hips filling out.”

I asked, “Mom what are you talking about?” Carol and Margaret laughed and I still wasn’t getting it. Margie gave me a gentle hit on the side of the head, “Are you that clueless?”

Mom escorted me to the bedroom and I said it would be fine when Margaret asked if she could come in with us. “You might as well if I am in trouble I won’t get punished too severely with witnesses.”

“So young lady are you telling me you really don’t know what is happening,” Mom asked, surprised that she had too? “It was just about a month ago when it came the first time. Have you been bleeding more this time?”

Luckily the door was closed as I lost my cool and just picked up the skirt of my dress. “Yuck, and I am wearing my best bloomers.” These were now a bloody mess.

Margie giggled, “They aren’t your best pair now, at least I hope not. Well, I guess that we are now either best friends or sisters.” Carol snuck through the door to see what was up and was hugging her daughter.

“Margie, why don’t you bring in a basin with some warm water to help Glory clean herself up, her Mom and I will take care of her clothes.” Mom suggested I could just change into my nightshirt and a robe.

Mom and Carol joyfully talking, “She and Margaret’s passage into womanhood is welcomed, I just wish her mother was here to enjoy it.”

Carol says, “I know what you are saying, but for Glory, you are her ‘Mother’ and you might as well as enjoy the moment. Because you are the one who will live with the moody girl who comes with it. That is unless even here she will be a little angel.” Carol was waiting for Mom to tell her.

She has enough of humanity in her that she will be all you suspect she will be and maybe with a righteous attitude to go with it.”

“Righteous attitude, that seems normal enough for a girl with her monthly blessing,” they too were now letting their hair down and just being friends.

Daniel began to ask what was happening but Mom reflected the question only saying, "Later." Dad decided to go check on the livestock as he understood it better.

Back in my room Margie spoke as I changed, “You know the boys already believed you were a bleeder. I heard them speaking. One would think, we are prized cattle; they were talking in terms of which of us could breed.”

That threw me back to remembering I had been a boy and how we talked. ‘Yuck, I said stupid stuff like that.’ I spoke up, “I catch one of them talking like that and I will fix him!”

“If angels don’t have the power to do that let me know, I am sure Mom would help me learn something new.” I hugged Margie and we both laughed. I was putting my robe on when I heard a knock at the door. Margie and I were out to the main road as my mother opened the door.

Our dog had barked but soon stopped and we now knew why. Meric and Ruach were at the door and though they were now human size; Laddie sensed their power and decided to lay over in the corner. Mom invited, “Come in and have supper with us.”

Meric raised two dead chickens offering them for the meal that would be cooked. “Glory go tell your father to quickly do his chores as we have guests for dinner.” Carole tried to excuse herself and Margaret, but Mom said “No.”

I was sure she didn’t want to go but was not sure if she should stay. Meric did not seem too happy about having Wiccans around but Ruach smiled. “Susan is a rare one of us and Meric, you do well to relax and enjoy the experience.”

Carole smiled, taking the chickens and she gave them to Margie and sent her out to find me so we could clean them and get them ready to use for dinner. It wasn’t hard to guess that for dinner we would be having chicken and noodles.

Meric looked more like a guy, but Ruach intrigued me because Ruach looked more like a female but having seen its strong presence more like a warrior made me wonder. Ruach spoke, “I am more like Joan who your mother has told you about. It is true for us angels, but even humans have two spirited people among you. You would do well to have a broader perspective when you look to see. Plus Joan might not cut you as slack like I will this time.”

Dad was done chores and was back in and cleaned up as we waited for the meal to be ready. There was no hurry as chicken and noodles were good to savor for a bit. When the rolls were finished we ate. Dad asked the blessing as well as conveyed his thanks to the angels an acknowledge Carol and Margie our special guests as well.

Ruach was the one to share the story of Susan, Carol, and the Angel Joan. Meric took notice and confessed he thought it had just been a wisdom story, though he had not garnered much wisdom from it. It was late when Meric and Ruach walked out into the night. While it wasn’t a bright light there was an aura around them that all but Dad, Michael and Beth could see for some distance.

Margaret and Carol would stay the night; Mom and Carol slept in my bed as Margie and I slept on blankets on the floor. Margie and I kissed and hugged as we expressed a love for the other. It wasn’t sexual, but sensual in a deeply loving way I would confess to. I didn’t worry about what my Mom would think as her relationship with Carol was stronger than ours.

I was up early to help Dad begin chores, I was so thankful and appreciative he was safe and home. To see the farm creatures react to his being back, one knew they are smarter than people often credit them. Mom was up early to prepare coffee and warm rolls for Carol and Margaret to have on their walk home.

Once back in the house I went to my bed and tried going down the sheets and alas there was neither a breeze nor an open portal. By the time I came back from under the covers, my Mom was there. “Has this world shaken you a little,” Mom asked?

“How did you know?” I ran to Mom and hugged her, “I don’t want to leave you, but I feel so much out of my world here.”

“It isn’t as much the times and places Glory as it is you are growing up. Not only did you see the world as a growing woman yesterday, but you saw more than most and it is a lot to handle.”

“If that portal should ever open again before you go through it, make sure you are going to someplace and not running away from where you are. The latter is not a good choice.” I scratched my head only partly understanding but I knew it was a thought to remember.

The days the next two weeks were ordinary with one exception. Ruach had mentioned, “Don’t assume your challenges and danger are over, they have just passed for a moment.” I would ask Mom if she knew what Ruach was talking about.

“Do you remember your history and what is yet to happen?” Indeed I knew the Civil War was going to come, but facts and details of it were now cloudy in my mind. Mom said, “There is much more leading up to it. The news of the plight of slaves and blacks were far more perilous than history books could capture.”

Daily life and death just in the area of Salem back then were not as sterile as the life I used to growing up in. I could smell when loaded fishing boats came in; death was close at hand, as well the aroma of hay as well as manure, chimneys used for cooking and fires that consumed homes and lives. Going to fetch ice from an ice house was much different from going to a freezer or ice box in the refrigerator.

I didn’t have a big closet full of clothes, but a girl’s dreams were not short on wanting to look pretty. I was not only attracted to Marcus and Dirk, but I liked walking around Salem with Margaret or other girls looking at other guys. Better yet I enjoyed going to an event and having boys look at us. Mom cooled me down, I guess I was looking like an immature girl that was way too interested in boys.

Margie at Mom’s suggestion helped me to learn. I would actually have more boys interested in me when I didn’t try so hard. Styles and hairdos back then might seem ancient history but then it was alive and tantalizing and exciting.

Growing up near Philadelphia I enjoyed going to the ocean to swim in the summer, but at Salem, the water was close at hand but also a lot colder for much of the summer. We enjoyed swimming in ponds and streams, but they were not nicely marked out for people’s enjoyment.

My brother’s wife gave birth to a daughter earlier than expected and Mom took me out of school to go with her to their home in Peabody some forty miles away. Mom stayed for a few days, but I was to stay until school started in September. Peabody had mills for textiles and lumber. Instead of the ocean close by I smelled smoke, heard horses on cobblestone experienced people living close by.

Elizabeth and baby Susanne, ‘Anne’, were precious. Beth taught me to cook what Michael liked which was some of what Mom taught me. I got to help Beth as well as Anne with personal things. While doing so had a beautiful side to it, it was less romantic and more lifelike than I envisioned.

Luckily for Beth, she couldn’t or didn’t need to see herself between her legs following Anne’s birth. But I was not as lucky as I got to do a lot of the things a grown woman does every day. I soon did not share my Mom’s viewpoint that her son was a sensitive man. I was often up earlier than Michael as well as getting up in the night when he wouldn’t. I lost my temper with Michael which I think was better for everyone in the house except maybe me.

I was fortunate that Anne was born late in the spring and I could take her for walks when the weather was good. I liked being at a park or shop and meeting other Nannies closer to my age. Seeing a boy pay attention to me was now a rare treat. The touch or conversation of another woman was more precious. Sadie became one such person and an important friend but she lived blocks away in the other direction from the park. It was six weeks before she mentioned a fabric shop and butcher that I could interest Beth into checking out.

Beth also became a precious friend as well as my sister-in-law. She was well educated and had her own mind which was good at living with Michael. She became like a tutor and soul-mate to me, helping me to become an even better student for the year ahead. The bigots in society did not all live a distance off in the South, nor was it all black and white. Much of it had to do with money, influence and how people saw others be they, common workers or women.

Beth and I enjoyed looking at Anne and amusingly think how a man and woman making love could result in a baby. From her cute little fingers with fingernails to her inquisitive eyes and pretty eyelashes. Mom was envious as they were long and dark as mine. Beth reminded me that some girls including classmates could be getting married and become pregnant this summer.

Strangely I find that exciting as well as way too close. Beth is close enough, I find myself identifying with her yet she has experience that I learn from in just watching and hearing her.

“You know Glory I am enjoying you more now, it seems like you are more alive, like ‘there is a new spirit in you.” It reminded me of a similar thought from Margaret, “Is it the spirit of an angel coming to life or I having come from another place and time?” I would like to be able to ask it out loud.

One day as Beth was nursing Anne I was next to her and she wrapped an arm around me and pull me into a warm hug with my head leaning on her shoulder. “You know you are now my little sister. I could hold the two of you in my arms all day, I love you that much.” I felt embarrassed by my tears, but Beth said, “It is a girl thing, those are happy tears, or at least I hope so.”

The following day Anne began to run a fever and come late afternoon it would not let up. Beth was nursing Anne when she asked me to sit down. “Michael has told me before that his Mom is an angel and while he said he isn’t he thinks you might be.” Her eyes focused on gazing at me and her baby she asks, “I know this might just be a regular ailment for a baby, but I’m not sure and I feel so helpless. Are you an angel and can you help Anne?”

I had already been praying and I had no great inclinations one way or another. “Is it you who are asking or you and my brother?”

“He’s afraid but I don’t think he will say it,” Beth responds.

“While you are sufficient, I would like if Michael to could express his caring. The more we feel alone the less powerful our love and caring usually feel. If it is alright with you I would like to ask Michael to come in and be with us.” Beth softly smiled at Michael being there for their daughter.

I called Michael and his first question was to ask about dinner. Glory knew and had a warm relationship with Michael that I sensed and knew and was now leaning on. “Michael and Beth, I haven’t done much like an angel nor am I not sure how sick Anne is. Her health rests more with you and God than with me, but if I am to act I feel it is to be in unison with your love for your daughter and your faith in God.”

Suddenly fear came over Beth and I understood God’s desire to be at work here. “Beth, your faith is not a matter of measuring up with God or your formal connection. It is the living nature of your faith and there you need not fear. God heard you praying many times in carrying Anne; you thanked God for her birth and were happy to part be of God’s miracle in creating your girl and God said your thanks was born out of love and not duty.”

“‘God longs to gather you like a hen gathers its chicks together under her wings’, God identifies as much with you as a mother as God identifies with Michael as a father.” It was their hands upon their child and my arms around them as we prayed. Anne’s eyes opened and as her mother wiped them a smile came upon her face. Just a coincidence, maybe, but her fever was broken and her temp was coming down.

I felt humbled as a younger teenage girl being there. I felt no special part but bless for being there and but warm in the thought of being any part of such a time. It was late when I was able to get to sleep and another early day tomorrow, but I thought of Suzanne. Soon she was spiritually there and we talked. She told, “I love being here with you but I don’t want you to be afraid to talk directly to Jesus/God.” Her hands had enough substance to brush her fingers through my hair and for me to feel her kiss. “You are with God, now let yourself feel God in you.”

It was the soft voice Elijah heard, though may be softer. I told Mom about a sparkle I saw in Anne’s eyes and Mom said, “Every child is precious, hopefully, you will see a spark in each. But it may mean there is the spirit of an angel indwelling there. You are not to treat her any more special, just realize she may hear and feel your love and guidance in more ways than you realize.”

That night when I fell asleep I had a nightmare that took me back to a time of my father beating me as a young boy. But the dream was being transformed and I saw the old woman down the block soothing me with each lash and hit. I woke and Glory’s mom, Abigail, was there holding me in her arms. I was happy for me, but it felt shallow as I knew abuse was not just about me.

Glory’s Mom spoke to my heart, “Tonight your ancestors are hurt and falling away. A child is dying and a voice within the family is taking the place of God’s. Pray for them and be there for others when you can. Suzanne helps you to know not to struggle against perceived enemies, your adversaries are real enough. Carole’s spirit is not much different from the Great Spirit of Native Americans.”

I did not understand all that I heard, but there was a peace that covered me as I drifted back to sleep. I remembered this time the beauty of Glory’s Mom, Abigail and Suzanne looked much alike as many sisters do. Now I had the images of two loving Moms upon my heart, yet my heart ached for the painful memories of my own mom.

It was nearly 5:30 a.m. when I woke up and went in to listen at the door for Anne. She was cooing like a very content baby so I let her rest as I went to start a fire for cooking and to take off the morning chill. Michael was up come 6:30 and he came out giving me a hug and saying, “Thanks for last night and being up this morning. I got up and gave Anne to her Mom while she was still warmly snuggled in bed.”

My brother Michael is an attractive man, looking much like his father Daniel, I was surprised with just a bit more sensitivity and hearing it expressed. My brother was now looking even more handsome than ever. I went in to check on Beth and Anne. Anne was finishing Beth’s first breast, and I took her to burp and change. Giving her back to her mother I knew to warm some water as well as the house in general as she would need to be bathed.

I cooked breakfast first for Michael, as well as a lunch for him to take to work. Twice a week Michael would eat out but three days there was lunch to prepare. Then breakfast for Beth and me with the heated water now cooling for Anne’s bathing.

This morning when I walked Anne outside I saw some Indians coming into the city to trade furs and other goods. Daniel my Dad had helped me not to be afraid and visit with some learning very simple words and communication. Their pelts today were extra fine, smooth and clean.

Beth was surprised that I purchased a few pelts. I convinced a young brave that his woman would like a washboard. And I asked if he could bring her some time as I wanted a pair of moccasins before fall. I talked with Beth and she liked the idea that there were times that leather provided better protection from the cold and cold of New England.

It was my fifth week there before I met my first boy to talk to. Sadie and I had met them at church, and Michael knew of the one I took interest in. He, Levi, was apprenticing as a stonecutter and Mason. His hands were strong and rough from his work, but he had a gentle touch and a warm heart that touched me deeply.

I was surprised that on our first date his hands found their way under my blouse and to my breasts. It was only a short moment and neither of us was offended. I had slapped him so he would not go any further nor to allow him to stay there. But it was long enough to supply his poetic tongue. Levi was not only strong of body, but he also educated himself to be strong in mind as well.

It was on our third date that wanted to take away my virtue which in some ways strongly wanted him to take me. But I wanted to be his wife and not a girl he conquered or nothing at all. His apprenticeship would be seven years, five more from this summer. That satisfied my desire to graduate from high school as well as attend a women’s school as well.

We had gone to a social event at the urging of Levi’s boss, Karl Conrad. Karl was a mountain of a man which would have been fine, but there was something I sensed about his spirit. While he brought a young woman who worked for him to the social, he made plays for many women during the evening.

I had stepped out for some cool air and was coming back in when I saw Karl and the young woman entering the dimly lit hall and his silhouette all but disappeared. He had a spiritual presence that stunk with an ugly stench of evil. Suddenly I knew Marie’s name and asked her to leave him, “Marie, I encourage you to leave, Karl’s promises are not worth it.”

“Woman, I do not know who you think you are, but this is none of your business and I can crush you if you do not shut your mouth. If she leaves you can take her place.” The idea was repulsive and sent shutters through my body.

I urged Marie to leave, but she was frightened and unable to walk one way or another. Karl stepping closer recognized I had come with Levi so he made a different threat. “You young man is my apprentice, you do well for his future to leave us alone.”

“I am scared and I understand your threat, but alas I cannot and will not leave.” I looked to candles along the wall and caused them to come aflame. The light caused him to pause with concern wondering what happened.

He reached up his arm to hit me but was grabbed from behind. “Karl does not hit her nor hurt Marie,” I could not see him but I knew it was Levi.

Karl turned and Levi let him go. Karl left and Marie followed against my pleas to her. Levi tried to tell me that Karl was not a bad person just a man sowing his oats. “Levi do not fool yourself, nor ever treat me or any other woman like that,” I told him from the knot formed in my stomach.

I asked to be taken home and though Levi wanted to stay, we left. Levi tried to convince me that Karl meant no harm and told me of the importance of his job. He swore I didn’t understand men were more talk than a threat.

I cried as we parted and told Levi, “I hope you could find another stone craftsman, but…” We kissed and he walked away…

The following day Karl tried to influence John Martin Michael’s boss to fire Michael and after he failed he came to the Cookhouse and threatened to walk over me and to hurt Anne. I stepped back and reached over my head and began to draw a sword from my back.

Karl’s strength crashes across my face and sent me to the ground and stepped to go past me as I rose and lunged at him with my sword. He dropped to the floor bleeding as I withdrew the blade. In his hand was a message that would implicate Levi; he had dropped it as he ran off.

Beth had entered the hall from above on the second floor with a gun in her hand. I called out Suzanne name knowing she would hear. I knew the trouble was not over. What I did not know was Levi had left Karl Conrad.

Levi had gone to Michael and Mr. Martin knowing Karl would make a threat against Michael. Michael and Levi had arrived at the house together. The police would soon arrive at Mr. Martin’s request. Levi and I were able to convince Michael and Beth the problem was not over. Levi was sure Karl would seek his revenge; I knew something worse than Karl would not stop either.

It was too late to leave for our home near Salem. We did not want to be on the road if trouble came. Michael, Levi, Beth and I were prepared to stay awake through the night, but the small still voice within said, “You are protected be at peace tonight.”

Come dawn we were packed and on the road and come noon we met Daniel and Susan on the road. And we all returned to Salem. We all agreed we were better off on our own turf. I felt secure but my stomach was sour. Michael did not tell Beth why but he was surprised to see Carol at the house when we arrive home that night…

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To Be Continued...
 

 

 

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Image Credit: Picture purchased and licensed for use from

123rf.com. The model(s) in this image is in / and are no way connected with this story nor supports nor conveys the issues and situations brought up within the story. The model(s) use is solely used for the representation of looks of the main character(s) of this particular story. ~Sephrena

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Chapter 5
 
 
The following day Karl tried to influence John Martin Michael’s boss to fire Michael and after he failed he came to the Cook’s house and threatened to walk over me to hurt Anne. I stepped back and reached over my head and began to draw a sword from my back.

Karl’s strength crashed across my face and sent me to the ground and stepped to go past me as I rose and lunged at him with my sword. He dropped to the floor bleeding as I withdrew my blade from his side. In his hand was a message that would implicate Levi; he had dropped it as he ran off.

Beth had entered the hall from the second floor above with a shotgun in her hand. I called out Suzanne’s name knowing she would hear me. I knew the trouble was not over. What I did not know was Levi had left Karl Conrad.

Levi had gone to Michael and Mr. Martin knowing Karl would make a threat against Michael. Michael and Levi had arrived at the house together. And the police would soon arrive at Mr. Martin’s request. Levi and I were able to convince Michael and Beth the problem was not over. We were sure the authorities would not take Levi seriously enough, but we're sure Karl would seek his revenge; I knew something worse than Karl would not stop either.

It was too late in the day to leave for our home near Salem. We did not want to be on the road if trouble came. Michael, Anne, Beth and I were prepared to stay awake through the night, but the small still voice within said: “You are protected, be at peace tonight.”
 
 
Come dawn we were packed and on the road and come noon we met Daniel and Susan on the road. We all returned to Salem. We all agreed we were better off on our own turf. I felt secure but my stomach was still sour. Michael would not tell Beth why, but he was surprised to see Carol at the house when we arrive home that night.

Carol asked, which made us think as well, “Why wasn’t Marie with us as well.” Carol used her gifts to ascertain where Marie was, having correctly thought she would likely be trying to run away. Carol had Marie choose the ports of Salem for her run and Carol met her in route and brought her to us, the Cooks. We apologized for not seeking her out and leaving her alone.

“We are sorry Marie; we think you are safest here and should not be alone.” Beth took Marie with her and Anne to sit down. A bed was brought into the main room so Marie could rest and yet remain in sight. Beth was nursing Anne. Dad and Michael went to take care of the livestock as well as to secure the horses.

They do not have Mom’s gifts and ability to meet spiritual adversaries. “Mom,” I spoke up, “Margie and I sense that Karl Conrad is in the area but he is holding back for some reason.”

“You are partly right; Karl is in the area and staying back. But it is because he may be the owner of a business but he is not boss in what is happening here. You and Michael upset some powers greater than him. But we have a surprise for them.”

“What’s that Mom,” Glory asked?

“Meric and at least one other angel are going to be here, so they will not be ready for their downfall. Especially since they don’t know you and I are also angels, nor about Carol’s abilities. ”

Carol contacted others in the Wiccan community in the area to either stay out of the dispute or help her us if they would. She had the agreement of all but two in the area and in her words. “I know their abilities and how they usually operate in case they decide to help the other side.”

“They are not likely to be in league with the spirits helping Karl Conrad, as those spirits are evil forces of death. Most Wiccans know better than to deal with them as they could as easily be a victim. Most Wiccans can be trusted to act according to their word that is not so with the dark spirits of death.

Many of those coming against us are either Karl’s workers or recruited thugs. Karl had brought along some young women to help motivate the men doing their nasty work as well as Karl’s attempt to snub Michael and his pesky sister Glory. Karl had plans to celebrate his victory spoiling me, Glory, transforming me into one of his sex slaves.

It was just before the attack would begin and things would get ugly. The thugs were sent around to attack from another side of the farm. Karl decided to show his men some of the prizes his men would get to enjoy as the spoils of their victory. What he did not know was one of the girls he recently took under his control was a young teen runaway who was trying to get back at her parents. Not having given her real name nor knowing Karl was her Dad’s boss; both father and daughter were surprised when they saw each other.

Things weren’t the same for all the workers when one of Karl’s victims was Max’s own daughter. Max, the father of the girl snatched his daughter and separated his daughter and himself from the group. Karl was furious and demanded others seize Max. Three of his co-workers took his side and stopped the others.
 
 
A school bell rang as the signal for the beginning of the attack and to Karl’s frustration his forces were diminished and disorganized as the attack began. Carol was prepared to seize the fruits of the division she had orchestrated. She met Max and promised to protect his daughter, suggesting it would be in their interest to make sure Karl was defeated. Though they were only four, they knew the plans and how to disrupt the attack.

Max and his friends were not interested in fighting against co-workers so they attacked the thugs from their flank. The Angel Joan and Susanne, Glory’s Mom Susan appeared to the hired thugs as warriors larger than life. Some of the attackers feared nothing thinking they were but ill-prepared women. Others fled in the direction of Max and his men to run around the large warriors. Both groups were running into trouble they were not prepared for. The wide swath of Joan’s sword cut through two men in one swing. Susanne threw a fiery ball not at the attacking men, but at a dark spirit hovering over them. Upon contact, it destroyed the spirit and send hot embers falling down on several of the men. The embers killed two and sent another retreating.

Susanne being of quick wit and liking to punish in accord with the crime she tossed three embers to hit three thugs just above their belts and falling into then pants. The men did not react in time to protect their private part.

The Angel Meric stayed with Glory, her dad and Michael to combat the forces coming from in front. There was a screeching howl above the attackers. The dark spirits had rallied other forces to attack in added strength; they were twirling in the air like tornadoes and intended to cast their fury upon the house as well as level the barn.

Meric and Glory both were armed with bows and Glory would soon know of her unknown angelic powers. The first arrow she shot would strike down her intended target, but the arrow had split off to become three arrows striking men on each side of her original target as well. Michael and Daniel had both looked in amazement. Meric’s arrow became two flaming arrows each flying high in the sky setting two tornados aflame, soon to lose their power and to fall to the ground as ashes. Ruach and another angel came as storms of wind and rain sending the remaining tornadoes off course and crashing into a group of attackers killing six of their own fighters. The rain was heavy enough to quickly make the farmstead a muddy yard.

Meric and Glory drew their swords and attacked walking above the mud. Their slashing swords were not seeking to kill or injure as much as to disarm the attackers stuck in the farmyard as well as to stop those retreating.

As the fighting subsided Carol brought forward Karl Conrad bound in rope with the troubled women under his control. One of the spirits that were caught and tied by Ruach screamed a curdling curse at Carol, “How dare you wicked witch cross us. Two of your brethren are in league with us and you betrayed them fighting with your adversaries! We will escape and seek revenge upon you and your family!”

Carol twirled and in doing so grew double in size, “You couple yourself with but weak learners. You are my adversary and your lack of discernment is your own undoing. Please, Ruach binds this one and cast it before your Prince that it may trouble us never again.”

With that Ruach grabbed the loose end of the binding rope, twirled the spirit and threw it high and out of sight, “Go into the presence of the Prince of Light and never cast a shadow on earth again.”

It was almost funny as the last words of that spirit were “You can’t…” All guessed the spirit was wrong. Soon from the back of the house Susanne and Joan appeared with seven of the hired thugs who had surrendered. From the West came Max and friends bringing but one survivor of those who tried to escape. Max said, “Two of their men are dead in the woods to the west, but three just vanished as they fled; we couldn’t find them nor their trail.”

Meric spoke up, “You couldn’t find them because they were not men at all but demons as three of these capture thugs.” With that, Meric threw a fiery ball at one who quickly became ashes. Two others disappeared and fled away, but Meric threw a fireball that hit one on his retreat and there was but a small explosion.”

Glory was back to her normal size and dressed in her normal clothes but as she saw Joan and realized who she was she bowed with a curtsey in recognition. The Angel Joan was the one Susan had mentioned as Joan of Arc.

“Don’t bow to me dear Glory, you have shown yourself to be a worthy warrior. How did y0u like killing those evil men?”

Glory without pause said, “I didn’t, I thought revenge would be sweet but it tastes bitter and I feel stained though no blood splattered on me.”

“Thus please never bow to me or anyone for doing that which is bittersweet. It might be needed and some might say righteous, but I look forward to a day it all ceases.” Joan took off her sword and as she laid it to the ground she became radiantly beautiful.

Joan turned toward Mom and pointed toward Carol, “You have convinced me that some perceived adversaries are but friends we do not understand. We like humankind create in our thoughts as would be enemies.”

Two men came out from the barn and looked to Carol like scared sheep. She addressed them, “You pathetic would be wizards: I would encourage you to leave this area or to stay away from me until you have become fitting to have a Wiccan identity. You heard the angel, learn who your real enemies are. If you come against me it will be you who taste the bitter end of my wrath.”

Dad got his cattle wagon and upon signing a confession Karl was thrown into the wagon along with his surviving workers and hired help to go back to the city to stand trial. Max and his friends were asked to identify any of the womyn they knew. They were allowed to take those identified back to the city to be rejoined with family or friends. The remaining two women were given the choice of staying with Carol or Susan. They both chose to stay with Carol whom they saw as their liberator.

They were asked to stay with Carol to learn skills and be educated enough to be on their own. One would become a Wiccan in practice, while the other a strong independent woman.

Mom and the other angels were off alone in my room so I went and checked. They were tending each other’s wounds to my surprise. I never thought of angels getting hurt, but they spoke of barbs that dug into them and were diminishing their strength and spirit. It was almost painful to see two barbs that had to be taken off my Mom.

I know she is actually Glory’s Aunt and not my Mom, but she has fully become my Mom. I was tearing up and about to cry when Joan took a hold of me and told me to cry. I wasn’t sure if I would have fainted or become sick, but I knew Joan’s presence made a difference.

As Mom sat up and moved to a chair, Joan asked me, “Glory I would like you to lie on your bed face down if you would.” As I did, I asked why. “Seemingly shock has kept you from noticing that you too have been hit. It has already started to fester in your tender skin.” There was a knock at the door; Margaret was checking on me and wanted in. Mom waved her in before I could say, ‘I didn’t want her to see me hurt.’

Margie was around the bed and holding my hand as Joan was tearing my blouse to get to my wound. “Ewe Glory that is nasty; I didn’t even know you were wounded.” She kissed me on the cheek and sat down next to me. “Is it okay if I stay here with her, she’s my best friend? But I will get something anything if you want.”

Joan smiled, “You two remind me of your mothers’ friendship. I am glad you have friends like each other.” Joan cupped her hands over my injury and I could feel the bar lifting out of my back and the feeling of warm water wash my wound. Joan asked, “Don’t move as I believe there is an even deeper barb that needs to come out.” I could feel her hands over the same area of my back. The second barb seemed to have a life of its own and struggled to stay in and tear at me. I heard a scream though it was muffled by Joan’s hands.

“Ewe, was that thing alive?” Joan closed her hands over it and rubbed her hands till sparks flew and smoke was all there was when she opened her hands.

“Yes, you were in for torment if it had its way with you,” Meric was now speaking and Mom was sitting alongside me.

“You shouldn’t have been fighting. I should have demanded you to stay in the house,” my Mom said in anguish.

Meric spoke up, “You know better Susanne. If it had been your husband or son the wound might have been fatal. Plus our part of the battle would have waged on longer if she had not fought for us. Trading her injuries for your husband or son or both was no small sacrifice but it was hers to make and she did well.”

Margaret asked, “Could you check Michael and Beth’s baby; I am not sure but I am worried something happened to her while we were in the house; though I couldn’t find any injury.” My Mom quickly opened the door and asked Beth to bring in Anne to show to the angels. Meric took hold of Beth and her baby as they entered the room.

Beth was startled and afraid, but her instinct told her to remain calm. She knew they were safe in Mom’s presence. Meric took the baby in its hands and laid Anne on his stomach and began to massage its back. Margie instinctively put a tub under the baby’s mouth just before something liquid dripped out into the bucket. Meric had been talking though seemingly the rest of us did not need to hear.

Meric turned Anne over and cradled her in his arms and gave him back over to Beth. “Beth, let me congratulate you, you have a little angel in Anne.” Beth thanked Meric while the rest of us looked to Meric to say more.

Meric asked in a gentle tone, “Beth, would it be okay if we placed our hands on you and the baby and asked God to bless you both?” Beth smiled and agreed with a calm spirit. Meric surprised Margaret and the rest of us by asking, “Margaret, I would like you to participate if you are willing.” Margaret looked like a kid in a candy store, though there weren’t many in the 1850s.

Margaret looked to my Mom, Aunt Susan do you think it would be okay with my Mom?” Mom shook her head up and down. Meric anointed Anne and Beth with oil though I was not sure where it came from. Then Meric began a prayer and my Mom ended it. The room brightened and the wind blew into the room.

Mom touched Beth and calmly said, “Beth, when Meric told you Anne’s an angel he wasn’t just complimenting you.”

Beth looked up to Mom and smiled, “Mom, I know. I’ve suspected it for a while but I didn’t know how to tell Michael as he says he is not.”

“I am glad to know I am not going crazy.” Joan hugged Beth and Anne lifting them up in her arms. “When you were praying and the room brightened was that God in the Holy Spirit?”

Mom asked, “Were you able to see the spirit fall upon you and Anne?”

Beth responded, “I didn’t understand why me too?”

Joan answered, “You may not be an angel but nevertheless you are a precious servant and child of God.” Joan looked toward Margaret and then me, “You two are sisters of the spirit; I charge you Glory never to allow the ember of your relationship ever grow cold. If you ever think you are too busy, please take that as a warning that you are growing weak.”

I was embarrassed that Joan felt a need to tell me this in front of Margaret and the others. But, I sensed Joan knew my ego for I did think I would outgrow our friendship. I understood what Joan said was important for me to take to heart.
 
 
It dawned on me that everyone must be hungry and we womyn were all in my room. No preparations for a meal had begun. I spoke, “Mom, we need to get a meal together and we haven’t even begun.”

Mom laughed and looked to the others, “We have a banquet set up in the barn and we are just waiting for the Evans family to arrive.” I stood up and went to get one of my two remaining blouses to wear. Margaret stared at me and as I began to button my blouse I realized my breasts had developed more since I was visiting Michael and Beth. I smiled back at Margie and once I buttoned my blouse I gave her a hug.
 
 
We took hold of each other’s hands and ran out of my room and out the front door to the barn. Sure enough, a feast of two turkeys and some fish were being placed on the table by people I did not know. There were bowls of blueberries and blackberries as well as corn and garden vegetables. Dad came walking from the milking parlor with two buckets of milk. I asked, “Where did these people come from who prepare the meal?”

Dad smiled, “I guess you would say your Mom’s other family.”

Something inside of me tingled and I looked around. I was looking for someone I had never seen, though she gave Glory life. The other side of the barn was a woman watching us. She looked like Mom, but also like me but older. There was a girl next to her about my age. I ran to her and her arms opened to embrace me. “Mommy is that you,” I asked though I knew?

My Mom felt damp, but today was the last day she would feel that way. Seeing Glory today closed the chapter on the day she was drowned at Salem and Glory went to hide under the blankets of the bed.

Abigail, my birth Mom introduced Gloria and I knew I was looking at the great ancestor of Gloria Peace, a girl Ronnie knew in the 1950s. Here I was talking of Ronnie as someone else and not me and thinking of Glory being me.

Gloria spoke up, “I know my Mom has been waiting to see you and that you are her daughter from long ago. I do not understand how God does things, but I know you being alive gives our Mom great joy.”

“I know in a way we are sisters, but we need to act like cousins.” With that Gloria gave me a hug and I began to cry as my arms embrace her as well. “I hope some summer or holiday you can come and stay a while.”

Mama embraced us both and while I was yet crying I felt Mom Susan giving us a hug as well. I felt the warm drop of tears falling on my shoulder.

Here I was a child of a home torn and broken by abuse; now cuddling in the arms of two mothers who love me. I was a boy of the 1950s but now a girl in the 1850s. Chills ran down my spine with the thought of what if God would want me to go back to being Ronnie. But then there was the hopeful thought: but God has called me to be an angel. Surely God’s plans have something good in store for me.

Mom, Susan, whispered in my ear, “You have a life to live here and Joan has charged you to remain as Margaret’s sister.”

There was a tap on my shoulder and it was Margaret. I reached into my blouse to get my handkerchief to dab my eyes. “Mom… Aunt Abigail, I want to introduce to you my best friend Margaret Evans.”

Abigail looked at Margaret, “I knew of your Great-Grandmother Carolyn.”

Margaret hugged Abigail and she cried, “I think our family is indebted to you for our lives.”

“The mob was set on killing me that day. I was no heroine; I just thought there was no need for both of us to die...” “Glory holds you in the same esteem I held Carolyn. She always had a joyful song to sing, next to Glory it was one of the joys I missed. It is something, Hatred speaks of the stench of one’s adversaries, but it was an injustice that caused Salem to stink back then.”

I asked Mom, “Can my Mama and Gloria stay tonight. They can sleep in my room; Mama can sleep in the bed and Gloria and I can sleep on the floor?” Susan smiled and asked Abigail if they would stay overnight.

“Glory why don’t you set two more places so Abigail and Gloria can sit and eat with us. As excited as you are to see your Mama and your sister I hope you will remember and give attention to our other guests as well,” Mom said it as she pulled me in for a hug.

Susan has been the only Mom I knew who watched, cared and loved me. I knew she felt hurt because I was so excited to see my Mama. I wanted to say something even something simple like: ‘I love you’, but I didn’t. I let go and got busy getting some things for more people to sit on. Then I went into the house and told the others I thought we were ready to eat.
 
 
After the supper, I asked Abigail, “Mom, what was it like to die here so long ago?”

“I was hoping God would miraculously save me and I hoped that someone would find you safely nestled down at the foot of the bed. I had only given birth to you hours before and I was nursing you when I heard our dog bark. I instinctively knew it was not good and I would need to choose between Carolyn and me. I wasn’t willing to be tied to another person’s death.

They chose to use a dunking chair to get me to confess to being a witch or to tell them who was. I was sure either way I would be killed. I had already been held under the water three times. My lungs just about burst the last time and I was becoming weaker. Several stones had been thrown at me before and this time it was a rock hitting my right cheekbone. I was crying in pain and my mouth wasn’t fully closed when I went under.

Joan appeared at my side and she asked me to think of nursing you. I did and when I woke again I was in heaven but you were on earth. God told me you were safe and that we would see each other again, but I had to wait…”

“I was so excited when Susan wrote me saying you Glory were taken by Sara Jenkins and raised to become a fine girl and now you are growing into a beautiful young woman. I hope you will have the joy of knowing love and giving birth and raising your own children.”

“I know you have had the excitement of being a warrior, but I hope you do not need to travel that path again. Joan told me she will be your aunt and talk to you of paths to journey.”

“But I have been a boy named Ronnie and Susan says I’m my family ancestors lost their faith and vision during or after the civil war that is coming. How can you expect me to remain as Glory?”

“God knows the brokenness felt by your family. You need to trust God to help heal and restore your family. It may be soon or in another generation or two, but I believe God will work through you and you will be united as a healing force to your family.
 
 
 
Cast of Characters
 
Ronnie/ Glory

Mrs. Jenkins — the old lady

Susan and Daniel Cook Susanne the Angel

Laddie — Our dog

Abigail — Glory’s mom an angel killed at Salem unjustly

Gloria Peace — A descendant living in Shalom in the 1950s

Margaret, Abby, and Todd- friends at school

Miss Gail — Teacher at Adams country school

Carol Evans — Margaret’s Mom an old friend to Susan

Abraham and Mary — Free Blacks

Russell Cook — Distant cousin and friend of dad’s

Michael and Beth and Anne — My married brother, his wife, and baby

Levi — A friend in Peabody

Meric, Ruach, Joan - Angels

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To Be Continued...