By the Sword - By Sara Flower Page 0,61
a human could commit. Humans are born flawed. If you are sorry for everything that you have done, and ask God to forgive you, then your slate is wiped clean.”
Jalarn stared at her.
“It can’t be that simple.”
“It is.”
Jalarn helped Talya stand. She cautiously put her hand on his arm. He whipped it away.
“It’s too late for me!” he shouted.
“Don’t you see? He arranged for me to see those dreams of you so that I would spare your life and tell you about the Savior. That is how much He loves you, Jalarn. He wanted you to have a chance to know that.”
“I wish I could believe it.”
“There is no sin too great that He didn’t die for. His salvation is a gift that cannot to be earned. I was just as much of a sinner as you before I believed.”
“That’s absurd, Talya.”
“It’s the truth.”
Jalarn paced back and forth.
“Your God turned the black ink on the scroll into red for that one verse so I could see it. He wanted to get my attention.”
“That is amazing. He wants you to see how much He loves you. He wants you to love Him, too, Jalarn.”
“I will lose too much.”
“You will gain everything. You will find peace like never before. Just ask Him—”
“I can’t do it!”
Talya backed away from him as the empty glare in his eyes returned.
“No!” Talya cried.
“If you weren’t such a fool, you would be out of this cage and preparing to fight… with me. Victory is ours for the taking, but instead you are allowing yourself to become some kind of a martyr.”
His words cut through her heart like a dagger.
Lord, please!
Jalarn turned away and bolted the door shut. He turned to pick something up from off the stool just outside. It was her sword.
Talya didn’t want it.
“I want you to have this for when my uncle comes back. He expects me to finish you, but I can’t harm you. Keep it hidden until they unlock your cell. At least you can die as the warrior that you are.”
He stared at her for a moment.
“Jalarn…”
“I wish things could be different. Fight well, Talya.”
Talya took her sword from him through the bars, and he turned to leave. She couldn’t bear to see him leave now, not with him being so close so trusting in Jesus. It hurt her more than the beatings.
“Wait, Jalarn.”
But he was gone.
*****
General Edandir awoke with a start. He was in a tent lying down on a strange bed.
When did I fall asleep? The battle!
He sat up, immediately placing a hand on his throbbing temple. There was a thick bandage on his head. He remembered the Malinorian from the night before. The general got up and stepped outside, glancing at the sky. It was nearly dawn.
“Hold it right there, General. I didn’t say that you could leave yet.”
It was Seline – the camp surgeon. He had emerged from another tent.
“I lead this army come sunup. I have to be fine.”
“I’ll be the judge of that. I was brewing you a strong pot of my famous pain-killing tea, but go back inside first, and I’ll check your wound.”
Edandir sat impatiently as the surgeon changed the bandage.
“It will heal up nicely, provided that no one else hits you in the same place,” the surgeon said with a wry grin.
Edandir shrugged.
He walked with Seline to the fire pit and poured himself a cup of the herbal tea.
“So, I take it that someone found me before that snake finished me off,” said Edandir.
“Tanel found you. He scared that Malinorian off with a well-placed arrow.”
Edandir took a sip of the bitter liquid.
“I will have to thank him. I can’t believe that I lost my footing.”
“Even generals can have close calls.”
“This one can’t afford to. I have a daughter to save.”
Tanel and Chrissa walked up to them.
“You will be fine then, General?” asked Tanel.
“I’ve always been fine. But I owe you my life, Tanel. Seline told me what you did. Thank you.”
The lad nodded and Chrissa smiled. She seemed to be in much better spirits than last night.
The sun’s first rays pierced the navy horizon. The day had begun.
Edandir guzzled down the rest of his tea and stretched. He watched the spectacular sunrise. It could very well be the last one that he would ever see. By God’s grace and power, today was the day that Ittonifer’s rule over the continent would be broken forever. Freedom would resume.
His headache had begun to numb.
“You sure know your remedies, Doc. Thanks. I’m good as new.”
“Well,