Dawn's Rising

Dawn's Rising; Chapter 4: A Surprise Answer to Prayer

Peering around the stallion's neck from her place underneath his head, Julianna watched as her father finished off the last stitch on his torn flank. Idly, Julianna stroked the black's massive neck and whispered soothing incomprehensible words to him. With half closed eyes the stallion stood still under her gentle touch and only an occasion twitch of muscles or toss of his head betrayed any discomfort.

Several years before when Karl had ministered to their milking cow which had somehow injured herself when she had gotten loose and wandered off into the nearby forest, Julianna's father had told her that animals instinctively knew when someone was trying to help them. Thus they would often stand still even when a helper's ministrations put them through much pain. The stallion was proving Karl right now, as it stood so quietly under the deft movements of his sure hands.

Thomas Clancy had felt secure with Julianna's father from the second that he had met him. And after watching him make the initial suture to his prized Arabian's shoulder, Clancy had complete trust in Karl's capability and turned his attention to other pressing matters. Mr. Clancy was now at this moment showing a ship's officer the damage that the fire had done to the room. The tall very official man had even questioned Julianna thoroughly as to what she had seen; her being the only eyewitness of the fire. Julianna then was so thankful for the supporting presence of her father and brother, and with their help she was able to find the right English words to describe what she had seen and done.

The lean officer grimly looked at the burnt wall, shaking his head as he continued to write his report. "You are mighty lucky Mr. Clancy that that girl happened along when she did. It wouldn't have taken long for a fire such as this to become a threat to human lives as well as these horses. She was surely a Godsend," Having overheard this comment Karl looked up from what he was doing and met his daughter's gaze. He gave her a huge smile of approval which conveyed his complete agreement with the officer's conclusion. Julianna smiled back and blushed in self consciousness, as well as appreciation of her father's silent approval.

"I haven't been religious since I was a small boy, but I must admit that I have been thinking the same thing myself. I am sure thankful for her really miraculous intervention." Julianna could feel Mr. Clancy's eyes resting on her where she stood with her back to him. Suddenly Julianna was truly grateful for facing the direction she was as her blushed deepened another shade. Her father chuckled at her obvious discomfort at being the focus of attention and praise. Gently he brushed the back of his hand lovingly against Julianna's cheek, which only succeeded to intensify the flaming of her cheeks until they rivaled the color of her red hair.

Karl shook his head in wonder over his young daughter who had been used by the Lord in such a mighty way to enter into this wealthy and influential man's life. He turned his gaze then to his son Petter who tirelessly worked in a corner, shoveling soggy, partially burnt straw into a container. Petter had followed his father here and then without being asked by anyone, had taken it upon himself to start cleaning up. Fatherly pride for his obedient and God fearing children shone brightly out of Karl's eyes for all to see. The Lord had surely blessed him and Silje with the children He had created through their union.

When he finally finished his report the young officer turned his full attention to Thomas Clancy, "Well, sir. I am afraid that in such situations as this, the passenger is held responsible. You will be expected to provide compensation for damages made to ship's property which were entrusted to you. I will have to consult with my senior officer as to how much the repairs will cost, and then I will get back to you as soon as I can."

"I thank you kindly Lieutenant Charlton, for your time and understanding. I will gladly pay for the damages when you settle on a sum." Clancy answered with a nod of his head.