Trusting Him Through the Darkness(((on hold!)))

Chapter Four

"Whew! That was awful! I have never been more scared!" Julianus exclaimed as she dusted herself off. "I'm sorry we didn't figure it out sooner," Dikaios said. "Nataria said she heard you were in sort of a bad mood, and I just figured that something had gone wrong out in the field, like we had lost control of something.". He then looked at Dawn. "Now, since you're in, well, a better mood, what did you really think of our little mishap?". While saying this, he studied Dawns stony face, searching for any signs of emotion, but there was none to be found. She stared stonily ahead at the granite-and-earth walls. "Yes, yes I know; but it's okay. I understand completely. It's perfectly okay for a newbie to make a couple mistakes," Julianus said. She winked and smiled. "After all, what's the fun in being new if you don't try something new? Well, on your way. Your next shift is-"she checked the time-"Oh dear. About forty-five minutes! You had better hustle! Here, use the easy way out.".

She clicked her tongue twice, and a dark passageway appeared. "Don't worry; it's completely safe. There are watchmen every fifteen yards or so, and torches with my special Greek fire are everywhere so you can see." After thanking Julianus and saying their farewells, the two disappeared into the shortcut. After arriving at their designated post, Dawn sighed and asked Dikaios,"Do you think I'll ever see my parents again?" The mighty horse seemed to sigh almost as he replied,"Only the great LORD Jesus could answer that question, Dawn." Dawn let out a great whoosh of air. "I figured that would be the case. I've pray and prayed to God for Him to bring them back, but He never answers my prayers. I don't think He likes me very much." "Oh, Dawn, no!" Dikaios exclaimed. "Jesus does care about you! He has answered your prayers. The answer is just not what you are looking for. He gives you what you need and deserve, not just what you want. Oftentimes what you need is not at all what you want.".

There was silence for a moment, and then Dawn said,"I'm sorry; I didn't understand a word you just said." Dawn was extremely new to the concept of faith, but she believed in Jesus with her whole heart. Dikaios whinnied, a sort of laugh. "I didn't think so. What I was trying to say was that sometimes Jesus doesn't give you what you want, He gives you want you need." Dawn was silent for a moment, then quipped,"So what I needed four years ago was to have my parents die before my eyes." Her voice was full of pain and sarcasm. Before she could say anything else that she could regret, Dikaios ended the conversation.

"Dawn, it will never be the same again. You should know that by now. God cannot bring your parents back. But, I can promise you this, if you keep strong to your faith and grow in the LORD, He will make your life the best that it can ever be." With that, they both turned away from each other and began their daily duties in the forest. When their shift was completed, they headed back to their bungalow and mini-stable, which were about a fifteen-minute trot away from their post. Once there, Dawn said,"Well, I am going to turn in for a while. Today has been really exhausting for me." Dikaios said nothing, then galloped off to his stall. However, he never made it there, for he saw what looked like a dark cloud of mist floating among the branches toward the security center. He reared up in alarm, then raced back to a dozing Dawn.

"Dawn, Dawn! Wake up! There's a rather ominous looking cloud of...I don't know! Whatever it is, it looks dangerous, and it was heading for the command center!" When Dikaios first galloped up, Dawn was extremely groggy, but with the words "command center," she bolted out of bed like a rocket. Within minutes, Dikaios and Dawn were off after the mist, even though they were both dead tired from the continuous watch shifts. Quickly gaining on it, Dawn whispered,"We've got it now!" However, as soon as they were within 3 yards of the translucent cloud, it suddenly formed waves, like ripples in a pool of water. As they slowed down to a quick canter, Dawn quietly whispered,"Wh-what is that?" As soon as these words tumbled out of her mouth, the waves in the mist evaporated, as if it had never even been there!

Moments later, they had arrived at the place they had last seen it; there was no trace of it. Every time a cloud of mist or dark substance travels through a place with lots of trees, outcroppings of rock, or any other items found in nature; it leaves thin strings of mist behind. They usually wrap around trees within a 4 foot radius, then turn the trees into slow-melting tar. However, there was no trace of any melting or mist, or anything for that matter. The forest was perfectly normal, with the exception of a guard or two patrolling for their rounds or the occasional magical being who resided in a tree or other natural formation. "What was that...thing?" Dawn whispered, unsure of whether anyone but her trusted comrade. Dikaios replied,"I don't know myself. Possibly...a mirage? The way it wavered as we approached could mean that." "It could be, but I have never seen a mirage like that!"She whispered, the fear in her voice obvious. "Well, whatever it was, we should tell someone." They trotted off in search of a nearby guard or outpost.