Princess Ann: an unlikely fairytale

Princess Ann: an unlikely fairytale
by Melissa Darsey


This fairytale doesn’t begin, “Once upon a time in a land far far away…” No, this fairytale, and I assure you that is exactly what it is, begins with a young woman named Ann. I won’t try to impose that Ann is one of the fairest amongst the land, but she is beautiful; big golden eyes, soft lips, rosy cheeks, slender waist, porcelain skin, with hair the color of amber wine. She isn’t rich. Instead she spends morning noon and night in the fields, waist deep in mud and clay, paying off a debt her Father, “God rest his soul!”, couldn’t pay. Her Mother passed many years before when she was but a small child and having no brothers to shoulder the burden of the insurmountable debt, Ann was forced into slavery.
Each night she lowers her head and clasps her hands lifting a hallowed prayer to God. She doesn’t believe that there is a God, but on the off chance that He does exist she lifts prayers to quell His further impending anger on her. Each morning she places a simple threadbare brown dress about her slender waist, combs the length of her hair back into a tight bun, and eats a slice of day old bread with molding cheese, finishing with cold cider. She greets the day as she ends it, with little excitement or hope.
Mr. Stallenger, the foreman, drives them hard in the driving rain. Ann’s aching bones and tired muscles work hard to carry buckets full of mud and clay to bens where the stinky slimy substance will be hauled off, mixed with hay, and fired. There is no sparkle in her blue eyes, no whistle while she works. She barely thinks of anything at all. Everything within her is dead except for her ears. She gets through the day by listening to the wisp and crack of Mr. Stallenger’s whip along with the insults and curses spewing from his mouth. She likes the way the rain sounds as it clinks off the tin pales, like a thousand mermaid whispers rising from a splashing salty sea. Yes, her ears are the only things that find meager joy in the sounds that surround her dull existence. Everything else in her is numb, dead, and mechanical. Too afraid of death and long checked out of the living, she has resigned herself to the cold harshness of her existence; a bitterness that is like sour vinegar in her mouth.
Now, I told you that this was a fairytale. I still assure you that is exactly what it is, for someone has taken notice of Ann, a very important someone indeed. His name is Majesty. He is the Great King over all. His loving nature has bestowed great compassion on Ann. He is sending the prince, his only son, to speak with her. This fairytale, like all good fairytales, is met with danger, uncertainty, and fear. In the end, as the story usually goes, there is victory for the side of good and happily ever after.
So without further ado…

#

“BAM! BAM! BAM!”
The morning after throbbed in her head, tight fisted she massaged her temples with her rough knuckles.
“BAM! BAM! BAM!”
“Ohhhhhh…mercy I say, mercy!”
The pain pulsed giving her little relief, she strove to right herself, disoriented she could not remember which way was up…
”BAM! BAM! BAM!”
“GET UP YOU STUPID WRETCH OF A GIRL!”
“BAM! BAM! BAAAAMMMM!”
Blood shot eyes flew open burning like hot coal, still disoriented she tried to sit up, the room spun forcing her back to the bed with a low moan.
“ANN GIRL, ARE YOU IN THERE, YOU WRETCHED VERMON, I SAID GET UP!”
The sounds of incessant pounding continued as she desperately tried to recognize the familiar voice growling at her. Why had she drunk so much ale the night before, why oh why? This was too much feeling. Sorrow and desperation had led her to the bar the night before, now the physical pain after was making her wish she had done otherwise. “There is no mercy for one such as me,” she thought pitifully.
The grip of desolation replaced by the grip of fear as the pounding grew louder. The door would not last much longer against the force being applied to it.
Ann knew who it was… Mr. Stallenger!
Throwing her covers aside she flew to get dressed, pulling her hair in a tight bun as she ran for the door. The large red faced man was seething, fists clenching and unclenching. Ann drew back in fear, heart pounding. He looked ready to kill.
A frustrated expletive slipped from his lips, “Girl, I have been yellin’ and poundin’ now on 30 minutes, what in God’s forsaken were you doin’?”
“I’m sorry Mr. Stallenger, I…well…I…”
“You look like…” the word was a blow to Ann flooding her whitewashed face with color. Her beauty aroused men not repulsed them; she must have done more damage than she thought.
“Ann girl, are you listening to me?”
Lost in thought she turned toward the now sweating man. She realized she was skating on thin ice. “I’m sorry Mr. Stallenger, what is it that you needed?”
He carried on for a moment about a King, the King, sending a message, needing to speak with someone…”you must come now!”
“Me? Mr. Stallenger, what are you talking about? Are you suggesting that the King has sent his servant to talk with me?”
“Not a servant girl, the prince, his only son!”
Ann’s face contorted in confusion, their King had no son, only daughters. “The King has no sons?”
“Not our King, a King, from far off. He actually didn’t say much about where he is from. He just road himself into town and set up a huge tent in Mercy Valley. He sent his servant to inquire about you. I said I would bring you myself. Ain’t bound to miss my chance at seeing what people in town are saying is a ‘movin’ city’!”
Confusion swam in the pounding river of Ann’s head. Everything in her body was making its painful presence known. She was still muddling over it when she felt bear claws grab hold of her arms shoving her from her home. Mr. Stallenger hoisted her over his shoulder like a sack of potatoes and began walking toward Mercy Valley. The jostling of his large frame shook the pain in Ann’s bones, but she made no protest, her mind was churning over the fact that a King had sent his heir to see her.

#

She was dropped as she was hoisted, her hind end hitting hard earth with a silent thud. She clenched her teeth against
the pain, closing her eyes and breathing deeply. The sun was beginning its noon day climb & she shielded her eyes to look up at the face of Mr. Stallenger. His mouth was open as his eyes beheld the view in astonishment. Ann turned toward Mercy Valley.
The wind rippled the grass in great big green waves, crashing and splashing in the midday sun. The austere mountains stood vigilant, their rich purple shoulders protecting the valley from harm. Amidst the grass a jewel was birthed, lilies, hundreds upon hundreds of lilies. The wind swirled their delicious fragrance all around Ann. The fragrance made her feel light and airy in spite of herself. She did not recall lilies ever growing in Mercy Valley before.
Sprawled against this amazing landscape was the most incredible tent city Ann had ever seen. At least thirty tents sat in varying degrees around the river that played its way through the valley. The largest was rich blue black. It sat in stark contrast to its surroundings. Instead of foreboding in its blackness it was extremely inviting to Ann. It beckoned to her. Without thinking she rose and began walking towards it.
Stiff hands jerked her back. “Whatcha think you’re doin’ girl?”
“Mr. Stallenger, you said that this King’s son, whoever he may be, wishes to see me? Well, if you don’t mind, since you have so rudely awoken me, drug me out here, I feel compelled to take the last steps in uncovering this mystery once and for all. Now, you are more than welcome to come with me, but either way I’m going, so for goodness sake unhand me!”
The sheer shock of her words loosened his grip on her shoulder. Ann took a few steps forward and turned to the dumbstruck man, “Are you coming?”
“Naw, I got work to do.” With that Mr. Stallenger turned on his haunches and left for home, shaking and scratching his head all the way.
Ann’s heart flip-flopped as she drew in a great breath urging her feet toward the tent that so fascinated her. It grew and grew until she reached out and touched the rich satin material, flowing it through her fingers. The smell from the lilies was overpowering here, it made her head swim in ways she had long forgotten. Her fear and weariness etched away as she breathed deep, her fingers continually strumming.
“May I help you fine lady?”
Her heart stuttered as she turned to a kind smiling face. “Um, I…I…believe I was summoned?”
“What is your name fair child?”
“Ann Marie Crispin, sir.”
“Ann, ah yes,” the kind gentleman seemed deep in thought. With a deep sigh he continued, “Prince Josh will see you by the willow that sits near the waters edge. Tell him I will bring food to you soon.” With a tip at his waist he left her dumbfounded, body trembling.
She followed the river to the large Willow Tree that sat close to the bank. A young man was lounged by the tree skipping smooth stones across the water. If this was a prince he sure did not look like one. Ann began to wonder if she was being made a fool. He was dressed in common work clothes, dark brown trousers and a deep blue buttoned shirt, un-tucked, that bustled in the wind. His hair was the color of pitch, thick and curling at the ends. He had the makings of a black disheveled sheep dog.
“Excuse me,” Ann said quietly as she approached on trembling limbs. The man turned sheltering his eyes from the sun with his hand. He searched her over. Perusing eyes were not unfamiliar to Ann, but his deep pulsing eyes made her uncomfortable. Blushing crimson she turned her face away from his. He saw her, it was the only way she could describe it. She dare not look into those eyes, for he would be able to look into her soul in an instant and discover all the blackness that resided there. “Oh mercy, mercy, mercy,” she said over and over again to herself.
The man rose from his languid perch and cupped Ann’s face in his hands. Slowly he turned her so that her eyes were level with his. “Look at me Ann.”
Her heart fluttered and died. “Look at me beloved, please.”
The gentle imploring forced her to his bidding, tears overwhelming her sight. Her legs gave way as she strove to the ground forcing air into her lungs. She was dying, he was killing her. What was going on?
“What is this? What are you doing to me? Why have you asked me to come? Who are you?” She pleaded with the man through ragged breath.
He bent down to cradle her, lifting her frame easily with his strong arms. He sheltered her in the shade of the willow placing something cool on her forehead. “This, my dear, is Mercy Valley. I am here to bring you hope. I have asked you here because it is my Father’s will. My name is Prince Josh, Ruler of the beginning and end of all that is.”
She was dead, certain of it, she must’ve slipped and hit her head on the way from the bar last night and expired in some back alley. Well, at least this was more comfortable than the licking flames she assumed would consume her.
“Rest Ann, my servant Paul is preparing a feast for us. I will awake you in time to eat, and then we can get down to the heart of things.”

#

“Come here pretty pet.”
“Who’s my sweet girl?”
“Ann, you consume me, how lovely you are!”
“Oh darling, my precious love, I will cherish you forever!”
Dark hands reached out from the blackness, pawing, and petting. Gentle and seductive growing too painful and pulsing. Ann was being torn apart. Dirty hands were twisting, pulling, clawing at her. Their voices, once kind, were now vicious, consuming, demanding.
The familiar murkiness of the alleyway dissolved in a shaft of light. Ann was no longer being pried apart by unsavory men. She stood in the town square. A crowd of men, women, and children encircled her. A substantial man with balding head and grey hollow eyes stood next to her reading from a piece of weathered paper, “and for these crimes we find Ann Marie Crispin guilty and sentence her to death by stoning.”
The eruption from the crowd was overpowering. Heart sick and bewildered, the first stone’s heavy crack sent her tumbling
to the ground. A well of red dripped down her left cheek. Agonizing tangible fear took control. Shielding her hands from the heavy stones she let out an earth shattering scream.
Sitting bolt right the scream intensified as she thrashed and fought the nightmare from her consciousness. The sticky smell of death still clung to her nostrils. Overcome, she expelled the meager contents of last night’s supper and ale on the ground. The acidic burn in her throat brought her fully around. She realized someone was holding her hair, whispering in her ear. There was no recognition of words, only sounds, soft lullaby sounds coming from a gentle voice. She sat her head back against the base of the tree. Hot tears scraped past their crumbling boundary cutting rivers through her cheeks. “Oh mercy, mercy, mercy, mercy…” over and over again the words poured out. She just sat there, helpless to stop the rattles in her frame.
Josh had come around the back of her, slipping his body between her and the tree. He wrapped an arm around her waist; the other stroked her hair tenderly, as he rocked her back and forth in the makeshift cradle. “Ann, it’s going to be alright. That’s it, let it out. You are alright. I’ve got you. I won’t let anything hurt you. I promise. Trust me Ann. Trust me.”
It was a long while before all was quiet again. The stir of emotion settled into exhaustion. Why was she allowing this stranger to hold her this way? A flicker of the nightmare crossed her memory and a chill scuttled across her spine. Ann felt her body shift as Josh began to carry her to one of the outlying tents.
“Ann, what you need right now is rest. I will tell Paul to hold off dinner. Mary, one of my dearest and most loyal servants has prepared a bath for you. She will help you in whatever manner you need tonight. I will see you at breakfast. We will talk then. I will tell you what my Father wishes for you. Alright Ann?”
“Ummhmmm,” Ann mumbled, already dreamy and light. There was no fear of the nightmare encroaching upon her again. She felt if un-tethered she would float away. It was a beautiful blissful feeling.
“Good night my dear Ann, until tomorrow,” Josh set her on her feet, brushing her cheek with his lips. He directed her towards the tent door, guiding her in with his arm. He could hear a tender voice say, “Ann, my name is Mary. I will cover your head with perfume tonight dear child. You will sleep like a princess.”

#

A spasm of hunger awoke Ann from her deep sleep. She fought to shake the fog from her head. The unfamiliar surroundings caused gooseflesh to swim across her skin. She had not been dreaming. The events of yesterday were indeed real. Josh had mentioned something about breakfast last night. Another hunger pain gripped her. Tearing back the covers she scrambled to get dressed.
The only thing that was in the tent was a white satin dress. Ignoring the frivolity of the thing she hastened it over her thin shoulders. Grabbing the comb she drug it through her shoulder length hair tying the amber trusses in a loose ponytail with a strip of blue ribbon. She left with determined steps having no idea she looked like a princess.
It did not take long to find the tent. The sturdy structure sat tranquilly near an immense waterfall that spilled from the cleft of one of the austere mountains. The smell of lilies was light near the water, which only intensified the delicious smell coming from the tent. All logic left as she drew her dress up above her ankles scrambling over uneven terrain to get to it. Her eyes took in breads of all shapes and sizes, strawberries as big as her palm, grapes like small craters, and bananas the size of the crescent moon. Seeing Josh with a chair held back, fresh butter and squeezed juice on the table, Ann blushed. She realized how she must look; like a weathered old grizzly awake from his winter slumber, ravenous and ill tempered. “Come, eat my fair child,” was all he said. Ann did not hesitate. She ate all she wanted. Her stomach had never felt so satisfied.
As she lazily rested her head back taking in the sounds of the rushing water, the smells of the lilies and fresh fruit, Josh began to tell her the story of his Kingdom, his Father, and his purpose.
“Ann my Father is well aware of the condition you find yourself in. It grieves his heart to see you in pain and in need. He has watched and counted the days when he could send me to tell you of the love he has for you. His desire is not for your ruin, but for life abundant. He has seen the evil that has been done to you and the pain you have brought on yourself. He has sent me to bring you good news. There is hope for your future. Ann you are loved. If you will trust me and my Father you can drink from a well that will never run dry.”
“A well that will never run dry? Josh, the fountain of youth does not exist.”
“Ah, but the fountain of living water does. Drink from this well and I assure you that not only will you never thirst, but you will never die.”
Ann opened her eyes to look Josh full in the face. She searched for a trace of humor or idle teasing. There was only compassion and genuine sincerity in his dark eyes. She knew he was telling the truth. A tingle of dread caused her to tremble.
“How is this possible?”
With good humor on his lips he leaned back, took in a deep breath, and began from the beginning, an ancient story of magic and mystery. Ann’s heart fluttered strangely. Everything he told her was impossible, but Ann found it equally impossible not to believe him. She stuck another large strawberry in her mouth. The juices burst forth tingling her tongue with sensation. The same sensation burst in her heart, filling her body with warmth. A childlike wonder took hold as she devoured every morsel of what Josh said. He talked well into the afternoon. The first droughts from the well were already richly satisfying. This is what she had hoped for…real love.

#

Ann was in awe of Mary. She marveled at the relationship Mary shared with Josh. Ann often found Mary sitting at Josh’s feet in the first shadows of twilight laughing and sharing intimacy. Mary did this without hesitation--trust, fortitude, and love had created this bond. Seeing this strengthened the hope that was growing deep in her heart.
Paul was a bundle of passion and fire. All that passion was funneled in his service for Josh. He had designed each tent with the eye of a craftsman. Ann was delighted when he agreed to show her his artwork. The afternoon fanned the flame of desire for something more in Ann’s own heart.
Josh was the intertwining thread. He had intimated his Father’s intentions for her in such a rich and disarming manner, piercing her soul with his eyes. He meant them as fully as the one who sent him. The tide of emotions stirred so high Ann was certain her stomach would lose its resolve. She knew why Mary and Paul respected and served him well.
Ann had found a place of rest and forbearance. She had found home.

#

Ann never envisioned how permanently this new reality would come to a screeching halt. Josh and she had spent the late morning hours following the stream to the mountains edge. Ann had planned to discuss the possibility of her traveling with them when they moved on. However, as usually was the case, Josh was compelled to discuss the meaning of real love.
“Love is action, Ann. It is not passive or words merely spoken. It is living, breathing, tangible. Love is laying your own life down for the thing you love the most. It is sacrifice and pain. It is joy and fortitude. In its deepest, truest form there is nothing that can match its power.”
“I have never once felt that kind of love.”
“You will.”
The bright day was growing overcast; dark clouds jutted an angry green light against the landscape. Ann’s mood felt as melancholy as this dark day. They traveled a little further and turned back for home without speaking another word.
Paul came to meet them. “I need to speak with you sir, it is of the utmost importance.”
“Ann, why don’t you go indoors? The storm is upon us. I will come for you as soon as I finish with Paul.” The
uncertainty played plainly on Ann’s worn face. “Trust me beloved.”
With that he left her where she stood. The thought of never seeing him again gnawed at her resolve. A fresh pool of tears threatened to bubble over. Closing her eyes tight she fought them off and ran with abandon to her tent.
It was hours before Josh sought after her. His face was pale and worn with concern. “What is it?”
“Ann, the people of the town wish me to leave. They are furious that I’m here usurping your King’s power and taking a feeble peasant girl as a prize. They are coming this very instant to take you back. There intention is to forcibly drive me out and...” the words hung still as death. “Ann, they intend to take you back to town and stone you.”
The room spun, going dark and out of focus. Before she realized it Ann was sitting on the edge of her bed. The panic rose in her voice as the words spilled out quick and hot. “You must leave Josh. You must go quickly. I can go with you. There is nothing left for me here. I can begin a new life in your Kingdom. Surely that is what you and your Father intended. I cannot imagine you coming all this way for another purpose. Please, we must go now!” She looked in his face and saw something there she wished she hadn’t.
“I have no intention of running or taking you with me.”
Hope was being ripped from her. The pain was more terrible than she could imagine.
“Ann, do you remember our conversation this afternoon?”
Ann swam in misery as she fought to remember. Her blood stood cold as she recalled their conversation on love. Her eyes were wide in disbelief as she searched for meaning in his.
“Ann, I love you. I will never let harm come to you. If we left now they would follow us. There would be no hope. My Father has sent me not only to share his love with you, but to protect you. You will be safe.”
“You can’t…” the words stifled as a weathered finger covered her lips.
“It is the will of my Father.”
“No, NO! Not this! He can’t mean this Josh! Please no!”
“It is my desire.”
Ann felt her heart give way. There would be no talking him out of it. She closed her eyes, breathing deeply, striving to bring her heart and emotions under control.
The only thing she saw when she opened her eyes was the flapping of the tent door in the turbulent wind. The storm was indeed upon them.

#

Tears replete, Ann spent the long agonizing afternoon on her bed driving air into her lungs in great gasps. The air was thick with forbearance. Thick black clouds turned day to night. Lightning sliced through the sky in maddening zags. Thunder rattled the earth, a natural death march. The atmosphere was turbulent. Things were not as they should be.
When she could withstand the heart pangs no more Ann ran from her tent. The pelting rain and driving wind tore at her hair, plastering it to her face. Dark ugly brown crept up the bell of her dress. The mud entangled making walking, much less running a challenge. She stumbled toward town, weary of spirit and body, beyond exhaustion.
As she crested the last hill stillness fell across the Earth. The sun split the darkness making the ground a jeweled wonderland. Shielding her eyes, Ann looked frantically for Paul, Mary, or Josh. Scanning the horizon her eyes caught a glimpse of something that made her shiver despite the warmth of the sun. Two large beams crossed and hued together dug deep into the moist earth. A lifeless figure was being stripped from the bitter wood. Ann was not unfamiliar with a cross or with what purpose it was used. He was gone from her forever. Hadn’t he said something about laying his life down for something he loved? “WHHYYYY! MERCY! MERCY! There is no mercy! It should have been me. I am what they wanted!”
“Quiet my child. All is as it should be.”
Ann stood stark still at the sound of the voice. It sounded very much like Josh’s yet richer and deeper. She searched high and low for someone standing by that could have spoken to her, but all her eyes beheld was dripping, steaming earth.
“I’m here child, do not worry. I care for my son as I care for you. All is well. Patience, for mercy is new each morning. Rest in this my child. Rest in me.”
The familiar rich voice settled and unnerved her. The mystical truth of all that had been told to her was taking root. A rich and terrifying feeling rushed over her. Despite the sorrow that assailed her she knew the voice of her Heavenly Father was right.
Before Ann could gain her baring Mary was upon her, hugging and kissing and crying. The anguish and grief was spent on the sodden ground. Paul, reserved, broken and angry fell quickly in step. He led a weathered pack mule. Attached to its sagging withers was a flatbed wagon with an insurmountable load. Heaven’s Son should not be carried in such a way.

#

The faint sound of hammer and saw could be heard in the distance. Paul would work well into the night preparing a burial tent fit for his beloved prince while Ann and Mary prepared the body for burial.
Ann shuddered as she saw the angry holes in Josh’s wrists and feet. A gapping hole in his side mocked her resolve. She could not bear to see the thick deep gashes in his back. She felt bile rushing her throat, but she forced it down refusing to leave her job.
The girls worked without words, tears trickling down their faces. The rich perfume and spices scented their hands and clothes.
The day’s labor took its toil. All three went to their tents weary and forlorn. Despite the dolefulness of the day Ann slipped into a peaceful sleep. She dreamed of her days spent with Josh. How her life had changed since meeting this compassionate and spirited man. How she missed him. His laughter booming the sorrow away was all that she desired.
The first few days were spent packing and preparing to leave Mercy Valley. They must carry their fallen prince home. Ann was going too. Impatience nipped at her heels. The sooner she was rid of this dreadful place the better.
On the third day Ann and Mary began in prayer together. Mary had been teaching Ann how to pray. There was no right manner in which to pray. Instead Ann learned that the attitude in which she prayed was the most important. She had once prayed out of fear. Now, prayer was a humble sweet time full of eager willingness and servitude. There was a knowledge of something far greater than she that not only heard her prayers and cared, but had a divine purpose and rich love about his will.
Mary had also taught her old hymns. The ancient melodies sounded rusted and broken coming from her lips. Warmth deepened her complexion as she searched Mary with embarrassed eyes. The returning gaze always held great love. A firm confident squeeze from Mary’s hand reassured Ann’s confidence.
Refreshed from a morning of prayer Ann and Mary began the difficult task of rubbing fresh perfume and spices on their beloved prince. Heavy laden they traveled to the tent that sat near the waterfall, the same tent where Josh had first shared with Ann the mystery of his Father’s love. Ann’s lower lip trembled at the memory. Unbidden tears streamed down her face. The place still held the magic of that day–-rich and sweet. It was a bittersweet ground where joy and sorrow met.
Ann laid the pale filled with perfume and spices on the ground next to the long table that held Josh. She carefully rolled up her sleeves and dawned an apron, rapping her hair in a dark blue scarf.
“Ann!” Mary’s voice was full of alarm.
“Mary, are you alright! What’s the matter?” Ann rushed to Mary’s side desperate to comfort her dear friend.
Mary was trembling all over staring absentmindedly at the table. Ann’s eyes widened as she gazed upon the empty table save the hollow fabric that once held Josh’s body.
“Where is he Ann? Why would someone take him?”
A laugh shook the tenuous ground. Ann turned first. There in front of her, still looking very much like a disheveled sheep dog, was Josh full of splendor and good humor. The girls embraced him with tears and hugs and shouts of laughter.
Ann focused on Josh’s voice as they sought out Paul. He was harnessing the last drapery on the burial tent.
“Look what good fortune we have come upon Paul!” Ann said, excitement bursting beyond containment.
Paul hit his knees, face to the ground, as he beheld Josh in the glorious sunlight. “I am not worthy Master. I am not worthy of this great truth. Forgive me for my lack of faith. I did not believe the stories you had shared. If I had I would have known this day would come. I would know that this mercy manifest would fall upon us fresh and sweet. You are as you say, ‘the first and the last’! You are the true King over all things! Mercy and grace abound in your steps. We are humbled in your presence. Yahweh, fulfill your purpose in us. Fill our lives with your love. Let us stand as witnesses to what you are and what you have done and what you will do…glory, glory, glory!”
Mary and Ann had joined Paul in worship, bowing their faces to the ground. At the sound of Paul’s glories all three raised their hands to heaven and shouted, “GLORY! GLORY! GLORY!”
Ann was overwhelmed. Mercy had broken forth. It was new every morning.
“Come dear children,” Josh took each one by the hand and lifted them to their feet. Taking each one’s face in his he kissed their forehead and each cheek.
“I will call you servant no longer. You will be called children of the Most High King. You will share in my inheritance and my Father will love you as He loves me.
“I can see you have been packing. This is good dear children. There is much work for us to do. I will go back to my Father with a good report. He will be anxious to hear about all the things that have taken place here.
“Paul, I will send you out to proclaim my name in truth. You will teach my church, my people, my children what my will is for them.
“Mary, my beautiful breathtaking girl, you will be remembered for the kindness you have shown me. I am sending you to share my heart to this aching world. You will teach them how to rest in me.
“Ann, my darling Ann, your name means ‘gracious’. You will carry it as a banner wherever you go. You will show the broken and depraved, the hurting and the needy what grace looks like. In sharing your story of healing you will bestow healing upon others. You will teach those who are hurting that my love is sufficient to heal and restore.
“Now, let us hurry and prepare a feast. For I feel a time of celebration is in order.”

#

Ann felt desolate dread creep through her marrow. The celebration was more than she could have imagined. The joy of having Josh back was beyond compare. However, the task he had set before her was impossible. How was she going to make it without Josh by her side? How was she to face this journey alone in such a cold and unfeeling world?
“Let’s take a walk,” Josh whispered in her ear as he pulled her close. A warming peace swept over her at the sound of his voice. The dread she felt dissipated as they began to walk along the all too familiar path.
“What worries you?” His eyes searched Ann’s face for truth.
“Josh, how am I to do the task you have given me. I want to do what you ask, but feel incapable. I also feel a little hurt and confused. I thought we would go back to your home. My desire was to get away from this beaten up world, not to be forced into the thick of it.”
Josh walked silently for awhile as the edges of the sun melted beneath the horizon. A harvest moon took its place, hanging bright in the sky casting a yellow glow across their path.
Josh broke the silence with a simple question, “How is the moon able to shine?”
“It reflects the sun’s light.”
“Ann, you are like the moon. I am the sun. I am reflected in every aspect of your life. If you try to do what I ask in your power you will fail. It would be like the moon trying to produce its own light. However, if you turn your thoughts and actions toward me, as the moon turns its face towards the sun, then you will illumine the path for others to walk toward me.”
“But, how will I do that Josh? How? You won’t be here anymore. How will I know which way to send them?”
“Ann, do you believe everything you have witnessed these last several days.”
“Yes.”
“Do you believe that I love you?”
“Yes.”
“Do you believe that I loved you so much I was willing to die for you?”
“Yes.” Ann’s eyes began to fill with tears. Her heart was fluttering wildly.
“Do you believe that I not only died for you, but I arose three days later?”
“Yes, for I have seen it with my eyes.”
“Do you believe me when I say I am going to my Father’s house to prepare a place for you, Mary, Paul, and all of my children? Do you believe if I do that then one day I will come back for you?”
“Yes, I do.”
“My child, my beloved…trust me! You will be my great cloud of witness. You have seen all these things and hidden them in your heart. Others will hide them in their heart and believe simply because I have spoken through you.”
Ann was quiet for a long while. She pondered and hid all of these things deep in her heart.
“Ann, I will never leave you. You will always have me close. There is a helper I will leave with you. He will reside in your heart. He will tell you the things We have spoken. He will give you Our knowledge and understanding. Rest in me Ann, I will not give you more than I can handle.”
“Now, I heard you singing with Mary. Let me teach you another song.”

#

The next morning was spent in prayer and praise. A delicious breakfast was prepared. Last minute things were tucked away for safe keeping. All to soon the good-byes were upon them.
Josh left first. He was homesick and needed to see his Father. He kissed each one on the cheek and bid them well, assuring them that he would always be with them.
Paul left with passion and fire burning in his bones. He could hardly wait for the opportunity to share the truth and love of the One True King.
Mary embraced Ann fully, kissing each cheek. “I love you Princess Ann. You are a cherished friend.”
Ann was beyond words. She was certain she would not see her friends again until Josh came for them and took them to his Kingdom. The past journey settled on her like a drug. The future journey was uncertain, but certainly hopeful. The sun was just cresting the horizon. As she set out her heart filled up and spilled over. Her lips parted and the song Josh had taught her the night before seeped forth, “amazing grace how sweet the sound that saved a wretch like me. I once was lost but now I’m found, was blind, but now I see.”