To Love in Peace: 10th Anniversary Edition

by Kathleen Bird

  “Katherine! We’ve got to go now!”

  She glanced back and saw knights with swords drawn coming their way. That was all it took. She reached for Michael’s hand, and he pulled her up.

  “Go!” Katherine yelled, and the horse galloped away.

  The knights followed for a few minutes before turning back to get reinforcements. They shook their fists and vowed to find them, at least that is what Katherine supposed they were saying. She couldn’t understand whatever language they were shouting at their retreating backs.

  She held onto Michael’s waist as he rode recklessly across the countryside. She had thrown aside the sword she had grabbed, and now devoted her entire attention to staying on the horse. While she thought herself a very fine horsewoman, Michael’s eagerness to get away caused his skill to suffer; it was all Katherine could do to hold on.

  Suddenly the sound of approaching knights on horseback was upon them. Michael paused to look back, but Katherine shoved his head back around.

  “Keep riding! We cannot outfight them! We must outride them!”

  Seeing the sense in her words, Michael urged his steed onward. Katherine listened to the sounds behind them, praying that the knights would tire of the chase and go home. Michael’s horse was becoming uneasy because of all the noise; so he reared up, almost throwing Katherine and Michael both. The enemy took advantage of the clear shot, and an archer let fly an arrow.

  “Ah…”

  Katherine’s gasp startled Michael, and he turned to see her falling off his horse.

  “Katherine!”

  He reached back and grabbed her, pulling her back onto the horse; she moaned in response.

  “Michael,” she gasped, “an arrow struck me. I believe it’s fatal.”

  “No, I’ll take you to my people and with God’s help they will heal you.”

  He searched for a glimmer of hope in her eyes, but they had gone dark.

  Ignoring the obvious truth, he slapped his horse and galloped off. The knights were in strong pursuit for awhile but soon turned to go back to their camp. Michael continued his ruthless pace until he reached his home. The women of the village came out to greet him, but seeing Katherine slumped over the rump of the horse, they raced back to their homes to get herbs and medicines.

  Michael gently removed Katherine from the horse and carried her to his house. Laying her on the bed, he waited anxiously for the women to arrive; but when they did they shooed him outside, and there he sat.

  Dear God, let her live. Please don’t let her die! His prayer turned into silent weeping.

  Chapter Four

  Eli stood looking out the window. Perhaps she would come home today, but part of him worried she would never return. Some people go mad in their grief, perhaps Katherine is one of them. He shook his head; he refused to believe that to be the case. Katherine was of a sound mind, she would never do that to him.

  He looked out the window once more before leaving. He was headed to the temple to offer up more sacrifices for her safe return. But in his heart, Eli knew that the gods he prayed to would never hear him.

  Michael paced outside his door, where he’d spent the previous sleepless night. Why was it taking so long? How could it take this long to tell if a woman would live or die?

  He forced himself to sit. They will tell me soon. I must be patient.

  The door opened. The chief nurse came out. He stood. She made a slight bow before beginning.

  “The wound is very serious,” she said cautiously. Her eyes searched his for the meaning of his intense interest, but he didn’t wish to dwell on that at the moment.

  “Will she live?”

  “We have dressed it as best we can, we must trust God now. He can heal her. I know that he can.”

  Michael bowed his head. “I know this as well, but do you think she will live? Will God answer our prayers?”

  The woman touched his head lightly, and he looked up at her. She smiled. “The lady will live. I believe that God has great plans for her.”

  Michael opened his mouth to thank her, but she stopped him and said, “And for you as well.”

  As she turned to reenter the sick room, he sat down on the ground to think.

  Indeed Katherine’s health was restored, and within a week she was moved to the house of the old woman, the chief nurse. Never had the woman had such an avid helper. Katherine was eager to do all the household chores. When the woman questioned her, she merely said that she didn’t do much housework at home and wanted to help. The older woman sensed there was more but didn’t press her.

  Katherine blossomed in the little village as the weeks turned into months, and the people there grew to love and respect her. But they were not the only ones…

  “Katherine?”

  She looked up from the clothes she was washing in a large bucket outside her temporary home.

  “Michael,” she said, unconsciously brushing invisible specks of dirt off her dress, “What brings you by today?”

  Michael smiled. Katherine became healthier everyday and had traded her black mourning clothes for a simple cotton dress. But secretly, every time he looked at her, he saw the queen she truly was.

  “I wanted to speak with you. Could we sit down?”

  “Of course.”

  They walked over to a fallen tree trunk and sat on it. Katherine looked at Michael and waited for him to begin, nervously wringing her hands in her lap while she waited.

  “Well, I…um…” he began clumsily.

  “Just say it.”

  He decided to take a deep breath and plunge right in. “I wanted to know why you stayed for so long. Isn’t there a war on in your kingdom?”

  She looked at the ground before answering. “I’m happy here.”

  “But don’t you have a responsibility to your people?”

  “I suppose they think I’m dead already.”

  “People who love you will never forget you or take you for dead. Don’t you have any family?”

  Her thoughts went to her sister, Ralyn, and her baby on the way, and of course, King Evan and Eli. Eli! He must be worried sick about her! She felt a sliver of guilt cut through her already breaking heart.

  “Yes,” she said. “But they can find someone else. I don’t want to go back. I…I want to stay here.” She looked at Michael. “With you.”

  Michael coughed. “I…um…I…” He sighed. “Katherine, I would love for you to stay here with me and my people forever, but we both know that you must go home. God has placed you right where he wants you, and that is in Adven. Please, don’t do something we’d both regret. Go home, Katherine.”

  With that he stood up, ignored her protests and left. Only when he was out of sight did he allow the tears to fall.

  Eli gently pushed open Katherine’s door. It was somewhat dusty, but it looked just the same as the day she left. Her mother’s picture hung on the wall as though it was looking after things in her absence. Her clothes were lying on the bed, thrown hastily by their mistress. All things reminded Eli of Katherine, and his heart ached at the thought that she had been gone months now. Ralyn’s child would be born in a few months, and the war continued to rage on. What Adven needed was its queen, but its queen had seemingly disappeared.

  He ran his hand along the wall with the comforting coolness of the wood and praying as best he could. He had no time to offer sacrifices today; perhaps the gods would listen to his prayers instead. The priests said the gods must be offered sacrifices in order for prayers to be heard but maybe this once…

  Abruptly, his hand felt nothing but air. A small gap in the wall became apparent. Eli was startled, but curious. A secret passage perhaps? What did the princess need with a hidden door? He shoved a little, and the door opened enough for him to step into the room hidden behind the wall.

  He took in the unlit torches and the long bench with cushions. What is this? Eli thought. It was then that he noticed something shining on one of the cushions. He walked over and picked it up.


  He instantly recognized Ralyn’s careful stitching. On the deep purple fabric silver thread stood out. Inscribed on the pillow was the following:

  I hereby proclaim

  To all who may find this room,

  That I have found the One True God.

  He has saved me from eternal death,

  And I am forever grateful.

  May you, whoever you are,

  Find him in this place.

  ~ Katherine, Princess of Adven

  Eli stared at the pillow. He knew that Katherine had discovered a new God, but he never knew about this room, or about the fact that Ralyn knew about Him. What was she thinking? How could she abandon all of Adven’s traditions for a God she knew nothing about?

  Then a thought occurred to him. He could test this new God. If he prayed for Katherine’s safe return as quickly as possible, and it was answered, he would know that this God was real.

  Eli gently knelt on the floor next to the bench.

  Oh great God, may you hear my prayers and answer them! May you, by your great power, bring Queen Katherine home to me and let her lead all of Adven to peace.

  Unsure of what to do next, he stood up and quickly walked out of the room. As he closed the secret door, he offered one last plea, “Please?”

  Katherine sulked around the house for the next several days. She was angry at Michael, and she was angry at God. Why would he offer her peace and happiness and then steal it away? How could Michael try and force her to leave?

  “I thought he loved me!” she yelled to no one in particular.

  “He does.”

  Startled, she turned around to see the old woman standing in the doorway.

  “Maria! I didn’t know you were there.”

  “Obviously.”

  Katherine went back to sweeping the small kitchen, but Maria wasn’t done with her yet.

  “Katherine, Michael only wants the best for you.”

  “How did you…?”

  The older woman smiled. “I know many things. But the most important thing right now is what you know.”

  “What does that mean?”

  Maria came closer and stopped Katherine’s frantic sweeping. “It means that you must know in your heart that Michael loves you and that God loves you.”

  “I do.”

  “Do you?”

  The simple question was enough to bring tears to her eyes. Katherine tried to stop the tide, but it was impossible. “I have to do the right thing don’t I?”

  Maria nodded.

  “Even if it means I have to give up something?”

  Another nod. “You have to go where God tells you, Katherine. You must go home.”

  Katherine opened her mouth to say something, but then closed it. She sighed before quietly walking out the door.

  Maria sat down in her chair and began to pray.

  God, help her to follow you. She wants to, but she needs help with her unbelief.

  Katherine walked stiffly across the village on her way to Michael’s house. She didn’t want to leave but she knew that she must. Adven needed her.

  Michael was sitting on his bed deep in thought. He had denied food for three days, ever since he had spoken to Katherine. I tried to help her. I tried to do the right thing; it’s not my fault if she wouldn’t listen. Why should I have to give up my love for her in the first place?

  And so, he had spent the last three days fasting and seeking God. He knew he should speak to her again, but he was distraught and torn between doing the right thing and what his heart was screaming at him to do.

  A knock on the door surprised him. It was probably Maria telling him to eat. He started to tell her to leave when he heard an unexpected voice calling his name.

  “Michael? Are you in there?”

  “Katherine?” he stuttered.

  “Yes, I’d like to speak to you.”

  He opened the door and stepped outside. “Yes?”

  “I’m ready.”

  For a moment Michael was confused. “For what?”

  “To go home.”

  His heart soared before shattering, and he pulled her close to give her a hug. They stayed that way for a minute before he whispered, “I’ll come with you.”

  Katherine pulled away. “What?”

  It suddenly seemed so clear to him. How did I not see this before? “I could never be happy without you, so I’ll go with you.”

  She stood stunned, so Michael continued. “Katherine, will you marry me?”

  Her tears of joy and another hug were his answer.

  Chapter Five

  The wedding was a grand affair. Gold and purple flowers hung from the trees, and long vines draped across the openings. Michael appointed one of the older men to do the ceremony since he himself could not. He wore his best clothes and a fine purple cloak with a gold chain; and his sword was fastened at his waist, ready for battle.

  But Katherine herself was the most beautiful bride. Her dress was a shimmering white, and it was so long that it dragged on the ground. To solve this, two little village girls were appointed to carry her train. Her blond hair was let down so that it would flow almost to the ground, and there were more gold and purple flowers braided into it. She also wore a purple cloak with a gold chain that fastened around her neck, just above the neckline of her dress.

  The lovers exchanged their vows, and then a great feast was held with music and dancing. People sang praises to God and thanked Him for His kindness to give them such a just king and a loving queen. A crown was placed on Katherine’s head, and she was declared queen to rule beside Michael. The new husband and wife ate and danced together and had a thoroughly wonderful time. As everyone was going home, Maria approached them with a gift.

  She bowed low before them to give them honor before she presented it.

  “My king, I have nothing to offer you but my service. I hope that that is enough.”

  Michael smiled. “You owe me nothing, Maria.”

  She nodded. “But, I do have a gift for my queen.” She extended the package toward Katherine.

  “Thank you, Maria,” Katherine said before opening it.

  Inside the package was a lovely sword obviously made of the finest metal. On the hilt was carved flowers of all kinds. But it was the sword itself that interested Katherine.

  “What do these words mean?”

  Maria smiled. “They are words of a very wise king. He was very much like yourself.”

  “I am not a King.”

  “Not here.” The unspoken meaning left a sense of sadness in the air.

  Michael broke it by saying, “What does it say?”

  Katherine turned the sword so that she might read it and read aloud.

  Place me as a seal over your heart,

  Like a seal on your arm;

  For love is as strong as death,

  Its jealousy unyielding as the grave.

  It burns like blazing fire,

  Like a mighty flame.

  The words wrapped around the sword like a vine. They were etched into the metal itself, and they shone like polished gold. All in all, it was certainly a curious gift.

  “What do the words mean, Maria?” Katherine asked again.

  She said nothing, apparently lost in thoughts or memories. One could never be quite sure with her.

  “Maria?” Michael prodded gently.

  “They mean two things. On the surface they speak to the love of a husband and wife. For you, it means you must remain faithful to one another. Keep your love afresh and renew it each day. Your love must be so strong it conquers death.”

  “And the second meaning?” Katherine inquired.

  “It speaks of the love of God for his people. His love is a fierce and jealous love, but far stronger than any kind of love we might have for each other. His love burns in you like a fire and spills over into your actions. If you continue to follow him always, he will continue to bless you.” Maria bowed. “May this sword take care of you in the battle that you must now un
dertake, My Queen. Let it never leave your side and you will have great success, but do not forget the lesson I have taught you. God bless, Queen Katherine.”

  With that Maria left the two lovers standing in awe at what had just transpired. Michael looked at Katherine, and she at him. Neither said a word. All was still for several moments before she spoke.

  “We must leave at once,” she said with a sudden urgency. It was like she couldn’t remain standing still any longer now that she’d made her decision.

  Michael took Katherine’s hand. “I am eager to leave as well, but we must have time to ready enough supplies for the journey. I promise we will leave in the morning.”

  Katherine looked at the sword. She studied the words a little longer before sheathing it and tying the belt around her waist. “I am ready now. Let us leave in one hour.”

  She walked away to begin the preparations. Michael watched her and smiled.

  “What kind of woman have I married?” He shook his head, and he followed after her.

  The horses were readied for the long journey and loaded down with enough food to feed an army. Michael and Katherine had thought they would be going alone, but several of the young men insisted on joining them.

  Adam, who was the unanimously appointed voice for his friends, had argued against their protests. “How could we call ourselves your servants if we left our King and Queen to return home without an escort? We are at your service.” With that, the young man bowed low to the ground and the rest of the men with him.

  Michael stepped down from his horse and took Adam’s hands in his own. “Rise up, no one is worthy of such devotion save God himself. But if you are in earnest, you are welcome. Do not think you are required to give me service of any sort.”

  The men rose up off the ground with smiles on their faces. “We only hope to accompany you to keep you safe. Queen Katherine must be brought home to her own people safe and sound.”

  Katherine smiled down at them. “I can wield a sword as well as any man. Do not think that I am in need of your protection.”