The Winter War, epub
Page 23
After a while, Levi went outside to the playground. There had been a thaw, and the snow had melted. It wasn’t as cold as before, and tender green patches of grass were starting to break through the dead ground. He wandered over to the swings and sat on one. It was still wet from the melting snow, but he didn’t care. He could see the skateboard park and thought about going to get his board. Maybe he could do a little skating. He needed to do something.
Then he looked over at the basketball court, where his father had spent so much time. He smiled at the memory of his big, burly dad charging up and down the court with his famous whistle, encouraging and correcting the players in his booming voice. Levi had never really liked playing basketball. Now he wished he had so he could have spent even more time with his dad.
Levi reached into his pocket and took out the Glimmer Glass. He held it to his eye. He didn’t know if it worked on earth the same as in Ahoratos, if he could see what others couldn’t see. He aimed it at the basketball court. But it was still empty.
“Looking for someone?”
He flinched, startled. He looked up to see a beautiful white bird sitting on a branch in a nearby tree. The bird appeared to be looking right at him.
“Did you just . . . talk?” he asked, staring at the bird.
“You’ve never heard a bird talk before?”
“Okay, I’m imagining things now.” Levi stood up to leave.
“Levi.”
Levi turned slowly around and looked at the bird. “Are you . . . who I think you are?” he asked. But he didn’t have to ask. He knew already. This wasn’t Ru, or his father. This was the Source.
“Look for me, and you will find me,” said the bird. “Look not with your eyes, but with your heart.”
Levi felt dizzy, his vision blurring with tears.
“Levi!” a voice called from the rec center. Brianna. The bird suddenly flew up into the sky and disappeared. Levi got to his feet, though his legs were shaking.
Brianna came running up to him. “We were wondering where you went.” The others came also, his friends. Levi turned around and smiled at them. Their faces were kind, sympathetic, a little anxious.
“Oh, hey,” Levi said.
“What are you doing out here?” Ivy asked. “It’s kind of cold.”
“Oh, I was thinking it might be fun to . . . play a little basketball.”
The others were silent a moment, looking at each other.
Then Evan spoke up. “Good idea! I’m in. I’ll go get the ball.” He raced back to the rec center.
“I’ll play,” said Finn.
“Me too,” said Ivy.
“I’m not very good, but I’ll give it a try,” said Manuel.
“I can’t play,” said Xavier, indicating his crutch. “But I’ll ref, if you want.”
Evan returned with a ball and Mr. J. Ar’s whistle. He handed them to Xavier, who lifted the whistle carefully and put it over his head. They all went out onto the basketball court, which was filled with puddles from the melting snow. They picked teams—Evan, Ivy, and Finn against Levi, Manuel, and Brianna. They gathered around Xavier, waiting for the whistle. Xavier put the whistle in his mouth and held the ball out for the toss.
“Ready?” Xavier asked.
“I’m ready,” said Levi.
Xavier blew the whistle, and Levi jumped higher than he’d ever jumped before.
Acknowledgments
B&H Publishing, Michelle, Rachel, and Gina. This project has made a family out of us—a tribe of mothers committed to mentoring the next generation. I’m so honored to be a partner with you.
Joshua Thomas Farris II. Welcome to the world, Prince Warrior. An army of godly men and women in this family are cheering for you. I’m so honored to have a great-nephew like you.
To my sons, Jackson, Jerry Jr., and Jude. When we first started dreaming up this series together, you were elementary-age children. Jude, you were still in diapers. Now, nearly a decade and four books later, you are all young men—teenagers forging your way through the tender transition of adolescence. Your father and I are watching each of you journey toward your God-given destiny in awe of how your character is building, your strengths are being magnified, and your weaknesses are becoming mighty platforms on which God’s power will be displayed. You are mighty Prince Warriors, and we are full of expectation and enthusiasm about the impact you will make for the kingdom of God. You are our life’s greatest joy and privilege.
Never forget that this series was always meant—first and foremost—to be a gift to you, to equip you for victory and give you a written account of the spiritual inheritance we desperately want you to have from us as your parents. So let Mr. J. Ar’s final words be a constant reminder of our hopes for you. . . .
“All you need to remember is this. I love you, son. I’m proud of you. You are a Prince Warrior. You will carry on my legacy.”
Mr. J. Ar lifted his sword to Levi. “I pass this to you, father to son. It will serve you as faithfully as it did me. And one day, I hope you will pass it to a son of your own.”
About the Authors
Priscilla Shirer is a homemade cinnamon-roll baker, Bible teacher, and best-selling author who didn’t know her books (The Resolution for Women and Fervent) were on the New York Times Best Seller list until somebody else told her. Because who has time to check such things while raising three rapidly growing sons? When she and Jerry, her husband of nineteen years, are not busy leading Going Beyond Ministries, they spend most of their time cleaning up after and trying to satisfy the appetites of these guys. And that is what first drove Priscilla to dream up this fictional story about the very un-fictional topic of spiritual warfare—to help raise up a new generation of Prince Warriors under her roof. And under yours.
Gina Detwiler was planning to be a teacher but switched to writing so she wouldn’t have to get up so early in the morning. She’s written several novels, including the YA fantasy Forlorn and its upcoming sequel, Forsaken. She is honored and grateful to have the opportunity to work on The Prince Warriors series with Priscilla and the wonderful B&H Kids team at LifeWay (and hopes there will be a #5!). She lives in Buffalo, New York, with her husband, Steve, and three beautiful daughters.