A Walk In The Wilderness

by Nancy Hopper

  She noticed with interest that this time, Skyler was billed as the opening act for another Christian artist and composer, a David Michael Majors. She wondered how that sat with Skyler.

  She went early, thinking that if she knew Skyler, he’d go to the hall and practice a bit. She wanted to see him alone, beforehand. To look at him and listen to him practice, wondering if there would be any clues for her to glean from.

  She went through the back door, happy that it was already unlocked, and up the stairs, past the dressing rooms to the wings. She smiled to hear music playing. The piano. It was beautiful.

  She hurried up and crept through the wings to the door.

  The music stopped abruptly, and there was a loud bang, with harsh tones; as though fists had banged on the keys. Caitlin stopped short, her heart in her throat.

  “How long? How long, Lord?” a whispered voice tore through the air. A man’s voice. “How long must I wait?” he rasped. The silence after, was tense.

  Then the keys began flowing again, slowly and melodically. “I’m sorry, Lord. I don’t mean to be impatient. I just get so tired, sometimes.”

  He began to sing. “I get tired of watching and waiting. Tired of wanting and praying. I don’t mean to be ungrateful, and I know that you know best. But I can feel her out there somewhere, needing me as I need her.

  “I can feel her heart beating, and so I lift again my prayer. Let me come out of the wilderness with my beloved on my arm. Let me find her there and keep her always, shielding her from harm. Let me love her, let me woo her, as you woo your bride the church. Count me worthy Lord, and ready now for her.”

  Caitlin put a hand to her throat. The man at the piano was not Skyler. And she had stumbled into a very intimate time of prayer. His voice was beautiful and plaintive, whispered, and yet it echoed through the hall and filled it with sound and somehow, with emotion.

  There were only blue and violet footlights on, and so she could not really see his face. He had dark hair, like Skyler’s. Longer, but more straight. He seemed taller, and broader, but his head was bent.

  Caitlin just stared, and he suddenly stopped playing. His head shot up and his eyes pierced the doorway where she stood. Though she was just peering around the edge, she knew he saw something in the darkness. She whirled and ran for all she was worth, down the hall, down the back stairs, and out the rear door. She was panting by the time she turned the corner of the building, and fell against the side of the theatre, to catch her breath. Then, she hurried on across the street, and ducked into the little restaurant there. She quickly sat at the counter, ordered a soda, and stayed put until it was time for the show.

  Her hands eventually quit shaking, but her insides never did. What she had heard, struck her heart deeply. No one should have heard that, but God.

  She went back to the theatre just before the show was ready to begin, and went in by the front door. Roland came out at the doorman’s inquiry, and escorted her inside. She was front and center, again.

  Before long, Skyler was there on stage before her, and she again admired his physical beauty and style. As always, he was looking very good. His eyes rested on Caitlin as he came forward, and she smiled up at him.

  A look of burning desire came into his eyes. Caitlin felt nothing, oddly. He was a handsome man, but he was just someone she’d met once. She knew now for certain that he was not for her. Somehow, in that moment, she just knew. They would never be more than friends. He reluctantly pulled his gaze away from her and smiled at the crowd. The concert was on.

  Caitlin enjoyed it very much from her front row seat. It was better there than behind, in the wings. She could feel the emotion sweeping through the crowd around her as Skyler played.

  He looked even slimmer than she remembered, and perhaps a bit more nervous or anxious. It was very interesting to observe him. She wondered greatly what this evening would hold for her. One thing was certain -- with Skyler involved, it would be anything but dull.

  He performed flawlessly, and he was as intense as ever. Caitlin continued to watch him curiously. When he was finished, the announcer came back on stage and hugged Skyler, as he exited. Then the announcer turned back to the crowd. There was no request for an encore.

  “Wow. That was phenomenal.” He said enthusiastically. “And phenomenal is a word that describes very few men. Skyler Vaughn is one.”

  “The gentleman that I am about to introduce to you is yet another. His name and fame precede him to Scotland; yet he’s the kind of man that doesn’t seem to know his reputation, or else he simply is not impressed by it.”

  “He is one of the most humble, friendly men I’ve ever had the pleasure to meet. He reminded me in his gentle, laid back way that he is only the servant of a great and mighty king. Ladies and gentlemen, we are blessed because he serves his king so very well. Please extend a warm welcome to Mr. David Michael Majors!”

  The crowd’s roar was deafening and it did not subside for a long, long time. The man who walked onto the stage was greeted with an even greater crescendo of applause and shouting. He smiled broadly, showing even, white teeth, and sensitive, shapely lips. The combination provided for a dazzling smile. He bowed to his audience.

  He had clear, blue eyes and loosely curled, dark brown hair. It was long enough that it fell against his shoulders. He was very broad through the shoulders, and muscular. Yet, he was slim and obviously very strong. He had high cheekbones and a short beard covering his jaw. His dark brown hair had light, almost golden highlights in it.

  His suit was black and collarless. He looked extremely sharp, with a white shirt beneath, open at the collar. Caitlin smiled as she saw Western boots on his feet. Very classy, expensive Western boots. He was unique.

  Caitlin lowered her eyes in embarrassment. It was him.

  He sat down at the piano. “Thank you very much, and good evening. Ladies and gentlemen, will you close your eyes?” he asked in a soft, low voice with a British accent. It struck Caitlin suddenly that Skyler was like a copy of this man. A rather poor copy, really, she thought. Then, she scoffed at herself. What a thing to think! She didn't know this man at all; and Skyler, just a smidge.

  It seemed an odd and completely unfair comparison, she chastised herself. Yet, there hadn't been any disrespect meant for Skyler, really ... he was tremendously good ... there was just so much more depth somehow, in this man's voice and presence... Caitlin shook her head, to rid herself of baseless, fanciful thoughts.

  The artist began to speak:

  “I want to ask you to imagine yourself sitting in the heavens. Just suspended in the heavens, at dusk. You’re pillowed in a cloud as thick and comfortable as your favorite chair and foot stool, at home.

  “Darkness is falling around you as the sun goes over the horizon. Look up now, and see the Evening Star. See the moon in the distance coming closer as it rises, and see the earth slowly turning beneath you on its axis. Then lift up your eyes, and see the Almighty Lord seated upon His throne.”

  He waited for the people to get with it, capture the vision, as the violins began to hum a soft Celtic-flavored tone; and the lights dimmed in the theatre all around them. Dark blue and violet lights came on dimly, to create the atmosphere that he wanted. Lasers created the sun and the moon, the dim shape of the Lord upon his throne for them to see, more light than detail.

  Stars began to appear above them, and the very things that the artist spoke came into being around them. Even the earth was projected so that they could see it before them. It was stupendous. A breathtaking, miraculous vision.

  “Now.” David instructed with authority, “Close the door behind you and forget the day. Forget the world. Open your ears and hear, tonight. Be blessed. Let Him minister to you. Just sit at His feet and worship Him. Let no one rob you by drawing you back to this world. But stay in this reality tonight, in His presence.”

  The theatre went totally pitch black. They heard deep, booming drums. Soon, the cadence they set was joined by the rich, low drone of sever
al cellos. Then, a plaintive flute called and began to weave its voice into the tapestry. A deep, violet light began to glow along the lower borders of the hall.

  Thousands of stars began to glimmer in the darkness above them. A saxophone began to woo and cajole, to stir their hearts and passions.

  Then, the piano began to play. Like gentle ocean waves breaking on the beach, it called to them. It was a melody so haunting, so lilting that it caused Caitlin’s heart to wrench within her breast. Just when she felt tears spring to her eyes, the tune of a sweet violin gripped her heart strings, and stretched them to snapping tension.

  It was tremendous. Overpowering. Wonderful. Terrible. It caused one to ache; to weep; to want to keen at the top of one’s lungs. The sweetness and beauty of it clashed with the power and majesty that followed, until a riot of feelings burst forth. There came then a ruthless, relentless quality in the music.

  It was a long time before David Michael Majors began to sing. When he did, it was almost more than Caitlin could stand to hear. This man could express such emotion through his fingers and voice – such passion and pain, like nothing she’d ever heard.

  “I call from the ends of the earth to Thee. My God, my God. Where are you? When my strength fails, take me to the rock that’s stronger than me. Yes, my God. I look to Thee. I will praise you Lord, and pay my vows to Thee. My God, I must abide forever before Thee. You never change. You alone can hide me. So I will sing in the shadow of your wings.”

  Though at times he was almost whispering, his voice seemed to roar and fill every part of the giant room. The voice was deep, husky, rich. But it held a cry of desperation; a compelling need. It gripped the heart and tore in its intensity.

  “Who my God is like unto Thee? Whom then shall I seek to come and rescue me? You are my source; my mighty rock, my strength. You and you alone art worthy.”

  The music exploded suddenly. “And so I sing in the shadow of your wings. Yes I run, I run, I run unto Thee. My fortress, my maker, my mighty, mighty king. I live not until I live for Thee. And I will sing ...”

  It went on and on. Caitlin was terribly glad that she didn’t have to go to work following the concert. To leave early would have wrenched her soul. She was captured, ensnared in the magic that the music wove. She was entranced completely.

  The words intermingled with long musical interludes. Tension and release. The tapestry grew rich as the voices and instruments swelled and withdrew, each in turn. She just sat stiffly, gripping the arms of her seat.

  She felt tears spilling from her eyes, and hardly noticed.

  The words of David Michael Majors were mixed with those of King David; of Moses; of Elijah, Elisha, Joshua, Micah and Joel. He sang words spoken by Ezekiel; Jeremiah; Isaiah. Of Jesus, Paul and John the Beloved.

  Caitlin could not have said which words came from the Bible and which were from David’s own heart; but he brought the words and visions from the Bible to life in living, startling color for Caitlin Kilpatrick.

  It was awesome, and beautiful. Stunning. She was breathless and full of the glory of God when he was done playing. She could never have described or given names to all the things that she felt.

  His golden glory, His rest and peace were upon her like sweet, warm honey. Part of her wanted desperately to object, to howl and keen, beg him not to stop! And part of her wanted to sit quietly, suspended so in the heavens, and soak in all that he had poured out. It was rich and complete, sweet and wholesome. How could one be so satisfied, yet left so – yearning for more?

  The piano finally drifted off into the silence, and it seemed that all of creation was perfectly still. In awe; in rest; and in rapture. Caitlin knew perfect peace, for the first time in her young life. All of them had been transported to a place where there was simply no room for the things of this world; and no one was willing to break the spell. Slowly, the house lights came up softly, revealing a sea of bowed heads. There were wet cheeks everywhere.

  “If you need this King of Peace in your life, ask Him to come. If you need Him to set your life right, ask Him now. He will come. He will comfort you and restore your heart. For He is always near to the broken-hearted.”

  “Stay here as long as you wish; and let Him touch you. Let Him bring His peace and set you free. For he whom the Son sets free … is free indeed.” he said, with a chuckle.

  Caitlin looked up at David Michael Majors as he soundlessly rose from the piano bench. He looked tired and humble, yet beautiful. His face looked lit from within. He blessed the audience, and quietly left the stage.

  A ripple of applause slowly coursed through the audience. It built until it was filled with shouts and jubilation, whistles, stamping of feet. It was a great tumult of glorious sound.

  A security guard at the end of the row held a beckoning hand to Caitlin and nodded for her to come. She stood and went along behind the curtain with him as the crowd slowly began to calm down and filter out of the building. It was interesting that they did not clamor for more.

  Yet what they had received seemed so complete, so rich and full that it seemed to have filled every need and want. They were all satisfied. Many stayed seated, with their heads bowed, simply basking in the afterglow. They were all loath to break the magic of the rest and peace that lay heavily upon the place.

  Caitlin, however, was hurled back down to the earth immediately upon her appearance backstage. Though she was floating along beside the guard in a dreamlike peace, trying to digest the performance she had just experienced, she found Skyler talking and gesturing wildly in David Michael Majors’ face.

  He seemed very angry, and was berating David , who stood quietly listening, very relaxed. As the guard drew near with Caitlin in tow, David placed a quieting hand on Skyler’s arm, and nodded to alert him of Caitlin’s approach.

  Skyler was silenced immediately. He turned and caught his breath as Caitlin approached. “Cait!” he cried. He pulled her into his arms and kissed her almost savagely on the mouth. “Dear God, how I have missed you! My love.”

  Caitlin felt shocked. Ravaged, violated! She gasped, and recoiled from his grasping arms in alarm.

  “Well, well, well.” A woman’s voice purred. A shiver ran up Caitlin’s spine at the cold and bitter tone. “Skyler, I honestly didn’t think that you had the nerve. I guess I underestimated you on this one, didn’t I?”

  Skyler whirled, shoving Caitlin away from him with a force that sent her reeling and sprawling. She would have fallen flat, if strong arms had not caught her and set her on her feet. She knew without looking that David Michael Majors had broken her fall. She felt strong, gentle hands on her arms, steadying her.

  “Connie!” Skyler gasped. “What on earth are you doing here?”

  “I came to see if the rumors were true, you little, cheating jerk! It seems that for once, they were quite accurate.”

  A thin, angular woman with very black, cropped hair tipped in bright copper and glittering, green eyes advanced on Skyler like a dangerous cat.

  Skyler visibly scrambled. “No, Connie! That's not so! This is Caitlin Kilpatrick. She’s one of my distant cousins that I told you about.”

  “Oh! And do you always kiss your cousins so passionately, Skyler? I think not,” she taunted. “I think that this is totally the little mistress that I was told you’re keeping hidden in Scotland!”

  The woman turned her malicious gaze on Caitlin. “And I’ll teach you to mess around with my man, you slut!” She promised coldly.

  A wicked blade gleamed and flashed in the air before her. Caitlin gasped. Broad shoulders immediately blocked her view. A strong, brown hand clamped over Connie’s leather-clad arm, and the knife dropped clattering to the floor.

  “No, you won't.” David Majors said quietly.

  “Who do you think you are?” Connie roared up at the considerably taller man.

  “Knock it off. You can take it up with Skyler. This girl probably doesn’t have a clue who you are, or what’s going on. Now both of you, get out of here and se
ttle this … somewhere else.” He ordered. He continued to hold Caitlin’s arm firmly, so that she stood behind him, well out of harm’s way.

  After staring venomous holes through David, who did not budge, Skyler and Connie made their exit.

  When the coast was clear, David turned sharp, disturbed eyes on Caitlin. “Are you all right?” he asked, deeply concerned.

  “Yes, thanks to you.” She answered shakily. She was obviously way out of her league. She felt she might just retch. She felt as if she'd been shattered, and left ripped and bleeding. She felt as if she were losing all the strength and joy and vitality, and peace that had been hers just moments ago.

  The security guard whistled. “Nice work, Mr. Majors.” He complimented.

  “Do you have a way home, or was Vaughn going to take you?” David asked evenly. His eyes seemed worried. As if he could see what was happening inside her.

  “Actually, the last bus ran a long time ago. Skyler was going to see me home.” She stammered. It sounded so lame and embarrassing, now.

  “Then, I’ll see that you get there. Let’s get moving before she comes back in here.” He suggested.

  He took her elbow, settled an authoritative hand in the middle of her back, and propelled her forward. He was silent as he guided her quickly down the hallways to the back door. He seemed so stern that Caitlin never even dreamed of objecting. She hadn’t a single thought about arguing. She was shaken to her core, and very grateful that there was someone who seemed to know how to take charge at the moment.

  He showed her out the back door. Just outside, Connie was busily giving Skyler the back side of her tongue. The sounds she was making seemed to strike and slap deep into Caitlin’s heart, as they went by. David pushed Caitlin quickly past, and hustled her into the back seat of a black stretch limo. No sooner had David joined her and locked the door behind him, than Connie hit the door with all her might.

  Caitlin gasped fearfully, and jumped as the screaming body hurled itself against the window next to her head. “You bloody witch, I’ll kill you! I’ll tear you limb from limb!” she railed. The sound of her voice was faint, but Caitlin heard the words very clearly.