Master Potter

by Jill Austin

  Beloved sits, dumbfounded, staring into the fire and wondering if the last few minutes were real, or if she’ll wake up from a dream.

  CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE

  A SIGN IN THE HEAVENS

  Like brilliant diamonds, stars sparkle and dance across the cobalt blue sky as it quickly deepens into black velvet. Amazing Grace promises he will always be near, but Beloved will have to take many risky steps in the realm of faith as she follows him.

  Looking up into the starry night, Amazing Grace singles out one particularly radiant star. “Master Potter has put a sign in the skies for you to follow. It will show you the way back to Him. Remember this—things are not always as they seem, but I will never be far away.

  “The wilderness will test you and also teach you of Master Potter’s faithfulness. You must follow the star. If you wander from its path, you will be in danger. Always use the guidance Master Potter provides for you.”

  WANDERING IN THE WILDERNESS

  He quietly departs, blending into the darkness and leaving her gazing at the brilliant star. She watches it move across the deepening night sky, illuminating the path below. Afraid to stay where she is by herself, she quickly follows.

  The hot days and chilly nights are uncomfortable and dreary. Tormenting demonic spirits become her unseen companions as she trudges deeper into the wilderness. Lonely and exhausted, she stumbles on into the darkness. Jagged rocks have torn her dress and her legs are cut and bruised from falls she’s taken. Every muscle and joint aches with fatigue!

  Waves of anger and resentment crash over her tormented mind and hot tears well up in her eyes, “Lord,” she shouts, “what are You doing to me? Why have You abandoned me? I don’t even know where my guide is. Oh, I’m so lonely. I feel like I’m back in the Potter’s Field.” She heaves a big sigh and sits down beside the trail to take a break.

  From behind the next hill Death spews to his motley army of demons, “We’ve got her now. This is the opportunity we’ve been waiting for. I knew she’d give up as soon as she got away from the Potter’s House and all His gooey, lovey-dovey compliments. She’s tired, hungry and lonely and that makes her very vulnerable.”

  One of the little demonic imps says, “What she needs is tall, dark and handsome.”

  “Yes,” says Death smiling, “and I’ve got just the man. Our elaborate network stretches to the community in the valley below. Send out an SOS. They must trap her with the beautiful things this spoiled little princess can’t live without. Quickly let them know of her presence.

  “Once we’ve got her, Master Potter will never get her back, and I’ll be vindicated by my master.” He drools at the thought. “Backslidden, Self-Pity, go to her now. Just be careful of her guide and that stupid angel.”

  The two vile spirits move in slowly, wrapping their long tentacles around her head, whispering poisonous words of despair and doubt into her weary soul. Without understanding what’s going on, Beloved succumbs to their evil embrace and wallows deeper into despair.

  Days and nights blend together in a blur of confusion as she seeks desperately to follow her star and find her guide. Occasionally, Amazing Grace mysteriously appears leaving water and food. Whenever she spots him she takes off running after him with every ounce of strength she can muster, crying out, “Please stay! I’m so alone and afraid. I could die out here! Don’t you care? You’re a terrible guide. You’re supposed to take care of me!”

  As always, Valiant stands close by.

  Beloved learns that it’s better to travel through the cool nights and sleep during the stifling days. The terrain is difficult and barren. Eventually she can do little more than hobble along on cracked, bleeding and blistered feet. The journey she told herself would be over quickly has now dragged into several months.

  She prays to Master Potter and calls out to her guide using every manipulative technique she knows—weeping, crying, beseeching, praying loudly in the Spirit, and even stomping her bruised little feet! Anything to convince Master Potter she’s ready to be rescued right now! Immediately! Still, Heaven seems silent to her cries.

  CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR

  ENCHANTER

  Late that very night, Beloved sees the dim glow of a lantern swaying back and forth as it winds around the narrow path. As she continues to watch, the amber light draws closer and reveals a dark-haired, handsome man with a curly black beard and mesmerizing green eyes.

  Meeting her at a fork in the road he smiles warmly and asks, “Are you the one who is lost? We received word that someone needed help. I volunteered to go out and look while the others stayed to pray. These mountains are dangerous at night, especially for a beautiful woman like you.”

  Blushing at the obvious flattery, she tells him, “Thank you so much. I’ve been wandering around for months and seem to have lost my guide.”

  Taking out a ram’s horn, he blows three loud blasts. “This is to let everyone know that I found you and that we will be down shortly.”

  She tries not to stare, but she can’t seem to take her gaze off his tall frame, draped under layers of splendid fabric. His white silk tunic is covered by a loose, purple robe heavily embroidered in golden geometric shapes around the neck, down the front and around the sleeves. His white, flowing head cover is secured in place with a woven black rope wound several times around his head and fastened in front with a large, dramatic silver pin dotted with multicolored stones. Around his neck are several strands of mesh chains with dangling pendants and coins. On his finger is a large gold ring with what she supposes is his family crest.

  He gestures toward the wide, expansive desert floor. “Do you see those campfires over there? That’s my home. Why don’t you come with me?” he says in a seductive, inviting voice.

  In the distance she sees large clusters of lights illuminating the darkness. Master Potter must have sent him as the answer to my prayers. There must be hundreds of tents down there. I need a safe place to spend the night, and I need some food.

  “You can spend the night, and we’ll give you fresh provision and send you on your way when you regain your strength. You must be cold and hungry.” His warm, inviting voice makes her want to throw herself in his arms so he can take care of her.

  Shivering, Beloved looks up to see the brilliant star moving away from the campfires. She looks back to the stranger, “Now I’m confused! Master Potter gave me a guide who told me to follow that star. It seem like it’s moving away from here.”

  “Who ever heard of following a star—really?” said the handsome stranger. “A star will never lead you out of this darkness, for stars need darkness to shine! I’ve lived in this desert for years, and I know the way better than any star. I’ll guide you into the light, and to safety and protection.”

  A gentle, warm breeze rushes past Beloved. Out of the soft wind a still small voice whispers, “Don’t trust him, Beloved! Follow the star.”

  Beloved’s immediate needs are all she can think of, and she’s feeling quite drawn to the stranger. She brushes the voice aside, reasoning to herself: It’s ridiculous to follow this stupid star. I probably didn’t hear my guide right. Anyway he abandoned me, and it’s obvious Master Potter sent this man to help.

  TALL, DARK AND HANDSOME

  The stranger draws near and Beloved is increasingly impressed by his charm. “Let me introduce myself. I’m Enchanter. My father is Pastor Beguiler, head of the religious community you see below. I know Master Potter, and I’m sure it’s His divine providence that we got word you were lost and in need of help.”

  Amazing Grace’s gentle urging intensifies, “It’s a trap. My star will lead you back to the Potter’s House, Beloved. You must follow me.”

  Beloved struggles. Should she follow the prompting of Amazing Grace? Or, should she go with this obviously wealthy, olive-skinned handsome stranger to a place of warmth and comfort from the harsh wilderness?

  He said he knows Master Potter. This must be a divine appointment! I can’t stay out here forever. Looking at th
e inviting community below and back to the mountainous trail, she thinks, I’m so dried out. I just need a day or two and then I can get back on the path.

  Finally, she turns to Enchanter, lifts her face up to his and smiling sweetly, looks deep into his green eyes and says, “My name is Beloved.”

  He slips out of his majestic, purple robe and places it around her shoulders. “Beloved! What a beautiful name. Why, you’re shivering! You poor thing! Let me take care of you.” Beloved can now see the outline of his lean, muscular frame, cinched in at the waist with a scarlet belt.

  Flattered and enjoying the attention, Beloved smiles and warmly tells him, “Oh, thank you. How nice of you to notice—I’m actually freezing out here!”

  “Of course you’re freezing. That light dress is hardly practical for cold desert nights. You’ll be warm in just a minute.”

  The warmth of the cloak feels so good compared to the harsh desert night. Beloved snuggles into it, wrapping it tightly around herself. At the same time, a cold demonic haze subtly settles over her mind, clouding her spiritual perception. Deep inside her lonely soul she justifies her choices. I’m entitled to be warm and have new friends. After all, I’ve been abandoned out here and no one else but Enchanter seems genuinely interested in my welfare.

  Enchanter reaches out to take her hand. Hesitating for just seconds, she finally places her hand in his and they walk down the path toward the camp together by the light of the lantern. He jokes, tells stories, laughs and succeeds in drawing Beloved’s attention away from everything else but him.

  She finds herself becoming increasingly comfortable with him. Her initial hesitation long gone, Beloved is swept up into his physical attractiveness, charismatic personality, obvious wealth and good breeding.

  She begins to secretly wonder, Is Enchanter destined to be my husband? Master Potter knows my desire for a godly man and He did send him to rescue me.

  AN OASIS

  By the time they arrive at the oasis, Beloved feels Enchanter is her friend. She hangs intently on his every word. He explains that he is a member of a committed and devout religious commune named Deeper Life. Arriving at the campsite, she’s relieved to see friendly people standing around campfires, cooking and warming themselves in the chilly night air.

  What a wonderful sight after her lonely pilgrimage in the mountains. Here are people, potential friends, talking and smiling, welcoming her into the group with genuine warmth and excitement. A darling little boy runs up to them and pulls them over to his family’s campfire.

  They’re greeted warmly and invited to the evening meal. It’s obvious the family is thrilled to have Enchanter dine with them. They fawn and fall all over him, trying to anticipate his every whim.

  He must be really important, she thinks.

  Seated cross-legged next to Enchanter around a big bowl of rice and lamb, she can’t wait to begin. It’s been so long since I’ve had a hot meal. Since she is unfamiliar with these customs, she carefully watches Enchanter’s every move. Following his lead she scoops up bites of the food on pieces of flat bread and savors each bite as the spices saturate her mouth.

  Feeling happier than she’s been in a long time, she rambles on and on to Enchanter and his friends about how he rescued her on the trail.

  “Now for dessert,” he announces, picking up a plate of dates. “These grew in my family’s date grove. We own the only grove here and we have a reputation for growing the finest dates. The merchants that come through with the caravans buy all the excess that the community can’t use.” He slowly picks up a date and, looking deeply into her eyes, holds it to her mouth. Putting her hand on his, she bites into the date, savoring its sweetness and the sexual tension between them. Deep feelings, which had been long dormant, stir in Beloved.

  He puts his arm around her as they watch the young boy dance for them while the father plays a mandolin.

  Enchanter makes arrangements for her to spend the night with this family and welcomes her again to Deeper Life Commune before retiring for the evening. “I’ll be back for you first thing in the morning.”

  “Isn’t he wonderful?” she asks her new friends.

  She snuggles deeply into the cloak he placed over her shoulders and drifts off to sleep in the family’s tent.

  Off in the distance, overlooking the commune, the shrouded figure of Amazing Grace confers with Valiant as he shakes his head sadly, longing for Beloved’s return.

  CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE

  DEEPER LIFE

  The morning sun is just cresting the mountains. Beloved awakens from what has been her first good night’s sleep in months. She feels refreshed, although the rest allowed her to realize how many aches and pains were screaming at her. Grabbing her bruised, swollen feet, she massages them gently.

  As she snuggles down again comfortably under Enchanter’s robe she listens to the cacophony of noises outside in the distance—people, animals, music. What’s going on out there? she wonders.

  “Beloved, are you awake?” Enchanter’s soothing voice coos from outside the tent. “Just a minute,” she responds as she does her best to fix her hair and dress.

  She gasps as she steps outside into an opulent desert oasis. Lush ferns and colorful desert flowers grow around ornately decorated tents. Golden tassels, silver bells and balls decorate their impressive, huge exteriors. It’s immediately apparent that this is no ordinary campsite. Prosperity exudes from the surroundings of this obviously wealthy section of the commune. Huge sand dunes surround them, giving a limited vision of the desert beyond and a false sense of security.

  Her attention is drawn to a group of distinguished men entering a large multicolored pavilion. A cluster of majestic palm trees shade the tent from the burning sun. Over the entryway to the tent is a large golden banner with the name, Deeper Life Community Church, boldly emblazoned in beautiful script.

  Turning her around to face him, Enchanter says, “I would love to show you Deeper Life. But why don’t I take you to my mother’s first? Freshen up a little bit and then I’ll give you the grand tour.”

  The gentle yet firm pressure of his arms excites her. Gazing into his deep green eyes, she suddenly wonders what she must look like. Beloved quickly drops her head in embarrassment.

  MEETING HIS MOTHER

  Soon they arrive at the most prominent tent, tan in color. The tent’s many decorative tassels dangle and sway in the gentle breeze. The entrance, formed by fastening back the two tent flaps, is covered with a billowy sheer silk panel. Ferns and desert plants growing in large, decorative blue and white pots are clustered on both sides of the entrance. Enchanter pushes the sheer panel aside and Beloved follows him into the tent. Two servant girls, dressed in bright colors and with veils across their faces, bow low in greeting.

  Beloved looks around at the inside “walls” of rich tapestry brocade in a subtle ivory on white pattern. Light floods inside through the same kind of billowy silk panel that covers the doorway. Looking down, she’s surprised to see she’s standing on a plush, multihued Persian rug as big as the tent. Its dark, wide border contrasts with the light center of floral design. In the middle of the tent is a low mahogany table, surrounded by overstuffed, multicolored pillows of silk and damask scattered around it. On the table is a huge vase of fresh flowers and greenery and a blue oriental tea set. I had no idea a tent could be opulent. My room at Madam’s wasn’t this nice.

  The partition at the end of the tent opens and Enchanter’s mother steps out. The two servants by the door bow.

  Now I know where Enchanter gets his good looks, thinks Beloved. Mrs. Beguiler is so attractive she looks more like Enchanter’s sister than his mother—the same dark complexion, the same dark hair, even the green eyes.

  “This is the little lost lamb I found in the wilderness. You won’t believe what a beautiful name she has to adorn her lovely personality,” Enchanter says with his usual flair. “Her name is Beloved. We must be living right to have such a fine vessel come among us. Don’t you agree? M
other, we simply must urge her to bless us with her lovely presence for awhile.”

  Taking Beloved’s hand she replies, “You’re most welcome here, dear one. You must be tired after your long journey. I’m glad Enchanter was able to find you. I’m not sure how much longer you would have lasted in the desert with those city clothes. You must be from Comfort Cove.”

  “Well…er…I was. I used to live there,” Beloved stammers as she feels her face flush. What if they know the influential people at Comfort Cove and they find out about my past? Maybe they know Madam or Mayor Lecherous.

  She feels her heart beating and tries to take shallow breaths to calm herself. Enchanter says, “When I was a child our family went to the seashore there, but I haven’t been to Comfort Cove for years. Every once in a while travelers come through from there, though.”

  Beloved is desperate to change the subject. “Well, you’re right. This dress didn’t keep me warm at all. I see your clothes are perfectly suited to this climate.”

  “Yes, they are, and I’m sure I can find something suitable for you to wear.”

  Suddenly Beloved is very self-conscious. She watches the way that Mrs. Beguiler carries herself; she notices the elegant flow of the long dress and jewelry. Every mannerism is refined, graceful and dignified.

  Always animated, Enchanter tells them, “I have an important meeting with Father and the elders but I should be back early this afternoon to show you around. I know you’ll take good care of our beautiful guest, Mother.” Enchanter smiles widely.

  “Please sit, Beloved,” says Mrs. Beguiler, motioning toward the low table. “The tea is freshly brewed.” Beloved crosses her legs and awkwardly shifts her weight to get centered on a royal blue embroidered pillow. With every graceful move of Mrs. Beguiler’s hands her exquisite silver bangles jingle like the sound of a bell. As she pours the tea, Beloved gazes at the fine embroidery on the emerald green silk dress. Mrs. Beguiler’s dark hair highlights her dangling gold earrings with inset rubies. The matching ruby and gold pendant hangs around her neck.