Submerging (The Starlight Chronicles Book 3)
Page 23
It would take time. It would not be easy. But I would do it. I didn’t deserve forgiveness, not from Raiya or from Adonaias, and Starry Knight didn’t deserve it from me.
I love you, Almeisan. I’m in love with you.
But I loved her. I loved being with her and fighting with her. I loved the dreams I had of her. I’d fallen in love with her on the other side of Time. I’d chosen to use my wish, the forbidden power of a Star, to be with her. There was a side of me that realized how foolish life had been before without her, and how there was no way I could go back to a life without her now.
And if I couldn’t trust her, I would just have to trust in what I could for the moment: Adonaias’ word, truth, and the everlasting.
AUTHOR’S NOTE
Dear Reader,
If you’re like me, you know there’s something magical about beginnings. That’s when we realize the deep, mystic movements of life, and understand how they are real, more real than anything else we can see or think or dream.
Of course, the middle part is just awful. (Most of the time.)
At least, I think the middle is the hardest part of the journey. Writing Submerging was just as important as Slumbering and Calling, but it was not as much fun. And I know why: Hard work has come, and it is time to dig deep, working through the responsibilities commitment brings.
And work is just awful. (Most of the time.)
But we need it. Case and point, the first thing God really did for man was to give him a job. We need work to grow, even as it is work.
In the believer’s journey, belief and commitment are complemented by trust, love, and learning. This is where baptism is often brought up, to symbolize solidarity with the soul of Christ in his death and resurrection. To be submerged in the realities of our faith—the acknowledgement and disparity over the sin nature and its consequences, the death of the self, and the recreation only available through the Holy Spirt—is to be inspired to work toward a Christ-centered world, a world that often includes things like love and friendship alongside work, stress, and, much to Hamilton’s dismay, even tests.
That is part of the reason this book’s focus is on the idea of consecration and sanctification, symbolized through baptism and trial. Not only is his experience with Lady Time a symbol of his commitment, but it also becomes the source of truth. Later, his commitment to this truth is tested by Starry Knight’s seeming betrayal.
Hamilton’s experiences in this book are deeply rooted in my own shortcomings; in all my life, I doubt I’ve ever found anything as difficult as forgiving the people who have wronged me. And that’s a strong tell about me, and my pride.
But Hamilton and I will go on, of course. Not easily, not painlessly, not quickly, not without rest. We’ll keep on keeping on, until the very end.
These are the things you see when you no longer see the shore of your old home, where the emotions have worn off, and something deeper has grown. This is an ongoing cycle in the believer’s life, though as unpleasant as it can be, it shows growth and maturity.
Thank you for making your way through another chapter in Hamilton’s life and adventures. We hope to see you again soon in Book 4!
Until We Meet Again,
C. S. Johnson
AUTHOR’S ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
EDITOR
Jennifer C. Sell
Jennifer Clark Sell is a professional book editor and proofreader. She works from her home in Southern California. With her years of professional and personal experience, she offers several quality packages for authors. Find her at https://www.facebook.com/JenniferSellEditingService.
Photo Credit: Savannah Sell
AUTHOR’S ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
COVER ILLUSTRATOR
Amalia Chitulescu
Amalia Iuliana Chitulescu is a digital artist from Campina, Romania. Raised in a small town, this self-taught artist has a technique which is delineated by the contrast between obscurity and enlightenment, using dark elements in a dreamy world. Her areas of expertise include the use of theatrical concepts to create a macabre and surrealistic world that still maintains a highly recognizable attachment to reality. Bridging a diaphanous environment with light elements, an eerie view, she creates a dream world of dark beauty, done with a blend of photography and digital painting. Find her at https://www.facebook.com/Amalia.Chitulescu.Digital.Art
Photo Credit: Amalia Chitulescu
Table of Contents
☼1☼ Expectancy
☼2☼ Work
☼3☼ More Work
☼4☼ Aletheia
☼5☼ School
☼6☼ Inquiry
☼7☼ Concern
☼8☼ More Concern
☼9☼ Questions
☼10☼ Celebration
☼11☼ Sailing
☼12☼ Lady Time
☼13☼ Submergence
☼14☼ Draco
☼15☼ Knowing
☼16☼ Surfing
☼17☼ Return
☼18☼ Confusion
☼19☼ Surprises
☼20☼ Confrontation
☼21☼ Conflicted
☼22☼ Accusations
☼23☼ Treachery
☼24☼ Truth
☼25☼ Gifted