by Chris Wright
"But going downhill too fast can sometimes lead to difficulties," Samuel tells him, which I think is a pretty clever observation.
I'm learning quickly that taking the easy way can lead to big troubles. "I would much rather be going up a hill to the King's City, than down toward the evil prince's country," I say.
"Well said," Greatheart agrees, "and when you reach the King's City you'll be so happy that you'll forget all the trouble you've had on your journey."
Clasping his fingers tightly round those of his guide, James climbs briskly. In a few minutes a pleasant shelter comes in sight, and we hurry towards it.
"Oh," Mercy sighs, "it is good to rest when you're tired. Our King is kind to make such a cool shady place for his pilgrims."
"You see," Greatheart tells us, "the King's Son has travelled this path himself, so he knows how hard it is, and understands why pilgrims need a resting place." He calls Joseph and James and asks them how they like their pilgrimage.
"I didn't like it at all just now," Joseph says, sounding especially grown up, "but I must thank you for helping me."
"Would you like something to eat while you're resting?" I ask everyone. "When we were leaving his house, Interpreter gave us a pomegranate and a piece of honeycomb, and something to drink."
"I didn't like to ask what he was giving you," Mercy says, laughing. "I thought it might be something you wouldn't want to share."
"I think the King wants us to share everything," I say, as I unpack the food and divide it among all of us, asking Greatheart to take some. But the young soldier refuses, saying he'll be going back to Interpreter later, where there will be plenty of food for him.
"You're young pilgrims," he says, "so you must make the most of what has been provided for you."
CHAPTER 57
Lions!
We sit quietly in the King's shelter, eating our food and talking happily together, while Greatheart stands in the doorway. "We mustn't rest too long," he warns us. "We still have some distance to go before we reach the top of the hill, and the sun will soon be setting."
Joseph and James spring up at once, and start off ahead of everyone. All their bravery seems to have come back, and I hear them whispering to each other that they won't mind if they do meet a lion.
"Greatheart says the King is good, and we know he took care of Christian," I hear Joseph say.
James agrees. "And if we love him, I don't think there's any need to feel frightened."
When I see my two young brothers set off so quickly, I try to keep up with them. We didn't finish the bottle of refreshing drink just now, and I feel thirsty. I suddenly realise I must have left it in the King's shelter where we were eating.
I call to Samuel, and ask him to run back to look for it. While we're waiting, Greatheart says, "That's the place where Christian lost his Roll of Faith. It seems to be a forgetting place for some pilgrims."
He tells us about other pilgrims who had to turn back to look for something they left there. I ask Greatheart why that should be.
"It's because they're careless," Greatheart tells me. "They get tired climbing the hill, and their rest makes them feel comfortable and happy. Often they sit there too long, and forget about the King -- or even fall asleep. Then they jump up in such a hurry that they're almost sure to drop something without noticing."
Samuel returns with the bottle in his hand, and before going any farther we all make sure we have our Rolls of Faith.
We're climbing steadily up the hill, when Greatheart stops. "Lions," he says say, signalling to us to stay back.
"Where?" we all ask together in fright.
Greatheart laughs. "I didn't mean to alarm you," he says, "but this is where Christian met Mistrust and Timorous. They frightened him by saying they'd seen two lions on the hill."
"Are the lions here now?" Joseph asks.
Greatheart stands with his sword in his hands. "Yes, but there's no need to be scared of them."
Joseph looks at his three brothers. "I don't want to meet a lion," he says shakily. "It might be very fierce. We'd better keep behind Greatheart."
"You loved going in front when there was no danger, and now you love to go last," Greatheart says to them, but I know he's only joking.
The sun has already set, and the shadows are deepening every moment. As we go forward slowly, two lions jump out of the bushes and roar loudly. Joseph and James scream equally loudly and begin to shake with fear. They hide behind Greatheart who has drawn his sword, holding it in his hand ready to strike the lions if they spring forward.
"The beasts are chained," Greatheart says after a moment.
I can see the chains now, glistening in the darkness. "The path between them looks so narrow," I say, trying to sound brave so as not to worry my brothers.
"Keep in a single line in the centre of the path," Greatheart tells us. "I can't pretend otherwise, but these savage creatures sometimes try to seize pilgrims."
Mercy gasps and puts her hand to her mouth. "Look, there's a terrible giant standing behind the lions."
Greatheart stops. "I know who he is," he tells us. "His name is Grim. He's made a home for himself here, and he's taught the lions to frighten any pilgrims who are passing."
Giant Grim sees us and steps into the narrow path, holding the manes of the two lions. Greatheart strides boldly forward, but we all stand back, waiting to see what is going to happen.
"What business have you to walk on this path?" the giant roars.
Greatheart raises his sword, "I am taking these young pilgrims to the Celestial City."
"This isn't the way to the City," Grim shouts "If you try to get past, and I will make my lions tear you in pieces."
I look in front and can see grass growing up through the stone path. The giant must have frightened the King's pilgrims so much that hardly anyone comes this way now. I wonder if they've forgotten that the King's Son will take care of them. I remember what Wisdom told me before I left home, and call out, "We're not afraid. Our King's Son is with us, and he'll bring us safely past your lions."
When Giant Grim hears my voice he laughs, and says we're not going another step further towards the Celestial City.
Greatheart keeps on his way, and we creep after him. His armour glints in the shadows. In a moment his sword flashes through the air, and the giant moves back a few paces.
"Do you think you can kill me on my own ground?" Giant Grim shouts at us.
"This path belongs to the King," Greatheart tells him. "Stand and defend yourself. If you won't let these young pilgrims pass, I will fight you for them."
CHAPTER 58
Watchful
Greatheart raises his sword as Giant Grim stoops down to unfasten the lions' chains. But before the giant can release them, Greatheart's sharp weapon crashes through the giant's helmet and he falls on his knees. He tries to get up, but with another blow from his sharp sword Greatheart cuts off one of the giant's arms. Then Giant Grim roars so hideously that his voice scares us all, and we are glad to see him lie sprawling on the ground.
With a powerful blow from his sword, Greatheart cuts off the giant's head. James says, "Wow!" and Greatheart turns round to look for us. Mercy has hidden her face, but I was watching every moment of the battle, though when the giant roared with pain I couldn't help feeling sick. Greatheart holds out his hand to me.
"Come," he says confidently, "there's no danger now. We're nearly at the House Beautiful. Keep close to me and the lions won't hurt you. Their master is dead, and they're too frightened to spring at anyone."
We see the lions cowering on the ground as we follow Greatheart to the lodge, which is just inside the gates of the large house. A man holding a lantern looks out of a window and asks who we are.
"Greetings, Watchful. It is I, Greatheart," our guide calls.
"I recognise you," Watchful says. "Wait there, I will come down and open the gates."
A few moments later Watchful unlocks the heavy gates. "How now, Greatheart, what is your b
usiness here so late tonight?" he asks.
"I have brought some pilgrims here to stay," Greatheart says, pointing to us. "I know I'm late, but the giant who used to look after the lions caused us some trouble."
"Used to look after the lions?" Watchful asks. "Do you mean to say Giant Grim is dead?"
"Greatheart cut his arm off," Joseph said.
"And he smashed the giant's head open with his sword," James adds. "Then he cut it right off. It was ever so exciting."
It's excitement I could have done without, but I'm glad the danger is over -- not just for us, but for other pilgrims who will be coming this way later.
"Are you going to stay the night as well, Greatheart?" Watchful asks.
James goes close to Greatheart and grips his hand, "Please, please stay with us. I'll never forget how brave you've been, and how much you've helped us."
"I will go with you gladly," Greatheart tells him, "but I must first seek permission from Interpreter, my master. I have to go back tonight, but I'll tell him what you say, and perhaps he will let me come to you again. You should have begged him to let me go on with you, and I'm sure he would have granted your request. However, at present, I must withdraw. So, good Christiana, Mercy and my brave boys, farewell."
Greatheart is soon out of sight, for it's now completely dark.
Watchful turns to me and asks who I am, and where I've been living. I tell him, and he seems pleased to hear I was Christian's friend. He says everyone in the house liked Christian when he stayed here, and they've always remembered how he told them about me.
Watchful takes us across to the house and rings the front doorbell. The young woman who answers it goes quickly back inside with Watchful's message. I hear a commotion in the house, and my name is being called out in great excitement.
A girl who says her name is Prudence hurries out with two other girls to welcome us. Prudence explains that they have often talked about Christian, and are excited to know that I'm here now. She tells us that their oldest sister, Discretion, has gone away to work for the King in another place. The other two sisters introduce themselves as Piety and Charity. They kiss us in welcome, and this time even the boys seem to welcome their attention.
CHAPTER 59
Mercy's Dream
We feel exhausted and want to go straight to bed, but Prudence insists we have something to eat first. I think she's probably right, for food will help rebuild our strength.
"Supper is ready," Prudence calls, when we've all had a wash. She leads us through the large hall. "I don't think we ought to tire you out tonight with too much talking. I want you to sleep well, and tomorrow you can tell us about your journey here."
There is so much food that it looks as though Prudence has been expecting us. "Did you hear we were coming?" I ask.
Prudence smiles. "Yes," she says, "news travels fast when pilgrims are on the Way. And you are of course welcome to our hospitality."
Prudence speaks so gently that I take courage, and say, "I don't know if I ought to ask for anything, but if you'd let me sleep with Mercy in the room where my friend Christian slept, we'd be so happy."
Prudence says no one is using the room, and she'll be pleased to let us have it. She adds that she'll give the adjoining room to my four brothers.
I lie awake for a long time, talking quietly with Mercy in the bed opposite about all that's happened since we left the City of Destruction. I tell her I can remember the day I first heard that Christian started his journey. "I didn't think I'd ever be a pilgrim myself," I add.
Mercy laughs. "And you never thought you'd stay in this grand house, and sleep in the room where Christian slept."
This makes me sigh. "In a way he was like one of my own brothers. An older brother. I was so upset when he went away, but I'm happy now I know he's with the King. Isn't it wonderful? Some day I'll meet Christian in the Celestial City."
"Listen," Mercy says suddenly, "I can hear music. I'm sure I can. And singing too. Did you ever hear anything so beautiful?"
We lie still, while below in the hall the King's servants sing his praises before they go to rest. The music stops and we whisper goodnight to each other and I close my eyes, feeling happier than I've ever felt before.
I'm awake now, and daylight is streaming through the window. I tell Mercy she was laughing in her sleep. "Did you have a dream?" I ask.
Mercy's eyes shine, "I had a lovely dream. Did I really laugh?"
Did she! She woke me up several times in the night with her laughter. "What did you dream about?" I ask, laughing myself now.
Mercy's eyes are shining with delight. "It was strange, Christiana. I dreamt I was all alone, crying because I kept thinking what a bad person I was inside, and I knew I wasn't fit to be calling myself a pilgrim. Some of my friends came and demanded to know why I was crying. When I told them that my life wasn't pleasing to the King, they made fun and pushed me about, which made me cry even more."
I nod encouragingly at Mercy, willing her to go on. The dream must have had a big effect on her, although it doesn't sound like anything to laugh about. Not so far, anyway.
Mercy nods -- more to herself than to me, I think. "At last I looked up and saw an angel coming down, who said, 'What's the matter, Mercy?'"
I almost feel jealous of Mercy for getting a dream about an angel. "What did you tell the angel?" I ask.
Mercy smiles. "I told him I felt miserable. Then he said, 'Peace be to you,' and wiped my eyes with his handkerchief, and dressed me in silver and gold. He put a chain round my neck, and earrings in my ears, and a beautiful crown on my head Then he took me by the hand, and said, 'Mercy, come after me.' So he went up, and I followed until we came to some Golden Gates."
"What happened next?" I ask, for I've never had a dream anything like this.
Mercy is smiling now, as though she's remembering something good. "The angel knocked, and when the Gates were opened we went in. I followed the angel up to the King's throne, where the King said to me, 'Welcome, my daughter.' The place looked bright and twinkling, like the stars, or rather like the sun. And then I woke up. Are you sure I laughed?"
"Yes, and I don't wonder, when you had such a good dream," I tell her.
"Well," she says, "I hope it won't be long before I really see the King on his throne."
I'm so glad to hear Mercy's dream, but I think it must be time for us to get up, and I'm going to try to wake the boys.
CHAPTER 60
The Sisters
"If they invite us to stay here for a few nights, let's accept," Mercy says as we get dressed. "I'd like to get to know Prudence, Piety and Charity better."
"We'll have to see what they want us to do," I tell her, wishing deep down that we can indeed stay a little longer.
After breakfast, Prudence asks if we slept well. Mercy's eyes light up and she answers quickly, as though she's been planning what to say. "We did. This is the best place I've ever stayed in."
Prudence looks pleased. "You can stay for a few weeks, if you think you'll be happy here."
"Oh, yes," I say excitedly. "We'd enjoy it enormously."
We agree to spend a whole month at the House Beautiful, and during this time many good things happen. Sometimes Prudence calls my brothers together to find out what they know. I've been trying to teach them more about the King and his Son, and I'm pleased to hear them answer so well. All except Matthew.
For some reason I can't understand, Matthew refuses to listen to Prudence or answer her questions. Now I come to think of it, Matthew has been moody ever since we came through the Wicket Gate. I hope he's not going to be ill.
"You must always try to remember what your sister Christiana teaches you," Prudence says to my brothers. "Then you'll be able learn more about the King and his Son. You're all so fond of reading, and that's a good thing, but you can be sure you'll never find anything better than the King's Book that Christian loved so dearly. There are stories in it for pilgrims of all ages, and wise teaching from the King's Son himse
lf. The more you read it, the more you will grow to love it, for it will teach you how to serve the King faithfully."
Mercy has always been good with the needle and thread, and it isn't long before she organises the three sisters into a sewing circle, making and mending clothes that can be given to those in need. When I see them hard at work I offer to join in, and soon we have quite a pile of clothing ready for ironing. When we run out of material, somehow Mercy seems to find something to patch up with her needle and thread.
One afternoon a boy named Brisk calls at the house. He seems bright and good-natured, but although he sometimes mentions the King and his Son, I can't help thinking he's only doing it to keep in with the three sisters. I also think he's rather fond of Mercy.
When he goes home I ask Prudence and her sisters about him, and they tell me they're hoping he'll become a true servant of the King. It seems he often calls at the house, but Prudence has never been able to persuade him to become a pilgrim. He says he's too busy to find time to begin his journey. I remember Christian saying the same thing about his own father.
Brisk comes in one morning and sits close to Mercy. He tells her he thinks she's the most beautiful girl he's ever seen, and invites her to go with him to meet his brothers and sisters. Mercy is busy sewing, and says she has a great deal of work to do.
Brisk comes to the house nearly every day to talk to Mercy, and tell her how pretty she is.
"He's a pleasant boy," Mercy tells me, "but he won't be a good friend for me if he doesn't love the King."
So whenever Brisk comes, Mercy makes sure she has plenty of sewing to do, and doesn't take much notice of him.
CHAPTER 61
Matthew's Illness
Brisk looks upset when he realises Mercy doesn't want to bother with him, and one day he says to her, "You're always too busy sewing to talk to me."
Mercy looks up, smiling. "Yes," she says, "there's always plenty to do."
"How much do you get paid?" Brisk asks.
Mercy smiles. "I don't do it for money."
"What do you do it for, then?"
"I'm making some clothes for Charity. She gives them to people in need."
Brisk seems surprised, and Mercy can't help looking across at me and smiling. Brisk sees us smiling and tells Mercy, yet again, that she's very pretty, but this time he's not coming back, as she must have something wrong with her head if she has such foolish ideas about helping the poor.
