by P A Minyard
Beth’s head turned to her left. Her eyes met with Daniel’s and her mouth fell open slightly. He began to laugh at her surprise.
“No witty retort,” Duff said. “This can’t possibly be your sister Beth.”
She turned to look at him as well, still silent from the shock. His officer’s uniform made him look distinguished and she tried not to stare.
“Who knew it was this easy to halt her speech?” Jonathan joined in at Beth’s expense.
“How could I have mistaken you for gentlemen?” she responded, taking exception to the jabs.
“Why do I always hear those words from women?” Duff replied. “Clearly, you only converse with intelligent women. Why they bother with your company is beyond me, though.” Beth had found her sharp tongue. She stepped away from Jonathan and came alongside Daniel’s horse.
Daniel reached his left hand out to her, and she grabbed it tight in her own. He could see tears forming in her eyes and watched as she turned her attention back to Jonathan.
“Mother won’t be so easily confounded,” she said.
“But she won’t be expecting me,” Daniel said. “We’ll have to turn that to Jonathan’s advantage.”
Beth let go of his hand as they started toward the house once more. They were but a short walk away, and soon were in front of the house. Duff helped Jonathan down from his horse first and handed him the reins. He then reached for Daniel, gently guiding him down from the saddle. Beth and Jonathan both watched as Daniel reacted to the jolt of pain that shot through his body when his boot hit the ground. He stooped, unable to stand up straight or take deep breaths. He cut a weaker figure than before as he slowly moved to join them.
“Duff, will you look after the horses?” Daniel asked.
Duff nodded and proceeded to lead them to the small stable behind the house.
“Beth, take Jonathan upstairs straight away and get him cleaned up. I’ll speak with Mother,” Daniel said.
The three siblings entered the house and Jonathan let the door slam behind him as he hurried up to his bedroom with Beth in tow. Daniel stood by the door.
“Jonathan! How many times must I tell you not to slam the door?!” His mother called out from the kitchen. There was no response. “Jonathan?” she called out again. Still there was silence. His mother came around the corner as she wiped her hands with a towel. Daniel stared back at her.
They were both equally surprised. A look of recognition shot across her face and she began to cry. He pulled the hat from his head, clutching it tightly in both hands as his mother approached. She reached out and touched his beard momentarily before throwing her arms around him in a fond embrace. He gasped.
“You’re hurt!” She pulled back immediately.
“It’s nothing… really,” he tried to reassure her.
“A soldier would not leave his post were it nothing.”
“But a son would hasten his return to feel the warmth of his mother’s love.”
“How you have grown!” she said, stepping back to take a good look at him.
Daniel pulled his gaze away from hers almost immediately, not wanting to further her concern. He couldn’t hide the distance he felt.
She linked her arm with his and gave a tug. “You must be tired and hungry. What can I get for you?” They walked together back to the kitchen.
“Duff is here as well,” Daniel said finally.
“There’s more than enough dinner for you both,” she said as she reached for the kettle to fill it with water. “Jonathan will be excited to see you. He’s been so lost since you’ve been gone.”
“Yes, he seemed very happy to see me,” he said, watching his mother set the kettle back down.
“Where is he?” she asked, slightly agitated.
“He’s upstairs with Beth,” Daniel said, remaining calm. “She’s helping him clean up.”
“What happened?” Her cheeks began to flush. “He got into a fight — just a scuffle, nothing more.”
“You know your father doesn’t approve of such behavior.”
“He only did what he thought was right,” Daniel replied.
“That’s not how we raised him,” his mother said, unconvinced.
“He did what I would have done,” Daniel said with conviction.
His mother paused at his words. “My little boy has turned into a man. I shall leave it to you to sway your father thus.”
Daniel bowed his head.
His mother directed him to have a seat at the kitchen table as she turned her attention to the kettle once more. She filled it with water and set it upon the stove for tea. Daniel watched as she’d start, then stop, hesitating before each move as if something other than the task at hand occupied her mind.
“How long will you be staying?” she asked.
“I’m afraid you’re stuck with this one, Mrs. Parker.” Duff entered the kitchen as if on cue. “The army has no use for him.”
She turned to find Gerald Duffy, now a young captain, grinning from ear to ear.
“Gerald, how good to see you.” She walked over and grabbed his hand, squeezing it tightly. “Thank you for bringing him home to us. Have a seat. Would you like a cup of tea?”
“Thank you, ma’am. That would be most welcome.”
She smiled as she let go of Duff’s hand, then opened the cupboard, retrieving a tea set that Daniel knew she rarely used. She filled the small bowl with sugar before setting the items before her guests.
“Something smells delicious, Mrs. Parker,” Duff piped up.
“Yes, you’re just in time. Dinner will be ready soon.” She moved about the kitchen joyfully as she poured the tea.
The discussion regarding Jonathan’s fight was long forgotten; her eldest son was home to stay. Daniel couldn’t help but notice the change in his mother’s demeanor. He was glad to see her happy, but he was uneasy with the situation. Something wasn’t right about all of this. The voice still haunted him, the vision of the young soldier still clear in his mind. His face began to drop at the thought.
“Are you tired?” his mother asked as she joined them at the table.
“I believe I am,” Daniel replied.
“You should lie down. Take some rest before we eat. I’ll send Jonathan to bring your father home to join us.”
“I can take care of that, Mrs. Parker,” Duff interjected. “There’s no need to trouble Jonathan.”
“Thank you, Gerald,” she said.
“My pleasure,” he replied. “As for you, Major, shall I help you to your room?”
“You’re enjoying all of this far too much, aren’t you?” Daniel answered, shaking his head as always at Duff.
They retreated to the stairs as Beth and Jonathan finally reappeared. Jonathan’s face had begun to bruise, but the blood had been washed away.
“Mother will not trouble you over this,” Daniel said.
“Thanks,” Jonathan replied.
“I’ll break the news to your father once I’ve put this one to bed.” Duff winked at Jonathan. “It’s best if you help your mother now.”
Jonathan shot him a look of gratitude before walking away.
“Are you not feeling well?” Beth asked.
“Just tired,” Daniel replied. “Don’t worry. I won’t miss one of Mother’s suppers.”
She smiled as she left them both.
Duff helped Daniel up the stairs and then to the end of the hall, back to his old room. “I’ll wake you for dinner,” he said before closing the door behind him.
Daniel sat on the bed and held his breath, listening as his friend walked down the hallway and then the stairs. He looked around the room and found that his mother had kept everything just as he remembered, even though he hadn’t been home in almost two years. He ducked his head and took a deep breath.
“Your wound is almost healed.”
He was startled by the voice behind him, and his eyes darted side to side, but he felt unable to move.
“One such as you should not be af
raid,” the voice continued. Daniel turned sharply and found a young soldier with fiery red hair and piercing blue eyes standing behind him. “Who are you?” Daniel asked. His heart was beating out of his chest.
“My name is Bernard, and I am your guardian.”
Daniel stared in amazement at the soldier, unable to comprehend his presence.
“You are due an explanation of all that has occurred. That is why I am here. The Father has given you a great gift and I must show you how to use it wisely.”
Ignoring the pain in his chest, Daniel lunged for the door, pulling at the knob with all his might, but was unable to open it.
“Going somewhere?” Bernard asked.
“This is madness!” Daniel called out. “You are nothing more than a hallucination. Why won’t this damn door open?” He kept pulling at the knob but to no avail.
Bernard came up from behind and placed his hand on Daniel’s shoulder. A feeling of calm spread throughout his body.
“Maybe you should sit down,” Bernard said.
Daniel turned toward Bernard. His face was now flushed and there was sweat on his brow. He closed his eyes and let out a deep breath before letting go of the door.
“Please,” Bernard said as he led Daniel back to the bed. “You must have many questions. Take your time. No one can hear us.”
“How did you get in here?”
“I am an angel. We are free to move about your world, but we only show ourselves at the Father’s request.”
“And what does the Father request of me?” Daniel asked. His heart was no longer racing, and his face had returned to normal, yet his eyes were full of wonderment at the vision before him.
“In life, you were a soldier. In death, you will be His warrior,” Bernard said.
“I don’t feel dead.” Daniel looked down at himself.
“Nor do you look it,” Bernard replied. “We cannot have you frightening those you are meant to help,” he reassured, “but in this death, you will battle a great evil, a fight for which you are well equipped.”
Daniel could see the fervor in Bernard’s eyes, but he felt no such confidence in his heart. “Who must I fight?” Daniel asked hesitantly.
“You will cross through Heaven’s gate and walk the path of righteousness, expelling demons that torment and mislead men’s souls.”
Daniel stared at the ground. He couldn’t believe what he was hearing. “Did you say demons?” His mouth went dry and his face lost all color.
“Yes. Demons, like the one who killed you.”
“That Union colonel was a demon?!” Daniel felt dizzy.
“Yes. They disguise themselves as humans to move about your world with ease.”
“Why was I the only one who saw the Union colonel?” Daniel shook his head, trying to combat the wooziness.
“That young soldier saw him too, but he is no longer here to tell his tale.”
“Then, why does Duff keep calling me a hero? Who is this Confederate officer he speaks of? Didn’t anyone else see what really happened?”
Bernard nodded. “What the others think they saw — what they believe happened — was given to them for their protection and yours as well. This demon cannot know of your existence, at least not yet.”
Daniel thought back to his encounter, remembering the strength of that colonel, how tightly his hand gripped around his neck, the vicious thrusts of the knife. He felt his heart pounding again.
“How do I fight such a force? How does anyone?”
“All in good time. There’s no need to work yourself up; I think you’ve heard enough for now. I will return when the wound has become a scar and the gate calls to you. Until then, you must gather your strength.”
Daniel watched as Bernard disappeared into thin air. He’d seen the horrors of war, seen men cut in two, and heard the bone-chilling cries of their agony, but never had he witnessed a man vanish into nothingness. He realized he was trembling like a little child afraid of a monster in the closet.
He placed his hands on his head, trying to hold back the thoughts that were crashing into each other. “Steady now, Daniel. There’s a reason for this; there’s always a reason.” He thought back to his training at the Academy; of ways to keep his head about him as everyone around lost theirs. He tried to talk himself down from the impending hysteria. A knock at the door caught him off guard.
Daniel pulled at the doorknob, half expecting it to be still stuck. It flew open with such force that it pulled his feet out from under him. His father caught him before he fell. When their eyes met, they were each taken aback at the other’s appearance. They stood across from each other, almost mirror images, with their thick, black hair and light-blue eyes. Time and war had taken their toll equally upon the two men.
His father reached out his hand and placed it across the back of his son’s neck. Daniel could feel the calluses against his skin.
“It’s good to have you home,” he said.
“Thank you, sir,” Daniel said, staring back at his father.
“Duff told me how you were injured. I’ve never heard of such bravery.”
“There are far braver men than me still upon the battlefield,” Daniel answered. “I’d rather you didn’t think so highly of it.”
“I can see the disappointment in your eyes,” his father said. “Don’t think yourself a coward because they sent you home.”
“I worry more about what you think than my own disappointment.”
“I think my son has grown to be a fine man,” his father said. “I hope you’re hungry. Though your mother will complain that you’re eating her out of house and home, she’ll be upset if you don’t finish everything she puts before you.”
“I was hoping you’d say that,” Daniel said. “I can’t tell you the last time I had real food.”
His father turned to walk away.
“About Jonathan…” Daniel began.
“Duff told me all about the fight,” he responded. “I’m not angry with Jonathan, but he doesn’t need to know that just yet.” His father looked back and shot Daniel a wink.
Downstairs, everyone sat in silence as his mother placed the food on the table. Daniel watched as Jonathan kept his eyes turned down, focusing on his empty plate. He saw Beth reach over and pat his knee in support. Jonathan glanced over at her with a look of panic, and she forced a smile. His father called for everyone to join hands before he offered up a prayer in thanks. He broke tradition that night and allowed Daniel to serve himself first. As he waited for the food to come his way, he started in on Jonathan.
“So, Jonathan, Duff tells me you had a misunderstanding at school today. If I didn’t know better, I’d say you’ve been in a fight.”
Jonathan continued to stare down at his plate.
“Well, it wasn’t much of a fight,” Daniel interjected. “He only faced down three boys.”
“Hardly worth mentioning if you ask me,” Duff played along. Daniel gently nudged Beth with his elbow before she could jump in on Jonathan’s behalf.
“I still think an explanation is in order,” his father pressed.
“It wasn’t my fault,” Jonathan stammered. “They were picking on Ben.”
“So you jumped right in, even though I’ve told you time and again that you should simply walk away,” his father said. He spoke more loudly now, and his tone was sharp.
“I couldn’t just leave him there,” Jonathan shot back. Everyone took a deep breath and watched his father’s face.
“Then, it looks as though we have two heroes in the family,” his father said as his face lifted. “Wouldn’t you agree, Duff?”
“It is an honor to share a table with such fine company,” Duff replied.
Jonathan began to beam.
“Don’t let it go to your head,” Daniel said, looking over at his brother. “He was referring to the ladies.”
“Clearly, there’s no one else of consequence,” Duff said, setting his gaze upon Beth, who blushed at his stare. “I dine with ruffi
ans all the time.”
“Before or after you’ve met with their fists?” Daniel asked as he passed the ham to Duff.
“Now, Daniel,” his mother broke in, “Gerald is merely expressing his genteel side. You could learn something from him. Right, Beth?”
Daniel watched as his sister sat frozen under Duff’s gaze.
“I’m sure Captain Duffy never lacks for refined company,” Beth struggled to say. She reached nervously for the string beans and dropped the bowl.
“Brief though those moments are,” Daniel said as he handed the bowl back to Beth. He was surprised that she was actually trembling.
“The young women today are so well educated that I barely know how to begin a conversation.” Duff turned his gaze toward Beth once more.
Daniel noticed that she could barely breathe, let alone respond. He was intrigued by her discomfort and felt the need to come to her rescue.
“Lucky for them,” Daniel said. “Why don’t you ask Jonathan for advice? The young ladies must be chasing him around the schoolyard by now.”
“I... uh... um...” he stammered. It was Jonathan’s turn to fumble, then blush.
“See?” Duff replied. “He’s as befuddled as I am.”
Everyone broke out in laughter as they continued to pass the food around.
“Not to worry, boys,” their father said, joining the fray. “In the end, you’ll find it’s the women who make the choice, and thank goodness for that.” Visibly pleased with his proclamation, he reached over and patted his wife’s hand.
5
HEAVEN’S GATE
November 25, 1860
Dear Daniel,
Thank you ever so much for the lovely cloth you had sent to the house. It shall make a beautiful dress and is by far the best birthday gift I have ever received. You spoil me as though I am a lady of importance who lives in a big city like New York. Maybe one day, should I have the good fortune of visiting such a place, I will wear that dress and all eyes will turn upon me. I do hope that you will be there to see such a spectacle.
There is nothing but the news of secession in the papers and on the lips of everyone in town. It’s as if we’ve all become gossips, relaying the latest information as it finds its way to the North. I know you are a fine soldier, but as your sister, I worry for my brother’s safety. I pray that this disagreement will not turn to bloodshed. Do not think that I call your courage into question. I only wish to see you return when your studies end in a few months.
