Valley of Valor (Noble Heart Book 6) Page 8

  “I will try. I know this land well, of course, in the daylight and when it is not covered with water. It is a very different story right now.” The boy’s teeth were chattering in his head so loudly Noble could hear them clacking together even ten feet away.

  “I know. You will do just fine, Jasper. I have every bit of confidence in you. How is Beryl doing?”

  “I-I am fine, Sir Noble,” he heard the little boy answer for himself. “My-my fingers are all white, though, and wrinkly! They look funny—but I am having trouble holding onto the tree now. My hands don’t want to work anymore!”

  Noble looked around him. There was all kind of debris floating in the water around him. Mostly it was trees and branches, but he spotted one of the stools from the cottage and a large piece of the door. “Ruby, can you hang onto this branch very tightly,” he asked the little girl, “for just a moment while I try to reach that door? Maybe we could use it for a little boat for you and Beryl.”

  “Don’t leave me, Noble!” she cried out in fear and tightened her grip.

  “I promise you, Ruby, I will only take three steps away and be right back! See, just wrap your arms around this branch and you’ll be just fine! Do you trust me?” Ruby nodded slowly and reached for the branch.

  True to his word, Noble was back in less than a minute. “Look what I found!” he cried out triumphantly. He held up his hand. “Rope! One long section and several shorter pieces. They were tangled in some branches on the other side of the door! They are the same ones that were used to bind us, William, I’ll wager! Now, let us see what we can do with them!”

  He wrapped the long piece around the width of the door and tied it tightly. “Here, Ruby and Beryl! We have a little raft for you! You see, if you sit here in the center and hold onto the rope you will not fall off! I will push you then through the water and you shall have a little ride! How does that sound?”

  Beryl gave a weak little cheer and Ruby nodded, trying to smile with her bluish lips. Noble lifted her onto the makeshift boat and set her right in the middle. It wobbled at first, and she gasped, but Noble quickly steadied it and showed her how to hold onto the rope. Then he pushed the door over to Beryl and the little boy carefully climbed aboard. There was just enough room for the two of them to sit face to face with the rope between them. Beryl grinned. He had never had a boat ride before, and this one would do just fine!

  “What about the baby?” Noble asked William. As much as he wanted to get her out of the water, she seemed too small to sit quietly and not fall off. He was not sure if the broken door was big enough to hold the weight of all three, anyhow.

  William shook his head. “She is sleeping and I think it is better that we not disturb her. I am trying to keep her up out of the water as much as possible and holding her closely to keep her warm as much as I can. She is better off with me, I think.”

  “Well, then, let us use one of these ropes to tie her to your chest, William. It will help you to carry her, and keep her secure if you should slip.” He helped bind the baby to William and then stepped back. “Alright, then. Jasper, are you ready? You may walk with me and help me push our raft. William, walk closely next to us. Let’s go!”

  It took several minutes to get free of the little grove and all the mess that had become entangled in it. Once they had left its shelter, though, Jasper pointed them away from the clearing and what had once been their home. None of them looked back. There was nothing left to see, anyway, if they had.

  The water when they first started out was more than waist deep on Noble and William, and up to Jasper’s chest. It was black and still swirling in some spots, although it no longer rushed with a strong current as it had earlier. And it was cold. The boys tried to ignore it, but it was biting, and their bodies throbbed with the ache of it. Soon, however, they were numb. They did not know which was worse, for it was difficult to move their stiff limbs and they stumbled along. William in particular, struggled for he did not have the use of his arms to balance, or the raft to steady him. The only thing that kept him on his feet was his fierce determination not to allow little Pearl to get wet and cold again.

  At last the water began to go down until it reached only to their thighs, and then their knees, and finally their ankles. Beryl and Ruby jumped off when it became too difficult to push the raft and waded the last few feet with them. The ground was far from dry when they stepped out of the water at last. Their feet sunk into the soggy muck and they trudged on, looking wearily for a place to rest.

  Jasper led them cautiously. It was still dark and the ground was uneven and strewn with rocks and ruts, fallen branches and clumps of weedy underbrush. He knew the general direction they needed to go, but he had never ventured through the forest at night before. Noble wanted him to lead them to higher ground—but after that, what then?

  They stopped finally on a small knoll. A large tree spread its low branches overhead protectively. The ground there was fairly dry, so Noble suggested they rest for a bit. It would not be long now before the dawn, he figured, and they must not linger so close still to the gang’s hideout, but they all were exhausted from their sleepless night and the harrowing experiences they had gone through. An hour or two of rest would help them along the way.

  The children were asleep in no time, huddled together for warmth and comfort. William had laid the baby among her siblings and now he and Noble talked quietly. “I have been thinking, Noble. Everything that happened last night was ‘just in time.’ Jasper set the horses free just in time. We got the ropes cut off our ankles just in time. We escaped the cottage just in time. It scares me to think what would have happened if the Lord had not helped us just in time!”

  Noble smiled. “And we arrived at Caddock’s place just in time for the children. What we see as a terrible experience—being kidnapped and held prisoner—was what the Lord used to save the lives of His precious jewels. If we had not been there, they surely would have died in the flood. God’s plan is perfect, William. His timing is perfect. There is no coincidence or “just in time’ with Him. It is the perfect time. He makes no mistakes. He can use even the most awful things that happen to us as a means to work out His perfect plan. Do you remember the story of Joseph in the Old Testament? He, too, was kidnapped. He, too, was held prisoner. But God used those bad things for good and He blessed Joseph and all those whose lives he touched.”

  William was excited. “Yes! I see it now, Noble! I remember the story well, for Granny and I were speaking of it not very long ago. What men meant for evil against Joseph, God meant for good. Why, almost I feel like I am walking in the very footsteps of Joseph!”

  Noble laughed. “It does feel that way, doesn’t it?”

  “There is one thing, though,” William said wistfully.

  “What is that?”

  “I do wish the Lord had left the horses for us! We still must make an escape from Caddock and his men somehow, and I cannot see how we can get very far, especially with the children, without the horses,” William said. “And it is hard to think that I may never see Warrior again.”

  Noble was silent for a moment. His own heart was heavy, as well, at the loss of Valiant. Finally he said, “Well, let us see what happens. We will trust the Lord to provide a way of escape, no matter how slow and difficult it might be. And to Him be the glory when He works this great miracle! Have faith, William and do not let hope die. He is still at work!”

  They settled down then and tried to get a little rest while the children slept. Noble dozed lightly, stirring every now and again, his senses on alert. At last he sat up. He could not see the sky for all the heavy trees, but it seemed lighter all around and he knew morning had finally dawned. There would be no sunshine, but at least they could now see the ground before them and any obstacles in their path. They must make haste as much as they were able. The men would be returning at any time, and when they found them gone, the search would be on.

  He shook William first. “Come! It is time. We must be on our way. Help me wak
e the children, William.” The prince was instantly awake and doing as his friend bid. Noble could not help but admire the strength of the boy. William’s twelve years as prince of the land could have made him soft and spoiled, but instead Noble could see his father’s strong determination and steady spirit. He would be a man of valor like his father the king someday. And even now, he would make his parents proud when they heard of the courage and strength with which William had undergone this trial.

  The baby whimpered when William picked her up. She must be hungry, but there was nothing he could do about that now. He patted her clumsily on the back and shushed her, cooing softly in her ear. It did not occur to him to think his actions silly or awkward for a boy of his age. It just came naturally.

  Beryl and Ruby sat up, rubbing their eyes and looking around them sleepily. They were hungry, too, but they did not mention it. They were well-acquainted with being hungry. They did not speak at all at first, but Ruby smiled shyly at Noble and finally said, “Good morning! Are we leaving now?”

  “Yes. It is time to go.”

  Jasper jumped up just then. “I remembered something! I don’t know if I dreamed it, or if it just came to me as I was waking up, but I remember something I overheard the men say several times. There is a secret way out of the valley! I have never seen it and I have never even been allowed to leave the glyn myself, but I might be able to find it nevertheless! Da worried constantly that someone would find it. I remember bits and pieces of his description, and even the direction in which it lay—northwards! He always said the men should keep an eye out that way for signs of intruders.”

  Noble and William stared at the boy. “How far is it, Jasper? Do you know?”

  Jasper shrugged. “It is a fair distance, I think, from what I gathered. It cannot be very far, though, for the men left almost every night to go drinking and I believe they went by this secret way. Da worried that someone would follow them back some night when they were drunk.”

  ‘Well, then, lead on, Jasper! We will follow you! I am sorry there is no breakfast. Perhaps later today we shall find something to eat, but for now I would like to put as much distance between the cottage—or where it stood, I mean—and ourselves as we can. Let as go quietly, as well as quickly. If the men return, I do not want to attract them with the sound of our voices.”

  Beryl and Ruby jumped up and with all the eagerness of young childhood took off after their brother. Noble led the way with Jasper, keeping a sharp eye and ear out for any signs of trouble. William brought up the rear with little Pearl.

  What a difference in the weather compared to the day before! There was no sunshine, but the temperature was warmer and even without the sun, they had dried off. The wind had died, as well. As the weather improved, so did their spirits. The children pressed on enthusiastically. Their troubles lay behind them and all the possibilities of a bright new future lay ahead. Noble and William were as eager as the children for escape from Glyn Tywyll. When William’s arms tired of holding the baby, Noble took turns carrying her and they made good time.

  They did not stop to rest. At one point they came upon some bushes loaded with raspberries. They paused long enough to eat their fill, thanking God for His provision. They did not find water, but the berries helped to quench their first. They were moving away from the center of the valley where the floodwaters now took the place of the once quiet little stream and they had no desire to return.

  They had been walking for nearly two hours when Noble suddenly heard a noise ahead. He held his hand out to Jasper, stopping him in his tracks and placed his finger to his lips. He motioned to the others behind him to be silent, also, and gestured for them to hide behind some nearby bushes. He slipped behind a tree a few feet before them to watch.

  He had no weapons. If their paths had crossed with Caddock’s gang they were in trouble. They were outnumbered. He could not allow William to fight with him for it was his duty to protect the prince, but even if he had his help, it would not be enough to overcome their numbers or their strength. They could not hope to outrun them. Their only chance was to remain hidden and hope that the gang would pass them by unnoticed.

  It was not to be. Pearl chose that very moment to let out a loud wail. It was quickly stifled, but Noble’s heart stopped. The noises ahead of them had stopped, as well, and there was a long pause. The rustling of the bushes ahead of them began again and the sound of someone moving rapidly toward them came to him. Noble stepped back, praying the tree would conceal him, and frantically casting about in his mind for some plan. His heart sent up his plea to Heaven, Lord, show me what to do!

  The long seconds of suspense seemed like an eternity. He tensed, wondering if he should attack first and catch them by surprise after all, or stay silently where he was. The thick branches of the underbrush parted as Noble watched in the shadows. Several figures stepped out boldly. Noble’s breath caught in his throat at the sight, and once again his heart cried out to his Heavenly Father.

  ____________

  CHAPTER ELEVEN

  ____________

  Valiant and Valor

  “Thank You, Lord! Oh, Thank you!” Noble stepped out from behind the tree. Before him stood Valiant, with Warrior and the pack horse just behind him! “Come out!” he cried now to the others. “See who has joined us!”

  William was already at his side. He, too, had watched from his hiding place, and when he had seen the animals he had thrust Pearl into Jasper’s arms and rushed forward. “Warrior!” he cried now for joy. “Oh, you beautiful beast!” He sprang to his beloved horse and threw his arms around his neck. Warrior stepped back at the rambunctious act of his master, but very quickly he was nuzzling his shoulder and nudging at him in search of an apple or something else good to eat.

  Valiant whinnied loudly at the sight of Noble. The children giggled and covered their ears. The beautiful black stallion looked none the worse for wear. Noble leapt to his side. He stroked his nose and lovingly brushed his long black mane with his hand. “Valiant, my friend! Where have you been? Praise God, you are safe! Never have I been so glad to see you! Have you been looking for us, as well? Well, we have found one another again and now we need your help!”

  He turned his attention to William and his steed. “How is he, William? How are the cuts on his legs?”

  The prince knelt beneath his horse. He frowned. “The cuts will leave scars, I think, but they do not appear to be infected. Ah well, we shall think of them as battle scars, won’t we, Warrior? You shall wear them proudly!”

  Noble went to the pack horse to check her over, as well. He gave her some loving first, and murmured soothing words to her, and then he bent to check her lame leg. He led her around for a minute and at last said, “Well, she is limping, but not badly. I think she will be alright if we do not ride her hard or put too much weight on her back.’ He stood up. “That is good! What a blessing this is from the Lord! We shall move much more quickly now!”

  He eyed the little boys. Jasper and Beryl were thin. They could not weigh nearly as much put together as he did alone. The mare should be able to carry them, despite her bad leg. He would keep an eye on her, and if it seemed her limp was worse, they would figure out something else. “Jasper and Beryl, come here! Do you think you could ride the mare bareback? The saddles are gone.”

  “We have never ridden a horse before at all, so saddle or no, it makes no difference to us,” Jasper answered with a shrug. “We will do our best to stay on her back.” Beryl nodded in agreement, his eyes shining in excitement.

  “Here then, I will lift you up. Jasper, you shall ride in front. Hold onto her mane and I will lead you with this rope tied ‘round her neck. Beryl, you put your arms around Jasper’s waist and hold on tight. It will feel joggy at first, and a little scary perhaps, but you will soon get used to the feeling. Do not worry about falling. If it happens, well, it won’t be that bad for she is a small horse. You will just pick yourself up, shrug your shoulders and get back on! Alright?”

 
The boys nodded. They did not seem in the least bit nervous, considering they had never been on a horse before. Noble handed Pearl to William who was already upon his Warrior’s back. Then he placed Ruby up on top of Valiant and jumped up behind her. “Don’t worry, Ruby,” he said, patting her on the shoulder. “I won’t let you fall.”

  “I am not worried at all!” she replied, glancing back over her shoulder at him. Her eyes shone as brightly as her brothers’ and there was a big grin on her face. Noble thanked the Lord that the fear of the night before—perhaps the fear of their whole lives before—had been conquered by this grand adventure they seemed to be enjoying.

  They covered the ground much more quickly now. They had to be careful, for there was no trail through the forest and often low branches would slap at them or roots would trip up the horses as they moved through the trees. They had reached the walls that closed in the valley at last. Here and there were open places where the forest pulled away from the rocky cliffs, and then they could see that the valley seemed to stretch on forever, but for the most part, Noble tried to stay away from such open spaces. The last thing they wanted was to encounter Caddock or his men face to face. They stuck to the trees where at least there was a little cover from unfriendly eyes.

  They could not travel as quietly as they had before. The three horses made noise as they shuffled through the leaves and stepped carelessly on branches which cracked beneath their hooves. Pearl had begun to fuss, as well. She was hungry again, and she could not appreciate this adventure as her brothers and sister did. She was tired and wanted to be done with it all! William did his best to keep her happy, but after a while there was nothing even he could do to please her.