CHAPTER 53

A Different Battlefield

It was midmorning before Katherine awoke in a wing of Stonewall’s barracks that had been converted to a hospital ward. She was bruised, sore, and covered with bandages from the many cuts she had received in Northglen Forest. Though her wounds were severe, she felt very fortunate upon seeing her newfound friend. Exposure and multiple lacerations on Mary’s weakened body had sent her system into shock. Her breathing was shallow, and her heart was fluttering with a weak, rapid pulse. It was clear that Mary might not survive. Katherine immediately began to mop Mary’s forehead with a damp cloth to cool the fever that raged within her body.

Hours passed as Katherine fretted and worked to cool Mary. Occasionally she thought of Philip and wondered what was going on in the outside world. If only she could get free long enough to find Master Rhoop and learn what Philip was facing! Another long hour passed before a hospital aide came to assist with Mary and give Katherine a few moments of much-needed rest.

Stepping outside the hospital, Katherine saw a very large number of people entering Stonewall from both the Waterfront ferry and the ferry from Sebring. What is going on? she wondered. She had to find Rhoop.

Hurrying across the courtyard to Stonewall’s great house, she rushed through the crowded hallways, hoping to find Rhoop in his room. When she rapped softly at his door, there was no answer, but when she turned around, he was standing only inches from her. “Master Rhoop!” she cried.

The old man smiled. “Yes, Lady Katherine?” he asked.

“What is happening?” Katherine asked bluntly. “Why is Stonewall filling up with people from Waterfront and Sebring?”

The old man seemed aged beyond his years. “Katherine,” he began, “I’ve had a message from Philip.”

Rhoop handed Katherine a ragged piece of paper, which she grabbed and began to read. Overwhelmed by the words she read, she fell to her knees. The note ordered Rhoop to bring everyone who was willing inside the fortress for protection, while Philip would lead about three hundred men west to face Devia’s army of fifteen thousand. “The odds are not good,” Philip wrote, “but God used three hundred men with Gideon to route a far larger army of Midianites. If all goes well, people can leave the fortress very soon. If not, hold Stonewall as long as you can and pray Father comes to your rescue.” Philip had signed his note, “In God’s hands, Philip.”

All this happened while I slept! Katherine thought. Where is Philip now? Is he all right? Will soldiers be encamped against us tomorrow?

In a daze, Katherine left Rhoop and returned to the hospital to find that Mary was better. Her fever had broken, and she was resting comfortably. Now Katherine sought a quiet place to gather her thoughts. Refugees filled the chapel and library. It seemed that every corner of the big house was full. Remembering the balcony, she rushed through the corridors, hoping to find solitude among the plants and ferns overlooking the river.

Reaching her destination, she carefully lifted the latch and opened the door. Thank heavens! she thought. There’s no one here! Closing the door, she sank to her knees in relief.

Folding her arms atop a rough wooden bench, Katherine rested her head in her hands. Not everything is going badly, she thought. Mary is better. Suddenly, she stopped. “Oh, no!” she whispered. “I’ve forgotten to pray.”

Chiding herself, Katherine recalled Philip’s warning that the devil was a master at derailing prayer. She had become so caught up in her work that she’d forgotten to pray at all. Falling prostrate upon the floor, she cried out, “Oh, Lord, forgive me!”

A thousand images raced through her mind. Trying to pray for each one, she found that her mind strayed quickly back to Philip. “Oh, Lord!” she whispered. “Protect Philip!” Tears stung her eyes, and a lump formed in her throat. In her mind she could see swords glittering in the morning sun. Suddenly she saw dead bodies lying on the ground, and among them was the pale face of Philip Stafford.

“No!” she whispered. “Philip!” she cried. Suddenly she stirred. Opening her eyes, she noted that the shadows of evening had grown long. “Oh, no!” she groaned. “I’ve slept!”