Read on for a preview of

 

 

AN AMISH COURTSHIP
ON ICE MOUNTAIN

 

 

by Kelly Long
coming next December

PROLOGUE

Fall, 1950, Ice Mountain, Coudersport, Pennsylvania

 

Twelve-year-old Joel Umble crept forward on his hands and knees in the thick pine needles, then paused to kneel upright, extending his right palm to the big wolf caught in the steel trap. The animal had nearly chewed its front left foot off in an attempt to escape the cruel teeth of the metal and now gave a threatening growl.

“Kumme, hund, peace between you and me,” the buwe murmured. “I will pray for your healing and set you free.” He swallowed, never breaking his gaze with the large golden eyes, which were dilated with pain and rage. Joel inched closer, praying aloud, until he’d stretched his palm and fingers to their utmost.

Savage white teeth closed with a snap, and Joel drew a thankful breath when the long snout and black nose lowered and he felt the brush of the animal against his skin; seeking, scenting, roughly tender . . .

The sudden report of the gun seemed to shake the ground beneath Joel’s knees, and his arm was splattered by the wolf’s blood. He twisted in surprise and fury as his older bruder by two years, Judah, lowered the weapon. “Joel, you’re a fool. Praying for a pelt . . . What would our fater have said?”

Joel blinked away angry tears and turned back to the dead animal, sinking his hand into the thick gray fur. “Fater did not trap,” he bit out.

Joel heard Judah step closer, the pine crunching beneath his boots. “The wolf was mine and what is mine, I keep. Remember that, Joel.”

“And what is Gott’s?”

“What He takes, little penitent.” Judah laughed with open cruelty. “Now geh back to the cabin; I must skin the beast.”

Joel got unsteadily to his feet, then walked away from the wolf as his bruder passed him with a hunting knife drawn.