Memoria : The Kingdom's Legacy Book Eight

I had been out in the forest for most of the night...wrestling with God.

Mona's words had kept me pacing...circling around in my brain so much, I now had a headache.I just...had respected Darriel's faith...and Father's; I had even read the Bible Darriel had gifted me cover to cover.

Yet...my current experiences had caused me to reverse my thinking.I just...could not see beyond the pain...Job had nothing.I froze at the voice...the...gentle whisper. "Hello? Who...who's there?" I asked nervously.I love you, Benjamin Marcus Memoria.I widened my eyes at those words.You are My son...and I have plans for you.

Trust Me."G-God?" I asked. I shivered as I felt...a hug...and I knew...I was not alone. "If You love me like You say You do...why are You doing this?!""For whom the LORD loveth He chasteneth, and scourgest every son whom He recieveth." I felt chills as Darriel's voice quoted a verse he'd quoted to me when he first took me in."Hebrews 12:6." I concluded. "But...I...it hurts! I've done nothing against You..."Neither did Job. These things I have spoken unto you, that in Me ye might have peace.

In the world, ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.I will never leave you or forsake you.Snap!I flinched at the twig snap and turned around - unsheathing my sword as I did so.Snap!

Snap!Lo! I am with you always!Snap! Snap!Even to the end of the age!"Grab him!" Before I could react, I was tackled to the ground...piled on by several mercenaries. "Hold him steady!" the leader ordered as I felt a lit torch come closer.My hair was grabbed and I felt the fire near my face...singeing me...before it moved away."Lift his tunic." I struggled more...only to earn a hard punch to the face that dazed me.

As a result, I lay limp as my tunic was removed...the fire...licked my skin... "Well now...I know someone who will pay handsomely for your capture, Sire."Bring him...bind and gag him." he ordered.

I was bound and gagged...wrapped in a cloak...and carried away just as screams from the castle reached my ears.