“No!” Tabitha shrieked in disbelief and horror as she watched her father fall to the floor before her dead. 

“That is the price traitors to the crown pay,” answered the king with a sneer. 

“Traitors to the crown?  My father is a loyal servant of the prince,” Tabitha retorted in the most defiant and bold voice she could muster. 

“My nephew is not king yet, daughter of general Desoto, and as you can see the future king is not here to defend your father’s service nor your loyalty to him.” 

“Shall I run her through my lord?”  Stalin said with a decaying smile.  If Tabitha was not in so much grief, fear and horror, she would have wondered when the last time was he had brushed his teeth. 

“Not tonight.  There has been enough blood spilled on my carpet.  Take her and place her under house arrest until I decide what to do with her.  Bolt the doors and place a guard outside until I give my orders.  Before you bolt the doors though, you, Tabitha, will dismiss your servants if you know what is good for them.” 

Stalin brought Tabitha as a prisoner to her own home.  “My lady!” Martha said as her mistress entered the house. 

“Martha, please gather all the servants.”  Martha did as her mistress bade her.  Once all the servants were gathered, Tabitha looked at those she loved and cared for so dearly, and began. 

“My father is dead.  You have all served us so very well, and we love you, but now I must bid you to go back to your own homes and live your lives.”  Tears rolled down every face at the news of their master’s death.  They had hoped and prayed that it would have only been imprisonment until the Price would be crowned king. 

And then, collectively, the servants responded, “Your father was good to us, and we will serve his only child until our dying day.”

  “You mustn’t, you can’t!” Tabitha cried.  “The king has ordered all of you to be dismissed.  Please know that I love each of you dearly, but I am no longer your mistress.  I am…”  “I am …”

Stalin shouted, “A TRAITOR’s daughter, and anyone who helps a traitor’s daughter is subject to punishment for conspiracy.  Now get out!”  The servants did as they were commanded, each one giving the most comfort they could while making their exit.  Martha and her husband were the last to leave. 

Martha’s husband, simply said, “My lady, God be with you,” as he touched her chin and raised it as her father used to do when he would tell her to be strong and remember that God could get her through anything. 

Martha followed her husband out the door but not until after she squeezed the life out of Tabitha with the biggest hug of love any young women could receive, and she whispered, “Love, always remember who is your strength and where our help comes from.”  With that she kissed her cheek and the two of them walked out the door.  These two had been the closest thing to a second set of parents for Tabitha, especially Martha who had been the only mother figure that Tabitha had ever known.  Her mother died at birth, and Martha, having lost her only child, a still born, raised the little girl as she would have her own daughter. 

Soon there was only Stalin and Tabitha left in the house.  “There, favored of the prince, now you have only the silence of an empty home to comfort you.”  He slammed the door behind him bolting it from the outside and taking first watch. 

Tabitha sank to the floor and reached out her hand grabbing the family bible.  She embraced it and held on to it for the remainder of the night as her tears fell and her lips uttered the words, “I trust You Lord,” over and over again far into the early hours of the morning.    

Late the next day, an indistinct knock came from the back-room fireplace.  Tabitha knew that was the entrance from the tunnels, and she went to go see which of her father’s men was there.  As she opened the tiny hidden door on the side of the furnace general Emanuel gingerly stepped into the small back room.  “Forgive me,” he said, “I could do nothing without the prince there.” 

“I know. And He would have not wished you too.  Father knew the cost of what he was doing.” 

With that the general wrapped her up on a fatherly hug and said, “Your father was the best man I knew and my best friend.  We fought many a battle and defended the crown faithfully together.  There was no better swordsman in all the country, and now I am here to fulfill my duty to him, to you and to my Prince.  My lady, may I introduce my son, Roman to you.” 

Out from the door cautiously came out a redheaded young man with the greenest eyes she had ever seen.  He zealously declared, “My lady, I will defend you with my life and pledge my sword and my horse to your service.”  Tabitha’s cheeks turned slightly pink with this noble declaration. 

“Not yet my son,” said general Emanuel and then began, “And one other my lady.”  Her heart stopped as the saw prince Andrew stooped into the little room. 

“Andrew!” she whispered.  Within a moment their hands met and the next thing she knew his hand was on her face drying the tears that flowed.

“My love, if I had been here…” 

“I know, but we cannot get caught up in the ‘if onlys.’ God will deal with my father’s murderer.” 

“Yes, He will.”  For a moment time stood still while he embraced her and gave her time to let her tears fall on his doublet.  Eventually she had cried out all the tears that were left in her eyes, breathed deeply and became still. 

“My love,” Andrew said.  “I heard how you stood up to the king and defended the rightful wearer of the crown, but that has made him vengefully furious with you.  Legally I can do nothing until I become of age according to the law.  With that we must get you out of here tonight.  Gather the things that you will need.  Roman will take you to the village of the Outcasts which is near the border.  My love you will have to live as an exile in your own country.  For your sake we will give you another name.  We shall call you Ruth, who was a stranger in the land of God.  Lord willing, I will come and redeem you in three years when the leaves turn gold.” 

Her eyes searched his and she knew that this was the only chance of her survival.  “The village of the Outcasts? Isn’t that a place of thieves and people who have been pardoned by exile?” 

“Oh, my love, you will see.  While it is a meager place to live, you will find life in the midst of those who live there.”  Trusting the wisdom of the prince, she hurriedly gathered her most plain dresses, her father’s pocket watch, her mother’s hat, a small sack of food, and the family Bible. 

She met them at the mouth of the tunnel.  Roman rolled his eyes at the sight of the family Bible, but his father nudged him to behave. 

One final time the prince embraced her and said, “Where you are going you will have a view of the palace, but no one in it will have a view of you.  Every day at sunset I will walk to the veranda and look toward the city where I am sending you.  I will pray for you every day until I come and bring you back as my wife.”  

He kissed her forehead and with a prayer of safety when Emanuel said, “My lord we must go, or your uncle will be suspicious.” 

“You are right, let us go.” 

“What about you?” Tabitha said with tears in her sore red eyes. 

“My uncle will not kill me because he and my aunt have no children.  As of right now I will be safe be safe.  And my aunt, God love her will keep my uncle at bay on my account.  She may not be able to stop all of his madness, but she will be able to keep me alive.  But right now I am more concerned in keeping you alive.  Now go.”  With one last look into the eyes of his beloved, he disappeared. 

Roman quickly said, “Come my lady.  My horse is awaiting us at the end of the forest, and we must ride tonight before they realize you are gone.” 

As they rode through the night her mind was left to wonder, and she found herself remembering her father and the truths he taught her about trusting God in times of affliction.  All she could manage to say was, “Lord, I know You are good, and I know You can turn this into something beautiful.”  Roman, while he did not believe this said nothing out of respect for this poor woman who was mourning the loss of her father and her life. 

By dawn the next day they were approaching the small village.  It was gray and simple.  Animals were in twig fences at every house.  She was brought to a little house with a thatched roof, a little picket fence that held in the chickens, goats and a peacock that sounded the moment he heard them.  This was a strange bird to have in the village of the Outcasts, but Tabitha was too tired and worn to notice the oddity.  This house was distinct from all other houses for many reasons, but the one that she did note was the bright yellow door that broke the gray tone of the village.  Roman dismounted and helped her down. 

Once they had knocked on the door three women’s heads popped out and they said simultaneously, “Yes?” 

“Ladies, my name is Roman, and I have a request per the crowned prince.”  He handed them a letter which they quickly read.  Before he spoke another word they crowded around Tabitha with great affection as they bustled her into the house.  The middle one came right back out and got the two bags that Tabitha had managed to pack in the short time before she escaped. 

The youngest one was setting food before her and coaxing her to eat something, while the eldest one came out and found Roman.  “Be of no fear young Lieutenant, she will be well cared for her, and you will find no safer place for her then in our home.  We will fulfill our duty to our rightful king until our dying day.” 

Back at the palace, Prince Andrew arrived home to his uncle saying, “Come here my son.” 

“Yes uncle?” 

“You will be pleased to know that I have executed traitors to the crown and have preserved your throne.” 

“Uncle, I heard that you executed one of my generals, in fact you executed my most loyal general, General Desoto.” 

“He was caught red handed with evidence of conspiracy against the crown and as is the law, I made sure it was fulfilled.”  Before the Prince could protest the king said, “Oh yes, and his daughter died last night.   She was burned to death in her home by an accidental fire.  I know you cared for her so go now and mourn in the chapel with the priest.  He will know what to say to comfort you.”  Seeing this as a safe place to exit without giving away the fact that he knew of the scheme to burn the house and that Tabitha was sent to safety, Andrew bowed out and headed to speak with his most faithful servant, the priest. 

“My lord,” Stalin timidly whispered from beside the throne. 

“What is it Stalin?” 

“When I set the house on fire, a woman was seen running out of the building.  I checked and it was not Desoto’s daughter, but I thought you should know.” 

“If it was not the daughter, I don’t really care.  But if it was one of the servants and they did not try to get her out, that does cause me to be a little suspicious.  Go and check the surrounding towns and see if you can find anything.” 

The woman who was seen running out of the flames was Martha, when she saw that the house was ablaze, she and her husband ran in to save their mistress.  Not finding her there, Martha gathered a small chest that was hidden in the master’s bedroom, while her husband searched more frantically.  When he found the secret entrance, he knew that the child had been saved and then he did his very best to destroy any evidence of the tunnel.  Before the frame collapsed, Martha ran out of the house thinking her husband was behind her, but he was not.  As she made it to the tree line, she strained her eyes to see through the fire but saw no sign of his exit. 

When she was giving up hope and beginning to cry, a pair of strong arms that she knew well came from behind her and said “Do not cry for me.  It was not my time to leave this earth yet, the Lord has work for us to do.   Our lady must have been rescued by another, so we will wait and pray, trusting God will bring her back to us one day when it is safe.” 

So, the waiting began.  Everyone was waiting.  Faithful to his word, Andrew would walk out every evening as the sun was going down and would look toward the village a far off and pray for Tabitha and her safety and that God would give him the wisdom and guidance he needed to deal with the responsibilities of a king.  He prayed for the grace to be a good, just and merciful king. 

Every night Martha and her husband gathered in the kitchen and prayed for their lady and always concluded with the words, “Lord we entrust this to Your care for You are able.”  And every evening, Tabitha wandered to the edge of the village where she would look through a canopy of trees picturesquely framed the palace as she too prayed for her country and for her prince. 

Adjusting to life here was not easy but the three angels, as they were called, tried their very best to comfort her.  After a month of crying, she was finally ready to go and meet the people of this village.  She met them and learned all she could about the “angels” who tended her.  The oldest, Faith, was a very matter of fact woman who had a big heart, but if you did not want her opinion, you should not ask for it, because she will give it without a sugarcoating.  Hope was the middle sister who was the one who did not say much, but would do anything for you in the world.  If she ever did speak about something, you better listen, because no one could buy the wisdom she gave.  The youngest’s name was Charity and she would be the one who tried her best to keep Tabitha, now Ruth, company.  She gave her tours of the village and made sure she knew everyone’s name. 

“Today, Ruth,” Faith said, “You will help us to serve the people God has given us to serve.”  And serve them they did.  Every home was decorated with the brightest flowers Hope’s garden grew.  Faith would check on the sick and injured tending to their wounds, while Charity would gather all the children together and teach them.  Ruth pitched in and became an avid gardener, nurse, and teacher, helping care for the needs of the community about her.  When the sun went down and the kitchen was cleaned, the ladies would gather near the fire to discuss how they could help the next day and to revive God’s blessings.  Finally, Faith would pull out an old gold-plated Bible and read the sacred words of the Lord, so that His Truth was the last thing on their minds. 

One day the peacock called, and the Ruth’s head popped up in fear.  Charity saw it and said, “Don’t be alarmed Ruth, it is only Solomon who calls to let us know a rider is approaching.  I’ll go and see who has come to visit us.  Oh!  It is Roman who brought you to us.  Bless him.  He looks like he has ridden through a puddle of pig mud,” she said with a laugh. 

All the sisters went to the window to see this spectacle, and Hope of course, came out and offered him assistance to wash his outer coat.  Ruth laughed too, which was good medicine for her.  She had not laughed in three months, but the image of his drenched hair, flustered face, his speckled outer coat, and his soaked muddy boots created quite a comical than his spectacle. 

“Well, I am glad someone finds pleasure in this.  I was not anticipating to arrive for my first check-in like a ragamuffin.” 

That was all Ruth could take before letting out laughter that lasted a full five minutes before she could contain it.  Roman stayed and spent the night on the porch for two nights to get a good feel for how they were treating her.  Finally, on the last night he walked up with Ruth to the clearing at the edge of the woods as she prayed for her country.  He said nothing and just watched her.  The next morning, he said goodbye and the ladies piled him up with enough food and baked goods for a week as they sent him on his way. 

For the next two years prince Andrew prayed and planned, Ruth served and prayed, and Roman came every quarter to check in and bring a report back to the prince of how she was fairing.  Little did the prince or anyone else know that, by observing her good deeds and her kind heart, Roman was beginning to fall in love with Ruth. 

“Roman!” his father Emanuel called one day. 

“Yes father?” 

“My son, I must tell you of something that concerns me greatly.” 

“What is it father?  Is it time?  Is it time to take back the kingdom for Andrew?  It there war in the air?” 

“No, my son, it is … I am concerned for you.  When you first began taking your trips to the mountains, you would come back slightly dejected because you thought you should be doing something more fulfilling.  Now you come back more joyous, which is not a problem, but I fear my son, you are becoming too attached to our lady.  Remember my son, she is the prince’s intended, and we are entrusted to make sure she stays safe and becomes his wife.” 

“I know father!” Roman retorted.  “I know my duty and I assure you she will be kept safe, and no harm will come to her as long as I am watching her.  As to the other thing you implied, don’t be absurd!  I know my place.” 

“Not your place, my son, your duty.” 

“Yes, father.” 

“This is the third year Roman.  Our service is almost complete.” 

Although Roman knew it was absurd, there was just a little hope that maybe three years would be long enough to change the prince’s mind and hers.  They had not even seen each other for that long and, unbeknownst to Ruth and the prince, Roman had not delivered all the prince’s messages.  There were some too painful for him to deliver, because although he did not want to admit it to anyone, even Ruth, he had begun to love her for her goodness. 

This next time the peacock called Ruth was the one to meet Roman at the door. 

“Ruth!”

“Roman, the sisters are out making calls on the sick and they knew you would be coming today.  They told me to wait here to make sure you were comfortable and to then bring you to the house where they are.  They may need your help.  One of the farmers has fallen and he is too big for we four to handle.” 

“I am at your service my lady,” Roman said with a bow. 

“Please, I am hardly that anymore, but come we must go to meet the angels.” 

As they meandered down the street to the house where Faith, Hope, and Charity were, Roman could not wait to tell her, and blurted out, “So I became a Captain, and I wanted you to be the first person to know besides my father and mother.” 

“Captain, wow!  What an honor, I am sure you will fulfill those duties well.” 

“Yes.  It comes with a nice cabin of my own, a good living wage, a few animals, and servants and such.” 

“That is amazing, and I am so excited for you Roman.” But before he could get another word in the two of them had reached the cabin and were engulfed in tending to the needs of the farmer.  This time, Roman stayed for a week however he went through mood swings of being happy to see her yet dejected with the thought of her being for someone else.  He wrestled with these thoughts and was obviously unsettled.  Ruth just observed and prayed for him as well when she went to the clearing every evening. 

On the last night of the visit Roman stood next to Ruth as she was looking at the palace.  “The final year has begun.  After being here two full years, I think I might miss this view.  This time next year will be my last to watch the leaves turn gold in this canopy.” Ruth confided in Roman. 

He impulsively said, “What makes you think that he still goes up there every night to look and pray for you?  What makes you think he has not changed, or maybe that he has not found someone else.  You know the king is trying to marry him off with any number of rich women whose fathers have pledged allegiance to him.” 

Ruth turned and just stared at him in disbelief, Roman who had been the one who would bring her news of everyone that she loved there.  Ruth said nothing.  She had learned over the last three years that sometimes it was better to not let the person questioning you know what you are thinking. 

The next evening after Roman left Ruth walked out to her place and began praying.  She was crying and telling God how she knows that He brought her here, but that she did not understand what her future would be with the thoughts that Roman had put into her head.  Gentle footsteps approached her.  As she turned her tear-filled eyes, she saw Hope.  “Dear, dear whatever is the matter?” 

“Roman asked me yesterday what if Andrew does not want me anymore.  I had not even considered it, but I realized that his messages are more general and that he has not sent as many over the last year.  I mean the first year there was so much to tell me, and now I hardly hear anything of his heart in the messages Roman brings.” 

“Dear Ruth, Roman is a man and he has been the only one to spend time with you in two years, don’t you think he could be a little jealous?” 

“No, Roman is a good faithful servant and would never withhold something from me like that, not when he has been given a message from his crowned Prince.” 

Hope looked at her with a knowing look and simply said, “Well then my dear, I guess you get to practice waiting and trusting God.  You are in your last year of being here with us and the last stretch is always the hardest in life, so my dear I recommend you wait on God and trust that He will make all things right.  Wait and see what He will do.  God is good and you know we can trust Him.” 

“I have already trusted God through the murder of my father, my displacement, the separation from everyone I loved.  I don’t know if I can trust again with the last bit of hope I had that things would be made right.” 

“Ruth, Prince Andrew is not your hope.  I love the prince dearly, but my lady, Jesus is our hope.  He is the one who makes all things right.  Keep your eyes on Him.  He saw all of it.  He was with you through all of it.  And I for one am grateful for Him bringing you here.  You have brought so much joy in our lives these past two years.  But it sounds to me, my dear, that you have perhaps put Andrew before God and that is not good.  God is to always be first in our lives, even before a future husband.” 

“But I feel like God has taken every person I have trusted Him with.” 

“Then I have one question to ask you, do you love God more and will you trust Him anyway?”  With that, Hope, kissed her forehead gently and headed back to the house.  In great thought and distress, Ruth followed her and went to her room.  For the next month, she did not go to the clearing and pray toward the palace, but instead spent much time in her room reading the family Bible, and searching her own heart as she pondered the question Hope has asked. 

One night, Faith piped up, “Something is up with Ruth,” and she is struggling with what God has chosen to do in His sovereignty.  We need to pray for her that God would guide her out of this valley and give her peace to trust Him. 

“That is a wonderful idea Faith,” Charity said, and the three gathered, held hands, and began to pray every night for these things. 

By the end of the month Ruth took her familiar walk out to the clearing and she sank to her knees.  She prayed: “Lord, I have trusted in things of earth and the justice of man.  I have hoped in Andrew and not in Your ability.  I have sinned in the fact that I have put my hope in him more than in You.  I am sorry Lord, please forgive me.  Thank you that You have kept me.  Thank you that You gave your Son to die on the cross for my sins and to set me free from sin so that death does not have any claim on my soul, but that because I believe in the name of Jesus, I will have life even though I should die.  Lord, You have a plan and a purpose for every life and every hardship that we walk through, so Lord I will entrust this to you.  Roman asked what if Andrew does not love me anymore.  Lord, I cannot think of that right now without getting anxious that my future is pointless.  But Lord, you have said in Your word to bring every anxious thought to Your throne and give it to You with thanksgiving.  So Father I give these thoughts to You and trust You that You have a plan and that You will take care of me.  You will render justice to the killer of my father.  You oh Lord are my defender, my protector, my hope and the Faithful one who has walked with me through every trial.  You Lord have seen me safely here and I will trust You.  Thank you for placing me here with these angels of Yours who always point men in the right direction.  If You chose to have me serve You here all the days of my life and not become Andrew’s wife, then Lord, I will submit myself to Your will and trust You.” 

Ruth did not move for hours while she continued to pray to God telling him of all her concerns, giving them to Him and thanking Him for his care of her through His people. 

Finally, when the sun had fully set, she came back to the cabin, went to her room and fell asleep.  After this the sisters knew that she would be okay, and they thanked God for Him coming through again to walk one of His precious servants through a hard, deep valley of emotion and doubt. 

When the next quarter arrived Roman came as always with some news, but not all of it, and he was more attentive to Ruth than normal.  He had battled his thoughts and had decided to approach her with his feelings even though his father would not have approved, he felt it was cruel to himself not to take this opportunity to see how Ruth felt.  

“Faithful, faithful Ruth” Roman said as he approached her in the clearing.  “Without fail, you come here every night and pray to someone you can’t see.  For someone who you don’t know if he will even uphold his promise to you.  I admire your steadfastness and your kind heart even though you don’t know if either of them are there.”  As she was about to go down the path of why God is real, he stopped her and said, “Ruth let’s look at the facts.  I am real.  I am here.  I am the one who saved you, the one who defends you and the only one who comes to see you from the outside world.  And I have admired you for a long time.  And, Ruth, I have come to love you for your sweetness.  The prince does not even know what you are doing here.  He is never here.  If I were crowned prince, I would demand that the king allow you to marry me and that he just has to accept the authority of his crowned prince!  That is what I would do because you are worth losing the whole kingdom to me and I truly love you.” 

Ruth was speechless.  Her eyebrows raised in disbelief that the son of Emanuel, Andrew’s most trusted general, would speak so about his crowned prince. 

“Will you marry me, Ruth?  We can leave here, and I will give you a good life.  The current king will have forgotten about you and will pay no attention to a Captain’s wife.  You will be safe and can be restored to the life you once lived.” 

She paused and sent up a prayer to know best how to answer this valiant soldier’s plea for her hand, one she knew she could not accept.  “Roman,” she began softly, “Thank you for your admiration and your defense of me.  I have been consoled so many times by simply hearing the news you bring of all my loved ones back home, but I have chosen to wait on God and see what He will do when my time is up.  When the leaves turn gold at the end of this, the third year.” 

“But the prince has hardly sent you any messages and I bring nothing from him this time, yet still you want to wait for him?”  Recollecting himself Roman continued, “If things were different maybe you would consider my proposal.  I know I am just a Captain, but any girl would be flattered to have my offer, but I chose you.  Because of your kindness and your love, I love you.  I have been faithful to only you in my heart despite other girls preening over me for my medals of honor. And…” 

“Roman!” Ruth said with a raised hand to silence him.  “If things were different, I would still say no.” 

“What?  Why?” 

“Because I believe in God and Jesus as my savior, and you don’t.  I could never marry someone who does not believe as I do.  It is who I am and why I am the person I am.” 

“So, I’ll become a Christian.  I’ll believe in Jesus and then we can get married.” 

“It does not work like that Roman.  You have to chose to believe that Jesus came and died for your sins, you repent of your sins, accept His sacrifice on the cross for your sins and then accept Him as your true Lord and Savior.” 

“So still, no?”

“True, my friend, I can always be your friend, but I will not be your wife.”  Before she could say anything else Roman stormed off and left the village.  It was quiet in the house that night.  The sisters knew, based on their observations, what had happened, so no one asked her, but only stuck to their normal routine and finished the evening with the reading of the gold-plated Bible.  Ruth had often wondered how these poor sisters had such a magnificent, covered Bible. 

Resting her hand on the ancient text she asked, “I have often wondered why in such a humble home do you have this magnificent Bible?” 

“It was a gift,” Faith said quickly before Charity was able to get a word in, and then the three looked up and smiled at her as they harmoniously said, “Goodnight.” 

The next Quarter came and Roman came.  Instead of his normal boyish self, dark rings were around his eyes and his drooped shoulders told the tale of his still dealing with Ruth’s rejection, but coming to fulfill his duty.  He handed her a package and said, “Open it.” 

As she did, she found a stack of letters.  “What are these?” 

“They are the notes from prince Andrew that I held back.  Once I started to fall in love with you, they were too painful for me to give you. Please forgive me for lying to you, saying that he did not send anything.” 

“I forgive you.  God used the hardship your actions put me through to strengthen my devotion to Him instead of hoping in a person.  Thank you for delivering them though,” she said with a compassionate smile.  The time spent during his visit was spent healing him.  Faith, out of character, was quiet and just prayed for him.  Hope tried her best to lift his spirits with the best food he had ever eaten, and Charity tried with any conversation she could think of.  Ruth loved them for caring for her friend, because a friend he had become; nevertheless, she knew within herself that more then that they could never be.  As he left, his spirits were brighter. 

Mounting his horse, he said, “Next time I come the leaves will have turned gold for the third time and I will bring a crowned King with me.”  At these words his face fell again, but he quickly straightened his shoulders and rode off. 

Two months and twenty-nine days later, a rapid knocking came to the yellow door.  “Hurry, hurry!  Faith!  Hope!  Charity!  It is Roman, let me in!”  Charity opened the door, and shut it quickly behind them.  Faith came into the main room and said, “What is the meaning of this Roman and what is wrong?”  He began explaining and as Ruth made it into the room, he paused and took a knee.

“My lady forgive me.”

“Why, what has happened Roman?” 

“The king has followed me, but it is not Andrew.  His uncle is on my heels this night before Andrew is to be crowned king.  He had always been suspicious since Martha had run out of your home when it burned and has had Stalin searching for you for these past three years.  We thought it nothing to warn you of, but my lady, when Stalin ceased his searching of you a year and a half ago, he began to specifically watch things about the place.  He noted that I would visit the prince once a quarter right before my excursion to the mountains.  My consistency has allowed them to find you out my lady.  Forgive me, but we must go now!  They will set this whole village to flame until they find you.  We must leave now!”

The ladies grabbed the few things that they could and rushed out the back door with Roman’s leading.  They made their way safely to a cave in the deep forest where they hid for days.  Roman had left them there and would go and scavenge.  Thankfully, the village had not been burned, but the houses had been ransacked and the people had been beaten.  But all they would tell their torturers was that three angels lived in the house with the yellow door.  For the love they each had for Ruth, not a one gave her up. 

Finally, the day had come.  The Royal procession arrived with chariots and flags.  Roman came to the cave and said, “My lady it is time.  Prince Andrew has come to claim you.” 

She looked at the sisters from inside the cave and breathed deeply.  This was the moment of truth.  Was he still the same man she had fallen in love with so long ago.  Would he still love her seeing her like this ragamuffin, or would he even be the same?  She walked back into the village.  King Andrew’s men had the rouges who had come to kill her in chains and Roman took her by the hand and brought her before the king. 

Andrew leaped from his horse and embraced her as he kissed her face.  “Oh, my love, my love, bless God you are safe and unharmed.” 

Just then a scuffle was heard in the trees and an arrow flew right at the new king and Tabitha.  Before anyone could scream, Roman lay on the ground with blood pouring from his chest.  He had jumped in the way to take the arrow instead.  Tabitha cried out and dropped to her knees beside him as Andrew’s men dragged Stalin from the bushes.  Justice was swift by Andrew’s own hand for the crimes against his country, Tabitha’s father, and now Roman.

Emanuel and Tabitha were holding both of Roman’s hands as he barely was able to speak.  “My lady,” Roman said. 

“Yes, my friend.” 

“How is it that I may see Jesus?” 

“Oh Roman.  In the book of Romans of which you are named after it says that we are to believe and confess Him as our Lord and we will be saved.  We accept His blood for the payment of our sins, and we believe.” 

“Just believe?” 

“Yes, it is as simple as that.” 

“Help me.” 

“Say this with me Roman…  Lord Jesus, I have heard what you did.  You came to the earth lived a sinless life, and died a horrific heath so that I might be forgiven and given life with you after this one.  I accept your gift Lord and ask You to accept me and forgive me of my sins.  Amen.” 

“Amen,” Roman gasped after slowly repeating every word that Tabitha said.  “I feel lighter and alive even though I know I will meet Jesus in a little while.” 

The little while would be a half hour of agony, but Faith, Hope and Charity did their utmost to make him as comfortable as possible with cushions in the middle of the street.  For those last thirty minutes.  Roman’s hands were held by the two people he loved: his father and Tabitha.  And all he wanted to hear was of Jesus who he would meet.  Emanuel who had prayed for his son’s salvation for years could not have been prouder of this dying man and told him everything he wanted to know about heaven and Jesus.  It would be his voice that ushered him into the presence of their heavenly King.  Meanwhile Andrew knelt beside them with his hand resting on Tabitha’s shoulder as she mourned her friend.  Once he had died in this life and had become alive in the next, they took his body with great ceremony back home and buried him among the great knights of the land. 

Two months later the most amazing wedding was about to take place.  The sisters were fussing about how to do her hair and what shoes she should wear.  But no one fussed about the dress.  This was because Martha, her faithful servant, had taken the chest from her master’s bedroom and had saved the wedding dress that he had hoped Tabitha would wear one day.  It was one of the only things left of her mother and Martha beamed with delight when she laced up her mistress.  “I laced your mother up in this same dress.”  She said with tears welling in her eyes.  “And it is my pleasure to do the same for you.  God has been so good to us my lady.  Those who wait on the Lord shall not be ashamed.  They have their strength renewed indeed.” 

“Yes Martha, God has been so good.  He has restored all and taken vengeance upon my enemies for me.  He has kept Andrew the same man I fell in love with and made him a great king who is just, merciful, and patient because of the lessons we learned in our afflictions waiting for the leaves to turn gold.”