Chapter 4 from A Light Rises in a Dark World by MD Boncher
If you missed the previous chapters, you can start here:
Whitecaps chased the gray clouds above the endless expanse of Lake Neezhoday. The roar of the breakers and hissing grass dominated all other sounds save for the seagulls wheeling overhead. As he sat on top of a dune, Reimar huddled against the stinging blasts of wind-driven sand, alternating between watching the waves and sobbing in fear.
Yesterday, Brother Finn had returned from Tryggahveneyrr. At first the children were happy to see him for his visit meant a return of Bergamot whom the children loved. It also seemed to signal a change in their parents’ behavior which had been odd since the monk last departed. It was the subtle way mothers and fathers had been treating them. Words became more tender and shows of affection more common. Even Bjorn had been strangely kinder to Reimar, he noted. Not only that, four girls were quickly betrothed and would be leaving before the end of October. The newlyweds needed a chance to settle in before winter arrived.
Shortly after dawn, Aattaettirstrond held a somber mass. Once the service was over, Herr Henrik came before the farmhold and announced that Brother Finn had returned to take the children. Disbelief overwhelmed Reimar as Herr Henrik repeated the names of all who would be departing. Parents gathered their chosen child close.
Anja, Oili and Mats wept and begged.
Talo and Stephon froze.
Liesl raged at her parents.
Reimar ran.
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Till next time, vaya con Dios!