A Taste of Catholic Fiction Part 11

A preview from the book The Arrow Bringer 

Chapter 3, part 5: The Wrong Choice

I clap my hands over my ears as one scream resounds above all others, reflecting intense, excruciating pain. And that’s when I know I have to stop this. I have a responsibility to protect Aletheia. If I don’t, then I’m just as guilty as Baeddan.

I sense the Arrow Bringer’s hand on my shoulder, and we’re back in the present. I rise shakily, knowing I believe him, that I owe him my allegiance. He could have asked anyone to do this—but he chose me. And he wouldn’t be asking unless it was important.

“How can I stop this?”

The Arrow Bringer studies me. “If you come to Aletheia, Baeddan will repent of his intentions. Your presence will mend his heart and restore his faith, as well as the faith of many.”

I nod numbly, still processing everything. “Who was Baeddan talking about… when he mentioned his daughter? Was he talking about me? Does he think I’m dead?”

“He was referring to your sister. She died from the same disease plaguing you.”

It’s like the wind’s knocked out of me. Somehow, I’d forgotten I have cancer. I collapse onto the bench, wishing I could return to when I thought this was a dream.

I grapple with myself for several minutes. In my heart, I’ve known the right choice since I witnessed the vision—to help Aletheia—no matter what it meant for me.

Until I remember I’m dying.

I can’t abandon my family the way Katalin and Baeddan abandoned me. Not when I might never make it home. I have to choose them. And I’ll have to live with my decision.

“I’m sorry.” I close my eyes because I can’t bear to look at the Arrow Bringer, “I can’t.”

I regret the words immediately but don’t take them back. When I open my eyes again, I’m lying awake in bed. I toss and turn for the rest of the night, haunted by nightmares of broken arrows, screams, and dragons.

When I awaken, I know I’ve made two unforgivable mistakes. The first is refusing the Arrow Bringer and betraying Aletheia. The second is knowing what I’ve done and yet not doing anything about it.

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(Be sure to check out The Arrow Bringer, a Catholic allegory inspired by Narnia, available on 3-19-19 on Kindle)