KOK Chapter 2 - At Home

Chapter 2 – At Home

               When the two boys got home it was already time for dinner. Their father was sitting at the head of the table while their mother was bringing out the pot containing some type of stew. While not complaining since it mostly turned out quite well, Henry had remarked before that she would no doubt make water stew some day as she had stewed everything else. Their home was not large but had enough space for them. They had enough room at their table for a small number of guests, which they often had and tonight was no exception. There was a young married couple from in town seated already as they entered. Henry had seen them before but didn’t know their names. The fire in the hearth made the home comfortably warm. The smell of mother’s stew was inviting. The guests seemed to be in a happy mood, and mother smiled as they entered. This was all in contrast to the scowl that their father, also named Henry, was giving to his sons to tell them they should have been home already. Before he could say anything William burst out in an excited tone, “Father, you should have seen your namesake today!” Henry dropped his head expecting William to share his embarrassment with everyone. “He was already dispatching one foe with his blade when I arrived and would have rightly taken me down as well were it not for a chance encounter with hazardous terrain.” William kissed his mother before taking his seat.
               “Is that right boy? Are you going to best your older brother yet?” father asked. William’s introduction had erased any irritation at their being late. “That almost makes up for your sneaking out of assembly today.”
               “About that, dad...”
               Henry’s father waved his hand to cut his son off. “Never mind, you heard the reading and were no doubt deliberating the entire time. Let us give thanks for the meal and forget all about that for now. Just remember your father is watching.” With that they all held hands around the table and Henry’s father gave thanks. “For the goodness of this day and the grace yet to be seen we give thanks. We ask only for that portion which is ours and wisdom to bear it. May his majesty look kindly on his subjects tonight and give us light for the morrow.”
               The meal was wonderful as always. There was always good food, but more than that meal time at their home was always a happy time. The young couple, maybe his name was John, told funny stories how they were learning to get along. They had been married since the planting season and it was only harvest now. They had built a home on the edge of town on the side toward the deep woods. Henry’s father told funny stories about when he and Elizabeth, their mother, were first married. She of course blushed and smiled as she told him to stop. After the meal John retreated to the porch with father for private conversation. This was common, although sometimes if it was a married couple they would both go with him. Tonight though John’s bride, Beth maybe, went in with mother and helped with cleaning up. They seemed like nice folks. John had moved to Kidron a couple years back. He had previously been employed on a merchant ship that came around about once a season. Beth had grown up in one of the towns a day’s ride away from Kidron. Her family had been lost in some terrible accident and she had come to live with her aunt.
               William and Henry sat by the hearth. William was reading one of father’s books of teaching on The Oracles. After some time Henry broke the silence. “How can you read so much about those old stories?”
“They’re not just stories little brother. They are the basis for how we should live and judge right from wrong.” William took The Oracles very seriously. He had professed his faith in the Elevated King at an early age. Henry was barely old enough to remember. He had not made a big fuss like earlier at the assembly. Henry remembered they were at home. It was a tearful affair. Both mother and father were weeping he remembered. It was as if they had been expecting it; waiting for it; and the prize had finally come. Perhaps that is why Henry was so harsh about the matter. He wondered why they could all see something he couldn’t. Henry felt sometimes as if his father was keeping some secret from him. William too for that matter. “I know it is hard for you to understand right now...”
               “It isn’t hard. I just don’t understand it.” Henry interrupted.
               “Well, you will little brother. One day, and it may be soon, there will come a moment when you too will see the Elevated King.”
               “What do you mean see him? That’s impossible!” Henry replied.
Just then father broke in, “Your brother is right, Henry.” They hadn’t noticed the young couple leaving and their father coming into the room. He walked past them and retrieved his pipe from the mantle. He used a slim stick he lit from the hearth to light his pipe and puffed a couple times before taking his seat by his boys. His father spoke in an easy tone, not scolding. “I have told you before that just as your brother, mother and I have, you too will come to understand someday.
               “Father, I’m almost grown. William received this visit early on so why not me?” Henry asked in an aggravated tone. I just don’t get it. I am near top of my class. I am not a trouble maker. That boy this morning; he is a sneak and a liar and you are going to tell me your mystical king chose him before me? That doesn’t sound right. Stephen wants to find these deep truths and he is still as I am. Maybe your king doesn’t want us.”
               Henry’s father didn’t get angry at Henry’s tone. Even though William was about to correct his young brother about his tone towards their father and about the Elevated King no less, he stayed William and puffed his pipe before speaking in a very gentle voice. “Son, I know this is difficult. You have to understand. He doesn’t choose us because we are good enough. None of us would ever do. Not me, not William, and certainly not that boy this morning. He chooses us because he cares for us and our lives and wants to rescue us. When we are called is not a matter for us to understand. The King answers to no one. It is his prerogative.” With this he again closed his eyes for a moment. “I assure you son. Both you and young Stephen will have your meeting. You just need to be ready. Do not keep him waiting when you hear his call.”
               Henry didn’t really understand this, but he never did. Their answers always seemed to go in circles but yet he knew they were probably right. “I’ll try father” Henry said as he got up to go to his bed. It was late and he would once again lie in thought over these puzzling words.
               “William, stay a while. I have something to discuss with you.” Their father said. His voice sounded like it was important; not angry, just focused.
               Henry went to his bed and lie there. So there was this mystical king who once lived among them. This same king was supposed to be the leader of all warriors. He would somehow make himself known to people when and where he wanted to? Based on what? It seemed based on nothing. Father said none of us are good enough, yet it seemed the ‘accepted people’ were the ones making public professions in the assembly. He spoke of The Oracles, but not in the same way as the prophets. William seemed to understand why couldn’t Henry?
               The import in father’ voice made Henry a little curious, but it was probably more matters of town politics. Henry had no interest in that. He thought he overheard William say something about the rumors of thieves in the deep forest before his father quieted him. Just then mother came into the room where the boys’ beds were and Henry lay.
               “I heard you boys talking in there. I know you are frustrated but your father is right. It is not our place to decide when the King may call. We just have to listen. Your father and I pray for you and we have tried to teach you, but you are coming of age now. We cannot make decisions for you. We cannot answer for you. That’s the way of life. That’s the way with the King. Only you can answer for yourself.” She had spent many a night wondering if Henry was just running from his calling. Henry the elder tried to comfort her, but they both prayed often.
               “I know, mom. I just can’t see it yet. Whatever this calling is I hope it is soon; and I hope I haven’t missed it.” Henry knew his mother meant well, but she spoke in riddles too it seemed.
               “You can’t miss it son. That I am sure of. Sleep easy son.” and she was gone. He was once again alone with his thoughts while father and William discussed whatever urgent matter by the hearth. I wish I would hear a calling, Henry thought. Something, anything to make this make sense.