Land Of Promise, Land Of Tears by Jerry L. Twedt

Author:Jerry L. Twedt [Twedt, Jerry L.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781467873994
Publisher: AuthorHouse
Published: 2012-01-03T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Twenty-Six

Ole slapped the reins, urging Doll and Lady into the river. The Skunk was relatively high for August. The water came to within a few inches of the wagon floor, where the Branjord children sat in their Sunday best.

The morning sun shone benevolently. It was warm, not hot, making for the promise of a perfect day. Rain had fallen during the night, leaving everything in sight looking scrubbed and clean, much like the Branjord children.

Berent looked over the side of the wagon. “Are we going to get wet, Papa?”

“No. The water isn’t that deep.”

Berent made a face. “Shucks.”

“Doesn’t everything smell wonderful?” Helena said after taking a deep breath.

Before Ole could reply, Lady decided to relieve herself. Ole grinned. “Well, not everything.”

Helena laughed as the horses pulled the wagon out of the river and onto the trail that lead to Saint Petri Church.

“Look, Mama!” Oline said, pointing to a wagon about forty yards behind. “Here come the Tjernagels.” Helena and Ole both looked and waved.

“Ole!” Ole Andreas called. “Wait up.”

When the wagons were side by side and the “hellos” and “good mornings” had been exchanged, Ole Andreas said, “I need to talk to you before church, Ole. How about if I ride with you and Helena and the children ride with Martha?”

“Well, if it’s that serious, we had better talk,” Ole answered.

“It’s fine with me,” Helena said. “I can talk with Martha.”

Ole Andreas handed the reins to Martha, jumped down, and then helped Helena down from the Branjord wagon and up onto the seat by his wife. The children followed with the agility of spider monkeys. Martha started her team for the church, and Ole Andreas climbed up on the seat beside Ole.

“What’s this all about?” Ole asked as he slapped the reins.

“More trouble. Saul Jaeran had his group meet last Thursday at the church. Reverend Amlund was supposed to be up north all day. Well, he came back early and caught them. I was told he was madder than a wet hen. He said there would be no more meetings in his church without him being there.”

“What did the men say?”

“Not much. They just sort of left. I guess Saul was jumping up and down mad.”

Ole shook his head in disgust. “Saul again! But, you know, it’s not right to call them Saul’s group. I know for a fact that Jonas, Lars, and Jacob can’t stand him. He just thinks he is the leader.”

“Well, he sure talks a lot,” Ole Andreas grumbled.

“Truer words were never spoken. If it weren’t for Saul, I think we could find a compromise for this mess.”

Ole Andreas spat, hitting the wagon tongue. “Things have gone too far, Ole. I think we are headed for a breakup.”

“I hope you’re wrong, but fear you’re right. It is such a shame. We have a nice-sized congregation.” The men rode in silence for a distance, then Ole asked, “Do you think there could be a blowup in church today?”

“It’s more than possible. That’s why I wanted to warn you.

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