Foremost (The Lost Princesses, #2)

by Jody Hedlund

As I exited, I had the awful premonition I might not see Wade again, that I wouldn’t have the chance to thank him for everything he’d done for me—for rescuing me as a frightened boy alone on the street, for bringing me to safety, for taking the time and effort year after year to shape me into a warrior. For modeling hard work, sacrifice, and courage.

We’d speculated on the various items represented by the tree of life and healing.

In His Providence, God had chosen me—not my sisters—to go with Sister Agnes, to grow up in a convent, and to learn the physician’s skills.

At his death, King Alfred had split the country into two separate realms, giving one to each of his twin daughters. He’d bestowed Mercia upon Leandra and Warwick upon Margery. They both ruled peacefully until Queen Leandra died. Margery fought Leandra’s heir for the right to Mercia’s throne, claiming the whole kingdom of Bryttania belonged to her. Eventually, Margery lost the fight, only to have her grandson, King Ethelwulf, take up the conquest many years later.

An altar represented sacrifice to God, laying down one’s own plans and desires. Ultimately, it stood for death. We needed to find something that symbolized life and healing.

“If we let worry control us, we shall never accomplish anything.”

I screamed.

I loved the simplicity of a cloistered life, the community of sisters, and the devotion to God. I wanted to serve Him wholeheartedly. But if I was completely honest with myself, I knew my desire to become a nun had more to do with retaining my right to act as a physician than with my desire for a holy, secluded life.

I’d let down my guard. I’d allowed my feelings—namely my need for revenge—to cloud my judgment.

“I understand why you want to hurt him. But giving in to revenge will not release the bitterness. Revenge only feeds the hate until it grows like mold, turning your heart black.”

“But sometimes life chooses a course for us, and then we must make the best of what we’re given.”

I released a frustrated sigh past the mask of rosemary and flower petals that covered my nose and mouth.

Loved this one, written well before Covid-19.

“Perhaps there is more to King Solomon’s hidden treasure than mere riches. What if the real treasure lies within us? With the gifts God imparts to us? What if those combined gifts are the keys to ridding the land of evil and restoring peace?”

“Wisdom and healing are indeed great treasures. Already God has used these gifts to bring about much good.”