As gulls flew over the sparkling turquoise ocean, a small black bear cub sat on the deck of a merchant’s ship, scratching his ear with his paw. Leaning against the side of the ship a few feet away, a charming youth in an elegant dress and cloak glanced at him and then returned to watching some dolphins that were playing near the vessel. The bear, whose name was Faithful, was her constant companion on this long voyage. Well, him and the hefty merchant, Samuel Potter. This ship, the Maiden, was his pride and joy.

While a gentle breeze played with Hadassah’s long wavy black hair, the ship plowed through the waves and salty spray sprinkled the deck. Eventually, Hadassah stepped gracefully back from the rail and retired to her cabin. Pacing around her modest room with Faithful on her bed concealed memories came flooding back, memories Hadassah, had locked away in the back of her mind now broke free, unbidden and unwanted but unrestrainable.

One week prior:

On an enjoyable spring evening, Hadassah laughs pleasantly as her handsome older brother Eleazar, attempts to teach her to skip stones. She tries again with no success and the stone sinks with a splash. She sighs as Eleazar’s stone skips several times. “How did you do that so easily?” Hadassah inquired wistfully.

“It takes practice,” he replied. “And patience.” Eleazar added with a chuckle.

Suddenly, “Dinner time!” rang across the meadow shattering the stillness.

“We better get going,” he remarked, and they headed home across the blooming field. On the way Eleazar handed Hadassah a small package. She excitedly opened it and found it contained a delicate, silver whistle. Hadassah glanced inquisitively at her brother, who replied with, “Blow it, silly!” She proceeded to do so, and in reply a striking coal colored bear cub came bounding out of the grasses behind them and come to a halt at Hadassah’s feet. “He’s yours,” Eleazar declared. “I trained him myself. Give him love and care, and he’ll always be faithful.”

Looking into the bear’s deep brown eyes, Hadassah decided, “Faithful, that’s what I’ll name him.” She thanked her brother profoundly, and as the crickets sang and the frogs croaked, the three walked together toward the sunset.

The next morning Hadassah awoke to Faithful’s growling. Sitting up to see what was amiss, she suddenly froze because a soldier stood a few feet from her door, handling a sword. But when he tried to advance into the room, Faithful got in his way, biting and jumping on him. The nervous soldier then sought to kill Faithful. However the cub was extremely nimble and dodged his every swing. At last the vexed soldier departed, figuring they would starve sooner or later if he locked them in their room, which he did by chaining the door shut from the outside. Hadassah sat bewildered for a few minutes, then she proceeded to get dressed and climb out of her window. Re-entering the house, she began searching everywhere for her beloved family. She failed to find them. Hadassah was exceedingly distressed to say the least and prepared to search outside for them. She packed some necessities such as her pocket knife, flint and steel, and her treasured harp. As she grabbed her favorite book, a sheet of parchment fell out. It was a note, written in her mother’s faultless handwriting:

To my darling Hadassah,

Precious daughter, I am not sure the time nor the place that this will fall into your hands, God alone knows, nevertheless this information is critical. Your father and I used to be Lord Acheron’s custodians, and we found out a top secret piece of information. I can’t tell you what it is for your safety, but we are expecting capture from the secret service any day now. If so, you must flee. Don’t be anxious about us, for we go in peace even though we know not what lies ahead, for our Lord and Savior is ever with us. He is with you too, dearest, never forget that and never turn away from Him. We love you more than words can describe; you have been such a blessing to us. Continue to grow in the Lord, trust in Him, and one day in eternity we will meet again.

Your loving Mother, Ruth

“Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.”

Hadassah looked up from the note, tears glistening in her eyes. Looking again at the page, she noticed a sketch of her locket in the bottom right corner. Not having time to ponder its significance, she decided to think on it later. Hadassah folded the page tenderly and placed it in her knapsack. As an afterthought she grabbed her father’s sword and sheath. Treading quietly in her boots, she entered the kitchen of her home and packed some food.

Hadassah tightened the straps of her knapsack and slipped quietly out the back door of her home, Faithful padding close behind her. The morning air was cool and sharp, carrying the scent of dew‑soaked earth and distant smoke. Too much smoke. She glanced toward the village square—dark plumes rose above the rooftops.

Her heart clenched.

She hurried toward the edge of the woods, keeping low, her father’s sword bumping lightly against her hip. Faithful trotted beside her, ears pricked, nose twitching. Every rustle made her jump.

When they reached the shelter of the trees, Hadassah paused to catch her breath. The forest felt different today—still, watchful, as though it too sensed danger. She knelt beside Faithful and stroked his soft fur.

“It’s just us now,” she whispered. “But we’ll find them. Somehow.”

Faithful nuzzled her hand, letting out a soft, reassuring rumble.

Hadassah straightened, squared her shoulders, and began walking deeper into the woods. She didn’t know where she was going—only that she had to get far from the soldiers and closer to answers. Her mother’s note weighed heavily in her pocket, the words echoing in her mind.

Never forget that He is with you.

Hours passed. Sunlight filtered through the canopy in shifting golden patches. Birds chirped overhead, oblivious to the turmoil in her chest. Eventually, Hadassah reached a narrow dirt road she had never traveled before. A wagon creaked in the distance.

She ducked behind a tree, gripping the sword’s hilt.

The wagon rounded the bend—a merchant’s cart, piled high with crates and cloth bundles. The driver was a stout man with a thick beard and kind eyes. He hummed a tune as he flicked the reins.

Faithful let out a curious snort.

The merchant startled, then spotted them. “Ho there!” he called. “A girl and a bear cub? That’s not something you see every day.”

Hadassah stepped out cautiously. “We… need to get far from here.”

The merchant studied her face—her dirt‑smudged cheeks, her trembling hands, the sword at her side. His expression softened.

“Name’s Samuel Potter,” he said. “I’m headed to the coast. If you’re in trouble, you’re welcome to ride with me. I don’t ask questions unless someone wants to answer them.”

Hadassah hesitated. Her parents had always warned her to be careful with strangers. But something about Samuel felt steady, trustworthy—like a harbor in a storm.

And she had nowhere else to go.

She nodded. “Thank you.”

Samuel helped her climb into the wagon, Faithful scrambling up after her. As they set off, Hadassah leaned back against a crate and exhaled for what felt like the first time all day.

By nightfall, they reached the bustling port city of Avenford. Lanterns glowed along the docks, casting shimmering reflections across the water. Ships bobbed gently in the harbor, their sails furled like sleeping wings.

Samuel guided the wagon toward a sleek vessel with polished wood and a carved maiden figurehead.

“This is her,” he said proudly. “The Maiden. Finest ship on this side of the sea.”

Hadassah stared up at it, awe softening her fear. She had never been on a ship before.

Samuel lowered his voice. “You’ll be safe here. My crew is loyal, and we leave at dawn. If you want passage, you have it.”

Hadassah swallowed hard. Leaving her homeland felt like stepping off a cliff—but staying meant certain danger.

She looked down at Faithful. He gazed back with unwavering trust.

“All right,” she whispered. “We’ll go.”

Now, a week later, Hadassah stood in her cabin aboard the Maiden, the memory of that terrifying morning still vivid. She pressed a hand to her locket, tracing its familiar shape. Her mother’s sketch of it tugged at her thoughts.

Why draw it? What did she want me to see?

Faithful hopped onto the bed and nudged her arm, sensing her distress.

Hadassah sat beside him, burying her fingers in his fur. “I’ll figure it out,” she murmured. “I have to.”

A sudden knock startled her.

“Hadassah?” Samuel’s voice came through the door. “We’re approaching the Isles of Acheron. Thought you might want to see.”

Her breath caught.

Acheron.

The name from her mother’s letter.

Hadassah rose slowly, heart pounding. She opened the door, Faithful at her heels.

“Show me,” she said.

And together, they stepped toward the deck—toward the truth waiting beyond the horizon.