The Lion's Den — Louise Bouck

Sarah and David had abruptly left the S. and J. Ranch. Ben's watchful and caring eye had become too much for Sarah. She wanted respect, independence and their own place. Brother Tim had allowed them to stay in the front of a cave located on his land while they built their cabin. As their belongings were taken to the cave, Father Bob knelt and soon they all were kneeling. The image they were seeing above the entrance revealed protection but at the same time overwhelming power. The sun's rays lowered behind the trees and the image was gone. Each person was affected in their own way, but all of them longed to see it again. Ben felt unworthy. Sarah felt accepted. David scrambled to mark the land and begin their small cabin. He had a wagon of lumber that would aid in building window frames and making doors, but he needed logs and a team of work horses to help. With shaken resolve after seeing Sarah's anger, Ben still wanted to help Sarah and David. He redirected two wagons of logs to their property. He wanted her to understand that he was just trying to protect her. David went to the settlement seeking a team of horses. He needed ones young and strong enough to work. What he found were four horses that needed him and compassion. He bought them and took them to Matt Morgan the blacksmith. His advice was sound and with new shoes on each, Matt placed each horse in a soft head halter. He told David to expect them to resist the use of a bit because of the misuse they had endured. Gentle, kind treatment, patience and time to heal, turned them into four fine friends that made building the cabin go smoothly. A wonderful surprise visit, from The Blue Stone People, and The People of the Lion, brought joy to Sarah. She realized that the people that had raised her as their own had finally met her brother, Ben and his family. She didn't know the circumstances that had brought them all together. The Blue Stone People left for the Summer Council, but Two Feathers, the leader of this new people, The People of The Lion, his people stayed to help David build the cabin. Two Feathers and some of the men soon made a discovery that changed everything. They made a vow not to tell anyone, not even their wives Sarah had taken the women to visit the S. and J. Ranch to see several new foals. They also made a discovery, a very dangerous one. Later as she sat in her rocking chair, looking out the window, she felt tired, but she also felt something else. It was a sweet peacefulness unlike anywhere else. Everything here is new and different and yet it is as old as time itself, she thought. I think this is, “JUST THE BEGINNING.”