THE ANCIENT PATH: THE ANCIENT PATHBy Tessa HarveyCHAPTER SEV...

THE ANCIENT PATH: THE ANCIENT PATH



By Tessa Harvey



CHAPTER SEV...: THE ANCIENT PATH By Tessa Harvey CHAPTER SEVEN (Continued) One night after working late on an engineering a...

THE ANCIENT PATH

By Tessa Harvey

CHAPTER SEVEN

(Continued)

One night after working late on an engineering assignment, Gabe found himself unable to sleep, his brain churning over his future. How could he go on? What would happen to him?

Idly he turned his radio dial quietly - classical music, sport, raucous "music", then something different... a man's voice talking about Jesus.

He said: Jesus is the Way, the Truth and the Life. Gabe had already read that, the use of the present tense sounded clear and strong. Yes, God had helped him in the mist and probably at other times too.

Like a flash of light, he saw that God is "I AM", the God of the present, the now God.

And if so, He was/is the God who cares, who loves, who heals.

Joy welled up in the young man's heart, joy and hope, and the promise of a future. He would not give up.

He would follow God's path, the ancient path, the now path and walk in Light.

THE END

Coming Soon: THE STONES OF FIRE

THE ANCIENT PATH: THE ANCIENT PATHBy Tessa HarveyCHAPTER SE...

THE ANCIENT PATH: THE ANCIENT PATH



By Tessa Harvey




CHAPTER SE...: THE ANCIENT PATH By Tessa Harvey CHAPTER SEVEN (Continued) Pride was not much of a companion. "Thanks&qu...

THE ANCIENT PATH

By Tessa Harvey

CHAPTER SEVEN

(Continued)

Pride was not much of a companion. "Thanks" he answered, "but I am paying my way and will help around the house when I can."

Jim was really pleased. "Got a good sturdy desk stored somewhere", he enthused.

There was a knock and Geoff and Angel clattered in. "We got something for you", called Angel loudly.

"Sounds like the goats are coming! joked Gabe.

Geoff laughed. "No, they are safe in a friend's paddock for the winter. We brought you some cake we made. Sponge cake!"

"Great! Thank you", Jim replied. "Let's get lunch ready."

Later, there was yet another knock, more strident this time. "Sounds like the Gestapo", muttered Jim. 

"More like the Vigilantes," Geoff said much more loudly.

Gabe answered the door but invited no-one in. It was the two councillors of before and another lady. "Yes, how may I help you? asked the young man.

"Er, we heard you haven't been too well..." The man paused. Gabe said nothing.

Nonplussed, the three people slowly moved back down the path.

              ----------------------------------

THE ANCIENT PATH: THE ANCIENT PATHBy Tessa HarveyCHAPTER SEVE...

THE ANCIENT PATH: THE ANCIENT PATH

By Tessa Harvey




CHAPTER SEVE...: THE ANCIENT PATH By Tessa Harvey CHAPTER SEVEN Gabe squinted at the dancing page. Jim peered over his shoulder. ...

THE ANCIENT PATH

By Tessa Harvey

CHAPTER SEVEN

Gabe squinted at the dancing page. Jim peered over his shoulder.

"Leviticus" he carefully spelled aloud. "Gabe, try the New Testament for now." 

Gabe looked puzzled.

"Look at the index. Try Matthew, Mark, Luke or John first."

"Okay" replied the younger man. Might leave it for now though. Eyes a bit funny. Thanks."

The old man sat down heavily. His soft white hair was thinning a little on top.

"That Bible belonged to my Lettie", he said softly. "When she died, I wrapped it up. It meant a lot to her, that book. She's been gone ten years now. Anyway, what are your plans for the future, Gabe?"

"Guess I'll head back to college," he replied.

Jim had been thinking about that quite a lot. Aloud he asked: "How would you like to stay here, mate? Do your studies by correspondence, you know writing an' that. Sure could use the company."

Gabe thought for a while. He understood his friends wanted to help him. Geoff had unobtrusively left the walking stick. Now Jim's offer.

Did he value his independence so much he could walk away lonely and...he hated to think it...unwell?

THE ANCIENT PATH: THE ANCIENT PATHBy Tessa HarveyCHAPTER SIX(...

THE ANCIENT PATH: THE ANCIENT PATH

By Tessa Harvey




CHAPTER SIX(...: THE ANCIENT PATH By Tessa Harvey CHAPTER SIX (Continued) Angel had stopped crying, worn out. She shivered and wr...

THE ANCIENT PATH

By Tessa Harvey

CHAPTER SIX

(Continued)

Angel had stopped crying, worn out. She shivered and wrapped her arms tighter around herself. Then she heard a strange tapping noise. It brought to mind a hideous image - that of the menacing blind man in the first chapters of Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson. It had terrorised her when she was younger, and the setting now was very similar. She screamed.

"Angel!" yelled a man. It was her dad. The orange light of a torch penetrated the darkness and drew closer, hurrying. "Oh dad!" she cried and clung desperately to him. Finally, he pulled her away a little and she explained to him what had happened.

It transpired that her father had only come this way by chance. Father and daughter stood close in great relief. Angel held Geoff's hand. They were just deciding to head back to Jim's when a greater light shone around them and they heard Gabe. They were both astounded and relieved and then happy.

Geoff had a stick with him in case Gabe had needed help, but he said nothing of that to the younger man. Instead they marvelled at the light that had led Gabe safely back. As they talked, it faded. Angel felt quite bereft. "Was that like baby Jesus' star?" she asked softly.

"It was greater than that", answered Gabe. I believe it was the Light of God.

THE ANCIENT PATH: THE ANCIENT PATHBy Tessa HarveyCHAPTER SIX(...

THE ANCIENT PATH: THE ANCIENT PATH

By Tessa Harvey




CHAPTER SIX(...: THE ANCIENT PATH By Tessa Harvey CHAPTER SIX ( Continued) Gabe pressed on to Geoff's home and realised almos...

THE ANCIENT PATH

By Tessa Harvey

CHAPTER SIX

(Continued)

Gabe pressed on to Geoff's home and realised almost immediately no-one was home. 

Instead of going straight back, Gabe decided to go around the back to the little stream that bubbled and gurgled its way down the craggy hillside. He sat there, resting, enjoying the peaceful sound of running water, the clouds drifting by!

He thought back to his dream. What could it mean? Was he meant to ask Jesus to show him the way he needed to go now? How? "God," he whispered. "Jesus, if you are real, show me."

He heard nothing, but felt more at peace. Then he remembered about the book Jim had given him and wondered what is was about.

He must read it. With that thought, he turned to go back and within a short time, it seemed, was plunged into a thick cloud of clinging, almost choking greyness. Gabe paused, unsure. Clearly a voice said: "Follow Me", and there was a brightness just ahead, parting the darkness. "I will show you the way."

Gabe glanced back. Oncoming darkness and fog had thickened behind him. There was no way to return.

Would he have seen the light if he hadn't prayed? Gabe wondered. Can it be one of those will 'o the wisps I have read about that lead people astray?

But that was ridiculous.

He followed the light as it led unerringly across the rough terrain.

THE ANCIENT PATH: THE ANCIENT PATHBy Tessa HarveyCHAPTER SIX...

THE ANCIENT PATH: THE ANCIENT PATH



By Tessa Harvey



CHAPTER SIX...: THE ANCIENT PATH By Tessa Harvey CHAPTER SIX Jim also noticed the mist rising, but was not perturbed. It very rar...

THE ANCIENT PATH

By Tessa Harvey

CHAPTER SIX

Jim also noticed the mist rising, but was not perturbed. It very rarely rose higher. A knock interrupted his musings. Answering, he found Geoff and Angel. After some discussion, Geoff decided to go and meet their young friend.

Angel watched her dad stride firmly away, despite the rising mist. She had been bidden to stay and even now old uncle Jim was rummaging in a dusty cupboard for some old board games.

Angel decided to go on an adventure and follow her dad. After all, she had recently read a story about two kids - young people she thought hastily - who had done great things on their own. What was the name of the book? Earthquake? Bio Wave? No, it was Tsunami! It completely escaped her that, though the children had survived being rebellious, it had been God's intervention on both counts that had saved them.

The mist had closed in on Angel without her noticing.

Never mind, she knew this town so well. It was a little scary in the mist and outlines were fading.

Also, Angel found her breathing getting harder, which surprised her. She had never had breathing difficulties before. A wave of doubt touched her. Perhaps she should go back to Uncle Jim's.

She turned around and was instantly afraid............

                                    ------------------------------------------------------

Angel had wanted the story to be more about her and now she was alone and afraid. She could see nothing in the thickening fog, not even a little bit in front of her.

Well, Angel was made of strong stuff. After all, I am nearly twelve, she thought. I am going to High School soon, so I will not cry.

Whereupon she sat down on the wet pavement and did just that.

THE ANCIENT PATH: THE ANCIENT PATHBy Tessa HarveyCHAPTER FIVE(...

THE ANCIENT PATH: THE ANCIENT PATH

By Tessa Harvey



CHAPTER FIVE(...: THE ANCIENT PATH By Tessa Harvey CHAPTER FIVE (Continued)   After an afternoon spent with the mostly cheery and ...

THE ANCIENT PATH

By Tessa Harvey

CHAPTER FIVE

(Continued)

 After an afternoon spent with the mostly cheery and affectionate old lady, Gabe headed back to Jim's.

On the way, crossing a street, he thought he saw one of the councillors who had called on him.

Probably heard I am not well, thought Gabe and keeping clear.

He had, by now, undergone further tests and a spinal tap and was a little fed-up. It was then he decided to visit Angel and Geoff the next day.

With him, he took Jim's best wishes, food, drink and a small backpack. It was a beautiful day and Gabe felt his spirits rise as he headed away from the confines of Paradise.

Autumn wildflowers bloomed and birds soared on the thermals above the hills. Smaller birds twittered around the young man and he began to feel much happier about his life.

Not far from Geoff's small house, Gabe stopped for lunch, not wishing to be indoors just yet. From where he perched, he could see the river far below and, as he watched, a thick mist began to form and rise higher.

THE ANCIENT PATH: THE ANCIENT PATHBy Tessa HarveyCHAPTER FIVE...

THE ANCIENT PATH: THE ANCIENT PATH

By Tessa Harvey




CHAPTER FIVE...: THE ANCIENT PATH By Tessa Harvey CHAPTER FIVE Over the next few days, Gabe worked around the house, fixing and alt...

THE ANCIENT PATH

By Tessa Harvey

CHAPTER FIVE

Over the next few days, Gabe worked around the house, fixing and altering various rails and window frames. As it was fine, he decided to try and stabilise the verandah.

Sometimes Jim lent a hand. On one of these occasions, through a mouthful of nails, he told Jim about the dream, recounting it simply just as it was.

Jim laid down his plane, thought for a while, then said he was going to get something.

He returned with an old book, carefully wrapped in brown paper, torn at the edges. "This was my wife's", he explained. "Keep it out of sight. It explains about the ancient paths."

Gabe thanked him, laid it carefully in a drawer in his room, and slowly finished his work.

After a cafe lunch he wandered around the town. Some parts were very old, most were modern. There were few children around. Those that were, were mostly skimming around on bikes or skateboards, skipping, kicking balls or being pushed around in strollers.

People seemed busy and seldom stopped to chat. One old lady was sat outside an ancient house and called out to him. "This lane was called St Bridgets, but they are re-naming it. Bit too religious", she chuckled. "The other name was Brewery Lane."

Gabe told her he was staying with Jim. The old lady was delighted. "Used to give Jim and his sister Jane pancakes and pop when they were kids.

"I had a little table and two chairs for them."

"Their dad used to give me lifts to church. No church now. It's very sad."

THE ANCIENT PATH: THE ANCIENT PATHBy Tessa HarveyCHAPTER FOUR(C...

THE ANCIENT PATH: THE ANCIENT PATH

By Tessa Harvey


CHAPTER FOUR(C...: THE ANCIENT PATH By Tessa Harvey CHAPTER FOUR (Continued) Gabe was alarmed. He went home lying full-length on his b...

THE ANCIENT PATH

By Tessa Harvey

CHAPTER FOUR

(Continued)

Gabe was alarmed. He went home lying full-length on his bed, hands under his head. He said aloud: "This is not fair!"

Suddenly, he remembered a young teenage girl in one of the homes. 

"This is so not fair!" she had complained about something. Probably because she had been asked to lengthen her skirt at school.

He could hear her indignant voice and grinned, despite himself.

Jim wandered in. He was really surprised to see Gabe lying on his bed, but said nothing.

"Cup of coffee?" he offered. 

"Yeah, sure, thanks", and Gabe got up and followed Jim to the kitchen.

Over the coffee, he decided to tell Jim. "What about your folks?" was the answer, after Jim had thought for a while, trying to hide his shock...

"There aren't any. I have no folks - was found in a supermarket trolley abandoned and brought up in different foster homes, some good, some not so good. They all tried, though.

There are lots like me around. I was fed mostly, went to school mostly. Now I want to be an engineer.

That night Gabe had the most curious dream. He saw someone vividly and knew, instinctively, it was Jesus. There was glowing light around.

"Gabe!", a voice spoke into his heart.

"Gabe, you have been following ancient paths. Will you follow Mine?"

                The dream fades....

THE ANCIENT PATH: THE ANCIENT PATHBy Tessa HarveyCHAPTER FOUR...

THE ANCIENT PATH: THE ANCIENT PATH



By Tessa Harvey


CHAPTER FOUR...: THE ANCIENT PATH By Tessa Harvey CHAPTER FOUR (Continued) A week later as it was raining, Gabe wandered into th...

THE ANCIENT PATH

By Tessa Harvey

CHAPTER FOUR

(Continued)

A week later as it was raining, Gabe wandered into the surgery, watching some bizarre movie on the TV there until he was called in.

It was the same doctor, but he looked a little serious. "Gabe, we would like to do more tests. Some of the blood results are causing us concern."

"What is it, doctor?" queried Gabe.

"Would you be willing to do some more tests?" hedged the doctor.

"Look, please let me know what you...?"

"Have you slipped or fallen lately without any real explanation? Had any vision problems? Depression?"

"No", answered Gabe, " no problems with vision or depression, but I have slipped a couple of times. Doesn't everybody?" He tried to sound light, almost joking.

"Have you any family near?" the doctor asked, not answering.
"No", answered Gabe, quite truthfully.

"We need to do more tests", said the doctor. "I don't want to alarm you, but you are showing signs of multiple sclerosis."

                         --------------------------------------------------------------------------

THE ANCIENT PATH: THE ANCIENT PATHBy Tessa HarveyCHAPTER FOUR...

THE ANCIENT PATH: THE ANCIENT PATH



By Tessa Harvey


CHAPTER FOUR...: THE ANCIENT PATH By Tessa Harvey CHAPTER FOUR Some outings later, having followed old trails and pathways, Gabe de...

THE ANCIENT PATH

By Tessa Harvey

CHAPTER FOUR

Some outings later, having followed old trails and pathways, Gabe decided to caulk up some windows that rattled, and fix up some paint and varnish. He asked permission to do the one in Jim's room. The old man was very pleased and complimented him on his work.

Gabe had been there around two weeks now and the old man and he were becoming friends. Now and then Geoff and Angel called around. Jim wandered out to the shops, asking Gabe if he needed anything.

Soon the young man was busy absorbed in his work. A nail sticking half-way out caught his arm near the top of the window. Gabe thought nothing of it, but when Jim returned, he was concerned and talked about tetanus shots until Gabe agreed to see the doctor next day.

The doctor was young and pleasant. He noted that Gabe often was scratching himself, and asked about it. Gabe had not really noticed. "Probably too tired to notice", he joked with a grin. After a chat, the doctor arranged for the tetanus injection. He also asked Gabe to go for a blood test.

Though Gabe could see no point, the doctor was so pleasant and charming, the young man reluctantly agreed and went early the next day before setting off on another hike, following an old pack horse route through the hills.

The day passed pleasantly enough and Gabe returned to a warm meal Jim had prepared.

The men hate hungrily and chatted, then Jim casually mentioned the doctor's surgery had called - and wanted him to call in sometime soon.

THE ANCIENT PATH: THE ANCIENT PATHBy Tessa HarveyCHAPTER THREE(C...

THE ANCIENT PATH: THE ANCIENT PATH

By Tessa Harvey

CHAPTER THREE(C...: THE ANCIENT PATH By Tessa Harvey CHAPTER THREE (Continued) The dark water was not far below, but Gabe had already not...

THE ANCIENT PATH

By Tessa Harvey

CHAPTER THREE

(Continued)

The dark water was not far below, but Gabe had already noticed the telltale ripples and eddies of constantly changing currents. He did not want to fall in, even though he was a strong swimmer.

His foot was hanging over the edge; carefully, he brought it up and crawled upright, gripping the rails.

The rest of his journey across was uneventful. Not far from the river's edge was a busy café, though little more than a truck stop. Gabe headed inside and asked for egg and beans on toast. This was followed by hot tea, thick and strong in a tough looking mug. As he was heading back, a truckie hailed him.

"Hey, young fella - would you like a lift back to Paradise? Guess you are going that way? Not much else around."

Gabe was grateful and chattered to the grizzled-looking truck driver who was pleased to have someone to talk to, and who told him about his wife and kids. He dropped Gabe off not far from Jim's, waved cheerily, honked and was soon gone.

That night as Gabe fell asleep, he wasn't thinking of that day's outing, but rather of how much he had unexpectedly remembered from the stories his grandmother had told him long ago, about God.

THE ANCIENT PATH: THE ANCIENT PATHBy Tessa HarveyCHAPTER THREE...

THE ANCIENT PATH: THE ANCIENT PATH


By Tessa Harvey

CHAPTER THREE
...: THE ANCIENT PATH By Tessa Harvey CHAPTER THREE "What's my crime?!" Gabe asked sharply. "You h...

THE ANCIENT PATH

By Tessa Harvey

CHAPTER THREE

"What's my crime?!" Gabe asked sharply.

"You have been talking about... Jesus", said the woman red-faced. "That name causes trouble!" 

Gabriel was just about to laugh, then realised these people were serious.

"Jesus!" he exclaimed, noting how they both winced slightly. "Jesus is or was a great man. I don't know much about Jesus, but you are certainly making me want to find out more!! All I know is Jesus healed people. Jesus loved people." Then he remembered another fact he had heard. "Jesus is Lord."

The councillors - for that is what they were - turned to leave, but not without a final warning not to cause trouble, for this was a peaceful, quiet town. They were obviously very discomforted!

As soon as the door was shut, Gabe heard sniggering from the kitchen. Jim had been listening. "Real busybodies", he mused. "Still, maybe you should go for a trip for a few days?"

The temptation to stay was almost overwhelming, but it would prove nothing and a glance at Jim showed Gabe the older man was a little worried. After all, soon he would move on, but Jim lived here.
Already he felt quite fond of his new friend.

The next day Gabe set off early for the ancient bridge. It was long and narrow and looked well-built.
It had been fenced off, presumably to protect small children from the turgid, roiling waters below.

The young man placed his hand flat on a post and easily vaulted onto the bridge. He began to walk, whistling cheerfully. After a while, he felt hungry and thirsty, so paused, sat on the plank bridge and watched the river. Looking back, he could see he had probably travelled a third of the span between banks.

As he moved to stand up, again he slipped as he had done yesterday. Gabe clutched the bridge rail desperately.

THE ANCIENT PATH: THE ANCIENT PATHBy Tessa HarveyCHAPTER TWO(Con...

THE ANCIENT PATH: THE ANCIENT PATH

By Tessa Harvey

CHAPTER TWO(Con...: THE ANCIENT PATH By Tessa Harvey CHAPTER TWO (Continued) Apparently a couple of people from the local council had bee...

THE ANCIENT PATH

By Tessa Harvey

CHAPTER TWO

(Continued)

Apparently a couple of people from the local council had been asking a few questions about Gabe and why he was in town.

Jim had given them a little information and, apparently satisfied, they had left.

A day or so later, shopping for some groceries and checking out a local hardware store, Gabe was accosted by a high, cheerful voice.

It was Angel, accompanied by her dad. They exchanged a few pleasantries and were interested to know Gabe had reached the steep summit. Then Angel asked him again about the old story of Jesus and his birth.

The young man told them what he knew, then remembered another story about Jesus healing a child of twelve, a little girl. They were engrossed in the story and he assured them if he remembered any more, he would let them know.

"Jim would probably welcome you", the young man smiled, explaining where he was staying.

A few days later, Gabe was making a stool out of two flat circular pieces of wood, separated by three sturdy birch branches, still with their reddish white bark. He had measured them very carefully and was pleased with his work.

At first he ignored the sound of heavy knocking, then, realizing Jim was not around, he put down his tools and opened the door himself.

Two people stood there, looking officious and miserable.

"Well?" asked Gabe, sizing them up and not liking what he saw.

As far as he could see, they might as well carry a sign saying TROUBLE in capital letters. He felt protective of Jim, his host.

"We hear you have been causing some problems", blustered the man. The woman laid a restraining arm on his, then said coldly: "We think it best if you could leave soon."

THE ANCIENT PATH: THE ANCIENT PATHBy Tessa HarveyCHAPTER TWOF...

THE ANCIENT PATH: THE ANCIENT PATH

By Tessa Harvey

CHAPTER TWO


F...: THE ANCIENT PATH By Tessa Harvey CHAPTER TWO Freefalling was not going to happen, thought Gabe, trying not to panic as ...

THE ANCIENT PATH

By Tessa Harvey

CHAPTER TWO

Freefalling was not going to happen, thought Gabe, trying not to panic as he threw himself sideways.

It was a rough landing , but apart from scraped skin and some bruising, he was unharmed.

He sat still for a while, shaken, assessing what had just happened. It was not yet late so Gabe decided to press on, crest the top and return to Jim's for the night.

It seemed a good idea not to camp out. Just below the summit was a dip in the hills where a beautiful small lake nestled.

Gabe recalled the name of the clear reflecting pool. It was an old Norse word 'tarn' meaning 'tear'. Crags, grey and rugged, soared around the tarn.

In a further hour, the young man had rested a while on the summit, placing a small rock on the cairn or group of marker stones, as was the custom in these parts. He liked the idea of crags having tears.

On his return journey, he passed Geoff and Angel's house windows lit against the gathering gloom. Gabe smiled as he travelled past, and was back at Jim's before full dark.

"Hi son", greeted the old man, cheerfully enough. "Some folks asking about you."

Gabe was puzzled.

THE ANCIENT PATH: THE ANCIENT PATHBy Tessa HarveyCHAPTER ONE(C...

THE ANCIENT PATH: THE ANCIENT PATH

By Tessa Harvey



CHAPTER ONE(C...: THE ANCIENT PATH By Tessa Harvey CHAPTER ONE (Continued) Occasionally, Gabe paused for a breather and to look arou...

THE ANCIENT PATH

By Tessa Harvey

CHAPTER ONE

(Continued)

Occasionally, Gabe paused for a breather and to look around. Soon he was sufficiently high to see the town of Paradise spread out below. He thought he could make out Jim Nesbitt's house, set a little back from the town, but maybe not.

He saw a broad river flowing darkly far below. A narrow bridge spanned the water. It looked interesting, but no-one appeared to be using it. Further away a wide motorway took many cars to the opposite side of the shore and back.

Obviously, this was the main way into and out of Paradise. He had walked in from a different direction.

Unexpectedly, he heard a child singing and curious, climbed higher.

Rounding a twist in the path, he saw a young girl looking after a few goats.

"You sound lovely", remarked Gabe. "Are your parents here?"

A man came out of a rough dwelling. It was sturdily built, set close back to the hillside, with a beautiful view over the countryside.

"Your daughter's singing was good", Gabe said by way of introduction. The man looked as sturdy as his home, introducing himself as Geoff, his daughter as Angel.

Gabe smiled. "I'm an angel, too!" Was named for the archangel Gabriel according to my grandma. Told me about a young girl called Mary.

The angel told her she would have a baby called Jesus. Don't know any more."

"My wife called her Angel, and then died a few days later", Geoff commented. "Anyway, do you need a hot drink before you go any further?"

After the drink, Geoff offered to take him further up the trail as the path was not very clear.
A while later, he pointed to a divide in the rocks. "That's your route. I'll get back to my daughter."

Part of the way seemed very steep, but as it was so dry and clear, Gabe pressed on, careful where he put his feet.

A few small rocks skittered down, then a lark soared, singing high in the blue sky and suddenly almost inexplicably , Gabe slipped and fell, slithering down the rocky escarpment.

THE ANCIENT PATH: THE ANCIENT PATHBy Tessa HarveyCHAPTER ONE...

THE ANCIENT PATH: THE ANCIENT PATH

By Tessa Harvey


CHAPTER ONE


...: THE ANCIENT PATH By Tessa Harvey CHAPTER ONE Jim Nesbitt was the old man's name and he leaned on a cane as he watched Gab...

THE ANCIENT PATH

By Tessa Harvey


CHAPTER ONE

Jim Nesbitt was the old man's name and he leaned on a cane as he watched Gabe planing a little off the main door, the shavings glistening dull gold in the late afternoon sunlight. Then Gabe sanded the wood and asked what paint the man had. "We could git some right now", Jim responded. "Come to the hardware, then we will bag some groceries. Sure hope you eat well, young un!" Gabe grinned. He did.

Later they sat, drinking coffee in the darkening twilight outside on the verandah. That too was rickety. They both agreed that Gabe would work a few days then go exploring for a while, returning now and then to sleep and to stock up on provisions.

"You ever thought of crossing the mountains?" queried Jim. "They say there is an ancient route through there, not much used now. Was a book, a sort of map once, but no-one knows where it went."

He paused, lighting a pipe that glowed redly in the darkness, shooting out a few tiny sparks that soared and fell. Gabe listened, tired.

"Sure, why not!" was the answer. "Still only summer's end."

A few days later he set off with thick boots, a full backpack and some rolled bedding - and food! Soon he was climbing, alone.

               -----------------------------------------------------

THE ANCIENT PATH: THE ANCIENT PATHBy Tessa HarveyPROLOGUEGabrie...

THE ANCIENT PATH: THE ANCIENT PATH
By Tessa Harvey

PROLOGUE

Gabrie...: THE ANCIENT PATH By Tessa Harvey PROLOGUE Gabriel had a year before college so had decided to do what many students did - t...

THE ANCIENT PATH

By Tessa Harvey

PROLOGUE

Gabriel had a year before college so had decided to do what many students did - to have a gap year. He went to the little town, Paradise, in the North Valley district.

From there he wanted to explore and climb the local hills.

He had been told of an old man who exchanged food and lodging for manual work.

It wasn't too difficult to find the place. Obviously not many came this way by the signs of neglect and decay he could see.  He knocked and the door soon opened slowly and creakily.

"What do you want?", growled a quavering voice.

"Great welcome", thought Gabe. Aloud he said: "Food and lodging for some yard work. I want to explore the area and I don't mind hard work.

The old man eyed him, astutely. "You ain't got much baggage!"

"Nope!" was the answer. "Travel light."

"Come on in then." Gabe stepped over the rickety threshold and the world from that date changed forever for him.

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