Beyond the Farthest Star: Chapter 32

Amanda Stryker was sitting in her garden, reading a book, when Jones found her. She had only discovered the secret garden a few days ago when she was exploring the grounds of her estate. During her first few months in Paradise she had never noticed the narrow dirt path that led away from her conservatory. The path itself branched several times, leading to a number of quiet, secluded areas in the woods behind her mansion. It just so happened that the last branch she explored led to a walled stone garden in the heart of the forest. Inside that wondrous place was a fountain, a stone bench, and a single tree. It was the tree that really got Amanda’s attention, for she had never seen another one quite like it before. It had no fruit, but something made her think that its fruit was seasonal, or perhaps triggered by something. With that in mind she had started making a little trip to the garden each day, seeing if anything had changed. Today she decided to bring a book along with her.

“Good morning, miss,” Jones called out. He was standing just outside the entrance to the garden. “Mind if I come in?”

“Not at all,” Amanda said, putting down her book. “You’re always welcome in my home, you know.”

Jones smiled and stepped through the stone entrance. He glanced around and his eyes settled on the tree. He studied it for a moment, intrigued.

“Interesting, isn’t it?” Amanda said. “I’ve never seen one quite like it anywhere else. Trees don’t usually come in that color, and I’ve never seen one that radiated like that before. It’s very different.”

“It is indeed different,” Jones replied. “In fact, it is unique. You have the only one.”

“Really? Are you sure?”

Jones nodded. “I’m quite sure. This tree was a gift, Amanda, from the Creator to you. It’s really quite remarkable. I think you’re going to enjoy it.”

“What can you tell me about it?” she asked, as Jones sat down beside her.

“Not very much, I’m afraid. It is a mystery. It will be up to you to uncover its secrets.”

“How strange! A gift with secrets. I wonder why that is?”

Jones smiled. “As the Word says, ‘It is the glory of God to conceal a thing, but the honor of kings is to search out a matter.’ The Lord delights in hiding things, and it is our joy search out the things that He has hidden. It’s like the times you used to search for Easter eggs when you were a child. God hides treasures all throughout the universe, and we have the pleasure of finding them.”

“That is so true,” Amanda agreed. “Every day I find something new and unexpected. But still, I never thought that I would have a unique gift. Why would God give me something that special?”

“Why not?” Jones asked. “Do you think that God mass-produces His gifts on an assembly line and gives everyone the same stock item? You are not like anyone else; you are unique. The challenges and gifts that God gives to you are likewise unique. Our Lord does not simply stamp out millions of clones, nor does He give thoughtless, boring presents. He loves you very much, you know.”

“I know,” she said, smiling. “So what brings you here today? Did you simply want to say hello to my tree?”

“I have actually come with a request. The Lord wants you to do something for Him.”

“Really?” Amanda asked, surprised. “What is it?”

“Come with me, and I’ll show you,” Jones replied.

* * * * *

Amy and Miles were standing outside of her apartment. Both of them were exhausted. It had been a long day.

“I think that went pretty well,” Miles said.

“I agree,” Amy replied, yawning. “I really don’t think that trip could have gone any better. Noel was just beside himself.”

“That he was. Anyway, I guess I’ll see you in the morning. I’ll stop by sometime after breakfast and we can talk about what to do next. I’m sure that Noel will–”

At that moment the Sentinel appeared. His sudden appearance startled Miles and made Amy scream. “Steve! What are you doing here?”

“It’s Xanthe,” the Sentinel said urgently. “Something terrible has happened! I need you to come with me at once.”

“You’ve got to be kidding,” Amy grumbled. “I thought I was done with that awful place! Do we have to go right now? I’m sure it’s important, but it is pretty late, and I am pretty tired, and now is just not a good time. Can’t we talk about it in the morning?”

“I’m afraid not,” the Sentinel replied. “You must come now and see what has happened. Something has to be done and you are the one in charge.”

“I knew that ‘in charge’ thing was going to come back and bite me,” Amy grumbled. “You see, Miles? Being an administrator is not all fun and games.”

“Please, we’re wasting time,” the Sentinel said. “This is urgent!”

“All right,” Amy said at last. “I just hope this doesn’t take too long.”

“Then let’s go,” the Sentinel said quickly.

A moment later they vanished, leaving Miles alone. The old man looked around and, seeing no one, let out a long sigh. “Hurry back,” he said.