THE BATTLE BEGINS

When Cheryl looks at Rufus saying, "Rufus has gone about his marriage the wrong way, but his choice was remarkable.

Hearing his father's report of her working and mingling with the people shows me that she is a true Queen of Paradise Island."

Turning to Risha saying, "You have been married for months and not one day you leave the house and went to the people.

I was disappointed hearing Courtney was married because she had already warmed her way into my heart slowly. Now Mom and I could relax our Island is in good hands."

"Okay, that's enough chit chat, now we must pray a Dawson heir is coming soon."

"So Mom."

"Not now Carlos, we have much more pressing matters at stake."

The night was long with banging from every direction as if there were a whirlwind surrounded the house. On the walls, the roof, all the windows with glass were broken but their prayers never cease.

Three days later the water began to rise and the Islanders become afraid, observing what was happening Martha hold Courtney hand.

"Come child, it is time, we have fasted for three days, now we face the enemy so let us keep praying your people is afraid.

I now understand why some of my prayer was never answered, as the Queen your word have authority, that's why when you drives him out from the land he had no place to go but the water.

Now if we could get him in the form of man then we will be able to prevail and destroy him completely."

"But Martha I am not strong to battle him."

"Oh child, you don't need strength you need faith. David wasn't strong to battle Goliath but his faith and trust in God gives him the victory.

God used that little pebble to strike the enemy, and whatever you have in your hand God will use it. This is your battle, your enemy, imagine its Carlos."

Hearing her chuckle, "Pappie told me to be lenient with him, so we didn't fight this week."

"Well child, I am telling you we must fight with everything we got, he will throw things at you to destroy the baby, so stay close to me."

Hearing the wind whistling as we step out Martha cottage, feeling her inside trembling but we walk slowly praying as we go.

Seeing Martha reach down and take up a nice firm stick as the wind became stronger. It wasn't long then she give it to me, it seems as though she was praying on it.

Then the rain began, "I don't like the rain Martha, I get sick when I get wet."

"The water is running of, you will not get sick and there is your people to think about."

"I didn't ask for this."

"No you didn't, neither is my Son, but he is praying." When Courtney get on my knees, Martha said, "I know child, I can feel his presence, but we must keep moving forward."

The journey was hard but the task must be complete, when the loud cry came, I grab Martha hand, feeling my entire body began trembling with fear of that dreadful sound.

"Oh God help me to be victorious, show me how to fight this battle. Empower me with Your strength, with Your power, give me Your wisdom, and faith, I trust You and believe You will give me the victory Lord Jesus."

When the howling cry came Courtney shouted, "I declare the blood of Jesus Christ over the atmosphere. I declare this day that this Island will be free from your torment. I destroy your works and reign will end today. I declare you are defeated."

As Courtney prayed the wind became more vicious, the rain was pounding in her back. But Martha never let go of my hold on her.

She keep pushing forward, When I began singing while Martha continues praying. Joe was at my side when the evil man drop right in front of us.

Joe step in front of me and he was as vicious as the wind and rain. With every footstep I move forward, the evil man move backward.

I cover him with the blood repeating it over and over. With his constant falling as he goes backward I keep poking him with the stick Martha had given to me.

I wasn't long until he seems to be stifling but I poke him harder and harder until he became weak and lie down in the pool of mud.

I never stop piercing his body, when he became motionless Martha said, "He is dead child, you can stop," but I had to make sure he is dead.

Noticing the wind and rain cease, but we was by the market place, the water had risen but slowly it drops lower and lower.

Those who home were in the lower area had seeks refuse at the higher part of the land many was by the market place seeking shelter.

Seeing them walking out where she was, when Rufus came and tried to move me away from the dead body I said, "No, I have to make sure he is dead, I need the anointed oil."

"Go quickly Son to my cottage, and in my prayer room you will find a bottle, bring it for me."

Looking at the overgrown man, his body were smashed with holes as she still pierce him with the piece of stick.

She look worn out her clothes were soak and clings on to her body, her coat were in the ground full with mud in a heap.

My wife has battled the enemy almost single handed. Afraid to leave her in this condition, but she is strong minded.

Doing as Martha instructed I hurried to her cottage, wondering what they were going to do? I had no idea but she is very determine.

No one could stop her, as the people just look on. When she lies motionless on the ground.

Returning with the anointed oil, seeing her lie down and Joe was next to her. I was going to lift her up when she said, "I am not leaving his side until the place get dark.

The Islanders surround us as I hold her motionless body in my arms. They were singing, few times they chant her name as Queen Courtney.

They surrounds us until the place became dark, when Martha pour the anointed oil over the lifeless body in the slush.

Then Dad and Pappie came seeing them with a van load of strips from the mill the people made a heap and place the body and burn it then she said in my arms, "Take me home, I am tired. Those were the sweetest words I have ever heard.