Troubled Waters: The Offworld Chronicles, #6

Table of Contents

Troubled Waters (The Offworld Chronicles, #6)

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24

Chapter 25

Chapter 26

Chapter 27

Chapter 28

Chapter 29

Chapter 30

Chapter 31

The Offworld Chronicles

Book 6 - Troubled Waters

by Steven Lake

Copyright 2021, All Rights Reserved

Chapter 1

Thancred's forces thundered down the wide main road out of Parsom and deep into the countryside that surrounded the city.  They had to move quickly if they were to have any hope of catching up to Simon's team before they could escape across the Great Sea.  Because, once they were on the water, the chances of Thancred and his men both finding, and slaughtering them, went down considerably.  They had initially considered taking a ship down the coast to speed their journey in pursuit of Simon's team.  However, sailing on the Great Sea was difficult, even in the best of times.  And, with the ever growing threat of Manwan Despon, and his vast pirate fleet, sea travel was becoming ever more dangerous than usual.  So, traveling by land, while not as convenient, was a far cry safer than going by sea.  Then again, ever since the start of the vast spiritual revival, the one that Simon's team had helped spawn, and which was taking the lands of Kaspar by storm, even traveling by land was proving to be increasingly problematic.  And this wasn't because of anything one might normally consider dangerous or threatening, but rather because of the armies of angels that had appeared around each of the towns and villages where revival had broken out, and even now protected the numerous new converts living within them.  And it was because of these angels that he and his men were unable to enter any of the cities or homes that were protected by them.  Attempting to do so meant certain death for all of them.  Thancred and his men soon came to the edge of the first town along their journey and, just as expected, were forced to stop as their horses became too scared to continue on.  Seeing this, Heimart swore loudly.

Is even this village now cursed!? he exclaimed.

Thancred's eyes narrowed.

It would seem so.  As the fame of this Jesus grows, the lands which we once ruled over grow smaller by the day, cutting severely into our profits, he replied.

Heimart swore again.

Curse Him and all who serve Him!  The day He lifts His hand of protection from these people, I will slaughter every last one of them out of sheer spite! he growled.

Patience, my friend.  Patience.  We did not build this kingdom by being brash.  We built it by cunning and crafty means.  In that same way we shall defeat this mystery Man and regain all that was stolen from us.  However, first we must slay those of whom He has given the power to change the hearts and minds of our people and turn them against us.

Do you really think that killing this Simon and his friends will break the power of this Jesus over our lands and our people? asked the scribe.

Thancred's eyes narrowed.

"I am uncertain.  However, eliminating these servants of His will serve as a powerful example to the others that we will neither accept, nor allow, such dissension or rebellion within our lands.  This is our kingdom, and our lands, and I will not allow them to be stolen from us!"

The scribe furrowed his brow.  He found great irony in that statement given that it'd been Diebin and his men who'd stolen them away from their previous, and rightful owners in the first place.  To have the lands of Kaspar stolen away from them, in turn, by someone else, seemed oddly apropos, with a generous dose of irony.

What are your orders, commander?  If we are unable to proceed forward through this village, then how will we continue in search of our prey? asked a soldier.

Thancred sat quietly, but resolutely, on top of his clearly nervous steed, and looked all around him.  Eventually an idea came to him.

He pointed to a nearby game trail, and said, Soldier!  Ride down there and find us a path around the village.

The soldier saluted, and immediately turned and made his way down the trail.  Thancred then watched as the soldier rode away, paying close attention to what happened to him.  However, when the soldier's horse calmed down, and no harm came to him, Thancred knew they'd found a way around the, to him, invisible angelic barrier that was blocking their path.

Come! he shouted as he turned and galloped after the soldier.

The others soon followed, albeit at a distance, as they weren't entirely certain that the direction he was taking was truly safe.  However, when nothing ill befell Thancred, or the soldier he'd sent out to scout the path, they all began to relax.  And, while the game trail they'd discovered wasn't the best or most suitable for riding, it did provide them a way to get around the village and regain the road again on the other side.  They, one more, encountered the same issue at the next village, and the next, constantly being forced time and again to go the long way around each each and every city and village that'd been overtaken with revival, and which were now subsequently protected by ranks of angels.  Eventually their travels led them to one of the larger cities in the kingdom where they found themselves able to safely enter without issue, much to their surprise.

It wasn't that revival hadn't come here too, just as it had in so many other places.  But rather, it was because it hadn't unfolded here with the same tenacity as it had in the other cities and villages.  So, whereas many of the smaller villages had experienced a nearly one hundred percent salvation rate, the larger cities, such as this one, had only seen a small percentage of their citizenry become converts.  Some of this was due to the type and character of their residents, and some because the citizens of the larger cities tended to be richer, and better off, than those in the villages, and thus were less receptive to the Gospel.  In some ways, one could say that the deceitfulness of riches had blinded those in the cities, whereas the crushing poverty of the villages had opened many eyes to see their need for a Savior, resulting in a considerably higher rate of salvations in return.  As Thancred and his men rode deeper into the city, they soon came upon a garrison of Kasparian soldiers, whose commander happily welcomed them.

Greetings, fellow warriors!  What brings you to my borders? asked the commander.

We come with orders from Diebin, said Thancred.

He then pulled a scroll out of his tunic and handed it to the commander, who read the scroll and was intrigued by it.

That is interesting, this mission you are on.  If what this document claims is true, it does much to explain events of late, and this strange plague that has infested our land, he said.

Thancred growled.

Indeed it does, and it is that plague which I intend to exterminate.

The commander grinned skeptically as he handed the scroll back to Thancred.

I would wish that I could do the same.  However, my efforts to do so, thus far, have cost me many good men, making me loath to attempt any further such efforts.

It has cost us a lot of men as well, said Heimart.

The commander found this interesting.

So then this calamity is not unique to our jurisdiction?

Unfortunately, it is not, said Thancred.

The commander frowned dispiritedly.

It is most unfortunate to have so grievous a fate befall us at such a time as this.  However, while I am unable to aid you with men or sword for your mission at hand, I am still able to provide you with food and shelter for the night so that you may continue your journey tomorrow, refreshed and strengthened, so that you may continue your quest, he said.

Thancred nodded in gratitude.

We thank you for your hospitality.

The commander grinned slyly.

You can repay my kindness by exterminating this plague.

Thancred grinned slyly in return.

If I have my way, we will be rid of this abomination by month's end.

I pray you are successful, for all our sakes.

––––––––

Simon scanned the water in front of him with his binoculars from horizon to horizon as he searched for any way to cross the ocean.  However, there was no sign of anything anywhere.  Not a ship, nor a boat, nor even a canoe.  After a bit he lowered his binoculars and sighed.

Well, of all the obstacles we've faced so far, this one has to be the single biggest we've ever faced.  For once, I'm actually stumped, he said.

And you weren't stumped about the swamp? asked Trevor.

Simon shrugged.

Well, that was a different kind of stumped.  With that we were still able to find a way across.  With this, yeah, I got nothing.

So, no bright ideas or suggestions on how we could get to the other side?

Simon shrugged.

Nope, not a thing.

Trevor frowned.

Well, that sucks.  So, what do we do now?

We could pray about it, said Birash.

Simon laughed.

Well, obviously, yes.  We're gonna do that regardless.  However, I think what Trevor is trying to say is that we really don't have any idea what to do next.  So, for now, I think we should move inland a ways, just to be safe.  In fact, there's a node about half a mile back that we could stop at and setup camp next to.  Once there, we'll have time to think this over and pray about it, he said.

Why not stay here? asked Trevor.

Simon shrugged again.

Well, for one, we have no reason to be out here on the beach tonight.  And two, we probably shouldn't be, if we know what's good for us.  Especially given the way this planet, and the controllers, have sucker punched us so many times before.  So being this close to a large body of water probably isn't the best idea right now.  At least back there we'll have some altitude and distance working in our favor.  I mean, it's probably not a lot if something big comes ashore, but it sure beats having nowhere to run, and no warning if something does happen.  And three, if we get attacked during the night by bandits, staying on the beach allows them to easily box us in, leaving us no route of escape.  Especially if we have the sea to our backs.

Trevor shrugged.

Eh, fair enough.

The team then turned around and rode back up the trail again until they encountered a small cutout on the southern side of the trail, and setup camp there.  The team then set about praying for several hours for God's guidance on what they should do next, and how they should cross the Great Sea.  However, their prayers were met with complete silence.  After the whirlwind week of miracles they'd just been through, that seemed a bit surprising.  Eventually, they determined that it wasn't time for them to know the answer to their prayers yet, so they just let things be for the moment.  As they sat around the campfire, chewing quietly on their controller food wafers, a delicious meal that, surprisingly enough, never got old, they pondered many things, including how they were going to cross the Great Sea.  However, as they began to settle in for the night, one of Angus's wolflings, who'd remained behind after the others had left, found it odd that Simon's team had retreated down the trail and setup camp near the local resource node.  Realizing that something might be wrong, the wolfling reported this to Angus, who immediately teleported into the area to see what'd happened, and why they weren't leaving yet.  As he strolled into camp with a group of his wolflings, Simon and the others looked up in both surprise, and joy, at seeing him.

Angus, what are you doing here? asked Simon happily.

The large, silver gray wolf sat down and studied him intently.

I was informed that you had withdrawn from the sea and had setup camp in this place.  So I came here to determine if something was wrong, he said.

Nothing's really wrong, per say, other than the fact that we have no idea how to get across the ocean over there, replied Simon.

Yeah, there's a whole lot of wet nothing out there, and no way to get across it, said Trevor.

Angus looked briefly in the direction of the sea and pondered this.

Hmm, I can understand your reluctance to cross it if that is all you see.

Yep, that's definitely all we see, unfortunately.  I just wish we knew of a place where we could cross it.  If we did, we'd be outta here in a heartbeat, muttered Trevor.

Angus nodded slightly at this as he twitched his ears and tail curiously.

Then you are most fortunate, as I do know of such a place, he replied.

Everyone immediately perked up in interest.

Oh?  Where? asked Trevor excitedly.

Angus nodded to his right, and said, There is a city several miles to the north of here, called 'Bremen Te Barro', that might be able to assist you.  However, I would suggest not mentioning my name to them, or that of my family, as we are not welcome there.  Even so, I believe they will be your best chance to find passage across the Great Sea.

I assume that you've had unfortunate dealings with them in the past? asked Yurg.

Angus nodded.

Yes, many times.  However, that is none of your concern.  To find your way to the city, you will first need to travel to the east a short ways until you come upon a narrow trail that leads to the north.  If you follow it, it will take you to the city.

Thanks, Angus.  We really appreciate it, said Simon.

Angus again nodded.

You are welcome.

He and his wolflings then turned and left, leaving only the one wolfling behind to continue watching Simon and his team from the cover of the nearby trees and bushes, just as before.

So, we now have a way to get out of here, right? asked Trevor.

It sounds like it.  But we'll have to wait until we get there to know for sure, said Simon.

Are we gonna try it tonight?

Not tonight.  I want to wait until morning so that we have the maximum amount of daylight to work with.

Trevor shrugged.

Seems fair to me, since we're going into this blind.

Doesn't your map book say anything? asked Simon.

It might.  Although I don't remember seeing that trail that Angus mentioned.  But let me go check really quick just to be sure, said Trevor.

He then got up, retrieved the map book from his saddle bags, sat down again next to the fire and began flipping through his maps until he found one that showed their present location.

Interesting, the book actually does mention the city that Angus told us about.  It looks to be about ten miles north of here in a large river delta, which is probably why we couldn't see it when we were down at the beach earlier, as it's way too far away.

Good.  Then it shouldn't be too hard to get to.  And, at about ten miles, it'll be an easy ride, allowing us to enter the city while we still have plenty of light.  So waiting till morning to make the trip will be to our advantage.

Trevor shrugged.

We could still go tonight, and then find somewhere to camp along the trail side.  If anything, it'd get us away from the main trail, and out of sight of the controllers.

Simon grunted.

That's a good thought, but I doubt that's possible on this planet.  They have eyes everywhere.

Maybe.  But it's still worth considering.

As much as it may pain you, I agree with the child.  It would be to our advantage to at least break away from the main trail for tonight, and thus remove ourselves from the most likely means by which the controllers can find us again, should they have lost our trail, said Yurg.

I agree with Yurg.  There is also the issue of the nearby node.  If we use it, they will know we are here, and will thus come looking for us to inflict even more suffering upon us, said Birash.

Simon pondered this for several minutes before looking at Aria, who shrugged.

I kinda agree with them.  No point giving the controllers anymore of an advantage over us than they already have, she said.

Simon looked at the others for several moments, and then asked, Are you really sure you want to head out early, rather than stay here for the night?

I believe we should.  Even if we must setup camp in the dark, it will still be to our advantage to go as far as we can, away from the main trail, before nightfall, said Yurg.

The others all nodded in agreement.  Simon shrugged.

Alright then, let's get moving, he said.

The group quickly packed up their things, and headed back in the direction they'd come from earlier in the day.  Eventually they came across the branching trail that Angus had told them about and turned down it.  As they did, Simon took careful note of where the sun was in the sky before calculating in his mind how much longer they had until dark.  Based on his best guess, it wouldn't be too many more hours before they would be forced to stop.  Even so, they rode on as Yurg walked in front of them, watching cautiously for any potential hidden dangers that might lie ahead.  It wasn't that he didn't trust Angus, or his advice, but rather that neither Simon, nor Yurg, trusted the controllers.  In fact, none of the team did, including their horses.  Angus, on the other hand, had repeatedly proven himself trustworthy.  However, Yurg's former masters were anything but that, and had regularly enjoyed dragging all of them into trouble many times in the past.

As the trail continued on, it slowly became narrow and meandering, just barely wide enough for them to travel down in single file order.  Even worse, the trail was surrounded by short, twisted trees that seemed to huddle together for strength, as though they were often tossed about by great, powerful winds.  This made navigating the trail even more difficult, and further slowed their pace more than it already had.  Eventually they came across a small meadow along the side of the trail and stopped there for the night.  The next morning they started out early, not long after first light, and moved further down the trail as it slowly turned into a dirty, rutted, root strewn mess that became increasingly more difficult for the horses to navigate.  Clearly this trail wasn't used very often, nor was it well maintained.  Even so, if it got them to where they needed to go, such inconveniences could be easily overlooked.

So, what do we know about this Bremen Te Barro? asked Trevor.

Simon shrugged.

Your guess is as good as mine.  I mean, unless your maps say something that you haven't already told me, I can't begin to guess what we might be walking into, he replied.

Trevor grabbed the book of maps out of his saddle bag, and then flipped through page after page until he came to one that covered the local area, and included the city ahead.

Well, I'm not seeing it say a whole lot, other than it's a sea side city.  Although, it does have this weird skull and crossbones thing next to it.  But I'm not sure what that's about, he said.

Simon looked curiously at Trevor.

Let me see, he said.

Trevor lifted the book up and held it out for Simon to see.  Sure enough, there was a classical pirate style skull and cross bones right next to the city.  Simon was intrigued by this.

Huh, that is definitely weird, he said.

What do you think it means? asked Trevor.

Simon chuckled.

If I didn't know any better, I'd assume that it was a pirate city or something.

It is, came a voice to their right.

The entire team immediately stopped and turned in surprise to see Fallon standing on a nearby low hanging tree branch with a look of muted interest in his eyes.

Fallon! shouted everyone in joyful surprise.

The little dragon nodded.

Greetings, he replied.

What are you doing here? asked Trevor.

I have been following you for some time, at a distance, with the intention of keeping an eye on you, per the request of Great Elder Zek.

Why didn't you tell us you were there? asked Simon.

Because, you would've asked for my assistance on several occasions, of which I was, unfortunately, unable to provide.

So why reveal yourself now?

To better prepare you for what lies ahead.

You mean the city, said Simon.

Fallon nodded.

I do indeed.

I assume, given that you are attempting to prepare us for what is to come, that what lies ahead will prove to be most challenging? asked Yurg.

You are correct.  The city you are about to enter is a pirate city, as well as the capital and home port of Manwan Despon, the Pirate King, and his vast fleet of pirate raiders.

Well, I guess that explains the skull and crossbones on the map, muttered Trevor.

Fallon furrowed his brow.

Indeed it does.  However, the risk to your party goes much deeper than that.

How so? asked Simon.

It is because the city is full of criminals with only one goal in mind.  Namely, the acquisition of wealth by any means necessary, including murder.  Although, most commonly, it is acquired by less violent methods, even though the means of its acquisition are no less criminal.

Simon frowned.

Great.  Angus just walked us right into a trap.

Fallon shook his head.

I do not believe he did.  I feel that he has sent you to this city, because it is presently the only way available for you to safely cross the Great Sea.

Define safely, quipped Trevor.  I mean, sending us into a city full of blood thirsty, cut throat pirates is hardly what I would call safe.

Fallon furrowed his brow.

Unless you intend to build your own ship, and sail this unknown sea by yourself, then yes, it is your only way to safely cross the Great Sea, as its waters are extremely unforgiving. and infested with the same pirates that inhabit the city ahead, he replied pertly.

So when in Rome, do like the Romans, right? asked Simon.

Fallon tilted his head slightly as he twitched his ears in thought.

That is some of it, as traveling with the very pirates that infest this sea is indeed the safer option.  However, one also needs to understand and know the very nature of the Great Sea, as it is a fickle servant, and a brutal master, he replied.

Aria perked up at this.

That almost makes it sound like The Reaping Sea, she replied.

Fallon nodded slightly.

It is very similar, in many respects.

Aren't there other cities nearby we could go to instead? asked Simon.

Fallon pursed his lips warily.

There are.  However, unless you wish to be discovered by the controllers, and ultimately die, this is your only way forward, he replied.

Simon was intrigued by this.

So, are there other cities along the coastline we could use? he asked.

Fallon nodded.

Yes, there are many of them.  However, the controllers know that travelers in this area will have no choice but to avail themselves to the ships and services available in each of them.  Therefore, they are monitored constantly.  If you were to enter one of them, the anonymity that you have gained, through the failure of the control network in this area, would be lost, and your lives will be in far more danger than they will be in the pirate capital.

So why is this city less monitored than the others?

Because, the controllers do not believe that anyone, who is a participant in this race, would be foolish enough to risk their lives in such a place.  Therefore, they would instinctively seek out what they believe to be safer options for crossing the Great Sea, unaware that they would now face much graver dangers were they to do so.

Simon pondered this thought for several moments.

So basically we're dealing with a situation that's a choice between the lesser of two evils, he replied.

Fallon shrugged.

More or less.

So it's pretty much Tortuga or bust, eh? said Trevor.

Simon laughed at Trevor's clear pirate reference.

It would sure seem that way.  Even so, we need to be careful.  The last thing we want to do is start something that gets us into worse trouble than we're already in, he replied.

Fallon nodded.

Agreed.  Now, if you have no further questions, I will excuse myself before my masters discover what I am doing and become wroth with me.

Simon nodded in return.

Sure thing, and thanks for your help.

Fallon bowed.

It was my pleasure.

Chapter 2

The Chief Director looked out across a dark, barren, tortured valley before him that was filled with fire, clouds, thunder, lightning and great heat, and did so seemingly without emotion or regard for its many terrors.  At the center of it all was a gigantic, tall, obsidian structure laced with gold trim, blue sapphires, blood red emeralds and yellow, sulfur like stones.  In the sunlight it would have been strikingly beautiful and majestic to behold.  But, in the near perpetual blackness of the valley, it only exuded a terrifying evilness that was equal to, and perhaps even exceeded, that of its occupants, the Brotherhood.  The structure itself was located deep in the southern reaches of Offworld, on an island so deadly and dangerous to all life that none but the dead dared tread upon its hostile grounds; a fitting place for demons to call home.  This also made it the perfect headquarters for Adramelech, chief demon of The Brotherhood.  Around its upper reaches flew twisted, dark, leathery skinned creatures akin to bats, with multiple eyes and dark, hollow, terrifying gazes.  Were anyone but a fellow demon, or even perhaps one of the members of Section 17, to look upon their tortured, evil forms, they would die from sheer fright.  And it was for this reason, among many others, that the Chief Director normally avoided this place at all costs if he didn't absolutely have to be here.  Unfortunately for him, today was one of those days that he did.

Deciding that he may as well get this over with, he activated parts of the technology housed within his body, causing him to become weightless, and yet still retain sufficient mass to avoid being tossed about like a leaf in the tortured, putrid, scorched winds of the island.  He then floated across the valley towards the tower.  Out of all the places on Offworld he had access to, this was one of only two that he couldn't simply teleport into.  If he wanted to enter the great, fearsome black tower, he would have to come through the front door just like everyone else.  As he rapidly approached the main gate, the bat like monsters that circled overhead dove at him and made close, spiteful, threatening passes as though trying to scare him.  But their efforts were in vain as he was not easily intimidated.  Lightning soon leapt from the tower and etched the ground around him as he continued to close on its great, fearsome, terrifying front doors, as though warning him not to draw any closer.  But he ignored even this, knowing that the lightning could not harm him.  In fact, thanks to the incredibly advanced technology of the Syndicate, there were very few things that could.

Eventually he reached the mighty horned gates of the tower and stopped.  As though knowing his purpose there, and whom he came to see, the gates swung open of their own accord, despite the protests of the demonic guard that stood watch over them.  The director then continued forward and floated inside.  As soon as he was through, the gates slammed shut behind him, sealing him within.  The director found the room on the other side of the great doors to be pitch black, without a drop of light anywhere, and which reeked of death and decay so powerfully as to make one violently sick.  However, that didn't sway the Chief Director, nor prevent him from seeing his surroundings.  This was because his eyes were filled with a variety of cybernetic and nanotech enhancements which gave him the ability to see in a multitude of spectrums, as well as view the very waves and perturbations of energy that filled the room around him on every side.  It was through these abilities that he was able to spot the numerous demons that surrounded him in the grand hall as they glared spitefully at him.  It wasn't long after this that the large, powerful, intimidating form of Adramelech appeared before him in a flash of fire.  Adramelech glared down at the Chief Director as he hissed in contempt.

What brings you here? he asked darkly.

The director stared at him mutely.

I come to speak with you about the fate of this world, he said flatly.

And what of it? growled Adramelech.

The director narrowed his eyes.

For hundred years our organization has held a treaty with you that outlines the rules and regulations, set forth in times past, for the operation and administration of this world, this mission, and the very race that even now plays out upon its surface.  In that great span of time, neither of us have broken this treaty, nor threatened its integrity, despite there being ample opportunities for each of us to do so.  As such, it has held fast until this time.

Adramelech studied the Chief Director intently.  Out of all the humans he'd known and dealt with in the hundreds of years that the treaty had been in effect, this latest one was almost certainly the wisest, and craftiest of them all, and a true rival to him and his demons in every respect.  In many ways, the current chief director was even superior to his predecessor, Maul Ratinar.  Out of all his master Satan's creations, the Govian Group, who had more recently come to be known as Section 17, was both the greatest, and most virulent of them all.  And, as much as he hated the Govians, deep down he secretly admired them and their surreptitious ways.  For a group of simple humans, they were very much men after his own evil heart.

That is true.  Despite our opposing dispositions, we have indeed successfully maintained this treaty in its original form without fault or question.  However, I do not suspect that you are here merely to remind me of that fact, are you? said Adramelech.

The Chief Director sighed with a hint of frustration.

I am not.

Then why did you enter my realm, and what do you seek? hissed Adramelech.

The director turned and floated to his right, as though pacing, before eventually pausing and looking back at the chief demon.

I have come here because that very treaty, which has stood for the better part of an age, is in jeopardy of falling, he said.

Adramelech looked at the director curiously.

How so? he asked.

The director cocked an eyebrow.

You are the leader of every demon who infests this world, and yet you do not know?

Adramelech looked at the director with suspicion, and yet understanding as well.

You speak of the dissent that, even now, grows within our ranks, do you not? he asked.

The director nodded.

I do.  And, if it is allowed to grow any further, it will destroy our alliance, and all that we have worked so hard for.

Adramelech studied the director with suspicion, trying to determine if he was being tricked into helping him against his will, or if there really was something to his claims.

Why do you bring this up? he asked suspiciously.

"If our alliance falters, this world, and this race, will be lost, and He, whom we both fight against, will win this war, and reclaim all those whom are His own."

Adramelech growled angrily.

Are you suggesting that we are unable to defeat Him!? he hissed.

"What I am saying is, if we do not crush this dissent that, even now, grows within our ranks, He will win, despite all that we may do to stop Him."

And why do you believe this? asked the chief demon suspiciously.

The director furrowed his brow.

"As He has so often been known to say, 'A house divided against itself cannot stand.'  Therefore, if we do not, once again, secure full control of