Here is a sample of the novel, taken from the chapter where the curse is given ("The Gust Camp")--- it's my hope it will make you want to read what led up to the curse and what follows after it:
By now, the oppressive heat was building up, but a happy spirit took over. Everyone was anticipating a good time listening to preachers, singing hymns and meeting friends. The Camp Meeting was an important and lengthy event, lasting for days and days. Over on the Main, most of the little tribe of Accomacks had gone farther inland, nervously taking supplies with them, knowing an unusual storm was brewing. The old Indian, whose hair was now gray and in places white as the feathers in his pigtail when Jacob met him, built a fire. He fed it, and when he had it going, he sat down beside it, cross-legged. He studied it carefully. There wasn't even a tiny breeze, Even the insects fell silent. His daughter walked about nervously, waiting for the return of her man.
Energy built up as the afternoon passed. Brother Taylor was preparing his text for the evening. He was to open the Camp Meeting. He decided to start with a prayer of thanks that so many people made it safely to the island. Then he'd lead them in a hymn. He would preach on the Prophecies of Daniel. The heat was awful. He worked with sleeves rolled up and his collar open.
The petite Indian woman never heard Jacob approaching. She and her infant son became aware of him at the same time. She put the frightened child down. The little redheaded boy was seven months old, crawling and capable of sensing danger. He began to cry. His mother stepped over him, her hand held out in a gesture of supplication, asking mercy. The sword swiped across her fingers, and she screamed, the baby joining with her in her cries. The little one tried to crawl away. The second stroke cut across her half-turned face, slicing through her eye. Then, with an upward thrust, Jacob drove his sword into her midriff, through the very core of her body-------
( Now, you know you want to know more -- go ahead and order the book.)
And now click on the next chapter for some more teachin' stuff.
|
