Jaredite Stories

I grew up in a strong family who believed in Jesus Christ and his coming. I am a descendant of the Brother of Jared, Mohonri Moriacumr, and heard all the stories that were passed down from generation to generation. Not only were they passed down verbally, but they were written on plates and the type of paper that we used. We were not allowed to read his vision of the future, but we knew that he saw the future until the end of the world.

After Mohonri died, as a spirit, he continued to visit many of his posterity, including me. He gave me strength and courage. He knew the problems with my son Jared. He was one of the angels that came to me and gave me comfort and helped me to understand the Atonement of Jesus Christ and how that would heal my broken heart and make all things right.

Jared, as a young child and in his early teen years, was an amazing son. Even while he was still inside of me, I felt his strong, valiant spirit. I felt that he would have power to be very influential. Of course, I thought that maybe he would be a prophet or the next king.

Jared grew up having a solid testimony of Jesus Christ and His plan. He felt the Holy Spirit as a young boy and knew about Jesus Christ, and knew Jesus would come. He helped many of his friends choose to follow the prophets and Jesus Christ.

Apparently the adversary also knew of Jared’s power and ability to influence people. It started slowly when Jared was about 15 years old. Jared stayed strong for a long time, but finally a couple of his friends, whom he had helped develop testimonies of Christ, began to persuade him to obtain riches. The sad thing is, Jared didn’t need riches. He didn’t need to obtain them in any bad way. Because of who he was, he was successful at everything that he did and would have had more than enough riches for what he needed and wanted. He could have been king, without the negative influences. He didn’t need any of that! But, he got caught up in the power, in greed. It took time, it didn’t happen all at once, in fact, it took a couple years. It was as if he were slowly poisoned. His attitude towards Omer and me gradually disintegrated. Jared became more and more disrespectful as he desired greater power and gained prodigious power. And, he took a couple of my children with him!

My heart just about broke in two when Jared gathered together an army and took Omer and me into captivity, along with many of our followers. I missed my son! I missed my grandchildren. I hated who they became. I couldn’t believe that my dear, sweet son could become so power-hungry and treat his family, and others, with complete disrespect.

We did find some peace while in captivity because we remained true and faithful to the covenants that we made, but it was a difficult time. We had to give much of our increase to Jared and those that ruled with him. Our needs were met, only because the Lord multiplied what we were able to retain.

We prayed mightily during this time. I became personally acquainted with Heavenly Father and even Heavenly Mother as she mourned with me. We all developed deep relationships with our God and Savior. We were visited daily by angels who brought us peace and joy. I enjoyed the grandchildren that were with us. We prayed multiple times a day for Jared and his family, with the hope that they would come back to the knowledge of Christ.

My dear sons who were born in captivity, Esrom and Coriantumr, and some of our sons-in-law were able to gather enough people to raise an army to fight against Jared. They did this in secret as Jared had guards over us continually. They recruited others who were unhappy with Jared and wanted Omer to regain his throne.

As it states in Ether 8, they were able to slay Jared’s army, but Jared begged for his life, promising to give the kingdom back to Omer. What a happy day that was! I was so hopeful that Jared would return to Christ, but it was not to be so.

As told in my dear husband’s story, Jared brought forth the evil plan revealed by the adversary. When Omer told me about his dream that we needed to depart immediately, I wept. How I wept. My son! How much more depraved could he get that he would desire the life of his own father. The father that cared for him as a baby, the father that took him hunting, to visit other cities, the father that taught him about Jesus Christ, the father that loved him more than any person could love him (except for me, of course).

We quickly gathered what we would need in a new settlement, gathered our flocks and herds, and left under the cover of darkness. I know that God was with us and His angels protected us.

Although I greatly missed our home, we flourished in our new city. I loved living near the seashore. I would go out to the beach, look over the vast waters and pray to God that Jared would come back to us, to Him. Although I prayed daily for Jared, deep down in my heart, I knew that would not happen.

When the news came that Akish had our son killed, I was heartbroken. I could not be consoled. I went out to the beach to pour my heart out to God. Actually, I wanted to blame Him. I wanted to be angry at Him because of our dear son. Mohonri came to me, as he had before. He comforted me. He reminded me that our Heavenly Parents wept with me. He opened a vision to me of our Heavenly Mother weeping at the loss of my son, Her son. I was amazed and humbled. He reminded me that Jesus Christ would come and make all things right. He opened another vision to me, that of Jesus suffering in the Garden of Gethsemane and on the cross. I was not shown much; my heart could not take witnessing anymore of what Jesus would go through for us. What I witnessed was greater than I could comprehend and tore my aching heart into pieces. Then, I saw Jesus; He took my heart and put it back together and strengthened it. I had a new heart! A heart where I could show greater love, even to my son who was now dead, and my grandchildren; those who were corrupted by the evil doings of my son.

After the visions, I ran back to my home, found Omer and told him all that I saw. We hugged and we cried. We were blessed with a new found faith that sustained us the rest of our days.

The time came when we were able to return to our home. I had mixed feelings as I grew to love our city in Ablom. In fact, many of my children and our friends decided to stay. I knew I would miss the great sea and all the marvelous experiences I had sitting along the shore. However, it was time to return and once again establish our kingdom, God’s kingdom.

 

I am Omer, a righteous Jaredite king. I loved God and Jesus Christ. I worked hard for my people. With my wife, Cass, we had several children, most of whom followed after the teaching of my fathers. However, Jared chose a different path, one that proved destructive to my people.

It broke my heart that my dear son Jared turned to wickedness and made known the secret combinations that were to remain hidden. I can’t even begin to tell you how my heart grieved. I taught my children the ways of Christ. I prophesied to them. I taught them the plan of salvation and the commandments to lead them to happiness. I set the example for them. I was a good king. I worked for my food so I did not require taxing the people. I did have servants who helped me, but I compensated them well. I did not pay them with taxed money, I paid them with what I earned. God abundantly blessed me so I could be a righteous king.

When Jared was born, I was thrilled to have another son. He was a strong, healthy baby. I sang to him, rocked him, held him when he cried. I held Jared’s hand when he took his first steps. I taught him about the coming of Jesus Christ and how He would redeem the world. I loved all my children like this; even though I was the king, I was very involved with my children.

I do not know or completely understand what happened to Jared that he transformed to become so evil. He was a such good and helpful boy. He was strong and curious. He was tall and well-built for his age, as both his mother and I were tall. He demonstrated outstanding leadership skills, even as a child. He learned quickly, things of the earth, and heavenly things. He was very handsome, he looked so much like his mother. He attracted a lot of attention from the girls! Even as a young child, he was a strong and compassionate leader. I could easily picture Jared as the next king.

When Jared was in his late-teen years, a couple of his closest friends turned away from the teaching of their parents and the prophets. They began questioning the doctrines taught to them while growing up. They sought Jared because they knew of his leadership skills and his ability to influence people.

I believe these friends had already made a deal with the adversary and the adversary commanded them to lure Jared into their group. They tempted him with the most beautiful girls, and of course, riches. They gave Jared gold, silver, and other precious minerals. Jared didn’t need what they gave him. He was already abundant and could have had anything that he wanted. I don’t know how they acquired all the gold and silver that they had, as they were still young, but I am confident it was not from a good source. I do not believe it was from their parents as their parents were still good people.

But somehow, they instilled a desire in my son for more riches; and, for power. They lied to him! They lied! Because of their lies, my family and I were taken captive. Jared ruled over us. I was right, he did become a king, but ruled with unleashed power and hate.

We lived in captivity for years. Jared and those who influenced him and followed him, degraded us and abused us. Even through the hardships of captivity, my people were blessed with everything that we needed. My wife and I were blessed with several more children. As they grew in captivity, and learned the truth about Jared, they developed a determination to take the throne from him and return it to me.

My sons gathered together an army. We created weapons and armor in secret so Jared and his guards would not discover that we were preparing to attack him.

The Lord was with us. We prayed constantly, mostly in our hearts as we went about our daily routines. We prayed for our weapons and those who would use the weapons that they would be used only for freedom. We prayed that our armor would protect us. We prayed for angels to watch over us and protect us.

The day came when the Lord’s spirit told us to prepare to retake my kingdom that night. We silently and speedily made our preparations. Then, led by my sons Esrom and Coriantumr, we went to the palace, slayed most of Jared’s army, then confronted Jared. He pled with us to spare his life. How could I allow my son, my own flesh and blood, to be killed? My sons, and others, warned me about Jared, that if we allowed him to live, he would create further problems; he was not repentant. I could not allow my son to die so I ordered Jared to live.

As it mentions in the Book of Ether, although I allowed Jared to live, he was distraught because he lost his position. I do not know what caused him to crave power, influence, and riches. It was as if he were addicted to power. His daughter, my dear sweet granddaughter, devised a cunning plan for Jared to retake the kingdom. Unfortunately, the plan was pure evil as it required acquiring and bringing to light the old evil plans created by the devil. Part of the plan was for the son of one of my dearest friends, a very handsome young man named Akish, to desire Jared’s daughter to be his wife. To complete the agreement, Jared required Akish to bring him my head!

Fortunately, God was merciful to me and my family. His spirit came to me in a dream and warned me that I needed to quickly leave and take my family and friends, and all those who supported me. We left that night, under the cover of darkness, traveled for many days until we came to a place called Ablom. We pitched our tents there and made that location our home.

We created a beautiful city in Ablom. It was not as elaborate as where we came from, but it was nice, a nice place that we could call home. My sons, daughters, and grandchildren thrived there. Our crops and herds flourished there. We were truly blessed by the Lord.

Occasionally, friends would travel from our previous home and bring us news about the happenings there. One time, a couple of good friends rushed into Ablom, searching for me and my wife. Once they found us, they reported that Akish had Jared killed and now occupied the throne. Oh, how my heart ached. My wife’s heart ached. The anguish completely consumed us. Even though our son became wicked, he was still our son and we loved him.

Akish, my once dear friend, how could he have turned so evil? Nimrah, one of Akish’s son’s came to us and told us what Akish did to his brother—he starved his own son, our great-grandson, out of jealousy. How could any father starve his own son? The Spirit of the Lord must have completely departed from Akish for that to happen.

Others fled to us because of the abuses of power Akish subjected his people to. They wearied of the constant battles between Akish and his sons and the cruelties to those who were originally loyal to Akish.

After battling for many years, most of the people of Akish were destroyed in senseless wars. The remaining people came to us and escorted me and my family back to my original throne. Although it was so wonderful to be back in our homeland, it was bittersweet as so many of my people needlessly died because of the wickedness of my son.

My son. I lost my son! My grandchildren, my great-grandchildren. My son, the cause of so much senseless heartache and destruction.

My wife suffered greatly because of Jared. As his mother, she felt incredibly responsible, even though she did all that she knew to teach Jared and our children the truth. She suffered physically, spiritually, and emotionally because of her afflictions. I tried to comfort her, our other children tried to comfort her, but she would not be comforted. Finally, an angel came to her. The angel blessed her and comforted her. He told her that Jesus would come and make everything right. The angel told her that she was an amazing mother and did all she could do to teach her children, including Jared, about Jesus. The angel reminded her of agency and that is what she fought for in the pre-earth life. She needed to allow Jared to have his agency! Although difficult, she was able to let go of the pain and hurt that she felt and found peace in her heart, through the Atonement of Jesus Christ. It was Jesus Christ that healed her broken heart. After that experience, she knew without any doubt that Jesus Christ would come to the earth and do what He said He would do and heal the earth. Although she was still very sad about Jared, she knew that she was ok, and that Jesus would suffer and die, even for Jared, and because of His Atonement, all would be made right.

See Ether 8 and 9.

During one of the righteous Jaredite times, a time when prophets taught the people and they listened and obeyed, a happy time as the Jaredites focused on the coming of Jesus Christ and His Atoning sacrifice for them, a time when the Jaredites lived after a manner of happiness, a healthy baby boy was born to David and Mary. Even though all seemed well for the Jaredites, there was still opposition, temptation, and trial.

Thomas was David and Mary’s first born child. They were young parents, David was 18-years old and Mary was 17, yet they were full of optimism for their son. Many severe complications occurred during the birth of Thomas, so much so that David feared he would lose both Mary and the baby. With the expertise of a gifted healer, prayers, and blessings, Mary finally delivered Thomas, a large, healthy baby. It was not without consequence as she was unable to bear anymore children. David and Mary were heartbroken; they desired to have a large family, but were determined to give Thomas the best childhood they could give a young boy.

David was a bow and arrow artisan by profession. He learned from his father and continued to work with him. Intricate bows and arrows were their specialty, however they made several other useful household items with wood.

From the time Thomas could walk, he loved to go into the workshop where his father and grandfather worked. He loved the aroma of fresh cut wood and watching his father and grandfather interact with each other. He felt the love and respect that they had for each other. Thomas often watched his father and grandfather craft bows and arrows for their customers and was always intrigued at the craftsmanship that went into each bow.

When Thomas was about 4-years old, David came home from the workshop at the end of his workday with a big smile hiding his left hand behind his back. Thomas, eagerly greeted him and tried to jump into his arms. Thomas was big for his age, taller than most of his friends who were his age. He had the build of a potentially strong athlete. His light-colored hair and eyes caught the attention of all those he met. Thomas, seeing his father’s hand behind his back, knew that his father had something just for him. He could not contain his excitement at receiving a gift from his father. David often brought gifts home for Mary and Thomas and Thomas loved every single gift he received.

Thomas unsuccessfully tried to peak behind David’s back as David turned his hidden hand away from his very curious son. He tried to pull at David’s arm to glance at the surprise, but David’s strong arms were no match for Thomas. He jumped up and down, begging to see the surprise. Mary came out of the cooking room to see what the commotion was. She greeting David with a hug and kiss and asked what he was hiding behind his back. Thomas immediately informed her that he was sure it was something for him, but David wouldn’t let him see it.

David slowly moved his arm from behind his back to reveal what he was hiding. It was a miniature bow and some arrows. It was almost the perfect size for Thomas’s hands and arms, a bit big allowing for Thomas to grow. Thomas could not hide his excitement! Finally! He had his own bow and arrow set.

The bow was made of a strong hardwood with intricate carvings in the limbs of the bow. The arrows were made of a softer, but strong wood. The bowstring was carefully made from spun flax. There were feathers at the end of each arrow to provide stability. Arrowheads were connected to the end of each arrow, but they were created with a dull, broad point while arrowheads fashioned for hunting had a sharp point.

Thomas was anxious to go outside to try out his new gift. Mary told them that dinner was just about ready, but they could go outside for a short time. They walked to a grass and weed covered field a short distance from their house where David had already set up a target for Thomas to practice.

David explained the importance of safety when using the bow and arrows. Thomas, at first, only partially paid attention to his father as he felt very impatient. David cautioned Thomas that if he did not heed his words, he would not be allowed to use his bow and arrows. He shared a couple of stories of family and friends that were injured because essential safety issues were not followed. Thomas immediately decided that he needed to pay close attention so he could use his bow; he really did not want to hurt anyone.

Handing the bow and one arrow to Thomas, David showed him how to correctly hold the bow, nock the arrow, aim for the target, and when to let go. David lovingly put his arms around his son, showing him the correct way to hold the bow and the arrow. After aligning the arrow to the target which was about 20 feet away, nocking the bow, David helped Thomas pull back on the bow, and instructed Thomas to let go of the bow when he was ready. David backed away then with a steady gaze on the target, Thomas let the arrow go. But, as he let go, he flinched, causing the arrow to go straight to the ground about 10 feet in front of him.

David smiled at Thomas and told him that he did well, especially for the first time using his bow. He assured his frustrated son that just about all of his customers had to learn how to use new bows for the first time and it was fine.

They walked back to the house for their evening meal, with the promise to Thomas that they would return to the field for more practice after eating. After Thomas hastily ate most of his meal –and with prodding from his father, all of his meal –he grabbed his bow and arrows then deliberately dragged David back to the field. David, laughing at his son’s enthusiasm, blew Mary a kiss and followed after Thomas.

After about four attempts, Thomas finally hit the edge of the target. He jumped up and down with triumph, finally feeling some success! Because the sun was about to set, creating long shadows, David informed Thomas that it was time to return home and they would practice more tomorrow. Thomas did not want to go back; he pitifully pleaded for one more shot. David could not resist the pleading eyes and allowed him one more try.

A determined Thomas picked up his bow, chose an arrow, nocked the arrow, precisely eyed the target, then let go of the arrow. The arrow shot directly to the center of the target! David, feeling proud of Thomas, picked him up and swung him around! They laughed and thoroughly enjoyed the moment. Thomas retrieved the arrow, picked up his other arrows and his bow and quickly ran home so he could share the great news with his mother.

After listening to Thomas excitedly recount his success at hitting the center of the target, Mary hugged him and told him how proud she was of him. Thomas beamed! He declared that he would become the city’s best target shooter and hunter!

(To be continued…)

 

Adam, a spunky five-year old with dark brown hair and eyes, is about average height and slender built, lives during one of the righteous Jaredite times. His mischievous smile endears all who meet him. He is clearly proud of his name because it is the same as Father Adam, the first man that lived upon the earth. He informs everyone he meets that he wants to grow up to be just like Father Adam. He wants his wife’s name to be Eve, and even if the girl he marries has a different name, he is determined to call her Eve. He desires hundreds of children. He names, well renames, animals with unique sounding names; he even renamed several of the small insects and bugs as well as the bigger animals. He intends to teach his children the truth about Jesus so none of them will kill each other, like Cain killed Abel. He recognizes that Adam taught his children about Jesus, but in his young mind and understanding, he assumes he can do better than Adam.

One of Adam’s favorite pastimes is teasing and picking on his two older sisters, Nediva, age 8 and Beula, age 6. Nediva has beautiful long dark hair that she usually wears pulled back in a leather tie. Adam will obnoxiously pull her tied-back hair and quickly run away with Nedvia angrily chasing him. This and other mischievous pranks Adam does to try to get them into trouble; however, after much complaining from Nediva and Beula, their parents finally wised up and realized that Adam instigates the trouble!

Adam has a younger brother, Reed, age 3, and a baby sister, Tahlia, just a few months old, that he absolutely adores. He loves to hold his sister and he sings to her as he holds her. He also enjoys teasing his younger brother, but not as much as his older sisters.

Besides teasing his older sisters, Adam’s favorite place to be is anywhere outside. He delights in exploring the grassy fields and woods next to him home. He especially enjoys helping his parents tend their flocks and herds. There is a particular large she-goat that adores Adam and comes to him each time he goes outside. The goat will let Adam carefully ride her, with a little help (Adam made sure to emphasize that point, a little help) from his parents. Adam would ride his goat all day if he could. However, he does realize that goats are not meant for riding, but that does not stop Adam!

Friends are a big part of Adam’s childhood. He savors his playtime with his friends. They have quite the imaginations! They sometimes pretend that they are on big barges crossing the great waters. They pretend that they are Noah and on the ark. They pretend they are Father Adam’s family, of course, Adam plays the role of Father Adam. They created many other imaginative games that they enjoy. Many of Adam’s closest friends are cousins that are about his age that live close by. They have a fantastic time and the parents appreciate how well the cousins play together.

Adam also loves to chase the wild animals that are in the forests! He will try to follow a squirrel or a deer or whatever animal that will cross his path. One bright sunny day while Adam was playing outside, a female deer slowly meandered nearby. Excitement lit in Adam’s eyes! He gradually and carefully walked toward the deer, desperately wanting to touch her. The deer, sensing Adam’s approach, starting walking away from Adam. He couldn’t let this deer go. He followed the deer through a grassy field and into some woods. As a five-year old, he did not think about getting lost, his only thoughts were to touch the deer. He continued to follow the deer until she decided to scurry off, disappointing Adam. That was the closest he had ever been to a deer and wanted to be even closer to her.

Adam’s stomach began to rumble so he decided he better go back home. He turned around and began to walk the way that he thought he had come. As he walked, he enjoyed the beauties of the woods while chasing a couple squirrels. He came to a field and chased some robins that were digging for worms. He found a particularly large ant hill that he stuck in stick in. Ants angrily scurried out of their protected home to see what the threat was. Adam decided he did not want ants crawling all over him, so he ran off, leaving them alone. He ate some wild strawberries that were growing on the ground. A brilliant blue and black butterfly fluttered near to him. So of course, he trailed the butterfly, trying to convince it to alight on his outstretched hand. While chasing the butterfly, he faintly heard voices calling his name; his mother and father’s voices. Adam quickly ran to where the voices came from, finding his parents. He hugged them and immediately informed them that he was hungry!

Adam’s mother embraced her son with tears in her eyes. Adam did not understand why she was crying. He asked her, she responded that she was very worried about him and then inquired as to what he was doing. Adam enthusiastically rehearsed all his adventures to his parents. His father gently, but firmly, reminded Adam that he needed to stay near his house unless a grown-up was with him. His father affirmed his great love for him and did not want him to get lost or get hurt. Adam promised his father that he would not wander off again.

Unfortunately, hat was not the first time or the last time Adam wandered off, despite his promise. His parents learned that they need to keep a close eye on him because of his immense love for the outdoors and the animals.

After Adam ate some delicious food, he grabbed his a favorite blanket and curled up on his mattress to rest. His grandmother made the blanket for Adam. It was made of soft woolen fibers dyed in beautiful bright colors. He felt protected with the blanket around him. It was almost like a magic blanket that gives comfort and reassurance. If Adam felt upset for any reason, he would retrieve his blanket, put it around him, and almost immediately felt better. Adam loved that blanket and his Grandmother for making it.

Adam wants people to know that he lived in a righteous Jaredite time and that he grew up to be a strong leader among his people and in the church. He wants us to know that Jesus Christ is our Savior and to follow Him. And, none of his children killed each other!

Selma Part 1

Selma grew into a beautiful young woman. She traveled to far away cities to perform for large audiences. She traveled with a young married couple from her city who were renowned dance performers. Her parents were eternally grateful for this couple; because of other responsibilities they were not able to always travel with Selma. The couple gave her company and protection.

When she was about 16 years old, she and the dance couple performed for the first time at a theater several miles from her home. After the performance, a man and woman came up to Selma and congratulated her on her beautiful voice. The woman looked very familiar to Selma. In fact, she appeared as an older version of Selma. Selma and the woman immediately recognized the similarities. The man that was with the woman was shocked at how much they looked alike. The woman asked Selma where she was from, how old she was, and about her parents. Selma told her. The woman started to cry, sobbing. Selma inquired as to what was wrong. The woman informed Selma that she was her mother, that she gave birth to Selma. Now, Selma was in shock and in tears. The woman introduced herself as Elva and her husband as Jacob.

Selma was ecstatic! She desired to learn as much as she could from her birth mother. Elva invited Selma and her traveling companions to her home the next day. Selma could hardly sleep that night in anticipation of learning about the woman who gave birth to her.

After the sun rose, Selma and her companions quickly walked to Elva’s home. Elva and Jacob greeted them with hugs then a morning meal. While eating, Elva disclosed her story. She told Selma how she had been forced by one of the king’s guards. The guard threatened her and her family if she told anyone. Elva was young, only 15 years old at the time and felt so fearful that she did not know what to do or who to turn to. After realizing she was with child, she thought her only choice would be to leave the city so no one, including her parents, would know she was with child and then want to know how it happened. Her parents searched and searched for her, but could never find her. Elva, from a distance, saw her parents as they looked for her, but remained concealed.

After about four or five moons, the guard who forced Elva went to her parents’ home trying to locate her. Elva’s parents had no idea where Elva went. Unfortunately, the guard did not believe them. He mercilessly beat Elva’s father, but there was nothing they could tell him, except that she was gone. He threatened them that if Elva was not at their home in one week’s time, he would destroy them. He also warned them that if they told anyone that he was there, he would defile Elva’s mother then kill her. Elva’s parents quickly and quietly left the city that day without telling anyone, not even their closest friends.

From afar, Elva watched her parents, looking downtrodden, as they hurriedly left the city. Elva bawled. She knew she was to blame. She desperately wanted to go to her parents, but knew that would put all of their lives in danger.

Elva recounted to Selma how she lived in a cave, hunting animals and picking herbs and vegetables to survive. Sometimes, she would cautiously sneak into the city at night looking for leftover scraps of food. A couple times, when she felt extremely hungry, she stole food from people, but she did not take much. She hated doing that, but only took food when she felt desperate.

Elva knew that she would not be able to keep her baby. Even though she grew to deeply love her baby and loved feeling the baby move around inside of her, she believed that she would not be able to protect the baby from the king’s guard. She knew of a family whose mother was still nursing a young boy. She decided that would be the best family for her baby.

When the time was close for the baby to be born, Elva gathered up all that she would need for the birth. She found a warm, soft cloth that she could wrap her baby in and found a basket that was just the right size for a small infant.

Shortly after Elva gave birth, she lovingly wrapped her beautiful baby girl in the cloth she found, gently placed her in the basket, and under the cover of night, she carried the basket to the home. She gave her baby one last kiss and then with tears streaming down her cheeks, she departed the city determined to find her parents.

Everyone was in tears as Elva told her story. Selma went to her, hugged her tightly, and wept. In that moment, they connected as mother and daughter.

Selma desperately desired for Elva and Jacob to come home with her to meet the parents who raised her. Elva expressed hesitancy because of the fear she had for the guard. Selma’s traveling companions learned the name of the guard and told Elva that they would inquire about him then let her know when it would be safe to travel.

There was a knock at Elva’s door. Jacob and Elva knew exactly who was there. Jacob excitedly arose to open the door. Standing at the door were Elva’s parents, Bain and Pamuy. They rushed in, each hugging Elva, then Elva introduced them to Selma and her companions. Pamuy put a hand on each of Selma’s cheeks, looked closely at her, then tears began falling down her cheeks. She told Selma that she looked just like her mother at the same age. They hugged. They wept. Even Bain, a strong muscular man, had tears falling down his cheeks.

They spent hours getting to know each other until the time came when Selma and her companions had to depart. Selma sang a beautiful traditional song for her new family, when Elva joined her in perfect harmony. They sang another traditional song, crying while singing.

Selma and her traveling companions had four more cities that they needed to perform in before heading back to their homes. Selma found a courier, wrote a short letter to her parents telling them her experience of the day, paid the courier, and sent him on his way.

Once Selma returned home, her parents and siblings excitedly greeted her. They were all curious to learn about her birth mother. Selma rehearsed the story about her conception and birth. She recalled the name of the guard who forced himself upon Elva. Joseph remembered one of the guards visiting them after Selma was dropped off. He was very curious and agitated about Selma and demanded to know who dropped her off. Of course, Joseph and Nadie and no idea. They felt threatened by the guard, not knowing why he showed so much interest. Joseph, knowing a couple of the king’s servants, mentioned this guard to them and asked that he leave them alone. The guard never bothered them again. They wondered if that was the guard who forced himself on Elva.

Joseph did some inquiring and discovered that guard had been killed in a skirmish several years earlier, so was no longer a threat. Selma found some writing utensils to write a note to Elva informing her of the news. She found a courier, he put the note in the leather pouched tied to the saddle on his chestnut horse, and took off to deliver the message to Elva.

About two weeks later, Nadie and Selma were at the market shopping for various meats, vegetables, and fruit. Joseph came running to the market looking for Nadie and Selma. Once he finally found them, he excitedly told them that Selma’s birth mother was at their home! Nadie and Selma quickly finished their purchases and ran back to their home as quick as they could. There was a joyous reunion as Selma was once again reunited with her birth mother. Elva was ecstatic to become acquainted with Nadie and Joseph. She thanked them over and over again for raising Selma to become the beautiful young woman that she was.

Elva and Jacob, along with Elva’s parents, decided to move back to the city where Elva came from. Elva wanted to be close to Selma and also occasionally travel with her. The two families became very close, in fact, becoming like one family. Nadie and Joseph took in Elva as if she were a close sister. Jacob was also accepted like a brother. Bain and Pamuy were immediately accepted back into the community. They had family and friends who were very grateful and excited to have them back.

Selma continue to travel to other communities to perform. During one of her trips she met her future husband. After marrying and starting a family, she chose to limit her performances and her travel. She gave voices lessons to many aspiring singers and raised a beautiful family.