Evermark
Beauty from Ashes
by
Book Cover & Preview Text
-Chapter 1-
March 6, 1609
-Roselyn-
“This is what you signed up for.”
The words echoed through her mind, haunting her, mocking her.
Hugging her knees to her long, woolen skirt, Roselyn swayed back and forth on the low straw bed, aching for comfort. Her light-brown hair clung to her shoulders in a tattered mess, hiding her tear-stained face.
No, not this. Anything but this. It can’t be. Why, Abba? Why? Tears came again, and her weak and tender frame shook. She laid her head upon her straw pillow, trying to sleep in an effort to make it all go away. But sleep wouldn’t come.
The news had come shortly after she had placed her young daughters in their beds for the evening. Praise be to the Holy One that word had not arrived before then. At least she had the length of the solitary evening to decide how to handle the crushing news.
She shook with fear as she recalled the words the messenger had issued earlier that evening. Something deep within her soul confirmed them to be true.
The messenger, a dark bull of a man, had arrived, four members of the Cirian Guard escorting him. With the night so still, Roselyn had heard them coming down the road. She’d risen from the table and slowly walked to the door of their small thatched cottage. Though night had fallen, she could see by the light of the moon that the guards wore the customary black armor with the familiar gilded swords at their sides. They came up the road atop flawlessly groomed black geldings. For a brief moment, Roselyn found herself distracted by the sheer beauty of their mounts.
The moment didn’t last though, as the presence of the Cirian guard indicated a matter of a serious nature. Her mind instantly fled to Liam. Liam! Something had happened.
“No, Abba, please no.”
Fear gripped her. Her knees weakened as the guards approached, and she reached out for the wooden door frame to support her failing strength. The guards stopped at her door with a sudden fury. There was no mistaking it. Their business this night was with her.
The messenger slid off his horse, pulling a scroll out of his saddlebag as he did so. As his feet hit the ground, he was already unraveling the legal document. Roselyn braced herself once more.
Clad in drab brown woolen pants with an equally plain shirt, the messenger opened his mouth to proclaim the words of the parchment.
“It is hereby declared on authority of the court that Sir Liam Rennes has been arrested this very night for unlawful relations with a certain Lady Opal, stepdaughter to Chief Guard Lucius Shade. Under Avendale law, it is forbidden for any man to enter into a relationship with an unmarried woman without the consent of her parents. Sir Rennes has therefore been imprisoned, and he will remain there until he is tried before a court of law that shall determine his fate. Bail is posted at fifty gold crescents.”
A tremor ran through Roselyn’s body. No, this isn’t real. Her mind raced in an attempt to shake the nightmare.
Her body shook, and her chin quivered.
“No, it can’t be. Y-you have it wrong. P-please …”
The guardsmen paid her whisperings no heed. After rolling up the parchment, the messenger stared at Roselyn. “As an official of the court, I strongly advise that you secure your own attorney.”
Roselyn looked up in shock at his words.
“What did you know of your husband’s … extracurricular activities?” he continued.
She tried to control the tears.
“N-nothing. I-I know nothing,” she stammered.
“And how is that, I wonder,” he snickered. “As I’ve already stated, I suggest you secure a proper attorney.”
With that, he remounted his horse, threw the parchment carelessly back into his saddlebag, and struck his mount to gallop away. The guards followed after him.
Roselyn crumpled to the dirt. She couldn’t move. She couldn’t breathe. The pain was instant and overwhelmingly acute. Suddenly, everything felt so heavy. The pain clenched into a tight ball within her chest.
How could he? How could he? How could he just throw it all away?
The tears came now. Sobbing, she rocked herself back and forth. She knew not how long she sat in the doorway, hugging her knees to her chest and weeping until there were no more tears left in her swollen eyes. Finally she pulled herself up and made her way through the cottage to the back rooms. As she peeked in on her daughters, she breathed a sigh of relief to find that both were still asleep. Thankful that her heavy sleepers had missed the commotion of the night, she walked shakily toward her bed.
This was their bed—their marriage bed. And now … it was no more. How could he do this to me? she thought again. To the girls? A wave of bitter anger washed over her.
She knew too much of his past to doubt the truth of the matter. She knew who he was. She had, as she thought, “signed up for this.” After all, he had made no secret of the relations he had had prior to their first meeting. It had always been a source of pain for both him and for her as he recalled the wild days of his youth. But she had forgiven him. They had moved on. Or so she had thought.
Formats
Book Details
About the Book
Based on true events, Evermark shares the moving story of a woman’s journey to discover the true meaning of love.
Roselyn thought she had it all – a beautiful family, a comfortable home, and a devoted husband. But life as she knew it in the sleepy 17th century village of Avendale would come to a crushing halt when she discovers her husband’s criminal affair. With her husband behind bars, her children to care for, and her reputation shattered, how could she go on? Suddenly alone in a harsh world, Roselyn must decide to flee or abide by the Sacred Writings of old. With invaluable insights into the healing process following a spouse’s infidelity, Evermark shares a tale of the hope of redemption. Truly a “beauty from ashes” story, this novel is a must-read for both men and women alike.
“Evermark is a courageous story of God’s unrelenting love and grace, especially in the midst of hardship and grief. In the real world of betrayal and sorrow and anger, the majesty and power of sacrificial forgiveness is made all the more beautiful.”
—Mike Erre, author and pastor
“A captivating story of restoration and redemption, Evermark shares a woman’s courageous choice and journey to remain married following her husband’s infidelity. Poignantly written, it clearly illustrates the message of what it means to follow God’s will regardless of circumstances. A beautiful story of marriage, family, faith, and unconditional love.”
—Doug Fields, speaker, author, consultant
About the Author
Annie Carwyn resides in sunny California with her ruggedly handsome husband, two talented children, and a menagerie of furry friends. With a master’s degree in education, she spends the majority of her time teaching students as a reading and writing specialist. When she isn’t working with students, she can be found out on the trails riding her white Arabian mare. Annie’s love of horses started early in life with western pleasure riding that later led to competitions in jumping events, dressage, and polo matches. Annie’s happy place is definitely anywhere in the great outdoors. She enjoys gardening, hiking, backpacking, jogging, kayaking, sailing, and, of course, horseback riding. Akin to her namesake, Annie is a naturally talented marksman who enjoys spending time at the range. As quick as she is with a rifle, she is with a skillet. She loves the time she spends cooking for her family and hanging out with them at home.