The Radiant City

by Evelyn R. Garratt

"Friend, I know even too well," answered Amer, "I have been in it a long time."

"It is a place of horror and the darkness of death," said Chisleu.

"And I should be in the same state as you at this present moment," said Amer, "had it not been for the help of my King."

"And yet," said Chisleu, raising his head to look more earnestly at him, "you look as if you were upheld. Have you really experienced such horror as I have?"

"Such darkness that even now I scarcely dare to think of it. But since then I have seen a vision of the King which has turned my darkness into light. I think I can even thank Him now for the lessons He taught me in the darkness. But come! I will help you to rise, and if the enemies attack you again, I will add my sword to yours. I do not wonder that they met you by the way, Chisleu, and were so determined to overcome you. It was only natural that such a good brave soldier, who is always on the look-out for those who are in sorrow or need, should be attacked by the enemy. You have done too much good for him to forget you, or to leave you alone. As for me, I have only just learnt that I am saved to serve."

"Ah, friend, you little know me," sighed Chisleu, "the mistakes I have made! and the way I have judged far better people than myself, and have tried to set them right according to my own judgment! Nay, I felt sunk so low and that I was of so little good on the road, that I feared my King had forgotten me, when I found myself in such a dark place. But," he added, rising, "if you are right, and this misery comes from the enemy, and is not that I am forgotten in the Radiant City on account of my sins, I will take courage."

"I understand now," said Amer, "why my way led me again into the forest. The King was thinking of you, friend, and sent me to help one who in the past has helped me."

"Helped you!" exclaimed Chisleu, astonished, "nay, lad, I remember nothing of the kind. I am a good-for-nothing fellow who meddles with every one I come across, thinking to do them good. I am the fool who steps in where angels fear to tread."

"Had it not been for you," persisted Amer, "I might still be in the City of Achshaph. You were the one who first tried to arouse my conscience and to make me see my danger. But come, we must not linger."

So these two brave soldiers buckled their swords closer and set out side by side, as long as their path lay together, to fight the enemy and to help the wounded. And many a one had to thank their King for them, and called them both by the name of Ahiezer—Brothers of Assistance.