Date: Thu, 4 Feb 2010 08:04:27 -0800 (PST)
From: Jason Gardham <gardham1@yahoo.com>
Subject: "Benjamin and Me"  Chapter 10

Author: J. Gardham
gardham1@yahoo.com

This story is fiction as are the characters, if you think you see yourself
in this story that's cool as long as everyone remembers there's nothing in
this story that isn't pure imagination.

"Benjamin and Me"

Chapter 10


Glen was back home and feeling better than ever which proves what a miracle
his healing really was.  The cleaning crew found the night nurse sleeping
on the floor in the hospital room next to Glen's.  She was now undergoing
psychiatric care and shock treatments still claiming she saw a ghost who
spoke to her, and swearing she saw two boys sleeping together in the bed
beside Glen's.  There wasn't much the guys could do but leave well enough
alone in her case.

Since completion of the equestrian course that Robin had designed it looked
like Bill was ready to enter the competition in Louisville in May, at
fourteen Bill would be one of the younger first time riders this year.
David had become a good horseback rider also with the help of Bill and
Robin.  Two more stables had been added along with four more horses, it
often looked like a cattle round up when the guys all went riding together.

There was quite a crowd that gathered each day to watch Bill train as he
practiced riding the equestrian course.  He was nervous about having people
watch until Robin explained that he needed to get used to a crowd being
around.  There would be thousands at the Equestrian Competition in
Louisville.

The local papers even found pleasure in having one of their own compete in
such a prestigious event.  David took more pride in having Bill's picture
and story in the paper than Bill did, "I've never ridden in competition
before I don't expect to win anything my first time out".  "Bill, I don't
care if you don't do anymore that stay on the horse's back, you're still my
hero".  Giving David a hug Bill said, "you know Dave I love you more than I
thought it possible to love anyone other than my dad, I couldn't ask more".
"That feeling is mutual Bill".

All the guys went to Louisville together, Glen had taken a week off from
the hospital with the administrators blessings.  Thomas had made
reservations a year early at the Ritz and had reserved a limo to hustle
everyone back and forth from the competition.  The only problem might be
Benjamin, he hadn't been any farther then the local area since he'd become
a ghostly occupant of the house he'd built back in 1832 and he hadn`t any
idea what his limits might be.

"I'll try to follow along but if for some reason I hit a road block I'll
stay home and watch it on television on one of the cable networks".  "I
don't like leaving you here alone Benjamin and I sure don't like being
anyplace without you so please do your best to follow us to Louisville".
"Thomas you can count on it, I want to be there to cheer for our kid as he
rides in the competition as much as the rest of you do".  "If I don't
materialize there call me and keep me up on what's going on okay".  "You
got it Ben".



Benjamin tried following the caravan of horse trailers and trucks that were
traveling at a fairly even pace to avoid frightening or injuring Bill's
horse.  All went well until they reached the interchange where I-99 and
I-70 intersected.  Just as they were passing on the outskirts of Wheeling,
Ohio, Benjamin ran into trouble with some unfriendly spirits who were
trying to block his way.  He hadn't any previous experience with other
spirit forms and was somewhat confused by their malevolence.  No wanting to
lose sight of the caravan Benjamin said, "You need to get out of my way I
have to be moving on".  "You're not going anywhere without our permission
and we're not giving you permission so just cool your heels bucko".

Benjamin could see the caravan getting father away and his temper was
rising fast as he tried pushing past the spirits who continued to block him
from advancing.  It was six to one but Benjamin wasn't about to let the
odds stop him as his patience went down the toilet and his temper rose
through the stratosphere.  Grabbing a spirit in each hand he smashed their
heads together and threw them aside, the remaining four lunged at him with
claws bared.  The first one sliced Benjamin's arms causing great pain,
something Benjamin hadn't felt since becoming a ghost.  Moving quickly to
avoid their claws Ben dropped about five hundred feet in altitude before
shooting straight ahead aiming for the caravan that was almost out of
sight.

Just as he caught up to the caravan the spirits were able to grab his legs
and pull him to a stop.  Benjamin kicked and twisted with all his might as
he fought to free himself.  One of the spirits sank his claws into
Benjamin's thigh causing him to scream with pain.  The caravan pulled off
the road immediately, Robin turned to Thomas who was white as a sheet,
"Thomas what's wrong?"  "I heard Benjamin scream, something's wrong he's in
trouble".  "How can we help?"  Thomas yelled, "Benjamin where are you?"

One of the other spirits ran his claws into and down Benjamin's back
ripping him open clear to the spine.  Benjamin screamed in agony.  Hearing
Benjamin`s cry, Thomas cried out in horror.  Everyone was out of the trucks
surrounding Thomas trying to console him, not knowing what to do to help.
Brad and Gavin told the others to join hands as they circled Thomas and
bowed their heads in prayer.  Gavin led the group in asking for God's help
in protecting Benjamin.

Benjamin felt himself weakening and being pulled away as he looked toward
the caravan and saw Thomas weeping.  Suddenly there was such shrieking Ben
covered his ears, twisting around he saw Reggie literally rip the head off
the spirit who had his claws stuck through Benjamin's thigh allowing him to
pull free.  There was another angel much larger and more powerful who took
his hands and clapped them together as he crushed two of the other spirits
including the one who had clawed Benjamin's back.  The remaining spirit
tried to get away just as a fist from nowhere hit with such force he
shattered into millions of pieces.

The larger angel engulfed Benjamin in his arms and blew breath into his
mouth as Benjamin felt his wounds beginning to heal.  "Thomas, Thomas I'm
okay, help came I'll be alright, please calm yourself".  With that plea
Benjamin passed out in Magellan's arms.  His first thought was for Thomas,
such a pure heart, Magellan couldn't help but smile down at this brave
little ghost.

Thomas collapsed with Robin catching him before he hit the ground.  Bill
knelt and pulled Thomas's head into his lap as he leaned down and kissed
his forehead, Thomas we're here with you hold on, you're the love that
binds us together we need you, don`t you dare leave us.  Glen was examining
Thomas having brought his medical bag with him.  "His breathing is shallow
and his pulse is too weak, we need to move him to a hospital
quickly.....just than a blinding light caused everyone to shield their
eyes, the most beautiful being appeared and placed his hands on Thomas's
chest, As the light spread through his body Thomas's eyes fluttered open.
Looking into the angel's eyes he said, "Raphael, is Benjamin alright".
Smiling Raphael somehow knew in his heart Thomas's first thought would be
for his Benjamin.

"Your ghost is being healed as we speak Thomas you need not fear for him".
"What happened, I heard him cry most horribly Raphael".  "Thomas he was
attacked by demons and nearly dragged to the depths of Hades".  "Your ghost
was badly hurt Thomas you must remember to bow your heads in prayer and ask
for protection before any of you embark on new adventures, it's vitally
important Thomas, your prayers empower us to help you".  "If it wasn't for
the quick thinking of Gavin we might not have been here in time to save
Benjamin from a fate much worse than death".

A shudder of wind barely stirred the air as Magellan appeared with Benjamin
in his arms, Thomas pulled his beloved ghost into his embrace and cried as
if his heart were broken upon seeing Benjamin`s wounds.

Raphael wept at the sight of such love.

Magellan and Raphael spread their wings to encompass everyone belonging to
this band of unique men, a brilliant light not only filled this area but
also engulfed each soul who stood within.  Several minutes passed before
their sight returned to normal and the angels were gone as were Benjamin`s
wounds.

Standing on a hill of shining air Magellan put his arm around Raphael's
shoulders as he said, "Raphael I've never known you to empower humans with
such strength before".  "Magellan their new found strength will be
empowered only by their love, we must post watch over them throughout the
rest of their lives, what has happened here will enrage the powers of evil
to such an extent that they'll want to strike back with terrifying
revenge".  "What I have done can not be undone and it is now up to us to
keep evil at bay, post your most powerful angels to watch over them and let
not one hair on their heads come to harm".  "Yes Raphael, it will be done".

Seeing Benjamin's wounds healed Thomas regained some semblance of composure
and asked the others if they wanted to continue on to Louisville.  Benjamin
was the first to speak, "Thomas we need to continue on, Bill has worked for
two years preparing for this event and he shouldn't be deprived of
competing".

Glen said, "I'm not sure Benjamin, I won't put my son's life in danger for
any competition, nothing is worth that".  Bill put his arm around his dad's
waist as he spoke looking up at Thomas saying, "Benjamin has been badly
hurt and we all saw the agony you suffered hearing Benjamin's cries of
pain, this competition means nothing to me compared to the love I feel for
all of you so let`s take my competing our of the equation".  "What we need
to consider now is are we going to let fear control our movements and
decisions for the rest of our lives, or are going to face life head on."

David took Bill's hand as he added, God has given us free will, we are to
make our own choices free of fear.  "What we have all experienced today has
shown us that there is both forces of good and forces of evil that we deal
with everyday of our lives".  "The love that binds us together is obviously
a powerful force or we wouldn't have had angels intervene on our behalf".
"You all know I love Bill with all my heart and would never put him in
danger, but if we cower now I believe we'll put ourselves in even greater
danger by fearing evil more than we trust the power of God, what will that
say about us?".

Everyone man there stood quietly looking at the two boys who spoke with
such courage and wisdom that they were left speechless.  Thomas knelt down
and pulled both boys into his arms hugging them tightly, before telling
everyone to hit the road, "we're on our way to Louisville".  Turning to
Brad with a big smile on his face, Gavin said, "Holy Scriptures Brad, I
couldn't have said it better myself, those boys are amazing".

Watching from high above, one of the warrior angels named Muriel sent to
watch over Thomas and his friends said, "out of the mouths of babes".  A
powerful black angel called Jacques shouted, "draw your swords, the humans
have made their decision to move ahead, let no harm come to them".

Out of the darkness of Hades orders were given to break up this band of
humans who are so filled with love that they've earned the admiration of
the angels of heaven.  Destruction of the child will cause a crack to form
in their loyalty, then we'll plant seeds of distrust in the minds of the
others against Thomas".  "Fail me at your own peril".

The caravan entered the facility where the equestrian competition was to
take place early the next morning.  Getting Bill's horse settled in first
Robin then asked Thomas to take the others to the hotel while he and Bill
walked the course, there were important details of the layout he wanted
Bill to be aware of.  "You can pick us up in a couple of hours and I'll
show you where some of our finest restaurants are in Louisville".  "Will do
Robin, but I want Benjamin to stick close in case there's trouble".  "No
problem Thomas I understand and I'll keep a close eye on Bill and David".
"David?"  Laughing Robin said, "of course you don't think I'm going to
separate those two do you?"  Joining in the laughter Thomas agreed that
probably wasn't a possibility, catch you guys later then".

Robin, Bill and Dave walked the course slowly as Robin pointed out areas
and situations that would help Bill complete the course safely with the
best showing.  About three quarters through the course Robin showed Bill
where he received his injuries.  He explained that he was in first place
when they reached this particular jump and one of the more experienced
riders rode up close and using his horse pushed against Robin's mount just
as he started to make the jump causing him to veer to the right hitting the
rail as he landed on the far side of the hedge.  Robin ended up with a
broken leg, arm and concussion.  The worst part for him was the death of
the horse he had raised from a colt.

Bill put his arms around Robin and gave him a strong hug, "I'm sorry Robin,
it's hard to believe someone would do something so terrible just to with a
competition".  "Believe it kiddo, some of these people are out for blood
and anything goes so be on your guard every minute".  "Keep in mind that
nothing is worth having your horse hurt or even worse getting hurt
yourself".  "Most of these guys are older than you and have ridden in the
competition before, they'll take every advantage they can and if it means
hurting you in the process it makes no difference to them".

David put his arm around Robin's shoulder as he thanked him for taking all
the time to show Bill the course and warn him of the possible dangers.

Just before the competition David asked for Gavin to lead them in a prayer
asking the angels to keep Bill safe.  Glen immediately asked if there was
any special reason David thought Bill might be in danger.  Dave replied
that he wanted Gavin to lead them in prayer because Raphael said it was
important that they do this before they proceeded with something new".
David didn't add his concerns for Bill's safety after what Robin has told
them, there was not reason to add worry to what Glen was already carrying
on his shoulders.  Everyone agreed and Gavin gathered them together for a
powerful prayer for Bill's safety as well as the others involved in the
competition.

Bill and Robin both had ridden the course several times the day before,
Bill made the jumps and other obstacles with ease during the practice runs.

What they weren't aware of was that demons had gathered in dark shadows in
their plan to kill Bill and cause a breakup in Thomas's group of men.  The
angelic forces had also gathered and with Gavin and the men having said
prayers the angels powers had been enhanced ten fold.

Bill was at the starting line with five other's as the signal was given to
start.  Bill didn't try pushing his Appaloosa as they took the first few
obstacles easily, when the open stretch came he gained on the other riders
and took the first hedge jump in second place.  A few more obstacles before
the next hedge jump that included a water obstacle on the far side making
it the most dangerous jump on the course.

The dark forces started moving into place, the angelic forces quietly moved
to countered as Bill and the other rider raced up the straight away
preparing for the jump.  The rider beside him kept moving closer, Robin had
warned him of this very tactic and at the last second Bill moved ahead and
to the left before taking the jump.  The other rider was caught off guard
and his horse lost it's stride before attempting the jump.

Bill's jump was textbook perfect Robin and the others were cheering wildly
when they noticed Bill slip to the side.  Immediately Benjamin headed for
Bill.  Demons were hitting him hard trying to knock him off his horse
hoping to kill him as he fell against the iron railing.  The angels pushed
Bill back into his saddle as Magellan slipped in behind Bill whispering,
"we've got you covered Bill, head for the finish line".

Benjamin was back in a flash and materialized beside the rest of the guys,
Glen's face drained of all it's color as Benjamin said, "sweet mother of
Jesus, I've never seen anything like it".  Turning to Glen Ben said, "you
should see the smile on your son's face Glen".  Thomas asked Benjamin what
was going on and he told the others to watch the air around Bill and his
horse for glittering lights that looked like sun reflecting off a mirror.
Brad said, "yes we can see it Ben, what is it?"  "There's a spiritual war
taking place you wouldn't believe".  Glen screamed, "Benjamin is my son
safe?"  "Calm yourself Glen, Magellan is riding behind Bill with his wings
wrapped around him, you've never seen anything like in your life".

Thomas said, "Ben, what's causing the flashes of light we can see around
and near Bill?"  "That's demon fire I think, there's a big black angel with
a sword swiping off demon heads like he was chopping celery".  "Thomas
there's dozens of angels making mince meat of a pack of howling demons,
every time a new demon joins the battle two more angels appear, the demons
are being massacred".

"My God Benjamin Bill's in the middle of this battle".  "Stop worrying
Glen, Magellan is on the back of Bill's horse maintaining a shield around
him, Bill's is no danger, and whatever Magellan whispered into Bill's ear
caused a mighty big smile to appear on our son's face".  "I'd say, Bill's
having the time of his life, now relax will you".  Looking over his
shoulder at Glen, Benjamin realized that Glen had fainted in Larry's arms.

"Robin throw some water in his face or he'll miss his son's victory".

Glen managed to get on his feet just in time to see Bill cross the victory
line with his arms in the air.  Everyone was standing and yelling, the
entire crowd of thousands was going wild.  No one could have been more
thrilled then Robin, Bill had captured the prize he was after when he
suffered his injuries.

Following the ceremony when everyone was back at the Hotel and finally
quieted down, Bill walked over to where Robin was sitting and pulled him
into his arms.  "Thanks for all your hard work Robin, this prize belongs to
you", and Bill handed Robin the Loving Cup which up until that moment Bill
had kept hidden.  Everyone thought Bill was trying to be modest by not
waving it around for all to see, but when they saw Robin start to cry and
pull Bill back into a hug they knew something was happening they were
unaware of.

Glen asked Robin if he could see the trophy, after reading the inscription
to himself he turned to the others and read it aloud, "The One Hundred And
Seventy-six Equestrian Competition won by Robin Billings with surrogate
rider Bill Connor riding the Appaloosa ,Gemini".  There wasn't a dry eye to
be seen.  As Glen hugged his son he quietly asked, "when did you have that
done Bill?"  "When they handed me the trophy the engraver asked how I
wanted the engraving to read, and that's how I wanted it dad, I won only
because of Robin`s effortless training, and some rather interesting
supernatural help I should add".



The angel Muriel and the other warriors sent to guard this particular group
of men gave a Heavenly cheer not only for Bill's win, but the selfless love
that flowed through these men, what a beautiful world this would be if this
love was contagious.

To be Continued:


 Jason Gardham