Chapter 1: The Living Fire

"Why doesn't the sun get tired?" Sara said sleepily, rubbing her eyes. Her tiny body sat perched on a crate of beeswax candles, nodding back and forth. The old lantern she held in her hands radiated her pink cheeks, as her hair flickered in the wind. Jacob lifted a heavy crate into the back of his Father's wagon, ignoring his younger sister's complaints. He was up the night before, taking count of each candle, and while half asleep, he had lost count in the hundreds, three times. Sara was quiet now. The lantern sat on the ground, creating a spotlight around her motionless feet.
"Sara, get up," Jacob demanded.
Her feet rustled.
"I can't see what I'm doing if you don't hold up the light," Jacob said.
"But, it's heavy," Sara whined.
Jacob took a moment to catch his breath, staring into the dark sky. It was cloudy, covering the stars and the moon as dawn was approaching. Soon it was going to be another day of work at the market, peddling his family's goods. Jacob's Father, Joseph, had spent most of the morning in meditation and prayer. It was Jacob's responsibility as the only son to ready the wagon, so they could depart early before the sunrise.
Jacob walked over to Sara's dangling feet. He lifted the lantern, drifting the light over her body. Sara curled, and let out a groan.
"How about I hold the lamp, and you load the wagon?" Jacob retorted, as he kept the light shining over her face.
Sara's eyes slowly opened.
"Fine," Sara sighed with defeat.
Jacob handed her the lantern, as she rose to her feet. The horses stomped restlessly, while Jacob went back to loading the wagon. Sounds of hooves hauling a wagon were heard up the road.