COTR Magazine June 2013 | Page 26

Thestonescamefaster, shreddinghisskin, andtheinsultsandcurses showeredmercilessly. Stephenfeltagreaturgewithinhim, andhebeganto situp. Therocksbatteredhisbody, bouncingoffhisarmsandchest. Stil

Stephencontinuedtorise, therocksnowpummelinghisheadandneck. Stephenclosedhisbleedingeyesasheatlaststruggledintoakneelingposition. Heopenedhismouth, butthesoundrefusedtocomeout. Hestruggled tospeakasthestonescreatedbloodygashesaloverhim. Stephenfeltfaint, andalmostcolapsedontheground. Thenhefeltagreatstrengthenterhis soul, andaloudvoiceeruptedfrom withinhim.

“ Lord,” hecried,“ donotholdthissinagainstthem!”

Thenthelastrockshatteredthelifeinhim, andhefelintotheeverlasting sleep.

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