Submission in the Garden

Been a while since I've drawn any of my story characters, but after yesturday's ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers) state meeting I've been thinking about them more.

You may or may not recall that this is Zebulan, my main character and the prince. This is actually a scene that doesn't take place until the end of the second story. Sketched this while I was at church this morning. I may end up finishing with color. We'll see.

SPOILER ALERT!

In that scene, Zebulan has just found out that he has no choice but to be king. His father is too ill and his brother has condemned himself. This is the last thing Zeb wants. He just wants to live a simple life breeding horses and married to Felena. By now in the storyline, he has realized his true feeling for her, but everything else is still keeping them apart. Also by now he has learned so much about Eloi (God) through his friends. And now, standing here in the garden, one of his favorite places as a child, Zebulan finally breaks down and gives himself over to Eloi.

Here's that written scene.


_{Zebulan walked mindlessly outside to the garden he had loved as a boy. The garden Felena had enjoyed. The sun shone brightly, lighting the paths and glittering off the shiny rocks. The flowers were in full bloom, soaking in the sun, and giving off their pleasant aromas. He stopped in the middle of the path near the fountain. The trickling sound of water washed over him, but did nothing to calm him as it always had. Suddenly he dropped, knees hitting the stones hard. He began to weep, the rampant emotions finally breaking lose.
“Why?” came on a whisper, then louder, “Why me? I was born the second son. I was not to inherit. Why did Zanderlin have to disgrace himself? He would have been king. Something he always wanted.
“Why did father have to become so ill, so frail?” Tears were cascading down his cheeks onto his shoulders now.
“Now I am king. King Zebulan Ulong. I am responsible for all of them. Can I have Felena now? Will she even want me?” The thought scared him. She was not of noble blood or training. Could she live the life of a noble?
“Am I even fit to be king? My father says no. My friends say yes. The Ulum promised to follow me-a Lionine prince-to war. Klanins, Canineons, Padarins, Frelans, the Desert Folk, they’ve promised Allegiance to me.
“I never wanted power. I don’t know how to weld it.”
Zebulan threw his head back then, eyes staring beyond the sky. “You gave me this power! Put me in this position! Why?! What can I do?! How can I rule the kingdom?! I’m not...worthy.”
I am, a voice in his head suddenly answered. And through me, you are.
The voice stunned Zebulan. He cast his gaze down. Could it be? he wondered. “Do you want me to be king?” he asked aloud.
Yes.
“Why?”
You are my son. I will reign through you.
“How? I am not prepared for this.”
Trust in me. I will lead you.
The voice went silent. Zebulan, still on his knees, considered what had happened.
“Father, forgive me for questioning you. It is Your plan to make me king. You find something in me worthy. I pray it is You in me. You’re given me a great responsibility, grant me also the courage and strength to keep it. Help me lead my people, Your children, to safety, to growth, to unity. Give me the power to protect them. The heart to help them. I never asked for this, but give me the wisdom to do what is right for them.
“Father, I give you this body, that You may do with it what You will. May my will always reflect Yours. And may You truly reign forever.”
Zebulan went quiet at that, a lightness about him. He stood, turning to face the palace entrance. With a new power covering his body, mind and heart, Zebulan the King of the Klans returned to take his rightful place.}


This scene was actually inspired by the song "Holy" by Nichole Nordeman. When the line "Only me on my knees" played, I pictured Zeb and that scene began writing itself.

Free :cookies: if you read through all of that!