Sacred Scrolls; Chapter 52

 

Sacred Scrolls; Chapter 52

© 2021 by Amber Wright

VEIL OF DARKNESS

Jason looked into darkness. The sleep in his eyes seemed to have made his eyelids stick shut. He tried opening his eyelids until they gave him a sharp sting. He stopped trying and the dark pervaded his vision. Thoughts whirred inside him. What is with my eyelids—why do they sting? Then he felt the pain and the crinkle of skin, smelling something burnt. Suddenly, he was shivering—chilled to the bone—and afraid.

Jason pushed himself up to kneeling position and groped his face, to make sure it was still there. When he touched his skin, pain shot from his eye sockets to the back of his neck. Pain threaded through his entire body. He screamed but no sound came. Deep in his throat, he felt trapped and his knees trembled violently, pitching him back onto the smoky scented ground. His pain grew worse as he felt salty moisture pour from his eyes. He lay there mute, moaning, struggling to crawl forward in what he hoped was the direction of the cave. Maybe they would have pity on him despite the fact that he had betrayed them. With each move, every muscle in his body jerked. He tried opening his eyes again but the pain shot through him all the more. It was no use. He was blind and his eyelids were melted shut.

Not wanting to be beaten, Jason gave it one more tug and his eyelids popped open. Pain seared into his very soul. He stifled a scream, weakness waving through his body and he sank into blackness.

~

“Why did you do it?” Demetrius asked the dazed prisoner Aristo laying on the cot.

“He doesn't know,” Marcus felt for the man's pulse. There was a weak one.

“I killed him. I killed—” Aristo's voice went into an unnaturally flat tone, his eyes never leaving the ceiling, only blinking oddly. He did another jagged gasp, the slit in his throat still dripping with blood.

Marcus felt a curdle fill his throat. So this was how Alexander had looked, only his wound had been in his heart. This was how his friend had died, bleeding slowly, drip by drip. Why must I be reminded of the past? The painful past, I buried it in Lydia—along with my dreams. My hope. Demetrius was speaking again so he glanced up. Elder John gently wiped Aristo's neck and the bleeding man's salt-and-peppered hair beaded with sweat as his struggled for breath.

Marcus watched Aristo battle with life. After a moment, Elder John closed his eyes and moved his lips. He knew the man of God was praying. Please, he squeezed his eyes shut, Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. He repeated the Lord's prayer in his head a second time. He could think of nothing else to do or say or to even think. When he opened his eyes, Aristo's gasping sounded more like normal breathing. His tense breath released, Thank You, God!

Aristo looked up at Elder John and his voice was weak. “Thank you, John.”

~

Tiria bounced Nika to keep her from crying and grumbled to herself, Another day with this little tiger. How will I ever keep my sanity? Swallow it. She burst into a chuckle at the thought and Nika looked at her with piercing dark eyes. There was question and laughter written all over her baby face as she giggled, too, clamping her chubby hands over her mouth.

Tiria gave Nika's fat baby cheek a loud kiss and pretended a frown. “You, my dear, are giving me a backache. But I won't complain. Tirias never complain.”

“Oh, don't they?” Lucius had a smirk on his face with Julia walking beside him.

Tiria scowled back at him. “You have the sneakiest way of startling people—me, in particular.” She cleared her throat and felt a teasing smile play at the corners of her mouth. “It's good to see you back in the land of the living.”

Lucius sent her a questioning glare. “I've been quite busy,” he cleared his throat importantly, head tilted back a little.

“On walks and talks, perhaps.”

“And business!” Lucius walked ahead with quick steps and never gave her another glance.

So he's back to sneer and jeer, Tiria frowned at his retreating head. He can be quite fascinating and nice when he chooses to be. Only, today must not be one of his...good days. She sent the back of his dark head a scowl, “Then go, King Lucius of Lydia!”

“Sorry,” Julia mouthed to her with a shrug as she walked on.

Love-struck. Am I the only one left with my senses? Tiria's thoughts stalled. At least I'm sensible. Quite sensible! She gave Nike an imploring stare, muttering, “Does life always have to be so complex? It's not fair.”

Tiria felt a little worm of green envy try to enter her heart. But she devotedly shook her head, promising herself, No, you're not going to do that again, Tiria. You'll shrivel up for sure—not to mention the dreadful green glow you'll radiate eerily. You haven't entered the Great Pyramids yet. A smile pierced her frown and she began giggling again, imagining herself a solid green mummy of Egypt.

Junia gave her a withering glance. “My hand hurts.”

Tiria sobered and nodded sympathetically. “I'm sorry—truly. You deserve better things.”

Junia rolled her eyes, then smirked. “You deserve Polycarp.”

“I don't know whether to take that as a compliment or not,” Tiria eyed her warily, thoughts of green turning into an upset red. “You don't look like you're in the complimenting mood.”

“Take it as a compliment,” Junia fell into step with her and a mischievous smile stole into her blue eyes. “Of course, he can never be as handsome as Demetrius.”

“Of course, precious Demetrius.” Tiria tried to look offended but failed, making an off-pitch chuckle. “But remember the Proverbs? Beauty is vain but a man who fears the Lord, he shall be praised.”

“I believe the precise words are woman and she,” Junia argued with her with a crooked smile, “not man and he.”

“I'm just making my point,” Tiria cleared her throat firmly, letting the dangerously upsetting red thoughts empty from her brain. “Polycarp is indeed the best man I know of. Well, except Elder John—but he's a little too old.”

Junia laughed, “Are you sure?”

Nika gave Tiria a nudge with her forehead. “Old.”

“Yes, even Nika agrees with me.” Tiria felt her smile flatten abruptly. “Besides,” her tone went airy, “Polycarp has that expression that makes you want to fly.”

“I believe that's called the tremors of your heart.”

Tiria shook her head. “Junia, you're impossible. Tremors! Like I'm an earthquake or something.” She gave Junia a very cutting smirk, “Well then, if I'm an earthquake, you're a tidal wave—drowning everything in its path.”

“Thank you,” Junia made a face.

“Quite welcome,” was her breezy reply. She glanced down at Junia's soft sling. “How's your hand? Would you like for me to cut it off for you? You've got that look that's been begging me to do it all day.”

“Don't you dare!” Junia stepped back, but with a smile.

When they stopped to take a rest, Tiria thought she could see Polycarp walking in their direction. She whispered to Junia, “Here he comes.”

“Control your earthquake, please. He might fall from the vibration since he's not entirely well, you know.”

“Fall for me? If only!” Tiria cast her eyes upward and clasped her hands humbly—then suddenly grabbed onto Nika who was falling from her arms.

~

Jason opened his ears since opening his eyes did not benefit him. Since he could not see with them, it was better to save his energy as he was still that weak. A cool cloth covered his face, soothing him from his pain. He felt much better now compared to the last time he had awakened; however, a fever still persisted. Probably because he had a lot of burnt flesh on him, from the smell and feel of it. He shuddered at the thought, trying not to imagine what he looked like.

Depression sank over him like a black sheet, making him think about everything in a dull light and feel an even duller reaction to life. Dully, he calculated his surroundings. Under him was a cot and over him was a cloth that was probably a thin blanket. Wanting to ask who was nursing him, he began to open his mouth. Sharp pain shot through him, Are my lips melted together as well as my skin? If so, how will I eat? Panic rose in him. Death would soon follow if his lips were sealed shut forever. Why! All for a girl...Chloe. He heard a sizzling something coming towards him—and voices.

Voices broke into words. “There is no other way, Zenas,” a male spoke just above him. “He has to eat, or die.”

Jason felt the burning hot sharpness touch his melted-together lips, and his scream trapped deep inside his throat. Without warning, the sharpness pierced deftly into his flesh, followed by a cutting noise and the taste of blood pouring onto his tongue. He gasped and choked on blood, swallowing it down before he spewed it everywhere. His chest heaved and he felt numb all over. What had just happened?

The next thing he knew, he was tasting cloth—and more blood. His lips were parted again, bandaged with ill-tasting cloth. He shuddered to think what he looked like now.

“Within a few hours, he should be able to eat,” a male's voice spoke above him.

At least I can eat again and stay alive, Jason drifted unconscious again.

~

Aristo's blood had clotted at his neck finally and he was asleep. Demetrius stared down at the blood-soaked rag in his hand. So this was what Junia had done to his friend. He swallowed his built-up saliva. Alexander. If only he had lived to see his little daughter growing up. Matthias had told him Nika (which she was now being called) was past a year old now and talking.

Matthias, Demetrius felt a jab of uncertainty poke into him, walking over to the little table in their hut to wash his hands. His jumbled thoughts melted into one, Matthias and Junia. He jerked his eyes to the sky showing in the window. God, are You trying to tell me something? Only the cool wind answered him by blowing into his eyes. He stepped back from the window, gritting his teeth almost to the grinding point. He needed to rest his mind—and not think. Over-thinking never helped.

Demetrius stretched himself onto his cot, to rest for ten minutes before going back to work. Just as his head touched the lumpy pillow, his battling thoughts returned with a vengeance. He tried to pick the less painful ones to dwell on. I wonder where they all are—safe, I trust.

~

The smell of pine trees and sun-dried sand sank into Junia's nostrils as she realized the pain in her hand had gone. Now she was exploring the sights and scents of the journey, free from pain and excited about life once again. The air was cool and crisp. The ache in her back was disappearing as she listened to the birds softly chirping in the branches along their trail. And then—the sound of gentle lapping sang in her ears, coming from the water of the Aegean Sea. A sliver of blue showed through the trees and buildings, and she felt her breath intake sharply. They were almost there.

Minutes later, they were leaving the forest and entering the suburbs of the city. Sun bathed her face and sank into her forest-damp skin. Now that it was cool, the sun did indeed feel refreshing, as Mary would say.

Junia took in the scene, atop a little hill, looking down onto the city with the sea behind it. So this is it. Smyrna Harbor. Her eyes sank into the rich blueness of the Aegean Sea. The soft, sparkling, splendid sea—it called to her, beckoned her. Would these blue waters land them safely to their haven on earth? Please, God, she felt her eyes sweep up into the crisp, clear skies, let these waters guide us to the place that You have chosen.

“I feel like relaxing this big stomach of mine,” Judith broke into her thoughts.

And Junia's thoughts rolled back like a scroll.

Judith's brown eyes spoke longing as they rested on the gently lapping waters on the near horizon. But before they could reach the beautiful Aegean Sea, they had to cross the city that lay between them. Smyrna. What would happen there?

Junia swept her eyes across the city. Nestled between sea and hill, the city was packed with houses, buildings, carts, horses, ships docked in harbor, people and noise.

Descending the hill, they neared the city and a flash of red confirmed her fears of the yesterdays before. Her happy thoughts chilled. They had entered the land of the Romans once again. Romans guarded the gate. More Romans entered the city. And still yet more Romans walked about, their red cloaks flashing in the breeze. She swallowed, glancing over at the beckoning blue waters of the Aegean Sea, and softly sighed. Yes, before I reach my beautiful warm waters to guide me to safety, I must cross the chilly streets of Smyrna.

Earlier, they had been cautioned by her father that when they entered the city they would go in little groups. That way, they would not be noticed quite so much and be questioned. But still, a prickle of uneasiness nagged her as she silently prayed, Though I walk through the shadow of evil, I will not fear. You are with me. Your love and strength comforts me. Your grace has brought us safe this far. Your grace will lead us through. She managed to swallow the saliva threatening to choke her, and huddled between her sisters.

Behind her, Tarsus was with her family atop the hill, a little ways back. The others were scattered in small groups. Leading the way, her father looked so unafraid as he walked toward the gate of Smyrna. Her heartbeat quickened, realizing they were almost there now, and she forced herself to breathe calmly. She sent a fearful glance towards the sky. It seemed to assure her that God was still there, watching over her—watching over them all. Licking her papyrus-dry lips, she could not deny the sliver of fear stealing through her. Lord, I'll be honest. I know You're there, another nervous lick, but I'm still afraid. She felt her mother slip her arm her shoulders.

“God will never leave us,” Eunice told her quietly, gently. She tugged on her shoulder. “Come on. The Lord has gone before us, preparing the way.”

Junia felt a smile emerge from her worry lines. She mutely nodded, God has gone before us, preparing the way. The red cloak of the Roman at the gate materialized into a person. A young man with light brown hair and blue eyes was watching her. Just before she adverted her eyes, he nonchalantly traced a fish across his armored chest. Her heart froze with an unsteady thud and she felt the blood drain from her face, tingling ever so numbly. Is he a spy? A trap, pretending to be a Christian? She gulped, My God, help!

The Roman walked towards them, slowly, glancing around him cautiously. Junia felt her eyes lock, her breath freeze and her heart paralyze. He was coming straight towards them. Who was this Roman?

A Few Greek Words:

Fil'os: friend

Meh'tehr: mother

Pah'tehr: father

Adher'fi: sister

Adher'fos: brother