Of Such Is The Kingdom, A Novel of Biblical Times in 3 parts

As Barabbas and his men ran further into the forest, they saw something large and gray protruding from behind a clump of trees.

“Say, what’s that over there?”

“Let’s go take a look.”

Coming upon it, they found it to be a cave carved out of a rock.  “We can hide out here till everything blows over.”

Having brought very little in the way of rations to the insurrection, they were left to subside on roots, nuts, and berries.  Having settled into what was to be their new temporary home, they began to review their failed mission.

“What could have gone wrong?  We had it planned so perfectly.”

“We failed to gain the support of enough of the people.”

“I took care of two of the praetorium guards.”

“And I took care of another two.”

“And I killed one,” added Barabbas with a sigh.

“The trouble was the people.”

“Exactly!  We should have had a more extensive whispering campaign before we began.”

“What do you mean?”

“I mean several of us should have spread the word further, throughout the crowd.”

“But they might not have all been sympathetic.  Some could have warned Pilate and then it would have been even worse.”

Another man cleared his throat.  “Alright, men.  It’s no use thinking about what we could have done.   The question is what are we going to do now?”

“Yeah, Barabbas.  You’re the leader.  What do we do now?”

“The only thing we can do.  Wait.  We can’t risk going out.  Someone is sure to recognize us and then we’d be caught.”

The ground of the cave was hard and the thoughts of the men were anxious, so it was hard to sleep, but eventually, they all dozed off.  They would soon get used to their new living quarters.

************

Meanwhile, Deborah and the children were sick with worry over what may have happened to Barabbas.

“Mommy, Mommy!  When’s Daddy comin’ home?”

“Soon, I hope.”

“But what’s wrong?  Why doesn’t Daddy come home?”

“I don’t know, dear!  But let’s pray and ask the good LORD to bring him home, shall we?"

“That’s a good idea,  Mommy.”

“Bow your heads children.  Dear lord, we pray for my husband and the children’s father, Barabbas, that you be with him wherever he is and keep him safe and bring him back home to us soon.  Amen.”

“Amen!”

************

Meanwhile in town, again the black and white chariot stopped in front of the brick house and he dismounted, tied the horses and knocked at the door.  She ran, smiling, to greet him.  After the usual pleasantries and some kisses, she asked. “Well, what did he want, Manaheem?”

“What did who want?”

“Why, the king, your foster brother.”

“O’ just as I told you, he wanted to tell me to go ahead with the mission he hired me for.”

“And did you?”

“Yes, my dear.”

“Well, can you tell me about it now?  I’m dying to know what was this mysterious mission the king sent you on.”

“Not yet, dear, but soon I think.  I must go now and collect the rest of my fee.  We may soon have the money we need to settle down and be comfortable.”

“O’ Manaheem, you’re so mysterious.  But I guess that’s part of why I love you so much.  Come here.”  And once again their lips met.