Marilyn Friesen: Creeping Out

This is an excerpt from the book I am writing on called Around Smouldering Coals. The setting is Rome about 69 A.D.

Tayletha carefully rolled everyone’s garments in order to squeeze them into the saddlebags Silas and their father had smuggled into the catacombs.

“Mitera, it irks me to think of leaving without seeing Lavendula and Damascena first,”

“Perhaps it will yet work out,” Lydda comforted. She was sitting nearby with piles of dried herbs and a variety of seeds that had been delivered to them and sorting them into bags. Each linen satchel had the name of a type of herb or seed embroidered on it. She knew there was more than enough for their needs, but secretly wondered how many would actually thrive in the higher altitude of the mountains. Lydda cherished the memory of all those sisters gathering in the common area where they had gotten together to help prepare them for their pilgrimage. Soon Tayletha joined her mother sorting seeds.

“I look forward to having our own garden,” Lydda commented. “Fresh vegetables are so delicious! We have not had our own garden since you were nine years old!”

Tayletha nodded, but her thoughts were more melancholy. I wonder what it will be like to have no friends my age to confide in? She pulled the strings tight on still another bag and laid it beside her. Even if Rachel is coming, she is so wrapped up in that brother of mine.

Just then, Cedric stooped in order to enter their low carved out doorway.

“Our plans have been changed,” he announced tersely. We will not be able to leave all together as formerly planned.”

Mother and daughter stared at each other in astonishment then turned to face Cedric.

“Why, Abba?”

“I spoke sternly to Rabbi Solomon, not once or twice about his hypocrisy.” He looked about to say more but thought better of it and changed the subject.

“Your Thios Aaron and Thia, (aunt,) Priscilla will be going to market tonight to unload some baskets of fruit. Before Silas left for work this morning, we decided that he would tell them to meet Tayletha and Stephanos behind the fruit market where Manasseh sells his peaches. Manasseh secretly sympathizes with the – Christianus so if they are safe anywhere it will be there. They are supposed to arrive there just at sundown when everyone is busiest making their last minute purchases and trying to get away before the wheeled conveyances overtake the streets.”

“What if they don't want to?” Tayletha demanded.

Her parents seemed amused at the thought. Tayletha hurriedly stuffed seed packages into a bigger sack and was about to find room for them in one of the saddlebags when her mother stayed her hand.

“Tayletha, you will be careful, will you not?”

“Very careful, Imma.” Tayletha's eyes flashed with excitement.

“And if you see Roman soldiers you will—“

“Hide if we see them soon enough, and try to act as normal as possible if we do not.” Tayletha’s could hardly wait to go.

“And if you see informers…”

“I will keep a look out for them,” Tayletha tried hard to keep the impatience from her voice. “Do not worry, Imma, dear. The Savior, is watching over us.”

Imma nodded and gazed longingly at her only kali.

“Better go fetch Stephanos,” Cedric advised, “After the evening meal we must part.” “Yes, Abba.”

Tayletha took a candle from its niche and lighted it from another one glowing nearby. I'm actually excited to get out in the bright clean ---fresh!-air once again! Hmm, I guess it won’t be bright. Not for long! Well I have not seen a starry night since who-knows-when! Starry night here I come!

She found Stephanos exactly where she had expected. A short ways down the hall was an alcove where light penetrated through small crevasses from far above.

Stephanos was sitting cross-legged off to one side while watching two tinoki, little children. They were trying to catch the dusty sunbeams that danced around them although there tiny, bowed legs were scarcely sturdy enough to hold them upright. Their mothers were sitting nearby with handwork, as they patiently watched their little daughters playing.

“Stephanos, come,” Tayletha beckoned.

Stephanos got up instantly, a look of concern on his smooth childish face.’ “We will need to go to market after we eat,” she explained as soon as they were out of earshot of the others.

“I do not want to go this time.”

“But you must, “Tayletha insisted. “Abba has planned it so.” Stephanos’ brow furrowed but they were ducking into their own doorway by then and the others were preparing to eat so he crouched down also. Tayletha felt bad when she saw how worried he had become.

After Lydda had dished pulse into each of their bowls, Cedric led in prayer, pleading especially for the safety of their children. ”Oh, Lord” he concluded, “May we be safely reunited before too much time has passed!”

Stephanos could scarcely swallow around the lump of fear in his throat. Tayletha was too excited to enjoy her food.

Lydda handed the shopping bag to her daughter. On impulse she added a couple extra candles.

Cedric gave Tayletha a few coins to put into her belt just in case she might need them for something. With arms around each others waists, they fervently prayed once again for God’s protection. Tayletha blinked back a tear when her father’s voice broke.

“Are you sure this is the right decision to send such a little boy away?” Lydda asked.

Cedric was surprised that Lydda would question him. It was not like her to doubt his decisions. However, he understood her fears.

“The Lord is with them,” he gently clasped her shoulder.

Tayletha peered into the darkness with just one small candle lighting the gloom. The five year old boy she was responsible for peered around her. She turned back to give first Imma, then Abba, one quick hug.

Stephanos followed her example but was loath to let go of them.

Their footsteps seemed muffled by the shadows. As usual, Tayletha was keenly aware of how low and narrow the tunnels were. Fortunately, that did not seem to bother Stephanos. Perhaps it is because he grew up with them.

Tayletha knew the way to their destination thoroughly. Since there were hundreds of passages she never used, it would have taken only minutes to get hopelessly lost in one of them. But she did not allow herself to think of that now. However, those she needed to know, she had reviewed in her mind dozens of times so she hurried on, the candle creating irregular streaks of dancing light along the curving walls surrounding her. Her footsteps quickened. Tayletha was eager to grasp her unfolding destiny.

Eventually a flickering light glowed in the distance. It was as small as the one they carried. Tayletha slowed her steps. What if it was someone who was Not One Of Them? What would she say? As they drew nearer, Tayletha gradually discerned the slightly built form of one of her dearest friends, and was so relieved.

“Damascena!” she cried, “Shalom, Chavivi, (my friend!)Where have you been?”

“I am just returning from preparing food for grandmother Chloe and assisting her in other ways.” Damascena sighed, and wiped her eye with the tip of her finger. “She has been doing poorly ever since all those wonderful young men died. I think she is losing the will to live.”

With an effort she shook off her blue mood; “What brings you so far from home?”

“We are…going to...market.” Tayletha scuffed her foot in the soil while looking furtively around.
Damascena shook her head, looking puzzled. “But I thought you just went yesterday.”

Tayletha didn't answer. She looked at her friend as if to say 'read my eyes'. Damascena looked searchingly at her, then down at Stephanos, then back again.

Something is up. Her eyes widened. “Are you--?”

Tayletha put a finger to her lips.

“Don't say. It is better if you can say don't know.”