CHAPTER 3
Although all the boys and youths had departed Nazareth at different times and directions, they eventually banded together for warmth and security. But as the sun climbed over the Galilean hills the following morn, its rays fell upon an emotionally shattered group. The terrible news about the rape and slaughter of the innocents had reached them during the night.
The initial reaction was disbelief, but when it became clear that it was true, their grief descended into desolation. Most of the boys had younger and older sisters, so it became a shared grief.
Adlai was inconsolable. He immediately tried to run back home but Cephas restrained him. All around, young males were experiencing similar torment.
Although he was very worried about Tabitha, Cephas tried to console and council Adlai.
“If you go back and fall into the hands of the Romans, you are likely to be killed. Your mother couldn’t handle the grief of losing two of her children in one day. Right now she’s grieving for Magdella, but she knows that her two sons are safe.”
“I've got to go home. I can’t sit around and do nothing. I’ve got to do something. What can I do Cephas?” “Grieve. Grieve for Magdella. Shout. Shout if you want. Shout your denunciation of the Romans. Then maintain your rage. Swear to revenge Magdella’s death. Swear a curse on the commander of the Romans. Swear that you’ll never forget. Turn your despair into righteous anger.”
Several boys had heard what Cephas said and asked him how they should do this. Cephas stood up and in a loud voice announced,
“I am Cephas ben Idra and I swear a curse on the Roman commander who butchered our love ones. I will not rest until he’s dead. This I swear before you all.”
Immediately, one by one, each boy stood up. One by one, they declared their name. And one by one, in ringing tones – they cursed Rufus Julius Antonius.
At least the healing process had begun.
When Idra arrived before noon to meet the boys, he was glad that the news had already reached them. After reassuring Cephas that Tabitha was all right, he focused his attentions on Adlai.
“I’m sorry Adlai. I’m so terribly sorry. I’ve never known such sorrow and pain. Your Emma is in a bad way with remorse. But I’ve assured her that you’ll be safe with me. We’ll send regular messages as we travel. Now come, we must reach my home in Sepphoris before nightfall. Let us hasten from here.”
“Uncle, you have not said what is going to happen to me – at least not in any detail. Would I be disrespectful to ask for more details? I’m anxious.”
“Yes, of course. Let us discuss it as we journey.”
So Idra told Adlai that they would travel to Damascus 32, and thence overland to Al Basrah 33. They would be passing through the ancient cities of Ur and Babylon. Then they would go by sea to the seaport of Barbarikon 34 on the river Indus and thence on to the Scythian town of Minnagara.
Cephas interrupted Idra with a tone of urgency in his voice,
“Abba, I must talk to you. It is important . . .”
“Yes, yes Cephas. I know you have something on your mind. Let me finish talking to Adlai and then you can have your say.”
Continuing on Idra addressed Adlai,
“The climate is warm and very pleasant. You need only work in my business for a few hours each day and spend the rest exploring a totally new country. Oh and it is so different boys. New food to enjoy, different clothes and beautiful women. Just the sort of combination to make a young man’s heart joyful. Eh?”
Then turning to Cephas,
“Well lad – what is it that’s so important that you must keep harassing me?”
Well here goes. But after all my attempts to talk to him, I suddenly feel tongue-tied.
“Abba, I don’t want to go with you to the Indus I want to go to Egypt – to Alexandria.”
Both Idra and Adlai stopped walking suddenly and turned to face Cephas. One with alarm and the other incredulous.
“What!” was all Idra could manage.
“I learned of the famous library established by the Great Alexander, which resides in the city that bears his name. I long to go there to study. I’m told it holds secrets of times past and that there is much learning to do. I was going to wait until I was older, but now everything’s changed.”
“Why have you not said of this before? Surely this is the first time you’ve spoken of it?”
“Yes Abba. I did not want to disappoint you. But now I know you have Adlai to help you. I feel I must fulfill my dreams.”
Deep in thought, Idra started walking. “Does your mother know of this?”
“Yes Abba, she does. She was delighted when I first broached the subject and she has been very supportive. She did not want to discuss it with you until I’d spoken to you.”
“Hmmm, I see. Well let me think on it and we’ll have a further talk when we get home. My primary concern, right now, is to have you and Adlai home safe. We’ll talk on this when we’re home.”
When they reached Sepphoris, they had to make immediate preparations to leave early the next morn. Idra had thought in great depth on the wish of Cephas to go to Egypt.
I can’t hold him back. If this is what he wants then how can I discourage him? I see that his mind is set on the matter. It might even be a blessing for me. There is not enough work for the two of them but with Cephas in Aegypt, I can manage Adlai better. Yes, a young man has to learn to stand-alone. He’s a sensible boy and I’m sure he can look after himself. Also, if I go against his mother, my house will know no peace.
“Cephas, Adlai,” he called out. “Can you come here please?”
When the boys came, he simply said,
“I've thought on your matter Cephas and I give you my blessing . . .”
Cephas, happy, went to interrupt but Idra silenced him with . . .
“No, let me finish. I have a contact in Alexandria that I’ll give to you. If you ask him I’m sure, he can organize lodgings for you. But I want your oath Cephas that you’ll write regularly to your mother. She will be overjoyed to read your messages. Now – what did you have to say?”
“Abba, Abba – Thank you. This has made me happy. I won’t let you down. I’ll make you proud of me. I will. I promise.”
Then Idra turned to Adlai and said,
“Do you have anything to say on the matter, Adlai?”
‘No uncle. I’ll miss Cephas, but if this is what he wants then I’m happy for him.”
“Then, that’s settled,” Idra concluded. “We can say our formal good-bye’s in the morrow. For now - let’s get some sleep.”