Life in the village was slow and predictable, yet time in the mountain community passed quickly for Mary. It had been two months since their flight from Nazareth. Though the wounds of her parent's murder and the loss of her home were easing somewhat, when she thought about it, especially during the early morning hours, she would still cry. Then, it was as though it had happened only yesterday. Thankfully, Eran was there for her to hold onto to.

Settling into a daily routine with the group of devoted ascetics, was easier than she had imagined. Amun and his companions were not particularly interested in teaching women. Nor were they opposed to the idea. She was free to participate in their activities or not.

Most of the men in the community were quite old, and of a dour countenance. Mary thought it sad that, considering their proclaimed love of God, they did not appear very happy, Her faith, as uncomplicated as it was, had always brought her a sense of wonder and delight.

For Eran and the boys, it was different. Amun insisted that they attend the daily teachings and occasional rituals. They seemed not to mind. It was something to do besides the field work or the kitchen chores, so they did not complain. Jesus especially found the mystical teachings of interest.

Eran continued to teach the boys, so that they would learn something other than the arcane rituals of the order. He accelerated their introduction to principals of trade, hoping that one day they would put them to use. Mary was not sure when that might happen. They had no means or money with which to start a business, and at least for now, there was no plan to leave their mountain sanctuary.

One late afternoon, Mary sat by herself watching the sun turn the sky a mixture of orange, pink, and gold as it set.

A lone white cloud floated in the distance. Perched there, in the vast sky, its tiny delicate shape made Mary feel more alone than usual. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath. A tear slipped from the corner of her eye and rolled down her cheek. She wiped it away with her hand. To distract her from dwelling on her losses, she tried to focus on the beautiful flowers around her.

She heard footsteps approaching from behind. She turned to see Mirium approaching. Without a word, the girl sat down beside her and held Mary's hand.

From where they sat, on the small ridge near the gardens, they watched the sunset in a dance of fading hues across the valley. They sat together without talking.

It was Mirium who finally spoke. "It's almost time for the boys' initiation ceremony. We should go down to the ritual caves soon. We don't want to be late. For a change, we are being allowed to watch the ritual. I've never seen one before."

Mary remembered Jesus excitement, earlier in the week, as he told her that there would be a fire ritual to mark his initiation into the brotherhood. It was the reward for the boys' spiritual development. He eagerly looked forward to the event.

"Yes, "Mary nodded. "I think Eran convinced your father to let us watch. He disagrees with Amun about the role of women in these things. He is a very unusual man, indeed." She smiled as she pictured Eran, whom she had grown to care for deeply.

The ladies walked together back toward the encampment, neither sure of what to expect from the event that they were about to witness.

(End of Chapter 30)