After the ritual, there was a celebration feast at the community hall. The plain meal was a far cry from feasts that Mary had attended with her parents. No meat or alcohol were served, and there was no dancing, or music. It was different from a typical evening meal in name only, so after eating the assembled brothers retired to their quarters.

The boys were proud of their new status. The brothers wished them well, but that was the extent of the celebration. Such was life among the Essenes.

Mary was happy. She was proud of her sons, and believed that her life was moving on. They were safe, well fed, and part of a caring community. Her deepening relationship with Eran brought her a happiness that she had not known with Joseph. After so much loss, life was becoming better than she could ever have expected.

Early the next day, Eran suggested they take a hike before dawn, to watch the sun rise from a nearby mountain top. He thought that the sunrise would be a perfect way to commemorate last night's initiation ceremony. He roused the boys from sleep and urged them along so they wouldn't miss the event.

On their way out of camp they encountered Mirium who was already awake. She was eager to join them on their trek, and Jesus was happy his new sister could join them.

After a steady march, they arrived at the mountain's summit. "Let's stop here," Eran said. "I think this is the best view." It was breezy and cool on the exposed hilltop, so they huddled closely together and waited for the sun to appear.

As the rays of sunlight emerged, they illuminated tiny flowers along the hillside making them shine like candle flames. As the familiar bright orb crested on the horizon it revealed the landscape's colorful details. It was a glorious sight that made everyone feel at peace. They sat together pointing out their favorite nearby landmarks.

But the pleasant scene did not last long. Looking to the West, Mirium noticed a plume of grey smoke. "What's that over there?" she exclaimed. "Is that fire?"

Eran turned to look at the smoke. Tension gripped his chest. He knew that the smoke likely meant that there were strangers in the area. The smoke was not near the village, but it was near enough to warrant concern. Who would be traveling off road, near their secret location? "I've got to warn Amun. You all remain here, out of site until I return."

A chorus of objections erupted from the group. "No, no, wait! You mustn't go alone!" John and Mirium protested, "Let me go! I'll go!" they cried.

But Eran was determined to go back alone. "You will stay here!" he demanded. "You will wait until I return! I command you!" He glared at each of them to make his point, and looked to Mary, expecting her to back him up.

Eran collected his sword and left. He sprinted down the mountainside toward the village. Everyone watched until he disappeared into the trees below.

"We will do as Eran asks. We will wait here until he returns," Mary insisted. "Everything will be fine," she said trying to reassure the children, and herself.

Time passed by slowly, as the sun climbed to mid-sky. The lack of shade and the tedium of waiting dulled their senses. There was no sign or word from Eran. One by one they drifted off to sleep except for John, who kept watch. He sat by himself, pretending to be asleep, waiting for an opportunity to return to the village. He was not afraid! He was strong and able to use a weapon. He kept himself alert imagining a confrontation with an enemy. When the others were asleep, he stole away unnoticed.

Later, Mary awoke with a sore throat. It was too warm to sleep in the full sun. She swallowed painfully and pulled her veil away to check on the children.

She looked around for John. "That boy!" she muttered aloud. She shook Jesus and Mirium awake. "Where is your brother?"

"He must have followed Eran to camp," Mirium said. "Let me go back! It's been too long without a sign; I'm worried for my father and our people. We've got to go back!"

Mary too, had reached the end of her patience. She knew something was wrong. She feared the worst. Bandits or mercenaries may have attacked. Eran could be hurt.

"Mother... let's return!" Jesus added. He grabbed her hand. "It's been too long. We can't stay here. We brought no food or water. We must return before nightfall anyway." He met his mother's frightened gaze with a look that demanded action.

"We'll go back," Mary agreed. They wasted no time descending the mountain.

Smoke clouded the air as they approached the village. The smell of fire was everywhere, but there was an odd, unexpected scent, like burning meat.

They emerged from the trees to a horrific site. There were smoldering piles of ash and shattered stones where the main hall stood earlier. Amidst the debris, stacked in a pile, were the burned and broken bodies of the brothers. Amun's barely recognizable lifeless and charred body lay on top of the pile, a wooden beam from the hall's roof driven through his body like a stake holding the pile together.

Mirium ran to the edge of the pyre shaking and sobbing. She circled the smoldering heap. Her body moved in an erratic fandango coming close and then backing off in terror and pain.

Jesus ran to Mirium and grabbed her. Pulling her from the smoking remains, he tried to turn her gaze away, as she continued to flail about.

Mary could not will herself to come any closer. She couldn't bear to see if Eran or John was among the bodies. She collapsed to the ground and pounded the earth with her fists. Pain, and anger swirled through her mind and body as she writhed on the ground, overwhelmed with grief.

From behind, Mary heard a familiar voice groaning. "It was... the... the Roman's."

Startled, Mary sat up and turned. Wiping tears and smoke from her eyes, she searched for the source of the voice.

Eran lay nearby, stretched out in a ditch, immobile. Mary crawled toward him, overjoyed that he was still alive.

"My love," Mary said, when she came to him. She leaned close to his face and stroked his hair.

"They came looking for me... and... I fought them," Eran moaned. A pained look swept across his face as he spoke. "I failed. Too many... of them," he struggled to speak.

Mary looked down at the front of his tunic. It was covered in blood, and blood poured from his wounds. The joy of finding her lover alive quickly faded as she realized how grave his wounds were. In shock, she held her emotions back to stay connected to him.

"They have taken... my boy. They have... John," he struggled to speak, wincing again from the pain.

Eran held Mary's hand and looked fiercely into her eyes.

"Find my boy, Mary. Find... John! Help him!" his voice trailed off. He exhaled and his eyes closed. His firm grip on Mary's hand relaxed, and then released.

END OF PART TWO

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