Samuel has been captured, the rest has to escape and hide in one of the last places Toadie would think to find them. Caleb was injured and had to stay behind with one of their allies.
"You sure Caleb will be alright?" asked Sollie.
"I'm sure he will," Nathan replied, "One of the workers knows someone who can treat him."
He shushed the youngsters and then beckoned them to run on ahead past the corner.
"We couldn't even thank him." Sollie gasped out as they ran.
"For what? His great plan ended with Toadie catching my father!" Macky is discouraged with the way things have turned out.
"Yet it was very brave of Samuel taking a risk like he did." Eliana spoke up, "Not many would do so."
"Not all victories are complete." Nathan tells them, "There is a story about a hero, Samuel and I admire. His name was Elijah."
Now Elijah, who was from Tishbe in Gilead, told King Ahab, "As surely as the Lord, the God of Israel, lives – the God I serve – there will be no dew or rain during the next few years until I give the word!"
Later on, in the third year of the drought, the Lord said to Elijah, "Go and present yourself to King Ahab. Tell him that I will soon send rain!" So Elijah went to appear before Ahab.
When Ahab saw him, he exclaimed, "So, is it really you, you troublemaker of Israel?"
"I have made no trouble for Israel," Elijah replied. "You and your family are the troublemakers, for you have refused to obey the commands of the Lord and have worshipped the images of Baal instead. Now summon all Israel to join me at Mount Carmel, along with the 450 prophets of Baal and the 400 prophets of Asherah who are supported by Jezebel."
So Ahab summoned all the people of Israel and the prophets to Mount Carmel. Then Elijah stood in front of them and said, "How much longer will you waver, hobbling between two opinions? If the Lord is God, follow him! But if Baal is God, then follow him!" But the people were completely silent.
Then Elijah said to them, "I am the only prophet of the Lord who is left, but Baal has 450 prophets. Now bring two bulls. The prophets of Baal may choose whichever one they wish and prepare it for a sacrifice by laying it on the wood of their altar, but without setting fire to it. I will prepare the other bull and lay it on the wood on the altar, but not set fire to it. Then call on the name of your god, and I will call on the name of the Lord. The god who answers by setting fire to the wood is the true God!" And all the people agreed.
Then Elijah said to the prophets of Baal, "You go first, for there are many of you. Choose one of the bulls, and prepare it and call on the name of your god. But do not set fire to the wood."
So they prepared one of the bulls and placed it on the altar. Then they called on the name of Baal from morning until noontime, shouting, "O Baal, answer us!" But there was no reply of any kind. Then they danced, hobbling around the altar they had made.
About noontime Elijah began mocking them. "You'll have to shout louder," he scoffed, "for surely he is a god! Perhaps he is daydreaming, or is relieving himself. Or maybe he is away on a trip, or is asleep and needs to be wakened!"
So they shouted louder, and raved all afternoon until the time of the evening sacrifice, but still there was no sound, no reply, no response.
Then Elijah called to the people, "Come over here!" They all crowded around him as he repaired the altar of the Lord that had been torn down. He took twelve stones, one to represent each of the tribes of Israel, and he used the stones to rebuild the altar in the name of the Lord. Then he dug a trench around the altar large enough to hold about three gallons. He piled wood on the altar, prepared the bull and laid it on the wood.
Then he said, "Fill four large jars with water, and pour the water over the offering and the wood."
After they had done this, he said, "Do the same thing again!" And when they were finished, he said, "Now do it a third time!" So they did as he said, and the water ran around the altar and even filled the trench.
At the usual time for offering the evening sacrifice, Elijah the prophet walked up to the altar and prayed, "O Lord, God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, prove today that you are God in Israel and that I am your servant. Prove that I have done all this at your command. O Lord, answer me! Answer me so these people will know that you, O Lord, are God and that you have brought them back to yourself."
Immediately the fire of the Lord flashed down from heaven and burned up the sacrifice, the wood, the stones, and the dust. It even licked up all the water in the trench. And when all the people saw it, they fell face down on the ground and cried out, "The Lord, he is God! Yes, the Lord is God!"
But that wasn't the end of the story. Ahab's wife, Jezebel the evil Queen ordered that Elijah be killed in retribution. Later, Elijah flees to Beersheba in Judah, continues alone into the wilderness, and finally sits down under a tree, praying for death. He falls asleep and when he awakens he finds bread and a jar of water. He eats, drinks, and goes back to sleep. The angel comes a second time and tells him to eat and drink because he has a long journey ahead of him. Elijah soon arrives to Mount Horeb. God asked him what he was doing there. Elijah said the people did not obey God's commandments, they killed God's prophets while Elijah was the only prophet who had not been killed.
God told Elijah to stand on the mountain. A strong wind blew. It was so strong it broke rocks into pieces. After the wind there was an earthquake. Then there was a fire. When it finally died down, Elijah heard a quiet voice. He knew it was the voice of God. Although Elijah was deeply discouraged, it wasn't long before God reassured him to go back, stop Ahab and choose a new king. And that's what he did.
"Remember this is just a temporary obstacle we'll rescue your father." Nathan concluded.
The following morning Verus had finished breakfast and was on his way out for a ride passing the throne room when he heard something that made his blood run cold.
Portia was passing by and he loudly whispered to her: "Portia! There's trouble!"
"You're sure Samuel is locked up?" Governor Tiberius asked, as he continued admiring himself in his hand mirror.
"In the deepest cell of the place, I thought it be more secure than the prison in the docks."
"You've done well Tobias that's different and refreshing."
Toadie bowed deeply, "Your compliment covers me completely as the sun!"
"That's enough flattery. There's big news."
Toadie looked flabbergasted with the telling off but listened intently to the Governor's next words.
"Daniel the rebel has been captured in Galilee."
From behind the doors, Portia gasped. She and Verus were thinking the exact same thing.
"Isn't that the name of Rebecca and Leah's father?" Verus asked in alarm.
Quickly Portia motioned him to be silent. They still needed to hear the rest.
"They'll be taking him to our encampment outside Jerusalem once it's safe."
"Splendid news!"
"And there's something even better Tiberius added with sly grin as he walked towards the door then opening it wide. "You must hear this Portia." Then he nodded to Verus, "Verus, right on time. I was about to send for you."
"H-how did you know it was me?"
"It was your lavender perfume."
His remark had Toadie clear his throat in embarrassment, "I'm afraid that's me."
Tiberius ignored him and said haughtily, "I've been appointed once of the generals of the army assigned to capture the city from the zealots."
Of course, Portia and Verus were stunned then a little downcast, knowing what that would mean for their friends
At once Toadie start to spout sycophantic words, "Wonderful! Leaving this horrid place to be at the front!
"True."
"Jerusalem! The smoke of battle, the sound of swords, the screams of the wounded…how I wish I could go with you." It was more than obvious he was hoping to remain in Alexandria while the governor was away at war.
Behind him, Tiberius was smirking. "I'm sure you will."
His remark shocked Toadie so much that his throat went dry. "I-I he coughed, have to prepare myself!" He snatched a vase emptied out the lilacs and drank the water. "Jerusalem! I'm finished!" he sniggered nervously.
The governor turned to his niece, "Of course Portia you will come as well. You may bring your servants and the luxuries you can."
"But my…. friends are here." Portia objected half-heartedly, her voice had gone soft with emotion.
Tiberius fixed a steely gaze upon her, "It's precisely those so-called friends from which you will be kept away. For us the road to Rome goes through Jerusalem." The last part was said rather harshly.
Disheartened, Portia lowers her head. "I'll go pack…"
Verus pitied her silently then jumped as the governor spoke to him next.
"I suggest you do the same, Verus. Perhaps the trip will show you a better sense of responsibility." He put stern emphasis on the last word.
"Yes sir." Verus said with a sigh.
It took a lot of cunning for the two young Romans to sneak out and warn their friends. Macky, Eliana and the others must know about this as soon as possible.
They found them by an abandoned building close by.
Macky turned his head away desolately when Portia told him what they'd heard, "I get it. Daniel's been captured and my father's in the basement's dungeon. Just - just repeat the last part."
"I'm leaving Alexandria."
"So am I." Verus added morosely.
"You left Alexandria without saying goodbye." Portia mentioned.
"Yes, but I planned on coming back. Will you?"
Portia turned away sadly.
"I'm afraid not." Verus confirmed. "Our leaving is something that's out of both our hands."
Now they were both walking together talking about their current situation.
"The news caught us both off guard that's all. I'm just glad we won't have to tell the girls what's happened to—their father."
Macky pushed open the door to the hideout only to see Leah and Rebecca run up to him.
Rebecca cried "We came back! Miriam and Diana wouldn't leave Alexandria without Samuel or Nathan."
"Or without you, Sollie, and Eliana!"
Portia solemnly tapped Macky's shoulder. "Go on you must tell them."
"There's no hiding this from the girls." Eliana whispered gently, "We owe them the truth."
Macky gulped. This wouldn't be easy. With a heavy heart, he informs the little girls about their father's capture. As expected, they burst into tears with Diana, Miriam and Eliana comforting them.
"You didn't have to do that." Nathan remarked in concern
Macky shook his head, "They had to know there was no other way. But tell me Nathan, do we have a plan to get Father out or don't we?"
Eliana watched in sympathy; she can't begin to imagine what the girls and Macky are going through. She hasn't seen her father in years, and fears that he may be injured, ill or worse.
"I need to speak with them Miriam, Diana." Was the older man's answer.
The two grown women went to talk to him inside.
"Will you to be alright?" Macky asks the little girls.
"We don't know!" Rebecca sobbed.
"Well you know you're father's alive and in Jerusalem. But mine, I haven't seen him in years after I was sold as a slave." Eliana said quietly, "For all I know, he probably has forgotten me or thinks I'm dead."
"You said he was a merchant, perhaps he's traveling searching for you. I-I'm sure you'll see him soon." Portia tried consoling the older girl.
Macky turned to the little girls, "I'll make a promise to you both: once my father's safe, I'll go to Jerusalem. I'll find where the Romans have Daniel and I'll free him."
"But how?"
"One way or another I'll free your father."
"You will?" Leah hugged him.
"I will."
Sollie approached them looking sober. "They're in there still deciding on how to help your father."
"They'll talk all day."
In the distance came the rumbling of thunder and heavy storm clouds darkened the horizon.
"There's a big storm coming off the desert." Macky comments.
"There's not much we can do about it."
"But maybe we can use it to our advantage somehow."
"Like what?"
Macky then brightened "I've got an idea follow me!"
Eliana turns to the little girls, "Stay put you two and wish us luck."
The five rushed out the doors leaving the bemused younger girls behind. If the plan works, then Samuel would free as a bird by this evening.
Macky led them to the outside of the palace wall to a water duct.
"It is where all the rain that falls on the roof and courtyard goes." explained Portia
"Do you remember what happened to Sollie's boat it filled with so much water it sank?" Macky asked looked the duct over.
"But what is the point exactly?" Verus demanded.
"What would happen if we cover up the duct with rocks?"
"The water would flow to the palace basement and would flood the cells and Toadie would be forced to let Samuel out!" Sollie caught on, "You're a genius!"
"Isn't that dangerous?" Eliana questioned worriedly.
Portia shared her sentiments, "What if Toadie doesn't let him out?"
"Not to sound pessimistic but she has a point, what if they leave him there to drown?" Verus agreed with them.
"That's where either one of your two come in" Macky interjected confidently, "You'll have to convince him."
That's when Portia brightened, "I've got an excellent idea on how to do it."
"You and Verus better get inside, you can't be seen with us just yet." Macky began to lead Portia away.
"Macky, I might not see you again." Portia reminded him somberly.
"I'm—going to Jerusalem. You know I will, I promised."
"And I'm coming along too." Eliana said with er hands on her hips.
"Eliana?"
"Rebecca and Leah need their father, and I must find out what's happened to mine as well, whether he lives or… you've got to understand I've been captive away from home for so many years I've got to find out.
Portia looked her sympathetically, "I understand that, more than you know."
Verus added solemnly, "I'm not going to lie, it's going to be dangerous and it's not safe for a young Greek woman in a Roman campsite."
"My uncle said I could ring my servants along," Portia spoke up having had a stroke of inspiration, "Perhaps if the two of you were dressed up you could go as two of them."
"Perfect! We could just get some old clothes and use enough to make Eliana look like a young man."
"Let me help with the rocks, it'll go along must faster that way." Eliana climbed down to assist Sollie. "You two best get inside and start the next part of our plan."
Both nodded and ran inside.
The three outside continued to move the rocks to cover the duct as fast as they could work.
"Better hurry that rain will start any minute now." Macky panted as he put down a rock.
"Then you're going to be all wet." Brutacus snapped as he charged up to them, "Hold it right there!"
The three stopped what they were doing in shock. They've been spotted!
"I don't know what your little plan is but you're-"
There was a crackle of lightning making them look up as a piece of the wall fell right on Brutacus' armored head.
"Under arrest…" and he fell over.
Macky and Eliana had to drag him side and out of sight before something else happened.
"Sollie keep going while we find a way to hide him." Macky grunted.
"Make sure it's completely blocked." added Eliana.
They left the unconscious soldier by the doorway where he'd awake up and wonder what he's doing outside.
"I hope it works." Sollie wiped his forehead.
"It has to."
Eliana looked up at the wall, "I just hope Portia's plan works also."
It didn't take long for the guards in the basement to see the water flooding in. They quickly opened the cells and unshackled the prisoners. Opening the main exit was another story entirely.
Upstairs, a moping Toadie was lamenting as he packed. He wanted to stay in Alexandria and usurp the governor title. A now conscious Brutacus walked in and informed him of the flooding cells and what would happen to the prisoners and guards. Toadie coldly didn't even acknowledge it as a problem.
And that was the opportunity Portia needed.
"You should open the cells doors, Tobias." she said slyly.
"Why? Because of the soldiers? The guards?" Toadie asked caustically without even bothering to turn around.
"No. Your jewels, your silks, your antiques, everything you've robbed from the people will soon be washed away." Luckily that had been done with Verus' help.
"Certainly not they're all here at the end of the hall."
"Not anymore." Portia dissented with a grin, "I needed the space to pack for Jerusalem so I had them moved to the lower level along with the cells."
Toadie froze then glowered at her.
"But if you don't care…"
The dumpy man pushed past her angrily. "One side!" Then he opened the door and called out: "Open the basement!"
Nearby Verus walked up to Eliana with an equally crafty smile. "Sometimes it's just too easy."
That was just what Macky, Sollie and Eliana needed. Once the guards opened the door they pushed through in time to free Samuel and many others in the cells.
Now they were walking to another possible way out of the courtyard.
"There's a part of the part we can climb…" Macky was saying when Brutacus, still dazed from the blow to his head walked up to them.
"I know you!"
They froze, would they be detained?
"Could you tell me my name?"
Perplexed the group looked at each other. Was it a trick?
"Brutacus?" Sollie offered tentatively.
The soldier looked as confused as them. "No, that can't be it."
Samuel tried ushering the youngsters to the wall quickly and calmly when Brutacus spoke to them again.
"Are you thinking of climbing the wall?"
"Y-yes." Macky said unsurely.
"I can't let you do that," the soldier shook his head than walked up to the main gate pushed open the door for them. The bewildered group walked out without a problem, behind them the still confused Brutacus waved goodbye then closed the door.
"Oh my, well that was easy." Eliana commented.
"What just happened?" Samuel asked with a shrug.
"It's a long story." Macky responded with a shrug of his own.
"I've got time."
"You open the door for who?!" Toadie's angry voice hollered from behind the closed gates.
The group looked back once then at each other.
"Not anymore, run for it!" Samuel urged.
They didn't need to be told twice.
The next day, Portia and Verus met the group outside of Alexandria to bid them farewell except for Macky and Eliana.
"I decided. I'm going to Jerusalem with Portia." Macky was saying to his parents, "That's where the temple is, where Jesus died and out in the campsite is where they'll be taking Daniel."
"So am I. He's going to need all the help he can get." Eliana said earnestly, "Furthermore, I've got to find out what's become of my father Hesperus."
"I want to leave with your blessing, but I'll also leave without it. Mother, father, let me go."
Samuel and Diana were distressed and worried; it could be a long time before they saw their son again.
"He'll be fine I promise." Portia chimed in
Diana held out a hand to Macky, Samuel took it while holding a comforting hand on her shoulder.
"Go and may God be with you." Samuel said to his son gently before enveloping him in a hug, Diana was next.
"Leah, Rebecca, your father will soon be free. I promise." Macky walked up to the two little girls in the wagon, "Never forget that."
"Never, never." Leah said earnestly.
"Never." Rebecca held out the very same necklace she'd shown the first day they day out to Macky. "Take it, maybe it'll bring you two luck."
Eliana was already saying her goodbyes to the group. "Goodbye friends, and thank you for all your help you've been more than kind."
"Our thanks to you," Samuel nodded.
"Safe journey," Diana said to her, "May you find what you need."
"Goodbye, I hope you find your father soon too." Leah chirped.
"Me too." Sollie chimed in
"Thank you." Eliana smiled.
In order to join the caravan, both Macky and Eliana would have to be disguised. Macky's was simple enough: a worn brown cloak that concealed most of his body. Eliana however was another story it was risky for her to go as a young woman to the campsite. To protect herself from the Roman soldiers, she bound her top half with wrappings to disguise it and wore an old scarf around her head to hide her long, honey colored locks. Then added spices to her face to make herself look like a man with Verus and Portia's help.
The road to Jerusalem would be long but the trip will be worth it.
To be continued…
