here Erin and Cornelius hiding there soldiers and Capella
The thundering sea is calling me, home, home to you
The pounding sea is calling me, home, home to you
On a dark new year's night
On the west coast of Clare
I heard your voice singing
Your eyes danced the song
Your hands played the tune
'Twas a vision before me
We left the music behind and the dance carried on
As we stole away to the seashore
We smelt the brine, felt the wind in our hair
And with sadness you paused
Suddenly i knew that you'd have to go
Your world was not mine, your eyes told me so
Yet, it was there i felt the crossroads of time
And i wondered why
As we cast our gaze on the tumbling sea
A vision came o'er me
Of thundering hooves and beating wings
In clouds above
Turning to go as you call out my name
Like a bird in a cage spreading its wings to fly
''The old ways are lost. ''you sang as you flew
And i wondered why
The thundering waves are calling me home, home to you
The pounding sea is calling me home, home to you
The thundering waves are calling me home, home to you
The pounding sea is calling me home, home to you
The thundering waves are calling me home, home to you
The pounding sea is calling me home, home to you
-The Old Ways by Loreena Mckennitt
Chapter seven Tricker by a Traitor
It was close to sundown and the soldiers were trying to get those trapped in the bakery to confess the whereabouts of their friends.
On the other side of the curtain, Justin, Marcus and Cyrus sat on a wooden bench watching Capella-paced left and right in front of them.
''Look you little brats.'' He said harshly, pointing to the kitchen, ''The Baker's wife and friends are out in that kitchen worried sick about you. Tell me where he is and I'll let you go back to them,''
''No, you're bad!'' Marcus stated defiantly
''Marcus, shh!" Justin held him.
Prince Icarus stepped up protectively in front the boys, in case Capella decided to lash out.
''The boys is right, Capella. Show some respect.'' Nihilus suddenly said calmy catching Capella by surprise, ''These are children after all, citizens of Rome. Not only that,'' he kneeled down to their eye level, ''They're orphans.''
''How did you know that" asked Justin.
Nihilus said ingratiatingly, ''Oh, I know all about you. it's only right you should feel some loyalty to the man who took you in. But what you don't realize is that man is traitor to Rome.''
''That's not true!'' Justin glowered.
''Not only that, he's a lair. He's not trying to find your parents. It's a just a trick to keep you're here working in his bakery! But i could really help you."
''He can,'' confirmed Capella, ''He's one of the most powerful men in Rome.''
''Yes, he's powerful alright,'' Prince Icarus stated
''That's right, i could find your real parents,'' he continued speaking to the children. ''I could make you a family again. All you have to do is tell me where the baker is. Think about it.'' he said the last part in whisper.
back catacombs Miriam and Raven the raven peeked there soldiers
meanwhile at miller house Zak came to Antonius and said ''What are you talking about''
''Nihilus is going to burn it with Helena and the boys still in there'' said Zak
''I don't know what you're talking about'' Antonius called ''Tracus! Bracus!''
''You can lie to my sword'' then He grab Zak
''Is there a problem master'' Tracus asked
''No this young man was just leaving'' Antonius said
''I don't know how you can live with yourself miller'' Zak angry ''i know''
''i couldn't follow him and report back to me'' he said
so Zak ran back to catacombs Tracus follow him Zak tell Ben again Tracus peeked
''You can live with yourself miller'' Zak angry ''I know i couldn't follow him
back her lair after Arrius was tied up hook hands up Lilith look thought mirror there fire woods will be burn soon.
''mmmmmmm i can believe going be burn sooooonnn.''
back to rome the soldiers bring and put down and oil fire ''More oil'' Capella added ''i want this a fire even Nero would be proud''
Finally the door opened, and out walked the three boys accompanied by Prince Icarus.
''Ah, that didn't take long.'' commented Nihilus
''Well sir,'' began Justin, ''We thought about it and we DO want to find our real parents.''
''Good, good!''
Prince Icarus spoke up firmly, ''If you please, let the boys speak,''
He nodded to the boys. giving them the 'go ahead.'
Cyrus then said, ''And we decided the only fair thing to do was to put your generous offer to vote.''
Nihilus smiled complacently, Helena watched silently. What did they choose
The little boy declared proudly, ''All in favor of telling this lying evil man who helped burned down half of Rome and is now pretending to be our friend where Ben is say 'Aye'.''
Naturally, the ruffian's jaw dropped in disbelief, while Helena Prince Icarus Philo and Sirius giggled silently at reaction. The children pretended to look at each other confusedly. Of course, they weren't going to tell that two faced scoundrel anything especially not when they knew what he was capable of.
''All those opposed''
All three boys glared and answered simultaneously. ''No.''
''It's unanimous.'' said Cyrus with a firm nod.
''Right on, boys'' Prince Icarus smile glad
''Yeah'' said Philo and Sirius
Nihilus huffed and angrily stomped away to the door. Then he turned and snarled, ''Fine. Let's see you Ben save you now.'' And the door closed a final time.
Helena Prince Icarus Philo and Sirus embraced the children, ''Oh boys, i'm proud of you.''
Prince Icarus nodded. ''That what was wise and brave decision you all made.''
''Why'' asked Cyrus, ''We just did what anybody else would do.''
Justin scowled, ''Anybody except for that miller, i can't believe he turned Ben in.''
''Neither do i.'' Philo agreed with disgust.
''Yeah, he's just like Judas.'' added Cyrus.
''You know Cyrus,'' Helena told him, ''Judas wasn't the only one who let Jesus down.''
''Really''
''That's right, after their last supper together Jesus and his disciples walked to the hill of olives it was on the road to the village where they were staying...''
(flashback)
She told them the tale of how Jesus predicted that the other disciples will flee while
'' Are all going run away we'll all let me down'' Jesus said
while Peter earnestly cries ''I'll never do such a thing i won,t let down''
''Peter'' Jesus asked him ''before the rooter crows twice before dawn tomorrow will have said three times that you do not even now me''
yet Jesus also foretold that before the rooster crowed that Peter will have deny Jesus three time.
''I'll die for you'' said Peter ''i would i'll die for him''
(flashback)
''They had come a long way together since those happy days by the lake side in galilee he well'' Helena smile.
Meanwhile, the others were digging in the catacombs under the bakery in attempt to save their friends. ''We should be getting close now,'' Ben gasped, ''Just a few more feet...''
Just then, they could hear Nihilus' voice shouting: ''Baker, i know you're out there! This is you last chance to save your family, soon they die!''
That was enough incentive needed to keep digging. ''Gotta hurry!'' Master Italus panted.
''Don't worry Ben, we'll make it.'' Tacticus reassured the old man.
But the next thing they knew, the tools hit a boulder so they had to scrape at it with their hands.
back her lair Lilith look watch thought mirror ''By sunset the rome to be our also mine'' she sit on throne chair ''sit on Nero chair nice cozy thorne but first we're to do the bakery be burn.''
Back to rome the sun was already setting. their time was up ''I knew the coward wouldn't come.'' Capella said cynically with folded arms.
''Board it up and burn it down!'' Nihilus ordered.
Inside, the trapped ones back up from the door. ''Wait, did you hear something'' Prince Icarus suddenly asked but the others were distracted by the soldiers boarding up the house and spilling oil on lumbers that was placed around the building.
''What're we gonna do'' Justin cried.
Helena's ears suddenly perked up, ''Shh listen!'' They all strained to listen it was the sound digging. And it was coming from the ground!
''It's Ben!'' beamed Cyrus, ''Everybody, dig!'' He pull apart the flat stones that made up the floor so he and everyone else began to claw at the dirt, trying to push it aside
''Alright Baker! You asked for this!'' Raven the raven on him shoulder Fane and Miriam looked through a small barred window in the catacombs and gasped in horror at what they saw.
''He did it!'' Miriam cried, ''He set it on fire!''
''the boys!'' Fane cried
''We're never going make it!'' strained Lydia fearfully.
''He's right, you know.''
The voice made them turn to see Antonius, the miller, and two oversized cronies.
''You!'' Zak charged at him, but was simply held back by one of the brigands.
''At least not with these puny shovels.'' Antonius said grimly then snapped his fingers. ''Tracus! Bracus!''
The two large oafs each took a pickaxe.
''Isn't he the one whose fault it is that our friends are stuck in the first place'' Atticus demanded accusingly, almost catching the miller off the guard at the sight of him.
Ben went over confusedly, ''Antonius, But You i i mean...''
Antonius motions to Zak, ''Your young friend was right, i couldn't live with myself if i let this monster do this to you.''
Ben shook his hand in thanks and relief, ''God bless you friend.''
''No Ben,'' Antonius said apologetically, ''God forgive me.''
Up above, the rest continued to frantically tear at the dirt. That was when the smoke began seeping into the bakery!
''AAHHH FIRE WHAT WE DO WHAT WE DO'' Philo and Sirius yelling gasp hugs scared and shaking.
''Hurry!'' urged Justin.
Cyrus gave him a side glare, ''I'm hurrying as fast as I WHOA!''
Suddenly, a big hand grabbed him down through the hole they'd just made.
''Cyrus!'' Then Justin was snatched downwards. And then Helena Prince Icarus Philo were the next ones.
''Gently please, gently!'' Helena said as the large hand pulled her and the prince down through the hole and into the safety of the catacombs
The lug asked, ''Whose' gently''
Prince Icarus put hand to him heart in relief, ''Thank you. that was much too close for comfort.''
''AHHH NO, NO, NO'' Philo yelling and shaking
''It okay Philo they save'' Sirius smile took hand
Together, they joined the others to look out at inferno that was consuming the bakery.
''What do we do now, Ben'' Anna asked worriedly.
''I don't know Anna,'' Ben replied gravely as the walked down the catacombs tunnels, ''But one thing's for sure We can no longer stay in Rome.''
Back her lair she through magical mirror watch Ben and his friends in catacombs they no longer stay in rome she current mood and angrily''Ooohh i hate that kid'' she the handlighting and break that mirror ''she the last me no someday i been rule Nero but my name is Lilith queen of Rome is nice thing Helena'' she evil laughing.
The following morning, the soldiers looked through the smoldering remains but could find no sign of their would be victims. Until one of them found the large hole leading to the catacombs.
But Erin and Corneilus hiding peeked at house cart there the solders looked through.
''Sir they're gone that can't be sir'' the solider said ''look there's a nole''
The soldiers weren't pleased that the escapees have outsmarted them, but they had nothing on Nihilus' current mood.
''Capella oh Capella'' Erin little voice herself
''I don't care if you have to dig up all of Rome,'' He growled threateningly to Capella, ''You find that baker! Find them!''
Erin and Cornelius left and finding the three prankers.
Back inside catacombs Erin and Corneilus find and hiding at Ambre, Eros and Mars dance with fire at burning bakery house and christians ''Oh how is mine, mine, mine,!'' Ambre evil smile and laugh ''Now all creatures will love the night, and worship as divine''
''You shouldn't talk like that, Ambre'' said Mars
''Why not i've got the power and christians now.'' Ambre added
''Plenty big puff!'' Mars said spits at fire
''Oh yeah'' she lighting with his hand and hit with cloth
''Ahhhh my cloth on fire'' Mars running three times and Ambre laughing he found the water pot splash fall with water at cloth the fire gone
suddenly then she the magic word with high fire ''Higher, Higher, burning fire making music like a choir''
''It seems a pity to same such power'' Eros said
''Same you better watch out, or I'll turn you dead'' Ambre added to Eros
''Why not turn everything into dark things'' Eros know
''Wouldn't that be magic'' Mars know two
then she magic word again fire higher faster and saying yelling ''HIGHER, HIGHER, BURNING FIRE MAKING MUSIC LIKE CHOIR'' she laughing evil suddenly twilight lighting is Lilith.
Eros and Mars hug frightening and ''Ambre, Ambre,'' Eros yelling ''AMBRE''
''WHAT'' Ambre yelling
''Big L'' Mars yelling
she gasp turn round and look Lilith ''Wow forgive us Lilith but...christians inside a catacombs''
''found Ben the braker, is this not true'' Lilith said ask
''Lilith, very plenty true'' Ambre ask
''Undeniably'' Eros said
''YOU LIE! Lilith yelling mood ''HERE IS SUTSET''
''He is only christian, Lilith he was no power'' Ambre said
''Only power of Reproduction!'' Lilith said and ''Get Ben the baker! i command you!''
Ambre, Eros, and Mars arms up and bow down to Lilith Erin and Corneilus left and found the catacombs they warn to people.
Back to Rome, the soldiers looked through and no one find ''Sir the christians cave the'' said the solider
''the tunnels in behind'' said the solider
Nihilus' current mood again. ''I don't want excuses'' he throwing table he current mood.
''What are you look that'' he ask Capella then found wood map ''Well done Capella there no escape this time''
Down below, the group had joined scores of other christian fugitives, planning a daring escape for freedom. While Erin's family and friends Ennius Raven the raven Quirinus Fane Vita Artemis Apollo Epona Obelix Caius Cronus Philo Sirius Trion Cinxgetoring Gath Livius Master Italus Prince Icarus Prince Jason Varus Atticus Aurelius Drusus Juina and Lars.
''Excellent work everyone'' Ben said ''another hour and we'll break for meal''
''Ben, how much longer do we have to stay down here'' asked Marcus
''Just five more days, Marcus.'' Ben answered, ''Then saleem's boat will take us to our new life in Shem Hadar.''
''What's in add'' Marcus'' asked question,
''Our freedom Marcus freedom.'' responded Ben with a heartening smile, ''It's an oasis that sparkles like a jewel in the desert. It's a place where the romans aren's in charge. And because travelers come all over to meet and trade, from Shem hadar, we can take our stories to the whole world. Would you like that'' He asked Marcus, tickling the little boy and making him laugh.
''Come see our new defense'' Zak said ''System you just pull this rope in the boulder rolls down blocking our escape tunnel from any intruders''
''Excellent work Zak'' Ben smile ''and say here you seen Justin''
''right over here'' Zak added
then Justin Helena and Varus help get water well
''Justin i've look for you'' Ben said
''Just finishing up'' Justin said
''In you know'' Ben smile said ''Your thirteen birthday isn't far off i think you're ready to take on an important new job''
''Really'' Justin so excited ''what is it a career''
''No'' Varus added
''a skel'' Justin said
''No'' Varus said
''a spy'' Justin said
''close'' Varus said
''it's all of those a career because delivering important a scout because you're taking people into new territory a spy because it must be done in secret and in great'' Ben said
''risk what is it Ben'' added Justin
''i'd like you to tell the story at tonight's meeting'' said Ben
''what needs its own story'' said Justin
''Why not you one of the best students'' Ben said
''i've ever had you know these stories backwards and forwards'' Justin added
''but not well enough to tell them everyone'' said Ben ''why can't you the story i could but there may come a time when i can't if the stories of Jesus are to be passed on and all of us must become the story keepers.''
meanwhile the soldiers Ambre, Eros, and Mars follow Capella the wood map and marching.
Now, Justin had been chosen to tell the story to the crowd that evening ''but Justin you've told me these stories lots of times that's different'' Marcus said
''Marcus you're my brother'' Justin added
''Justin what's added Marcus
''quite ready'' Fane said children and Ben start but Justin had been to tell the story but he got stage fright and rushed off. Helena and Fane followed him, with the latter telling telling listen if he wished. ''Of course neither were the disciples when Jesus said one of them would betray''
Fane and Helena found a dismayed Justin by the well.
''Justin, it's right.'' Helena reassured him.
Justin sighed, ''But i let Ben down.''
''He understands. You're just not ready that's all.''
''I'll never be ready.''
''You sound just like Ben when he started.'' Helena remarked with a smile, ''You know the first time he told a story, he was shaking so badly i thought we were having an earthquake.''
Fane chimed in. ''When i first telling one i was so nervous and uncomfortable about them all staring that my entire face flushed red i looked like a apple.'' He smiled sheepishly, ''But then again it certainly helped bring some degree of color to my pale face.''
Fane and Helena anecdotes made Justin smile slightly, ''Really''
Helena winked knowingly. ''Come on let's go back and listen.''
They arrived just as Ben finishing the tale. '' As Jesus and the disciples walked up the hill of olives''
(flashback)
Jesus turned Peter and said ''Before the rooster crows twice tomorrow you will say three times but you even know me''
''i'll die before i betray'' Peter said
''i'll never let you down'' James said
''You're say with you'' John said
''not matter what or what'' Philip said
They wore until reached a garden called gethsemane ''Sit here until prayed'' Telling the others to stay Jesus took Peter, James, and John with him into garden for
''What wrong master'' Peter asked him what matter
''I broken heart'' Jesus said really sad ''my soul is full of grief'' and he said Peter, James, and John ''stay here and keep watch'' he walk away Peter, James, and John keep watch for him to pray.
Jesus pray and cried ''Abba father you can do anything don't let me go through this terrible suffering even as possible rescue me but i will do what you want not what i want''
then Judas follow solders and said ''The man kiss is the one you want arrest him and guard him closely when you take him away''
Jesus stop pray and walk chick Peter, James, and John fell asleep ''Simon Peter are you asleep couldn't you keep awake'' Jesus told listen ''keep awake and keep pray i know you want to help me but you're just not strong enough'' and he walk back and he down close his eyes at big stone and pray.
Suddenly Judas following soldiers came garden of gethsemane Jesus sound and tell Peter, James, and John and, ''Are you still sleeping Thomas he's here'' Jesus cried ''Get up let's go the one who betrays is here'' but it too late Judas came and his soldiers he kiss him ''Rabbi'' Judas said
the soldiers grab Jesus and tied up the disciples couldn't understand why Jesus did not try to escape Peter grab sword and cut the soldier ear
''Stop'' Jesus yell Peter he drop the sword and ran away so John ran away too ''you have to come armed with swords and clubs to take me like a common criminal is spoke day after day in the temple in front for everyone you didn't arrest me then''
(flashback)
Ben was finish the story ''And then they led away out the garden.''
''Don't worry, Justin,'' Marcus said to his downcast brother, ''You'll tell the story next time.''
Atticus placed a friendly paw on the older boy's shoulder, ''We get scared sometime...'' then sound nose call
''Guys'' it Erin and Corneilus came called they to warn the soldiers are coming
''Erin, Corneilus Oh think heaven'' Trion said
''What going on here'' Livius said
''are you guys alright'' Varus said
''we're was looking for you guys'' Corneilus said to worry
Erin can't spare any time for grief. You're in great danger. Solders is coming''
''What'' added Prince Jason
''Try and understand'' Corneilus said
''we're only trying to make things right'' Erin said to warn ''the soldiers is coming it's not safe to stay here to catacombs''
''would ya guys please come down'' Aurelius said he go chick and look ''there no soldiers in catacombs'' he throwing at and hit at the rock
''Ow'' the sound one solider say ow
''sorry'' Aurelius said he turn and frightened gasp ''OH MY WORD''
''Surprise!'' it Ambre, Eros and Mars came.
Then came the sound of rushing feet. ''Hey Guys'' Aurelius screaming
''it's the soldiers'' Master Italus added gasp
''Aurelius'' Corneilus yelling
he ran faster faster the soldiers grab him arms backward ''Oh stop! help me let go of me!''
''Aurelius'' he yelling Corneilus grab the sword with hand and hold throw hit four times with the solders
''Corneilus'' Prince Icarus yelling
''stay back'' Corneilus yelling to stay back
''Hey, hey let go of me will you guys! Aurelius cried
but it too late around in time to see roman solders streaming down steps!
''Remember Nihilus wants them alive!'' Capella's called out.
This sent the people running for their lives. Zak pulled a rope that triggered some jars dropping water on the torches drenching them in darkness and allowing time for the christians and Erin's family and friends to escape. Helena, Anna and Cyrus led the way out with lamp ''keep moving to the next candle''
''You are loo lookin' for a fight, huh'' Prince Icarus start fight with soldiers
''come to us who think you are'' Master Italus join with Prince Icarus ''Try this you little pit'' he hit with fry pan six times at the soldiers
Erin was having trouble convincing Prince Jason to leave with the other refugees.
''Jason, take my necklace and go with them!'' she taking him her necklace with hand and she motioned to the escape tunnels where the flee people were running through.
''You can't beat me Ha ha'' Master Italus beat fly pan hit again ''Don't worry Prince, i won't let them take you'' the soldiers grab Master Italus backward ''Ohh!''
''Master Italus'' Prince Icarus cried
''Icarus! Run, run!'' Master Italus said
''Oh Master Italus'' Prince Icarus yelling cried the solider hit Icarus face and soldiers grab him ''Let go of me! Get off of me!'' he yelling to try not get off
''she ran faster faster and ''Nooooo get away to him!''
the solders backward with Icarus arms ''Erin''
''Icarus'' she yelling cried
''save your life Erin'' Icarus added.
The boulder trap was triggered Zak, Corneilus, Justin and Ben were going to be last ones through but Erin screaming...
''Help!''
''Erin'' Corneilus gasp
''Help!''
''Marcus!'' The small boy was a ledge trying to fight the soldiers off with little rocks! and save Erin
''He's still in there!'' cried Justin.
Corneilus impulsively goes back to help followed by Justin. Zak and Ben barely managed to hold back the boulder.
''I've got it Ben!'' Zak strained, ''Go!''
Justin and Corneilus pushed over barrels to slow them down, ''Marcus jump'' while Ben told Marcus to Jump. He successfully catches the little boy in his arms.
''Good work you two, come on!'' Ben said to Justin Erin and Corneilus.
''Hurry, it's not going to hold!'' Zak hollered.
However, the plank broke and the force sends Zak tumbling into the escape tunnel. While the boulder covered the opening, leaving Ben, Marcus, Justin, Corneilus and Erin trapped with the soldiers!''
''Oh! No no!'' Varus began helplessly hitting the rock with his claws and calling the names of the ones captured. Helena, Zak and some others tried moving rock. it wouldn't budge!
Back there, five turned to face their attackers. There was a derisive chuckle to the right, they stood face to face with malicious Ambre, Eros, and Mars ''Surprise Ben''
and malicious Nihilus. ''Well, if it isn't Ben the baker,'' He said darkly, ''So nice to meet you at last.''
At night in villa a senator named Patronius he tell the sentaors about the baker ''At last imaging one of the christian underground leaders a baker maybe how the bread in the dungeons'' the sentaros laughing ''will improve larks tongues sentator these tongues are uneverly glazed'' Sentator Patronius tell again
there Helena as the servant she said more sweet thing and she said need to talk ''Who sent you out for this tray'' Sentator Patronius taking her outside at night
''Helena thank god you're all right'' Sentator Patronius added glad she alright ''i'm so glad you came''
''I promised Ben'' Helena added ''I would if ever he we're in trouble is there any word of him''
he said about in trouble ''I'm afraid he's in Nero's darkest most guarded prison there's no hope of breaking him out but perhaps i can help from the inside''
''Thank you Patronius'' said Helena ''In the meantime we have forty frightened chriristians who must get out of rome once forty''
''where are they'' Patronius asked
Helena right there the christians and Erin's family and friends ''Oh my'' he look face to faces
''no they're not safe here come i have just the place the soldiers'' they found tomb buried that be safe in there ''will never find you you here we buried our family members in this tomb for five generations on''
then there spider web Anna and Cyrus get off spider web
''Come come there's plenty of room for everyone that's what i'm afraid'' he ask him what happened to wife Erin ''what happened to Erin'' Ennius ask Patronius
''Your wife Erin been kidnap by the three prankers'' Patronius added was bad thing
''Oh! no Erin my sister'' Fane gasp so worry his sister
''We follow their tracks in the tomb'' Prince Jason follow Patronius christians Erin's family and friends ran faster faster and then they found.
''The great buried'' Prince Jason know ''when evil anarchy ruled, the wicked came here of scarface''
there buried horrors thing souls witches ghosts demons and goons but there no things and they scream horror
''Oooohhh! scary thing'' Philo and Sirius added look around this thing ''they gone''
''Good'' Prince Jason said ''You guys go first''
''Why always us'' Atticus added asked
''yes you guys'' Prince Jason asked
''well okay here we go'' Atticus start slow first then Philo Sirius Tacticus walk slower slower slower and slower and finally they made it
''Hey guys we made it'' Atticus glad finally
suddenly big grab Atticus by big ghost hand he scream ''HEEELLLPPPPPP''
''Atticus'' Prince Jason, Ennius, Helena, and Fane gasp frightened
then grab Tacticus by ghost hand ''Tacticus'' Anna and Miriam gasp frightened
and last grab the Philo and Sirius by ghost ''BOYS'' Ennius gasp
he grab sword hold hand there no one then he turn around there the Scream Witch Ghost with veils with dark hair with roman chiton with three ghosts hands got Atticus Tacticus Philo and Sirius she big yelling horror.
''Foul-tasting christians'' she turn round Ennius look frightened and evil smile and ''Come to me juicy boy''
Ennius jump right and left and can move
''Who be this tender buried tomb Scream Witch Ghost's rest'' Scream Witch Ghost two hands
''Ennius'' he added frightened ''They call me Ennius, ma'am.''
''What a fine, soldier boy you are, Ennius.'' Scream Witch Ghost added Evil
''You don't really mean to eat me, do you, ma'am'' Ennius added
''Oh, indeed i do!'' she evil laughing
she try grab him Ennius cut her hands drop Atticus Tacticus Philo and Sirius off down she big screaming and disappear finally gone
Patronius glad Scream Witch Ghost was gone ''Ennius you scared monster away''
''I did'' Ennius smile and glad
he save Atticus Tactcius Philo and Sirius life now they save here in the night in the tomb buried.
Not too long afterwards, they were taken to the palace and placed in the prison stockade. The cells were vertical, reaching at least six feet and large enough to fit two people. Justin and Marcus were placed together, Ben alone,
but it seemed fated that Corneilus Master Italus Prince Icarus and Aurelius was placed into one that contained the next person Corneilus looked up so that it was Capella.
''Water! we need water!'' pleaded one of the other prisoners.
''Tell me where Tacticus and the other Christians are hiding!'' Capella demanded.
Ben responded firmly. ''We don't betray our friends!''
''Perhaps thirst will change your mind!'' snapped Capella, kicking over the bucket of water.
The soldiers walked away leaving the prisoners with each other.
''Philo, i don't want to die.'' whined the man who'd begged for water.
''Quiet Vasilus!'' his companion whispered.
Ben's voice floated out, ''Everyone is scared sometimes, Vasilus. Why, even Peter was afraid after Jesus' arrest at Gethsemene.''
''He was''
''Yes.''
''How.'' Master Italus Aurelius and Prince Icarus tell him
''He was so frightened that when Jesus was taken to Caiaphas the high priest...''
Corneilus Master Italus Prince Icarus and Aurelius listened to the story attentivery.
(flashback)
peter followed behind afraid be seen Peter stayed in the courtyard warming himself by fire
Caiaphas questions Jesus about this teaching witnesses told lies about Jesus but these men could not even make their stories fit together
''Why don't answer'' Caiaphas said ''Why don't you defend yourself why do people say all these things against you once and for all''
he answer one more question ''Are you the messiah the great deliverer are you God son''
''I am'' Jesus sternness to him
then Caiaphas rage anger and ripped cloth ''We don't need any more witnesses you have heard the terrible'' thing was said they all voted that Jesus was guilty and should die
the servant girl said to Peter was here ''You were with Jesus that man from Nazareth''
''I don't know what you're talking about'' Peter added
''this man is one those who followed Jesus'' the servant girl telling him
''No i'm not of coure'' Peter indignation
then he grab him cape ''You're one of them you come from galilee we could tell your voice''
''I swear'' Peter anger ''i don't know this Jesus you're talking about''
then the rooster sound the soldiers and Jesus came walk away he remember sound ''before the rooster crows twice tomorrow we'll say three times you don't even know me'' Peter tear and close eye head down
(flashback)
He'd done the unthinkable just as Jesus had predicted and soon ended up feeling worse than before.
''I'd never betray Helena and the others.'' Justin's voice said solemnly.
''Me neither.'' Marcus concurred.
''I know, boys.' Ben sighed wistfully, ''I know...''
In the middle the night Ennius, Philo, Sirus, Helena, Zak, Anna, and Cyrus was hiding at the wall there the roman soldiers marching Ennius sound screaming there murder beaten up or thief now Ennius tell Helena, Zak, Anna, and Cyrus about sad horror story.
''That make so short a life''
''What happened you was young'' Zak ask Ennius story
''these remind me of my stepmother Decima''
(flashback)
Ennius was five year old his stepmother Decima was Evil then she talk the bad new by the man look there dead body was found
''What Who did this who kill this woman'' She anger yelling ''Ennius ENNIUS'' he didn't and she rage and she call ''Antoina come here''
''Yes, stepmother'' said Anitoina
''I'm short three times did you kill this woman girl'' Decima anger little yelling
''No, stepmother i would never kill his woman'' added Antoina
Then she snapped rage and anger slapping hit her face and down hit break the pot ''Lie I knew kill her,'' Decima yelling anger ''Now, tell me true you've murder it, girl before i throttle you dead''
Ennius grab her arm he try to save his sister ''Don't hit her! sister!'' Antoina nose bleed Decima let go by him throwing off Ennius and hit the man down on floor now she beaten ten times and slapping ten times Antoina he watch horror thing.
(flashback)
Now Ennius the finish life story ''But all i ever knew was violence''
''And what became of your sister'' said Zak
''She died of a blood poison'' he said
''I 'am so sorry for your loss'' Helena said saying
''thank you Helena'' Ennius smile
suddenly he kick him out the bar ''Helena the place is filled thieves and smugglers'' Zak said
''Who better to smugglers us out of rome'' Helena said got idea ''than a smuggler come on''
they enter the bar there drinking, fighting, and yelling
''Ohhhhhhhh drinking and fighting'' Philo and Sirius said look see there fight
''Zak you watch the kids i'll be right back'' Helena be back
''Okay'' Ennius said watch the kids
''Don't worry Anna'' Cyrus said got idea trick ''my dad used to hire circus hands at places like this just act natural and nobody will bother not''
then the man ask Zak ''how much for the girl i need a house''
''Sorry not for slave'' Zak said not for sale
''i'd say she is actually'' the man grab him cloth with stab little sword on the wall then Cyrus got idea
''She's going cheap a real bargain at only two hundred sister see shake oh excuse me year an old'' he sneeze two time and the ran scared away
''how did do that Cyrus'' Ennius said ask
''Trick my dad Ennius'' he take little sword off the wall Zak free
while Helena talk the Captain about leave to rome ''Taught me that three times the going rate''
''with all your respect shipping fugitives as risky business fortunately you i'm the beat'' the captain said
''very well'' Helena said to him ''but we'll need to leave tomorrow night''
''for a night that impossible we'll never be ready'' the captian told her
''I thought you were the best'' Helena said told
''all right then you sail at midnight but don't be late'' the captian said don't be late.
Meanwhile at prisons night they were all silent for a moment, then Philo spoke up ''Ben, what happened to Jesus after Peter lied about knowing him''
''Yes, please continue...'' Master Italus added.
''He was taken before Pilate, his courage was amazing...''
''Silence Baker!'' Nihilus's voice barked.
Then he said to the guards, ''As long as he deludes them with these stories, they think they'll be saved. But take the baker away, and the flock lost.''
''Our faith is stronger than that!'' declared Ben.
''But not stronger than Rome!'' Nihilus spat back, and the soldiers removed the bars to bell's cell. ''Soon you'll know the wrath of Nero. But first...'' He moves a whip in his hand. ''You'll know mine.''
Corneilus gasped and had to place him hands on the walls to steady himself. They knew full well that they were going to do to Ben before moving him to a different cell.
Prince Jason Trion Livius and Atticus was hiding to prisons thing about Nihilus going horror thing at Ben
''Oh no...Ben someone has he going horror poor Ben Where's that Arrius" Prince Jason got to leave. when Atticus decided that he needed to go, too ''Wait, Prince Jason!'' called after him. ''i'm going with you!''
'' Okay Atticus, you can come,'' said Prince Jason. ''Livius and Trion you go to Lilith liar house''
''We have a pretty good idea about that.'' said Livius.
i was borrow Dante Inferno An Animated Epic and Legend 1985 Transcripts
And now Erin Meet Nihilus after take Ben away