The Hidden Flame Read online

  HIDDEN

  FLAME

  ACTS of FAITH , BOOK 2

  HIDDEN

  FLAME

  DAVIS BUNN

  JANETTE OKE

  This book is dedicated to all our friends at

  Bethany House Publishers

  with heartfelt thanks for the wisdom, care, and creativity with which you bring our stories to the world.

  C H A P T E R

  ONE

  Jerusalem, AD 33

  ABIGAIL QUIETLY WITHDREW from the celebration and limped into the shadows' coolness. Her leg throbbing, she eased herself down onto a stone bench by the courtyard's outer wall. Around her hummed the gaiety of wedding revelers. Never had she witnessed such joyous festivities. She felt as though the tension, the anguish, the uncertainties of the past weeks had been transformed. The group was not merely celebrating the wedding of Alban and Leah. There was a far greater reason beyond the joyful union of these two new followers of the Way.

  They all rejoiced in the truth they had believed but that now had been confirmed. Their leader, the rabbi Jesus, had indeed risen from the dead, and there were eyewitnesses to the fact.

  Abigail watched twelve-year-old Jacob as he danced back and forth among the merrymakers with a fervor bordering on hysteria. Abigail was still marveling that her brother was alive-whole and well. The time since the massacre of her family had seemed an eternity. A lifetime of feeling lost and alone. And just hours ago, she had caught a glimpse of the boy across the courtyard, and it was as if he too had been resurrected-a miracle that seemed like a dream. The very thought brought tears to her eyes once again.

  Jacob must have felt her looking at him, for he turned as though seeking her. When their glances connected, he ran over to her, concern in his dark eyes. "Why aren't you dancing too, Abigail? Are you not well?"

  "I'm fine, Jacob." And she was. Her injured leg hurt rather a lot, but just then she could feel nothing save the joy in her heart. Her beloved friend Leah danced with her new husband, Alban, in the circle of believers, and her brother stood before her. Her brother. "I am only a bit weary," she assured him.

  "Shall I bring you something?" He glanced at the wedding banquet table spread with flowers and greenery, all ready for the feast to come.

  Suddenly she needed to touch him, just to assure herself he was not merely an apparition. She reached up to his shoulder with a tremulous smile. "Perhaps some water. Thank you."

  When Jacob dashed away, her attention returned to the jubilant crowd filling the little plaza. Could it be only six weeks past that our Lord died? The group of followers, already under suspicion, had locked themselves away, whispering solemn and frightened words to one another, checking anxiously about whenever they needed to enter the Jerusalem streets.

  And then Jesus had appeared to them, afterward rising up into the heavens, only to have the Lord's own Spirit descend among them in a most stunning fashion-in wind and fire.

  And now here they were, faces flushed, eyes bright, voices blending into song. The music of tambourines and flutes swirled upward once more, setting feet to dancing-a wedding festival for sure, but also a celebration of their Lord's resurrection and his parting gift to them of his unseen but unmistakable presence. And the return of Jacob, Abigail whispered to herself with a little smile as she fanned her face with a palm leaf. How good it was to have so many reasons to celebrate. If only my leg did not hurt so. She reached discreetly beneath her robe to rub it. She would have loved to be among those dancing. She would whirl on and on around the courtyard....

  "Here you go, sister!"

  Abigail couldn't help her little shiver of joy at the familial address coming from a lad she had thought lost to her forever. She smiled her thanks and took the earthenware mug but was unable to drink because her throat was closed up tight with emotion.

  Jacob turned back to watch the clapping, singing throng. She nodded and motioned for him to go and join them. She could tell he was torn, but she gave his shoulder a little push. "Go, Jacob. Dance for both of us," she managed to say through tears of joy.

  He was gone in a flash, and she watched him join hands to weave in and out among their friends. Her dear friend Hannah was among them, a circlet of white flowers wreathing her head. Leah and her bridegroom had already slipped away to their bridal chamber.

  Abigail roused herself. She should be assisting Martha and Mary, who were now bringing platters of roast lamb to tables stretching along the opposite wall. Sounds of laughter caught her attention above the general hubbub. One of the fishermen from the Galilee must have been telling an amusing tale. Though she did not hear the words, she couldn't help but smile again as the man slapped his companion good-naturedly on the back and they roared together.

  She sighed and attempted to rise as she saw the women carrying earthen bowls of plump red grapes and ripe olives. She had helped prepare the dipping sauce made from dried chickpeas along with a dish containing fresh spring onions and coriander and mint. Inviting fragrances filled the cooling air.

  "Abigail," Martha called over to her. "Come and take your place at the table." Though the voice was direct and curt, Abigail knew the heart. It was love that spoke.

  "I should be helping-"

  "There are many more hands to do it. I saw you limping earlier. Now sit and eat."

  As Peter rose from his seat to bless the food, Abigail moved reluctantly to a place at the women's table. She loved to hear him pray aloud, words addressed to Jehovah but ones of such comfort and insight.

  Scarcely had she settled into her seat, however, when someone plucked at her sleeve. Nedra, from Herod's household, was crouching down beside Abigail. This was astonishing, for despite Leah's entreaties, Nedra's superior, Enos, had refused to permit her to attend today's celebration. "Oh, Nedra. Leah will be so happy to hear that Enos relented-"

  But Nedra was already shaking her head. Panting so hard her breath puffed against Abigail's face, she leaned close to gasp out, "Enos does not know I have come. They must leave. At once."

  Abigail felt the words jostle in her head. "Who do you mean?"

  "Leah, Alban. They must go now." Nedra's eyes were wide, fearful.

  Laughter spilled over them from the table's opposite side. The woman's agitation did not fit into the day. "But Leah and Alban, they're-"

  "Now! You must hear me." Nedra's fingers tugged at Abigail's robe. "There is no time."

  "You don't understand, Nedra. They have gone to the bridal chamber-"

  "Herod has already dispatched his guards." Nedra's eyes looked wild.

  A voice from Abigail's other side said, "Is something the matter?"

  She was relieved to find Martha standing behind her bench. "Nedra tells me there is a danger. But I was trying to explain-"

  "And I am telling you, they must flee." Nedra was on her feet, her arms waving wildly.

  A young man named Stephen was suddenly beside them. Abigail could see the fine lines in his dark complexion as concern creased his forehead. Yet in spite of Nedra's obvious consternation, he exuded the most remarkable sense of calm. "Please ... Nedra, is it? Please tell us-"

  "If Enos realizes I am gone, he will have me killed." Nedra wiped her brow with a shaking hand.

  "Then we can't allow that to happen. You must thirst if you've run all this way. Martha, bring her a drink, please. Now then. Tell us what has happened."

  Abigail saw the woman's shudder. "Herod is dispatching his guards," she repeated hoarsely.

  "For Leah?"

  "And Alban. Herod continues to seek vengeance on them both. They are to be brought in and given a hasty trial. And then ... and then he will put them both to death."

  "You are sure?"

  "I overheard the plans."

/>   "Is there anyone we can appeal to?"

  Martha arrived with the cup, but Nedra only held it.

  "No," she said. "Pilate has left for Caesarea. Which is why Herod is acting now." Nedra's breath returned to its frantic spasms. "I must return. Every moment I stay is added danger-"

  "Of course you must." Stephen lifted his gaze around the courtyard. "Jacob," he called. "We need your help. Will you see this lady safely and quickly back to the palace?"

  The lad might have been young, but he responded immediately. He must have sensed the danger. "I know the secret passages. Come!" He beckoned as he turned toward the gate.

  "Good lad." Stephen nodded and smiled at Nedra. "You were right to come."

  "Tell them I am sorry. But they must hurry." Nedra allowed Jacob to grip her hand and pull her away as her last words trailed over her shoulder. "Tell them to make haste. Give them my love. And prayers."

  "Our own go with you. Now hurry." Stephen turned to Martha. "We must tell them."

  Abigail realized the music had stopped, and the group was watching them. "Could we not hide them?" she asked, her voice sounding choked in her ears.

  Martha responded quickly, "Nedra is not given to undue panic. She has risked her life to save her friends."

  "If Herod has already ordered his guards out, we must hurry," Stephen added. Not even the emergency could erase his innate calm. "Alban and Leah are in grave danger. There is no place here for them to hide-not from Herod's ire, not in this city. Nedra is right. They must flee."

  Abigail found strength she did not know she had. She turned to Martha. "I will go to warn them. Would you collect some food in a sack for them?"

  Stephen was already moving away. "I will see if we can manage a horse."

  As Abigail rushed frantically up the wooden steps to the chamber that she and Hannah called their own, the one they had decorated and offered to the bridal couple, she heard a woman's soft laughter. She had never heard Leah laugh before. And now, how quickly the moments of joy must end. Her eyes filled with tears as she stood at the room's door.

  She was about to call to them when the door opened. Alban stood with his arm about Leah's waist. "What is it, Abigail? I heard running footsteps-"

  "Herod." The word tasted foul on her lips. "His troops are coming for you. Now. There is no time-"

  She halted because Alban was now gripping her arm.

  "Steady," he said. "Now tell me again."

  "Herod is sending his guards. Nedra slipped out from the palace to warn us. He intends . . ." She could go no further.

  Leah whispered, "What are you saying?"

  "Pilate has left the city," Alban explained, his tone grim. "Herod sees this as his chance to retaliate for thwarting his plans."

  Abigail flung herself against Leah, the tears turning to sobs as she wrapped her arms around her friend. "You must flee. The troops-"

  Leah's arms felt warm as they tightened about Abigail's shoulders. "Grab your things-you and Jacob. We must hurry."

  "The guards are not after Abigail and Jacob, Leah." The steel in Alban's voice helped steady both women. "It is far too dangerous for them to accompany us. We will move more swiftly, less noticeably, alone."

  "But-"

  "Leah, if the guards are already hunting, we must go now. After we make it to safety, we will send for them."

  "Jacob has taken Nedra back to the palace." Abigail wiped her face. "Alban is right. And my leg ..."

  Leah gripped her more tightly still.

  Gently Alban eased Leah away. "We must go."

  "We will send word as soon as we can," Leah said over her shoulder as she was hurried down the stairway. "I promise."

  Abigail sank down on a step, face in her hands and tears running through her fingers. "0 God, give them speed, protection" was all she was capable of praying.

  The only animal Stephen could locate on short notice was the donkey they used for transporting firewood from the valley. Abigail could see from Alban's expression that this was not what he had hoped for. Fear of capture showed in the depths of his eyes. Thankfully, Leah was too busy embracing the women to notice. By the time she had climbed onto the donkey's back and looked once more in her beloved's direction, Alban's features had resumed their grim strength. "We must leave."

  "Where will you go?" Abigail asked.

  "It is best you do not know. If you have no knowledge, you cannot be put in a dangerous position."

  Even stoic Martha was fearful. "That donkey will not get you far."

  Alban gripped the lead rope and started forward. "We have little choice."

  As they reached the plaza's gate, the sound of hooves rang up the narrow passage. Abigail was close enough to see Alban reach to his belt, but his fist gripped empty air. He turned to Leah and said, "Prepare to run."

  "I will never leave you!"

  Alban began to argue, then turned toward the horse and rider racing furiously up the little street. "Linux!" he called as he and Leah wheeled into place in front of him.

  The soldier's face was grim. "Herod's men are fast on my heels!" Linux slipped from his horse. "Take my mount, and run like the wind!"

  The two officers embraced. Hesitancy quickly turned into a firmness that bespoke military colleagues who had become friends. Then Alban flipped up onto the horse's back and pulled Leah up behind him. Stephen and Martha pushed quickly gathered bundles for the journey into their arms. For one brief instant the pair stared around at the gathered throng, a silent moment too full for words. Then Alban spun the horse about and dug in his heels.

  Abigail twisted a corner of her shawl and lifted it to wipe the tears running down her cheeks. Fear nearly compressed her chest, and she wondered when-if-she would ever see them again.

  She felt eyes observing her and realized that the soldier, Linux, was not watching his friend depart. He was looking at her.

  A chill ran through Abigail. She had noticed the handsome Roman officer before, as well as his boldness. She tightened the shawl about her face, covering all but her eyes, and turned away to watch the fast-fleeing mount carrying Alban and Leah disappear around the corner.

  As the sound of their racing gallop over the cobblestones faded away, Abigail moved her head to see the entire community of believers standing in stunned silence. No longer the wedding music. No longer the laughter and camaraderie, the dancing and feasting. Once more their world had abruptly changed, and they were reminded of who they were, where they were. Aliens in their own land. Judeans, certainly, yet viewed as enemies by both their own religious leaders as well as the Roman conquerors.

  Out of the silence came a confident voice. Though little more than a whisper, it resonated through the silent courtyard, a prayer that came from the heart and soul of the former fisherman of the Galilee. "Go with God," breathed Peter.

  "Go with God" echoed throughout the group, as though the entire gathering took a fresh breath. Yes. After all, God was with the two now escaping for their lives, as he was with those left to face the hunters.

  Abigail was still reeling from the dramatic events of the last moments when a panting Jacob tugged at her shawl. He could scarcely voice his question. "Are they hidden?"

  Abigail clutched his shoulders with both hands. "Did Nedra-?"

  "We made it," he puffed. "I don't think Enos knew she'd ever left."

  "Thank God," breathed Abigail.

  "Where's Alban?"

  "Gone. They-"

  "Gone? What do you mean? Where?"

  "They've left. We can only pray that their escape will be successful."

  "But ... but how could he leave without me? I was to go. He promised he'd never leave me."

  Abigail looked at her brother's stricken face and realized what he was trying to say. "He couldn't wait, Jacob. Alban and Leah were in danger. You know that."

  Even as she spoke, they heard the sound of horses' hoovesmany of them-clattering upon the paving stones coming up to the courtyard. The hunters had arrived.

  "Quick!"
Abigail pushed at Jacob. "We must hide before they enter." When he resisted she pulled him forward. "Run, Jacob!"

  He half turned to look at her. "Run where?"

  "Behind the wash tubs. Out back. There's an alley that leads to the back streets."

  They hurried across the courtyard just as prancing mounts snorted and stomped their way into the enclosure. Leah heard the crude shouts of soldiers, the clanging of steel blades. She pressed Jacob into the shadows behind her, afraid that any movement would get unwanted attention.

  "The man Alban. Where is he?" came an angry shout from the obvious leader of the soldiers.

  "He is not here." It was Peter's voice that met the demand.

  "We were informed he is in this compound. You deny this?" The voice was harsh.

  "I do not deny that he was here. It is his wedding day. We celebrated the claiming of his bride, and-"

  "I am not interested in your celebrations. Where has he gone?"

  "He did not say."

  The soldier released a volley of curses. "We'll see if you know how to tell the truth. Men, dismount. Search every corner of this foul place from top to bottom. If this uncouth man here is lying, he'll soon mount a cross. Along with the rest of his followers."

  Abigail pulled in a deep breath and pressed more firmly against Jacob. Amid the noise and confusion in the courtyard, they would not likely be noticed. "This way," she hissed over her shoulder. As they ducked into a passageway toward the back of the compound, she prayed. Please, Father God, help us ... help us all. Lord Jesus, direct our steps. Holy Spirit, be with us... .

  Jacob, who knew the warren of back streets and alleyways of Jerusalem like his own hand, soon took the lead in their headlong rush to safety.

  Later that evening, in the back of a shed attached to the shop of a fishmonger who belonged to the followers' community, Jacob again plied Abigail with questions. Where were Alban and Leah headed? What were their plans? How soon would they send for him?