Stephanus - Chapter 13 - The Scare

Patience was not one of Akakios’ stronger virtues. He paced back and froth through the narrow passages of the crowded cellar after the discovery of the apostle Iebbeus.

Stephanus was still engaged in philosophical conversation with the apostle Andrayas, which only heightened Akakios’ anxiety.

“Stephanus”, Akakios interrupted, “it’s getting late. We’ve spent far too much time in this cellar! We should get back—we’ve been here too long.”

“I agree.” Andrayas added “Thank you boys. May Yahweh bless you both for what you have done today. Because you were brave enough to bring the supplies for Iebbeus, he will survive. He’s still in bad shape, though, and someone will need to stay through the night with him. Moving him, now, would be unwise—he needs rest.”

“What will you do while you are wait for Iebbeus?” Stephanus inquired.

“Don’t you worry about that!’ Andrayas replied. “Y’shua has instructed us to pray often—to pray continuously.”

Stephanus hesitated, reluctant to end the conversation with the apostle. “What will you pray for?” he asked.

“Oh, there are endless needs.” Andrayas said gently. “For now I will pray for your safe return to the city.”

“How does one pray continuously?” Stephanus wanted to know.

“It’s as normal as breathing,” Andrayas replied “With each breath I take, I call on Yahweh through His Son, Y’shua to be present in my spirit”

He demonstrated, inhaling deeply: “Yahweh come.” Then again, “Yahweh enlighten.” Once more: “Yahweh comfort.” He ended softly. “Thank you, Lord,”

Stephanus found it beautiful—the simplicity of the apostle’s prayer.

“I can do this in all circumstances, and under any condition,” the apostle added, “With a little practice, it will become a habit—as natural as breathing.”

“I was once in an impossible dilemma.” came the weak voice of Iebbeus, the injured apostle. “I called on the grace of Yahweh to sustain me and feared I would breath my last as soldiers and guards surrounded me—sent by the High Priests.

“How did you get here, Iebbeus?” Andrayas pressed.

“ As I said, earlier.” Iebbeus replied with bewilderment etched across his face.

“ I can’t truthfully say. One moment I was lying on the ground gasping for air, and the next, someone with great strength picked me up off of the ground, threw me over their shoulder like I was light as a feather, and carried me to this place.”

“This savior of mine spoke very little— just a few words of reassurance that I would be fine, and there was work for me to do. The next thing I knew, the three of you found me.” he concluded.

“Where did this savior go?” Akakios questioned

“I cannot honestly say.” Iebbeus muttered. “one moment he was carrying me, the next, I was lying in this cellar. I must have been slipping in and out of consciousness. Whoever it was simply vanished once they knew I was safe.”

“Whoever—or whatever,” Andrayas mused. “your angel guardian was surely at your side.”

“Perhaps.” Iebbeus agreed. “Weren’t you boys planning on going back to the city? Andrayas will stay with me. You both have done enough!”

“We must go, Stephanus!” Akakios urged.

“Should we leave you in the dark?” Stephanus asked, glancing at the single lantern.

“We’ll be fine,” Andrayas assured. “I’ll walk with you to the exit. Once your gone, I’ll take the lantern back.”.

The three began their assent. Andrayas promised Iebbeus he would return as soon as the boys were safely out.

“Be safe, Yahudah! And may Yahweh bless you” Stephanus called as they parted.

“Believe Yahweh”, Iebbeus answered. “And remember, nothing is impossible with Him.”

“I’ll return in a moment,” Andrayas told him, as he continued with the boys through the dark passage.

Despite the pitch-black cellar, they found the exit surprisingly quickly, clutching at the rope and rocks as they climbed to the entrance.

“This is where I leave you, lads,” Andrayas said at last. “May the Yahweh of Abraham, Issac, and Jacob— our Heavenly Father—be with you always.”

The boys emerged suddenly in the bright midday sun.

“Oh! My eyes!” They cried, squinting and shielding their faces.

“Akakios, give me a minute to adjust” Stephanus murmured.

“Ah, me too.” Akakios answered. They found a large rock by a shade tree where they were able to sit while their eyes adjusted, not far from the entrance that led to the cellar.

The recent events flooded their minds. They shared a drink from their leather water skin—the cool water refreshing them after the tension of the past hours.

“Stephanus!” Akakios said with a start. “We need to get back to the city! What’s happening with Y’shua—The trial?”

“Yes, quickly!” Stephanus urged.

They rose and set back towards the path. But nearby, Roman evocati—who had lost track of them earlier—spotted the boys. The soldiers shouted, pointed, and charged in their direction.

“Stephanus, run!” Akakios shouted, fear gripping his voice. They darted back into the surrounding trees, diving into a gully thick with high grass and brush.

“They went in here somewhere”, one of the soldiers yelled.

The boys froze, hearts pounding.

The soldiers wadded into the tall grass, and started thrashing the thick grass and bushes with their swords. The boys bolted!

“There!” a soldier shouted. Three men broke from the group, and gave chase.

Akakios was astonished at their speed despite their heavy armament and shields. One soldier grabbed him, wrapping powerful arms around his waist and lifting him off the ground.

Akakios jammed his heal into the soldier’s calf, causing him to cry out. Stephanus ducked behind a tree, trembling.

Gritting his teeth, the soldier recovered to grab Akakios once, again. “Do not fight me boy,— I’m stronger, and I am not alone.” he growled.

“Why are you chasing us?” Akakios shouted, “We have done nothing wrong!”

“We’re just following orders.” the soldier muttered.

Still struggling, Akakios bit down hard on the soldier’s forearm. The man yelled in pain, blood dripping down his arm. Enraged, he drew his dagger.

In wide-eyed horror Stephanus watched as the wounded soldier hurled his dagger —it struck Akakios deep in the ribs. The boy collapsed.

Stephanus grabbed his mouth in silence to avoid the same fate.

“Now you’ve done it, you fool!” one of the other soldiers barked. “We were told to capture them, not kill them! What will they say—that we murdered children? We’ll be crucified next!”

Hidden behind the tree, Stephanus pressed his hand to his mouth to stifle a sob. His brother lay still on the ground—and Stephanus felt the crushing guilt that it had been his idea to take on this mission.