“I’m not sure.”
Marcus laughed again. It was unlike the previous times he had done so. This time it actually sounded friendly, and for a moment Michael felt reassured.
“I believe you,” Marcus said, nodding. “Your clothes are odd. I haven’t seen such.”
Michael looked down at his sandals.
“Do you know how to get home?” Marcus asked.
Michael’s spirits lifted slightly. Perhaps Marcus did want to help him after all. He straightened up and spoke more forcefully. “Yes, I think I do.”
Marcus grinned and slapped him on the shoulder. Michael nearly fell over. “Good! I think I can help you.”
“Great!”
Marcus put his hand to Michael’s mouth. “Quiet,” he said in a soft, reassuring tone. He pointed at the group of soldiers. They had moved their game of dice farther away and appeared to be completely engrossed.
The soldier came back with the cup of water and handed it to Michael. Marcus waved him away. He leaned closer to Michael’s ear. “Stay awake. I’ll come by later and free you. But you must go directly to where you came from. You remember the place, right?”
“Yes, yes, I do!” Michael said with excitement.
“Good. I’ll make sure you get back home safely.” Marcus smiled.
Michael stood up with a thrust of energy. “Thank you for being so kind to me. Could you help me with something else?”
Marcus stopped and turned around, frowning slightly. “What is it?”
Michael held up his hand slightly. “My ring. The soldier with you in the street took it from me. It means a lot to me.”
“I will do my best to find it. You can trust me. Now get some rest.”
Leah wiped her eyes as she lingered by a nearby well, then pulled up a bucket and dipped her hands repeatedly in the water. After the fourth time, she muttered, “Come with me, Elizabeth.”
They began walking toward the Antonia Fortress. “I thought you were getting some help before we went back there,” Elizabeth said with concern.
“We aren’t going there. We’re going to the only place where I can ask for true help.”
“Where is that?”
“We’re going to the Temple.”
“The Temple? Why? Who can help us there?”
Leah didn’t answer. She picked up her pace as the outline of the Fortress loomed ahead. But instead of heading toward the entrance, Leah turned abruptly to the north side.
“Where is it?” Elizabeth asked, looking around.
“Not too far away. Keep your veil on while you clean.”
“Clean? I thought we were going to the Temple?”
“We are.”
Leah stopped in front of what appeared to be a series of small, square-shaped in-ground pools. They looked ancient to Elizabeth. No lining held the water, just stone walls. Without warning, Leah pulled off her clothes, then her shoes. Elizabeth quickly looked away as Leah walked down the four steps into the water and began splashing her body and face. “Come quickly.” She gestured, pointing to the stairs.
“What? Are you serious? No way!”
“Come in. Don’t stand there. Don’t you do this where you live?”
“Um . . . no.”
“Hurry! You’ll stand out and draw attention to yourself. You’ll upset the high priest.”
Elizabeth hesitated, looking around to see if anyone was watching. It was quiet now. Dusk was settling in and the hustle and bustle of the day was gone. Still, she felt shy.
“Are you bleeding?” Leah asked.
“Bleeding? What do you mean?”
Leah gestured toward the lower portion of her body. “Down here.”
“My period? No, no . . . that’s not the problem.”
“Good. Because if you are, then you mustn’t come in.”
Elizabeth reminded herself that they needed to find her father. If this was going to help, then she would do it. She looked around quickly, then hurriedly removed her shirt, keeping her bra on. Then she kicked off her sandals but left on her long shorts. Leah looked at her oddly.
On the far end, two men were bathing. Elizabeth made a face and quickly scurried down the steps into the water with her back to Leah.
“Clean quickly.”
“No problem there,” Elizabeth muttered as she bent down to let the water rise above her shoulders. By the time she stood up, Leah had climbed out and was putting her clothes on. Elizabeth sprinted up the steps and did the same. “Now what?”
“Over there.” Leah pointed to a large building about a football field away. Even at this distance, Elizabeth could see how splendid it was. Rows of towering, white marble columns lined the front, capped with tinges of gold that glowed in the early-evening sky. Sharp gold spikes rose on the roof, reflecting a soft light across the several acres of the plaza. She felt mesmerized by a feeling of holiness about the place, her body tingling with excitement. She pointed toward the bronze doors. “Is that where we go?”
“No. We must go through on the other side.”
They walked around the wide structure and entered through another gate made of steel. Elizabeth noticed that it wasn’t as ornate as the main entrance.
“Stay with me,” Leah ordered. She led the way down several steps and into a tunnel. Carefully placed candles on either side shed light on the ceiling, which was covered with crude drawings of people and animals.
“Stay quiet,” Leah whispered.
The tunnel opened into a large area, surrounded by several rooms. “Over here,” Leah said in a hushed voice. “We must always stay in this part of the Temple. Always remain with me.”
Leah closed her eyes and knelt. Elizabeth briefly looked around in confusion. It was a simple room, large enough where several people could kneel and pray. It wasn’t as elaborate as the outside of the building. She could hear Leah whispering something but was unable to decipher any words. As Elizabeth looked around, she realized a few other women were praying, too. But no men.
Leah’s whispers became louder. Elizabeth began to understand some words, including a plea for help. Elizabeth felt a stab of disappointment. No one here could help them.
But as she looked around, the meaning of Leah’s words dawned on her. Slowly Elizabeth sank to her knees and bowed her head. Lord, can you please help my father? Please. It was my fault, Lord. Punish me. Please. Don’t let anyone hurt him. Please. Punish me.
The quiet inside the Temple moved her. A tear slipped out of her eye and coursed down her cheek as she continued to silently say, Punish me. Punish me. Not my dad. Please. She let the tear stay there in hopes God would see it. Lord, please. Please. Please. Help him. Please help me to find my dad.
She clasped her hands together and bowed her head, and the veil slipped over her face.
Wow. Look at all these people. Well-dressed adults and children filled the pews on both sides as Elizabeth tugged at her veil, making sure it didn’t obscure her eyes. Daddy told me to keep it out of my eyes. I want him to be proud of me.
Organ music suddenly boomed out around them, jolting everyone in line to straighten up and pay attention. A woman, dressed in a soft brown suit with a beautiful blue corsage on her wrist, gestured to the boys and girls to follow her. After one last pull on her veil, this time making sure it wouldn’t fall off, Elizabeth clasped her hands together. She glanced at the boy to her left, looking for guidance on when to begin walking.
When he started, she did, too. Smiling, and imagining that this was how Mommy felt when she married Daddy, Elizabeth floated the first few steps. She glanced first to her left, then to her right, spotting Mrs. Horn. Elizabeth beamed and her neighbor waved. Elizabeth gave a quick half-hello in her direction.