The Greatest Gift (16 page)

The workers began loading up the final carts filled with food and supplies. Michael stepped aside as a group of four Roman soldiers surrounded Paul and walked him up the pier and onto the boat. Michael ran to the captain. “I am looking for a girl this tall,” he said, holding his hand below his neck.

“The Romans have her below deck.”

“I need to get her off this ship. Please help me.”

“I cannot disobey orders from the Romans.”

Michael shook his head frantically. “I cannot let this ship leave with her on board. She will be killed.”

“Is there a problem?” yelled a Roman standing near the edge of the dock.

The captain turned first to the Roman and then back toward Michael. “We are almost ready to sail. There are no problems.”

The Roman walked away as Michael took a few more steps toward the ship.

“Michael, you must do something now,” said Aharon. He grabbed his arm and pressed it. “Act!”

“My God, Michael, do not just stand there,” said Leah.

Aharon reached into a pouch and gave him ten coins. “Bribe them. Save your daughter.”

Michael looked at Leah. “Save my daughter,” she said.

The captain joined him. “I am trying to do what I can. I am not able to get her off the boat. The Romans have her surrounded. I am trying to bargain with the caretaker to see how much silver will get her released.”

“If you cannot get her released, please let me take the journey,” Michael said.

“We leave from shore once all the carts are full,” said the captain as he made his way to the deck. “Do you have enough silver?”

Michael looked at Aharon and Leah. “I hope so.”

The captain picked up a supply cart and handed it to a worker. “This is important,” he instructed the man. “This stays below deck at all times. Surround it with the other boxes. Do not let anyone near this.”

The captain met up with a Roman on the boat and spent several minutes speaking. Aharon placed a knife in Michael’s side pocket. “Do not hesitate in using this. There will come a moment when you will have to kill to save your daughter.”

Michael nodded. “I will do what I need to do.”

“Good; do not grow weak in the face of death,” Aharon said quietly. The whispered words sounded devious to Michael’s ear.

The captain came back to them. “The Romans will not release her. There is not enough silver to convince them. You can come with us. I told them you are a friend of the preacher.”

“How am I going to get her off the ship?”

“You will have to wait until we get to Rome,” the captain said. “I will need to be paid.”

Aharon stepped forward. “Four coins should do.”

The captain shook his head. “You speak for him?”

Aharon glanced at Michael.

“He does.”

“Four coins is all he has,” Aharon said. “He will have to use what he has left to bribe the Romans.”

The captain turned and took a few steps toward the boat. “Please, sir,” Michael said, running to him. “Please, it is my daughter. My only child. She is all I have left in this world.”

The captain faced Michael. “I have much cargo to take with the Romans and their prisoners taking up half my boat.”

“Sir, I do not have much. What you have on that boat is all I have.”

The captain frowned. “Rules are rules. More freight slows my boat down. They want this boat to sail immediately to Rome as we have the wind at our backs.”

Aharon stepped forward and handed the captain a round, short cup. “This was handed down to me. I was told it was used by a king many sunsets ago.”

“What king?”

Aharon shook his head. “I know it has value. More value than the silver he can give you now.”

Michael shook his head. “How are you going to survive? You have given me all your silver.”

Leah grabbed Michael’s hands. “Elizabeth must be saved. We will find other ways to live.”

Michael looked down at Leah’s belly. “What about your baby?”

Aharon put his arm around Leah. “We will survive. I hope you can see our child some sunrise.”

Michael looked back at the boat and noticed the line of carts was short. “It is almost time for me to go.”

He turned to Aharon and Leah. “I hear Rome is a beautiful place to live. Free from tyranny and violence.”

“What Rome are you talking about?” Aharon asked.

Michael grimaced. “One from many sunsets, I guess.”

“This is our home, our traditions, our land,” Leah said. “Free Elizabeth and find your way back to your world.”

“I will take her somewhere safe,” Michael said.

Leah shook her head. “There is no safe place in this world.”

“I worry about you.” Michael watched her squeeze Aharon’s hand.

“I was born here. I lived here with Yochanan. Now, I have Aharon. I am as safe as God allows.”

Michael noticed she tightened her grip on Aharon. He looked down and then away, seeing the captain waving at him. “I have to go,” he said.

Leah let go of Aharon’s hand and moved closer. “Please protect my dear daughter.”

Michael nodded.

“When I lost my daughter many sunsets ago,” Leah said, embracing him, “I thought my reasons to live had vanished. Your daughter was a gift from God to remind me during my grieving that I need not bear a child to have another.” She pulled back. “You will always be a part of my life whether you stand in front of me or not. You will be right here.” She pointed to her heart.

Aharon looked away as Leah hugged Michael again. “I love you.” She cried and tightened her hold.

“I know. I know. I have always known.” Michael dabbed his eyes with his sleeves. “I have to leave,” he said. “Be well.”

He stepped back, turned and ran up the pier. The boat pulled away from the dock, and Michael took a quick glance back. He watched Aharon and Leah holding each other.

Goodbye, Leah.
He could see her body shaking, her face pressed into his chest. He knew he would never forget the night they had talked while sitting on the rooftop. He had come into her life as an angry man, bitter over what had happened to Vicki. He never thought he would be able to open up his heart to love again.
You did this for me, Leah. No one else could have ever done it.

Their figures grew smaller and smaller as the boat created distance between him and the shore. He hoped Leah would find a lifetime of happiness with Aharon. He seemed to be a good man. She needed someone like that. His heart’s desire was for them to find peace. He hoped they would find a home somewhere to be a family and raise their child. He knew the child would give her great joy like Elizabeth had always given him.
I know there’s u
n
certainty, but your love will prevail.

Goodbye, my love.

Fifteen men on each side of the wooden vessel rowed in unison. The captain bellowed encouragement, demanding the men to pull and push their oars with more speed. Michael watched for a few minutes before descending a short stairwell. He saw Elizabeth leaning against a pile of carts filled with food and supplies.

“Dad!” she shouted.

“Quiet, Elizabeth. Where are the Romans?”

“They’re off somewhere drinking. How are we going to get off this boat?”

He shook his head. “I don’t know. I have some silver and a weapon.”

“A weapon?”

He pulled out a knife. “From Aharon. It’s all he had.”

“That’s the best we can do?” She shook her head. “How long do you think it will be before we get to Rome?” she asked.

“I’m not sure. Whatever you do, do not confront anyone on this boat. Act like a woman would during this time.”

“How is that?”

“Do what you are told.”

Elizabeth leaned forward, holding her head. “Oh, great.”

“What’s wrong?” Michael asked, reaching for her. “Are you sick?”

Elizabeth gave him an angry look.

“Tell me what’s wrong.”

“Behind you.”

“What?”

“Look behind you.”

Michael turned slowly. “I’m looking. What is it?”

“Look closer,” she said, grunting. “Get it.”

Michael stood and looked at a stacked group of carts. “Get what. I don’t see anything. Do you want something to eat or drink?” He picked up a loaf of bread and showed it to her.

Elizabeth whacked it out of his hands. She staggered to another stack of carts in the corner. Michael heard some footsteps above him on deck. “Sit down, Elizabeth.”

He grabbed and pulled her down beside him as a couple of Romans glared. “Be still for the journey. We have our orders to take you back alive. Do not force us to punish you.”

“She will listen,” Michael said, putting his hand up in front of his face.

“Who are you?”

“He is the friend of the preacher,” another Roman said, stepping down off the stairway.

“Then you should go be with the preacher,” the Roman said. He picked Michael up. “Go seek him out.”

Michael frowned. “Yes.”

He took a step away from Elizabeth and turned around, pointing to her cross. He mouthed, “Keep your cross hidden. If a soldier bothers you, call the captain.” He pointed upstairs. “I gave him money.”

The boat creaked back and forth as the wind inspired the waves to gain some strength. The captain’s cries began to lose their vigor as the noise from the elements tumbled across the boat’s structure. The fog dissipated and an overcast sky greeted Michael as he took a moment to smell the salty air. The shoreline of Caesarea had vanished as the boat had picked up speed. He was unsure how long it had been since he had said his goodbyes to Aharon and Leah.

The waves bounced against the side of the vessel and sent mists of water into his face. He wiped it with his sleeves and approached the captain. “Sir,” he said.

The captain stopped in mid-shout. “Are you being treated well?”

“Yes sir. I am seeking to speak to the prisoner, Paul. Is this possible?”

The captain pointed to the far end of the boat, away from the rowers. “He is there,” he said. “You can find him below the topping. Tell Julius I granted permission for you to speak to him.”

“Thank you.” Michael moved past the men rowing, noticing their arms drenched in seawater. The sky darkened some more, and the wind pinned the sails back. It looked like they were running into a storm. He was glad he was on the boat with Paul. God would not let Paul suffer and die on this journey. He knew Paul had much more to write, much more to share and preach. Surely this couldn’t be the end. As he thought about it though, he remembered that most of the apostles died a cruel death. He just couldn’t remember what had happened to Paul. 

He glanced at the sky one more time before walking down a short stairwell with lanterns on both sides to lighten the dark area. He was confronted by a man holding what looked like a piece of clay. “Are you Julius?” he asked.

“I am.”

“I am here to see Paul.”

Julius turned around and shouted down the stairs. “Does Paul want to speak to another traveler?”

A Roman soldier appeared at the bottom of the stairway. He raised his spear. “Who needs to see him?”

Julius turned and faced him. “State your name.”

“Michael.”

“Where are you from?”

“Jerusalem.”

“What is your purpose?”

“I am an old friend. I want to wish him my best.” He looked past Julius and saw Paul peering up at him.

“Come, my friend. We have much to talk about.” He waved him down. Julius stepped aside, and the soldier lowered his spear as he walked past them. Paul was sitting on the floor at a small table with a cup of water and several pieces of bread. His face was full, and he had some color in his cheeks. His outstretched hands held onto the table.

“Sit my friend,” he said.

Michael leaned down and balanced himself by holding onto the table with one hand. His stomach rumbled, and he felt some acid jump up into his throat. He took a deep breath as the boat swayed.

“Have you not traveled by sea before?” asked Paul.

“I have. But not in a vessel this small.”

“This boat is big.”

Michael tugged at his garment and grabbed his stomach. He put his head between his legs for a few seconds.

“My friend, be calm,” Paul said.

“I am trying,” Michael replied, lifting his head from between his knees.

“Have some bread,” Paul said, handing him a piece.

Michael nodded and gulped it.

“You are hungry?”

“This helps my stomach.”

Paul pushed another piece of bread toward him. Michael scooped it up and swallowed it whole. “I feel better,” he said.

“This pleases me.”

Michael eyed the cup of water sitting on the table. “How can I please you?” he asked.

“Tell me what my rabbi said. You told me at the prison you were given a message. We were interrupted before you could tell me.”

Michael glanced at Julius standing behind him, speaking to the Roman guard.

“You can talk. They have treated me well.”

He leaned closer to Paul. “He told me what is revealed to me traveling by boat with you is of utmost importance.”

Paul shrugged his shoulders. “Is there more?”

“No.”

“Are you sure?” Paul asked as he rubbed the back of his head.

Michael reflected for several seconds, touching the base of the cup.

“Take some,” Paul said.

Michael took a couple of sips, trying to remove the acidic taste in his mouth. “Jesus said you had some words that would carry forth through many sunsets.”

Paul took a deep breath and leaned back from the table. He stroked the bottom of his eyes, trying to smooth out the wrinkles beneath them. “My rabbi has a way with words. Sometimes the words he does not say speak with more importance.”

“I do not understand,” said Michael, now up on his knees and holding onto the table with both hands.

“The words I have yet to speak are the words you need to know.”

Michael pulled away and clung to the table as the boat swayed some more. The cup slid off and fell to the floor.

“The wind is talking to us, my friend,” said Paul.

“What do you mean?”

“Listen to the wind.”

The table shook, and the last piece of bread tumbled onto Michael’s lap. He pushed it away and stood, holding his stomach. “Oh no.”

“You are sick again? Is the wind speaking words of discomfort?”

“You could say that,” said Michael. He bent over and took a few short breaths. The smell of the seawater flooded his senses. He grabbed the cup off the floor and saw it was empty.

“Ugh,” he continued. “We can talk later. You can tell me what I need.”

Paul stood and grasped his arm. “The words are already being spoken to you. There are no words that need to come from my mouth. Do not close your eyes or ears. It is happening now.”

Michael ran to the top of the boat. The waves were overrunning the sides, and water was flooding the deck. He stumbled to the railing and threw up. The next wave ascended the boat and drenched him. He shook his head and stumbled back downstairs. He fell to the floor and felt a hand touch his back.

“Are you all right, Dad?”

“Yeah. Breakfast didn’t agree with me.”

He stared at her. “Anyway, whatever I did have the last couple of days my stomach just dropped into the sea.”

“Sorry. You feel better after throwing up?” she asked.

Michael shook his head. “This boat rocking back and forth like this isn’t my ideal way of traveling.”

“You wouldn’t make a good apostle,” she said.

He frowned.

“Sorry. Trying to lighten your agony. Speaking of apostles, what did Paul say? What do we have to do?”

He waved his arms in the air and stood, taking a deep breath. “I’m more confused now after speaking to him.”

Elizabeth straightened up. “What was confusing?”

“He told me first the words not spoken are as important as the words Jesus did speak. He also said listen and watch the wind, whatever the heck that means. He said the words being spoken are happening right now. I don’t hear anything.”

“Maybe he means we have to be on the deck to hear the wind.”

“Could be.” He leaned away from her and spit. “Sorry. I know it’s disgusting.”

“Gross is more like it.”

“I know.” He climbed the few steps and stared at the black sky, ignoring the captain’s pleas to stay below. “I am fine. I need some air. It will do me some good.”

“The sea is getting worse,” the captain said.

He ignored his fears despite the waves crashing against the side of the boat. Michael gripped the railing with both hands as Elizabeth joined him. “Go back down,” he yelled. “The Romans won’t tolerate it.”

“No. The instructions Jesus gave you were meant for both of us. Right?”

“I guess. I’m not sure. He never mentioned you.”

“We’re in this together,” she said, now holding on with both hands. “Four ears and four eyes are better than two of each.”

Michael was too nauseous to argue with her. He picked his head up high and closed his eyes.
I am listening. Now, talk to me, Lord. Tell me what I need to know to help Paul. Tell me where I should go to get us home.
The wind howled a tune he couldn’t decipher. The waves tumbled over the side with greater height.

“Can you hear anything?” he shouted over the captain’s yelling.

“Not one word,” she said. He looked at Elizabeth wiping her eyes. She coughed and spit up some water.

“Go back downstairs,” he said. “I won’t stay up here much longer.”

She saw the Romans pointing at her from the far end of the ship. She brushed past Michael and went below.

He watched the waves come aboard one by one.
I’m watc
h
ing, Lord. What should I be looking for? What message must I give to Paul? Tell me soon.
 

Michael turned away and felt the brunt of the wind, pushing him away from the railing. He tumbled to the ground, hitting his head against a cart. The captain lifted him up. “Are you hurt?”

“No.”

The captain left him and rushed to the aid of a man who fell overboard. Several men leaned down with their arms. Michael pulled at a stray robe under the cart and brought it to the men. They lowered it and tugged hard as the man held onto it. As they raised him up over the railing, the men cheered.

“Take him down and get him warm,” shouted the captain. He gestured to the men to take their positions. “Forward … back,” he said. “Halt.” He pointed to Michael and held up an oar.

“Me?” Michael muttered, pointing to his chest.

“You,” the captain said. “We are a man short. Look at the sea. We need every man to help now.”

The boat slid sideways wave after wave. The black sky pitched a tent surrounding the tiny boat. A man slapped Michael on the back as he sat down and lowered his oar over the side and into the water.

“Forward,” screamed the captain. “Back,” he said.

The water caromed high off of his side and soaked his lower body.

“Forward, back,” the captain pleaded.

As the waves hit the boat with more frequency, the pleas came in shorter bursts. The salt stung his eyes, and his vision became blurry. Some water poured into his mouth, and he coughed each time the captain shouted “Forward.”

He spit and tried to wipe the mist from his eyes. The waves of water filled his ears and lungs. Then everything went black.