The Gospel of Ariel: Volume II

XXXVI

After another day in the house of Theophilus, my brother left in secret and went to his disciples. My brother Yaakov, Samara, and I found him in Gethsemane, having watched him with his disciples, having heard he was to be betrayed. Judas had left, so I knew him to be the traitor. The rest were keeping watch with him, but had all fallen asleep. He was on his knees alone, depressed and deep in prayer,

"If it is possible," he pleaded, "take this cup from me."

When he saw Judas returning with the authorities, he resigned himself, saying,

"Not my will, but Thine, O Lord, Be done. Baruch haba HaShem Adonai"

And I said to him,

"Blessed is he who is here."

I looked at him and loved him. Taking him to myself, I sang softly to him that I might soothe and strengthen him. My song was this:

Come, Abba, come, in Him abide

that you would never leave His side

Guiding Him now, your Will to do

That he remain faithful and true

Your Holy Will to thus be done,

That you may be forever one

 My song finished, my brothers and I bade samara return home, saying that we would soon follow.  Though she protested, she took her husband in her arms and went, knowing both he and my father At some length, Judas returned with the chief priests. When they saw the guards approaching, my brother's disciples scattered; Peter alone remained, hiding the garden. Judas greeted my brother with a kiss, for he had told the guards that would be a sign to them. And my brother questioned him,

"Are you betraying the Son of Man with a kiss? Be quick then, and do what you must."

As they moved to seize Him, my brother and I stood between them, my brother between me and the High Priest, so as to protect me. Incensed as the Lioness protecting her cubs, I welded my brother's fishing knife, severing the guard's hand as he thrust it on my brother's shoulder. Unfazed, my brother said to me,

"Be still, Lioness."

Without a word, he healed the guard's severed hand, and they led Him away. We ran back to Theophilus' house, calling out to him as we pounded on the door,

"My dear children, " he said as he admitted us," I sense you have returned to me in great distress. Phoebe! Girls! I'd sooner be ripped apart, devoured by Cereberus, then shitted oat the other end than see you in such agony. Tell me what has happened."

It's Yeshua..." we answered him, breathless, "He was betrayed by one of his own, the one called Judas. The high priest and his guard have seized him, taking him to his house, where he is to go before the sadherin."

Hearing us, Theophilus responded, as if too himself,

"I always was ill at ease in the presence of that man. Damn him! I did not tell him to leave my house, nor you, as it were. Shall all my care be for naught?"

Having spoken, he called to Hera.

"I am here, father," she answered. These were his words to his eldest daughter,

"Hera, my beloved, you and your mother and sisters will await my return. Do not speak of this, and do not worry, my love."

Then, he said to us with a kiss,

"As for you, children of my heart, go home, for surely by now your parents are missing you. Samara tells me your father is ill. Say nothing yet of what has happened. I will follow soon. I know what they would do, but, by Icarus, my dear ones, you must not act rashly, lest you endanger your beloved brother further, or yourselves, God forbid. Wait for us and take comfort, for you are in my house, my hands, and, as always, my heart. All will be well, as Artemis promised me. Take heart now, tender souls. I love you. "Have faith my children, in God, my lady, and in me. I will not fail you."