Where All My Hope Is

My Run From Nineveh

Leah's words echoed around in my brain, even as we made our way back into camp. Everyone else was asleep, except for the guards on duty. Leah and I slipped into the cave and went our separate ways. I found my spot next to Ezra, and stopped. The dark feeling came back, and I fell to my knees. It was more intense than any of my other encounters. It twisted upwards towards my chest like a strangling vine. I gasped and prayed, "Adonai, what is this feeling for? Why is it so intense? Please take it away!" Suddenly the pain was gone, and I was free again. I fell on my face and earnestly prayed. Then I stopped, and waited for an answer. I could see the number three throughout my thought patterns. I tried to push it aside but it came charging back. "Three? That isn't an answer." I thought to myself. I gazed upwards at the ceiling of the cave and tried to figure it out.

Ezra started stirring behind me and groggily asked, "Fae? What are you doing?"

I stared at him. "I'm trying to talk to Adonai. I know He's trying to talk to me, but I can't figure out what He's saying."

Ezra moved in beside me and put his arm around my shoulder, "Do you want to pray about it together?"

I gazed at him and smiled softly, "Yes." Together we bent our heads and both started talking to our Lord. I could feel Ezra's warm breath on my face as we both asked for guidance in these dark times. By the time we finished the number three was all that I could hear.

Ezra looked at me caringly and asked, "Did that help?"

I smiled at him and leaned closer, "It didn't answer all my questions, but," I glanced at him shyly, "thanks for praying with me anyways. I'm sorry for my attitude earlier."

"You're forgiven," he replied and I leaned my head on his shoulder. We stayed that way for a while, just enjoying each other's presence. Finally, we retreated to our beds to try and prepare for the next day's events.

***

The next morning I was met by confused voices and Ezra shaking me violently. When I opened my eyes all I could see was fear on his face. He grabbed my hand and dragged me to the mouth of the cave. I could barely walk. I was so sleepy. All of the Adrielan's guard had gathered in front of the cave. They were facing the south, intently staring at something. Ezra led me to the front of the path and I gasped. There was a legion of government soldiers blocking our path. My throat tightened when I realized that Kaya was standing with them.

The head lady, with a shining badge on her chest declared, "Our informant tells us that you are hiding three Zyanyan spies among your ranks. We have a court order from the Supreme to arrest them immediately." Ezra's hand tightened around mine as I tried to comprehend the lady's words. All I could see was Kaya's evil grin as the army advanced forward.

***

I couldn't move. Again, the dark feeling wrapped itself around my heart and squeezed every drop of warmth out of it like a fist does a sponge or rag. Raw fear clenched my spine and rattled it. I gazed up into Ezra's face. He wore a grim and determined expression as he stepped in front of me. "Get up! You have to get out of here." I didn't move. "Fae! You have to run! It's me they're after, not you!"

He raised his hand to push me towards the exit. I grabbed it, holding it in place. "Ezra," I said as a tear slid down my cheek. "I love you, and nothing can make me desert you! Adonai gave us each other, and I am not about to reject that gift. They can poke out my eyes and rip off my limbs but nothing will make me leave you!" This little speech left me breathless and crying.

I released Ezra's wrist and knelt down, my shoulders throbbing with sobs. Ezra sighed shakily and pulled me up. "Now is not the time for crying, Fae." Ezra leaned closer, and kissed me, he wrapped his arms around my shoulders. However, this precious moment was cut short when someone grabbed Ezra roughly from behind and tied his hands behind his back.

"Fae!" He yelled, tears streaming down his face. "Please, run!" Three guards surrounded him and dragged his thrashing form towards his brother and sister. Then, without warning, someone pushed me to the ground. Dirt flew into my mouth as someone's pointy heel dug and twisted into my spine.

"Well, sister? For some nasty reason, father has decided to give you a choice. You may go with your lover, and be with him until you both die, which won't be too much longer. Or, you can stay here to protect your own filthy hide." While balancing one foot on my spine, Kaya thrust her other into my face. Ezra winced. The strong taste of iron filled my mouth. I hesitated, thinking.

Just as I was about to give my answer, a quiet, yet powerful voice echoed inside me. My eyebrows scrunched together as I listened. A warm tear slid down my cheek, when I finally grasped what it was saying.

What?? I thought, I just promised Ezra I wouldn't desert him! And now you're telling me to abandon him!

Kaya was getting impatient. "I am ready to-," I gasped, as Kaya's heel probed further into my back. "Just spit it out!" she snapped.

"I made a promise and I intend to keep it." I turned towards Ezra with an apologetic look on my face, "I will not leave you." I whispered. Kaya gave an unsurprised scoff.