Apocrypha

Chapter 5

"Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you."
Deuteronomy 31:6

THE POSTERS ON THE WALLS called Gabriel's capture, which means he cannot return to DC now. The posters had been plastered on many surfaces of the town. With the military stationed at the front of towns, and posters, and even talks from Congress, Gabriel knew he was in imminent danger.

"Crap!" Lysander muttered. He grabbed Gabriel and walked him to a small shed behind a house's backyard. "In!" He commanded.

The two entered the small cabin and closed the door. Gabriel took a seat on a derelict wooden chair that creaked when he shifted his legs.

"What now?" Gabriel asked. "The moment anyone sees me, they'll report me."

Lysander walked back and forth, trying to think of something. He looked at the layout of the town through his pocket map, thinking about what to do.

"Here's what we'll do. We'll need to avoid the main roads. Luckily, a few blocks from here, there is a tailor that owes me a favor. And it's on the edge of town. Maybe I can drop you there while I get some supplies elsewhere." Lysander explained.

There was a ping of guilt from Gabriel, knowing that this man was willing to put his life on the line just to protect him. If he didn't trust him before, he certainly trusts him now.

"Shall we go? It's still the morning, meaning many people are still asleep or just waking up." Gabriel said.

Before they left, Lysander reached into his backpack and pulled out a brown cap. He slapped it on Gabriel's head. "That'll hide your hair. It gives you away. But when we get far enough, remove it. I like looking at it."

Gabriel blushed and hoped the other man couldn't see it. He is so blunt with his words.

The men exited the shed and looked around. There were several houses whose backyards led into the woods. They trekked through the wooded areas and avoided getting too close to the tree line.

Thirty minutes of walking later, and they approached what Gabriel could think of a shopping area. The small street was lined with brick shops and a few cars drove down the streets. A few patrons walked through carrying boxes or wagons that were full of produce.

"Come. We're almost there." Lysander said. He pointed to a shop with the words 'Silvius Fabrics' in big lettering.

When the roads were slightly empty, they ran to the front door and quickly entered. This sudden action caused a man inside the store to jump out from behind a mannequin and brandish his large metal scissors.

"Thieves!" The tailor said. Lysander tilted his head to the side.

"Silvius, it's me, you knucklehead. Have you been drinking again for breakfast?" Lysander asked. Silvius set his weapons down and walked to Lysander, giving him a hug.

"Ah, Lysander. Been a minute." Silvius said. The two greeted one another before the tailor turned his attention to the other visitor. "No way... Is that Gabriel himself?" The man asked, flabbergasted.

He walked up to Gabriel and got a good look at him. Silvius turned and scanned the blonde man's body.

"He's taller than the pictures." Silvius said. Gabriel stood unsure of what to do. "You know, when you were eight, I actually met you."

"Really?" Gabriel asked.

"Yes. A few years ago, when you came to Nashville for the Easter Palooza. I shook your hand and you smiled at me." Silvius explained.