Apocrypha ✔️

Chapter 37

"So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal."
2 Corinthians 4:18

THE KENTUCKY-TENNESSEE BORDER was only a few paces ahead. They had successfully walked around Louisville and were just set to cross into a new state.

While the rest were tired, hungry, and on the verge of collapsing, one person had severe symptoms.

Horatio had become ill. Virgilia declared it wasn't a bug he had picked up, nor was it something that could be spread.

Still, he clutched his stomach and gagged, especially when he had to talk to someone. Horatio knew exactly why he was sick.

It was God's way of punishing him for his betrayal. That is exactly why Horatio was sick. It was what he owed.

"Wait!" Timon stopped everyone.

He listened around. Gabriel also heard the ground rumbling.

"To the bushes!" Gabriel shouted.

They all ran into the tree line quickly, ducking under the foliage that covered their bodies entirely. Gabriel looked at the road and saw a few military trucks driving by quickly.

"Crap!" Lysander said. "D'ya think they found out where we're heading?"

"Not possible." Kari replied.

"True," Timon said, having looked at the map again. "It might just be standard protocol. Setting up stations around the surrounding states to see if Gabriel is escaping."

"Well, turn up the radio." Cassio said.

Once the cars were far enough, they all retreated into the woods and listened to what was being said.

"Commander Gad Newman announced that the National Guard has been dispatched to Kentucky, Tennessee, Mississippi, Alabama, Arkansas, and both Carolinas as the search for Gabriel Barrington continues.

"After a thorough investigation, it was concluded that no casualties were found at the home, where the former Presidential candidate was said to be living."

There was a slight pause.

"We have now just received confirmation about one of the people that was residing in the home alongside Gabriel Barrington. Former US Army Reserve officer Alcibiades of Chicago has been amongst those living in the residency."

Alcibiades took a step back, his eyes going into shock.

"Damn," Cassio said. "How'd they get him?"

"My guess is something was left behind." Timon muttered.

"I scratched the tree to erase our names. It couldn't have been that." Kari said.

"Regardless," Gabriel said. "They know Alcibiades' name. Let's hope they don't get anything else."

The radio continued. "Alcibiades was court-martialed for treason after several incidents. While the complaints have not been disclosed, former officers stationed alongside him have said that Alcibiades was a reserved type."

Timon lowered the volume. Everyone saw Alcibiades had gone to a nearby tree, looking to the ground while his forehead was pressed on the stump.

He was silent, like always. But this time, his silence was frightening. It was for something not in his control.

Gabriel was quick to get up and walk to him.

"Here," He offered him a few gumdrops from his pocket. "Something sweet will help."