Apocrypha ✔️

Chapter 38

"He who speaks the truth gives honest evidence; but a false witness deceits."
Proverbs 12:17

BLAZING SUN AND COOLING NIGHTS were not ideal to walk in. A long journey that could reap little reward.

They didn't know exactly where they were. But they knew they were moving north by the sun's rotation.

"We're almost there." The leader said, having spoken little words throughout the entire way. One thing the group realized was they were not being held as prisoners. They could move about, which alleviated some of their stress about being led to their deaths.

Up ahead, the Walls of Jericho were clear to see by how they loomed above the surrounding. However, something different about this ghetto was a small town right on the outside of the walls.

"Fascinating." Lysander said. "How come the town is so close to this ghetto?"

The leader spoke. "Low regulation. Simply it. So long as we don't interfere with the government, we can set up here."

"And... Do you interact with the people inside?" Gabriel asked.

"No more questions." The leader said.

They had a few more moments to decide if they wanted to leave as they approached the guarded entrance.

A bit of optimism washed over Virgilia and Lucrece when they saw children in the compound running about. Mamillius let out a smile, excited to play with other kids his age.

"Keep your heads down, everyone." The leader announced. "I expect your arrival will make for a spectacle."

Gabriel quickly looked down, walking forward as they passed into the fortified compound.

Inside, the town had built most of their homes from anything they found. A muddy ground and the sounds of horses nearby were what Gabriel noticed first.

He wanted to believe that their lack of roads meant they were uncivilized. But, if what he's learned, he pushed all those thoughts aside, preferring to divorce himself from what he had been told before.

"Back already, Vincentio!"

The leader went up to that man and shook his hand. "Long journey. Brought some guests."

The attention the group, especially Gabriel, was getting from everyone was clear. The children had stopped playing, the mothers stopped washing their clothes, and for a bit, Gabriel could've sworn the horses were looking at him.

"Blessed Barrington! It's Gabrie." A voice said through the crowd.

Lysander stepped near Gabriel for comfort.

"Uh, Escalus, go tell the Chief that we have some... special guests." Vincentio told his assistant.

"Right." Escalus replied, running off into the distance.

Vincentio approached the group. "Y'all folks need something to eat? We've got hot food and warm blankets."

"Is this a good idea?" Gabriel asked.

"You're already here. No use leaving when your purty face has already been seen." Vincentio replied.

"Come, Mamillius," Lucrece said, grabbing her son's hand. He had tried waving to some of the kids, but they didn't reply.

They were not oblivious to who Gabriel Barrington was. Having grown on American soil, the name Gabriel Barrington carried royalty, notoriety, animosity, and jealousy. His face was the very existence of those in power.