The Pillar Of Nebuwah

Crossing The Jem River

Christopher was the first to reach to where I stood. He panted and puffed as he explained that my equipments and property were divided amongst Jason , John and him, while Dan decided to carry Silvia's.

Somehow,  Dan's enthusiasm in helping Silvia pricked me within. Yet again I  recalled of those days when he and I were inseparable , joined to the hip ! But I bet Tzedakah (my sword) that any outsider gazing at our lives now would be very astonished by our history.

Still brooding over Dan's enthusiasm and devotion to Silvia,  I picked up my bag and Tzedakah (A/N pronounced as Ze-dah-kha) and followed Christopher , running at a great pace.

It was only when we arrived on the banks of the river did we realise that we had no means to cross the river. Knowing very well, of the river's depth and width , I refused to let Christopher walk to the other end with a rope tied on his waist.

There have been several stories,  folklore and myths of the Jem river's anger and might. This river had been a cause for joy and sorrow for the people who dwell near it's banks.

As a young girl from an ordinary village,  these stories frightened me to a great extent and I often in the monsoons prayed for the well being of those who lived on its banks. It frightened me to think of loosing a home and a loved one.

Jason who wasn't very far from us noticed an old barren tree and signaled with his eyes to use it as a bridge. Christopher got on with it right away while I looked back to make sure everyone was atleast meter away from the Nerezza.

John was pretty close to us and was followed by Jenifer and Silvia who was holding onto Dan. I lifted Tzedakah and swung it on the tree , which Christopher had already cut down to a certain extent.

With a final blow the tree fell , making a bridge over the river.

"Dan, I'm scared." Silvia said , her voice trembling a bit , out of fear. She clung to Dan like a predator to its prey and I scoffed at  her child - like actions.

"I'm here." He replied simply but his words meant much more that what was spoken. As he spoke a little bit of my heart crushed under his words. My eyes evaded his and fixed on the bridge.

"We need to move ." I said , taking my belongings from Jason. He nodded at me and looked at the others with in urgency .

"Silvia, you go first." Jenifer said making way for her.

"What if this trunk breaks ?" asked Silvia , worried of her fate.

"It won't. I'll go first." Dan said , as he took the first step on the trunk of the tree. He slowly made his way to the other end of the river. But it was only when he landed safely on the other side did I realise that I was holding my breath.

"Silvia." Dan called as soon as he reached the other side or I think I could say the borders of Ethica.

Silvia followed Dan's footsteps and she too arrived on the borders of Ethica. She was followed by John and Christopher, Jenifer and Jason followed suite.

Finally , I was the last to cross the river. But as soon as I reached right in the middle of the river, a loud screech turned my gaze towards the Nerezzas behind me. They were very close and I had to hurry but the high speed current of the river made the crossing very difficult.

While I was right in the middle of the river slowly making my way , the trunk of the tree bent down a little due to an extra weight on it which , I turned to see was a tall Nerezza standing not far from me , slowly walking towards me with its claws raised.

I knew that even if I did cross the river , we won't escape the Nerezza. I looked up to Jason , who at this point was the Dan I had lost. He nodded slightly and I took it as a signal.

My hand fell on Tzedakah which hung loosely on my waist. In a fraction of a second,  I pulled it out and swung it on the tree trunk. As soon as the sword hit the trunk , it vibrated shaking not only the Nerezza and me but also those on either banks of the river.

"Esther ! What do you think you're doing ?" John asked in raised voice. He looked frightened and shocked.

"Do you trust me ?" I asked , swinging the sword once more , vibrating the trunk.

"This is not the time to ....." John began

"I ask you , do you trust me ?" I asked , forcing myself to stop swinging my sword.

"I do but ...." He said , but also trying to reason with my frightening actions.

"Well then, I presume you would have faith in me as well." said I , swinging the sword for the last time.

With a crack , the trunk broke and I leapt to the shore. The Nerezza on the trunk fell into the river with a revengeful scream , it's hands flapping all around for help but his comrades failed to come to his aid.

I clutched onto my knees gasping for breath. I looked about for the Tzedakah and found it lying not far off and heaved a sigh of relief. My feet gave away and I sat down on the ground , stretching my legs.

"Esther, never ever do that again !" said John , the first one to come to my aid ," Do you hear me ?"

I nodded in reply for my lungs were burning and my hands ached because of the extreme force with which I swung my sword.

"Are you alright ?"

"What do you think you were doing ?"

These questions were fired at me in the speed of a fast glowing water current. I either nodded or grunted in response.

Then finally , a sensible person out of the group offered me a glass of water which I gladly accepted and quenched my thirst. The cool liquid had a calming effect on my burning dry throat.

"You sure were thirsty." Jason said with chuckle.

"What so you expect ? I was out of practice !" I replied in an amused tone.

"Well you better buck up and get back to practice because we are in Ethica now and the enemy will not cease to try and bring us down."