Zen's War: Captivity

At sundown they were all led to the courtyard of the tabernacle. It was a new moon, so it was relatively dark aside from the stars and torches. The new moon signified the beginning of a new month. This was the beginning of the first month of the new year. This was not the beginning of the year of the solar Gregorian calendar, but of the lunar Hebrew calendar. The Feast of Trumpets had begun, or as the Hebrews had called it Rosh Hashanah.

That’s all there was here, ceremonies and rituals. Although these rituals and ceremonies were strange to Sahara, they were oddly entertaining. She thought about running, but to where? How would they react if she made a sudden getaway? It seemed as though she was transfixed. She was in a way terrified, yet at the same time entranced. She could not make sense of her reaction. Last night she had made her mind up to escape, but now she had gone back on her decision. Maybe, it was due to the fact that she now felt a part of something. It was like an exclusive club, and she had been chosen to be a member of it.

Here she was surrounded by people that she hardly knew, and never talked to. The only one she knew or ever spoke with was Bridget. The other ten wives of Joshua were there as well as the twelve disciples. She knew very little about them. After the war the twelve followers of Joshua had been inspired to follow him. They had found hope in his encouraging words. He had instilled in them the fortitude needed for them to survive. So many had lost the strength to carry on. They had endured so much during the war. Most of the suffering endured was the result of the disintegration of the government and its infrastructure. There had been mass suicides when people had lost entire families, as well as any purpose to live. He had given them a reason and a purpose to continue living. That was why Sahara felt mixed emotions about her situation. She now had a purpose, where she had lacked one before. On the other hand she still missed her true family immensely. She felt guilty that she was beginning to accept that she would be there forever.

She watched as yet another spectacle unfolded before her eyes. Of course as always Joshua was at the center of attention. All eyes were drawn to him. He stood in front of the tabernacle ready to deliver his sermon. She never knew what to expect. Usually it was something about the violators of the covenant and how they had turned their back on God. This of course was the reason that the nuclear holocaust had happened. He had been the savior of humanity, sent to save the world from total annihilation. This being a High Holy Day, Sahara expected quite a show. There would most likely be a lamb sacrificed first.

They watched as they had every morning and evening as a firstborn lamb without blemish was brought to be sacrificed. It was brought to the altar to be sacrificed by fire. Its throat was slit, and it was burned. Sahara had become so accustomed to these sacrifices that she was becoming numb to them. The flames leapt from the altar filling the night with a hellish glow. The stink of burning lambs flesh filled the air, as smoke rose skyward. As usual there was not fear in the eyes of his followers, but awe. The sacrifice being finished meant that it was time for a sermon.

Joshua stood before the altar. He wore the same white robe that Sahara noticed he was wearing that morning, with a golden chain with the symbol of the Star of David with a cross within it, around his neck. He then began to speak, “The Feast of Trumpets has begun. As I have said, this is the beginning of the Days of Awe. The entire purpose of the Days of Awe, leading to the Day of Atonement is the redemption of your sins. First we must discuss the nature of sin. We are all sinners in the eyes of the father. What is sin? This is a question that cannot be easily answered. Romans four fifteen: sin is any want of conformity unto or transgression of the law of God. Sin is an offense to God. To sin makes you the servant of the devil. There are seven mortal sins, pride, avarice, gluttony, lust, sloth, envy and anger. These sins, I nor the father will forgive. These sins are the snares of the devil. Whoever commits them is automatically condemned to eternity in hell.”

As Joshua spoke Sahara began to tremble. She didn’t know exactly why she was trembling; maybe it was because of her lack of food and water. Or, maybe she was afraid of Joshua’s words. She suddenly felt nauseated and lightheaded. She looked around at the rest of the flock, as she began to break out in a cold sweat. For some reason she couldn’t make out exactly what Joshua was saying. She heard something about sin and hell then felt as if she was going to pass out. She glanced at Bridget who stood next to her, but Bridget did not look back. Bridget instead continued to watch Joshua awestricken. Her stomach suddenly heaved and she threw up, but nothing came up. The next thing she knew was that she felt like she was spinning. The last thing she remembered was Joshua’s face red and glistening with perspiration as the sky spun above her head.