But before he departed the city, Stephanos sought refuge in the temple. He wept at the feet of the gods and prayed for the people of Nain and his safe passage to the steppe. He was joined by the temple priest who laid his hands upon him and comforted him. “I know you,” the priest said. “I’ve heard your message.”
“I was just released from the citadel,” he told the priest. “What have the people done to deserve this?”
The holy man took the preacher by the arms and embraced him. “I had you released,” the priest said. “Your message of peace towards the Shepherd rings true. But if the word of Jonny is correct, then we must do as the Shepherd says and prepare the people to leave the Nain”
Consternation came upon the preacher and he challenged the priest. “Jonny spoke no such words,” he said.
“I was there Stephanos,” the priest reassured him. “I knew and understood the heart of Jonny and was given the commission to spread his word.”
The preacher realized that he knew this man as the first ambassador of Jonny, the speaker of truth. “You’re Telas?” he asked.
“Aye. I am he. I loved Jonny as a brother. And as his humbled servant, he named me as the stone on which to build his temple.”
“But where must the people go?”
“Southwards. Past the Urbanas and the river of Siana. There a new kingdom will be created. God’s kingdom. And there is where the Temple will be established and the word of Jonny proclaimed. Emissaries have been sent to prepare the way.
“I don’t understand. Jonny said the Nain was the established kingdom.”
“Was the word revealed to you Stephanos?”
“Yes. When I was imprisoned in Cessea. A vision appeared to me in the night and the truth spoken. Others saw it and I was given my own commission.”
“Then I am afraid that you are mistaken. I saw the messenger with my own eyes. He spoke to me in his earthy form. His own flesh and blood body.”
“Telas, I’m sorry. But it is you who is mistaken. It is the heavenly form which is greater than the flesh and blood. That is the word which must be made manifest. Peace can be restored with the Shepherd and the land can remain with its rightful heirs.”
The great priest’s eyes grew heavy and he did not wish to continue the bickering. He waved the preacher off but not before extending him a courtesy. “You must return to the steppe,” Telas ordered. “You can stay in the temple for the night. But you must leave by morning.”
TO BE CONTINUED…
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