They both slept on the sofa that night. At least they had each other.
Chapter 10
"Countless people will hate the New World Order and will die protesting against it."
H.G. Wells 1939
"You alright back there?" Nicole asked, turning in her saddle to watch as Nathan and his horse emerge from the bush and finally back onto the narrow pathway. They had left early that Saturday morning, just after 5.30 am as the sun began its steady climb over the mountain range. Nathan felt that something bad was about to happen and he had to warn the others. Nicole however thought he was being paranoid, but she said nothing. Her only concern was that she would never see him again.
The ride toward the Kibbutz had been at a brisk pace with them breaking into a gallop every now and then. But it was mostly following pathways up and down ravines and wading through streams with the horses who loved the coolness from the heat.
“I love it out here." she said. “Don’t you?”
Nathan had to agree as something pure came over his spirit. They had rested a few times during the day, but only for a few minutes at a time, as the horses soon became restless.
Nathan recognized the surroundings as they got closer to the Kibbutz, and he knew for safety reasons, that they needed to part company now.
"Let's stop here," he said.
"I don't want to get any closer just yet; anyway I can walk from here."
Nathan had made a full recovery in just over a week, and Nicole could see clearly that he had regained his strength. Yet something had changed between them, especially after their talk. However, they both knew it was best to just remain friends.
Nathan pulled his horse beside Nicole's as they strode together into an opening, away from the narrow pathway that ran along the river bed. The last rays of sunlight were just over two hours away and it was time Nicole began the long journey home. When they finally stopped, Nicole was the first to dismount. She tied her horse to a branch and watched Nathan dismount and then do the same.
Now was the time, she thought. I just hope I am not being too forward.
Nicole had prepared a package for him as a parting gift. Little did he know she had written him a letter.
"Here, you may need this," she said.
Nathan looked at the package, wrapped up tightly.
"What's this?" he asked.
"It's just a few little things you may need, and something to remember me by."
Nathan had nothing for her, but perhaps that was good. No trace would ever lead them back to her if he was captured, so he would have to go through the parcel and remove all her personal things. But for now he would keep it to himself. He could clearly see that she had fallen in love with him, and it was best to be as distant as he could to her, for now.
The fact of being captured weighed heavily on his soul, yet she had no grasp of it at all.
"Friendship like this lasts forever, you know that," he said.
She knew what he meant; but when he said 'friendship', what did he really mean?
Nicole just wanted to know where she stood as they had started to drift a little over the last few hours. Perhaps it was best that way, as they just stood looking at each other under the trees with the horses grazing in the background, waiting for someone to take the initiative.
"I will call you as soon as I know what’s happening, I promise," he said.
With that he reached forward and took Nicole firmly in his arms, not wanting to let go. She held on, feeling the same and suppressing a tear as best she could. His kiss was tender on her lips, it lingered and reassured her all was not lost. Nicole held him tighter as she felt him withdrawing.
He then turned from her without saying goodbye and walked into the bush and towards the trees. She watched him as she felt the tear run down her face. Emptiness was the worst feeling in the world, and now she felt it again.
He didn't even say good-bye, but she understood why.
Nicole had to cover a lot of ground so she quickly prepared the horses, with Nathans in tow she made her way back to the track that led all the way to the farm. She would have to pick up her pace if she was going to make it before sunset. Before long, they had both disappeared in different directions, and perhaps towards different fates.
Nathan began praying as he made his way to the compound. Stopping every now and then to listen, preparing himself for any unexpected guests. He knew confrontation with the elders would be the same as it had always been. This time though, the stakes were much higher.
Within half an hour Nathan found himself at the far end of the Kibbutz. Waiting, he scanned the area, still remembering the best points of entry, trying to see if anything was out of place and searching for any signs of police or something strange.
It all seemed normal. The bell for suppertime would ring like clockwork at 6.30 pm. If that happened, then all was right.
Nothing much had changed since Nathan left Mt. Carmen almost three months ago; it still looked the same as the day he left for the Ararat Kibbutz. They never asked him to, but he knew they wanted him out. Still, he remembered everything and began following the fence to where the kink was. He slipped under the wire and crept closer, still keeping an eye out for anything suspicious. It all seemed normal, and then he spotted her: Samantha Roberts.
Memories came back and the knot in his stomach grew. She was the reason he had to leave.
Just then the bell rang and people from all over the compound made their way to the eating hall. He watched them for any signs; it seemed everything was normal, as if he had never left. He took Nicole's parcel out of his bag and dug a hole next to the fence and buried it.
I'll get it later, he thought to himself.
Now full of confidence, he stood up and gradually made his way across the ploughed field along the orange grove and towards the largest building. Within a few minutes he had reached it and casually strolled into the mess hall. The chatter continued until they recognized him. Nathan had lost some weight and had not shaven in almost two weeks. But his eyes were unmistakable.
Samantha was the first to her feet, scrutinizing him just to make sure. Nathan too spotted her as he made his way to the main table but another found him first.
"Oh, my God Nathan! You're alive, you're alive!" she exclaimed.
Chantel threw her arms around him and burst out crying. Until that moment she was not sure about anything at all since her capture and release.
The dining hall sat in silence. Everyone stopped eating as they watched Chantel and Nathan hug each other, while Samantha looked on. News spread like wildfire: Nathan was back and he was alive.
So, the stories Chantel told were true after all, Samantha thought.
"Calm down everyone, just calm down."
Paul Roberts was also in shock, but somehow his suspicions were confirmed.
"Nathan, welcome back my son, we were so worried about you," Paul said as he left the main table to embrace him.
"Chantel told us everything, you are so lucky to be alive."
It was good to be among friends again, he thought. Nathan was showered with hugs and kisses, even by those he had never met before.
"Nathan, oh Nathan," Samantha said, as she finally embraced him.
"I prayed for you when I heard the news and God, once again, has answered my prayers and kept you safe."
Her long black hair was her crown of beauty; she wore it proudly for all to see. She kissed him on the cheek.
"Come, sit next to me," she said, taking his hand and leading him to the head table.
Once her father had blessed the food and thanked God for Nathan's safe return, they began eating.
Samantha had her doubts on a great many things, but she was sure that Nathan still loved her. Yet, something new was in his eyes. She would enjoy this moment, as life at the Kibbutz had become a little boring lately. Nothing exciting happened anymore, except the fanciful stories of a seventeen year old. Anyway, everyone knew Chantel had an over-developed imagination.
She was sure Nathan would reassure them.
When supper was over, Paul Roberts leant over to Nathan.
"I think we need to talk in private. I have heard so many rumors and I don’t want to start a panic." Samantha agreed with this approach, as she always did with her father. That was where the problem with the Roberts' started in the first place.
"No, Paul, what I have to say is important, and everyone needs to hear it."
From the look on Paul's face he did not agree.
"It concerns everyone," Nathan said.
This did not sit well with Samantha or her father.
Nathan had moved to South Africa almost two years ago to help 'Christ 4 Life' with the Kibbutz Projects. These eco-farms were owned and run by the organization, who believed that certain prophecies had been fulfilled, and that the time of the Tribulation was virtually upon them. They setup self-sustaining farms for their community, which would be essential for their survival during the great distress period; a Noah's Ark of the future. So the members sold all they had, and moved onto the land to begin the arduous task of building and preparing.
Hydroponic-farming was Samantha's specialty and she would spend countless hours tending to her plants in the carefully managed green houses. Recycling was almost part of their spiritual mantra. Power was generated by solar panels and windmills, which charge battery banks housed underground. All appliances had been rewired for twenty-four volts, a project that took months to complete.
Samantha was her father's daughter; always putting his will first. Nathan became sick and tired of always coming second. Paul made it clear on many occasions that he thought no one was good enough for his little princess. Nathan and Samantha had a stormy relationship, which became everyone's conversation from time to time. Yet it ended between them four months ago when she declined his marriage proposal. Nathan felt rejected and needed the break, so he relocated and he spent his time helping out at Mt. Ararat.
Paul Roberts held the power at Mt. Carmen, and nothing grated him more than letting this loose cannon speak. However, today he would have to, as the congregation was now waiting in anticipation. When everyone was silent, Nathan stood and looked around the room. So many he did not recognize, new volunteers and new faces.
"For those who do not know me, I am Nathan Cohen and I come from Seattle," he said as he scanned the room.
"I am also a Messianic Jew, and for those who do not know what that is, it's simply a Jew who believes in Christ. Anyway, that is not the reason why I need to speak to you all."
Many began shifting in their chairs.
"Almost two weeks ago, while I was at our Ararat Kibbutz fixing a water filter system, I saw two military helicopters approach the farm from the North East. They looked out of place and I knew something was wrong, but they moved so fast and then suddenly landed. When the troops disembarked I knew we were in trouble. Then they fired smoke grenades at the main housing complex; it was a purple gas, I will never forget that, as it turned out to be a nerve agent designed to immobilize all who inhaled it." Nathan took a pause.
The hall was silent.
"Very few stood any chance of escape and those who tried to, were shot! I saw this with my own eyes. But they spotted us on the water tower and opened fire from the helicopter. I instinctively jumped off into the closest tree and fell to the ground. The soldier in the helicopter fired at my two friends still stuck on the tower, killing them instantly. I barely escaped with my life, they did not. Within seconds I could taste the chemical compounds of the gas in my mouth, it was awful but luckily it was so diluted that I was able to escape and make for the bush. It pains me to say, but I do not know what happened to everyone after that, but I can just imagine."
The shock and awe from the crowd was obvious. Samantha whispered something to her father.
"I'm sure that's why we haven't heard from them at all."
Nathan did not like being disturbed while he was talking. The look he gave to Samantha and her father sent the message.
"Anyway, this unfortunately brings a cold truth to our situation, for I feel that if we do not move from this place immediately, then we will suffer the same fate as the others. Actually, I was surprised to find any of you here at all."
Nathan looked at Samantha and Paul again and then at the people gathered around. Many looked on in despair.
"These times call for desperate measures, and I know living here we think we're safe, but we’re not. It's crucial that we stay one step ahead of the police and move out of here as quickly as possible, because if we stay we will all be detained," Nathan said.
"Okay, that is enough", Paul said, standing up.
"We will have a council meeting to discuss our options and only after taking everything into careful consideration, will we make any decisions."
"But time is running out, Paul. We must evacuate to a safe zone. Escaping into the bush is the only way we can lay low and wait until it is safe again," Nathan said.
Others in the room were whispering to each other and asking questions. Some were simply nodding in approval of the idea.
Paul motioned for all to quiet down.
"You bring very disturbing news, Nathan, but we still need to think logically about this. All the Elders are to remain, the rest may go," he said.
Paul Roberts had spoken: the meeting was over and the members dispersed to their duties. Nathan was shocked, such a simple dismissal.
"You are making a big mistake, Paul, if you do not listen to us", he said, looking at Chantel.
"Tell him!" he said. She just shrugged her shoulders, and shook her head.
"That is enough Nathan; you know the Elders always make the decisions," Samantha said, looking at him as she always did when he got out of line.
"What you actually mean, is that your father always makes the decisions. Trust me, Samantha, if you remain here then you are a fool, I bet you the authorities already have us in their sights. They are probably scouting for us as we speak, so make a decision that will save your life. Those who want to survive, follow me, because mark my words, they're coming."
"Nathan, wait!" Samantha said as he stormed off.
She could see he was upset and ran after him. Outside she finally caught him by the arm.
"Nathan, please!"
"Your father is such a fool, Samantha, still completely out of touch with the facts," he said, turning to walk away.
"We cannot just pack up and leave Nathan!" she screamed at him.
"Look what we’ll be leaving behind Nathan, we built all of this, and we cannot just give it up like that."
"These are worldly things, Sam, that's all, it's just stuff."
Nathan left her standing alone as he made his way towards his old room, and prayed that some of his personal things were still there.
Tonight is the night they seal their fate, he thought.
Chantel arrived with others in tow; they wanted to speak to him, urgently. From the look on their faces they too were fed up with the Roberts' and always doing what they were told to do.
"Look guys, I do not have all the answers, but one thing I can say from firsthand experience is that when it happens, they will show no mercy. They will view you as a target and nothing more. Your life means nothing to them. Now, you can choose to live here in relative comfort believing that all will be fine, but the safest choice is to be on the move and to be at least two steps ahead of them."
Chantel couldn't agree more.
She may be an informer, but never the less she hated Steenkamp and was not going to make it easier for him. Her cover story was similar to Nathan's story; that she ran away and hid in the fynbos and then crawled free under the cover of darkness.
"If I was them, I would have raided this place long ago. To tell you the truth I was surprised they did not. Tonight could very well be the night," he said.
"But Nathan, what can we do and where will we go?" Emma asked.
"Yes," Chantel echoed her question.
"We're no match fo
r the police; they've weapons!" Zane said.
Nathan remembered him well, always eager for challenges and always keen to help.
"Remember, not all weapons you hold in your hand. Knowledge is also a weapon and it gives us a far greater advantage," Nathan replied.
Some, especially the younger ones, were in two minds about leaving, as life was good at the Kibbutz.
The thought of roughing it in the wilderness, always on the move, was not a pleasant one to entertain.
"What about food and shelter?" Taryn asked.
Others signaled their interest in the question, she always spoke her mind.
"All I can say is it will be tough; some days we will go hungry, some nights we will be cold. But we will survive as best we can. Remember, our Kingdom is not of this world, we are only here for His glory!" They seemed to agree on his last statement more than ever.
"We need to understand that if we stay here we lose everything. So, what is the price you are willing to pay for your freedom? Because I believe this place is already lost, it’s just a matter of time" he said.
That night the elders debated without him and Chantel. They had already made up their minds. But the rumors of Nathan's secret meeting did not sit well with the Roberts' and the other leaders.
"He's just far too damn radical," Paul said, still visibly disturbed.
"If they want to follow him, then they should, and preferably far away from here, we cannot have any divisions among us anymore."
It was the best decision for all at the Kibbutz.
Paul and the counsel had already voted to excommunicate Nathan after his outburst, especially after calling Paul Roberts a fool.
"I have an idea."
They listened to Samantha as she always had a more subtle approach in hostile situations.
"If they want to follow him then we should assist them, give them food and provisions, and help them as much as we can."
The elders looked at her, thinking.
"Because I believe they will be back within the month with their tails between their legs, and probably without Nathan." Paul was not convinced, but he seemed to agree on her diplomatic approach.
Dawn of Defiance Page 10