by Krishna Rose
“Dwell not upon the harrowing events of the past,” I encouraged him, smoothing his furrowed brow.
As a parting gift, the men constructed sandals to especially accommodate Jesu’s swollen bandaged feet, so that he could walk upon the ground when necessary, without spoiling his linens.
Mary-Salome and my brother Lazarus, had their first marriage celebration, much to everyone’s joy. Babies would no doubt ensue. Therefore, it was decided upon, that our sister Martha would remain in Redhae with Mary-Jacobi and the newly wedded couple.
Sarah-Tamar’s betrothal was sealed, yet Jesu insisted she complete her education before marriage. Reluctant, furious that we were taking her from the object of her new-found devotion, she sulked and snapped at every opportunity.
Uncle Joseph organized our travel plans. Caractacus returned to his Kingdom in Brittania.
In a vision, I beheld the vast silence of night and saw the High-Priest call the angels forth to heal Mary-Salome, who stood before him dressed in red—a symbol of her Marian status.
“My soul weeps for this woman. She suffers from the vengeful spirit of guilt, which plagues her night and day giving her no peace. Angels of the Lord, please come forth and heal her with your forgiveness,” he prayed.
Thirteen angels appeared from above. Coming before Mary-Salome with absolution and atonement upon their tongues. They bowed, ready to offer healing.
“This woman’s heart is pierced with anguish, and her eyes weep from a very great sorrow,” the High-Priest explained, pointing in her direction. “Forever she will be known as the notorious woman who enticed a King with her wickedness, to cut a great vine down in his prime—a vine from which people drank and were satisfied.
“She sees John the Baptist’s name spelled in the stars and his eyes follow her in all that she does. Day and night she feels the warmth of his breath behind her, whispering her name. The darkness engulfs her. She is regretful of having cut down such a vine as he. In the stillness, we pray to receive judgement here and now for her sin, and beg to see her immediately restored,” he petitioned.
The angels nodded in agreement. “May the burden of shame forever be lifted from you,” they exclaimed.
Mary-Salome thereupon fell to the ground, screaming and writhing pitifully in a great ague. In fits of sobbing, she crawled on all fours, grasping at the earth with her nails until they broke. Repentant, her deafening cries were so shrill, that we covered our ears. So great was her self-condemnation, that she repeatedly wailed and reproached herself until she had no scream left within her.
Inching forward, she groveled before the grave where the Baptist’s head lay buried. A silence fell upon us like a blanket as a soft light radiated from within the earth’s core.
“I pray thee John, forgive me and free me from my shame,” Mary-Salome pleaded, pitiful in her wretchedness. “I cut you down in your prime and for that I deserve recrimination for my crime. Yet I plead to your goodness, that by your understanding, and by my repentance, you might free me, for my remorse weighs heavy on my soul,” she cried sincerely.
Mary-Salome was angry with herself. She beat the ground incessantly until her hands bled. Then, the ground became full of light and John appeared there before us, bringing with him a vision of Mary-Salome’s future.
Through seven layers of Hell and seven layers of Heaven, Mary-Salome would travel with John at her side to realize the melancholy desperation of humankind. And thus, like a soldier who had survived a great war, wounded and changed by what she would see, Mary-Salome was to become a spiritually awakened woman, devoting her life unto the needs of others.
Born as a noblewoman in a distant land and time, she was to marry a powerful King, who out of lust to be with her, would set aside his most chaste and holy wife. The King, would be the reborn soul of Herod Antipas, who, out of a long-held desire for her, once again would move the world to have her as he had done once in Judea.
A new religion would be spawned from their union, for she was free of the trappings of religious dogma. She would teach the King that if he separated from papal Rome, which lavished itself upon riches and power—to claim for himself the title of God’s anointed leader on earth, as King and majesty above all others—they could be legally wed.
She promised male heirs would be born of their union. So, out of love for her, the King would overturn his country and a new wave of religious peace would come upon the lands to last a hundred years. However, after a short time of marriage, he would accuse her unjustly of immodesty, and swiftly remove her head from her shoulders. It would be payment for the head of the Baptist. It was to become one of the most talked-about stories of all time—other than ours.
Now that she had seen her future, Mary-Salome was at peace, for her debt would, eye for an eye be repaid.
However, Herod Antipas in that life as King, would find himself in a predicament which he could not control. Though he would be the power of the world’s most powerful nation—he would be unable to bear lasting sons. This would come to be the karmic debt for having killed so many people’s sons. He would go on to bear only two living daughters. However, as fate would have it, his daughter would become the greatest Queen the world ever knew and loved. Elizabeth.
I never discussed with Mary-Salome what had transpired that night. She was returned to us free of her burdens and she spent the rest of her days repentant, yet no longer haunted with self-hatred. Lazarus was her best friend and as her husband he would give her the kindness and patience she needed in order to endure.
CHAPTER 23
SOBERNESS
Life is found within blood. But eat or drink of blood and life is taken from you, for you drink death—just as soberness is taken from one who is drunk.
THE SEARCH FOR THE LOST TRIBES
It was to be a twelve-moon journey travelling four-thousand-miles upon the Silk Road, which travelers nicknamed the Gypsy Trail. It was a hustle-and-bustle caravan route for trade between the Roman Empire, the realm of Bharata, and the Han Empire. The roads were famed as a thoroughfare between East and West—for fine cloth, precious metals, jewels, exotic plants, animals, spices, and healing herbs. With this also came new ways of thinking.
Carrying woven baskets and wearing the cloth of poor mendicants, we mixed freely without being recognized. Abounding proclamations concerning the miracles of the resurrected King were retold in stories—some true, some elaborated upon, as it is with gossip. Both the Romans and Jews searched high and low for news of Jesu in order to gain reputation and fortunes, for his head or knowledge of his whereabouts was worth more than its weight in gold to any who could deliver the ambiguous teacher dead or alive.
Therefore, if anyone asked, we were nothing but travelers on route to the realm of Bharata.
Long caravans of tradesmen, Roma gypsies, and animals travelled upon the Trail at a snail’s pace over some of the most inhospitable territory on the face of the earth. The soaring heat made it impossible to travel in the daytime, thus, the caravans moved at night and camped during the day. The merchants spoke of legendary desert demons and furious sandstorms which left both man and beast at great risk of harm.
With eyes and mouths covered, we followed on the heels of hundreds of caravans in the darkness of night. This was a means of protection against bandits who sought easy pickings from the precious goods being transported. We carried with us only our bare essentials, travelling simply, yet comfortably enough, not wishing to draw any unwarranted attention to our cargo.
Whilst mingling with the other travelers in our convoy, the Roma gypsies became a regular source of friendship, entertainment, and safety for our group. Infused with ancient traditions, ceremony, and an extensive knowledge of herbs and mysticism, the gypsies adhered to the old ways. They conveyed spir
ituality and romance within stories and in energetic music, which twisted in the air, shielding against the spirits said to ride the desert winds.
Our familial friendship with them provided us with welcome refuge and we all felt blessed by their unguarded ways. The women took to us, dressing us in their bohemian fineries, adorning us with tribal accessories and black eye-kajal which they said cooled and protected—as well as beautified the eyes. This also afforded us extra camouflage.
The gypsies seemed instinctively to know that we were on the run, yet they never mentioned it. Jesu smiled at me, often with a glint in his eye, which pleased my heart greatly. It showed his approval of my new look, but more so, it gave me hope.
Despite the inconvenience of travel, we wished to ensure the children a good education. Therefore, The Mary hired a tutor to teach language, music, mathematics, astronomy, and scripture, including the learning of the Mishnah, the Torah, the Talmud, and the Veda.
Two strong guards, Saturnius and Matrial, famed for their fighting ability, both of whom had a keen sense of danger, were employed by my uncle to keep us safe. They stayed close to us wherever we went, in case of any trouble. My uncle and Maximus trusted them implicitly.
Leaving my siblings behind, especially my sister, had been extremely difficult for me, as I had never been separated from them. Martha had been like a mother to me, yet not wishing to travel so great a distance, it was her wish to remain in Gallia with Lazarus and Mary-Salome. I too had no desire to undertake so long a journey, since it seemed like only yesterday that we had settled in Gallia after so many twists and turns. However, first and foremost, it was my duty to support Jesu in his mission, particularly since he still struggled to manage without me. I was compelled to be by his side and glad of it.
Jesu mostly kept to himself, resting and reading in the caravan, occasionally sitting up front with Matrial, his driver. He found it difficult to walk, so we encouraged him wherever possible to stay off his feet and allow his wounds to heal.
Traders, pilgrims, soldiers, musicians, actors, and nomads, were all on the Trail, connecting centers of government, culture, and power, stretching from the Far East to the West. We saw great potential for our message to advance this way, as new ways of thinking were spreading far and wide because of the wonders the route offered—and the eclectic pilgrims who travelled upon it.
Image 1: Home of The Mary, Ephesus - Turkey
After weeks of travel, we arrived at the ancient City of Ephesus on the coast of Ionia. Heavily Roman influenced, its residents were regarded as servants of the Goddess. It was a clean, well-organized city with many aqueducts providing fresh water to the city’s inhabitants.
At the city center stood a temple to goddess Artemis, who was believed to be the daughter of Zeus and twin sister of Apollo. The temple had one-hundred grandiose stone pillars and within it stood an imposing deity of a many-breasted goddess worshipped by Greeks and Romans alike. She was said to be the sustainer of life, the mother of the natural world, and the Lady of Ephesus.
The public baths were regular meeting places for the locals. In peaceful surroundings, men and women bathed separately inside the colossal Roman buildings which were akin to palaces. There to find rest, healing, and rejuvenation, we gravitated towards them gratefully. The Mary was tired of travel and it was her wish to go there with the women, to sweat in steam baths and soak in the warm mineral pools. We all agreed that we should remain in Ephesus a while, until she recovered.
Receiving vigorous scrubs and oil massages, we were much relieved, after years of living simply without much care for our bodies. It was a welcome respite. The Mary, sensing her health slowly returning, discussed with her children the idea of remaining in Ephesus. Together they agreed that she should stay, to take the waters and rest, while a group of us travelled forth with Jesu.
We found a quaint stone cottage near the harbor for her to live in, and Jesu was content, for he supposed that the travel through the Taklamakan Desert might be too challenging for her. The Mary sent a letter pleading for her closest confidante, Mary-Jacobi, to come and be with her. Until then, John and Jude, were to remain in Ephesus with their mother, along with Susanna and Joanna who were of the same mind—fearing the journey ahead.
I too was tired and craved my sister’s good company and cooking. I yearned for womanly comforts and a home where I could raise the children in a stable environment. But Jesu was the master of my heart and I could not bring myself to take leave of him.
Word soon spread of the new foreigners who had moved into the city. Jesu was no longer incognito. The risen Messiah had come to their lands to fulfil prophecy and the lost tribes came forth for healing and reconciliation. A story began circulating through the city that goddess Isis had returned and soon The Mary’s cottage was surrounded by worshippers and curious passersby who believed her to be the reincarnated Virgin Queen—and Jesu her divine resurrected son, Horus.
A letter came from the King of Nisibis petitioning Jesu to come to him, for he was gravely ill. The King was a man of deep faith and desired more than anything to be healed by the risen Messiah. He had business with my uncle, so plans were made for us to leave. What we didn’t know, was that the King had also sent a letter to Thomas who was preaching in a seaport town in the realm of Bharata, called Keralaputra. Thomas, also renowned for his healing gifts, received the King’s letter and immediately set out to heal him.
We made haste, travelling expeditiously to help the King in his hour of need, and when we arrived, Thomas astonished and surprised us. He had made an appearance there just a few days prior to us and the King was already recovered, having been healed by him already. We were abuzz with excitement that Thomas had come. We spent many days and nights as the King’s guests, celebrating our sweet reunion, as well as the monarch’s miraculous recovery. His majesty offered us safe passage to Andrapolis, and from there we were to return to Ephesus. Thomas resolved to come with us and we were much pleased to have his company again, for our brethren had scattered in the wind, making this an even more poignant reunion, especially for the two spiritual brothers.
Meanwhile in Ephesus, The Mary had been busy making marriage arrangements for Uncle Joseph. She had met the eldest daughter of a local merchant and decided that she was a perfect match for my uncle to take as a bride. It had been a long time since he was married and The Mary was not going to take no for an answer. My uncle, since his wife had passed away many moons before, had lived alone, dedicating his life to three things—first, the Lord; second, his thriving tin mines; and third, but certainly not least, his family.
Upon our return, arrangements were made for my uncle to meet the young woman, Anna, in hope of a bridal match. Despite my uncle’s never having considered another wife for himself, he surprised us all by agreeing to meet her. Anna was my age. She was humble, pretty, and very sweet natured. Her husband and child had been killed three years prior, by thieves on route to Rome, God rest their souls. Since her husband had no remaining family, as fate would have it, she had returned to her father in Ephesus. We were overjoyed, and though my uncle was surprised by this sudden turn of events, he married the young woman and we celebrated in love’s joyous union.
After some time, plans were made for us to continue on our journey. Thomas was reluctant to leave his Master, since Providence had brought the two brothers together again. He was determined to travel with us to the Himalayas, but Jesu had other plans. He made arrangements for Thomas to leave with a merchant, Abban, who had been commissioned by King Gundafor to find a good carpenter. Jesu had already signed a contract with Abban, parting with a sum of three pounds of unstamped silver, to ensure that his brother Thomas would be taken to meet the King, in order to baptize him and show him the way. Jesu said it was destined to be so. Thomas unwillingly agreed.
Jesu and Thomas had an unusual frien
dship, for there was a deep comradery between them. Thomas was privileged amongst men, as Jesu would often confide in him, which he, not by any means, did with any other, except Judas, God rest his soul.
After meeting King Gundafor, Thomas healed the King’s blind sister and the King. Awed by Thomas’s saintly qualities, he promised him all support in his preaching efforts. Thus, upon returning to Keralaputra, Thomas hence forth founded the first church in the realm of Bharata, and many came to our way. The King and Jesu corresponded regularly, and his citizens were blessed to have a leader such as he. Many took to our understanding of spirit and matter, such that his citizens were afforded an opportunity which otherwise might not have been available—Jesu had foreseen this extraordinary outcome.
People congregated outside The Mary’s house each day in hope of catching a glimpse of the ‘risen goddess’, to ask for her blessings. She considered the stories about her to be ridiculous—yet the secret of her being the lost wife of Prince Antipater was, in her eyes, even more dangerous. Therefore, she allowed the story to be told without correction. The alternative truth, potentially held far more perilous repercussions, or so she feared. The Mary took the attention graciously, and filled with compassion and humility she entreated her son to speak with them and heal their sick.
“Who do people say that I am?” Jesu asked them.
“Some say you are John the Baptist, and some say you are Elijah, while others believe you to be Jeremiah or one of the other prophets returned to us,” one man declared. “People say you are the risen god Osiris or his son Horus!” one of the merchant traders barked.
“Who said that? Whoever speaks such things, knows nothing of my nature and is living in darkness! People say all manner of things in my name,” he stormed, with a menacing tone to his voice.