by David Riley
“All ships get water in the hold,” he responded with a dismissive wave. “Why do you think we put the cargo up off the floor? This is nothing. However, this ship is old and will take on more water as the storm continues. We can handle a lot more but will need to be watching closely.”
Julius and Gaius sighed with relief. “I’m glad it is not as bad as people have been saying. We will give orders to the men to stop spreading unfounded rumors,” Gaius said.
Julius still looked concerned. “Captain, is there any way to slow down the accumulation of water? It still sounds like it is only going to get worse.”
Captain Sahaq and Rayiz looked at each other, and the captain gave a slight nod. Rayiz cleared his throat and spoke up. “The ship is riding lower through the waves because we have so many people as well as cargo on board. We were just discussing the fact that we will need to lighten the ship by throwing most of the cargo overboard. That will make the ship ride higher in the water and have less force battering the hull with each wave.”
“I thought this storm would not last long. Is dumping the cargo necessary?”
Captain Sahaq took a deep breath. “I have been sailing these seas for many years. I have never seen storm clouds like this over the ocean. Most storms are small enough for us to see the lighter cloud cover in the distance, or they pass within twenty-four hours. So far, this storm seems to be growing in intensity. The lightning has continued, and there are portions of the clouds that appear to be forming funnels. That can be catastrophic if they come our way. And, unless I miss my guess, we are in for some heavy hail as well. It will get worse before it gets better.”
Julius clenched his fists in his lap and drew a deep breath as he considered this. “How long do you expect before we get some relief?”
“I wish I could answer that. I am afraid this will last at least another five days the way this looks. The ship should be fine but it will not be a pleasant voyage. Once we dump the cargo, the ship will be lighter and subject to less impact from the waves, but it will also have more movement as it rides up and down each wave.”
“Do you know where we are heading?” Gaius asked, a note of desperation in his voice.
The sailors shook their heads. “We are being pushed along with the storm, and so far we can’t tell how large the storm coverage is. We have no visible stars to use for navigation, and even the sunlight is filtered so much by the clouds it is difficult to tell what direction it is coming from. All we can do is wait. Pray to whatever gods you honor that it will pass soon.”
Julius and Gaius left to gather their officers and quell the anxiety that was spreading through the troops, but both felt a significant amount of their own anxiety after what they had been told. They knew they must not show fear before their men. As they walked through the driving rain on deck, they discussed the situation.
“Paul told me God had warned that we should not venture out of Fair Havens,” Julius said. “Now I wish I would have listened to him.”
“I remember him passing along that message to you, but both of us felt it was unfounded at the time. Besides, we have to trust the experience of the captain. He knows these waters better than any of us. So far, I am still undecided about Paul’s teachings, but I must admit this seems to give credence to the message he claimed to have heard from God.”
Julius grunted in reply. “Let’s go talk to the men. I think I need to talk to Paul more about this, too.”
Gaius inwardly was glad to hear that. He wanted to know more of Paul’s teaching.
After the soldiers left Captain Sahaq’s quarters, he and Rayiz remained, talking about the next steps they needed to take.
“We need to lighten the ship. Let’s send men to the hold to get the grain and dump it,” Rayiz said.
The captain nodded. “As much as I hate to do it, we have to. Just save ten or fifteen bags so we have something to eat if this does not end as soon as I told the soldiers.”
Rayiz stiffened. “Do you really think it will last longer than five days?” he asked worriedly. “Can we survive a storm for that long?”
“I have seen this kind of storm over land and it was worse than anything you can imagine. I don’t know what to expect from it over water. We have to trust that The Emir is strong enough to get through this. We don’t have much choice. If dumping the cargo is not enough by tomorrow, we may be forced to throw the ships tackle overboard as well.”
Rayiz cursed under his breath as he considered that. “Without the tackle, even the small amount of control we have now will be gone. We will be completely at the storm’s mercy. Let’s hope it doesn’t come to that!”
Rayiz left to give orders to the crew. He gathered several men to form a line down to the hold so they could pass the bags of grain up and toss them into the sea. The damp bags were heavy enough to need two men to lift so it was a slow process, but over the next several hours, they were able to clear the hold. The men in the lowest hold were now in ankle-deep water and were well aware of the rats scurrying away from them as they removed the grain. The passed all of the bags up, and the crew members on the middle deck set aside fifteen of them for future rations should they be needed.
The crew gladly climbed up from the lowest hold, relieved to be out of that confined space. They did not notice the snake swimming toward the ladder as the last man climbed up.
—————
With the dumping of the cargo, there was a noticeable increase in the movement of the ship as it climbed and fell with each wave. Those sequestered in the dark dank hold began to feel worse quickly. Many of the prisoners had tired of being confined and made their way out on deck as the soldiers kept a close watch, but it was only marginally more pleasant there. Yes, the cool air was refreshing and served to settle roiling stomachs, but the pelting rain and flashes of lightning were unsettling in their own right.
The heaving of the wet deck could be treacherous and several of the men, both soldiers and prisoners, found themselves sprawled on the wood nursing their bruises. The sailors found this amusing, but Rayiz could see that this would cause problems if any were washed overboard or more severely injured. He directed a few of his men to be sure there were lifelines tied around the waist of any non-seafaring men that ventured out on the deck.
Paul and Aristarchus were among those seeking fresh air. Aristarchus was closely attending to Paul, wanting to be sure he did not lose his footing on the constantly changing slope of the deck. They had hoped to see their friend Luke but they could see several people had gathered around his quarters seeking relief of their seasickness. Since they were feeling better in the cool rain, they turned aside to the ship’s railing to watch the activity for a few minutes.
Several yards away, watching from the shadows, Porcius and Cassius were huddled together. They had continued to consider ways of eliminating Paul since their first discussion, although now it seemed more out of excitement of plotting than of actual hatred of the man. Now, with the storm and the lurching of the ship, it seemed a simple, although maybe less satisfying solution. They had their heads together discussing this and laughing quietly.
This caught the attention of another watcher. Demetrius had been following Paul and his friend from a short distance away. He paused to steady himself, still a bit tentative after almost going overboard the night before. A few feet to his left, he heard the men’s voices and laughter and initially thought nothing of it, his focus on Paul. His ears perked up, however, when he heard them mention the name.
“There are too many other people around now,” one of the soldiers had said. “We could toss him into the sea but we would be seen and severely punished by Julius.”
“Yeah, you’re right,” the other had said. “We need to wait until we have a better chance of getting away with it.”
Demetrius was about to speak to them, realizing he may have allies to help him get revenge, but then Paul and the other man had started walking back toward the hatch to the lower hold. The three observers remained o
n deck for a few minutes and then separated. Demetrius vowed to keep an eye on these soldiers in the next few days, wondering if they could be useful in his plot against Paul.
Chapter Nineteen
It was another sleepless night, the motion of the ship worse than the night before. Some in the hold succumbed to physical exhaustion after a few hours and slept, but it was far from restful. By the next morning, almost all were achy and irritable, as well as queasy. Very few attempted to eat breakfast. The steady monotony of the rain drumming on the deck above became background noise that seemed never ending. Surely three days would be enough for this to pass!
In the midst of the groans and grumblings, Paul and Aristarchus along with a few of their followers were kneeling together in prayer. Luke and Temeros had come down to the hold to see them and be involved in the time of prayer as they began another day of uncertainty. After a moment, Paul said “Amen” and was echoed by the others murmuring the same.
This was all new to Temeros. He was pondering what he had seen, not sure what to think. He was still getting used to the idea that prayer was not just a duty he must do to please one of the gods, never expecting anything to really change in response. Now, he knew there was one all-powerful God, and his new friends appeared to believe wholeheartedly that He heard their prayers and actually cared about what they were going through. Luke noticed his pensive expression.
“What are you thinking about?” he asked quietly.
Temeros cleared his throat and turned away. “Oh, nothing. Just wondering when the storm will end,” he responded, adjusting his expression quickly.
Luke paused, looking closely at him, but decided not to press the question. “Yes, it is unpleasant. I have been on a few voyages with Paul, and this time of year can be harsh out on the sea. I have not seen it last more than a few days, though, so I am holding out hope that it will be over in another day or two at the most.”
“I hope you are right. My queasy stomach will be relieved when it ends!”
“You are not alone in that! I want you to know how grateful I am for your help in caring for the men. You seem to be learning quickly!”
Temeros smiled, pleased at the kind words. “Thank you for teaching me! It is fascinating to see how you are able to evaluate and treat all of the problems the men bring to you.” His smile faded slightly as he said, “I am afraid I will be put back to work on the deck soon. My shoulder is not as stiff as it was a few days ago, and my headaches are improving. I know they must need help during the storm. I would much rather continue learning and helping you.”
Luke considered this. “Well, it will be at least a few more days before I would consider letting you do the kind of work they need done. But I would love to have your continued help. I think I will talk to the captain about having you assigned to work with me for the rest of the voyage. I imagine he will accept that.”
Temeros’ expression brightened at this thought. “That would be great!”
Paul had approached as they were talking. He greeted Luke.
“Master Paul! Thank you for leading prayer! My day is always better when I spend time with the Lord. Oh, and you remember Temeros, of course.”
“Hello, my young friend,” he said, patting Temeros on the shoulder. “Are you feeling better?”
Temeros nodded. “Yes, thanks for asking.”
Luke spoke up. “Paul, you will be happy to hear that Temeros has put his faith in Jesus. You are rubbing off on him!”
“That is wonderful to hear!” Paul’s face beamed at the news. “Stay close to Dr. Luke and he can teach you much about our Lord! His research has been so helpful in our ministry. Luke, when will you have your book finished on the life of Jesus?”
“I am trying to organize it all. I hope to have it finished in a few months, if I ever reach a calm port!”
“All in good time. I believe this is of God, and when He begins a good work, He is able to complete it.”
“I do feel He is leading me to write it. I will trust that He will do just that.”
Aristarchus had joined them. “Luke! This crazy rocking of the ship is wreaking havoc on my stomach! Do you know any good doctors?”
Luke laughed. “I think you are a hopeless case! Your digestion is much too delicate for a voyage in a storm! Come up to my quarters and I’ll see if I can help.”
Aristarchus grinned. “I’ll come with you but only if Temeros supervises what you are doing. I’m not so sure you have my best interest in mind! Help me Temeros. Surely you can do something for me!”
Temeros laughed. “I’m still recovering but I’ll see what I can do.”
Paul turned to speak to some of the others as the three men excused themselves to go to Luke’s quarters.
Meanwhile, Demetrius had been observing the group gathered around Paul. He was disgusted by the respect and attention they were paying to this man. It was just too much to bear! He turned to go up on deck and get away. Even the storm was better than this!
As he made his way to the ladder, he noticed the two soldiers standing off to the side, sneers on their faces as they watched. Their disdain for this display of worship was plain to see. They turned and caught Demetrius’ eyes before he could turn away. Their eyes briefly locked and Demetrius nodded to them slightly and then looked in Paul’s direction and scowled. The two soldiers watched him climb up to the deck and then turned toward each other.
“What was that about?” Cassius asked, puzzled.
Porcius scratched his beard as he considered this. “I got the impression that guy was not too impressed with our troublemaking prisoner. He seemed a bit disgusted with him!”
“Hmm. We’ll have to keep an eye on him. If something were to happen to Paul in the storm, he may be a likely suspect, wouldn’t you say? That could leave us some interesting possibilities!” he said, a sly grin on his face.
Porcius sneered back. “Yes, this could provide a few opportunities that we could use!”
The men walked away, their heads together, as they talked in low tones.
—————
Up on the deck, the storm continued unabated, with the rain blowing sideways, the thunder rumbling, and the ship laboring up one wave and crashing down the next. The sailors had found their rhythm as they braced against each change of pitch the ship provided.
Rayiz stalked the deck, bellowing orders to the men. He sent two of them to go check the level of water in the lower hold. Even with jettisoning the cargo, the ship was shuddering and laboring in the heavy seas. He was becoming more worried with each jarring wave. It was becoming more obvious that they would have to throw the ship’s tackle and yard, the heavy crossbar of wood that held the sail, overboard to relieve more of the stresses on the hull. He hurried off to talk to the captain.
Captain Sahaq was in a foul mood, cursing under his breath as he surveyed the skies. No break in sight. This was already a financial disaster. With the loss of the cargo, his pay would be greatly reduced. Now his ship was being battered unmercifully. He turned as he heard Rayiz call to him over the sound of the wind.
“What is it?!” he said brusquely. “I hope you have some good news!”
“I’m afraid not, captain. This storm is really beating hard against the ship. I think we need to toss the yard and the tackle to lighten the load a little more.”
The captain’s expression hardened at these words and he scowled fiercely as he cursed their situation. “Can you think of any other way? Without that equipment we will not have control of the ship once this storm finally dies down. How is the water in the hold?”
“I sent men down to check it and they should be reporting any time. But captain, even with the frapping cables tightened around the hull, I’ve been doing this long enough that I can feel the ship’s planks shifting. It’s just a matter of time.”
“Let’s see what the water level is. If it is still just ankle deep, we can struggle along for a little while longer praying that the gods will turn this storm away. Maybe we nee
d to talk to that prisoner, Paul, and see if he has any influence with his god.”
Rayiz nodded reluctantly and was about to respond when the two sailors returned from the hold, breathless. They clutched at their lifelines as they braced themselves against a wooden capstan.
Rayiz turned to them. “Well? Out with it! What did you find?”
“Sir, the water is getting deeper. Now it is up above my knee! The hull is creaking and popping with every wave!” one of them said. The other just nodded, a frightened expression on his face.
This news was met with curses by both the captain and Rayiz. He dismissed the men and turned to the captain.
The captain hung his head for a moment and then took a deep breath as he looked up at his officer. “Give the word. We will need a lot of help to do that. See if any of the soldiers or even the strong prisoners are able to help get the ship’s yard over the side into the sea.”
Rayiz hurried away to gather his sailors and to talk to the centurion.
—————
Julius and Gaius had made their way up to the deck. Even with the cold wind and rain, the air was fresher and the rain served to wash away the sweat and grime that accumulated day by day. They had been holding tightly to the railing, enthralled by the size of the waves. Gaius had found that keeping his eyes on the horizon, stormy as it was, helped to lessen his nausea.
The howling of the wind made talking difficult and they had been mostly standing in silence. They had just about decided to return to the relative warmth of the hold when Rayiz approached.
“Centurion!” he called loudly, trying to be heard over the storm.
Julius turned to watch him approach. “What is it?”
“We need some men to help us. We are going to need to throw the tackle and yard overboard to lighten the ship and take the strain off the hull.”
Gaius’s eyes widened. “Don’t we need that?” he asked, incredulously.
“We need our ship more! It is not doing us any good now anyway. We are simply at the mercy of this storm, and the sails will not help us. They just cause more stress on the mast. The ship is still too heavy for these waves. We need to take the strain off the hull before we take on too much water!”