The Words in Red

The students held their first meeting ever without the Teacher. All reacted to Sagan’s words. “We must journey to the Great City and into the Temple with our beloved Teacher.”

Brother Mandela argued that this was a dangerous plan. “We should wait a few days until the festival has ended! Doing otherwise will most certainly bring a reaction from the temple guards. The Teacher could be arrested, or worse! We must reason with him and convince him to reconsider.”

Sagan instructed Brother Garcia to go and prepare the strong men of the camp. “We must offer him protection.” Garcia nodded and left to gather forces.

Then the others began to argue among themselves. All wanted to protect their beloved Teacher. Some were planning to prevent him, even if they had to use force.

Sister Alexandria stood and declared, “We cannot prevent him from this judgment. I fear for his life, as well as ours. The Teacher is bringing justice to a great and evil offense. Though I wish we could flee from this vile city with our beloved and our lives, I will stand with him as he confronts the priest.”

Dawkins and Nietzsche argued loudly that going into the city at this time was illogical and would certainly end in disaster. They agreed to oppose the Teacher, for his own good.

Sagan regained control of the meeting, “The guards and priest shall not prevent this judgment!”

Dawkins declared, “You do not have one bit of evidence, that the guards and priest can be held back!”

“Yes, my brother, I do. I looked into his eyes when he pronounced this judgment.” Sagan’s sad response caused Dawkins to drop his head in sorrow. Sagan patted him on the back.

Chen explained to us the empire’s management of temple matters. “Empirical Law will support the leadership of the Temple. We will all be viewed as violators of the law, a verdict which could receive a death penalty.”

Brother Thoreau said, “Must we as citizens of the empire resign our conscience to the law? Why has every man a conscience then? We should be men of conscience first, and subjects to the law afterwards.”

Some still debated and argued when Deanna stood to speak. “He rescued me. He came into my darkness and revealed a great light. I had lived in the shadow of death my entire life, until he came and saved me. If I must, I will follow him into prison, death, the grave, even hell. He is my beloved, where he is I must also be.”

The short journey to the city was performed in silence. Several dozen of us marched, keeping the Teacher in our midst. Two wooden carts were pushed along holding bags of spice and containers of oil. Underneath these gifts for offering were swords, clubs, shields even whips. Garcia pushed his cart in front of us while Crawford followed us with his from behind.

The streets were crowded, but the guards, seeing our carts laden with offerings, cleared the path before us. The Teacher, still in our midst, had not spoken since we left camp. His countenance was changing the closer we became to the temple. His face seemed to struggle with a great power. For the first time ever, I feared him.

At the steps of the Temple, our group stopped to receive instruction from Sagan. Most would remain here with the carts, outside the temple. The others were told to station themselves in different areas of the temple court, as to provide a path of exit if needed.

Without a word, the Teacher began to ascend the stone steps. A few of us followed, but we spaced our distance, as to appear not to be his body guards. Teacher went to the closest offering table. Two priest sat there. They were receiving the offerings and bestowing blessings upon the peasants who filled the table with gifts.

The Teacher did not wait in line with the worshipers but walked to the side of the table. “I seek priest Thaddeus!” He ordered.

“This is the place of offering my son. Any counseling inquiries, should be made at the main office.” The plump priest answered and pointed to a doorway across the courtyard.

“Where is he? I will speak to him now!” The Teacher slammed his fist down upon the table.

The plump priest jumped, then stood. “Please, respect the sanctity of the temple, your outburst will not get you anything but trouble.” The priest motioned for a guard to approach the table.

The Teacher grabbed the end of the table and raised it above his head. It had been crafted from heavy wood and was over twelve cubits long. The Teacher turned the table over, its contents spilled out across courtyard. The two priest backed away to safety, as did the worshipers.

“I have come to bring judgment upon a great sin that occurs here within this house of prayer and offerings!” The Teacher shouted.

The guard who was alerted removed the whip from his belt and drew back to lash the Teacher. Sagan attempted to stand in front, but the Teacher pushed him out of way, “Get behind me Sagan!” As the tip of the whip came close, the Teacher moved to the side. He seized the whip and pulled it from the guard’s hand.

He shouted out so loud, all heard him, even those down on the street. “Repent you leaders of this house of prayer, repent! You have violated the children here! You shall reckon for your sin!”

The guard drew his sword and moved towards the Teacher. The Teacher lashed out with the whip and struck the guard on the left cheek. The man stopped, touched his wound, and looked at the blood on his hand. “You will pay for that holy man!” The guard again moved against our Teacher.

The Teacher lashed out with more strength and swiftness. He struck the guard on the right cheek.

An officer of the guard, called out, “Put the sword away, I will speak with this man.” The officer walked toward our Teacher. He held not a sword or whip.

The Teacher stared into the eyes of the officer, “I will speak with Thaddeus and then the high priest. A great iniquity occurs here. I have come to bring judgment.”

“Thaddeus has been assigned to other work, he no longer serves his office here.” The officer answered.

“I can take you to the high priest.”

The Teacher nodded to the officer, “Thank you, Officer...?′

“Judas, I am Sub Commander Judas.” The officer performed a respectful bow to the Teacher.

The Teacher dropped the whip. He stared again into the eyes of the officer. Teacher reached and grabbed the man’s forearm in a standard military greeting. As the two men shook hands the officer said, “So, holy man, you have served with the military?”

“We all serve.” The Teacher replied. “Tell me, my brother, you have a family?”

“Yes.”

“And children?”

“Yes. A son and daughter.”

“Have they served here at the temple?”

“No, our family can afford to pay the tithe. But I heard your accusation. It is a serious one. This should be addressed by the high priest. I will see you to his office, personally. You may select two of your guards to accompany you.”

Sagan and I were surprised that the officer knew of us, but we joined the Teacher as we were led into the temple. We were taken past many of the clergy and guards as we walked down the hallway. I feared we were being led into a trap.

Before we reached the chamber, Judas stopped, faced the Teacher and spoke in a hushed tone. “There have been recent rumors of abuse and even rape occurring here. I have been troubled by those reports and began my own investigation.”

The Teacher asked, “And what have you found?”

“Nothing but denials. I was questioned by the chief temple commander. He said that the questioning of the clergy was an insult to my position. I have been ordered to stop my investigation or I will be reprimanded.” Judas’ face became sad, “If those rumors are true, if your accusation is sound, then... we should all be damned. I should be damned for allowing such wickedness during my watch.”

“Your actions today shall redeem you. Your heart says you are a loyal servant to the people. Your eyes say you are a man of justice. Today, you and I, we serve together.”

Judas led us upstairs to the third story chamber of the high priest.

Two guards stood outside of the chamber. They allowed us entrance, when Judas ordered.

The high priest sat at a table full of food, wines and offerings. Another man sat next to him. It was the chief temple commander, Saul. He was intoxicated.

Judas marched straight through the door. The Teacher marched behind him. He turned his head to Sagan, “Secure the door.” Sagan nodded and looked at me. We grabbed the large wooden doors and shut them. We dropped the locking plank. We then stood as guards at the door. The guards outside began to knock and call out.

The high priest exclaimed, “What is the meaning of this? Can’t you see we count the offerings from the festival! We do not wish to be bothered.”

The drunken commander barked and laughed, “Yes, we count the offerings of the faithful.” He took a drink from the golden goblet in his hand. He spilt wine upon the table and laughed at that as well.

Judas bowed and spoke, “Forgive me your holiness, this man has an urgent matter to discuss with you.”

The commander ordered, “Take him away, he said, we do not wish to be bothered!”

The high priest said, “As the commander has ordered. So be it.” He motioned with his hand for them to leave.

“This is grave matter of importance! All in the temple court have heard it proclaimed already. It must be addressed now!” Judas spoke boldly.

The commander began to complain more, but the Priest spoke above him, “What has been proclaimed?”

Judas stood to the side and allowed the Teacher to approach the high priest. At first, the Teacher said nothing. His eyes searched the eyes of the priest. The priest became afraid and scooted his chair further from the table and away from the Teacher.

The Teacher pointed his finger at the face of the priest, “Iniquity spreads through this temple, it is vile, wicked and evil. Children are being harmed, AND YOU! You have allowed it!”

“I have allowed nothing, how dare you speak judgment to the high priest!”

“You heard the claims made against Thaddeus and moved him to another location, WHERE?”

“That is official temple business, you have no ranking to demand this of me. Sub commander, arrest this man!” The high priest looked to the commander for support. The commander pushed his chair back to stand.

The Teacher declared, “Tell me now, and you may live to see the sunrise of the morrow!” Never before had we heard the Teacher threaten with violence. He trembled as he spoke.

The large intoxicated man leaned with both hands on the table and commanded, “Arrest this swine, now, boy, or you will be punished.”

Judas spoke loudly, “I will not arrest him, commander. Priest, answer his charge. Is this true?”

The drunken commander laughed, “Ha-ha, are you really that naive sub commander.”

The high priest cursed at the commander to remain silent.

Judas glared at the commander, “You knew this was happening? What of your duty, what of your oath? What of the children?”

“Arrest that man now or I will.” The commander reached for the dagger on his belt.

“Judgment is declared upon this temple! It shall be torn down, burned and laid waste, this day! Judgment shall come upon all of the offenders.” The Teacher screamed.

“You self-righteous bastard!” the commander shouted and threw his dagger at the Teacher.

Sagan and I were across the room, but moved toward him. Judas raised his hand in front of the Teacher. The dagger pierced Judas hand, but the Teacher was not harmed. Judas drew his sword with his left hand and pointed it at the commander, “Stand down you drunken fool. The Elders Council shall decide your fate!”

The Teacher called my name. I hurried to the table. I tore the cloth and bandaged our new commander’s hand. The guards outside the door had been joined by others. Many voices were shouting out. The place was charged with energy.

The Teacher threw back his head and let forth a sound. I have never heard such a sound. It was a scream, a roar, a growl. It was a mournful and angry shout. Tears streamed down his face, fire burned in his eyes. Then he began to speak in the olden tongue, the language of our forefathers.

Though I am not fluent in the olden tongue, I understood enough. He called out curses upon the temple and upon the priest. He cursed those who concealed and deceived. He cursed those who abused. The high priest and the commander sat in fear.

The Teacher grabbed the table and turned it upon the men. The priest jumped away but the drunken commander was pinned down by the table. The coins, food and offerings all scattered upon the floor.

The Teacher continued to speak curses and judgment. The noise outside the door had ceased. The temple guards listened to the Teacher’s words. Even those outside of the temple had stopped and become quiet.

The Teacher went to the commander, who was pulling himself out from under the table. The Teacher tore the commander’s rank insignia from his sleeve. The commander cursed and raised a chair to throw at Teacher.

The Teacher pointed his finger at the commander’s face and began to speak in a different and dark language I did not know. The commander understood it. His face became white. He dropped the chair and stumbled. He grabbed his chest in pain. Commander Saul reached for the wall to steady himself. He missed the wall and fell headlong through the window. When he hit the ground his body burst open and his bowels gushed out.

The Teacher picked up a container of oil from the floor. He broke the seal. He gave the commanders insignia to Judas. He poured the oil upon Judas head. “I anoint you as commander of the temple guard. They will obey your word.”

“What will we do with him?” Judas pointed at the high priest.

“I will speak with him, alone!” The Teacher looked at the priest, “He will tell me where he has hidden the pervert!”

Then he came to Sagan and me, “Go with Judas. Tell all of the worshipers to leave this temple for judgment has come.”

“Teacher, I do not want to leave your side.” I begged.

“Bashar, my brave boy. Judas will order you a guarded escort. Go into the basement that is where the children’s quarters are kept. Lead the children outside. We will carry them back to our camp and reunite them with their parents.”

“But Teacher,” I begged once more. You will not... you will not kill the priest?”

“He will tell me where Thaddeus is hiding.” The teacher locked the door as we left the chamber.

Outside in the hall I asked Sagan, “How did the Teacher know where the children’s quarters were located. Has he ever visited the temple before?”

Sagan smiled at a memory, “Yes, once. He was a boy of twelve years. If we live through this day, remind me. I will tell you the story.

We followed Judas through the temple. He wore the commander’s insignia. The guards obeyed his orders. The clergy were the first to run into the streets. They were met by citizens who threw stones at them. The judgment had already reached the streets. The common people rose up in revolt against the temple.

We had removed every soul from the temple, except for the high priest and our beloved. Down the street came the rumble of empire police marching. They were headed our way. We will be arrested. I wished the Teacher was among us.

Upon seeing the advance of the police force, Garcia and Crawford turned over their carts. Our forces armed themselves. Judas ordered temple guards to join our ranks, “The Teacher will not be taken. We fight for the truth!”

The Teacher appeared on the court yard. There was blood on his hands and torn garments. He cried out so loudly even the empire police stopped to listen. “Woe unto you inhabitants of the Great City. Your religious rulers are corrupt. They have harmed your children. They have sinned against humanity and shall be judged.”

“Tear down this temple, remove this filth from your presence. Never rebuild it. Its rubble shall remain as a monument to the wickedness and harm that has been committed here.” The people charged the temple.

The Teacher joined us as we journeyed back to camp. Judas rode his horse in front of us. The empire police were approaching and ordered us to stop. Then the battle began. We fought to protect our Teacher. We fought to avenge the children. We fought for our lives. I was struck in the head during the battle and remember nothing more.

I awoke three days later. I was in a decorated room in a wealthy home. Deanna sat across from me. She arose to check my bandages once she saw I was awake.

“Where are we?” I asked.

“We are at Bartholomew’s villa.”

“Bartholomew? The Teacher’s rich follower?” Deanna nodded.

“And the Teacher?”

“He carried you here. He placed me in charge of you to tend to your recovery.” She answered.

“Where is he? I must go to him!”

“You may be able to travel in a few days, but for now, you will keep your butt in that bed.” She smiled.

“The Teacher has gone to Wall Street. He seeks the priest Thaddeus.” She said with disappointment.

“Wall Street. That is the seat of the empire. He could be placed in prison! I must go to him, Deanna!” I shouted.

She rose to hush me but stopped when she heard the screaming. It came from outside. It was Nietzche.

He was screaming, crying and shouting all at once. Deanna helped me to the doorway.

Brother Nietzsche looked like a madman. He had ran from the city to make his announcement. “Teacher is dead!”

That is the last line, on the last page of the notebook.