The Words in Red

The crowds had grown with the last few places that we had visited. Many gifts and offerings had been received. There was too much to carry on the long journey to the next town. The Teacher took Newton and Nietzsche through the poor district of the metropolis. They dispensed their surplus of goods, coins and food among the needy.

The following weeks revealed a crowd of hundreds. They would not go home. They followed the Teacher through forest, deserts and fields. His words spoke life to them. They were thirsty for his teachings. Soon the caravan gained the attention of some religious leaders in the region. It would prove to be an unhealthy attention.

In the next town the local temple guard stopped the caravan for inspection. The captain demanded that taxes be paid to the local priest governor. The students complained but the Teacher held up a coin and asked, “Whose face is on this coin?”

Sister Ayaan answered “It is the Emperor.”

The Teacher said “Give the Emperor what is his, we have each other.” Then he dropped the coin in the captain’s hand. The guards gathered all the coins and some food and garments from the people and departed.

Brother Darwin complained “We hardly had enough food left after we shared so much in the last town. What if the guards do this everywhere we go?”

The Teacher turned to him “My beloved Brother Darwin, do not fret over our provisions. In whichever environment we might find ourselves, we shall discover that which we need to sustain ourselves. If only we will seek, we will find.”

The sun was nearing the horizon when the caravan stopped to make camp. There were too many miles to cover at night before reaching the next city. The students began the meal preparations and were met with pleas from the followers for food and drink. The taxes that they paid in the last town, had left their resources meager.

The students asked the Teacher how the crowd could be fed when they had so little food, even for themselves. He asked them to bring the food before the crowd and he raised his arms to gain the people’s attention.

“We have food and drink to share with all, come and receive it, that you may be filled.” The students were confused. They knew there was not enough provisions for such a crowd. Then the Teacher spoke again, “Search your hearts my children, and ask yourself, what I might share with my neighbor. We have traveled together as one. We have shared the same joys as one...” He laughed “And we have paid the same taxes, as one.” The crowd laughed as well. “Love one... another.” Then he departed to a place of silent meditation.

He returned to the caravan after dark. A plate of food was waiting for him. He smiled as he took the plate from Sister Alexandria and listened to his student’s report. She explained that the crowd began to share from what they had. Soon everyone was filled and content. There was even food left over for the morrow.