Man of God by Debra Diaz Read Free Book Online Page B

the
port, where the larger ships were docked. He even briefly
considered “borrowing” a boat—he could leave it at the port and its
owner would eventually find it. But he saw no way he could manage
the boat by himself…the sails, the steering, navigating a river
whose currents and obstacles were unknown to him—at least not in
the small amount of time they had. He had no choice but to wait for
the captain and their crews…or head back where they had come
from.
    A reddish glow crept over the horizon. The
boats rocked at the pier and the sound of waves lapping at the wood
met his ears. He turned back toward the city, where now the red
tiled roofs and white stone were visible. Now he could hear wagon
wheels, and sandals slapping against pavement. At once he went
back, took Alysia’s hand, and pulled her through the opening. She
still held Rachel in her arms. Where had he put the bag with their
clothes? He saw it in a corner and grabbed it. He carefully pressed
the loose plank into place, so it wouldn’t draw attention to the
shed and alert anyone to a possible hiding place.
    “Come with me. We’ll wait at the pier—and God
forgive me if I have to make up a story.” Gently he placed his hand
over her slightly rounded abdomen. She was five months with
child.
    “How are you?” he asked, his brows drawn with
worry.
    She nodded and managed a smile as they walked
toward the landing. She didn’t really know how she felt at the
moment; she only knew she was scared out of her wits, and that they
were still in danger. How much simpler it would be, if her concern
were only for herself and Paulus! But she was always in a quandary
over her daughter, and now her unborn child. She knew beyond the
shadow of a doubt that God could take care of them, but her
mother’s heart couldn’t quite let go, and she agonized over the
thought of something happening to them.
    Paulus had eventually convinced one of the
captains (with the help of a few coins) to take them immediately
downriver, saying that they were about to miss their ship and had
been delayed by “unforeseen circumstances”. They reached the port
without mishap and found a ship departing at once for Athens, but
it was to make several stops along the coast and they would be able
to disembark wherever they chose.
    They moved to the front of the ship, so as
not to be seen by anyone remaining on land. Alysia felt Paulus take
her hand, and thus began the longest journey of her life…
    * * *
    The ship’s captain was young and much
impressed with beauty, and on learning that Alysia was with child
insisted that they use his quarters, while he made a station for
himself on deck with the other passengers. It was a tiny cabin,
with only a bed, a table and a chair, all attached to the wall. The
storm began that night, eerily reminiscent of another storm she’d
been through, long ago. It continued through the day, and didn’t
abate that night but seemed to increase hourly in intensity,
tossing the ship as if it were a child’s toy. The superstitious
crew was terrified; the captain was forced to ask for Paulus’ help,
and when he didn’t come back for hours she became so frightened her
teeth were chattering. She could barely keep herself and Rachel
from being buffeted about the room…all she could do was clutch the
bedrails and hang onto her daughter.
    Finally Paulus returned, drenched and
exhausted. He ate some bread and salted meat, and drank nearly a
full jug of water. He said, “The oars are useless now—we’re all
bailing water. They’ve got the women in a room below, but you’re as
safe in here as you would be down there. The crew is convinced the
gods are angry. And I can hardly talk out there, much less tell
them about the one who could really stop the storm…”
    “Then why doesn’t he?” Alysia cried, overcome
by fear and frustration. “I’ve been praying constantly, and I know
you have, too!”
    “I don’t know, Alysia, but he hears you. Keep
on