Once there was Darkness

Chapter 17

Part 2

They finished their meal in silence. Once they were done, spoons down; Max and Frego walked toward them. Max spoke. “Everyone has had their fill and we have food left.”

Frego continued, “the temple doesn’t need it.”

Kessa smiled, “let’s take it to the wall.” As she stood, she said to Kol “care to join us my king?”

He was confused but curious, “lead the way.” The Bejhar, some soldiers, Rajaf, the cooks, Jolla, and Frego took two wagons to the west wall.

Frego was able to get close to Kessa. “Are you sure this is wise my lady?”

“God’s in the lead here.” She smiled. “Young prince.”

There were hundreds of people. All ages, adults and children. Rajaf started attending to any injured as the army served food. Kol was numb. What was this? Who are these people? How long had this been and where was the church? He would get answers. But for the mean time, he took his lead from Kessa and started serving.

A baby, there was a baby here.

One man grabbed Kol’s hand. “I know you.”

His heart sank. Yet he collected himself enough to say, “thank you kind sir.”

There were so many emotions inside of him at this moment.

Outside in the little area where he and Kessa ate sat: Rajaf, Max, Frego, and Kessa. One of the cooks brought out tea.

Kol was furious. He was pacing. “What was that?”

Frego eyed Kessa.

No one stepped up to answer him. “What was this? Who are these people? How long has this been and where was the church? Someone talk to me.”

Kessa started, “there have always been people at the wall.”

Rajaf continued, “even before there was a wall. There have always been people who didn’t quite fit.”

“Dad, they are citizens of Mecca. They have broken no laws. They can’t function in the structure of society.”

His blood was boiling. “Where’s the church?”

Max spoke, “the church is out there in the morning.”

Frego stood, “at some point we have taken all of them to the temple. Only a few have ever stayed. They can’t function inside the rules of the church, feel closed in. Think the priests or the sisters are mean. We’ve had reports of violence from them toward the children. These are Meccians. We are doing what they will let us do to help them.”

“Some of them will not accept help from me.” Rajaf fingered his cup. “They think medicine of any kind is the devils work.”

“I saw a baby. Not a month old.”

“As long as the mother chooses to stay outside the wall, what can we do?” Max asked.

“What can we do?” Kol hissed.

“According to her,” Kessa spoke. “Her parents are devotees of the church. When she became with child and the man she was with chose not to marry her; they kicked her out. Dad delivered the child. She has been offered many situations but chooses to remain.”

Kol sank in a chair. “Is she telling the truth?”

Max answered, “she is.”