I happened upon this windowless library seeking sanctuary from our friends, the very ones who brought me to the shelter of this vast home. They plan to flee this holy, terrible city; they are ready to mourn Jesus but not fight for him. I must reject their fear and remain calm and purposeful. I must ignore the scent of musk still in my hair which I have let fall loose around me like a cloak. I set aside the memory of that last kiss in the garden of Gethsemane. I push back all thought of broken body heaved up on bloody cross by crude soldiers.

I need to find a way to write this amulet. I have no shortage of supplies. I can keep trying.

Up north in Galilee, where our papyrus was hardly this smooth, nor the ink so abundant, I wrote many amulets for protection against evil spirits, ten times more to bring quickening to a woman’s empty womb, and whatsoever else the Valley folk requested of us priestesses.

---

To read the entire chapter, view or download a PDF

Contact Valerie to be notified when new exceprts are posted.