Chapter 25

‘I saw him bring Hannah back from death,’ pondered Fara. ‘How faithless of us—to think that his power would die with him!…Voldi—I believe the story! I am sure he is alive!’

‘If it is true,’ reflected Voldi soberly, ‘it will not be a local secret very long. A great many people, besides the farmers and fishermen of Galilee, are interested in life after death. It is no small matter that a dead man—any dead man—should return to life and walk the streets in broad daylight—and sit at supper with his friends.’

‘Jesus did that?’ Fara’s eyes were radiant.

‘That’s what they’re saying, dear.’

‘I must go back—and find him!’ she cried impetuously.

‘That can wait,’ admonished Voldi. ‘If he is alive, he will stay alive…You must see Ione now—and the King and Queen.’ He glanced up at the sun.’ And we should be on our way if we expect to get there before nightfall.’

Fara slipped her hand under his arm and searched his face thoughtfully.

‘Think they will be glad to see us, Voldi?’

He hesitated a little before replying. ‘Ione will: you may be sure of that.’

Thinking she detected some evasiveness in the tone and manner of his reply, she asked, ‘But not the King and Queen?’

Voldi was leading the way toward Darik now. Turning about, he said, with a laboured casualness that only increased Fara’s curiosity, ‘Don’t expect too much—and you will not be disappointed.’

She patted Darik on the muzzle and they imagined that he recognized her. Voldi picked her up lightly and tossed her into the saddle.

‘You ride on to the King’s encampment,’ he said, ‘and send a horse back for me. I’ll be trudging along with your silly little donkey.’

‘”Trudging” is what you will be doing,’ laughed Fara, ‘if you walk with Jasper. He never hurries.’

Voldi’s face was sober as she gathered up the reins to depart.

‘One more thing, dear,’ he said. ‘If Deran should be there, keep your temper.’