Zen's War: Captivity
Chapter 37: The Chamber of Atonement

“This is insane. I can’t believe I’m doing this,” Bridget commented.

“Keep quiet. Just follow me and everything will be alright,” Sahara answered, doubting her own words.

The sky was beginning to change from violet to blue. The Sun would peak over the horizon at any moment. Joshua was probably readying himself in the tabernacle for the first goats sacrifice. He would be completely distracted, but it was his disciples they would need to avoid. Just as these thoughts occurred to Sahara, her worst fears were realized. From their cell, from which they had just escaped, came the sound of Bartholomew’s voice bellowing some inaudible words. It was then that they both began to run. They ran towards the well as fast as their legs would allow. When they got to the well, Sahara began to dig with her hands in the dirt where she had buried the burlap sack filled with cans of beans.

From the open window, from which they had just escaped, they could see Bartholomew, his fat face red with fury. “Get back here! How dare you forsake your sacred duty on the holiest day of awe. This sin will not be forgiven!” he screamed, his voice now loud enough to be heard.

As these words fell from his lips, Sahara began to dig faster. It was then that Bridget helped her dig. They resembled dogs as they flung dirt carelessly with their hands. As they made their futile attempt at escape, Bartholomew began climbing down the wall they had just descended. Finally he got to the ground and began to lumber toward them. His sheer size made him resemble some ogre from a fairytale.

Eventually they reached the bag that Sahara had buried, but it was too late. Bartholomew had caught up with them. He was strong enough to grab them both, one under each arm. His stench was almost overpowering, as it was not a high priority for him to clean himself. As he carried them away Sahara struggled, trying to break free. Her struggle was of course pointless, his strength too much for her to overpower. Bridget however did not struggle at all.

“Where are you taking us?” Sahara asked.

“I’m taking you both to the chamber of atonement. There you will seek forgiveness for your sins. You will study the word of God. You will read the entire Bible from cover to cover,” he answered, as he carried them back to the Temple.

“I don’t know how to read,” Bridget responded.

Bartholomew did not respond, he instead continued towards the front door of the Temple. The Temple was as quiet as a tomb, all of the other girls and disciples being occupied at the tabernacle by the morning sermon and sacrifice. This was of course the holiest day of the year. He proceeded to the wooden staircase that led to the door, and then pushed the door open with his foot. Sahara was frightened, but she did not shed a tear; she did not want to show her weakness. Instead of ascending to the second floor or to the sanctuary, he instead descended down a staircase to the basement. This part of the Temple was extremely dank and dark. It resembled the dungeon of some ancient castle. It was made up gray concrete bricks. Along the walls were lit torches. The torches caused flickering light to reflect off the walls. As they continued down the hallway they passed wooden doors to their left and right. Eventually they came to a door which was slightly open. With his foot he thrust the door open.

This chamber was similar to the cells of the second floor, but was even darker and more confining. The only light in the entire room came from a single white candle attached to a brass candle holder on the wall. There were no chairs or beds. The only place to sit was on the cold concrete floor. There wasn’t even anywhere to go to the bathroom. Bartholomew threw them both to the floor, then turned around and walked out the door. After he had crossed the threshold back into the hall, he slammed the door shut and locked it. They were alone, but at least they had each other. Bridget’s face was void of any emotion. Sahara on the other hand was on the verge of tears. Her plan had failed entirely; though, it was not much of a plan anyway.

Just as the tears began to flow Sahara noticed a large brown leather bound book on the floor. Bridget remained seated on the floor, while Sahara walked over to take a look at it. On the cover of the book was the symbol of a cross within a Star of David. She opened the book to the first page and saw that it said K. J.V. Bible. She thought about it for a moment and wondered what these letters stood for. It then occurred to her that it must stand for King James Version. Her father had told her that there were innumerable versions of the Bible, this being one of them.

“This is insane. What are we supposed to do, just sit here and read the entire Bible? Do you know how long that’s going to take?” Sahara asked.

“You’re the one that’s going to have to read it. I never learned how to read,” Bridget responded.

“I guess I’ll have to read it out loud.”

“How did you learn how to read anyway?” Bridget asked, the ability to read being a rare one.

“My dad taught me,” Sahara answered.

“Maybe you could teach me someday.”

“Maybe, but for now we better get started,” Sahara said, as she opened the Bible to the first page. She then began to recite from the book of Genesis. “In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. And the earth was without form, and void...”

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