20 Chapter 20: Constantly You are for Him

"Whatever is left by the beast has been eaten by another. The fig tree had turned to brown branches. Sackcloth devoured in flame that lament the circle. A trip to the wife of his youth."

Vaniah opened her cream focus. A white squared bar with thick cement green wall came to her view. Her cieling got a single bulb, her thin wooden bed creak as she sat down. The cell got a table, chair and a pitcher of water. She paced toward the bar and saw a lot of the pastor's who were in the fellowship got subdued the same. Vaniah recalled the unforeseen shock wave that turned the theatre into rubbles. Her hazy memory leas her to a men with civilian attire tossing and grabbing them. She can still fell the blow she received from the back of her neck.

Elim groaned in pain when his head got dislodge with a jolt unto a cold and hard board. His eyes focused on the white bar. He realised that he got imprisoned. His back hurt when he stood up. He surveyed the area and saw Vaniah waving at him. Elim breathed in relief he was glad she is safe.

Jogli and Iconio are silently uncloacking the blankets from each corpse. It was the second day, the residues and wreckage were cleaned up but Elim was not found even his body or things. Igos had the same case, so is with Jahleel and Guni. The other captains lament and mourn for the death of their advisers and village pastors. Tirzah stared at the vacant site where the shock wave occured. She is drowned from the startling event. A hook that got slowly and tenderly link unto her life became a fragment. She started to understand how precious life was when she snatched it from other like a grim reaper with a scythe. It was too lonely for her that even the tears got jailed within her lashes.

Elim walked through a glossy floor. His eyes captured the woman whom he dearly love. He was started to step ascending to her spot but her sobs and gloomy breathing chained his feet on the glossy ground. Elim got closer to her but her eyes seemed to be blocked. Elim reached for her shoulder to comfort her but his hand got through her body. Elim talked to her but she's not responding. Elim tried to scream but his voice were trapped unto his throat. He woke up furiously, it's been ages since he had a nightmare.

Vopshi assembled the Chief's and they held a solemn and lamenting wake. The King summoned the Mayors for a meeting. It was the first time that Vopshi displayed his stern side. His anger was evident the incident happened under his nose. Guni and Igos were silent. Jahleel is currently weeping. Their village Pastor is his older sister. Tirzah bowed her head in defeat. She honestly wanted to see Eshcol right now. She wanted pep talk. Her mind is getting exhausted.

Vopshi grind his teeth to the point that it scrape the inner part of his lower lip. The sensation given by his own blood can't compare to the torment and grief of the whole nation right now. The King's order is absolute and no one can defy him. Vopshi entered the room where the chiefs who hasn't found their Pastors were waiting.

"First lets stand up and gave a moment of silence for the Pastor's whose life had served not just us but in condolence to the other town, cities and villages."

Vopshi gently instructed. They all stood up in unison with their heart in respect to the Pastor's who were missing and got killed.

Tirzah glued her face on the floor. Her throat is starting to get dried . Vopshi cleared his vocal tube and gestured them to sit.

"Our King was able to track down who was behind the incident. First the cause was of an explosive dynamite got planted under tables,chairs and other areas of the theater. Second it was the same underground organisation that calls themeselves Reapers of Prophets.

Lastly, The King instructed that each Chief villages are to join the mission in locating the Pastor with one official. Discuss it with your team and people. We will set our quest in two days."

The whole Ligaments got weigh down by the news. Their Pastor is currently missing and their Chief will be leaving. Jogli protested when Tirzah decided to take Iconio with her.

"Chief, please don't be stubborn. Think of the welfare of the villagers."Jogli argued inside Eshcol's house.

"I am thinking of the welfare of our family but there is no guarantee that we will be able to return alive, that is why I am leaving you to tend and care for the villagers!" Tirzah hissed. Her eyes were determined to put Jogli on the spot. Eshcol tapped the floor with his cane and said.

"Let us respect our chief's decision. It's also rough on her part, that is why you are our vice chief."

Iconio followed up Eshcol's words.

"I will protect and aid our Chief at all cost. So please just trust and believe us."

Jogli nodded as he bowed his head. It's frustrating to just wait while the people you looked up are threading the valley of unknown and dangerous path.

Tirzah understand Jogli's point of view and weariness. Tirzah pushed Jogli to sit on the chair. Her actions jolted the whole team. Zikre trembled as he pour on the coffee. Tirzah stamp her foot in the edge of the chair between Jogli's legs and like a hero who conquered the enemy she spoke with such passion.

"I, Tirzah Hepher Eri believes in you.That is why I am entrusting you this people whom we both loved. Just pitch the tent and we will surly get back home."

Her words released the tears trapped behind Jogli's glasses. Mahli and Zikre gave him the thumbs up. Tirzah accidentally kick the chair and had Jogli face flat on the floor. The serious atmosphere got comical for a while.