He limped toward the entrance and fell against it. The rock was cool to the touch and calmed his nerves. He took a few unsteady steps around the room. His body’s confidence returning. Using the wall for balance, he followed in the direction he had seen Ruth turn. When he caught up to her, she appeared to be standing at a dead end. His senses leapt to full alert.

Why had she brought him there? Was he to be cornered and killed like an animal?

Ruth pretended not to notice his anxiety. She lifted her hand and placed it against the wall. “Close your eyes,” she instructed.

Jesus balked.

“Close your eyes,” she repeated.

He did as she asked but kept one eyelid cracked. He wanted to see the enemy’s approach. He watched as Ruth pressed her palm against the immovable stone. To his amazement, the entire wall rotated on a hidden axis and light from the outside world spilled into the corridor.

A sharp pain filled his head as he encountered the full intensity of daylight. During his period of confinement, his eyes had become accustomed to nothing more than the unsteady glow of torches.

“Keep your eyes closed,” Ruth said again. “But lift your face.”

Jesus tipped his head and watched the inside of his eyelids stain magenta. After another moment, Ruth said, “Now open your eyes partway.”

He did as she said and felt a sting. But less sharp.

Ruth coached him further and soon he was staring into the hot, bright world of The Narrows. The sight elated him. He began searching for a route of escape, but realized he would never be able to outrun Ruth. He decided to wait for a better opportunity.

“This way,” Ruth said, fully aware of the young shepherd’s intentions.

They slipped out of the caves and the door swiveled to a close behind them. From outside, Jesus noted, one could not detect the slightest seam in the rock.

“Watch your footing,” she cautioned.

Jesus looked down. He was standing on a narrow ledge. Much like the one he had been walking on just before his fall. Ruth saw the color wash from his face.

“Take my hand,” she instructed.

When the sureness of her fingers twined with his, the fear began to dissipate. Together they made their way along the edge. As they walked, the taste of freedom sweetened Jesus’s tongue and his soul yearned to return to the life he knew. Looking across the sands, he could see how far the desert stretched. Every direction appeared endless. He knew that once he broke free, the crossing would be difficult. But he felt his leg remembering more with each step, and grew drunk on thoughts of escape.

Ruth looked over her shoulder at her young charge. Jesus quickly erased the enthusiasm from his mind, afraid that she might sense his desire.