Though not related to her by blood, Solomon and his cousin loved Shereen as though she were their own sister. And their childhoods were integrally woven by days of play and song and wonder. He recalled, too, how his mother, Zahra, had adored Shereen. For, even at a young age, they could perceive an eminence and a dignity about her. A vital force. A destiny. Something beyond sheer beauty and equanimity. The future of which, perhaps, only Zahra had an inkling.

None of them was therefore surprised when, years later, Shereen began to prepare for her journey into The Narrows. Despite its inevitability, however, her eventual departure tore a great hole in their hearts. A gash that had already begun when, a year earlier, Shereen’s younger sister, Yadira, a far more restless and rebellious child, had abandoned the family to marry an aging carpenter.

A frown darkened Solomon’s face as he recalled the implications of Yadira’s reckless choice, and how deeply it had affected them all—most especially Yadira’s daughter.

Shereen had been deeply troubled by her sister’s departure. More so than anyone had anticipated given that she, too, would one day leave the family’s fold. And Solomon vividly remembered overhearing Shereen ask his mother to give her word that she would travel north to watch over Yadira—and her future children—and safeguard them from all harm. Having trusted in Shereen’s intuition, and believing it to be her duty, Zahra had given her promise. And it was for this reason, which perhaps only Solomon knew, that his mother had never joined her twin in the caves.

On this last thought, Solomon’s eyes flew open. For his thoughts had turned to the Sisters. And to Shereen and the young shepherd in particular.

When Sister Joan had come upon him and his flocks all those years ago, shortly after they had parted ways with their youngest shepherd, he had wanted desperately to convey the truth to her. But when the other shepherds had grown suspicious, Joan had fled back into the desert before he could reveal what he knew.

Having left the outside world at such a young age, he knew that Shereen could have no idea as to the young shepherd’s identity.

But had she somehow sensed their connection?

Had she realized that Zahra had honored her promise—for all those years?

Shaking his head to clear his mind, Solomon let his eyes drift along the horizon. Training his vision, he sought movement of any kind. For he, too, had made a promise to Shereen—that he would safeguard Judas. And it was the troubling sense of having failed them both—the two he loved so dearly—that stirred him to his feet and propelled his aching body back to his quest.

CHAPTER 24

Somewhere within The Narrows outside ancient Palestine—33 A.D.

Late one night, when the others had retired, Mother Susana sat alone beneath the great sycamore, listening.