In her heart, Ruth understood why Jesus felt lured by his homeland and the memory of his mother. She remembered that he had lived most of his life in the skin of another. No doubt the fractures caused by his disguise had enflamed his desire to be near the one who had known him first, and most truly.

Breathing deeply, and walking with even steps, Ruth dissolved into the sun’s waves and sought guidance. Her skin softened as the premonitions came, quick and strong. Since Susana’s death, she had noticed a strengthening of her own intuitive powers. Her step faltered under the surge. Jesus strode back to help her.

“I am all right,” she assured him. “It is only the heat of the sun.”

Jesus nodded and shared his water with her before retaking the lead.

Recovering her balance, Ruth considered her visions in silence. Because of what she had seen, she decided that it was right for Jesus to lead them into the world, and so she supported their journey to Nazareth, assured that the destination would not deter their efforts to preserve The Way (though the details of how they would accomplish this remained as yet unclear).

But as they traveled on, Ruth remained deeply troubled by another aspect of her vision—a suggestion that Jesus would never return to the place of his birth.

CHAPTER 31

Somewhere within ancient Palestine—33 A.D.

The main road by which traffic moved was a broad path trodden into the soil by the crossings of feet and hooves. Finding the road consistently occupied by merchants, bandits, fanatics, shepherds, and madmen, Jesus and his sisters sought to avoid confrontation by traveling at night. Doing so, they believed they could remain invisible and safe from suspicion.

But word of Jesus’s powerful abilities had already begun to spread.

“I am hungry,” Tabitha confessed as the sky began to lighten, shedding the first layer of night.

Ruth turned to Jesus. “We have little food left and should refresh our supplies.”

Jesus scanned the distance. “I believe there is a village just ahead,” he told them. “Let us make our way there.”

A young woman with a badly soiled tunic stepped into the early dusk to check on a newborn calf. On the way, she spotted the silhouettes of three travelers on the horizon. She alerted the other villagers. “He is here!” she cried. “The healer has arrived!” As she ran from door to door, dots of lamplight poked holes into the dark like fireflies.

Tabitha was the first to notice the explosion of small flames. “L-look!” she cried.

Ruth and Jesus were shocked to see the sleeping town come alive.

“Will they h-hurt us?” Tabitha asked.

Ruth looked at Jesus. “It is too late to hide. And if we run, they will follow. Do you agree?” she asked.

Jesus nodded.