“No?” the spirit tried again. It set down the cup and rubbed its hands together quickly, as if trying to start a fire between its palms. When they were well heated, the spirit lowered them onto Jesus’s abdomen. He flinched, but the spirit pressed its fingers into his flesh. Its hands were strong and accustomed to the task. Jesus heard a low hum and felt a rush of heat spread throughout his torso. The jinn held its hands still, as if to listen for something through its fingers. Jesus felt the pain in his abdomen subsiding. In its place, a warm glow spread within his body.

A second spirit entered the chamber. This second jinn was also cloaked and hooded. The first spirit removed its hands and left the chamber. The second figure came and loomed over Jesus. “What is your name?” the second spirit asked in a stern, hoarse voice.

Jesus said nothing.

“I ask you again, what is your name?”

“Untie me,” Jesus replied.

“Tell me your name, now.”

“There are shepherds waiting for me,” Jesus countered.

The spirit rocked back and forth. Irritated. “Why were you traveling in disguise?”

Jesus shook his head.

“You were traveling as a male. Why?”

Jesus felt prickles rising up his neck. “My name is Jesus,” he said.

“Enough! What is the name your mother gave you?”

“Untie me!” Jesus cried.

The jinn’s voice grew impatient. “Your life is in our hands. You will answer me! How did you find your way here? Who sent you?”

Jesus struggled against his ties. “Do not hurt me! Let me go!” he cried out.

“Who knows you are here?” the spirit demanded.

“Please,” Jesus stuttered, weeping from fear and pain. “I am a poor shepherd. I was crossing The Narrows to bring back food from the village of Kerek. If you do not release me, six men will die.”

The spirit pressed in and lowered itself close to his face. “If I release you,” it hissed, “thousands will perish.”

The first jinn returned to the room. “Enough!” it said. “She needs her strength.”

Jesus frowned, unsure who the spirit was referring to.

“We need answers,” the second figure said. “Or would you rather that our lives were put in jeopardy?”

“You know the answer to your own question,” the first jinn shot back. “And your tone has become unproductive.”

The second jinn stepped back. Jesus sighed with relief.

“What you say is true,” the hoarse-voiced spirit said. “Forgive me.”

Jesus shuddered at its exit.

A third hooded spirit, a smaller one, entered the room carrying a bowl.

“You may clean her,” the first jinn said.

Jesus reeled in confusion.

Who was it talking about?

He winced upon realizing that the “she” they were referring to was him! It had been a lifetime since anyone had referred to him as “her.” He had all but forgotten. The reference sounded false, like a lie. His heart hardened in resistance.