Spoiler! :
I tried to run despite the pain in my legs; I just wanted to get away. However, the more I ran the closer the footsteps got. There came a point when I realized I could not take another step. Each breath cut into my lungs like a knife, and my side ached from the constant movement. An alley opened up beside me and I dove into the shield of darkness, hoping that it would hide me. Sure enough, the Roman soldiers sprinted by on the main road. A few tears escaped my eyes, tears of relief. I was safe, for now.
A shape emerged from the shadows, destroying my sense of security. Gasping, I tried to escape, but there was no where to go. Behind me was the street, swarming with soldiers. Beside me was the alley, leading up to a dead end. And in front of me this person was coming nearer and nearer. Helplessly, I stood, waiting for him to arrest me or kill me. Instead, he stopped just inches away from my face.
“Why are they after you?” His voice was deep and raspy, and it reminded me of a goat in some way.
“Because I’m a Christian,” I stammered. When I tried to back away my back hit the hard cement wall. The strange man stood frozen, and in the blackness the only thing I could see clearly were his eyes. Bright almond eyes with a hint of madness.
“Christian? Well then, I can offer you a place to hide until they calm down a bit.” I gaped, not sure how I was supposed to react. I didn’t know if this man was trustworthy. Of course, I didn’t know if anyone was trustworthy. The reason I was running was because a man in our hidden church had given us away. Even our friends could not be trusted. Still, I followed him, making sure that I could always see the quickest route out of the alley. The man led me down to a small door. He held it open, motioning for me to enter. Inside was pitch black, and I shook my head. This man claimed to be a Christian, but I knew that he could do anything to me as soon as I stepped into the blackness. It was much safer to run.
“I’m sorry. I can’t stay. My parents…” I turned to leave but the man’s goat like voice stopped me.
“Don’t let them get you. And if they do, don’t turn away. If you’re going to be caught because of believing in something, you may as well keep believing up until the end.”
I nodded, flashed him a small smile and turned back to the road. Fearfully, I peeked around the corner. No guards were in sight, so I slipped out of the darkness and began to inch my way along the safety of the wall.
Suddenly, a rough hand grabbed me and I found myself staring at the soldier’s face. He yanked me along the road and towards a horse with hands that were rough from working. Ruthlessly he tied my arms and attached me to the horse. He placed himself on top of the animal and began riding away towards the prison. My mind seemed numb as I realized that I hadn’t escaped. My crime was only my beliefs, and I wondered if things would ever change for the future Christians. As I stumbled along, I wondered how my life would end. Would I be sent to fight lions or burned at the stake? Maybe they would drown me. Or there was always a possibility it would be a quick death with a sword. In any case, I would soon be dead. My name would be added to the growing list of martyrs.
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