Retribution by R S Ingermanson

Author:R S Ingermanson [Ingermanson, R S]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: DitDat, Inc.
Published: 2014-05-26T00:00:00+00:00

* * *

Ari

For the next three days, Ari prayed for rain. All Jerusalem was praying for rain.

Nothing.

The heavens spread out in a bright blue canopy, mocking the city. The last day of the wedding feast came. Rumor told that Rabbi Yohanan would attend the feast, though he would not eat.

Ari and Rivka went to his house before the feast. A great crowd waited out in the street, watching for the rabbi. Ari prayed.

Shortly after the sun disappeared, the door of the rabbi’s house opened. The crowd stepped back, murmuring in awe. A muscular young man, one of the rabbi’s disciples, appeared in the doorway. When he came out in the street, Ari saw that he carried a makeshift bed, a litter bearing the wasted form of Rabbi Yohanan. Another of the rabbi’s disciples carried the other end.

Ari’s heart flip-flopped. If Rabbi Yohanan was too weak to walk, then he would not live much longer. Several more young men followed the rabbi out of the house. Baby Eleazar came last, and his tearful face told Ari that the situation was very grave.

The crowd trudged through the streets toward Naqdimon’s palace, and their prayers ascended to the heavens like incense. Ari prayed also. Rivka clutched his arm, her eyes half closed, her lips moving. As they reached the gates, a great shout echoed through the streets.

“Woe! A voice from the east! A voice from the west! A voice from the bridegroom and a voice from the bride! Woe to this city! Woe—”

A shower of stones flew at the man. Ari recognized him, and felt a strange mix of fury and pity. The man was crazy, or possessed with evil spirits, or something. Ari no longer knew what was wrong with him, but this was not the time to broadcast his woes. He picked up a stone and heaved it after the crazy man.

Naqdimon ben Gorion himself came out of his palace to greet the people. Ari could see he was much displeased at having a gloomy crowd attend the wedding feast, but he could not turn them away and he could not force them to be happy.

Naqdimon saw Rabbi Yohanan, and concern washed across his face. He made his way through the crowd to the old rabbi.

Ari pressed closer.

“Rabbi Yohanan, please you will eat tonight,” Naqdimon said. “At a wedding feast, it is not fitting to fast.”

The old rabbi shook his head, and his voice came out in a dry rasp that terrified Ari. “My son, do not ask me to break a solemn vow. HaShem will send rain, or I will soon have words with him in the World to Come.”

Naqdimon looked sick at heart, but he nodded his head in respect. “As you wish, my father.” He raised his hands to the people. “As for the rest of you, come! There is a feast prepared.” He led the way into the outer court of his palace.

Ari and Rivka had been assigned places only two tables over from Rabbi Yohanan. The old sage was lifted from his litter to recline in the place of honor at his table.

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