Son of the Serpent by Vashti Quiroz-Vega

Author:Vashti Quiroz-Vega [Quiroz-Vega, Vashti]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781947475038
Published: 2018-11-09T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 11

WICKEDNESS

Many stories have been told about the Sodomites. These people were notorious for their wickedness, and my mother had a part in making them what they were. I was certain I would find her amongst these people, and I readied myself for the confrontation.

The Sodomites were cruel to passing strangers. They offered no hospitality to outsiders, and they would not even sell them food or water. The thought of confronting my mother pushed me forward. When we came together the answers to my questions would be revealed, and once I rid the world of her evil, I would be made whole and my life would have meaning.

At a short distance from the main entrance of the city, I stood in awe of its lavish walls and gate. I did not know men had accomplished such wonders. The front of the gate was adorned with blue glazed bricks interspersed with rows of animals, such as lions and dragons, crafted in golden and russet-colored tiles. The gates appeared to measure more than forty feet high. As I approached them I noticed a small encampment near the entrance. At first, I thought soldiers might be camping there to prevent strangers from entering the city. Soon I realized I was wrong. These were destitute people—wasted old men, withered women dressed in rags, and emaciated children. I approached an aged man who stared at me with outstretched hand. I gave him the little water I had left and suddenly found myself surrounded by children.

“I have only a little milk, a piece of bread, and some dates, but you may share it amongst you.” I handed the food to a young woman with bright green eyes. Her beauty surprised me. Her fresh, clean fragrance, flawless skin, and clean, kempt hair were inconsistent with her tattered garments. She seemed incongruous amongst these people, but they accepted her. I watched her as she carefully dispensed the food. She kept calm and patient as the starving people squeezed closer, reaching out to her in a frenzy. She distributed all the food and kept none for herself.

“Are you not hungry?” I asked, studying her.

The corners of her lips moved upward a hint, but she ignored my question. “You are generous to give away your food and drink. Do you realize you may not be able to get into the city?”

“Oh, I will enter the city of Sodom, for I have an important matter there.” I straightened my spine, feigning confidence. “Who are these people, and why are they outside the city walls?”

“They are some of the underprivileged of Sodom,” she said. I detected a bit of sorrow in her voice, maybe sympathy, as she obviously did not identify herself as one of them. “City officials use any pretext to justify the removal of those they consider of no consequence. They select the old, sick, and lone women with children. They exile them to the desert with no provisions, to die.”

“You are not one of them, yet you’re among them. You disguise yourself in order to help them.

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