Previous Challenge Entry (Level 2 – Intermediate)
Topic: Friend (11/02/17)
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TITLE: THE CONSCRIPT | Previous Challenge Entry
By simon davis
11/08/17 -
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Suddenly, a new commotion broke out, forcing me to stop and look aside. A group of Roman soldiers was marching loudly towards me, sunlight glinting wickedly off their swords and helmets. I looked on with horror, heart pounding, as I saw for the first time the poor wretch in the middle of them, stumbling along, a wooden beam strapped to his back. At the time I didn’t know who he was. Women and children were sobbing and wailing. I had heard of crucifixions, of course, but had never witnessed one before. I stood transfixed as the party headed my way. The centurion was looking straight at me. He lifted his arm and pointed at me.
“You, there! Come here! I have a job for you!”
Wordlessly, as if in a trance, I took a few steps towards him. The party halted. My eyes were drawn to the prisoner, whose body was covered in lacerations, and who looked half dead already. He met my gaze calmly as two of the soldiers untied the crossbeam.
“On your hands and knees!” commanded the centurion. I had now become the focus of the crowd’s attention. My whole body was shaking as I obeyed the command and felt the crushing weight as the beam was laid across my back, then secured with ropes. Why me? Had I unknowingly committed a crime? Was I going to be crucified too? I shuddered at the thought. Images of my wife and sons swam before my eyes.
“On your feet! This way!”
With difficulty, I staggered to my feet. I was almost bent double and my back was already aching. I was now behind the prisoner and we were both surrounded by soldiers. I couldn’t believe this was all happening. Just a few moments ago I was on my way to the temple to offer my sacrifice. We were being led outside the city towards a small hill. I could see more soldiers ahead and three large poles in the ground. Sweat was now pouring off my face, but I was unable to do anything about it. It was all I could do to keep stumbling on. We reached the bottom of the hill and I shuffled to a halt. One of the soldiers poked me viciously with his sword. I felt a sudden stab of pain in my side. I slowly started to climb the hill. My lungs were almost bursting now. In, out, in, out, in ……. I knew I couldn’t go much further. Suddenly, I was roughly pushed from behind. I fell forwards, and felt an agonising jolt as I hit the ground at the same time as the load on my back. I lay gasping as the ropes were untied and the beam was removed. I continued to lie there, panting, bathed in sweat, as the beam was tied back on to the prisoner. He was strangely subdued, seemingly resigned to his fate, as he knelt there. It almost seemed like he was in control. His eyes met mine for the second time. This time he spoke quietly, haltingly.
“Thank you ….. Simon, my friend. Your job ….. done. Go home.”
I got slowly to my feet then ran back down the hill. I couldn’t get away fast enough. Sobbing, I fought my way blindly through the crowds, pushing and shoving anyone who blocked my path, oblivious to the shouts and insults that came my way.
Suddenly, I found myself in front of the temple. I stopped, hands on knees, recovering my breath. A strange sense of calm came over me and I recalled the last words that the condemned man had uttered. How on earth had he known my name? Although understanding would not come until much later, it seemed as if my mission had been accomplished here.
I turned and headed slowly back towards Cyrene.
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