Examining the several excerpts, he said, "You read it dear. You were always the better reader... go ahead."

"Oh, nonsense! Mr Adams, we both know you're a natural when it comes to memorizing lines, acting and whistling. Your whistle is so clear and strong. It always was," she responded as she adjusted her reading gla.s.ses.

Bernie let out a quiet chuckle, "We weren't the USO but we were an act! Weren't we? Our performances were superb although your acting was done behind the scenes... We put our lives on the line during the war. I was so proud to be doing my bit for our country... for freedom!"

For several minutes, they discussed their nation's dismal future prospects; America was in ruins. Would the citizens rise above it? And also, they reminisced until the inevitable tiff broke out between them. At this point, with more force than before, Bernie said again, "You read it, dear. You were always the better reader... go ahead."

And because she thought he put such an ugly emphasis on the word "dear," Bean agreed that she was the better reader. She began to read.

Chapter 19 ...But Who Will Guard the Goat?.

As the seasons changed, Greek industriousness moved to high gear. Summer was the time of lazy living while the other seasons were filled with harvesting, canning, baking, bartering and all the rest which in turn allowed for the celebrations of summer.

Old Bethania was the leader of the Jews who congregated at the villa. There was a synagogue in the Kerkira Jewish quarter, and the small band had visited there individually. The cultural and religious warmth that had made the Jewish section of town a magnet to wealthy Jewish tourists in the early 1900's had cooled since the Final Solution arrived with the n.a.z.is during WWII. Although, it had remained touristy when tourists were still coming to the island.

A handful of those taken away to Auschwitz and some who escaped beforehand, returned after the war. Greece was not a welcoming place in those post-war years and so, most of the remnant Jews of the Ionian Isles left for greener pastures. It was only recently a contingent of young professional Jews had arrived and were living and working in the capital. Bethania had heard promising rumors about these young people but she knew none of them personally. She didn't know of any of the originals, those from the pre-World War II days who were still living on the islands. She was the last.

Originally, she had taken Sam under her spiritual wing while he had given her a place to stay. Bethania already had a little house only 3 kilometers south. According to Sam, it was too far and he wanted to make her comfortable because she was old and she was wise and she was Jewish like his own grandmother.

Sam's lifestyle had been somewhat of an embarra.s.sment to his family even in this modern age of decadence. When it crossed his mind to offer Bethania a room in the vast villa, Sam was being pressed by guilt. Being both Greek and Jew, the double duty remorse pushed him to the invitation and she accepted gladly. Afterward, Sam never regretted including Bethania into his household. She was industrious and besides, the villa owner never visited.

Sam was celibate but he hadn't always been and his ex was Jewish too. When vandals defaced some of the historic buildings in the Jewish quarter, the Jews on the island took notice. One evening a week later, a local lawyer with an obviously Judaic surname was severely beaten as he walked from his office toward home.

Several ready-to-retire Kerkyrian Jews decided to cut their losses by leaving for Israel. Their gentile friends rea.s.sured them that they were safe on the island while Israel, on the other hand was daily threatened on every side... "Israel is surrounded and at war... Stay!" But like salmon swimming to return, Jews sensed the pull of their motherland to which they must respond. The anti-Semitism was only the last argument failing to keep them away. Nowhere was safe for the Jews and yet, Israel seemed the safest and who knew but their G.o.d might intervene on their behalf.

Every Jew felt the salmon like tug including Bethania. Still, she tarried. In the meanwhile, young Jews began to rally about her. Not the new professionals in Kerkira the capital who had recently resettled on the isle but a rag-tag group of outcasts. Sometimes there would be as many as twenty Jews and none over the age of 30 congregated at the villa. She had never seen such a mixed-up bunch of people, especially Jewish people in all her 80 plus years. They were a creative, smart crowd; fearful and immoral as if raised by a troop of monkeys. Each one without exception had a dysfunctional moral compa.s.s. The old woman connected their amoral behavior to the missing generation of old wise people.

So many adults and elderly Jews killed during the last war! The elderly Jewess ruminated. Their wisdom and prophetic insight; their perseverance and knowledge to survive, gone without the full fruition pa.s.sed on to the children and grandchildren.

Bethania never had children...

'Sing, O barren, You who have not borne! Break forth into singing, and cry aloud, You who have not labored with child! For more are the children of the desolate than the children of the married woman," says the LORD.'

Making the promise her own, the old woman had quoted that scripture many a time but lately she wondered at the original intent or true meaning. After all, it was a futuristic promise described by the Jewish prophet Isaiah and yet, the Jews or rather Israel was counted as the wife of G.o.d. Who then was this barren woman? Bethania sensed that her many complaints and questions regarding the eternal G.o.d would be answered... eventually.

It had been three days since, Sam and Dale had decided on a plan to travel north to the mountainous area of Avliotes. Sam would take goods to trade and then leave Dale in Evangelos before returning.

The western sh.o.r.e of Kerkyra had not only lovely beaches but also, vineyards, orchards and rare dyes that came from sh.e.l.ls collected several times a year when storms washed them ash.o.r.e. Although a smallish island, Kerkyra's native specialities were regionally distinct. In the far past, seasonally the islanders ventured to barter their region's wares and to trade for what they lacked locally. Goods smuggled in from Italy and D'Almata were often found in the larger coastal towns of northern Kerkyra, including the inland Avliotes. Besides the plethora of olive groves, lumber and distinctive cheeses - all local products that their southern brethren sought after when traveling the mountain roads north, Avliotes' specialty was their secret extraction method which produced a coveted olive oil.

In the cab of a borrowed truck, Sam stocked lunch, water and a tire pump. There were two pairs of new but cheap Chinese made binoculars, a box of old candy - unopened and half a case of Moroccan unfiltered cigarettes to be used for bribes, coming and going. Loaded in the back for bartering and secured beneath a tarp were several bags of the purplish sh.e.l.ls, three dozen grapevine plantings, a half dozen cases of citrus fruit recently traded from the south, four black trash bags filled with sweaters and winter wear besides the two homeless children huddled together atop the trash bags.

The Klein children, little girls not yet bat mitzvahed, had been jostled between several homes in the area. Their nanny disappeared with everything valuable, including their pa.s.sports one day about a month after her employers - the girls' parents, failed to return. It was a holiday gone bad for the family. Many attempts to locate the parents proved useless. Besides speaking Greek, the children spoke English and French but shock and trauma left them without sound reasoning to aid in their own deliverance. They had homes in Paris and New York but without the nanny's input the locals were stumped. No one wanted to consign them to the authorities.

Privately, Bethania surmised that the parents were either back in the states during the national attack or they were victims of the rampant anti-Semitism that was plaguing all the civilized world at present.

So, when Sam politely asked if there was anything Bethania would like to send north for trade, she brought the children forward.

"Samuel," she began as Sam was obviously hesitant and fl.u.s.tered by her request. "I hear there is a small orphanage willing to take older children. Don't you see how vulnerable they are here with us? For Jews, it is becoming uncomfortable but for Jewish children it is already dangerous!"

It wasn't that Sam was opposed to the idea of the children being placed in an orphanage. The idea was the perfect solution but he personally didn't want to be troubled by transporting them nor did he want to be responsible for their well-being in the meantime. Bethania had no plans of leaving the children to travel alone with Sam and Dale.

"Ne, don't worry about a thing. I am going... You don't think I would let you place these darlings in a cesspool, an orphanage or no? I must go and inspect this place," she explained.

Sam's face grew red with alarm. He sputtered, "Yaiyai! It would be too much to ask of you... I will treat them as I would my own siblings. I will do the inspection for you. You must stay and guard the goat!" Sam did not want to take the children but taking the old woman seemed worse; fraught with problematic situations at every crossroad.

No, she already provided for the goat, the dogs and the chickens too. "Besides, we will be back in a few days," she said as she threw a drawstring bag in with the children. "Now pull the canvas tight, it is starting to rain," she ordered. The men looked helplessly at one another and did as Bethania bade while she climbed laboriously into the cab.

Chapter 20 Tina.

Although considered vintage, the Serendipity had exceptionally modern electronics. The previous owner had installed several quality additions including the unconventional crows nest and a sizeable refrigerated hold. The notebook size internet screen built into the navigational controls was offline more than it was online. Periodically, news and email could be downloaded.

Before dinner when Zeff had swapped with Junior as watch, Zeff checked the screen and saw a message for Merry. Seldom did anyone get a message. The internet reception was too erratic to receive or send messages consistently. Communication, though infrequent was typically achieved through the ship-to-sh.o.r.e radio. The sloop screen worked like a cell phone face.

Combing his fingers through his hair, Zeff hit 'receive' and the full message popped up.

Guess who? It's Tina Evangelos!

LOL!.

We got word that Anna and Dale are on the island. Is it true you are all headed for D'Almata? I want to go! But then who would take care of the garden and my growing band of orphans? Yes, this city girl has become a holistic gal :) BTW, I am so sorry for all that has happened back in your beloved country. I know you Yanks have your issues (don't we all) but I loved my life there and I worry for my many friends and family. No one seems to know how they are doing stateside. We get news periodically but there is nothing specific. Let me know if you hear anything about anyone we know in common, please.

According to my island friends, you will be stopping here for a very short time? Is this true? I hope to see you as I wish to catch up where we left off.

Let me know if this note makes it to you... T.E.

Later reflecting on his behavior, Zeff wondered at his decision to respond. He wrote: h.e.l.lo Tina. Merry is below making dinner and because I am selfishly hungry, I will not disturb her now. Instead, I will write a note to you and introduce myself.

Although Merry is married to the Captain, Malak of D'Almata, I am first mate, Joseph Zeferano. My friends call me Zeff. So please call me Zeff, as any friend of Merry's is a special friend of mine.

I joined the crew the day we set sail from Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. It has been an unusual trip at the very least. We have fought storms, pirates and most recently a demonic tsunami. You must think I am kidding but there it is... These are strange times!

I see that we are still online. Take advantage of that as we will probably lose the connection soon enough!

Please respond and let me know something of yourself... Orphans? Are you a nun?

I have watch duty ahead for more than three hours.

When Merry brings my meal topside I will show her your message.

Your new friend - Zeff As the sloop drew closer to the Rock of Gibraltar, Russian and Chinese military boats increased and the internet reception was continuous. The possibility of being accosted by pirates grew less...

Zeff- You went to ASU? My best friend from Philly, her brother went to school there. Sadly, I haven't heard from her or any of her family since Christmas...

Tina...

I thought you were older from your posts. Merry is your age too and she seems so mature, like you. The senoritas I ran with in college were all drama. BTW, I am glad you are not a nun... Merry says you have two orphans; twin boys that you took in when you returned to Greece last year.

Zeff, You speak three languages (not counting the language of love, lol)?!? I took Italian at university and I get a chance to use it here on the island but I'm not fluent. Funny, but I dream in both Greek and English...

You asked again about my orphans. Yes, I have the twins... Click and Clack. They are four years old and extremely sweet - thank the G.o.ds! But also, I have acc.u.mulated sixteen... yes, 16 other children. I have some help from the community but people from all over the island have abandoned these little cubs at my doorstep.

Tina, When I asked Merry if you were really as fat as you described she said, yes! "Tina is a chubby lady trapped in a very athletic body... She eats like a horse!" Is it true?

Zeff!

You have so many questions! First, you ask me about UFOs??? And now the old G.o.ds!

Yes, there are many people who continue to worship the old G.o.ds - All twelve. Greek history is interwoven with the Zeus and his cronies. The temples and ruins are everywhere on these islands. Especially, on Kerkyra.

Please don't forget to bring the supplies I asked for... Now, eighteen children! Most under the age of 14 and they have lots of needs.

Tina?

It's been three days since I've heard from you. Que pasa? Was it my breath? Lol...

Sorry about the stuff, but Mac says we're not stopping before "the backdoor." You know what that means, I suppose.

There is a meteor shower tonight. Look to the east and you will see a wonderful sight just after sunset.

Chapter 21 Roadside Dance.

Much of the coastal road was travel worthy, Dale found. There were shallow sand drifts continuously but these mini dunes didn't hinder the truck. When Sam sat down behind the wheel, he sported a pair of spectacles that were missing the left lens. Sam's driving gla.s.ses couldn't be repaired because the lens had to be ordered from Italy or France. He told Dale that if he made a trip to Athens, he might get a new pair but his lens prescription wouldn't be correct. Sam started up the engine and that is when Dale told him, "I'll drive."

Sam switched places with Dale and immediately fell asleep; his head resting against the closed pa.s.senger window. Bethania rode in the middle of the bench seat.

Dale found out much about Bethania's life as she was a ready conversationalist. Before changing the subject, she detailed her fears for the Jews because of the steady swell of prejudice and violence against them.

"I don't see it abating anytime soon. I'm fearful for my people. I saw what happen when I was a child and I understand how hateful... murderous and evil people can be. No, no! Don't get me wrong. I do not fear for myself. It's those babies in the back of the truck and even Samuel here. He is so young but me? I'm old. I have had wealth, health and notoriety. I've lived and now, I can die," she said. Her words, heavily accented were genuine. Dale was convinced she spoke from her heart.

The truck hummed. He was quiet. He had much to say. There was a weight on his own heart that he recognized. Repeatedly since he was a boy, Dale would feel this touch at precarious times. Dale called it the finger of G.o.d; a gentle pressure urging Dale forward in faith. He sensed now was time to declare G.o.d's plan of salvation.

The enemy's arguments began a.s.saulting Dale's logical reasoning before he could formulate a reply to Bethania. The debate sounded like a normal inner argument but in actuality an outside source was interjecting commentary.

Bethania is a Jew! Did we forget that? How offensive can I be?

Jesus was a Jew... They have something in common.

Very funny. She is also opinionated and why not, she has lived three times as long as me. She knows the Old Testament better than I do.

True, but since you, Devil are putting up a argument... I must be getting ready to do something right. So, shut up!

Dale began without further ado. "You say you're ready to die but are you really, Bethania?" Dale realized that his opening salvo was slightly strong. "I mean, the last few days I hear you mention G.o.d and the G.o.d of Abraham and even the 10 Commandments but knowing about eternity is not the same thing as being ready for eternity."

Bethania tightened the paisley scarf under her chin. A week ago, she would have put forth a furious defense but now she said simply, "Go on."

Dale glanced to his right. Bethania seemed so fragile but he had seen her in action, working, speaking, teaching, cooking and milking the goat; he knew different. She was tough and she was ready to hear the good news. So Dale began with the Jewish writings found in the Old Testament and worked his way to the Jewish writings found in Romans chapter 11. He explained later, After all, Apostle Paul the author was a Jew.

The rain clouds had finished their work, pa.s.sing over the island toward the mainland. The pavement and sandy terrain were steamy from the morning sun.

Dale saw the rusted sign for the inland road that went north through the mountains. He would wake Sam in a few minutes but first, he needed to finish the discussion he was having with Bethania.

Dale said, "Let me put it another way. The Jewish laws were our teacher and guide until the messiah came to give us right standing with G.o.d through our faith. But now that messiah has actually been here, we don't need those laws any longer to guard us and lead us to him. Those laws that were once inscribed in stone are now written by the Spirit of the living G.o.d on the hearts of those who believe that Jesus is messiah... He came and died and rose from the dead. Like the lambs of old, he paid with blood His own."

The picture of the leather covered rock came to Bethania's mind. She had never been open to the idea that the renegade Jewish Jesus was Messiah. Unemotionally, she had studied Christianity and Him but history and her own personal interactions with Christians had been an insurmountable obstacle in taking Jesus or His followers seriously. There had always been exceptions like old Mayor Karrar and the bishop of Zakynthos both professing Christians.

What were two among so many? The n.a.z.i's attended church most Sundays, she remembered.

The stone wrapped in leather... Her G.o.d, the Jewish G.o.d, the G.o.d of all had wrapped the first disobedient couple in leather skins; to cover them, animals had to die. Later, animals continued to die to cover the sins of the Jews and yet, it was not a permanent fix. Every year the bloodletting had to be performed because the words on the stone, those commandments were transgressed.

If the Law could be kept, I could have eternal life... but I cannot keep it. No one can but one good Person. Why call me good? He had asked me in my dream! Only G.o.d is good!

Bloodshed was the remedy. Messiah was the ransom. Like a tumbler lock spinning and each cylinder clicking into place, Bethania was humbled and astonished as answers to her questions clicked to find a place in her mind. The rotating tumblers slowed and stopped. Bethania knew that she knew - Jesus was Messiah!

The Greek transliteration came forth from her lips. "Joshua Messiah! Joshua Messiah? Joshua Messiah!" And then she said in Hebrew, "Yeshua HaMashiach!"

"Stop! Stop, I must get out." Bethania demanded.

Sam bolted upright. He pulled his one lens gla.s.ses down from his forehead as he jerked about looking for the trouble. He saw two bikes at least a kilometer up the road pedaling towards them but there were no other vehicles to be seen, only sandy beach on the left and sand and shrubs on the right. An island mountain range climbed before them but there was no danger that he could perceive.

Dale pulled as far as he dared onto the shoulder buried in sand. Not waiting for the sluggish Samuel to open his door, Bethania followed Dale out the driver's side. She hopped from the cab and would have fallen into the street if Dale hadn't caught her. Bethania pushed him away without a thanks and began skipping about the road. A soulful Jewish melody came from her lips.

Like Miriam of the Old Testament, Bethania only needed a tambourine.

When Sam came around from the other side the old woman rushed to him and began pulling him about to dance with her. She was singing in Greek, all the while. Hesitant at first, Sam already knowing the eccentricities of Bethania began the mitzvah tanz or wedding dance with her.

Dale remembering the children crouching under the tarp, let them out. This interruption would have a practical purpose too. They could have a potty stop. Bethania called to the girls and pulled Sam to them. The four began a circle dance while Dale stood watching.

What have I done? He wondered with a chuckle. Bethania seeing him grinning grabbed him into the group as the swirling foursome came close. At another time and in another place, the children would have been painfully embarra.s.sed by such behavior but now... It was an amusing distraction from their recent grim existence.

Dale and Sam eyed each other. Dale smiling but Sam baffled. After another minute or more, Bethania succ.u.mbed to exhaustion and maneuvered her way to the truck cab step. She let go of the girls' hands to sit abruptly as she let out the final words of her fantastic hymn. The children were smiling and wondering. Sam shook his head and wandered off to the scrub oak to relieve himself. Two men with fishing poles riding bicycles came abreast of them and waved without stopping. The girls waved back.