Jerusalem

By Christopher Bramble

A stage play for the ages.

Once upon a time, Josiah was the ruler of the most powerful kingdom and a follower of all rites and rituals under God. The idols in the temple were destroyed, the money changers driven out, and Jerusalem was a city of high esteem. Now surrounding nations Egypt and Babylon want to see the mighty Jerusalem fall. Knowing the end is near, the prophet Jeremiah sends Rebecca his beloved wife - back to her father, knowing he will never see her again.

Over the next twenty years, five kings fall into to unrighteousness and sudden demise. Death seems to be curse on who ever rules Jerusalem. Meanwhile, Jeremiah suffers loneliness, the woes of prison, he wrestles with God, and struggles with his own faith. Yet, Jeremiah cannot deny one truth: that one day Jerusalems walls will be destroyed.

In the meantime, Solomon Roe a young officer in the Kings Guard is witness to the demise of three kings. Eventually, he is driven mad by his own disillusionment, to the point that he takes drastic actions against one of them.

Finally, King Zedekiah must deal with an ongoing siege that takes place on Jerusalems borders few supplies are getting in. Yet, he refuses to believe the city is as wicked as Jeremiah prophesies. Only when things get worse, and the walls start to burn does Zedekiah realize its too late.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Aug 26, 2011
• ISBN: 9781462847877

Christopher Bramble

Christopher Bramble lives in San Diego. He holds a BA in English Literature, and is an alumni of San Diego State. He has performed on stage as an actor, is an avid collector of Oscar winning films, and has published pieces of poetry as part of a collective anthology. His religious upbringing has sparked an interest in the truth and mythology which exists in all aspects of religion. As a member of the Mormon faith, Chris is often intrigued by the unsubstantiated story, the behind the scenes aspect of the scriptures. They are the basis of many of his stories.

Book preview

Copyright © 2011 by Christopher Bramble.

ISBN:          Softcover                                 978-1-4628-4786-0

                   Ebook                                      978-1-4628-4787-7

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to any actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

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Contents

Act One

Act Two

Act Three

Act Four

Act Five

The Epilogue

Dedication

To Eric Bowling—a good friend who left this world too soon. His argumentative spirit—though aggravating at times—made a writer out of me. To Mom and Dad, whose silent support created a greater sense of independence. To any other family member who feels they deserve attention—here it is. To all my Educators . . . Thank you.

Act One

Scene One

Jerusalem—North Tower. Marcellus and Ishbot stand guard. They are soon joined by Lieutenant Roe, their commander.

Ishbot

Who’s there? Speak, or be run through.

Marcellus

Aye. Stand in the light and be seen. Or forever hold your tongue.

Lt. Roe

Stand down despicable varmints. I have the command.

Ishbot

Lieutenant? One must be careful when coming upon a watch.

Lt. Roe

Yet, I said it was me. Now put aside your swords. Unless you wish to guard the dungeon instead.

Marcellus and Ishbot sheath their swords.

Ishbot

Not I. It stinks down there.

Marcellus

Nor I, sir.

Lt. Roe

Good then. Have you had a quiet watch?

Marcellus

All is quiet on the northern front, sir. As one would have it.

Ishbot

Not as quiet as all would like, sir. There is a word a running.

Marcellus

Silence you fool. We need not your silly rumors. At the least, not tonight.

Lt. Roe

No. Let him speak. I command it. Why the difference in opinion, soldier? Is Jerusalem safe or not?

Ishbot

Aye, `tis safe. Is it true what is said about a great war brewing?

Marcellus

That is speculation!

Lt. Roe

Does this speculation have effect?

Ishbot

I have heard rumor to the effect. The Assyrians are at war with against the Egyptians.

Marcellus

Forgive my speaking, sir. I have only heard of the rumor last night. Ishbot claims the Assyrians will seek our assistance in the war.

Lt. Roe

You are forgiven. Ishbot not so much. Listen. It is true the Assyrians are at war. That does not mean that we would follow them to the battlefield. What you have said about Jerusalem are rumors, and we will have no such rumors spread. Is that clear?

Marcellus

Besides, is it not custom for the King to ask the prophet’s blessing before going to war.

Lt. Roe

Conceal your thoughts. I command it. Have a good night.

Exit Lt. Roe.

Marcellus

Must you speak.

Ishbot

Had I spoken, would we know for sure that we would soon go to war?

Marcellus

You heard the Lieutenant, it has not been proclaimed.

Ishbot

Proclamation—proclamation. The good lieutenant,