An Uncertain Journey: A Novel

By Don Schofield

Thomas the apostle was a contradiction. He willingly took up the mantel and followed Jesus during his ministry, yet when called on to take the message to others, he resisted. Questioning another’s rationale was in his DNA. However, his path was almost always true, and his goals were honorable.

Using church traditions, local history, and various apocryphal writings, this novel is the telling of Thomas’s journey to the Indian subcontinent, where the apostle disseminated the teachings of Jesus in a land of unfamiliar customs and ingrained, ancient beliefs. The journey was not easy—made all the more complicated by Thomas’s own doubts of his abilities. He suffered servitude, imprisonment, a shipwreck, and other life-threatening challenges as he struggled to fulfill his commitment to Christ. Nevertheless, his determination was resolute, and eventually his mission was accomplished. Today, millions of Christians look on Thomas as a cornerstone of their faith.

• Language: English
• Publisher: WestBow Press
• Release date: Mar 3, 2022
• ISBN: 9781664258457

Don Schofield

Don is a retired attorney who with his wife are longtime residents of West Texas. He is a student of history with two degrees in the field and has a particular interest in the first century, Mediterranean cultures.

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Copyright © 2022 Don Schofield.

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This is a work of fiction. All of the characters, names, incidents,

organizations, and dialogue in this novel are either the products

of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously.

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Interior Image Credit: Don Schofield

ISBN: 978-1-6642-5846-4 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-6642-5847-1 (hc)

ISBN: 978-1-6642-5845-7 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2022903391

WestBow Press rev. date: 03/02/2022

For Terry, Suzanne, and Becky.

According to Christian church tradition, Judas Thomas, the apostle, was charged with taking the good news of Jesus the Christ to the land of Parthia-India.

This is a version of that ministry …

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CONTENTS

Prologue

Part I   The Reluctant Disciple

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Part II   The Prince of Taxila

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Part III   The Prince of Karur

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24

Chapter 25

Chapter 26

Chapter 27

Chapter 28

Chapter 29

Chapter 30

Chapter 31

Part IV   The Mission

Chapter 32

Chapter 33

Chapter 34

Chapter 35

Chapter 36

Chapter 37

Chapter 38

Chapter 39

Chapter 40

Chapter 41

Chapter 42

Chapter 43

Chapter 44

Chapter 45

Chapter 46

Chapter 47

Epilogue

PROLOGUE

House of John Mark, Jerusalem, Judea—circa 42 CE

It was the darkest hour, just before dawn, and a dome of blue with silver stars shrouded Jerusalem, with only the occasional bleating of a distant flock of sheep or the sharp bark of a dog to disturb this center of the Jewish world. For one inhabitant, however, it was not all tranquility, as Judas Thomas Didymus, or simply Thomas as he preferred to be known, awoke with a start from a fretful sleep. He rubbed his coarse robe against his chest to help absorb the sweat and wiped his brow with a sleeve to the same end. The dream—the haunting, relentless demands of one he could not forsake—had returned.

Thomas pushed his thin frame up from the straw mat that lay next to four others and stepped silently across the open room toward a doorway that guarded his second-floor sanctum. So much had changed.

He opened the large wooden door as he slipped into a dark stairway that led to a small garden enclosed within the walled compound. He needed time to think.

You look troubled, a gruff voice said as a strong hand gripped him by the shoulder and halted his forward movement.

Thomas turned abruptly as light from a half-moon highlighted his sunken, almost sallow features. It was his dark brown eyes, however, that immediately focused on the bearded, weathered face of the intruder and questioned the interruption.

Peter, Thomas said curtly as his stare continued to bore in on the man. Did James send you?

The other smiled and shook his head.

No, James did not send me. I saw you leave and thought I would come and offer my help. It is obvious that you are troubled, and I can be a good listener.

Thomas stood silent for a moment as he dabbed his eyes with a hand and then ran his fingers through his short brown hair.

I realize why James and the others brought me back from Caesarea, he began. However, I promised my brother, and I can’t just leave him to handle our business by himself. It would not be fair.

Peter nodded politely as they walked slowly along the narrow garden path that abutted the back of the walled compound. They finally came to an olive tree that stood in the middle of the walkway, and Thomas turned to explain more.

I know that we drew lots. However, I just do not think I can leave my family. It is asking too much. Besides, I understand that Bartholomew has volunteered to go to Parthia in my place.

Peter looked closely at his troubled friend before he spoke.

His offer was only to help you. Bartholomew has his own obligation to fulfill.

I know. That is perhaps why I keep having my dream.

Peter said nothing but waited for Thomas to explain.

The apostle let out a deep breath before continuing. "The Master comes every night and reminds me of my calling. I resist, but he will not relent. I feel like I have betrayed him."

Peter’s look sharpened as he stared deep into Thomas’s eyes as if searching his soul for an answer.

I, too, have had a dream, he said. "The Master also comes and tells me to have you commit. It is part of his plan. He is not going to relent, Thomas."

But how, Peter? I have others to consider. And my health does not seem to improve. Does this not change everything?

"Whether we understand or not, we are chosen. Do you not think that I have had doubts, too? I have a wife who needs me, as do others. However, we have been given a gift—a task—that must be fulfilled. And we do it without question because we are not capable of understanding all that God intends. Remember, I denied him on the day he was crucified. Do you think I can ever forgive myself? We all are merely vessels to be used for his greater purpose. After all this time, surely you understand that."

I do. However, I still question.

As do we all, Peter responded somewhat defiantly. However, maybe not quite as vocally.

And if I agree, when would we leave? Thomas asked.

Peter’s smile returned. He sensed that has friend was slowly bending to what he knew was inevitable.

Actually, James has met a merchant from a land that borders Parthia, and their king needs a skilled carpenter. Your name has been mentioned, and the merchant is interested. He is willing to donate to our community for your commitment to his king. James has asked that I speak to you about this.

You knew all along! Thomas said, almost as a rebuke.

No. But perhaps the Master did. You just had to see the way.

Thomas stiffened and stared at Peter as both considered his fate.

And when? he asked again. I need to let my brother know. And I would like to give him some of the monies paid for my services to help the family.

Peter put his strong hand on Thomas’s shoulder.

I am sure that something can be arranged. And I would want to connect with this merchant within the month. Can you do that?

Thomas drew up his thin frame and took another deep breath as he ran a hand over the stubble of a beard.

I will try. Then after some thought, he asked, Peter, does it ever get easier?

Peter withdrew his hand from Thomas’s shoulder and smiled.

No, my brother, he answered. It never does.

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The two men stood anxiously outside the eastern gate to Jerusalem in the early morning just after dawn, watching the caravan of camels and herders assemble. Neither really wanted to begin this particular journey.

You don’t have to go, Peter, Thomas said to the large, gray-bearded man standing at his elbow. My word can be trusted.

The taller man turned and looked at the other without a smile.

I know, Peter said as he continued to survey the assembling caravan. However, I am to meet the merchant in Raqmu who will escort you to our Gentile brothers. He has the balance of the monies promised to our community.

Thomas exhaled with a sigh.

Bought and sold, he said. Like property.

No! Peter corrected immediately. You are as important to the Master as the rest. The purchase is for services, not you. And the man struck a bargain that the others want fulfilled.

And my brother? Thomas asked.

All are in agreement that he should receive a share. I will make sure that this promise is kept.

Thomas said nothing but nodded slightly at Peter, evidencing his trust.

A young herder holding a long, pliable whip approached and pointed at a camel while he instructed both men to join the column.

It looks like we have our orders, Peter said with a half smile. At least we ride and not walk.

Thomas responded also with a half smile.

For that, at least, I give a blessing.

PART I

The Reluctant Disciple

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CHAPTER 1

Near Raqmu (Petra), southeast of Jerusalem

The caravan of camels and donkeys snaked slowly beneath the sheer pink sandstone cliffs as it approached the rock-hewed tombs at the far end of a narrow passageway. There was almost dead silence among the herders and merchants, as if it would ward off a rockslide as they maneuvered closer to this unique city of the Nabataean tribesmen. Once at the imposing edifices near the entrance, the caravan stopped to orient itself as other temples and tombs cut from rock fanned into a community with its population moving adroitly among multiple forums and marketplaces. Thomas and Peter opted to continue their search on foot.

I expected nothing like this, Thomas said, looking around and up a valley lined with other stone monuments. Where do we begin?

Peter was momentarily distracted as he surveyed the surroundings. I really don’t know, he finally responded. I suppose we find the forum where the merchants congregate and ask.

And where would that be? Thomas answered. "As a matter of fact, just who is it that we are looking for?"

Peter turned to his compatriot with a look of irritation. Well, it’s pretty plain that we have only one way to walk, he said as he pointed north up the congested valley. And the man we seek is called Abbanes. He is a merchant from a kingdom near Parthia. He told James that he would wait for us in Raqmu.

You have not met him then?

No, Peter answered.

Thomas nodded slightly and shaded his eyes as both started up the valley of stone toward what looked to be a large encampment of tents and open bazaars.

Once at a large, open plaza of multiple vendors, Thomas and Peter were overwhelmed by the crowd of inhabitants who were participating in various trades. Most were dressed in long, nondescript robes and wearing either turbans or skullcaps, while others wore colorful pants with matching tops or long, silky garments embroidered with mythological creatures. Thomas and Peter took only a moment to study the diverse gathering before heading into the mix, using only intuition to locate their merchant contact.

Parthians? Peter asked one man, who replied with a shrug and silence.

He asked the same of two others, who responded similarly. Finally, one man pointed up a narrow path to a cluster of tents.

Nearing the site, Peter repeated his question and was pointed to a specific congregate of traders, which both he and Thomas approached.

Parthians? Peter asked again in Aramaic.

A young man holding a small, glazed pot turned and nodded.

The trader Abbanes, Peter continued. Do you know where to find him?

The young man looked back at Peter, puzzled by the question. He then held up a pot and asked if Peter wanted to buy it; the apostle shook his head politely and started to walk off.

Can I help? another interjected as he stepped from the shadows of a canopy and carefully studied both Peter and Thomas. You seek the Parthians?

Peter nodded.

Look over there, the tall, bearded man suggested as he pointed toward one of the rock walls where a tentlike enclave built from the shear walls stood out from the rest.

They usually trade from that area. However, if they don’t have what you want, come back and we’ll talk.

Peter smiled in response as he started for the distinctive tents, with Thomas trailing closely behind. Their reception was unexpectedly abrupt.

What do you two want? a heavyset man asked, interrupting his conversation with two other men. Desert smells heated by the sun permeated the environment.

Parthians, Peter answered, somewhat defensively.

Over there. Next tent, the short-tempered man said as he pointed to another row of tents abutting the rock facade.

Peter and Thomas wasted no time as they walked briskly where directed and asked again for the Parthians.

I am one, a short, turbaned man answered. What can I do for you? You want copper or jewels?

No, Peter responded. We seek a man called Abbanes. Do you know where he can be found?

This is your lucky day, stranger. I am called Abbanes. What can I do for you?

Peter examined his subject closely, as did Thomas. The merchant was not at all what Peter expected. The man was short and corpulent with stubby fingers and a round face outlined by a dark, close-cropped beard. However, it was the man’s deep brown, almost black eyes that exposed his true character as they darted to and from everything within sight, analyzing the advantages of it all. The man’s hands nervously fingered a copper pot while he confronted the two strangers.

We come from Jerusalem, Peter began. James of Nazareth instructed us to find you, as my friend here is to accompany you to Parthia. Peter turned slightly to his left and looked at Thomas.

The merchant stared silently at both men for a long moment.

I remember, he began. This one is to join the household of the king. He is a builder.

Carpenter, Thomas corrected.

Carpenter, of course, Abbanes said.

You are fortunate that you found me, Abbanes continued. I thought you had forgotten your commitment, and I about left for Taxila days ago. Only the arrival of several new caravans kept me in Raqmu. However, I leave tomorrow. We can talk more of this back at my tent. It is just the other side of the canopy. The man turned abruptly and walked around a haphazard display of copperwares and large baskets to an enclosure staked only yards from a tall sandstone wall.

All three entered the tent through a low doorway protected by a patterned rug. Inside, the musty smell of stale smoke and cooked meat hung heavy over everything. Peter and Thomas were pointed to a bank of several pillows at the far end of the enclosure. Abbanes maneuvered himself into the position of honor, with Peter and Thomas seated to his left, while two female slaves placed small platters of hot food and a cup of wine in front of each.

Eat! the merchant instructed as he took a handful of meat and brought it up to his mouth. Who knows when you’ll be able to do so again? The man laughed and then took a large gulp of wine as he looked at Peter to continue.

Our sole purpose is that Thomas join you on your journey back to Parthia, Peter began. It is as agreed in Jerusalem.

Ah, Abbanes said, putting down his goblet, the carpenter.

I also need to collect the balance of the contribution you made to our community, Peter added uncomfortably.

Abbanes looked puzzled. What is owed? he asked. I thought our business was concluded.

Peter’s mouth tensed. He reached into an inside pocket of his robe and pulled out a folded piece of parchment.

As you may recall, he said as he unfolded the document, the balance of two hundred and fifty pieces of silver was to be paid on our arrival at Raqmu. Look. Peter handed the document into the stubby hands of the merchant. I believe it bears the mark of all parties.

Abbanes examined the parchment very carefully while his eyes occasionally looked up at the two strangers. Finding no quick response to explain away the agreement, he folded the parchment and handed it back to the apostle.

It is as you say, he said. When do you want payment?

I hope to return to Jerusalem tomorrow. Thomas goes on with you. Say, tomorrow morning? Peter suggested.

I thought it was only one hundred and fifty pieces of silver. Are you sure of the amount? the merchant asked.

It is what the document states. I ask no more, Peter replied.

Abbanes nodded but not without a noticeable scowl. Until tomorrow then, he said as he pushed himself up from his pillow. Where will you stay?

Thomas and I are used to our time under the stars. The one we follow did it routinely, Peter said and smiled at Thomas. We will find our own way until morning.

Abbanes nodded. Until then, the merchant responded as he held out his right arm.

Peter stood, clasped the arm as expected, and turned to leave. Thomas followed in silence.

Once outside the tent, Peter stopped and looked at his companion. We have much to do, he said. I want to return to Judea as soon as possible.

As would I, Thomas echoed. However, I will keep my word. Nevertheless, I feel like a used rug being passed among disagreeing family members. I certainly hope the circumstances change.

They will, Peter said with an attempt at a smile as he put a reassuring hand on the man’s shoulder. And remember: this merchant and the journey he undertakes is but a means to get where your mission begins. Never lose sight of that. You have been chosen for an important task.

I sincerely hope that is the case, my friend. I truly do. The rancor behind the words was unmistakable.

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As the sun heated the sandstone walls of the cavernous city, Peter returned to collect the monies due, after which he immediately started out of Raqmu for Jerusalem. Thomas now stood alone before the tent of the Taxila merchant.

It seems that your friend has abandoned you, Abbanes said as he rounded the far side of his enclave with another more robust individual.

Not abandoned, Thomas corrected. I go as agreed.

And as purchased, Abbanes added with a smile. This is Hector, the master of my caravan. The man pointed to a barrel-chested individual standing to his left. He will take you to the others who travel with us.

Thomas hesitated for a moment. However, sensing the impatience of the merchant, he followed the one called Hector around the tent to an open yard congested with other stalls and haggling merchants. Clustered in the shadows near Abbanes’s tent were at least a dozen men chained at the ankle, eating a pasty meal from wooden bowls. Hector pointed Thomas to the desperate-looking lot.

Get over there with them! he said forcibly as he waved a hand at several slaves hidden in the shadows under one of the canopies.

Me? Thomas said incredulously. There must be a mistake.

However, in one swift movement, a leather anklet with a protruding metal hook was strapped securely around Thomas’s ankle, while a chain was attached and locked, binding him to the dozen or more men. Hector looked at Thomas with a satisfied smile but said nothing. He turned and walked briskly back to Abbanes’s tent.

Thomas looked around the congested yard and at the slaves, dumbfounded. What has happened? he asked himself. This was not his agreement!

He felt a quick jerk on the chain and looked down at his feet as a hand proffered a bowl of gruel.

Peter! Thomas shouted as much to himself as to any other as he raised his hands to the sky. What have you done? he cried. What have you done!

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Peter’s caravan snaked its way out of the canyon and moved slowly northwest toward the city of Jerusalem. Using one of his pieces of silver, he had purchased a camel, knowing that the community would not object. Even then, he felt drained.

Turing to his right and placing a hand on the hindquarter of the camel, Peter looked back at the receding Raqmu.

Thomas, he thought, you are just too intractable and hardheaded!

The camel stumbled, and Peter had to catch himself from falling.

You should have asked me to finish my dream. He closed his eyes pensively. We drew lots, and you were chosen for Parthia. You knew that; yet you denied him still. And so it had to be. Abbanes is but a tool … as are you. The mission is too great to be denied. It is predestined. It is your fate. So, go in peace, my friend. Go in peace.

Peter smiled to himself and suddenly felt that a burden had lifted. Time would heal this wound too.

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CHAPTER 2

Port of Idumala (Eilot)

The caravan of traders approached the azure waters of this inlet to the Red Sea with expectation of a quick transfer of their wares onto waiting ships and a hasty continuation of the journey east, which Abbanes accepted as his due. After all, he thought to himself as the column approached the busy port, it was merchants such as himself upon whom the prosperity of Idumala depended. Thomas was not quite so reflective.

Remove this chain! I’ve done nothing to deserve this! he repeated for the benefit of any who would listen, which was little