Adventure The Long Walk

By Joseph N. Padilla

Have you found Christ yet? After you read my novel you will see how many things one young man went through with so many tribulations unknown to him; but those years of agonizing have passed; and now it is up to you to follow the path after Christ. Your path has been open without limits; this story shows you the way. Your path is no farther than the New Testament of the bible; for Jesus has cleared the way for you. This venture will take you there and as you read the word; know this; you also have gone, "AFTERCHRIST." Joseph N. Padilla was born in the small coal-mining town of Madrid, New Mexico where he lived till the age of 10. In 1941 he and his family relocated to Richmond, California. After graduating high school he fell in love with and married his late wife Alta of 52 years. After serving in the army overseas during the Korean War, he returned to his wife to start a family with three wonderful children. Joseph had many jobs till working and retiring as a mechanic of 25 years for the bay area rapid transit system. Joseph enjoys many artistic hobbies including oil painting, playing steel guitar and storytelling. With all his blessings and inspiration from the Lord, Joseph hopes you enjoy "Afterchrist."

• Language: English
• Publisher: Proisle Publishing Services
• Release date: Sep 13, 2022
• ISBN: 9781959449096

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DEDICATION

These thoughts are dedicated to my family and those who find comfort in the many stories that have been told about Christ during His ministry here on earth. My writings are not biblical per-say, but I do convey my thoughts on what might have occurred to a young man as he sought after the one who would fulfill his hope; The one called Jesus.

SUMMARY

This adventure novel is set in the time of the Roman conquest during the ministry of Jesus. It is based on biblical and fictional characters. All ideas and material used in this manuscript are of my own imagination by the spirit that led me.

The story is about a young man named Timothy, and his walk of mercy to help his young brother who has been badly injured partly because of Timothy. His guilt and the inspiration of a stranger he met near his home who was called the Baptizer led Timothy in search of the one called Jesus.

Timothy was convinced that the trip would not take much more than a month at the most; but as it was, his dream became a tribulation. After more three years of agony, despair, imprisonment, and anxiety, he made it home, only to find his loved ones were all missing. Gone was his wife whom he married while on his journey. Also gone were his father, mother, and his little brother; all lost because his determination to search for the one called Jesus, whom Timothy believed would heal his young brother Jobe. All Timothy’s hope ended at this place he called home. Or had they.

CHARACTERS

Timothy

Jobe

Mark

Marth

John – the Baptizer

Jaz-mer – the mysterious stranger (Saul’s brother-in law)

A-lia - (ah-lee- a) the lady at the well

Kaz - (Kas-ZZ) the mute

A-mon - (A-mon) - Chief-rabbi priest

Rebecca - Timothy’s wife

Sarah - Rebecca’s sister

A-zor – Rebecca’s father

Marra - Rebecca’s mother

To-Bo (Toe- Bo) – Rebecca’s little dog

Joram - an old acquaintance of A-zor

Benjamin - the beggar

Mary and - Joseph - guardians of Jesus

Philip - one of the twelve apostles

Joran - (Jo) and A-sa (ace saw) -fighting friends of Timothy

Detro trail guide, a disciple of Jesus

Mamma - Mary – Philip’s aunt

Esiepo (e-see-pi-o)

Azariah _ (rich monarch)

Aron - Azariah’s bodyguard

Rachel – servant girl to Azariah

ADVENTURE THE

LONG WALK

AFTER CHRIST

CHAPTER 1

At Home

It was a beautiful day in the small village in Aurore in lower Judea. The midday sun was hot, and not much shade to speak of. In the shade of an old cedar three sat a young man named Timothy who had just returned from tending the family’s sheep and was resting peaceful with no specific thought in mind. His family had lived in the same spot for four generations. The only ones left were his father Mark, his mother Martha, and his little brother. Mark was a farmer who cultivated a small piece of land handed down to him by his father. He grew all his crops annually. Mark was well though by those who knew him. Martha was a very pleasant person. Timothy’s younger brother, who name was Jobe, was eleven years of age was always full of joy and mischief. He pestered his brother Timothy on every subject he could think of. Timothy enjoyed having Jobe around, but he did not want Jobe to know it because then his little brother would pester him so that he would not have time to lay around and daydream. He was seventeen and almost a fully-grown-up person, and being a simple shepherd was nothing but timeconsuming and challenging work. He would dream of being nothing less than a ruler with his own kingdom. Timothy did so love hid his job of taking care of the sheep, mostly because this kept him out in the open air where the horizon meets the blue of the sky. As Timothy lay there halve-asleep under shade the old cedar tree, holding a lamb to his boson, when suddenly his dreams were, interrupted by the voice of his mother as she neared him and said, Timothy! Son, awaken thy self, it is time for you to take your father his lunch, you know how hard he has been working those days; he must finish baling the wheat before the winter winds show up. Timothy! Are you listening to me? Timothy answered, Yes mother; isn’t he a pretty lamb? Just look at his eyes, look how black they are. Timothy! she said again. I know Mama, I know, I am ready. Meanwhile Jobe was taking in all that was being said, and he interrupted, saying. May I go? Please, Mama, please -- Timothy, please let me go with you. I don’t know. Answered Timothy, Papa may not approve of you going. Jobe was really excited wanting to go and said,. I will be really good, I promise --- if you let me go with you. Martha looked over at Timothy and winked her eye at him and said, Do you can see it in your heart to take your little brother with you? Timothy looked over at Jobe and said, Well, alright, but you my little brother, you better be at your best, and I mean really good, and you will carry the water bag; and remember I walk very fast. Jobe looked at Timothy with sad eyes. Oh well, replied Timothy. I guess I can slow down just for you little brother. Jobe very existed said, Oh boy Mama, I get to go with Timothy. Jobe took off to fetich his sandals, yelling, I get to go with Timothy, I get to go with Timothy. Timothy and Jobe started walking on the trail that led to where their father was working. It was one of the most beautiful days anyone could ever dream of. As the boys were on their way, Jobe was full of questions. Questions about this and about that, things those young boys normally ask their older brothers, such as, Why do goats look different from sheep? This are things that big brothers were supposed to know. Timothy was very patient with Jobe and tried to answer everything his little brother would ask. The boys had been on the trail for some time. They approached two trails at the end of the road where the trails led to the valley below where their father was working. Jobe noticed that one of the trails was used more than the other and wanted to know why? So, he asked his big brother Timothy, Why is one trail used more than the other? Timothy tried to explain to Jobe why sometimes it is not so easy to explain things. The truth was Timothy was afraid to let Jobe know about the mysteries of the old trail; but the answer he gave only left Jobe wondering what Timothy meant, and Jobe was a little puzzled. Jobe had never been in these parts of the valley, though he knew from hearing the family talking to which direction his father would be working. Jobe than asked Timothy, Timothy why don’t we go this way, it seems to be closer to where father is working? NO! exclaimed Timothy; we better not. Well why not? asked Jobe. Timothy could not make his mind whether to let Jobe know about the old trail. Timothy was very good about making decisions, but this one was very difficult. He stopped to think and thought that Jobe was old enough to know about the old trail. Knowing that Jobe would one day come to see for himself, which would be dangerous. Decision made; Timothy then replied. Well, Jobe, when I was a little boy, I remember some bubbling things that would bubble out of the ground, over there where those rocks are, they were all over and some heavy yellow mud. Let me tell you what an unpleasant smell came about, P-U! the smell got so bad that no one could pass through there anymore. I also remember hearing of a men who became lost there and was never found. Jobe then asked Timothy, as he pointed at the rock formation. Timothy have you ever gone through here before? Timothy paused for a moment before he answered. Saying. "Yes I have Jobe, but the last time I went through,

Papa really jumped all over me. Did he spank you? asked Jobe? No, but you know that look on father’s face. I will never do that again. Jobe’s imagination was really working, wondering what it would be like in this mystic world Timothy knew all about. Jobe’s imagination flared up. He knew he could manage the task. He has so much confidence in himself he thought he could walk on fire and brimstone with his eyes closed. Jobe had a gleam in his eyes. He spoke with a deep voice to a whisper. Timothy, do you think you could take me through that way? Not on your life Jobe. Replied Timothy, Not -- on – your—life. Well! why not? I won’t tell anyone, I promise; come on Timothy – please. Now Jobe, you know I can’t do that. Please Timothy, please? Oh, come on, I know you are a very and conscientious person; please. Timothy smiled as he questioned his better judgment. Hmm! he said, Conscientious you say! Hmm! That is quiet a word Jobe; well, we have lost time talking about this, -- I do not know Jobe, -- what if -- well, what if we get hurt? I know we won Timothy; I just know we won’t. Well, if you promise not to ever tell anyone about this, said Timothy. I won’t’ I promise cross my heart. Exclaimed Jobe. The two started walking into the path that led to the cave and the smell that Timothy had talked about was present and was getting stronger. It was the odor of sulfur. As they walked on the trail, the path was getting very narrow, and the ledges were very slippery. Further in the shallow cave the sky was getting darker, and the smell was more intense. Timothy and Jobe began coughing and their eyes streaming with tears. Jobe began crying. he was crying very loudly, but the noise of the violent gurgling and the hissing of the bubbles that were bursting all around them made it impossible for Timothy to hear Jobe‘s cry. Timothy stopped to look back to see how far Jobe was from him, for he knew that every time he took a step, the rocks on the trail rolled into the bubbling pools of lava and disintegrated into dust forms and the spewing popping cracking and exploding sounds that spewed dust and debris all around them. Timothy could not see Jobe. He got very concerned about his little brother. Timothy’s eyes were bothering him very badly. He called for Jobe, but he could not see or hear his little brother, for there was no answer from him. When he did not get an answer, he turned around back up the path wondering how far back Jobe could be. Timothy’s vision was so impaired that he could not see very far. He heard a faint cry; suddenly the hill side gave way, and Timothy slid but managed to hang on with a large root of some sort. He glanced down the slope and saw something moving; it was Jobe down at the bottom of the gorge where Jobe had fallen. Timothy was holding on the best way he could trying desperately to get down to where his little brother lay. Timothy yelled down to Jobe, Are you alright Jobe, can you hear me? But there was no answer Timothy managed to reach his little brother JOBE, - JOBE, cried Timothy as loudly as his voce could carry. Are you all right, can you hear me? Timothy’s hopes went up when he heard Jobe moaning and crying. Once again, he said, Are you all right? Poor Jobe, all he could do was moan and cry. Oh Lord, what have I done? What am I to do? Timothy asked himself. All timothy could think of was to go tell his father. He tried to help his brother, but Jobe’s right leg was severely broken. Timothy leaned over to take a better look at Jobe’s leg. Oh my God what have I done? God if you can get us from this inferno I will make it up to you, I promise. Please help me to help my little brother out of here. Once again, Timothy bent to see how Jobe was doing. This time looking through the dim lite he noticed Jobe’s face was burned very badly, and it was impossible for Jobe to see. Timothy cried out again; My Lore, what have I done? Help me Lord. It is my brother I am worried about; would you please help him? Lord I beg you with my life. Timothe picked himself up quickly as fast as he could stumbling through that land of boiling hell to seek help from his father. He ran with a heavy sweat and tears running down his face making his way to where his father was working, the only thing left were God and his father to help. The brightness of the day became clear as he ran out of the gorge into the flat land. brightness of the day became clearer as he ran out of the gorge He could see the area where his father was working. Timothy started yelling, Father, Father, please forgive me, oh Father! Timothy was so disoriented. Mark stopped his horse, then dropped the plow as he looked up and saw Timothy running toward him. He wondered if something was wrong for he could hear Timothy yelling something to him. Mark started running toward him. Timothy was out of control: he was not making any sense. When Mark reached Timothy he grabbed him by the arms. He had to shake Timothy very hard to get him to make any sense. What’s wrong? asked Mark. Please tell me, talk to me son, please. Mark realized that he was he was shaking Timothy very hard trying to get him to say something that would make sense. Timothy was trembling very badly with so much fear and afraid to tell his father what had just happened. Timothy took a deep breath and was stressed then said. Father it’s Jobe. Mark just stood there motionless looking at Timothy. He could tell by the mess his son was in and where his son had been. For only the pit had yellow mud. Mark asked, What about Jobe, come on son what about Jobe? Mark was a very calm person, but his nerves were about to give way. With a very wavery voice said Timothy, Father, I didn’t mean to take him through there Papa; I’m sorry. Slow down son, slow down, said Mark: tell me where Jobe is right now? Timothy was so afraid that he was stuttering his words and making no sense. He then said, He – he’s –he is up on the old mud trail, please help him Papa. Mark’s heart must have stopped a beat or two as he grabbed Timothy by the arm and spoke. Come on son, show me where he is. But before leaving, Mark released the horse in case he was not able to come back. This wasn’t the first time Mark had been in the predicament of having to help someone out of this hellhole. But this time, it was his own son with a challenge between life and death. Mark and his son reached the trail leading into the gorge. They quickly entered the path in the direction where Jobe laying. Mark and Timothy were slipping and sliding, losing footing on the slippery rocks. Lower and lower they went; the rocks fell into the molten pods, where they would explode and disintegrated in the burning lava, timothy was getting his second wind knowing that his brother had to be nearby. He had also lost his fear just knowing that his father was with him. He was still incredibly worried about his brother Jobe. Down on the ledge where Jobe was laying in the yellow mud was unable to contact anyone. He was wondering if Timothy had fallen somewhere and was unable to get help. He wished he could do something, but he was laying in such pain, and every time he tried to move, the ground gave way. Not able to see, he just lay very still in hopes that his brother would soon return. Jobe started to think about his family, and what his father and his mother would do at such a time as this. Jobe, for such a little person was very brave;. He lay trying to keep his mind off worrying about the surroundings he found himself in. He thought about what his father had taught him all his life. His father would say, Son, when you are lost or in trouble don’t ever forget our Father who is in heaven. He will help you and give you strength. With this in mine, Jobe felt somewhat confident. Jobe lay there very still. He thought of the day his father had scolded him for pulling the feathers from a little duckling; one could hear the little duck squealing a long way.’ and when he had tried to break an old pair of wooden sandals his father had made for him; for he wanted to make a toy boat out of them to float in the pond out back. Suddenly Jobe realized the severity of what had happened to him. He was scared and wondering if Timothy was coming back to help him; the odor was much more intense, and there was extreme pressure in the air. Just how can could a grown person take, much less a young boy like Jobe. He wanted to cry out, but his exhausted voice could no longer be expressed. Jobe realized that his hearing had become very keen, and open to every sound in this midst of all that surrounded him. He was listening very hard when his heart started to beat very fast, he thought he heard voices coming from above from where he lay. This was a crucial moment for him as he cried out. Is someone out there? Please answer me – Timothy is that you? – is that you Timothy? Jobe was struggling with his voice, for he was weak from all the crying and was wondering if anyone could hear him. When he heard a voice, Over here father. said Timothy. I think it’s coming from over here—Jobe! Jobe! Where are you? Can you hear me? Jobe screamed out, I’m over here Timothy, I’m over here! Please help me, -- I can’t see. Cried Jobe. Is someone with you? as he repeated again. is someone with you, please answer me. Jobe was still struggling with his voice. Timothy looking down the gorge saw Jobe, and said, Here he is father; yes I have father with me. - he’s over here Papa, come quickly. Mark and Timothy drew near to where Jobe was laying. As the mist flared a light that lit the surrounding walls. They could see Jobe covered with yellow mud, and what an entanglement he was in. nearing closer they could see his broken leg bone exposed through his clothing. The blood had turned deep brown that was mixed with the yellow mud that covered the aera where Jobe lay. Timothy bent down to take a closer look at Jobe’s leg. But doing so made him sick to his stomach as he gagged his guts out. Mark reached Jobe and tried to keep Jobe as comfortable as he could in the predicament they were in. As for timothy, he could not believe that he had gone against his father’s will. Oh my god, what have I done? he said, Lord I can’t bear to see what I have done, forgive me Lord. Mark was now worried about Timothy because he could see that his son was In panic. Mark told Timothy to move over. Timothy just stood there looking at Jobe. Mark replied again, Move over son so I can help your brother. Mark sat next to Jobe and asked him, Can you see son, can you see Jobe? Jobe grabbed ahold of Mark and replied, No father I can’t see at all, please help me. Timothy! said Mark, Pick Jobe’s head up. Timothy very slowly to react. Timothy! said Mark one more time. You must listen to me, we have to help Jobe, now lift his head up. Father Jobe can’t see anymore; cried Timothy; he can’t see Papa; oh Lord take my eyes, not Jobe’s, --please, Lord. Mark looked over at Timothy and said. Timothy don’t do this – I need you now, Jobe need’s you this very moment. Timothy took a deep breath and said to himself, I need to keep my strength for what I have done cannot be undone; I have to live with it for the rest of my life,; be merciful with me God, It was going to be very difficult getting out. As they started on their way-out Mark carried Jobe very carefully. Afraid of stumbling on the slippery trail. After the long struggle Mark and Timothy could see the daylight up ahead. The difficulty of getting out ended. Timothy stopped to look back. He stood hypnotized by the thought of all that had happened in such a short time. The guilt that Timothy felt increased when he thought of coming eye to eye with his mother: What would she do or say? Would she hate him forever? This concerned him very much. As they neared the homestead, the outline of the farmhouse and the old cedar tree came into sight. One could see the heat rising from the ground in the horizon for it was a very warm day. taking a closer look, they could see the rock fence covered with clean clothes drying in the sun. The sheep were restless, for they would always come to meet Timothy anytime he neared the yard. This time was a little different. The sheep were very sensitive they sense something was wrong; it was the small of blood and the sulfur from Jobe’s leg. Martha was outside washing clothes. They could hear her singing. A very kind and gentle person, she always had a smile for everyone. The love she had for her family could not be traded