Literature Discussion - Lit-Talk.com

The Tishbite
The Untold Story of Elijah

By Kurt W. Schuller (USA)

Chapter 13

This manuscript (currently titled "the tishbite" but I am considering "A Man of God") is unfinished This Is a fictional account of the life of Elijah. It is raw and powerful reflecting the actual state of life at the time.It has a strong sexual theme which is necessary because of the story it tells. It is both inspirational as well as entertaining. It was written to entertain the reader first.` Your feedback is welcome I hope you enjoy.

Part one: A Man Of God

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter 13
As Obadiah followed after the page he scrambled through his mind, wondering if at any time earlier he might have given himself away. Had Rabah seen him as he hid in the pool? He worked hard to hide his fear. As they entered the courtroom he stared at Rabah intently, looking for any sign of what might be going through the priest’s mind.  He was briefly distracted by the scratch marks across the priest’s face before deciding that he looked more determined than angry.
Obadiah bowed. “ How can I serve you?”
Rabah, who had been looking down at some scrolls, did not return the respect.
 “Have you heard of the excitement we had this morning?” he said without looking up from his studies.
“Some sort of a prophet, wasn’t it?” Said Obadiah, trying to sound indifferent. “Seems we have had so many over the years that I have ceased paying attention.”
Rabah looked up from the scroll and starred at Obadiah. “Well this one has my attention-” He looked back down. “-and it will be the death of him.”
Obadiah looked confused and Rabah sensed it. “Do you have some problem with that- old man?”
“No Rabah. One of the servants gave me some misinformation, that’s all. They told me that Jezebel said that this so-called prophet was not to be killed.”
Rabah chuckled. “That would be correct.” He paused and looked to see who might be in earshot before he continued. “ I still want him dead, that is why I have called for you.”
Obadiah panicked. “ I-I am an administrator” he sputtered, “I have ne-never killed anyone.”
“Please” Rabah sighed sarcastically, rolling his eyes. “ Having another moment of senility, are we?  I have an army of professional killers to call on for that task. What I want from you is information. I want you to find out as much as you can about this Tishbite.”
“But how can I? I have my duties here-”
Rabah waved his hand dismissively. “That has already been taken care of. I want to know everything about this prophet, his family, his friends, his lovers, his vices and secrets.”
The priest put down the scroll and poured a glass of wine. He drew deeply from the gold goblet and wiped his lips. Taking a soft piece of cloth he dipped it into the last of the wine at the bottom of the glass. He then took the wine-soaked cloth and patted gently at his facial wounds.
 “You are my fall back plan old man. I have my assassins out looking for him as we speak. If they fail to find him then I will have to depend on what information you can gather.”
“But what if I fail to-”
Rabah put his index finger to Obadiah’s lips to silence him. He smiled evilly and leaned close to the old mans face.
“You already know.” He whispered. “ Why torture yourself needlessly?”
The smile disappeared and he spoke each word with emphasis, tapping Obadiah’s chest as he spoke.
 “Just- don’t- fail.”
Obadiah’s head was spinning. He stared down at his sandals trying to regain his composure.
“What are you waiting for, old fool? Or should I just kill you now?”
As Obadiah continued to stare down at his feet, a strange feeling of calm came over him.
“No, that will not be necessary.” He looked up into Rabah’s eyes and smiled confidently.
“I will not fail.”
 Rabah seemed to be at a loss for words. Something about Obadiah’s confidence had caught him off guard and he furrowed his brow in puzzlement.
Obadiah maintained his stare. “I should go now.”
Rabah shook his head and regained his composure.
“Yes, that right, you should go-” He turned his attention back to the scroll, “-now.”
Obadiah bowed slightly and turned to leave, the confident smile still evident on his face. When he was about halfway out of the room Rabah called after him.
“By the way, Obadiah. How is that wife and family of yours?”
Obadiah froze in his tracks and the smile disappeared. He did not turn; he didn’t want to give Rabah the satisfaction.
“ No need to answer.” Rabah sneered sarcastically. “You can be certain that I will watch after them while you are gone.”
Obadiah raised his hand in weak acknowledgement and left the chamber quickly.
His first instinct told him to him that Ruth and his sons should be the first to find refuge in his secret cave. But as he made his way home he found himself coming to an inescapable conclusion. He could not hide or protect them if he did what he was planning. If they were to disappear then Rabah would know right away that something was wrong. To carry out his plan, he would have to put those he loved most dear at risk. 
For thirty years he had been straddling the fence between the Idolatrous and disobedient kings and the will of God, telling himself that, somehow, this was the right thing to do. The time had come. He would have to pick a side this time.

Continued Next Week