Judah’s happy expression fell. “This is a Holy War, Cain. Innocent lives will be claimed, but the Lord will save their souls. Their deaths should not be on your conscience. It is the way it must be.”
I didn’t at first reply, but it didn’t sit well with me, so I warned, “You need to tell Landry to get his men to keep the number of innocent lives to a minimum. It cannot be traced back to us, if it makes the news. Our anonymity is the only thing that protects all. The sinners in the outside world will not understand our ways. We will be targeted and all that we have built will be destroyed.”
Judah exhaled. “Done, brother. I’ll make the call myself.”
We sat in silence. I could see Judah watching his consort. She glanced up and bowed at us both, but quickly went back to her duties. I frowned.
“Your consort has been quiet of late, Judah.” Judah sat forward, coming into my line of sight. His expression showed he was not too concerned by this development.
“She was my first consort. She had me solely to herself for a time, but now I have taken another. She is sulking over it.” He looked at me and shrugged. “She knows it is God’s will that we take many women under our guidance, that we school them to be obedient to men, and impregnate many to spread the message of our faith. She cannot move past her jealousy. If she continues to resist, I will make her move past it.”
I looked to the consort clipping the herbs. “You have taken another? I didn’t know this.”
Judah sighed. “I took her, but did not tell you. You do not take consorts as the prophet. I did not want you to be envious that I am free to take as many as I wish, without the need for marriage.”
My stomach tightened as he spoke those words. “Judah, please don’t keep anything from me. Not you.”
Placing his hand on the back of my head, he pulled me down to lay a kiss on my head. “No more. I swear.”
Sitting back, I asked, “What is she like? This new consort?”
The smile on Judah’s face was immediate. “She is incredible. I admit she’s gained my favor. She is obedient and willing to do anything for the Lord’s cause. She was introduced to me by Brother Luke. He ensures that our brothers here in New Zion are doing their part in the spiritual expansion of our women.”
Judah sat up and looked to me. “In fact, there are some you should meet. You may like them. Brother Luke has videos for you to watch, of the women that are a cut above the rest, women that could become your wives. The one’s only worthy of the Prophet.”
My eyebrows pulled down. “I am for the prophesized Cursed wife, Judah.”
“Our uncle had many wives. Surely as long as you gain the Cursed’s hand eventually, this is all that matters. The scripture does not state that you were to have her and only her. You are always alone. It is a miserable existence, yet you could take so many females to stand by your side.”
“Brother Judah?” A voice called from behind. When we turned, Brother Luke stood in the doorway. He bowed his head to me, then said to Judah, “Brother, I have received the call we have been waiting for.”
Judah held up a hand signaling he would be coming. Just as he made to stand, he said, “I know you find this role stifling, but I am working on ways to help you. New developments to make us impossibly strong. I am the Prophet’s Hand, my duty is to serve and advise you. But more than that, I am your twin. And I want to see all The Order’s prophecies realized. I swear, Cain, nothing will stop me from achieving this goal for you. Nothing.”
Exhaling, feeling lighter by his words, I lowered my head. “Thank you, Judah. That means everything to me. Just… just do not do anything foolish. Remember, our salvation will come, but it will take time.”
Judah tapped his hand on my back, then disappeared into the mansion.
Left with my thoughts, I leaned forward, pushing my hands through my hair, elbows on knees. The siren sounded, calling our people for their prayers. I watched the workers begin to leave.
But Judah’s consort held back. It was as though she did not want to go. I kept my focus on her, watching as she continued tending to the herbs. Then she glanced up and saw me. A deep blush immediately filled her cheeks. The consort rushed to her feet and moved to hurry to prayers. As I watched her meet the garden path, something inside of me pushed me to call her name.
“Sister Phebe!” She stopped dead, and with a downcast head, turned to face me. Her bright red hair was tied back away from her face. Even from this distance I could see her chewing on her bottom lip.
“Come here,” I commanded, registering that we were now alone. Sister Phebe picked up the hem of her long dress and walked toward me. When she reached the bottom of the steps, she stopped. Her head remained bowed, as was required in the presence of the Lord’s Prophet.