The first rays of dawn were beginning to show through the high window in the room where the Monkees and Elizabeth slept. The angel woke first, sitting up and stretching her arms. She then looked at the Monkees sleeping peacefully on the floor.
Elizabeth smiled as Mike snored slightly. She hated to wake them, but they had to get back to Caiaphas' house.
"Boys, its time to get up." Elizabeth called softly.
The Monkees slept on. She called louder, but the four men didn't stir a bit. With a small smile, she reached down and tickled their bare feet. Finally, they began to giggle and they woke up. Stiffly, they sat up and looked at her.
"Were you tickling us?" Davy asked, eyebrow raised.
"Yes." Elizabeth replied with a smile. "I couldn't think of a way to wake you."
The four Monkees looked at each other, then at Elizabeth. As one, they got up, grabbed each of Elizabeth's arms and legs, pushed her back on the bed and began to tickle her! Instantly, the angel began to laugh.
"Tickle us while we're sleeping, eh?" Micky asked evilly as he tickled her foot.
"Hahaha!" Elizabeth laughed, "Yes, stop! HAHA! I'm sorry, heeehee but we need to get going! HAHAhehehe!"
Immediately, the Monkees stopped tickling Elizabeth, ashamed that they were fooling around when there was serious work to be done today.
"We're sorry, Elizabeth." Peter said softly, releasing her arm.
"It's ok, guys." The angel replied when she stopped giggling, "I'll know better next time."
Quickly, the Monkees and Elizabeth strapped on their sandals, cinched up their belts and made their way to the front of the house.
They smelled a fire burning and they walked over to the kitchen.
Mary was there with another man who was throwing wood on the fire.
Mary turned when she heard the five of them walk in.
"Oh, hello, my friends." Mary said. "You are up early."
"Yes, Mary." Elizabeth replied, "We came to say goodbye. We have to be on our way."
"So soon?" Mary asked, surprised. "Won't you five at least stay for the morning meal?"
Micky's stomach growled. Mary smiled at that.
"That's all I needed to hear." She smiled. "Recline over there, and I'll bring you something soon."
"May we help somehow?" Mike asked, "You've been so kind to us."
"Well, perhaps you could help Thomas here bring in more wood for the fire." Mary replied.
Mike was shocked...was this was Thomas his very, very distant ancestor? Thomas noticed Mike's stricken face.
"Are you alright, my friend?" He asked.
"Are you one of Jesus' disciples?" Mike asked.
Thomas hung his head. "Yes, I am. But I did not act like one last night when my master was arrested. I ran like a frightened sheep."
"No one is blaming you, Thomas." Mary said, "Please, you and Michael bring in more wood."
"Sure, Mary." Thomas replied. He and Mike walked out a side door.
"I'll bring in more water for you." Elizabeth offered.
"That would be very nice, child." Mary replied.
"Let me do that." Micky said, "That water jar might be heavy."
"Now, husband, "Elizabeth chided gently, "You know fetching water is a woman's job."
"Um, oh, yes, of course, my wife." Micky said quickly.
Elizabeth picked up a water jar and went out the same door Thomas and Mike had gone through.
"How is the mother of Jesus?' Peter asked Mary.
"As well as can be expected." Mary replied, "She spent the whole night in prayer and won't come to eat."
Soon, all of them returned as Mary began to cook some food. Other people began to wake and soon everyone started to eat.
A blessing was said and the food was passed around. Suddenly, there was a loud knock on the door. Everyone, especially Jesus' disciples, looked at each other in concern at the early hour caller. Davy took the initiative and opened the door. A very cold, ragged man lurched into the front room. Mary came over.
"John!" Mary exclaimed. "We were so worried about you. Come sit down and eat!"
"Thank...thank you Mary." John stammered, shivering from the cold. A place at table was made for him and he quickly began to eat. After a while, John had recovered enough to tell his story.
"After our master was arrested." John began, "I was so afraid of befalling the same fate, I didn't want to even enter the city." He took a sip of water. "So I spent the night out in the desert. It became so cold, that I couldn't' take it anymore, and I came here, hoping it would be safe."
"It is safe here." Mary said, "My late husband knew a few of the high priests. I don't think they will come here."
John nodded, relieved. "I do not wish to spoil this meal, but I need to tell you something I saw as I made my way back."
"What is it?" Mary asked.
John took a breath. "As I was walking here, still in the desert not far from the city wall, I saw Judas Iscariot. He was hanging by his filthy neck from a tree."
Several people gasped, shocked at such a thing.
"At least he saved me the trouble." Simon Peter growled angrily, "He was one of our Lord's trusted twelve! He was one of us! And he led those soldiers right to Jesus! Even kissed our master on the cheek!"
"There is something else, Simon." John said.
"What else?" Simon Peter asked.
"I took a chance and went near Caiaphas' house on my way here. There seems to be a lot of people gathering around the front gate. Do you know what's going on?"
"Jesus has been condemned by the priests." Mary said with tears in her eyes. "He is being taken to Pilate this morning."
John put his head in his hands and began to weep.
The Monkees and Elizabeth looked at each other. They had little doubt Dr. Chronos and his men would be in that crowd. It was time to go. They stood up.
"Mary." Peter said, "We are very grateful for your hospitality, but we must be on our way."
Mary nodded sadly as she patted John on the back. "Go with Yahweh's grace then, my friends." She said.
"Thank you Mary." Elizabeth replied, "May Yahweh's blessing be upon you always."
With that, the five of them left the house. They quickly made their way back to Caiaphas' house. Just like John said, there was a large crowd gathering around. Word had certainly spread fast that Jesus the prophet, the same prophet who had entered Jerusalem a few days before to cheering crowds, had been arrested, condemned for blasphemy and was soon to be taken to Pilate for sentencing. The large crowd made it hard for any of the Monkees or Elizabeth to see if Dr. Chronos or his men were near. Even Mike, who was taller than most of the people around, couldn't spot them.
"Any sign of them, Mike?" Micky asked.
"Nope. Nothing." Mike replied, rubbing the stubble on his face. "Too bad we didn't have time to shave."
"Most men had beards in this era, Mike." Elizabeth replied, "It will help you fit in."
Suddenly, the gate was thrown open and several temple guards came out to push the crowd back. After a way had been cleared, more guards came out, pushing and pulling a bound, tired-looking Jesus between them. The procession then started to make it's way over to Pilate's house, with the crowd following close behind.
The Monkees and Elizabeth joined the crowd, hoping perhaps Dr. Chronos would see the crowds and give up, but deep down knowing the insane scientist wouldn't give up until Jesus had been crucified.