Chapter 3: A Deadly Plot

Michael slowed his pace as the last light faded from the western hills, plunging the twisting lanes of the outer city into near-complete darkness. His three subjects had disappeared into a nondescript building ahead, its walls blending into the night's shadows.

Pausing to steady his nerves, Michael crept near the rough stone facing. Pressing an ear to the weathered wood, he strained to catch voices within but heard only muffled murmurs. Taking a breath, he gently pushed open the door and froze.

A lantern's flickering glow illuminated eight figures seated around a scarred wooden table laden with wine, bread, and olives. His quarry sat with five others, but two faces made Michael's blood run cold. One belonged to Judas Iscariot, a disciple Michael recognized from the Gospel descriptions. The other was Caiaphas, the high priest of the temple himself.

What business did these powerful individuals have plotting in such a secretive place? Dread and curiosity battled within as Michael resisted the urge to flee, pressing nearer instead to better hear their whispered exchange.

"The crowds only grow larger daily, hanging on the false prophet's every word," said one man sourly. "His revolutionary rhetoric will see us all killed if the Romans suspect sedition among the Jews!"

"Jesus endangers everything we have built here," said Caiaphas coolly. "Our authority comes from maintaining order under Roman rule. He must be eliminated before he brings down their wrath upon us."

Judas leaned forward, eyes gleaming. "I believe I know how we may dispose of him without raising suspicion. His followers trust me as one of the Twelve. If I were to deliver Jesus privately to you during Passover celebrations, you could imprison him on grounds of heresy and have him stoned as a blasphemer. His death would appease the legions while securing our power over the people."

A cold sickness rose in Michael's gut. These men plotted murder in God's own house, and one of Jesus' trusted inner circles conspired to betray him! He nearly cried out in protest before reason clamped his lips shut. Outnumbered and outranked, he would only endanger himself while changing nothing. Michael knew he must find proof to expose this betrayal and save an innocent man's life.

As plans were laid for Judas to arrange a secret meeting under the cover of Passover, Michael stole away unseen, his pulse racing. He fled through the deserted streets clutching at hope that he wasn't already too late—Jesus and his mission must be warned! Bursting through the city gates, Michael plunged into the surrounding olive groves under a clear night sky lit by a thousand stars. Somewhere out here in the darkness lay the encampment where Jesus and his disciples took shelter beyond the walls. Michael prayed he could reach them in time.

Dawn's rosy light was just brushing the eastern mountaintops as Michael at last stumbled breathlessly into a small clearing amid gnarled trunks. A familiar figure sat apart from the rest, silhouetted against the paling sky in prayer.

"Jesus!" Michael cried hoarsely.

The man turned, his calm eyes regarding him curiously. "What troubles you, my son?"

Michael fell to his knees, gasping out the tale of betrayal overheard the previous night. When he finished, a heavy silence fell. At last, Jesus spoke.

"The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. Truly dark forces conspire, yet all occur according to God's design. Now you must decide where your allegiance lies—saving your own skin or standing with me until the end. The road ahead grows long and perilous, but greater love has no one than to lay down his life for his friends."