Chapter 4: The Past; Her Origin

Elara's life began far from the grand halls of King Aric's palace in Persia. There was a land where her people once thrived, she was born in Moriah, a city whose very name meant "peace," but peace was a distant memory by the time Elara came into the world. Her early years were shadowed by the tumultuous events that would eventually lead her and her people into exile.

The Babylonians, under King Nezzar, laid siege to Moriah, and the city fell after a long and harrowing battle. The walls that once stood as symbols of strength and faith were breached, and the sacred Temple, the heart of Jewish worship, was destroyed. Elara's family was among those who witnessed the devastation firsthand. Her father, a scribe, had once chronicled the history of their people, but now his ink was used to record the tragic events of their downfall.

Elara was only a child when her family was taken captive, her memories of Moriahfilled with images of fire and destruction, the cries of the fallen, and the cold, relentless march to Babylon. The journey was grueling. Many perished along the way, unable to endure the harsh conditions. But Elara's family, despite their grief and loss, held onto their faith and each other. Her father's words, filled with stories of their ancestors' resilience, kept their spirits alive during the darkest nights.

Babylon was a world away from the hills of Moriah, both in distance and in spirit. The grandeur of its palaces and the enormity of its shrines were stark contrasts to the simplicity and spirituality of the life Elara's people had known. But they adapted, as exiles must. Her father found work in the scribe's quarters of the Babylonian court, his skills still valuable even in a foreign land. Her mother, a woman of quiet strength, nurtured Elara and her sister, teaching them the customs and traditions of their people so that they would never forget their identity.

But tragedy struck the family once more. The oppressive rule of the Babylonians, coupled with the harsh conditions of exile, claimed the lives of Elara's parents. She was left an orphan in a foreign land, her world again turned upside down. It was then that her uncle, Mattias, a man of integrity and deep faith, stepped in to care for her and her little sister, Phoebe.

Mattias, though only a few years younger than Elara's father, was a man of strong character. He had served in the palace of Babylon, a gatekeeper who quietly observed the power plays of those who ruled. His keen mind and steady hands made him a valuable asset, but his heart remained with his people. He took Elara and Phoebe into his home, raising them as if they were his own daughters.

Under Mattias's watch, Elara grew into a young woman of remarkable beauty and grace. She absorbed the wisdom of her uncle, learning from his experiences and growing in faith. Mattias ensured that she was educated not only in the ways of their people but also in the customs and languages of the land they now lived in. He knew that understanding the world around them was essential for survival.

Their lives changed once more when the Persian Empire, under King Aric, overthrew Babylon. The Jewish exiles, now subjects of Persia, found themselves in a new realm, with new rulers. The transition brought hope to some, but also uncertainty. The Persian king was known for his vast empire, spanning a hundred and twenty seven (127) provinces, each with its own cultures and challenges. For the Jewish people, this meant another shift in their lives, another chapter of exile under a new master.

Mattias, ever watchful and wise, understood the importance of staying close to the center of power. He moved with the girls close to the capital, where he continued his work as a gatekeeper, this time at the palace of King Aric. The position allowed him to gather information, to be aware of the currents of power that flowed through the palace. He protected Elara and Phoebe with every fiber of his being, knowing that her beauty and grace could easily draw attention in a place where such qualities were often exploited.

Elara, though, was content to live a quiet life. She had little interest in the intrigues of the court, preferring instead to spend her days helping those in need, her compassionate nature endearing her to many. She was loved by all who knew her, her kindness a balm in a world so often harsh and unforgiving.

As Mattias and Elara settled into their lives in Persia, they could not have known the roles they would soon play in the survival of their people. The trials and triumphs that lay ahead would test their faith, their courage, and their loyalty to each other. But for now, they lived in relative peace, unaware that their lives were about to change forever.