Descent is about Jesus' resurrection and ascension that preceded the descent of the spirit—an event that purportedly made saints of ordinary men and women. This is the historical setting and the spiritual landscape upon which two outsiders intruded: Flaccus, a Roman Legionnaire and deserter, and Jeshua, a Judean healer and rogue. Both men are wanted by the Roman Empire and both men manage to hide within a community of disciples. While they evade Rome's authority, each man responds to this evolving faith in a dramatically different way.
D. S. Lliteras is the author of fourteen books that have received national and international acclaim. His short stories and poetry have appeared in numerous national and international magazines, journals, and anthologies. He lives in Montgomery, Alabama with his wife and author, Kathleen Touchstone.
Contents
1. “I’m alive.” 1
2. “My money!” 3
3. “Not good.” 9
4. “Hello, Ephrath.” 11
5. “You’ve killed me.” 19
6. “By the gods!” 23
7. ““Don’t kill me.” 35
8. “Damn.” 39
9. “I’m thirsty.” 41
10. “Guilty as charged.” 43
11. “I heard him.” 47
12. “Wait.” 59
13. “Hello there, boy.” 61
14. “That’s my tent over there.” 69
15. “I need her.” 73
16. “What gave you that idea?” 77
17. “These are strange politics.” 83
18. “Your conscience.” 93
19. “Just like that.” 99
20. “We are looking for a deserter.” 107
21. “We are in peace.” 113
22. “And I’m not angry.” 117
23. “He also preached equality.” 121
24. “Where does he go? I wonder.” 125
25. “He is the son of God.” 127
26. “Footprints.” 137
27. “Blessed are you, Lord our God . . .” 141
28. “They want you.” 145
29. “That beauty over there has saved you.” 149
30. “You are invisible—a woman.” 153
31. “The Holy Ghost.” 157
32. “We are not a cult.” 163
33.“Are you alright?” 169
34. “I’m not your brother.” 171
35. “Jesus had a temper.” 175
36. “They are all idiots.” 181
37. “Oh, Lord, Lord, Lord . . .” 183
38. “The Holy Ghost power!” 185
39. “I want to kill you.” 189
40. “There’s no genius. There’s only God.” 195
