Demetrius' Story, Step 28

Step 28

Silhouetted against a brazier full of glowing coals, Demetrius loomed over the prostrate Enosh cudgel raised, anger seething in visible waves across his face. Enosh cowered before the furious slave, his arm raised as a desperate shield. 

“Demetrius, stop,” Alter cried!

“I must, he deserves to die,” snarled Demetrius.

“Perhaps, but not for anything he’s done to you,” replied the older slave, “He’s not the best master, but he’s done nothing to you deserving death.”

“He owns slaves. That’s enough.”

“No, it’s not, and you know it. You’re still angry at your parents and former owners. Do not blame Enosh for all the wrong that’s been done to you by others. It’s not right.”

“It’s not fair,” moaned the young slave, his club dropping slightly. By now, the commotion had roused Timur who sat up, rubbing sleep from his eyes.

“No, it’s not fair. Life is not fair. The world doesn’t work right. But you cannot let your anger control you. You must learn how to forgive. If you do not learn how to forgive, then you will always be a slave…to your own anger,” said the older man.

“I never wanted to be a slave,” murmured Demetrius, the bludgeon dropping a bit more.

“We are all slaves, even Enosh. The only real choice we get is who will be our master, darkness, or light. Right now, your true owner is your dark anger. Enosh has no true control over you. Consider carefully what you do next. Will you let your anger control you or will you control it” cautioned Alter? 

With an incoherent cry, Demetrius hurled his club over the wall. It landed with an oddly hollow thud. He dropped to his knees, covering his face with his hands. Enosh slowly got up and started to say something.

“Be careful of what YOU say next Enosh. Your words and actions carry weight and will either create or destroy, your choice,” admonished Alter.

Enosh paused, turned, and stalked outside the fold without a word. Timur watched the exchange wide-eyed. 

Alter walked over, placing a gentle hand on Demetrius’ shoulder, “Come, get some sleep. We can talk about this tomorrow.” Without a word, Demetrius heaved himself to his feet, shambled over to the lean-to, and collapsed on his pallet. Quiet soon enveloped the fold.