The Sacrifice Part Three

Hello, everyone! Ready for the next part of The Sacrifice? I hope so, because I’m posting it right now! In case there’s anyone who needs a refresher, here’s Part Two. And now, Part Three!

Part Three

Abbie frowned as she watched Matthias from the window. Where’s Papa going? She glanced back at her mother. Mama’s busy. She’s not watching me. In that split second, Abbie made her decision. I’ll do it! Quietly, she hurried to the door, grabbing her cloak from a hook on the wall as she went. She slipped out the front door and walked quickly through the courtyard. A crowd was passing along the street in front of the house, and Abbie joined them. Maybe they’re going wherever Papa went. Inwardly, Abbie was sure that Matthias had gone to find the Prince of Peace. Abbie frowned. Why did the people seem mad at him? He’s nice. She remembered the first time the Prince of Peace came to her home. She remembered how her mother and father had promised to serve Him in any way they could, and how he had always had time for her and her friends. Why would anyone want to hurt such a nice man?

            The crowd moved on, carrying Abbie along. Shuddering, Abbie realized where they were going: Death Hill. Death Hill was a barren hill just outside of town with a single, ancient tree at the top. The worst of criminals were hung there. Abbie remembered the one time she had seen someone hung, and she shuddered. Maybe they killed the wrong person and they want the Prince to bring him back to life. That could be it! Abbie had heard tales of the Prince of Peace healing sick or hurt people and even raising a girl from the dead. That must be it. Abbie hurried on, but something inside told her that she was wrong.

            When Abbie reached the hill, she saw Matthias standing beneath a tree, at the bottom of the hill. She ran to him. “Papa, what’s happening?”

Matthias frowned, a concerned look on his face. “What are you doing here, Abbie? I told you to stay at home. You shouldn’t be here. It’s not a good place for you to be.”
Abbie looked up at her father’s face. “I came to find you.”

Matthias sighed. “You shouldn’t have come, Abbie.” He put his arm around her. “Now that you’re here, you have to stay with me. Understand?”

Abbie nodded and watched the scene at the top of the hill. The chief of the City Elders, the group who ruled the city, was saying something. Abbie shivered as she felt the stern man’s black gaze sweep over her as his jet eyes scanned the crowd. Who is he looking for?  The Chief Elder finished speaking, and turned to the Prince of Peace, who was seated on an old horse, hands tied. A tall man nervously led the horse to stand beside the tree, and a noose was placed around the Prince of Peace’s neck. Abbie’s cry of horror was stifled as her father turned her away from the sight. She buried her face in his tunic, half-sobbing. This can’t be happening! It can’t!

What is happening? Is it what it seems like? What will happen next? To find out, check back soon! In the meantime, please comment and tell me what you think! I’d love to know!

-Sarah
Update: Part Four!