Send us a text

In the aftermath of the massacre at Bethlehem, Brigomarus of Ancyra—Herod’s Gallic strategos—wanders the blood-soaked streets, shattered by the crime he has carried out in the king’s name. Renouncing his command, his weapons, and his loyalty to Herod, Brigomarus flees alone into the Judean wilderness, seeking only death. Instead, poisoned by a viper and broken by fever, he is found by the angel Raphael, who confronts him with the truth of his guilt and offers him a path not of punishment, but of repentance and restoration .

Meanwhile, the Star Walkers themselves are forced into flight as Herod’s cavalry closes in. Splitting into smaller groups to confuse their pursuers, Adam, Sophia, Loukia, Gondophares, and the infant Scythian prince are hunted across the desert. When they are finally cornered, violence erupts—but the tide turns through unexpected mercy and fierce loyalty. Brigomarus reappears, unarmed yet resolute, standing between the soldiers and their victims, as Axia Panopliades and her Scythian horse-archers sweep in to scatter Herod’s men. The chapter ends in blood, deliverance, and grace, as Gondophares lies grievously wounded, Brigomarus stands at the threshold of redemption, and Raphael’s presence affirms that heaven has not abandoned those who choose to turn toward the light .

Send your comments to raymond@raydiantlightstudios.com