Chapter Forty-Six
The Labyrinth of Judas, Bethsaida
Simon tried to stand up. Using the Acacia tree’s hard but narrow trunk, he pulled with his arms while taking the weight on his good leg. He winced with pain. The tourniquet on his leg had been pulled tight and although it had stemmed the bleeding, his thigh had become very stiff and sore. I can do this, he thought, gritting his teeth. I did it earlier and I’ll do it again. He pushed the branch he had found earlier beneath the crook of his arm and tested its strength again. The movement caused him a lot of discomfort but that wasn’t going to stop him now. As he took his first step he recalled Goran telling him to stay where he was. That’s all very well, he thought, but who could say whether Anna had the luxury of time.
As he slowly stum
