It commences with a young boy who finds himself amidst the remnants of a shipwreck, drifting towards the shore, bewildered and questioning the circumstances that led him there.
He cannot recall his name, nor does he possess any knowledge of his origins; his memory has been obliterated, likely due to the catastrophic incident of the shipwreck.
"Who am I?"the stranger boy muses, his eyes gradually fluttering open as he lies prostrate on a splintered piece of wood, remnants of the wreckage.
Disturbed by a haunting nightmare, fragmented and horrific images of bloodshed and anguished screams stir within him.
As he slowly arrives at the beach, he encounters a throng of people rushing towards him, inquiring about his identity. Despite their persistent questioning, they soon realize that he is devoid of a name and lacks recollection of his past.
Overwhelmed by panic and fear, this young boy is reported to the authorities.
Soldiers soon arrive; this is ancient Babylon, and he is apprehended and imprisoned because his body bears intricate markings and tattoos, revered by magicians and sorcerers as sacred symbols.
During his confinement, the neighboring cell houses a woman, one who possesses knowledge of his potential identity.
However, she communicates only in parables, refusing to speak plainly.
Yet, she refers to him as THE ISRAELITE, a descendant of Jacob. In his fatigued state, he gazes at her in astonishment and inquires,
"What have you called me?"Her laughter pierces the air, a sound that unsettles the soul and sends the spirit adrift.
Instantly, the flashes of his nightmare resurface, and he clutches his head as if it might detach from his body.
After a moment of respite, he fearfully asks, "Who... Wh... Who are you?"She responds, "My child, do you not know yourself? Your forefather beheld a deity, and since that moment, his descendants have been under constant scrutiny.
It is foretold in prophecy that this man will embody both good and evil; you are that man, destined to perish so that all flesh may witness the God who appeared to your ancestors.
He has a name, but in Babylon, you must not utter it, due to the actions of one man..."
The sound of approaching guards compels her to fall silent, and as he gazes directly into her cell, he finds her asleep.
He wonders to himself, "So soon? How can you fall asleep so quickly?"he exclaims aloud.
Yet, she does not respond again, leaving him in perplexity.
As he continues to speak, the guards enter and question him, "Whom are you conversing with? Is it that woman? She has remained mute since her imprisonment, yet she exudes a daunting presence; it is said that those in her vicinity begin to experience visions of their past and future, and her presence can drive one to madness,"one soldier interjects.
"It is rumored that she has driven a king to insanity and—""Silence, soldier,"the commander interrupts.
"We must not speak of that incident.
Some claim she is cursed, others label her a witch or magician; some say she brings misfortune.
This is why neither I nor my men linger here to converse with you wretches."Following his speech, the men erupt in raucous laughter and depart.
The sun's brilliance, streaming through a small window above him, rouses him from slumber.
He contemplates the absence of his nightmares, pondering where they have vanished, for he had previously believed they were the only means of recalling his identity.
"Hey, strange woman,"he calls, glancing at the neighboring cell, but she remains unresponsive.
He quickly turns to the prison guard, "Come closer,"he implores. "Allow me to pose a question."The guard, scowling with irritation, inquires what he wishes to ask.
"Do you have any leftover bread?"The prison guard retorts, "What is your problem? Others beg for release, yet you plead for bread? I find your thoughts in this prison perplexing.
Tell me, what inspires you to think in such a manner?"The boy responds, "The idea of freedom and sustenance.
The Israelite erupted in laughter, exclaiming, "So, because I request food, I possess no destiny? That is an utterly foolish proverb."
The prison guard responded, "Why do you find such amusement?" He advanced a few steps closer and remarked, "Remember this, young lad: I harbor no goodwill towards you.
It is my utmost desire that you languish in this prison, for even though you request food, I fear that one day you shall inquire about your destiny."
The prison guard then withdrew to sit, while the Israelite, gazing intently at the woman in the cell, noticed she had awakened from her slumber and asked her, "Is it true that a man without destiny will always ask for food?"
The woman replied, "Is that truly the question you ought to be posing to me? That is a rather foolish proverb."
The Israelite chuckled again, "I just expressed that," but she continued, "However, allow me to recount the man I previously mentioned.
It is said in Babylon that his name was Daniel; he refused to partake of the King's delicacies and abstained from the meat on the King's table.
He denied himself sustenance because he understood his destiny.
Prophecy had been fulfilled concerning his people; he was an Israelite like you.
He defended his kin, for he was a prophet—a great prophet.
His name was Jeremiah, who foretold the captivity of the Israelites.
After two generations had passed, Daniel discovered the scrolls wherein the prophecies resided.
Upon reading Jeremiah's prophecies, Daniel comprehended that the Israelites had languished in captivity for an extended period.
According to the prophet, they were to endure captivity for seventy years, and he yearned for his people's liberation.
This endeavor cost him dearly; he began praying to his God, facing Jerusalem, doing so three times a day.
The envious conspired against him, plotting to remove him from the King's court and terminate his life.
They compelled the King to enact a decree that no man should pray to another God, and thus a proclamation was issued forbidding prayer to any deity but the King's.
Consequently, he was cast into the lion's den.
He knew his God; it is said that he formed a bond with the King, who cherished Daniel for his integrity.
The act of sending Daniel into the lion's den distressed the King, causing him great grief, yet he could not rescind his decree.
N/B: IF YOU LIKE THIS BOOK DO WELL TO SUPPORT ME, THANK YOU SO MUCH