Chapter 5
Camp

The group stopped in a clearing somewhere in the dry, dusty hills above Modi’in. A large tent had been set up. Small campsites were spread out around it.

“Over here!” Simon called out. “This is a good spot for us.”

Shoshana joined her brother. They removed the thorny sagebrush and stones from a small area.

Devorah pulled her brother aside. “Let’s clear our own spot near theirs,” she whispered, pushing a large tumbleweed out of the area. “Hey, come and help me.”

But Benjamin plopped down where he was. “I’m tired. We’ve walked all day.”

“You can rest when we’re done. The sun is setting and it’ll be dark soon.” She tugged on her brother’s arm. “Unless you’re so tired, the rocks and thorns won’t bother you tonight.”

Benjamin frowned as he got up. He kicked away the small rocks. “Ow!” he cried, kicking a rock that was stuck in the hard ground. “This is crazy!”

Shoshana came over to him. “My brother and I have finished clearing our area. I can help you for a little while.”

“Thanks,” said Benjamin. He looked around. “I’m hungry and I’m tired. I want to go home!” he blinked, trying not to cry.

“I know you’re afraid. I am too. Maybe we can help each other until . . . until our parents all return.” Shoshana moved away some of the sagebrush.

Benjamin got up and they worked together until the area was smooth. Devorah smiled as she watched them. She was glad they had found Shoshana and Simon.

The sun set, and the campsite was covered in darkness. The only light came from the large fire blazing in the center of the camp.

The Maccabees and their families straggled over to the fire.

“You’d better stay with us,” Simon told them. “People are worried about the soldiers following us . . . and about spies. Some have already noticed you. They are wondering why you are here with us . . . as am I.”

Shoshana stood. “Don’t worry. We’ll bring you some food and something to drink. But my brother’s right. You should stay here. You’ll be safer for now.”

Devorah and Benjamin sat on the bits of grass they had found to soften the ground. Their new friends returned. Shoshana handed them some dried cheese and fruit, two pieces of flat bread, and a small flask of water. It wasn’t much, but it stopped the rumbling in their stomachs. Simon tossed them each a blanket.

Benjamin and Devorah spread out the blankets. “These are really scratchy,” whispered Benjamin. “And the ground is too hard. I’ll never get to sleep.”

“Just be thankful Simon found these blankets for us, or you’d be cold as well,” said Devorah.

Benjamin rolled toward his sister. “Devorah, what’s going on?”

“Bubbe’s dreidel must have brought us back to the time when Hanukkah first started. These are the real people from Modi’in. Those men we saw must be Mattisyahu, his son Judah, and the Jewish Maccabee soldiers!”

“But everything is terrible here.” Benjamin’s voice shook. “The people had to leave their homes to live . . . here! And Simon and Shoshana—their parents are gone. Maybe even dead. This isn’t anything like the story they told us in Sunday school!”

“Oh, no!” Devorah sat up. “The story—remember what happens? Antiochus sends his soldiers after the Maccabees. They’ll have to fight his soldiers here in the hills. The Maccabees have to prepare for the battle.”

“You’re right. We’ve got to warn Simon!”

Devorah nodded. “I saw him head toward the campfire a few minutes ago.”

The children crept toward the blazing campfire. They had not gone far when two men grabbed them.

“Who are you?” A large man shook Benjamin. “Tell me, boy!”

“This one,” said his partner, shaking his head, “is a girl. We should take them to Mattisyahu. He will know how to deal with spies!”