Ajiani dreaded what would become of him if his wife ever learned the truth. The fact was, Ajiani was growing old and his strength was no longer what it used to be. In the past, Ajiani would easily slay his enemies no matter what their numbers or strengths. Yesterday, he barely escaped being captured alive by his enemies.
The truth was, his strength was failing him, and if his wife Seray knew the truth, she would order him to be killed and his meat shared as food for the rest of the Barbars. That was the fate that awaited every man in the tribe too weak to fight. A man who could not fight was useless to the tribe and only deserved to become meat for the tribe to feed on. So, Ajiani tried to hide his growing weakness from his wife. Ajiani felt guilty for hiding his failing strength from his wife, yet he did not want to die.
A commotion at the central square where the tribe usually gathered to celebrate their victories drew Ajiani’s attention. A stranger stood there, his pale skin in sharp contrast to the dark faces of the Barbars.
“People of Sau Afriu!” The man cried out. “I bring with me great news, news of a power beyond your wildest dream!”
Power, that was what Ajiani wanted, so he listened eagerly to what the pale skinned man had to say.
"I come from Endland, where I wanted to share about Yaet, the one true God, who came down to be born as a man Lioamb for our sake," the man continued, his voice rising with passion. "Though He was cruelly burnt at the cross by the High Priest Sura, death could not hold Him! Lioamb rose again, triumphant over the grave!"
A God who would be born as a man, a God who loved mankind so much that He became a man Himself. Ajiani felt something stirred within himself as he listened to the man from Endland.
"Believe in Lioamb," the stranger implored, "and you need never fear death again! For those who follow Him are promised eternal life in the heavens above!"
Ajiani wept when he heard that. Ajiani believed in Lioamb and felt that the fear that had gripped him for so long—fear of his failing strength, fear of growing old, fear of death—began to loosen its holds.
Tell me more of this Lioamb," Ajiani said, ignoring the surprised looks from his tribesmen.
As the pale-skinned man shared his teachings, Ajiani felt a profound shift within himself. Ajiani knew there was something he must do. He must tell the truth of his failing strength to his wife. Ajiani could no longer lie now that he was a Lioambite.
True, he might be killed for telling the truth. Still, that was better than to tell a lie. He was a Lioambite now and he must live like one. Ajiani was no longer a coward. Lioamb had given him strength and made him bold.
