The Lost Sheep

Palestine is on the brink of turmoil. Rome's hold upon the Jews has tightened to the point of explosion while the face of hypocrisy behind the Jewish "Law" has become a realm of power for many of the religious leaders.
Living in the Upper City of Jerusalem, Achazia is unknowingly being brought up as her uncle's daughter. Forced to keep watch over the family's flock of sheep, she is sheltered from the bitter trials that pierce like blades of ice in their home. However, one tragic moment of sacrifice instantly shatters all Achazia has known. Now directly under the belittling abuse of her honored father, Achazia's soul is beckoned by the heavenward call to trust in God, her true Shepherd.
Brought up in the Roman culture of his parents, Marcus is thrust upon a journey that will alter the course of his life. From standing upon the gangplank of a ship in the Caesarean harbor with tears in his eyes to being captured by a group of Jewish zealots, he questions the deities of his people and strives to know the Truth. After being taken deep into the heart of En Gedi's earth, Marcus finds that the darkness of the underground is not as deep as the black shadows of hatred and years of malice.
Raised with completely different mindsets, separated by the walls of religion and uncrossable barriers of culture, both children are oblivious of the secret that ties their pasts together. But what is the call sounding out across this hardened land? What is the tie that longs to grant forgiveness and make broken hearts whole? Could it be that the struggles and pain are merely the journey that is drawing all the Father's sheep into the Everlasting fold?