The senior Nicholas showed young Nicholas the letter Jason had sent him by way of one of the fishing captains. It was written in his father’s hand, giving instructions that Nicholas be cared for by his uncle for whom he was named. The estate was to be placed under the care of the chief steward until young Nicholas should be ready to manage it. Until that time, the steward would send him a monthly allowance. The older Nicholas said, “You can live with us in Myra.”
“Myra?” wondered young Nicholas. He had visited Myra before, but leaving home only left him more uncertain. He said, “But there is so much more for you here on the estate. You and Aunt Berenice could live here.”
“I’m sure there is,” said the elder Nicholas. “But God has called me to minister in Myra. I will make sure you find a good apprenticeship there.” The confidence with which he answered made Nicholas feel lighter. The cares that weighed so heavily on him began to recede with someone older and wiser to guide him. That night he slept deeply.
The next morning, his uncle woke him early, saying, “Let’s get ready, one of your ships awaits.”
All at once, Nicholas realized he had not given any thought to the actual move. Though Myra was not far away, he might not be able to return any time soon. He blurted out, “Oh, please, you go ahead. I have some things to take care of. I promise I will be there quickly.”
His uncle chuckled, “Whatever you need, we can send for it later.”
“Please,” repeated Nicholas. “It won’t take long.”
“Very well,” said his uncle.
Nicholas threw on some clothes and rushed to the family tomb with a small sack in hand. After making sure no one had followed, he slid open the sarcophagus containing the gold. His mind raced to think of what to do. His father’s words echoed in his mind: You must keep it secret. Use it only as he directs you. Nicholas could only bring a small portion of gold along without arousing suspicion. He would have to leave this treasury of Christus for later. He filled his sack with several pieces of gold, then tied it shut. He slid the stone cover back in place and returned to the house.
There he retrieved his other treasure, the book of Marcus, and bid Jason and the others farewell. Nicholas then hurried on to Patara, to the house of the head overseer, and offered him the book of Marcus. The overseer gasped. “I’m sure your father paid a great deal for this. Are you sure you do not want to keep it?”
Nicholas said, “As much as it comforts me to read it, I will not need it in Myra. My uncle is the overseer there. They have most of the books of the apostles. Here it will find better use.”
“Myra?” wondered young Nicholas. He had visited Myra before, but leaving home only left him more uncertain. He said, “But there is so much more for you here on the estate. You and Aunt Berenice could live here.”
“I’m sure there is,” said the elder Nicholas. “But God has called me to minister in Myra. I will make sure you find a good apprenticeship there.” The confidence with which he answered made Nicholas feel lighter. The cares that weighed so heavily on him began to recede with someone older and wiser to guide him. That night he slept deeply.
The next morning, his uncle woke him early, saying, “Let’s get ready, one of your ships awaits.”
All at once, Nicholas realized he had not given any thought to the actual move. Though Myra was not far away, he might not be able to return any time soon. He blurted out, “Oh, please, you go ahead. I have some things to take care of. I promise I will be there quickly.”
His uncle chuckled, “Whatever you need, we can send for it later.”
“Please,” repeated Nicholas. “It won’t take long.”
“Very well,” said his uncle.
Nicholas threw on some clothes and rushed to the family tomb with a small sack in hand. After making sure no one had followed, he slid open the sarcophagus containing the gold. His mind raced to think of what to do. His father’s words echoed in his mind: You must keep it secret. Use it only as he directs you. Nicholas could only bring a small portion of gold along without arousing suspicion. He would have to leave this treasury of Christus for later. He filled his sack with several pieces of gold, then tied it shut. He slid the stone cover back in place and returned to the house.
There he retrieved his other treasure, the book of Marcus, and bid Jason and the others farewell. Nicholas then hurried on to Patara, to the house of the head overseer, and offered him the book of Marcus. The overseer gasped. “I’m sure your father paid a great deal for this. Are you sure you do not want to keep it?”
Nicholas said, “As much as it comforts me to read it, I will not need it in Myra. My uncle is the overseer there. They have most of the books of the apostles. Here it will find better use.”
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