Revelations

This story includes some religious elements, I accept it will be criticised on that basis, this is fiction and no offence is intended.

Hope you enjoy

Satin

***

I was troubled, for the eighth time in as many months my wife Rachel was leaving to visit her sister Ruth on the far side of the country.

My concerns weren't about the trips, but some of the views she returned with. The vast majority were religious beliefs which made little sense to me. Neither of us had ever been particularly religious, but now there were lots of comments about prophecies and the end of times. I let it go at first, Rachel was an intelligent woman and made rational decisions. Her sister Ruth was another matter, she was lovely but utterly gullible. As a result her life seemed to stagger from one disaster to another usually involving the wrong choice of man.

Rachel was the same age as me Craig, 25. We were a good combination with lots in common; sports, fitness and travel included. For the first time her trips were drawing us in different directions. We both struggled with our careers or more accurately jobs. Neither of us enjoyed our work, it was a means to an end to pay for the things we wanted to do. We had talked about dropping everything and going traveling, trying to work our way around the world, but neither of us had built up the courage to actually do it yet.

I hadn't realised it at the time but her sister had moved into a commune of some sort after enduring a messy divorce. She'd had depression, Rachel said the change in her since joining the commune was remarkable, she was far more positive and energised, going so far as claiming it had saved her.

When I raised my concerns, Rachel suggested we both went to see Ruth and check the commune out. She went on to say it might be a place where we could live for a while. It certainly would be a lot easier and cheaper than the travelling option, and it might be a way out of the rat race for us. Some of that sounded good to me, although I was more inclined towards experiencing different cultures and people.

So we began to plan the trip, seemingly the commune provided accommodation and welcomed visitors interested in learning about their beliefs. I agreed to give it a go, using two weeks leave from work rather than making a longer commitment.

***

We eventually reached our destination as the sun was dropping. I couldn't believe my eyes; the setting looked timeless, it reminded me of a scene from 'Little House on the Prairie', the famous books and TV show. It was idyllic with people and children engaged in a range of tasks. All cars were left outside the town boundaries and there no evidence of modern technology, and no phone signal at all. Most of the buildings were single story timber frames of basic design. Maybe there was something to be said for living a simple life after all.

We were welcomed warmly by Ruth and shown to the free accommodation. I was less than impressed to realise we were in a hostel type dormitory. We had our own area and bed but only a three quarter height partition divided us from the other guests, which left little privacy.

Meals were provided communally, everyone eating together in a big hall. I had to admit they were all friendly and helpful; they seemed like the least threatening group of people you could imagine. Many had come from overseas to join the group. Ruth was enthusiastically telling me how the community worked and pulled together. I could see the appeal in a lot of what the commune had to offer but remained wary. Rachel wasn't anywhere near as reluctant, extolling the benefits and saying the place was like a new Eden, where everyone worked for each other.

Peoples attention shifted, that's when I caught my first sight of him, the commune leader Jason. He looked to be mid 30s and reminded me of Robert Powell playing Jesus of Nazareth in the 1977 film. As such he was ridiculously good looking but had a peaceful, serene quality about him.

Everyone seemed to defer to him as he approached. He greeted us and invited us to share in all that they had; he turned to Rachel saying he was delighted to see her return which left me with a sickening feeling.

There was little alcohol during the evening meal, just some wine but everyone was in good spirits. A number of people could play musical instruments and everyone joined in the singing. Toward the end of the night I noticed a few women hanging around Jason before he left with one of them.

I raised my eyebrows to Rachel, "Is that his wife, you did say he was married didn't you?"

She turned to look but they had gone, "I'm not sure, he often holds individual sermons after dinner."

"Oh I just bet he does."

"Don't be like that; it's a serious attempt to share his teachings."

"I suspect the lessons last all night, what makes him qualified to teach anyways?"

"I don't know what you mean; he is the leader and has built all of this from nothing."

Later in bed I asked Rachel if we could have our own sermon.

She looked a bit irritated, "As guests that would be disrespectful, anyway we can hardly do that, the whole room would hear us."

The following day I offered to help raise a large barn type building. There were none of the machines I'd usually have on a construction job, but the use of blocks, tackles, winches and cantilevers was truly ingenious. The men certainly worked hard, I was pushed to keep up with the pace and vowed to get back out on the work sites more often. They were a really good bunch of guys, working by hand required a lot more teamwork and success of the build provided a camaraderie between us.

I still wasn't exactly sure what the religion was. They certainly quoted the old-testament a lot, but referenced elements of other religions and everyone joined in with meditation and yoga sessions. Some members described Jason as a minister, others as a prophet of sorts; while he talked about being the shepherd to his flock.

I took a good look around; there must be over one hundred people in the commune with a wide mix of ages and backgrounds.

Rachel was helping look after and teach the children, extolling the virtues of how rewarding it was. Seemingly everyone one in the commune had a role in parenting the children, I wasn't sure I liked that idea. Yes I wanted children, but very much wanted to be the parent in their lives.

***

Jason approached me, "I hope you are enjoying your stay Craig?"

"It's certainly an education, although we'll need to leave soon and get back for work."

"Ah yes I remember the world of work, mortgages and pressures, I've never been so happy since I left all of that behind me. You and Rachel have that option as well, everyone has spoken well about both of you and your construction skills have been invaluable."

"Oh I've been little more than a labourer; some of the men here are quite ingenious."

"That is kind of you to say, I know Ruth would be delighted if her sister joined us here."

"I'm impressed with everything you are building here Jason but this life isn't for us, we're just not religious. To me arguing about religion is like arguing about who has the best imaginary friend, it's pointless! I'm a logical man; you'd need to give me some evidence to change my mind!"

"Belief doesn't work like that Craig; it requires a leap of faith. But if you want evidence what about everything contained in the bible?"

"I think it's a good book, or collection of numerous books written by many authors over two centuries and not collated until four centuries after Jesus lived. The various religious councils decided which elements should or shouldn't be included."

"So you have been researching Craig, but you have drawn such negative and cynical conclusions. Ok if not the good book, just look at nature and the world around you, season's, weather, night and day, life, they are all miraculous."

"I'm not an idiot Jason; I had an idea of what this place might be. I could counter your arguments by talking about the millions of lives lost due to religion and the slaughter that it's still causing today across the globe."

"That is man's folly not God's, do you see any element of that here? We have a community that lives in peace and harmony. We lead simple lives and love and support each other. I could only wish the rest of the world was the same."

"I accept many people take comfort and lead their lives based on those beliefs. I'm happy for them, truly, but it's not us!"

"I like you Craig, you're correct to question things and remain true to your beliefs. Of course it's not for everyone but don't rule us out just yet, take your time and get to know what this place is all about."

"I am never going to believe in an apocalyptic prophecy and the end of times or that we are living in the final days. And I certainly don't believe you are some kind of prophet with a divine mission."

A few more days stay turned into a week and Rachel still didn't seem in a hurry to leave. We mucked in with everything to make sure we were pulling our weight. On nights, everyone ate and socialised together. I saw Jason talking to Ruth and Rachel; they got quiet as I approached, leaving me with a feeling of unease. I mentioned making plans to leave, Rachel insisted that we'd just arrived and she wanted to spend more time with Ruth.

That night I saw Jason leave with the wife of one of the men from the construction crew.

I turned to Rachel, "Even if he isn't married, I know for certain she is!"

"That's got nothing to do with us; it's different here and up to them."

"Cheating on his wife, that's wrong, isn't that breaking a commandment or something?"

"No it isn't, Ruth says he takes on the sins of others and removes temptation, so they can seek salvation."

I looked at her incredulously, "You don't believe that shit do you? He is using it as an excuse to get his leg over, with any woman he wants so it seems. How come he isn't privately 'teaching' any of the older women?"

"It's the younger women who are the temptation for men to sin."

I was staggered by her response, "Surely you don't believe that nonsense?"

"OK just calm down, I know it all feels strange but we're still getting used to things here."

"It's depraved and I won't get used to it at all, we're leaving tomorrow!"

"Keep your voice down, anyway 'each to their own', it is consensual and no one is getting hurt, her husband is fine about it!"

"What the fuck, are they mad? Why on earth would their husbands allow that to happen?"

"Have you ever considered you're the mad one, everyone else here sees it the same. It's nothing to do with traditional marriages, it's a religious experience!"

"Bollocks, I am telling you now I will never ever agree to anything like that."

"No one has asked you to, just calm down! Look Craig I really like it here and want to give it a chance."

"Well I don't, it looks nice on the outside but this place is weird, and so is he! He is not a prophet or anything of the sort."

"I don't want to leave here yet, I am reconnecting with Ruth and love how this place feels. We were brought up in a small town which felt like this place with everyone looking out for each other. Then we lost it all when our parents split up. I've never felt quite like I belonged anywhere since then. This place is so calming and tranquil; it has removed all of things I usually worry about."

That left me feeling dejected, "I thought you'd found where you belonged with me Rachel!"

That made her hesitate, she held a hand to my face, "I did, you mean more to me than anything else in the world; and now I want somewhere for us both to feel like home."

"I'm not staying Rachel!"

Her reply shot my hopes down in flames, "You could go home and I'll catch up with you later!"

Well that certainly wasn't happening, "And leave you here with that pyscho, I don't think so!"

The whole conversation left me feeling sick. The more I heard, the more it sounded like a dangerous cult, Rachel didn't see it that way at all.

I thought about dragging her out, but I'd never make it through everyone. The car was too far away to achieve that quickly. I knew from the work crews not everyone was happy about Jason in effect taking their wives, but no one seemed able to question let alone resist him.

I made an excuse that I had to contact work to extend my leave. To do that, I had to drive until I found a phone signal.

Jason caught me on my return in the dormitory. "So Craig what did the police say?"

I was shocked he knew and couldn't think of how to reply.

"I'll assume they assured you we aren't breaking any laws. No one is being coerced or held against their will. Anyone is free to leave at any time including you."

The police had said exactly that and that there wasn't a specific definition of a cult. In addition there was a lot of protection for people to choose their religious freedoms. The desk officer's exact remark was, "They could all chose to be Jedi's and still be legal. Unless I had evidence of abuse, forced labour, coercion or people being held against their will, they aren't breaking any laws."

Jason continued, "Its ok I expect this level of animosity from non-believers. I accept you have some concerns. It's understandable for you to be protective of Rachel and Ruth, they are family after all."

I wasn't going to be soft soaped, "So you're married but fuck other women?"

"I would never dream of phrasing it like that. My wife Louise is fully supportive of my actions; I'd go as far to say she eagerly encourages me to share with the others.

"Good for you, but it doesn't seem to sit well with your religion and your suggestion to practice celibacy."

"It sits perfectly with it, I am bringing people closer to God, and celibacy is part of that. We don't recognise marriages from other religions here either."

"Well that's convenient for you; you can cheat as much as you want!"

"It's not cheating Craig; we pray together, at times I take action to remove sin for others. I feel as leader that is my duty. No one is ever coerced, quite the opposite in fact. I decline many of the women if it's not part of their journey or the right time."

It was at that point I confirmed that he was a certified megalomaniac, narcissist and technically speaking... a total nut job! I couldn't understand any of them let alone Rachel, it was lunacy but there were plenty of examples of other cults and fanatics that betrayed logic. It was so infuriating; maybe it was a form of mass psychosis.

I was trying to clear my mind and think of a plan. Rachel seemed lost but if I could get her away from this place I was sure she'd come around.

Jason was still looking at me with curiosity as I responded, "You've wormed your way into Ruth's mind and now you are doing the same to Rachel, managing to convince her you're some messenger of God. I've seen more likely candidates in prison!"

"She has her own mind and you must know she sees it differently. I can assure you this isn't about sex; it's about communing with God."

"Fuck off, you believe that as much as I do. She is my wife, so I will keep this simple, touch Rachel and you'll regret it!"

"Violence can never be the answer Craig and our flock would prevent that from happening."

"You're going to lecture me on behaviour when you're fucking other peoples wives; you're nothing but a lying hypocrite!"

***

After dinner I saw Ruth leaving with Jason. Rachel must have seen the look of shock on my face, "Don't react, its Ruth's choice!"

And would you like to be guided in a sermon, he is bound to want you too!? Come on Rachel get a grip, where has your moral compass gone? You know better than this and I'm already beyond pissed off with you spouting his crap and delaying us going home."

"I like this place, just give it a chance. I have a feeling this could be life changing for us, imagine no work, mortgage or bills and a whole community supporting and loving each other."

"You're serious, you want to stay?

"Yes I want to give it a try; they want us here, Jason likes you as well."

"This will destroy us; it's already like you don't hear a word I say any more!"

"No you are the one that is blinkered and not listening."

"He told you that did he? And will you be going to his bed next?"

She didn't answer and looked away uncertain of herself.

"I am not staying in a relationship where you don't listen and ignore what I am saying. And I'm certainly not staying if you break your vows!"

***

The following morning I saw Rachel and Ruth in deep discussion and hugging, I had to admit Ruth looked positively glowing.

I approached them, Rachel intercepted me before I reached Ruth, "Be nice to her Craig, I haven't seen Ruth this happy since, well... since forever."

"Bloody hell, he must be good!"

Ruth must have overheard me and replied, "It's not the sex Craig, it was like a revelation and out of body experience. I feel content and at peace with myself for the first time in years. The feeling was so comforting, like it was God speaking directly to me."

"But you did have sex with him?"

"Well yes, but that was just a small part of it. The sermon was a culmination of my relationship with God that I've had all my life. And then there's the Proph..."

Rachel gave a rigorous shake of her head and grabbed Ruth's arm trying to lead her away, but I didn't let it go, "No don't stop her, what were you going to say Ruth, spit it out!"

Her eyes changed and she spoke with fervour, "There is a prophecy that Jason will father a chosen child. The women and their husbands here would see that as an honour, that child would be blessed and holy."

I laughed out loud, "Oh fuck off Ruth even I know Mary was a virgin, there was no fake preacher needed to get her pregnant!"

Ruth stomped away, leaving me with Rachel, "You either come with me or we are done!"

"No just wait, talk to Jason, he will make you understand. I want you to be happy here as well."

"Am I to assume you are to be one of his conquests?

"It's not that at all, I want to stay and understand everything about this place, and learn about why they all seem so content. You're focused on sex but everyone else is concerned about living well together. Time with Jason is an insignificant part of everything else this place has to offer. There is another reason to stay, there is to be a wedding. Jason has told Ruth she will partner Daniel."

"What on earth, she is willing to marry Jason's thuggish right hand man?"

"He isn't a thug, his status shows how well she is doing in the community."

"Well I wouldn't worry about it, I'm sure Jason will still be the one fucking her."

"Don't be so crude, she is really excited by the idea, it's her chance to be happy."

"So you've decided you're staying here?"

"No not completely, I want you to be happy here as well, Jason has been explaining everything."

"Oh I just bet he has?"

"I'm simply open minded about exploring things, I've talked to lots of people about it; you're the only one who sees it differently. You're the only one arguing, reacting this way and causing unrest!"

"That's convenient because you want to try out good old Jason the fucking prophet! I see the way you look at him."

"The truth is I do want to experience what the others have, Ruth said it was enlightening. It isn't even the sex part of it; it's more about an ethereal experience and connecting to God."

"Fuck off Rachel, they are his words not yours, you have to realise that this is a load of bullshit!"

Her face reddened with anger, "I'm fully capable of making my own decisions!"

"Yeah and suddenly my view doesn't count anymore!"

"Yes it does, I still love you but you don't control me! This isn't just for me, come on Jason I know you hate suburbia and your job, the boredom is killing you. We could both lead a different lives here and it would be a great place to raise kids.

"Yeah his kids or mine!?"

"I wouldn't let him cut you out! We've just got to get over the initial changes."

"You do this, and we are finished forever, there will be no going back!"

"Don't be like that; it would be consensual between both of us and just for a little while to see if we liked it."

"The answer is NO!"

I could see the conflict in her. She looked exasperated and took a few seconds before deciding to continue, "It's my body; I have the right to do with it as I please. Everything will be fine, you'll see, there is nothing to be worried about."

"Is that what he tells you? You've already made your choice regardless of what I say and I'm making mine! Once I've packed I'm leaving, you can decide what you want to do."

I packed my gear then waited hoping Rachel would return to the room. When she didn't show I walked into the evening meal, feeling as if I needed the final confirmation for the demise of my marriage.

Jason was seated in-between Ruth and Rachel. They appeared relaxed and natural together, talking and laughing. I noticed Rachel touched his arm as they chatted and she inched closer, this was so out of character for her.

She finally saw me and after whispering something to Jason she approached. My heart sighed, she looked so naturally beautiful in a flowery summer dress and strappy sandals.

"Did you choose the dress for his benefit?"

"I dress for myself, not for men to objectify me!"

"And the lack of a bra?"

"That just felt right, things feel more free and liberated here. Like I said before, the normal rules don't apply."

"If you say so, it's working by the way; he can hardly take his eyes off you. Do you like that idea?"

She smiled tentatively, "It is flattering, especially as the other women are throwing themselves at him. He's very handsome and quite mesmerising. I am going with him tonight Craig; I didn't want to just leave without telling you."

"That is very considerate, you know this ends us don't you?"

Her smile faltered, "No it doesn't, I know this is a lot for you, but it's not a big deal unless you make it one. The other men have all coped and it's the price of staying here. It's not like it will be that often given all the other women here."

"It's a price you can't wait to experience. I am not going to stop you, you know the consequences. Will you be allocated a new man like Ruth?"

Rachel's eyes lit up looking excited that she had some good news, "Jason has promised I can stay with you after... well afterwards. He can see the love and connection we have together and how reluctant I was."

"You're hardly reluctant. So I should be grateful he has allocated my own wife to me?"

Her eyes dropped again, "I will see you again in the morning, this is different and it's not cheating, not really."

I watched my wife walk back towards his table, my eyes fixed on her sexy swaying hips. He said something on her return and she seemed to nod in agreement as she sat next to him. Then he leaned in and kissed her, she didn't resist! It didn't take long for the kiss to turn passionate. I could hardly take a breath, seeing my wife kiss someone right in front of me shook me to my bones. They finished the kiss and Rachel looked nervously toward me, looking flushed and... excited.

Jason looked across as well and smiled, the smarmy fucker! Despite myself I started moving toward him but was quickly surrounded by several men including Daniel who stopped my progress. I tried to fight my way through but failed. I had to watch my wife walk away hand in hand with another man as I was dragged out.

They tied me up and left me in the barn assuring me everything would be ok after the first time. I swore at them and called them all fucking idiots. They looked sorry for me and the fact that I didn't understand.

I remained awake replaying what Rachel was no doubt up to by now. If she looked anything like Ruth she would be enjoying it. It might even turn her into a fully-fledged fanatic following Jason and his holy cock! There was no doubt I was leaving, at least I would be if they released me. Despite everything I really didn't want to abandon Rachel, I still saw it as my duty to protect her even though we were finished.

***

I must have fallen asleep eventually, as I woke up the first thing I saw was Rachel, she was sobbing hysterically. She started undoing the ropes around my wrists and gave me a bottle of water to drink. I was parched and drank thirstily.

Rachel looked embarrassed and far from the glowing image of her sister after her tryst with Jason, "I am sorry, I didn't know they had tied you up until this morning."

"So was it worth it Rachel? Did he provide you with hours of tantric sex and did you 'see the light?'"

"No, it was just sex, really weird slow sex. He held himself inside me for hours and was sort of praying or meditating, at one point I got cramp."

She had tried to make a joke of it but it landed utterly flat.

"So no moment of glorious revelation then. Was that the first time you two got together?"

She looked shocked and frowned before replying quietly, "He didn't pick me before, I'm sorry I've been a fool!"

"You know he wanted to wait until I was here, he gets off on humiliating the husbands."

Just then some men entered the barn, they dragged me up and led me to the hall; the whole community was in attendance. It felt like I was on trial, I wasn't sure if they'd exile me or do something more drastic. I knew logic wouldn't work in this setting and suspected my objections would result in Jason calling me a sinner or non-believer.

That thought provided an idea which flitted into my mind, maybe I could play the part of a fervent religious convert! It was worth a shot if only to disrupt things!

Jason began speaking, no surprise he was droning on about the snake in the Garden of Eden.

I raised both arms and started shouting over the top of him, "No wait I had seen the light!!"

Jason stopped talking and looked at me curiously, he didn't know where I was going with this, but didn't interrupt me.

"The Lord came to me during my penance!"

The whole crowd seemed to take a breath; someone uttered, 'Praise the Lord'.

I spoke steadily, "Thou shall not..."

I needed to say the next bit quickly and channelled by best evangelical impersonation, shouting at the top of my voice, "Thou shalt not commit adultery, bear false witness or covet another's wife. There is only one amongst us who has committed these sins."

I pointed at Jason, "The Lord showed me that you are a false prophet and we are all breaking another commandment by worshiping a false idol."

There was shocked silence from the crowd, I could see Jason standing ready to refute my claims, so I shouted even louder, "You are the seven deadly sins incarnate: Pride, Greed, Lust, Envy, take your pick. I denounce you for the sinner you are and an affront to God!"

Bedlam erupted, a few joined in my chorus, mostly the aggrieved husbands from the construction crew, many of who were the biggest and strongest. That erupted into a brawl, Jason had no chance to quiet things down now.

I strode forward, Jason cowered as I punched him in the face and he went down, his harem of women screaming in shock. I grabbed Rachel's wrist, protecting her from the fight now surrounding us. She followed with little resistance. We made our way to the town boundary and our car, managing to leave unmolested. By this time Rachel was fraught to the point of becoming unhinged.

I drove onto the nearest town to see my friend the desk officer, and explained I had been held against my will, also that when we left there was a mass fight. They certainly reacted, all units rushed to attend the commune site.

Rachel sat in tears in the station begging for my forgiveness, "I am so sorry Craig; I didn't know that was going to happen."

"Why couldn't you see it Rachel. I told you the same thing over and over?"

"I should have listened to you, I didn't realise how much he was controlling my thoughts and decisions. Letting him convince me you'd be okay with it was my biggest mistake. I thought he was some sort of prophet!"

"Actually I don't believe you, you're not that dumb! You certainly liked the idea of living in the commune, but I don't think you totally fell for his bullshit! You were mesmerised by him and all Ruth's talk of divine mystical sex."

Her eyes went wide, that was what I had been missing and it explained a lot about her behaviour, it was nothing more than lust!

"I'm sorry Craig; I did want to try living there. I knew he wanted me and he was very persuasive. Then Ruth made me curious about her time with him, the other women were of the same opinion; they described it as life changing. I wasn't religious like the others and the whole thing was an unmitigated disaster. He was just weird; he was off in his own mind most of the time we were together."

"So you never believed the religious bollocks Jason was spouting. How on earth did you expect me to react?"

"You're right I didn't believe everything he said, but I bought into the commune ideals and always harboured some thoughts about free love and a hippy lifestyle.

I thought you'd see it differently the following day when everything had calmed down, then we'd talk about it and decide whether to stay or go back to our life outside.

I didn't expect you to attend the dinner and witness what I was doing first hand. He was the one who insisted I talk to you. Then when I left with him and you didn't catch up with us, I thought you might have agreed to it. I didn't know they had restrained you!"

"Looks like you got it all wrong then."

"I know that now, can't we forgot about all of this! What we have is so special, I just want it to be us again!"

"Haven't you forgotten Rachel, you might be carrying his child, the chosen one!"

***

During the following police investigation, several ex members of the community provided evidence that Jason had held 'private sermons' with fifteen year old girls. Then they discovered he had been raking in huge profits from the crops and work the commune completed. He was facing multiple statutory rape and fraud charges and was given a lengthy prison sentence. That was the end for the commune.

Rachel moved into a small flat with Ruth, they were supporting each other after their lives had changed so dramatically.

Months later Rachel came to see me and apologised again for everything. She explained both her and Ruth were in therapy and that it was helping. Ruth was a true convert and still struggled to accept Jason was a fraud. Rachel's therapy was about why she was open to coercion and risked our marriage in making a string of terrible decisions.

Finally she asked again if there was any chance of us reconciling,

The truth was I was missing her, it still hurt, hurt a lot.

"I can't do it Rachel, I can't come to terms with your actions and there was no coming back from what you've done. Anyway I am leaving, I've decided to take the risk and fly to South America next week and hope to be away travelling for a long time. My lawyer will be in touch about the divorce."

She looked distraught; it took her a while to compose herself and finally managing to speak, "Good luck Craig, I hope it's everything we dreamed of."