His kisses were incredible and for a moment she thought the tremors were her heart beating from the sensation he sent through her. But the tremors strengthened, jolting her against him.

Josh's arms tightened around her as loose stones rained down from the packed earth. "I've got you," he shouted, one arm over her head to protect her from the rocks falling around them as the tremors died off.

Loud voices above, made her sigh with relief. “At least there’s someone to help us out,” she said.

"Are you hurt?"

Dumbly Sam shook her head. She clutched Josh's arms tighter, nails digging into his flesh. He pressed her against the wall again, trailing soft kisses on her frightened face.

"Earth tremors. We're on the Jordan Rift. It happens a lot. We should get out of here. There could be another one and it's very dangerous," he said, his tone tinged with regret.

The voices were getting louder and a beam of light from a crude torch flickered into the hole. Hands were extended to help her up and Josh followed closely behind her.

Once out of the crypt Josh halted. “I don’t recognize any of the people,” he said. “They must be kibbutznik.”

Sam looked at the flaming torch. “There must have been a power failure.”

Everyone eyed them suspiciously and as the crowd was shoved back a column of soldiers dressed like extras from Ben Hur marched past.

"Are they having a pageant of some sort? I had no idea the kibbutz planned anything like this."

But Josh cocked his head to listen to whispered conversations and although Sam didn’t understand what was being said, the sharp toned remarks sent a shiver up her spine.

"Pinkie, I don't know why, but something is very wrong."

"What could be wrong? It must be a celebration of some sort. A torchlight parade. I'll try to photograph it.” As Sam turned to fetch her forgotten camera from the crypt, Josh’s hand griped hers.

"There's something very wrong. The words. The verb structure is odd. Sam, these people are all speaking ancient Hebrew."

"Don't be so silly Josh. Did you hit your head down there? Look, there's light over there.” Sam pointed out into the darkness where flickering orange flames danced on the horizon.

Josh didn't want to alarm Sam. Half an hour ago that hillside had been ablaze with lights. Now it was just a few clusters of burning torches. Doesn't she see the difference?