The Legacy

by Carol Ashby

  “Is Publius here? I’ll speak with him instead.”

  The door slave tensed at his words and glanced behind him before answering. “My former master doesn’t live here anymore.”

  The news of Publius’s death was like a punch in the stomach. “When did he die?”

  The question made the door slave twitch. Before he could answer, the slender form of an older man stepped into Decimus’s view of the atrium.

  “Malleolus.”

  The man’s gaze lifted from the mosaic floor and swung onto Decimus.

  “Decimus?” Malleolus strode into the vestibulum and spoke to the door slave. “Admit him. I’ll attend to this business.”

  The slave bowed to Decimus and swung the door wide open so he could pass. Malleolus motioned for Decimus to follow.

  The old steward led him into a small room that opened to the right off the atrium. He walked to the far corner of the room and summoned Decimus with a wave of his hand.

  As he stood with his eyes fixed on the doorway, Malleolus spoke in a voice that was barely above a whisper. “I am so glad to see you, Decimus. Terrible things have happened here this past week. Publius is no longer here, but he’s not dead yet. I hope you can convince him to change his course so he won’t be killed.”

  Decimus lowered his own voice to a whisper. “What’s happened?”

  “Publius has become a Christian and is now in the cells at the Amphitheater, waiting to be killed in the games this week. There is no one in Rome more loyal to Emperor Trajan than my new patron. Because of that, Lucius made the difficult choice of honoring Caesar instead of his father. May Rome have many more such patriotic citizens. He reported his father’s treasonous rejection of the Roman gods. When my old master was charged with being a Christian, he would not perform the sacrifices to Caesar and was sentenced to die. In gratitude for his loyal service to Rome, the Drusus estates and other property were awarded to Lucius instead of being confiscated.”

  Malleolus’s praise for Lucius and his treachery didn’t fool Decimus. It was only for the benefit of anyone who might overhear their conversation. He had no doubt about the loyalty and affection the old steward had for his real patron.

  “What would you have me do?” Decimus doubted anything could be done, but Publius’s steward was as shrewd as they come. If anyone could devise a plan that might work, it was Malleolus.

  “Master Publius has always loved you as if you were his own son. If he will listen to anyone, it’s you. If you could go to him and convince him to deny the Christian god and return to the worship of the gods of Rome, he could be spared. That’s all it would take.”

  Malleolus’s eyes were pleading as he gazed at Decimus. “I would try myself, but it will take someone with influence and money even to gain admittance to see him. As senatorial tribune, you have both.”

  “I’ll go speak with him this morning. Are you sure he’s already in the cells at the Amphitheater?”

  Malleolus took Decimus’s hand in both of his as intense gratitude overspread his face.

  “Yes. I overheard Lucius tell one of his friends last night.”

  Decimus placed his other hand on the old steward’s shoulder. “I will do all I can, but I may not be able to convince him. The loyalty of Christians to their god is beyond what I understand. They will sacrifice what they love most to him, and nothing can turn them from that decision.”

  “It’s enough that you even try.”

  Decimus squeezed Malleolus’s shoulder. “I’ll go right now. I will try, and we will see.”

  Malleolus escorted Decimus back to the door, and the door slave let him out.

  Decimus’s visit brought a ray of hope to Malleolus. If there was anyone who might convince Master Publius to turn from the course that would kill him, it was this young man the master loved like his own son.

  Malleolus started toward Claudia’s room to tell her Decimus had gone to the Amphitheater to convince her father to offer the sacrifice. Before he reached her door, he changed his mind. If Decimus succeeded, she would soon know when her father returned to them. But if he failed...perhaps it was better to say nothing. It would be too cruel to raise her hopes only to have them dashed if her father insisted on dying rather than deny his god.

  Chapter 10: Help for His Extra Son

  Publius was alone in his cell. The guards had just taken away the family who’d shared it with him. They’d spent the night singing and praying, and the time had passed quickly. The father had asked him to pray for the lions to take his children first in a swift, painless death. He was in the middle of that prayer when a key scraped in the lock. The door swung open, and a tall man carrying a torch stepped inside.

  “Call when you wish to leave, tribune.” The guard snapped a salute before he closed the door, leaving it unlocked.

  Publius was sitting on the filthy floor with his back resting against the cold, damp wall. The tall man slid the torch into a ring on the wall and strode toward him.

  “Decimus?” Publius could scarcely believe his eyes. “I thought you were in Germania.”

  Decimus took Publius’s hands and helped him to his feet. “I escorted Father back to Rome. He’s finished his term as governor. I’ll be returning to the province soon.”

  Publius pulled Decimus into a fierce hug before holding him at arms’ length. “I didn’t expect to see you before I died. I thank God for this chance to say goodbye to my fourth son. How did you know I was here?”

  “I went to your house to see Titus, and Malleolus told me. He sent me to persuade you to worship Caesar and be pardoned.”

  “He’s a faithful servant and a good friend. I’m sorry my death is causing him such grief, but I won’t change my course. I die gladly for my God. I can never deny Jesus to please Caesar.”

  Decimus stared at the ground as silence filled the cell. When he finally looked up, he locked his gaze on Publius’s eyes. “I knew you wouldn’t. That’s part of why I came. You’ve always guided me in everything that’s truly important, and I’m facing the most important decision I’ve ever had to make.”

  Decimus’s eyes clouded as Publius watched his thoughts churn. Then Publius placed his hand on his young friend’s shoulder. “What is it, son? Let me help you.”

  Decimus took a deep breath as he ran his fingers through his hair. “I’m in love with a Christian woman, and she loves me, too, but she rejected my proposal because I don’t love her god. She loves your Jesus more than me, more than her own life, more than anything. I need to know why you’re both willing to give up everything for him, and I need to decide if I can follow him, too.” His voice broke. “Help me understand so I can decide.”

  Nothing Decimus could have said would have shocked Publius more. His almost-son had always been certain of his destiny to help rule the Empire and eager to pursue it. Publius had never seen a young man so sure of what he wanted and so committed to doing whatever it took to get it. He and Tiberius had agreed that Claudia would never be the right wife for him for that very reason.

  Decimus’s distress kept Publius’s smile from growing too broad, but he thanked God for this chance to share his faith with the young man he loved like his own son. “Tell me all about it, and maybe I can tell you what God needs you to hear.”

  Decimus poured out his tale of being ambushed, how a Germanic Christian risked her life to save him because of Jesus’s command, about the miracles of him not dying from mortal injuries and of his sight returning. He told Publius how she’d made him part of her family, how he read their Scriptures and heard their prayers, and how much she wanted him to believe like they did. He told of how he fell in love and asked her to marry him, and how she loved him too but rejected him because she thought marrying him would mean denying Jesus.

  “And now I’m back in Rome, and I find the man I love and respect most in the world, the wisest man I’ve ever known, has made the same choice she did―to give up everything else for the love of Jesus. I must
know why. How is it possible to love a dead man who claimed to be god enough to give up everything for him?”

  Publius listened and nodded as Decimus poured out his heart. When he finished, Publius rubbed the back of his neck. How best to explain his journey to faith to his extra son?

  “Let me tell you how I came to my decision. Maybe then you will understand.”

  It began like the many conversations Publius had enjoyed with Titus and Decimus in their teen years. He explained, Decimus asked questions, and Publius led his young friend through the failings of the philosophers that convinced him to follow the God of Israel. He explained sin and the way God covered it so people could approach Him, and how Jesus’s bloody death on the cross ended the need for any future sacrifices.

  Decimus’s nods and questions were proof he was following the logic, but irrefutable logic wasn’t all Publius had to share.

  Publius placed his hand on Decimus’s shoulder, and he felt the warm presence of God surround him. “And then I met God. He came to me and He lives in me. The day I decided to believe, to repent of my sins and commit myself to Jesus as my Lord, all the darkness and decay in my life was replaced by brightness and newness.”

  He stared past Decimus, his mind embracing something only he could see. “It was as if I’d never seen beauty before, never tasted sweetness before, never known what it meant to be fully alive. Following Jesus is like the finest marriage; denying Him would be like committing adultery against the most loving, beautiful, faithful wife a man could have. I could never betray my Lord that way.”

  Publius’s eyebrows dipped as he lowered his arm. “When Lucius reported me as a Christian, I knew what my sentence would be. The praetor who heard my case is Lucius’s good friend. He’s well known to hate Christians, especially those of the senatorial and equestrian orders.”

  His smile broke free again. “But I have no regrets. I’m content to die because it isn’t death that matters. It’s whether you have accepted Jesus as Savior. Death is a tragedy apart from Jesus. Without Jesus, I would be lost, in hell, forever separated from God. With Jesus as my Savior, death has no power over me. I don’t fear it. It will just usher me into life with Him in heaven.

  “I know Lucius betrayed me because he wants full control of his life and the family fortune. He wasn’t content to wait until I died naturally. I’ve forgiven him, and I pray that somehow God will reach him so he’ll choose to follow Jesus, too.”

  The pain born of that betrayal triggered a deep sigh.

  “I pray for Claudia and Titus, too.” Wistfulness softened the tone of Publius’s voice. “My only regret is leaving Claudia under Lucius’s guardianship. I wish it was Titus. He would select the right husband. Marriage to the wrong man will crush her gentle heart. I know my arrest and coming death are devastating her, but I pray that God will care for her when I am gone.

  “I’ve written Titus to tell him why I believe in Jesus, that I’m happy to die for Him so he is not to grieve, and that he must find a way to forgive his brother for turning me in. I’ve told him that I will be praying for all my children until I take my final breath and even after that in heaven.”

  Publius placed his hand once more on Decimus’s shoulder and squeezed. In all their years together, Publius had never seen Decimus cry, but that touch almost breached the dam holding back his young friend’s tears.

  “I will pray for you as well. For many years, you’ve been my extra son. May Jesus claim your heart and mind as His own so you can know the joy and peace I’ve found.”

  Decimus ran his fingers through his hair and shook his head. “All you say makes sense, but how can I know it’s true? Just because something is logical, that doesn’t mean it’s true.”

  “But it is true. Jesus told us that He is the way, the truth, and the life. He promised if a man would believe in Him and follow, he would know the truth and the truth would set him free. If you let Him, Jesus will show you what is true. Open your mind to Him, Decimus. Open your heart. Know the truth and be free like I am, even in this prison as I wait to die.”

  Decimus shook his head again. “I can’t do that. I have to know something is true before I can believe it, not the other way around.”

  “Let God help you. Know that Jesus loves you and wants you to come to Him.”

  “That’s what she said.” Decimus’s voice caught. “But I don’t know, and I need more help to decide.”

  Decimus took a deep breath and released it as he squared his shoulders. “I’m not going to just leave you here to die. You’ll be in the arena with the lions before week’s end. I have enough money with me to pay the bribe to get you out. I know she’ll gladly take you in for as long as you need. I can get you out of Rome and send you to her. You can safely follow Jesus there.”

  With both his hands resting on Decimus’s shoulders, Publius gazed at the young man who loved him enough to risk everything by helping a condemned man escape. “My son, I don’t want to get out unless it’s God’s will to free me without any bribery. There’s nothing on this earth worth you dying to free me. The lions kill quickly, and then I’ll be with my Lord Jesus forever.”

  Publius’s mouth curved into a smile. “Death comes to every man, but mine will open the door to eternal joy and peace and perfect life without end. My brothers and sisters in Christ who have already died await me across the threshold. I’m ready to begin my new life with my Lord Jesus forever.”

  Decimus stared at him, Clearly, he still couldn’t comprehend how Publius could be so at peace with his coming death. “But―”

  Publius placed his finger on Decimus’s lips and stopped him. “It’s time for you to go. You shouldn’t be here if the guards come again to take more of us up to the arena. They’ve already taken the people for the lions today, but they may take some for the gladiators this afternoon. I’ll probably go up tomorrow. Don’t grieve for me. Rejoice instead. I’m going to be with my Lord.”

  Publius wrapped his arm around Decimus’s shoulders and guided him toward the door. “I’ll be praying for you, Decimus. For you to hear God’s call to you and choose to follow Jesus with your whole heart, as I have. Then this parting will only be a farewell, and not a goodbye.”

  He called through the tiny window, “Guard, we’re through.”

  The hinges creaked as the door swung open. As Decimus stepped through the doorway, he looked back, and the sight of Decimus’s clenched jaw as he fought against tears almost brought tears to Publius’s own eyes. The pain in Decimus’s eyes would be mirrored in Titus’s when he heard of Publius’s death. If only his letter could be the first announcement, so the pain of that loss could be soothed by the knowledge that he hadn’t really died at all.

  “Farewell, my son. I pray I’ll see you again as my brother. May the grace and peace of my Lord Jesus be with you.”

  The guard closed the door and locked it.

  Publius shook his head as he stared at the door. Decimus had always preferred history to philosophy and had dreamed of making history himself. Now he was on the verge of abandoning everything in his search for God because of the love of a Christian woman.

  Publius’s only regret was that he would never get the chance to lead Claudia and Titus to know the God he now loved more than anything. Perhaps, as for Decimus, God would bring true loves into his children’s lives who could help them find their way. Until death, that would be his most fervent prayer.

  As he closed his eyes to pray, a song of thanksgiving filled his heart with peace. Jesus had sought and found him. Surely Jesus could reach his beloved children as well.

  Malleolus had waited eagerly for Decimus’s return, but he wasn’t surprised when he heard that Publius refused to change his mind about not worshiping Caesar. Publius had even refused to let Decimus pay a bribe to get him out before he was killed. Now there was no hope that Malleolus’s dearest friend would live past the end of the week. It was good he had said nothing to Claudia. First to hope and then to have that h
ope ripped away would have been more than she could bear.

  Barely picking at her food, teetering on the verge of tears all the time―that worried him greatly. What if crushing grief carried her past tears to something that led to her death?

  Malleolus had always scoffed at the idea that someone could die of grief, but now he wasn’t so sure.

  Chapter 11: New Head of the Family

  As Publius and the other believers walked out of the tunnel that led into the arena the next morning, he was almost blinded by the brightness of the sand and sky after the darkness of his cell. The small girl who walked beside him covered her face with her hands and froze. Before the soldier escorting them could jab her with his sword, Publius knelt beside her and eased her hands away from her face.

  “Look at me, child.”

  She opened her eyes and gazed into his. With eyes showing no fear, he smiled at her.

  “Take my hand, and we’ll walk together to join Jesus in heaven. He’s waiting for us right now with open arms. We’re almost there.”

  She slid her small hand into his large one. Together, they walked to the center of the arena.

  Chains rattled as the mesh gate of the lion cage was raised enough to let the big cats enter.

  Publius knelt beside the little girl. “Look up. See Jesus?”

  She tilted her head back, and a bright smile appeared as she nodded.

  “Now close your eyes, and don’t open them until you’re in his arms.”

  While his left hand enveloped hers, he raised his right toward heaven and began to sing the song of praise he’d learned that first day at Aristarchus’s house.