Watch Your Back

by William V Weeks

Before our regular meeting the next morning, Tallis met with his Centurion. “You look troubled, Tallis. What’s on your mind?”

  Tallis sat on the stool across his boss. “Several things, sir. The least is finding out when will the four new soldiers you promised me arrive? I don’t know how six men and I can protect the citizens of Hammath plus the surrounding countryside.”

  “You’ll meet your new troops after our meeting this morning.”

  “Are they trained and experienced, or neophytes like Acaph and Mered?”

  “The new soldiers will fight at your command. With any volunteer army, you get what comes along, though I understand, the Tetrarch and his advisers are considering a plan to begin a new recruitment program.”

  “I hope the men joining Herod’s Army will make the ultimate sacrifice rather than working to earn a paycheck, or running away at the first sign of trouble.”

  “You know our current situation, Tallis. We aren’t recruiting new soldiers. Herod prefers to enlist men based on the recommendations from friends and those he respects. Like you. Without your father’s support, there wasn’t any chance for your advancement in rank in such a short timeframe, or at all.”

  “I realize our Tetrarch tends to promote non-Jews to leadership positions. I don’t believe Herod trusts the Jews to follow his commands should the people living in Galilee or Perea revolt. But nobody asked for my opinion?”

  “I’ve told you before. Keep your opinions to yourself. These walls listen to what you say, and your tongue may get you in serious trouble. … Now, what else do you want to discuss, or are we finished here?”

  “The new men, sir. Where will we house them? Obtaining living accommodations can challenge the wealthiest people in Hammath.”

  “An acquaintance of mine arranged for two of your new soldiers to live in Kush’s old place, and the other two will stay in Masa’s house.” Kaleb stood. “Come on. Let’s join the other Decanuses so we can get everyone back on patrol.”

  Tallis followed his Centurion to the room located next door. Kaleb began the meeting before Tallis found an empty stool and sat down. “Thank you all for arriving on time this morning. Allow me to apologize for yesterday’s training session. I didn’t receive prior notification from Nikolaos. So finding a Roman Century standing in our courtyard was a surprise to me.” Our leader looked and smiled at each Decanus. “Let me ask a question. What perceptions can you share regarding yesterday’s exercises? … Adil, you may speak first.”

  “Both formations can help our soldiers control any unruliness coming our way, sir.”

  “What do you think, Sabir?”

  “Both formations presented us with new strategies to make our job easier, sir.”

  Kaleb shot an angry look at his subordinate before directing his gaze to the next contributor. “Tallis, please share your thoughts on yesterday’s training. I’m sure your colleagues and I want to hear your opinion since you’re never short on words.”

  Does Kaleb want to know my opinion or a few more lies like my colleagues shared? “I trust the drills we took part in yesterday will help our Century protect us when faced with an angry crowd. But, I don’t think either tactic will work at the Conturbenium level. Our teams don’t contain enough men to form a square, and ten or eleven soldiers can’t create a functioning Pig’s Head either.” Tallis paused, hoping his Centurion would call on someone else, but Kaleb remained silent. “With so few men available to us, it’s possible for us to form an oval or a circle, but we don’t have enough troops to provide adequate protection for everyone in a Conturbenium. … I also want to ask, when do we ever work together as a Century? It hasn’t happened since I completed my basic training more than five years ago.”

  An eerie silence filled the room as Kaleb glared, first at Tallis, and then the others. The Decanus feared he’d upset his boss. “Tallis, you are the only person who told me what I needed to hear, and you described your feelings well. I found our efforts to form a Square painful to watch. So did Nikolaos, and the Romans laughed at us. Our soldiers moved much too slow, and we had gaps in our defenses. Once in place, it became apparent we couldn’t maneuver in any direction fast enough to protect ourselves from attack. This made the formation useless and dangerous for our troops. To improve, we need more practice. With the Pig’s Head, we executed the formation much better, but using either formation at the Conturbenium level is futile. These strategies, while helpful, don’t work well with small groups.” Kaleb paused and then smiled at his men. “Now, allow me to change the subject. This morning I received a new order. Nikolaos hopes to provide each Conturbenium with extra time to patrol their assigned regions. He wants us to get a better handle on the increasing unrest in this part of Galilee. To achieve this goal, we plan to reduce our meetings from six days a week to one. From this point forward, we will meet on the first day of the week until I tell you otherwise. I will see everyone again, in two days. Dismissed. Tallis, come with me. I want to introduce you to your new soldiers.”

  The troops jumped to attention when they saw their Centurion and Decanus approaching. “Gentlemen. Allow me to introduce you to your newest Conturbenium members. Welcome, Yoel, Tobin, Habib, and Ari. Each man swore loyalty to Herod and completed their basic training with distinction. I expect them to compliment your team well. Tobin and Habib will share the house once occupied by Kush while Ari and Yoel will live in Masa’s former dwelling. Tallis, you may address your soldiers. I will see you at our next meeting unless you need my help before then.”

  Tallis waited until Kaleb had left before addressing his troops. “Welcome to our new members. Bazak and Shet, I want you to lead everyone back to Hammath. Explain our protocols and make sure the new men understand the various strategies we use while on patrol. I won’t return with you as I have another issue to address this morning. Report for duty at the regular time tonight. I’ll see you then. Keep alert this afternoon, and watch each other’s backs.”

  Zosimos left home before sunrise, heading to his blacksmith shop located in North Tiberias. He enjoyed the stroll, but he wouldn’t miss his wife’s screechy voice. Ya-el didn’t enjoy walking so her husband was confident she wouldn’t drop by his business unannounced and offend his customers. Hilarion was firing up the furnace when he arrived. “Good morning, brother. How are you today?”

  “Zosimos, it’s good to see you. I’m doing well, and you?

  “The same, but sleep seldom comes easy at my house.”

  Hilarion laughed. “Does Ya-el snore, brother?”

  “Every night and her snorts hurt my ears.”

  “Nobody forced you to marry her. Why didn’t tell father you weren’t interested in marrying Ya-el? He only arranged your marriage because our mother insisted you needed a wife. I’m glad I’m not in your shoes.”

  “I was younger then, brother, and I didn’t want to upset our parents. A son should bring joy to his mother’s heart.”

  “Today you live with a crazy woman, and mother can’t stand her.”

  “Enough talk. I need you to complete this order by sunset. Increase the heat of the fire. Use the bellows. Some of the local fishermen want me to repair their boat hinges. I’ll return after I meet with them.”

  An hour later, Hilarion was forging horseshoes when his brother returned carrying a sack of broken boat parts. “How did you get the smoke so think in here? It’s hard to see across the room, much less breathe.” Zosimos found it difficult to compliment his younger brother of late. He had encouraged him to master the trade, but he doubted Hilarion’s commitment to becoming a smithy. Their mother had insisted he take him on as an apprentice, but dependability counts in business. Some days, Hilarion didn’t bother to arrive on time or put in a full day’s work. Other days he didn’t bother to show up at all.

  Moments later, Tallis entered the shop unannounced. Zosimos noticed him as he stepped inside. “Hello, brother. What brings you here? Did Kaleb assign you to patrol Tiberias today?”

  “I’m afraid not. I thought I’d
stop by and speak with you and Hilarion. I hope you can answer some questions for me. How’s business?”

  “We manage to keep busy. In fact, I’m having trouble keeping up with our orders, but I have some good news to share with you. Your Commander, Nikolaos came to my shop yesterday afternoon. He asked me to sign an agreement to repair the army’s equipment and make sure the chariots and wagons remain in working order. I will also build new weapons, and keep the horses shod. I said yes without a thought. The terms are more than favorable. God is good, brother.”

  “What great news. I’m proud of you, Zosimos. I know you’ll do an excellent job. Does mother know yet?”

  “No. I thought I’d share the news with her when we meet at your house tomorrow to celebrate the Sabbath. Please allow me to surprise everyone with my good news.”

  “Of course, I’ll keep your secret.”

  “Mother will be so pleased for her two youngest sons.”

  “On a more serious note, brother. I need to ask you and Hilarion some questions. May we talk in private?”

  “Follow me out back so nobody can overhear our conversation.” Zosimos closed the door. “How can I help you, Tallis?”

  “You might find my questions personal, but please don’t take offense. The responses you provide may help me solve a crime I’m investigating.”

  “Do you think I’m guilty of something, brother?”

  “I don’t believe anything at the moment, Zosimos. But, I need to ask you where you were on the second night of this week.”

  “Why would you ask me such a question?”

  “Humor me, please. I need an honest response.”

  “How am I supposed to remember what happened so many nights ago? My wife and I were home.”

  “Will Ya-el verify your story?”

  “She better.”

  “What will our brother say when I ask him the same question? Was Hilarion with you and your wife that night?”

  “Ask him yourself, but he wasn’t with us.”

  Zosimos’s attitude and response surprised Tallis. “Did he show up for work every day this week?”

  “He arrived late twice and didn’t show up on two other days.”

  “Did he explain his absence or tardiness for the time he missed?”

  “I don’t like where this is going, brother. Hilarion told me he’d been up late with friends and was too tired to come to work.”

  “What did you say to him?”

  Zosimos rubbed his chin while glaring at his older brother. “I told him to make sure he arrives to work on time every day.”

  “Has he followed through?”

  Zosimos sighed and dropped his eyes. “Hilarion needs to become more responsible. I don’t want to say anything else. You need to speak with him.”

  “Please ask Hilarion to join me so I can talk with him.”

  “Before I leave, I want you to know I’m not happy with your questioning my whereabouts. I don’t think you trust me, brother, and yes, I’ll send him back here. Zosimos spun around, flung the shop door open, and marched inside the building.”

  “Hilarion. Thank you for meeting with me. I hope you’ve recovered from your adventures with your friends.”

  Hilarion smiled. “Zosimos said you want to ask me a few questions. Something concerning where I was one night earlier this week.”

  “Correct, but please don’t read too much into what I’m asking you. I need to find out where you were between sunset and sunrise on the second and third nights of this week.”

  “That’s all you want to ask?” A sheepish grin came over Hilarion’s face. “Zosimos and I met with some of our friends on both nights. We enjoyed our time together and shared our frustrations with the high taxes imposed on us by Herod and Rome. We laughed and joked around too.” Tallis listened, mouth open though he tried to hide his reaction. “What else do you want to know?”

  Tallis stared at his youngest brother, noticing how he twitched while trying to maintain eye contact. “I know you enjoy a good run, Hilarion. Did you and your friends run either night? I know Zosimos loves to run. Do your friends?”

  “We ran both nights. Out into the countryside. We had a good time, and my friends do enjoy running. Why?”

  “No reason. I’m out of questions for now. Thank you for helping me. My men and I will be on patrol tonight in Hammath. Should you and your friends run through town again, track me down and say hello.” Hilarion’s eyes opened wide at Tallis’s comment. “If I don’t see you then, I hope Abigail and I can visit with you and your new girlfriend when we get together tomorrow.”

  “Do you realize I haven’t seen our mother in over a month, Tallis?”

  “I didn’t know Zosimos kept you so busy. Families need to spend time together. It was good to see you, brother, and I look forward to tomorrow.” The Decanus decided not to pressure Hilarion any further at the moment. What will Ya-el will say if I ask her the same questions?

  Nightfall arrived too soon than expected. Tallis had planned to spend his afternoon with Abigail, knowing she would feel slighted if he didn’t see her before going on patrol until midnight. He found his Conturbenium waiting for him, inside the north gate, when he returned from Hammath. Tallis would apologize to his wife later. Duty called. “This afternoon, I spent some time reflecting on our situation. I assume you know I am not a man who often prays, but tonight I am asking you to say a prayer to God for peace throughout Israel.” I’m surprised nobody replied. “The last two nights passed without incident, but we need more trouble-free nights. Ask for those who want to disrupt society to lose heart and focus their reign of terror someplace else.” Tallis looked at each man as he paused, hoping someone would comment. “If our patrols go well tonight, I will allow everyone to enjoy the Sabbath with your friends and loved ones. Should you need help, sound the alarm.” His men nodded. I’m pleased my troops take pride in their work. “We’ll use five teams tonight, working in pairs.” Tallis assigned each team an area of Hammath to patrol. “I’ll check with you as the night progresses.”

  After dismissing his soldiers, Tallis went home. He’d also promised Abigail they would eat their evening meal together, and he needed to apologize for not returning in time to spend the afternoon with her. My wife enjoys cooking, and I like to eat. We make a good team.

  After the evening meal, Tallis climbed the stairs to his rooftop and gazed over Hammath and the lake. A half-moon rose in the east while a light breeze blew through the valley from the north. Tallis hoped the rainy season would arrive so life would slow down for the winter. In previous years, the Zealots weren’t dedicated enough to their causes since they seldom ventured outside when the weather turned bad. With luck, the trend would continue.

  A few minutes later, Tallis descended the stairs and joined Abigail in their main room. He placed his uniform on the stool near the door to the courtyard and washed his feet while his wife combed her hair. She smelled good tonight. The couple wanted to bring children into the world, but, right now, Tallis thought life was too complicated. The pair snuggled in bed as they kissed and caressed each other while the moonlight came in through the home’s only window while they embraced.

  Somewhere in the distance, a horn blast broke the silence. Tallis felt his heart skip a beat as a second horn ripped through the night. The Decanus sprung from the bed, dressed, and grabbed his weapons. Within seconds, he was out the door heading toward the lake. Abigail would be asleep when he returned.

  Tallis reached the lakeshore and turned right, continuing to sprint while listening for other horns to sound. The muscles in his neck began to tighten, and breathing became labored. He hated wearing his armor. Sweat formed on his forehead, running down into his eyes. Three blocks, four, a third alarm filled the air. Tallis heard the sound of other footsteps coming toward him, pounding along the stone-covered street to his right, echoing off the stone buildings lining the road. One more block and he found two soldiers hovering over the local Rabbi. “What happened to Kiva?”

>   “I heard a strange noise, Tallis, so I came to investigate and found the Rabbi lying on the roadway bloody and bruised. I blew my horn before attending to his injuries. A short time later, Habib arrived.”

  “Thank you for the update, Yoel.” Tallis kneeled. “How are you feeling, Kiva?”

  “My injuries aren’t serious, young man. Old folks like me shouldn’t go outside when it’s dark. Evil loves the night you know.”

  “You’re right. Bad things seem to happen after the sun goes down. I’m sorry we failed to protect you tonight, sir. Fetch the doctor for the Rabbi, Habib. Kiva, please tell me what happened to you.”

  “After the meeting at the synagogue, I decided to take a stroll through my neighborhood. Sometimes this helps calm my soul, and I enjoy walking alone in our peaceful community. Please don’t tell anyone. The Sabbath began at sundown, but people complain and say I work too hard. I can’t fall asleep for hours after our evening meetings. So I walk. Tonight, I made if from my house to this corner when four young men came running toward me. The first man tried to avoid hitting me, but he wasn’t able to swerve out of the way. The blow knocked me against the building before I fell to the cobblestones. Did you know this wall is harder than my head? Anyway, they kept running for another block before they left the road and ran toward the lake. I heard splashing sounds, so it’s possible they left by boat.”

  “What else can you tell me, Rabbi?”

  “I can’t recall much more, but the man who bumped into me was taller and a faster runner than the others. The other three men were able to avoid me, but I didn’t recognize any of them in the dark. You’d think they’d stop and help an old fella like me, but no, they sprinted away after our encounter like nothing happened.”

  “I don’t understand how some people can be so heartless.” Kiva struggled to raise himself up. “Don’t move, Rabbi. You need to lie still. The doctor should arrive soon and tend to your wounds. My soldiers and I will escort you home after we have permission to move you.” Kiva looked up at Tallis and smiled as Bazak and Shet joined the group. Tallis directed two soldiers to search the area, looking for any damage or anyone else with injuries. “Question anybody you see outside. Who knows, they may have seen something to help us identify these troublemakers.”

  The doctor arrived and applied a dressing to Kiva’s forehead after cleaning the cut and pronouncing him ready to return home. “No more walks in the night unless you take someone with you. Safety becomes an issue after dark, Rabbi.” The doctor turned and looked up at Tallis. “Doesn’t it, young man?”

  “Rabbi, Tal, and Lior will escort you home,” Tallis said. “I don’t want you to leave your house until tomorrow morning when you return to the synagogue. Bolt your door and keep warm. I will check on you after the Sabbath.”

  “Thank you, Tallis,” Kiva said as the Decanus helped the Rabbi to his feet. Tallis stayed and watched as the two soldiers assisted the old man up the road to his house.

  “What do you want us to do, Tallis?”

  “Why don’t you and Tobin patrol Hammath one more time before going home, Tam. I want to check out something Kiva mentioned.”

  After his men had disappeared into the night, Tallis followed the directions the Rabbi gave him concerning where the runners headed after the accident. Reaching the lakeshore, the Decanus noticed several footprints in the sand. It appears the runners came ashore near the community pier and dragged their boat onto the beach. Looking out at the water, Tallis couldn’t see anything, so he decided to change tactics. From this point forward, we must secure both entrances of Hammath and patrol the lakefront as well.

  Returning to the corner where Kiva fell, Tallis found Shet and Bazak waiting for him. They’d completed their tour of the village and said they didn’t find any other damage inside the walls of Hammath. “Do you think one or more of the runners live in town, Tallis?”

  “I’m not sure, Bazak, but don’t worry. We’ll catch these men and end their foolishness. Enough is enough.”

  Chapter 7