The next morning, Tallis kissed his wife goodbye. “I hope you enjoy your day with our mothers. I’m going to meet a friend of mine living in Tiberias. I’ll return in time to patrol Hammath this afternoon, but before I leave, I need to ask you for a favor. This morning, while you’re distributing food and clothing to the needy, would you keep your eyes and ears open, and look around for people who might be watching the soldiers who are on duty? I’m beginning to wonder if our troublemakers are spying on us, and trying to figure out how we operate.”
“I’ll try to remember. You know our mothers, and I get busy talking with people as we help serve the less fortunate. I’m not sure you want them involved. They tend to talk too much.”
Tallis left, hoping his friend still lived in the same house. He hadn’t seen the man in two years, and it’s possible the family moved away after leaving the Army. With luck, today could be a turning point for the soldiers protecting Hammath.
The marketplace in Tiberias buzzed with farmers and merchants trying to sell their goods while shoppers searched for the best deals they could find. The Decanus worked his way through the crowd before hustling down one of the many narrow streets leading away from the center of town. Tallis needed to remain out of sight. He didn’t wear his uniform this morning. Still, someone may recognize him as there aren’t too many six and a half foot tall blond men living in Galilee, and Herod’s soldiers patrolled the streets would spot him and ask questions. He couldn’t afford the fallout from his superiors for not being on duty in Hammath.
My friend used to live four blocks west of the main road running through Tiberias, and two streets from the well serving those residing in the northwest part of town. Tallis hoped the man could help him solve a problem or two. Time would tell.
Reaching his destination, the Decanus knocked. Seconds later, Paroh opened the door. “May I come in? I need your help, and I don’t want anyone to see us talking.” His friend stepped back, allowing Tallis to slip inside.
“Tallis, what brings you to my home? I haven’t seen you for a long time. I thought you’d forgotten me.”
“Never. I trust everyone is well and healthy. Have you recovered from your injuries?”
“Healing takes time, but thank you for saving my life. The Army doctor said there wasn’t anymore he could do for me.”
“I’m pleased you survived. I wasn’t sure you’d make it, but you lived. I’m glad.” A little boy scampered across the room and hugged his father. “Your son appears happy and energetic. What a blessing.”
“My family and I are fine, thank you, and my boy gets taller every day. He’s smart too. For a four-year-old, he runs like the wind, but what brings you here this morning?”
“Paroh, I came to see you because I need your help.” Tallis glanced around the house and wondered how the family managed to exist since they had no open courtyard. A lone window provided the only light source and ventilation for the smoke-filled room since baking and cooking occurred inside. Cracks in the walls allowed the wind and rain to seep into the dwelling.
“What do you need me to do? My skills aren’t what they used to be, but I will help you any way I can. My family and I owe you my life.”
“I want you to serve as my ears and eyes in Tiberias, Paroh. I would like you to keep track of what goes on near the fortress and the blacksmith shop, down the hill, east of the well. A man named Zosimos owns the business. I would appreciate your efforts. I will pay you two dinars per day for your help. The money won’t make you a rich man, but it’s all I can afford.” Paroh’s eyes lit up.
“For you, I will do this. But, why me, Tallis?”
“No one will pay attention to you because of your limp. With luck, Herod and his men will remember you as a soldier, but the people working for the smithy won’t recognize you. Dress like a beggar. Do whatever you must, but I need information fast. I’ll check back with you as often as my schedule allows.”
“Thank you, my friend, but I need more information. I still don’t understand what you want from me? Should I watch the leaves fall from the trees while the wind blows them down the street, or listen to the screechy voices the women make as they waddle along the road going to and from the marketplace or the well?”
“No Paroh, nothing like that. Hammath faces some serious problems with a few young men, who want to wreak havoc in our community. I want you to try and find out when, where, and how they plan to attack us again. Also, I need to know who is providing information to Nikolaos and find out if there is more than one person involved. Our Commander appears to know what happens in our village before it occurs. Do you still want the job?”
“I’ll start right after you leave.”
“Good.” Tallis handed his friend a sack of coins. “I want to give you six dinars in advance plus another ten for agreeing to help me. They are yours to keep whether you find out what I need to know or not.” Paroh had the biggest smile on his face. “One more thing I learned. The smithy signed a contract with Herod’s Army to repair his broken equipment and make new weapons for them. You may come across some people with loose lips inside the shop.”
“You can count on me, Tallis.”
“I know I can, Paroh, or I wouldn’t ask for your help. You can always play dumb if you need to. Overcome your pride and feel free to beg. People will talk in your presence when they don’t view you as a threat.”
“I’m quite good at playing dumb. Ask my wife. She says I can make a post look smart.”
“You’re a funny man, my friend. Thank you. I must leave so I can get back to Hammath and relive my soldiers on patrol this morning.”
Paroh turned to his son, “Tell your mother I’m going to work today. I don’t know when I’ll be home, but the pay is good. Be a good boy while I’m gone.” The lad turned and ran toward his mother.
The two men left the house together. “Keep your head down and ears open, Paroh. My plan is to see you tomorrow morning or the next day. I trust you’ll know something by then so we can decide how to proceed. Be careful.” Tallis turned right and headed toward the marketplace as Paroh limped off toward the well.
Tallis began the new day before the sun’s rays brightened the hills west of Hammath. Shet joined him at the marketplace a few minutes later. So did Bazak. “Good morning. It’s good to see you. Let’s hope today remains peaceful. I want us to try something different this morning. Begin your patrols along the lake first. As you move through the village, I want you to greet the folks traveling to work. Introduce yourselves to our neighbors and make friends as you go. I’ll have the other teams do the same thing. When you meet your colleagues patrolling other parts of town, stop and compare information on what you observed. Who knows, it may prove useful in the future.”
The marketplace became more crowded as the sun rose higher in the sky, and Tallis decided to follow his lead team and walk to the lake. When he reached the road lining the shore, The Decanus stopped and watched a crew cleaning the bathhouses next to the tower, as they prepared for the day’s customers. Further south, a few fishermen loaded their nets and gear into boats, but most had cast their nets at the best spots on the lake.
When Tallis turned to walk along the shore, he noticed Bazak and Shet farther down the road. As they patrolled, the two soldiers stopped and greeted people in the area. People smiled at his soldiers as they conversed with his men. A few minutes later, he caught up with the pair. “I’m surprised it’s so peaceful this morning. Thank you for following through on my request to greet our neighbors. I appreciate your efforts.”
“Bazak and I decided we are the lucky ones. God blessed us. We both have wives and families who love and pray for us. We are healthy and well-paid.” Tallis didn’t reply. “My prayer is God will bless everyone as much as He blessed us, but I can’t help notice how many people don’t have jobs. So many folks sit along the side of the road, hoping someone will help them in their need.”
“God is good to us indeed, Shet, and what you said is true. I hope everything goes well throu
gh today and tonight. I hope those who cause us problems will work out their issues, so our lives will return to normal. I don’t need Nikolaos whipping my back for something none of us can control, but I don’t want to kill another man over some political disagreement either.”
“If Herod discharges us, sir, we’ll all find ourselves sitting against one of these walls begging for food with all the others.”
Shet turned toward Bazak. “Do you remember our first meeting? It was before our assignment to this Conturbenium. Tallis wasn’t our Decanus then. Sometimes I feel like I joined the Army yesterday, and other days, I can’t remember being a civilian. After yesterday, my family’s future is at stake. I don’t like the feeling.”
“You have a better memory than I do, Shet. I suppose we’ve served Herod longer than I realized though the troubles we’ve experienced the last two weeks depress me. Whoever thought I would look forward to rain and colder weather.”
“Quit squabbling, you two. Focus on doing your jobs. We’re going to catch our troublemakers and restore peace in Hammath. Now, I want both of you to continue your patrols and keep your spirits up. You both perform a valuable service to our community.”
Both men smiled at their Decanus then turned and continued on south. Tallis smiled while he watched them walk toward the wall at the far end of town. I never realized my men have the same worries I do.
Like she did on most mornings, Abigail walked to the marketplace where she met her mother, Nammi, and mother-in-law, Odelia. Each carried a basket of bread, fish, fruits, and vegetables on their heads. Helping the poor was a regular practice for these women. Sharing had become their mission and passion. The trio moved along the street inside the north gate.
“How are you this morning, Martha? Did you have anything to eat today? I have some sweet figs, bread, and a fish fillet for you.” The old woman looked up and smiled. “Please, take this and enjoy. I made the bread myself, and it’s still warm.”
“Bless you, Abigail. I’m doing well, and thank you.”
“May I do anything else for you? The winter rains are late this year. Would a new shawl help keep you warm?” Martha nodded. “I’ll bring you one tomorrow.”
Tears formed in the woman’s eyes. “The money my husband and I had saved before he died is gone. I lost the farm when I couldn’t afford to pay the taxes any longer, but God is good. I can’t complain.”
“Bless you, Martha. I will keep you in my prayers.”
Abigail turned, looking for another poor soul and searching the marketplace for anyone looking suspicious or out of place. From the corner of her eye, she saw her mother walking toward her.
“I don’t know how we can serve everyone in need. People keep coming to Hammath hoping to find work or a place to live. The numbers seem to increase every day.”
“You’re right, mother. We meet new people in need of basic essentials for life all the time. There’s a housing shortage, and food supplies will become scarce since the harvest is over. We have so much to do and not enough resources to go around.”
Odelia joined the conversation as the trio crossed the roadway, walking toward an old man sitting on the cobblestones, leaning against the wall of the weaver’s shop. “Good morning, Bilhan. Are you feeling better today? I have some bread and fish for you.”
“Thank you, Odelia. Life is good. Praise God. I have something to eat today.”
“Where did you sleep last night?”
Bilhan raised a hand to the side of his mouth and whispered. “It’s a secret, but I can tell you. There’s a cave in the rocks beyond the west wall. It’s warmer during the night than trying to sleep near the water. There’s too much wind by the lake. Sleeping outside can make people sick you know.”
“How do you manage to keep warm?”
“Several of us live in the cave. When we lie next to each other, our bodies help keep us from freezing.”
“I’m going to bring you a wool blanket tomorrow to protect you from the elements.”
The women continued distributing their food to those sitting along Hammath’s main street. “There isn’t enough to feed everyone, mother. Our baskets are empty. Do you think we should speak with Kiva? He might know where to find more resources so we can meet the needs of people who have less than us.”
“What more can we do, Abigail? My heart breaks when I see pain and suffering in people’s eyes. It is my prayer God will motivate everyone who can afford to give food, shelter, clothing, and money from their plenty will do so.”
“I know, but it bothers me so few people take the time or make an effort to serve the poor. We are the only ones doing anything, and my basket is empty. I’ll visit with the local farmers and buy some extra produce before going home to prepare the evening meal. Tomorrow, I’ll speak with Kiva. I hope I can convince the Rabbi to encourage others to join us in providing for those who need our help. Good day, mother.” Abigail kissed Nammi’s cheek and surveyed the marketplace. Like yesterday, she didn’t notice anything out of the ordinary.
The sun doesn’t shine along Hammath’s narrow streets much of the day. Less so, since Kush and Masa died. Tallis wandered along a narrow lane, dodging potholes and loose stones created by years of neglect, looking for a tiny gray house, the smallest on the street made with local basalt blocks. Reaching his destination, he knocked on the weathered door and waited.
“What do you want?”
“My name is Tallis. I’m looking for a man named, Addai.”
“What if he doesn’t want to talk with you?”
“I need his help, and I want to offer him employment.” I heard a cough coming from the other side of the door.
“Addai is an old man. Too old to work. Go away.”
“The job is easy, and the pay is good. Please open the door, Addai and listen to what I have to say.”
“How did you know it was me?”
After a long pause, the door opened enough to expose a shriveled old man with a wrinkled face and bald head. Addai looked at the soldier standing before him. It wasn’t every day the local Decanus knocked on your door. Tallis had lived in Hammath for seven years. He’d seen the man once, a few days ago, sitting against the wall of a building in the middle of the village marketplace. The clothes on his back looked like they would fall or rot off his boney frame.
“How are you, sir? My name is Tallis. I’m pleased to meet you. I understand you saw some men entering a house the other evening. Would you share what you saw with me? I would appreciate you telling me everything you heard and saw.”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about, young man. Go away, and leave me alone.” Addai began to close the door.
“Please don’t shut the door, Addai.” He’s scared. Who can blame him? “If I leave, those same men you saw may return if they see you. I don’t want anything to happen to you, so I need to ask for a favor?”
“Why me?” The door closed until all Tallis could see was an eye and the side of the old man’s slick head.
“Don’t be afraid. Nobody’s going to harm you. I am prepared to pay you for helping me.”
“I told you. Addai’s too old and feeble to work. What can I do for you?”
Tallis had sparked his interest. He’s listening to me. “Addai, may we speak in private, please? These streets and alleyways can hear, as you know, and what we discuss must remain between you and me. Please, may I come inside?”
The old man hesitated but didn’t close the door. At last, Addai moved aside, and the door opened enough for Tallis to slip inside.
Addai pointed to the only stool in the smoke-filled room. “Please, sit down.”
The soldier followed the old man’s directive as he glanced around the interior of the one-room structure, as he heard the door close. His eyes started to burn and seeing became a challenge. The place needed some ventilation to freshen the air. How does he live like this? “Addai, I am a Decanus in Herod’s Army. My men and I protect and live in Hammath. It’s possible you met my father, Coridan.
He passed away three years ago.”
The old man leaned against the door. “I knew both of your parents, young man. I’m sorry your father died, but I trust he is with God today. So, how did you find me?”
“One of my soldiers spoke with you the night two of my men died, gave me your name and told me where he thought you might live. He also said you witnessed five people enter the house where Kush, one of the pair killed used to live.”
“It’s possible. Maybe not.”
“Are you saying, yes?” Please don’t play games with me Addai. I need accurate information, and I trust what you have to say will help me capture the people who killed my men.”
“Why do you ask an old man so many questions? Don’t you think I can’t remember anything? Yes, I saw them, but I didn’t recognize anyone. It was dark.”
“Thank you for answering my question, sir.” I hope he doesn’t act like this every time we meet. “I asked because you took the time to speak with Shet and told him what you saw.” Addai straightened himself up and stepped away from the door, eyes wandering, his body swaying side to side. Tallis stood, preparing to catch the old man, hoping he didn’t faint. “Would you like to sit down, Addai?” The old man shook his head. “I was hoping I could hire you to help me find the people who murdered my soldiers.”
“Like I said before. I’m old and feeble. What can I do for you? My gate remains shaky, my ears and eyes fail me, and I may not be long for this world.”
“You might live longer if I paid you two dinars a day to listen and tell me what you see and hear.”
Addai twitched and cocked his head as he gazed into his visitor’s eyes. “I better sit down.” Tallis held him steady as he stepped toward the stool. “When do I start and what else would you like me to do?”
“I want you to be your usual self. Follow your daily routine as you walk through our village when you visit the marketplace or stroll along the lake. I need you to listen and watch the people around you.” Addai squinted as Tallis spoke. “Learn everything you can regarding the men who killed my soldiers. Find out when they plan to return and what they intend to do next if you can. It’s important work, but a man with your skills and experience can do this job well.” The old man smiled, and the Decanus noticed Addai had lost most of his teeth. “My troops and I need to prepare for any future attacks. They want to put fear into the hearts and souls of our fellow citizens. With your help, we won’t let them.” Tallis paused, waiting for a response, but none came. “My soldiers and I want you and your neighbors to live in a safe community. Please help us protect our town.” He wanted to touch the old man’s soul and win his heart. Their future success depended on Addai. “May I count on you, sir?”
The old man continued to sit, rocking back and forth with a grin on his face. Then he looked into the eyes of his visitor. “You’re an honorable man, Tallis. Like your father. He would be proud of you. Yes, I will do my best to help you.”
The Decanus felt his stress falling away. “Thank you so much. As I said before, I will pay you two dinars every day for your help. Please start today when you visit the market or wherever you go. Listen to the world around you. Study anything appearing suspicious, and share everything related to my men’s deaths or other information I can use to prevent more trouble in Hammath.”
Addai struggled to his feet. His eyes sparkled. “I will make you proud. Yes, I’ll make you proud of this old man.”
Tallis returned the smile and pulled out the pouch he kept tucked under his belt, placing six coins in Addai’s hand. “I’m paying you for three days in advance. These are yours to keep no matter what happens. Should you see or hear anything, let me know. I’ll try to meet with you daily. Thank you so much, my friend.”
The Decanus turned and stepped toward the door, but the old man grabbed and hugged him. Looking around the house a second time, Tallis didn’t notice any food in the place, or clothing other than what Addai wore. “Thank you for visiting me today. I will help you with joy in my heart.”
Chapter 11
Watch Your Back Page 10
