Man of God

by Diaz, Debra

  “Is this any way to treat a Roman citizen? You have tortured this woman.”

  “Not I, sir. But there are extenuating circumstances. The emperor commanded us to find Valerius and I am convinced this woman knows where he is.”

  “What makes you think that?”

  She has never flatly denied it. She only says she won’t tell. Our last resort will be to take her to the emperor.”

  “You’re right, Petronius—he would only take her life. I will question her myself. You may leave, and take the guard with you. And if I am not satisfied that she knows anything of value, you will release her and concentrate your efforts elsewhere. Time is growing short and you need all the men you have available looking for Valerius, not tarrying in the bedroom of a harlot.”

  Petronius pursed his lips but said, “Yes, sir.” He saluted and turned to leave the house.

  Flavius waited a moment, then walked to the foyer to make sure the men had gone. He locked the door and returned to the bedroom.

  “Daphne,” he said. “May Christ have mercy on you and rest your soul.”

  She stirred, and focused her eyes on his. “Who are you?”

  “My name is Flavius. I am a friend of Paulus’—I met you at his house some months ago.”

  Daphne sat up. “Yes, I remember you, and your wife.” She stared at him. “Then, they do not know you are a believer.”

  “No. If I had known about this—I could have stopped it. I will stop it. To say that I’m sorry…isn’t enough.”

  “You see what they’ve done to me. They raped me, too. I suppose they thought it was nothing, for someone like me. But I’ve told them nothing.”

  “They will be punished. I’ll send them off somewhere, far away. This is illegal—although Caligula wouldn’t say so. He would have permitted this, and more, if it got results.”

  “I would never betray Antonius—I mean Paulus, and Alysia. Never!”

  “Your faith is strong. Even the soldiers recognize that.”

  “No, it isn’t. Not as strong as I needed it to be. But Jesus helps us even in our weakness, if we call on him. I know that now, from experience.” She moved and put her legs over the side of the bed, seeming grateful for his presence. “Tell me, how did you come…to be a believer, Flavius?”

  He glanced behind him and picked up a silk shawl, which she draped over her bare shoulders.

  “That is a long story. I was a gladiator once, and always getting into trouble…with women, or breaking some law. At that time Paulus, as prefect, was administrator over the courts, and so we knew each other slightly. Then last year, Paulus saw me in the forum and began talking to me. It took a while to convince me to come to their meetings. But my wife and I finally did…and we are both believers.”

  “Did you know they were looking for him?”

  “Not then. The old order to apprehend him and Alysia had almost been forgotten over the years, until Caligula recently got it into his head that they must be found.”

  “I wonder why.”

  “I said the order had been almost forgotten…but not by everyone. There were people who knew him—who always remembered, and always wondered what had happened to him. He was seen somewhere and recognized, and it was reported to Caligula.”

  “Oh, I pray he never finds them!”

  A silence fell, and Flavius looked around the room. “Have you eaten? Can I get you anything?”

  “I haven’t eaten, but I’m not hungry.”

  “I’m going to get someone to come and help you. I would send my wife, but she won’t be able to get away from the palace. Do you know of anyone?”

  Daphne thought for a moment. “There was a woman named Priscilla. She and her husband were both kind to me.”

  “Yes, I know them. Aquila has been leading the meetings since Paulus has been away. I’ll send Priscilla to you. I’ll ask her to bring food and to stay with you for a while. I know of a physician, too, who can look at your—” He stopped as she covered her face with her hands and began to cry softly.

  Flavius felt helpless. “I’ll cover these paintings before I leave,” he said. “And close up that cabinet.”

  “I had already done so before they came,” she said dully. “But they uncovered them.”

  “They can do that, but they can’t bring back the past, Daphne. All of this is behind you now. You and Priscilla can put everything in a crate, and I’ll burn it.”

  Daphne removed her hands and looked up at him, her scars puckered and red. “Thank you, Flavius.”

  Not knowing what else to say, he turned away to begin his task.

  * * *

  When he left Daphne’s house, Flavius realized he wasn’t far from where Simon lived. He glanced around to make sure he wasn’t being followed, and made his way there within a quarter hour. Why anyone should follow him he didn’t know, but he’d become suspicious of everyone lately. It was the time of day when Romans usually retired to their houses for a few hours, and Simon greeted him at the door.

  “Flavius, come in!”

  Flavius stepped just inside the entrance. “I can’t stay, Simon, but I have something to tell you. Please let this be known among all of us, and as much as I hate for Paulus to know it—he’d never forgive us if we didn’t tell him.”

  “What is it?” Simon asked, frowning.

  “Daphne was placed under arrest. They thought she could lead them to Paulus. She’s been tortured, and worse.”

  “No, Flavius!”

  “Would you ask Priscilla to go to her at once, and help her? And ask everyone to be much in prayer for her.”

  “Of course I will.” Simon seemed deeply affected. “The poor girl. And you are right—Paulus would want to know. I’ll tell him. Flavius, how did they—what made them question Daphne?”

  The other man shook his head. “I don’t know. But now they’re looking for Paulus and Alysia among the known community of believers. I’m afraid, Simon—it’s only a matter of time.”

  * * *

  It was early the next day before Simon went to see his friends, and he did so with a deep reluctance. They were going to feel responsible for what had happened to Daphne. He had already told Aquila and Priscilla, and they agreed to spread the word. Priscilla had gone at once to stay with Daphne for a few days.

  Paulus was on his way out, and stopped when he saw Simon walking down the lane toward him. He called into the house, “Alysia, there’s a beggar wandering around out here—have you got a spare loaf of bread?”

  She came to the door and smiled when she saw Simon. “He doesn’t look undernourished. Toss him a coin and be done with it!”

  Simon smiled as he drew near and said, “I’ll take the bread and the coin, but—” his smile faded—“first I have sad news to tell.”

  Paulus and Alysia grew solemn and waited for him to speak.

  “It’s Daphne. She was questioned by soldiers about you both. Flavius put a stop to it, but he says she was—tortured.”

  “Oh, no!” Alysia cried. Paulus didn’t move or speak, and she slid her hand into his. “Where is she, Simon?”

  “At her house. I think she’s all right—Flavius didn’t give me many details, and I was too—disturbed—to ask. I feel terrible, as I know you do. Priscilla is with her.”

  “Tortured,” Paulus said, at last. “How?”

  Simon raised his hands. “I don’t know. But I feel sure you’ll be going to see her, and I’d like to go, too.”

  Paulus glanced at Alysia. “We’ll go at once. Would you get Rachel—she’ll want to see Daphne.”

  “Are you certain—”

  “Yes,” he said.

  “What if they’re watching her house?”

  “Flavius said it was safe,” Simon answered. “They won’t be expecting you to go there.”

  Alysia went into the house, grabbed the palla that went over her gown, and told Rachel what had happened. She and Rachel joined Paulus and Simon, and began walking.

  * * *

  Paulus,
for whatever reason, had stopped wearing the hooded cloak that partially concealed his face. Alysia didn’t know if it was the oppressive heat, or if he had decided it was useless. No doubt he was relying on God to protect him, for however long God willed it—but it seemed to her they should be taking precautions. Well, if he wasn’t going to, she wasn’t either…and she didn’t pull the edges of her palla over her face as she usually did. It had become her habit, though, to raise it to cover her hair when in public, for the morals of the Jews had been deeply ingrained during the time she lived in Bethany. Women there always modestly covered their hair. Rachel walked beside her in her ankle-length, belted tunic.

  “Mother, what happened to Daphne?” her daughter whispered, glancing sideways at Paulus…who wasn’t saying a word.

  “I don’t know—but something bad, I’m afraid.”

  Alysia wasn’t sure what to expect to see in Daphne’s house, and was quite prepared to cover her daughter’s eyes! But blank spaces on the walls showed where paintings had been removed, and the frescoes had been smeared over with white chalk dust. Priscilla greeted them, ushered them into Daphne’s room, and discreetly disappeared.

  Daphne was sitting in a chair, her scars angry and red against her pale skin. Alysia’s hand went to her throat. She felt Rachel grip her other hand. Paulus and Simon had stopped, and seemed not to know what to do.

  Alysia went forward swiftly and took the young woman’s hands, which lay limply on the arms of the chair. “Oh, Daphne, what have they done? Are you able to stand?”

  She got slowly to her feet. Alysia put her arms around her and held her, and Daphne began to weep quietly. “Women won’t be jealous of me now,” she said.

  When she could speak through her own tears, Alysia whispered, “Daphne, these are marks of courage. You must never be ashamed of them.”

  She moved away so that Rachel could speak to Daphne. Her daughter stepped forward diffidently, and threw her arms around the young woman. “Daphne, I think you’re beautiful! Even more than you already were.”

  Daphne returned the hug. “You are very dear to say that, Rachel.” She walked toward Paulus. “I found out your real name,” she said.

  “Daphne…I don’t know what to say. What you have endured because of—”

  “I would do it again,” Daphne said. “I don’t want to hear any more about it. And do you know—I felt the love of God flowing through me…all the time. The things you have taught, Paulus, are true—and I am so eager to learn more.”

  Paulus embraced her, briefly, and then she became very still, looking down at the floor. Simon stepped forward. “Daphne,” he said. She looked up, and he put his arms around her. He held her for so long that Paulus raised a wondering brow at Alysia.

  Rachel was looking around the room. “Daphne, where is Tigris?”

  Daphne stepped back quickly and turned to look at her, her eyes again filling with tears. “I’m sorry, Rachel. They killed Tigris—in front of me.”

  A silence fell, as all the things Daphne had suffered began to hit them with a sickening force. No one could think of any word of comfort, until Alysia said quietly, “I’m so sorry. We’ll get you another puppy, Daphne.”

  “Thank you, but not yet. I have to decide—where I’m going. What I’m going to do.”

  “Why don’t you go back to the villa?” Paulus suggested. “Horatius wouldn’t mind, and you need to get out of this house. It can only hold bad memories for you. In fact, I think you should get out of here today.”

  “Yes, I am going to sell this house. But these things take time. I will be all right, Paulus.”

  “Come and stay with us for a while,” Alysia urged, gripping Daphne’s hand.

  The young woman shook her head. “That is kind of you, but I couldn’t.”

  “I can come and visit with you sometime, if you’re lonely—can’t I, Mother?”

  “Of course you can, Rachel.”

  “Thank you—all of you. Simon sent word to me that you were probably coming, and Priscilla has prepared a meal for us. Shall we go to the dining room?”

  Alysia slipped her arm around Daphne’s waist. As they walked into the corridor, Daphne hung back and said, “Alysia, there’s something—I did something terrible—”

  Alysia pressed her hands. “I already know.”

  “ I knew he would tell you. He should have. That’s why I had to speak of it. Oh, I’m so sorry! There is no excuse…it was wicked of me. And, yes, I was envious of you, because of all you have. I didn’t know about…whatever they have said about you, and why they’re searching for you…I don’t know if it’s true and I don’t care. I’m only sorry that I hurt you, and Paulus.”

  “I know you are, Daphne, and I have forgiven you. You must think no more of it—especially after what you have done for us.”

  “Who will ever marry me, Alysia? I used to think that, even before this. And now, look at me—”

  “If God means for you to marry,” Alysia answered, “he will give you a husband. Someone as special as you are.”

  * * *

  When they left, Paulus asked Alysia and Rachel to go ahead of him, and told them he would catch up with them soon. He wanted to talk to Simon.

  But he didn’t say anything at first, and Simon waited, noticing the serious look on Paulus’ face. At last he said, “Simon, God spoke to me, to my spirit, a few days ago, and for once I don’t know what it means.”

  “Tell me.”

  “The only words revealed to me were…it is time.”

  They walked along and Simon said, after an interval. “I see. Rather cryptic.”

  “It’s not the same as when he tells me to do something…such as go to a different place. It’s not like anything I’ve ever felt before. But, I know what it could mean.”

  “What’s that?”

  Paulus shook his head. “I just want to ask you something, Simon. We’ve talked about it before, but I need to know how you feel about, and if you will do it. I need assurance.”

  Simon stopped.

  “If anything happens to me, will you take Alysia and Rachel to Bethany? Or, if it happens to both of us—Simon, I must know that Rachel will be taken care of.”

  Their eyes met. “I think I have told you before,” Simon answered. “But let there be no doubt in your mind. “I swear on my life…and God forgive me if it is improper to do so…that I will do as you ask. You don’t even have to ask! I will get them to Bethany.”

  CHAPTER XVII

  Livias was beginning to grow almost as nervous as Petronius. One week left, and his quarry had not been found. If he failed, not only would he lose a great deal of money…his reputation would be at stake. He had never failed before, and he didn’t intend to now. If Paulus Valerius were here, someone had to have seen him. Someone, somewhere close by, could tell him exactly what he needed to know. It was as though the man was under some kind of protection. But luck, and the favor of the gods, always ran out…eventually.

  At least now he knew of somewhere else to look. That prostitute had given him the idea. (He still wasn’t convinced she didn’t know anything, but she wasn’t telling, and she was no good to anyone dead.) The soldiers had overheard her crying out to her God, Jesus of Nazareth. He had heard of this new cult, and he knew where some of its members lived. It was his business to know such things. He didn’t really think that Paulus Valerius was involved with them, but perhaps they had been hiding him. It made sense; these people were supposed to be great lovers of mankind, so if Paulus and his wife had gone to them and convinced them they were innocent of any wrongdoing, then the cult might very well try to protect the couple, and their child.

  Once again, he would have to be careful how he questioned people, so as not to frighten them off. He headed for the section of town where he knew dwelled a large number of “Nazarenes.”

  * * *

  Alysia opened the door to reveal a tall, thin woman with bird-like features and who indeed, at that moment, resembled an agitated stork. Besi
de her stood her tall, thin daughter, and Alysia’s own daughter…whose eyes were bright and her mouth grim. They entered the house and Alysia waited, not knowing what to say. Her nostrils filled with an unmistakable smell, and her astonished gaze went to the woman’s daughter, whose limp black hair seemed to be the source of the aroma drifting in waves from the unfortunate girl.

  “I tried to wash it out,” the woman said, “but she’s ruined—ruined!”

  “What has happened, Cassia?” Alysia asked, glancing at Rachel…who refused to look at her.

  “Your daughter,” the woman answered, seeming on the verge of hysteria, “turned a bowl of fish sauce upside down—right on Marcella’s head!”

  “Rachel! Is this true?”

  Slowly, Rachel nodded.

  “You will apologize to Marcella at once.”

  At last Rachel raised her head. “I cannot.”

  Alysia was more shocked than ever but tried not to show it. “You must do as I say, Rachel.”

  “But Mother, it would be a lie if I said I was sorry, and I’m not sorry.”

  Alysia stared at her for a moment, and noticed that Marcella was standing very still, staring at the floor. She turned back to Cassia with a sudden coolness in her manner. “May I ask what precipitated this…incident?”

  “That child’s wickedness!” cried Cassia. “They were studying quietly, and then it was time to eat. I heard them begin to quarrel and the next thing I know Marcella is swimming in fish sauce! Truly, Alysia, for your child to act this way is most unseemly. And her father being the leader among us! I believe it’s gone to her head!”

  “It is most regrettable. You can be certain that we will discover the cause and respond to it accordingly.”

  “I have never been so mortified! And who knows when that horrid smell will go away—”

  Marcella was beginning to sniffle. Rachel stood by looking more and more grim.

  “Marcella, won’t you look at me?” Alysia said calmly.

  The girl raised her dark eyes reluctantly, and shifted them again to the floor.

  “I’m sorry this happened. No matter what the cause. Try rinsing your hair with vinegar and lemon—that should make it much better.”