by Ava D. Dohn
*
By the time Treston arrived with Ishtar, the throne room was furnished with objects retrieved by the attendant. To one side of the room was placed a small stand with a statue of the emperor in dignified repose, an oil-wicked flame burning at its base. The flickering fire caught Ishtar’s eye. Her brow furrowed. Beside the tiny blaze sat a bowl of incense, a little scoop resting near it.
Middle morning was rapidly approaching. The noise from the streets below told the governor that crowds were beginning to arrive. He smiled. There was still time. If things went as planned, he would have several hours to ravish the girl. But as he watched her in the shadows, other disturbing emotions grew in his chest, filling his heart with loathing for this creature. ‘No! No!’ He fought the demon within, gritting his teeth. ‘I shall pleasure myself first and then we will kill her!”
Wrapping his flowing cape around himself, Claudesius stood, signifying the height of justice and how it looks far into the distance searching for truth and honor. Momentarily, he sat, suggesting the weight of responsibility placed upon the office of a judge serving the emperor. Raising an arm with outstretched hand, he commanded, “All give honor to our gracious lord.”
Everyone bowed toward the statue of the emperor. Much to his surprise and pleasure, when Claudesius chanced a glance at Ishtar he saw that she, too, had bent forward in a partial bow, her head lowered. He mused in thought, ‘She must be coming to her senses, or perhaps my officer has persuaded her to have a change of heart.’
What the governor did not know was that Ishtar viewed the giving of honor to the ruling chief magistrate, even though he be represented with a statue, as an acceptable thing. She saw it as no act of worship to do so. Convincing her to do that would be far more difficult, a fact he was to soon discover.
Treston had no need to wait, though. No sooner was the girl out of earshot of the governor than she let go on him with one vile oath after another. When a guard made some suggestive remark concerning her, she bared her teeth, growling out a curse while threatening him with her fingernails, so disturbing the guard that he backed away, leaving the girl alone. Treston’s passions cooled somewhat, too, fearing what those long nails could do to a man being careless while funning with the girl.
After invoking the gods for wisdom and understanding, and burning incense on the flaming altar before the statue, Claudesius called out, “The accused shall step forward.”
Immediately, Ishtar moved out of the shadows until she stood at the base of the judgment chair. Then, with bended knee, the girl bowed low in front of the governor, her eyes cast toward the floor.
A gentle breeze caught the light fabric of Ishtar’s dress, it shimmering with delightful colors. Ogust and Jusslin stared in amazement, quietly chattering with each other over its beauty. Claudesius did not see the dress as he stared. His eyes searched for any hint of flesh the dress might reveal, and it was generous. The girl’s shapely form was not hidden by the fabric, it acting more like a silken shade on a moonlit night.
‘On with it, fool! You’re wasting the day!’ Claudesius chided himself, breaking the trance he was in. ‘But she is so beautiful! Another moment, just one...’ His heart pleaded. ‘Be up at it now, fool! Or all will be lost forever.’ The voice in his head cried. ‘Forever!’
Blinking away the voices, the governor sat back, placing his arms on those of his chair. Gathering his thoughts, he began, “You have been brought before this court today on the charge of blasphemy – one count of which I am also personally privy to – and on the charge of practicing an unlawful religion. How do you answer to such charges?”
Ishtar lifted her eyes to meet his, Claudesius most disappointed to see no fear in them. The girl stood up and calmly answered, “As to the second charge, I practice a religion that is pleasing to my God. It may be of your choosing to deem it illegal before men, but that is of little importance to me.”
An exclamation of disbelief echoed across the chamber. Claudesius raised his hand, quieting those in the room. He then asked Ishtar, “And…?”
“And…” The girl’s face hardened in resolve. “as for the charge of blasphemy? I say I am not guilty. The gods you speak of are the inventions of weak men’s minds and are thus valueless, impotent non-gods.” She pointed. “They do not even have the power to prevent the stink of the river from invading the rooms of the cousin of the god-emperor, nor can they heal the man’s loathsome disease, which he cries out day and night for them to remove.”
Ogust jumped up from his chair, his face as red as the apple he was angrily waving. “Burn her now! She defames the very gods! She defames me! Throw her to the lions!”
The governor ignored Ogust’s protest, absorbed he was in what Ishtar had revealed. Filled with wonder, he asked, “Who told you these things?” He was surprised regarding Ogust, something few would know about other than Jusslin or a physician.
Her answer was most disquieting. “There are many things I know and know about. The way I have learned them is not the concern of mortals.”
‘Kill her now!’ The voice raged in the governor’s head. ‘She must die now or she will destroy us!’
Rage filled Claudesius’ heart, chasing away any passion for the girl. Red-faced, he started to stand, shouting angrily, “Do not toy with me, you piece of dirt! I can crush you to pulp or release you! I have that power to do to you as I wish!”
Ishtar’s challenge to his authority came on a fiery tongue. “You’d have no power at all unless my God permitted it!” She wagged her finger at him. “There was another of your emperor’s governors who was told that once, but he didn’t listen and learn. Today his bones rot in the dust, and his works are almost forgotten. In the Judgment, how will you stand against the One who rules over heaven and earth?”
Ishtar’s rebuke hit Claudesius a severe blow, sweeping away his rage with concern and doubt. He slowly sat down and, head in hand, began pondering the situation. This person standing before him was only a woman-child, having been pampered all her life. She was not wise enough to outsmart him and by no means so stupid she would not realize the great danger such contentions placed her in. He glanced at Treston. Even a seasoned warrior like him would not dare practice this folly in front of the governor. No. There must be something more.
That was it! A talisman! The girl was protected by a talisman or possibly an oath. But the dress! Certainly that must be it, probably bewitched by a sorcerer in a distant land and delivered here by the girl’s uncle or his friends. He raised an arm, pointing toward two attendants, thundering a command. “Remove that creature’s garment from her and secure it deep in the wine cellars!”
The two attendants hurried forward, instantly stripping the dress off Ishtar.
A deathly hush fell over the room, and then a collective gasp. Treston’s knees buckled, he nearly collapsing to the floor, his heart pounding in such pain that he feared it would burst. He turned his face away, leaning against a ceiling column for support, forcing his eyes closed. It took several deep breaths before he dared open them again.
Ogust’s jaw dropped and his eyes bulged. Drooling, he cried, “She is beautiful! She is most beautiful!” Guiltily, his eyes glanced back and forth between Jusslin and Ishtar. Finally, he blubbered again, “She is beautiful!” then staring into Jusslin’s angry face, cried, “For a woman…for a woman, she is beautiful!”
Jusslin had enough. He scolded Claudesius, “Temptress! You have delivered a temptress to spoil our day! This act cannot be tolerated. We will take our leave this very moment!” Gripping Ogust’s arm, he commanded, “Come now, enough of this humiliation! Let us go before my heart breaks.”
Still staring at Ishtar, Ogust dumbly nodded, struggling up from his chair and waddling away with Jusslin.
As they left, Jusslin turned, threatening, “It better be in today’s games if there is wisdom in your heart!”
Claudesius bowed his head in recogniti
on, but didn’t really hear what was said. Wisdom was the furthest thing from his mind at the moment. At first he had been taken aback, his heart paining him so he thought death was near, and it might have been except for the little voice in his mind screaming obscenities about the girl. Soon his passion temporarily shoved the voice from his head. He sat for the longest time soaking in unfathomable beauty.
‘To bed this woman is cause enough to set the world ablaze with war! To have her for only a night is worth an eternity of damnation!’ Round and round these and other thoughts twirled in Claudesius’ mind. He could not destroy her this day…another day… another time, maybe… maybe…but not this day. He had to make plans to steal her away for himself unto the end of eternity, and that was not long enough.
‘Besides,’ Claudesius reasoned, ‘she might be a goddess sent to test me. I must find a way to preserve her alive. Yes! Yes!’ That was it. He must find a way to keep this goddess from dying. That must be his test.
Mastering heated passion, Claudesius leaned forward and, with a fatherly tone, asked so politely, “I know how difficult it must be for you to suffer such indignity, but truly, it was necessary. Now, my child, the charge of blasphemy against you has been presented before this court. How do you answer such a charge?”
Ishtar did not stand like a woman disgraced, but stood proud and straight, as if clothed in royal attire. She asked accusatively, “Do you really believe my faith is found in a garment made by angels? Look around. Your men and you act like beasts in rut, your prattle only used to prolong Fate’s destiny. Tell me, does the air still not stink from rotten fish and has the fat man been cured? I do not blaspheme, for I have not called down evil on any real god, just sallow images created by weak minds.”
Claudesius’ knuckles whitened as his fingers gripped the chair arms tightly. He mustn’t lose control, not now, not yet. He counted to six, breathed a long draught of air and commented, “I have only your best interests at heart. I desire…”
Ishtar cut in, raising her eyes as if in thought. “Let me see, my best interest? What do your prison guards say? Oh yes, I remember… ‘giving her the bone’! Is that my ‘best interest’ that you had in mind?” Her voice filled with contempt. “The rat dung in your prison looked at me with the same passion I see in your eyes, only they were not as polite. They took what they wanted, seeking no justification for their actions!”
The voice in the back of the governor’s head cried out desperately, ‘Kill it now! Now! Before it destroys us!’ Oh, how much he wanted to…to crush this insolent worm, grinding it under his heel. He would do it now, could do it now. He was judge, his very laws giving him that power. But then his heart sang out in equal desperation. ‘Never will you see another like this one. I will not live if you take her from me! Let her live! Find a way! Let her live!’
For the moment, Claudesius’ heart won out. He relaxed, seeking the right words that would convince Ishtar to accept his terms. The girl must be persuaded. He began ever so benevolently, “Please, my dear child, as governor, I have a weighty responsibility to balance justice with mercy, and I wish so much to show you mercy.”
Claudesius gestured beseechingly, his voice begging, “Please listen, I am only trying to help you. Your actions until now, even though out of line, I can overlook, considering the circumstances of the moment. But you must show more respect… respect for my position and for your country. If you will learn to submit just a little, I may be able to find a way to reunite you and your mother. But you must help me.”
He paused, waiting for Ishtar’s reply. She said nothing.
Apparently, there was need for more persuasion. Claudesius’ voice softened, his words becoming smooth like aged wine. “While it is true that you profess membership in an illegal religion, and while such a thing is possibly punishable by death, you have made a case for your defense regarding certain gods, albeit a small one…” he sighed, “but it does give me a place to begin. I may well be able to dismiss some of the charges against you if I receive a tiny bit more cooperation from you.”
The thought of her mother’s distress, hearing her mother’s mournful pleas as the soldiers hauled her daughter away, haunted Ishtar’s heart. She did so much want to see her again, if only for a little while. Cautiously, the girl asked, “What must I do?”
‘Gently now…’ warned his heart. ‘Soft and gentle should be your words. We do not want to scare this creature away.’ The governor put on his fatherly charm. “Even now the crowds gather to see justice fulfilled. If I were to release you at this time, I could not hold you safe, but by the people’s own hands would justice be meted out. No, here, behind these walls should you remain until the righteous ardor of this people be calmed. Then, when it is safe, I can secret you and your family away from here, to lands where your name and misdeeds are not known.”
Frowning, Ishtar asked in disgust, “Oh, and what shall be the price for such kindness, a private mistress to warm the secret bed chambers of the governor?”
Pretend shock filled Claudesius’ face while his heart raced with desire. He decried Ishtar’s accusation. “My child! My child, I am stung by the remark! So little do you understand about me. I cherish my wife and family, seeking whatever is in their best interest. I promise…promise you, my intentions are most honorable. My concern is only for your welfare.”
Treston almost choked. He had known the governor for many years. More than one maiden had been tied to his bed and more than one child lost to the harbor when Claudesius’ heart took control. But the governor’s speech was good. Never was he better than when drawing his prey into his web, and today he was at his best.
Ishtar faltered. The heat of the day, combined with her lack of food and stress of the previous night were weakening her will. She was tired, hungry and very lonely. She missed her mother so. Maybe, just maybe the governor was an honest man. Oh, how much she wanted him to be. She believed there were some good men left in this world of madness. It was possible this man was one. She lowered her head, asking just above a whisper, “My Lord, what must your servant girl do to receive such kindness?”
‘So close! So close! Do be careful. We are so close.’
Sweetly, in earnest, Claudesius answered, “My little one, all that must be done is for you to liven the flame that burns before our benevolent leader. By doing this, I can attest to your loyal servitude to the laws of this great land.”
Ishtar’s face clouded with anger as she pointed, “I have eyes to see. Do not the people cut themselves before the very statues in the city, crying out to the emperor for prayers answered? Full well do you know that is an altar to your most precious of gods!”
Red-faced, Claudesius angrily shouted, “Look! You must do this or you will suffer death in front of the crowds!”
Ishtar stepped back at his outburst.
In solemn apology, the governor pleaded with Ishtar. “I will swear an oath to protect you, even adopting you into my family. You can even worship that God of yours in the privacy of this house. No one will dare bring you harm in this sanctuary.”
Ishtar did nothing.
Claudesius stood, motioning toward the statue with uplifted hands. “Look!” He offered in desperation. “Place your hands in mine. I will help you! This way justice will be served and you can tell the others I forced you… that you had no control over what happened.”
Ishtar clenched her fists, her arms rigid at her sides. “And what will I tell the God of the living and the dead? Do you really believe anyone can escape his scrutiny?! His eyes are roving about, searching the hearts of men clear to their kidneys.”
Claudesius shouted, “He cannot search mine!”
Ishtar spread her feet, extending an arm, pointing. She shook her head accusingly. “He is searching it now, revealing it to children!”
“No!”
“Man of licentiousness!” She countered defiantly, “He shows me your
perversions and lusts. Take me now. Ravish my flesh in front of your servants and prove I speak the truth!”
“Liar!” Claudesius screamed. “Your worthless God cannot search me!” He lunged forward, his crushing blow to the side of Ishtar’s head spinning her around, and a second one to the face sending her sprawling on the floor. “Liar! Liar! Liar!” Claudesius screeched, repeatedly kicking the girl in the ribs and stomach.
‘Kill it! Yes! Yes! Kill it now! Kill before it hurts us again! Do it! Do it!’ The voice in the back of Claudesius’ head had returned, filling his mind with curses and cackling laughter.
Ishtar writhed in agony, her eyes rolled back in her head as she coughed up bloody froth, choking on her vomit. She rolled on her side before passing out.
Treston was aghast. He blurted out, “My Lord!” just as Claudesius was preparing to deliver a killing kick to Ishtar’s throat.
“What…?!” Claudesius appeared to be waking from a fog. “What…?” He stumbled back, staring in disbelief at his handiwork. The voice still ranted, chiding him for not killing the girl. But as he continued watching the blood from Ishtar’s mouth puddle on the floor, the voice faded away, leaving a heart filled with selfish remorse.
Shaking his head in horror, Claudesius wondered at just how wrong it all was. He always thought himself a reasonable man, even kindly and tolerant. Now this anger that welled up from the innermost recesses of a troubled mind, where had it come from? It was like another person dwelling within his head wanted the girl dead. But why? Why, when the passionate ache in his loins only increased? This was all so peculiar and frightening. On shaky legs, he made his way to the judge's chair and sat.
Treston kneeled down beside Ishtar. He sighed, relieved. She lived. It was so puzzling to him. Why did Claudesius so badly need the girl to offer incense to the emperor? Many a time he watched the governor order one’s punishment, even demise, with just a wave of a hand. All he need do was declare this woman guilty of whatever crime he wished and be done with it. He could fun with her through the morning and feed her to the dogs tonight. He could even keep the girl prisoner in his house after passing sentence for as long as he pleased. No one would question him.
And this business with Cephas? That was one of Claudesius’ inventions to curry favor with the emperor. He could change it to suit the moment. The governor was an excellent politician, his words smooth like rich wine. No, Treston could find no logic in the governor’s actions.
Ishtar groaned, attempting to move. Treston stood up, stepping back into the shadows. He dare not interfere at the moment, not knowing the mood of the governor. Strange, his own blinding passion was fading. The girl was still entrancing in his eyes, but something… something tugged at his soul. What it was, he did not know.
Regaining her senses, Ishtar slowly rolled onto her belly and, pushing with her hands, managed to get on her knees. Sitting back, the girl lifted her head, eyes glaring into the governor’s. There was no fear to be found in them, only pain and weariness. At length, with tremendous effort and struggle, Ishtar stood, too tired to speak.
Claudesius pushed away the battle raging between the voices in his heart and mind. Surely this creature must see it his way now. He leaned forward, grinning in triumph, asking, “So, what do you have to say about your precious God now? He does not stand beside you providing help. Is he not also a valueless God?”
Ishtar calmed her painful breathing by studying the governor’s demeanor. The man was not at ease. Something troubled his thoughts. Was he going mad, or was he already so? Still, no man should speak that way about her God, not while she lived, at least. With halting speech, she began, “You stand in front of me, lord of all your kingdom, representing the honor and justice found in your divine law? To you and what you represent, I am supposed to kneel?” She shook her head. “I see not a purveyor of righteous law, but an old man usurping law to satisfy personal whims.”
Pausing, Ishtar waited for the governor’s wrath. When it did not come, she continued. “Unlike your gods, my God puts no man under compulsion nor does he drive someone like a dog. By free will I stand before you, knowing full well my destiny before setting my eyes upon you. Your actions only confirm what I already know.”
Claudesius sneered. “So who am I, little girl? Who do you really see?”
Facing him with iron resolve, Ishtar declared, “Then I shall tell you! Confused you are at the war raging in your soul. Also are you afraid and jealous of this little child whom you judge. Afraid, because you wish to see her dead by your own hands but fear your heart will languish forever if you do not take her flesh. Jealous, because this child reflects all the good things you abandoned long ago, selling your soul for momentary glory and fame.” She shook her head. “First you will rape this child to satisfy your flesh and then feign righteous law to silence her voice. I see a man most to be pitied.”
Claudesius went blind with rage, diving from his chair, piling into the girl with his fists, pummeling her face with repeated blows. Instinctively stepping back to avoid the onslaught, Ishtar tripped and fell to the floor.
“Shit worm!” the governor screamed as he wildly began kicking the girl, continuing long after she became unconscious.
“My Lord!” Treston did not hear his own voice as he stepped forward, putting a hand on the governor’s shoulder. He did not consider that his own life was now in jeopardy, thinking only of the girl. “My Lord! Your plan for the day, my Lord?”
The blow was swift. Treston felt no pain at first, just the warm blood in his mouth. Claudesius stared dumbly, his fist back, ready to strike again. Still enraged over Ishtar’s secret knowledge, he cursed, “I should cut out your tongue, bastard! Get out of my way!”
Treston bowed his head, fading back into the shadows, but his swift actions had saved the girl. Claudesius stared down at the bloodied child, seething in anger, but he did not strike her again. “You shit worm… goddess of the lost… fool! No one shows such disrespect to me and lives. No mercy will you find in this house!”
A sudden pain gripped the governor’s heart. His hands flew to his chest while the man’s mind whirled with uncertainty. Was he not the great governor over Ephesus and its many jurisdictional cities, appointed by the emperor, himself? Why should this creature trouble him? She had exposed him for who he really was, had always been… a selfish ingrate, luxuriating in his every wanton desire at the expense of any helpless innocent caught in his web. He used his title to dispense justice when he saw fit, or, more often, when it benefited him. These truths the girl had dared to reveal aloud. For that, she deserved death.
Ishtar was now conscious, but was not attempting to get up. She writhed in agony, her cracked ribs making every breath excruciatingly painful. Blood oozed from her mouth, nose and ears, her eyes staring blankly.
Sniggering laughter echoed through Claudesius’ head. ‘It’s dying. Yes, it’s nearly dead. Best have it now while it’s still warm. You like it warm… much better than dead and cold.’
After shaking his head to drive the voice away, Claudesius stared down at the tortured mess of living flesh sprawled on the floor. Ishtar’s appearance repulsed him, but also excited him wildly. Had he been alone with her at that moment, he would have done what the voice suggested. Then he wondered if the girl was really dying. No! It mustn’t happen! She was a very important part of coming events.
“Treston!” the governor shouted.
Hurrying forward, Treston answered, bowing. “Here, my Lord.” He half expected to hear the governor issue a sentence against him.
Claudesius pointed toward Ishtar, commanding sourly, “Take it out of here… Clean it up… Fix it up. Don’t let it die lest you die with it. When I call, return it to my chambers so we can finish this trial.”
“Yes… my Lord.” Treston bowed again and hurried to get Ishtar.
“Oh… and Treston…” the governor called.
&
nbsp; “Yes, my Lord?” Treston turned and bowed again.
Claudesius wagged a finger at him. “And don’t fuck her!” The words reflected his own burning desire.
“No! No, my Lord.” Treston dutifully answered, distressed and puzzled at the governor’s orders. True, Claudesius knew Treston’s debased reputation. It was one reason the governor retained him in his service – but to this child, now? Well, yes, he could… at one time, maybe… but not now, not anymore. Something in his heart nagged him. Pity? No, he thought not. Respect? How strange an idea, he had never respected anyone, other than possibly his caring wife… possibly. No… No… It must be something else. Still, he wanted to bring no more harm to this child. He ordered two of his guards to take Ishtar away, he quickly following.
Claudesius slammed a fist into his opened hand. “Brat! She will not defy me and win! I will teach her! I will teach her!” Bitter feelings of pride and jealousy were rising in his heart, encouraged by the chiding voice in the back of his head. ‘It seeks our throne, it does, it does. Thinks it will become king and rule over us. It must be taught a lesson or it will destroy all that surrounds us, bring our world to nothing, nothing.’
He motioned a servant who soon returned with the lieutenant of his house guard. “My Lord…” The officer bowed.
Waving his hand, Claudesius ordered, “Take some of your men and go to the North Market Street Prison, the place where Cephas and his heretic friends are secured. Give the chief of the jailers this note. He will deliver into your hands what I have requested. Bring it back promptly to the upper jail yard behind the palace.”
The officer bowed low, his hand over his heart. “Yes, my Lord. It is already done.” He left the chamber, gathering up six of his soldiers before leaving the palace. In a few moments, seven men were hurrying toward Market Street on very important business.
Claudesius rested his elbows on the marble support railing, watching the little troop move away. He smiled, “Little brat! Stay true to your God now…if you can!”
