Gad and his Conturbenium began their first night on patrol in Hammath. Before leaving the marketplace, Tallis gave detailed instructions to each soldier so everyone would understand his expectations. “This is a big night for everyone so pay attention. I want two men posted at each gate. How you rotate this duty amongst yourselves is up to your Decanus. The remaining six soldiers will walk the road along the lake. Gad will decide what time you alternate positions, and everyone works a twelve-hour shift. At the first sign of trouble, blow your horn loud and clear so we can come assist you. I don’t want any heroes. Call for help right away, and don’t attempt to handle the situation by yourself.”
Gad thanked his Triplicarious, turned to his men, and assigned his troops according to Tallis’s directions. “Do any of you need to ask questions before we proceed to our posts? If not, you may head to your assigned areas. Dismissed.”
“Before you leave to supervise your soldiers, Gad, I want you to spend some time on your rooftop, watching the boats floating on the lake. The men spying on us may attempt to come ashore and slip into town. Sound the alarm if they do. Otherwise, I’ll assume everything is under control. One way or another, I’ll touch base with you in the morning, if not before.”
Men who fish the lake leave for work well before the sun rises above the mountains to the east. Bazak wanted to speak with the local fishermen before they cast off to begin their day. “Good morning.” His voice caught those present by surprise.
“Bazak, you snuck up on us. What are you doing up so early? The sun won’t rise for another two hours.”
“I would like to speak with you and the other boat owners, Nosh, and this is the only time I can find you and your colleagues together in one place.”
“Wait here.” Nosh disappeared into the darkness. In the distance, he heard people talking and hoped a few fellows would listen to what he had to say. A few minutes later more than twenty fishermen gathered before the Decanus.
“My colleagues are willing to hear you out, Bazak.”
“Good morning. I came to ask for your help.” For the next several minutes the Decanus reviewed the events caused by the Zealots in Hammath and discussed how the fishermen could play a role in helping the soldiers protect their community from these troublemakers. Bazak also shared the need for some of the men to help transport soldiers to Tiberias and different locations around the lake. In critical situations, they may need to come to the aid of the troops. “I don’t expect any commitments this morning, but think over what I shared with you. Should you decide to help us, tell Nosh. He and I will meet again soon. Thank you.”
The fishermen turned and walked back into the night, talking amongst themselves. “I’ll speak with them again, Bazak. I’m hopeful some will help you. You know I will. Meet me two mornings from now. I should have some answers for you then.”
Tallis and Bazak met as two of Gad’s soldiers removed the beams securing the doors. The Decanus had discussed his meeting with the fishermen before the Triplicarious announced, “I’m going to Tiberias this morning. I need to speak with my brothers. I plan to return around mid-day. I’ll meet with you then.”
“Watch your back, Tallis. We don’t want anyone attacking you while traveling alone. You might consider taking a few soldiers with you for safety. Don’t you think whoever kidnapped Benson would take great pride in capturing a man of your rank?” The Triplicarious didn’t give Bazak’s comments any thought as he headed north.
Entering Tiberias, Tallis saw his friend standing in the shadows as the first rays of sunlight crept across the sky. To the north, large altocumulus clouds began to build. Soon the north wind would send torrents of rain and freezing gusts cascading down to the valley below. “Good morning, Paroh. Let’s move someplace less conspicuous. I don’t want people to see us talking with each other. The two men headed north along the waterfront, away from the marketplace, and slipped up a side street so narrow only a man leading a donkey could get through. “Did you hear a gang attacked Priam and his soldiers as they returned to Hammath the other morning?”
“No. I didn’t hear a thing. Did the soldiers suffer any casualties?”
“They captured Benson and beat the others. One soldier suffered life-threatening injuries, but he managed to survive. It’s possible they were the same group who trashed our marketplace, but I’m not sure.”
“I hope they treat Benson well. Has anyone contacted you with their demands for his release?”
“Not yet, but I don’t know if someone spoke to Herod or his officers. Is there anything new you can tell me concerning my brother’s shop?”
“Both of your brothers are busy young men. Did you know Zosimos visited Hammath one day this week?” Tallis nodded. “I heard he built the hardware for the new doors you had installed. Otherwise, he sees a lot of people. In and out all day long. Every day except the Sabbath. I can’t figure out how they get any work done with so many interruptions.”
“Is Hilarion still working at the shop?”
“He appears to come and go as he pleases. The visitors act like they are close friends with him, and I see some new men visit him at the shop when he’s at work.”
“Were you able to recognize anyone, Paroh?”
“No. I’m several years older than your brothers. They tend to associate with men closer to their own ages, but Dodi may recognize some of them.”
“Where will I find her this morning?”
“I can show you where she lives if you like.”
“I know where her house is, Paroh, but I don’t want to draw attention to myself by knocking on her door. People might wonder why one of Herod’s soldiers wanted to speak with a young single Jewish woman. Would you track down her and ask her to meet me at the well near the north gate? I’ll wait for her there.”
“If I leave now, I still might find her at home. I need to hurry though. Dodi visits some of her married friends, and I know she goes to the well daily. Be careful, Tallis. People will wonder what you’re doing wandering around Tiberias without your Conturbenium.”
“You haven’t heard the news. I’m no longer a Decanus. Kaleb promoted me to the rank of Triplicarious, and yesterday, he placed a third Conturbenium under my command.”
Paroh smiled before turning and making his way up the hill toward the main road and turning north. A few minutes later, Tallis followed his friend’s footsteps before crossing the main street and continuing west for another block before making a right turn. Three intersections later, the Triplicarious reached a location where he could see the well in the distance.
After a short wait, laughter began to fill the air as Tallis waited. He peeked around the corner and saw his two friends approaching the well. “Paroh.” The pair turned and looked toward his way. Tallis waved, motioning them to join him.
“Good morning, Dodi. Quick. Let’s move to another location, so my brothers or their friends don’t see us if either of them steps outside.”
“Hello, Tallis. Paroh said you wanted an update since our last meeting. I’m not sure what information he shared with you, but your brothers made a new friend. He may be an old friend who started visiting the blacksmith shop of late. His name is Zamir. He and Hilarion spend a good deal of time together, but Zamir came to the shop for the first time a few days ago.”
“What do you know about this fellow, Dodi?”
“I knew his brother before he and his father died during a robbery late last year. Anyway, Zamir inherited everything his family owned. Including a large country estate south of Magdala. Today he owns vineyards, orchards, and a fish processing business managed by an uncle. Not to mention an enormous sum of money. He doesn’t hold a job, and has too much free time.”
“Do you think Zamir leads the group who attacks Hammath and kidnapped Benson?”
“I don’t know the answer to your question, but he has many friends, and a lot of them spend time visiting the blacksmith shop. A few of his colleagues own fishing boats, and I’ve overheard talk they go to Hammath during the night. Hi
larion has another friend who lives in the village. You may know him. His name is Dan. I’d keep tabs on him if you can.”
“What makes you think we should pay attention to Dan?”
“Dan travels back and forth between Hammath and Tiberias every day, sometimes making more than one trip. He often travels by boat, so you won’t see him. His friends from Tiberias transport him between locations when he doesn’t walk.”
“Do you think Zamir would recognize you on the street or at the well, Dodi?”
“I know who he is, but he is several years older than I am. He might remember me. I can point him out to you, or you might visit your brother at the shop, when Zamir is there, and introduce yourself. He’s easy to recognize, but to answer your question, Tallis, it’s not proper for an unmarried woman to approach a man. I don’t know if he would speak to me if we meet somewhere.”
Tallis nodded. “How would I identify someone I’ve never met before?”
“Zamir doesn’t dress like an average Jew. He dresses like the wealthy man he is. His boots are custom made and always polished. His wears clothes designed to fit him also.”
“Do you happen to know any other fellows who visit the shop?”
“I don’t know any, Tallis. It’s not acceptable. So, to answer your question, I don’t know them by name, but I could tell you if they’ve been to the shop often or not. Paroh and I can start following them to find out where they live. But based on the constant visits, I’d say most of their discussions take place inside the building or behind the shop.”
“What about my oldest brother?”
“Zosimos appears too busy to leave his shop. When he does, it’s always for business, or to go home. He doesn’t socialize at night since he received the contract to work for the Tetrarch.”
Tallis stared at the cobblestones, taking a moment to reflect on Dodi’s comments. He thought Zosimos had a good idea of what Hilarion and his friends discussed though his older brother may not take part in their activities. “I would like either one of you to shadow these friends of theirs. Work alone, it’s best for both of you. See if you can figure out where they live. It wouldn’t surprise me to learn they had something to do with the problems we’ve had in Hammath.” I’d love to discover where they hold Benson, and learning the names of their leaders would help so I would know who I’m looking for.
“I’ve followed a few of them, Tallis. I take my son with me. People don’t pay attention to us when we’re together. Adults drop their guard when they see a father and son enjoying each other’s company.”
“Finding Zamir’s estate won’t challenge you either,” Dodi said. “The compound has a red tile roof and tall whitewashed walls. It lies on the west side of the highway between Rakkath and Magdala. Nobody guards the property, at least not outside the compound.”
“Do you know if Zamir’s a friend of Herod?”
Paroh responded to the question. “I don’t know, he’s too young for Herod’s crowd, but his father used to socialize with the Tetrarch. Before my injury, I’d been on duty when both men were present.”
“I want to thank both of you for the update. One last question. Have either of you overheard anyone discussing the attack on our soldiers or Benson’s kidnapping?”
Both friends shook their heads.
“I need to apologize, but I thought of something else to ask. Do either of you remember seeing Acaph or Mered of late?”
Paroh spoke up. “Their names come up on occasion when I pass your brother’s shop, but I don’t recall seeing either of them. They used to live not too far from my home. I don’t go near their house often. This afternoon I’ll stroll through their neighborhood with my son.”
“Don’t go if the storm hits. Neither one of you needs to get sick.”
Tallis suspected at least one of his brothers associated with some of the men causing problems in Hammath. He wished there was some way to infiltrate their organization. “Why don’t you show Dodi where Masa and Acaph live, Paroh? They won’t recognize her when she walks past their place. One of these days, I’d like to find out where they live too, but before I leave, let me pay each of you another four dinars plus six more in advance. You might enjoy having some extra money.”
A stench from the blacksmith’s shop filled the air along with the sound of a hammer striking metal. When Tallis entered the building, he saw Zosimos pounding away on one of his projects. Sweat ran down his face and arms, as black smoke, filled the room and floated out the door and window. Growing up, his middle brother never concerned himself with cleanliness. Mother used to get so mad at him.
“Tallis. What brings you to my shop this morning?”
“I had an appointment, and thought I’d drop by to find out how you and Hilarion are doing.”
“We are okay and busy. I assume you are too. How are Abigail and our mother doing?”
“Both are well. I don’t see Hilarion. Is he still working for you?”
“I don’t know where he is. He should be working today. Our brother enjoys spending the money I pay him, but he doesn’t like the work. I need to hire another apprentice and another man to replace Hilarion. I’m overwhelmed with business, and I can’t meet my deadlines when our brother doesn’t bother to show up for work.”
“So, what does our sibling do during the day since he’s not showing up?” Tallis expected to see a reaction from his brother, but Zosimos kept pounding away on the metal.
The smithy swallowed hard and rubbed his throat before shaking his head. “I wish I knew. When he comes to work, he often invites his friends to drop by to chat with him. Then they talk and laugh which keeps him from getting his work done. This morning, a friend stopped in, and our brother announced he’s going on a walk and left. I can’t afford to keep him much longer, and mother will be furious if I fire him. Hilarion doesn’t like hard work. How will he support himself if I decide to replace him? I don’t think he realizes how much time he wastes.”
“The baby of our family never thinks anything is serious. He always found a reason to avoid work around the house when mother asked him to help her. Firing him may help Hilarion grow up. You have a tough decision to make. I hope I don’t find myself in your shoes one day, Zosimos.”
Tallis heard the sound of footsteps approaching as he turned to leave and saw a young man with dark brown hair and eyes enter the shop. The man was shorter than most Jewish men and appeared out of place coming into a filthy environment. He wore a linen shirt and a blue tunic. His handcrafted green boots had a bright sheen. The fellow looked lost as he glanced around the shop.
“Hilarion isn’t here, Zamir,” Zosimos said before the visitor had time to speak.
“Do you expect him soon? He and I need to talk.”
Zamir examined Tallis’s uniform as he spoke looking like he wished he’d never stepped inside. He had a face like a weasel when he squinted, and his eyes darted around the shop. Did he expect Hilarion to pop up from behind one of the workbenches, or slip in through the back? “I won’t be staying. Tell your brother I need his help this afternoon. He knows where to find me.”
Zamir turned and walked out the door. Tallis watched him saunter up the hill toward the well. If Dodi recognized the man, she might have an opportunity to reintroduce herself to Zamir and discover some useful information during their conversation. But such a meeting may never occur.
“So that’s Zamir. Does he visit your shop often, Zosimos?”
“On occasion, he and Hilarion get together, but they don’t meet often. I don’t think Zamir likes dirt.”
“Why would a rich man visit our brother? They don’t run in the same social circles.”
“They hold similar philosophies, I suppose.”
“Like yours?”
Zosimos squinted as he glared at his brother. “What do you mean, Tallis?”
“No offense, brother, but you’ve told me more than once you'd love to see Herod and the Romans driven from Palestine.” Tallis knew he’d touched a nerve when Zosimos
’s head snapped to attention, and the pounding ceased. If his stare could kill, he’d be a dead man. “It’s funny, brother. You want to drive the man who employees you from the land.”
The smithy continued to scowl. “Of course, what good Jew wouldn’t? Foreigners have occupied our land for generations. We Hebrews want to rule what God gave us under His laws.”
“As I recall, Zosimos, the Jews failed to follow their God’s commandments many times despite repeated opportunities to do what’s right. What makes you think anything would be different if God gave the people another chance?”
“I bet we’ve learned our lesson by now, but I don’t like paying taxes to two governments. Herod takes so much of my money for taxes, and Rome steals most of everything I have left.” Zosimos turned and walked across his shop, picked up his hammer, and struck the metal he’d been working on. “What do I get? New roads I don’t need, and a stadium I won’t visit, or a chariot I build myself? I’m taxed twice to live in my own country.” The hammer crashed down a second time.
Tallis jumped at the sound. “I understand. When will it end, Zosimos, but remember who pays your salary and mine? It’s your job to keep Herod’s army functioning in this part of Galilee.”
“It will end when God sends his Messiah, brother. And yes, my wife and I would struggle should I lose my contract with the Tetrarch.”
Tallis noticed the veins bulging in his brother’s neck before deciding to continue their conversation. “When will this happen?”
“Soon, I hope.”
A knock on the door interrupted their banter as a stranger entered the shop. “May I help you?” Zosimos said.
“I hope so. I’m looking for a relative of mine. He owns a blacksmith shop, like yours. My aunt told me his name was Zosimos, and his mother’s name is Odelia. Would you be Zosimos?”
“I am, and my mother’s name is Odelia. Who might you be?”
“My aunt, Mary, is your mother’s cousin. My name is Nathanael, and my family lives in Cana.”
“Nathanael, I am honored to meet you. This is my older brother, Tallis. What brings you to Tiberias?”
“I came to visit friends, but I’m on my way to Bethsaida to meet another fellow. His name is Philip. Our late father's developed a friendship during their youth. My plan is to ask Philip to serve as the best man at my wedding, and since we’ve met, I’ll send you and your family an invitation.”
Tallis turned and looked at his brother hoping he would say something. “We would love to attend your wedding, Nathanael. It is an honor to meet you. I don’t remember hearing our mother discuss her relatives from Cana with us, even when we lived in Sepphoris or Nazareth. Of course, we were much younger then, or we didn’t pay attention.”
“I am the honored one, Zosimos, Tallis. I will share the news with my family when I return home. I will contact you soon.”
Zosimos watched Nathanael walk away until he disappeared from view. “Tallis, did you know we had relatives in Cana? What do you know? You’ll see mother before I do. Please tell her we met a cousin of hers. She’ll be so excited.”
“I will tell her tonight. She is joining Abigail and me for our evening meal along with Nammi and Avidan. She is in for a big surprise. Keep well, Zosimos, and I hope you find a reliable worker or two who can help you complete your orders on time.” Tallis patted his brother’s shoulder before leaving the shop. So what is Hilarion up to? Hanging out with Zamir might not be a good idea on his part.
Chapter 20
Watch Your Back Page 19