The next morning, Kadir marched into his Centurion’s office, catching Kaleb by surprise. “I’ve been looking for you. I need your help.”
“What is happening around here, Kadir? The world’s falling apart. First, we experience attacks in Hammath, and there is insurrection within our own ranks. What’s next?”
Kadir sat on the nearest stool. “Herod wants us to track Nikolaos down and bring him to justice.”
“When you say us, you mean me, don’t you?”
“You’re a smart man, Kaleb.”
“How do you expect me to find him? Nikolaos could be anywhere in Palestine by now, and our Army isn’t large enough to send patrols to every region of Galilee and Perea. What do you suggest?”
“Herod left the decision to me, and I realize chasing someone who doesn’t want to get caught wastes time and resources. However, money is not an object in this case. If I were Nikolaos, I would hide in the provinces under Roman control. This way, Herod wouldn’t have authority over the search, and I doubt Rome would help the Tetrarch.”
“Have you decided on a plan, Kadir?”
“I’m still working to put together something sensible, but I must report to Antipas in less than an hour. He’s furious, and I need to come up with a solution fast, or he might take his anger out on me.”
“He’s been mad at the world of late. I understand you face Herod’s wrath since you are next in the chain of command.”
“Kaleb. I want you to lead four Conturbeniums. Move up into the hills around Sepphoris and Nazareth. Nikolaos used to live in the region before the Tetrarch transferred his headquarters to Tiberias.”
Kaleb leaned back in his chair and sighed. “We all used to live near Sepphoris, Kadir. Nikolaos, you, me, and every other officer stationed in Galilee. What am I to do? March to the old capitol and announce I came to take our former Commander back to Tiberias so Herod can execute him for treason? Do you think anyone would tell me if they’d seen the man, much less say where he’s hiding? His family still lives in the area, and I don’t think they’d share any information with me. Do you?”
Kadir stared back at his Centurion, tapping his fingers on Kaleb’s desk. “What do you suggest I tell the Tetrarch? I’m open to any ideas you care to share, but I don’t have much time so talk fast.”
“Now it’s my responsibility to solve your problems? We have a Centurion stationed in Sepphoris with an entire Century at his disposal. Why not send a runner directing him to search for Nikolaos and any soldiers who might be with him?”
“What if Nikolaos has his own army and they capture or kill the runner?”
“If he has his own troops he would attack four Conturbeniums and me too. Would you rather lose one man or forty-five? You need to make the decision, Kadir. Not me.”
Herod’s second in command stood and left the office. Kaleb hoped his superior would decide to send the runner. I’m too old to be chasing another aging man through the countryside, but nobody cares what I want. Kadir will do whatever Herod supports. If the Tetrarch decided to send four Conturbeniums and a Centurion, Kadir would make sure it happened. Antipas doesn’t concern himself with spending money. He can always raise taxes. There are too many places for Nikolaos to hide. He could live with family and friends who live throughout the lower hill country and would protect him with their lives.
Kadir returned to his Centurion’s office an hour later. “Kadir, you’re back so soon. I assume Herod made a decision for you.”
“I shared several ideas with the Tetrarch, Kaleb, and he directed me to send you with four Conturbeniums as we discussed. As you travel, check for potential hiding places along the highway. Once you arrive in Sepphoris, give this letter to the Centurion in charge. Then the hunt for Nikolaos becomes his problem, not yours.”
Kaleb leaned back in his chair and closed his eyes as a slight smiled appeared. “It will take me the rest of today to gather enough troops to accompany me, so we won’t leave until morning. I hope you find this reasonable. We don’t have enough soldiers in Tiberias to meet our needs, and I won’t take men from Hammath. Tallis and his troops need time to rest and recover from their recent events.”
“You have until sunrise tomorrow, but you and those traveling with you better be on your way by dawn.”
“I’ll do my best. Now, please excuse me, Kadir. I need to make some decisions on who I will select to travel with me.”
The two officers left Kaleb’s office and headed for the courtyard. As the Centurion walked he focused on the obstacles he needed to overcome before daybreak. It’s a two-day trek each way, depending on the weather. This trip could last more than a week. Kaleb knew the only reason Kadir picked him was to impress the Tetrarch and make Rome believe Antipas had everything under control in Galilee. Chasing Nikolaos through the valleys and over the hills looked good, but what a waste of time and energy. Where am I going to find four Conturbeniums who can march to Sepphoris first thing tomorrow morning? I need to send four runners, ordering the selected Decanuses and their Conturbeniums get to Tiberias and be ready to leave before sunrise. The entire group would follow Kadir’s directive and hand the message to the Centurion in Sepphoris, and they will go running through the countryside looking for Nikolaos. I should quit right now. Once I deliver the letter, I will come home and retire. I don’t want to spend the rest of my life hiking up and down the hills of Galilee or anywhere else. I’ve served Herod for twenty-five years. It’s time to do something else.
One week later, Kadir knocked on Kaleb’s front door. His Superior had never come to his home during his entire time in the Army. The soldiers who accompanied the Centurion to Sepphoris had all returned to Tiberias earlier in the day, and Kaleb presented his letter of resignation when he got back. Then he went home. Opening the door and seeing Kadir standing in front of him a few hours later surprised the former officer. “This is a first, sir. What brings you to my home?”
“Kaleb, I hate to intrude. I know you retired yesterday, but Herod wanted me to meet with you and order you to report to the fortress’ courtyard at the beginning of the sixth hour tomorrow.”
“What does the Tetrarch want from me now? I retired. Quit. What if I refuse his order? Will he reject my resignation and say I can’t retire? Would he kill me?”
“Don’t be so dramatic, Kaleb. Just come. Then he’ll leave you alone. I’ll see you tomorrow. I wouldn’t be late.”
Kaleb spent the rest of his afternoon worrying. Will Herod reject my resignation? A soldier’s enlistment period is for twenty-three years, and Kaleb served for twenty-five and did so well. I will show up as ordered, and Herod will tell me I can’t retire. Antipas will say he needs me. I was a good soldier and his best Centurion. He can’t get along without me. I’ll say phooey. I’m an old man. I need a nap. Stop talking to yourself, Kaleb. In his heart, the retired Centurion knew the Tetrarch would accept his resignation. What would he do? Order me to keep working? What if I don’t report for duty? Would he hunt me down like Nikolaos? If he did, Herod’s troops would revolt. What will happen? The Tetrarch’s soldiers would turn the man over to Pilate on some trumped up charges, and the Romans might send him packing. Herod may enjoy living in Gaul. What if God sends the Messiah the Jews keep talking about, and He overthrows both governments? The Jews keep hoping for a miracle, and I may lose my pension.
Tallis entered the fortress through the south gate, four soldiers stopped him, and one said to follow them. They escorted the Triplicarious to a small room near Kadir’s office. Kaleb sat on one of the stools trying to compose himself. Tallis had never seen his superior so nervous in his life.
“What’s happening, Kaleb? Herod ordered me to appear before him today. Why are you here?”
“I received a similar directive yesterday. Did Kadir tell you why he wanted to see us?”
“The only thing he said was, don’t arrive late.”
“I need to share something with you, Tallis. I submitted my resignation when I returned from Sepphoris yesterday morning. I wanted to tel
l you, so you didn’t find out from Kadir or someone else.”
“I remember when you mentioned the idea of retiring, but I didn’t think you would leave the Army this soon.”
Kaleb lowered his voice and spoke like he was viewing his life passing before him. “For the past twenty-five years, I served Herod and gave him my best effort every day, but now, I’m a tired old man. My body aches. My joints hurt. I can’t continue taking long hikes through the countryside any longer, nor do I want to. I’ve done my best, and I need to step aside and allow someone else to fill my position.”
Tallis noticed a tear in the eye of his former Centurion. “I will miss you, Kaleb, but why would Herod want to meet with me? I don’t understand what’s going on.”
“I don’t know either, Kadir wouldn’t say, but I imagine we’ll find out soon.”
The words were no sooner out of Kaleb’s mouth when Kadir marched into the room. “Kaleb, Tallis, follow me.”
The pair stood and trailed the Commander down the hallway to the courtyard filled with soldiers standing at attention. Herod and his inner circle, along with a few Roman dignitaries sat to our right. Tallis wondered what would happen to them next.
Kadir led Kaleb and Tallis to a position facing Herod’s seat and told both of us to attention. Kaleb’s arms began to twitch, making the Triplicarious nervous and wondering what he’d done wrong. Tallis couldn’t remember anything happening to upset the Tetrarch. A few days ago he was a hero. The waiting continued. Herod continued to sit, talking with those seated around him.
Tallis noticed movement to his right. A door opened, and Kadir reappeared. Behind him, Kaleb’s wife and family entered the courtyard followed by Abigail and Tallis’s family members, including Ya-el. Tallis wondered if the families had to watch Kaleb and him die, and he began to pray. Dear God. Give me strength.
Herod stood and stared at the two men in front of him. Kaleb began to tremble. “Today is a sad day for me.”
Tallis didn’t know how to interpret the Tetrarch’s comment. It wasn’t sad until I arrived at the fortress and ordered to stand at attention in the middle of the courtyard with my wife and family watching.
“We gather today to honor a most trusted leader. A man who served me well for twenty-five years, and performed his duties with distinction and valor. Thank you for your service, Kaleb.”
The former Centurion grinned, but his nervousness remained. Tallis smiled too. He was proud of his mentor and friend.
“Kaleb, step forward.”
The only sounds came from Kaleb’s sandals as he stepped toward the Tetrarch. His family stood though no one applauded. Tallis felt the urge to hug his friend, but didn’t dare move.”
“Kaleb, I want to thank you for your years of service and a job well-done. Today, I am awarding you the Sash of Honor, and a medal for your valor. Thank you for your dedication to the men you led and to me. I will miss you.”
Tallis noticed tears in his friend’s eyes as Herod place the sash over Kaleb’s head and whispered in his ear. Kaleb nodded before returning to his original position.
Herod walked back to the front of his chair but remained standing. “Tallis, step forward.”
His headache returned as Tallis tried to make his legs work, and he realized, he wasn’t going to receive a medal for anything.
The Tetrarch smiled at his Triplicarious as Tallis stood before him. “Tallis, with Kaleb’s retirement, I need a new Centurion to lead the Century assigned to protect Tiberias and the surrounding region. Today, I am appointing you to serve in this capacity.” Tallis felt light-headed, stunned, as he stood in front of the most powerful man in Galilee. “In addition to serving as a Centurion, you will become responsible for recruiting new troops and training all the soldiers under your command. I also want to commend you for your service and your recent successes in capturing the Zealots attempting to overthrow my government. Thank you for a job well done. May you continue to experience success for years to come.”
Tallis continued to stand in front of Herod after the Tetrarch dismissed him to return to his former position next to Kaleb. Should he say something? Antipas didn’t give him permission to speak.
“You may return to your previous location, Tallis,” Kadir said loud enough for everyone to hear.
The audience laughed when the new Centurion hesitated, bowed his head, and offered a quick prayer of thanks.
Kadir followed Tallis back to where Kaleb stood and shook the hand of both men. Turning to the retired Centurion, “Congratulations, my friend. I will miss you.” Then he stepped toward Tallis and said, “Tallis, I look forward to working with you.” Then Kadir shook the hand of Tallis a second time as Herod continued to stand.
“Except for Kaleb, Tallis, and their families, you are all dismissed,” Kadir said.
Herod and his entourage left the platform and entered the main hallway. Kadir turned back toward the families and pointed toward a second door leading to an interior hallway. “Herod asked me to invite everyone to join him for a celebration feast. This way, please.”
Kadir escorted the group into a large room prepared for a banquet and directed Kaleb and Tallis to sit at the head table. Kaleb would sit on Herod’s left side while Tallis found himself on the right. The families sat facing their loved ones. “This is a time to rejoice,” Kadir said. “A time for celebrating the contributions and accomplishments of Kaleb and the promotion of Tallis to the new position of Primi Ordines Centurion. Please, let our meal begin.
The food kept coming, more than Tallis had ever seen in his lifetime, and the wine continued to flow. Once everyone had eaten their fill, Kadir, as the senior officer clapped his hands and silence filled the room as Herod rose from his chair.
“I want to make this portion of the ceremony a little more personal for Kaleb and Tallis,” Herod said. “Kaleb, please stand. You are sitting on my left side this afternoon because you are retiring from military service. I will miss you as will those of us who served with you. You’ve worked hard for years and did a superb job for which I am grateful. After you had received your promotion to the rank of Centurion, three years ago, I presented you with a country home and enough land to grow your own crops and raise any animals you wanted. I hope you live a long and prosperous life, and to help you enjoy your retirement, I am rewarding you with a pension of fifteen hundred dinars. Should you choose to relocate, I will build you a new home with an equal amount of land in the location of your choosing. Again, thank you for your service.”
“Tallis, please stand. This afternoon you sat on my right side because you are my newest and most senior Centurion with charge over ten Decanuses, their soldiers, and the other Centurions stationed throughout Galilee. Your new responsibilities also include maintaining peace in the area from Magdala to the south end of Lake Tiberias. You’ve heard me describe your other duties. Through your valor, you earned this promotion. It is my honor to have you serving in my Army. As I’ve done for my other Centurions, I will build a country home for you and Abigail. You will also own the surrounding land. This new home will sit next to the house I had constructed for your late father, Coridan. This way you can live closer to your dear mother if she chooses to return to her former home. With your new assignment, you will no longer patrol the streets, leading a Conturbenium, but will lead all your troops from this fortress. Again, I want to congratulate you on this special day. Now, Kadir needs to speak with each of you. I will see you in the morning, Tallis.”
Abigail and Tallis’s family sat beaming with pride during Herod’s presentation. Odelia wiped tears from her eyes. Before speaking with Kadir, Tallis bowed his head and said another prayer, thanking God for this beautiful day.
“Congratulations, Tallis. I want you to take this letter. It lays out your new salary and obligations to Herod. This is a new position with additional responsibilities. Your rank is superior to all the other Centurions. You can read the document at your convenience. It describes your new title and duties in detail. Do not share th
e financial details with others. Everything remains a private matter between you, Herod, and myself. Tomorrow morning, you need to arrive before the third hour begins. The Tetrarch will preside over the trials of the men involved in the insurrections which occurred in Hammath. Following those proceedings, Herod will hold trials for Zamir, Acaph, Mered, and the two men who murdered Kush and Masa. You may need to testify, but I hope not as I explained the details of your report to Herod. After the court proceedings, you and I will discuss and develop plans to increase the size of the Tetrarch’s Army. Also, I would like you to create an elite team of soldiers to track Nikolaos and his followers. Again, I look forward to working with you. For now, take your wife and family home and enjoy the rest of your day. I’ll see you in the morning.”
Chapter 30
Watch Your Back Page 29