‘You don’t need rescuing, Avitus,’ he said. ‘You aren’t in danger.’
‘Then why can’t I leave? Why can’t I see Mother?’
‘Sit down, Avitus, please.’
Avitus sat on the edge of his bed, picked up his doll and cradled it in his arms. Gannys knelt before the stone and closed his eyes, moving his lips in silent prayer. Then he sat in a chair opposite Avitus.
‘You know well your heritage, Avitus, but let me remind you. You are descended through your mother, and your mother’s mother, from the line of the priest-kings of Emesa. Although Emesa is now ruled by the Romans, the great Lord Elagabal is still supreme there, and one day you will take your rightful place as his high priest.
‘But there are some of us that believe you have a dual destiny. A destiny to rule the world, as well as the heavens. Aziz has been working with me, and with some powerful friends in Rome and Syria, to make something momentous happen.’
Avitus regarded Gannys with curiosity and trust. Gannys stood and walked over to the table, poured himself some water and took a sip.
‘What I am about to tell you is very secret, Avitus, and you will not repeat it to anyone outside this room. At least, not until everything that we hope will come to pass, has come to pass. Do you swear?’
‘On the Lord Elagabal, Atargatis and Astarte.’
‘There are powerful people who believe that the current Emperor in Rome is the wrong one. They supported his brother Geta. Now they fear Antoninus, and they are right to. He is massacring his enemies in Rome even as we speak.’
‘I am not his enemy,’ said Avitus. ‘My mother is the Empress’s niece. My father is beloved of him.’
‘This may be difficult for you to hear, Avitus. But there are some who believe that Antoninus is your father.’
Avitus stiffened. ‘He is not.’
‘I am sure they are just rumours,’ said Gannys quickly. ‘But they may be useful rumours.’
‘Useful for what?’
‘To justify your claim.’
‘Gannys, you are confusing me.’
‘Avitus, we want you to become Emperor.’
Avitus gasped. ‘The Emperor of the whole Roman Empire?’
‘No,’ said Gannys. ‘Antoninus has too firm a stranglehold on Rome, and the West. But we have support in the East. Not long ago Geta and Antoninus discussed splitting the Empire in two. There are good reasons for doing it – it has become large and unwieldy. But that doesn’t really matter now. If we split the Empire in two, the peoples of the East, especially Syria, can be free from the terrible reign of Antoninus. We can be free to rule ourselves in the way we wish. And that means we can bring the worship of Elagabal to all our lands, so the great god of the mountain and the sun can be put in his rightful place at the top of the pantheon!’
Avitus’ eyes lit up.
‘It’s possible?’
‘More than possible. We are going to make it happen.’
A dreamy look passed over Avitus’ face. Then he frowned.
‘Why did you have to kidnap me?’
‘Don’t think of it as a kidnap. I just arranged with my friend Aziz here to bring you somewhere safe, away from the Emperor, and away from your… father. Marcellus knows nothing about any of this, and I doubt he would approve.’
‘And why am I here in Alexandria?’
‘Because this will be the new capital of the eastern Roman Empire.’
‘But why Alexandria? Why not Syria?’
‘I regret that you have not had the opportunity to see this marvellous city. But it is the second biggest city in the Empire, founded by Alexander, the greatest general in history. It has a culture and an intellectual heritage that exceeds Rome and Athens in reputation. And it is a city of religion, where followers of Yahweh, Christos, Isis, Serapis and Jupiter rub shoulders.’
Avitus found himself struggling to keep up, and his eyes wandered, drifting over towards the black stone. If he was Emperor, he could bring the original stone, that was said to have descended from heaven, from Emesa to Alexandria. And he could require everyone to bow down before it, whatever god they followed.
‘Avitus. Do you understand what I am telling you?’
‘You are saying I am going to be the Emperor, here in Alexandria, and the great god is going to rule everyone.’
Gannys smiled. ‘Yes, that’s about the size of it.’
‘Excellent, when does it happen?’
Gannys hesitated. ‘You know in the Circus, the race can’t start until all the chariots are at the start line? We are waiting for our chariots to get in a row.’
‘We are going to fight in chariots?’
‘No, I was talking figuratively. We need to ensure that our allies in Numidia, Judea and Syria are ready to strike when we say. We will co-ordinate so that on the day you are declared Emperor of the new eastern Empire, the governors and military commanders and their legions are able to swear allegiance to you.’
‘I am going to be Emperor,’ said Avitus in a dreamy voice. ‘People will bow down to me, and everyone will worship the mountain god.’
‘Yes,’ said Gannys. ‘I swear it. My lord.’
Avitus smiled, then the smile faded. He cuddled the effeminate doll, a traditional girl’s toy, tight, and stroked its woollen hair gently. At that moment, he looked much more like an eight-year-old boy than an Emperor and priest-king.
‘I miss mother,’ he said.
* * *
Origen spoke to the crowd gathered in the agora in his clear voice, loud without shouting or raising his pitch. He was a skilled orator, and the audience was rapt. Silus and Atius stood at the back. They had legionaries to hand, but doubted they would need them. They were not rash enough to attempt to confront the preacher in front of a large group of his followers. So they listened and waited.
‘Being a follower of the Messiah is not the safe option. When I was just a boy, my blessed father Leonides was beheaded under the persecution of our faith by the Emperor Septimius Severus, a pagan surely inspired by the devil. I travelled to Rome last year, and I saw that his son is no better. Like most in Rome, he worships the pagan gods, both of Rome and of the East, and he is said to whore and drink, just as he murders his opponents.’
No wonder he was in hiding, thought Silus. Those words alone were enough to have him executed on the spot. But there would be a riot if they tried right now.
‘I should have joined my father in his martyrdom, and I would have, though I was but seventeen years old. But my mother hid my clothes, so I could not go with him, and I live with that shame today. I have lived my life trying to make up for my failure that day. I have made many sacrifices. I have done harm to my own body, maybe rashly in my youth, an act that in some respects I regret, but in other ways I am proud of this demonstration of my devotion. I have lived many years in hiding, and I have devoted my life to studying the scriptures and teaching their word. I say this not to flatter myself, but to show you my sincerity.
‘But my time to talk to you is short. It is illegal under the Severans to change religion, or to attempt to convert any of you. So you can hear my words, and choose your own path. Therefore, I say to you all, be happy with your lives, and find contentment with communion with God, not in pleasures of the flesh or possession. The philosopher Socrates said, “He who is not contented with what he has, would not be contented with what he would like to have.”
‘You say to me, “Why do you tell us the words of a pagan Greek?” And I say to you that the Israelites made their temples out of gold they had brought with them from Egypt. How useful to the children of Israel were the things brought from Egypt, which the Egyptians had not put to a proper use, but which the Hebrews, guided by the wisdom of God, used for God’s service.
‘So we can listen to the words of the great thinkers, and with open minds and hearts, consider what they can teach us. I urge you, then, to read the works of Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle, as well as the scriptures and the words of the Messiah. In
them, learn how to be one with God, to reject the temptations of this world, and to love your neighbour. Follow these simple instructions, and when the Christos returns, you will surely be among the saved.
‘Now, join me in prayer.’
Origen held up his hands and closed his eyes, and the entire crowd dropped to their knees before him. Silus marvelled at the control the charismatic preacher had over his congregation. He got to his knees to avoid literally standing out, and Atius did the same. They bowed their heads and listened to three long prayers of intercession, thanksgiving and praise, murmuring Amen in the appropriate places. When the prayers were over, Silus glanced over at Atius. His friend was openly crying, tears streaming down his face.
Silus didn’t understand. He squeezed Atius’ shoulder. ‘What’s wrong?’ he whispered.
‘His words are so right,’ said Atius ‘And yet he has commanded such evil.’
‘We don’t know the extent of his involvement,’ said Silus. ‘We haven’t put Brother John to torture yet.’
‘How can he not know?’ said Atius miserably. ‘You see in how much respect he is held here. Brother John would not dare to do what he did without approval from Origen.’
Origen said words of blessing to the crowd. ‘Go with God, and the face of the Lord be always turned to you.’
‘And to you,’ chorused the crowd, and got to their feet, clasping hands with each other, some smiling, some serious, some looking like they were experiencing a moment of pure joy. Then they began to disperse. Silus looked over at the legionaries, who appeared relieved that the meeting was over, without any need to intervene, and no attempt at disruption from others in the city. He had been told that on other occasions, worshippers of Isis and Serapis had come to jeer and catcall, sparking scuffles that had meant the legionaries had had to wade in with clubs and swords, and there had been serious injuries and fatalities on all sides.
Origen shook hands of some of his most ardent admirers, but seemed to be looking around for someone else. When he didn’t see the one he was looking for, he frowned, and made his way slowly out of the agora, with a few of his followers escorting him.
‘Let’s follow,’ said Silus. ‘Make sure he is going back to Phryne’s house. Then when his disciples – is that what you call them? – have left, we will pay him a visit.’
* * *
When the porter opened the door of Phryne’s elegant house, they did not wait to be announced. Silus pushed past him, and when the porter tried to reach out to stop him, Atius grabbed him by the throat and pushed him hard against the wall.
‘Don’t test me today,’ said Atius, and the porter held up his hands in meek surrender.
They walked into the atrium and found a slave there throwing scraps of food to the fish in the impluvium. The big carp swam lazily near the surface, opening their mouths wide to gulp down the morsels.
‘You, slave,’ snapped Silus. ‘Fetch Origen.’
‘Master, I don’t know…’
Atius half drew his sword and took a threatening step forward. ‘Do it now.’
The slave let out a little yelp and ran through the archway leading deeper into the house.
It was Phryne who appeared first.
‘How dare you barge into my house?’ she said, wagging a finger in Silus’ face. ‘I treated you like a guest, showed you my trust and you abuse my hospitality in this way? You should be ashamed.’
Silus stood straight, not retreating an inch in the face of the aggression from the old woman, and she seemed taken aback, clearly not used to failing to intimidate someone.
‘If Origen doesn’t appear right now, I am having you arrested for harbouring a criminal, and I will have your slaves tortured to find out what they know.’
She gaped at him, her face whitening. But before she could speak, Origen stepped through the atrium entrance.
‘There is no need for this unpleasantness,’ he said gently. ‘My lady, I am sorry for this intrusion into your house, and that apparently I am the cause of it.’
Phryne gathered herself. ‘It’s not your fault, brother. I can summon all my slaves, and they can hold these men while you leave, if that is your wish.’
‘You can try,’ growled Atius.
‘That won’t be necessary. Would you allow me to take these men somewhere quiet so I can talk to them about whatever concerns they have?’
‘If that is your wish, brother, then of course.’
Origen inclined his head, and then indicated to Silus and Atius to follow him. He led them through the villa to a smaller room than the previous one they had been entertained in, further into the depths of the house, where they were less likely to be observed or overheard. He gestured to wooden chairs with linen seats, and when they sat, he settled himself opposite. He fidgeted for a few moments, trying to get comfortable, a pained expression on his face. Eventually he seemed satisfied. He noticed them looking at him oddly.
‘You were at my meeting today? I think I saw you at the back.’
Silus nodded.
‘You recall I mentioned the bodily harm I inflicted upon myself? It still troubles me.’
Silus frowned in confusion. He had been about to embark on an angry diatribe, but curiosity got the better of him.
‘What harm are you referring to?’
Origen sighed. ‘Since I first started teaching, I have preached to both men and women. And in the first flush of youth, with temptation all around, I wanted to ensure that there was never any doubt as to my motives, or any opportunity for slander about my actions to circulate. It says in the Book of Matthew, “There are those who have made themselves eunuchs for the Kingdom of Heaven’s sake,” and I took this as a literal commandment.’
Silus and Atius stared in shock.
‘You… you actually…’
‘I castrated myself. Yes. Nowadays, I believe that not everything in the scriptures is literal, but that every word carries a lesson for us. Unfortunately, my younger, more foolish self had not come to that understanding. It pains me to this day.’
Silus whistled. Atius looked even more confused and conflicted than before.
‘I don’t understand,’ said Atius helplessly. ‘You do something that shows such devotion to the Lord. And then you are involved in such wrong.’
Now it was Origen’s turn to frown.
‘What are you talking about?’
‘Come on,’ said Silus. ‘We know all about it. Don’t hide behind your piety and sanctimony. You are as bad as the rest of us.’
‘I do not deny that I am a sinner. That is why the Saviour had to die. To take away the sins of people such as me. And of you, regardless of whether you appreciate his sacrifice. But I don’t know what you are specifically referring to.’
‘You were looking for someone after your preaching today,’ said Silus. ‘You seemed to be expecting someone. Who?’
‘Brother John,’ said Origen, matter-of-factly. ‘I was surprised he did not attend. He is usually diligent in coming to my prayer meetings.’
‘He is in our custody. Awaiting torture and trial.’
‘What?’ Origen looked genuinely shocked. ‘Why?’
‘Are you still going to pretend you don’t know?’ asked Silus.
Origen sat back, winced, adjusted his position, then looked Silus in the eyes.
‘Tell me why you have him.’
‘I know your answer to this already, but I presume you heard about the attack on the Temple of Isis Lochias?’
‘I did. A most unfortunate event. But if they worship false idols, then they do not have the protection of the almighty God, and evil can befall them.’
Silus refrained from asking whether Origen’s father had had the protection of the almighty God when he had his head cut off.
‘So you approve?’
‘I don’t condone violence. But the Lord works in his own ways, and maybe it will show the people of this wicked city the way of the pagan is the way to damnation.’
‘So you d
eny instructing Brother John to carry out the attack?’
Origen shook his head. ‘Brother John? I heard it was the Jews.’
‘That’s what everyone said,’ said Silus. ‘Though with not a shred of evidence, I might say. In fact, it was your own disciple who hired native Egyptian thugs to murder, destroy, steal and rape.’
‘How many commandments do you think Brother John broke there?’ asked Atius, his voice like vinegar. ‘I’m not a scholar like you. But I think there was one about not killing. One about not stealing.’
‘And Atius tells me that you are not supposed to bear false witness,’ said Silus. ‘So let me ask you again. Did you instruct Brother John to desecrate the Temple of Isis Lochias?’
‘I did not!’ said Origen angrily. Then his shoulders slumped. ‘Brother John is a zealot, his zeal fuelled by the violence his family had experienced, but different from the way tragedy inspired me. He shows no understanding of tolerance of another’s point of view. I wish that all would convert to the true path, and I fear for the souls of those who worship false idols. And I have likely expressed to Brother John my contempt for those who tempt their fellow men away from the true path, towards the jaws of hell. But I have never instructed him to violence.’
‘Well, that is how he interpreted it. He hired thugs to attack the temple and steal the gold statue of Isis. Why would he do that? Greed?’
Origen shook his head. ‘He won’t have taken the statue to sell it. Despite my words today, where I compared the use of Greek scholarship to the use of Egyptian gold by the Jews, Brother John would not sully himself with pagan gold. He would have intended to destroy it. Probably in a public ritual, so that all would see the power of God over Isis.’
‘I’m not a native Alexandrian, but even I know that would have caused a riot.’
‘It would. But he wouldn’t have cared about that. Zealots don’t give any thought to the consequences if they believe what they are doing is right.’ Origen looked at Silus. ‘What will happen now?’
‘The authorities will not want to make this public, for fear of the unrest. Just a quiet word with the right people to let them know that the crime has been solved, the perpetrators punished. Hopefully no retribution against the Jews, despite what everyone in this city seems to want. And the statue returned.’
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