by Beth Shriver
Chapter Nineteen
Maximus waited for the shock to work its way through as his skin prickled. Adisa could not know his sudden fear of her. It was said that those who possessed healing had divine powers. He had not believed this true of Ati, as she was taken on by Augustus and showed no great power to heal, but now, looking at Adisa standing before him wearing a dark cloak hiding all her face but a glimpse of her eyes, he began to believe that maybe this could be true.
He kept his eyes on her, listening to the repetitive sound of Claudius’s raspy intake and exhale of air. He dared not stir until she did. She slowly moved her hands from her sides to her hood and placed it on her shoulders. Her pale eyes seemed almost white with large dark pupils, searing into his.
“You have no reason to be here.” Maximus held his voice steady, surprised yet satisfied with the tone.
“You give me reason.” Her monotone chilled him, and he was uncomfortable with her interest in him.
“Explain yourself.” He raised his voice too high, trying to give off a sound of authority. He sensed she knew his every thought and mood, and felt the urge to shuffle his feet, but refrained and kept his eyes on hers.
She moved forward two slow steps and to his surprise almost looked him in the eyes. He had not met a woman of this height, as he was not a small man, and most women stood well under him. Her eyes were like that of a snake, with no movement. He felt his head move back and stopped himself. He would do his best to keep this witch from unsettling him.
“You and I want to know the answer.”
His discomfort forced his words. “Do not speak to me in riddles. What answer?”
A small smile revealed itself at the corner of her mouth, showing a blackened tooth next to a missing one. “The name of the one who killed Ati. It was not you. You are weak.”
Maximus bristled at this. He did not want to be thought of as a murderer, but this insight must be why he was never thought of as a warrior, or even a swordsmen or archer.
Her smile lifted even more when she saw his reaction, and she shifted to his side, causing him to move with her. He feared this woman and her eyes that penetrated. It seemed as if she had always known him. His discomfort was not settled as he watched her every move and tried with difficulty not to avert his eyes from hers.
“I am no murderer. But I know the one who took your sister’s life.” Maximus relished the opportunity. He did not have to set up the question; a woman such as this knew instantly Ati had been poisoned.
She circled him, walking slowly in thought. She stopped in front of him. “You kept this information from me. Why should I trust you now?” Her back was hunched over and hands were behind her back. Those eyes pierced him again, hypnotizing.
“I sent for you. If I had anything to hide, I would not have sought you out.” Maximus felt strength in this.
She straightened and lifted her scathing eyes to him once more. “Yes, you did. What is your motivation? It was not in Ati’s best interest. She was nothing more than a nursemaid in this palace.”
Maximus glanced at his father. Claudius lay leaning to his side, mouth agape and eyes alert. He was obviously interested in the conversation but clueless to all of its meaning. Maximus walked to him and gave him the water he had asked for before this mysterious woman came upon them.
After he drank, Maximus’s attention shifted to Adisa. He had much to discuss with her, but it had to be strategically planned before he spoke to her again. She was cunning and would catch any untruths. He would have to place the blame on Marcus very carefully, and in such a way that she would undoubtedly want vengeance.
“We have much to discuss. We should leave my father to rest, and we will adjourn to the enclosed courtyard. I will show you the way.” Maximus took a step forward, only to be stopped by Claudius’s call.
“Son, I need to speak with you.” His weak, raspy voice was full of emotion and urgency. Maximus stared at his father with intensity. He nodded and looked to Adisa.
“My slave will guide you, and I will be along shortly.”
Adisa eyed Claudius, holding her icy stare upon him, penetrating him with her eyes as she had done with Maximus. Claudius held her gaze without faltering. A woman such as this was to be reckoned with. A man who lost face with her held no standing.
She nodded to Maximus, then went to find a slave. Maximus watched as she walked down the short flight of stairs, then thought of his father. Maximus was sure he wanted to know the particulars of the conversation he had just heard. Maximus would appease him just enough to then attend to Adisa, as he was anxious to put ideas into action.
Claudius waited until Maximus turned to him before he spoke. “Do you know who killed Ati?”
Maximus furrowed his brow, wondering what Claudius knew. “I have good reason to believe I do—my nemesis.” Maximus moved quickly and stepped closer to Claudius. “And yours.” Maximus turned his head so as to fully face his father.
“What do you want to know?” Claudius’s brows rose as he asked the question and lingered there still. He hesitated for a moment, as if contemplating what should be said.
Maximus pinched his brows as he took still another step closer to him. “Everything.”
Claudius looked toward the end of his bed and then past it, with his eyes fixed on the chair in the corner of the room. He seemed to be reenacting it in his mind as he told Maximus what he remembered from that night.
“Marcus had not been to me in some time and when he came again, the poison had taken hold of me. Now that I think back, his visits are what may have kept me coherent, unlike now, when sleep takes more and more of my days. I remember his anger and accusations toward Ati, and him speaking loudly and in harsh tones. I could hear her cry with fear and then all was quiet.
“After some time—it may have been that same evening or the next day, I am not sure, days had become nights and nights days—there is not much difference when you are in a vast sleep. I was given more of Ati’s medicine. I thought it was all made to heal, but once Marcus found me, I realized this was not true. I still received the poison from Ati, but an antidote from him, just enough to keep me alive. He had reasons to want me dead, as you did.”
He stopped then and studied his son. Maximus met his eyes but could not hold their gaze. He would not let this old man keep him from power. He had come this far and would not be deterred.
Claudius continued, looking to the chair again. “Once I was administered the antitoxin, my sleep was continually interrupted. There were voices and movement and then Ati’s scream. It was then I realized who was in the room and why.” He paused and turned to Maximus with his tired eyes. “What you are unsure of I am sure of, son.”
Maximus felt a rush with the realization that Claudius was accusing Marcus as the killer. Maximus reveled in the thought that he could actually turn Marcus over to the people with truth. Although Claudius had not been well-liked as ruler, he offered his people control over the land and offered them power by fighting their own fight, and anyone lowly enough to kill off a ruler before his time was not thought well of—especially by such cowardly means.
But then, his means were manipulative as well, and if the people knew about them, there would be chaos.
Claudius laid his head back against the wall and closed his eyes. Maximus realized he should tend to him, but he would feel no pity. Why in the name of the gods was he here playing nursemaid to a man he had killed weeks ago? Had he not pleased the gods? Should he make sacrifice, confess, and ask for guidance? When in doubt, Maximus always worshiped Cybele, mother of the gods. When the gods came during Baal’s reign, Cybele offered herself to them. It was said she had given birth to seventy gods.
Maximus often wondered if he may be a descendent of one of those seventy. There could be no other reason for this connection he felt he had with Asherah. He knew his mother was with Asherah, and together they were looking down on him, helping him find his way.
With a sigh, Maximus turned to go. “I will leave y
ou now.”
Claudius opened his eyes and squinted at Maximus. “I do not know if I will live from one day to the next. If you are to hear about Marcus, let it be now.” He coughed and reached for his water. Maximus assisted him with renewed interest. “You are wise to say he is your adversary. He sought out your weaknesses the moment I was removed from power. Once he found me, your fate was sealed. I still believe it may be, son. He lets no man or matter come between him and his destiny.” Claudius studied his son’s face.
Maximus scoffed. “We have just proven he is a murderer. And if we twist it to say it was to kill you, to take your power, his head will roll.”
Claudius shook his head. “He will return victorious. It will be difficult to change their interest from winning a battle to the wrongs that have been committed here at home.”
Maximus rose and threw his arm out in disgust. “Do not try to discourage me. His head will roll. I have sacrificed and risked much to gain my time on the throne. I will not have it delayed now.” Maximus’s upper lip twitched in frustration as he tried to push out the thoughts of losing what he had tried too hard to gain.
“You have one hope.” Claudius stared at the ceiling then rested his eyes. Maximus was desperate for this information of hope. “Adisa. She has great power from the earth. You must learn from her and make her your ally. With Marcus being the true killer of her sister, you have that on your side. Do not anger her. Heed her words.”
Maximus nodded even though Claudius’s eyes were still closed. Claudius had offered wise advice. She would be the one to aid him. He let the old man sleep and went to make plans with Adisa.
****
Adisa stood with her back to Maximus, arms folded across her chest and her hood around her shoulders. She moved slowly as he stepped down onto the two marble stairs leading into the courtyard. Even among the fragrant flowers and mellow splash of the fountain, Adisa’s presence created a solemn ambiance. His quest was the only reason he could force himself to deal with her. He only hoped the outcome would work to his favor. His trust in her was slim; her true motives were hidden at best. Then again, she was probably unsure of his motives, as well.
“Please, sit and make yourself comfortable, Adisa.”
She nodded and took her place next to him in a high-backed chair with a padded red cushion. He sat across from her and crossed his legs, drumming his fingers on his knee.
She stared at him. “What do you know of my sister’s death?”
“I know Ati was poisoned and by whom.”
She nodded. “You want something from me for this information.”
Maximus shook his head. She squinted and looked straight at him—through him—for a long moment. “I am not a foolish woman. If you are not protecting the murderer of my sister, you want something of me.” She penetrated him with her all-seeing glassy stare once more. “You are not protecting this person, so what have you to gain?”
Maximus uncrossed his legs and leaned forward. “The more I involve you, the more complicated it becomes. You will take your revenge, and I will be the one true ruler.”
She digested his information and seemed satisfied. “Very well, who is the person who took her life?”
“Marcus, commander of my army.” Maximus said his name boldly, feeling the power the revelation brought to him.
She nodded. “I see now. A man with a taste of power, and now wanting yours as well.”
Maximus brought a finger to his lips, then quickly placed his hand on the arm rest. He did not want any hint that he lacked confidence. He needed to keep control in this matter. Now was his time to tell the first tale.
“Yes, so much so that he had Claudius poisoned and left to die. When Ati failed to complete the task, he did away with her, as well.”
Her eyes widened. “There was rumor Claudius was already dead. That a funeral had taken place and his body burned. Yet I set my own eyes on him this very day?”
“Yes, that was my father. What is left of him.” Maximus looked down as if distraught. He knew this woman could possibly see through his guise, but he had to play the part.
“You have taken your father’s reign. Who knows he is still alive?”
“No one. For it has only been since Ati’s death that I knew myself. The same man who murdered your sister has held Claudius hostage and been slowly poisoning him.”
Adisa’s eyes narrowed as she slithered her way to the fountain, slowly placing her cupped hand in the water then letting it flow through her fingers. “This man must be dealt with. How do you choose to punish him?”
She continued her ritual of running the water through her fingers as he answered, captivated by her motions. “He will come back victorious, at the very least, and possibly with news of Josiah’s death. Taking him down will have to be well-calculated.”
She let her hand fall. “But he must die.”
“Yes, he must. And he will.” He put a finger to his chin in thought. She took slow steps toward him, gliding, silent. She sat back down in her chair and turned her eyes to his. The usual fear penetrated him, but he also felt for the first time since his mother’s illness that he may very well have found an ally at long last.
****
Claudius reached for his wife and pulled out the golden hair pin, watching as her thick, dark hair fell around her shoulders. He extended his hand to touch it but was pulled from his vision. His arm dropped, and he felt the rhythm of his chest rise and fall. So this was the end. He had been in and out of consciousness, in and out of pain for so long now, he was not sure, but because of the dream he felt it very well could be. He tried to picture her face one last time, but could not. With that last struggle for life, Claudius breathed his last.
****
Maximus sat in his palace, once that of a real ruler, his father—a man who was feared by his people, a man who went to battle with his army. Maximus felt he had failed as ruler of Mizpah. The lack of respect from Marcus and his commanders showed him that. His only hope was to use Claudius’s mind to learn how he might keep his place upon Marcus’s return.
Claudius had taught Marcus of his son’s weaknesses, and now Maximus would learn those of Marcus. He would learn from his dead father how to rule, and Adisa would give him the power to enforce all that would confront Marcus upon his return. And when this was finished, Maximus would rule all of Northern Palestine.
The rush of it buzzed his mind. Feeling euphoric, he sat upright in his throne and took in the activity around him. It was then Felicia entered the hall. A white sash was tied around the waist of her blue tunic, and her long hair hung around her face. Her shoulders slumped as she walked.
Maximus sank a little in his seat and put a finger to his lips as he watched her every move. His dark eyes followed her as she watched the slave walk up behind her, stop, and bow as he faced her. They spoke to one another, and she moved back toward Maximus and proceeded down the long marble hallway.
When she finally looked up at him, his body responded with surges of heat. He held out a hand to her, and she sat in the chair next to him. He studied her face, noticing tightness and drawn brows.
“What worries you, dear Felicia?” The tips of his fingers touched her cheek, and she jerked back slightly. He sat up in his throne and turned his body to face her. “What is your concern?”
He loved having her need him this way. Being in power made him the only person who she could come to with her troubles. He refused to come to the reality she would never feel for him the same as he did for her. He would pursue her until she agreed to become his wife and bear him a son.
Forgetting her grief, he snapped his fingers toward a slave who quickly left and returned with a wooden box. The slave handed it to Maximus, who handed it to Felicia. She slowly reached for the box and stared at Maximus with somber eyes.
“A gift for you, Felicia. Maybe it will cheer you.” She lifted the lid and gazed at the shiny gold necklace. A pendant with engraving in a circle with a horizontal line atop an equilateral triang
le hung from a delicate gold chain. Felicia held the lid over the box.
“The sign of Tanit?”
Maximus smiled slightly, proud of his gift, missing completely her discomfort with it.
Felicia cocked her head a bit in question. “Is this the only reason you would have me wear this necklace?” Her eyes searched his black eyes, a never-ending abyss. She was lost in them, and Maximus felt this was a good sign, a show of emotion toward him.
“This is a symbol of your place in Mizpah—the goddess and bearer of its sons.” He held his arms to her as his smile broadened. She closed the lid over the box and held it in her lap.
“A fertility charm,” she whispered.
Maximus brushed his finger under her chin, looking into her eyes. “Someday you will understand your place, and you will be proud to take it.”
Felicia forced a laugh. “My place is not at your side. I have told you this, but you did not choose to listen.”
Maximus gave her a condescending smile and leaned back into his throne, biting back his urge to use physical force to sway her. “I beg to differ. Someday you will know. And I will wait as long as needed.”
Felicia held back her tears. “This Adisa, she is said to be very powerful. Everyone is talking about her and wonders why she is here. Does she intend to stay?”
Maximus had not thought of this, but it would work to his advantage if she did. “I am to speak with her, as we have plans to make.” His smile at this caused her to tilt her head and draw her brows. “I will ask her to stay if she wishes to do so.”
She placed her hands around the box. “She unsettles me. Why can she not resolve her business and leave?”
He paused for a moment before speaking and decided it may benefit him to start the talk amongst the people. But then he thought better of it and decided to gather all the information and announce it formally to get more of a reaction all at one time.