Envy - The Seculary of a Wandering Jew (Book 1)

by Paulo Barata

  Year 53

  Soon after my return from Jaffa, I was visited by Silvius Pulanus, one of the secretaries of the Procurator, Marcus Antonius Felix. Ioanis had told me that he had called before, and also of the rumor that the Romans wanted to fix the price of some products, corn mostly, due to recent mutinies in Alexandria.

  I didn’t like it at all, knowing how inefficient were such measures. If the price was fixed at too low a rate, the larger traders would withhold sales, and the reverse would certainly upset the populace and breed discontentment and resentment against us.

  “But Ioanis are there shortages in the city?”

  “No, Ahasver, not yet. We have received the usual loads. But the prices have gone up in some quarters, that is true.”

  “Do we know why?”

  “One hears of rebellions and shortages in Alexandria. The Greeks again, I’m afraid. Such talk always creates the greatest anxiety, and everybody gets nervous.”

  But the reality turned out quite differently.

  “Salve, Master Ahasver,” saluted Pulanus, “I bring you greetings from our most prominent Procurator Marcus Felix.”

  The normal platitudes, but I admit I was surprised that such a distinct official even knew of me.

  “I thank you, and I hope that the Governor is well and in good health” I answered, purposely saluting his Master as Governor. After all, a bit of sycophancy never hurt anyone.

  “Master Ahasver, the Procurator, recently arrived from Rome, desires to promote a grand festival in honor of his wife, the most sublime princess Drusilla.”

  “Please do convey to his excellency my compliments, and my very best wishes for his recent wedding.”

  “Yes, I certainly will do so.” and he carried on, “As I was saying, Master Ahasver, the Procurator has expressed his desire to hold this festival, not for himself, you understand, but to honor the princess, a cousin of our most high Emperor Claudius.”

  “I see, Master Secretary.”

  “Yes, well then, the Procurator would be very very pleased, if this festival was offered by the city to the princess, his wife, with the spontaneity of citizens grateful for his wise and just governance.”

  “I see, Master Secretary.”

  “Please understand, Master Ahasver, that the whole city is most enthusiastic with this event, and as proof of this, we have received some very generous contributions from dedicated citizens, much like yourself. I did try to speak to you before, but I was told that you were traveling.”

  “Yes, that’s true, I was, but rest assured, we will no doubt be able to make a generous contribution too, if it’s not too late, I mean.”

  “No, no, not at all. Well, I am so very pleased then, and so will our Procurator, especially if you could contribute with at least a half a talent of gold, naturally.”

  Half a talent! Not that I was naive enough not to know all too well, or ever forget, how much we had to pay in bribes to some tax collectors, but when the highest Roman official in the land came asking for such a sum, that was not a good sign at all.

  “Well, to be quite frank… I don’t have such a large amount of coin readily available, Master Secretary” I had to negotiate, “I’m sure you know, with this imminent crisis and all…”

  “Crisis? What is wrong?”

  “This shortage of grain…”

  “Not to my knowledge, Master Ahasver. I do know for a fact that everything is normal. Even last week you received the three usual cargos, on time and all in perfect order.”

  Trust the Romans to be well informed.

  “Yes, we did, but the riots in Alexandria…”

  “Riots? There are no riots in Alexandria.”

  “That is not what I have been told, Master Secretary.”

  “I can assure you that there is nothing untoward happening there.”

  Could it be? Could the other traders, pressured by Felix to contribute to this festival, have created these rumors to raise prices? It was an old trick, often tried and successfully carried out in the past.

  “I think I understand, Master Secretary. Please assure the Governor that I will try my utmost to come up with the required value, but I think it will be difficult to have it available any time soon, it might take me some time to gather it.”

  “Well, Master Ahasver, all we need from you is your assurance. You don’t need to give it immediately. A week, a month, as soon as it is more convenient for yourself. The Procurator, although desirous to hold the festivities as soon as possible, will naturally understand your difficulties. But knowing that you pledge such an amount will allow him to proceed, even if it means having to borrow some values from the bankers.

  Well, I was entrapped now.

  Truthfully, I never considered myself a miser, or much devoted to material possessions, but such tricks left me furious, especially with my so called friends and competitors, who had made up this story about the rioting. So I called for Ioanis, once I got rid of Pulanus.

  “Who told you about this crisis in Alexandria?”

  “Everybody… everyone is talking about it. The price of corn went up, and that’s the reason.”

  “Then why does the Secretary of the Procurator not know about it, and tells me categorically that there is nothing happening in Alexandria that may inhibit their exports of grain?”

  “No? But then…”

  “It’s very clear, Ioanis. Someone is looking to make some quick profits. Tell me, do we actually know who has raised their prices?”

  “Ahasver, almost everyone has done it, especially the larger traders. I was just waiting for your return before doing it too.”

  “Really? Well then, we will not raise our prices. Let’s keep them as they are.”

  “But, Ahasver, the others won’t like it. We’ll upset the market.”

  “I know that. And that’s exactly why we will do it. If my hunch is right, soon they will come around to talk with us.”

  So they did.

  Two days later I got a visit from Adad, one of my Syrian competitors, always accompanied with his retinue of Nubian slaves, to protect him and carry his heavy palanquin. We knew each other well, despite our differences and our rivalry. After all, everyone knew of the cultural and religious differences between the Judaeans and the Greek and Syrian communities, and despite the fact that Caesarea had been built by a Judaean King, the Syrians had always claimed that the area was already inhabited by them long before the arrival of Herod. But we got along well, Adad and I. He was an old man, rotund and fat as any eastern potentate, a true artist in astuteness and the richest merchant in the region, according to some, and of the all province, others claimed.

  “Khaire Ahasver! May the gods keep you in perpetual peace and blissful prosperity” hugging me with the usual fervor of the Asiatics.

  “I thank you, Adad, and may they preserve you and provide for many more years in good health.”

  “But little prosperity?" he responded laughing.

  “As much as the many years of life you have just wished me” I replied smiling.

  For long we had had this ritual of ours, partly replacing the traditional Syrian courtesies, too prolix and always overdone.

  “Ahasver, you don’t grow older my friend! I don’t know what’s your secret, but you could very well share it with your good and most loyal friends, like me, for instance.”

  “Loyal? It’s hard enough to believe you are good, but loyal…?”

  “Why do you say that, Ahasver?”

  “Why are you here today, Adad?”

  “I have come to see you, of course. Hardly anyone sees you these days, and it is always such a high point of my existence to be in your company.”

  Always overdoing it.

  “Just to see me?”

  “Of course, my dearest friend. By the way, you will not deny this thirsty man you see before you, a cup of that ambrosia that you import from my Damascus, will you?”

  “Wine, Adad, just wine.”

  “You are most taciturn to
day. Come let’s go up, let us share the withdrawal of the most blessed Helios into the bosom of the always fair and mysterious Nix.”

  He meant the terrace, so we did go up and I asked for the wine and some lamps. Adad’s verbosity would certainly take us into the night. Not that I didn’t enjoy the company of the old Syrian, always well disposed, humorous and very much aware of all that went on in the city, but I knew why he had come. It wouldn’t be as pleasant as usual.

  “Please, do tell me what is going on, Adad" interrupting his digression on the obvious excellence of a vintage matured under the sunshine of his Syria.

  “Ahasver, you’re not being very pleasant today. I was praising this nectar.”

  “Adad, why did you raise your prices?”

  “Prices? What prices?" replied with a look of feigned surprise.

  “Adad…?”

  “Yes, well, the prices. But Ahasver, you know why. Those eternal riots in Alexandria. How belligerent are those Greeks, Ahasver.”

  “That’s nothing but a rumor. Probably planted by yourselves.”

  “It is not true. I deny it! There were riots, I assure you.”

  “In that city there are always quarrels. But it didn’t affect us, did it?”

  “Maybe not yet. But we should prepare ourselves. We should, you know.”

  “Well, I think I know the real reason.”

  Obviously he knew that I knew, and that’s why he was there.

  “Didn’t Pulanus come to visit you?” he asked with a clear change of tone in his voice.

  “You know he did. You always know everything.”

  “You exaggerate, Ahasver, not everything, unfortunately…”

  “The festival…”

  “Of course.”

  “I can understand that, but why was this not discussed among all of us, as is usually the case?”

  “Ahasver, you were traveling, That I knew.”

  “I was away for a week or so. Are you saying that all this happened in a week?”

  “It’s the absolute truth, I assure you.”

  “But why only the Syrians have raised the prices?”

  “There was no time to arrange it with everyone. You were not here, and your Judaean colleagues won’t do anything without your agreement.”

  “That’s not true either. What was so urgent that postponing for a single week would make such a difference?”

  “I have explained, I think…”

  “Adad, we have been friends for many years now. We are rivals, but we have always respected each other in the past. So listen to me. I will not raise my prices. My grain remains as it is.”

  “Ahasver, you are not being reasonable. This will hurt us all, and we have to stay united on this. And let me tell you something, my friend, this Procurator is just starting. Felix is an ambitious man.”

  “We have lived with others like him.”

  “This one is different. He was a Secretary to Claudius, and is now part of the Imperial family, and don’t forget that his brother Pallas is still one of the most powerful men in Rome. The Emperor is old, and everyone knows that Pallas rules in Rome these days, and this Caesar will not last long…”

  “Careful, Adad, you forget that it is a crime to augur the demise of an Emperor?”

  “Ahasver, it is not I who says it. The whole of Rome is talking about it.”

  “And by raising the prices we solve the problem.”

  “We believe it will help, yes.”

  “We, the Syrians?”

  “Yes, Ahasver, and the Greeks too.”

  “And the Judaeans?”

  “The Judaeans are protected.”

  “From Felix? From having to pay for this festival? And pray tell me, what do you think was the reason for Pulanus’s visit?”

  “I was not expecting that. It surprised me, and that’s why I am here today.”

  “I don’t understand you.”

  “Ahasver, one of the most influential men in the Procurator’s entourage is your former High Priest, Jonathan, He actually asked the Emperor to appoint Felix to Judaea.”

  Incredible how much this Syrian knew!

  “So?”

  “It is said the Felix has an agreement with Jonathan. He will not demand extortions from the Judaeans.”

  “Well, it seems then that someone has overlooked that in my case.”

  “There’s the mystery. Is the Procurator going back on his word, or are you somehow exempted from this deal?”

  “Me? Why should I be exempted?”

  “Ahasver are you not aware that people are saying that you are a Christian?”

  “That’s ridiculous. I am a staunch believer, everyone knows that.”

  “There were Christians seen at this house, and not just visiting either. Your guests. And let us not forget your benefactor, Joseph, a man officially condemned for professing that faith.”

  “Adad, I was a member of the Sanhedrin, I go to Jerusalem to sacrifice…”

  “Ahasver, I am not saying otherwise, believe me, and I will never doubt your faith, or Ruth’s,” of course he knew about Ruth, “but these are rumors, certainly fed by resentment, as is most often the case. Unfortunately, we cannot escape from envy, Ahasver. They look at us and envy us all, not only for what we have, but mostly for what they imagine we have. It’s cruel…”

  “You exaggerate…”

  “You must be careful, Ahasver. These are troubled times. There are too many rumors going about. And you know something? The more absurd they are, the more people will talk about them.”

  “How does one fight such malicious slander?”

  “Not by logic and reasoning, I can assure you, and not by denying them either. Your true and loyal friends won’t need your rebuttal, your enemies will never content themselves with any explanation, and the crowd outside is too ignorant and uncultured to believe either way. Only time and behavior may weaken and defeat them in the end. That’s why I am begging you to raise those prices, Ahasver, don’t play the outsider. And once you do, all your fellow traders will follow too.”

  “And if I don’t? I might become popular, you know. The populace will love it…”

  “You could be popular for a short while, but you might just find yourself alone, and a target of other more pernicious rumors too.”

  “Planted by yourselves, you mean.”

  “I wouldn’t know that. But, Ahasver, be reasonable! You will profit much more. What’s your problem?”

  “Adad, I have just returned from a trip, as you know. Are you really not aware of all the misery that surrounds us? The state of famine in the province. I saw it. Abandoned towns, arid fields, squalid populations…”

  “And you alone will solve any of that? Because be assured of one thing, you will be all alone if you persist in this path. Do you think your Judaean friends will not raise their prices? You might be the biggest trader, but once you run out of grain the people will go to the others. Don’t go that way, please. I was talking of rumors, don’t encourage them by your behavior. Plus, you have the problem of Ruth…”

  “Very few know of that. You know because I told you when she left this house.”

  “I won’t deny that she is very cautious. But people talk… servants, the priests who hardly see her at temple.”

  “She is going through a crisis of faith, I told the priests that, and some even visit her occasionally.”

  “You don’t have to explain it to me, my friend.”

  “No, of course, not. You know the truth.”

  “Ahasver, it is late, but before I go I would like us to understand each other. I know how you like to follow some strange and bizarre moral principles, we have spoken of it before. It’s a flaw in these days to think like you do. Not everything in this world is as rational and logic as you would like it to be. And if you doubt my words, just look at yourself.”

  “Look at me? What do you mean?”

  “It is as I said, Ahasver, rumors and gossip, gossip and rumors, and the more improba
ble the more that mob out there believes it, talks about it and spreads it. Now I must really go, I have a most delightful friend waiting for me at home.”

  It was obvious that Adad’s visit had one purpose only, to align me with the other traders. The threats were only too obvious, and not all of them had been enumerated during the conversation. My initial intention, to make it clear that I would not align myself to their unilateral decisions, did not succeed, and clearly showed how fragile my position was these days. The emporium was powerful, but not I.

  Plus, I had a strong suspicion that the last remark made by Adad was somehow linked to my last conversation with Saul at Ruth’s house. Possibly, one of the servants overheard us. And as he so clearly said it, the more unbelievable, the more they would speculate and speak of it.

  Ioanis came to agree with me, and we had no other choice than to raise our prices, immediately followed by all the others who had not yet done so. As expected, people revolted, and some traders and shopkeepers were battered and assaulted. Felix soon intervened, severely punishing all those caught by his legionnaires. He also issued an edict where he announced that unless the mutinies ceased, he would recruit new guards and these would be paid by an increase in taxes.

  Fortunately this proclamation was effective, and soon orderliness returned. So did Pulanus.

  “Dignus Ahasver, once more I bring you the warmest greetings from our illustrious Procurator.”

  “I thank you, Master Secretary. I hope the Procurator is well.”

  “Yes, indeed, he is. Anxious for the festival to take place as you can imagine.”

  “Indeed I do.”

  Which, despite all the urgency, no one could find any signs that such an event was scheduled for any time soon.

  “Yes. Very soon certainly. Everything is going very well.”

  If he came for the money, he would have to ask for it.

  “And how is the princess?”

  “Very well too. But a little disappointed, I must admit.”

  “Really? Well, I suppose that she misses Rome, her family and friends. After all, Caesarea is a very small town…”

  “No, no. Just between the two of us, I can tell you that she was expecting a reception worthy of her elevated status. You know that in Rome she was received with the highest honors when she arrived from Mauritania… by the Emperor himself…”

  “Well then, she will be even more surprised with the festival.”

  We could go on. I could still talk about the weather, the harvests, the mutinies, difficulties in trade, and so on and on.

  “Master Ahasver, about that other matter.”

  “Yes?”

  “Yes, what we talked about the last time?”

  “Yes, you mean my contribution? Well, let me be as straightforward as you, Master Secretary. We are going through a very difficult time at the moment, very hard indeed, and not only for me, you understand. Everyone is complaining these days about the violence, and you know how violent times always upset trading. I had actually thought to send for the money from my banker in Jerusalem, but I couldn’t risk it, not with all the violence rampaging our roads.”

  “Surely not, Master Ahasver, the situation is not as bad as all that!”

  “Well, I can tell you that I am not exaggerating, Master Secretary. You should really do some enquiries on what I am saying. Moreover, I have received similar information from several friends in the province, and even from Jerusalem. These reports are from very reliable sources. Respected members of the Great Council, former colleagues of mine…”

  “You were a member of the Sanhedrin?”

  “Yes. Well, it has been some time, but I still keep in touch with some former colleagues.”

  “This information came from them? This news of widespread unrest?”

  “Yes, amongst others, of course. It seems to be the general opinion in the Council, as my good friend, the Nasi Simeon, wrote to me a few days ago. You know him, of course, the president of the Council?”

  “No, we have never met, but of course I do know who he is.”

  After all, my talk with Adad had been useful. He had forgotten to tell me that gossip could be fought with other rumors and ambiguity, and I wanted this secretary to be fully aware of my connections. I thought of invoking the name of our former High Priest Jonathan, but I found it unnecessary. All I wanted was for him to report to his master that I could never be a Nazarene. That was my primary intention and also, that whatever he had agreed with Jonathan should also extend to me.

  “But I am digressing, Secretary Pulanus. We were talking about my contribution.”

  “Yes, Master Ahasver.”

  “Well, as I mentioned, I am having some difficulties with the values that we spoke the other day, and believe me, I am trying very very hard. But I can give you some of it right now. That I can do, and with the utmost pleasure, knowing that I will be contributing to such a momentous event. The remainder, however, I cannot give you a final date at this moment.”

  “Whatever you can, Master Ahasver, will be greatly appreciated, I assure you. And I will let the Procurator know of your efforts, indeed I will.”

  That was it. I gave him slightly less than half of the initial amount, and I was certain that he would not return for the remainder. I believe that Joseph, an acknowledged authority in such diplomatic affairs, would be proud of me.

  But I also had to do something more to fight against the rumors mentioned by Adad. It was worrying to be seen as a Nazarene, and Ruth’s situation was a risk for her own safety. Our separation was not formal. I had not renounced her as my wife. I could do it, of course, but I would have to come up with a reasonable motive, but I could never claim her conversion as the reason without imperiling her own life and liberty. In the meanwhile, I was still not finished with the business of handing Joseph’s legacy to the Nazarenes in Caesarea. I was still waiting for the return of their leader, Zacheus.

  To begin my attack on those malicious rumors, I made it clear in the temple, and through friends and acquaintances, that I was now willing to join the city council, something which I had always refused to do in the past.

  Year 54

  At the beginning of the year, and still not having heard anything from Zacheus, I once more asked Ruth about his whereabouts, but she was equally puzzled by his absence, and suggested that I give Joseph’s bequest to another Nazarene named Philip, whose daughters visited her often. After all the work I had to get them out of my house, I certainly wasn’t willing to receive them again, so I agreed to meet with him at her place.

  Relieved to be finally completing Joseph’s last wish, I went to her house very early in the day, as I had arranged to go with Ioanis later that morning to the Pretorium, where one of the customs officials had asked to review some old accounts. Certainly, such fiscal zeal was another of Felix’s traits.

  “Ruth is this Philip one of the leaders here in the city?”

  “Yes, and one of our first preachers, just like Stephen who was at our house in Jerusalem. Do you remember?”

  “Stephen? Yes, but not this Philip. Does he know me?”

  “No, I don’t think you have met. I was asking if you remember Stephen, our first martyr.”

  “Yes, I do. He was stoned.”

  “Yes, by your Sanhedrin.”

  I didn’t comment. By now I was getting used to this sort of remarks. My religion, my priests, my temple, my rituals, my Zealots and now my Sanhedrin…

  “He’s late. Do we have to wait much longer?”

  “Are you in a hurry, Ahasver? Some morning engagement perhaps?”

  “Yes, Ruth. I have to go to the Pretorium.”

  “Giving them some money too?”

  “I hope not. Why do you ask that?”

  “Well Ahasver, you think I don’t know what you’ve been doing ? All the money you have been spending? The donations to the temple, your campaign for the council. You can’t hide it, you know.”

  “You are very well informed. Paying someo
ne to spy on me nowadays?”

  “Of course not. I couldn’t afford it.”

  “Are you saying that the allowance I’m paying you is insufficient?”

  “I didn’t say that.”

  Such were our conversations these days. I was growing more and more convinced that I should take her away from the city, but in the end I never came around to do it. After a brief and awkward silence, Philip arrived with two of his daughters.

  “Master Ahasver, sister Ruth told me that you had some money to give to the congregation.”

  “Yes, Master Philip, that’s why I’m here today. To fulfill Joseph’s bequest.”

  “Please just call me Philip. And these are my daughters Hermione and Hila,” and sitting down he went on, “believe me that we are all very grateful for your work and certainly our Messiah has already rewarded Joseph for his devotion by granting him eternal life by His side.”

  I just bobbed my head.

  “Master Ahasver, the Lord has certainly blessed you too, we all agree on that,” pointing to the others in the room, “unfortunately evil is still blocking your soul, and has not allowed you to accept the divine grace of the Spirit. But do not despair, the Messiah in good time will reveal Himself to you. Mysterious to us, mere mortals, His holy designs.”

  “The word of the Lord!” complemented the daughters, immediately followed by Ruth.

  Suddenly it seemed to me that I was amidst one of their rituals.

  “Father,” said Hermione, the older daughter, “why don’t you intercede to the Messiah so that, through the Holy Spirit, you may expel the malignancy that haunts this brother, as you did so many times before in Samaria?”

  I was puzzled by this assertion, and seeing Ruth’s dismayed look and Philip’s silent stare, I could see that nothing good would come from it. And before I could react, he answered.

  “No, my daughter. This is not the moment. We are here today for another purpose. Master Ahasver is far from ready too.”

  “For…?” I asked, “what are you talking about?”

  Ruth answered. “Ahasver, Hermione was questioning brother Philip whether he could remove the malevolence that you harbor in your heart, just as our Messiah did to the possessed in Cafarnaum.”

  But what was this now ?

  “You think I am haunted by some malignant spirit, a dybbuk ?" I asked startled, “After all I’ve done for you people? Ruth…?”

  “Master Ahasver…”

  “No, no! First Saul tells me that I’ve been blessed by a miracle, granted by none less that your own messiah! Now you think I’m possessed…”

  “Saul said that ?” asked Philip, visibly shaken with such notion, “A miracle performed by the Messiah Himself?”

  “I’m sorry, but I have to leave now, but certainly Ruth will explain it all to you. After all she did agree with Saul at the time.”

  “Ahasver…”

  “The money is there on the table. Make good use of it, as Joseph would have wanted you to do. The same Joseph whom you call brother and abandoned him in some forlorn sepulcher in Tyre, when you all knew that his wish was to be interred in his own tomb in Jerusalem. The same Joseph who always supported your cause and gave everything he had, his goods and his dedication. And I am the possessed one? The evil one…?”

  “Ahasver, wait…”

  But I didn’t wait, and standing up I went towards the door, but before leaving I turned around and faced them.

  “One more thing. And it applies to you too, Ruth. From this moment onwards, I don’t want to see or meet with any Messianic. Ever! Ruth, no one! And be very careful with what you are saying out there. Some of you talk too much and can harm other people’s reputation. I’ll not allow it. And don’t stare back at me like that, I don’t care for your thoughts on this.”

  I left relieved and satisfied with my performance. Amazing how venting one’s feelings made one feel so good. I was quite serious. If they persisted with those rumors about me, I would most certainly do something to curb them once and for all.

  That year I ended up going to Jerusalem for the three main festivals. I had decided to improve my standing and my visibility in the community, and I gave generously, even paying the cost of the journey to some of our poorer pilgrims. My name was at stake, and I hadn’t forgotten Adad admonishments.

  In the meanwhile, and as I had expected all along, there was not the faintest sign or activity in Caesarea regarding the long awaited feast of Felix, and Pulanus didn’t return either. I also celebrated my fiftieth birthday. Magnanimously, I even thought of sponsoring some chariot racing in the city, but Ioanis advised against it.

  Almost at the end of the year we received news of the death and deification of the Emperor Claudius, and his adopted son, Nero, was now the new Caesar. With the news of this death, Felix decreed a month’s mourning throughout the province, and soon enough announced his plans to build a new temple to the new divinity. He must have been satisfied, he was now related to a god.

  So was I, finally elected to the municipal council.

  In regards to Ruth, once more cloistered in frigid silence, I had not decided what to do, and I would probably never decide either, so I just let things continue as they were. To calm things down at the temple, I confided that she was ill, mentally unstable, having never recovered from our son’s loss. Such a condition would plainly satisfy the more inquisitive and was reason enough for our separation. To those who mentioned to me that she was in communion with the Nazarenes, I would just sigh, and mournfully comment that surely that was an all too clear sign of her own insanity.

  Year 55

  The death of the Emperor Claudius not only brought an end to Felix’s plans to celebrate his festival, but also ended his marriage.

  “I tell you, Ahasver,” confided Demetria, “he was the one to sue for divorce.”

  “You are always so well informed, my goddess.”

  “Always, my dear, always" smiling with the beguiled look of someone who knows too much about what was never too relevant to know.

  Pleased, she continued.

  “I know, from a most reliable source, that he only married her to get her away from Rome. Her own family couldn’t stand her, and they paid his brother to convince the Emperor to force this wedding on Felix.”

  “Oh, what a tangled web you Greeks weave…”

  “Ahasver! Don’t start with me, and they are Romans. And what I know of some Judaeans…”

  “Yes, yes, but continue. What will our most distinguished ruler do now? I suppose you know…”

  “You don’t?” she asked mischievously.

  “How could I? You are the only one who feeds me these so delightful morsels of information.”

  “Yes, yes, I can imagine. But, well, it is said, and I have no reason not to believe it, that he will marry another princess!”

  “Really? Another princess? The man knows how to choose them, that has to be said in his favor. I wonder sometimes… aren’t you also a princess, my Demetria?”

  “Stop that. I’m serious. But can you guess who it is?”

  “And why should I guess ? I can see how anxious you are to tell me.”

  “What’s wrong with you today? Well, never mind, I will tell you then, it’s Drusilla, the daughter of your deceased King Agrippa. This time a real Judaean princess.”

  “What? What are you talking about? She is a married woman.”

  “You don’t believe me?”

  It wasn’t easy not to believe in her, she had given me ample proof of how well informed she was. I had little doubt that she had been at Felix’s Pretorium a few times, if not in his bed, at least in another close by.

  So the marriage of Felix, as prophesied by my goddess, brought a new princess to town, taking residence at her father’s former palace on the promontory. Nothing strange in that, but as the palace had previously being sacked and partially destroyed after Agrippa’s death, Drusilla forced the city to pay for its repair and the statuary that had been stolen was to be
returned. Statues that now adorned several residences in the city, including one of Venus that was now owned by Demetria.

  “Ahasver, I am scared” she confessed to me during one of our encounters.

  “Scared of what?”

  “That statue” pointing it out to me.

  “Afraid of a statue? What’s wrong with it? It’s a beautiful work…”

  “Don’t be silly, not of the statue,” she replied angrily, a clear signal that it was high time for me to leave, “I’m talking about having to return it.”

  “You have no alternative. Everybody knows from where it came from.”

  Clearly an unfortunate choice of words.

  “Everybody?" she now shouted, “Do you think this is a brothel? Everyone, you say?”

  “That’s not what I meant. Just an expression. Calm down.”

  “Easy for you to speak.”

  “Just return it. Many have done so already.”

  “Yes, and you know what? Felix won’t forget who they are. Mark my words.”

  “How come?”

  “I don’t know, Ahasver. Maybe he will prosecute us later for stealing, or something.”

  “But didn’t you tell me that it was a present, from one of your many admirers?”

  “That was just to make you jealous,” she confessed, “I bought it directly from one of robbers. For a good price too.”

  “You shouldn’t have done that.”

  “Everybody did it. Didn’t you ?”

  “No. What would I do with a statue. You know that we Judaeans don’t like such adornments.”

  “You don’t, but others do.”

  “Really? That surprises me.”

  “But do tell, Ahasver. What shall I do?”

  “Return it, I told you. You have no other option.”

  “Do you think someone would report it? You wouldn’t, would you?”

  “Of course not, my goddess. But why risk it?”

  “Yes, you are right. This Drusilla is a dangerous woman.”

  “She is?”

  “Oh yes, Ahasver. But how can you not know what is going on around you?”

  “Please do calm down.”

  “I tell you everything, but you ! You are quieter than that statue.”

  “I know very little that could be of interest to you. I’m just a trader. Boring stuff for someone like you.”

  “Don’t lie to me. You know a lot of what is going on. Aren’t you in the council?”

  It wasn’t entirely false what she said, but one of the things that I knew best was of how indiscreet she was.

  “You are right. You do tell me many interesting things.”

  “And the statue, Ahasver?”

  The statue was returned, and Demetria’s fears were justified. Incredible how she always got it right.

  Felix, once satisfied that all the statues had been returned, accused all the previous owners of theft. Once more the Procurator’s zeal was unblemished. The sanctions could be severe, but he graciously dropped the charges to all those who paid a hefty fine for their complicity. In the end, Demetria paid the highest fine. Drusilla, once she heard that one of her favorite statues had been decorating a courtesan’s house, banished Demetria from the province.

  Inconsolable, she departed for Alexandria, and I lost a good company and a very fruitful source of information. To comfort and look after my needs, she recommended another courtesan, Isidora, supposedly a cousin, although I had some doubts about that.

  Soon it was again time for pesach, and in that year Ioanis advised me not to go in pilgrimage to Jerusalem. It was known in the city that assailants were once again active in the region, and almost every caravan had suffered some attack. Every year was the same tedious reality. But that same year, the assailants actually came up with a nefarious innovation. Undoubtedly informed by accomplices, they started to seize the more wealthier pilgrims, demanding the payment of ransom for their release. Unfortunately, few ever came back. The majority just simply vanished.

  I thought of going with an escort or in some anonymous way, just a pilgrim among all the others, but Ioanis wouldn’t have it and insisted that if I was really set on going, then Alexander would accompany me. It was pure manipulation, as he knew that I would never jeopardize his son’s safety.

  Given the reluctance of many to travel to Jerusalem, the council decided to call for a meeting with Felix with the purpose of alerting him of the situation. Given my known fluency with latin, I was chosen to be the spokesman.

  Felix received us in a large room of Agrippa’s palace, where Drusilla, his wife, was also present as well as some of his secretarial staff.

  Once we were done with the prolixly greetings, more appropriate for an Imperial court than for that group, I began to expound on the reasons for our concern, and of the need for immediate action to be taken by the Romans. I emphasized not only the inherent dangers to individual lives, but also the risk of decreasing taxes as almost all merchants were now reluctant to send caravans to the inner province. Nothing like hitting the essential, as we were all too aware of Felix’s concerns for his fiscal revenues.

  As I finished, Felix stood up and came over to me, thanking me for making the situation so clear to all. Turning to the others, he announced that he would make our concerns known to the Governor himself, and without waiting for the approval of his superiors, he would immediately send the veteran tribune Gaius Rufinus with adequate soldiery to hunt down the assailants, and to safeguard the roads that led to the main provincial towns.

  Once his speech was done, as the others were leaving the room, he grabbed my arm and took me towards one of the doors that opened into the gardens and the famous pool, resplendent under that noon day sun, encircled by some of the recovered statuary.

  “Master Ahasver,” he began, “I have for some time wanted to meet you, but unfortunately I have been too occupied with important affairs, which have limited my availability for more pleasant tasks.”

  “Procurator, I’m honored by your interest” I answered, wondering what that was all about.

  “I know that you are a close friend of Rabban Simeon.”

  “Yes, I have the honor of counting him as a friend.”

  “And Jonathan? One of your wisest sages? You are acquainted with him?”

  “Not intimately, Procurator.”

  “But you know who I mean?”

  “Yes, of course. I met him a few times in the past when I was a member of the Sanhedrin.”

  “Yes, I was told you were. But I am curious… why did you leave? It is not very common for members to leave the Council voluntarily.”

  “I gather that it is not, but I did it when I came to live in Caesarea.”

  “But even then you could still have retained your seat.”

  “Yes, perhaps I could, but I thought it better to resign and to be replaced by someone who could be more participative” but I also didn’t need to explain to him that my replacement had been Isaac.

  “Master Ahasver, I do admire your stance. Perhaps one of these days we will be able to meet and talk a bit more.”

  “Of course, Procurator, I am at your disposal, as always.”

  Amidst the departing ceremonies, he added.

  “I think we’ll soon have an opportunity to work closer, and I would very much like to count with your support.”

  Perplexed with the whole scene, I mentioned it to Adad, who I knew was part of the Procurator’s inner circle of confidants.

  “Ahasver, it’s very simple, my dear friend! I am sure that he plans to invite you to his council.”

  “What council?”

  “Allow me to explain” visibly amused with my reaction, “The Procurator has expressed to some people his desire to create a mixed council, with representatives from the various communities. It will be, as I understood, a group of advisors, similar to the one setup by his brother-in-law, Herod Agrippa. I have my suspicions that all of this was his wife’s idea in the first place.”

  “
It’s a terrible idea for us, Adad! The people will blame us if the decisions are unpopular. You know it too. Also, we will be seen as minions and collaborators of the Romans.”

  “Of course! I know that too well, my dear and eternal friend,” and maliciously added, “why do you think I turned him down?”

  “Just like that? You said no to him?”

  “No, my dearest! One must never, ever, say no to anyone who holds so much power. I just said that my fellow countrymen were an envious bunch, and they would inevitably cause all sorts of problems for me, and more importantly, for my businesses” he explained, this time, laughing loudly.

  Years 56 - 57

  Once more I received a visit from Secretary Pulanus, this time with a message from the Procurator. Felix, amidst greetings and courtesies, formally invited me to become part of his concilio provinciali.

  “A great honor, Master Ahasver" assured me Pulanus.

  But my opinion was not so enthusiastic. How could I get out of it?

  “Master Secretary, undoubtedly so!”

  “May I then confirm your acceptance to the Procurator?”

  “Please, do convey my most heartfelt gratitude to the Procurator for honoring me in this way, but I will need to know more details regarding the functions and the purposes of this council. I am sure that he will understand the many demands that are made on my time, with all the affairs and the businesses that I have to look after. No less significant matters, I assure you!”

  Maybe in this way I could escape, or at least gain some time.

  But Felix was determined, and calling me over to the palace, I was persuaded to accept. Not that he threatened me, but I could see that his resentment wouldn’t benefit me at all either.

  To my surprise, Felix turned out to be a vigorous and decisive participant. There was no cause or problem brought to him that he wouldn’t willingly opine or decide on. Our role was to bring to his attention the problems and issues that plagued the different communities. For this purpose, I often had informal meetings with my colleagues, from the municipal council, to hear of their complaints and of issues that should be brought before the Procurator. Unfortunately, and to my despair, these gatherings were largely ineffective, and many times I had to bring the meetings to a close when the points raised were too trite, or the discussions too long and unproductive.

  But on the whole, the community was reasonably satisfied with Felix and with my role. The questions regarding the safety of the roads, and of the pilgrims and caravans, had been decisively dealt with, and many of the criminals involved had been caught. And most were ruthlessly executed by the Romans.

  But, it was also the opinion of many, certainly not enough to deter others.

  “Master Ahasver! Please, may I have your attention?” signaled Abraham.

  I was in one of those meetings with colleagues, where some of the more agitated were trying to draw my attention to their own issues, invariably more important than all the others.

  “Yes, Master Abraham!” I shouted back.

  “Master Ahasver,” and turning to the others, gestured for them to calm down, “are you aware of the murder of Master Ezram? Killed yesterday? Here in the city, close to that public square of the Greeks?”

  “Master Abraham, I admit that I wasn’t aware” I answered, raising from my seat to show my respect with such morbid news.

  “Master Ahasver,” he carried on, “it is very important to urgently take this news to the Procurator!”

  “I am sure that the Procurator has already been informed” I answered.

  “Master Ahasver, it is important that you know of what happened.”

  “I have just learned of it, as I said…”

  “Please let me finish, Master Ahasver.”

  “Of course" and I sat down.

  “Let me tell you that a dagger and a message was found by the body. A very worrying message, Master Ahasver, very worrying.”

  How some people liked to hear themselves!

  “Please do tell us, Master Abraham.”

  “The Sicarii did it!” someone added vociferously, also yearning for Abraham to conclude.

  “The Sicarii? Are you sure?”

  “Yes, the message was very clear. A warning, Master Ahasver. A warning promising violence and retribution to all who associate themselves with the Romans. Only the Sicarii act in this way, killing with daggers and always in public spaces. That is known,” he finally concluded. “and we all know what this means!”

  Yes, I did know.

  The Sicarii had arrived in Caesarea. A semi-religious grouping, violent, formed by Zealots to spread a bloody message — the death of all who collaborated with the invaders, namely the Romans.

  “I thank you, Master Abraham, for bringing this issue to our attention. Please be assured that I will notify the Procurator of this. But also, my friends, we should take all necessary precautions. Anyone of us could be targeted by these murderers.”

  “The Procurator must urgently organize a search for these criminals” someone suggested.

  “Certainly,” I agreed wholeheartedly, “but let us not forget how difficult it is to find them. There hasn’t been much success in Jerusalem in finding them. We all know that they only strike when they are in the middle of large crowds, but here in Caesarea it won’t be so easy for them. I strongly urge you all to avoid crowded places. It’s our best form of defense against them.”

  At the end of the meeting, several came up to me, advising me to take all possible precautions. I would certainly be one of their preferential targets.

  I knew it too well.

  I spoke to Ioanis about the murder of Ezram and of the possible involvement of the Sicarii. It was news to him too, which clearly showed that the city was not aware of the arrival of the sect. We immediately took some precautions, and he once more asked me to refrain from going to the agora. Alexander, now busier with the affairs delegated by his father, also offered to accompany me whenever I needed, but I opted for recruiting a former soldier of Agrippa as my personal bodyguard.

  Contrary to my expectation, neither the council nor Felix, showed much concern when I mentioned the assassination.

  “Master Ahasver, it might be an isolated case. My sources assure me that there are no Sicarii in Caesarea. Maybe someone wanted to kill this man and made it look like the Sicarii did it,” suggested Felix, “we have heard of similar cases.”

  “Maybe Procurator,” I answered grimly, “and maybe not. Maybe your sources are not that sound. Isn’t it better to take some measures?”

  “What do you recommend?” asked Felix frowning.

  “Warn the population. People should be alerted…”

  But Felix wasn’t convinced and quickly interrupted me.

  “I would prefer, for now, not to do anything. In the meanwhile, if there are other incidents we will reconsider.”

  “Master Ahasver,” remarked Konstantinos, a member of the Greek community, “this problem with the Sicarii is all yours, the Judaeans I mean. It is one of your sects. All that have been killed were Judaeans. Judaeans who they claim deserved to die for some reason or the other…”

  “So,” I replied glaring at him, “you propose that this council does nothing?”

  “I didn’t say that exactly” he answered apologetically.

  But Felix brought the conversation to an end.

  He clearly wasn’t interested to go on with that topic. To him, these disturbances were among Judaeans and as long as they didn’t affect the Romans, he would do little, if anything. All the others, the Greeks, the Syrians, they all shared this same opinion.

  By design or chance, Jonathan was not present in that meeting. He would have been a valuable ally in that discussion. But I never saw him again. Not long after, we received the news that he was murdered by the Sicarii in Jerusalem on his way to the Temple.

  And Felix ?

  “Most regrettable,” he bitterly complained, “a great loss, a great personal loss to me. You all knew too w
ell of how much I respected and admired that most dear friend.”

  So he decreed three days of mourning in the province.

  The death of Jonathan alarmed even more the whole of the Judaean community, and not only in Jerusalem. Also, Felix’s inaction in actively persecuting the Sicarii, brought on the most bizarre rumors of his own involvement with that assassination.

  Strangely, after Jonathan’s demise, Felix almost ceased to call the council to meet.

  "Salve Ahasver.”

  “Salve, dignus Procurator.”

  “I apologize for asking, Master Ahasver, but you are not a Messianic, are you?”

  Again ?

  “Not at all, Procurator.”

  “I’m sorry once again, but I have heard some rumors.”

  “Well, I assure you that I am not.”

  “I actually wanted to see if you know a Messianic by the name of Paulus, a citizen recently arrested in Jerusalem.”

  “If you mean Saul of Tarsus, then I do know him, Procurator” I had heard of Saul’s arrest in Jerusalem.

  “That’s the one. Can you confirm to me that he is indeed a member of that sect, the same that follow the teachings of a prophet executed during the time of Pilate?”

  “Of that I am not sure. As I said I am not a Messianic. But I do know Saul. I spoke to him a few times before, but I haven’t seen him for many years.”

  “A Roman Messianic! How odd!”

  “Roman? Saul is Roman?” I asked flabbergasted with such information.

  “You didn’t know? It is true. He is a Roman citizen, and I have received a petition calling for his extradition from Jerusalem. Apparently he has powerful enemies there, and I have been told that if remains in the city they will kill him. I cannot allow that to happen to a Roman citizen, especially in Jerusalem.”

  “Why was he arrested, Procurator?”

  “Rioting, sedition, some violence in the Temple. Something like that. I’ve been told that their leader was also arrested for similar reasons. Unbelievable these fanatics. Won’t they ever learn…”

  “It is strange. What I knew of Saul, he was not a violent man, not at all. And in the Temple? How strange…”

  “People change, Master Ahasver… except you it seems…” he said with a rueful grin, “I must admit that some rumors are beginning to arouse my curiosity…”

  “Rumors, Procurator?”

  “You are not aware? I somehow doubt that. Your youthful appearance… I am almost convinced…” now openly smiling.

  “Envy, Procurator ! All a result of a life of service and healthy living. Not many vices, I must admit.”

  “It could be, Master Ahasver. You Judaeans really do have the most unusual eating habits. I wonder if it would also work for me? If I ate the same type of foods… Well, I can assure you that it doesn’t do much for my wife” he concluded laughing.

  He in good spirits and I panicking!

  “Ioanis!" I called out as I got home, “Adina! Do you know where Master Ioanis is?”

  “No, Master. It is possible that he is in the warehouse.”

  “Ask someone to go and call him for me.”

  It was time to talk to Ioanis. If such rumors had already reached the ears of the Procurator, I had to see with Ioanis what could be done. For long he knew that something wasn’t right with me. After all, we had known each other for almost twenty years.

  “Khaire Ahasver. You sent for me?”

  “Yes, Ioanis, let’s go upstairs and have something to drink. I need to speak with you. Adina bring that small amphora of white wine that was opened yesterday and two cups.”

  Seated in the couches, I waited for the wine to arrive, while Ioanis recounted the day’s chores, and I briefly mentioned the meeting of the council.

  “Mistress Ruth was here today” he informed me.

  “Did she say what she wanted?”

  “No. She just asked for you to call on her. She didn’t seem anxious. Just a social visit, I guess.”

  “All right, I’ll see her later” and reclining further I continued, “Ioanis I wanted to speak with you about a delicate matter. It seems almost unbelievable, but even the absurd has to be discussed sometimes.”

  “What is the problem?”

  “There’s a rumor going around that somehow I am not aging. Now I ask you. Have you heard of it? Does it make any sense?”

  “No, it doesn’t. But something’s are undeniable.”

  “Do you also believe in it?”

  “Ahasver, it’s enough to look at you. It’s almost twenty years since we have known each other, and in reality you haven’t changed. You don’t complain of any ailments, pains… I’ve never seen you ill, and you can almost read in the dark.”

  “Yes, that’s all true. What’s your opinion, Ioanis? What could be the reason?”

  “I certainly don’t know, Ahasver. There must be one, surely. But I can’t give you a reason. Maybe only a sage, a scholar might know, or one of those Greek doctors.”

  “Why Greek? We have excellent Judaean doctors.”

  “Yes, of course…”

  “You, yourself, don’t have an opinion. You don’t know, and you can’t even imagine a reason! But certainly those that are spreading this rumor must have some idea, right?” I admit I was a bit agitated.

  “Honestly, Ahasver, you are taking it too serious. Don’t you know how people like to talk? How people are envious of everyone? Anything that is seen as favorable to us is immediately coveted by others. We all know this. It’s human.”

  “Yes, Ioanis, I do know it. Usually I don’t much care for what people say, but this thing has reached the palace, the Procurator himself.”

  “Did he mention anything?”

  “Yes, he did. Quite explicitly too”

  “He hasn’t known you for long…”

  “So there’s nothing to be done?” I asked once more “Ioanis, I need to know what people are saying. It’s important that I know if I am being accused of something, some pact with a demon, witchcraft, whatever…”

  “Ahasver, I can’t really say, but one hears the most ridiculous things. Nobody is saying anything sensible. And as long as they continue in this vein, you can rest assured that few will consider it seriously. If, as you say, this reality is totally absurd, the stories out there are much worse.”

  Someone once said to me, in another time and place, that the final solution to any problem was time. Chronos would eventually unravel it all. But why was he ignoring me ?

  As the Procurator had previously referred, Saul was on his way to Caesarea under guard and would remain imprisoned until his trial. This had been the motive for Ruth’s visit on that day, but as I was too embroiled with my own worries at the time, I had not returned her visit.

  The conversation with Ioanis had been inconclusive for my purposes. How the Greeks loved rhetoric and said so little! The more they spoke the less they said, and Ioanis was a true artisan in the arts of procrastination. Since I couldn’t afford to desist, I turned to Adad, who had once before mentioned the issue in a very nebulous way.

  “Khaire, Ahasver" greeted Adad receiving me at his home.

  “Mega khaire, Adad. My thanks for seeing me today.”

  “It is always an honor to receive such an illustrious and revered friend,” he piled on, as he took me to his overly decorated triclinium, “I have asked the cook to prepare us a few tidbits, just a few things from my native Syria which I am certain you will enjoy. Oh yes, and before you ask, let me assure you that it has been done according to your kashrut.”

  I smiled as I saw the banquet that waited for us.

  “How would you know, Adad? You have not converted, have you?”

  “Of course not, my dear, but I do have some Judaean friends, almost as distinguished as yourself, almost I said, and some of my staff are Judaean too.”

  As the servants continued to bring even more dishes into the room, Adad pointed to one of the couches where I sat down, while he was already reclining on anoth
er.

  “May one ask what brings you here, my friend? I find it hard to believe that it is simply a social call, especially during a normal workday. I do know how dedicated you are to your businesses,” and with a broad grin he added, “unlike me, of course.”

  “Adad, my good friend, I am very worried” I came out with it, trying to cut him off from his usual verbosity.

  “Well, really ? I do hope that it’s not about money, Ahasver” he could really be very irritating when in too good a humor.”

  “No, Adad,” I replied darkly, trying to bring some seriousness into the conversation, “not at all.”

  “But how can this humble Gentile be of help, my friend?”

  Ignoring his jocosity, I plodded on.

  “Adad, do you recall a brief conversation we had at my place some time ago, I would say, at that time when we were discussing the increases in the prices of grain?”

  “Ahasver, can you not be more precise? I do recall such conversations, yes, but what of it?”

  “Adad, that day you mentioned that you had heard certain rumors about me…”

  “Ahasver, and what is so alarming about that? There are always rumors going around. You can be sure that later today at the agora people will be discussing what we are now eating!”

  “I’m serious, Adad, make an effort. You spoke of weird rumors, absurd things, and when I asked for more information you told me to look at myself. Do you recall? What did you mean?”

  “Oh yes! I do remember some of it. But really, Ahasver, nothing for you to worry about…”

  “Adad!” I rose, irritated with his flippancy, “This is important to me. Leave that cutlet alone and please answer me seriously!”

  “Ahasver, my friend,” now gazing attentively at a bowl of steaming mushrooms and fingering the beads on one of his collars, “people talk, my friend, they make up things. Stories. But all nonsense, surely.”

  “But, what are they saying?” I asked exasperated.

  “Do you really want to know? Well… all right, let me see… basically that you practice magic. Some say you bathe in goat’s milk… yes, I believe that’s the Egyptians who mostly claim that. Others say that you have a pact with Baal… or is it Marduk ? Well, some Babylonian god. Others, less inventive of course, claim that you are a closeted Christian. I’ve also heard a Publican mention that you had brought a potion from Alexandria… or was it from a temple in Heliopolis, or some other place where they still worship those animal-gods of theirs…” and casting me a sardonic gaze, “Enough? Or do you want to hear more? There’s plenty more…”

  “That’s what the Gentiles are saying ?”

  “Mostly, yes. Why? Would you like to know what your Judaean friends are saying?”

  “Yes, please… do you know?”

  “Well, I have heard something interesting, at least more plausible than that trifle I have just enumerated for you. I have heard it said that you descend from one of your prophets. Tell me, is that the truth? Were there such Judaeans who lived for hundreds of years?”

  “Yes, it is written. In truth, my family comes from Babylon, but…”

  “I didn’t know that, Ahasver. In our legends, we hear of men who lived for many, many years. Aga, for example, of whom it is said that he ruled for more than six hundred years. Gilgamesh was another. But I have always thought they were legends, tales… But you actually have in your scriptures accounts of such longevity?”

  “Yes, but Adad, that is very unlikely! All that happened many generations ago. Have you ever heard of such tales in our time? Or even in the time of our fathers and grandfathers?”

  “Well, Ahasver, I’m hearing them these days! Actually, if my eyes don’t deceive me, I am looking at one now” and having just come to terms with what he had spoken, he rose plainly agitated, “Ahasver ! Have you actually considered what all this means?”

  “What?” I muttered in reply.

  “Ahasver! I don’t even know how to say it! If it’s true. If you actually are going to last for hundreds of years… can’t you see it? They will make a god out of you! One of the immortals! Kings will call on you. Emperors will want to meet with you. The people will worship you…”

  I nervously laughed with all the hyperbole.

  “I’m serious, Ahasver. And you know what else ? Everyone, and I do mean everyone, will envy you.”

  On my way back home, I kept thinking of Adad's words and of the sayings of the people. Philosophers had written about the vox populi, the truth that emanated from common sense, and once more I was the subject of such voices. Once again I had to fight against invisible foes. But unlike Adad, I was not optimistic in believing in the generosity of the populace. Deified? Hardly, much the contrary I thought. The envy that he had wisely remarked would become the reason for strife, and of an inexorable condemnation as a reprobate. I knew all too well how ungenerous the people were with their magnanimity.

  A few days later Ruth informed me that Saul was now detained in the city jail. Tired of waiting for me call on her, she paid me a visit.

  “But, Ruth, what can I do?”

  “Ahasver, you are in the Procurator’s and the city council, Surely you can do something. At least request that he be well treated. You could also pay some of the guards to ensure some comfort, proper food…”

  “Do you think they care for kashrut? He is there because he invoked his rights as a Roman citizen. Did you know that? That he is a Roman citizen?”

  “No, I didn't. But what does it matter?”

  “It doesn't? Your most eminent preacher is Roman? He that wants to convert Gentiles without having to follow the Law? I can see now why he was so keen on that…”

  “He may be Roman, but above all else he is Judaean and a Messianic. In that, Ahasver, you can see how wondrous was the message of Yeshua. It is for everyone…”

  “Yes, yes, I've heard all that before.”

  “Ahasver, please, try and do something for him. He is not young anymore, and he has always had the highest regard for you.”

  “I’ll see what I can do, but no promises” and I certainly wasn't going to intercede on his behalf to the Procurator or any other official. For me, Saul was dangerous. Dangerous for my faith because of his subversive ideas. The ideal solution was to ship him off to Rome, somewhere far away.

  Year 58

  The council, which usually met on the third day of the month was postponed sine die by Felix. When I questioned Pulanus about the reason, he was vague, invoking that there were other more pressing affairs that he had to deal with first. The second postponement was a clear indication that something was up.

  Adad, always in the known, explained.

  “Ahasver, weren’t you aware that there is a Quaestor in town, sent by Rome?”

  “No. What’s he doing here? Checking on Felix?”

  “I see no other reason! In the end, I’m sure he’ll want to raise taxes. That’s always the result of their auditing.”

  “Is that why Felix has been rescheduling the council meetings? Has he mentioned anything to you?”

  “I’ve not seen him lately" he replied equally vague.

  But Adad was not as ignorant of the facts as he claimed.

  Pallas, Felix’s brother, had been Treasury Secretary of the Emperors Claudius and Nero, dismissed recently by the latter. Without the intervention of Pallas, it became noted in Rome that the provincial revenues were not all accounted for, and the Senate had therefore appointed a Quaestor to examine the affairs of the Procurator.

  What Adad had conveniently forgot to mention to me, was that Felix had already devised a plan to recover part of the money that he had embezzled, with the connivance of the Greek and Syrian communities.

  It all started with some petty robberies and random disturbances in the city, and the targets were always Judaean traders and business owners. Inevitably these grew into further retaliations, some of a religious nature, and I was asked to intervene before the council and alert the Procurator of what was happenin
g.

  I appealed to Pulanus, and receiving no answer, I wrote to Felix, but to no avail. Without much else to do, and given the indifference of the authorities to our plight, it was decided to create a group of vigilantes to protect our commerce and the temples. But even then, the disturbances continued. In the city council old rivalries were now violently discussed, and sporadic fights broke out during the sessions.

  The violence continued to grow. Once more I appealed to Felix, and once more I got nothing in return. Finally, as a form of protest, and as a last resort, I renounced my seat at the provincial council. Still I received no feedback from the Procurator.

  Frustrated, I tried one last step. I visited Adad.

  Inconspicuous for some time, he agreed to receive me.

  “We have to do something. This situation cannot last for long” I bitterly complained to him.

  “Ahasver, my dearest friend. But what can we do?” he replied with his usual theatrics, “The city has gone mad! Any Greek or Syrian who comes close to one of your shops is immediately questioned, and sometimes even beaten by that gang of thugs you have recruited.”

  “They are not thugs, Adad. And you know all too well why we had to resort to them.”

  “I know what you are going to tell me, my dearest friend. But it is not true. We are not the ones who are against you. Not at all. Violence is so bad for business. For all of us!”

  “What’s the word in your community?”

  “Ahasver, I have told you. Everyone dislikes the situation. We are all against it.”

  “I would like to believe it, Adad. Honestly, I do. But then help us. Let us devise some way to stop this madness.”

  “Ahasver, I think that it is time that we have a stronger representation in the city council.”

  “I don’t understand…”

  “Ahasver, you, the Judaeans have always ruled this city. Have you forgotten the incidents when you people tried to stop all trading on your Shabbat? This city is also ours.”

  “Adad, this city was built by a Judaean King and is in Judaea. Is there anything more tangible than that? This is not part of Syria or Greece…”

  “If this town only belonged to you, as is the case with Jerusalem and others, King Herod wouldn’t have built the temples, adorned them with statuary and effigies, nor given us, the Gentiles, the freedom to follow our own way. Not to speak of the agora, where you can hear the lectures and the oratory of sages and philosophers that you call pagans. And besides all this, long before Herod got here, there was a Syrian community of fishermen that he almost annihilated.”

  “I still don’t get it, Adad. Why this sudden interest in the council? What do you really want?”

  “We want our rights too. We need to have a strong word within that council.”

  “But you have always had a presence in the council.”

  “All that we have today is the result of long fights and endless persuasion. We are not giving up the rights and privileges that should be rightfully ours,” and in a calmer voice he continued, “Ahasver, I know you, you have always been a moderate, and one of the few voices of reason, but you are part of a very small minority. Your fellow Judaeans are nothing like you. You have always been a tolerant man, and it is known of your fondness for Hellenism. Of your trips to Alexandria and Antioch. Even your tolerance with the Christians. Believe me, you are not as popular among your people as you imagine, and all that because of your moderation. If you weren’t so wealthy, they would have given up on you already.”

  “It’s your opinion,” I said morosely, “I don’t see it that way.”

  “There are things that are always more evident for outsiders. Believe me, my dearest friend. You have few friends. But don’t fret too much, such is our destiny, the fate of the envied.”

  THE AMBASSADOR