Maximus

by Richard L. Black

  “They’ll be back with reinforcements,” Jacob said. “We must go.”

  Levi agreed. They gathered their things and clambered back up to the main road. The auxiliary soldiers were nowhere to be seen. The handful of people on the beach followed Jacob and Levi up the hill. They scattered but not before thanking them and warning them to hide or, better yet, leave Caesarea entirely. The woman mistreated by the soldier approached Levi, tearfully expressing gratitude in a language he didn’t understand but that sounded something like the Hebrew of the prayers he had learned from Ezra.

  He uncomfortably accepted her thanks and then in Greek urged her to leave quickly before the soldiers returned. She scurried off.

  “Well,” said Jacob, “we’ve done exactly what Ezra told us not to do. We’ve drawn attention to ourselves, and we’ve definitely engaged the enemy.” He was surprised at his own choice of words in referring to Roman soldiers as the enemy.

  Levi and Jacob took off running. Suddenly Levi stopped in his tracks and grabbed Jacob by the arm. “We shouldn’t run. That will just draw more attention to us, plus we need to wait for Ezra. He won’t know where we are.”

  “You’re right.” Jacob paused for a moment. “The ship. We can return to the ship. The soldiers won’t find us there. We can watch the street that runs along the wharf from there, and when Ezra returns, he will be easy to spot.” Without a word the two walked quickly back down the wharf to the Egyptian ship they had arrived on.

  The crew was still unloading, but Akhom was gone. The sailors greeted the two returning Jews with smiles. Jacob explained that they had become separated from Ezra and asked if they could wait onboard out of the way. It seemed a logical story, and the sailors allowed them to board the ship. They sat near the bow below the bulkhead. They wouldn’t be spotted easily there but could watch for Ezra.

  An hour passed before Levi spotted their mentor far down the wharf, walking slowly toward their ship. He was looking from side to side, wondering where his friends were.

  “Let’s just wait till he gets closer rather than risk being discovered by someone looking for us,” Jacob said.

  Soon Ezra was within hailing distance. Jacob stood and waved his arm to get Ezra’s attention without shouting. Ezra saw Jacob and walked briskly toward the ship. Jacob motioned for him to board. Ezra sighed and walked up the gangplank to where the two men sat.

  “What is this all about?” he asked, standing above them with his staff firmly at his side.

  Jacob and Levi looked up at him like two puppies caught stealing meat from the table. Jacob sheepishly began to tell their mentor the story.

  Ezra looked at his two contrite students and laughed. “So it was you they were talking about in town.” He smiled broadly.

  “What did you hear?” asked Levi.

  “An old friend took me to Pontius Pilate—he is indeed in town, just as Iqbal said. While I was there, a courier arrived to notify him of an incident on the beach near the wharf. My first thought was the two of you. The courier said two Jews had attacked four Roman soldiers near the docks, leaving one dead on the beach and the others running for their lives.

  Jacob and Levi looked at each other and began talking at once.

  Ezra held up his hand. “One at a time,” he said.

  Jacob deferred to Levi, who recounted the whole story. “The soldier is not dead, but when he wakes up, he will have a serious headache for a while,” Levi concluded. Jacob nodded in agreement.

  Ezra sighed and sat down beside them. “I assure you this won’t be the last time you witness the darker side of Roman occupation. It will be difficult for you not to interfere, but you mustn’t. You must both be patient and avoid trouble, even if it comes and sits in your lap. If you don’t, you jeopardize your whole mission.”

  Jacob and Levi both lowered their eyes and apologized.

  “You need not apologize to me, my friends,” Ezra continued. “I probably would have beat them black and blue with my staff had I witnessed that kind of behavior. But we both know that the only way occupational forces can exert control is by intimidation, even at the expense of the innocent. It boosts their courage and self-esteem. What they don’t understand is that it solidifies the hatred their enemy has for them and bonds the enemy together. This story will be passed around as an example that Jews can gain the upper hand if they choose. That kind of story terrifies the Romans. You two are ultimately guilty of treason against the emperor and the citizens of Rome.” Ezra let the comment settle in before he smiled.

  “This is probably a good place to hide for a few hours. We are meeting tonight with Pontius Pilate. I suggest you tell him exactly what happened today.”

  “Why should we tell him?” Levi protested.

  “Because you two are most recognizable, and two of the soldiers who witnessed the incident are guards at Pilate’s palace. It will soon come out that you were involved. You should tell your story truthfully and preempt any accusation,” Ezra admonished.

  “But the soldiers will lie. That will put us in jeopardy,” Jacob objected.

  “Jacob, have you so soon forgotten who you are? You are a legate of Rome. You come here with the highest credentials under the express authority of the emperor. Despite your disguise Pilate knows exactly who you are. Your word will be taken over that of drunken foot soldiers.”

  “Nevertheless, it is imperative you maintain your disguise,” Ezra reiterated. “A Roman would never get as close to Jesus as you two need to get. Only a Jew will be able to follow him from place to place for any length of time without raising suspicion. Otherwise, you could have come as you really are. It would certainly be less complicated. I hope you understand.”

  Jacob nodded.

  “It is bad enough that you may have compromised your identity to these Roman soldiers. We will have to make sure Pilate takes measures to hold their tongues.”

  21

  Under cover of darkness, the three men ventured from the ship to the palace of Pontius Pilate, carefully avoiding any further encounter with soldiers. At the gates stood two guards with long spears. Jacob and Levi pulled their head coverings down low over their brows as Ezra introduced himself and his companions, stating that they had an appointment with the prefect. One of the guards acknowledged him and opened a creaky wooden gate. They stepped into a large courtyard lit with many torches. A Jewish man in a white robe met them and escorted them to the chamber where Pilate waited. Two more guards stood at attention at the entrance of the private chamber. Ezra and his two companions walked in without hesitation.

  They entered a large chamber with tables and chairs placed haphazardly about. More men with white head coverings were seated in a group around one of the tables. Pilate sat in his curule, flanked by two guards. Ezra walked up to him, stopping just a few feet away.

  “Welcome, my good friend Ezra,” Pilate boomed, extending his hand. “These must be the decorated Romans you have brought with you.” Ezra winced at Pilate identifying Jacob and Levi as Romans in front of so many dangerous ears. The guards at Pilate’s side looked curiously at the two large Jews standing in front of them. Some of the Jewish elders sitting off to the side of the chamber studied the three men with curious stares.

  “My good prefect.” Ezra inclined his head slightly. “I was hoping we could have this discussion privately.” He looked around at everyone now openly staring at them.

  Pilate looked about. “Perhaps you are right.” He immediately commanded the dozen or more people to leave the chamber. The two guards at his side didn’t budge. “These two,” Pilate motioned to the guards at his side, “can be trusted.”

  “Very well,” Ezra said. “May we be seated?”

  “Yes, of course.”

  Ezra sat on the stone floor with his legs crossed. Jacob and Levi sought cushions and sat, flanking Ezra. Jacob thought it odd that they would sit at Pilate’s feet like schoolchildren. Jacob’s first judgment agreed with what Ezra had shared with them during the voyage: he did appear weak and se
lf-conscious. Probably that was why he sat in a high chair and kept the two guards at his side. The senators in Rome were less pompous.

  “You have made good time on your journey. I didn’t expect you for another month,” Pilate began.

  “We were able to secure passage quickly, and the winds were generally favorable.” Ezra engaged in the small talk.

  “So this is the mighty General Lucius Fabius Maximus I have heard so much about.” Pilate made a limp gesture toward Jacob and Levi. “And your bodyguard?”

  Jacob didn’t like the tone of Pilate’s voice. He took a deep breath and slowly lowered his head covering to expose his full head of hair and chiseled face covered with a scruffy brown beard. “This is my good friend and deputy commander, Androcles. He is not a bodyguard; he is my friend and equal. He shares the risk and commitment to the success of our mission.” Ezra admired Jacob’s directness and diplomacy.

  “I see,” Pilate said. “A general and a commander—Rome has taken me seriously for once,” he laughed. “When you first entered, despite knowing who you are, I was wondering why Ezra had brought with him two ordinary Jews.” He laughed, but no one joined him.

  “Rome takes any potential threat to the empire seriously, governor. They have sent the best,” Jacob said confidently.

  “Yes, they have, Lucius Fabius Maximus. I know your father— I met him once in Rome. Gaius Valerius introduced us. Both are great senators,” Pilate said condescendingly.

  “It is under the direction of the good Gaius Valerius that we are here. He has given us explicit instructions.” Jacob reached into his sack for the scroll given to him by the senator. He handed it to Pilate.

  Pilate took a couple of minutes to read over the scroll and then handed it back. “You will be given every assistance you require, I assure you.”

  “You are most gracious,” Jacob replied. “We have been fortunate in meeting you here in Caesarea, as it may save us a great deal of time. If you could tell us where this Jesus of Nazareth currently travels, we will be on our way as soon as possible.”

  “My sources tell me he is in Capernaum, a small city on the northwestern shore of the Sea of Galilee. At last report he was thereabouts preaching and gathering forces,” Pilate replied.

  “Forces?” Jacob questioned.

  “Well,” Pilate said as he adjusted his position in the chair, “he has become more popular with each passing day. My informants tell me he talks of a new kingdom. They tell me his followers call him Messiah and refer to him as king of the Jews. Members of the Sanhedrin complain to me almost daily that he blasphemes their religion by intimating he is the Son of God, which they consider a crime punishable by death under their law. Frankly, I don’t care much for the Sanhedrin; they are a self-serving group and seem threatened by this Nazarene, but I take what they tell me under advisement. You well know that one reason Rome succeeds in bringing foreign lands into the empire is that we let the people rule themselves. We stay out of their religions and their internal workings. We are there solely for the taxes and other wealth to be collected for Rome. As long as the people stay in order, the system works fine. But when I hear rumors of a messiah, or king, or whatever this Nazarene calls himself coming into power, I have to be concerned for the security of Rome, especially as his forces increase. I don’t care about the charges of blasphemy—they don’t concern me. What causes me unrest is potential peril to Rome.”

  “I understand your unease, governor,” Jacob nodded, knowing full well that Pilate was concerned more for himself than for the good of the empire.

  Pilate added, “There has been a disturbing development recently, and I am wondering how far it might resonate. Word recently came to me that Herod Antipas, tetrarch of Galilee, imprisoned and then, at the request of his new wife, beheaded a Jewish prophet named John the Baptist. It is said that many Jews thought John was the long-awaited Messiah. Surprisingly, multitudes followed that rough, uncultured man—he too preached of a kingdom to come. I am further told this John the Baptist was a cousin to Jesus. It was reported that John flatly denied being the Messiah, instead maintained there was one coming more powerful than he, referring to this Jesus of Nazareth. Most of John’s followers now follow Jesus like sheep following a trail of green grass. I am concerned that the death of this John the Baptist will solidify these zealot Jews and bring them to an armed uprising. Jews are fickle and dangerous people, present company excluded.” Pilate smiled weakly at Ezra.

  “The matter appears complicated. What of the reported miracles?” Jacob asked Pilate.

  “Many have been reported. I think they are fabricated by his followers to increase his legend and inflame the Jews with a false confidence. The Jews will seize any hope of liberation.” Pilate stood impatiently. “It’s not wise for this Jesus to be talking about a new kingdom, professing some godly power, and gathering sizable support in the face of Rome. You two are here to investigate what I have heard and bring me the truth. I don’t trust the Jews, and I don’t trust what this Nazarene is up to. I need to hear the truth from the mouth of a Roman.”

  “We will do our best to bring you a truthful report. The sooner we leave the sooner we can return with that in hand,” Jacob replied.

  Pilate sat down wearily and addressed Ezra. “Is Iqbal the Nabataean an acquaintance of yours?” he asked.

  “Yes. We have paid him to join a caravan that leaves for Jerusalem in three days. If Jesus is in Galilee, as you say, it is better my friends go there directly. I will change the arrangements tomorrow,” Ezra said.

  “Good luck getting that horse thief to give back any of your money.” Pilate laughed.

  “I am sure Iqbal will accommodate us,” Ezra responded curtly. “Thank you for your concern.”

  “Is there anything else I can do for you?” Pilate asked.

  Jacob spoke. “There is one small issue.” He glanced at Ezra, who nodded. “There was an incident earlier today at the wharf.” Jacob recounted the incident to Pilate.

  Pilate guffawed. “That is a story those auxiliaries won’t be repeating—being bested by two upstart Jews. I should do them the favor of telling them they were defeated by a decorated general and a deputy commander of Rome. That would at least make them feel better about their failure.” He pounded his fist on his thigh, his laughter echoing throughout the chamber. “These young auxiliary soldiers need to be taught a lesson occasionally, and they learned one today they won’t soon forget. I assure you there will be no retaliation.” He dismissed the three men with a wave of his hand. The two guards escorted them promptly to the front gate. They could hear Pilate laughing in the background.

  Outside Jacob and Levi looked at Ezra for direction. “Friends, I hoped for better hospitality from Pilate, but it appears he has forgotten his manners. It looks as if we sleep under the stars tonight.”

  22

  The next morning Ezra arranged with Iqbal for Jacob and Levi to accompany a caravan traveling to Damascus. The caravan would head northeast to meet up with the main trade route at Capernaum.

  The jovial Iqbal marked notes on his scroll and with animated hand movements gave directions in Arabic to a worker, who scurried off to do his bidding. “My friends, everything will be ready when you return. But don’t be late. My caravan leader is a very impatient man and will not wait for you,” Iqbal warned.

  Ezra thanked his friend, and the three left to buy food at the bazaar. They found a small grove of trees nearby where they could eat. Ezra sat cross-legged against the trunk of a gnarled olive tree. “Your adventure begins, my friends,” he said as he took a drink of water.

  “I think we have had sufficient adventure already,” responded Jacob.

  “Indeed, it has been an interesting journey so far,” said Ezra. “I must caution you both again,” he said, leaning forward for emphasis. “You will witness many injustices. I suggest you avoid any future conflict and walk away if it comes to you.” He looked at both of his students. “Do you understand?”

  Jacob and Levi
nodded in agreement.

  “It will be hard for you at times. You are good men, but you alone cannot fix what is broken in my country. Gather your information. Report it truthfully to Pilate and to Rome. If you choose to question Roman leadership, that is your prerogative, but do it with words, not with weapons.” Ezra leaned back against the tree and closed his eyes. With a sigh he said, “It will be good to go home.”

  The three spent the remainder of the morning resting under the sparse shade of the tree. At the appointed time they met back up with Iqbal, who greeted them with the enthusiasm of an old friend.

  “Come, I want you to meet my business partner and the man who will lead your caravan.” Iqbal led Jacob and Levi, with Ezra trailing, to meet Alhasan, a tall Nabataean with piercing eyes set deep in a weathered face. He had no time for small talk and merely nodded to the group when he was introduced. He continued to secure cargo on an uncooperative camel.

  Iqbal led Jacob and Levi to a camel that was sitting languidly, chewing its cud. “Have you ever ridden a camel, my friends?” he asked. “You will find them pleasant traveling companions, but never turn your back on them.” He laughed loudly, exposing yellowed teeth. He gave the two quick instructions on mounting and dismounting and some one-word Arabic commands for handling the camels. He showed them how to secure their belongings to the rear or side of the wood-and-cloth saddle.

  “Alhasan has packed the food and tents on the other camels. He will supply you with the necessities as the journey progresses. It should take about three days to reach Capernaum. When you decide you have reached your destination, let Alhasan know, and you can go your own way.”

  Besides himself and Levi, Jacob noted about a dozen men, two women, and two small boys traveling in the caravan. Four of the men worked with Alhasan securing cargo to the twenty or more camels resting nearby. Jacob determined they would heed Ezra’s counsel to keep to themselves and not interact with their fellow travelers.