Maximus

by Richard L. Black

  “We are a long way from what you have in mind, my dear,” Jershon cautioned.

  “Yes, we have some work to do. You and David should talk to both of them soon,” Naomi said, poking her finger playfully into his ribs.

  Jershon flinched. “I knew somehow this would turn out to be my responsibility.”

  “Well, it is, and you need to take the earliest opportunity to talk to each of them and discuss arrangements,” Naomi pressed.

  “You are casting the net before the boat has left the beach, my dear. Be patient, woman,” Jershon said as he put his arm around her and held her close. He had already considered the conversation he would have with these eligible men but knew there could be objections. It was apparent they enjoyed the company of Sariah and Liora, but that was no guarantee that they were in a position to be married.

  He had some reservations. Jacob and Levi, on the surface, were good men with good hearts. Their background was still in question, and attempts to get them to reveal information were met with apprehension and contemplation before giving answers. By their own admission, their immersion in Judaism was incomplete. But that could be a factor of having lived in a foreign land with parents—Levi admittedly had none—who didn’t adhere closely to the traditions of their fathers. That was a common occurrence. It was certainly plausible that they were both good Jewish men but were a bit removed from the commitment Jershon would like to see in husbands for his daughter and niece. That was not an insurmountable obstacle. He watched the two men as they interacted with his family members; they were both kind and gentle. He, like Naomi, had sensed immediately the attraction between Jacob and Liora, and Sariah was definitely not shy about her feelings toward Levi, who seemed oblivious to her. What is a father to do? he thought. There was a lot of work to do, and it would all fall on him. He would pray for guidance tonight and have a long talk with his God. Then he would have a longer talk with Naomi tomorrow. But as he considered the circumstances, it seemed Jehovah had certainly placed the fish under his boat. He closed his eyes and gave a prayer of gratitude.

  26

  The next morning Levi again accompanied the other men fishing. Lamech was improving, but he was not well enough to go out in the boat all day in the hot sun. Levi was the first one up in the morning, causing Seth and David to stir and beating Jershon to the shore to prepare the boat.

  Jershon was pleased with Levi’s enthusiasm and work ethic. Was a second boat in the family’s future? Quickly he put that thought out of his head. He didn’t want his daughter married to a fisherman.

  Jacob joined them on the beach for the launch, then watched them sail off in the gray of the early morning. He sat on the shore and pondered, realizing he and Levi needed to get back on task with their investigation of Jesus of Nazareth.

  Jesus had remained sequestered with his apostles for a couple of days’ rest, but rumor had it he was preparing for another outing. It had been easy to get comfortable with the hospitality of Jershon and his family. He was also enjoying Liora’s company. He was smitten by her natural beauty, but he was even more impressed with her outspokenness and intelligent conversation. She had opinions about Jesus, the Jewish hierarchy, and the Roman occupation. Her points were sound and logical. She obviously thought deeply, listened intently, and intelligently processed the opinions of others. She reminded him of his mother—another strong and confident woman.

  Jacob longed to talk to Liora privately, but it wasn’t likely to happen. Jewish customs were funny that way. Ezra had told Jacob and Levi during their journey how proper Jewish families functioned to zealously guard the honor of their women. Young women of marriageable age were never allowed to be alone with young men, even a potential husband. It was such a different culture from the one in which he’d grown up. He lay back and closed his eyes, enjoying the warmth of the rising sun.

  “Jacob . . . Jacob!”

  Jacob dreamed someone was calling his name.

  “Jacob!” Realizing he was hearing Liora’s voice, Jacob sat up quickly and then felt dizzy as the blood suddenly rushed from his head. The sun was well over the eastern horizon. He was quickly losing his soldier’s edge, falling asleep without a weapon and failing to hear someone approaching him. He scolded himself for being lazy and challenged himself to stay sharper.

  “Jacob, were you sleeping?” Liora asked.

  “Yes, I’m afraid I was. It’s so comfortable and warm here on the shore.” He couldn’t believe his good fortune at being alone with her. Then he noticed Sariah and Esther behind her.

  “When you didn’t return, my aunt asked us to find you and take you something to eat.” She knelt next to him, setting a basket on the ground. Her olive-colored head covering accented her large eyes. The warm morning breeze caused her head covering to fall back, revealing her long brown hair that glistened in the sunshine. She was no more than two feet away. Jacob noticed that her skin was soft and without blemish. Dark brows and long lashes framed her eyes. The sweet, clean smell about her filled his nostrils. He couldn’t take his eyes off her.

  She suddenly looked directly him. “Is something wrong?” she asked.

  “No . . . no,” Jacob stammered, trying to excuse his staring. “I guess I’m not fully awake.” He wanted to reach out and pull her to him.

  Instead, he invited Esther and Sariah to sit beside them. Liora set out a small loaf of fresh bread and unfolded a cloth full of grapes.

  Jacob took the bread from her and deliberately brushed his fingers along hers.

  Liora smiled.

  Sariah observed the exchange. “Esther, come with me for a minute, down to the water’s edge.”

  “But I’m hungry!” Esther complained.

  “Take a piece of bread and come with me. I want to show you the most beautiful thing,” Sariah said, coaxing her sister with her hand. Esther tore off a small piece of bread, leapt up, and ran to the water. Sticking her toes into the water, she screamed delightedly. Sariah caught up with her and led her down the beach a few yards. It was obvious to Jacob and Liora that Sariah was allowing them to talk privately.

  Jacob spoke. “Thank you for the food. This is a nice place to eat breakfast.”

  “Yes, it’s peaceful here when the fishermen have gone out and the sun is not yet hot,” Liora said nervously.

  Jacob could tell she was uncomfortable. He stood and extended his hand to help her to her feet. “Let’s take a walk.” Jacob wished he could continue holding her hand.

  Liora, for her part, was hoping he wouldn’t let go of her hand, but he did. They walked side by side, following Sariah and Esther at a distance.

  Finally Liora said, “You and your brother are strange men.”

  “Strange?” Jacob objected, feigning offense. “How so?”

  “Strange may be the wrong word,” Liora laughed. “I’m sorry. Different is probably a better choice.”

  “I’ll accept different,” Jacob said. “But I still want you to explain what you mean,” he added.

  “You don’t seem Jewish.” Liora was direct.

  Jacob suddenly wished he hadn’t asked. They walked a few steps before she spoke again.

  “Maybe it’s because you’re more Egyptian than Jewish.” Liora looked up at him.

  Jacob avoided eye contact. “Yes, Levi and I have lived elsewhere all our lives and have not experienced many Jewish traditions.” He tried to change the subject. “It must be hard for you and David living alone in Magdala.”

  “It is,” Liora responded. Jacob felt relieved, but then she said, “Despite his strength, Levi doesn’t have the burn scars of a blacksmith as my brother does.”

  Jacob scrambled for an explanation. “His father taught him well, and he is extremely careful.”

  Liora pressed further. “What is it you trade in Alexandria?”

  Jacob realized she had purpose in her questioning and now wished they weren’t alone. He couldn’t avoid answering, but he didn’t want to lie to her, either. Once again, Ezra’s caution about not becoming i
nvolved with people came back to haunt him. “A myriad of things, really,” he hedged. “A lot of goods are traded between Alexandria, Caesarea, Rome, and other cities bordering the Great Sea.”

  “Yesterday when you helped pull in my uncle’s boat—” Liora shyly lowered her head and her voice softened. “Forgive me for looking so closely, but I saw the scars on your legs and arms. You have what appears to be a recent wound on the back of your leg, and you’re missing a finger. David told me that when Levi rescued them, they observed similar scars on his arms and back.” She paused, hesitating to say the next thing on her mind but decided to plow forward. “David thinks they look like the battle scars of soldiers.” She stopped walking and looked up at him with kind but questioning eyes.

  Jacob hesitated, looking deep into the innocent gaze of her beautiful eyes, then led her toward a slightly elevated wooden wharf. He sat down with an audible sigh. Liora sat close beside him. Sariah continued to distract Esther, keeping their distance. Liora didn’t seem angry—in fact, she seemed almost apologetic—but Jacob knew she was studying him and desired a truthful explanation.

  “I’m sorry to probe, Jacob. I should mind my own business,” Liora said as she lowered her gaze.

  “It’s all right. I understand your curiosity.” Jacob breathed deeply and thought for a moment. “Levi and I are different. We have come out of nowhere and landed in your life. Yet in less than a couple of days your aunt and uncle have made us feel like part of the family. You all have been so kind and forthcoming. It’s just difficult . . .”

  “Are you uncomfortable with us?” Liora asked, brushing the hair away from her face with graceful fingers.

  “No, you are all very easy to be with. It’s just . . .” Once again he found the words wouldn’t come. The silence lingered for a few awkward moments.

  “Is something wrong?” Liora looked up at him with concern in her eyes.

  “No, nothing is wrong, and yes, everything is wrong,” Jacob said as he looked down at his feet. “Perhaps now is not the time to have this conversation.”

  “Jacob, we all like you and Levi very much.” She placed her hand on his forearm. Her touch sent a charge through him that almost made him gasp. Jacob closed his eyes and relished the feeling. He looked down at the contrast between her delicate hand with its long, thin fingers and his muscular, scarred forearm. He thought of the multitude of differences between them, and yet he hoped she wouldn’t move her hand. He placed his hand on top of hers to assure that wouldn’t happen.

  “I like you very much, Liora.” Jacob looked her directly in the eye and held her gaze. “I wish you could know and like me for who I really am.”

  Liora placed her other hand on top of his and looked up at him with gentle eyes. “Try me,” she said.

  He squeezed her hand. “Not today.” He looked away as a wave of guilt overtook him.

  Liora didn’t object to his answer and, respecting his wishes, pressed no further. She threaded her arm through his and easily melted into his side, leaning her head against his upper arm and shoulder.

  Jacob tilted his head toward her, delighting in the feeling of her soft warm hair on his arm and face.

  Things had unalterably changed between them. He barely knew her, but he knew he was in love with this graceful, charming, and beautiful woman beside him. He was certain Liora loved Jacob, but how could she love General Lucius Fabius Maximus? He was fighting his emotions harder than he’d fought any foe he had ever met on the battlefield.

  “Liora . . . Jacob!” Esther shouted, breaking the spell as she skipped happily toward them. “Look!” She held out a handful of wildflowers she had gathered.

  Liora and Jacob sat up straight, but Jacob did not let go of her hand.

  “How pretty,” Liora said. “Let’s take them home. Your mother will be so pleased.” She stood and Jacob stood with her, still unwilling to relinquish her hand. Liora didn’t object or pull away even when Sariah approached. They walked hand in hand back to the house.

  Sariah followed behind, grinning widely.

  At the house, Sariah and Liora quickly disappeared into the back, whispering excitedly.

  Jacob chatted with Lamech and Raisa, who were tending to their new son.

  “Lamech, do you feel like taking a short hike today?” Jacob asked.

  “I would love to get out for a while. Being indoors is getting to me.” Raisa punched him on the arm playfully. Lamech rephrased. “A walk in the fresh air would do wonders for my health.” He smiled and kissed his wife.

  “Good,” Jacob said. “I’ll wait outside.” The day was still young but already proving to be a hot one. He was concerned that he had said too much to Liora. He wondered if, even now, she was telling Naomi and Sariah and they were continuing their guessing game about their mysterious guests—or was she keeping his confidence? He should have asked her to stay silent until they spoke more. They had made known their mutual interest, and he was sure that knowledge was being shared with Sariah and Naomi. It was no secret that Sariah carried a torch for Levi. Jacob smiled to himself thinking about it. Sariah made her feelings obvious; Levi was slow on the uptake, totally unaware. He wondered if the unspoken feeling between himself and Liora had been as obvious to everyone. Naomi was probably already planning their matches. He laughed out loud, then quickly sobered with the thought that it might be true. Naomi and Jershon had an eligible daughter and niece. Jacob and Levi certainly seemed like eligible Jewish men. The thought made him uneasy. He looked back toward the house. Where is Lamech? Jacob was restless to get going and clear his head. I’m losing all self-discipline, Jacob chided himself as he began to pace anxiously. How did I get caught up in this so quickly? He suddenly had the urge to escape.

  Lamech finally emerged from the house. Jacob led the way up the road northward out of town. “Where should we go, Lamech?” Jacob asked.

  “There’s a path a short distance from here that leads to a hidden cove on the sea. It is full of large rocks and plenty of shade. Maybe we could wash the dust from our feet,” Lamech replied.

  “That would suit me,” Jacob said.

  “It’s good to get out of the house. I’m going a little crazy just lying down all day and not being active,” Lamech finally said. “Something certainly has the women all worked up this morning. Raisa and the others were all giggling and chattering at once.” He added, “Perhaps she’ll tell me about it when I get back.”

  Jacob grimaced inwardly. “Who knows what makes that happen,” he responded.

  “Well, you and Levi have certainly stirred things up,” Lamech said.

  “How so?” Jacob asked, already knowing the answer.

  “You and Levi have stolen the hearts of my sister and cousin, but I am sure that’s obvious to you.” Lamech looked at Jacob and smiled. “The young men of Capernaum don’t have a chance.”

  “Do they have suitors?” Jacob asked curiously.

  “Not that compare to the two of you,” Lamech responded.

  “I don’t think we’re a very good match for such fine women,” Jacob said.

  “My father and mother think differently,” Lamech offered.

  Jacob was caught off guard. “What do you mean?”

  “It’s a small house, Jacob. A whisper only makes one listen more intently. It’s difficult not to know what people are saying. My mother likes you two and is pressing my father to speak to each of you about a betrothal. But because they don’t know you very well and know nothing of your families, my father has been resisting.”

  “Your father is right to be cautious,” Jacob said, pulling a leaf off a dangling sycamore branch as he passed.

  “I don’t know you two very well either, Jacob,” Lamech confessed, “but I feel you are good men with good intentions, and I think you would make good husbands.”

  “Well, you just keep your feelings to yourself, my friend.” Jacob shoved Lamech in the shoulder. They both smiled and walked on.

  Jacob felt a knot forming in his stomach. What ha
ve I done? How am I going to get out of this gracefully if it escalates? It appeared already to have progressed beyond a point of safe retreat. It would be hurtful, but he was sure if he told the truth to Jershon, he would decide that he and Levi would not make good husbands. After all, they weren’t Jewish, and according to Ezra, marriage between a Jew and a Gentile was forbidden. He and Levi had not forced their way into the daily life of this good family, but circumstances had made it virtually impossible to refuse their warm hospitality. Jacob again scolded himself for his lack of discipline. He had lost focus and allowed comfort to dictate his actions. If he were this careless on the battlefield, it would cost lives and perhaps the failure of an entire campaign. He couldn’t suffer this distraction any longer. He and Levi would have to move on tomorrow. Jesus was supposed to be leaving Capernaum soon, anyway, and they would follow him as they had planned. It would be best. Then a vision of Liora flashed into his head. He closed his eyes and tried to expel it. It didn’t work. He had breathed her in, and it wouldn’t be easy to leave her. He crushed the leaf in his hand and threw it angrily to the side of the road. He would talk to Levi tonight.

  Many times on campaigns, he had walked by himself, processing information and mulling strategic options. This was no different. The hike proved both calming and invigorating. His head was becoming a little clearer. He liked Lamech and appreciated what a good, committed husband he was. Raisa was beautiful, and Lamech was very much in love with her. His new family was paramount in his mind, and he thought only of their future happiness. Jacob wondered if he would ever have a family and be able to dedicate his life to them—the thought seemed so foreign. But that was only one of many battles raging inside of him.

  Jacob was uncomfortable at the midday meal and found it difficult to make eye contact with Liora. This was all such an enigma. He just wanted to be gone.

  Liora filled the wine cups, kneeling by Jacob’s side. He turned to look at the graceful profile of this perfect woman, and his resolve vanished. He finished eating and excused himself. He walked outside, not knowing where to go or what to do. He wished that Levi was back and wished that he could talk to his father or mother, Ezra—anyone.