Maximus

by Richard L. Black

  “Good question. Maybe we should go to the temple and ask around. He said he was still friends with the high priest. Perhaps he would know where to find him,” Levi answered, shifting his weight on the horse.

  “That’s a good idea. I want to spend some time with Ezra before seeing Pilate. Frankly, Pilate could still be in Caesarea, but I assume he will be in Jerusalem for these holidays. If he is still in Caesarea, we will stay in Jerusalem for a couple of days, then head to the coast. Perhaps we can secure passage on a ship home from there.” Jacob’s voice trailed off with his last comment.

  Levi looked over at his friend. “So you have decided to go home?”

  Jacob looked straight ahead. “I suppose,” he finally said.

  “You don’t sound very convinced. After our meeting with Pontius Pilate, will we have any unfinished business?” Levi asked his friend with a smirk.

  “There’s always unfinished business at the end of a campaign,” Jacob said flippantly.

  “But I’m talking personal business,” Levi responded.

  Jacob reined up his horse defiantly. “What personal business?” he barked. Levi just kept moving slowly ahead on his horse. Jacob sat for a moment, then loosed the reins and dug his heels into the side of the horse to get him moving forward. When he came alongside Levi, he turned and said, “If you are talking about Liora, I might ask the same of you—what about Sariah?”

  Levi kept his gaze straight ahead, not acknowledging the question. After a few minutes Levi turned to Jacob. “What about Sariah?” Levi snipped. “Neither of those good women would chain their future to a couple of Roman soldiers, especially not Liora. Her brothers were killed by Romans.”

  “They weren’t killed by Romans like us,” Jacob defended. “They were like those we encountered in Caesarea, auxiliaries from Syria or Macedonia or some other Greek-speaking area of the empire. I would bet on it.”

  “How do you plan on convincing them of that?” Levi shook his head.

  “We don’t have to convince them,” Jacob said, flustered. “There is no need to convince them of anything—we’re going home!” He kicked his horse to move ahead.

  “What about Jesus? Will you stay and become a disciple?” Levi shouted after his friend.

  Jacob again reined up his horse. “You have questions that I don’t have answers for,” he spat.

  “If we go home, we go home as Romans: you the senatorial legate and I your primus pilus and deputy commander. Nothing changes,” Levi said with a hint of melancholy in his voice.

  “It’s you . . . you’re the one who wants to stay,” Jacob exclaimed.

  “No worse than you, my brother, but you won’t admit it,” Levi retorted, then kicked his horse and moved on. Jacob kicked his horse and caught up.

  “Do you want to talk about this?” Jacob asked.

  “No, not really,” Levi answered.

  “Brother, at some point we need to address this and make a decision. We will be expected back in Rome once we give our report to Pontius Pilate, and that could be in the next few days,” Jacob pointed out.

  Levi was silent. They passed an encampment of about twenty pilgrims resting alongside the road. Greetings and blessings were exchanged. Jacob had become comfortable with casual Aramaic exchanges. His accent drew a little attention, but the fact that he spoke even a few words of their language diminished the curiosity of the travelers.

  They passed houses on the outskirts of Jerusalem, and people were becoming more plentiful. At the occasional rise they could plainly see more details of the great city. Small paths and roads broke off everywhere. It was easy to stay on the main highway, as it was wider and well rutted, very different from the stone roads leading into Rome. They were forced to make their way around the bustling people and carts that plied the road in and out of the city. Presently they passed merchants and beggars lining both sides of the road, peddling their wares or sorrows. The smells of pungent spices and open sewers hung heavy in the air. Smoke and incense intermingled with dust from the roads, creating a haze throughout the city. Everyone seemed to be in a hurry and there wasn’t much space to maneuver with four horses.

  As they neared the gates of the city, Jacob and Levi dismounted and led their horses through the throngs. They passed through a massive portal and intermingled with a sea of people. The temple was not far off, and Jacob led them toward its high walls.

  Near the temple, the crowds increased and merchants were everywhere, their cages of doves and goats vying for buyers’ attention. Boisterous men stationed at small tables exchanged money. The noise was deafening, people shouting for attention and bartering their wares. The temple of the Jews hardly seemed a respite for worship and contemplation.

  Jacob spotted three men in robes similar to the ones he’d seen on the elders in Capernaum. He nodded to Levi, who took the reins of the two horses from Jacob so he could walk after them to inquire of Ezra. They stood with their arms folded, discussing something in low voices among themselves. Jacob approached them boldly.

  He spoke in Greek, addressing the group respectfully. “Rabbi, I seek a man named Ezra, a rabbi who lives near here. I am a friend of his and seek his company.”

  All the men looked at him inquisitively.

  “You are not from here,” a short man with a long gray beard said.

  “No, I am not, rabbi. We come from Capernaum,” said Jacob.

  The men continued to look at Jacob with blank stares. The old man continued. “Yet you are not Galilean.” The man raised his eyebrows, inviting more explanation.

  “No, rabbi, I am from Egypt.” Jacob hoped his answer would end the questioning.

  The man speaking furrowed his brow. “An Egyptian Jew,” he said in a condescending tone, “coming to Jerusalem by way of Capernaum. That is most strange. And why seek ye this Ezra?”

  “He is a friend,” Jacob stated flatly, annoyed with their attitude and irrelevant questions. He straightened his shoulders and with a stern look in his eyes addressed the elders firmly. “Do you know him and his whereabouts, or not?”

  The three men looked up at the large, apparently Jewish man before them and shuffled with discomfort. “Yes, we know him,” one of them said. “If you will go out of the gates of the city and travel a short distance on the main highway you will see a grove of trees to your right. Just prior to that grove you will encounter a merchant selling colorful cloth. He acquires that cloth through his relationship with Ezra. His name is Tamur. He will lead you to Ezra.”

  Jacob bowed with respect and thanked them despite the contempt he felt. He returned to where Levi held the horses. Jacob could sense the three men watching his every step. “I think we’ve found him,” Jacob said to Levi as he grabbed the reins of two of the horses. They led the horses back the way they had come.

  When they had made their way through the crowds and beyond the city walls, Jacob walked beside Levi and told of his conversation with the elders. “It was odd the way they questioned me. You would think with all the pilgrims in Jerusalem that the presence of a stranger asking about someone wouldn’t raise eyebrows.”

  “Perhaps they are curious about your interest in Ezra. Who knows how they feel about him. Ezra was someone of importance here at one time. Maybe they have reason to be suspicious of him,” Levi observed.

  “You’re probably right,” Jacob responded. “I found it interesting that they knew this merchant and his name—it didn’t seem coincidental. As Ezra told us, these people know everyone’s business. Maybe we made a mistake asking them about Ezra and alerting them to our presence.”

  “We’re not going to be here long,” Levi responded. “And you forget—once we meet with Pontius Pilate, we are Romans again. They wouldn’t dare interfere with us or with Ezra.”

  In the distance, Jacob saw the grove of trees the elders had referred to. There were merchants along both sides of the road and with the influx of visitors, it was like passing through a bazaar. Jacob spotted a tent displaying colorful cloth hanging from ro
pes suspended from tall stakes. Under a flap in front of the tent sat a large man in a multicolored robe, different from the drab brown and gray robes they commonly saw. He was engaged in an animated conversation with two men sitting by him on a deep red rug. Jacob and Levi approached slowly, guiding the horses carefully through the crowd of people. As they approached the front of the tent the three men sitting on the rug stopped talking and looked up.

  “We seek Tamur,” Jacob announced.

  The large man in the colorful robe stood. “I am Tamur,” he said, smiling broadly at the two strangers.

  Jacob put his hand out in greeting, and Tamur reciprocated. “My name is Jacob. This is Levi.”

  Tamur sized up the two men briefly, raising a bushy gray eyebrow suspiciously.

  “We come from Egypt by way of Capernaum. We come seeking a man named Ezra. We are friends of his. We were told you could help us find him.”

  The mood instantly changed. Tamur laughed heartily, opened his arms, and embraced Jacob like an old acquaintance. “It’s so like my friend Ezra to have friends with a foreign appearance and strange speech.” The three men laughed together. Jacob and Levi joined them.

  “So you know him,” Jacob said.

  “Of course,” said Tamur jovially. “Come, sit, and join us in a drink. You look weary from the road, and thirsty.” Tamur and his friends turned and sat back down on the rug.

  They secured the horses to a nearby tree and returned to join the three men on the rug. Tamur gestured to a boy standing at the side who quickly ran into the tent and returned with two gold goblets that he placed on the tray in front of Tamur. Tamur filled them from an ample flask and offered them to his guests. The wine was cool and excellent.

  “So tell me.” Tamur motioned to them with his hands. “What business do you two Egyptians have with my friend Ezra?” Tamur said sarcastically and enjoyed more laughter with his friends at the expense of Jacob and Levi. Jacob felt a curious liking for Tamur and sensed he could trust him.

  “It’s a long story,” Jacob answered.

  “We have plenty of time and we enjoy long stories. I am sure it will prove interesting,” Tamur encouraged him.

  Jacob considered being fully truthful but felt it best to be discreet. “We met Ezra in Rome. We traveled here with him a short time ago. Our mission is almost complete, and we want to meet with Ezra before we depart.”

  “Mission?” Tamur asked. “That sounds serious.”

  Jacob regretted his choice of words and searched for a rejoinder. “Our time here is complete,” he said flatly. “We just have a few details to take care of, and meeting with Ezra is one of them.” He hoped he would not be questioned further about his presence in Jerusalem.

  Tamur realized he had made his two guests uncomfortable and was now more curious than ever. He offered them bread and fruit from another tray. Jacob and Levi ate hungrily.

  Tamur finally said, “Ezra mentioned some time ago he was traveling to Rome at the behest of some powerful men. When he returned, we had occasion to meet again, and I asked him about his journey. He told me it was uneventful, that he had simply escorted two diplomats back to Judaea. I assume you two are the diplomats?” Tamur smiled agreeably at his two guests.

  Jacob realized it was fruitless to hide behind half-truths. “Yes, we are the two diplomats. I would say our presence is inconsequential and our task was a small one, and it is now complete. Please forgive us for not being more forthcoming.”

  Tamur smiled at the two imposing men sitting before him. “I’ll wager your story is much more interesting than you let on.” He laughed heartily and poured more wine.

  “You come at an interesting time,” Tamur continued. “Passover brings pilgrims from all parts of our land and many foreigners, not unlike you two. By the end of the week, there will be thousands of visitors. The streets will be filled with customers.” He laughed again and his friends joined him. “We are fully stocked, thanks to our mutual friend, and look forward to the influx of new money.” Tamur then dropped an interesting comment. “We hear this Jesus of Nazareth is coming from Galilee. He brings with him a multitude of followers, adding to the confusion of this week. The priests have their robes in a flutter over the arrival of this ‘king of the Jews.’” Tamur’s friends once again shared his laughter.

  Jacob almost choked on his wine. A thousand questions came into his mind at once. He sorted his thoughts, then said calmly, “We heard of this Jesus during our time in Capernaum. He seems to stir up the people.”

  “He stirs up the Sanhedrin! What could be better?” Tamur asked. “Those vipers are afraid of their own shadows, let alone a man who professes peace and change within the Jewish religion. They are simply afraid of him.”

  Jacob chose his words carefully. “You seem to know something of this Jesus,” he said.

  “My good friend, we sit here all day at the crossroads of commerce and communication. I don’t need to seek news—it just comes to me. I use what I can for my gain. After all, I am a humble merchant.” He inclined his head with a wry smile then continued. “Jesus was here some time ago. He has friends, I understand, nearby in Bethany. When he visited the temple, he caused quite a stir, throwing out the moneychangers and merchants who had set up shop within its walls. I frankly don’t blame him. I am not a devout Jew, but I think the temple should be a place of reverence and worship. It has taken on the appearance of a common bazaar. His cleansing of the temple precincts was not popular with the priests, and he has become less popular with them as time has progressed. I fear his arrival in Jerusalem might precipitate his arrest.”

  Jacob could see that Tamur was an observant and well-informed man. “Well, it will be interesting to see the reaction of the powers that be if Jesus does in fact come,” Jacob said.

  “Oh, I have it on good authority that he will come. Perhaps I should invest in some trumpets to signal the arrival of the king. That would surely disturb the priests.” Tamur and his friends laughed. “It’s an interesting phenomenon—he is popular with the people but not with the leaders. His popularity will prevent the priests from having him arrested publicly; that would cause a riot. And if you believe the stories about the miracles, especially the ones we have heard about him raising the dead with the touch of his hand, perhaps the priests are afraid he could take their life with the same touch.” Tamur laughed again.

  Jacob was enjoying the wine and the company but was getting anxious to meet with Ezra. “Tamur, you have been most hospitable. We appreciate the food and wine, and the conversation has been stimulating, but we are eager to meet with our friend Ezra. Can you point us to him?”

  Tamur leaned back and gave a brief whistle. Immediately the young boy who had attended them emerged from the tent. Tamur gave him rapid instructions in Aramaic. The boy darted back into the tent and returned with a small scroll that he handed to Tamur. He opened the scroll briefly and nodded his approval, rolled it back tightly, and gave it back to the boy. “I have a list of items I was preparing to send to Ezra. Tzevi here can take you to Ezra and deliver my message at the same time.” He beckoned young Tzevi forward. The boy stood tall, proud that he had been asked to run an adult errand and lead the two strange Jewish men.

  Jacob and Levi stood. Tamur and his two friends stood with them. They shook hands and wished each other well. Tamur heartily embraced Jacob as if he was now a cherished friend. He whispered in his ear, “I sense your interest in Jesus of Nazareth is more than a passing curiosity. I am almost convinced myself to be a disciple, as I believe he is who they say he is.” Tamur leaned back and held Jacob by the shoulders. “Go with God, my son, and give my blessing to Ezra.”

  Jacob was surprised at Tamur’s comment and wondered what he had done or said to give him the impression of being deeply interested in Jesus. He simply bowed his head. Tamur returned the bow.

  Tzevi had already collected the four horses and held them two by two. He tucked the small scroll in his waistband and walked ahead, Jacob and Levi following.
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br />   They continued along the main highway for another few hundred yards when Tzevi took a right turn down a side road. He looked back quickly to make sure the men were still following him. They weaved along narrow alleys and streets through a myriad of houses of various shapes and sizes, all of which seemed to share common walls. The heat reflected off the brown clay buildings as they passed. People moved aside obligingly as Tzevi and the horses approached. After endless twisting and turning through the labyrinth of dwellings, they approached a somewhat larger house off by itself, a small enclosure to the side where a donkey leaned his head over a well-worn railing. This was the house of their friend Ezra.

  Tzevi approached the front door, knocked, and then shouted something in Aramaic. Jacob could hear a mumbled response from within the house and knew it was Ezra’s gravelly voice. Another minute passed, in which they could hear what sounded like furniture being moved inside and more mumbling. Tzevi looked back at Jacob and Levi, and the three of them smiled.

  Shortly the door flew open in a cloud of dust and out walked Ezra. Tzevi barely missed being struck by Ezra’s staff as Ezra emerged.

  “What do you want, young man?” Ezra asked loudly, apparently disturbed by the interruption to his day. Tzevi spoke again in Aramaic and handed Ezra the small scroll, which Ezra glanced at quickly. “Is there anything else, young man?” Ezra asked tersely. Tzevi smiled and stepped back, pointing toward Jacob and Levi, who stood beside the horses. Ezra looked curiously at the two large men, and then a beam of recognition came over him. “My sons!” he said loudly. He walked forward, his arms wide, nearly tripping over his robe in his haste.

  Jacob handed the reins of the horses to Levi and stepped forward to meet Ezra. They embraced heartily. Jacob felt the frailty of Ezra’s body. He had lost weight, and upon further inspection, it appeared his beard was grayer and his face drawn. Ezra turned and embraced Levi; he looked like a little boy in the massive embrace of the deputy commander.

  “Jacob, Levi, my sons, please come in, sit down with me. We have so much to talk about.” Ezra turned and pulled a coin from a small purse and handed it to Tzevi, who smiled with glee. “Thank you, my boy. Give my regards to Tamur. Tell him I will visit him after the holy days.” Ezra raised his staff in dismissal. Tzevi ran off happily, clutching the coin in his palm.