Maximus

by Richard L. Black

  Androcles responded. “I was angry with him for making me come along. But he is weak and needed protection.” Androcles’s humor broke the tension, and everyone laughed a little nervously. “But I will be forever grateful for being asked to come to Judaea.” Androcles smiled at Sariah.

  Maximus dropped the blanket from his shoulders as the warmth of the fire took effect. “The plan was to pose as Jews to better enable us to follow Jesus unnoticed. It was an interesting transformation.”

  Maximus told them of the voyage from Ostia by ship, the Egyptian captain Akhom, the pirate attack, and the long days sitting on deck cross-legged with Ezra, learning Jewish ways. He told them about arriving at Caesarea and the encounter with the Roman soldiers and their journey to Capernaum with the caravan led by Alhasan. Some parts of the narrative made everyone laugh; others made them gasp with fear and wonder. Each one gained a renewed respect for the bravery and courage of Maximus and Androcles.

  “Fate brought us to Capernaum on the shores of the Sea of Galilee just as help was needed. We had no intention of staying with anyone. Our plan was to blend in with Jesus’s disciples and follow him from place to place. But it became harder and harder to separate ourselves from your hospitality and kindness—and your good cooking, Naomi.” Naomi blushed with the unexpected compliment.

  “Our discussions with your family were enlightening. Androcles and I have not been part of a family in the past decade and more for any length of time. We talked about leaving your home several times, and we should have done so before the bonds became so deep and complicated.” Maximus stole a quick glance at Liora. She looked angelic sitting by the fire, shadows dancing off her deep olive-green robe and white head covering. He wanted to talk with her privately, perhaps take a walk, but circumstances would not permit. All the better, for he knew how Jershon would feel about anything that might draw them closer together. Ezra had made it clear what the Jewish law was on that subject, and his heart pained him, even though he also knew that Roman law and custom forbade a citizen to marry someone who was not also a citizen of Rome.

  “The longer we stayed, the harder it became to leave. We never meant to deceive you. We apologize again if we have caused you any pain. We would be grateful if you would let us repay you for your hospitality.”

  Jershon raised his hand in objection. “Don’t insult us with an offer to compensate us for the love we showed you. The feelings were genuine on our side too, my sons.” Jershon’s use of the familiar form of address caused Maximus to smile despite his embarrassment about the offer.

  “You have had a most interesting journey. We would certainly like to hear more.” Maximus’s heart leapt at the thought that they might be invited back. He had resigned himself that after their meeting tonight they would say a good-bye, and that would be the end of it. He had mixed emotions about continuing any association with Liora, because it could not lead to happiness for either of them, but now that he was with her again, he was not ready to turn his back on his feelings quite yet.

  Liora stood to refresh Maximus’s cup of wine. She leaned toward him, her back to the fire. He raised his cup and breathed in the scent of her closeness, his gaze welded to her eyes. Maximus sensed they had a private space for about two seconds. I love you, he mouthed. Her composure suddenly weakened, and she lost her balance. Maximus reached out to catch her, placing his strong hand on her delicate shoulder. The touch sent a warm shock through his entire body. He wanted to hold her close, even if it was for just a moment. She steadied herself and pulled away. Her smile and the tears forming in her eyes told him she felt what he felt.

  “Are you all right?” he asked.

  “Yes, I am fine now.” She smiled, acknowledging his whisper. “Would you like some more cake?” she asked. The sound of her voice racked his heart. He suddenly knew he could not leave this woman. In the brief time they had spent together, something had happened between them to form an unbreakable bond. She had somehow become part of him—and he of her. He was going to need Ezra’s help. He didn’t know how he would make it work, but he could not go on without her.

  “Are you all right, my dear?” Naomi bustled over to help when she saw Liora stumble.

  “I am fine, aunt,” she answered, but Naomi heard the trembling in her voice and saw the tears in her eyes. She had watched Sariah flirt with Levi, and she sighed in resignation. A complex ache welled in the heart of a concerned mother on behalf of her children.

  Jershon leaned forward. “Tell me, Jacob, what was your report to Pilate today about Jesus of Nazareth, if I may ask?”

  Maximus took his eyes off Liora and answered. “We have met with him twice and reported the same thing: Jesus is not leading any revolution that Rome should be concerned about. Unfortunately, the Sanhedrin seeks his arrest. They have been meeting and pressuring Pilate daily.”

  Jershon hissed through his teeth. “Those vipers are still looking out for their own skins.”

  “Yes, they are,” Maximus answered.

  “How much longer will they let him walk the streets freely and teach in the temple?” Jershon asked.

  “They plot against him as we speak,” Maximus continued. “I suspect they will arrest him any day. I don’t know what their reason will be or the charges, but we seem to have Pilate’s ear at the moment, and I believe he will not have any part of it. They may ban Jesus from the temple, or from Jerusalem for that matter, but I don’t think that will have any effect on his teachings, and his followers increase daily. That is why the chief priests of the Sanhedrin seek to quiet him. The Jews are more passionate about listening to the teachings of Jesus than they are the teachings of the local rabbis—and that disturbs them.”

  “He passes near here each day early in the morning and late in the afternoon. They say he is staying in Bethany,” Jershon commented.

  “Yes, I understand he has friends there,” Maximus answered.

  “Levi, what are your thoughts?” Jershon turned the conversation to Androcles.

  Androcles was startled as he had been looking at Sariah the whole time. “Yes, the sweet cakes were delicious, Naomi—thank you.” There was a pause, and then everyone laughed together as they realized he had not been paying attention at all to the conversation.

  “I see you have other things on your mind,” Jershon said with a grin. He was well aware that the connection had once again been made between the two men and his daughter and niece. He was regretting this meeting but was glad to see the light come back into the girls’ eyes. “You two should probably be getting back. It is getting late.”

  Maximus took that as their cue to leave. He felt so much better having told them the truth, but he wasn’t sure whether anything had changed. He couldn’t think how to ask for another invitation to visit, so he wished that someone would invite them back, yet he sensed reluctance in Jershon’s tone. He knew Jershon was grateful to have the matter of their departure cleared up, but that didn’t change the fact that Maximus and Androcles were Gentiles. That divide could not be crossed.

  Maximus stood. He extended his hand, but Jershon instead gave him a warm embrace. Then Jershon turned to Androcles and embraced him warmly as well. Naomi gave an affectionate hug to each.

  “I am glad we were able to see you again to explain a bit,” said Maximus with some finality.

  “We are too, Jacob,” responded Jershon. “It was good to see you both.” He could not think of anything else to say.

  David reluctantly shook hands but did not say a word. Seth hugged each of them as if they were lost brothers and playfully slugged Androcles, who shoved him away.

  “We will see you again, won’t we?” Naomi asked, looking at Jershon for confirmation. Everything became so quiet they could hear the flames of the fire licking the cool night air.

  Jershon sidestepped the question. “I’ll walk with you, my sons,” he said as he led them out of the light of the camp.

  “I’m glad we had this chance to talk. Everything is much clearer now,” Jershon began.
“Although I am not sure where we go from here,” he said with honest doubt in his voice. “It is very complicated.”

  “I agree with you,” answered Maximus. “But I will be frank with you, Jershon, now that there are no secrets between us.” Maximus shuffled his feet nervously and took a deep breath, gathering his thoughts, then blurted out, “I am in love with Liora.”

  Jershon looked at him tenderly. “That is obvious, my son, and it is obvious she feels the same way about you. Though I now understand the reason for your leaving us so abruptly in Capernaum, I also know it troubled you deeply to do so. The anguish my daughters felt was no less.” He turned to Androcles. “Sariah told Naomi and me the things you talked about in private, and it appears you feel the same way about her as Jacob feels about Liora.”

  Now Androcles was shuffling, but he answered strongly. “Yes, Jershon, I do. I promise you that although our talks were intimate, in no way has my behavior been in conflict with your ways.”

  “I trust that they haven’t, my son. That was never in question,” Jershon assured him. “I have seen the respect with which you treat our entire family. I must apologize for David’s coolness, however. He is still struggling with your being Romans, as you can understand. When his brothers were killed, it was especially difficult for him. He had worked closely with them and his father for years.”

  “If anyone understands that, Jershon, it is I,” said Androcles. “I would have a hard time not taking immediate revenge on any Gaul I happened to meet in the street—peaceful or not.”

  “Then you understand the need to be patient with him. Especially since he is aware of Jacob’s feeling toward his sister. He is quite confused.” Jershon struck his staff on the rocky path where they stood. He looked at both of them with compassion. “But I can’t possibly let this continue. You know that.”

  “We do,” answered Maximus, who started to speak.

  Jershon held up his staff, not unlike the way Ezra had signalled for them to hold their tongues while he taught them. “I need to converse with my God,” he said, bowing his head with fatigue. “We have become followers of Jesus. His teachings are new, and Jesus says he fulfills the old Law of Moses. I am not sure what he means by that.” He tapped his staff nervously. “The purity of our race has been foremost in our teaching.” Jershon’s eyes began to fill with tears. “I do not have the wisdom of your friend Ezra. I would like to talk with him before I make a decision. Would you ask him on my behalf if he would meet with me tomorrow? I can send Seth in the morning to confirm a time.”

  Maximus took Jershon’s arm as the strong Galilean seemed suddenly feeble. “I am sure he would be pleased to meet with you. He is a wise man; we have learned much from him. He spends most of his days studying and could use the company. In fact, it would do well for him to get out. Send Seth mid-morning, and Ezra can return with him to your camp. Your whole family should know him.”

  “That would be good,” Jershon said. “I will arrange some time to speak with him alone as well.”

  “Then it is settled.” Out of great love for Jershon and a sudden hope for the future, Maximus gave him another affectionate embrace.

  Jershon smiled and looked at the two men he loved. “Be well, my sons. We will figure this out.” He walked slowly back to the camp, wiping the tears from his eyes.

  37

  יום רביעי

  Yom Revi’i

  Wednesday dawned cool. Maximus was up early and took a short walk. He found a quiet place some distance from the city and sat to ponder the events of the previous night. Jershon was hard to read; he was being cautious with his words. Maximus had felt a surge of relief when he and Androcles left after revealing the truth about themselves and discovering that his feelings hadn’t changed for Liora, nor hers for him. He was still unsure about the future and didn’t want to think the worst, but his common sense told him not to hold too much hope for a happy outcome. Besides, there was more than just Jershon’s family to consider. He was glad Jershon had suggested a meeting with Ezra. Not that he thought Ezra would be able to dissuade him from following Jewish law, but perhaps there were some exceptions to the law that Jershon wasn’t aware of.

  Maximus had processed life both with and without Liora ever since leaving her in Capernaum. He had concluded that he would never find someone like her. The few women he had come to know in Rome all had expectations of him that he knew he could not meet. What they didn’t know was that he was far removed from the Rome they thought he supported. He would never live an elite lifestyle in the city, and he had no interest in associating any longer with those in power. He was tired not only of the fighting but tired of the politics too.

  Rome seemed like a distant memory to Maximus. He looked at the simple robes he wore and realized how much he enjoyed being an ordinary man. He thought back to the days in Capernaum, working hard and helping out—that was what he wanted. He was through with generalship and all the responsibility that came with it. He was through with the senate’s imperialism and the campaigns that were placed on his shoulders. The pain of separation that he felt was for his mother and sisters, not Rome.

  In the distance, he saw farmers beginning to work the fields and orchards. Tradesmen and pilgrims filled the roads into Jerusalem. The city was awakening. He stood, shook the loose leaves from his robe, and made his way back to the house. He had a busy day ahead.

  Maximus returned just before Seth arrived. Ezra had protested mildly the night before when Maximus asked him to go with the young man in the morning, but Ezra knew meeting with Jershon was important to both Maximus and Androcles. He had a pretty good idea why, so he withheld serious objection. He spent too much time in the house, anyway, and needed to get out among people again. If nothing else, the walk would do him good.

  Seth eagerly knocked on the door, and after a warm greeting, Ezra gathered his cloak and staff, and the two set off together.

  Maximus and Androcles did not discuss the events of the previous night. Androcles had been quite close-mouthed about Sariah, anyway, and it ultimately didn’t matter to Maximus what Androcles was thinking of doing. Each man would have to come to his own decision. Surprisingly, it was Androcles who broached the subject.

  “What are you going to do, my brother?” he asked.

  “About what?”

  Androcles laughed as he donned his leather breastplate in preparation for the day. “About Liora.”

  Maximus parried. “What are you planning to do about Sariah?”

  Androcles’s response caught Maximus by surprise. “I plan on living a long life with her in Capernaum, working as a blacksmith.”

  Maximus stopped lacing his sandal and stared up at his lifelong friend. “You never cease to surprise me.”

  “I’ll bet you the rest of your gold aurei that you do the same. You’ll find a way to be with Liora and make a life for yourself, although I don’t see you as a fisherman.” Androcles laughed.

  Maximus continued dressing. “No, you’re right. I was thinking of becoming a member of the Sanhedrin instead,” he said.

  They both laughed.

  Maximus sat disconsolately, leaning forward with his elbows on his knees and his hands folded. “What’s the answer, my brother?”

  “It will work out,” Androcles answered confidently. “I don’t know how, but it will work out. We’ve fought many battles together with the odds stacked against us—this one is no different. Don’t give up, Maximus.” Androcles put his hand on his friend’s shoulder. “Victory is within our grasp. Fight hard, and at the end of the day, the laurel wreath will be ours.”

  “They’re not laurel wreaths, you numbskull.” Maximus shook his head dejectedly.

  “No, and they are not the enemy—and we never conquered anyone that afterwards we gave our hearts to,” Androcles said with a grin.

  Maximus chuckled. “You think yourself a great philosopher, don’t you? But, we are fighting the long-held traditions of an unbending culture, my friend. They may be insurmountabl
e.”

  “Their culture is changing as we speak. Their laws are being challenged, and their world is being turned upside down. The Nazarene is our ally in this,” Androcles said as he secured the belt around his waist.

  “I don’t know if the gospel Jesus preaches includes Jewish women marrying Gentile men, especially Roman soldiers,” Maximus said.

  “Perhaps, but I think that’s about to change as well.” Androcles opened the door to leave.

  “God has given you the power of ten men, Androcles. You never run from a fight—you keep slashing until you have won. I will trust you on this one,” Maximus said and followed him out the door.

  “Which god do you speak of?” Androcles asked.

  “That’s another problem we have.” Maximus followed his friend as they began the trek to Pilate’s palace.

  ◆ ◆ ◆

  “General, commander.” Pilate seemed fatigued as he greeted the two soldiers. “I have news I find troubling.”

  Maximus looked at Androcles warily.

  “Good morning, sir. I’m sorry you’re troubled. How can we help?” Maximus said with a slight bow of his head.

  Pilate pursed his lips together, then said flatly, “Make this Nazarene go away.” A low murmuring chuckle rose from the group of advisors and scribes surrounding him.

  Maximus wisely refrained from comment but rather kept his attention on Pilate, waiting for an explanation.

  “Ever since he has arrived he has been nothing but trouble.” Pilate waved his hand in disgust.