Daniel pulled out Brutus’ letters and a couple of scrolls. “If you know Brutus Snyder, then you know his proclivity to collect ancient parchments. I’m delivering his papers to him in Caesarea—that is, unless you interfere. I’m sure you wouldn’t want a bad report to get back to Pontius Pilate—would you, sir?”
The captain straightened and adjusted his military attire. “Let me see what you have.”
Daniel handed him the documents and scrolls. The captain passed a couple of them to his cohorts to peruse. Several minutes of silence followed.
“Of course,” Daniel continued, “When I meet Mr. Snyder, I’ll be sure to put in a good word for you, how you saved his daughter’s life, as well as his grandchild and son-in-law.”
The captain looked up. “Shale Snyder is your wife?” He pointed to Shira. “She’s your daughter?”
“Shale is my betrothed. We plan to marry in Caesarea.”
At that proclamation, my heart went pitter-patter. Was Daniel going to marry me in Caesarea, after all my consternation?
The captain responded, “If Shale is Mr. Snyder’s daughter, she shouldn’t need a pig to feed Mr. Snyder’s granddaughter, should she?”
Daniel gulped.
I didn’t know what to say. Now we were trapped by our own words.
Judd broke in for the first time. “Lowly is a prize-winning pig, but Mr. Snyder is very humble about it—doesn’t tell anyone, you know.”
The captain burst out laughing. “Prize-winning pig.” He slapped the precious documents into Daniel’s chest. “I expect a glowing report about how I rescued Mr. Snyder’s family, including his daughter and grandchild. Festus is my name.”
He clutched Daniel on the shoulder one more time. “Another captain may not be so lenient. Your name is well known. Many hope to prove their worth to Pontius Pilate. You are an escaped slave—and there is plenty of room for thieves like you at the salt mines. My advice to you is to stay out of Caesarea. Even Brutus Snyder doesn’t have the authority to overrule Pilate.”
Daniel drew in a long breath.
Relief filled my heart.
The captain gathered his band of soldiers. As they picked their way through the flooded-out road, he pointed to the collapsed area as they passed. “We’ll need to get a repair crew to fix this …” His voice trailed off as they continued towards Galilee.
Once they disappeared, Daniel hurried over to me. “How is Shira?”
“We’re fine,” I reassured him. “Just cold.”
Daniel glanced up at the sky. “The sun will dry you out. Let’s go a little further, to the King’s Highway. We can eat and rest there.”
Daniel turned to Mari and Judd. “Does that sound like a good plan?”
They both nodded.
I clenched my eyes and bowed my head. “Thank you, Jesus, for saving us, even Lowly.”
CHAPTER 48
EXHAUSTED, WE ARRIVED in Caesarea at sunset. The estate covered several acres and it took a few minutes to reach the house on the private rock-laden driveway.
Daniel dismounted and came over to help Shira and me as Judd and Mari wandered off for what appeared to be a romantic walk.
“Mari and Judd are family, but what about us? Are they expecting guests?” I asked.
Daniel grabbed Shira, who rubbed her eyes, not having had her afternoon nap. He held her as I dismounted. “We’ll let you nap as soon as we get settled in, sweetie.”
Shira grunted, wrapping her arms around his neck, too tired to say anything.
Daniel quickly scanned the estate, admiringly. “Cynisca and I stayed overnight here when we left Caesarea. I think Mari’s mother passed away a few years ago. I promised Theophilus I would come back and tell him about Yeshua.”
Soon a servant approached, and Mari came over to make the introductions.
“I hope my father is here,” Mari said.
“He’ll be excited to see you,” he replied.
Some other helpers arrived to take care of the animals.
Before they were taken to the barn, I walked over and spoke to Lowly. “How is my favorite pig doing?”
“Sh-shale, you aren’t going to eat me, are you?”
“Eat you! Of course not.”
“W-e-well—that’s what you told that man.”
I squatted down to his eye level and spoke to him through the wooden spokes. It was a miracle the ruined crate didn’t collapse. “I wanted to save your life. Besides, I don’t even like bacon.”
“What’s ba-bacon?” Lowly asked.
I sighed. “I don’t eat pork.”
Lowly wagged his tail. “Oh, thank goodness.”
The sun peeked through the canopy of trees. I lifted up my eyes to the heavens thankful Baruch and Lowly had such a wonderful place to call home. If God could save a lowly pig from death, how much more could he do if we only asked? “They will take good care of you, Lowly, I promise.”
“Thank you, Sh-ale. You are the best friend any pig could have.”
“They might want to bathe you, though, get some of that smell off of you.”
“Do I smell?” Lowly asked. He appeared embarrassed at this revelation.
“Anybody would smell if they had been cooped up in that thing like you. Once you get in your new stall, you’ll be fine.”
The pig bowed his head. “Thank you, Sh-shale.”
I stood, stretching my legs and back from the long journey. “Now I must get back to Daniel.” When I returned, I heard Mari’s parting words, “I can’t wait another minute to see my father.”
Words of love I wish I could utter to my dad.
Shira wanted to look at the flowers, so she wandered around exploring.
Judd had gone around to the back to check out the stable.
Since we had a private moment, I reached for Daniel’s hand and embraced him. “You explained at your mother’s house how you and Mari are half-brother and half-sister in this century. I know your mother confused Shira for Mari, but all you said was that your mother was depressed about her sin. Of course, when we met Mari in Galilee, it took me a minute to put it together, but what about in the twenty-first century? What do you think happened to her?”
Daniel wrapped his arm around my waist. “I think my mother must have had an affair and became pregnant while she was married to my father. Here in the first century, the baby was adopted by Theophilus and his wife.”
The question begged for an answer. “What about in our dimension? Your mother and father never told you anything?”
Daniel stiffened.
I touched his chest gently with my finger. “Listen, if you don’t want to talk about it...”
Daniel shook his head. “No, it’s not that. I’ve thought about it.”
“Could Mari have died in our dimension?”
Daniel stared silently at the ground.
“So no one ever said anything?”
Daniel stepped back. “As I told you before, I met Mari twice in the seventh dimension, in the garden. Maybe—she was aborted in our dimension.”
“You think your mother might have had an abortion?”
Daniel bit his lip. “She always suffered from depression, even before my father went missing. It was more than the holocaust that bothered her. I don’t think she could forgive herself. I really believe if I had had a sister who died, I would have known. There would have been a gravesite. Or if she had been adopted, surely they would have told me.”
“Do you think your father would know something?”
“I don’t know,” Daniel replied. His face appeared sad. “What kind of person might Mari have been in our dimension?”
Daniel’s words were sobering. How could I encourage him? I tried. “In the end, I believe God will redeem everything, even something as horrid as abortion.”
“The seventh dimension makes you question a lot of things,” Daniel replied.
I brushed my hair back from my face. “In reality, everything is spiritual. I remember when you didn’t want to t
alk about spiritual things. God has changed you.”
Mari approached, waving her hand. “Please come,” she called to us.
Daniel got Shira’s attention, and she came running. Judd hurried to catch up as Mari escorted us inside.
A distinguished elderly gentleman greeted us. His eyes focused on Shira. “And who do we have here?”
Mari made the introductions. Theophilus reached out to shake my hand, and I realized at that moment he was the one Dr. Luke addressed when he wrote the Gospel of Luke. A Roman official—I never would have imagined that Mari was raised in such wealth. She was so humble, so kind—not my image of someone who could have been spoiled by the fleeting glamour of riches.
Theophilus had a commanding presence about him. He was large in stature but his reassuring face emanated kindness. “Daniel, I’m so glad you came back to visit. I can’t wait to hear about the recent happenings in Israel concerning Jesus and the Passover.”
“I look forward to our discussion,” Daniel said. “God is doing amazing things that I’d love to share with you.”
CHAPTER 49
THE NIGHT PASSED quickly as there was no lack of things to discuss. Mari and Judd’s upcoming wedding took center stage. Theophilus was excited for his daughter, and he and Judd seemed to have hit it off well.
Despite Judd’s flaws, and he had many, I could see God accomplishing a great work in him. I had no doubt God had brought them together. Money would never be an issue for Mari, and for someone who had lived such a humble life under the shadow of someone I considered a witch, I could see God’s blessings over their future marriage.
Theophilus was also the father I had never known—kind, sensitive, and God-fearing. Of course, when Daniel and I married, I could claim him as my father-in-law. What an exciting prospect.
I put Shira to bed early after dinner and joined the rest at the table, where Theophilus, Daniel, Mari and Judd reclined finishing off the meal with Roman pastries. I drank some tea.
Theophilus took a sip of wine and focused on Daniel. “Doctor Luke shared with me the incredible events surrounding Passover—the riots, the crucifixion of Jesus of Nazareth, and that many people claimed to have seen him alive afterwards. Of course, I didn’t believe Doctor Luke at first, until he told me there were hundreds who witnessed the rabbi—alive, Daniel. Alive!”
“It is quite amazing,” Daniel replied.
Theophilus shook his head. “Can you imagine what it would mean if it were true? One or two people might see a phantom or a lookalike and make an outrageous claim of seeing a dead man come back to life, but hundreds? That would be impossible—unless it were true.”
I chimed in. “Doctor Luke is the most honest person I know. And, as a doctor, his reputation is on the line. He, out of all people, wouldn’t make a claim unless he believed it were true. I hear he’s considering writing a book to document the events. Anything of this importance needs to be written down by an objective, unbiased person, and he’s that kind of doctor.”
Theophilus nodded. “I agree. Doctor Luke claimed some of the people who witnessed these proceedings are personal friends, including the mother of Jesus.”
Theophilus turned to Daniel. “What do you make of these incredible events? Do you think it’s possible Jesus is the Messiah?”
Daniel dipped his bread into a sauce. “I saw him alive also, Theophilus, following his crucifixion, along with about five hundred people, on the banks of the Sea of Galilee.”
Theophilus’ eyes bulged. “I had no idea. You mean you were among the eyewitnesses who saw him in Galilee?”
Daniel nodded. “I was.”
Theophilus stared at Daniel. No one uttered a word for a long time, contemplating what it meant. While Daniel and I knew it historically to be true, based on the scriptures and having seen God’s miracles for the last two thousand years, this was scandalous news to people of the day.
What would skeptics think in the twenty-first century if Jesus’ crucifixion had been broadcast around the world and then cameras showed him a few days later preaching at the Sea of Galilee?
“So it must be true, Daniel,” Theophilus said. He stared off into space shaking his head, then returning his gaze to Daniel. “Are you absolutely sure it was the same person, that it was Jesus?”
Daniel drew in a long breath. “I know without a doubt. In fact, I watched him die on the cross. I saw the guard stick a spear into his side. I saw what happened—the three hours of darkness that fell over Jerusalem, the earthquake that shook the ground, the renting of the veil at the temple. I saw dead people come out of tombs. I saw it with my own eyes.”
Once Daniel got started, he didn’t want to stop. I had never heard Daniel share what he saw that fateful day in such detail.
“In fact,” Daniel continued, “do you know the earthquake obliterated the Chamber of Hewn Stone? That’s where the religious leaders condemned Jesus to death—as if God judged the council for their heinous deed.”
Daniel closed his eyes. “And then the people scattered—seized with fear. I could feel the wrath of God, something I’ll never forget.
“Except for a few—Nicodemus, Joseph of Arimathea, Mary, the mother of Jesus, and a couple of her friends stayed. The Roman guard took down the body of Jesus and handed it to Joseph. They took him to be buried in a borrowed grave.”
None of us stirred as we listened, mesmerized by Daniel’s words.
“I visited the tomb. I can tell you, without any doubt, it was empty three days later. Jesus’ loincloth was draped awkwardly—as if somebody had snatched him out of his clothes. Even the look on Peter’s face exiting the burial chamber was one of utter astonishment.”
Daniel shook his head. “I can’t make this stuff up. It’s too unbelievable. Nobody would believe it—unless it was true.”
We remained silent, caught up in Daniel’s recitation.
Daniel waved his cup and took a sip. “In a strange series of events, I ended up on the shores of Galilee after Jesus was murdered. I witnessed him preaching to a crowd of listeners. Hundreds of people had gathered along the edges of the water as he spoke.
“There was one difference, however, from before. His wrists were scarred. I could see that because they were recent injuries. In an instant, I knew it was him. I recognized his voice. I knew his mannerisms. His eyes were familiar to me.
“I came to the conclusion at that moment this man must be the Messiah. I believed he was who he claimed him to be, the Son of God, who died for my sins.”
Theophilus rolled his eyes—not mockingly but in astonishment. “How can a man die and come back to life? How could anyone believe that? I must think about this. I must learn more, meet more eyewitnesses. I must discuss it further with Doctor Luke.”
“You are very wise, Theophilus,” Daniel said. “I don’t think you’re far from the kingdom of God.”
Theophilus smiled. As if to lighten the air he clapped his hands. “So—what are your plans, Daniel, while you’re in Caesarea?”
CHAPTER 50
DANIEL TOOK A bite of his dessert. “First, Theophilus, thank you for allowing us to bring Baruch and Lowly. Shale is very fond of them, and we’re glad to know they’ll be well taken care of.”
Theophilus smiled at his daughter. “I think Mari is pretty attached to them also.”
She nodded.
Daniel steepled his fingers. “As far as plans, I need to pay Cynisca’s father a visit. Do you know his name?”
“Justinian,” replied Theophilus as he studied Daniel, no doubt wondering where this would lead. “He’s a high-ranking official. To get a hearing with him might be difficult.”
Daniel shuffled his feet at this revelation.
Theophilus picked up his wine glass. “To be candid, if he knew you were in town, he might put you in jail for his financial losses. While I know you didn’t kidnap his daughter or rob his horses, you still broke the contract with him. Under Roman law, you’re an escaped slave.”
“That’s why I want
ed to visit him,” Daniel said.
Theophilus cautioned Daniel again. “If the Romans find you, you’ll be sent to the salt mines—if they don’t torture you first—unless you’re very lucky. God better be on your side or I’d leave Caesarea and go back to Jerusalem. As a Jew, they won’t bother you there—too many other troublemakers to worry about.”
My heart quickened. “Daniel, why do you want to meet with Cynisca’s father? This is insane.”
Daniel turned to me. “I owe him an apology, like you wanted to apologize to Scylla.”
His words stung. “Yeah, but it wasn’t a matter of life and death.”
Daniel ran his fingers through his hair. “If I can get a hearing with Justinian, I might be able to offer him some financial remedy. I also want to confront Tariq about stealing my money.
“More than that, I want to find out what Tariq knows about my father. He and Nidal aren’t brothers, as I had assumed, based on what Cynisca told me. Nidal might even be in town.”
“Tariq is still racing,” Theophilus said, “and winning every race, although we haven’t seen Nidal in a few weeks.”
I tapped on the table as fear raised its unwanted terror. “That must mean Nidal didn’t return to Caesarea when he left Jerusalem. This is a terrible idea, Daniel.”
Daniel glared at me disapprovingly, as if his obvious irritation would silence me, but my emotions had sent me into a panic. “Didn’t Nidal tell you everything he knew? How could Tariq know more? Besides, you said you would never race again. You aren’t thinking about doing that, are you? You’ve already had one run-in with that Roman captain. God has given you many warnings…”
Daniel interrupted me. “If the situation were reversed, what would you do? This is about my father. Why would I not try to talk to both men involved in his kidnapping? That’s the main reason I wanted to come to Caesarea.”
I stared at Daniel until he diverted his eyes. “Why do you need to race against Tariq to talk to him?”
Daniel cocked his head. “I never said I was going to race.”
The Prescience Page 19