Chapter 14

Voldi grinned and replied, ‘Just about that much, I think, sir.’

Sergius chuckled a little at that, but soberly resumed his interrogations.

‘Now my young friend, the whole world knows that Arabia bears a grudge against Tetrarch Antipas—a very reasonable grudge, too, if I may say so. How do you happen to be so complacent about the indignity he wrought upon your Royal Family that you would accept the hospitality of his palace? Are you sure you weren’t there to reconnoitre in preparation for a later visit? Tell me, please: where are you bound for—when you leave Caesarea?’

‘I am going home, sir,’ lied Voldi.

‘Very well, then,’ growled the Prefect. ‘See that nothing interferes with your plan. You have the freedom of the city. Should you decide to return to Tiberias, it will be an error of judgment.’ He pushed back his chair and rose. Turning to the Captain of the Guard, he said gruffly, ‘You have your orders, Malus. When this young man leaves us, he is going back—directly—to his own country.’

After that, while Voldi did not have the uncomfortable feeling that there were eyes at his keyhole, he found himself acknowledging the respectful salutes of the Municipal Police wherever he went. They smiled pleasantly and lifted their spears to their foreheads when he strolled along the docks. When he exercised Darik, which was almost every day, he invariably fell in with a mounted patrol.

One bleak morning when he was aimlessly sauntering through the public rooms of The Domus Agrippa, Voldi came face to face with a handsome, well-groomed Roman of his own age, who bluntly confronted him with, ‘You’re the Arabian, aren’t you?’

‘Well,’ drawled Voldi, ‘I may not be the Arabian—but I am an Arabian.’

‘My name is Felix,’ said the youth.

‘Oh?’ replied Voldi casually. ‘Is there anything I can do for you? If so I shall be glad to undertake it. I am not very busy.’

‘My father mentioned you to me. He said you were a stranger in Caesarea, and might welcome a little attention. Father is the Prefect.’

Voldi grinned.

‘It’s good of you, Felix,’ he said. ‘I am a bit lonesome and restless here, though I must say your father has already provided me with plenty of attention. I can hardly turn round without stepping on a policeman.’