Chapter 22

‘Frankly, no! One would think that whoever devised the world might have something better in store for it than hunger, slavery, and bloodshed, but—’

‘But—meantime,’ grinned Sergius, ‘you will continue to bring copper for our invasion wharves, so that we may raise all hell with these poor Jews…You’re quietly losing your mind, Mencius. You think too much. You’d better accept things as they are. The world’s a pretty grim show, but it’s the only world we’ve got…Shall we go now?’

They preceded the patrols to the paddock, mounted their horses, and rode for some distance in silence.

‘You haven’t told me what brought you to Jerusalem,’ said Sergius.

Mencius told him briefly about the Emperor’s message to Marcellus, which Captain Fulvius would deliver before the day was over.

‘What do you suppose it was about?’ wondered Sergius.

Mencius had no idea, but surmised it might be a recall to Rome.

‘The old man probably wouldn’t order Marcellus to go and hang himself,’ he said.

‘He’s crazy enough to do that,’ remarked Sergius. ‘It was a dirty assignment that Pilate gave the boy,’ he added, wincing. ‘But it’s doubtful if the Legate will have much to do with it personally. Those tough rascals from Minoa will know how. Marcellus was tight as a drum…I was to have stayed for the banquet tonight, but begged off. Pilate will not have a very happy time, I’m thinking. He’ll have a load on his mind.’

They were nearing the fork in the highway, the road to the right leading to Caesarea, straight ahead to Joppa. Their horses were slowed to a walk.

‘Give my regards to my boy,’ said Sergius.

‘I will do that—with pleasure,’ said Mencius.

‘When do you expect to be home?’

‘In seven weeks, if all goes well.’

‘Well, good luck—and fair weather.’

They rose in their stirrups and exchanged a formal salute, for the benefit of the observant patrols. Spurs were put to the horses and the distance between them rapidly widened. Mencius was glad to be on his way. He had had a most distressing experience in Jerusalem and hoped he would never have an occasion to visit the Holy City again. In seven weeks he would be at home with his family…It would have appalled him if he had known that in seven weeks he would be back in Jerusalem again, on an errand of such mystery that even he himself did not know who had summoned him—or why.

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