Hadassah took her hand. “My lady,” she said gently, wanting to draw Julia’s attention away from herself, “the Lord has given you an opportunity to perform an act of kindness.”
Calming slightly, Julia looked at her tearfully. “How?”
“You can free Prometheus.”
She thought about it for a moment and frowned. “He’s worth a lot of money.”
“You’ll have no need of money now that your brother is settling your debts and you’re returning home.”
The way Azar said it, the situation sounded hopeful rather than the last of numerous disasters. Julia chewed on her lip. “I don’t know. Marcus probably wouldn’t like it.” She gave a grim laugh. “But then, why should I care what he thinks when he so obviously doesn’t care about me.” She looked at Azar, her eyes glittering. “I’ll do it. I will free Prometheus.”
“Free Prometheus out of gratitude for the kindness he’s shown you during your illness, my lady, not to spite your brother. Otherwise there is no blessing for you.”
Julia’s expression fell. “You’re displeased with me.”
“Set your own feelings aside and do what is right.”
Julia was very quiet for a moment. “I don’t know what’s right. Maybe I never knew.” She looked at Azar and felt the warmth of her spirit. “But I will do as you suggest.”
40
Marcus’ servants arrived a few hours after his departure. Julia spent the afternoon writing out a proper document of manumission for Prometheus. She presented the scroll to him as soon as he returned from what work he had found in the city. It was a moment before he realized what she had given him. “My lady,” he said, overcome.
Julia’s smile trembled. “You have been a good and faithful servant, Prometheus. I wish you well.” She extended her hand. He took it and kissed it fervently. She had never felt so light of heart. “Go in peace.”
Julia saw Azar waiting for him just outside the door. Prometheus seemed about to embrace her but drew back, a glance flickering in her direction. He said something too soft for her to hear and left. Julia sat down weakly on her sleeping couch.
Azar came and sat beside her.
“I did it.”
“Yes, you did.” Azar put her hand over hers. “How do you feel now?”
“Wonderful.”
“You’ve done a good thing, my lady. The Lord has seen what you’ve done.”
“It’s strange,” Julia said, bemused. She gave a soft laugh. “I can’t remember ever feeling so happy.”
“It’s more blessed to give than to receive.”
She shook her head. “Then I guess I’d better enjoy the feeling for the little while it lasts because I haven’t anything to give anymore. It’s all been taken away.”
“You have a great deal more to give than you realize.” She wanted to say more, but one of Marcus’ servants came out to them.
“We are almost finished packing, my lady,” he said to Julia. “A litter has been arranged for you, and a room has been prepared for your arrival.”
Her hand grasped Hadassah’s. “Azar is to come with me.”
“The litter is only large enough for one.”
“Then get another!”
“I’m sorry, my lady, but—”
“Never mind,” Hadassah said. “It’s all right.”
“It’s not all right! This is just another way for Marcus to punish me. He wants to keep me from having you.”
At Hadassah’s gesture, the servant left. She turned to her mistress. “I will follow you, my lady. Go and don’t worry.”
“You promise?” Julia said, eyes wide.
“I already have. Be reassured.” She put her arms around Julia and held her for a moment. “I will not be far behind.”
As soon as Julia was on her way, Hadassah went to the small alcove in the peristyle where Prometheus said he would wait for her. He rose as she approached.
“I know this is your doing,” he said, the sealed document clutched in his hand.
“It’s the Lord’s doing.”
“I’ve dreamed of having my freedom,” he said, sitting down with her, “but now, I’m not certain. I want to be where you are.”
“That’s not possible, Prometheus. Lord Marcus gave strict instructions.”
“Oh,” Prometheus said, expression falling. “I understand.”
“The Lord has given you this opportunity, Prometheus.” She removed a pouch from the folds of her sash. She took one of his hands and placed it on his palm. “A gift to help you start your new life,” she said, closing his hand around the small purse of gold coins. She gave him instructions on where to find the apostle John. “Confess your past sins and your present struggle. He will instruct you in all the ways of the Lord.”