An Echo in the Darkness(164)

Again, Phoebe closed and opened her eyes.

“Prayer seems her only pastime,” he said with a faint smile. “She sits in the alcove in the peristyle and prays. It’s the one Hadassah used to like. She spent the entire night there a few days ago.” He paused, then went on. “I upset her.”

Restless, he kissed his mother’s hand and placed it on her thigh as he rose. The turtledoves took flight. He stood at the wall and looked out at the city. “I may go talk to the physician. I don’t seem to get the answers I want from her.”

Phoebe made no sound. She had long since realized Hadassah must have good reason for not revealing her identity. Whatever those reasons were must be of God. If it was the Lord’s will Marcus know Hadassah was alive, she trusted him to choose his own time for unveiling her.

Iulius came out onto the balcony. “I’m sorry to interrupt, my lord, but you have visitors. Ezra Barjachin and his daughter, Taphatha.”

Surprised and delighted, Marcus bent to kiss his mother’s cheek. “I’ll return later. These are the people I mentioned who took me into their home in Jericho.”

She closed her eyes and opened them. If not for them, Marcus would have perished along the road to Jericho. She longed to hear of what they spoke. As Marcus left the room, she looked at Iulius. He seemed able to read her thoughts. “I’ll serve them myself,” he said with a grin and gestured for Lavinnia to remain with her.

Marcus went down the stairs quickly. He laughed joyfully as he saw his friends. Ezra looked very little changed as he stood in his robes in the center of the antechamber. The young woman beside him was another matter.

“Ezra!” Marcus said, clasping the Jew’s hand in warm welcome. “It’s good to see you!”

“And you, Marcus,” Ezra said, clasping his arm.

Marcus’ gaze swept the girl standing just behind him. He moved to her, hands held out. She took them, her own trembling slightly. “Taphatha, you are even more beautiful than I remember,” he said, smiling as he bent to kiss her cheek in greeting.

“You made it safely home, my lord,” she said. “We wanted to make certain.”

“I made it without further mishap.” He grinned. “Come into the triclinium. Iulius, have refreshments brought in. No pork, and bring the best wine.”

Marcus watched as Taphatha’s gaze swept the elegant room with its Roman urns, Corinthian glass, and richly covered couches and marble tables—then finally came back to rest shyly on him. He had seen that look in other women’s eyes and knew she had not gotten over her infatuation. He felt his pulse quicken and realized his own attraction to her was strong.

“My home is yours for as long as you remain in Ephesus,” Marcus said, gesturing for Ezra to take the couch of honor. “Is your wife with you?”

“Jehosheba died shortly after you left Jericho,” Ezra said, making himself comfortable. He put his hand out to Taphatha, and she took the place beside him.

Marcus gave his condolences, and they spoke briefly of Ezra’s wife. “What brings you to Ephesus?”

“Work of great importance,” Ezra said, smiling once again. “Before I tell you, there are things we must discuss.”

“I’ve missed our debates, my friend. You must stay here with us. There’s plenty of room. You can come and go about your business as you please.”

“Did you find God?” Ezra asked bluntly.

Marcus fell silent for a moment, sensing the urgency of the question. Ezra and Taphatha both looked at him, waiting, and he knew his answer would determine whether they stayed or went, whether they trusted him or not.

“You will remember of whom we often spoke on your roof,” Marcus said.

“Jesus,” Ezra said, nodding.

Marcus told of his journey to Nain and of Deborah, who sent him on to the Sea of Galilee where he met Paracletos. He told of running to Capernaum where he found Cornelius waiting for him. “I believed then that Jesus was the Christ and was duly baptized in his name.”

“That is good news!” Ezra laughed. “I was not baptized into Christ until I reached the church at Antioch. By then, Taphatha had accepted the Lord as well, and Bartholomew with her.”

“Bartholomew?” Marcus said, glancing at her. She lowered her eyes.

“A young man from Jericho,” Ezra said. “He often accompanied Taphatha home from the well. He has a heart for God. When I decided we must journey to Antioch and learn more of Jesus from the church there, Bartholomew chose to leave his father and mother and come with us.”

“Will I meet this young man of yours?” Marcus said to Taphatha.