As Sure as the Dawn(47)

“And I’m to guard this little band of yours,” he said, glaring at her.

“I didn’t say that. We will be in their company.”

“I’d rather go alone.”

“If that’s your wish, I bid you God’s speed. Caleb and I will remain here.”

His eyes caught fire.

O Lord, I’ve done it again! She shut her eyes briefly and then looked up at him. “Atretes, would you discard the welfare of others as your welfare was so easily discarded by Rome? Would you allow them to be used as you were used? Their need to leave Ephesus is great,” she said. “If they remain, they’ll end up in the arena.”

A muscle jerked in his jaw, but he said nothing.

“Rome is becoming less and less tolerant toward the Way,” she said. “Officials on all levels misunderstand our faith. Most believe we preach rebellion against the Empire.”

“Rebellion?” Atretes’ interest quickened.

“Rome holds up its emperor as a god, but there is only one God, Christ Jesus our Lord, who died for us and rose again. Jesus himself told us to yield unto Caesar what belongs to Caesar. We pay taxes. We obey the laws. We give respect where respect is due and honor where honor is due. But we yield our lives and works to the glory of the Lord. Because of this, Satan has moved them to destroy us.”

Only one thing Rizpah said made any sense to Atretes. “Rebellion,” he said again, tasting the word and finding it sweet as revenge. “So, if this faith spreads throughout the Empire, it could bring Rome to its knees.”

“Not in the way you mean.”

“It could weaken her.”

“No, but it could take the sword from her hand.”

Atretes laughed softly, the sound chilling. “Take the sword from Rome and death follows.”

Rizpah had never seen his eyes more alive or on fire. “Not death, Atretes. Transformation.”

“We’ll travel with them,” he said in decision. “Anything Rome fears, I’ll protect.”

She started to speak, but a knock came on the door.

Atretes strode over. “Who knocks?” he demanded, his head near the door.

“Gallus, my lord. Silus hasn’t found the woman yet.”

“She’s here with me.”

Caleb gurgled happily as he gummed the leather sheath.

“He’ll be much relieved, my lord. Did she bring your son back?”

Rizpah tensed at the question. “Atretes, don’t . . .”

He opened the door and Gallus saw her. “She brought him. Go back to your post for now. We’ll need you later tonight.”

“She will return to the city, my lord?”

“I’ll be going with her.” Closing the door, Atretes turned to her. He frowned slightly. “What troubles you?”

She shook her head. “Perhaps I’m becoming like you. Distrustful. I wouldn’t have told anyone in this household that Caleb was here or that we were leaving tonight. Least of all Gallus.”

His eyes narrowed. “I bought him out of the ludus. He owes me his life.”

She bit her lip, saying nothing. She had suspected there were spies within the household. She knew Gallus was one. Once, while standing on the balcony of the room next door, she had seen him speak to a man through the small window opening in the gate. A moment later, that man had walked away, joining another beneath the shade of the terebinth tree. They had spoken briefly, and then one man had headed down the road for Ephesus. Atretes himself had told her later the men at the tree were Sertes’ spies. She had wondered then if Sertes had spies other than Gallus within the household, watching and reporting everything Atretes said and did.

Now, looking at Atretes’ cold face, she wished she hadn’t said anything about her suspicions. She was afraid of what he might do about them.

“We can leave without saying anything more,” she said. “He doesn’t know our destination.”

Atretes stepped past her. Crossing the room, he moved into the shadows near the balcony and looked out.

Caleb fussed, and Rizpah sat down on the bed to distract him. She nibbled playfully at his toes, his laugh making her laugh. He lost hold of the sheathed dagger, and she talked to him as she carefully slipped it out of reach and sight. What a loathsome toy to hand a child.

Atretes still stood near the balcony, looking out, saying nothing. She was disturbed by his cold concentration. Why had she spoken?

Atretes muttered a curse and turned.

“What is it?” she said.

“You were right,” he said, striding across the room.

Her heart jumped in alarm. What cost my careless words, Father? “Wait!” She rose and ran to the door, standing in front of it to bar his way. “Where are you going? What are you going to do?”