His eyes narrowed, distrustful of the warm glow in her brown eyes, even more wary of the hunger he felt for her acceptance. “They deserved it.”
“You wouldn’t have dropped them.”
“No?” He almost reminded her that only a few nights before he had killed two men in cold blood.
“No.”
“So you think you understand me?”
“No. I don’t understand you at all,” she said frankly. “But I know enough about you to make a new beginning.”
She put Caleb back in his arms.
13
The ship reached Corinth without incident. Theophilus and the soldiers removed the trunk being sent to the emperor while the slaves, who had manned the oars from Ephesus to Corinth, unloaded rugs, aromatic spices, and amphorae of wine, and loaded them into wagons for the journey over the isthmus. Sburarii unloaded the sand ballast for the Corinth arena. It would be replaced on the other side of the hill with grain destined for Rome.
Once stripped, the ship would be dragged from the water. It would take days to haul the corbita the few miles to the Savonic Gulf where it would be launched in order to continue the voyage to Italy. Nero had begun work on a canal through the faulted limestone of the isthmus, but the work had stopped upon his death, making the arduous overland trek still necessary.
The slaves strained at the ropes of a ship nearby. Sweat glistened on their brown bodies as they labored to pull the ship up a amp. Weeks of travel south and west into the Mediterranean would be saved by taking the ship overland. September had come and gone and the sea was notoriously dangerous by November. Crossing the windswept plateau might be bothersome and difficult, but it was safer than challenging the elements.
Atretes was little interested in the details of unloading and moving ships. He had been restless, confined on board one. Now he was tense from the level of activity on the docks and nearby city streets. Corinth was too much like Ephesus. Marbled temples rose grandly, piercingly white in the sunlight. Wandering auctioneers and town criers advertised goods and rewards for lost slaves. Wholesalers jammed the ports, and ships captains traded spices for honey, drugs, and perfumes to take to Rome.
While everyone gathered their belongings, Bartimaeus, Niger, Tibullus, and Agabus told the others they had letters from John to deliver to members of the Corinthian church. Mnason left in their company.
“Atretes is waiting for you,” Camella said as they walked together.
Rizpah raised her head and saw him far ahead. His manner toward her had changed subtly, giving her cause for caution. She knew she would be faced with her own temptations. Would she be wise in her choices, heeding the quiet voice of God? Or would she be like Eunice, hankering after sin?
The wind rippled Atretes’ clothing and tossed his blonde hair. He stood for a long moment, looking at her. Turning away, he went on. Even at this distance, she could sense his annoyance. Did he expect her to run and catch up to him? She was saddened that he was so determined to remain aloof from the others, yet thankful as well. She did not think he had overheard the grim news about the church in Corinth, or witnessed Eunice’s struggles. She hoped not, anyway. He would judge the Christian woman faithless. Eunice was a weak and foolish woman who toyed with sin without even realizing it.
Atretes paused again.
“I think you’d better go,” Camella said.
“I can’t keep his pace.”
Camella gave her a droll smile. “You’d better reach an understanding now, before you’re on your way to Germania.”
Rizpah shifted Caleb in her arms. “I can’t allow myself to worry about tomorrow, Camella. Today’s trouble is more than enough.”
Camella laughed. “Well, it appears there are some who crave his company,” she said as they both watched Peter run up the hill.
The boy captured Atretes’ grim attention. He was talking rapidly. Atretes listened briefly and then turned and started walking again, ignoring him.
Porcia looked frantic. “Peter! Stay away from him.” Her son gave her a quick wave of acknowledgment and ran to catch up with Atretes again. “Do something, Timon!”
“I’ll get him,” Barnabas said and raced up the hill after his older brother. When he caught up, he fell into step with Peter, dogging Atretes’ footsteps.
“I think they’ll be all right,” Timon said and returned to his conversation with Prochorus. Porcia caught Benjamin’s hand in a firm clasp when he started after Peter and Barnabas. “Lysia, would you please carry Mary for me?”
“Yes, ma’am,” Lysia said, eager to please.
Camella chuckled. “Well, at least the children aren’t afraid of him.”