She heard voices ahead of her. Theophilus led her up another earth and stone stairway into a passageway that widened into another large cubicula. Light came in from above. Atretes sat on a woven pallet against the wall, his face ashen.
Several men were in the room, hovering around Atretes and speaking all at once, but it was the small, elderly woman Rizpah noticed immediately. Her gray hair was curled, braided, and pinned into a coiffure of elegance and dignity. She was attired in a simple blue linen palla of very fine quality, but wore few jewels. She handed one of the men a silver goblet of wine, which was offered to Atretes. The lady turned, her lined face lovely and serene.
“Theophilus,” she said, clearly holding him in great affection. She held out her hands to him, smiling.
“We are indebted to you, Lady Alphina,” he said, taking her hands. Bowing with fond respect, he kissed both.
“You are not indebted to me, but to God,” she said. “Our prayers have been answered, have they not?” Her eyes shone with joy as she patted his cheek as though he were a boy and not a weathered soldier.
He laughed. “Indeed, my lady.”
“And this lovely girl is the Lady Rizpah,” she said, holding out her hand. “Welcome, my dear.”
“Thank you, my lady,” Rizpah said, drawn to her warmth.
“Please call me Alphina. We are all one in Christ Jesus.” She glanced pointedly at Atretes. “I must admit I was curious to see the great Atretes.”
“He’s looked better,” Theophilus said dryly.
“He’s exactly as Rufus described: built like Mars with the face of Apollo,” she said. “Rufus is my son,” she explained to Rizpah. “He went to the inn two nights, but couldn’t get near enough to speak with Atretes. He said the amoratae were as thick as corrupt politicians in our senate. We had hoped to bring you here several days ago.”
“Atretes wouldn’t have come,” Rizpah said.
“We needed more gold,” Atretes said from where he sat and then looked at her. “We should have enough now. Where is it?”
Rizpah could feel the blood draining from her face and then filling it again, burning hot. “Oh, my lord . . .”
“You forgot it?” he said in consternation. The pain in his head almost blinded him as he swore.
“Apuleius made certain all your possessions were brought,” Theophilus said. He untied a heavy leather pouch and tossed it at Atretes’ feet. “Including your gold.” His mouth curled ruefully. “Rizpah had you on her mind.”
Atretes looked from the pouch of gold coins to Theophilus. Troubled, he leaned his head back against the cool, plastered wall.
“I must return and make preparations for this evening,” Lady Alphina said. “Domitian is holding a banquet to celebrate some momentous event.” She noticed Atretes’ sharp, suspicious glance at her and smiled. “He will have to invent a new reason to celebrate now that you’ve escaped. Rufus said he heard it rumored he was going to have you brought and shown at the feast.”
“Are you sure it’s wise to go to the palace?” Theophilus said.
“It would be unwise not to go. Besides, I’m concerned for Domitian’s young niece, Domitilla. She has a heart for the Lord and I want to use whatever opportunity God gives to speak with her.”
She put her hand on Rizpah’s arm. “You needn’t stay here, Rizpah. If you wish, you may follow that passageway to the cryptoporticus. It’s quite lovely and right beneath the villa. Caleb would delight in the pretty tiles on the floor, and you’d both be quite safe there.”
“She stays with me,” Atretes said.
Lady Alphina glanced at him. “My servants are all trust- worthy.”
Atretes looked back at her coldly. “She stays.”
Lady Alphina’s expression softened with understanding and pity. “As you wish, Atretes. I suppose it must be difficult for you to trust any Roman, even those who only wish you well.”
“Especially if you’ve a head harder than granite,” Theophilus said. He lifted his hand. “I will see you to your villa, my lady.”
He walked with Alphina down the long lamplit earthen passageway and entered the cryptoporticus. It was a peaceful place, beautiful with its marble arches, colorful murals, frescoes, and small fountain pool. Beams of sunlight entered from carefully constructed openings in the vault ceiling. It was an underground hideaway from the pressure of daily life, a place of solace that had become a sanctuary for those who shared faith in Christ.
“Perhaps Atretes will join us here tomorrow morning and hear the reading of the apostle Paul’s words.”