Brothers: Forbidden Romance

By David Peckham

A story about two brothers, abandoned at birth, and adopted by a young Jewish couple living in Ephesus, Asia Minor. Their adventures take them to Rome where they become implicated in the dissolution of street gangs, and to Britannia where they are involved in tribal warfare, and learn about Christianity.

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: Feb 10, 2014
• ISBN: 9781491855478

David Peckham

The author was born and raised in Hastings, England. Educated at Moorlands Bible College, he spent the following years engaged in evangelistic ministry in England and the Faroe Islands. He has three grown children and lives with his wife Katie in the State of Washington. He is retired and, for the past sixteen years, has been involved in writing both Christian non-fiction and Historical novels. You are invited to browse David’s website at onhisshoulders.com.

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This is a work of fiction. All of the characters, names, incidents, organizations, and dialogue in this novel are either the products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously.

© 2014 David Peckham. All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means without the written permission of the author.

Published by AuthorHouse 01/24/2014

ISBN: 978-1-4918-5548-5 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-4918-5547-8 (e)

ISBN: 978-1-4918-6107-3 (hc)

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Contents

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Chapter Eighteen

Chapter Nineteen

Chapter Twenty

Chapter One

The Garbage Dump

A.D. 35—Ephesus, Asia Minor

T he swishing of the whip, and the sharp cracking sound as the bone-laden cords embedded themselves in her husband’s flesh, sickened her. This was not the first time he had been punished in this way, and the fresh gashes on his back cut through the old scars. With each stroke, more blood streamed down his body. He cringed each time the cords tore into his flesh, but, through it all, he clenched his teeth and remained silent.

She had been dragged from their home by the authorities of Rome, and forced to watch this brutality. The soldiers watched her carefully, for if she looked away or closed her eyes, she too would be punished.

Philip and Esther Cohen were criminals—they were Jews. Not only were they Jews, but they had been caught openly proselyting in the marketplace. Tiberius, Emperor of Rome, had declared any religion that refused to acknowledge him as the divine ruler of the Roman Empire, blasphemous, and its followers were to be flogged. If this was not a deterrent to their blasphemy, they were to be flogged again, and imprisoned. If the criminal continued with their sacrilege, their spouse was to be imprisoned also. The final punishment for the unrepentant was the Games, where they would be forced to fight in the arena against other prisoners or wild beasts.

This flogging was Philip’s third, although he had never been imprisoned. The local procurator, Alexis Pavlidis, chose instead to keep his jail cells occupied with thieves and murderers, counting blasphemy a minor crime. A man’s first flogging consisted of ten lashes, with each violation increased by five. His theory, and it had been proven true, was, if a man continued to be stubborn in this crime, he would eventually die from his punishment. In the meantime, flogging provided public entertainment, with each occasion increasing his popularity.

After the twentieth stroke, the soldiers cut the ropes that bound Philip to the post, and he fell to his knees. Four of his friends carefully placed him on a wooden pallet, and carried him to his home half a mile away.

When they arrived Joanna, a midwife and close friend of Esther, washed Philip’s bloody body with warm water, and gently applied Balm of Gilead to his wounds. She did not wrap his torso with bandages, but left the wounds open to the air. Joanna had not received any professional training, but had devoted her life to healing and delivering babies. Over the years, she had become skilled in the use of herbs and other wild vegetation in the healing process. Her husband was one of those who had died as a result of forty lashes at the hands of Roman soldiers. He was a brave and devoted Christian who refused to deny his faith in Yahvahshua.

You know what to do, Joanna said to Esther as she prepared to leave, just make sure his back is exposed to the air as much as possible—this will speed the healing process. I will return in the morning to see how he is getting on. If you need me, do not hesitate to send someone to my house.

Thank you, Joanna, you are a good friend to us. May Yahvah keep and protect you.

Many blessings on you also. I will see you in the morning.

Can you sit up? Esther asked Philip. I will make a pot of tea—that will make you feel better. She smiled the smile that had won his heart ten years ago.

Esther, now thirty-three years of age, grew more beautiful in Philip’s eyes as time progressed. Her long red hair and sparkling blue eyes continued to bring joy to his heart. She was a gentle spirit who devoted her life to helping others, believers and non-believers alike. She was of petite stature, but her heart was big with love and compassion toward others, even those who had mercilessly beaten her beloved husband.

They had one daughter. Ruth was now six years old, and took after her mother in many ways, including her giving spirit and gentle demeanor. The day after the flogging, Ruth went to her father’s bedside and held his hand. Daddy, she asked, why do you let them beat you? All you have to do is say the emperor is god, and they will leave you alone. I know we are Christians, but God would forgive you, wouldn’t he?

Philip opened his eyes and smiled. His daughter was truly a gift from God, and he loved her very much. She was very precious to him, and she held a special place in his heart.

Angel, he said softly, for that was his nickname for her, we know there is only one god, and I will never deny him, and that is what I would be doing if I said the emperor is god. Do you remember what Yahvah told the prophet Isaiah?

Yes Daddy, it was one of the first scriptures you taught me: I am the LORD, and there is none else, there is no God beside me."

And do you believe it?

You know I do.

And would you ever say there is another god?

Of course not, daddy she responded, surprised he would even ask her.

Then why would you ask me to?

Because you are getting flogged, and I am not. And I hate what they are doing to you.

I know you do, Angel, and I pray when you have to make this decision for yourself, that you will be strong enough to stand fast in your faith.

How do you do it?

I always remember what the Roman soldiers did to Yahvahshua. They did a lot more that flog him, didn’t they?

Yes, father.

What did He do when was dying on the cross?

He prayed for them.

And so do I.

Ruth leaned over the bed and hugged her father. I am sorry, she cried, I should have known better than to ask you such a stupid question. Tears freely flowed down her face.

Now, now, little one, you have no need to be sorry. I am glad you asked, for this is the way you learn.

I do love Yahvah and Yahvahshua. He knows I do, doesn’t he?

Of course he does, Philip smiled, and so do I.

Ruth swung her legs up, and rested beside her father. Later, Esther found them sleeping, with Ruth’s head resting on her father’s chest.

The next morning, Philip insisted on rising and eating breakfast at the table with his family.

I am the luckiest man on earth, he said with a wide smile.

What do you mean, Ruth asked.

Yahvah has given me the two most beautiful women in the world, and I love them both very much. Not that I am ungrateful, but I wish you had a twin sister.

Oh daddy, don’t be silly. Two of me would be too much for you to handle. God knew what He was doing.

That He did, sweetheart. He always knows best.

Later that day, when Ruth was at her friend’s house, Esther made a pot of tea and sat at the table with her husband.

I know we have talked about this before, she said, but did you really mean it when you told Ruth this morning that you wished she had a twin sister?

Yes, I did.

Philip reached over and held his wife’s hand. And I also meant what I said about you and Ruth being the most beautiful women in the world, he said lovingly, on the inside as well as the outside.

Joanna stopped by every day to clean Philip’s wounds and apply fresh balm to the open cuts. Within two weeks, his wounds were closing and healing without any infection. Visits from his friends helped pass the time, especially when they discussed the scriptures.

Philip Cohen stood aghast at the blood-soaked sheets and towels that lay scattered on the floor.

Is she dead?

No, Joanna answered as she wiped her forehead with the back of her hand. She is very weak, but she still breathes.

And the baby? I heard it cry, but then it stopped.

Your baby daughter is doing just fine. Now, if you will take her and go into the other room while we make Esther comfortable and clean up the mess, I will call you when you can come back in.

Why is she unconscious? She doesn’t look well to me.

That is because you do not know what you are talking about, Joanna smiled. Now, do as I say, and I will call you when you can come and be with her.

The day began with so much anticipation and excitement, but now it could end in tragedy and heartache.

I do not think Joanna is telling me the whole story, Philip thought. What if Esther dies? I can’t raise a daughter by myself. He looked down at the little bundle of life in his arms. She was so tiny, so helpless. He began pacing the floor, gently rocking his daughter in his arms.

The two women who had helped Joanna came out of the bedroom carrying several bags. Joanna said, You can go in now. Congratulations, Philip, they said, smiling.

Esther looked much better. Her face was washed, and she was covered with a clean sheet and a yellow woolen blanket. Philip handed his daughter to Joanna, and sat on the edge of the bed. He took his wife’s hand and lifted it to his lips.

When will she wake up? he asked anxiously.

It should not be too long. The effects of the valerian will soon wear off. I must continue to give her lower dosages. She will be groggy for quite a while.

Philip looked directly into Joanna’s eyes, and asked, Are you being completely honest with me? Do you really believe she will fully recover?

I cannot see any reason why she will not. She is over the worst. She may be small, but she is strong. This is the first caesarean procedure I have done, but your wife is doing well considering what she has been through.

When Joanna previously told him she had to cut the baby out of his wife’s body, Philip emphatically said, No. Once she explained that Julius Caesar had been born that way, and that is why it is called a caesarean procedure, he finally relented.

Philip and Esther were new to the area, having moved from Jerusalem to Ephesus one year ago. Philip was a weaver by trade, and although successful, his business was declining due to the Roman influence in Jerusalem. The Roman control over the trade routes to the City of Peace, made it more and more difficult to obtain the wools and silks necessary to ply his trade.

The last item he made before moving to Ephesus was a robe, made specifically for a man who claimed to be the King of the Jews, a claim for which he was executed. The robe now belonged to one of the soldiers who crucified him—he won it by gambling while they waited for the man to die.

The name of the man who owned the robe was Yahvahshua. He said he was the Messiah, promised by the prophets in the Jewish scriptures. Philip and Esther were convinced of the validity of his claim. They were intrigued by his teachings, and impressed by the miracles he performed. They were there when he restored sight to the blind and hearing to the deaf. He healed the sick, and even brought back to life his friend who had been dead four days.

No, there was no doubt in their minds that Yahvahshua was the one they had been waiting for, the Messiah, the Son of God. The theme of his teaching was salvation through belief in him, and Philip and Esther believed. John, one of Yahvahshua’s closest friends, had also moved to Ephesus. Just before Yahvahshua died, he commissioned John to take care of Mary, his mother, and he brought her with him. Many Ephesians became Christians through John’s ministry, and they appointed him leader of their newly formed assembly.

It was not easy being a Christian in Ephesus. Even though they had moved from Jerusalem to Ephesus, they were still under the jurisdiction of the Roman Empire, and the Golden Eagle still ruled the land. However, one benefit to living in Asia Minor was the cost of doing business—the taxes were lower. Another important benefit was the availability of products. Top quality wools were spun locally, and Corinthian silk passed through Ephesus on its way south to Judea and Egypt.

It took them a long time to get used to the plethora of Roman gods. Statues of every size, carved from wood and molded in bronze, silver, and gold, were sold in almost every shop.

It was difficult to make friends, as Jews were not popular. However, Philip was gaining a good reputation for his work, and now, after a year of struggling, his business was turning a profit.

Joanna visited Esther every morning and evening, and stayed several hours while Philip worked in his shop.

Ten days after the baby was born, Joanna took Philip aside.

Esther is recovering faster than I expected, she said, but little Mary is struggling, and I do not know why. I am considering taking her off her mother’s milk. I know a woman who recently lost her baby—I know she would be pleased to help. What do you think?

It seems unnatural to me, Philip said, but you know better than I, and I trust you implicitly. What will it do to Esther—you know how she enjoys feeding Mary?

I am sure she will want what is best for her.

After Philip left for the shop, Joanna shared her idea with his wife.

I thought a mother’s milk was the best thing for babies, she said.

In most cases it is, but a wet nurse is a good alternative. Esther, you had a very dramatic and stressful time when Mary was born, and this may have affected your milk. I do not know if this is the case, but I think we should use a wet nurse for a few weeks. If we see no improvement in her health, then we can return to your regular feeding schedule.

Oh dear, Esther said sadly, I do so enjoy feeding Mary. I really feel close to her during those times. I feel I am giving her a part of myself.

She looked over to where Mary lay sleeping in her cot, and began to cry. When do you want to begin?

This afternoon. I will see if the woman is available. It is best for Mary that we begin as soon as possible.

Philip went home early, anxious to know the result of Joanna’s discussion with his wife.

You have been crying, he said tenderly. Do you want to tell me what has happened?

Esther told him of Joanna’s concern for their daughter, and that she would use a wet nurse, beginning with the next feeding.

It really saddens me. You know I enjoy those times.

Dear one, Philip leaned over, and kissed her, I am so proud of you. I know you want to do what is best for her.

She looked at him and smiled. I love you, she whispered, very, very much.

After seven days, Mary’s health improved. She had more color in her cheeks, and she moved about in her cot, kicking her legs in the air. She enjoyed playing with her fingers and did not cry as much, and smiled when Esther held her.

It is so wonderful when she smiles, Esther told Joanna. Thank you so much, you have saved her life. I still miss feeding her, but her smiles make up for it.

It blesses my heart to see you both so happy.

And I thank you also. Philip’s voice startled them, as they did not hear him enter the house.

Over the next twelve months, everything went well for the Cohen family. Mary continued to grow and enjoy good health, and Philip hired an employee to keep pace with the new orders for his products. They were regular members of the Christian assembly, and enjoyed a special relationship with John, their leader. Mary, the mother of Yahvahshua, took a special interest in her namesake, and became the grandmother she never had.

As was his habit every Monday morning, Philip collected the household garbage, and that of Joanna, and took it to the community dump outside the walls of the city.

The stench was nauseating, especially when animal carcasses were in the process of decomposing. As he approached the dump, Philip tied a kerchief over his nose and mouth. He threw his garbage on the dump, then, as he turned to leave, he thought he heard a baby crying. He stopped and listened. He heard it again—it came from the other side of the dump.

No one brings their baby here, he thought, there is too much chance of catching a disease. The crying became louder as he walked around the pile of garbage, but he saw no one. The crying increased—that is more than one baby. He climbed through the rotting garbage, and lifted several old burlap sacks. They were empty, apart from one. He opened it, and to his amazement, he found two unwashed newborn babies, still with their umbilical cords attached.

Esther was in the kitchen washing dishes when she heard the front door open and close.

I hope that is you, husband, she called. You were gone longer than usual.

When she heard the crying of babies, she hurried into the other room. She stood, rooted to the floor.

What… how… where did… she stammered. Her husband was calmly removing two filthy babies from a burlap sack.

I found them at the garbage dump, he explained. I couldn’t leave them there to die, so I brought them home. Obviously, someone didn’t want them, and just threw them away.

Oh, how terrible, Esther cried, I do not know how people can do something so horrible? Let me take care of them while you run and get Joanna. She’ll know what to do.

Fifteen minutes later, when Philip returned with Joanna, Esther had washed the babies and wrapped them in woolen blankets.

I cannot believe he would do such a hideous thing, Joanna said. Why didn’t he call me?

You know whose babies these are? Philip asked.

"Yes, but he and his wife refused my help. I heard his wife died while giving birth. Apparently he didn’t want to keep them.

But why didn’t he tell someone. There are many couples who would take them and raise them—us for example. It was more than Esther could comprehend.

If I hadn’t shown up when I did, they would be dead by now, Philip said. When I think about it, he must have just left. I’m surprised I didn’t see him.

What can we do now? Esther asked. We would love to keep them, and care for them. As you know, we really want more children, but can’t.

This is not the first time this has happened, Joanna said sadly. Tragically, it is an accepted practice, and there are no laws against it. Children are considered property of the parents, and they can do with them whatever they want when they are born. As you know, when a baby is born, the midwife places the child on the ground. If the father wants it, he will pick it up, but if not, he turns his back and walks away. This happens more often if the baby is deformed, but I can see nothing wrong with these little boys.

If the father wants a boy, and it is a girl, he will refuse it, Philip added. It’s a part of the culture here.

I think the father is so angry and distraught that his wife died, he blames the babies, and wants nothing to do with them, Joanna said.

Yes, but how can he be so cruel? Esther said angrily. He should be punished for what he has done.

There is no reason that I can see why you and Philip can’t keep these twins—that is if you are ready to have two new babies so soon? Joanna smiled.

Do you mean that? Esther said. Are you sure? She turned to Philip but said nothing—her eyes did the talking.

Before you get too excited, he said, we must make sure we are not breaking the law. It would be terrible to fall in love with them, and then have someone take them from us later because of an obscure law. I will talk to a solicitor this afternoon.

Just then, the babies began crying.

Joanna, Esther asked, can you help me make a formula for them? They need all the nutrition we can give them.

Philip found a solicitor in the business section of town. The name on the plaque fastened to the wall of the building was Thomas ben-Abdiel.

Thomas ben-Adbiel was born in Jerusalem, and immigrated to Ephesus twenty years ago with his father. He took over the business when his father died of a heart attack seven years ago. He was unsure of the exact law, but would research it, and have the answer if Philip returned in two days.

It turned out that Joanna was correct—there was no law to keep Philip and Esther from keeping the boys as their own. All they needed to do was register their names with the town registrar, and they would be the proud parents of twin boys.

A.D. 47

Joshua and Ethan, deeply loved by their parents, and adored by Ruth, their older sister, were indistinguishable, other than a birthmark in the shape of a star on Joshua’s left shoulder. However, their personalities were very different. Joshua loved the outdoors and took every opportunity to be in the woods. When he wasn’t hunting squirrels, he climbed the tallest tree and looked out over the territory in every direction. From his high perch, he watched travelers and merchants coming and going.

Ethan, on the other hand, spent his time reading. He was a thinker—he wanted to know why things happened the way they did. Rome interested him, and he spent many hours in the public library reading the works of ancient historians and philosophers. Julius Caesar was his hero, and he loved reading of his invasions of Britannia, a small island country on the other side of the world. While his brother was fighting an imaginary army, Ethan fantasized being a soldier in the army that invaded Britannia, the Isle of Mist.

These differences, however, did not keep them from taking great pleasure playing the normal twin-tricks on friends and strangers—sometimes even fooling their mother and father.

On their twelfth birthday, Joshua came home from his daily visit to the woods, however, this time with a new friend. He burst through the door and, with great excitement, shouted, Mother, father, look what I’ve found.

Esther came from the kitchen to find Joshua kneeling beside a brown and white puppy.

Mother, isn’t she beautiful? he exclaimed. She loves me, and follows me all over the place. I am so happy. God has given me a special birthday present.

Esther smiled at her son’s exuberance.

You know you can’t keep her, don’t you? she said.

But mother, she found me. I did not steal her. I was up my tree when I heard a dog bark. I climbed down and she was barking to get my attention. She was all alone. Please, mother, let me keep her. She will die if I take her back to the woods.

I very much doubt that, Esther smiled. Let’s wait and see what your father says—he’ll be home soon.

I think she is hungry. Can we give her something to eat?

Esther put some leftover stew in a bowl, which the dog quickly gulped down, and looked for more.

When his father came home from work, Joshua won the day. The dog had a new home.

What are you going to name her? Philip asked.

Her name is Camper, he replied quickly.

Why Camper? That’s a strange name.

Because she will be with me when I camp in the woods, and you know how much time I spend there.

I think that is a wonderful name for her.

Camper is the best birthday present I have ever had.

You know she is your responsibility, Philip said. You will feed her, and clean up her messes.

Yes, I know. I will also bathe her so she doesn’t smell.

I will help also, Ethan said, hopefully.

"You can help, but she is my dog."

I know you found her, Joshua, but you must share her with the rest of us, Esther said.

Yes, I know, he conceded, reluctantly.

52 A.D.

Ethan was a regular visitor to the public library. There he met a soldier stationed at the Roman encampment located two miles outside the city. As the soldier walked past where Ethan was reading, he noticed him absorbed in a scroll recounting the life of Julius Caesar.

You are reading about one of the greatest leaders the world has ever known, he said. Are you interested in the history of Rome?

Surprised by the stranger’s voice, Ethan answered, Yes, sir. Many of the great philosophers came from Rome.

Do you have a favorite?

I enjoy reading the works of Cicero and the poetry of Horace, and of course, the Divine Julius Caesar.

The soldier pulled up a chair and sat at the table.

You are very young to be reading such works. Most young men your age spend their time playing war games, or hunting in the woods.

You are describing my brother and his friends. I have never seen him reading anything.

The soldier reached out his hand, Let me introduce myself, he said. My name is Gaius Suetonius Paulinas. I am a general in the army, and am visiting Ephesus on my way to Rome. I have been stationed in Africa.

I am Ethan Cohen, Ethan said, unimpressed by the stranger’s rank or travels.

You have a Hebrew name. Were you born here?

My brother and I are adopted. We don’t know who our birth parents are.

How old are you, Ethan?

My brother and I are seventeen years old. We are twins.

I cannot help but notice you write as well as read, Suetonius said as he nodded toward a handwritten scroll on the table.

I like to write down my thoughts. I have been keeping a diary since I was twelve years old. It makes interesting reading as to how I thought back then—I have changed my mind on several issues, Ethan grinned.

I think that is true of all of us—hopefully for the better.

Suetonius stood. I have to leave now, Ethan, but would you like to visit our camp sometime? I will be happy to show you around. Perhaps your brother would like to come also.

I would love to, and I’m sure my brother would.

Why don’t you check with your father just to make sure. I will meet you here two days from now in the morning. If you would still like to visit the camp, I will take you then. Do you have a horse?

My father has a horse.

Maybe he will loan it to you. Until Thursday, then.

By the time Philip arrived home from work, Ethan had shared with his mother the conversation he had with the Roman general. Joshua was thrilled with the prospect of visiting the Roman camp, but his mother did not share in his enthusiasm.

I don’t think your father will approve, she said. I will be very surprised if he does.

But mother, he is a general. We will be safe.

Philip endorsed Esther’s reluctance.

You cannot trust Romans, he said emphatically. They are an immoral people, especially their soldiers. Look at the trouble they cause when they are drunk. If it were not for the soldiers, the taverns would go out of business.

Father, we are seventeen years old, and can take care of ourselves. Many of the soldiers are our age, besides, Gaius is a general and spends time in the library, not a tavern.

When do you plan on seeing him next?

Thursday morning at the library.

I’ll tell you what, Philip conceded, I’ll come with you, and make a decision after I have met him.

Thank you father, I know you will like him. He’s a good man.

Sometimes you really surprise me, Esther said to her husband as she abruptly turned and walked away.

I have been in the army for twenty-five years, Gaius explained. It has been my life. I have led thousands of men into battle in some of the most hostile environments in the world, and my men, and every emperor I have served, have respected me. Your sons will be safe with me.

Philip nodded his head. I am sure they will. Turning to his sons, he said, Have a great time. I will see you later this evening.

The guard snapped to attention when they rode through the gate, as did every soldier they passed. Their first stop was at the general’s tent. It was larger than most. Two strings of multi-colored flags flapped in the breeze, and two guards, dressed in full military garb, stood at the entrance, holding a floor-length shield in one hand, and a long-knife in the other.

The tent was sparsely furnished with a desk, two chairs, and a cot. The general’s shield and weapons stood in one corner, and in another stood a small wooden stand upon which stood a water jug and bowl. A towel hung on a hook.

It’s not much for a general’s quarters, is it? he smiled. I am only here for seven days, so they didn’t go too much out of their way for me. My quarters in Rome are quite different. If you ever get to the City of Seven Hills, I will show you.

I have always wanted to travel, Joshua said.

And I dream of visiting the famous library in Rome, Ethan said with great excitement.

Hold on to those dreams, and one day they will come true. Sometimes the improbable happens. It has for me, the general said contemplatively.

By the time Gaius Paulinus had shown them around the camp and introduced them to the commanding tribune, a horn sounded announcing the evening meal, and several hundred men headed for the mess hall. After a meal of mutton, rice, flat bread, and water, the general accompanied Joshua and Ethan back to their home.

Be sure to look me up when you get to Rome, the general shouted as he rode off into the darkness.

Chapter Two

Gaius Suetonius Paulinus

A.D. 59—Rome

A n overcast sky greeted Ethan and Joshua when their ship docked at Ostia. Black rain-filled clouds appeared in the distance, and streaks of lightning flashed on the horizon.

The brothers gazed in amazement at the size of the port and the number of large ships anchored along the slipways. In one area, military transports were alive with soldiers, some arriving and some preparing to leave. The scene reminded Joshua of the anthills in his woods back home where thousands of ants swirled about with seemingly no specific direction in mind.

The Dora, a commercial carrier that brought them from Ephesus, slowly pulled into a space on the opposite side of the port. A full day before it docked, deckhands were busy bringing boxes and crates of merchandise from the holds, ready to be unloaded.

A rush of adrenalin flooded through Joshua when he heard the grating of metal on metal as the huge iron anchor splashed into the water. They had finally arrived in Italy, the first stop on their way to the Islands of Britannia.

Once the gangplank was in place, Ethan and Joshua quickly made their way to the huge wooden dock below. They pushed and shoved their way through the mass of dockworkers until they stood on the wide cobble-stone street used by merchants bringing their goods to be shipped all over the known world.

They checked into a roadside inn, and ordered a meal.

What brings you to Ostia? the owner inquired.

We’re on our way to Rome, Joshua answered. We understand we can get there by barge.

Either that or you can buy a horse and ride there. By barge it will take three days, but on horseback you can make it in two, if you are in a hurry.

We’ll take the barge, Ethan said. I haven’t done much riding. Besides, we do not have need of a horse.

It’s the best way to get around, the host said, that is unless you don’t plan on staying.

No, Rome is but a stepping stone on our journey to Britannia, Ethan said.

Then why go to Rome? the innkeeper asked. Unless you plan on going on horseback, you’ll have to return here to find a ship heading that way. Forgive my inquisitiveness, but why would you want to go to such a barbaric place? From what I have heard, the people live in mud and straw huts, and run around naked with paint smeared all over their bodies. They sacrifice children to their gods, and constantly fight our troops. They are an ignorant people who prefer to live in their filth and squalor rather than let us show them how to improve their way of life.

Exactly, Joshua said, that is why we are going.

You don’t look like Roman diplomats, and on the other hand you’re not stupid either, so why risk your lives? You’ll either die from their diseases, or be skewered on the tip of one of their lances. They are a very primitive people. The chance that you will return is slim at best.

The veins in Joshua’s neck pulsated visibly, and his face flushed crimson as he tried to control his emotions.

We have travelled from Ephesus with Britainnia as our destination, and we’re not turning back now, he said tersely. So, if you don’t mind, we would like to get some rest.

Very well, but I think you are making a big mistake.

But it is our mistake to make, is it not? Joshua could no longer hold back his petulance. Now, if you would show us to our room…

All right, all right, the innkeeper held up his hand, hold your horses, I’m just trying to help. It’s your life to lose.

The next morning after they had eaten, Ethan and Joshua headed toward the docks to purchase tickets for their trip to Rome. As they approached the building, four soldiers surrounded them and knocked them to the ground. Stunned at the surprise attack, their hands were quickly tied behind their backs.

What is wrong? Joshua demanded. What have we done to deserve this? We only arrived from Ephesus yesterday afternoon. This must be a mistake.

You are Christians, are you not?

The brothers looked at each other, then Ethan said, No, we just want to visit Rome, and we have done nothing wrong.

We were told you are Christian missionaries, and that is why you are going to prison.

Without further discussion,