Promises Kept: Book 7 and the Last of the Promises Series

By Susan A. Perkins

Navia Tiberius, after the death of her husband has been called back to Rome. Cleopas has been called to Rome as missionary of Christ. But will this change his other plans? Zaccheus and Onnua are aging, how will this change the direction of their lives? Fidelia’s faith is tested and challenged again. Will she make a different choice this time? How are Amos’ old prejudices provoked by Christ’s new directives? Will the promises made by Onnua and Eunice be kept?

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: Dec 22, 2019
• ISBN: 9781728336329

Susan A. Perkins

Dale Herron has been illustrating books for over 20 years. He is a graduate of the Columbus College of Art & Design and lives with his wife and son in Circleville, Ohio. Dale highly enjoys a good tale to illustrate. He is also passionate about the relevance of Biblical truth to contemporary life. Dale continues to provide work for a growing list of independent authors, illustrating adult, teen, and complete children’s books. To see a gallery of his work, please visit www.daleherron.com

Book preview

© 2019 Susan A. Perkins. 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 12/05/2019

ISBN: 978-1-7283-3633-6 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-7283-3634-3 (hc)

ISBN: 978-1-7283-3632-9 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2019919721

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Getty Images are models,

and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Getty Images.

Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

Contents

Cast of Characters

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 Twenty-One

Chapter Twenty-Two

Chapter Twenty-Three

Chapter Twenty-Four

Chapter Twenty-Five

Chapter Twenty-Six

Chapter Twenty-Seven

Chapter Twenty-Eight

Biographies

Home Blessing

Where faith is, there is love,

Where love is, there is peace,

Where peace is, there is blessing,

Where there is blessing, there is God

Where God is,

There is no need.

Thank you to my friend in Hungary

Mercidesz Kiss for sending me this blessing

This book is Dedicated To:

Mercidesz Kiss

Evangeline Maronitis Riegler

This book is in loving memory of my friend

Ronald L. Riegler

My thanks to:

The Good Book Cookbook by Goodman, Marcus and Woolhandler(1986)

Beth Crocker

And my Lord for the inspiration

Synopsis of book 1 Promises

In book one, Promises, we meet Onnua and Eunice who were friends for most of their lives. Eunice and Onnua are complete opposites. Eunice is small, tiny-boned and beautiful. Onnua is tall, large and plain. But they share a deep bond of affection.

Eunice marries young Amos the son of a Pharisee. She has two sons and a daughter.

Onnua marries a short but kind tax collector, Zaccheus. Her son dies shortly after birth. Thereafter she is childless.

Eunice’s family forbids her contact with her old friend even though they live next door to one another.

One day, the Teacher Yeshua comes to dine at the home of Zaccheus and Onnua. It seems Zaccheus climbed a sycamore tree to be able to see Yeshua and now they are dining together. Zaccheus pledges the Master that he will give half of all he owns to the poor and if he defrauded any man of anything he would pay him back four times as much.

Later that day Eunice breaks the rules and visits Onnua in her home.

Now the two families look forward to Passover… but it is the Passover when Yeshua goes up to Jerusalem on His Father’s business. What will this mean to the families of Eunice and Onnua?

Synopsis of book 2 Passover Promises

Passover Promises tells the story of two families celebrating Passover and seeing it from two entirely different points of view. Zaccheus’ family is looking forward to celebrating Passover knowing that Yeshua is the long awaited Messiah. They know he is going to Jerusalem to die. Zebulon and Amos take their family to Jerusalem to celebrate Passover with Amos’ Uncle Caiaphas who is High Priest. There they are embroiled in the arrest, trial, and execution of Yeshua.

During the celebration of Passover each family tells the ancient story and the children ask the Passover questions. But each family hears the story and understands the questions from their own perspective. Zaccheus’ family understood that Yeshua would be the final Passover lamb. As the firstborn of Egypt died to release the people from bondage, the firstborn of God died to release us from the slavery of sin. The prophecy of Caiaphas, Better that one man should die than the whole nation perish! was more true than he could know. He thought he was keeping the peace with Rome. Unwittingly he was speaking of the final work of redemption.

On the first day of the week the tomb is empty. The angel reports, He is not here. He is risen.

Now that Yeshua is alive, each family begins its own journey. The longest journey will be for Amos. He is driven to put his family together without realizing his real search is for Forgiving Promises.

Synopsis of book 3 Forgiving Promises

After Passover, Zaccheus no longer wanted to be a tax collector. Zaccheus and his former servant Hiram become partners and move the entire household to Bethany to become innkeepers. Eunice leaves Amos and returns to her home in Jericho. From there Eunice, her mother, and children travel to Lystra. After the slaying of Stephen, Amos realizes the mistakes he has made. He desperately wants to put his family back together. He embarks on a journey to find them.

Jathar, the Samaritan who helped Zaccheus on the road to Jericho, comes to the inn. He begs Zaccheus and Onnua to care for his daughter, Fidelia, as he must leave her there for her safety. But Fidelia is convinced her father sold her to Zaccheus. She tries to not fit in. And only when she meets Bartemaus does her attitude change.

While in Lystra Bartemaus realizes his heart is in Bethany. As his brother Silas begins his own journey for the Lord; Bartemaus travels to Bethany in search of Love Promises.

Synopsis of book 4 Love Promises

The Bethany Inn is flourishing under the leadership of Zaccheus and Hiram. Their wives see to the needs of the guests. Kezia and Fidelia serve the meals. On special evenings Kezia tells stories to the guests. One night an old friend comes to listen. It is Enoch who hopes to marry Kezia. As Enoch courts her, Bartemaus shows up with the same idea.

A peddler named Yakov comes to the inn. This is not the first time that he and Zaccheus have crossed paths. He brings to Zaccheus the gift box Yakov and his brothers stole from him many years ago.

The Apostle Paul ministers to Amos’ family in Lystra. As Silas begins his own journey for the Lord; his father Amos begins to understand who Jesus is.

By the end of the book, Kezia and Fidelia have given birth to their first born. Kezia, Fidelia, Rachael, and their children were gathering for prayer time and were arrested by the Romans for their faith. Their faith is now being tested in Prison Promises.

Synopsis of book 5 Prison Promises

Kezia, Rachael, ‘Delia, and their children were imprisoned because of their faith in Jesus. Caiaphas arrested them to test Kezia’s resolve. ‘Delia left the prison to save herself and her son.

Shua, Zaccheus and Onnua’s young son, was alone on the streets of Jerusalem. His Godly training helped him survive until his family found him.

Marcus Tiberius, the Roman Centurion in charge of the prison, and his beautiful wife Navia have adopted Kezia’s child, Esmira.

By the end of Prison Promises, Kezia and the old woman Darcia are released from prison and are making their way back to Bethany.

Synopsis of book 6 Finding Promises

Amos and Darcia bring Kezia back to the inn but whatever happened to her at the prison has left her in a waking coma. She does not communicate or do anything for herself. ‘Delia is trying to make her own way in Jerusalem and is released from her employment. Without options she decides to return to her home in Samaria and try to find her father Jathar. She is befriended by a Bedouin tribe who help her find the truth about her father and finally return to the inn. Esmira, Bartemaus and Kezia’s daughter, has been adopted by the Roman Centurion Marcus Tiberius and his wife Navia. They call her Diana. When Marcus Tiberius dies Navia must return to Rome but without her adopted daughter.

Navia’s friend Rona identifies the child Diana as her great niece and returns her to her parents. Esmira being returned to Kezia brings her out of her waking sleep.

Cast of Characters

In Bethany

Zaccheus, former tax collector and now inn keeper

Onnua, his wife

Hiram, Zaccheus’ partner

Kezia, Hiram’s daughter

Darcia, the woman who cared for Kezia

Bartemaus, Kezia’s husband

Esmira, Kezia and Bartemaus’ daughter

Bythann, Esmira’s care-giver

Fidelia, ward of Zaccheus and Onnua

Jude and Adarah, children of Fidelia

Jathar, Fidelia’s father

Corello, formerly a Roman soldier

Nathanael, Cleopas’ son

In Jerusalem

Amos, a jeweler

Eunice, his wife

Bartemaus, their son/husband to Kezia

Clovese, daughter of Amos and Eunice

Cleopas, a worker in wood

Anna Elsbeth, Cleopas’ aunt

Lana Elsbeth, Cleopas’ mother

Uncle Rasmus, Cleopas’ uncle

Rona, widow of Caiaphas

In Rome

Navia Tiberius, Widow of Marcus Tiberius

Naomi, her maid servant

Rafael, A trusted servant

Maximus Juvenal, suitor to Navia

Augustine Aurelius, Navia’s brother

Latecia, Augustine Aurelius’ wife

Ramona, a midwife

Marcus Aurelius Tiberius, infant son of Navia

Gaius Julius Caesar, Emperor of Rome called Caligula

Chapter One

W ould the boat ever stop tossing? Navia wondered to herself. So far this was the worst part of the trip. Up until this point it had been smooth sailing. And then she smiled at the small and not terribly funny joke she had made.

Ever since she and Naomi had left Jerusalem with their escort – what was his name?—all the connections had been very smooth. He had camels for them both from Jerusalem to Joppa. Navia had wrapped up to keep her delicate fair skin out of the sun. Naomi, who had never been beyond the walls of Jerusalem and who had the olive complexion of her people, noticed everything about their trip. Wait until she sees the sights of Rome, thought Navia. Then she will be impressed.

She had asked what is-his-name to show her where her husband had had his accident while they traveled from Jerusalem to Joppa. The place was marked by the stone cairns of the man who had been killed first and the man who had caused Marcus Tiberius to plunge over the rocky edge and down the drop-off to the small creek. It was on this spot that her life had changed. And now because of his death and her brother’s summons, she was returning to her home in Rome. Home and the prospect of marriage to a man she did not really like.

She had stood a long time looking down on the two stone cairns that were the only things marking the spot where her beloved had been so badly injured. If she closed her eyes she could almost feel the lurch and scream of his horse as it tumbled over the edge of the precipice. His trusted animal had also died that day. The horse’s injuries had been too great to even try to save him. Her husband’s horse had been left to the birds and beasts to finish. Its bleached bones were there too.

When Navia, Naomi and their escort had arrived in Joppa, the ship was waiting for them. Her brother, an important senator, had made all the arrangements. As promised the ship was ready to leave when she, her lady’s hand maid, their belongings were safely on board. Casting off almost immediately was fine with Navia. She had no interest in exploring the stalls and shops of Joppa. She knew that Naomi would have coveted time in the shops and bazaars of this port city but their guide had hurried them to the waiting ship.

Most of the early part of the Mediterranean crossing had been easy. The captain was forced to tack before the wind since it blew from the west and they wanted to head west.

And then the storms had come. She had lost track of how long she and Naomi had been virtually locked in their rooms. It was unsafe for them to be on deck. And there were times she felt like a pistachio bouncing around in an empty wine bottle. Was the pistachio drunk? she wondered and then was amazed that she kept thinking oddly amusing things in such dire circumstances.

Naomi joined her late on the third –or was it the fourth? – day. Are you hungry, Mistress?

Yes, but I am afraid if I ate anything even the ceiling would be wearing it. And then she chuckled to herself about that picture in her head. Was it the hunger that was causing these odd thoughts?

Come sit with me, Naomi! she instructed and opened the coverlet she had over her. The boat lurched during Naomi’s indecision and she did not need to be asked again. Navia covered Naomi too and put her arm about the girl. Naomi noticed that the urn, the one containing Marcus Tiberius’ ashes, was snuggled up on Navia’s other side tight against her pillow. When Navia saw the girl looking at it she said, I think he is weathering the storm better than we are.

And so the two women and the urn snuggled together until finally morning came with a dead calm. The first thing Navia did was to go top side just to get fresh air. She was amazed that after the fierce storm the waves were so calm. But the boat continued westward under the power of the rowers. Navia could feel beneath her feet the steady drumming that kept the oarsmen in rhythm. It was like a heartbeat to her. The boat moved under this power almost as she moved to the beat of her heart. She put her hand on her expanding belly and was sure she could feel the rhythm of that life too. The heart of her son – for she prayed to her many gods that it would be a son.

May I fix you some food, Mistress? Naomi’s words broke into her reverie.

Yes, child, I believe I could eat now.

Shall I serve in your room?

Bring it up here please. I’ve seen enough of that room.

I agree, Mistress! Naomi turned to go about her work but Navia called her back.

Have you seen — oh what is his name? — since the storm broke?

Do you mean Rafael? He is below.

Could you ask him to come up to me?

Yes, ma’am.

Shortly Rafael, whom her brother Augustine Aurelius had sent to escort her home to Rome, joined her on the deck. He looked a little pale to her. Perhaps the storm had not agreed with him either.

Rafael, do you know if the storm delayed us at all? I shouldn’t want my brother to worry.

He knew from the time that he sent me to you that it would take two full passages of the moon. I am sure he will expect us when we arrive and not before. I did speak to the captain and we were blown off course some but nothing to worry about. Is there anything I can do to make you more comfortable in the meantime?

Navia smiled to herself. Please arrange it with the god Neptune not to have any more storms.

Rafael caught her whimsy. I’ll speak to him on your behalf!

When Navia had first met Rafael she had disliked him. Maybe that is why his name could not stay in her head. It was Rafael who had brought the expected letter from her brother. She realized it was senseless to blame him. What was in the letter was hardly his fault. What was that old phrase…? Don’t shoot the messenger. She knew her brother would want her to come home. What she had not expected was his demand that she marry General Maximus’ son on her return. And harder still that her brother forbade her to bring her adopted daughter, Diana, with her.

Diana. She would always be a special memory. Leaving her in Jerusalem was the hardest thing she had ever done. Not even moving to Jerusalem and saying goodbye to her family had been that hard. And she knew she might never see her family again. And would she ever see Diana again? Only the Fates would know. But, she reflected, she had done the best for the child that she could. Diana was with a trusted servant who had been hired by a trusted friend to care for the child. She would see her again…maybe.

What a perfect day this was going to be. After the storm the air was so fresh and just the right temperature. If only she could not think about what was ahead. She missed Diana and hated that she had to leave her behind. She was beginning to hate Maximus Juvenal for she was sure it was his idea for her to leave Diana when she returned to Rome. Without all of the hate she was feeling, this might be a joyous day.

Naomi returned with food. The ladies sat on the hatch to the storage area and enjoyed the figs and meats, the bread and fruit beverages the galley staff had provided them.

42141.png

Suddenly after many more days at sea, there was Rome spread out before them. Navia had remembered it in all its faceted details. She remembered the buildings and the fierce hot, sun. She was not a returning hero so there were no parades, no nubile young women throwing rose petals (or themselves) at the feet of the conquering heroes. But the city was alive with its own bustle, hurry, commerce and always, politics.

Navia leaned over the ship’s rail taking in all the details. Naomi stood at her shoulder; eyes wide at all she was seeing. Navia began pointing out landmarks to Naomi. There on the right was the Palace of the Emperor. Over there was where the Senate met. And that huge structure was the coliseum where the games were held for every occasion. Navia closed her eyes and breathed in the odor that was Rome. The smells were multi-layered. Fish and the salt water smells of the wharf. Sweat of the workers from the warmth of the day. She also smelled food from the meat and produce markets. Above all this Navia was aware of the pungent odor of animals. Yes, this was the Rome she remembered.

When Raphael had told them they would arrive today Navia had Naomi help her with her careful toilette. She chose a gown that would beautifully – but pointedly – show off her expanding belly. No one in Rome knew. Let there be no mistaking that she carried Marcus Tiberius’ child under her heart. She also had Naomi polish up the urn that carried his ashes. It was smudged with fingerprints and not a few tears from the voyage.

Navia was sure that her brother, Augustine Aurelius, would be there for her arrival. She had no doubt that he had had servants watching for them. Her major uncertainty was whether or not Maximus Juvenal would also be there to welcome her. If he was there to greet them she wanted to be sure there was no doubt in his mind that she was with child and the child was her beloved, deceased, husband’s. But, if Maximus Juvenal was