Devil's Island Read Free

image aside. He guessed that Publius had still not disclosed the full purpose of his visit.
    â€œWhy are you so fearful for my safety now, Publius? Have I personally come to the emperor’s attention?”
    â€œI don’t know—but your friend John certainly has.” Publius cleared his throat. “You undoubtedly noticed the two military ships that arrived late yesterday . . .”
    Abraham nodded, encouraging him to continue.
    â€œThe commanding officer paid a visit to the concilium this morning. It seems our report to Rome, or at least the section dealing with John and his preaching at the Temple of Domitian, got Caesar’s personal attention. Domitian took the unusual action of sending a cohort of soldiers to investigate—and to enforce a mandatory sacrifice to the emperor.”
    â€œSo the Apostle has been targeted for this mandatory sacrifice, and if he refuses to offer it, he will meet the same fate as Flavius Clemens?”
    â€œExecution or exile. That is the punishment.”
    The two friends stared blankly into space for a moment. Publius appeared quite pained as he continued. “If John is a target, it stands to reason that your son will also come to the commander’s attention. Jacob accompanies the old preacher everywhere he goes.”
    Abraham’s heart sank. Jacob, oh Jacob, he thought. Why do you have to be so outspoken? Whatever made you want to be a preacher like John?
    â€œSo if Jacob is singled out,” Publius continued, “you’re bound to be targeted as well. You know they can confiscate the property of anyone convicted of such a crime, and you’re the wealthiest man in Asia. Actually, you wouldn’t even have to be convicted of a crime, not in the sense of a trial. Damian has special orders from the emperor that override the local governing auth—”
    â€œWho?” Abraham bolted forward as he snapped out the question.
    â€œThe commander,” Publius replied, his eyebrows arching on his malleable face. “Lucius Mallus Damianus . . .”
    Abraham did not hear another word Publius said. Damian! How could he bear to tell Elizabeth that Damian had returned, and that Jacob was his prey?

2
    THE TRICLINIUM , WITH ITS THREE SLOPING SOFAS arranged around the large square table, was the most important room in the house, and dinner with her family was the highlight of Elizabeth’s day. She slipped off her sandals and left them at the foot of the couch, then stretched out on the plush mattress covered in a rich, crimson-striped brocade.
    Although each sofa accommodated three people, the family reclined in pairs when dining alone. Elizabeth and Abraham shared the center couch, the position of honor. Jacob and Peter occupied the couch to their left, and Naomi and Rebecca were to their right. The fourth side of the table was left open for service. While one servant poured wine and another placed dishes of boiled eggs in sauce, salad greens, and oysters on the table to begin the meal, Elizabeth leaned on her elbow and surveyed her family.
    Peter appeared to be in pain, although he hadn’t complained. In the last few years he seemed to have given in to it more; some days he never left his room. Elizabeth had often thought that if it had been Jacob whose ankle had been badly twisted at birth, he would have tangled with the devil himself rather than give up and spend the day in bed.
    Her husband seemed to be distracted. Abraham had not touched his cup of mulsum , the warm, honey-sweetened wine he loved. Probably brooding over a business problem, she guessed. If it were something she needed to know, he would tell her later; they had no secrets.
    Rebecca exhibited her usual sunny disposition. She was sweet and >even-tempered, and remarkably unspoiled. Unlike her older sister, Elizabeth thought with a maternal pang. Naomi had always been self-centered, but lately she seemed to be gripped by cynicism. Naomi’s attention was