The Betrayal Read Free Page A

me into the light that is to come.”
    Gestas vented an ugly laugh, and said, “You constantly speak about salvation. How is it possible you do not know that chasing the Romans from our land is the only way to truly save our people?”
    Yeshu left his hands out while he mildly said, “I warn you, brothers, resistance can only lead to social and military disaster for our people. Do not take this path. Very soon, God Almighty will renew his covenant with Yisrael and we will all—”
    â€œI told you not to preach at us!” Dysmas shouted and it echoed over the rolling hills. The dogs started barking again.
    Yeshu slowly pulled his hands back. Dysmas and Gestas had their jaws clenched.

    Maryam moved closer to his side. If they attacked him, she would tear them apart with her bare hands.
    Yeshu softly said, “You Zealots remind me of the rich merchant who discovered a beautiful pearl and sold everything he owned to buy it. He clutched that pearl to his chest, forsaking all other things, even food and drink, even his family. Too late did he discover that his treasure brought him only pain and death.”
    Both men shifted, fists balled in anger. Maryam wondered if they understood that their dream of conquering Rome was the pearl.
    â€œSo,” Dysmas said, “you will not join forces with us?”
    â€œI am already joined with you in the divine light, brothers. Let that be enough.”
    â€œI told you so,” Gestas said. “He’s a Roman stooge just like the high priest. That’s why he told us to pay their taxes. Give unto Caesar! I spit upon Caesar!”
    Dysmas fixed Yeshu with a hard eye. “I ask you one last time to tell us plainly if you are with us or against us.”
    The night breeze tousled the old grass on the hillside and created a soft hissing sound.
    â€œI am against no man, Dysmas. We are all One in the Kingdom. I will pray for you.”
    â€œWe’re wasting our time,” Gestas said, raising his hands in frustration. “Let’s go and tell the Son of the Father that the Magician refuses to help us.”
    Dysmas lowered his hand to his belted dagger. “He will be very displeased. Perhaps you should think this over.”
    Yeshu shook his head. “No, I don’t need to.”
    â€œThen you are a coward!” Dysmas viciously spat at Yeshu, and both Zealots turned and tramped away down the hill.
    He watched them until they disappeared into the dark shadows of the olive trees.
    â€œThe fools,” Maryam said in a shaking voice. “Why do they persecute you? This world is about to end! They should be tending to their own souls, not rousing the people to fight Rome.”
    â€œDon’t hate them, Maryam. They are blind in their hearts. For the
moment they are intoxicated, but they will leave this earth empty men. If you do not wish to suffer the same fate, you must become a passerby.” 11
    â€œA passerby? Don’t joke. After tonight, they’ll be working against us, maybe even plotting to kill us. I’m angry. You should be, too.”
    â€œPerhaps.” He smiled at her. “But only a calm pond reflects the light of the Kingdom.”
    Her enraged expression slackened. She closed her eyes. He had taught them that sinners only came to them for baptism when the light of the Kingdom shone in their eyes and on their faces.
    She said, “Forgive me, Master. I seem to forget your teachings at the moments I need them most. I am ashamed of myself.”
    â€œDon’t be. You are tired, as I am. Let’s …”
    Down in the olive trees, voices rose. Only then did she realize that a Zealot camp hid there. Maryam’s eyes jerked wide and riveted on the spot.
    â€œBlessed God, that’s why Dysmas chose this meeting place,” she hissed. “How many men do you think he brought with him? All five thousand?”
    Yeshu’s brows drew together. “I don’t know, but