Except for Grace and Mercy

Chapter 3

She has just left one of her neighbour's home to deliver the sewing of a woollen gown and a linen scarf; the woman could only afford ten shekels. People living in these parts of Israel were having it so tough, some of the young men were miners around Timna located around the Arava valley and a few by the Khirbat en-Nahas (ruins of copper) mines where industrial scale copper smelting was done. The least visited mine site was the Faynan which was located south of the dead Sea. Agriculture became the staple means of earning money ever since the Timna mines became financially unviable after the death of King Solomon of Israel. She heard other women went to Masada to work as prostitutes and according to rumours, some were selling their children in the slave labour market there: Adah always felt heavy and incapable, she truly envisions a land where everyone forsakes their ungodly ways and dissolve that slave labour market; she's a woman and just one against many, she will just have to persuade her brothers to leave that brotherhood. Her hope is in the Lord. Picking up speed to get to her ailing mother and brothers, she stops suddenly to the sound of a noise from a tree branch breaking. Turning around, she sees no one in sight except for the houses she had long passed with their aged and grandchildren outside playing. She exhales and walks another distance but she's still on edge having that feeling she's being followed - that's when she makes a run for it until the view of their home appears; she forces the wooden door open, closes it and leans into it breathing heavily. Beeri rises quickly from his mother's side, rushes to her side, panic written all over his face: "sister what happened to you?" All the while shaking her shoulders vigorously;
"I think I was being followed"
"Did you see who that was?"
"No, I panicked but I heard a tree branch crack behind me"
He hugs her and whispers "it's alright sister, we're here for you like always"
When she's calm, she immediately checks in her animal skin purse and retrieves the ten shekels and gives it to Beeri.
"She could only give you ten shekels?" His tone laced with irritation
"Brother, times are difficult for all of us, you know that".
"Whatever, you will come with us to the fields and the mines. At least I won't be alone protecting you, some of the brotherhood will be there"
"Beeri, you know I can't, besides who will take care of mother?"
"We would be exchanging"
"Are you certain about the safety of the mines and fields? You understand there are fracas here and there between the Romans and your resistance fighters"
"We're not resistance fighters, but brothers Adah "
"Have you discussed this with Jonas?"
"Yes, he has been in complete support. After supper, he'll tell you more "
Heaving a sigh, she says -"okay, but you'll still let me think about it before I decide ".

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The third day of the week has just dawned, not that he looked forward to it with eager anticipation; the life of a soldier has it's enormous responsibilities. People expect you as an officer, to show strength, courage even in the midst of ferocious wolves advancing for battle. If only they could understand that he has a weakness and it has been a bane that won't just go: he tried his own therapy of sleeping with the most beautiful and luscious of women, for which Roman soldiers in each garrison could not be denied prostitutes or free women to sleep with. The nightmares never left, the ache for something even peace - huffing at that thought, made him fault the Roman empire campaigns of the Pax Romana and how that has never been a success on the Romans themselves. Getting out of bed, he offers his prayers to the Luna goddess and immediately one of emperor Vespasian's servants, directs him to the bath pool where the emperor is already soaking himself
"Ah, spring. You can't help but love it"
Tribune Opimius gets into the pool to the right of the emperor before replying; "yes, but a shame that political revolts have stenched the blossoms"
"You don't seem pleased with our political conquests?"
"Isn't it shameful upon our Roman pride to have would be slaves killed and yet we clamour for more manpower for our conquered territories most excellent Vespasian?"
Shrugging as he exhales deeply, emperor Vespasian can only hum. He has always loved this young Tribune since he was only a lad, indeed the gods have bestowed on him wisdom.

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"Oh god-mother, I just can't wait to see him". She speaks wriggling her hands excitedly
"So I have been told. Vespasian indulged my eager ears yesterday"
"By the gods, did you see his body statue? He's indeed a Roman and Greek god combined". She says this dreamy eyed.
"Ah dear Cornelia, the fangs of young love can be hard to tame"
"Yes, only his flame do I seek to flare the cold coals of my love hearth. Tell me, how long will he be staying?"
"I do not know what my husband has for the Tribune".
Noises down below the fortress, causes Cornelia to run towards the edge of the roof where she looks and beholds what has been captivating her interest. He is giving out instructions to some of his men, when he suddenly looks up, gives her a curt nod before averting his eyes all too non-committal and jumps on his horse and departs with a few of his soldiers galloping away from the fortress.
"What interesting sight has you captive by the roof Cornelia?"
She was so caught up that she did not hear the emperor's footsteps behind her. Smiling she answers:"yes, I would love to be his captive and I guess a reason for staying".