Except for Grace and Mercy

Chapter 7

I've just finished feeding the donkey his hay, when I feel a tap on my left shoulder; I turn and find leader Gideon looking down at me from my squatting position.
"Good morning Gideon. How is the grazing?"
"I sent Gaius with the sheep and returned just to keep my eyes on things here".
"Sure, leadership isn't a small thing you know".
"Your sister, how is she?"
"She's doing great". I notice his discomfort after that and the way he keeps moving from one foot to the other.
"I've got to check on the Romans at my house, since they are ready to mount and leave"
"Oh sure. I'll be leaving too". Approaching the house, I notice some of the soldiers grooming their horses and the one called Miles Albus, is holding on to the horse that the Tribune probably rides on just by the front of our door. I open it without a care to offer greetings and I am met with a shocking sight: the Tribune is seated on the wooden stool holding onto my mother's hands soothing her fingers, while Adah is seated across from him quiet and bending her head -probably praying; Jonas just happens to step in after me.
"Officer, this is a costly gesture that is detrimental to your career ". Jonas was saying with a bit of irritation to his voice.
I notice my mother's eyes are still closed and her lips aren't quivering; a sickening fear arises in the pit of my stomach -'could she be dead?' I think within me.
"I shall be gone now ". The Tribune says as he stands to his feet, tugging my mother's hands safely inside the quilt covering her and looking fondly at my sister. He removes some coins from under his paludamentum, placing them on the bed just in front of her. Giving us a curt nod before exiting the house, he gets on his horse and departs with his men towards the direction of Jerusalem.
Adah is counting what looks like some brass sesterius coins when she exclaims; "Ah! He gave us twenty denarius!"