Except for Grace and Mercy

Chapter 13

A slap is whacked across his face, causing him to go down on his knees pleading for his life.
"What have been my instructions? Do not ever return empty like a coward!"
"Ye-s le-leader. But the Tribune was too strong and his moves are just too fast..."
Elazar does not have the patience to listen anymore. He wipes his sword clean and sneers at his soldier's dead body. It would seem that some of his men were beginning to develop cold feet: he must deal with that Roman tribune because he must ensure he is the only threat and most feared militia around Judea and Jerusalem.
"Elazar, we cannot keep killing our brothers just because your temper is high"
Falling quickly to his knees, he pleads with the most revered leader "oh forgive me leader, it wasn't intentional, but his actions and speech needed to be cut off so it does not bring disunity among the brothers". He then sights the young Azrael behind the leader. He is still enormoured over his lack of experience and not dealing the blow on the Tribune. Elazar hated softies.
"The operation today led to most of our men being arrested. I have sent messages to the few that ran away to remain in hiding for now pending when we re-strategize for a more brutal approach"
"How great leader?" Elazar is puzzled yet excited
"Josephus Flavius is the key "
Grinning wickedly, Elazar smiles and answers; "very well then".