Immortal by Glenn Beck Read Free Book Online Page A

not a soldier.” He spread his hands, revealing palms soft and unlined, the hands of a man unaccustomed to heavy physical labor or the heft of a sword.
    Agios didn’t say anything, and Caspar clapped, ending the conversation. “Shall we see if we have met our mark?”
    A servant hurried over and measured the frankincense in an ornate bronze cup. When the man nodded and reported, “More than full measure, sir,” the scholar smiled and glanced at Agios.
    Agios returned his gaze. Beside him Krampus stirred restlessly. The flaps of the tent had been closed and it was getting hot and stuffy. At length, Caspar said, “You have done well, Agios. What compensation would please you?”
    â€œProof that Krampus is mine. You sold him to me, remember?”
    â€œOf course,” Caspar replied. He whispered something to the servant, who disappeared through a fold in the tent. Moments later a scribe appeared. The scribe handed Caspar a square of paper—the rare Egyptian invention made of pressed reeds. “Here is his document. It says he belongs to you.” The scribe melted wax, and Caspar pressed his ring into the cooling surface. “I have sealed it with my own impression.”
    Agios accepted the paper and rose. He motioned that Krampus should also stand, and the strong man scrambled up awkwardly, as though unused to having no fetters on wrists and ankles. Others in the caravan had demanded that Krampus be restrained, but Agios had prevailed. By now the merchants knew of Agios’s skill, and they heard whispers that he had done a great service for a king. He was a hero of sorts, but he longed to be away from the press of people and their prying eyes.
    Agios bowed his head, trying to find a word of farewell. He had not expected to return, had thought he would die on the mountain, but in accepting responsibility for the deformed slave, he had somehow tied himself to life again. But though Krampus would never again feel the bite of a whip, how were they to live—and where? Agios had no plans, and he hesitated.
    Caspar had risen, too. “Of course you are free to go,” he said, as if sensing Agios’s inner uncertainty. “However, I feel you have paid far too much for this slave’s freedom. I am still in your debt, Agios, and I wish to reward you further. Now, tedious journeys still lie ahead for me. I wonder—would you accept service for a while longer?”
    â€œI serve no man,” Agios said.
    Caspar raised his hand. “Don’t be so hasty. As I told you, I have two friends, scholars like me, who are joining me on a journey to where the new king will be found. Like me, they will carry precious gifts. We have no wish to travel in full panoply, with an army accompanying us, but in ordinary clothing, with only a few servants. Yet, with riches in our baggage, we need protection. You and your big friend—”
    â€œHis name is Krampus,” Agios said.
    Caspar nodded gravely. “Very well. You and Krampus could act as our guards. You are cunning, and he is certainly very strong. If you escort us, I will reward you. I request no service beyond that, and I recognize that you and Krampus are both free men.”
    Agios looked at Krampus. Caspar was offering them a purpose for at least the months of the journey. After that, maybe he and Krampus could find a place to settle far from haunting memories. “If our obligation ends once we arrive at your destination, we will accept,” he said.
    â€œYou will be well compensated,” Caspar assured him. “I know that my two friends will want to contribute, too. You will never have to face the dangers of harvesting frankincense again.”
    It was more than Agios could have hoped for.

    That night, as they sat near the fire, Gamos seemed troubled. “What did he tell you about the trip?”
    â€œNot much,” Agios admitted. “I don’t care, though. We are going away from