Necessary Heartbreak by Michael J. Sullivan Read Free Book Online Page A

not everyone knew,” the high priest said, mocking him. Many in the crowd laughed, irritating the soldier even more. He glared at Michael, lifting his spear in a menacing way.
    The high priest turned back to Michael. “You have a daughter to take care of. I have one myself. We should both shoulder our responsibilities and keep them from harm.”
    Michael nodded.
    â€œSir, we’ll upset many in the army if we allow them both to go,” the court guard pleaded.
    The high priest rose and strolled thoughtfully back and forth in front of the prisoners. He then stopped at the side of the soldier and spoke in a monotone, “How much anger do you see?”
    â€œSir, enough to cause a problem during the festivities.”
    The high priest turned to Elizabeth. “Where is your husband?”
    Elizabeth shook her head, puzzled by the question. “Husband? What?! I’m not married!”
    â€œPerhaps it’s best you find one.”
    â€œShe will be with me,” the woman with the black veil said. “Let me bring her back to my home.”
    The high priest slowly looked around. Sensing the animosity building up among the impatient soldiers, he quickly made his decision.
    â€œYou’ve disrespected me and my soldiers,” he said firmly to Michael and Elizabeth. Then he walked down a few steps and surveyed the crowd, enjoying the attention. Suddenly he spun back up the steps and faced Elizabeth and Michael again.
    The high priest pointed at Leah. “Woman, take your brother’s daughter and show her the way home.” Then he turned toward Elizabeth, hissing, “Do not disrespect me again, woman. Cover your face or you’ll find a place with your father.”
    Gesturing at Michael, the high priest shouted loud enough so that even those in the rear of the crowd could hear him, “Take him to theprison to await sentencing. Let it be known that if you help a murderer, we will treat you like one.”
    The soldiers chuckled in agreement and the high priest seemed to revel in the moment.
    â€œNo,” screamed Elizabeth as she struggled away from the soldiers to reach her father.
    Leah swiftly moved toward her and grabbed her arm. “Stop. Or you’ll get hurt.”
    â€œI don’t care, they’re taking my father!”
    Leah’s grip tightened around Elizabeth’s arm as two Roman soldiers led Michael away. He turned slightly to get a last glance of her. “Go, Elizabeth, go with the woman, get back to Northport,” he pleaded.
    â€œListen to him, woman!” the high priest said, gliding toward Elizabeth. “You are to go with your father’s sister and stay with her while you are here for the festivities. Do not travel at night. Not everyone will show mercy like I have today. The soldiers will remember you for what you tried to do. Next time I will not help you.” His hand slapped at the air, his palm upturned. “Go now!”
    â€œThank you for your mercy,” Leah said, her face turned downward. She leaned into Elizabeth, pulling her back slightly. “Come, come with me quickly,” she whispered, nodding once to Michael. “I’ll take care of her.”
    Elizabeth watched as her father was led off into the courtyard below. She struggled to follow him as closely as she could, but the crowd only parted for the soldiers, trapping her behind the mob.
    â€œTake this,” said Leah, ripping a piece of garment under her robes and then handing it to Elizabeth.
    â€œI’m not wearing this,” said Elizabeth, giving it back.
    Leah grabbed her arm and tightened her grip. Staring at Elizabeth she implored, “Do you want to die? Listen to me!”
    Elizabeth remained silent, glaring, then adjusted the veil over her face.

3

A MARCH TO DEATH

    The crowd started to disperse as the soldiers dragged Michael farther from the courtyard. People still lined the sides of the dusty stone road, eyeing the three of