The Last Temple by Sigmund Brouwer, Hank Hanegraaff Read Free Book Online Page B

will prove wrong. They have not been to Rome as I have. They do not understand the difference between an incompetent governor like Cestius with his small army and the might of a full legion. And now Rome has sent two legions. Two!”
    Another pause, until Ben-Matthias began again, almost at a whisper.
    “You, Vitas, do understand what is ahead for my people. If, against all odds, two legions fail, Rome will send two more. And two after that. Because Rome knows if it suffers defeat against the Jews, other peoples in the empire will rebel. Rome must always win.”
    “Yes,” Vitas said with equal softness. “I do understand the might of a legion, and yes, Rome will not lose.”
    “You owe me your life,” Ben-Matthias said. “Keep that in mind as you consider my request.”
    “You had me taken down from the cross?”
    “Rescued from Nero. If the day comes that Jerusalem will fall, then honor your debt to me.”
    “You rescued me from Nero. In Rome. Why should I believe that?”
    “‘You have fled the city of this beast; from the sea it came and on the sea you go. North and west of the city of the second beast, find the first of five kings who have fallen.’” Ben-Matthias stopped briefly. “Heard enough? Or should I quote you the entire letter?”
    “You were in Rome, then,” Vitas said.
    “No. I have friends in Rome. It was arranged. Ask no more about the arrangements. Men risked their lives to conspire against Nero.”
    “How am I to repay the debt?”
    “You will know only if the day comes that it is necessary to ask repayment, and that request will be necessary only if the Temple does fall to Rome. If the Temple does not fall, you are not obliged to me for your life. Hold out your hand.”
    Vitas had a degree of suspicion but complied nonetheless, telling himself if the man had meant harm, it would have happened already.
    He felt something cold and round pressed into his hand.
    “Wear this around your neck, and keep it safe. If someone comes to you with its twin, you will know that I have sent him. And when that person sees you with the same token, he will know you are the one to trust with the obligations put upon you. Until then, keep this portion of our conversation secret. From everyone. Not even Bernice or Titus or Ruso should know of it.”
    “Ruso?”
    “I suspect you’ll meet him sooner or later. That is irrelevant. If someone has the matching token, you repay the debt. That is all that matters.”
    “Why not to you?”
    “I am not a military man, but I have been chosen to lead the Jews. I doubt I will live to see whether the last Temple falls. So, if necessary, it will be someone in my place who approaches you about repaying the debt you owe.”
    “The letter directed me to the synagogue here in Caesarea,” Vitas said. “If you know of the letter, you could have found me there any Sabbath. Why now?”
    “That is not it,” Ben-Matthias said. “You are to meet—”
    The door opened with a suddenness that brought a draft into the room.
    “Soldiers approach!” a warning voice hissed.
    “Tell me who I am to meet at the synagogue!” Vitas said to prompt the man.
    “This is more important for you now. Remember this name. For the governor, Julianus. Remember this: Glecko Partho. He was the one who threatened Helva.”
    “Tell me about the Sabbath and the synagogue!”
    “Glecko Partho. With that name, you can spare bloodshed of my people.”
    That was all.
    The shrouded figure fled the room. And the door shut upon Vitas, leaving him in silence and darkness again.

 Mercury 

Hora Tertiana
    In the morning, after a simple but adequate breakfast, slaves came to clean and groom him and provide a freshly laundered tunic.
    Still in shackles, he was led to a courtyard, where he recognized why he’d been made presentable. In the shade at the far end of the courtyard of the luxury villa was a dark-haired woman famed for her attractiveness, seated with Marcus Antonius Julianus, governor of