Marcus and Hadassah sat together on the balcony of their chambers. The sun was just beginning to set in the western sky.
"This is my favorite time of day, next to our prayer with the children," Hadassah spoke softly.
"There is something special about watching the sun set with the one I love," Marcus agreed.
Marcus took Hadassah's hand in his, peering out across the water.
"There is something I would like to discuss with you Hadassah," Marcus began calmly. "And we shall speak of it now." He took in a steadying breath before continuing. "It is time we make the decision about Mark's education. I realize we have briefly talked about it before, but I want to make sure everything is decided, should I go to Rome."
Hadassah nodded. "You would like him to attend school as you did."
"He would not just be attending any school love, but he would be taught by Quintilian."
His emphasis of the teacher he knew brought no reaction from Hadassah.
"I do not know Quintilian, only that you admire him. And so, I do not know myself if he is worthy to teach our son."
"Quintilian has taught many philosophers, physicians, and up-and-coming senators. I would be proud to have our son sit under his tutelage."
"Perhaps there is another option," Hadassah mused thoughtfully.
Marcus nodded with interest. "I am listening."
"Marcus, many of the mothers in our church meeting place have recommended Androgeous Vlachos, a Greek tutor. A Christian," Hadassah explained.
"Mark is advanced well beyond his age. It is time he has a challenge and uses his mind all day instead of the few hours he has lessons with us," Marcus said.
"He is always reading in the bibliotheca," Hadassah reminded him.
"Yes," Marcus said in agreement. "He does. Therefore, he needs this type of challenge."
Hadassah began watching two birds feeding on the balcony wall as she gathered her thoughts.
"Androgeus Vlachos is most renowned in his teaching of philosophy, arithmetic, reading, and oration. He has even taught older boys rhetoric."
"I know you would feel better if Mark were able to stay home,' Marcus said. "But the twins are practically inseparable. This will give you more time to work with Leah."
"If we had a tutor, all of the children could benefit from lessons," Hadassah pressed again.
"Mark needs this right now,' Marcus explained. "The twins need to discover who they are as individuals."
"Marcus, I understand you want our son to boast of many achievements, and I still feel he could do this with a tutor. Just think of how much he would learn from a Christian elder in the church."
"Perhaps when Mark is older, we can explore the idea of a tutor, but Quintilian will deliver on so many more levels."
Hadassah sat up straighter as a thought came to her. "And what about the brutality of the schools," she asked in concern.
Marcus clasped her hand in both of his. "Mark is a smart boy, as long as he completes his work, and is precise in his recitations, he will be fine."
"But you attended school in such a harsh environment," Hadassah pointed out.
"This is why I can say Mark will do well. I also had many tutors brought in by my father. All supposedly well-noted for their accomplishments with their students. I was always bored because I was so far ahead of their curriculum," Marcus told her.
"Of course, you were,' Hadassah said. "This does not surprise me, but even John the apostle has recommended this tutor for us."
"I believe John would understand my decision to educate Mark under such a name."
"Are you concerned at all that Quintilian is not a Christian?" Hadassah asked quietly.
"As we must keep our faith a secret, Mark is going to have to learn this at some point in his life. So far, he has been surrounded by mostly Christian servants. He will need to know how to conduct himself in the world."
Hadassah shrugged. "I will only agree to Mark attending this Quintilian's school on one condition."
"What are your terms?"
"You must accompany him for the first day. If anything goes wrong, you are to bring him home directly."
Marcus stroked Hadassah's hand. Looking her in the eyes, he said, "I will do better than that." Eagerly, he began to explain his plan. "I will make a permanent place where the students can go to learn. You will be much happier that Mark will be in a building. And you have my word, I will accompany him for his first day with Quintilian."
Hadassah waited calmly in the courtyard. Marcus would be returning soon.
She sat near the fountain studying the light reflecting off the water. After a time, a voice could be heard entering the peristyle. Marcus came into view.
"Being welcomed by my wife, such a wonderful ending to the day," Marcus remarked cheerfully.
Hadassah stood to greet him. Kissing her gently, Marcus motioned for her to sit back down. It was only then that Hadassah noticed the two men in his company.
A chill ran through her. Their presence was intimidating. The neanderthal-like men stood like statues waiting for Marcus to speak.
"Oh," Hadassah spoke in concern. "Have I made an error with the servants Marcus?"
"These are guards Hadassah."
Hadassah studied the men carefully. Then, she saw the ivory chip around the neck of each guard. A symbol of their freedom told her they were former gladiators. Evidently, the olive-skinned gladiator had just earned his freedom. His hair had not even started to grow back. Scar tissue covered the left socket where his eye had been gouged out. His mouth showed large gaps where he was missing several teeth. The second guard was even larger than the first. His blond hair told her he was German. His broad chest and shoulders matched his enormous arms that were like tree trunks. He was missing three fingers on his right hand.
Determined to keep her spirits up, Hadassah shook her head slightly to clear her mind of the horror. Trying to be polite, she said, "Please sit and join us."
"Thank you, my lady, we will stand," replied one of the guards politely.
"These are your new guards," Marcus explained.
"You must be far from home,' Hadassah spoke to them kindly.
"Yes, my lady," the other guard quietly answered.
Hadassah watched the guards intently. They stood like statues awaiting their next orders.
"Ianus will show you to your quarters,' Marcus instructed, a polite dismissal.
The guards turned to find Ianus waiting to escort them to the servant's quarters.
Hadassah eyed the men as they walked away. Marcus took up his place next to her by the fountain.
"Marcus," Hadassah began gently. "I have no need of guards."
"From now on, I am going to make absolutely certain you are protected," said Marcus. "We were lucky it was only Antigonous who took you, but I am concerned about the men you told me of, who threatened you."
"We now know the reasons Antigonous had for committing such an act,' Hadassah said. "Besides that, Marcus, you do not support the games. They are former gladiators."
Marcus pressed his lips to Hadassah's forehead and spoke, "You are the most valuable person in the world to me. I will go to any length to protect my lily."
Hadassah smiled briefly, then as a thought came to her, and she let her face straighten in sudden realization. "If I have guards with me all of the time, no one will want to visit with me."
"Hadassah, you are loved wherever you go. The guards have been instructed to stay at a distance while keeping you safe. They will not interfere with your visits."
"Have you considered how this will affect the children. What will they think if I am constantly surrounded by guards?"
"If you take the children out, the guards are to be with you. And any time you go to visit the widows, the guards are to accompany you. I have also ordered them to accompany you to the market. I just can't take any chances that something should happen to you again."
"The protection of the Lord is all I need,' Hadassah said bravely.
"We always have the protection of the Lord, but this does not mean we should not take other precautions ourselves," Marcus replied.
Hadassah inhaled sharply as another thought came to her mind. "Consider, Marcus, that we do not know if these men are Christians."
"I understand your concern, but I have hired them to do a job. Perhaps the Lord will make a way for us to reach them, should they not be Christian. I am sorry Hadassah, but I am going to stand firm on this. Since I cannot be with you all the time, I have to know that I do not have to worry over whether you are safe."
Marcus paused and took in Hadassah's unhappy expression. "I know you are perfectly capable. But I cannot leave you at the mercy of the people in this city."
"I understand," Hadassah said patiently. "We have always found ways to care for one another."
Marcus nodded in agreement.
"You hired guards when we traveled to Palestine, so I will trust your judgement. The guards will accompany me," Hadassah relented.
"Now I know when I go to Rome, you will be out of harm's way. You are the most valuable treasure in the empire to me."
Abandoning her position, Hadassah leaned into Marcus. She understood his reasoning, even if she did not wish to have guards.
Hadassah sat at her dressing table the next morning. In her hand, she held delicate pearled pins which she placed in her hair. Marcus entered the room, watching Hadassah arranging the pins. As he came closer, Hadassah turned and gently touched his damp hair. He smelled of the baths and thyme oil used by their masseur.
"You got up early to exercise with the guards in the gymnasium," Hadassah said. "I can see from your energized expression you have spent the morning overseeing their training. I only hope you have not exhausted yourself."
With a sly smile Marcus said, "I haven't experienced anything so invigorating for months, although, I do find our time together to be most pleasing."
The pins fell from Hadassah's hand, hitting the stone floor. Hadassah put her hand to her mouth and her cheeks burned red at his comment. Trying to catch her breath, she scolded, "Marcus!"
Marcus laughed softly. Cupping her chin in one hand, he rubbed her reddened cheek with his knuckles.
"Forgive me my love. I have not meant to embarrass you. After all, I am still a Roman."
"Well," Hadassah said, "Clearly, you have had enough excitement for one morning. Since your illness, you know how easily you take a headache when you are tired."
Marcus kissed Hadassah's temple.
"Go take a walk in the garden," Hadassah said. "Perhaps it will clear your mind."
"You take the best care of me," Marcus said appreciatively.
"As your wife, I vowed to serve and care for you."
Marcus turned to go. He glanced back at Hadassah, giving her another broad smile as she bent to pick up the pins scattered over the floor.
It was during the morning meal Marcus made his announcement.
"Mark is to be ready after we eat. He will be accompanying me this morning."
Hadassah put down her spoon so she could put her hand over Marcus's.
"Thank you," she said. "He will complete his lessons when you return."
Mark looked up from his bowl of porridge and spoke excitedly, "Are we going to the docks Father?"
"Not this morning,' Marcus replied. "You will soon find out."
Marcus, accompanied by his son, left the villa. They walked together down Curetes Stree,t soon approaching Marcus's private club. Mark pointed out the private baths and art gallery.
"You conduct much of your business here don't you, Father?"
"That is right," Marcus answered. "One day when you are accomplished in the trade, you will begin to come here as well."
Marcus continued with his son close at his side. He walked slightly ahead to lead Mark through the crowded streets. People passed carrying their goods from the market in baskets. Slaves maneuvered the streets carrying people in litters. Soon, they came upon the library of Ephesus. Mark stood staring at the marble columns in front of the building. Marcus stood beside him for a long time.
"Why have we come here Father," Mark finally asked.
"The purpose of our trip is to find a place where school can be held," Marcus responded.
"The library would be quieter than sitting under the roof of a building on the sidewalk," Mark observed.
Marcus concentrated on the library, thoughtfully taking it in.
"Before we make a decision," he began, "we will look at another place. I have promised your mother I would find a permanent place for the school children to learn. And you are to help me in the decision."
Mark's face lit up. "I can do that," he said. "We will find the perfect place."
Marcus walked on deep in thought. Mark talked cheerfully as they made their way through the streets. Finally, Marcus's train of thought was interrupted when he heard Mark's tone change.
"Mother says I do very well in my lessons. I have never studied with other children except for Julia and Leah."
Marcus gave his son a reassuring smile.
"Mark, you will enjoy having other boys in your company. Not only will you find that you are challenged, but you will make many friends. This will be the foundation for building future relationships which you will use in the trade."
"Did you make friends easily in school?" Mark asked.
"I did," Marcus replied. "Many of those relationships played a large part in starting out under my father. You have an advantage, in that your mother has taught you other languages."
As they walked, Marcus passed many of the shops and public buildings. One building caught Marcus's eye. It was nestled between the rows of shops. Marcus stopped and admired the ornate columns and stone steps leading to the arched doorway.
"This building houses some high-end shops and an art gallery,' Marcus explained.
"It would be a wonderful place for learning,' Mark observed. "The light would make it a cheerful place."
"I believe you are right," Marcus said. "It would be better than a corner of the darkened library. I will call on the owner of the building to ask for this favor."
Phoebe embraced Hadassah as she got out of her custom cart. Hadassah felt her stiffen as she noticed the guards who had followed the carriage.
"As you can see, dear Marcus is very concerned," Hadassah said.
"As he should be," Phoebe replied kindly.
Hadassah and Phoebe entered the market. The air was thick with spices, oils, and flowers. Hadassah made her way through the crowd, stopping at a table that held scented oils. Holding up a bottle of Frankincense, she said, "I would like to purchase this."
"Of course, miss," the vendor responded.
"My husband manages our accounts," Hadassah said.
"You may sign my ledger," he explained. Hadassah scrolled Marcus's name in her neat penmanship in the vendor's book. "Marcus Lucianus Valerian, a very important person," he said.
Hadassah continued, rejoining Phoebe where she stood waiting. The guards were admiring the newest statues of the most prominent gladiator. Hadassah and Phoebe made small conversation as they walked.
"The flowers are so colorful and fragrant this time of year. They are so beautiful in the vases in our chambers," Hadassah said.
"I have to agree," Phoebe replied. "Shall we purchase some for our friends this afternoon?"
"I believe that would be most ideal," Hadassah answered.
Their conversation was interrupted by a commotion behind them. Hadassah turned abruptly to see one of the vendors displays had been overturned by one of her guards.
"Oh," she exclaimed. Her hand went to her mouth in dismay.
The disgruntled vendor was bending to pick up apples, grapes, and bananas that had scattered on to the street. He looked pointedly at Hadassah.
"Can't you control your guards? They were behaving like children."
"I will pay for the damages," Hadassah said.
Seeing the look of displeasure on Hadassah's face, the guard began to help right the mess. Once things were in order, Hadassah told the vendor. "Please send a statement to Marcus Lucianus Valerian."
The vendor looked shocked at the announcement. "Don't worry about it," he said quickly.
"Let us go now," Hadassah said. "It seems we have caused enough trouble for the morning."
Phoebe nodded in silent agreement.
They exited the market and took the alley to the insulae. The day's wash hung from the windows of the small residence. Boys marched through mud puddles in front of the building as though they were soldiers. Phoebe's servant waited near the entrance with the supplies for the day.
"Thank you Iulius," she said. "We will take these and distribute them."
Iulius followed Phoebe and Hadassah toward the entrance of the building. Hadassah stopped to watch a passerby with a cart and horse. From out of the corner of her eye, Hadassah saw a small boy bolt from the building.
"Quick, do something," she cried.
Phoebe sprang into action. Before Iulius could get to the child, the larger of the two guards ran for the street causing the driver and horse to stop suddenly. The guard yanked up the small filthy boy. Swatting him on the backside, the guard scolded, "Are you trying to get yourself killed? Watch where you are going." He set the boy firmly back on his feet, wiping his hands on his tunic.
Hadassah called the boy over to her. Bending down, she wrapped her arms around him soothing his tears.
"There now," she said. "Let us get you back to your mother."
Shrugging, Hadassah took the boy by the hand.
"I'm sorry Iulius. Let us continue getting these supplies where they need to go."
They did not have to wait long as they entered the building. A line stood ready to greet them. A woman Hadassah recognized as Rhoda rushed to put her arms around Hadassah.
"You saved my son," she wept.
"No, it was my guard who pulled your son to safety," Hadassah said.
"I give you the credit," she said. "If you had not been here, things may have been much worse."
As they began distributing the food and fabric to make new tunics, the guard closest to Hadassah asked,
"Lady Hadassah, why do you, of all people, come here?"
"These are my friends," she replied.
"Friends?"
"I do the work of the Lord," Hadassah said.
"I'll never understand the Jews," he mumbled. "Lord Marcus says you come here each day."
"Yes, that is right. Not everyone has a comfortable villa to which they can return."
The guard shrugged. "I could certainly think of better ways to spend a morning."
Phoebe tossed one end of her shawl over her shoulder with a sigh. Gently taking Hadassah by the arm, she said, "Come Hadassah, you have more important things to listen to."
Following the evening meal, the children sat surrounding their mother in the nursery. Hadassah sat on a stool. Julia stood before her. Hadassah held a comb in her outstretched hand.
"Are you going to comb my hair Mother?" Julia asked.
At first, Hadassah did not answer. She glanced around the tidy room with the neatly made beds and toys that had been put away. Then, slowly, she began running the comb through her daughter's long tresses.
"Mother, will you tell us a story," Mark asked.
Hadassah looked up from her task.
"Your father told you a wonderful story of king David this evening," she replied with a gentle sigh. "But very well," she began. "I will tell you the story of Ruth."
Hadassah began speaking quietly. It was all she could do to focus on the tale. Suddenly Leah broke in, "Boas saw how hard Ruth worked, so he instructed his workers to leave bits of food behind so she could gather them."
Hadassah lifted her head. "You know this story well. I should let you tell it next time," she remarked.
Julia smiled. "We love when you tell the stories."
Once the children were safely tucked in their beds, Hadassah had one more thing to be thankful for. Soon, she found herself kneeling before her own sleeping couch in her chambers. Closing her eyes, she began to pray.
"Lord, Marcus has only the best of intentions to protect me. This day could have ended in tragedy, but you intervened. Am I wrong to have these feelings about the guards? Let my priorities be in line with yours and show me if I should discuss this with Marcus."
Once her lips finished moving, Hadassah felt Marcus's arm around her shoulders. He too knelt beside her.
Drawing her close, he said, "I did not want to interrupt."
Hadassah was tense in his arms. Lifting her chin, Marcus said, "You have been quiet all evening. Is something troubling my beloved?"
Hadassah met Marcus's gaze with downcast eyes. She opened her mouth to speak, but no words came. Finally, she heard herself say, "I fear I will upset you with my petty concerns."
Pushing aside a piece of hair that had fallen into her face, Marcus leaned closer so that his lips were against her ear.
"You could not upset me. My Hadassah, tell me what has you so troubled."
Hadassah took in a breath and began as best she could.
"Today, I-."
She broke off as Marcus lifted Hadassah to her feet, placing her on the edge of their sleeping couch before sitting beside her.
Rubbing a gentle hand along her arm he said, "Tell me."
Hadassah drew in a breath and began again.
"I am troubled by the events of today. Things did not go smoothly with the guards."
"What happened," Marcus asked.
"First, there was an incident in the market. The guards were talking amongst themselves and one of them knocked over a vendor's fruit display."
Marcus shook his head in disbelief. "Odd," he said.
"Of course, I offered to compensate him for any damages," she explained.
"Surely this is not what has you so upset," Marcus said.
"No," Hadassah went on. "At the insula, a young boy ran in to the street almost getting run over by a cart."
Marcus looked horrified.
"Before Iulius could get to him, the taller guard got to him first. He snatched him up forcefully and reprimanded him."
"Is that so terrible,' Marcus asked, not understanding.
"Marcus, he struck him," she clarified. "I know the word says, 'spare the rod and spoil the child', but we have no need to punish our children in such a way. This was beyond how I would punish a child."
Wrapping an arm around her shoulders, Marcus said nothing for a long moment.
"I am sorry you had to witness such an act. We have been fortunate with our own children. You know the Lord protected the child even if he did suffer such treatment. Perhaps he will remember from now on."
Hadassah nodded slowly.
"Please," Hadassah pleaded. "Do not send the guards out with me again."
"If I cannot be with you, I insist on having a way to keep you safe. I'm only sorry it took such an incident for me to see you needed such protection."
"I have the protection of the Lord."
"Yes, and He has given me the means to protect you. I will not let any harm come to you. Not again."
"Don't you see," Hadassah urged. "Have you not realized the Lord used the incident with Antigonous to bring him to the faith."
"There are many dangers in this city, Hadassah. In a way, we were blessed it was only Antigonous, in his lost attempts to find something. I shudder to think how it could have been much worse. I cannot let my mother and beloved wife go about Ephesus without a watchful eye. I could send Ianus and a few of our male servants with you," Marcus suggested.
"You need Ianus here," Hadassah said.
"Iulius is just not enough. He has good intentions, but he is not trained in the way I would like."
Hadassah closed her eyes. "Lord, please make a way for us."
Her eyes came open. Lifting her head to meet Marcus's gaze quietly she uttered, "Rachid."
"What?"
"I believe Rachid could be the answer to our prayers."
Marcus gave Hadassah a hard look. "Do you know what you are asking?"
Gaining confidence in her idea, Hadassah said, "Was it not Rachid who led you to me and helped in my care?"
"How did you know that," Marcus sounded surprised.
"It is not a secret. Marcus, Rachid guards our family and home. He is proven himself to be loyal through the years."
"I have asked Rachid to stay away from you and the children. He has proven his loyalty to you enough."
"He feels he owes his life to me," Hadassah explained. "After all, did you not invite him to your wedding along with Alexander?"
"I have forgiven Rachid. It does not mean I have forgotten what he did. I would not have survived had it not been for you."
"It was the Lord," Hadassah said. "I merely cared for you as He would want."
"Still," Marcus began, "what you are asking puts me in a difficult position."
"Rachid has shown himself to be more than capable time and again. If you have truly forgiven him as you say, you will give him a chance."
Marcus seemed to be taking in her words.
"You are right," he finally said. "I will speak with the guards to tell them their services are no longer needed."
"Oh, thank you Marcus,' Hadassah exclaimed in relief.
"There is a stipulation, however. Ianus and a male servant of my choosing will accompany you until I can speak with Rachid. Another one of the servants can announce my morning callers."
"Yes, my Lord, I will agree to this," Hadassah said.
Marcus put his arms around his wife. In a grave tone he announced, "I will make the determination if Rachid is right for the job. You should know that he will be tested."