Claudia, Wife of Pontius Pilate: A Novel (20 page)

Claudia joined Lucius for dinner that evening, leaving the baby in Hotep’s care. Her handmaid loved Doros and cared for him as if he were her own.

As her husband sat brooding at dinner, Claudia, watching him, finally spoke. “Is there something troubling you, Lucius? Your mind has been far away all evening.”

Looking up, he shrugged. “I did not wish to trouble you. There is a situation with the Jews.”

“Another one? What are they upset about this time?” He had always shared with her, and she waited, knowing he would finally unburden himself.

After what seemed like a very long time, he finally told her of the aqueduct and the response of the Jewish leaders.

Instinctively she knew he had once again erred with the Jews, but she would not tell him so. She put a hand gently on his arm. “Do the leaders not wish to help their own people with the water supply?”

“No, that is what I cannot understand. That money is given by the people, and what better use for it than something like this that would benefit all the people? They are like fat rams, these priests, bullying and denying their own people, while they wear fine clothing and live in luxury themselves. I know what the Corban is truly used for.”

“Will they not give it to you then?”

“I already ordered my soldiers to take the money. The project has begun.”

She felt a jolt of alarm and sought frantically for the right words. “Will the Jews start another riot over this matter?”

He reached for a small cake of dates and took a bite. “I doubt it. They have no choice, and I will not give in to them this time.”

Inwardly she trembled at the import of his words. There would be repercussions. She must support her husband, but how could she make him see the grave error he was making?

“I fear for you, Lucius. Will they complain to the emperor?”

“I am not treading on their customs like the banners. I have not broken their laws and I am not using the money for myself. That should satisfy the emperor if there is an inquiry.”

An inquiry? Lucius could ill afford an inquiry from the emperor. She prayed silently that there would not be another riot.

Lucius escorted her to her chamber and held her closely for a moment before suddenly releasing her. “Good night, beloved.” He strode
quickly away toward his own quarters, leaving her standing just inside the door. She stood there feeling bereft and found herself weeping again. Lucius was on edge due to their situation. She knew it was hard on him. She thought of other wives she had met at the baths in Rome who had lost a child but gone on to have another child quickly. In spite of the advice of the doctor and Joanna, she felt well. She must do something, for in his present mood, she feared only trouble. She prayed very hard that the gods would diffuse this situation.

Her prayers to the Roman gods went unanswered as within days hundreds of Jews descended once again on the palace and filled the plaza. They were angry and shouting that the governor must forgo his plans for the aqueduct and return the Corban. Many shook their fists and called Lucius names. Claudia watched from the shadows at a palace window, her heart beating rapidly in fear. The Jewish leaders had instigated this. She knew it. Just like the matter of the banners. What would Lucius do now?

He came out on the steps and addressed them. “People of Jerusalem, this is not a matter to be settled by shouting and name calling. The aqueduct is necessary for the benefit of the city. I have made my decision, and I will not change my mind. You have one hour to clear the plaza and return to your homes or I will take action.”

Claudia waited breathlessly as the crowd not only refused to leave but continued their angry taunts and called for the governor to give up this plan and return the money to the Temple.

Lucius gave a signal to his tribune, and suddenly among the crowd, soldiers threw off cloaks that had hidden their uniforms and began to beat the nearest people with staves. Those struck dropped to the ground and were struck again. Many were screaming and trying to get away, but they were surrounded and the soldiers were merciless. In their haste to leave the plaza, some of the Jews trampled their own people. Those who were able broke through the lines of the soldiers
and ran from the plaza, until in a short time it was empty except for the dead and dying and those too injured to rise.

Lucius ordered his troops to cease and the main body to return to the barracks. When they had gone, some of the Jews quietly returned to pick up their dead and wounded and carry them away. Claudia could hear the sound of weeping. Then the plaza was empty and an eerie silence settled on the scene. Claudia remained where she was, her heart as heavy as if a millstone had been placed upon it. She had seen the face of her husband as he turned from the plaza in triumph, and it had shocked her. Who was this man she had married? Two large tears made their way in furrows down her cheeks. She wept for the Jews and their families who had suffered, for Lucius, and for a sense of loss she couldn’t define.

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laudia settled once again in the palace in Jerusalem. Lucius, cautious of the Jews, had brought his family by night. Claudia’s first caller was Joanna, who wanted to assure herself that Claudia had recovered from the birth of her son. As they spoke, Claudia sensed tension in the conversation and finally asked, “How do you feel about the aqueduct?”

Joanna sighed. “I was hoping there was some way the matter could have been resolved without the shedding of blood. Your husband prevailed, but at great cost.”

“I wish it too, but I did not know what he was going to do until it was too late.”

There was another silence.

“Tell me about Corban, Joanna.”

“It is a gift to the Temple, to the Most High God, according to our leaders. A family cannot touch the money for an inheritance if it has been gifted to the Temple for Corban.”

“What is done with the money after it is donated to the Temple?”

Joanna’s brows furrowed. “I do not know, my lady. I assume it is for the upkeep of the Temple.”

“It is my understanding that the Temple tax is for that purpose.”

“So it is.”

“And the priests are supported by the Temple tax?”

Joanna frowned. “I suppose so.”

“Then the Corban is not used for the Temple, but as the priests see fit?”

Joanna twisted her hands in her lap, clearly uncomfortable. “I don’t know, my lady, perhaps.”

“Joanna, my husband felt the aqueduct was necessary due to the water problems when the city is filled with so many people on your holy days.”

“That is true, but could he not have found another source for the money? My people are angry and speak against the governor.”

“There was no other source. The emperor only allots a certain amount to each province and that would not cover a project this large.”

Joanna shook her head. “The people were stirred up by the priests, yet there are men who need to take care of their families and, against the wishes of our leaders, are working on the aqueduct. I do not understand it at all.”

Claudia smiled. “Perhaps we can speak of other things. Do you have any other news for me?”

Hotep had been silent during this exchange, but as she served the women fruit and cheese, she blurted out a question.

“My lady, I have heard from the other servants that there is a strange prophet among the people. He calls for people to repent and then he baptizes them with water. Some traveling through the marketplace spoke of him.”

Joanna turned and regarded the servant, a little surprised at the interruption. “Yes, I have also heard of him. He is called John the Baptizer and a strange man he is indeed.” She turned back to Claudia. “He wears the skins of animals, eats honeycomb, and roasts locusts for food. Our leaders went out to question him and asked him if he was Elijah returned, or the Messiah.”

Claudia was intrigued. “And what was his answer?”

“He said he was neither of them, but a voice crying in the wilderness to prepare the way of the Lord. He told them one was coming
whose sandals he was not worthy to untie. One who would not baptize with water but with fire.”

“What an unusual thing to say. Would it be possible to hear him?”

Hotep protested. “Domina, you cannot go out among the people. It is not safe for you.”

Claudia waved a hand. “I am not so foolish as to dress in my finest and appear in my coach. I would dress simply as one of the people and wear a cloak that would hide my face.”

Joanna shook her head. “My lady, the prophet is far from Jerusalem. He is baptizing in the Jordan near Jericho, too great a distance for you to try to travel at this time.”

Claudia digested this news. “Oh well, perhaps one day he will come closer to Jerusalem.”

“He avoids the cities, my lady. He espouses the Essenes, a sect that deprives themselves to draw closer to God. They live in caves in the desert. They are at enmity with our leaders over some of their ways. It is said that the prophet was raised by them. If you truly wish to hear a different teaching, there is another, a rabbi who is traveling the countryside with the message that the kingdom of God is near. It is said he also heals people.”

Claudia laughed. “You seem to have no end of strange prophets traveling about. You say this one heals people? In what way?”

“It has been rumored that the blind see again, the lame walk, the deaf hear, and those who are indwelt by evil spirits are set free.”

“He sounds like a sorcerer of some kind. Have you seen this for yourself?”

“No, my lady, I have only heard from those who have been where he is teaching and healing. It is rumored that he is headed for Jerusalem. When he arrives, perhaps you can do as you suggested, disguise yourself to hear him. He usually teaches in the Court of the Gentiles at the Temple, according to my sources.”

Claudia was elated. “Then let me know when he is here and I will go. Where is he from and what is he called?”

“He is a Nazarene from the hill country, and his name is Jesus.”

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laudia made plans to go to the Temple to hear the new rabbi. Hotep would go with her and a servant would watch Doros. Their plans were dashed when, instead, Lucius informed her they were returning to Caesarea immediately for a governmental matter.

“If you might be returning to Jerusalem soon, Lucius, would it not be easier for the baby and me to stay here?”

He stopped and regarded her. “You would stay here? There is too much unrest right now over the aqueduct. I want you with me for your safety.”

She could think of no reason to delay and hid her disappointment. She watched Lucius and sensed his restlessness. It was time. She would put her plan into place that evening.

Claudia had her maidservant dress her hair specially with silver pins and curls. She rubbed her cheeks to redden them and put a small amount of blue powder she’d obtained in the marketplace in Caesarea on her eyelids. She wore a tunic of finely woven wool that had been dyed a soft violet with a silver belt and slippers. Satisfied that she looked her very best, she joined Lucius for dinner. He had been reading some reports when she entered, and when he looked up and saw her, he put the scrolls down quickly.

“Is it my imagination or do you look especially beautiful tonight?”

She gave him a gentle smile and seated herself gracefully in the chair next to his couch. “I’m glad you approve of my clothing, Lucius.”

All through dinner, she flirted, smiled, and in the ways of women, drew him to her. They finished their meal and this time when he escorted her to her chamber, she drew him in and quietly closed the door behind him. Then, putting her arms around his neck, she kissed him.

“Beloved, are you sure . . . ?

She took his hand. “Come, my Lucius, let us be together again.”

He pulled the pins out of her hair so it tumbled down her back in disarray. Then he swept her up in his arms and kissed her. “I have missed you.”

When Hotep came the next morning with her breakfast, Lucius was gone, but her maidservant looked at the disheveled sheets and smiled knowingly.

Claudia stretched and leaned back against the pillows with a contented sigh. All had gone well. Now she would wait and implore the goddess Venus for another child

In the 112 kilometers from Jerusalem to Caesarea, Claudia thought about the rabbi who healed people. Where did he get his power? Was he a sorcerer, a mystic? Joanna said he served the one true God, the Holy One of Israel. How was this god different from the gods she served? She had made sacrifices to Venus and prayed for another child. The small statue traveled with her. She glanced over at Hotep, who held the sleeping Doros in her arms and rocked him. Then she let her thoughts wander again. She mused over Jeremiah’s words. His god spoke to Moses from a burning bush. The thought of hearing the voice of a god was unthinkable. What would she do if the voice of Venus actually spoke to her? She would be faint with fear.

The familiar cries of the seagulls told her they were nearing the
sea. There had been such a sense of unrest and animosity in Jerusalem following the incident of the aqueduct, and while Lucius had left the beginning construction in the hands of his architect, she knew he must soon go back to make sure there was no more hostility from the Jews in that matter. He had confessed he feared they would try to sabotage the project in spite of their own people working on it.

She’d continued to dream strange dreams lately. The face of the man with blood came again, and another dream where she was in the sea, and as hard as she tried to swim away she was caught in the current. Lucius tried to save her, but the current pulled them apart, and she could hear him calling her name as he disappeared into the mist. She’d awakened with tears running down her face and had moved closer to Lucius, who slept soundly, unaware of his precarious adventure.

When they were once again settled in the palace by the sea in Caesarea, Lucius immersed himself in matters of the province and also received steady reports on the progress of the aqueduct. There seemed to be no further uprising among the Jews, and he was pleased with himself for putting down the rebellion over the foolish matter of the Corban.

“Let them appreciate the additional water supply and be silent.”

Claudia sensed that for once he felt in control of the province he governed.

With Lucius occupied with his water project, Claudia sent for Jeremiah again.

He came slowly, leaning on his staff, and she wondered how much longer he could work in the gardens, bending and stooping. She indicated the bench and he lowered himself with effort.

“Jeremiah, what can you tell me about this rabbi who travels the countryside preaching about the kingdom of God and healing people? Have you heard of him? His name is Jesus.”

A scowl darkened his features. “An imposter, my lady. The people are so anxious to have their Messiah come, they will follow anyone who gives them this hope. He’s leading fools astray.”

She was startled by his vehemence. “But I hear he heals people of illnesses and even blind men have been given their sight. Surely an imposter could not do such things.”

“He works his magic with the help of
Shatan
. That is where he gets his power.”

She studied his face. “Shatan?”

“The devil, my lady, the Prince of Darkness.”

She sighed. This was becoming tiresome. “Have you ever seen him in person, Jeremiah?”

“I do not need to see and hear him to know he is like many false prophets who have come and gone over the years. I would advise you to avoid him, Domina, if you have any thought of seeing him. He will fade away as the rest of them have done and his followers will return to the Most High God and follow again the ways of our people.”

She’d learn no more on this Jesus from Jeremiah. “Tell me, why do the Jewish leaders refuse to dine with us in Jerusalem? They will come into the judgment hall with their petitions, but they will not accept an invitation from my husband, their governor, to a meal. Would that not be an easier atmosphere to discuss matters of importance?”

“Forgive me, my lady, but they are forbidden to enter the house of a Gentile or eat with them by our laws of cleanliness.”

“You consider us unclean?” She found herself resenting him. How judgmental his people were.

“The foods you eat are unclean to us. Your meats have been used in a sacrifice to your pagan gods and then cooked to serve at your table. We cannot eat foods that have been dedicated to an idol. Also, we do not eat pork, or hares, for they are an unclean food to us.”

“I see. And your god forbids these things in the laws he gave Moses?”

“Yes.”

She considered his words but another question puzzled her.

“When your Messiah comes, how will you know him? You say the
miracles this man Jesus does are by the power of your shatan. What will the true Messiah do that you will recognize him?”

He sat straight and squared his shoulders. “He will come and free our people from the Roman rule. He will come as a conquering king and we will know him then.”

She held her peace a moment. “You know, Jeremiah, that for the words you have spoken against Rome, I could have you flogged.”

His reaction was instantaneous. “You have asked for truth and I have told you what you wanted to hear, Domina. If you flog me for that, you have the right. We in the palace know you to be unlike your husband. You are of a gentle nature and kind.”

She had to smile at his diplomacy. “Go back to your gardens, Jeremiah, and trouble my mind no more this day.”

He rose and bowed but not before she saw a slight smile twitch at the corner of his mouth as he left her. She shook her head and called for Hotep, who had been standing nearby in the passageway.

“I am even more determined to hear this Jesus. Perhaps he will be there teaching when we return to Jerusalem.”