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perfectly. They were already calling him a tzaddick, a man apart, one set aside by God for special purposes.
    Ezra had never possessed a scholar's mind such as Gamaliel's. Nor did he much care. The eldest son, he had come for this time of study because it was a family tradition. His father had done so, as had his father's father, and on back through the seven generations since the Maccabees had redeemed the Temple and the scholars had returned to Jerusalem. Before sending Ezra south, his father had set two tasks before him. Of course he was to study the Talmud, and obey his teacher, and bring honor to the family name. But there was something more besides. Ezra was also to establish allies within the Temple hierarchy and the city of Jerusalem. His father assured him that such friendships, forged early and strong, would bear great fruit, even beyond financial ones, in the years to come.
    Ezra had eventually expanded the family empire. He had sent his younger brothers to establish new centers in Cyprus and Tarsus and Damascus. His sisters had wed, and through these marriages Ezra had forged further powerful alliances. He had recently renewed contact with far-flung relatives, extending the family's trading reach as far as Spanish Gaul to the west, and now to Alexandria to the south.
    His father had been correct, of course. The friendship with Gamaliel had borne great fruit. Ezra for some years had been the priest's largest benefactor. As Gamaliel had risen through the ranks to finally become one of the Sanhedrin, Ezra's power had risen with his. But there was more. Ezra possessed far-flung alliances forged in secrecy and maintained through utmost discretion.
    These were perilous times. The Roman empire was in foment, especially here in the east. The Zealots were growing in power, their reach extending much farther and faster than even Gamaliel realized, for the priest had not left Jerusalem for years. In the provinces, talk of the Zealots was everywhere. More and more young men, infuriated by the foot of Rome upon their necks, were dropping their shepherd's crooks and their tools and leather aprons to slip away from farms and shops and forges, taking up the swords and the cause of the Zealots. Their families said kaddish for them, the prayer of the dead, because it was an accepted fact that they would never hear from their loved ones again. Once a man entered the Zealots, his only possibility for opting out was through death-in battle or by a Zealot's sword as a traitor.
    Several young servants and workers of Ezra had already followed the call of adventure and glory and duty. Early on, he had realized that trying to stop them was futile. So he had let it be known that he wished contact with the leaders. Not to negotiate. Simply to offer assistance. He became one of the first merchants to grant the Zealots a tribute. As a result, his caravans were never touched, and he was often the first to receive news of any development. As with his other astute business decisions, he profited greatly.
    Now with this new group, these followers of the dead prophet Jesus, Ezra's plans were simple. If they were growing as fast as Gamaliel suggested, he needed to forge another alliance. Yes, of course, he would assist Gamaliel with news and such. But what harm was there in some gain for himself? He was, after all, the son and grandson and great-grandson of successful merchants.
    So he tucked away the names that Gamaliel had offered him, and did as he had done so often in the past. He let it be known through his employees and his allies that he sought an audience with the leaders of this group. He assured them that he was curious. Nothing more. He sought to gain, to learn, to give assistance. He came in peace.
    What was the harm in that?

     

C H A P T E R

FOUR
    THE DAY WAS ALREADY TOO HOT, even though the glow from the sun was barely visible above its eastern bed. Abigail brushed at the persistent fly disturbing her sleep, hoping to sink back into