“Tiberius is fickle,” Justus observed, “but he is no fool. There was enough upheaval in Rome after the usurper-in-waiting was deposed. He could hardly make Pilate a victim of his vengeance without risking further disruption in the east.”
“Still harboring hate towards Sejanus,” Artorius stated. “Don’t try and hide it, old friend. I could sense it in your voice. Whatever his crimes, he has paid for.”
“We will never know how many fell victim to his lust for power,” Justus grumbled. “How many so-called traitors were simply political opponents that needed to be disposed of? Sejanus may be dead, but I hope that if there is an afterlife, then maybe those who he unjustly destroyed can exact their revenge as well.”
Artorius immediately regretted broaching the subject. Justus’ hatred for the man had scarcely diminished since hearing of his enemy’s fall from power and execution. Upon hearing the news, he had delved into an excessive drunken display of celebration. Artorius had been forced to formally admonish him for his conduct. Though he apologized for conducting his festivities so publicly, he never showed any remorse for having celebrated the destruction of Sejanus and the death of most of his immediate family.
As Justus seemed content to accompany him on the ten-minute walk to the barracks, Artorius was restless to change the conversation. Though the cohort commander was in full military garb, he remarked that Justus was wearing a plain civilian tunic and cloak.
“Oh, this,” his fellow centurion shrugged. “I, too, have a mission this day. My sources tell me that the Nazarene teacher Pilate wants watched is spending the next day or so in a small fishing village not far from here. I have an assortment of civilian clothing that makes me not so conspicuous. I may not be able to completely hide my being a Roman from the careful observer, though by avoiding wearing legionary red I can make my presence less obvious.”
“I know Pilate gave you this assignment because of your experience in this part of the world,” Artorius added. “Still, you be careful, especially if you’re going out alone.”
“This is not my first time checking on the locals,” Justus reassured him with a wink. He then lightly pounded his fist against the side of his cloak, and Artorius could hear the rattling of his gladius scabbard. “Remember, I also speak fluent Aramaic and passable Hebrew. Besides, the more hostile zealot types avoid this Jesus of Nazareth. His talk of peace and reconciliation is not to their liking, and there are a host of other teachers and prophets for them to latch on to.”
Presently they arrived at the barracks. In front of the line of stucco buildings, Valens had formed the century into two columns on either side of the wagon. Artorius’ servant, Nathaniel, sat on the wagon bench, holding the reins. Artorius turned and clasped his friend’s hand.
“Safe travels,” Justus said.
“We should only be gone a week,” Artorius observed. “A day, maybe two by sea to Tripolis, then a couple more by road to Raphaneae. And, as you already know, in my absence you are in command.”
“Of course,” Justus replied. “And I’ve already spoken with Centurion Magnus. Depending on how long it takes me to find this Nazarene, which should not prove difficult, and however long he gives me useful information, I may not get any time as cohort commander.”
Both men chuckled at this observation. Justus then gave a nod before heading towards the stables, where a groomsman was waiting with his horse.
“The century is formed and ready to march, sir,” Valens said with a salute as Artorius walked over to his men.
Artorius returned the salute and took his place next to his signifier at the head of the column. Though both he and Valens were authorized to travel by horseback, they knew that space on the small ship would be cramped between the cargo wagon and eighty legionaries taking up almost all available space on the top deck. He thought back to the last time they had traveled by ship during their arduous voyage to Judea and was grateful that this journey would be much shorter.
Chapter XXIV: Render Unto Caesar
Like most of his missions of this nature, Justus had elected to go without armor or helmet. The heat was stifling as it was, plus he did not want to draw any more attention to himself than he had to. If this Nazarene prophet knew that he was being watched by a centurion of the legionary cohort, he might hold his tongue and not give away his true intentions. Justus’ gladius could still give him away, though he kept it well hidden beneath his cloak, which was a light summer variant with the hood up to keep the sun out of his face. Justus understood the dangers that were far more prevalent than in the western part of the empire.
His informers had been busy. Having a paid network of spies was a habit he had picked up during his early years with the Sixth Legion. A man from a political party known as the Herodians had informed him as to where he could find the Nazarene on this day. Near an open crossroads towards the outskirts of town was a well that merchants used to bring up water for their draught animals. It was here that Justus saw a crowd gathered. As he approached, he noticed that they were mostly well-dressed men, likely members of either the Sanhedrin or other ruling parties, such as the Pharisees. He noticed his contact from the Herodians, though they did not so much as make eye contact.
Seated on the edge of the well was a man that Justus guessed was Jesus of Nazareth. He did not look any more conspicuous than the other Jewish men. His hair was kept long, but well groomed, as was his trimmed beard. Though his robes were worn and threadbare, they were clean and unsoiled. His hands and his muscular forearms told of a man who had done much work in his lifetime. The word Justus had gotten was he had been either a carpenter or stone mason.
As Justus walked towards the front of the crowd, it appeared that Jesus was in an argument with a handful of Herodians and Pharisees. Though there was agitation in the voices of the Herodians, their tone was civil enough.
“Teacher,” one of the men said, “you will not take a stand one way or the other regarding the Roman occupation of our lands. But what say you about the taxes demanded by them? Is it lawful as Jews for us to pay tribute to Caesar?”
“Why must you tempt me, you hypocrites?” the Nazarene answered calmly. He then stepped off from the well and walked over to the men, holding out his hand. “Give me a coin. One like that which we pay in tribute.”
The Herodian glanced at his friends, one of whom elbowed him in the ribs.
“Give it to him,” he friend chastised quietly.
The Herodian pulled out a denarius, which he handed to Jesus. All the while Justus furrowed his brow in contemplation. The Nazarene turned the coin over in his hand.
“Tell me,” he said, “On a Judean coin, whose image would we bestow upon it?”
“None!” the Herodian snapped. “Putting a person’s likeness on a coin would be idolatry!”
“But we do not have Judean coin,” his friend said quickly, noting the face on the coin that Jesus was gazing upon. “All our coin are Roman…” He cut himself off as Jesus looked at him and smiled knowingly. Justus found himself matching the Nazarene’s grin. There was an inaudible murmur from those in the crowd.
“Exactly,” Jesus replied after a brief pause. “So tell me then, whose image is on this coin that we are expected to pay in tribute.”
The Herodian who gave him the coin swallowed hard.