Dark Resurrection

  * * *

  The conversation continued for several hours, Cyril dropping by, informed that Jesus and consort were preparing to travel to Europe within the week. “You will stop by to bid us farewell before you leave?” he asked, nursing a cup of herbal tea.

  “Of course, have no concern, we will return,” said Jesus.

  “When, in a hundred years?” asked Cyril, his father breaking into laughter.

  “No, in only a few years, I simply want to show Mary the sights of Athens and Rome,” Jesus answered, not realizing the humor of the situation.

  “You will be gone a good while,” Cyril observed, “There is a lot to see in Athens and Rome.”

  “I’ll write, not only to my parents but to you.”

  “I shall look forward to it.”

  “It’s good you came by Cyril, I need to discuss contingency plans with you and my father.”

  “Contingency plans?”

  “Yes, as you are aware, Mary and I have to head to Rome to establish citizenship for the family, and should we run into an unfortunate happenstance, we’ll need another plan.”

  “In the event that you are destroyed before returning,” said Cyril, Joseph frowning at the remark.

  “Yes,” Jesus replied, looking to the Magdalene.

  “It does have to be addressed,” Mary agreed as Joseph looked to her.

  “So, what are your suggestions son?” asked Joseph.

  “Should we fail to return by the time of the census, you, mother, Julian and Cyril will have to head to Rome to establish citizenship for the family.”

  “How?”

  “People are easily bought everywhere,” answered a cynical Jesus. “With the money we have and Cyril’s knowledge of Roman law and procedures, it should be easy to bribe an official at the tabularium and have the necessary documents forged.”

  “It should be possible, but I feel that you give me more credit than I am due,” said Cyril.

  “I have faith in you,” Jesus replied, an unsure Cyril frowning.

  “How much money would it take?” asked Joseph.

  “For citizenship I’d be prepared to spend a thousand aurei.”

  “That’s a bit steep,” said Joseph.

  “If it saves your life it’s cheap. Aside from that, there’s at least 5,000 aurei sitting in the cave; I’ll show you and Cyril where it is before we leave.”

  “Okay,” said Joseph, resting his head on an arm.

  “I should make a note of the location once you show us,” said Cyril.

  “No need, I’ll draw you a map after I move the loot further back in the cave for better security.”

  “You – can’t die son,” said Joseph.

  “No, as the Magdalene and I are already dead, but we can be destroyed father.”