* * *
Treston hurried up the stairs to the royal viewing quarters where the governor and his guests were seated. He motioned to Claudesius, worried eyes portending the bad news being delivered. Ogust and Jusslin sat directly behind the governor, lost in mindless merrymaking, wine flowing down their throats in rivers. Claudesius excused himself, no one paying him any attention, meeting Treston as he reached the landing.
Taking a breath and forcing a smile, just in case others were watching, Treston leaned in close, speaking in just above a whisper. “News of Ishtar’s revolt against the emperor has traveled swiftly. The jailers and guards are near to rioting. They’re so angry that no amount of persuasion or bribery could get them to ease up on the tortures prepared for the girl today. Even my threats of possible repercussions from you would not move them to show pity, some even threatening to burn the palace if the child is given any mercy.”
A shocked surprise flashed across Claudesius’ face, followed by a worried frown. “What about her? Where is she? Is she safe?”
Treston nodded she was. “For the moment… For one thing, the people want to see the girl publicly executed, holding back the hands of these self-proclaimed executioners. I also have four of my most trusted guards by her side, all having sworn allegiance to the death in carrying out my orders to keep her secure. Still, they will be able to offer protection only to the arena’s gates. Why, the dog keepers even refused to speak with me, throwing accusations of disloyalty at me for protecting the girl.”
Sighing disappointedly, Claudesius replied, “Let us pray she is a goddess, or at least her god has chosen to protect her. There’s nothing I can do now,” he motioned behind him, whispering, “…especially with those two goons watching my every move. Ogust is pissed off at me, has been all day, since the gods haven’t stopped the stink coming up from the harbor. And then when he found out I didn’t include him in the morning’s fun with the cats? I think he’s searching for an excuse to make me trouble. Won’t be the first time he’s brought the emperor’s wrath down on some hapless victim.”
With furrowed brow, Treston asked, nervously, “Do you think the gods are angry with us for trying to rescue the girl?”
Claudesius stared at the marble floor. “Possibly, but it’s too late now. We have set our sails to the fickle wind and must trust upon it to carry us through.” He looked Treston in the face. “Besides, I want to see this to the finish. Tell me, do the gods really rule our lives? Is there one Almighty God? Treston, I know you have a mind. Can you provide me an answer?”
Treston frowned, also looking toward the floor.
Claudesius sighed. “I saw things today that no living man has witnessed. I saw the face of a majestic being in the eyes of that woman, for it was not by her voice that the knowledge of Heaven and Hell was delivered to me. I will… must… put this God of Ishtar’s to the test today. Whatever the cost to me, it will be a small price to have my questions answered.”
Looking into the governor’s face, Treston agreed. “I did not witness the worlds beyond this one as you have, but the shadow realms of the nether-regions passed my visions this very day. I felt the cold breath of Death and the heated flames of an angry hour. Something… someone… some ancient power arose from fathomless depths to take possession of the moment, sweeping away any and all other gods before it. My Lord, if there is not one god, there is certainly the God, the ruler over all other gods. He, I believe, rose in defense of his child this day.”
Without thinking, he reached out, grasping the governor’s arm. “I will return to the prison hole and see what my strength can accomplish.”
Claudesius clasped his hand, smiling. “Good! Good! Thank you. We shall see what this Yehowah can do!”