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| >> Static Item >> Short Story >> History >> ID #1447840 |   |
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WARNING! Do not read this if you are easily offended. That is not my intention, but I appreciate that some people feel strongly about religion, so if you are one of those...perhaps this isn't the story for you. Beads of sweat glistened on his brow. The stench of humanity and livestock, fermented by the oppressive heat, assailed his nostrils despite the abundance of perfumes he’d had brought in. His head began to throb. Why hadn’t Prefect Gratus warned him? What man or God had he offended so horrendously that he had been assigned this post? These and a dozen other questions raced through his head as the noise of the gathering crowds outside his headquarters grew to a crescendo. “Prefect Pilatus, the head priest is … requesting an audience.” His subordinate said. ‘Demanded more like.’ Pontius thought. He let out a heavy sigh. “Very well, send him in.” He said aloud, at least this way he might at least find out what he had done wrong this time. He had never had a command like this, he’d never known a race so obstinate in denying Roman rule. Did he force them to adopt Roman traditions? No. To follow his Gods? No, Gods were personal, not political, and they should remain that way as far as Pontius was concerned. Despite this ever since he had arrived in the province of Iudea the people had objected and found fault. From the banners of those legions he had command over being displayed, which offended their God by displaying his own. Then there was the golden shields he had put up, a small inscription of the donors, as was tradition, again caused offence, so much so the priests had gone directly to Rome about it. Tiberius had ordered them removed. The use of the temple funds to bring water to this barren province was, in hindsight, perhaps not his wisest decision but, improvements to the city was what the funds had been set aside for. He still suspected that it was the plaque dedication to his emperor that was more offensive. They did not care that it was considered a duty, only that once again he had broken their God’s laws. “Prefect, You must do something.” “I must?” Pontius asked, emphasising the demand, “About what?” It had long ago become an understanding that he stay out of their direct affairs, they didn’t want to be reminded they were a Roman province now and he didn’t understand enough of their God and their ways not to offend them unduly. He had become more of a figurehead, a way to communicate with Rome, on those occasions they saw fit not to go over his head that was. “Jesus.” “Who?” “He talks as though he is a messiah. Our King, nor does he deny these claims.” “Oh, the philosopher from Nazareth?” Pontius said, he’d paid the man little attention. “What would you have me do? He has broken no crime that I know of.” “He is a crime.” Pontius rubbed his temples, his head was beginning to spin. “Let me just be certain that I understand what you are saying. You want me to arrest a man for existing?” He asked, wondering why he hadn’t thought of that charge himself some time ago. “For claiming to be our King.” “I thought you said he hadn’t?” Pontius pointed out. Even if he had claiming to be a king was not against any Roman laws unless it was directly against the Emperor, and no one would be fool enough to claim kingship in Rome, not with the stigma that came with that title. There was a good reason Iulius Caesar had refused it as often as he had. “He didn’t deny it. That is the same thing.” “Lar preserve me.” Pontius muttered to his own family’s God. Thinking it wasn’t that long ago he’d thanked that same God for awarding him this posting, strange how things worked out. “If I was to have him arrested, how long would not denying claims by others warrant under your laws? Perhaps exile would suffice?” “You ridicule me?” “No, I merely offer a solution to both our problems.” “He is not a Roman citizen, therefore no concern of yours, your only involvement in this matter is to ensure we are heard.” “Neither are you,” Pontius pointed out, stopping himself from pointing out that dealing with the priests was his problem, not the philosopher. “From what I have heard he merely offers peace and a way not dissimilar to your own. He will fade with time. You will create more harm than good by arresting him. Look at Socrates.” “He offends my beliefs, and those of my brethren who make up the majority of this province.” ‘You offend mine but I can’t arrest you.’ He thought “I’ll take it under advisement.” He said aloud, indicating that the meeting was over. “We want him dead.” The priest said as he left. “Death. Death. Death.“ The crowd outside began to chant, .time with the throb of his head. It was as if the mob had been listening in. “Caelius, have the philosopher Jesus brought to my residence. Quietly, I want this to remain private.” He added, glancing unnecessarily toward the window and beyond to the gathering hordes. “Yes, Prefect.” ******* ****** ****** “I am here.” Jesus said. “So I see. I’m assuming you know the reason for this meeting?” “I have heard rumours.” Pontius gestured to one of the loungers, seating himself on one of them. “I am in an awkward position. As Prefect of this province one of my many duties to maintain peace, something your presence here is hindering. Yet you have broken no Roman laws so arresting you would go against my own principles.” “I only speak, there are those that choose to listen and those that don’t.” “Why not just deny the claims others make about you?” “Who am I to deny another person an opinion?” “I don’t believe the priests speak solely for your brethren. I feel other forces may be involved, this is a much sought after Province it is conceivable that other Prefects have a hand in this.” “The Priests speak for all the people, this is true.” “You have a lot of ideas that many find a threat. People have died for less.” “If my life is needed as a sacrifice for peace, then I surrender it to you.” “Why is everyone in this Province so keen to die? I grant you the climate is a little harsh and the rules seem a little unsympathetic at times, but unless you have disgraced your family suicide isn’t always the best solution.” Pontius said. “I brought you here because I don’t want your life. Your beliefs are your own and those who choose to listen are free to do so. Unfortunately I am in the minority. If I don’t act they will go to Tiberius and he will order your death. He likes this Province.” “So my life would be forfeit. I have said, I accept that.” “I don’t.” Pontius said. “I don’t wish to make this official, if I do you will not be welcomed in any Roman held land, I will if you force me to, though.” “Make what official?” “Exile. I will give you papers that will ensure you are well treated, almost as well as a Roman citizen. I know that you are willing to die for your belief’s, the question here is whether you are willing to live for them?” “If it will ensure peace, then I will go.” “I cannot guarantee that, but you will stand a better chance of seeing it to fruition if you are alive.” Pontius said. “Here are the papers, you should leave tonight. I don’t know how long I can stall them on this matter and I’d rather you had enough time to get somewhere safer.” It was political suicide, he knew that, but in truth he would be glad to see the back of Iudea. It had given him nothing but headaches.
© Copyright 2008 Ginfla (UN: moonhawk at Writing.Com).
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