The Betrayal Read Online Free Page A

cloth.”
    The emperor seemed to be considering that. Finally, he took a breath and ordered, “I want the Temple to Aphrodite torn down and the landfill removed. Immediately. If the Pearl is there, I want to know before anyone else does.”
    â€œYes, Excellency. Of course.”
    Constantine’s hard eyes narrowed. “And what of Jairus? Have you located him?”
    â€œWe may have, Excellency. At one of the Pachomius’ monasteries in Egypt. But again, I need more time to verify the rumors. A few months, that’s all.”
    The jewels Constantine wore flashed and glittered as the emperor turned and walked back toward his chair. Silvester dared to take a breath of relief.
    Over his shoulder, Constantine said, “Begin the excavations on the landfill, then find Jairus. After that, find all the men who ever assisted Pappas Eusebios at the library in Caesarea. I want to know where the Pearl is hidden. Our very survival depends upon it. Do you understand?”
    â€œYes, Excellency.” Silvester turned and strode for the door.
    Just before he stepped out into the hallway, the emperor called, “And Pappas?”
    Silvester turned to face Constantine.
    â€œDo not come back to me until you’ve accomplished the goals I just set forth.”
    Terror fired Silvester’s veins. The meaning was clear: You won’t live through it.
    Silvester bowed deeply. “Yes, Excellency, I won’t fail you.”
    Silvester stepped out into the brazier-lit hallway. The high-arched corridor was lined on either side with imperial guards. Firelight flickered on immaculately polished armor and gave a deep tone to their red capes. Not one of the ten guards so much as looked at him.

    Silvester swallowed hard and locked his knees. The massive gray stone walls seemed to be leaning toward him, as though they were demons bending down to suck away his soul. Try as he might, he could not shake the feeling that a brooding presence stood right at his shoulder.
    â€œPappas?” Meridias asked, stepping forward and extending a hand, as if for support.
    Silvester motioned for Meridias to follow him. Meridias’ blond hair and cold eyes shone in the dim light.
    As they marched down the hall side-by-side, passing the soldiers, Silvester hissed, “My personal boat is waiting on the dock at Ephesus. Take it to Egypt. Keep me apprised.”
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    THE TEACHING ON THE SWORD
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    Rain clouds drift through the sky, but there is no rain today, only heat and more heat. You are irritable as you walk down the road toward Yerushalaim. Your brothers and sisters walk ahead of you. You lag, swatting at flies, grumbling to yourself because you want nothing more than to go and sleep in the shade of an olive tree until night comes. But he will not allow it. You have finally escaped the crowds, and he says you must rush on. You hear his voice, teaching, as always … but can’t make out most of the words until he calls:
    â€œDid you hear that, brother?” Yeshu stops and turns around to look straight at you.
    You squint against the glare to see him. His black hair haloes his face in tight, sweat-drenched curls. The sun beats down upon your head like a fiery hammer.
    â€œNo. I’m too far behind. What did you say?”
    â€œWe were talking about the art of the sword. I said that it was, for the most part, the art of being truly present with God.”
    The disciples gather around him in a milling circle, listening. They can tell by his tone of voice that this is another lesson, and they want to hear it.
    Unlike you. You just want to get to a cold drink of water.

    As he needs you to, you say, “That sounds ridiculous. Am I not always present with God? How could I be otherwise, for you have told us that God is everywhere, all the time.”
    He suppresses a smile. It’s his way of thanking you for asking the questions no one else will. You are his acknowledged adversary, and he