Chapter 16

Longus kept his eyes on Lukas as the old man trudged along amid the small crowd of Christians heading up Via Ostiense toward distant Rome. He was already struggling. His head hung down, his body trembled as he gamely stumbled along. There were nine other Christians around him, men and women, all guarded by a squad of Roman soldiers, marching steadily in cadence.

Several others who had been seized back in the Forum had either managed to slip away or been able to exonerate themselves. All the prisoners were asked to curse Jesus. Those who complied in loud voices were allowed to leave. Those still held had refused.

Lukas stumbled once or twice and caught hold of Caiapus’ arm to steady himself. Longus wondered if the old man could survive the two-plus day hike needed to reach the capital.