Douglas Jackson: Scourge of Rome

A clatter of hooves disturbed his thoughts and a cheer went up as a group of riders trotted into the court through the recently opened west gate. Among them was a familiar figure in a legate’s armour, wearing the purple sash of an army commander. Titus Flavius Vespasian and his staff reined in close by Valerius and Serpentius, but the Emperor’s son only had eyes for the burning temple.

‘I did not want this,’ he said loud enough for the closest fifty or sixty men to hear. ‘I would have stopped it if I could. This has been brought upon the people of Judaea by their own god, and I take it as a sign. What he has begun I will complete. We will tear this place down wall by wall and the city with it. Perhaps, someday, there will be a new Jerusalem, but not in my time.’

The announcement was greeted with a roar of acclaim. When it died away his eyes lighted on Valerius and he smiled, only for the smile to fade as he saw the crumpled figure at his friend’s feet.

‘Is he …’

‘No, but he’s hurt badly. I beg you to help him.’

Titus turned in the saddle. ‘Alexandros!’ he roared. ‘Where is that drunken surgeon of mine?’

The Egyptian doctor appeared with a servant leading a pony laden with his equipment. Titus pointed him towards Serpentius and Alexandros knelt over the Spaniard, working at the bandages as Valerius hovered close.

‘Can he be saved?’ Titus demanded.

Alexandros looked up. ‘His injury is very grave, lord.’

The grey eyes hardened. ‘I want him saved.’ The implication was clear.

Alexandros paled and shouted a string of commands as he bent low over Serpentius, crooning to his patient in Greek as his hands fluttered across the bloodied flesh.

Titus turned back to Valerius. ‘He saved my life,’ he said. ‘I had thought to reward him for his services. None deserves it more.’

‘His life will be reward enough.’

‘No.’ Titus shook his head. ‘If he lives he will never want again.’ He turned back to the burning temple. ‘There is still work to do. John of Gischala and Simon bar Giora are unaccounted for, but the taking of the fortress and the temple means Jerusalem is Rome’s and the rebellion is finished. My father has his victory.’

‘And you will have your triumph.’

Titus managed a wry smile. ‘And you, Valerius? You did as much as any man to bring this about. What will your reward be?’

Valerius stared in the direction of the Huldah Gates and his heart lifted as he watched a diminutive figure pick her way through the carpet of dead towards them. Tabitha’s expression was grave, but her eyes lit up when she recognized him. There was no sign of the leather pouch, but suddenly that didn’t seem to matter any more.

‘I already have my reward.’