The Thief, the Harlot and the Healer by M.E. Clements

Author:M.E. Clements [Clements, M.E.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: M.E. Clements
Published: 2023-02-24T00:00:00+00:00

Portius had set up agents around the grand house of Asri, pretending to be buying wares or sitting drinking wine and eating outside the many traders’ stalls in the square. They were to track anybody exiting or entering the house, regardless of the person’s status.

Barnabas arrived at ten o’clock in the brief sunshine of a changeable day with huge clouds skidding across the sky, borne by a stiff, cold breeze from the north.

‘There is someone to see you, sir,’ said Ezra. ‘Apologies, but I thought it was important, so I have summoned the man here immediately.’

Asri looked up from his papers and stared as Ezra led Barnabas into the room. The men introduced themselves.

‘What is your business, sir?’ asked Asri.

‘Mina. We seek to reunite her with you but fear interference from fiendish influences – namely, that of a brigand called Boataz, who has been assailing us since Magdala.’

‘Where is she?’

‘She is in safe hands, but I dare not bring her lest the brigands attack the house. It is prudent that we talk with the authorities and get a company of soldiers to protect her.’

‘That will not be necessary – all you need to do is to bring her here. She will be unmolested – this I can assure you,’ said Asri with a hint of irritation.

‘You can’t assure me that this maniac won’t kill us all. With respect, you know what he is capable of – he needs to be apprehended.’

‘He has been dealt with, rest assured. As I say, we shall have no further dealings with him.’

‘Please tell me you haven’t paid him off,’ said Barnabas.

‘That is none of your business,’ interjected Ezra.

‘Look, there is a woman who rescued your daughter, putting her own life at risk for her sake, and we have promised her that she will have your support to command the authorities to capture Boataz and find out what happened to her own daughter.’

‘What do you mean, her own daughter?’ asked Ezra.

‘Anna, her child, was abducted by this fiend sixteen years ago. She just wants to see her daughter.’

‘We know nothing of this Boataz, but let me assure you that if I can be of help to this woman, she will have all my resources at her disposal. What is her name and where can I find her?’

‘Her name is Rachel, and she is housed with my friend, Ethan the priest.’

‘I know Ethan; he is a good man.’

‘But there is something you need to know about Rachel.’

‘Please let me write to Ethan. My servant here, Ezra, can take the message himself.’

‘That may be dangerous.’

‘Look, I must ensure that she is treated correctly.’

‘Unfortunately, you may not be able to supply her needs as she is... unclean,’ whispered Barnabas.

‘She is a leper?’ asked Ezra.

‘No, unfortunately, she is a woman who has been cruelly abused by Boataz and forced at an early age into a life of wanton ruin,’ said Barnabas.

The significance of the words created a long silence until Asri picked up a pen and insisted on writing a short note.

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