Page 68 of Of Love and Treason
Pater shifted. “His name is not on the record to protect his reputation. At least that’s what I was told when I received the orders.”
“Orders from whom?” Cato pressed.
Her father’s shoulders seemed to droop. “I have been sworn to silence. I cannot afford the man as an enemy. If I do not follow the instructions to the letter... We have troubles enough as it is.”
Beatrix, who’d been watching Iris’s father as he spoke, sank back with understanding. “It’s his grandfather, isn’t it?” She leaped to her feet, the pink and yellow of her dress blurring to orange as she began to pace. “I should have known. I should have guessed—he justcan’tleave him alone!” Beatrix collapsed back on her chair, rubbing her temples. Martha put a hand on her arm.
“I’m sorry.” Pater’s apology sounded simple enough, but Iris had never heard him say those words to anyone else. Much less someone he’d barely met.
Marius let out a long breath and looked at Beatrix. “God allowed the imprisonment for a reason, Beatrix.” He gestured toward Iris and Quintus with his other hand. “Perhaps God will use this to bring Val’s grandfather to faith.”
Beatrix nodded but looked unconvinced.
“I am working to release him. Valens asked us to come here and learn from you. And to ask you to pray for his release.” Pater gripped Iris’s hand. “But I must beg you to keep this in confidence for now. I know we do not deserve it, but I beg you, if word gets out that I’ve accepted a bribe—” He stopped as several servants brought in wine and platters of steaming flatbread, cheese, cucumbers, and spiced chickpeas.
Iris’s stomach growled as the warm smells curled around the room.
“Then pray we shall.” Marius gave a nod. Without further warning, everyone in the room bowed their heads. Iris did not bow her head and instead stared as the old man spoke, gently, reverently, but as one would speak to another person. He spoke to the One God like Valentine did, with no fancy invocations or flattery. It was as if... as if the Person he spoke to was in the room with them. She looked around but did not see an altar or an image of any kind. Marius prayed for Valentine, for his strength and health and speedy release. Everyone raised their heads and Iris’s cheeks warmed, but the others did not seem to notice.
Further discussion halted as the door opened and other people entered in clusters of twos and threes. Some carried pots of stew and baskets of bread. Iris and her father stayed where they were. A few of the newcomers greeted them and welcomed them to the gathering. Her pater grew more and more tense beside her.
“Perhaps we should go.” He tilted his head toward her, speaking in a low voice. “It would have been better to keep this quiet until I had a solution.”
Iris leaned closer. “But Valentine said—”
“This is going to get back to the tribune and we’ll be in worse trouble than we already are.” He glanced around the room, as if debating how best to make an unnoticed exit.
“Pater.” Iris placed a hand on his arm. “We’ve seen the power of God. We must also trust He’s able to rescue Valentine and keep us in safety.”
“He couldn’t even keep Valentine safe.”
“Can’t we stay a little longer?”
“You can’t leave now; we haven’t eaten,” Beatrix interrupted.
They both looked at her, startled.
She leaned closer. “I won’t speak of it again, but...” She glanced around the room and lowered her voice to a whisper. “Is he all right?”
Iris nodded. “He is unhurt, fed, and clothed.”
“I hope it will not be long. I’ve requested an audience with his grandfather.” Pater paused. “Is he your father?”
“Goodness, no!” Beatrix straightened and waved, offended at the suggestion. “My sister’s husband’s family—God rest her soul. It was never a good match.”
The room went quiet as Marius stood and raised his hands. “Valens could not be here tonight.” He glanced toward Quintus and Iris. She felt Pater’s tension rise and release as Marius continued. “And as I am not gifted with the ability to teach, I’m afraid our meeting will be more of the practical sort tonight.” He bowed his head and blessed the meal they would share.
Once everyone had eaten their fill, Cato stood, neck reddening at the attention directed toward him.
“An insula collapsed three days ago in the Tiberina district.” He hooked his thumbs into his belt. “Dozens are dead; more are without homes. I’ve been there for nearly the whole of it. Such devastation.” He swallowed and shifted on his feet, rubbing the scratches on his arms. “The tenants need our help. They need food, water, clothes—anything to help replace the things they lost. And they need help finding new homes.” He paused. “I put it forth to you all to decide if this is where our money should go.”
Beatrix leaned over to explain in a whisper. “We do not use thebanks. Instead we all keep our money together and dole it out to whoever has need. That way everyone’s needs are met, and our monies are never sitting idle.”
Iris’s eyebrows flickered in surprise. They all shared their earnings with each other? She had a hard enough time turning the money she earned over to her own father, much less a group of strangers. Still, she watched curiously as everyone in the room nodded in agreement and called out ways they could help.
Cato nodded. “We will gather here tomorrow with whatever you can bring, and we’ll all go together.”
Prayers began, voices picking up where one left off like a thread woven from one person to the next, creating a tapestry of praise that soon fell into song. Iris sat bowed through it all, soaking it in. She didn’t know the songs, but her heart agreed. Overwhelming peace and love flooded her with the warmth of the sun bursting from behind the clouds. Her eyes overflowed.
