Joseph appeared relieved. He walked swiftly to a side table, where he rang a small glass bell. Immediately a servant appeared in the doorway, carrying a silver tray with a flask of white wine and two goblets. The old man poured the liquid carefully, placed a filled glass in my hand, touched his own goblet to it, and raised his drink high above his head.

“May the truth set you free, my son. I have something very special for you to see, but first let us drink to your success. For the next several days I shall be near you always, acting as your guide and confidant. However, you must lead the way. The results you achieve in trying to unravel what is undoubtedly the greatest mystery in the history of the world will depend solely on your own ability, knowledge, and skill in the sifting of evidence and testimony. I shall only stand by to protect you and advise you, as best I can, if the need arises.”

We sipped our wine in silence for several minutes. Then he said, “I do not envy you, Matthias. A burden larger than you may realize has now fallen on your shoulders.”

I lowered my glass and looked inquiringly at the old man. He shrugged his shoulders and smiled, apparently enjoying my puzzled expression. “Do you not yet realize, Matthias, that you—alone—have now become the force you created in your mind twenty years ago?”

“I don’t understand. What do you mean, Joseph?”

“You, my son, are now … the Christ Commission!”

three

BEFORE WE HAD DRAINED our glasses, the distant sound of brass fanfare interrupted our toasts. Joseph placed his half-empty goblet on the tray and said eagerly, “Put on your sandals and come with me, Matthias. I promised to show you something very special.”

“Those are the seven silver trumpets, aren’t they?” I asked. “Sounded from the Temple, four times a day, to announce that all the faithful should pause for a moment of prayer and reflection.”

“You have researched very well, my friend. Come.”

As we approached a doorway opening onto a long vine-covered portico, the old man turned to me, his eyes twinkling with obvious relish. “Kindly close your eyes and give me your hand so that I may lead you, and please do not look until I tell you.”