‘Not yet,’ Miriam admitted. ‘But there are those amongst us who wish to broaden our movement, spread our beliefs amongst other peoples. It is the only way to guarantee that my son’s legacy does not eventually follow him into the grave.’ She paused, and gently stroked her hand along the casket.’But for now, this village is virtually all we have. As you said, it is no earthly paradise, but at least we are free of the ideas that turn people against each other. That is a paradise of sorts, Cato. Or at least it was, until you turned up with Symeon.’

Cato looked away, back towards the village where he could just make out the blackened corner posts of Miriam’s house.

‘Tell me about Symeon. How is it that you know him as well?’

‘Symeon?’ Miriam smiled. ‘He was another of my son’s friends. A very close friend. I suppose that’s why there’s no love lost between Bannus and Symeon. They were good friends before they became rivals for Jehoshua’s affection. Towards the end I think it was clear that he preferred Symeon. He had a nickname for Symeon. What was it? Ah yes, Kipha.’ She smiled fondly. ‘It means “rock” in our tongue.’

‘Did Bannus know that Symeon was your son’s favourite?’

‘I fear so. I’m sure that’s part of the reason for his bitterness.’

‘What happened to Symeon after your son’s death?’

‘He tried to keep the movement going in Jerusalem for a while. But the priests hired men to hunt him down. They killed his wife and sons and Symeon fled the city and disappeared. For a long time. Then he appeared here a few years ago. Since then he has spent his time travelling across the region. He keeps in touch with my son’s followers whenever he can, though I don’t see much of him out here. Not as much as I’d like. He’s a good man. Heart’s in the right place, and one day he’ll settle down and commit himself to something.’ Miriam smiled. ‘At least I hope he will.’

‘I can trust him, then.’ It was meant as a question, and Cato was relieved when Miriam nodded.

‘You can trust him.’

‘Good. That’s what I need to know. That, and the location of Bannus and his men.’

Miriam looked sharply at him. ‘I don’t know where his lair is, Centurion. And even if I did, I wouldn’t tell you. Just because I saved you doesn’t mean that I am on your side. I would no sooner betray Bannus to you than you to him. If the opportunity arises, I will do all that I can to persuade Bannus and his followers to end their struggle and return to their families. Meanwhile I will have no part in your conflict. Nor will my people. I would ask you to just leave us alone.’