Ruth wanted to answer, wanted to temper his dangerous thinking, but something in the rawness with which he spoke made her hold her words. Made her want to spend time with what he had said. She nodded, to let Jesus know she would consider his thoughts.

She then turned her attention back to his leg. The muscles had loosened somewhat, but without rest, she knew, there would be little hope for improvement. And given Jesus’s new inclination to speak out, they could not afford to bide long in one place.

CHAPTER 33

Somewhere within ancient Palestine—33 A.D.

The assassin kept himself hidden within a distant outcropping of rock. To pass the time, he wiped soap over his face and shaved his cheeks with the edge of a dagger. Ever since hearing of the healer’s altercation with the golden-haired priest, he had begun tracking the man and his companions northward.

Though he had not yet approached his quarry, and did not yet know the details of his appearance, he felt certain he could learn all he needed to know from a distance. His employer, after all, required only a general description of the young healer’s progress. To where was he traveling? Were the people made unruly by his words? Was the number of his followers growing?

As was his practice, the assassin would report on these things—though his personal concerns were different. Either way, he relished in the killing. And in that arena, his reputation was excellent.

Finished with his task, the assassin mopped the stubbly residue from his cheeks with his sleeve. Then, in a motion swift as the folding of a bird’s wing, he slipped his blade back into its sheath.

CHAPTER 34

Somewhere within ancient Palestine—33 A.D.

The band of shepherds hunkered down just beyond the perimeter of the village. The men’s tunics were stained with sweat, their faces burned with wind and sun. Each had a freshly sharpened dagger tucked into his belt.

“Is that his home?” one of the men asked, nodding toward a humble dwelling.

The head shepherd tugged on his ragged ear. “Yes, that is where his family resides,” he said.

Peter glanced over at the men. His stomach churned with dread and anticipation. Ever since someone had stolen two sheep from the brother of the ragged-eared shepherd, the leader had been plotting revenge on his sibling’s behalf. Having located the thief’s village, they intended to retaliate by abducting his sister.

The group swept into the village on silent feet. Unnoticed, they slipped into the thief’s home. A young girl saw them and let out a scream. Alerted to the intruders, the occupants cried out and sheltered the children beneath their robes.

Saying nothing, the men herded the women into a corner and began ripping the shawls from their faces.

Eager to prove himself, Peter reached out and uncovered the woman closest to him. She had unusually light hair. “Here she is!” he cried.