The man wagged his great moon face and sidled over to Jesus. He laid a hand on his shoulder. “Your charade has been impressive, my friend. You even had me fooled for a time.” He sighed. “But, unfortunately, your days of living as a man must come to an end.”

Mary shuddered at his words.

Jesus said nothing but continued to fight against his assailants.

Saul smiled and shook his head. “Do not worry, friend. I will not let your good deeds, and the ardent faith of your followers, go to waste. Oh no. I have a very good use for all you have created.”

He chuckled to himself. His eyes then traveled to Mary. The men holding her tightened their grip. Without a word, Saul walked to where she stood. He ran a fingertip slowly down her cheek. She flinched at his touch. He grinned.

Jesus gasped. “Do what you want to me. But let her go!” he cried. “She is innocent and knows nothing.”

Saul’s eyes darkened. “Silence!” he roared. “I have had enough of you and your false piety!” He turned to his men. “Do as you wish with this freak. Make the body disappear. Then bring the woman to me.”

When Saul sauntered down the hill, the men began to cackle.

Those holding Mary released her and gathered with the others. Together, they circled their prey. In a flash, one of them lunged forward and grabbed Jesus by his tunic. They tore at the fabric until Anna stood naked and shivering before them.

Seeing her exposed, the others growled with delight. Hurling epithets, they jabbed knives into her buttocks. They spat on her face. Her breasts.

“If you are truly a great healer, then heal yourself of this!” one man shouted as he slashed a blade across her belly.

“Why does your Great Mother not come to save you now?” another taunted then kicked Anna’s legs out from under her.

Terrified, Mary screamed and rushed in, grappling to pull them off. “No! Leave her alone! She has done nothing to harm you!” she cried, but the men battered her back.

One of the assailants lifted Anna’s tunic from the ground. “And what shall we do with this?” he asked. “Should we gamble for it? The robe of a great healer must be worth something, eh?” he chided. One of his cohorts snatched away the tunic and threw it into the air. Laughing, the others stabbed at it with blades until it was ripped to shreds.

While the men were distracted, Anna sought out Mary. When their eyes locked, she struggled to her feet and lunged forward. Straining, she reached for Mary’s hand and pressed a palm into hers.