Greetings Dear Readers,
I am still rereading Steven King's On Writing and also I have returned to a tome I find invaluable for refilling my well. It is Julie Cameron's The Artist's Way. I find the exercises in this second book invigorating and challenging all at once.
I will be cracking open the J.K. Rowling's novel, Harry Potter and the Half Blood Price this week so that I can keep pace with my writer's and artist's discussion group. I would love to hear your about reactions to Rowling's work.
Remember that no one steel the books we have already read.
Wishing you joy in the journey,
Aramis Thorn
18 July 2005
16 July 2005
When Writing is Hard
Most mornings I get up ready to write and anxious to create. There are a few mornings when I am distracted, concerned, or down right empty. All the players in my head are silent and the wonders of my several created worlds are hidden from me. It is frustrating, daunting, and even frightening to find this place. Quickly awakened are the haunts of my place as a writer, my self doubt, and the temptation to chuck it all and go dig ditches somewhere.
It is important to do two things when you feel this way. One is to write something anyway. Make yourself pound out some words. Do some free writing to loosen up your brain. Get some words down no matter what their quality or lack of quality. If you feel later that you should line the parakeet cage with what you have written, that is all well and good. The important thing is that you are only a writer if you write. You can then move on to the second thing knowing that you are still a writer and have worked today. Make yourself write every day that you are supposed to write.
The second thing is to do something to recreate yourself. What is it that recharges you? Go for a walk. Visit a museum or library. Watch some little kids play your favorite sport. Do something to rebuild who you are from the inside out. Clear your mind and see the beauty of the universe in some new way. Do something to recharge your battery.
Even if it takes a day or two or three to get back to your stride, you will get it back. The important thing is to keep at it. A writer writes, always.
Wishing you joy in the journey,
Aramis Thorn
It is important to do two things when you feel this way. One is to write something anyway. Make yourself pound out some words. Do some free writing to loosen up your brain. Get some words down no matter what their quality or lack of quality. If you feel later that you should line the parakeet cage with what you have written, that is all well and good. The important thing is that you are only a writer if you write. You can then move on to the second thing knowing that you are still a writer and have worked today. Make yourself write every day that you are supposed to write.
The second thing is to do something to recreate yourself. What is it that recharges you? Go for a walk. Visit a museum or library. Watch some little kids play your favorite sport. Do something to rebuild who you are from the inside out. Clear your mind and see the beauty of the universe in some new way. Do something to recharge your battery.
Even if it takes a day or two or three to get back to your stride, you will get it back. The important thing is to keep at it. A writer writes, always.
Wishing you joy in the journey,
Aramis Thorn
11 July 2005
This Week's Reading - 07-11-05
Greetings Dear Readers,
This week I am delving into some oddly different areas. I am reading Steven King's On Writing, a must for any writer. I read this annually to remind me of some of the things I do to keep my writing going. I am also reading The Person and Work of the Holy Spirit: The Holy Spirit Effects in Us What Christ Has Done for Us by Donald T. Williams. The book has a long title but is one of the best tomes I have found on the Holy Spirit. I am also still working my way through The Last Best League. I usually read very quickly but when I read about baseball I tend to adopt the easy pace of the game as if it were August and I was in the old Atlanta Stadium surrounded by hope and humidity.
Go find a good book and tell me about it.
Wishing you joy in the journey,
Aramis Thorn
This week I am delving into some oddly different areas. I am reading Steven King's On Writing, a must for any writer. I read this annually to remind me of some of the things I do to keep my writing going. I am also reading The Person and Work of the Holy Spirit: The Holy Spirit Effects in Us What Christ Has Done for Us by Donald T. Williams. The book has a long title but is one of the best tomes I have found on the Holy Spirit. I am also still working my way through The Last Best League. I usually read very quickly but when I read about baseball I tend to adopt the easy pace of the game as if it were August and I was in the old Atlanta Stadium surrounded by hope and humidity.
Go find a good book and tell me about it.
Wishing you joy in the journey,
Aramis Thorn
10 July 2005
On Editors
Greetings Dear Readers,
Many things, both wonderful and woeful pass through out lives. Sometimes they stay. Occasionally, when the timbre of the great song is just right, the universe sings out an amazing and kind editor. In my mind, editors are mostly curmudgeonly old men with red pens and sour stomachs. Since God loves to shatter my stereotypes he sent me an editor who is kind, vibrant, and very encouraging.
None of the things I have mentioned are requirements to good editing but what they do for the author is unchartable. I have had three professional editors in my writing career. The first was critical, mean spirited, and chemical dependent. His goal was more my destruction than the healing of my writing flaws. He almost drove me away from writing all together. My second editor, truly one of God's greatest creations, was too busy to be great. I have retained her as my first reader. (If you do not know what that is read Steven King's On Writing, heck read it anyway, as a matter of fact I think that I will reread it today.) She is an awesome first reader and will always fill that role as often as she wishes. My third editor is also a singularly clear note in the universe. She is efficient, encouraging, and pushes me to be a better writer.
When you choose someone to edit your work, do not rest until you find someone who loves editing and gets you as a writer. Avoid frustrated authors who became editors so that they could hang onto the edge of the writing world without really living in it. True editors like mine are not standing on the edge waiting for the courage to write. They find their passion in making writers better at their craft.
Here are some things to look for in an editor
Skill in the language
A passion for excellence
Kindness - Kind Editors exist, therefore, we should use them and drive the others out of business
Good communication skills
A teaching aptitude - My editor is great at showing me flaws in my grammar without making me feel like and idiot. After all I have a Ph.D., I just have trouble with things like spelling and split infinitives.
Above all, it is vital to entrust your writing to someone you trust. You are handing them a piece of your life. Your time, thoughts, and heart went into what is on the page. Your editor should respect this. I know mine does. She is a joy and a blessing.
Wishing you joy in the journey,
Aramis Thorn
Many things, both wonderful and woeful pass through out lives. Sometimes they stay. Occasionally, when the timbre of the great song is just right, the universe sings out an amazing and kind editor. In my mind, editors are mostly curmudgeonly old men with red pens and sour stomachs. Since God loves to shatter my stereotypes he sent me an editor who is kind, vibrant, and very encouraging.
None of the things I have mentioned are requirements to good editing but what they do for the author is unchartable. I have had three professional editors in my writing career. The first was critical, mean spirited, and chemical dependent. His goal was more my destruction than the healing of my writing flaws. He almost drove me away from writing all together. My second editor, truly one of God's greatest creations, was too busy to be great. I have retained her as my first reader. (If you do not know what that is read Steven King's On Writing, heck read it anyway, as a matter of fact I think that I will reread it today.) She is an awesome first reader and will always fill that role as often as she wishes. My third editor is also a singularly clear note in the universe. She is efficient, encouraging, and pushes me to be a better writer.
When you choose someone to edit your work, do not rest until you find someone who loves editing and gets you as a writer. Avoid frustrated authors who became editors so that they could hang onto the edge of the writing world without really living in it. True editors like mine are not standing on the edge waiting for the courage to write. They find their passion in making writers better at their craft.
Here are some things to look for in an editor
Skill in the language
A passion for excellence
Kindness - Kind Editors exist, therefore, we should use them and drive the others out of business
Good communication skills
A teaching aptitude - My editor is great at showing me flaws in my grammar without making me feel like and idiot. After all I have a Ph.D., I just have trouble with things like spelling and split infinitives.
Above all, it is vital to entrust your writing to someone you trust. You are handing them a piece of your life. Your time, thoughts, and heart went into what is on the page. Your editor should respect this. I know mine does. She is a joy and a blessing.
Wishing you joy in the journey,
Aramis Thorn
04 July 2005
This Week's Reading - 07-04-05
Greetings Dear Readers,
So many books, so little time. This week my mind wrestles anew with the words of Thomas Traherne and George Herbert. One of my dear colleagues gave me a Latin and English version of George Herbert's works as a graduation gift and I use it to keep my skills at the long dead language honed. Amidst the great messages of the humble pastor, Herbert lies the constant reminder of the ways in which Christ shares our journey with us. Thomas Traherne's words are eternal no matter what your faith or practice. His Centuries of Meditation cause the reader to look at the universe as his own and see the ways in which his calls a man to greatness.
I am also reading The Last Best League, by Jim Collins. This is a baseball story about the Cape Cod League and therefore has my heart. The book was a gift from my youngest son this past Father's day. Giving books as gifts is a tradition that must remain. Books are eternal gifts in which you can package messages that remain for many years. Buy someone a book. Buy them one of mine if you wish. Stephen King called them "uniquely portable magic."
Feel free to tell me what you are reading or recommend books for me. Stay cool in the heat and read something amazing.
Wishing you joy in the journey,
Aramis Thorn
So many books, so little time. This week my mind wrestles anew with the words of Thomas Traherne and George Herbert. One of my dear colleagues gave me a Latin and English version of George Herbert's works as a graduation gift and I use it to keep my skills at the long dead language honed. Amidst the great messages of the humble pastor, Herbert lies the constant reminder of the ways in which Christ shares our journey with us. Thomas Traherne's words are eternal no matter what your faith or practice. His Centuries of Meditation cause the reader to look at the universe as his own and see the ways in which his calls a man to greatness.
I am also reading The Last Best League, by Jim Collins. This is a baseball story about the Cape Cod League and therefore has my heart. The book was a gift from my youngest son this past Father's day. Giving books as gifts is a tradition that must remain. Books are eternal gifts in which you can package messages that remain for many years. Buy someone a book. Buy them one of mine if you wish. Stephen King called them "uniquely portable magic."
Feel free to tell me what you are reading or recommend books for me. Stay cool in the heat and read something amazing.
Wishing you joy in the journey,
Aramis Thorn
02 July 2005
The Freedom To Write
Greetings Dear Readers,
Since it is Independence Day weekend I thought I would talk about the freedom involved in the writing life. If you are a writer in America, you can write about almost anything you wish and if you find an audience, get published and paid for writing. The Constitution guarantees out right to speak freely, including via the written word. There are still countries where it is illegal and even dangerous to write things that are not politically correct or socially acceptable.
We are free to write but must be careful to protect this freedom. An example of threats to our freedom to expression is the whole concept of political correctness. When someone tells me I must say something a certain way they are telling me that my intent is determined by their interpretation of my words.
This is an error. When I use a word to describe something in my writing, it is my intent that matters, not the readers assignment of my intent. Many have gone back to great past writings attempting to assign their social framework to another writer's intent. Authorial intent always matters. Coaching demands for political correctness in terms that sound kind makes it no less improper. People accuse those rejecting political correctness of be exclusive or non-inclusive by their word choice. To me, this borders on the always to be feared thought police.
We must try not to offend out of hand, but sometimes the truth is offensive. This means that there will be offense just because we speak the truth. That is too bad. It is a slight on our freedom to demand that we temper the truth so that it is inoffensive.
The concept of political correctness also forces a logical fallacy. It offends me to demand that I be politically correct in my expression so, political correctness becomes, by its nature, offensive and therefore wrong. Political correctness is a threat to our basis freedom of expression. Too many people gave their lives and continue to do so in order for me to write. It would be dishonorable for me to speak anything less than the truth, tempered with kindness.
Have a great holiday, and go write something.
Wishing you joy in the journey,
Aramis Thorn
Since it is Independence Day weekend I thought I would talk about the freedom involved in the writing life. If you are a writer in America, you can write about almost anything you wish and if you find an audience, get published and paid for writing. The Constitution guarantees out right to speak freely, including via the written word. There are still countries where it is illegal and even dangerous to write things that are not politically correct or socially acceptable.
We are free to write but must be careful to protect this freedom. An example of threats to our freedom to expression is the whole concept of political correctness. When someone tells me I must say something a certain way they are telling me that my intent is determined by their interpretation of my words.
This is an error. When I use a word to describe something in my writing, it is my intent that matters, not the readers assignment of my intent. Many have gone back to great past writings attempting to assign their social framework to another writer's intent. Authorial intent always matters. Coaching demands for political correctness in terms that sound kind makes it no less improper. People accuse those rejecting political correctness of be exclusive or non-inclusive by their word choice. To me, this borders on the always to be feared thought police.
We must try not to offend out of hand, but sometimes the truth is offensive. This means that there will be offense just because we speak the truth. That is too bad. It is a slight on our freedom to demand that we temper the truth so that it is inoffensive.
The concept of political correctness also forces a logical fallacy. It offends me to demand that I be politically correct in my expression so, political correctness becomes, by its nature, offensive and therefore wrong. Political correctness is a threat to our basis freedom of expression. Too many people gave their lives and continue to do so in order for me to write. It would be dishonorable for me to speak anything less than the truth, tempered with kindness.
Have a great holiday, and go write something.
Wishing you joy in the journey,
Aramis Thorn
27 June 2005
This Week's Reading 06-27-05
Greetings All,
This week I am reading an excellent work of fiction and some good thinking materials.
The fictional work is Steven King's Nightmares and Dreamscapes. It is somewhat of a departure as all of the stories are not terror. There is a mixture of terror, suspense, science fiction, and human nature study. I highly recommend this for a more well rounded view of SF's mind and skills. When I am finished with this book, I plan to begin his Dark Tower series. I know, I am way behind, but I am catching up ;-}
The other book I am journeying through is Ken Wilber's A Brief History of Everything. It is philosophical, scientific, and religious all at once. I often disagree with Wilbur's assumptions but find him an excellent foil to my thinking. The conversational style of the book can be difficult at times, but I started reading it as if I were reading a script and that helped. Limber up your brain and give Wilber a whirl.
I am also reading a great deal about the early star gazers called Magus or Magi. I am working on a novel about them and have been digging into the early days of astronomy. Some of the books I havd found useful are The Magi, by Ken Vincent; The Star of Bethlehem, by Michael R. Molnar, and The Gospel in the Stars, by Joseph Seiss.
I would like to challenge all of you to develop and use a summer reading list. Let me know if you do and what you are reading.
Until next time,
Wishing you all joy in the journey,
Aramis
This week I am reading an excellent work of fiction and some good thinking materials.
The fictional work is Steven King's Nightmares and Dreamscapes. It is somewhat of a departure as all of the stories are not terror. There is a mixture of terror, suspense, science fiction, and human nature study. I highly recommend this for a more well rounded view of SF's mind and skills. When I am finished with this book, I plan to begin his Dark Tower series. I know, I am way behind, but I am catching up ;-}
The other book I am journeying through is Ken Wilber's A Brief History of Everything. It is philosophical, scientific, and religious all at once. I often disagree with Wilbur's assumptions but find him an excellent foil to my thinking. The conversational style of the book can be difficult at times, but I started reading it as if I were reading a script and that helped. Limber up your brain and give Wilber a whirl.
I am also reading a great deal about the early star gazers called Magus or Magi. I am working on a novel about them and have been digging into the early days of astronomy. Some of the books I havd found useful are The Magi, by Ken Vincent; The Star of Bethlehem, by Michael R. Molnar, and The Gospel in the Stars, by Joseph Seiss.
I would like to challenge all of you to develop and use a summer reading list. Let me know if you do and what you are reading.
Until next time,
Wishing you all joy in the journey,
Aramis
23 June 2005
A Challenging Week
Greetings Dear Readers and Other Friends,
This has been a very challenging writing week. Many other life issues demanding my attention have impeded on my writing time. This brings to mind Stephen Kings insistence that a writer keep his writing time sacred. I usually do but this week has demanded that I pay attention to other things. Some of them have been pleasure some have been duty but all were necessary. Hopefully the adventures will prove grist for the imagination and make my writing better.
I have decided to keep you all posted on what I am reading as well. Feel free to interact about this or ask direct questions. I will talk about what I read and interact with the other writer. You are encouraged to read if you are to write. You cannot draw from a dried out well. It is the nature of the universe. Look for a separate post each week on what I am reading.
Have a great week,
Wishing you joy in the journey,
Aramis Thorn
This has been a very challenging writing week. Many other life issues demanding my attention have impeded on my writing time. This brings to mind Stephen Kings insistence that a writer keep his writing time sacred. I usually do but this week has demanded that I pay attention to other things. Some of them have been pleasure some have been duty but all were necessary. Hopefully the adventures will prove grist for the imagination and make my writing better.
I have decided to keep you all posted on what I am reading as well. Feel free to interact about this or ask direct questions. I will talk about what I read and interact with the other writer. You are encouraged to read if you are to write. You cannot draw from a dried out well. It is the nature of the universe. Look for a separate post each week on what I am reading.
Have a great week,
Wishing you joy in the journey,
Aramis Thorn
18 June 2005
Chasing the Big Fish
Greetings Loyal Readers,
As I rose early this morning to click out my thoughts I considered the hamster wheel upon which I run. I know that I have something to say to the world. I know the world needs to hear it. I also know that the publishing world is nearly impossible to penetrate without proper connections. For those of you following me, I will let you know if I make any significant connections. As I look for that big break, I remember that the importance is in the writing not the success. I am called by God to write. I will, therefore, write.
For those I am following, I will gladly hear any advice you wish to offer. Please be kind in your suggestions, but pass them on. A special note of thanks to my friend, the Sage near the Lonely Mountain for his kind words and encouragement.
As a final thought, if any of you know Oprah and can get her to recommend my books, feel free.
Wishing you joy in the journey,
Aramis Thorn
As I rose early this morning to click out my thoughts I considered the hamster wheel upon which I run. I know that I have something to say to the world. I know the world needs to hear it. I also know that the publishing world is nearly impossible to penetrate without proper connections. For those of you following me, I will let you know if I make any significant connections. As I look for that big break, I remember that the importance is in the writing not the success. I am called by God to write. I will, therefore, write.
For those I am following, I will gladly hear any advice you wish to offer. Please be kind in your suggestions, but pass them on. A special note of thanks to my friend, the Sage near the Lonely Mountain for his kind words and encouragement.
As a final thought, if any of you know Oprah and can get her to recommend my books, feel free.
Wishing you joy in the journey,
Aramis Thorn
14 June 2005
A New Novel Complete and A New Editor
Greetings Loyal Readers,
I have finished a third book set in my Biblical world. It has a poor working title and is currently at the editor. I have a new editor who is awesome. For purposes of this Blog, and to protect her anonymity, I will give her a name, Melisand. I will be inviting her to post here and her students may use this to view updates on my work.
My latest book is about a Roman Soldier, Portimus, who is assigned to investigate the disappearance of the Body of Jesus Christ. If you have read The Foster Father of God then you have already met the noble Roman. I will past in a teaser chapter here. Let me know what you think.
A Stitch in Time
Brilliant stars and an even brighter moon illuminate the landscape of a chill Judean night. Unaffected by the night air, an angel sits astride a ruddy mare. Both Polemos, the Angel of War, and Eman, his mount are untouched by the elements and invisible to the eyes of man. He waits at the end of a flower field near the Jerusalem gate. The man for whom he waits enters the opposite end of the field. Polemos hastens to his side, aware that his mount will not harm any of the flowers nor leave any trace of his passage. The War Angel knows that he is to observe the man and protect him. He wonders why but obediently takes his place beside the rider.
The rider makes his way silently across the field of night blooming Narcissus. Out of respect for the unknown owner, he guides his horse through the narrow path used to tend and irrigate the ocean of fragrant flowers. The scent of the Narcissus provides welcome relief from the coppery stench of the blood still damp on his tunic. Checking the puncture wound between his third and fourth rib the Roman soldier notes with relief that the bleeding has stopped. Pulling the arrow from his pack, he studies it under the moonlight. Looking up into the night sky, he whispers to no one in particular, "Zealots."
The timber of his single word accusation is more anguish than anger. He knows that Rome grows weary of the lack of assimilation in this region. Even their great celebration of Passover is celebration of freedom from oppressors. Portimus does not see that Rome oppresses Israel but he also knows that how he sees it did not matter to the recently dispatched band that ambushed him in the mountains near Gaza.
Having tracked them there from the site of their attack on a Greek caravan, the Roman offers the four men the opportunity to surrender and live. Their response, attacking on foot against a mounted soldier, proves unwise. That this particular Praetor could best any four other Centurions any given day proves fatal for the untrained inexperienced assailants.
Weapons and will do not complete a fighter. The Zealots have both but lack the confidence of practice and wisdom of action. The first two of them rush him, flailing their swords wildly as if to scare him. Although this tactic works on caravans of merchants and women, a sidestep with his horse, a parry, and two quick thrusts cut the number of opponents in half, literally.
The third, the one with the bow, becomes overconfident when a lucky shot pierces the Roman's side. Portimus shifts his gladius to the hand holding his mount's reins at the same moment the emboldened Zealot stands and aims for a second shot. With speed uncommon for his size the mounted warrior grasps a javelin from his quiver and lets fly. The bow shot sails far over the soldierÂ’s head as the force of javelin drives the Zealot into the rock wall behind him.
Fear shows in the eyes of the fourth Zealot. Unfortunately, for him bravado and rage soon replace his fear. He charges Portimus screaming epithets, his sword raised high. Portimus nudges his horse back and to the left. The Zealot's swing goes wide and the soldier calls to him in flawless Aramaic, "You cannot beat me. Surrender and you will live."
The assailant screams at the soldier. "I would rather die than receive mercy from a Roman." He spits on the ground and charges again. Seeing that there will be no parley with the Zealot Portimus grants his request. The soldier kicks his horse to the right and beheads the rebel as he passes. The Roman takes no pleasure in killing but has dispatched all four Zealots efficiently and professionally in a matter of seconds.
He takes a moment to carefully remove the arrow from his side and wash the wound. It is not life threatening but will need professional attention. He gathers the fallen men's belongings and the camels and items taken from the caravan. Returning to the place where the caravan survivors wait, he delivers their belongings to them.
Bidding the travelers well, he presses on toward his assignment in Jerusalem. He knows that the gates are already closed for the night and makes his way around to the needle's eye. This small gate is guarded and allows access to travelers only via a narrow passage. There is an opening through which animals must stoop to pass. The guards recognize the Roman's rank and hasten to open the larger gate for him.
Portimus rides through the crowded streets to the garrison. The pre-Passover bazaar makes the going slow but he is determined to clean up and assess the city before reporting to the Governor. Pilate does not mind late night chats but he prefers clean officers in his presence. The night watch at the garrison snaps to attention and salutes as he rides up. To his credit, one of them notices the blood on the Praetor's armor and summons aid. To his further credit, he rouses the garrison commander, alerting him to the arrival of a higher-ranking officer.
Polemos moves away, aware that his charge will be well for now. The War Angel's brothers are gathering. Something requires his attention and there is a sense of foreboding in all of creation. Whatever is on the horizon, his new interest will play a part in it.
The soldier retreats from his commander's quarters and guides the Praetor to an empty officer's billet. Portimus gingerly removes his armor and lays it with his pack and weapons by the bed. He checks that his letters to Pilate are safely in the baggage and asks soldieron of the solider to the baths.
While waiting, Portimus enters the bath to soak away his road weariness. A Greek physician arrives, bleary eyed and groggy. Inspecting the wound carefully he announces that there is no infection, applies some foul smelling ointment, and stitches it closed. Two servants enter with food for the soldier and he thanks them. The leader of garrison, Castor, notices this and wonders why a Praetor would bother to thank a servant.
Portimus dines in silence listening to Castor report of activities in the city. Having attended Passover celebration in Jerusalem a number of years ago, he is used to the common complaints of overcrowding and various petty crimes surrounding the bazaar. The Praetor's attention focuses when Castor mentions problems with the ruling religious council of the Jews, the Sanhedrin.
He listens intently as the officer explains the problem the council has with one of the local religious fanatics. "Apparently, the fanatic in question is rumored to work miracles and has defied the Pharisees' abuses of their religious law for personal gain. It seems that this rogue teacher is going to enter the city tomorrow and the Jews are worried about a public uprising in his favor. If you ask me they make too much fuss over a carpenter from Nazareth."
Only his keen discipline keeps Portimus from visible reaction. He knows the only carpenter from Nazareth that could cause such a stir. He has not seen him in over five years, but he knows him and is sure that the stir and the rumors are genuine. He will look further into it tomorrow, after he reports to Pilate. For now he needs rest and apparently preparation.
I have finished a third book set in my Biblical world. It has a poor working title and is currently at the editor. I have a new editor who is awesome. For purposes of this Blog, and to protect her anonymity, I will give her a name, Melisand. I will be inviting her to post here and her students may use this to view updates on my work.
My latest book is about a Roman Soldier, Portimus, who is assigned to investigate the disappearance of the Body of Jesus Christ. If you have read The Foster Father of God then you have already met the noble Roman. I will past in a teaser chapter here. Let me know what you think.
A Stitch in Time
Brilliant stars and an even brighter moon illuminate the landscape of a chill Judean night. Unaffected by the night air, an angel sits astride a ruddy mare. Both Polemos, the Angel of War, and Eman, his mount are untouched by the elements and invisible to the eyes of man. He waits at the end of a flower field near the Jerusalem gate. The man for whom he waits enters the opposite end of the field. Polemos hastens to his side, aware that his mount will not harm any of the flowers nor leave any trace of his passage. The War Angel knows that he is to observe the man and protect him. He wonders why but obediently takes his place beside the rider.
The rider makes his way silently across the field of night blooming Narcissus. Out of respect for the unknown owner, he guides his horse through the narrow path used to tend and irrigate the ocean of fragrant flowers. The scent of the Narcissus provides welcome relief from the coppery stench of the blood still damp on his tunic. Checking the puncture wound between his third and fourth rib the Roman soldier notes with relief that the bleeding has stopped. Pulling the arrow from his pack, he studies it under the moonlight. Looking up into the night sky, he whispers to no one in particular, "Zealots."
The timber of his single word accusation is more anguish than anger. He knows that Rome grows weary of the lack of assimilation in this region. Even their great celebration of Passover is celebration of freedom from oppressors. Portimus does not see that Rome oppresses Israel but he also knows that how he sees it did not matter to the recently dispatched band that ambushed him in the mountains near Gaza.
Having tracked them there from the site of their attack on a Greek caravan, the Roman offers the four men the opportunity to surrender and live. Their response, attacking on foot against a mounted soldier, proves unwise. That this particular Praetor could best any four other Centurions any given day proves fatal for the untrained inexperienced assailants.
Weapons and will do not complete a fighter. The Zealots have both but lack the confidence of practice and wisdom of action. The first two of them rush him, flailing their swords wildly as if to scare him. Although this tactic works on caravans of merchants and women, a sidestep with his horse, a parry, and two quick thrusts cut the number of opponents in half, literally.
The third, the one with the bow, becomes overconfident when a lucky shot pierces the Roman's side. Portimus shifts his gladius to the hand holding his mount's reins at the same moment the emboldened Zealot stands and aims for a second shot. With speed uncommon for his size the mounted warrior grasps a javelin from his quiver and lets fly. The bow shot sails far over the soldierÂ’s head as the force of javelin drives the Zealot into the rock wall behind him.
Fear shows in the eyes of the fourth Zealot. Unfortunately, for him bravado and rage soon replace his fear. He charges Portimus screaming epithets, his sword raised high. Portimus nudges his horse back and to the left. The Zealot's swing goes wide and the soldier calls to him in flawless Aramaic, "You cannot beat me. Surrender and you will live."
The assailant screams at the soldier. "I would rather die than receive mercy from a Roman." He spits on the ground and charges again. Seeing that there will be no parley with the Zealot Portimus grants his request. The soldier kicks his horse to the right and beheads the rebel as he passes. The Roman takes no pleasure in killing but has dispatched all four Zealots efficiently and professionally in a matter of seconds.
He takes a moment to carefully remove the arrow from his side and wash the wound. It is not life threatening but will need professional attention. He gathers the fallen men's belongings and the camels and items taken from the caravan. Returning to the place where the caravan survivors wait, he delivers their belongings to them.
Bidding the travelers well, he presses on toward his assignment in Jerusalem. He knows that the gates are already closed for the night and makes his way around to the needle's eye. This small gate is guarded and allows access to travelers only via a narrow passage. There is an opening through which animals must stoop to pass. The guards recognize the Roman's rank and hasten to open the larger gate for him.
Portimus rides through the crowded streets to the garrison. The pre-Passover bazaar makes the going slow but he is determined to clean up and assess the city before reporting to the Governor. Pilate does not mind late night chats but he prefers clean officers in his presence. The night watch at the garrison snaps to attention and salutes as he rides up. To his credit, one of them notices the blood on the Praetor's armor and summons aid. To his further credit, he rouses the garrison commander, alerting him to the arrival of a higher-ranking officer.
Polemos moves away, aware that his charge will be well for now. The War Angel's brothers are gathering. Something requires his attention and there is a sense of foreboding in all of creation. Whatever is on the horizon, his new interest will play a part in it.
The soldier retreats from his commander's quarters and guides the Praetor to an empty officer's billet. Portimus gingerly removes his armor and lays it with his pack and weapons by the bed. He checks that his letters to Pilate are safely in the baggage and asks soldieron of the solider to the baths.
While waiting, Portimus enters the bath to soak away his road weariness. A Greek physician arrives, bleary eyed and groggy. Inspecting the wound carefully he announces that there is no infection, applies some foul smelling ointment, and stitches it closed. Two servants enter with food for the soldier and he thanks them. The leader of garrison, Castor, notices this and wonders why a Praetor would bother to thank a servant.
Portimus dines in silence listening to Castor report of activities in the city. Having attended Passover celebration in Jerusalem a number of years ago, he is used to the common complaints of overcrowding and various petty crimes surrounding the bazaar. The Praetor's attention focuses when Castor mentions problems with the ruling religious council of the Jews, the Sanhedrin.
He listens intently as the officer explains the problem the council has with one of the local religious fanatics. "Apparently, the fanatic in question is rumored to work miracles and has defied the Pharisees' abuses of their religious law for personal gain. It seems that this rogue teacher is going to enter the city tomorrow and the Jews are worried about a public uprising in his favor. If you ask me they make too much fuss over a carpenter from Nazareth."
Only his keen discipline keeps Portimus from visible reaction. He knows the only carpenter from Nazareth that could cause such a stir. He has not seen him in over five years, but he knows him and is sure that the stir and the rumors are genuine. He will look further into it tomorrow, after he reports to Pilate. For now he needs rest and apparently preparation.
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