The Divining

     "They are merely friends, Caesar," Sebastianus said. "There are no traitors here."

     Nero pointed to the cedar chest. "And what is in that?"

     "The box contains the bones of a man who wishes to be buried with his kin."

     Nero ordered it opened while everyone watched in eager anticipation. The legendary Jewish treasure was said to be so great that even slaves' chains were wrought of gold.

     As the Praetorian lifted the lid, Nero rose to his feet, his eyes fixed greedily on the chest. "What is it?" he said sharply. "What do you see?"

     "It is as Gallus said, Caesar. Just bones."

     The emperor made a show of disgust and sat back down. "You shall pay for your deception, Sebastianus Gallus, and for thinking you could make your emperor appear the fool."

     "If I may speak, Caesar," Primo said, stepping forward. "I am Primo Fidus and I served in Rome's legions for many years before I retired and went in service to Sebastianus Gallus. It was my report, written by me and dispatched to Ambassador Quintus Publius in Babylon, that led you to believemy master went to Judea in search of treasure. I was mistaken. I had been misinformed."

     Nero said, "I read that report. Were you mistaken about the witch as well?"

     Primo's eyes flickered toward Ulrika. "I was, Caesar."

     "So many mistakes from a man who survived a multitude of foreign campaigns. It is a wonder you are still alive." A rumble of laughter went through the crowd. "Where is this woman you mistakenly called a witch? Is she in Rome?"

     When Primo did not respond, Nero gestured with his right hand, and a Praetorian stepped forward to deliver a swift blow with the butt of his spear against Primo's head. Primo dropped to his knees, and at once blood appeared on his scalp. "Where is the witch?" Nero repeated and the Praetorian stood ready.

     "I am the one, Caesar," Ulrika said, stepping forward to stand with Sebastianus and Timonides before the emperor. "But I am not a witch. It was gossip and rumors spoken in Babylon. This man is not to blame." She looked at Sebastianus and murmured, "Forgive me, for now I must speak."

     Ulrika saw the way the emperor narrowed his eyes at her head. "You are fair-haired like a Barbarian," he said. "Are you unaware that we are at war with Barbarian insurgents?"

     "My father's people live in the Rhineland," she said, her heart racing. If he inquired about her mother, what would she say? The truth, that her mother had been a close friend of Claudius Caesar, Nero's predecessor whom he had assassinated?

     She braced herself for the question, but instead Nero said dismissively, "I know you are a Cherusci. It said so in that oaf's report. Unless of course he was mistaken in that, too!"

     More soft laughter.

     "Do not deny that you made outrageous claims in Babylon," Nero said, pointing a finger at Ulrika, "that you are able to see the dead. I know this because that blockhead wasn't the only man reporting to me. I received a more detailed report of your dramatics in Babylon from my ambassador there who wrote to me of miracles and cures. Show me how you speak to the dead. I wish a demonstration."

     "It is not that simple, Caesar," Ulrika said, recalling how Sebastianus had cautioned her against demonstrating her talents to Nero, who would make her a prisoner for his own amusements. "But I am not a witch. I do not cast evil spells or—"

     He waved an impatient hand. "I care nothing about that. Can you speak to the dead or not? Answer me."

     A young slave arrived at Nero's side, bearing a platter of garlic-fried mushrooms. He stood patiently for the food to be noticed. Nero looked the offering over, casually, then he reached for the serving fork, which was two-tined and made of silver, and in a lightning-quick gesture, thrust it into the boy's abdomen.

     A collective gasp rose from the onlookers, but no one made another sound as Nero leaned forward in his throne to watch the youth die.

     Then he straightened and said to Ulrika, "He is dead. Speak to him. Ask him something."

     She was too shocked to speak.

     "Perhaps it is you who speaks from the grave?" he said, holding up the bloody fork. "If I were to kill you right now, would you speak to me? I am, after all, a god."

     Ulrika tried to think of a response that would satisfy Nero when suddenly, at her side, Sebastianus said in a loud voice, "Great Caesar did not give me a chance to finish my report, for I bring another gift besides the greeting from China. You asked about gemstones. I have a stone that is even more priceless than the emerald you hold to your eye."

     Nero gave him a suspicious look. "Why did you not say this before?"

     "You inquired after gems, great Caesar. What I offer you is not a gem."

     "Yet it is more valuable? How can that be?"

     "Sebastianus, no—" Ulrika began.

     Sebastianus took a step forward, holding out his arm. "You see this gold bracelet? It is decorated with a simple stone, somewhat ordinary in appearance. But it is in fact a piece of a star."

     Nero sat up, his face alive with interest. "How is that so?"

     "Years ago there was a star-shower over my homeland of Galicia, and when I went into the field where stars fell, I found this fragment, still hot from its flight."

     Nero looked at his advisors, from one to the other, who averred that it was possible.

     "If the stone is indeed what you say it is, then I accept your gift."

     "I wish to strike a bargain with you, Caesar. I will exchange this bracelet with you for something in return."

     "And what would that be?"

     "This woman's freedom."

     A mixture of laughter, gasps of surprise, and murmurs erupted from the onlookers.

     "This star that fell from the heavens is yours, Caesar, if you let my wife go free."

     "What is to prevent me from just taking it?"

     "Because, Caesar, this stone was a gift from the gods. Unless I give it freely, the man who steals it causes great offense to the gods. It would bring him many years of bad luck."

     Nero thought about this, then said, "We will have it authenticated. If your bracelet carries a star fragment, and you give it freely to me, this woman is yours and you may both leave."

     "Caesar, these people have done you no harm," Sebastianus added, pointing to Rachel and Primo. "As you can see, they are members of the general populace who are so fond of you. By releasing them, and the remains of the widow's husband, you confirm what all of Rome already knows: that you are the protector and benefactor of the masses."

     Nero waved a hand. "You can all go. What is it to me? But first my astronomer must examine the stone."

     The chief astronomer, his three assistants, and three respected astrologers were brought before Nero. They took the bracelet and withdrew behind a plain door, to emerge now and then with questions: Where precisely did the star fall to earth? What was the exact date and hour? From which direction did the star-shower come, and what was its duration?

     Sebastianus was filled with confidence as he awaited the verdict, knowing that Nero would accept the bracelet, for it was just as the Chaldean in Babylon had foretold, that Sebastianus would be parting with his most cherished possession.