Read Online Martha by Diana Wallis Taylor - Free Book Online

check on the still figure lying in the road.
    Lazarus knelt and gathered his father in his arms. He turned to the soldier. “We owe you his life. May you be blessed for your kindness.”
    The soldier looked at him and smiled. “I am glad to help.” His eyes were a deep blue in a rugged face, marked by scars of war. In spite of that, it was a kind face and Martha saw no disdain in the look he gave them.
    â€œI am Captain Flavious, at your service.”
    Martha’s eyes met the eyes of the captain, and in that brief instant, something changed inside her. Bewildered, she lowered her eyes. What was this strangeness she felt?
    Lazarus was about to try to place his father on the donkey as Micah and Tobias moved to help. Ephraim was like a dead weight.
    The captain shook his head. “I don’t believe he will be able to stay on.” He lifted the unconscious old man in strong arms and remounted his horse. “Where can I take him?”
    Lazarus glanced around at his family and then at Tobias, unsure of what to do. “We are from Bethany.” He didn’t want to argue with a Roman soldier.
    Martha stepped up. “Lazarus, take the donkey and lead Captain Flavious to our home. We will follow as quickly as we can.”
    Esther put a hand on her arm. “We will come with you.”
    â€œThank you.” She covered Esther’s hand with her own briefly and turned away.
    As she and Mary walked as fast as they could, Martha’s mind was turning. This Roman soldier was a Gentile. Romans were familiar with their kosher ways. Surely he would know he could not enter their home.
    Martha and Mary nearly ran to keep up behind Lazarus and Captain Flavious. When they reached the house, panting from their exertion, the soldier was handing Ephraim down to Lazarus. Knowing her father was too heavy for Lazarus to carry by himself, she sought for some solution without involving the soldier entering their house.
    â€œLet me take him.”
    She turned to face Nathan, who had appeared unexpectedly and was already lifting her father in his strong arms. He gave the captain a brief nod of thanks and dismissal and as Lazarus opened the gate, carried Ephraim to his pallet. Mary hurried into the house behind them, her face pinched with fear.
    Martha turned to their benefactor. “You are very kind, Captain Flavious. We owe you a great debt of thanks.”
    The captain’s blue eyes caught hers and something fluttered in her heart. Why was this man affecting her so?
    He swung up onto his horse and gave her a brief smile. “Perhaps I will see you again in the city?”
    Her thoughts flew. Did he want to see her again? She wanted to say the right thing, to discourage that thought, but instead murmured only, “Perhaps, Captain.”
    He seemed pleased. “Will you tell me your name, and those of your family?”
    She hesitated. Would something come of this incident with the authorities? He seemed trustworthy and kind. Perhaps there was no harm in telling him the names of the family he had helped. “I am Martha. My father is Ephraim, my brother and sister are Lazarus and Mary.”
    â€œI’m happy to make the acquaintance of your family—Martha.”
    He wheeled his horse and rode quickly out of Bethany, leaving Martha staring after him with mixed emotions. As she turned back toward the house, she nearly ran into Nathan. How long had he been standing in the courtyard? Had he overheard their conversation? His dark eyes were unreadable, but he turned to walk away, his whole demeanor stern with disapproval.
    She felt her face redden with shame as she hurried toward her father. She had been open and friendly with a hated Roman soldier. Yet the man had saved her father. The village already knew about the captain’s kindness. Would Nathan relate what he had heard to others in the village? He was a taciturn man not given to gossip. She hoped that would be the end of it.
    Micah