It was cold in Gaius’s hall. The expelled breaths of the assembled Christians hung in the air in a frosty mist, glowing in amber and yellow haloes around the torches that lined the walls. The torches lent their own smoky pall to the room, thickening the haze even as their feeble flames attempted to burn [...]

Early on, Stephanas realized that no one was serving the servant. Paul worked himself like a galley slave, pouring himself into others, robbing his own sleep and strength to give to people who needed him. When they cried, he listened. When they questioned, he taught. When they were lonely, he became their friend. But who [...]

Her steward bent low to speak in Hester’s ear. She had a guest at the door. “Well, bring her in, Tertius. Don’t keep her standing.” “Milady, I think perhaps you should attend to this yourself … at the door.” The steward looked distinctly nervous. So much had changed around the household in recent months. It [...]

“Why are you so upset?” Gaius raised his hands, trying to deflect Paul’s anger with a show of bewilderment. Paul glanced at Crispus whose eyes warned him to stay calm, to treat this matter with care. He looked back at Gaius. “I’m upset because this is the very thing I warned you about before. Followers [...]