I was drawn closer to the ruckus of the court room. It wasn’t the peculiar defendant’s case or Emperor Claudius’s visit that caught my attention, it was the alluring, musical voice. I dragged my hands along the stone walls of the basilica until I passed the stench of the audience and drew near enough to the jury to hear their creaking wooden benches. I leaned against the wall near the edge of the room while in line with the defendant’s voice which sounded close. Unlike most prisoners who came, his voice lacked the rasp of thirst and rang through the crowd.
My father’s deep voice came from the podium off to my left. “Emperor Claudius made a decree young couples could no longer be married. His majesty wanted more healthy soldiers to be available …show more content…
How odd that he chose to go without a lawyer. “However, I chose to obey a higher power which had conflicting commands.”
A few gasps come from the crowd. Someone on the tribunal shifts, making their robes rustle.
My father huffs. “Who is more powerful than the emperor?”
“Chairman, I’m a priest.” I imagined the priest shrugging. “My job and lifelong desire are to follow God, so that’s what I did.”
“The god you speak of rules the heavens not the earth. Shouldn't you fear and obey the closer ruler?” My father may sound matter of fact, but I'm sure the emperor is staring holes through his skull.
“God is omniscient. He is actually closer right now than the emperor.”
“The power you speak of doesn't exist, but I’ll make you a promise,” Father said. “If this god can heal my daughter’s sight, I will pass a positive judgment on your case.”
It took me a moment to realize he was talking about me. My mouth opened with shock until a calloused hand took my elbow and nudged me gently towards the center of the room. As I grew closer to the podium, the scent of incense became stronger. The crowd became quiet enough I could hear my sandal’s …show more content…
I had heard of color, but I had never imagined there would be so many. Unlike scents, each seemed distinct and jumped toward you despite the people and objects being far away. I couldn’t identify them yet, but I wanted to know how to describe this overwhelming sensation. People gasped when I spun to stare at them. I took in clean, smooth skin and others covered by what my fingers would probably identify as dirt. I looked at the stone which were only smooth and rough spots in my mind but now formed designs. Then, I looked toward the podium where my father was standing. He gaped at me like the rest. I knew someone’s emotion without interpreting their voice or feeling their face! Tears welled in my father’s eyes as he dazedly walked off the podium. He hugged me and
My father’s deep voice came from the podium off to my left. “Emperor Claudius made a decree young couples could no longer be married. His majesty wanted more healthy soldiers to be available …show more content…
How odd that he chose to go without a lawyer. “However, I chose to obey a higher power which had conflicting commands.”
A few gasps come from the crowd. Someone on the tribunal shifts, making their robes rustle.
My father huffs. “Who is more powerful than the emperor?”
“Chairman, I’m a priest.” I imagined the priest shrugging. “My job and lifelong desire are to follow God, so that’s what I did.”
“The god you speak of rules the heavens not the earth. Shouldn't you fear and obey the closer ruler?” My father may sound matter of fact, but I'm sure the emperor is staring holes through his skull.
“God is omniscient. He is actually closer right now than the emperor.”
“The power you speak of doesn't exist, but I’ll make you a promise,” Father said. “If this god can heal my daughter’s sight, I will pass a positive judgment on your case.”
It took me a moment to realize he was talking about me. My mouth opened with shock until a calloused hand took my elbow and nudged me gently towards the center of the room. As I grew closer to the podium, the scent of incense became stronger. The crowd became quiet enough I could hear my sandal’s …show more content…
I had heard of color, but I had never imagined there would be so many. Unlike scents, each seemed distinct and jumped toward you despite the people and objects being far away. I couldn’t identify them yet, but I wanted to know how to describe this overwhelming sensation. People gasped when I spun to stare at them. I took in clean, smooth skin and others covered by what my fingers would probably identify as dirt. I looked at the stone which were only smooth and rough spots in my mind but now formed designs. Then, I looked toward the podium where my father was standing. He gaped at me like the rest. I knew someone’s emotion without interpreting their voice or feeling their face! Tears welled in my father’s eyes as he dazedly walked off the podium. He hugged me and