Fleeing the soldiers of Herod Antipas, Salome and the Nabataean prince Obodias find an unlikely protector in Brigomarus—and an even more unexpected refuge when they encounter the approaching caravan of the Star Bearers. After more than thirty years, Brigomarus is reunited with Axia, Targitus, Loukia, Theron, Gondophares and Balthazar. When Salome’s true identity is revealed, she expects condemnation for her part in the death of John the Baptist. Instead, Axia confronts her with a harder truth: the past cannot be undone, but Salome can still choose what she will become. The fugitives join the caravan on its journey toward Jerusalem and Jesus of Nazareth.
Meanwhile, in Bethany, Lazarus’ miraculous return from the dead is celebrated with a joyous feast. Yet Adam’s attention is fixed upon Judas Iscariot. Inflamed by wine, conviction and dreams of Israel’s liberation, Judas insists that the raising of Lazarus proves Jesus is the Messiah who can overthrow Rome. Jesus challenges his vision of a kingdom built by swords and blood, telling him that true freedom cannot be founded upon killing those one has been commanded to love. Adam, knowing what Judas will eventually do, struggles with the terrible burden of knowing the future while being forbidden to change it.
The tension deepens when Mary anoints Jesus’ feet with costly nard. Judas condemns the act as waste, but Jesus speaks openly of his coming burial. Unable to reconcile a Messiah capable of raising the dead with one who would willingly surrender himself to death, Judas leaves the feast bewildered and angry. Adam instinctively moves to follow him, believing perhaps he can still alter what is coming, but a single word from Jesus stops him. As the fragrance of Mary’s perfume fills the house, Adam senses that a small but fatal fracture has begun, setting Judas upon the road toward betrayal and Jesus toward Jerusalem and the Cross.
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