Gallia, 32 AD

Mary stepped off the boat, holding her three-year old son in her arms. It had been a long trip from the Decapolis, one which she paid for every night on her back, or her knees, or whatever else the captain had desired. At least he hadn't stopped desiring her along the way; she had heard tales of women of leisure being stranded on islands...

Southern Gallia was an alien land, but that meant no-one would know her. Her features would give her away as a Jew instantly, but at least she wouldn't be stoned to **** by bigots for having a half-Roman baby. She was a prostitute; she did not choose who planted their seed in her. And Deborah, that daughter of whores, would no longer hire her in secret while reviling her in public. A new life awaited her.

Tullius stood at the end of the dock, watching as the woman climbed off the boat. He had seen a dark-haired woman of the distant east in his dreams, and here she was in real life. He would go back and pay the wise-woman double what she had originally charged him if this worked out. He strode down the docks toward her, preparing what he was going to say in his admittedly poor Latin.

"I greet you, woman. May I be of assistance?"

Mary looked at the man in surprise. Was he someone looking for her body, or did he mean what he said? She had been hoping to find a new life and a father for her son, but this was to good to be real. Her whore-honed senses did not spot any signs that he would beat and use her (at least not without paying).

"I am Mary; I am new to this place."

"Hail and well met; I am Tullius. Whence began you, Mary?"

"I come from Magdala, in the eastern provinces."

"The eastern provinces, you say? Are you familiar with Yay- Yah- Yoshua Krusus the Saviour?"

Oh great, thought Mary. That lunatic holy man whom everyone thought had returned from the dead was famous even here. It was his followers and their attempts to ruin her life that had made her leave in the first place. He had been quite handsome, but his kind of teaching made life hard for a working woman. But maybe she could use this; fame opened doors.

"I know him, yes. I met him several times." And he had looked sternly at her every one of them.

"Perhaps you could tell us of him, Mary of Magdala."

Tullius tried to hide his awe. Mary? of Magdala? of His company? This was more than he could possibly have dreamed! A friend had spoken of this holy man and how those who followed him were persecuted and yet prospered! This woman would bless his house and all within, praise Jupiter!

"I... have some stories," she said. Or at least she could make some up.

"You must come and live with me, Mary. I own a farm outside of town, by the grace of my Lord Placidus, and I would gladly take you and your child into my care."

This is too good to be true, thought Mary. This man has some other motive. And yet... his affections were a port in a storm, and he had specifically offered to take care of her son.

"I would be very pleased to accept your offer."

"Then we shall away to my farm immediately." Before any others try to take this blessed woman and her half-god son! I shall be famous, for the deeds of my adopted son will be renowned throughout the Empire!

Eris laughed out loud, though those on the dock heard nothing but the cries of the gulls.

(with apologies to Messrs Baigent, Leigh, and Lincoln; and also to Dan Brown)