4th day of Xtober
Helpless watching her daughters inlaw.
A year after her husband died, her greedy sons attempted to rip off another roman merchant.
Unknown to them a well connected merchant with friends in the top of the provinces authorities.
Together with their wives they were arrested, and brought before the governor.
Soon condemned while their local“foreign” wives were “investigated” further.
Her sons being full romans were beheaded,
their pregnant wives still in jail at the mercy of the jailors and the torturer.
While arranging her sons funerals word came to her,
both of her daughters in law confessed putting her sons up to the crime.
She knew that wasn't true, her sons had always been the greedy kind.
They hadn't needed any pressure from their wifes.
No beheading for the wives, as non-romans, they would be crucified.
She arrived at beach,the place of execution to see her poor daughters in law,
being raped by the same men who would crucify them.
One of the governors men spotted her, and told her if she would interfere or try to bribe anyone,
they would have her crucified as well. But I am a roman citizen!
Maybe, but who would vouch that fact for you, your direct family lives 50 miles from here.
Paula realized she was indeed vulnerable to this horrible threat.
Metlia first was laid down and had her hands nailed to the beam.
Her pleas for mercy were like hammer blows to Paula's heart
They raised her , then nailed her feet side by side,
Kita standing only feet away watching in horror.
Kita was next, she was quiet till the nails pierced her wrist and how she screamed!
Her voice broke while they lifted and connected both crossbeams.
She only managed to groan when they nailed both her feet together to the standing beam.
Both criminals were now executed for the law.
Their bodies and minds would remain alive and suffer for a long while.
Being both healthy and in their early twenties, would probably last for days.
Tears streamed along Paula's cheeks.
Nothing could save them from this horrible path to death.
For hours she stood there, pleading to her gods, that were deaf to her prayers for a miracle.
Her servants came to her and tried to guide her away from the gruesome site.
Would she abandon the suffering widows of her sons or would she stay trying to be there for them.
She could do nothing for them, but maybe her presence would make the hostile crowd easier to bear for them.
Maybe they knew at least someone wasn't enjoying their agony.
If she would leave would it make it easier for them?
Not to be exposed naked and in pain in front of their mother in law?
She still doesn't know what to do.
What would be best for Kita and Metlia?