The Third Day (47 page)

We leveled off at around a thousand feet, and the geese, accustomed to the presence of these unusual relatives, flew alongside us, with their honking audible even above the noise of the engines. 

As we turned to the south on a glorious October day, I felt privileged to be alive – to be a part of this.  Did I have more faith in God as a result of our journey, or less?  I still wasn’t sure; maybe I never would be. 

But amidst the wonders of nature that surrounded us, and bathed in the radiance of the afternoon sun, I could see the reflective glow of a bright, vivacious woman, free and full of spirit, living for the first time without fear. 

That was enough. 

Author’s Note

Unlike other world religions, the foundation of Christianity rests not only on one man’s teachings, but on a specific
event
involving that man – one that occurred at a fixed time and place and therefore could, at least in theory, be proven definitively one way or the other. 

I’ve always had an interest in Biblical history, and after reading Michael Crichton’s
Timeline
, I thought it only natural – given Christianity’s impact on the world for the past two thousand years – that a scientist who discovered a way to travel to past ages would attempt to prove or disprove the Resurrection. 

This is especially true in light of the centuries of conflict between the scientific community and certain factions of Christianity – ranging from the Inquisition’s persecution of Galileo in the 1600s to today’s ongoing controversies over stem cell research and the place of evolution in biology textbooks. 

That such a venture would prove troublesome seemed equally natural.  Through the diligent work of modern archaeologists, we are learning more about ancient societies every day, but we still
know
relatively little.  A modern man venturing forth into the first century world would undoubtedly stumble upon
something
unexpected – and dangerous. 

As to the events in the book itself, time travel, of course, is fictional.  Although physicists have known for nearly a century that time is not linear, scientists continue to have lively debates as to whether travel to past or future ages is even theoretically possible. 

The bandages Culloden uses to save the wounded Romans are also fictional, although medical and material science researchers – funded in large part by the US military – are bringing the day in which they are not ever closer. 

Similarly, DARPA scientists continue to develop technologies that will allow US forces to communicate in languages unknown to the troops without reliance on local interpreters, who may be unavailable, unreliable, or refuse to assist due to fear of retribution.  However, researchers have miniaturized nothing yet to the level of a common ear bud – or if they have, their invention remains classified. 

A note, too, about terminology.  Readers will notice that I use the term “prefect” as Pilate’s official title, rather than the more familiar “procurator” used in the Gospels. 

The explanation is that Roman governors of Judea
were
known as “prefects” until the term of Cuspius Fadus, beginning in the year 44.  The Gospel writers, who composed their works starting in the 50s, used the term in use at the time of their writing, rather than the one in use during Pilate’s actual time in office. 

As to the events of Holy Week depicted in the book, I would urge readers to keep in mind that this is a work of fiction, and that the specific circumstances in which my characters find themselves represent only one of the many possible interpretations as to what actually happened during those fateful days. 

About the Author

Educated in law and finance, David Epperson served clients across the globe before turning his attention to writing. 
The Third Day
is his first novel. 

When not writing, David teaches international business classes at a local university, runs the occasional marathon and enjoys flying small aircraft and scuba diving.  He lives in Texas. 

David welcomes feedback from interested readers and holds to the advertising mantra of “if you don’t like it, tell me;
if you do like it, tell your friends!
” 

Please contact David at
www.davidepperson.com
;

Email: 
[email protected]