For the Temple: A Tale of the Fall of Jerusalem

"Dreaming, John, as usual? I never saw such a boy. You are always in extremes; either tiring yourself out, or lying half asleep." "I was not half asleep, mother. I was looking at the lake." "I cannot see much to look at, John. It's just as it has been ever since you were born, or since I was born." "No, I suppose there's no change, mother; but I am never tired of looking at the sun shining on the ripples, and the fishermen's boats, and the birds standing in the shallows or flying off, in a desperate hurry, without any reason that I can make out. Besides, mother, when one is looking at the lake, one is thinking of other things." "And very often thinking of nothing at all, my son."

A stirring tale of the last days of the Temple at Jerusalem. Robber bands and political infighting sets the stage for the Roman destruction of Jerusalem in A.D. 70. In the face of overwhelming odds, John of Gamala does his best to save God's Temple, harrasing Roman work parties, burning Roman camps, defending Jerusalem during the Roman siege, and even fighting Titus himself in hand-to-hand combat--forging a relationship with the Roman leader that lasts until after the war. In spite of fighting a losing battle, John keeps his integrity and honor intact.