Using the accounts written in the gospels, W. G. Griffiths has written a story about Malchus, the one whose ear Peter cut off at the arrest of Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane. According to Griffiths' story, Malchus was born free, then orphaned, and left in the care of his uncle. The uncle, a rather foolish man, lost all of his property and went into debt. He was sold into servitude, along with his uncle and his cousin, to satisfy the creditors. According to Levitical law, his term of service was to be seven years unless he chooses to become a slave for the rest of his life. But Malchus is looking forward to freedom, which will be his in a short while. Caiaphas, the high priest, put him in the company of a beautiful slave, Zara. Malchus doesn't seem to realize that the high priest might have an interest in trapping him into a life of slavery. He is very glad to go on a lengthy errand with her. Meanwhile, Jesus of Nazareth has been attracting a following, and both Zara and Malchus see Him entering Jerusalem on a donkey and are excited by the crowds of people reaction to Him. The High Priest, extremely upset by the turmoil Jesus is causing, orders Jonathan, captain of the temple guard, to track down the followers of Jesus, especially those seen at the triumphal entry into Jerusalem. Jonathan composes a list of names, which includes those of Malchus and Zara. Their lives are suddenly endangered. After Judas has betrayed Jesus for 30 pieces of silver (the price of a house in Jerusalem, according to the author), the high priest orders Malchus to accompany the soldiers to Gethsemane to arrest Jesus. Because both Malchus and Zara have believed on Jesus, Jonathan is determined to capture them. But Jonathan's intentions go beyond merely upholding the law; they extend to sadism and brutality. The beautiful Zara is in great danger. The two seek to escape and the ensuing chase is the highlight of the story. - from Amzon