A NOVEL, by definition, is a work of fiction. The characters spring into being from the author’s mind and come alive on the page, fleshed out in words and phrases instead of skin and bones. Those characters work before an equally fictional backdrop. To undertake the writing of a novel is to undertake a juggling act, for novels are seldom completely fictional. Elements of truth are introduced to “what-if” questions. The author then follows that “what-if” to see where it goes. Sometimes it leads to strange and wonderful places.
In this book I have created a situation meant to stretch our wonder. The town of Tejon is fictional, but the beautiful Tehachapi Mountains are real. Each character presented here is a work of my imagination. Many of the things mentioned in the book regarding seagoing people making transatlantic or transpacific crossings are based on evidence that is still debated by those who study such things. It’s not the intent of this book to say that Romans visited the North American continent two thousand years ago. It’s the purpose of the book to ask, “Well, what if they had? And what if they brought something truly special with them?”
Some of you may wonder why this book seems to ignore the presence of other artifacts popularly associated with the burial of Christ, like the Shroud of Turin or the Veil of Veronica. Truth is, I purposely avoided including these artifacts here because their authenticity is still hotly debated and their inclusion would detract from the flow and message of Perry’s story.
Still, one set of facts is certain. The greatest chain of events in history is that linking of the death, burial, resurrection, and ascension of Christ. Of this there should be no doubt. Perry Sachs is right in reminding us that what really matters is the spiritual. Biblical artifacts are fascinating and instructive, but supremacy belongs to the one to whom those artifacts point. Jesus was hung upon a cross constructed for Barabbas.
It was not the cross that was special, but He who hung on it. The burial linens, face napkin, spices, and other items associated with the burial of Christ would, if found, surely be the most valuable objects known. Yet, they are merely accouterments to that which is really important: the person and work of Christ.
To Him belongs the glory forever and ever. And in any world, real or fictional, He remains the focal point.