Wrapping oneself from torso to ankles in long thin strips of cloth took time and artistry but it was necessary if one wanted to perform acrobatics in Judea. It was difficult to do cartwheels, handsprings, and flips in those cumbersome robes the residents wore, and completely impossible to show off one’s amazing flexibility. Preforming in a skimpy circus costume was fine onstage but considered unseemly in public.

This was why, when the Tempest of Set visited Judea, Feiyan usually performed to advertise the circus instead of sending another acrobat to do it. She very rarely used her skills anywhere but in the ring anymore, and she missed the ‘oohs’ and ‘ahhs’ of onlookers. Praise in all its forms thrilled the exotic young woman.

Lihua helped her swathe her body in purple silk ribbon, making certain that her private parts were covered securely. Only her head, shoulders, arms, and feet were left bare. The cloth around her legs was entwined with jeweled chains, matching those that spiraled from her neck to her shoulders and around her arms. Once done, Feiyan checked herself in the mirror that had been a gift from one of her admirers and then did a few stretches to verify that the ribbons weren’t too tight or too loose. Her long raven hair had been braided and decorated with more chains and jewels.

After pulling a long Judean tunic over her head, she slipped on a pair of sandals, said good-bye to Lihua, who wished her luck, and collected the two brawny Judeans who would serve as her guards and translators, if needed. They were responsible for setting up the tents wherever the circus stopped and doing odd jobs around the compound. Both of them seemed happy to accompany her.

When they reached the market, the men separated, giving Feiyan the freedom she needed but watching for trouble (or so she believed). For about fifteen minutes, she strolled around the area, giving everyone a good look at her exotic beauty. As soon as enough eyes followed her movements, she divested herself of her tunic and sandals. A collective gasp could be heard. The young acrobat began with a series of back handsprings that ended in a back flip.

A crowd materialized around her as she continued to perform one daring feat after another, incorporating them all into a dance. Usually she danced seductively, but the Judeans didn’t appreciate that sort of entertainment. This acrobatic dance was not the least bit provocative, nor were the contortions she bent her flexible body into. In constant motion, she could not see the way her audience looked at her. Her only indications that they were delighted were the cheers and excited exclamations.

Feiyan was in her element, twirling and flipping and cartwheeling to her heart’s content. It was only when she paused for a moment and a man with an angry expression grabbed her arm and started pulling on it that she realized that everyone wasn’t pleased with her. The crowd protested, booing and hissing at her captor.

“Let me go!” she shouted in Coptic, but she couldn’t break free. Where were her guards? She couldn’t see them anywhere. Had they wandered off and left her alone?