Gaius stands at his usual spot, right beside the tax-collector’s booth, holding onto the hilt of his dagger, wearing a serious expression on his face.

It’s a sweltering day in Capernaum and its residents are impatient as they line up to pay their taxes to Rome. Matthew, the tax-collector, sits behind the iron bars of the booth. Gaius keeps a close eye on the citizens and on Matthew, since his task is to protect the tax-collector from any danger.