Part Two, Chapters XV - XVII Summary

Bethar is the last fortress facing the Roman army in Jerusalem, and faces a siege of monumental proportions, lasting over three years. The water is running out, and the people know that the Romans will soon overrun their town. One night the Roman soldiers hear eerie sounds of chanting and songs that seemed to die out one by one. The next day they take over the fortress and find that all of the Jews have committed suicide rather than face capture and torture by the Romans.

Under the guise of merchants attending a market, over thirty rabbis are able to meet in the attic of a friend in Lydda. They talk about keeping the faith alive, ordaining new rabbis, and how Elisha is helping the Romans. Five men are selected to be elevated...