Ch. 21 is titled "The Unforgettable Party," referring to Herod's birthday party at which Herodius' daughter, Salome, dances and, in answer to Herod's promise, asks for the head of John the baptist on a platter. Shortly after the head is brought in, the palace is attacked by Aertes' army. Herod, suspecting Pilate might have something to do with the attack, (Ch.22) sends a page for Manaheem, who is with Claressa. The page mentions the beheading. Thus Manaheem rebukes Herod strongly, but still decides to further the insurrection plan. Barabbas and his men are ready and restless (Ch23) and Barabbas decides to go ahead but wonders if he should wait for the mysterious stranger. Just when he was deciding to go ahead, the stranger appears and tells him to do so. The rest of the chapter describes the insurrection and its outcome.