QBLH
The Six of Swords
Guides you towards
a path of transition
and healing
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Chapter LVI
Earned Success
Journey to heal and grow
We Three Kings of Orient Are ...
Artists Serving Creation Applying Given Talents
Giving Praise to the Master of Creation
​
Jim, John, and Xiang materialized just above Sinai. Jim remembered the scene from his vision and knew the ground to be sacred. In the sky above, he could see the light from the supernova.
The Merkabah unit scanned for signs of life in the region, but there were none. Switching to invisibility, Jim silently piloted the craft toward the region of the Dead Sea. The trio needed to purchase beasts of burden to undertake the next phase of their journey. Genie conveniently provided gold dust, gems, and other items suitable for trade. Each of them was also richly dressed in Artemis royal garb so that the natives would mistake them for wealthy princes from the East.
Jim managed to locate the Nabataean city of Petra. Genie piloted the Box invisibly through the city as Jim surveyed it, considering how best to acquire the necessary materials. He decided it would be best to materialize within the city itself, since no one would question their arrival if no transportation had been seen.
Genie provided a vox unit to each traveler so they could speak with the natives. It was evening, and the moon was dark when the trio once again found themselves on the planet’s surface. Jim folded the Merkabah and translated it into belt form. It was not yet past curfew, so the guards did not notice them as they made their way to an inn. There was still some evidence of Venetian influence, but without their presence the glory of former days was gradually being forgotten.
A few unfortunate thieves attempted to take advantage of the apparently unarmed men, but the tremendous speed and strength of the Venetians made a mockery of the assault. Instead of thrashing the thieves, Jim used the encounter to extract information about the city. Finding this method effective, the trio split up to allow themselves to be “victimized” and learn the local ways. It was not long before they located the residence of Petra’s chief of thieves.
With very little persuasion—and a few pounds of gold—John, Jim, and Xiang acquired a caravan fit for three kings, along with a fortune in spices and incense. These were the customary commodities of international trade. Petra’s governor, who was indeed the chief of the thieves, warned Jim to be wary of Roman soldiers. They would arrest them as spies if they were not adequately bribed.
Jim laughed. “Do you think I would allow those thieves to rob me after declining you a favor? I am paying a fair price, and you are doing us a great service by hosting us in your fine city.”
“My pleasure,” the man replied. “But please explain how it is that I was never informed of your arrival.”
“We are magi—masters of the hidden ways,” Jim explained. “We follow the star of the Messiah and are here to honor him.”
“I have heard legends of such a being and considered them superstition. I still do, somewhat. Yet I cannot explain your presence or your invulnerability. I fear you greatly. Please leave my city in peace. I know not where you come from, nor do I wish to know. I will host you as kings if that is your claim, and I will provide the finest lodging for the night.”
Jim thanked the man. “Beware of the Romans yourself, Haji. They will destroy this city and your kingdom. The one we honor will conquer Rome—not by force, but by teaching kindness and generosity. Such sacrifices reveal true greatness.”
“Then this must be a great king indeed,” Haji said. “I fear you wizards, for you seem no friends of Rome. Tell me you are not subject to them.”
“We shall never be subject to Rome, nor shall anyone in our kingdoms. We can say no more, lest knowledge itself become dangerous.”
“It is remarkable that you have not purchased a single sword,” Haji said. “Permit me, at least, to provide bodyguards. If you wish to be treated normally in the Roman province of Palestine, you must not display magic. The Jews would think you devils.”
“We will accept your offer,” Jim replied. “But your men must be discreet.”
“They shall swear an oath of silence,” Haji said. “I have seen your face before, sir—the face of a great king.”
He was looking at Xiang. He produced an ancient Egyptian coin and a Chinese coin from the Xia dynasty, both bearing the same likeness. “I always wondered why these faces matched, though the empires were worlds apart. Now you appear again and claim kingship. Is this more than coincidence?”
“It is more than coincidence,” Xiang said calmly. “I am related to them both.”
The bandit chief murmured a prayer to his pagan god. Fearful now, he ordered his chosen men to guard the strangers and remain silent. He persuaded Jim to pay a small fortune for these favors. Jim did not mind. Gold meant little to him.
In the morning, a caravan set out from Petra, heading west through the Dead Sea valley toward Jericho and eventually Jerusalem. John, Jim, and Xiang rode at its head, richly adorned and bearing immense wealth. Jim still had Genie and his belt. John had his unit as well. The guide Haji provided proved adept at keeping curiosity seekers at bay. Bandits did not dare approach, recognizing the escorts as their own chieftains.
The Roman guard at Jericho was displeased to see Petra’s outlaws escorting such important figures.
“Who goes there?” cried the centurion. “Why do these thieves enter our province?”
“We bear gifts for the King of the Jews,” Jim said. “Provide us escort to the King of Israel and we will release ours.”
“I doubt Herod accepts strangers on request.”
“We are kings,” Jim replied, “and we bring gifts worthy of a king.”
Jim revealed a glimpse of the treasure and remembered Haji’s advice.
“Unless you would prefer another captain to receive the wages I offer,” Jim added. “I am generous.”
“Dismiss your escort,” the centurion said. “I will take you to Jerusalem.”
Jim paid him handsomely. “For you and your men. Be as generous with others as I have been with you.”
The Romans permitted the Venetians to keep the porters who owned the beasts of burden. All others turned back. Jim did not object. John warned Xiang to remain silent. The trio spoke only in their own tongue so none could overhear.
“It is imperative that we say very little, Xiang,” John said. “Our mission will be brief. We bear witness to a moment of great significance in human history. I am not surprised your father chose this time—only that he has the courage to do so.”
