Chapter 8. THE JAR AND MELCHIOR.

 THE JAR AND MELCHIOR. (to be read on Dec 28)

(continued from A STAR IS BORN)

The rising sun shone warmly over the city of Jamal. In the city square, the market was bustling with life, vendors making their way to the usual places, traders unpacking their wares and a few local women haggling relentlessly to get the right price they wanted to pay for the goods they were purchasing.

A lone man sat in a corner, clasping a jar close to his chest. Once a rich merchant, he was now reduced by poverty to begging in the streets. 

In the jar, there was frankincense, the only treasure he had from his former life. He held it close, rubbing it from time to time, like one would a magic lamp. Perhaps he hoped his luck would change. 

As he sat there, he saw a stranger enter through the gates from afar and ride across to where he was sitting. As the man dismounted from his horse, a bag fell from his cloak. The man did not seem to notice it. 

Melchior (for that was our beggar's name) arose and went over to where the bag had fallen. He picked it up and, realising from the weight, that it must hold gold coins, was tempted for a moment to keep it for himself. Then the voice of his mother ran through his thoughts, "Son, when you take something that is not yours, you steal from God."

Melchior ran the distance to where the rider and his stead were standing and called out, "Kind Sir, here is something that is yours."

Gaspar looked back and saw his bag of coins in the hands of a total stranger, and he stretched out his hand to take it. Putting it into the deep recesses of his pocket, he turned to clasp Melchior's hand. 

"Brother, I thank you from the bottom of my heart for returning this to me. Without it, I wouldn't have been able to continue my journey."

The two men continued talking as if they were long lost friends even though one was old enough to be the father of the other. They exchanged information about their past and then Gaspar told him why he was in Jamal. 

"I followed the star and it led me here and then it disappeared. I will wait for it to reappear tonight. Will you wait with me?" Melchior was intrigued and readily agreed to accompany Gaspar to the gates to wait for the star he spoke of. 

By sunset they both walked slowly to the city gates, Gaspar holding the reins and Melchior clutching his precious jar. There, they waited for the star to reappear and tell them where to go next.

Rest of the story tomorrow. When are the camels coming? Soon, very soon. 

#aceseasonofjoy 

#fromtheheartofmapusa 

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