THE PALACE ON THE HILL. (to be read on Jan 4)
(continued from FOLLOW YONDER STAR)
- stories for children by Aurrsa.
The three wise men followed the star as it led them across deserts and high roads, into valleys and over hills till at last it hovered over a majestic city. Then, just as suddenly as it had appeared outside Jamal, it disappeared once again.
The men waited two whole days, thinking the star would reappear - but NOTHING! So Balthazar, being the impatient one, said to the others, "Maybe this city is where the new king is. Let's go and ask the inhabitants whether they know anything about him."
Melchior was hesitant, but it was two against one when Gaspar nodded at the idea. So the three travellers made their way through the gates till they reached the marketplace.
On enquiring around, they were told that there was ONLY one king in Jerusalem, King Herod. He lived in an opulent palace built on a hill.
The three wise men decided to visit the king and see whether he had any knowledge about the new king. Little did they know what they were getting into.
They proceeded to the hill where the palace was and climb arduously up its slope till they arrived at the huge drawbridge. The name Antilia was blazoned on the outer wall of the palace near this bridge.
"We wish to meet His Majesty, the King. We were following a new star that led us here to your city.", Gaspar told the guard. One of the royal servants was sent to convey this message to King Herod.
On hearing the strange news, King Herod was immediately curious and summoned the three wise men to his private chambers. There he questioned the three about every minute detail regarding the star and their quest. In his mind, he mulled over all this information, and cunning, as he was, he knew at once that this posed a threat to him.
But, he pretended to be hospitable and deeply concerned about the welfare of the three men and this new king they were seeking.
"Come, come. You must be tired and hungry after such a long journey. Freshen up and I will send you some food and drink " Saying this, he left them, but not before summoning his royal guards and posting them outside so the visitors would not escape.
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Children, I am sure you are waiting to hear what happened next. We'll see tomorrow. Sleep well now and maybe you'll see the star before the wise men do.
#aceseasonofjoy
#fromtheheartofmapusa
@copyrightAurrsa
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