Of Such Is The Kingdom, A Novel of Biblical Times in 3 parts

But as the two headed for the dance floor, suddenly, a strange noise was heard.

“What’s that?”

“Sounds like something hitting the palace.”

“Yes, but what?  Let’s have a look, shall we?”

Herod and Herodius went over to the window and looked out, to see that the palace was being hit by battering rams.  Aerates and his army were attacking the palace.  The Palace Guard were doing their best to quell the attack, but they were outnumbered.

The party was continuing despite the racket.  Few paid attention to the noise.  Herod raised his hand and yelled out, “Quiet everyone!  Quiet!  May I have your attention one moment!”  The hubbub died down and almost stopped.  “My friends, we are being attacked.  That thudding sound you hear is the sound of battering rams trying to break down our walls.”

Now, there was complete silence.  Then some half-drunken curious soul cried out, “Who in th’ world could be attackin’ us?”

Herod placed his hands on his waist and replied.  “The father of my former wife, if it’s any of your business.  Now, I’m asking for volunteers to help me stave off these attackers.”

Although many of the guests were too drunk and apathetic, some of them did volunteer, using their own weapons, which were checked at the door, or weapons that Herod had stashed away.  The band continued to play and people continued to dance, with the sounds of swords and battering rams in the distance.  With the added manpower, Herod’s forces were finally able to quell the attack, but only after much damage to the palace and the loss of a few of Herod’s friends.