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

"Well," she sighed, “I guess there's nothing wrong with just trying to find out how someone feels about someone.  But why do it undercover?  You could just ask him outright how he feels about his uncle.  Besides, it could be a chance to tell him about Jesus."

"It could at that.  I don't know why I didn't think of that."

"I’m really glad you told me about it, though, Manaheem"

"What else could I do, Claressa dear?   We are man and wife once more in the eyes of both the law and of the LORD, the latter being the most important.  I was wrong to keep things from you before, even though we weren't officially together like now.  O' Claressa, dear, I’ll never keep anything from you again.  I promise."

"O' Manaheem!"  She sighed and grabbed him and gave him a big kiss.  "You're wonderful!"

"You're pretty great yourself, you know.  I’ll miss you something awful, I know.  Hopefully, I should be back in a few days."

************

Once again the strange looking black and white chariot was on its way to another city.  This time the route was a straight southwestward road which went directly to the Idumean city of Beersheba.  Not only was the route more direct than that to Tiberius, it was half as far, so he arrived in half the time it would have taken to go to Tiberius.  Arriving at the outer gate of the town, which gate was open, he rode on through it.  He soon came to a well beside a tamarind tree.  As he was thirsty from the ride, he pulled on the reins and stopped the chariot.  The well had a wooden structure built over it for tying the bucket or tying your horses if there were enough room.  Several people were already at the well getting water, but he did manage to tie the horses to the structure.  The man who was next in line had several huge water pots in his carriage, so he could see he would have quite a wait.  But then, the man spoke to him.  "Sir, I see you have only a small canteen.  If you only want to get water to refresh you from your journey, go right ahead.  I can wait."

"That's very kind of you, sir" he replied as he began to draw the water and fill his canteen.  By the way," he inquired, as he was drawing, "would you happen to know the whereabouts of Herod Agrippa?  I hear he lives in these parts."

"You are in luck," the man replied, "as I am Blastus, his man-servant.  If you will wait for me to fill these, I shall lead you to his house."

************

It was a simple looking house, not at all what he would have expected as a dwelling for one of royal blood.  They both tied their horses to the post at the door.

"Would you like me to help you with some of those water pots?"

"You are too kind sir.  But it would make it a lot quicker."

They each carried a pot full of water into the porch and set them down.  “I can manage the rest," the servant said, "but first let me announce you.  Oh, yes, what is your name?"

"My name is Manaheem and I come from Herod Antipas."

"Very good, sir.  Wait here. please." and the servant disappeared behind the door.  He soon re-appeared and said, "My master will see you now, sir."  He then went out to the chariot to bring in more water pots.

Manaheem entered and found Agrippa seated on a regular size chair with a half full glass of wine sitting on a table beside him.  He was dressed simply in a brown toga with simple leather sandals on his feet.  He looked up as the visitor entered.  "Well, what can I do for you?  You say you come from my uncle the king?"

"Why, yes.  I am his foster brother.  He brings you greetings and congratulates you on completing your education."

Agrippa smiled cynically.  "He does, does he?  Well, why didn't my uncle come himself?  Why did he send you?"

"Your uncle fears you do not like him.  He thought it would be better if he sent me."

Agrippa took a sip of the wine.  "You know, he's right.  I don't like him.  He's a no-good bum and he shouldn't be king at all.  I should be ruling those territories he's ruling!"  He stopped, gasped and placed his hand over his mouth.  "Well, now it's out.  Now you know exactly what I think of my no-good uncle.  I suppose that's why he sent you--to find out how I feel about him.”

Manaheem sighed.  "That's exactly why he sent me."

"Well, go ahead and tell him.  I don't care if he knows how I feel.  By the way, where are my manners?  Would you like some wine?"

Manaheem's first thought was to say 'No' to the offer and leave.  But, then he thought this might be an opportunity to talk about Jesus, so he thoughtfully said "Well, perhaps a small glass."  He wasn't sure how he would broach the subject, and he felt a little intimidated to do so, but he remembered Claressa suggesting it, so he thought he would give it a try.