Holy Magic

i was a server of wine to the king. Chosen for this task for traits which make a sovereign trust you and desire to have you in his proximity. Sadness of countenance was not was not one of those things which endear you to majesty. but on this day, i could not keep it masked.

When the drink was before him, he grabbed my person with commands inescapable. “Tell me, cupbearer, why do you look today as we find you. What is on your face, which you can not hide, can be nothing other than deepest pain in the heart. We know you, servant, tell the queen and I what it is that troubles so deeply!”

And so the moment had come. A do or die situation if you will. A request he could actually assist with. A request which could also offend his majesty grossly.

“You have never been downcast before this day in our presence, attendant. What is your burden?”

With desperations I lifted my need to heaven. For who can approach a king with the worries of another land?

Wait. Wait. an eternity, but actually just moments. and then the decision. I would answer the king.

“Oh, King live extendedly, be not short in years upon this earth. I do have a need. I do have troubles. I do grieve internally, and your wise eyes have discovered it.”

The queen and he were intrigued and somehow still possessing kindness towards me.

“What do you request, oh man who has served us well for all this time?”

Again my soul it screamed up to God, though the king and his wife heard nothing. I knew I must proceed. The time had come.

“If it pleases your majesty,” I started slowly, “if you find the delight in hearing my words which apply to me only and not to you, then know if you will that I desire to be sent to Judah, to the city of ruins where my father is buried. I wish to rebuild that crushed place.”

I waited in that small eternity for the crushing blow from my potential obstinance.

but instead . . .

“How long will your journey be, friend? And when will you return?”

Somehow, my prayers had been heard, and holy magic had happened. The king would send me.

So I set the time.