A.D. 30(125)

“As is the way of all Bedu, I offer my blood in his stead.”

My words robbed the arena of its breath.

“I invoke the Light of Blood,” I said. “Maliku’s death is now on my head, paid for by my own blood in the way of all Bedu. No man may harm my brother without harming also me. In this way I, Maviah, queen of the Kalb, offer mercy to my own brother, even as the mighty Aretas, friend of his people, offers mercy to all who are Nabataean.”

For a long moment, the arena remained gripped by silence. And then a woman raised her voice.

“Maviah, queen of the Kalb, the merciful! Maviah, queen of the Kalb.” In an instant it was joined by a hundred voices. Then by a thousand. Then by all.

Five thousand souls who knew that only a king’s mercy could give them life. On any day, Aretas could as easily kill them as allow them to live.

But I had offered mercy through my own blood, as was the Bedu way. The Nabataeans also honored this same way.

The roar had become my name only now, chanted over and over:

“Maviah… Maviah… Maviah… Maviah…”

Even then I was only Daughter. Daughter of Yeshua’s Father, who was also my own.

I lowered my bloodied hand and walked toward the stage. And still they cried my name.

“Maviah… Maviah… Maviah…”

My camel had joined those bearing Herod’s gold. Saba dropped to one knee as I approached and I let him give his honor to me. My attention then turned to Maliku, who stood by the stage, confused and frightened despite his show of bravery.

I still didn’t know how I had gained such strength or whether it would last. I only knew that I had surrendered to a higher truth found in Yeshua. To my Father and his kingdom.

Five paces from the stage, I stopped and looked at Aretas, who could not hide a thin smile. Then I lowered myself to one knee, placed Maliku’s blade in the dust before me, and bowed my head.

I was Maviah, daughter to another king in a kingdom they did not know, but today I was also subject to this king.

The crowd quieted at his raised hand.

“Stand.”

I stood and looked at king and queen. Shaquilath, in her red silk dress wrapped tightly as was her way, towered in majesty, face set. But there was no anger in her eyes. Only wonder.

“Your cunning knows no end,” Aretas said quietly. “The Light of Blood. Indeed.”

I dipped my head. “Indeed.” He could not disregard the sacred tradition among a people so bound by it. Maliku, on the other hand, could even now take a blade and try to kill me. He was under my protection, not I under his.

But any attempt on my life now would make him look foolish. As well, he would fail miserably.

Aretas glanced at the queen, then sighed. “Well then. It seems you have earned what you sought. The power of a kingdom and the love of a people.”

“I seek no power in your kingdom,” I said. “Mine comes from another.”

“Oh? The kingdom of the Kalb has no power for you. It has been crushed.”

“The kingdom of heaven.”

His brow arched. “You are now a god?”

“No. But I serve one. His kingdom is within, and his will is going to be done on earth as it is in heaven.”

He studied my face, my eyes.

“This kingdom gives you the power to see once again…”

“Clearly.”

He evidently didn’t know how to respond, but Shaquilath took advantage of his silence.

“You are truly blessed among all Bedu, Maviah. Never have I seen such resolve and courage in one such as you.”

She looked down at Maliku.

“Your sister has spared your life, I suggest you use it well. Leave Petra. If you return, I will personally run a sword through your gut.”

He started to protest.

Shaquilath shoved her finger at the arching entrance. “Leave us!”

Maliku cast me one last look, then turned and jogged from the arena, looking back once at the arch over the entrance before vanishing.

“Your troubles with him are not finished,” the queen said. “He is your great enemy now.”

“As he always has been.”

She nodded, then looked at her subjects lining the stone seats in the arena.

“When seeking greatness, one must face great challenge, you understand?”

This was her apology, I thought.

“And so you have,” she said. “And now you will be honored.” Shaquilath looked down at me. “I find in you a queen and a sister today.”

I bowed my head. “I am humbled.”

“Never cross me again.”

This I could not promise, so I held my tongue.

“May you find Dumah yours,” she said.

Find it? I wasn’t sure what she meant.

“Under what terms?”

The king clasped his hands behind his back and paced to his right, then back.