The passage beneath the palace led me directly to a large cavern. I could hear two guards talking out of sight to my right. But Phasa had told me to go left, so I hurried to that passage, holding my tunic close so that it caused no sound.
It was here that I found the main tunnel lined with smaller cells and barred iron doors. At the end of the tunnel, another door. And in the last windowless cell before that door I found a man seated on the rough ground, leaning back against the rock wall. There were wooden stakes embedded in the surface above his head, made to strap up prisoners for punishment, I assumed.
Even in the darkness, I recognized Judah immediately.
His face was covered in dust and he was naked except for a dirty loincloth girded up around his thighs. He looked to have been starved, but his was a body bound in muscle and accustomed to harsh living, and he would not be easily weakened.
He stared at me, momentarily at a loss.
“Judah?”
He blinked, unbelieving. My face was in the shadow, so I slid my mantle from my head.
“It’s me. Maviah.”
He came off the ground like a lion and rushed to the bars. His wide eyes skirted the cavern beyond me.
“I came alone,” I said.
He snatched a finger to his lips and peered down the passage again. “They know you are here?” he whispered.
“Only Phasa.”
“But not Brutus?”
“No. I… I had to see you, Judah.” I was unsure whether to feel relief at the sight of him or rage that such a noble Bedu was caged like a dog.
“Are you well?” I asked.
He hesitated, then made himself plain.
“I am Judah,” he said.
I can’t say why those words struck me to the core as they did, but I could not stop the tears that flooded my eyes.
He was Judah—a towering rock who could hardly think of his own safety, much less fear for it.
He was Judah—eternally bright like the venerated stars in his sky.
But more, he was Judah, who, though a man, saw beyond my shame.
I impulsively reached through the bars, seized his arm, and pulled him as close as possible, my cheek pressed against the iron.
“I was so afraid for you,” I whispered.
I felt his hand grip my tunic. Though the bars separated our flesh, our hearts were one, I thought, and we held each other for a long moment before looking into each other’s eyes.
“You are well,” he said.
“I am.”
“Then tell me… what has been decided? You bring me good news?”
“You know that Herod has gone to Rome?”
“Rome? They’ve told me nothing.”
“Nothing?” I said.
“They’ve refused the many requests of a slave to see his queen, no matter how persuasive my words.”
I could imagine him bending their ears with his winsome speeches.
“And Saba?” I glanced down the passage.
“Past the door. They’ve prevented our speaking, but he’s unharmed.”
Phasa’s request seemed as preposterous now as when she’d made it, but I had given my word.
“When you can, tell him I have a message from Phasa.”
“For him?”
“Yes. She wants him to know that he is a stallion in her eyes.”
Judah stared at me, then smiled. “It will be a great gift to him.”
“To Saba?”
“Don’t be fooled by his mask of stone. He is only a child behind it. Now tell me the news of Herod. He’s gone to Rome on your behalf?”
I told him everything, speaking in soft tones that could not reach far. I told about my night with Herod and about my time with Phasa and how we had become like sisters from the desert. In whatever delighted me, Judah would reflect that same joy. Then he offered me a warning, reminding me of the dangers of Aretas and Herod and even Phasa, for he did not know her the way I did.
Each moment I lingered increased the risk of my discovery, but I relished this encounter.
He agreed that Herod’s departure must be taken as a good sign, even if kings were known for their betrayal. There was no better option for us than to wait as Herod’s guests, in strict accordance with his wishes.
“It will be many weeks,” I said. “I cannot possibly go so long without seeing you.”
“Nor I. But you must understand, Maviah… this too will pass. It is what happens after Herod’s return that concerns us most. I would have you safe with Phasa, beyond any threat from the guard. Brutus is a vile man.”
“How can you remain here, caged like an animal?”
“Me? I’ve spent many months in the Nafud until only my bones were left under the scorching sun. I have waged battle with a thousand arrows and blades, many cutting into my flesh. I’ve seen the worst and now the best that this world has to offer.” He opened his palm and indicated the cell. “Do you think a few nights here will harm me? It’s cooled by the earth and my bed is smooth. Herod’s dungeon is my place of peace and rest. He only makes his guest stronger.”