King David was sitting within his tent, with a glass of wine in his hand; which was shaking.
David took a sip of the wine which helped calm his nerves.
" Sire, he has arrived " said a guard.
" Let him in, " said David, as he poured another glass of wine.
In walked Uriah.
" It is good to see you, " said King David, as he gave Uriah a cup of wine.
Both men now sat down.
Uriah then noticed David's shaking body.
" You okay? " he asked.
" The shock and adrenaline is still fresh in my mind… "
David was quiet for a moment.
" How could I have been foolish enough to summon a forbidden beast… the disappointed look which Metatron gave me… it shattered my heart and soul… " uttered King David with a trembling voice.
David now started to cry a bit.
Uriah simply ran his hand up and down David's back.
" It is alright, you did what you thought was right " said Uriah.
King David now cleaned his face.
" Tell me; have you heard anything from your wife? " asked David.
" No… " said Uriah with a sad tone; " I fear for her "
" What for? "
" I have been away for far too long, I am sure that a lot of suitors have gathered at our palace, asking my beloved Bathsheba to remarry. I can not imagine the stress which my son must be under "
" Your son must now be a man, is he not? "
" He is, " said Uriah with a smile; " I have been away for far too long, " said the Hittite.
" You desire to return home… as do the rest '' said King David with a solemn smile.
King David finished his drink and that was when Methuselah walked in.
Uriah excused himself and now left the tent.
" You look like you could use a drink, " said David, as he gave a cup to Methuselah.
" Thank you, sire " said Methuselah.
Both men now drank their drinks.
" Tell me " said King David; " How did it feel seeing your father once again? "
Methuselah was now smiling.
" I was simply left breathless, " said Methuselah.
King David just smiled.
" Sire " said Methuselah; " The men- "
" I know " said David, as he put his hand on Methuselah's shoulder; " I know "
King Nebuchadnezzar was walking through the Hanging Gardens of Babylon.
The weather was right, the wind was calm, the birds were quiet, and nature was truly at the peak of her beauty.
" Sire, You called for me, " said Xisuthros.
" Ah, pray take a seat " said Nebuchadnezzar.
Both men now sat down, while admiring the view.
" Tell me honestly " said King Nebuchadnezzar; " Do you think that we can win this war? "
" Of course, sire! " exclaimed Xisuthros.
Nebuchadnezzar just giggled.
" I am glad to hear that response, " said Nebuchadnezzar, who now looked a bit worried.
" What troubles you? " asked Xisuthros.
" When I saw David summon that terrible beast… my heart froze with fear… "
" Sure, but the beast was turned away by one of the angels, so, what worries you? "
" This war, my kingdom… my people. I fear that Babylon may fall and with it; our culture and way of life may be burned to ash "
" So, why not just return the ark? "
Nebuchadnezzar giggled once again.
" Do you really think that I have not considered that option? No. It would be a sign of weakness "
" Or a sign of mercy? "
Nebuchadnezzar just sighed.
A warm breeze now flew over his face.
" You have to leave Babylon " said King Nebuchadnezzar.
Xisuthros' face grew pale.
" What are you saying, sire? " uttered he.
" I am telling you to live. Take your wife and kids, carry your old father and leave Babylon. Become the founders of a new nation " said Nebuchadnezzar with a kingly tone.
" But my King… where would we go? " said Xisuthros with a trembling voice and body.
" Worry not. I am sure that your mother; Inanna, will guide you along the way "
King Nebuchadnezzar now put both his hands on each of Xisuthros' shoulders.
" Live. Survive, not just for yourselves but also for the people of Babylon; who will all live through you and your family; and all their descendants. That is an order from you King " said Nebuchadnezzar with a warm smile, for he knew what kind of a burden he was putting on Xisuthros' shoulders.
Tears started to roll down Xisuthros' face.
" Yes… my King, we will live " said Xisuthros, as he now took his family, and now sat sail towards the unknown, later becoming the founder of a great and powerful nation.