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Written by Kimba Henderson
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Tuesday, 22 July 2008 00:21 |
 "When does the Hebrew pray," Habron demanded.
Still disoriented from being thrust against the pillar, Rabin fought to regain her composure. Habron was bent on Daniel's demise, and she hated herself for agreeing to be a part of it. As Rabin prepared to lie to Habron, she heard footsteps. She closed her eyes, hoping a rescue was near. Habron heard them too, covered Rabin's mouth and dragged her into the shadows. As Daniel emerged from the darkness, he noticed Rabin's basket on the ground. The fruits and vegetables he'd asked her to get were strewn beside it. "How unlike her," Daniel whispered to himself. As he recovered Rabin's basket, he wondered what type of tale she had found herself in. Had she escaped? Had someone taken her away? There was something amiss. As Daniel neared his quarters, his gait quickened. It was near time for him to pray, and something told him that praying for Rabin's safety would be of the utmost importance.
As Daniel left the hallway, Habron slowly removed his hand from Rabin's mouth. She could no longer see Habron in the darkness, but could feel his rage. "When does the Hebrew pray?" he demanded again. "And, don't even think of lying to me," he added," or I will give you to the priests of Ishtar. They are always looking for a fitting sacrifice to the goddess."
Rabin's knees buckled as she pretended to faint, hoping to buy enough time to think of a way out. Habron was not easily fooled and slapped her soundly across the face. Shocked, Rabin's eyes flew open, and she knew the only way out was to betray the one man in Babylon who had shown her kindness.
Rabin entered Daniel's quarters out of breath, her hair and clothes, askew. She saw her basket of fruits and vegetables on the table and realized it had been Daniel's footsteps she heard in the hallway. Rabin looked across the room and saw Daniel opening the windows, getting prepared to pray to his God. She ran to him and began closing the windows as he opened them. "My lord," she begged, "you must not pray. You know the decree. Just this once, pray to King Darius or King Cyrus so your enemies will believe you are a loyal subject."
As Daniel re-opened the windows, his brow furrowed in anger. He knew exactly what type of tale Rabin had fallen into. Habron was its name. Rabin fell to her knees before Daniel and grabbed the edge of his garment. "They will kill you," she whispered desperately, looking up at him.
Daniel kneeled to Rabin and touched her face gently. "May the God of Heaven strike me dead if I ever fall into faithlessness and pray to anyone but Him." As Daniel slowly rose to his feet and continued opening the windows, Rabin knew he was resolved and could not be talked out of what he intended. As she rose to her feet, Rabin's eyes filled with tears. Daniel turned and looked at her. An unfamiliar but pleasant feeling came over him. God's mysteries had never ceased to amaze him. At his age and after a long life of bachelorhood, God had finally allowed Daniel to know what it felt like to be a father - if only for a moment.
Daniel moved to Rabin as quickly as he could, realizing their time together was short. He took her by the shoulders, firmly but gently. "You must listen carefully to me. Habron will not give you whatever he promised to betray me. He will kill you." The tears in Rabin's eyes began to flow heavily. Daniel tightened his grasp. "There is a nearby city called Tel Abib. People know of me there. You will be safe. So, when Habron comes for me," he continued, "tear a piece of your clothing and leave it near my bed-chamber window, so he will think you have escaped."
Rabin began to sob, knowing she did not have the strength to do what Daniel was calling her to do. In desperation, Daniel shook Rabin with a gentle firmness he never had to summon before. His eyes were wide with a concern she'd never seen in him. He feared for her, for her life. How long had it been since someone looked at her in such a way? Moved deeply in heart, Rabin's sobs ceased, her tears began to dry, and her heartbeat returned almost to its normal pace. She was loved by a man, who was loved by a great God, and that brought her great comfort. As Daniel continued giving her detailed plans for her escape, she realized she suddenly had the strength to hear them and hopefully the faith to carry them out.
As Rabin passed Daniel's door, she heard footsteps nearing his quarters. She looked to Daniel as he moved to his knees. "My lord!" Rabin exclaimed.
"I know," Daniel whispered. A moment passed where Rabin hoped one last time that Daniel would change his mind. Knowing Rabin's thoughts, Daniel continued, "No matter what happens, Rabin, my God has not abandoned me."
"You are not afraid," Rabin remarked incredulously.
"My God's eyes range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to Him," he said with a serene smile. "Now hurry and do everything I told you to do. My enemies draw near." The soldiers were suddenly at Daniel's door, and he laid prostrate on the ground, in full submission to his God. With one last look, Rabin ran into Daniel's bed-chamber. She opened the panel in the wall that led to his treasury, his place of secrets that held all of what was dear to him. She squeezed in amongst his scrolls, paintings, and clay sculptures and quickly slid the panel closed, just as Daniel's door was forced open.
Camsis, the head palace guard, stood near the doorway with his men as Habron entered smugly, full of himself. Daniel lay on the ground, facing the open windows. "I thank you for your protection and love, O sovereign God of Heaven."
As Daniel continued to pray boldly, Habron laughed to himself. "He has disobeyed the king's decree. Take him away!"
It didn't take twelve men to restrain Daniel, as he was well passed the age of taking on guards in physical altercations. Humiliating Daniel first, made his impending death all the more satisfying to Habron. Finally, he'd be rid of him. Daniel continued to pray as he was carried from his quarters, his voice never wavering in conviction or faltering in fear. "Shut him up!" Habron shouted after the guards, hearing more than he could stomach of Daniel's pleas to his God. Habron laughed to himself. What kind of God would want to be a God of just the Hebrews? Slaves were all they were. How powerful could such a God be.
As Habron turned to leave, he realized he had forgotten something. Ah yes, Rabin. He must deal with her. She had not earned her freedom. In fact, she would have continued to betray him until the 30 days of the decree had passed, had he not confronted her. He looked around Daniel's quarters for Rabin, but found himself comparing it to his own. How could a slave have quarters that rivaled his? Everything Habron found desirable among Daniel's possessions: dishes, writing utensils, goblets, and paintings, he threw to the ground, with great spitefulness in his heart. More and more items he threw to the floor. He smiled with glee when one would break. Realizing he'd forgotten his mission, Habron took a deep breath. "Where are you?" he whispered to himself, fantasizing about how he would find Rabin and make her prey to the gods.
Habron left Daniel's quarters with a deep rage within him. Having seen Rabin's ripped clothing near Daniel's bedchamber window, he realized she had escaped. Although he had the prize of Daniel, his treachery was not complete without the one who endeavored to make a fool of him. Babylon was a vast, intricate city, but he was powerful and persistent. He would find her.
Rabin awoke suddenly. It took her a moment to realize where she was. She peered through the small crack in the wall to see the light of day slipping away. Rabin knew the sun was going down over the city. Daniel's treasury was great for storing his treasures but not so much so for hiding slaves, soon to be on the run. Rabin slid open the panel and tried to step out. Her legs had been cramped up for so long, that they had forgotten how to stand, and Rabin fell to the floor. She laughed to herself then fell quiet, knowing she was in greater danger than ever.
As soon as the feeling came back in Rabin's legs, she grabbed Daniel's travel bag and began to look around for things she might need. "Take anything from here you need for your journey," Daniel had told her. Linens, fruit, a gold, jeweled goblet, a flask, and the gold chain King Belshazzar had bestowed on Daniel, found their way into Rabin's bag. Clothing, food, and currency were all she needed. As Rabin closed the panel to Daniel's treasury, his kingdom painting caught her eye. Rabin picked it up and unfolded it, wanting to see her hope one last time. Would the peaceful kingdom of Daniel's God truly come one day? Could her people truly ever be a part of it? Could Daniel's God ever be her God? "He would have to be your only God," she remembered Daniel saying. As Rabin returned the painting to its hiding place, she suddenly realized that it did not belong there. It belonged with her. She would need its hope, its promise - its faith. Without another moment of hesitation, Rabin placed the painting in her bag. Just enough room. Now, she was ready for her escape.
King Darius entered his meeting room annoyed by Commander Asurpinal's persistence. This same persistence had made him a great warrior, but why was he pushing this matter to such a degree? Why would he want to take 100 of his best men from the beauty of Babylon to patrol the new empire's outlying desert borders? "There has been no rebellion in these areas as Daniel presides over them. Besides, Commander Bysis is already patrolling a nearby province. Why not send word to him if you think my decrees are not being enforced there?"
"Commander Bysis and his men have been out there for some time now. Perhaps my men and I can relieve them?" Something in Asurpinal's eyes was desperate. This was about more than he was letting on. Just as Darius was about to respond, he heard a commotion coming from the next room: voices shouting over one another, jeering, and laughing. As Darius moved toward the palace court, Asurpinal's face fell. Wasn't the King about to honor his request? A request on which so much was riding. A request whose true purposes the king could never know. Whatever had taken away his focus had better be of the utmost importance.
As Rabin carefully made her way through the palace, taking the path Daniel had laid out for her, she heard a commotion coming from the king's court. She moved toward the room, uncertain of what was drawing her, but knowing she should continue on her way. She could hear Daniel's Babylonian name being shouted consistently, sometimes tinted with rage, and in fewer instances, accompanied by pleas of mercy. As Rabin peered into the palace court, making sure to keep herself hidden, her eyes filled with tears, as she looked at the sight before her.
Darius entered the palace court and stopped in his tracks. Daniel was on his knees in chains, somehow silent and at peace, as the city's advisors, magistrates, and government officials argued amongst themselves. Rabin saw the rage in Darius' battle-scarred face, as he shouted, "What is the meaning of this?" She sighed a bit relieved, knowing this powerful king could save Daniel.
Habron stepped before the king and bowed with faux respect. "The Heb...Daniel has not obeyed your decree. We found him praying to his God, making it clear that he does not respect you, nor is he a loyal subject, O King."
Darius moved toward Daniel, hating to see him in such a state. "Did you not know of the decree, Daniel?" Darius hoped this was a misunderstanding.
"Of course he knew..." Habron hissed as Darius held up a firm hand, silencing him.
"Did you not understand the decree?" Darius asked, resolved to believe whatever Daniel said, whether he suspected it was a lie or not.
"I knew of the decree, my lord, and I understood it. But, I could not obey it," Daniel said respectfully.
Darius moved to his knees before Daniel and looked him directly in the eye. A hush fell over the room. A king kneeling across from a slave, a slave that had disobeyed him! "What can I do?" Darius whispered, deeply regretting making such a decree. How he hoped Daniel's wisdom offered him a way to salvation.
"The decree bears your seal and cannot be repealed. It is the way of your people. There is nothing you can do, O King but sentence me to death."
Darius' heart sank in despair as Habron's lifted to new heights. The king had no recourse, no way to save Daniel. Finally, Habron was rid of this nemesis of his, rid of him and his "God of Heaven." Darius rose to his feet slowly and hesitated. He looked at Camsis, and in a firm voice filled with regret he finally spoke, "Place Daniel in the lion's den at first light."
Rabin cried out in horror, but she was unheard as the room erupted overwhelmingly in cheers of approval. The guards pulled Daniel roughly to his feet. Darius was on them immediately, "This man is to be treated with the utmost respect!" he shouted in a way that struck fear into every man in the room but gave Daniel great comfort. Darius sunk into his throne and watched helplessly as his guards led Daniel gingerly from the room.
Both Asurpinal and Rabin watched Darius with absolute disappointment - their reasons differing greatly. Rabin believed Darius had the power to save, but clearly he did not. Asurpinal knew the king would not entertain his request until a time of grief had passed. It had better be soon, he thought to himself, as time was of the essence and many lives were on the line.
As Rabin watched the guards come toward her, Daniel's words echoed in her mind, "No matter what happens, Rabin, my God has not abandoned me." How could she believe that now? A death sentence meant the ultimate abandonment. Didn't it?
Suddenly, Habron came into view as he accompanied Daniel and the soldiers. "Seize her!" he shouted. Instinctively, Rabin dashed away, running her fastest. It took only a few moments to realize she was not headed in the direction Daniel had told her to go.
As a group of guards took off after Rabin, Daniel sighed heavily. He looked up at Habron, his eyes pleading, " Habron, leave Rabin be. She has accomplished your deception."
"I HAVE ACCOMPLISHED MY DECEPTION!" Habron shot back, surprised by the depth of his anger and volume of his voice. He noticed Darius sit up in his throne, his attention suddenly on them. Habron moved closer to his captive and placed a seemingly supportive hand on his shoulder. "She tried to betray me in favor of you. Know we will find her in time, Hebrew, so she can join you for breakfast at first light."
Daniel closed his eyes, "Why does such treachery exist in the hearts of men?" he whispered. As Daniel was escorted from the palace court, he prayed silently to the God of Heaven, hoping that He would come through for Rabin, even more than he hoped to be saved himself.
They were on her: their cadence the same, accelerating at the same exact speed. Kasr Palace was their territory, and Rabin knew if she did not find a way out soon, they would surely catch her. Rabin rounded a corner and almost lost her balance. The gold goblet fell from her bag, but she knew better than to try and retrieve it. Her burden lightened, Rabin began to run faster. Before her was a light, not that artificial light that filtered through the palace glass, but the kind that came straight from Heaven. Suddenly before her were gates, gates that meant freedom. As the light became more radiant, and she closed in on the gates, she heard one of her pursuers shout, "Close the gates!"
"No," Rabin shouted as she almost fell over her feet in an attempt to run even faster. She was so close to freedom. These gates were not going to stop her. She sped up with no idea where this sudden burst of strength was coming from.
The Gate Guard, stirred in his sleep, thinking he heard something but quickly shrugged it off and returned to his slumber. "CLOSE THE GATES OR DIE," Camsis shouted. This, the Gate Guard heard, and he jumped up from his post. As he moved toward the gate, he saw something coming toward him. He rubbed his eyes, not sure what he was seeing. Was this a beautiful woman running to meet him? Was he dreaming? The Gate Guard smiled. If this was a dream, he didn't want to be awakened.
Just behind the running beauty, he saw several guards with swords drawn and realized this was no dream. As he moved to close the gates, Rabin raced by him. He had no idea how fast she'd been running and had not expected her so soon. The Guard looked after her while still closing the gates, perplexed by this entire scene.
"OPEN THE GATE, YOU EMBECILE!" Camsis shouted, as the palace guards pursuing Rabin were forced to slow down in order to avoid impaling themselves on the gate. With all the strength he had, the Guard pulled the gate open. Camsis and his company resumed the chase, but as they made their way into the streets of Babylon, Rabin was lost amongst the teeming hordes of people. She was gone, a ghost. Habron would not be pleased. Camsis quickly formulated a plan: more guards at every city gate and a few by the river. There were only so many ways to leave the city. It would be night soon, so he would make sure every escape route was thoroughly covered.
As the sun set over the city, Rabin came upon Esagila, the temple complex of Babylon's patron god, Marduk. As she looked up at the statue of the dragon-god, she climbed the stairs quickly, looking behind her, making sure she was not being followed. It would only be a matter of time before complete darkness fell over the city, and she could make her escape by the river. As she entered the temple, its darkness did not frighten her. Here she would be safe, at least for a while.
A large fire burned in the middle of the temple courtyard, but there was no one there to tend it. She knew that there were priests and attendants that lived on the grounds, but they were nowhere in sight. Rabin made certain to stay in the shadows, away from the firelight as she made her way down the hall. Suddenly coming toward her, was a man carrying a torch. She froze, not sure if the darkness was deep enough to hide her presence. She looked down at her feet, the moonlight licking her toes, and she began to back away slowly down another dark hallway. As soon as she shed the moonlight's gaze, Rabin hurried down the slanted path, picking up speed, the closer she got to the bottom. It took all her might to stop herself from running into the wall. She struggled to breathe quietly although her heart was pounding. She closed her eyes and listened carefully to hear if she was being followed. There was a silence, and then behind her she heard, "Baa," and almost jumped out of her skin. Once she realized there was nothing human behind her, the sound was suddenly comforting, and she moved toward it.
Rabin entered the dimly lit temple storage room. It was filled with treasures of silver, gold, jewels, barrels of wheat and grain, and small cages filled with dogs, lambs and cats. These were all gifts to Marduk, gifts that would surely be enjoyed by his priests and attendants. Rabin sat down and sighed in relief. She laid her head against one of the cages and closed her eyes. She heard something sniffing her then suddenly the warm tongue of a dog began to lick her ear. She couldn't help but laugh. It felt good to laugh.
"Who's there?" Rabin heard a young girl's voice in the room. Rabin jumped to her feet knocking over one of the empty cages. The voice was non-threatening but no less terrifying. Why would someone else be in a room such as this, especially a child.
"Where are you?" Rabin asked, afraid of where the answer may come from.
"Here I am," the girl said, as she stuck her hand through her cage and waved Rabin toward her. "My name is Ishi." Rabin slowly made her way to the girl and bent down to her level. There she was, a young girl of ten, Babylonian in descent, a bit dirty but truly lovely with the raven black hair women of her culture possessed with a natural grace and pride. The girl's knees were pulled into her chest as she had nowhere to move.
"Why are you here?" Rabin asked as she held the girl's hand.
"I am to be sacrificed to the god Marduk in the morning." The girl's eyes filled with tears. "I am told it is a great honor, but I do not wish to be honored in such a way." Ishi looked up at Rabin, her eyes pleading for help.
"Who am I to free what belongs to Marduk?" Rabin asked afraid to offend such a powerful god.
"Why were you breathing hard," Ishi asked innocently.
"I was running from the palace guards, men who mean me great harm," Rabin answered, suddenly feeling the need to justify herself.
"So it is right to escape those who mean you harm?" the young girl continued her line of questioning.
"Yes, of course," Rabin said boldly, and then she realized Ishi may be young but was not so innocent. It was a trap, these questions that kept assaulting Rabin's conscience.
As if it were not enough, Ishi continued, "Will it hurt when I die?" Rabin closed her eyes and thought of Daniel's kindness to her. She held back her tears and in that moment she knew she would not be leaving the temple alone.
The two figures descended the temple stairs unnoticed. As they moved through the streets, the moon lit their way. Rabin had gotten off course and no longer knew if she was traveling in the right direction. Rabin headed west, hoping the river was near.
Ishi fought to keep up with Rabin. She often tried to grab this stranger's hand as she used to with her own mother, who'd died just months before. Every time she tried, Rabin would stop momentarily and scratch her furrowed brow. "Do you know where you're going?" Ishi asked, her innocence having returned.
"No," Rabin snapped, "but don't fall behind."
The streets were narrow, and although it was night, they were filled with people. The tall buildings made it feel as if the city was closing in on them. Rabin kept tugging at her new clothes, compliments of Marduk's temple. She looked like some kind of overdressed belly dancer and nothing like the woman who'd escaped Kasr Palace only hours before. That was the point. The veil that covered most of Rabin's face was not a garment she was used to wearing and made breathing and speaking difficult, not to mention, dangerous. Rabin wondered to herself how many women had actually choked to death on a veil such as this one.
As Rabin and Ishi turned a corner, the bridge that straddled the Euphrates River came into view and Rabin knew she and Ishi were close. Rabin stopped in her tracks when she saw the company of guards standing only yards from her. "Why are we stopping?" Ishi wondered out loud.
Rabin knelt down to Ishi's level and took her firmly by the shoulders. "Do not look at the guards, and if they call to us, run like the wind." Ishi nodded, now suddenly terrified. Although she had left her temple cage, she knew she was still in great danger.
The guards scrutinized everyone who passed by them as hawks searching for prey. Tarik, one of the palace guards noticed Rabin. Her ill-fitting costume attracted his attention. He took a step toward her, but when he saw Ishi by her side, he stopped. This couldn't be the escaped slave, but there was something about the way she moved that was familiar. Perhaps he had seen her dance? Intrigued, Tarik followed Rabin and the young girl. He would find out how he knew her.
When they reached the river, Rabin expected her heart to be filled with relief, but it wasn't. Not only were there palace guards patrolling the area, but the rough current, dark waters and large, rugged pieces of driftwood floating in the river, filled her heart with fear. Ishi pulled close to Rabin, "We're not going in there are we?" she asked.
"We must." Rabin answered trying to sound brave. "There is no other way out of the city." Rabin quickly pulled the veil from her face and removed her extra clothing, no longer needing a disguise.
As she neared the water, she heard footsteps behind her. Just one man. She was certain he'd been following her and Ishi for some time. Their pace quickened. "Come on, Ishi," we have to get in now!" Rabin dragged a resistant Ishi toward the water, despite her cries. "I am sure Enbilulu, the god of the river will protect us." Ishi was still not assuaged. Rabin leaned over her, "You are a brave little girl. We can do this together." Ishi looked up at Rabin and smiled through her tears. Now, she was ready to go.
As Tarik came upon Rabin's shed clothing, he realized how he knew her. She was the escaped slave from Kasr, the one everyone else in the city had been searching for. He'd recognized the way she moved, although when chasing her, her motions were much more rapid. Habron was desperate for this one. He would not have posted guards all over the city, by the river, and offered such a great reward for her capture, otherwise. What had this slave girl done besides escape to command such a reward? It didn't matter, but Tarik knew he did not want to share it. He made his way toward the river carefully, not wanting to alert the other guards. By the time he reached the water, Tarik had already decided how he'd spend his reward.
Rabin and Ishi submerged themselves in the water. The blackness enveloped them. A sudden, frantic splash in the water signaled to Rabin that the guard was near. She pulled Ishi toward her, allowing the current to carry them. Tarik was not far behind as the splashing continued, but suddenly it stopped. Had the current swept her pursuer away? Were she and Ishi safe? A moment of relief swept over Rabin's body as she prepared to come up for air.
Suddenly, a hand grabbed her ankle. It was strong, unrelenting - desperate. In an effort to free herself, Rabin lost her grasp on Ishi and heard the child screaming as the swift current carried her away. "NO!" Rabin's voice reverberated through the water. She could hear Ishi's screams traveling further downriver. Rabin kicked wildly, knocking Tarik back. Suddenly free, she let herself be carried along by the river. Where there should have been relief, there was none. Ishi was lost and scared. Rabin knew not how to swim, and was certain that Daniel's God was incapable of saving either of them.
To be continued...
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