I loved writing this first fiction story about a stranger coming to town, it’s been years since I wrote one & a bit rusty as haven't written a long piece for years. I know I haven't met the brief about the stranger but used King Solomon. He would be a mystical figure, a stranger to them anyway, so used him to make the story more meaningful.

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Project 1

A stranger King

There was great excitement in the village. King Solomon the wisest in the land was to arrive soon and share from his bountiful treasure chest of wisdom.

Many traveled for days, they were exhausted but glad to have reached Aramkoo, the village where dreams come true and indeed it was so today. They were thrilled to see their king, the second born of their beloved King David, a man after God’s heart.

Their feet ached from walking for days, some stood in line to draw water from the well and wash the dust of their limbs and refresh their scorched faces. Others tossed their camel skin bags on the ground and rested against the trunks of olive trees and looked around with curiosity. Babies suckled their mothers tenderly, screened under soft, colourful veils.

“Hurry up,” Anna called out to Ruth who was daydreaming as usual. “Milk the goat faster. The king will be here soon, you must change your skirt too. The pink one Abba bought you for your birthday is pretty, please wear it!”

Baruch rushed past holding the freshly juiced pomegranate in two large jugs for the tired guests. “The king is coming, the king is coming, he is coming, oh yes, he is coming. Will I bow down? Do I cow down? I hope I do not fumble, I must not tumble….”

Esther giggled. She enjoyed hearing his impromptu lyrics and quickly plaited her hair. Each night he would point at the stars and tell her stories about them in song. They married recently, few weeks after Passover and very much in love.

The sun shone brightly, the tables laden with numerous delicacies, the musicians were getting ready and Isaac was bursting with pride as he held the ram’s shofar in his hand. This was a special privilege granted to him as he was the first born of Zacchariah, the third cousin of King Solomon.

Suddenly the earth shook as hundreds of splendid horses with regal looking soldiers galloped past the main gate and rushed to a halt. The king followed majestically on his golden, ornate chariot.

“King Solomon, the one gifted by God Himself, the wisest, the greatest, is here. Come forward one by one and pay your respects, come, hurry, do not keep him waiting”, called out Malachi, the grey haired, sprightly priest.

People rushed towards the king, bowing down, some kissing his hand. Children gazed at him with wonder and some touched his garment. He picked a young toddler up and sat her on his knee and smiled gently looking with compassion at the crowd before him.

“To God be the glory. Praise the God of the heavens and the earth. Praise Him who is the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. Praise the God of all mankind, praise Him who bestows wisdom and grants us our hearts desires”, he solemnly prayed.

Isaac’s trembling hands lifted the large shofar and blew on it. His eyes wide with excitement and pride. Aramkoo!

Project 2

An adventure of a lifetime

King Solomon woke up with dread in his heart. He was bored to death with daily visitations from royalty from countries near and far. There were too many formalities, he had to dress up in his royal regalia and maintain his kingly disposition. He hated these never-ending chores, longed to break free, be ‘ordinary' even for a few days. But how?

He scratched his head, stroked his brown soft beard and walked bare feet across his bedroom. He threw open the red velvet curtains and peeked at the magnificent gardens, sadness gripped his heart...

“I HATE THIS! Why God? Why was I not born a poor man? Why can’t I be normal, why can’t I just be a man?” Tears trickled down his handsome face.

There was a brief knock at the door. His faithful servant Jeremiah had his ear pinned to the door and heard the lamentations of the king and rushed to help his master in despair. This was not the time for the court jester Lamech who always put a smile on his face, but for serious action.

“Your Highness, I must confess, I eavesdropped, please forgive me. My heart has been burdened for days since I saw you cringe when Queen Sheba came to visit recently. I hardly slept last night and prayed to Yahweh to be merciful to you. I know what will bring a smile to you and put a spring back to your feet. Why don’t we go on an adventure?

“An adventure?”, the king questioned. “But how, where, with who, huh?”

“Let’s go to Aramkoo for a few days. The villagers have never met you and you are a stranger to them, its time they get to know their king. I’ll send a speedy message to your third cousin Zachariah.”

Project 3

To follow

Trudy Belle

Awaken to your true potential

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