Part One

Abducted Traditions

Second Anthology : Part One
Journal Entries 1 — 3 of 13

Second Anthology : Part One : Journal Entries 1 — 3

E1: Ninth Day after the New Moon of Peritius
34th Year of Arsaces XXII’s Reign
(Roman Calendar: January 15, 2 BC)

After briefing Melchior to focus on Judaea’s records, I requested a council with the King, which was denied. I tried the following week again, hoping the King’s strength would be back up when a messenger arrived and told me the King would see me the next day.

When I arrived at his chamber, the guards gently opened the doors and then closed them softly behind me. A servant led me past the room where I first met the King, lined with imperial guards, and took me into the next. When I entered, my nose was instantaneously overwhelmed by the scent of strong, spiced incense. The servant retreated, leaving me alone in the King’s bedchamber. It was a far more eerie atmosphere than the previous times I had visited.

“Gaspar,” the King called weakly. “Come closer.”

“As you wish, my King,” I obeyed.

The room was darker, and I could not see the King well, but I knew that Thermusa sat by his side, for I could identify two figures. I could only see a large, golden bed with ornate canopy and fine linens flowing down the bedposts. I walked in, careful not to trip on the ostentatiously decorated reed rug that spanned underneath his bed.

“Why have you come before me?” the King asked.

“I come to you to request permission to continue my mission,” I said. “I believe this potentially powerful leader could arise in Judaea to challenge the Romans.”

“Yes, fine, fine. Do as you wish.”

The King coughed forcefully. I waited patiently until he recovered.

“You are under Darien’s charge as—” the King coughed. “…it is a foreign affair.”

“We vanquished a threat thanks to you,” Thermusa interjected, using a cloth to cool the King’s forehead.

“Yes. I trust you, and I trust Darien, so go. The only thing I ask… is you must give me your word to… to act in the best interest of the realm.”

“Those are words of truth and my intentions are in equal measure, your majesty,” I said.

I bowed, and when I lifted up, I could see the King squirming. The Queen quickly took hold of a metal bin; then the King vomited into it. I could see a dark liquid come out, which looked like blood, not bile. Though, I could not be certain.

“Please, go,” the Queen said firmly but gently. “The King needs his rest.”

“As you wish,” I said, bowing as I left.

I could hear the King continue vomiting. My stomach sympathized with his, and I brought my index finger’s knuckle up to my mouth to encourage it not to join him. Servants raced in with linen towels, pitchers of water, and more empty bins. I could hear the Queen’s voice calling for the physician, and at that moment, I felt calm as she seemed capable and steadfast even while the King was likely dying. I pushed the thought of my King perishing out of my head.

Leaving the chambers, several physicians raced down the hall and passed me to tend to the King. Still shaken by what I had seen, I spent the next hour walking the grounds of the Fire Temple to clear my head. The King was not a young man, but he certainly had many years left to rule. He became King a few years before I was born, so his rule had been a constant in my life. The idea of him dying made me feel vulnerable and unsure of the future. My legs grew weak, so I sat down on the nearest bench and stared at the Fire Temple.

I crossed my arms, feeling the slight chill in the air. Clusters of Magi surrounded the open fire pits in the courtyard and looked comforting. I wanted to join them but decided seclusion suited my current mood better.

A prayer approached my lips but never came out. I wanted to ask Ahura Mazda to heal him, for me to list every reason he should spare him. But, if the King were to die, would that not be fated, and Ahura Mazda aware? I decided to abandon that prayer as well as any further attempt at deciphering fate if there was such a thing.

Even with thicker robes, I was forced by the brisk outside air to walk around inside where the fire pits were stronger. I somehow felt more alive or appreciated everything just a little more. I felt like I needed to not be alone. Strange how I had spent most of my life avoiding people; now I sought the opposite. I wandered the halls, casually searching for Esther, Bahadur, or even Gul. I could not locate any. I went to the kitchens and observed the entrance, hoping I would see Esther.

Servants, cooks, butchers, and bakers seemed to dance around each other. It was eerily subdued than usual, though. I was not sure what I was searching for. A strong sense of fear overtook me as I realized I had no control over the future. It was times as those that rival empires waited for to strike. Our world could change in an instant. I could be like Daniyyel — carried off to another empire’s capital.

I saw Esther appear from the kitchens, holding a few garments, so I moved to try and catch her gaze. When she noticed me, she smiled and approached. After greeting each other, she asked why I was there. I told her what had transpired with Firuz as well as my interaction with the King.

“Firuz… I must apologize,” Esther said. “I should have been more careful.”

“It was not your fault. And, there is nothing we can do to change what has already happened,” I noted. “So, let us move forward more cautiously and
heed this lesson.”

“You have my word. And if what you have said of the King is true, this is grave news, indeed.”

“It is.”

Esther looked to the ground and readjusted the clothes she held. She continued the conversation before I could get trapped contemplating the King’s death.

“Yet, you received permission from the King to continue your mission?”
she asked.

“I did,” I responded. “And that is why I must have you on this journey with me — you are the key to helping me understand the people who inhabit Judaea.”

“I told you before that I would remain true to this task, so I accept!”

“This is excellent news and renews my spirit. I must also employ the help
of Bahadur and Gul.”

“And, we will need a guide to lead us to Jerusalem, correct?”

“You are right about that. I do know someone from the market that has traveled the silk road. I will ask him.”

We both agreed to reconnect in a week or two. I bid her goodbye so that she could return to her duties. We parted ways, and I was off to put the rest of my plans in motion as there was far more work to be done than inviting companions.

E2: First Day after the Full Moon of Peritius
34th Year of Arsaces XXII’s Reign
(Roman Calendar: January 21, 2 BC)

Both Bahadur and Gul were willing to join me again on my mission, as I felt they would. I worked with some of Darien’s staff to place orders for supplies and camels. I went to market, bundled up in several layers of cloaks as it was just cold enough for the frost on the grass to bite at my bare skin.

“A journey to Jerusalem?” Jahan inquired. “I have not been there in a great many years.”

“You would, of course, be handsomely rewarded and given full autonomy
to barter and trade whatever materials you would like while we are there,”
I proposed.

“Let me think on this, Gaspar. Though, I am feeling adventure calling.”

Jahan paused and sipped from his hot drink, having invited me into his home into the warmth. It was only a couple of dozen paces down the road and on the third story. All the shops usually were on the first floor, stalls extending onto
the street and living quarters stacked on top. I was impressed by how simple
clay and mud structures with wooden frames could support such weight.

We rested at a small discolored wooden table. A half-torn loaf of bread, a chicken thigh, and what looked like cooked green beans were crammed on a medium-sized, oval plate. Jahan grabbed a hunk of bread and took a large bite.

“I shall do it!” Jahan spat, crumbs of bread flying.

“Truly?” I asked.

“I do not see why not. Yes! There is nothing much more to consider. When do we leave?”

“I am thinking only a week or so from now. I simply need to make the proper arrangements, notify the right people, and then collect the supplies.”

“Very well. I shall begin preparing my effects. And, I have no one to notify! Well, perhaps Kohinoor as I will need someone to watch over my shop.”

“This is true, and do not rush, my friend. We can wait if you require it.”

“No, no. I could leave tomorrow if you asked!”

I laughed, amazed by his ability to entertain spontaneity. We embraced, and I left his presence, emboldened that I was moving in the right direction.

————

As I sat in my chambers, my head spun. Though I wished it were from wine, it was not. It began after I read a scroll a servant brought me, her face pallid like that of the moon. It was from the royal court, announcing the tragic news that our great leader, our King, had crossed the Chinavat Bridge. I exited my chamber after learning this, feeling out of place, my breath quickening.

Announcers scurried down the hall, proclaiming the grave news. The gates to the palace were closed to all outsiders. An ominous atmosphere took hold as I saw small groups of people collecting toward one another, their voices teeming with anxiety. It seemed the only thing on everyone’s mind was what would happen next. With our kingdom entering a state of flux, I knew there would be troubled times ahead.

My first instinct was to see my father. Darien would be my second choice,
but I imagined he must be running around, extinguishing fires. I went to
the House of Wisdom, careful not to collide with one of the frantic servants, advisors, and nobles running to and fro. I never saw anything like it before that moment. I felt it challenging to catch my breath, my heart raced, yet
I felt a numbness overcome me.

“Father,” I called.

“Son,” Melchior belted out as we hugged.

“What is about to happen? Have you been through anything like this before?”

“Yes. I was a young man when Phraates came to power. It was a tumultuous time. We must allow the situation to develop on its own time. Being Magi and not of a ruling lineage, we are typically not seen as a threat to the kingdom.”

“We are advisors, though. What if a Magus attached himself to a noble vying for power?”

“Then he would be a foolish one. It is simply not our place to meddle in these affairs of state. Regardless, are you concerned about your mission?”

We sat down, and the wooden chairs heaved from us, slumping into them. I had not the energy to sit down gracefully. I threw my left leg over the right, clasping my hands around my left knee.

“Well, somewhat,” I confessed. “I know the journey will see a delay due to the unrest, but I want to leave as soon as possible. And the welfare of my companions has certainly been weighing on my mind.”

“It seems this would be an excellent moment to practice patience, then,” Melchior suggested. “You have provided for your companions — trust that they are capable and will care for themselves. Allow the dust of change in the empire to settle first. Await Darien as he will approach you when the time
is right.”

“Thank you, Father. You are right. My companions can navigate their
waters for now, and I will give Darien the space he needs to steer through
the turmoil.”

“And he knows how much this journey means to you, so I am sure you will be off as soon as the time is right.”

I smiled at him, but it quickly faded. My gaze became fixed on the floor as my mind slipped into a brief fog.

“…you know that the kingdom will immediately enter a time of mourning followed by the sagdid ceremony, which will delay your mission further,” Melchior said.

“What!” I said, waking from my daze. “I must wait that long?”

“The sagdid with plenty of mourning, the aristocrats will discuss who to crown, then there is the coronation, and of course the spring festivities are only a little over a month—”

“Yes, yes. I have heard enough.”

Melchior prickled. I knew I was frustrated at my situation and not him,
so I knew I needed to correct myself.

“You must forgive me,” I said softly. “You did not deserve to receive my ire. Clearly, I have much yet to learn, controlling my emotions being one.”

“I forgive you, and you do not need to control your emotions, Son,” Melchior said. “But, do not allow your emotions to control you.” I tucked my chin, not sure how to respond, so Melchior continued. “Now, from my calculations, I cannot see your journey happening before Hamaspathmaidyem, Noruz, and Khordad Sal after the full moon of Xanthicus.”

“Well, no,” I agreed. “I had not thought through what that might entail.”

“Patience is a great challenge for the most steadfast hearts, Gaspar.”

“You did say I needed to exercise my patience. And, I cannot jeopardize Darien’s nor my standing in the kingdom due to impatience.”

“I am proud of you — you are on the correct path. Hold firm, and we shall
see this mission through.”

“Thank you for everything, Father.”

He smiled, and we embraced. I left the House of Wisdom to wait on Darien, hoping he would see me soon.

Though what if I wait too long and miss my chance entirely? I would never
forgive myself.

E3: Twenty-Sixth Day after the New Moon of Peritius
First Year of Queen Thermusa’s & Prince Phraates’ Reign
(Roman Calendar: February 1, 2 BC)

Panting filled the air as Melchior caught his breath. Trekking to the top of the Dokhma was certainly no stroll along the river bank as it caused me to become fatigued. A steady, strong breeze wafted cold air over my face. It clawed its way through my lungs. I was relieved to see others taking rest once they had arrived. However, I could not help but face that I was not as youthful as my mind told me I was.

“I really must—” Melchior heaved. “Add a walk to my days.”

“That is a good idea,” I concurred. “Daily activity would do me well… especially as I have a journey I must take soon.”

All Melchior could do was nod in agreement as he worked on catching his breath, a bead of sweat rolling down his left temple. The ceremonial Magi stood before us with the King’s cleansed and wrapped body. By now, the fragrance was inescapable, pervading my nose and filling my lungs. The breeze failed to dissipate the spicy smell of frankincense and sandalwood from the oil-soaked fabric — you could almost feel it with your eyes.

Is their aim to ward away us living along with the dark elohim? I thought.

The customary people arrive first, King’s advisors and preferred nobles, then the first witnesses of Zoroastrian citizens and other lower court members follow. The Juddins, or non-Zarathustrians, were last to be allowed to pay their respects and view the body.

When the sun reached its peak, all the mourners had arrived. The ceremonial priests completed their prayers while the Queen, the Prince, and a throng of supportive mourners took their place behind the King. The Prince’s face looked ashen, and he seemed dejected. Thermusa appeared composed and regal, clasping her hands tightly in front of her torso as if she had a decree to make. 

The crowd exchanged hushed condolences as we passed one another.
Melchior and I left our conversation rather muted — I certainly was not in
a forthcoming disposition, remaining somewhat neutral while respectful. 

When we had settled down, Thermusa came forward and opened her hands to reveal two shining disks. She placed them over the King’s eyes and then hovered her hands over the body, which caused my shoulders to recoil backward. The ceremonial and priestly Magi gaped, waiting to see if she would touch the body, but she did not. 

“You have taken my husband, our King, from us,” she wailed with great control. “I beg of you to bless us and see no further death upon our royal family.”

Thermusa bowed her head and backed away, wiping away a tear. I could feel my shoulders relaxing once she was away from the body.

She knows the King was not Roman, so why would she disgrace him that way?

Upon reflection, I noted that her tone of voice had sounded dispassionate, yet perhaps it was my bias against her. I was angry that my King was dead and needed to channel it. I expelled those thoughts to focus on my grief for the loss of our leader. A creeping sense of dread sent chills down my spine.

All this sudden change has me wary of whether I will lose my position, I thought. Which would revoke all my rights in the mission.

I sighed, feeling overwhelmed by the flood of thoughts and emotions that plagued me.

And what of our nation — what shall become of it now? The King has kept Rome at bay, but we cannot avoid war forever.

Melchior grabbed my hand, and my attention drew away from my trance. Luckily, the funeral rites had come to an official close, so I could retire and compose myself. I breathed deeply and moved my feet as we were disbanded.

The Queen’s face was stone, her jaw pointing confidently forward, eyes sweeping her subjects. She did not so much as reach a hand toward her son, either. I could not have imagined having her as a mother, especially if my father had passed.

“Thank the stars, this was not an Egyptian funeral,” Melchior griped.
“I cannot bear the falsified shrieks of paid wailers.”

I chuckled, my heart leaping confidently once more. Luckily, the funeral rites came to an official close, so no one noticed my laugh, which felt wrong to have in that moment. Melchior and I began the trek back to the palace.
I was glad for my father as he knew how to liven my spirits when I needed it most. That distracting thought was a comfort to me until my mind swirled back to the Queen.

“Were you as surprised by the Queen’s decision to uphold a traditional Zarathustrian funeral without making it Roman?” I pondered.

“I certainly was shocked at first, but then I remembered, there is no toll to cross the Chinavat bridge.” He smiled at me, and I shook my head. He quickly followed with sincere words. “I was pleased at the least that she did not completely overtake the situation and honored him in a way a King of
kings deserves.”

“I am sure she would consider a Roman burial more civilized. Of course,
we allow creatures to clean the flesh from our dead, so I am sure our ways seem foreign.”

“I can see your point,” Melchior returned. “There has been much talk amongst the ruling class about this whole affair.”

“The death of the King?”

“Yes. He quickly succumbed to this unknown illness, which led to his untimely death, does not feel right.”

Three men, all wearing stark white, shuffled past us. Melchior suddenly took his voice lower and paused. I looked around us, and waited until the area was clear.

“I know there is no such thing as a ‘timely death,’” Melchior began again. “But there are rumors that… someone close poisoned him.”

“Do you think it was someone connected to Satrap Parviz, seeking revenge?” I whispered.

“It is plausible, but I believe the royal family disposed of anyone with a connection to Parviz. I certainly do not underestimate any court member’s desire for power and what they would be willing to do for it.”

“I feel as though practically any noble could benefit from the King’s death if they made the proper connections to propel their position?”

“That statement holds some truth to it. Palace officials are leaving no stone unturned. No one is beyond reproach — not even the Queen. All those who could benefit from the King’s death are already under review.”

Looking ahead at our descent, I saw nothing but the long slope of the stone ramp before us. It seemed to be tunneling forward, so I was certain the incense failed to ward away the dark spirits.

“It will take ages to reach the ground again,” I complained as my head felt as though my head had turned to heated bronze.

“Our most important destinations take the longest to reach,” Melchior responded.

“Very well, philosopher father of mine, and why is that?”

“It provides you the most opportunities to better yourself… by jettisoning that dark cloud you insist on keeping around your head!”

“Forgive me, Father haha. You are right — I will aim to improve my disposition.”

“I know you will.”

Though my father was certain I would prevail, I remained skeptical. Everything was slipping from my fingers.

Now all I have is the authority of a dead King, which the Queen could easily revoke. Unless I make myself small like an insignificant flower in her garden of groveling subjects.

I traced the King’s ring on my finger, knowing I needed to remove it and hoping my mission did not share the King’s fate.