Suddenly Thomas took Melzar’s hand in his own. He quickly formed a cross with Melzar’s thumb and forefinger. “This is a sign among believers here. If you flash this signal upon greeting someone and it is returned, you will have found a brother in Christ. They will support you in the coming days. I may not return, but there are others here who serve the Lord of heaven and earth. They will show you the way of truth and mercy. I pray the Lord will be gracious to you.”
Melzar studied the sign in his hand for a moment and then nodded. Stepping from the shadows, they continued down the hallway.
CHAPTER 23
The Interview
Maria had received word: she would finally get to interview the man who had tortured her thoughts for so many weeks. She’d sent her maidens to their rooms, and now she stared at her reflection in the mirror. She tucked a stray hair firmly back in place. Is everything perfect? she thought nervously and then stopped. “Why am I behaving like this? I am divine. He is nothing but a slave.”
She chided her folly but continued to fuss over her appearance. She must win him, but how?
Her fingers traced the lace fringe of her gown’s plunging neckline. A smile crossed her lips. “How can any man resist this?” she cooed, admiring the view. Hadn’t her maidens said the same? She was stunning, and she knew it.
Dabbing light-blue powder about her eyes, she whispered viciously, “Melzar, you’d better not deny me today, or I’ll have your head!”
There were sounds at the outer door, and a guard called, “Your Majesty! The chamberlain has come with his charge.”
Maria studied herself in the mirror. Everything was perfect. “Melzar may enter,” she called.
She was dazzling! Her deep-blue gown clung tellingly to her shapely torso, its broad skirt trailing gently to the floor. Her face was as white as a midsummer moon and her hair as black as a midnight sky. The crown she wore sparkled like a myriad of stars.
When Melzar entered, Maria could see from his stunned expression he had never seen her so dangerously beautiful. “M-my lady!” he stammered, bowing low. “Your servant,” he said, presenting Thomas, bedecked in crimson pants and a white satin shirt.
Maria felt triumphant. She had never seen Melzar so moved by her appearance. She sternly tried to control her voice, for she felt as giddy as a schoolchild. She dared not look at the man she longed to possess. “Thank you, Melzar,” she said somewhat forcefully. “You are free to go!”
The old man lingered for a moment and then turned away. Thomas saw the terror in his eye, and he flashed Melzar “their” signal.
The guard showed no sign of leaving. With some irritation, Maria turned to him and said, “I will no longer need your services!” The guard reluctantly stepped outside and closed the door.
Finally, she had the man of her dreams alone. Maria slowly turned to view her conquest. Her heart was racing. Will he be looking at me? she wondered. A tremor ran through her body. There was a breathless moment before her eyes met his.
Her heart skipped a beat, but not from the joy she was anticipating. The young man was indeed looking at her, but he did not seem dazzled by her beauty. He did not seem to be impressed with what he saw. She searched his eyes for emotion but found only pity. Had something gone wrong with her outfit?
Blushing, she drew her revealing neckline together and took a few steps toward the mirror. With a quick check of her attire, she casually asked, “Are your injuries quite healed?”
Thomas bowed slightly and smiled. “Your chamberlain has taken good care of me.”
“You speak the language of Endor,” she said approvingly.
“Only a little,” Thomas admitted. “The language of Endor is only one of the many things Melzar has taught me during my stay.”
His smile encouraged her to step forward, but she stopped when she felt his disapproval. “Won’t you let me examine your wounds?” she asked reproachfully.
“They are quite healed!”
There was an awkward silence, and Maria felt frustration growing. She was supposed to be in control, yet this slave was setting the pace and agenda. That wasn’t what she wanted. She thought about her gown and all her hours of preparation and grew irritated. This man should be groveling at her feet. Still, she had wanted a challenge, and the gods had certainly given her one.
“Do you know why I have sent for you?” she asked, the old authority returning to her voice.
“Not exactly,” Thomas answered carefully. His very countenance exuded authority, and none would question that he was of noble birth. The manner in which he took control threw Maria into complete disarray.
But, Maria thought, he’s in my court now. He is nothing but a slave here! I will set the agenda and move forward.
“Do you like my gown?” she asked, making a seductive turn that revealed her bare back and shapely figure. She moved within his grasp, and their eyes met again.
“I doubt you brought me here to critique your wardrobe.”
“Oh!” She pouted. “Don’t treat me harshly when I’ve been so lonely,” she said, reaching up and lightly brushing her fingertips over the rugged lines of his jaw. “Won’t you come and give me a little company?” She turned toward her private quarters.
“No.”
She whirled, anger flashing in her eyes, but she quickly softened and changed her approach. “Where do you come from?”
“Amity,” he answered.
“Are you of noble lineage?” she asked, admiring the composure with which he held himself.
“I am of the house and lineage of Stafford,” Thomas said quietly.
She already knew this, but hearing it from the man’s own lips sent a shiver down her spine. If her father were here, this man would be dead, and she would be considered a traitor. Yet here she was alone with the Prince of Amity. A thrill pulsed through her veins. She would defy her father. She would keep this man for herself.
A plan began to form in Maria’s mind. I’ll marry him, she thought. We will unite our kingdoms! I will forget Samoth, for he has nothing. Instead I will make this man my own.
“Come.” Maria gently steered Thomas toward a small table in the apartment. The table was in full view of the maids’ quarters, so he followed. “I’ll have the maid bring wine while we sit and talk.” Thomas held her chair, and when she was seated, he crossed and sat on the opposite side of the table.
“You are different from any man I have ever met,” Maria said as she brushed a hair from her face.
“Is that good or bad?” Thomas asked.
“It’s different and rather exciting. I’m a little unsure of myself. I usually take the lead, and most fall in line, but not you.”
Thomas made no comment while the maid produced two crystal goblets and a bottle of wine. She poured the wine and turned questioning eyes upon her mistress.
“That will be all,” Maria said as she waved the girl away. Turning to Thomas, she picked up her glass and held it aloft. “Will you offer a toast?”
“Under different circumstances, I would gladly offer a toast to your health, but I cannot wish you to remain as you are,” Thomas said calmly.
Maria studied him closely. Was he mocking her? “In what circumstances would you toast my health?” she asked.
“I would toast your health if you were truly free,” Thomas responded.
A cloud passed over Maria’s face. “Truly free? Whatever do you mean?”
“Dear lady,” Thomas began, “you are a prisoner here, just like me.”
“I beg your pardon,” she protested. “I am the Ravenna, Goddess of the Moon. I am not a prisoner.”
Thomas leaned back in his chair. “Yes, you are those things, and I’m sure your position gives you these pleasant rooms and many servants. But when are you free to walk the meadows, smell the flowers, or feel the grass beneath your feet? When can you look at the full moon
and simply thank God for His creation and not feel you must perform some ritual to please the gods?”
“I have all I need,” Maria said defensively.
“No, my lady,” Thomas said softly. “You lack one very important thing.”
“And what is that?” Maria asked.
“You don’t have Jesus. You can never experience true freedom until you accept Him into your life.”
Maria sat quietly for a moment. “Who is this Jesus?” she asked.
“He is the savior of mankind,” Thomas answered quietly.
This is not how it’s supposed to be going, Maria thought. I wanted to talk of marriage and uniting our kingdoms, and he wants to talk religion. Well, I can play along. I can be sweet and listen.
“How can I receive this thing you think I lack?” she asked, her voice remaining smooth.
“Leave this charade and join those who believe,” Thomas said evenly.
Maria stiffened. “Charade?” she asked, her voice becoming cool. “Who do you think I am? I am divine! I control the ebb and flow of life. Mankind lives or dies at my bidding. Do you think I am playing a game?”
Thomas watched her carefully.
“Besides,” Maria continued, “I cannot leave. There are only two ways out of the palace: through the front gate, or death.”
Thomas did not answer.
Maria suddenly felt helpless. This man was right. She was a prisoner here. Anger suddenly welled up inside her. Trying to regain her authority, she snapped, “Do you realize the power I have over your life? I can offer life and love, or I can have you executed.”
“The Lord gives all things,” Thomas said quietly. “You would have no power over me if it had not been given you from above.”
Maria felt the expression on her face change. “I know my own power,” she spat. “I thought I would make you my own. What a fool I’ve been. You have rebuffed me at every turn, throttling the mercy I meant for you. You even mock my authority! Is this god you believe in able to save you from my hand, or will he let you die?”
“He is able to save,” Thomas said quietly, “but He may allow me to die. He has asked others to endure such sacrifice. He asked it of His own Son.”
“You are a greater fool than I thought!” Maria shouted. “Loyalty should bring rewards, not death. No one in his right mind would serve a God who would ask such sacrifice.”
Unflinching, Thomas remained calm throughout her tirade.
Maria decided to soften her approach. “Come,” she said. “Let us reason together. You should not die. I will harbor you and keep you from my father. He has decreed that all from Amity must die. Become loyal to me, and I will reward you and make you great in my kingdom. You will have power and authority over many because of me. Don’t be a fool. Don’t follow a god who asks you to die for him.”
Thomas just smiled and gently shook his head.
Anger flashed in Maria’s eyes. “Can’t you see the paths of life and death? Why won’t you choose life?”
“I have chosen eternal life in Jesus Christ,” Thomas said quietly. “He has set me free. I may rot in your prison or die at your command, but I shall remain forever free in Jesus.”
Maria’s countenance became cold and hard. “You will regret this!” she said between clenched teeth. Turning toward her outer door, she called, “Guards!”
Several men burst into her room with swords drawn.
“Take this man away,” she ordered. “Make him honor me, but spare his life. I want to hear him recant with my own ears.”
Savage smiles passed around the group. “We’ve been waiting for this one,” someone sneered as rough hands dragged Thomas from the room.
Maria put her hands over her ears. She could hear each shriek that echoed in the hallway. What had she done? The face of the handsome slave grew in her mind. The memory of his eyes pierced her soul. A dark cloud covered her heart. “If he thinks his god has set him free, he is mistaken. He is mine! He can never escape.”
A mournful howl dwindled to a pathetic whimper.
Maria’s heart melted. “Enough!” she cried out to no one. “Bring him to me. I will heal his wounds. I will set him free.”
Another scream tore at her heart.
“Stop it!” she screamed into her empty room.
Suddenly Maria heard the latch to her room click softly. She leaped to her feet, wondering who would intrude upon her sorrow. Peeking from her bedroom, she saw Samoth slip quietly into the outer room and reclose the door.
She panicked. What should I do? I can’t let Samoth see me like this.
Samoth stole across the richly covered floor, clearly reveling that he alone could enter her chambers unannounced.
Maria plopped down before her mirror, yanked a brush through her tangled hair, and tried to dry her tears.
“My lady,” Samoth called coaxingly as he entered her private quarters.
“My prophet,” she responded without feeling.
Samoth studied her from the doorway. Maria was quiet and pensive, withdrawn into a world of her own. “Is something wrong?” he asked.
“Just leave me alone,” she said heatedly.
Samoth studied her for a long moment. “I thought I heard screams from your room, and I was worried about your safety. Are you sure everything is all right?”
She knew he was lying. Samoth only came to her when he needed entertainment. Suddenly she was angry with him and with herself. She felt used and dirty.
Samoth moved closer, and his hand stroked her exposed back. Maria had quite forgotten that she was still wearing the gown she had chosen for the interview.
“Don’t, Samoth!” she heard herself say. She had always yielded to his touch before, so her words surprised them both.
Samoth withdrew his hand, but it was his turn to be angry. “Something is wrong!” he declared. “Hadn’t you better tell me? Is it the man being tortured downstairs? I thought you had more stomach than that. A little screaming shouldn’t harm romance, should it?” He reached for her bare shoulders.
She pulled away. “I’m upset, that’s all,” she retorted. She had to think of something fast. Turning toward Samoth, she asked, “Do you love me?”
“Of course I do. You know that!”
“Will you marry me and take me away from here?”
“Whoa,” Samoth said, backing away. “Who has been planting those ideas in your pretty little head?”
There was a knock at the outer door, and the maid discreetly slipped out to answer. In a moment she returned to her mistress and announced, “My lady, they have brought him back.”
CHAPTER 24
Condemned
Guards held Thomas upright in the doorway. Samoth glanced at the broken man but did not appear to recognize Thomas at all.
Maria was shocked. This man did not even resemble the man she had longed for! She dared not look into his eyes. Struggling to control her emotions, she asked the guards, “Has he recanted?”
“No, my lady!”
Anger suddenly filled Maria’s heart. Boldly turning to Thomas, she asked, “Don’t you see the power I have over you?”
Thomas raised his head, and from his battered face, his eyes met hers. In a voice barely above a whisper, he said, “Dear lady, you would have no power if my Lord had not given it to you.”
Maria’s eyes turned cold, and deep furrows deformed the lovely lines of her face.
There was no defiance or anger as Thomas whispered, “Please, do not turn your back on the heavenly Father’s love. Yield to Him and find peace for your soul.”
The room grew silent. No one had ever addressed the princess so boldly.
Maria felt the color drain from her cheeks, and a deep pain settled in her chest. She wanted this man so badly she could not remain angry, but what of those watching? They were shocked by Thomas’s bol
dness. She dared not lose face before the guards or Samoth. She was, after all, divine.
Turning to Samoth, she suddenly realized that he was the answer to her problem. Looking back at Thomas, she asked, “So, you still want me to give up my throne and come with you to Amity?” She watched for Samoth’s reaction. She was sure he had not yet recognized her prisoner.
“Samoth,” she said, looking full into his face. “This Prince of Amity claims he is free while I am held prisoner.”
“Prince of Amity,” one guard whispered. “If I had known …”
Maria held out her hand for silence. “Let it be known that the Queen of Heaven is supreme. I shall continue to reign when this man is forgotten. Send him and his freedom to the oubliette!”
Shock registered around the room. The oubliette! Few had ever seen its dreaded door, but all had heard the stories.
Though others stood in dread silence, Samoth came to life. Recognition and hatred suddenly showed on his face and seemed to stir him into action. “I will toss this imposter through the door myself,” he whispered savagely.
Maria nodded her assent. “Thank you, my prophet!” She was glad the task was out of her hands.
Thomas caught Maria’s eye and spoke to her softly. “You may forget me, but the Lord Almighty will never forget you!”
Maria felt the color drain from her face, and Samoth snarled, “Get this scum out of here!”
The guards dragged Thomas into the hall, and Samoth shouted, “Hold him!” Jerking Thomas around to face him, he snapped, “Trying to steal my woman?” And with that his fist slammed into Thomas’s stomach.
Other fists flew. Men trained to hate Amity vented their wrath upon its prince. He must die, for he had rejected and humiliated their queen.
Finally Samoth fell away, exhausted. “Enough,” he panted. “Let him live to feel the terror of the dark door.”
Though the beating had come to a halt, the guards still hurled insults at their victim as they dragged Thomas down the hall.
Beyond the Fire Page 26