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Caleb walked into the small antechamber. Two dozen advisors, judges, leaders and magistrates waited for him at a plain, oaken table. A dozen torches flickered from iron wrought sconces. A plain, red carpet covered the stone floor. It was a small room, barely large enough for the group of leaders. But Caleb chose the room for this meeting due to its relative obscurity, one of hundreds of meeting rooms lost in the interior of the palace. Here, he hoped, this meeting would go unnoticed by most.
Caleb shut the door behind him and locked it with a single golden key. He placed the key deep in his side pocket. He took his chair at the head of the table. Twenty-four dour faces stared back at him. The business they met to discuss weighed heavily on all of them.
“Gentlemen, you all know why we meet here today. We would have only called this emergency meeting if it were absolutely necessary. The time has finally come,” Caleb said. He tried to look as solemn as his companions but within he felt exhilarated that he had finally rallied enough political support to launch a full scale coup against Solomon.
“The king’s most recent act was witnessed a week ago when he sought to slay Commander Jeroboam. We can only presume that Jeroboam, one of our finest soldiers, has been forced to flee to Egypt.”
The others murmured in disgruntlement.
“The lunacy of Solomon has reached an intolerable pitch. We cannot allow the king to banish the finest men in this court. Even now, Prelate Benaiah, whose only crime was to come seek his friend after six years of faithful service in Babylon, rots in the dungeons. How long must we continue to endure Solomon’s treachery?”
Caleb noticed a few faces look down in shame. He could tell several of the leaders felt guilty talking about the king in such a negative light. Caleb threw caution to the wind and pressed his point.
“We have been long in planning but slow in acting, hoping and praying our king would come to his senses, would change his course. We have waited long enough. For the past six years we have watched our king descend into greater and greater sin and debauchery. He shall not make a mockery of Israel, of Jerusalem anymore.”
Caleb stood to his feet and placed both hands on the table, leaning forward. “We must act quickly and decisively. We cannot hesitate. In two weeks time, I will sneak into Solomon’s chamber to slay him.” The faces melted from sobriety into horror. “It will appear to be a suicide. We will enthrone Rebecca’s son, Rehoboam, but he is too young to know how to run matters. In effect, the throne will be ruled by us.”
Several faces smiled at the remark, though many of those smiles appeared forced across their horrified visages.
“And, gentleman, we have a bonus to aid us in our task. Truly, Yah must be with us. May I introduce you all to Solomon’s second wife, Zeriah.” The dark-skinned Hittite stepped out of the shadows of an alcove, where she had waited for Caleb’s que. She wore a very skin-revealing gown, her dark hair cascading down her back. Several of the men gazed at her in open admiration.
“Zeriah has promised to help us in our task. She will ensure that she is the one assigned to sleep with Solomon in two week’s time. She will arrange to have any guards removed from Solomon’s bedchambers, from the corridors around. She will also give Solomon a concoction which will make him extremely dizzy and probably knock him out. It will be a simple task for me to finish him off.”
“You could save yourself the time,” Zeriah said cooly. “Let me give him the concoction and I will finish him off myself.”
Caleb laughed nervously. “My dear, it would not do to have a woman cover her hands in blood. We are not cowards. You do your part, we will do ours.”
Zeriah shrugged.
An older man stood to his feet, his face torn with anguish and frustration. “Do you really think we should ally ourselves with a Hittite woman to destroy our king? Have we all gone mad? This is foolishness. We never discussed, in all our plans to overthrow the throne, to actually murder Solomon! Can we really put his blood on our hands?”
Caleb narrowed his eyes. “Benjamin, Solomon is a threat to all of us as long as he lives. We do not have the political power to overthrow his regime without killing him. Or would you prefer to be tried as a traitor to the king?”
Benjamin opened his mouth and then shook his head, sitting down. Caleb made a mental note. He would have to keep a close eye on Benjamin. No one else dared to challenge Caleb. Most eyes looked eager and ready to begin.
“Why two weeks?” One Levite asked.
“It was the earliest Zeriah could ensure a night with her husband. Evidently, he was booked,” Caleb chuckled at his own joke, but Zeriah only scowled.
Caleb took a deep breath and then clapped his hands with a smile. “Well, then. I think we have finished this meeting. Let us continue in much prayer this next fortnight for the success of our plan.”
Joshua crossed the large hall of the domed emerald palace. He had just met with the queen, trying to encourage her through this very difficult time. Since Jeroboam had fled, Solomon had become worse, spending all his time in his bedroom with his concubines, never coming out, making himself drunk on his pleasure. Still, Joshua continued to pray and hope that the king would reach the end of himself . . . and soon. Rebecca, it seemed, had lost all hope but gratefully accepted Joshua’s continued encouragement.
“You’re a good friend, and a good soldier,” the queen had said through her tears. “I pray that when Solomon is restored, he may reward you properly.”
Joshua smiled at the memory and reached the crystal and glass gates of the palace. He prepared to exit the palace just as a dark form emerged from a corner and grabbed his arm. Joshua’s hand dropped to his sword.
“I’m a friend,” a whisper hissed.
Joshua tightened his grip on his sword and placed his free arm on the man’s shoulder. “Show yourself!”
“Not here! Not now! Come with me!” The stranger quickly let Joshua go. He led Joshua into a small chamber. It was a bare, windowless stone room. A few empty crates stood stacked against the far wall. One torch burned near the back.
The cloaked stranger shut the door and drew back his hood. Joshua saw the familiar, aged face of Benjamin, magistrate of the king’s court. Joshua had long trusted Benjamin as one of the more loyal advisors to the king. He looked very nervous.
“You’ve got to warn king Solomon, Joshua!” He said in a lowered voice, looking over his shoulder at the door as if afraid someone might burst in.
“What are you talking about, Benjamin?”
“The king! His life is in danger. In one week, Caleb and several leaders plan to assassinate Solomon. Zeriah is helping them. They plan to murder him in his own bedchamber and make it look like suicide. You must warn the king!”
Joshua shook his head. This cannot be. I’ve seen the malice in Caleb’s eyes toward the king, but not even he would dare rise against Solomon. Would he? “Caleb would never--”
“I was there, Joshua!” Benjamin said through clenched teeth. “I was at the meeting. I . . . I was part of a plan to launch a coup against Solomon, but no one ever spoke of murdering the king until that meeting. I would have warned you sooner, but Caleb has been watching my every move. This was the first chance I had to tell you. You must warn the king!”
Joshua saw the desperation and fear in Benjamin’s eyes. He could sense Benjamin spoke the truth. Joshua felt a chill creep up his back. “You are certain of this?”
Benjamin gripped Joshua’s arms. “You cannot delay. You must warn the king immediately.”
Joshua felt an immense burden suddenly drop onto his shoulders. “Alright. Thank you, Benjamin. I will warn him.”
Solomon stood on his balcony as the last of the late summer light faded beneath the rolling green of the Judean hill country. He sipped his wine and smiled. He felt good. Very good. The dreams had finally stopped. Jeroboam, although never found, was long gone. His wives and concubines seemed to be generally content, and he had even begun a new project with Caleb. He smiled. Even Caleb looked happier recently. Yes, everything is returning back to normal.
He frowned as he stared at the emerald palace. Except for Rebecca. I haven’t seen her in months. Perhaps I should visit her. Bring a rose. Solomon nodded, draining the last of his wine. Yes, a rose would be perfect for her.
A knock at the door scattered his thoughts. Solomon sighed in contentment and turned into his bedchamber. “Come in.”
The door opened and Joshua entered. He looked very worried. Solomon sank into his chair before the fire. “Would you care for some wine, Joshua?”
“No, my lord,” Joshua said, standing at attention behind him. “I have some urgent news for you, my king.”
Solomon looked up at him and could see the intensity in his eyes. “Well, speak up, then.”
“My lord and king,” Joshua began, his face white. “a reliable source has just informed me that you are in grave danger. There is a plot to murder you in one week.”
“Murder me?” Solomon laughed. “You must be joking!”
“No, sire, I am not. I wish I were. My source attended the meeting. They will make it look like you killed yourself. They have been planning this for months but only recently decided to put it in action. You must arrest Caleb and the others.”
“Caleb?” Solomon’s eyes widened. “Caleb is in on this?”
“Caleb leads the coup,” Joshua said. “And Zeriah is in on it as well.”
Solomon threw back his head, laughing. “My dear, dear, Joshua, who has filled your head with such nonsense!?
Joshua shook his head in desperation. “I assure you, my lord, your life is in danger. My source attended the meeting! You must act at once!”
Solomon chuckled. “Joshua, you have much still to learn. I’m not sure who this “source” is, but they pulled one on you. Caleb would never do such a thing. Nor would Zeriah for that matter. I may have enemies, but these are not among them and even if they were, who would be bold enough to plot such a thing against the greatest king on earth?”
Joshua stared at the king helplessly. “My lord, please. I know when someone tells me the truth.” He paused and then leaned toward the king. “He did not want me to reveal his identity, but perhaps this is the only way to convince you. It was Magistrate Benjamin. I would not have come to you if I had the least suspicion Benjamin had fooled me. Your life is in danger.”
Solomon waved his hand impatiently. “Commander, why did not Benjamin come to me himself then?”
“Because he fears Caleb is watching him too closely,” Joshua guessed.
Solomon nodded with a smile. “Oh, I see. Because Caleb might send his dogs on him and kill him? Oh, come on, Joshua, don’t tell me you are this gullible!”
Joshua backed a few steps away, clearly disturbed. “My lord, I am not mocking you! Please, have you ever known me to lie before? I am speaking the truth!”
Solomon stopped laughing and stared long and hard at Joshua. “You are telling me what you believe to be the truth. There is no doubt in my mind about that. Joshua, I will have a talk with Benjamin myself. Or will Caleb try to stop me from doing that as well?”
“Benjamin has left Jerusalem. I think he fled to Egypt.”
“Fled to Egypt?” Solomon crinkled his forehead. “My, my, it seems that is the place to go now a days, isn’t it?”
Joshua stared at his king in helpless frustration. “My king, are you drunk?”
Solomon cocked his head and smiled. “Yes, come to think of it, I probably am. This time of evening I am rarely sober.”
Joshua took the seat opposite Solomon and leaned forward. “Please, my king, I beg of you. Caleb has long hated you in his heart. I have seen it. I never thought he would plot to murder you, but he has. You must believe me. If you do not arrest him, you will die within the week.”
Solomon’s face grew serious. “Well, Joshua, I am weary of your tales of death and destruction. I’d like to enjoy my evening. You may go.”
Joshua stared at his king is disbelief. This cannot be happening! He has not believed a single word I have said! Will nothing get through to him? I’ve got to do something!
“I said you may go!” Solomon barked.
Joshua rose, saluted and quietly departed the room. The queen. She will know what to do. I’ll warn the queen.
Solomon sighed. What if Joshua was speaking the truth? What if the dreams were right? No. No, the prophet spoke of Jeroboam and was it not Jeroboam who had dominated his dreams? Jeroboam is gone. He cannot hurt me now. Caleb would never do such a thing. Certainly not his precious Zeriah. No . . . Joshua was a fool.
Solomon laughed and poured himself another glass of wine. In another hour he would be drunk enough to have even Xyla in bed with him for the night.
Joshua told Rebecca everything. She paled visibly, her trembling fingers brought to her mouth. They stood on the silver arched bridge high above the domed roof of her palace. Jerusalem spread out beneath them in the noon day sun.
“You are certain of this?” Rebecca pressed.
“Yes, my queen. Benjamin was not lying,” Joshua said. “Why else did he flee Israel?”
Her eyes reflected Joshua’s own dread. She pursed her lips. “Does anyone know that Benjamin told you this? Does Caleb or any of his followers know?”
“I don’t think so. I don’t see how.”
Rebecca nodded. “Good. Then we still have the advantage. You must not let them know, Joshua, or your life is in danger as much as the king’s. We must be extremely careful. Caleb is no fool. And he wields tremendous power in the king’s court.”
“I cannot believe Caleb would do this,” Joshua breathed, shaking his head.
Rebecca clenched her jaw grimly. “I can. I have seen the malice growing in Caleb over the years. He once loved and respected Solomon, but that was long ago. He has grown impatient with the king’s folly. I think Benaiah tried to warn Solomon about this. My husband has created many enemies. He has turned some of his best friends and most loyal supporters into his greatest foes.”
“If Solomon does not act, he will be murdered. I do not know the exact evening they plan to commit the murder so I don’t see how I can protect the king. I suppose I could try and keep watch at his bedchamber every night starting tonight . . .”
“No, no,” Rebecca shook her head. “If you do that Caleb will suspect that you know something. He will try to eliminate you. Besides, even if you do, he has enough people working for him to overpower you. No, you need someone who . . . Joshua!”
Joshua looked up as the queen’s eyes widened.
“Captain Benaiah!” Rebecca exclaimed. “You must free him.”
“My lady?”
“You must free him from the dungeon. He will know what to do. I know it. If anyone can think of a way to foil Caleb, it would be Benaiah. You have to set him free.”
“But, my queen,” Joshua frowned. “he is in the dungeons by order of the king. If I were to release him . . . I could be stoned.”
Rebecca gripped Joshua’s arms. “You must rescue him, Joshua. Please. The queen is asking you to break your king’s command. It is to save his life. Solomon will forgive you.”
Joshua shook his head. “My lady, I have never violated the king’s commandment before. Are you sure this--”
“Commander!” Rebecca snapped. “Benaiah risked his life and career to return here for the sake of the king. Now he is paying the price for his love. You must now risk your life and career in order to save the king from his own death. Solomon’s life hangs in the balance!”
Joshua saw the fire burning in Rebecca’s eyes and suddenly realized what a strong willed, amazing woman this daughter of the pharaoh was. Joshua found his own strength from her iron gaze.
“Yes, my queen. You are right. Forgive me,” Joshua said.
“Go to Benaiah. Free him. He will know what to do.”
Joshua bowed low and hurried from the palace.
Benaiah blinked against the harsh light as the thin beam widened. A form filled the open door before he heard boots scraping against stone. He shook his head from his fitful sleep. His arms burned and a half eaten piece of stale bread lay at his feet. He felt so tired. So weary. How long had he been in here now? Three months? Four? He had lost count.
The form emerged from the shadows. Joshua. Benaiah breathed a sigh of relief. Dear Joshua. He had not seen him in over a month. What a wonderful face to behold.
“No food?” Benaiah croaked from parched lips.
Joshua shook his head, pulling out some keys. “No. We will feed you soon enough. But not here.”
“What?” Benaiah asked as Joshua unlocked his hands and then bent down to unlock his feet.
“Joshua, what are you doing?”
“I am getting you out of here.”
“By whose order?”
“The queen’s.”
Benaiah weakly stumbled forward as the heavy iron latches that had held his ankles for four months slid free. Joshua helped him walk toward the stairs.
“You cannot do this. You will both be stoned.”
“The king’s life is in danger. He needs your help,” Joshua said in a whisper. He helped the weak man up the steps.
Benaiah winced against the pain of his sore muscles and aching bones as Joshua forced him up the steps. When they stepped into the cavernous light of the underground hall, Benaiah blinked back. He had not seen such light in a long time.
“You look terrible,” Joshua said.
“Not nearly as terrible as I feel,” Benaiah quipped.
“Come on, let’s get you fed and cleaned up. I’ll explain everything along the way.”
Benaiah, now washed and fed, stroked his red beard as he sat in the library with Joshua. They studied the floor plans of the king’s court, particularly the halls and corridors around his bedchamber.
“It is going to be difficult,” Benaiah said. “No matter how we go about this, Caleb will have a chance of discovering us and either delaying his plan until he can remove us or overpowering us when he discovers what we are doing.”
“Is there a way we can hide in the bedchamber itself? Until Caleb actually enters the room?”
Benaiah pursed his lips, studying the plans. He suddenly smacked his forehead. “The royal attic, of course!”
“Captain?” Joshua raised an eyebrow.
“It was something David used to access the roof of his chamber. He liked going up for a stroll in the evening. I don’t even know if Solomon knows about it.”
“Are you saying his bedchamber is accessible by the roof?” Joshua asked. “Does Caleb know this?”
Benaiah shook his head. “No, very few do. I only knew of it because I saw David use it once. I’ve never seen it used or heard mention of it since.”
Joshua smiled. “Then that could be our chance!”
Benaiah nodded. “Yes, but it will only allow one of us in.”
“What do you mean?”
“We can both get on the roof, but the attic passage above the bedchamber ceiling is only large enough for one man. I’ll be able to see the room through a screen mesh but you will have to stay outside.”
“What if Caleb overpowers you? Or someone under Caleb finds out you are there when you attack Caleb? What if Zeriah calls for help?”
Benaiah stroked his red beard. “As soon as I drop into the room, I will toss up something, a scarf or cloak, onto the roof above. That will be your cue to gather the best soldiers and bring them into the bedchamber. You’ll have to act quickly.”
Joshua frowned. “I don’t like this. If we came through the corridor we could stay together. There is a better chance we can win if we stay together.”
“No,” Benaiah shook his head. “It greatly reduces our chances. We will be too exposed. Caleb will almost certainly see us before he comes. There is no good place to hide. And if we stay in one of the rooms, we may miss Caleb’s arrival. Besides, I could not allow Caleb to enter Solomon’s bedchamber without being in the chamber myself. I would have to stop him in the hall. If I do that, he could bolt or have other men waiting. It’s too risky.”
Joshua folded his arms. “So is the roof idea. You may be more hidden, but you will be alone. Too many things could go wrong. Solomon will be drugged, so he won’t be able to help you.”
Benaiah grinned wolfishly. “We’ll just have to pray Yah is with us.”
Joshua sighed and nodded but could not think of a better plan. He felt his shoulders slump. “I don’t like it.”
“Neither do I,” Benaiah agreed, tapping his finger on the floor plan near the bedchamber. “But it’s the only plan that can work.”
