A Gift for Artibus

By James Horaney

A biblical / archeological thriller taking place across three time periods.

• Language: English
• Publisher: BookBaby
• Release date: Feb 4, 2019
• ISBN: 9781543960556

Book preview

Sixty

CHAPTER ONE

The sky was exceptionally clear, the purest blue she could ever remember. She knew the night would be very cold and uncomfortable. Joseph, we must find a suitable inn for the evening.

I know Mary, I know. But we have tried all the inns in this area, and all seem to be full. The census is the reason. Every citizen must return to their family’s origin to register for the count. Do not worry, I remember a small inn on the edge of Bethlehem that was clean and owned by a good-hearted woman. We will be there in less than two hours.

If you say so, Joseph; but you should know, my time is near. I feel my water is near bursting; our child could be born this very night.

Will your cousin Martha and her husband be in Bethlehem for this census? Joseph asked.

I think they will arrive in a few days, Joseph. The baby is growing so fast—will our child be very large?

It’s hard to tell, Mary, but the angel did say not to worry. He said God has blessed us with his own. Joseph paused. I have to say, when Martha’s husband Zachary was struck dumb by the angel of God, well, it made me realize the awesome power of the divine one.

She knew this was Joseph’s way of reassuring her of his love for her and his belief in the message of God that this child would be born to a virgin.

Look, Mary, just over the hill is the inn I told you about.

It’s a good sign Joseph, and not a moment too soon. The labor pains have started.

Joseph knocked insistently on the heavy wooden door of the inn. After a short time, a woman answered. She was an older woman. The years of hard work showed in the way she moved.

Yes? she asked.

My wife and I need a room for the evening. Do you have anything to rent? We have traveled a great distance, and she is with child.

I am so sorry, the woman said. We have been full for the last week. I don’t think you will find anything to accommodate you in this city. As she watched the look of disappointment cross over Joseph’s face, she asked, Did you say your wife is with child?

Yes, the pains have started; my wife feels the child will be born this very night.

Then you must get her inside, out of the cold. Possibly you could use my small stable. It is not the best shelter, but it will be better than the open desert on a night that will be cold.

Thank you madam, we will try to make your offer as comfortable as possible.

Please take care, for the animals of the guests are housed in the stable as well as my own small herd.

Returning to Mary, Joseph said, Mary, we have a place to spend the night.

Wonderful, Joseph. Did you have to pay a great deal to rent the last room?

Not exactly; the room will have a few inconveniences.

What will those inconveniences be, Joseph?

It may be a little drafty, Mary, and maybe not as clean as we would like it to be.

I see. Well you have always been a good provider for us, and God will certainly watch over us.

Yes, Joseph answered. But in his heart he was very concerned. The night would be cold but also dry. This was some comfort to him. But what would happen when the baby was born? Joseph, like all men of his time, left the birthing process to the midwife, who assisted the birth. His only experience was with the birth of small animals such as lambs and calves. One thing he knew was that he needed to make his wife as comfortable as possible. He set about finding a place to make a sleeping area that would be warm and dry. Once he had done this task he felt better about their prospects for the night.

After a light supper of bread and strong tea, he covered Mary with the blanket used for the donkeys’ rider. She seemed comfortable and tired, but well. Joseph soon fell asleep nearby.

Sometime after the midnight hour, he became aware of a presence. When he sat up to see who was with them in the stable, he was blinded by a light so bright that his eyes ached all the way to the back of his head. A voice called to him: Joseph, you have done all that God has asked of you, and he has delivered his son into your care.

In an instant the light was gone and he became aware of Mary near his side. The baby was in her arms and the cord was severed. Both mother and baby were awake and radiant. Mary spoke softly. Joseph, an angel has visited us and we have fulfilled the ancient prophecy. This truly is the son of the most holy one.

I know, Mary, and I for one am scared. What if we are not worthy parents? What If we should let some harm come to this little one?

Do not worry so, Joseph, she replied. All new parents have these fears. Listen: do you hear what I hear? The heavens are singing his praises even as we lay here in this small stable.

When Joseph turned his ear to the outside of the stable, he heard a glorious choir singing glory to God in the highest and peace on earth to men of good will.

Thinking that surely there must be a large crowd outside of the stable, he got up and went to the door. To his astonishment, there was no one near the stable. The windows of the inn were closed and all were asleep. However, there was something unusual about the evening sky. A star had appeared directly overhead. A star that was so bright that Joseph felt he could reach up and touch it. When he saw this sign he was possessed by a great calmness and he knew whatever the situation, he would be able to protect Mary and the child. They would name the baby Jesus; just as the angel had told them to do.

Returning to the stable, Joseph found a small manger used to hold the feed for the animals. He placed some straw in the manger and wrapped the baby in a swaddling that had been left by a previous traveler. Soon, the quiet of the night and the excitement overpowered both he and Mary and they slept the deep satisfying sleep of those loved by God.

In the morning when he had wakened, Mary was up and looking positively radiant. He was amazed at her state of health as well as the mental serenity she possessed. I will ask the innkeeper for some bread and tea, Mary.

Yes, Joseph, please do, and also for some clean scraps of cloth that we can use to keep the baby warm and comfortable.

As Joseph opened the door of the stable, he was startled to see three very prosperous-looking men patiently waiting with their attendants. His first thought was that these men were waiting to retrieve their mounts from the stable.

I’m so sorry, Joseph said, we should not keep you from your animals. My wife gave birth to our first son last night and we were somewhat tired. We overslept this morning.

Melchior, the oldest of the three, was astounded by the look of the man staring back at him from the door of the stable. He thought this surely cannot be a person related to the Magi. Who are you? Melchior asked.

I am Joseph of Nazareth. My wife and I have journeyed to Bethlehem to register for the census. Who are you?

My name is Melchior. My companions and I have been given a sign from the angel of God. The angel told us the king of the Jews will be born in Bethlehem. We were told to follow the brightest star to the location of his birth. Surely you have noticed the star. But, this place is not likely the birth place of the King of the Jews?

Joseph took a moment to look the men over. They were not armed and they were very prosperous-looking men, almost royal in appearance and stature. He was suddenly overcome with the need to tell these men that their search was over.

Come in my dear Melchior, and bring your companions with you. I will show you the treasure you seek.

The other two dismounted at once and followed Joseph into the stable. As they entered, Mary looked up and drew the baby closer.

God’s blessing to you, madam, Melchior said as he bowed before her.

And to you, Mary responded. What brings you three men to this humble stable on this blessed day?

We are in search of the Magi, as the prophets have foretold. We have been following the bright star for many nights. The angels of the one God have said that the location of the greatest King of the Jews will be under this star. Last night we noticed the star was no longer moving to the west, as it has been for several months. We positioned ourselves, as we were instructed to do, and waited. When the sun rose over the hills, we found ourselves here, in front of this stable. Could it be true that the Magi is really here, with you and your husband?

Mary hesitated. Yes, good, sirs, it is true. Our son was born last evening. May I present him to you? This is Jesus of Nazareth, the one you seek.

Upon seeing the child, all three men knelt before him and Mary, their tears of joy falling in the dust of the stable floor.

As the three men and Mary began relating their stories to each other, Joseph excused himself and went to find the innkeeper. He had almost forgotten his need to find some food and warm clothing for Mary and the child. The innkeeper met him at the door with a kind smile.

Tell me, sir, did your wife give birth yet, or is she waiting for a better room?

"On the contrary, my good woman, she gave birth this past night in your stable. The baby boy and my wife are in good health. But I need to ask if you might sell us some food and warm clothing, as we have none.

The innkeeper was considered one of the best midwives in the area, and she felt a little professional jealously at this startling news. However, the care of the baby and mother was more important at this time. She quickly gathered up some bread, cheese, and water along with a new piece of fine Roman cloth she had traded for recently.

Later, the innkeeper and Mary were taking care of the baby while Joseph and the three visitors were drinking their morning tea.

Joseph, Melchior asked, what are your plans for protecting this child from Herod’s people?

Plans, my good Melchior? Why would the great Herod be a threat to such a small child? Does the governor of this province not want the population to be strong and large in number?

I must tell you, Joseph that we were summoned for an audience with the great Herod as we were following the bright star to this place. Herod showed a strong interest in the prophecies of a great King of the Jews. When we explained that the new king was to be born in Bethlehem, he seemed to relax. He made a few remarks about a child leading an army against his legions. This talk has made me think Herod would like to find the child and end his life before he becomes a man and causes problems. Herod asked that we return when we have found the new King and give him a report, so that he may pay homage to this so-called King of the Jews. The three of us have discussed our conversation with Herod and have concluded that you should take mother and child and flee to the south as soon as you are able to travel.

But where would we go? Joseph asked. And how would we live? I am not a wealthy man. I am a carpenter, a tradesman.

Joseph, we have brought gifts for the child: frankincense, myrrh, and gold. It’s not a lot, but it should be enough to get you to Egypt, the land of Cleopatra. There you will be safe from Herod and the Roman pagans.

Joseph knew they were giving him an honest assessment of their view of Herod. For it was well known by those who had witnessed Herod’s actions that he was a cautious governor but also was a cold man who would not hesitate to have any opposition eliminated swiftly.

I will talk to Mary about this when we are ready to leave, Joseph said. But tomorrow I must register for the census.

No, Joseph, you must not register for this census. Herod will be able to find you if you do this. What you must do is leave this area and go to Egypt at once.

While Mary and the innkeeper were working with the baby, she could not help but overhear the conversation being carried on by Joseph and the three visitors. She had talked to these men most of the morning and felt the goodness of them. It was almost as if they were family. Their warmth and adoration of the baby and the kindness and respect showed to her garnered a complete trust in these three men.

Joseph, Mary said, we must not be afraid to take the necessary steps to protect the child. God will watch over us and guide us; it is his will.

But Mary, we have only the word of these three men that Herod is aware of this child. They may be mistaken.

I do not believe they are wrong, Joseph. They have sat with Herod; they know what is in his heart. We must do as they say and make plans to leave this area until it is safe to return.

We will sleep here tonight, Mary. Then perhaps in the morning, when we have had a chance to think this through, we will be able to plan our future.

Joseph arranged for all of them to retire for the evening, knowing that Mary would be up several times this night to care and feed the baby. As Joseph laid his head on the straw pallet, he was startled by a blinding light surrounding an angel of God. This was just as it had happened before when he found out Mary was with child. The angel said, Joseph, what do you think God, the father, wants you to do?

I do not know what God wants from me. I am a small man in the eyes of Herod and his Roman legions. Surely, I cannot do battle with all of Rome, Joseph said.

Oh, but you can if you choose to, said the angel. If God is at your side, all things are possible. Here is what you are to do. You must leave this place at once and flee to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you to return. Herod will try to find the child and his family and do away with all of you.

Joseph was so shocked by the angel’s confirmation of what the three visitors had told them that he lay awake through the night planning their escape into Egypt. By dawn he had a plan. He would take Mary and the child to Egypt at once. When they had found a suitable place to live, he would ply his trade as a carpenter to provide a living for them. Perhaps the child would learn his earthly father’s trade and apprentice to him.

CHAPTER TWO

In the self-assessment portion of her doctoral dissertation, she had described herself as a white female, five foot four inches tall, with a medium complexion, auburn hair, and hazel eyes. She thought of herself as average, but most would describe her as wholesome. The University of Notre Dame bestowed the doctorate on her with distinction and offered her a position in the department of Archaeology. Her field experience had been limited to two minor projects, one in the southwest United States and the other in Lebanon. Each of the projects lasted less than six months, and neither resulted in earth-shattering discoveries. However, she loved the excitement of a dig and found the classroom somewhat boring. Ann Marie Phillips had hit the proverbial wall in her life at a mere twenty-nine years of age. The men in her life seemed to represent the artifacts she searched for in a dig. Nice, but not extraordinary, so far.

Ann Marie! Hey, Ann Marie, how are you? Adam Grimm, Doctor of Anthropology, said as he approached from the faculty parking lot.

Hi Adam, how goes the wonderful world of Anthropology? she said. Still making a living off wealthy patrons who crave a piece of antiquity?

And a good living it is, Adam shot back with a chuckle. I’m glad I ran into you, Ann Marie. There’s something I want to run by you. I want to see if you would be interested in leaving this splendid life of academia for fame and fortune. Are you free to have a cup of coffee with me?

Sure, but it can’t be for more than a cup or two. I’ve got a three-o’clock class waiting to take a midterm exam and prove to the world that I’m one great teacher.

That shouldn’t be too hard to do from what I have been hearing. The word is that your class is a must for all male students whose eyes are sore from reading and looking at the good fathers.

You sure know how to make a girl feel good, Adam.

They made their way to the student union and found a booth away from the louder student section. Adam bought the coffee while Ann Marie made herself comfortable. She had been coming to this union for more than ten years. She still experienced a touch of excitement when she entered the life hub of the campus. As he set the coffee down, and removed his jacket, Adam had a serious look on his face that seemed to say there was serious business to discuss.

Ann Marie, I’ll get right to the point. Some wealthy patrons have asked me to put together a team for the purpose of exploring a site in eastern Lebanon. They feel the possibility exists for major discoveries. You’ve some experience in that area of the country. I think you would be a valuable member of the team.

But Adam, I have a position here at the university. I can’t just pack up and leave.

I know that. Listen, the project won’t get under way before the end of this semester. You could finish your work here and join us in June. I’ve checked with the department head and he thinks it’s a splendid idea. It would give the department some notoriety to have an experienced archaeologist on staff. He will grant a sabbatical for field work on this project and be happy you are doing it.

How long would this project last? she asked.

I think it could be a year or two, possibly less.

Wow, Adam, why would I want to commit two summers of my life to a dig in the Middle East? They don’t even want Americans there, let alone American women. The sun will dry me up like a prune, and my social life would be limited to babysitting undergrads who think a big time is beer and pizza.

Adam looked up, clearly trying to choose his words carefully. Ann Marie, I can’t give you all the details of the project until you sign on. But I can say that this is not an ordinary dig for artifacts.

What do you mean, not an ordinary dig? There are no ordinary digs. Each project is unique. What makes this one any different from the rest?

Let me just say, we have reason to believe the artifacts we might find will date back to the first part of the first century AD. They could be priceless.

Come on, Adam, every project in that area—or any other area, for that matter—starts with the promise of untold treasures, valuable beyond the imagination. You and I both know very little is gained by way of riches in a dig. The real value lies in the knowledge we gain about past civilizations.

Even so, Ann Marie, this one is for real. I hate to rush you on this, but I will need an answer within the next two weeks. If you’re not interested in this, please tell me as soon as possible so I can line up another top-notch scientist.

Later, as Ann Marie finished collecting the exam papers from the last two students left in the classroom, she placed them in her briefcase with the others and grabbed her coat from the coat rack. It was close to five o’clock when she arrived at her apartment. Dinner would be a salad and hot tea to be eaten while she corrected this afternoon’s tests.

As she sat down with the television turned to CNN, she recalled her conversation with Adam Grimm in the student union. Adam’s mention of first-century artifacts kept running through her thoughts. For Adam to mount a major expedition was one thing, but first-century artifacts meant this was something really new. To date, the feeling was that all the possible sites had been discovered. True, some had not been excavated as yet, but these were thought to be minor sites that would yield some basic tools and pots only to confirm what was already known about the area.

As she continued to think about it, the question she kept asking herself was why all the secrecy? Adam was usually up front about his projects, almost to the point of being boastful. And what was going on with the department head, Father Timothy, indicating he would approve a sabbatical to join the team without first discussing it with her? Ann Marie would definitely have a discussion with the good father in the morning. She was not happy about someone planning her life and career for her after twenty-nine years of handling that job herself.

CHAPTER THREE

Adam Grimm liked the finer things in life. In fact, he craved the luxury that life offered when he was not on assignment in some Third-World country looking for the key to the past civilizations that still intrigued him to this day. His taste in women had cost him most of the sizable income he had earned throughout his career. He knew this would probably not change. Ann Marie was a woman he admired for her intelligence as well as her looks and personality; but he never let pleasure interfere with business. She was a very competent archeologist who was familiar with the region where they would be working. Her presence would be a huge benefit to the team.

He had inquired about her present life and found it to be unencumbered with the day-to-day trials of love and financial issues that most young people were saddled with. His life, on the other hand, left much to be desired.

The phone rang in the office just off the great room where he was sitting. Adam went to it and answered it. The voice on the other end was not familiar. Doctor Adam Grimm, please?

Yes, speaking.

Doctor Grimm, I am an associate of Mr. Carlos Del Vista. I think you are acquainted with him. In fact, Doctor Grimm, Mr. Del Vista is somewhat hurt that you have not been in contact with him recently. He feels you might be avoiding him. He has asked me to contact you and make arrangement for a payment on the debt you owe him.

Listen, Mr…what did you say your name was?

I didn’t say, Doctor, and I do not have the time or patience to listen to any excuses. A payment is due. I will expect to have it delivered to my hotel by five o’clock Saturday evening.

But that’s too soon. I have to arrange withdrawals.

Five o’clock Saturday, Doctor Grimm; or we will be meeting in person and in not such pleasant circumstances. By the way, I am at the Marriott; ask for Mr. Matts. The line went dead with a loud click.

Adam felt the room begin to sway. He was foolish to think he could ignore this latest gambling debt to Del Vista. One-hundred thousand dollars was a considerable sum. How had he gotten this far into debt with a guy like Del Vista?

He would need to get in touch with Tommy Myer first thing in the morning. He could count on Tommy for a quick loan of five thousand; that would get Del Vista off his back for a month or two. After that his luck would have to change. He was overdue for a good run. Besides, this latest project would make him wealthy beyond any requirements his lifestyle demanded. He was determined; nothing would get in his way—nothing!

The phone beside his bed rang at 7:15 a.m. Adam rolled over and reached for the receiver; he was still half asleep and his head felt like it weighed fifty pounds. Hello, whose calling?

I’ll tell you who’s calling, you big jerk! It’s Jackie, your loving ex-wife. You are six months behind in your alimony payments, and I’m on my way downtown to see the judge and have you picked up for nonsupport.

Oh come on, Jackie, the only thing you have to support is a shopping habit. Why don’t you sell some of your extensive shoe collection and pay off the national debt?

"Don’t get smart with me, Adam; you owe me forty-eight-hundred dollars. I want it today. The noise of the receiver hitting the cradle was enough to make Adam’s head feel like it had exploded. He thought, why me, Lord? He knew all she wanted the money for was to do some shopping and to take another trip to Las Vegas with that clown of a boyfriend.

As he sat down with his first cup of coffee and the morning paper, Adam began to prioritize his financial woes. He was in need of ten thousand dollars today. His bank account had just over one thousand dollars in it. He needed to maintain that balance for emergencies. His only hope was to convince Tommy Meyer to advance him the ten thousand against potential profits from the project.

CHAPTER FOUR

The sun was at that point in the sky when its heat was virtually inescapable. The heat penetrated everything and drew all moisture into the dry desert air. Breathing was almost uncomfortable. Jim Haley enjoyed these days for reasons even he could not explain. He had loved the desert from the first time he had come here with his mother and father over twenty-two years ago.

His father was a crew chief for Aramco when oil was becoming liquid gold. His family relocated here from Idaho. His mother lasted four months before she gave up on the desert and moved back to the states. Jim and his father had lived here ever since; with the exception of the four years he spent at Idaho State, getting his degree in Geology. The last ten years had seen Jim working in a different area than even he would have thought possible. He was considered one of the most knowledgeable and capable excavation directors in a region that thrived on archaeological activity.

Today, however, Jim was starting a long-overdue vacation. He was in Beirut, sitting at a small sidewalk café enjoying a cool lemon drink and thinking about the dinner he would have with Lorrece this evening. The last time he had seen her, she was very angry with him because of his lack of commitment to an exclusive relationship. But what the heck, the way Jim saw it, she had the same problem. In fact, neither one of them was the type to sit home and wait for the other to complete a long assignment away from home and hearth. Jim knew she was overreacting to not getting her way and hoped she was looking forward to their dinner as much as he was.

As he was thinking about Lorrece, he noticed a panel truck lumbering down the road in front of the American Embassy. The odd thing about the truck—to a keen mechanic’s mind such as Jim’s—was how hard it was working to maintain a relatively slow speed on a level stretch of road. The load must be far in excess of what the truck was designed for. Man, he laughed to himself; these Arabs were always pushing equipment to the limit. As the truck passed in front of him, he got a look at the driver. The man was wearing a ceremonial robe generally worn at religious ceremonies such as weddings and funerals.

The truck lumbered by and continued to the corner before turning. Jim laughed to himself again and called to the waiter for a refill of his drink. When the drink was refilled, Jim paid the waiter, leaving a generous tip on the tray, and he returned to his evaluation of his relationship with Lorrece.

A loud backfire interrupted his thoughts. Looking up, Jim saw the same panel truck making a turn onto the road coming toward him once again. This time the driver seemed to be looking for a parking space near the embassy. As the driver slowed down to look for an available space, Jim began to get an uneasy feeling. The driver did not find the parking space he was looking for and proceeded past the sidewalk café once again.