Nezzar

Part Two: The Furnace

Maybe it was the manner with which they spoke or the way they carried themselves, but there was something different about the three men Arioch led to the king's dais. Belteshazzar possessed the same air—the unbending spirit of a person who would never conform to something they did not believe in. Such a trait would come across as admirable, but not today.

The three magi, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, did not need to speak a word; their countenance alone shouted their defiance. It was in the bold manner they followed after Arioch when he came to lead them to the king. Not a sliver of fear. Arioch's grip tightened around the hilt of his sword. Just what gave them such irrational boldness even in the face of death?

King Nebuchadnezzar was discussing with a few officials when Arioch presented the men. Within that time, Arioch had hoped the defiant men would finally understand the severity of the accusations levelled against them and at least show some contrite emotions. Nothing of that nature occurred. They stood straight, expression serene as they waited for the king's word.

Finally, King Nebuchadnezzar turned his attention to the men. His eyes no longer shone with their previous merriment, instead they were cold and clouded with his deep displeasure. As his gaze lingered on the young men one at a time, an ominous silence fell upon the gathering.

Those who had reported the trio stood to the left, their expression tight with contempt save for the one they call Raman. He wore a small, satisfied smile, his eyes reflecting a cold deadness Arioch found disconcerting.

"I heard you do not serve my gods or worship the image of gold I have set up. But I will give you a chance to prove these men wrong." Seeming to abandon his initial displeasure, King Nebuchadnezzar settled more comfortably on his throne and rested his jaw on a fist. "Now, when you hear the music, if you are ready to fall down and worship the image I made, very good. But if you do not worship it, you will be thrown immediately into a blazing furnace." A scowl twisted his face. "Then what god will be able to rescue you from my hand?"

Arioch's attention swung to the three men. Surely, they would act as commanded. King Nebuchadnezzar was not the type to give a second chance or show patience in the face of disobedience. That he was being this considerate was a great shock.

Do not be stubborn and bow.

The one called Abednego stepped forward. "King Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter."

Arioch released a low breath of pitying disappointment.

"If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it, and he will deliver us from Your Majesty's hand," Abednego calmly said despite the volcanic change taking over the king's expression.

These idiots!

"But even if He does not deliver us, we want you to know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up."

The queen's jaw fell open at Abednego's bold declaration. The look on the king's face was another matter—a virulent mix of thunderous rage and murderous loathing.

"Then you shall surely die," King Nebuchadnezzar spat, fist slamming against his armrest and glare blazing. "I will watch you burn until nothing but ash remains." Snapping his attention to Arioch, he said, "Get the strongest among my men, have them bind these vermin and cast them into the furnace. I WANT THE FIRE SEVEN TIMES HOTTER. SEVEN TIMES!"

Arioch hastily bowed. "Yes, Your Majesty."

Soon all was done as the king commanded, but the heat from the furnace was at a dangerous level. Arioch feared for the safety of the men tasked with throwing the three men into the fire.