Influence of a King

CHAPTER 2

At the synagogue, Chad reached up to make sure his yarmulke was in place before sliding into the pew next to his father. Settled, his eyes moved about the sanctuary in expectation. The sacred building was as resplendent as any of the sanctuaries of old. The stained glass dome cast a merry glow, while the walnut ark before the congregation rein- forced the solemnity of their gathering.

Rabbi Betzalel walked to the recess on the wall, which was flanked by two eternal lamps. He ran his fingers across the row of scrolls and settled on one. After pulling it from its place, he climbed the elevated platform, opened the Torah, cleared his throat, and began to read.

With his deep-set eyes, he read a portion of the Torah with great deliberation, while the congregation remained in deep silence. His stature seemed frail as though he had fasted for days on end. Even his long silver beard seemed too heavy to rest on his chest, but his voice boomed loudly with the strength of clashing brass.

Chad tried not to wriggle on the hard seat.

After the traditional reading, everyone in the sanctuary spent

minutes in meditation, then in the confession of their sins. There-

after they praised and worshipped before making their petitions

known to God.

"O God, make me the man that I am meant to be. Place your seal

upon me, and take pleasure in everything that concerns me," Chad

prayed.

All around him, prayers were offered in earnest.

During a brief interlude, Rabbi Betzalel kept his face down for an extended length of time as if he was in deep contemplation.

When he finally raised his head, Chad thought he saw tears in his eyes.

"My brothers and my sisters, it is not news to us all that things are not well with the king of England."

A hush fell over the room. Even the babies who had been restless or crying, quietened.

He continued. "We understand that the king lies on his sick bed at Craigweil House in Aldwick, and the inevitable is steadily making its way there. I, for one, wonder who will preserve his legacy."

Some persons in the congregation murmured.

"Unfortunately, the first in line to the throne has not hid his indis-

cretions and illicit liaisons with older married women, or his love for

societal graces. We have not confirmed this, but it is whispered in the

palace that it is wished that Edward would one day fall off a horse and

break his neck while steeple chasing!"

Gasps reverberated through the room.

"Please, I seek not to tarnish the image of anyone, but I must reg-

ister our reality. If indeed these statements are true, particularly that

which claims the king has cursed Prince Edward; that the prince

would ruin himself within twelve months of ascending the throne after

the king's death; and has gone further to bless his second son, praying

to God that nothing will come between him and the throne, there is

cause for concern. It is troublesome."