Read Online The Strength of His Hand by Lynn Austin - Free Book Online

prince in several years—since the night Gedaliah had planned to assassinate his brother—and he wished he didn’t have to see him now.
    “I received your urgent summons,” Gedaliah said. “What’s so important that I had to drop everything and run up here to Jerusalem?” The prince looked gritty and ill-tempered after his journey from Lachish. He stood in the doorway with his hands on his hips, glaring angrily.
    “Close the door, Gedaliah, and sit down.”
    “It must be awfully serious if I have to sit down.”
    Shebna watched him sink onto the pile of cushions and wished, as he had wished for days, that Hezekiah had an heir. Any son, no matter how young, would be preferable to this arrogant prince. Why had the king been so stubborn about taking another wife? It was obvious to everyone that Hephzibah was barren. Shebna cursed Yahweh’s laws for leading to this impossible situation.
    “Where are all your servants?” Gedaliah asked, looking around. “I could use a drink.”
    “I sent them away. I did not want anyone to hear our conversation.” Shebna got up and poured Gedaliah a drink, then set the flask of wine on the table beside him. “Here. Drink all you want.”
    “Aren’t you having any?”
    “No.” He wanted to get this meeting over with. He had already delayed it as long as he dared. “I summoned you because your brother is gravely ill.”
    Gedaliah swirled the wine around in the goblet, studying it. “Oh? What’s the matter with him?”
    “I will be blunt. The king is dying.”
    Gedaliah sat up, suddenly showing interest. “Dying? Really?”
    Shebna watched several emotions play across Gedaliah’s face, but as they transformed from surprise to slow comprehension to delight, Shebna had to look away.
    “Well!” Gedaliah said after a long pause. “Well! I don’t know what to say. This is quite a surprise. My brother’s dying, is he? Why didn’t you send for me sooner? I could have used more time to—”
    ‘‘We did not believe he might die until a few days ago when the boil appeared. His condition has deteriorated very rapidly since then.”
    “I’m sorry to hear that.” But Gedaliah’s face betrayed him; he was overjoyed. Shebna lost control.
    “Curse you, Gedaliah! How dare you sit there and pretend you are sorry. You have waited all your life for this opportunity!”
    “All right, Shebna. You don’t have to shout at me. I’ll admit it. I’m delighted.” Gedaliah smiled, and Shebna fought the urge to slap his face. “But wouldn’t any man be pleased to hear that he’s about to become king?”
    “Perhaps some of your joy will be tempered when you see what an agonizing death your brother is suffering.”
    Gedaliah poured himself another drink. “Mind if I help myself?”
    “No. But try to refrain from celebrating for another day or two.”
    “Only a day? Is he that close?”
    Shebna’s fists tightened. “Yes.”
    “You still haven’t told me what’s wrong with him.”
    Shebna took a deep breath and let it out slowly. “There was a fire in the harem. The king was badly burned trying to put it out.”
    “Was anyone else hurt?”
    Shebna read Gedaliah’s thoughts. “No. Hephzibah was unharmed. You will be able to inherit your brother’s wife along with his throne.”
    Gedaliah broke into a broad grin, which he tried to disguise by lifting his glass and draining the remainder of his wine.
    “This is good stuff, Shebna. Are you sure you won’t have some?”
    “I must also tell you that King Hezekiah has not named a successor.”
    ‘‘Which means… ?”
    “It means that any of Ahaz’s sons has a right to claim the throne.”
    Gedaliah sat up straight, his brow creased in a frown.
    “Have you notified my brothers that Hezekiah is dying?”
    “Not yet.”
    “Well done, Shebna, my faithful steward!” Gedaliah relaxed against the cushions again. “Does this mean you’re supporting my claim to the throne?”
    “I want to make sure there is a smooth