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Sons Of The Flaming Throne – Ch.35 | KT OLLA

NOW, since Absalom’s intention was to ride everything his father owned – including his name and legacy, Jerusalem was one of those things the prince intended to pride.

But Jerusalem wasn’t just something to own for the prince. That city was itself the throne. It was the throne he so coveted and would do anything to possess.

In the past years, all he could do was stand at the gate of that place. But now he could ride as far as the heart of the city, and sit on her throne.

Everything seemed like a dream to the young man.

Those sleepless nights he had – mapping out a way to overthrow David, had finally paid off. The dreams he had with his eyes wide open was then coming to pass.

Everything he had always wanted was now in his arms. It was truly a dream, a waking one.

Thus, Absalom wanted to enjoy every moment of this new reality. He wanted to savour every bit of it. The pleasure he toiled and laboured for. He wanted everything now.

But there was this hurdle standing across the young king’s way. So the youngster would do anything to rid himself of it. For a total victory.

Indeed, he’d called himself the King of Israel. And no one had stood to dispute it.

He’d also garnered to his side thousands and thousands of supporters. Then he’d got an army ready to swing the sword at his word.

Yet there was this man standing as the hurdle to everything the boy gained. And it was the father he couldn’t surpass.

For Absalom felt that what he’d got were passing shadows. Unless he completely ended David.

Many thoughts ran through the king’s head on where to begin. But he was at loss on what to do to establish himself.

So he looked round him where he sat and pondered in the throne seat. And right then his eyes fell on the sage.

It was the man called the Voice of God and Reason. It was David’s counsel, Ahithophel.

Absalom asked the question. ‘Tell us, wise man: what do we do now that we rule?’

The sage man had been waiting for this time. And he knew what to do to install the king. Nay, to pressure David.

‘Your Majesty!’ he spoke up. ‘So far we have done well; but we still haven’t gained empathy.

‘To the nation, you are still seen as a son who usurps his father. And so, by the time we attack the former king, the people will say Absalom is ambitious and un-filial.

‘People will pity your father, saying his son took his throne and went on to take his life.

‘What I am saying is this: We need to give David a cause to retaliate. We don’t want him looking like a helpless victim here.

‘So we have to give him a trivial cause, and make it look like that’s what he’s angry for!

‘That way we will win people’s sympathy and support. And your father will lose face before all Israel!’

Absalom nodded in earnest. Then he asked: ‘But what should we do?’

The sage one cleared his throat and spoke.

‘Your Royal Majesty, my counsel to you is outrageous. But if you will take it, you shall end David!’

Absalom was ready. ‘Tell me. I’m all ears.’

The old man read his eyes, his willing eyes; and smiled.

‘Here is my advice, Son of David. When your father fled Jerusalem, he left ten of his concubines behind to take care of this palace.

‘Now take those wives of his and have intercourse with them before the eyes of all people.

‘So when this angers David and he comes out with his army to fight, the people will find him small and useless.

‘They will say: “He didn’t fight to save his daughter when the First Prince had her. But now he will die to see his concubines!”’

Right there Absalom jumped to his feet and roared a big shout.

‘That’s it; you nailed it! Absolutely!’

Now this was his best revenge that never crossed his mind. The best thing he would dare to do for a sister.

So he wondered why he took that long to get here. For after this, he’d be so willing to die.

King Absalom jammed his hands together for the sage one. And everyone seated in that council joined in the stir.

The young king was so impressed. So he looked forward to lure his father out for slaughter.

That afternoon, the third son of David ordered a tent to be placed atop the palace roof.

And there before the light of the sun and the eyes of all Israel, he slept with his father’s wives one after another.

Until Heaven looked down and sealed his fate.

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