The Son of the Wise

X
The Son of the Wise

1. HIS NAME IS IBNA HAKIM

QUEEN MAKEDA and her great entoruarge left Israel and travelled on the land and the Nile River route towards Ethiopia and the City of the Throne.
Her first resting place was Gaza, which Solomon, in his generosity, had given her. It was there she felt ill. Morning sickness. Makeda knew she was pregnant.
It was an arduous journey and the caravan took its time, realizing the delicate condition of their ruler. The contractions came closer together and her lady-in-waiting, Tera, comforted her.
Nine months and five days after she left Solomon , she yelped because of the pain. A boy. Seven pounds and eight ounces. He looked like a minature Solomon.
"Oh, Tera, if only he could see him," said Makeda.
"He will some day, he will," replied Tera, while wiping the sweat off Makeda's forehead.
"What are you going to name him, my Lady?"
"Ibna Hakim."
"That means son of the wise," said Tera, with a smile.
"That's right, for he truly is the son of the wise man, Solomon."

While Makeda nursed the baby boy in preparation of the purification rites, the caravan leader Gizaw left the country of Bala Zadisareya for Ethiopia.
"I'll get everything in readiness, my Lady," said Gizaw, "and I'll send Tamrin back here to escort you home."
"Thank you, Gizaw, you're so kind."

Two weeks later, a company of officers of her Royal Staff, and led by Tamrin, her regent, arrived in Bala Zadisareya.
"Isn't he beautiful, Tam?"
"Yes, my Lady," smiled Tamrin, who would become his surrogate grandfather.
"What's his name?"
"Ibna Hakim."
"The son of the wise."
"Yes."
"Does Solomon know he has a son."
"No."
"I'm sure he'll find out."
"Yes, I'm sure."

2. WHO IS MY FATHER?

THE PURIFICATION rites ended and she and her remaining entourage entered Ethiopia.
The route to the capital was lined with her people, from noblemen to peasant girls, waving palms and bowing low. Tossing flower petals on the ground, the sweet smell of her country filled her nostrils.
"It's good to be home," Tam.
Finally, the 6,000 wagons were unloaded and the splendid apparel, gold, silver, hyacinthe and purple robes were handed to her people.
"Tam, Solomon gave me two vehicles, for the air and the sea, but I didn't use them on my journey. I place them in your care.
"Solomon also gave me what he called the Ring of God. I will wear it until Ibna Hakim grows up."
Tamrin and Gizaw were given charge of the son's upbringing, training him in military strategy, history and astronomy and also physical skills involved in hunting.
Ibna Hakim, growing up in the Royal Court, knew that neither Tamrin nor Gizaw was his father, and he questioned in his mind whom his father might be.
At age 12, he asked his companions: "Who's my father?"
"Solomon, the king," they replied in unison.
Ibna Hakim immediately went to Makeda.
"Who's my father?"
Although, she'd never spoken harshly to him before, she snapped: "Why do you ask me about your father? I'm your father and your mother. You don't need to know any more."
Makeda knew the outburst wouldn't satisfy the curious youngster, but she hoped he wouldn't go to Solomon, for she believed, once there in Israel he'd never return.

Ibna Hakim was persistent and continually pestered his mother with the same question: "Who's my father?"
Finally, Makeda gave in.
"His country is far away and the road there is difficult, so why wouldn't you want to stay here?"
Ibna Hakim had made up his mind. He would see Solomon's Court for himself.
By age 22, he was the image of Solomon, according to Tamrin, although his mother couldn't see the resemblance. At least she wouldn't admit it to herself.
"Mother," he said, hesistantingly, "I will go look on the face of my father and I will come back here by the will of God, the Lord of Israel."
Makeda knew he had to go to Jerusalem and knew he'd return to Ethiopia, if it was God's will.