The Secret War by Dennis Wheatley, Tony Morris Read Free Book Online Page B

then?”
    â€œOh, no, but they consider themselves the Chosen People because they’ve been in possession of the Ark of the Covenant for centuries. One of their kings pinched it when he was on a visit to Jerusalem. They’d adopted the Jewish faith before that owing to the lapse from virtue of the Queen of Sheba.”
    Valerie glanced at him suspiciously from under her level brows. “You’re pulling my leg. She wasn’t a real person, was she?”
    â€œShe was indeed,” he protested, “and by all accounts a darned good-looking girl, into the bargain.”
    â€œTell me about her.”
    â€œShe was the Virgin Queen of Ethiopia in King Solomon’s day. The country was already rich and powerful. Probably much more civilised than it is at the present time through the influence of Egypt and Babylonia. Anyhow, her merchants used to trade as far as India and the Sudan. She’s said to have lived in great luxury and been very wise and beautiful, of course an Arab type—a sort of Egyptian Shahrazade. The report of Solomon’s wisdom came to her so she determined to visit him.
    â€œIt must have been a tough journey for a woman; trekking on under the blazing sun week after week with very little water, almost trackless deserts to cross, and most of the route infested with bands of marauding Arabs. But she did it—and legend relates that, when she arrived in Jerusalem, her state chariot was drawn by sixteen zebras; although they’re always said to be untamable.” Lovelace picked up a book he had been reading before Valerie came on deck. “The whole story’s here if you’re interested.”
    â€œWhat is it?” Valerie asked, taking the book from him.
    â€œWallis Budge’s translation of the Kebra Nagast. That’sthe Abyssinian Bible, or rather their own particular version of the Old Testament, mainly. I’ll find you the bit about how the wily Solomon did the dirty on the lovely Queen, if you like.” He lent over and turned the pages until he came to the passage. Then Valerie read:
    And King Solomon sent a message unto the Queen, saying, “Now that thou hast come here why wilt thou go away without seeing the administration of the kingdom, and how the meal(s) for the chosen ones of the kingdom are eaten after the manner of the righteous, and how the people are driven away after the manner of sinners? From (the sight of) it thou wouldst acquire wisdom. Follow me now and seat thyself in my splendour in the tent, and I will complete thy instruction, and thou shalt learn the administration of my kingdom; for thou hast loved wisdom, and she shall dwell with thee until thine end and for ever.” Now a prophecy maketh itself apparent in (this) speech.
    And the Queen sent a second message, saying, “From being a fool, I have become wise by following thy wisdom, and from being a thing rejected by the God of Israel, I have become a chosen woman because of this faith which is in my heart; and henceforth I will worship no other god except Him. And as concerning that which thou sayest, that thou wishest to increase in me wisdom and honour, I will come according to thy desire.” And Solomon rejoiced because of this (message), and he arrayed his chosen ones (in splendid apparel), and he added a double supply to his table, and he had all the arrangements concerning the management of his house carefully ordered, and the house of King Solomon was made ready (for guests) daily. And he made it ready with very great pomp, in joy, and in peace, in wisdom, and in tenderness, with all humility and lowliness; and then he ordered the royal table according to the law of the kingdom.
    And the Queen came and passed into a place set apart in splendour and glory, and she sat down immediately behind him where she could see and learn and know everything. And she marvelled exceedingly at what she saw, and at what she heard, and she praised the God of Israel in