by R. J. Larson
Barth grinned and bowed, prompting Caed to bow as well—the perfect future royal page.
A gentle, beckoning hand rested on Akabe’s arm, and he turned at once, recognizing that beloved touch. Caitria. She and the children had followed him here in their own chariot. Exquisite in her crown and robes, Caitria smiled up at him, her soft brown eyes sparkling, clearly celebrating this day they’d anticipated for so long. Akabe kissed her, provoking cheers and applause from the crowd.
Caitria offered him a graceful bow, copied by their delicately pretty four-year-old daughter, Deeaynna. Beyond them, Deeaynna’s toddler brother, Aythan—held firmly in the faithful Naynee’s embrace—caught sight of Akabe and yelled, lunging toward him, small arms outstretched.
Unable to resist, Akabe reached for his heir. Aythan hugged Akabe’s neck, then straightened, plugged his thumb into his mouth, and looked around at the crowds. A ripple of excitement and heightened shouts from the opposite side of the plaza announced the appearance of another king. Bel-Tygeon’s glittering entourage now approached, headed by the erstwhile god himself—on foot.
Following Bel-Tygeon, his beautiful queen glowed as she gazed up at the temple—her delight revealed in her smile, which surely dazzled the crowd as much as her gold-and-blue robes.
She is my gift from the Infinite, Bel-Tygeon had written to Akabe amid their lengthy, increasingly friendly correspondence. My sign that the curse upon my kingdom has been lifted.
On either side of Belaal’s queen, attendants held her eighteen-month-old twins, a boy and a girl, both with their royal father’s dark eyes and gleaming black hair. It would be a joy to visit with Belaal’s royal family this evening.
First, however, they would approach the Holy House and worship the Infinite together.
Infinite . . . by Your will.
By the noise ringing in his ears, Akabe judged that almost every citizen in Munra was now cheering. Overwhelmed by their fervor, he waved. Then, led by Siphra’s high priest and the Infinite’s preeminent lady-prophet, and accompanied by his family, Akabe of Siphra climbed the steps toward the Infinite’s Holy House, his soul singing for joy, praising his Creator-King.
Smiling in the lamp-lit, nighttime hush, Akabe settled at his desk, smoothed a clean piece of parchment, tapped a plain reed pen in ink, then wrote,
In the first year of his reign, King Akabe of Siphra proclaimed to his people the rebuilding of the Infinite’s temple in Munra. . . .
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
What is your first impression of Akabe in chapter one? Does he seem to be a potentially successful king?
In the first few chapters, does Akabe reveal any traits that might cause difficulties, either spiritually or in his role as Siphra’s king?
Does Akabe make sacrifices for his people? What are some issues that frustrate him in his new role? Would you feel the same if you were forced into a similar position of leadership?
What do Akabe’s friends and advisors think of him? Do they reveal concern over his decisions? Are those concerns justified?
Does Akabe’s situation parallel events in the lives of any Old Testament kings? If so, do those parallels illuminate favorable or unfavorable aspects of Akabe’s relationship with his Creator?
What are your thoughts and impressions of Akabe’s queen? What situations in the Scriptures portray similar political or spiritual concerns for a queen, or is she truly powerless in her role as a king’s wife?
Do you believe that Akabe faces and resolves his personal, political, and spiritual issues by the final chapter? Would you have reached a similar conclusion if you were in Akabe’s situation?
What do you think of the Infinite’s role in this story? Do you believe He is actively working for each character’s well-being? Do you believe there is a reason for His prolonged silence?
Who is your favorite supporting character in this book, or in this series? Why?
How did you feel after finishing the final page of King? If you read the entire series, which book’s spiritual or “life-lesson” theme affected you the most?
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
My love and thanks to everyone who has supported me throughout the past three years while I was absorbed in writing this series—you are my blessings! To Jerry, my dear husband, and our kids, Larson, Robert, and Katharin, thank you for all your help, and for cooking, cleaning, running errands, doing dishes, and drawing maps and other artistic contributions (Katharin!). I truly appreciate you! (Readers, check out Katharin’s fun art at www.facebook.com/pages/Fish-Spaghetti-Art and on www.rjlarsonbooks.com/Art.html.)
Tamela Hancock Murray, David Long, and Sarah Long and the whole Baker/Bethany House team, I have truly appreciated your input and encouragement throughout this process. The BOOKS OF THE INFINITE series has been a joy to work on, and you’ve added to the fun.
Thanks again to my fightmaster-brother, Joe Barnett, for offering crucial advice during a late-night bout of writing, when I was too tired to see the scene clearly. Did I say you’re brilliant?
Special thanks to you, dear reader, for sharing the adventures! I’d love to hear from you at www.rjlarsonbooks.com, where you can also link to my blog. You can also connect with me on Facebook! (facebook.com/RJLarson.Writes)
Above all, thanks to our loving Creator, for His grace and blessings in all things as we journey together through this world and onward!
Ever yours,
R. J. Larson
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
R. J. Larson is the author of numerous devotionals featured in publications such as Women’s Devotional Bible and Seasons of a Woman’s Heart. She lives in Colorado Springs, Colorado, with her husband and their two sons. The BOOKS OF THE INFINITE series marks her debut in the fantasy genre.
Resources: bethanyhouse.com/AnOpenBook
Website: www.bethanyhouse.com
Facebook: Bethany House
