Chapter 50. The Wisdom of Nabu

“They need to hear this, Razal, Karen, and all the kings of the realms of men. For surely, death has come for us all.”

--Zebedee

***

Ever since he crossed the Perthian gate, his words have been as scarce as water in the desert. From the time I embraced him until now when evening has descended on the city, he remains miserable, his eyes staring blankly into thin air.

Out of concern, I invited the Council of Generals and elder statesmen to a closed-door meeting with him. And to gladden his heart, I ordered lots of wine. But he rejects it in my presence, his favorite drink. I grow wary.

We all stare at him, waiting for hours for words to spill from his mouth. But nothing happens. He mopes on as if his spirit has left his body. His beard has grown bushy, and his hair is long and tied in a ponytail. Nonetheless, the freckles on his nose remain