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T ime. Much too little time it felt, to prepare. What to take with them? How long would they travel? How much to provision? Since they were carrying treasure they required protection, a military cohort. The inauspicious caravan had begun to swell with soldiers, camel attendants, slaves, tents and all the accouterments necessary to a long journey. Because the phenomenon could be observed better at night, that is when they traveled, stopping only for an occasional conference which usually determined their next move. When they moved, the “star” moved. When they stopped, the star stopped. It lead them west and south. The familiar sound of the camel’s feet plodding on sand and earth, labored breathing, sweat dampening stinking flanks. No matter the night cool, travel by camelback was work for rider and ridden alike. Hours passed in silence. Swaying, creaking, lost in reverie and time. What were they looking for? What lay ahead of them? Where was this star leading them? How would they be received along the way?
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