No Room

Consul Flavius Antonius had sent one of his servants down to the main hall of the inn to request fresh water, but had also requested that she personally bring it up.  Flavius didn't even call her by name.  He just referred to her as "the almond-eyed servant girl."

She had gone to the well sullenly, her stomach churning in disgust as she drew the water.  Flavius Antonius was charged with overseeing affairs in Judea, and it was tax-collection time in Bethlehem.  He frequented Abner's inn when he had to stay overnight in Bethlehem due to his various business and administrative duties.  He never tired of picking away at her, trying every ruse to chip away at her resolve, his ultimate goal to lure her into his bed.

He made promises, but marriage wasn't among them.  Would he, a Roman official, condescend to wed her, an orphaned Cyrenian slave?  He promised to buy her freedom, even boasting that he'd pay Abner twice what she was worth.  He tantalized her with tales of his travels, knowing that she longed to escape her dull life at the inn where she constantly endured Abner's harsh tongue lashings.  He tempted her with gifts of silk and finery, which she always refused, knowing that she tired of her drab, tattered, servant girl trappings.  If she would just give in to Flavius she would have her freedom and the chance to live a more comfortable life.  But what of her dignity?  What of her character?

As she passed through the main hall on her way to deliver the water, she was arrested by the sight of a young woman about her age, great with child.  The young woman's mournful eyes locked with hers as the young woman's husband pleaded with Abner:

"As you can see," he stammered, "My wife is great with child.  She-she's already having labor pains and she needs a comfortable place to lie down.  Please.  If you could find it in your heart to—"

"I repeat, there is no room.  No room!  I don't know what else you want me to do!  Would you have me put out one of my paying customers because of your failure to plan?"

She was immobilized, her gaze still held by that of the young woman.  She began to seethe with anger, knowing that Abner always kept a few rooms available for his most esteemed guests.  Just as she was about to open her mouth to offer her humble room to the couple, Abner noticed that she was idle, taking in the scene.

"Get back to work, wench!"

Flecks of spittle gathered at the corners of the innkeeper's mouth as he roared, and the vessel of water she had balanced on her head nearly spilled as she flinched from his harsh address.  She broke from the young woman's gaze and slowly began making her way towards Flavius's chamber, her heart thudding with adrenaline-laced dread.  She timidly knocked.

"You may enter."

He sat on the edge of his bed, perusing scrolls.  She began to set the vessel down on the table, but he motioned for her to bring it to him.  He placed his hands over hers as she held the vessel and tipped it towards his lips to drink.  Satisfied, he stood, placed the vessel on the table himself and pulled her towards him.  He ran a finger along her jawline.

"So, my almond-eyed girl, when will you decide to spend some time with me?" he asked euphemistically.

"Not tonight.  Not ever," she replied, pulling away from him.  He held on to her hand.

"What will it take to finally break your strong will, hm?"  He pulled on a strand of her untamed curls.  "Many women would kill to have a chance with me.  Do you realize the power I have?  Do you realize what I am offering you?  I would buy your freedom.  You would no longer have to work as a slave in this hovel.  If you would just . . . please," he whispered into her ear.

She felt herself begin to give in.  It would be so easy.  No more of Abner's tirades.  No more scrubbing the floors on her knees.  No more mucking out the filthy stables.  She slowly exhaled and Flavius drew her even closer.

But at what cost?  To exchange one master for another?  She suddenly backed away from him, knocking into the table and sending the half-filled vessel crashing to the floor.  He slammed his fist down on the table in frustration.  She ran out of the door, flew past the main hall, ignoring Abner's protests, and ran outside towards the stables, her sight blurred from tears.

As she approached, she was met with the familiar stench of the animals, but she also heard the whimpering of a babe.  In the glow of a small lantern, she recognized the couple she saw earlier bending over their newborn they had placed in a manger.  She observed the scene unnoticed, and was filled with a sense of overwhelming peace.

She returned to the inn.  Undisturbed, she retired to her humble room.  She looked out her window to see the sky filled with a glowing host of angels.  Ordinarily, she would have been frightened, but instead, she simply closed her eyes and heard the strains of a sweet heavenly chorus:

Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.