The look in Amariah’s eyes was cold, harsh, demanding. “Don’t you believe in the prophets?  Am I mistaken?  I thought the man who rebuilt the Temple of Solomon understood the prophesies of Samuel, Moses, and Elijah.”

Herod narrowed his eyes.  “It is said these important travelers went straight to a shepherd’s hut.  Precious gifts, the likes of which are seldom seen in Judea, were offered to this child.  Now, these actions might lead one to be suspicious, but I formed no conclusions until I discovered more about the parents.”  He leaned over to whisper to Thaddius as if afraid there were spies hidden in his own court.  “Do you know who these people are?”