Conjuring

Adorned in his finest purple robes, the Magic Man stood center in the great ballroom. Many had gathered for the second Contest. This would be his finest hour. Prometheus would display his Magic for all to see.

Joseph was also there. He waited for Prometheus to announce the terms.

"Tonight we shall see who possesses the greatest Magick!"

Prometheus proclaimed "We shall have a Conjuring Contest."

The King did not answer.

Prometheus continued "Let me begin."

The Magic Man took in a deep breath and stretched his hands forth. Green and yellow light streaked between his fingers and in the palm of his hand he revealed a large green Emerald. He held it up for all to see.

"Aaaah!" The people marveled at his work, many wishing they had the same talent.

The Emerald was sparkling and quite impressive, about the size of a man's fist, if not his ego.

His eyes sparkling, the Magician now spoke again.

"What will you conjure?  Can you beat my jewel?"

The King stayed silent.

"Have you no Magick?"

"Conjuring?" The King finally spoke.

"Where I come from, we call it Creating."

"Conjuring is only temporary. It cannot last."

Prometheus' lips stretched to a thin smile.

"You are unable to do Magick? Can you not conjure something precious, more precious than my gem?" He pointed to the Emerald which was now placed on a silver platter held by the obedient Bartholomew.

"Anthony" uttered the King.

As the Word shot forth from his mouth, a little boy broke from his mother's arms. Anthony ran to the King, looking up with his shining, trusting face. The powerful King spoke gently to the little boy.

"Anthony, what is precious?"

"Mama!" the box exclaimed. He ran back to his mother.

"THIS is precious?"

Prometheus challenged the King. "What is precious?"

"Love." Joseph replied.

"I demand to see Magic!"

The King looked at the boy, Anthony, seated in his mother's arms. He smiled.

Warily, Prometheus followed the King's gaze.

The Love had begun to flow from their hearts. Red and white, the rainbow flowed and enveloped the room. As it touched the crowd, their hearts opened and more Love flowed!

Prometheus was unimpressed.

"Can Love buy anything? Is it more precious than my Emerald?"

"What is more precious than the sun?" Replied the King. "Yet it too shall fade from the sky one day."

"Love is unending. It is true."

"Anthony ... Precious...." Muttered the Magic Man, as he realized he had been bested.

"The next Time, we shall see."

He stamped his foot and disappeared in a puff of purple smoke.

The night was far from over.