Solomon and Sheba

This is the borderland that lies between | the countries of Egypt and Israel.

As it is today, so it was 1,000 years | before the birth of Jesus of Nazareth.

Even then, these boundaries | were kept ablaze

with the fires of hatred and conflict.

Each side prided themselves | on the efficiency of their spies

but kept themselves | always on the alert.

Soldiers of David, commanded by his | son and heir Adonijah, prince of Israel.

- A chariot moving along the road. | - Stop the fool, whoever he is.

- Prince Solomon. | - Is my brother here?

Prince Adonijah is at the top of the hill. | Follow me.

Solomon! What are you doing here?

On my way to Jerusalem, we got word | the Egyptians were on the prowl again.

I thought you might need some help.

You are better suited to singing songs | than exploits in battle.

Our father David was a singer of songs, | but he"s also a mighty warrior.

- Where are the Egyptians? | - They thought to trap me,

to rush in on our camp and kill us | while we slept, but we"re not sleeping.

Give me your orders.

This is not your kind of game, brother.

I never thought of it as a game. | I fight by your side.

- Then the sword of victory, Solomon. | - And the shield of God, Adonijah.

Spread out, and kill them all.

- Now we attack. | - Attack.

Sound the retreat.

Once again, the Pharaoh will have reason | to remember the name of Adonijah.

Let him write it in the blood of his dead.

Too long | this soil has been bathed in blood.

Have you lost your taste for blood | now that the battle is over?

After seeing the glory of victory,

the glory of peace makes itself known.

Peace is for women and children.

Let me cleanse my mouth | of the stench of the Egyptians.

To a new victory | won by the Prince of Israel.

- To the warrior prince, Adonijah. | - To Adonijah.

To your glory, brother. | May it increase the glory of Israel.

There would be greater glory if I were | not shackled by command of my father.

Defend but never attack.

When I am king, there will be no | privileged sanctuaries for my enemies.

I"ll pursue them into their own cities.

- We"ll hunt them down like dogs. | - We"ll rout them out.

Highness, this one was found | among the dead, but he is no Egyptian.

Put him down.

The Pharaoh has mercenaries, | but I have never seen one like him.

- From where do you come? | - I have the honour to serve Her Majesty.

- The Queen of Sheba. | - The Queen of Sheba?

We"re a long way from the land of Sheba. | 800 leagues.

Where goes the Queen of Sheba | there go I, a soldier of her guard.

Why does a Sheban | fight with Egyptians against Israel?

I fight where my queen commands.

And it pleased my queen to lead | her troops against a band of barbarians.

I"ll send your hide to this brave queen | of yours as a token of my esteem.

No. Grant him the respect | one soldier should have for another.

Bind up his wounds.

So spare him.

Out of regard for the tender heart | of my dear brother.

This queen amuses herself | by leading men across our borders

to slay Israelites | as she might attend a circus.

I doubt if she found | much amusement here.

Hezrai.

What brings the king"s chancellor here? | More orders?

No, Highness. If that were so, | mine would be a far happier mission.

Your father, King David, | lies at the point of death.

He lapsed into a coma | and has not regained consciousness.

His physicians could give me | no word of hope to bring you.

Josiah, we ride to Jerusalem.

- Hail Adonijah, King of Israel. | - Hail Adonijah. Hail the king.

It is not your right to proclaim the king. | These are the words of the Law:

"He shall be anointed | with the waters of Gihon

and crowned in the presence of the | priest and the elders of the tribes. "

Your law may be the Word, Chancellor. | Mine is the sword.

Hail Adonijah.

And why do you remain silent? | Am I not David"s rightful heir?

- Your first thought is not for our father? | - Life is for the living.

When I know David is no longer living, | I will be the first to acknowledge you.

I will follow you, Highness.

We could reach Jerusalem | by dawn tomorrow.

Let Solomon concern himself with | the dead. My thoughts are for the living.

I have business with this Sheban queen.

We must ride fast to overtake her.

Horses!

Hai! Hai!

Hai! Go!

Go! Go!

Halt!

Stand aside.

In Israel, I give the orders.

I regret that we did not meet last night | when you visited my encampment.

Who are you?

- The king of Israel. | - He lies.

Whoever he is, he is an impostor.

The king is an old man, | weak with the burden of his years.

Is that why you thought it safe | to join forces with the Egyptians?

Give me leave, | and I will clear them from the road.

You think you could do better now | than you did last night?

David lies dead in Jerusalem. | I, Adonijah, am his heir.

- We want no dealings with the Israelites. | - Let him speak, Baltor.

- What favour do you seek of me? | - If we were dealing in favours,

- I could bring you the heads of your dead. | - Kill him!

- Your own head is not too secure. | - Silence, Haran.

I pursued you not to ask favours | but to grant them.

And what favour could an Israelite | grant the Queen of Sheba?

A kingdom twice as large | as she now rules.

Renounce your alliance with the Pharaoh. | Let your banners fly beside mine.

When I have overthrown him, I will give | you all his lands that border on your own.

And if I refuse your generosity?

Then I will hurl you down into | the same dust that will choke the Pharaoh.

Yours is the choice. | Glory with Israel, or disaster with Egypt.

You dog!

My ancestors sat upon | the throne of a great country

when yours still crawled on their hands | and knees, feeding on insects.

- Is that your answer? | - This is my answer.

Haran!

Hail the king of Israel!

Solomon.

- Am I in time, Abishag? | - He still lives.

Your mother and I have been | constantly by his side.

- We must have hope. | - My prayers have been answered.

That you are here while your father | is able to give you his blessing.

- Mother. | - My son.

My son.

Do not despair.

- Is there hope? | - His heart still beats,

but his breath is so quenched | that it leaves no mist upon the metal.

My father. My king.

Let my prayers call you back | from the shadows.

Solomon, peace of the Lord.

In my dream, | your face was ever before me.

Now I am here, Father.

- Where is your brother? | - Adonijah was detained with his troops.

Ever the soldier, before all else.

Send messages | with my command that he return.

It will be done.

Now rest until your strength returns.

- Bring me Nathan the prophet. | - I am here, O King.

Summon the elders of the 12 tribes | and the council.

I have had a vision from God.

You"ve been summoned at the king"s | command. Hear the words of the king.

Has there been no report | from the couriers sent to bring Adonijah?

No, sire, none have returned.

Then I must act without him.

40 years I have reigned over you,

and I have been your father | and you my beloved children.

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