Chapter 28

‘You are in great trouble, Deran,’ continued Peter. ‘There is no earthly cure for your disease. If you are to regain your health and strength the remedy must come from our Father. I have no power of my own. Whether it is the will of God that you should be restored to rule your country, I do not know. Perhaps that decision rests with you.’

‘What do you want him to do?’ broke in Rennah.

‘A King should desire and deserve the respect of his people,’ declared Peter, ignoring the Queen’s query and searching the Prince’s eyes. ‘As a Prince, you have been vain and froward of heart. My Master taught that whoever would become great among men should be as a servant, and whoever would be the greatest of all should be servant of all. You, Deran, have served no one but yourself.’

‘Sir,’ interrupted Rennah, ‘that is no way to speak to a Prince!’

Deran made an impatient gesture in her direction.

‘Say on!’ he mumbled.

‘Now if it should please God to heal you,’ continued Peter, ‘it will be a miracle, and if you should win the devotion and obedience of your people, that too will be a miracle. Are you willing to accept both of these benefits? If it is the will of God, you may have both—or neither. Will you promise that if your strength is restored you will serve your country unselfishly?’

Deran soberly nodded his head. There was an impressive silence.

‘Be well aware,’ cautioned Peter, ‘that if, in the days to come, you forget your vow, and turn again to your unseemly ways, a worse affliction may befall you.’

Again the Prince solemnly nodded his head. Instantly Peter startled them by stretching forth both his huge hands. Clutching Deran’s arms, he sat him up in bed; and, raising his voice to a tone of command, he shouted, ‘In the name of God, stand up on your feet—and walk!’

No place had ever been so quiet during the brief moment that followed. Slowly, bewilderingly, Deran put his feet out on the floor, and stood erect. Rennah threw her arms around him and sobbed. Fara’s eyes were wet. The Prince pushed his mother aside and walked slowly across the room. Peter sank heavily into a chair. His face was pale and great beads of sweat stood on his forehead. Fara moved to his side and laid her hand on his shoulder. Rennah, with tears of joy running down her cheeks, fell on her knees before him and cried, ‘We shall repay you! Whatever you ask, we will give it! What would you have?’

‘A drink of water, please,’ murmured Peter huskily.

Little was said after that. Deran was pacing about, his face alight. Rennah was bringing his clothing and boots. They were too preoccupied with their good fortune to notice that Peter and Fara had slipped quietly away.

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