Judi’s landscape was a joy to see. The trees seemed to be painted on the cerulean sky and the breeze was calm and cool. Before they started the search, Gideon and Deborah took up a meal near the port.

Gideon: “So you know where Samson is right?”

Deborah: “I know he’s here in Judi. I’m not exactly sure if he’s finishing some business or not. Maybe we can start looking for him at the merchants’ grove. I heard it was a popular spot for trade.”

 

The merchants’ grove was a hot spot for all merchants of all kinds. The most unusual treasures would be traded for high prices. The crowd that was gathered there was an unruly bunch that yelled and screamed to be heard.  Most of the merchants were from other nations, each selling some common food or cloth from their homeland. Deborah didn’t recognize any face in the crowd.

Deborah: “He’s not here. I’m out of ideas”

Gideon: “Let’s start asking around. I’m sure someone knows of Samson’s whereabouts.”

 

              The problem was soon solved. A black bear had overheard the conversation (In reality he was being nosy in order to take advantage of two strangers in town). The black bear wore a fine silk shirt laced with gold. He was obviously rich, but not by honest means.

Bear: “I hear you are looking for Samson. I must say he is a fine trader.”

Gideon: “That’s him. Do you know where he is?”

Bear: “Sure, but how about taking a look at some of my treasure. It’s the best money can buy.”

The bear revealed a cart full of painted jars, most of which were either oddly shaped or cracked.

Bear: “I’ll sell you three for four silver pieces, what do you say?”

The judges passed on the offer.

Bear: “Not good enough for you, eh?” he said offended from the rejection, “Well Samson is by the river just down the road. He’s with another wolf. Delilah is her name.”

Deborah: “Who’s Delilah?”

The bear chuckled.

Bear: “Let’s just say she’s a creature of wayward character.”

 

After thanking the bear, the judges turned their direction to the river. The stroll along the path was relaxing for both of them. The flowers were budding and the sun created a gorgeous reflection on the water as the judges passed by. A few feet ahead of them was Samson. He was a black haired wolf, large in build, intimidating in appearance, and he seemed to be preoccupied. The judges soon found out why: for a beautiful white haired female wolf stood near him. She was dress elegantly in long cloak and jewelry. The jewels glittered as the sun’s rays hit them and the cloak she wore was decorated elegantly with a geometric pattern. Samson was loved-struck by the wolf. He picked a flower and gave it to her. She took the flower; and when his back was turned, she crushed it in her hand and tossed it to the grown.

Deborah: “That wasn’t very nice.”

Gideon: “Samson!”

Samson: (Turning around) “Gideon! Deborah! It’s great to see you. Come over and sit down. It’s been too long. I want you to meet the most beautiful creature I have ever seen, Delilah.”

Deborah extended her arm to greet her.

Deborah: “Nice to meet you.”

The wolf did not take the “hand of greeting”. Instead, she bowed her head in acknowledgement.

Samson: “So how are things going?”

Gideon: “Good for the most part, but Shavron has reached a crisis. We did not come to bring you good news.”

Delilah suddenly announced that she had to leave. Samson dropped to one knee to kiss her hand.

Delilah: “Please don’t embarrass yourself, Samson dear.”

Samson: “I cannot let you leave without one more moment to bask in you elegance my angel.”

Samson proceeded to kiss her hand; Gideon stuck out his tongue and rolled his eyes.

Deborah: “Gideon!” she said playfully.

After Samson was done, Delilah walked away, wiping her hand on her dress. Samson turned with a big grin on his face.

Samson: Ah, isn’t she wonderful. So…what’s the bad news?”

Gideon: “The citizens are turning their hearts against the Lord.

 

They fear the attack from the nation of leopards. They are so afraid of the attack that they are willing to disobey our Creator’s command and establish a monarch above us.”

Samson: “I don’t understand.”

Gideon: “Neither do we. I have nearly been killed, Deborah has been treated like a prisoner in her own town, and who knows how far this will go?”

Samson: “In that case we should stay here until things smooth out. We’ll wait this one out.”

Gideon: “Not good. The longer we wait the worst things will get. We can squash this now before it grows. The Holy One has put us to task, we stop this now.”

Samson: “I don’t know. I don’t see what the problem is if the citizens want a king. If it makes them feel safer, let them have it.”

Deborah: “The harm isn’t a king. It’s the reason behind it. It’s the lack of trust in God. We must leave tomorrow.”

Gideon: “Right, if we—”

Samson: “Wait…I don’t think it’s necessary for me to go.”

Deborah: “Of course it is. If we return together we can convince our fellow creatures of this grave error, and if they still refuse at least we know we gave it our best. Samson, it’s your responsibility.”

Samson: “I know my responsibility. That’s why I’m here in Judi. Shavron is a strong country. This matter will take care of itself.”

 

 

Gideon: “Samson this no time to—”

 

Samson: “Look, let the Holy One take care of it, ok? If you want to have dinner, I’m staying in a cottage. Take the eastern road, its the second home on the left. Don’t look so worried.”

Samson hurried off. Gideon sat up against the tree trunk.

Gideon: “It’s always something. Its never easy is it?”

Deborah: (Sighing) “I guess we’ll have to wait.”

Gideon: “Hold on, weren’t we in agreement that waiting was a bad thing.”

Deborah: “Yes, but things have certainly changed.”

Gideon: “We need to act, Samson or no Samson.”

Deborah: “We could speak to him at dinner. Maybe that will lighten things up a bit.”

 

 

Before dinner, the judges found many levels of entertainment in town. The music was uplifting and the variety of games were enjoyable. The good time ended as soon as it had began and the time for dinner had risen. The judges headed to Samson’s cottage. Gideon was determined to make Samson to return to Shavron by giving him a stern talking to, but Deborah thought it would be better to take an easy approach. Inside they all sat down to a meal of fish, fruits, and veggies. Gideon mainly played with his food, moving his carrot slices from one side of the plate to the other. It was silent as they ate. Finally, Gideon spoke up.

Gideon: “Why won’t you come back to Shavron with us? Tell us the truth.”

Samson: “That’s rude. You could at least eat something first.”

Gideon ate a carrot slice and returned to his questioning.

Gideon: “Now answer my question.”

Samson looked up to the ceiling as if enchanted by a thought.

Samson: “I have something here that Shavron could never give me.”

Deborah: “Is it that wolf we saw back there?”

Gideon: (Laughing as he spoke) “You can’t be serious, Samson. She’s a waste of your time from what I’ve heard.”

Samson: “You should always believe what you hear. Besides when I want something I will have it and I want her.”

Gideon: “You love-struck fool.”

Samson growled.

Deborah: “What Gideon is trying to say, in his special way, is that your affection for Delilah may be deterring your better judgment.”

Gideon: “No I’m not. He’s a fool!”

Samson’s eyes grew with anger. He crushed the iron cup he held in his hand. Gideon starred at wolf’s hand. He was regretting the comment he had just made. The rabbit mustered what courage he had left and got directly into Samson’s face.

Gideon: “I don’t care how angry you are. You’re taking the wrong path with Delilah. I’ll ask you one more time, will you come with us?”

Samson: “Get out of my face.”

 

                Gideon walked out. Deborah sat bewildered by the events. She followed Gideon after a few words with Samson. Gideon and Deborah stayed in Judi for a few days. There would be a festival held and Deborah insisted that they should be there for it, not only to continue to persuade Samson, but also to get the recent calamity off their minds. The festival was marvelous. The streets were decorated from end to end with blue bows and yellow lace. The citizens in Judi were in costume, and the bands played music that would have made the heavens sing.

Deborah: “You know I’m going to miss him.”

Gideon: “Who, Samson? That white wolf will be the death of him.”

Deborah: “Let’s just enjoy this night, o.k.?”

The rest of night was full of dancing and laughter; there wasn’t a care in the world. The next morning was beautiful. The sun’s rays were like gold shining on everyone. However, it was a sad day for the two judges.

Deborah: “Let see Samson one last time.”

Gideon: “Leave him be. It’s his decision to stay. There’s no point in wasting time.”

 

 

When the judges arrived at the port, it was empty. This was bizarre because when the judges had arrived a few nights ago the port was rather busy. Gideon saw a few figures standing on the walkway. With further inspection it was the mayor of Judi along with a few guards. The port was closed for one reason: the Chetzians. The mayor told Gideon that the Chetzians were coming to discuss trade agreements with Judi. One of the guards pulled out a telescope and scanned the waters.

Guard: “Sir, the Chetzians are about an hour away from the port.”

Gideon: “You’re not going to trade with them are you?”

Mayor: “Of course not, I know our history and the laws of the Lord. I sent a letter months ago rejecting the offer, but they wrote back saying that they were sending representatives to talk about a deal. I don’t know where they got the idea from?”

Deborah: “I don’t like the sound of that. How long will this take?”

Mayor: “Hopefully this will be short and to the point. I asked Samson to handle this. He should be on his way.”

 

 

In the distance the group saw the red flag with the emblem of a vicious leopard, the Chetzians were on their way. The large ship rolled through the waters easily as it crossed into Judi’s harbor. During this time, Samson was with Delilah. They were enjoying a festive competition of arm wrestling on the outskirts of Judi. Samson and Delilah watched from afar as one challenger was able to beat a host of opponents. After ten games, the victor rose from his seat; arms raised, and with the crowd cheering his name.

 

             Now Samson was very prideful about his strength he didn’t have the sense to use it wisely as the Holy One had instructed him. The wolf swaggered over to Odin. He laughed so loudly and rudely that the group became silent.

Samson: “That's the funniest joke I have ever heard, you the strongest? I’ve know mice that have more strength than you.”

Odin: “You got a big mouth, wolf! Get over here and I’ll show you who has the muscle!”

Some of the creatures there tried to tell Odin of Samson’s great strength, but Odin cared nothing for their warnings. Soon the arena was filled with voices placing bets. Some put down as much as a hundred silver pieces.

Samson: “On the count of three, one…two…three!”

Odin used all his strength to beat Samson, but it was no use. Samson would not even move. He looked at Odin with a pride smirk.

Samson: “Come on put your back into it.”

Soon others began to help Odin. There were ten creatures pulling and tugging at Samson’s arm; even that wasn’t enough to make him move. Then, with one swing, Samson sent all of them to ground. Odin fell out of his chair disgusted with what happened.

Samson: “Thank you for the workout, but I have to be off. I’ll be taking you money. Don’t worry its in good hands.”

Odin: “You knew you were stronger than me? Please that is all the money I had.”

Samson would have given the money back. It was true that he only played the game to make fun of Odin and it was mean spirited to begin with. However, Delilah saw something different. That new found money was her lifeline and the hundred and fifty silver pieces Samson held would buy her new clothes and perfumes. She ran over to Odin.

Delilah: “Hold on, what fair is fair. When you bet you lose. You should know that you silly beast!”

 

 

Odin had put up with enough. It was one thing to lose, but to be insult was quite another. Tempers flared and Odin ran towards Samson with a knife. Before Odin could strike, Samson dropped the money, grabbed the attacker by the shirt, and tossed him into a tree. Within seconds another brave soul decided to take on Samson. The creature threw a table in Samson’s direction, but when it hit Samson it broke in two. The wolf also threw that poor creature in the tree. Samson picked up the money. As he did he gave the group a look that let everyone know not to contend with him. He left the tournament and Delilah followed giving a snobbish laugh as she walked away. She caught up with Samson begging for what he had.

Delilah: “Samson, dear.”

Samson: “Yes.”

Delilah: “There was a nice scarf and a bottle of perfume I saw. I really would like to have it; its only one hundred forty-nine silver pieces.”

Samson: “I…I don’t know.”

 

            Delilah began to charm the wolf by telling him how handsome and strong he was, and it naturally worked. Before Samson knew it he held only one piece of silver in his hand. Delilah walked away without a care in the world. Suddenly a stranger ran up behind Samson and addressed him.

Messenger: “Samson I was sent by the mayor to inform you that the Chetzians have arrived in Judi’s port. They are awaiting your arrival.”

Samson wasted no time. He was planning for this meeting for weeks. He arrived at the meeting hall within the hour. Deborah and Gideon were standing outside. Samson was still angry with Gideon. He tried to hide it but it showed too clearly.”

Samson: “Deborah, how are you doing? Is all well?”

Delilah: “Yes.”

Samson turned his gaze to Gideon. The wolf looked sternly on him; Gideon returned the look.

Samson: “So, where are the Chetzians?”

Deborah: “Inside. We were waiting for you before we entered. They wouldn’t talk to us. They asked for you specifically, why was that?”

 

Samson avoided the question and led the other judges inside. No one knew much about the Chetzians. Gideon was curious to know that they looked like. Were they really the military force that many have spoke about? But it didn’t really matter to him: for he knew that Shavron would not fall while the Holy One’s hand was protecting them. Samson was rehearsing what he was going to say. He knew Gideon and Deborah would not approve of the coming agreement, but he shrugged it off and entered the room.

 

         Three leopards awaited them. Two of them were of tall, slim and muscular. The third leopard was slightly short with the same features. Each carried a curved was dressed in padded armor. Their faces were cold and uninviting.

Mayor: “Samson, Gideon, Deborah, this is Lugar and these are his two associates—”

Lugar: “You do not have to continue mayor. The other two will not be speaking,” he said stepping forward, “I did not come here to speak with a rabbit and a cheetah.”

Samson: “They are here on other business. The talk is still between you and me, please sit down.”

After taking their seats, Lugar continued.

Lugar: “I’ll get to the point. What will you trade to keep the mouth of Chetz from swallowing your country?”

Samson: “The question is what will you give us to make sure you keep your word?”

Lugar laughed and pointed at the wolf.

Lugar: “I like your style.”

Gideon: “Well I don’t. We won’t trade with you. There’s no guarantee that they will keep their word, Samson.”

Lugar: “I thought that you and I were talking, Samson? Do you have to have the rabbit to speak for you?”

Samson gave the hare a dirty look, and returned his attention back to the leopard.

Samson: “No. If there isn’t anything else I will not hesitate to sign in agreement. I have written up three copies of the treaty: one for you, one for me, and one stays here in Judi. All are identical.”

After Lugar looked over the documents, he signed all three. It was Samson’s turn to sign. As he went to pick up a pen, Gideon grabbed his hand. He spoke in a low tone to Samson.

Gideon: “Don’t be a fool. Chetz will attack us; it’s only a matter of time. And secondly I will not stand here and allow the peace and blessing of our nation to die because of your disobedience.”

Samson: “The last time I checked I was the judge of commerce. You better let go of my arm or you might end up seeing black.”

Gideon: “I told the Holy One that I would protect Shavron from its enemies and that includes my fellow creatures. If I have to…I’ll cut you down.”

Lugar watched with a small smile. “Look at them,” he thought to himself, “They fight amongst themselves. This is very promising.”

Samson: “Gideon, you amaze me. So easily can you grab that sword of yours? You would kill one of you own right in front of our guest…not very smart now is it?”

 

         Gideon was beside himself. He knew what he was thinking about was wrong. He let go of Samson’s arm; and because of the embarrassment, he left the room. Samson signed the documents and gave one copy to Lugar. The meeting was over and the Chetzians left. They passed Gideon on the way out, snickering at him. Deep down Gideon wanted to say something, but he resisted the urge. Deborah and Samson were bickering over what he had done. Just before they passed him, Gideon pulled out his sword blocking Samson path.

Gideon: “You have a lot of explaining to do. You have no idea what you have done. I should have—”

Samson: “Should have what? I have just saved our country from a war. You should be thanking me for a job well done.”

Gideon: “Thank you? Are you mad? Your unguided decision—”

Samson: “ENOUGH!”

Samson’s voice sent a chill down Gideon’s back. Samson pushed the rabbit aside slightly and walked away.

Gideon: “Ah forget him…When does the next ship leave for Shavron.”

Deborah: “Probably tomorrow.”

Gideon: “Well, I guess we’ll have to go back to Shavron on our own.