Bethlehem Bound
One Man, One Camel, and a Miracle
The evening was dark, and the sky was void of stars. A soft wind caressed the sand crystals along the path. Dimitri’s camel clearly had enough of his role for the day, so he abruptly felt himself launch in the air and land on the soft, dry substance like a child dive-bombing his sandbox.
“Mortimer!” he scolded.
His double-humped not-so-companion huffed and turned to gaze off into the distance.
The sand dunes were beautiful but invisible on this dark evening. Dimitri knew he was going to be late, but if he didn’t deliver the package, it would be the last straw with his boss and his partner. Those two were in cahoots, sending him on this dangerous trip, and in the middle of the night. They were supposed to go together. Instead, they promised a short, solo journey with lots of sights along the way. The only thing he saw along the way was Mortimer’s fuzzy head and determined chin as his head swayed side to side during the ride.
The carry-on was heavy, but Dimitri was a small man; he thought it would even things out for the large creature, but Mortimer always had his way in the end. How was he going to deliver the package before sunrise? He had to travel at night or the king’s men who scoured the path during the day would find him and arrest him, best-case scenario. Worst case, only Mortimer would return to the city.
Dimitri pushed himself up from the warm, soft cushion of sand, brushed the crystals from his robe, and shook his feet to dump any loose particles from his sandals. He set his jaw and marched over to where Mortimer was sniffing what was likely a cactus.
“Mortimer, my friend, my companion, my trusted friend - we have a mission. We have a mission! I cannot accomplish this task without you.” It had never worked before. He’d shouted all sorts of chastening at the silly animal to no avail. Perhaps it was his determination this time.
Mortimer turned from his current curiosity and walked back to the path where Dimitri was now standing. “I can’t do this without you,” Dimitri repeated.
Was that a nod?
Mortimer’s jaw was moving. What could he possibly be eating? No, there wasn’t anything to eat, and despite his best efforts, he couldn’t fit his mangy snout into the saddle bag with all the snacks. He could sure smell them.
Then it happened.
“I understand, D. I’m sorry… I just needed to… ummm… Well, it’s probably best I don’t explain so you’ll still… Hop aboard!”
Dimitri just stood there, shock written over his face. It felt like ages. Mortimer gently grasped where his robe met his slacks, and launched him in the air. Dimitri landed gently in his saddle again, and they were a mile down the path before he knew what had just happened.
“We have a newborn to find before the sun overtakes the sky!” Mortimer chimed as he trotted briskly and with purpose along the winding path toward Bethlehem.