Meanwhile, Melchior arrived at the Ziggurat of Borsippa. It was already dawn. He looked east and saw a man on a camel approaching the walls; then he looked west and saw another man approaching. He knew they were the kings who would travel with him. He tried to look south, searching for the other king, but he could not see anything because the city’s high walls blocked his view. The three kings met.

Melchior: Good morning. I am Melchior. Are you the ones we are waiting for?
Caspar: I think so. I’m Caspar.
Balthazar: And I am Balthazar, although I am a little confused. I saw in the stars that we were four.
Melchior: Yes, we are four. I haven’t seen anyone coming from the south. The fourth king may be late.
Caspar: We should wait at least one more day for him. These events do not happen often.
Balthazar: Yes, but we cannot wait too long. We must arrive at the precise moment of the Messiah’s birth.
Melchior: Yes, that’s true, but even so, we should wait one more day.

The three kings agreed and decided to wait for the fourth king. They went to an oasis to rest and wait. At the same time, Artabán was worried about not being able to continue his journey. When the second day passed and the man he had helped did not regain consciousness, Artabán became very distressed. That night, he looked at the stars and realized that behind the brightest star, only three small ones followed it. Melchior was also worried and spoke to the other kings.

Melchior: It’s been two days. We cannot wait any longer. We must continue our journey tonight.
Balthazar: Yes, it’s time to continue our venture. Last night, I looked at the stars and saw only three small stars following the brighter one.
Caspar: What happened is a mystery. We may understand it later.

Artabán was no longer worried. He realized he was no longer part of the Messiah’s story. When the man regained consciousness, Artabán gave him the sapphire he had been carrying for the Messiah.

Artabán: Good man, I believe this sapphire will repay what you lost when you were assaulted.
Man: Oh no, I cannot accept that gift from someone who saved my life. Keeping my life is more than enough.
Artabán: Please accept it; I no longer need it. Now I must return to my country. Peace be with you.

Artabán was not pleased with the outcome of his trip. He encountered many difficulties and found great need along the way. He met every need with dedication and kindness, leaving a pearl for each person he helped. These hardships delayed his journey and emptied his chest. He found many needy, ill, imprisoned, and suffering people and could not abandon them. The last person he helped needed to be taken to a medical facility for treatment. Artabán stayed with those he cared for as long as necessary to ease their suffering, then continued his journey—only to be stopped again by another defenseless soul. Despite his desire to complete his trek and see God’s messenger, he chose compassion instead and reflected on his path.

Artabán: Now I must continue my journey; rather, I must return to my homeland.

Content with his choice, Artabán began his journey home. Along the way, he attempted to communicate telepathically with the other kings who were on their way to see the Messiah.

A few minutes before nightfall, the three kings resumed their journey. They traveled all night and, by morning, arrived at a city called Jerusalem. In the center of the city, they encountered some soldiers.

Soldier: Who are you? Where do you come from? I have never seen you in this city before.
Melchior: We are magicians from distant lands. We are following a star that will lead us to the place where the King of the world is to be born.
Soldier: The King of the world? We have only one king, and his name is Herod. I don’t believe his wife is expecting a child.
Balthazar: We know He is not the son of King Herod. He is the Messiah, who will be the King of the universe.
Soldier: King Herod needs to hear about this Messiah. Come with me; you must speak with him.

The three magicians went to see King Herod, who received them graciously.

Herod: My soldiers tell me you are magicians from distant lands who have come to worship a Messiah. Tell me, where is this Messiah to be born? I wish to adore Him and pay my respects.
Melchior: We are following a star that will guide us to Him. We do not yet know how far it will lead us, but we believe we are close.
Herod: When you discover where the Messiah is, return and tell me. I have a gift suitable for a king.

The three kings continued their journey and arrived at a small town called Bethlehem. The star shone brighter than ever and appeared to stand still.

Caspar: We are close. The star stopped moving when we arrived in this village.
Melchior: Yes, I noticed it as well. This is the place we are seeking—it lies beyond that hill.
Balthazar: Let us follow those shepherds. They are all heading in the same direction.
Caspar: Yes, they are also searching for the newborn. Let us ask them where they are going.

Caspar approached the shepherds, who recognized him and stopped. They appeared frightened. Balthazar spoke to them.

Balthazar: Do not be afraid. We are travelers who have followed the star you see. Do you know what has happened?
Shepherd: An angel appeared and told us to follow the brilliant star. He said the Savior of the world was born there and that we were to worship Him.
Melchior: We share the same purpose as you. Continue on, and we will follow.

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Editor’s Note:
In the next chapter, the Kings worship the Messiah.