“And my vassal. Or did you not remember how he tithed?”
“You are?”
“Melchizedek. I saved your life once.”
“Do you regret so doing?”
“I serve a higher power, Lot. One that you could have served fully. Had you so chosen.”
“I did serve. Do serve. We have fled the Cities of the Plain.”
“The cities would be destroyed over time. Their defenses offers little protection from foreign powers. You could have prospered there, though.”
“I prospered once.”
“And now you are-”
“Melchizedek, why are you here?”
“I saved your life once. In the East, that means your life belongs to me. I come to claim it. As you know.”
And Lot did know. His time on the earth. At an end.
“Where will I go?” he asked. Sullenly.
“I care not. Your work is done.”
“My line?”
“Your line is saved, kin of Abraham.”
“My daughters?”
“They shall be provided for. I will fetch them husbands.”
“You will.”
“Fear not. Your story shall grow. The Last Righteous Man.”
With a nod, Lot lay down. Melchizedek came closer, swept his hands against Lot's brow. A few words spoken. Pain, searing, coursed through Lot. His vision blurred.
“Come, women,” said Melchizedek. “His time on earth is at an end. Your future lies elsewhere.”
And the trio marched out, leaving Lot in the cave.
