Chapter 22—Sexual Disorientation
Daniel waited in the library corridor next to the Rare Book Exhibit, anxious for Chris to arrive. Ever since he had begun to work on the clue to the next artifact’s location, Daniel worried about discussing the topic with Chris in a place where other library patrons could eavesdrop. His friend had suggested that the two of them meet every day at 3 o’clock in what had become their private upstairs conference room.
The scion scanned the silent corridor, clutching his laptop and portfolio nervously. He always feared that a security guard might decide to wander up here one day and catch him. It would be hard to explain what he was doing lurking outside the room that housed the library’s most valuable collection of antique volumes. He gave an involuntary sigh of relief when the elevator doors opened, and Chris appeared.
“Sorry. I got held up at the reference desk,” he said, unlocking the exhibit door.
When Daniel entered the room, his gaze travelled immediately to the illuminated manuscripts housed in glass cases that lined the walls. He was always struck by their beauty—the word of God written in jeweled ink on parchment. Even if one didn’t understand Latin, the volumes were an exquisite sight purely as works of art.
Chris interrupted his thoughts. “Any luck today?”
Daniel shook his head and took a seat next to him on the circular bench in the middle of the exhibit. “I’m afraid not, and my father’s temper will soon be growing short at my lack of results.”
The scion ran his fingers distractedly through his hair. “I don’t know where else to look. I’ve studied every seacoast town in a straight line eastward from Napata all the way across the Arabian Peninsula, and I can’t find any reference to an island tower.”
Chris gave him a reassuring pat on the back. “We’ll figure this out together. We did it before. We can do it again.”
“I had fewer distractions last time,” Daniel demurred.
His friend gave him a quizzical look. “What are you talking about?”
Daniel rubbed his tired eyes. “My third wife recently gave birth to a son.”
Chris’s face froze for a moment, but he recovered and gave a smile. “Congratulations. You never talk about your family. You must be proud.”
“My father is proud of my accomplishment.” Daniel accented the last word. “I fear the new baby will only bring more problems.”
Chris took Daniel’s computer and set it on the floor. He turned to face the scion. “I think we need to talk about your family problems more than the relic hunt. You’re in no shape to discuss artifacts today. What is going on with you?”
The scion looked up at the skylight. “Where to begin? I think I’ve already mentioned that the Nephilim brotherhood practices polygamy. A marital state which I’ve since learned is illegal among the Fallen.”
The librarian gave a small chuckle. “I can’t picture you married to one woman much less ‘women’ plural.”
“Nor can I,” Daniel agreed. “I never wished to marry at all. I was content with my studies, but in order to build my heavenly kingdom my religion requires me to take many wives.”
Chris wrinkled his forehead. “Your heavenly kingdom?”
“The Nephilim believe that when we leave this life, each man among us will receive a share in our Father’s celestial kingdom. The portion allotted to us depends on how many wives and children we have.”
“Oh boy,” Chris murmured under his breath. “That must be a nightmare.”
“For me, yes,” Daniel replied earnestly. “I complied with the rules of my faith. As my father assigned me each wife—"
Chris cut him off. “Whoa, back up. Your father did what now?”
“The diviner chose my brides for me since I expressed no preference myself. There were three of them. Each wife bore a single child—a daughter.”
“If you managed to pull that off you’re a better man than I am, Gunga Din,” Chris commented.
“I don’t understand.” Daniel’s tone was perplexed.
“Never mind, go on.”
“My father became concerned since I had no male offspring. That problem was solved when Annabeth gave birth to a son.”
“Annabeth is one of your wives?” Chris asked.
“Yes, she is now my principal wife.”
“And that means what exactly?”
“In our faith, the wife who has produced the most offspring, especially if they are male, has dominion over the other wives. Such a woman becomes a man’s principal wife.”
“So, no competition there.” Chris chuckled.
“Ordinarily, the arrangement isn’t a problem. Most sister-wives live amicably with one another, but Annabeth has been overbearing toward the others. I believe she wishes to solidify her position by having another child immediately. That’s why she’s been pressuring me to have relations with her again.”
“It doesn’t sound to me as if you’re thrilled with that plan,” Chris observed.
“We already have enough problems with the children we have,” Daniel protested. “Annabeth has put our daughter aside.”
“What do you mean by ‘put aside’?” Chris asked cautiously.
“Annabeth has sent our little girl to live with my other wives and their daughters. Her excuse is that she needs to devote all her attention to the baby. I believe the real reason is that she dotes on the boy and has no use for a daughter.”
The librarian’s face took on a solemn expression. “That’s pretty cold.”
“I try to spend as much time as I can with the child, but she feels the loss of her mother.”
“I like kids,” Chris remarked thoughtfully. “Of course, I don’t expect I’ll ever have any of my own, but I like them anyway. It’s a real shame the way your wife is treating your little girl. You have to step in and do something about it.”
Daniel stood abruptly. In order to relieve his agitation, he began pacing around the room. “Yes, I know. I’ve been racking my brain for a way to help the child without incurring Annabeth’s wrath and making the situation worse.” He paused, staring blankly at one of the illuminated manuscripts. “Now you understand why I’ve been unable
