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Queen Hekima raced up the tower to paint her beautiful sky. She loved watching the stars,
and painted them every night.
Just as Hekima finished setting out her art supplies, she heard voices singing the most
beautiful song she had ever heard. The singing was coming from some high place, far away.
When the singing ended a brilliant star appeared in the sky, shining brighter than even the
moon. The star filled her heart with joy! It twinkled with a color that warmed the cold
night.
She called for her husband, King Balthazar, to come see the star. “This is a miracle!”
he exclaimed, “This star was foretold in a prophecy! It is the sign that a great king
has been born!"
They knew they must follow the star to find the baby king. Along the way, they would visit
other kings and queens who would know more about the meaning of the star and the baby
king. However, they could not decide on the gift they should bring.
Off in the distance, a lion roared loudly. “That’s it!” cried Balthazar "Let us
give him a lion. The lion is the king of all animals. His mighty roar fills the night with
noise, just as this king’s star filled the night with light."
Queen Hekima thought about this and said, "While a lion would be a mighty gift for other
kings, this may be a very different king. He might not have the building or people to
care for a lion. I think the best gift to give is gold."
"Gold?" asked Balthazar, "I am sure the king has plenty of gold!”
Hekima continued her thoughts. “Look at his bright star. I think it is a sign that
his riches are in heaven, and not on earth. Maybe he will need gold to buy food, or a
place to sleep.”
"My dear queen, Balthazar said, “I have never imagined a king like the one you describe,
but you are wise. Gold is an excellent gift.”
The next day they started their journey. They traveled across great stretches of sand and
then great stretches of water. After many days, they came to the top of a hill and saw
the famous library of King Caspar and Queen Sophia. The king and queen loved books so
much that they made the library the biggest building in the kingdom.