"Will you pray for the prince’s recovery? He needs a miracle and he needs it now"

Damascus

Pierre was not sure how effective the doctor’s idea was going to be. Would prayers make a difference for the prince? Did prayers work at all? He mulled these matters over as he stumbled in the snow toward the local shul.

He walked inside and was surprised to see so many people studying from their holy books at such a late hour.

“Can I help you?” A man approached, his expression cautious. No one knew exactly who Pierre was or even his name, but all inhabitants of this city had seen Pierre together with the prince on many occasions. Whoever Pierre was, he must be an important figure.

Pierre hesitated, finding that he was momentarily at a loss for words. The scene — the grand aron kodesh, the flickering candles, the hum of Torah study — stirred something within him.

“Are you lost?”

“I-I don’t know.” Pierre swallowed.

There was a long pause. Finally, Pierre pulled himself together. He squared his shoulders and raised his voice. Everyone turned to stare at him.