by Fiona Tarr
Martinez greeted David once more with the unfamiliar handshake. David concluded this must be some sort of warrior greeting, as it was not usually customary among his people.
'I hope you slept well. The King is more excited than I have seen him in some time.'
'Eventually I did, once I finally decided which brother to send home,' David remarked as he accepted the greeting and smiled fondly to the King’s envoy. 'How is it you became envoy to the King? You must tell me when we have time to talk at length,' said David. Martinez nodded agreement as he indicated with an incline of his head that the King was waiting. David took a deep breath and entered the tent. It was much as it had been the night before except the most exotic woman David had ever seen sat with the King. He was both aroused and uncomfortable at the same time. Not the usual embarrassed uncomfortable he was used to around women; it was more an uneasy stomach kind of feeling. It passed quickly as he was distracted by the King’s welcome.
'So which of your brothers have you decided will return home David?' The King’s companion was eyeing David in a peculiar fashion while the King spoke.
'I have decided, after a sleepless night, that my brother Nate will go home. He will be most helpful to our father at this time,' concluded David more for himself once again than for the King.
'Splendid, that is wonderful news. I will advise the commanding officer he can leave as soon as he has packed up,' David smiled then.
'I believe he is ready to go right away sir. I spoke with my brothers before coming to you. I hope that was not out of turn, as I believed that I needed to personally explain myself to them all.' David was now feeling a little nervous that he may have broken protocol of some type. However he stood by his decision to talk to his brothers himself, especially Jerim.
'That is fine David; I will have need of your services soon, but I believe a short expedition with Martinez and Jonathan has been planned. Therefore I excuse you to attend with them and undergo some training.' The King nodded toward Martinez, 'Make sure he learns everything he will need to perform his duties.' Martinez bowed and turned to leave, indicating with his eyes for David to do the same. David quickly bowed deeply and joined Martinez.
'I do not know what you see in the boy Saul,' Jezebel scoffed. However she felt more fear than she had experienced in some time now that she had seen him face to face. He radiated power which made no sense when she considered his young age and small stature. Nevertheless it was there. She had felt it.
'He is a very uplifting kind of lad. I shall miss him while he is away with Jonathan and Martinez, but the training is necessary.'
Jezebel was lost in thought now. Yes, the training; he could have an accident while he was learning his fighting skills, or maybe a riding accident, but how? Jezebel needed to distract her mind; she caressed the King’s upper thigh.
'Surely we have more interesting things we can think about right now?' she asked as one hand slipped up under his tunic, and the other pulled the tab on the curtains surrounding the dais. Right now, she needed the release as much as the King, probably more. Her anxiety was increasing with every moment since meeting the boy. The King was not particularly well practised when it came to fulfilling a woman’s needs; however he had no objections to her being self-sufficient as long as his passions were satisfied. Saul grabbed her roughly, throwing her to the cushions, groping her body, his mouth closing tightly over her breast. Jezebel considered then that maybe she should have just gratified herself and left the King to his own devices.
Martinez took David by the arm and led him to where Jonathan stood by a yard of horses. David stopped in his stride, the smile slipping from his face.
'I have never ridden a horse Martinez,' he whispered. ‘I have only ridden a camel a few times.'
'No better time to start than the present then. Choose your mount.'
'How? I know nothing about horses!' complained David
'Use your instincts. You have a good eye, decide on one.' David walked around the yard. There were six horses tethered along the fence. The first was a huge horse, a proud looking mount with shoulders taller than David could see over and a tail that looked like the crook on his shepherd’s staff, all upstanding and at attention. One gelding was pulling against his tether and looked like he might chew it clear if you gave him the chance. Further along was a smaller plain looking mare which David could relate to. She was not as sleek as the tall mount he had first seen; yet she looked strong and healthy. She certainly was not too tall for him to see over.
'This one I believe will do what I require.' David announced.
'Good choice! Why did you decide on her?'
'Well this one,' David indicated the horse tugging on the lead, 'it did not look very happy to be here, and the big one over there, I do not think I could even get up on him especially since I could not even see over him. I am certain that if I was to fall off, it would not only hurt, it could also result in permanent injury.' Martinez was chuckling quietly to himself now. 'I chose the mare because she appears strong, healthy and not ready to kill me.'
Now Jonathan was laughing too.
'You are quite right David. The mare you have chosen is one of the few here who would make a great mount to learn on and still keep up with the war horses. Martinez, you were right as usual. A good judge of character!' David realised Jonathan was now talking about him and not the horse.
'Well let us get to the basics of riding and caring for your horse then.' Martinez directed David to the mare.
'My horse? I thought I was just borrowing her,' David said with astonishment.
'No, she is a gift from the King. Ahorse of your choice – he has ordered it to be given to you.'
'I am most grateful. This is a wonderful gift.'
'A necessary one; it is a little hard to go hunting and scouting without a mount,' Martinez smirked. 'All of these horses are trained to be ridden with no reins or ropes to their heads in case the need should arise. There is a bridle around the nose but this is only to help direct the horse not for tugging on. This ruins the horse and hardens their mouth. You hold onto the mane in order to steady yourself while you ride and to mount up, you understand,' David nodded, 'you use your calves to nudge the horse through each gait or speed. First walking, then trotting, although you will not do much of this until you get a bit of practise. It is very uncomfortable until you learn to sit into it. After the trot is the canter which is a fast rolling walk and then if you use your calves again the horse will go into a gallop. To direct the horse, you move your calf and knee forward on the side you wish to turn away from, at the same time, lay the reins across the flanks on the other side, you twist your hips towards the direction you want to turn to. To go backwards you place your calf back on the side you wish to turn towards while using your thighs to grip and push into the seat harder.' Martinez was now looking at David’s concerned face. 'You will learn quickly, do not worry; after a while it comes naturally. The mare will be very forgiving.'
David was not convinced, however he was willing to try anything new. That was what adventure was all about! David tried to mount the mare, a scary experience however he settled into his seat quickly. Martinez mounted the gelding which had been tugging at his lead, while Jonathan unbelievably mounted the tall proud war horse with one simple and easy vault. He noticed David’s astonished look and smiled.
'He would not have let you ride him had you tried. He has been mine for many years, a manhood gift from my father for my thirteenth birthday. He was trained by the best,' he nodded towards Martinez.
'My horse on the other hand is not so proud and handsome, though he would die for me; nearly has on many occasions. At the same time he is as awkward as I, for which I pay the price occasionally.' David was curious but he decided he did not really wish to know what that price might be. He had the distinct impression that whatever it was, it would be very unpleasant.
They rode slowly in comfortable silence until they reached the top of the ridge which surrounded the encampm
ent and battle field below. David stopped and gently turned his mare to survey the scene below, practising what he had been taught. There were many hastily erected tents and shelters scattered across the valley floor on both sides of the battlefield. In between was a large flat clearing where many battles had taken place. The stains of blood could be seen on the land from here, along with the upturned areas from the trampling of the feet of soldiers and horses alike. To the far left of the scene, downwind of the camp an open grave was obvious. It was enormous! The bodies below had been covered with a light layer of soil to contain the smell. The occasional limb could be seen protruding from the pile, a grim reminder of the number of lives lost. Martinez noticed where David’s line of sight was resting.
'Maybe what we set out to do today can prevent anymore being added to that grave.' David did not think he looked very convinced of this; however he said nothing and merely nodded.
'Time to see how you fare at a canter or gallop David.' Martinez was now grinning with a mischievous look which served to make him look considerably younger. His age was something David had not really had time to consider, but now he wondered how old Martinez was, maybe in his mid to late thirties he decided. He was about to ask him if he had a wife or children, when Martinez and Jonathan nudged their mounts into a canter. David’s mare was ready to follow suit so he nudged her forward. Holding on with his thighs, he tried frantically to remember what he had been told. He leant low over the neck of the horse and she instantly moved into a gallop. He whispered in her ear to ‘play nice’ and she responded by adding another notch to her speed. David was amazed at how exhilarating riding could be. The sense of freedom was fantastic. The horse made subtle changes to her course according to his instructions as he gently tested her obedience. Moving his left foot forward and touching the flank of the horse, she altered her course slightly; he then tried the other side. Again she responded. Martinez and Jonathan had begun to slow, David suddenly realised he had not really learnt how to stop! He started to panic. He leant back in the saddle since that was supposed to make the horse go backwards and she had to stop before she could go backwards, surely? The horse instinctively slowed and began to trot, bouncing David up and down like a baby on its father’s knee. This, as Martinez had mentioned was very uncomfortable. He sat back a little harder and much to his relief, she began to walk.
'I believe my backside is going to ache for days after this adventure. Where are we heading by the way?' David realised he had not even asked; his curiosity was now peaking.
'We are heading out to scout the enemy behind the battle lines. At the same time we will spend some time assessing your hunting and fighting skills. Have you done much of either? I am guessing unlikely due to your surroundings at home.' Martinez spoke with no hint of mockery.
'I have fought lions and other wild animals which have threatened the herd. The last fight amongst the tribesman happened when I was young, too young to remember it. You are right; I have done little hunting. When I have been away from the encampment with a herd for a few days I usually have provisions with me. I once caught a rabbit, but that was as much a surprise to me as it was to the rabbit.'
Jonathan gave him a questioning look. 'You must explain that story sometime when we are gathered around the campfire. I believe it would be worth hearing and yet somehow knowing you, I think it may be a long and fanciful story, accompanied by the harp.' The men chuckled.
'Let us move on.' Martinez said leading the way. 'We need to scout a while and find a suitable place to make camp. Let us start your training now David. What are the things you would think about when making camp?'
David thought a moment. 'I would look for somewhere with shelter from the wind and where you cannot be seen by passersby, such as a gully or treed area. Water close by would be an advantage for the horses and for filling water canteens.' Martinez nodded.
They continued at a walk, making their way North East in order to avoid the battlefield or any scouting enemy soldiers. As they grew closer to enemy territory they travelled through settlements which had been devastated by the ravages of war. Homes were burned and livestock stolen to feed the armies. People had long since moved on in order to avoid the turmoil.
There was little conversation now and David was lost in thought as he considered the plight of the people during times of war. Refugees could be seen in small groups making their way North or South along the road, depending on where they felt they would be most welcome. To the south they would find little civilisation; it led to David’s homelands and other tribes like his. However many would seek comfort with relatives in the arid land. Others would journey to the cities along the coast, hoping to find support with the King and fellow man, yet they would find no such support. The cities were overrun with refugees and a famine was growing. The longer the stalemate held, the more innocent people would die of hunger, while the powers that be sorted out their issues.
Martinez halted. 'We will make our way off the main road now. We do not want to be seen and we need to make our way back towards the battlefield behind enemy lines. There will be places to camp in the lower land as we make our way back to the ocean.'
They moved deeper into the trees that would lead them back toward the sea. They continued in a single line, as the undergrowth was thick and the trail very narrow. Each man was left to his own thoughts as they rode quietly in order to not be heard.
Martinez stayed alert however, his mind drifting to happy times. He recalled his mother, a beautiful woman, with long black hair and amazingly deep black eyes. She was strong and yet gentle and he missed her still. He had asked her one day how she had come to live with the Israeli people, as her people were from far away and of a very different culture. She talked of her childhood, of playing outdoors and of the boys and girls mixing freely. Her village had been raided and she had been taken by slavers, who had transported her to the sales in Persia selling her like an animal alongside goats, sheep and cattle. At sixteen she had stood on the block, head held high even though her body was bruised and her clothing stripped from her. The bidding was very low. Her defiant nature was offensive to those gathered to buy. It was then that Martinez’s father had bought her. He could not have afforded her had the price not been so low. He had travelled to Persia to find new blood stock for his herd. As a small landholder, he had little for buying slaves. He had wives already, however Martinez’s mother had captivated him both with her beauty and her strength, and he felt compelled to save her. Later as a free woman he had married her and fathered Martinez.
At first Martinez had enjoyed a wonderful childhood. His mother had been careful to teach him of her family culture while also allowing him to embrace the God of the Israeli people whom she passionately believed had saved her from a painful death. His father’s first wife however had taken an instant dislike to Martinez. As he grew she made his life increasingly difficult. As a small boy he did not understand her hatred. He was of mixed blood, but she treated him worse than the animals, making him work harder than any of the other children. He had kept this from his mother as he did not wish to upset her or give anyone reason to treat her poorly. Now he understood the first wife had been jealous of his mother and the affection his father showed her. She had taken her pain out on him, for to take it out on his mother would certainly have made life difficult for both women. His mother’s love had been his saving grace until her death when he was just a young man. It was then he left, to follow in his oldest brother’s footsteps. He worked as a mercenary, learning all he could about fighting. He was strangely thankful for the treatment he had sustained, for without it he might never have left home and travelled as he did.
They had come to a small clearing now.
'We will camp here tonight, it is early and we can track some food for our meal. Tomorrow there will be no hot food or campfire as we will be too close to the enemy. Tonight we can eat cooked meat and salt the rest for the trip ahead.' David dismounted and was relieved for the chance to stretch his legs. Hi
s rear was numb and he was not looking forward to what it would be like when the feeling returned. He had enjoyed the riding experience, however he was going to enjoy the evening without riding much more. David pulled his spear from the saddle and unpacked his bedroll. Jonathan built up a small fire within a circle of rocks and slowly fed twigs to it.
'Where I come from, there are no trees or twigs so we use camel dung to build our fires. It is very slow burning and quite warming.
‘Fragrant.' Jonathan quipped as he playfully threw a twig at David.
As the fire built up, David took in the scent.
‘I think the twigs are a more pleasant aroma.' David noted with a smile.
Martinez boiled a pot of water, throwing a few leaves in, stirring the brew, then setting it aside for a few minutes.
'What is that?' David peered into the pot, breathing in the vapours.
'It is called tea. It comes from lands far to the south east of here. I travelled there many years ago, serving in a mercenary army. That is where I learnt the sword, amongst other weapons. They are a curious people who worship cows, yet do not eat them. They grow the leaves; dry them, crush them, then drop them into boiling water to drink. Slightly bitter yet I have become accustomed to the taste. I know a merchant who travels regularly to collect stock for me and for many others who have acquired the taste,' Martinez explained as he offered David and Jonathan a cup. Jonathan drank the brew, blowing on it as he sipped it, while Martinez did the same. David slurped a mouthful and was met with a disgusting taste which he choked on.
'As I said an acquired taste.'
'It needs goat’s milk I think to add some sweetness. It is quite vile, but I guess it will do in the absence of anything else,' David shrugged and took another gulp and realised it was not as shocking as the first. 'Still needs milk,' he grunted.