by Beth Shriver
Maximus watched intently as he chugged down the remaining contents in his goblet. He let his voice ring through his great hall. “Begin!”
Marcus leaned back to watch as the beating of drums started and the women weaved and moved to the rhythm. The lyres joined in as the beat grew louder and faster. Maximus peered at the women over the top of his goblet as they swayed with the twanging of the instruments, keeping his eyes on two of them until the end of the song. He motioned to a slave and pointed to one of the women, who was wearing a blue dress with a silk sash tied around her waist, showing off her ravishing figure. The slave nodded and swept her away to Maximus’s private room while the others continued in another dance.
Marcus watched Maximus pause at the sound of his half-sister’s laughter. Marcus scanned the room with him until he found her sitting at a table with Anthony. Felicia ignored Maximus’s stare and continued her conversation. Maximus curled his lip as he gripped the arm of his chair and reached for his cup.
Marcus rushed over to him before Maximus’s jealous rage took him. “My Lord, may I have a word with you?” He glanced over to where Maximus had been staring and saw the beautiful Felicia throw her head back in laughter. Her dark hair flowed over her shoulders and large eyes sparkled as she gazed at Anthony.
Marcus smiled at Maximus’s obvious jealousy. Maximus placed his goblet on a golden tray held by a servant. He stood and followed Marcus through a smaller garden boasting a fountain surrounded by lavender flowers. They stepped into the consultant’s room, and Marcus shut the doors behind him.
“The scouts have given us information.”
Maximus nodded and sat by the large oak table. He rested his hand on the arm of a high-backed chair, glancing at the door, showing his impatience. His attention lay in the other room with Felicia and her sudden interest in the handsome commander. “We have word of Josiah’s whereabouts. He is said to be in the hill country.”
Maximus scoffed. “That could be any of a number of villages along the hillside.”
Marcus ran strong fingers through his dark curls and pursed his lips. “The scouts have narrowed them down. He is in one of three.”
Maximus’s condescending grin faded as he lifted a finger to his chin. His brows furrowed when he heard the low number. “I see. How many days to reach the area?”
Marcus looked up in thought as he recalculated the number again in his mind. “Three.”
Maximus’s eyes set upon the huge gold-plated doors, considering the situation. “How reliable is this information?”
“Many scouts have seen him. He walks up to the hills and prays to his god each day. The times vary, but he is faithful with this one ritual.”
Maximus slowly turns to face Marcus, whose feeling of excitement seeped away as doubt crept into its place. He would have to make certain Maximus would act. The general’s hesitancy and lack of drive to act upon this vital information frustrated Marcus.
“We have no time or reason to wait,” he urged.
Maximus shifted his weight, unsure. “You sound certain of this, so do what is necessary.”
Marcus stopped himself from saying what first came to mind. Did Maximus not understand the magnitude of apprehending their most significant anarchist? Maximus knew little of battle, and although great in size, their army’s motivation was not what it once was. They needed their ruler to seize this opportunity with zeal.
Marcus set his feet before speaking. “These villages are among rough terrain and in difficult positioning.”
Maximus gulped his wine and glanced at the door again. Marcus hoped Maximus’s distraction would serve to keep him out the decision making. Maximus sat up, searching for more wine.
The general drummed his fingers on the end of the table. “I am aware of the difficulties we face, Marcus. Securing Josiah should not be complicated in such small populated villages and would make the capturing of those areas extraneous.”
Marcus nodded and let a small smile lift one side of his lips, enjoying Maximus’s attempt to save face. “Oh, but there is something you have never experienced—the pillaging and raping that are the benefits of a won battle.” His lips slid into a smile.
Maximus stood quickly, knowing he had been insulted. “Do not affront me, General.”
Marcus’s frozen and unblinking eyes sent his message better than words. The two men stood eye to eye until Maximus gave a small nod. He sensed Maximus’s withdrawal and felt his influence ripen.
Marcus was not one to be cautious and had won many battles because of this trait, just as he had now. “I will call a meeting of the commanders to prepare.”
“Fine. We will all sleep well tonight knowing of the victory ahead.” Maximus slapped Marcus on the shoulder, holding his hand there to study his face. Marcus’s unyielding stare conveyed the affirmative answer. Maximus squeezed his arm, lifted his lip.
Marcus had played this cat and mouse game well with Maximus. He felt the blood pumping through his veins, knowing this was the beginning of the campaign they had been waiting for a reason to strike.
“I will make the arrangements and send out the army come daylight.” He was positive the information was well-founded and hopeful they would apprehend Josiah, but he felt ill knowing what no one else did. Hidden within these palace walls dwelt a secret that would always make him detest his dictator and consider him an inadequate ruler for a mighty province. A position he would soon take as his own.
Chapter Three
As he began to take the stretch home, Enan became caught up in his thoughts of Tirzah. He felt he would burst if he didn’t tell someone how he felt about her. Nethan was probably at his home, in the stables settling the horses in for the night, but he was not sure how Nethan would react if he told him of his plan. He hadn’t been able to read his friend upon his return home.
He glanced up the road toward Abraham’s house. It was well-lit, and a silhouette crossed one of the small front windows. He quickened his step and tied Legend to the gate in front of Abraham’s house, then walked to the door.
Before he could knock, the door opened and a small girl stepped out smiling. She hugged Enan’s leg. “Mother, Father, come see who’s here! It’s Enan.” Sarah pulled him into the house, and Abraham’s son came running as quickly as his chubby legs could carry him.
Enan bent down to catch him as he jumped onto Enan, taking him off balance. They both went tumbling onto the wool rug on the floor. Sarah jumped on top of them, and the two children giggled. Enan tickled them until they begged for mercy.
Ruth walked in from the kitchen, wiping her hands on her apron, and tucked a dark strand of hair behind her ear. She leaned over and kissed Enan on the top of the head. “Your time away seems longer each time you go. But the Lord faithfully brings you safely back to us.”
Enan lifted the children up onto a bench by the fire and sat next to them to get warm. “I have missed your wonderful cooking and your silly children.” He tousled Daniel’s hair. Sarah stared up fondly at him with her big brown eyes, grabbed his arm, and hugged it.
He thought of Ruth’s words. The training was more intense, and the trainers had been taking them on field exercises more. Maybe Tirzah’s concern was valid in that they were being prepared for engagement with the Romans. The reality sank in as he gazed into the fire.
This had been their way of life since The Fall—preparing to defend themselves against the Romans and protect their faith—but the thought of his own village going to battle suddenly made his stomach raw.
“Enan,” Ruth repeated, looking at him intently.
“Sorry, Ruth. I was just wondering where Abraham might be.”
“He’s out in the stables. That mare of ours is due any day. It has been eleven long months. I hope the time is soon for her.” She stood with hands on her hips and flour on her flushed cheeks.
Ruth was a fine wife to Abraham and a loving mother. She and Abraham had made a good home for themselves, and Abraham’s skills as a carpenter had been good to them.
Their home was small, but cozy, with a friendly feel to it. They didn’t have a lot, but they didn’t want for anything.
Ruth’s gaze on Enan made him realize she was curiously studying him with her pensive, brown eyes. He quickly jumped up before she had an opportunity to ask anything of him.
“I’ll go out and say hello to him.” He walked past her, careful not to look her way. She was small, but mighty, and Enan knew, the true head of their household.
“It will be a nice surprise for him.” She stood, her hands still on her hips, watching him go.
He stepped out into the crisp night. The moon was big and full, showing a hint of the horizon just past the stables and giving him enough light to make his way. As Enan stepped into the stables, he saw Abraham standing with his back to him, rubbing his neck, watching the horse. The gray mare paced back and forth whinnying, stopped, and put her head down, then slowly knelt. As soon as she made a forward motion, Abraham rushed to her to help her down.
Enan came to his side, and Abraham stared at him and startled. A broad smile crossed his face as he laughed. “I do not see you for weeks, and then when I need you, you are here, praise God!”
The two men helped bring the animal down as gently as they could. Not that they were much help to the nine-hundred-pound mare, but it was Abraham’s nature to try to help. He had been there for Ruth when she delivered their two young ones and was a great comfort to her.
“He did more than the village doctor did,” Ruth had said. The doctor being Tirzah’s father, Enan had made no reply.
The mare whinnied and threw her head back. Her labor had started, and if all went well, it would be over within the hour. Abraham put his hand up to the mare’s head and stroked her. He spoke quiet comforts while she worked at bringing new life into the world—God’s miracle right before their eyes. An hour later, a colt tried to stand before them on long jittery legs. The proud momma licked her new baby, nudging him to stand.
“You pick the oddest times to show up, Enan Asher.” Abraham seemed exhausted but delighted to have a new healthy colt and his friend there with him. Enan smiled, feeling the same exhaustion, as Abraham smacked his friend on the shoulder.
“Thank God you are back.”
“I just came for a visit, not to tend to your mare.” The two friends chuckled, then got up and headed for the house.
“You were gone longer this time. I know you missed Tirzah.” Abraham smirked, watching Enan’s reaction.
Enan grinned. “I thought about her every now and then.”
Abraham laughed heartily and walked into the house. Smells of bread and beef drifted through the room. Enan’s mouth watered. He realized how long it had been since he had last eaten.
They sat together at the thick, wooden table Abraham had made from the oak trees that grew on his land. Sarah sat shoulder to shoulder next to Enan. Daniel copied her on the other side of him. Abraham prayed over the food, and they ate together as they had so many times before.
After dinner, Abraham got out his lyre and plucked the strings to get the children in front of him by the fire. He sang a silly song that got them laughing, and then they all sang a traditional Israelite song together. Ruth decided it was time for bed when Daniel rubbed his eyes and yawned. As she tucked the children in bed in the other room, they yelled for Enan to come tell them good night.
“What about your own father? Don’t you want a good night kiss from him?” Abraham teased with another jovial laugh.
With the children asleep, Ruth finished the cleanup of supper dishes while Abraham and Enan sat by the fire.
“You have a fine family Abraham, and a good life. You should count yourself a blessed man.” Enan lit Abraham’s pipe and passed it to him, a pleasure Enan had missed while he was away.
“You go on and remind him of that, Enan.” Ruth chimed in from the kitchen.
“It would do you good to stay out of this man’s conversation.” Abraham grinned at her while dragging on his pipe.
“Huh, you would only bore me with talk of those wretched Romans.” As soon as she spoke the words, her smile tipped downward. “I am sorry. I spoke out of turn, especially after such a nice evening filled with pleasant conversation.” She walked over to Enan and put her hand on his shoulder.
Enan grinned. “I think we all have the pending conflict on our minds these days.”
Abraham gave Ruth a reassuring smile, and she took a seat next to Enan on the bench across from Abraham, who sat in his favorite wooden chair.
“Zayin is a quiet and peaceful village. How can we be a threat to anyone?” She looked to both of them for an answer of reassurance.
Abraham shook his head. “If Josiah’s safety is at stake, that means any town or village can become involved, even little Zayin. We are fortunate to have a leader such as Josiah who is true to his people. He is wise and honest, as his father. Both men want the people to take pride in themselves and their beliefs.”
“Yes.” She placed her hand to her chest. “A leader who has given the people a place to worship and instruct our children in the ways of Christ. Even we can study the Torah under his protection.”
Enan leaned forward, placing his elbows on his knees. “I will be truthful and say I am most impressed by the great army he has built. Although our numbers are spread out between villages, we are trained and ready to go out in divisions when needed. Not a powerful force, but enough to protect our own when necessary.” Enan stretched out his lean legs and moved backward, feeling too much heat from the fire.
Abraham watched Enan with interest. “Your words make me realize why you are a warrior and I am a carpenter.”
“And a husband and father,” Enan added.
Abraham’s smile tipped to one side as Enan continued, “But Josiah’s greatest strength is his calling us to a higher mission making our world a better place, gaining influence, but most importantly, spreading the word of the Messiah.”
Ruth added her agreement, and Abraham nodded and then gazed upward as he blew a smoke ring.
“Tirzah has told me her father and the council have discussed engagement with the enemy to protect Josiah.” Enan watched Abraham’s face as he dropped the pipe to his side.
“Yes,” the carpenter said. “I have heard this as well. But nothing has been authorized yet, and why should we worry until it becomes so?” Such was Abraham’s way to avoid anything of trouble. Abraham averted his eyes, and Enan knew his friend was trying to keep him from worry.
“And how is the fair Tirzah?” Abraham’s lips curved into a smile, and his large brown eyes sparkled in the firelight.
“She is well.” Enan wasn’t able to keep the grin from spreading across his face, waiting for more prompting.
“Come now, there is more to it than that.” Abraham leaned forward, closer to Enan.
Enan glanced at Abraham and broke into a small laugh. “She is all I think about.”
“I knew it! I knew she was the one. Have you asked her father yet?” Abraham was talking fast now. His dark eyes were wide with anticipation, and his round face seemed to glow with delight. Ruth laughed at Abraham’s delight and listened attentively.
“I have not asked anyone anything yet, except God, to give me the courage when the time is right,” Enan replied.
“Yes, you are always good to go to God. You humble me.” Abraham paused. “But you have been with her for a long while now,” he urged.
“I am waiting for the opportune moment. God’s moment. I’ll know when the time is right.” Enan responded with confidence. Although he had none, he needed the encouragement.
“Oh, you will wait through every moment. You can fight with the courage of ten men, but when it comes to women, you are all show!” Abraham sat back in his chair.
“All right, what would you have me say, then?” Enan hoped Abraham would give him a serious answer. Abraham stared attentively at Enan.
“You say what is in your heart. You stick your neck out and tell her how you feel and pray to G
od she feels the same way you do. And even more so, you pray her father does.” Abraham sat still, waiting for Enan’s response.
Disappointed at the risk in his answer, Enan looked hopelessly at Abraham. “Battle is much easier than this.”
“Oh, romance is wasted on people like you.” Abraham was right. And this was the reason Enan had come to him—to find out if he was valid in marrying her. Enan had always sought out advice from his Christian brothers when needed, and he very much needed it now.
“I’ll talk with her parents.”
“Good, good,” Abraham encouraged him.
“I’ll think about what I am going to say, and I will ask them before the Sabbath day.” Enan sat straight up, his hands rubbing up and down his thighs.
“The Sabbath day?” Ruth walked in from the kitchen and placed her hands on her hips. “That’s five days’ time. You will have changed your mind by then. Do it tomorrow.”
Enan gazed at her in surprise, suddenly hot from the fire. He stood as a muscle worked in his jaw. “Tomorrow? I haven’t thought of what to say.”
“You can sleep on it tonight, but first thing tomorrow, you will go and speak to them. It is settled then. Stop by tomorrow night for supper. We will want to hear all about it.” Ruth bent over and kissed Enan on the forehead, kissed her husband, and then walked into the bedroom.
“Supper will be ready at dusk. Good night, Enan.”
Enan watched her walk away as his courage dwindled. “Tomorrow?”
Abraham punched him in the arm and laughed.
Chapter Four
Maximus nodded with a wave of his hand and then stood to join the revelry again. He reached for his goblet, sloshing red drops on the floor. Marcus shook his head and quickly made his way down the hallway leading in the opposite direction as Maximus.
Marcus rounded the corner as if going to the military quarters but then crossed the hall and headed up a long staircase that ended abruptly at a small landing and door. He tried the door. Locked.