The Warrior's Vow

by Christina Rich

  She would have the truth, even if it caused her great heartache. The thought that her own father had killed so many was like drinking poison. Why did he? And why kill Shema?

  She thought back to the last moments. Shema had been bathing her and Bilhah, telling them a story of the burning bush and how God came down and spoke with a man. Later God had led the Hebrew people out of slavery from Egypt and they wandered in the desert for many years. At the time, Abigail couldn’t imagine four days in the desert let alone forty years. When Abigail had asked her why they had to walk so long, Shema had told her that God needed to purge the Egyptian gods from their minds and reestablish Himself as their God and then He took a man to a mountain and gave them laws to follow.

  Abigail had dreamed of burning bushes and talking mountains that night and she had waited anxiously for Shema to return. She never did. Until now she never knew why. To discover her father had had her killed burned in Abigail’s stomach, and all because Shema had told her a story.

  * * *

  Jesse lumbered between Dara’s two boys. Two boys? Not likely. They were grown men, near the same height as he. From the way their muscles bunched and pulled with each step, they were fit. He recalled their raised swords and at the time had thought them to be soldiers in the queen’s guard. However, now he was not positive. Their feet did not carry the surefootedness required of a successful man of war, but then neither did his at the moment. Still, he’d have to keep an eye on them. Certainly they were loyal to their mother, but was Dara loyal to Abigail or to Captain Suph?

  He grunted. Perhaps he should not be so quick to think ill of the old woman. She had worked diligently beside Abigail tending his wounds. If she intended to see him dead she would not have wasted her time or her precious herbs.

  “The horses are not that much farther,” one of the men said.

  “Will you be able to sit a horse?” the other one asked.

  “I would like to tell you with great assurance yes.” He drew in a breath. “But I find each step jarring to my innards.”

  “Aye, broken ribs will weaken a man.” The man on his right adjusted Jesse higher onto his shoulder. “I fear no matter how you sit a horse the ride will jar you even more.”

  Of that Jesse was certain and did not look forward to long hours on a horse. And since they had decided not to go straight to Jerusalem it looked as if he’d spend more time than he’d like riding.

  “Do we even know where we are going?”

  Jesse had thought about it since Bilhah reminded them Jerusalem would not be safe for Abigail, and he agreed. However, that meant most of Judah would not be safe for the wayward princess. Those areas that would offer her sanctuary he could not take her to. He would not risk the safety of his people. “I need to get word to Jerusalem. There is a man who will help—”

  “I will go. Give me direction.”

  Jesse shook his head. “My forgiveness, but I do not even know which of you is Nathan and which is Jonathan.”

  They laughed.

  “I’m Jonathan.”

  “I’m Nathan.”

  Of course, their tandem chorus did Jesse no good in the dark. “The fact remains, I do not know if I can trust you.”

  The men halted. The one on his left looked at him. “Do you intend to go yourself, then?”

  The one on the right said, “Either one of us goes and the other stays, or we both stay. You have no choice at the moment other than to trust us. Nathan is swift-footed and can help protect the women. I can ride faster than most. It will take me no time to reach Jerusalem.”

  “How do I know you won’t return to camp and alert Suph?”

  They laughed once again. “If we wanted to hand you over, we would have done so before we stole the captain’s horse and saved ourselves much trouble.”

  Jesse chuckled even as he heard the neighing of horses.

  “We are there,” Jonathan said before he let out a low rumbling chirp that rolled down Jesse’s spine.

  Jesse looked from one to the other. “We learned our ways from our father. He didn’t trust anyone easily, either.” Nathan leaned in closer. “And he despised those who worshipped the false gods.”

  Before he could respond they settled Jesse against a tree. Jesse slid down its base and sat. The two crouched beside him. Micah stepped from the horses and greeted Abigail.

  “Who is this man in Jerusalem you wish me to find?” Jonathan asked.

  “I do not even know where to find him, only that he is in the city. Perhaps if you seek counsel with Jehoiada...”

  Nathan and Jonathan glanced at each other and then shook their heads. “With the uprisings it will be near impossible to get word to Jehoiada. Tell me his name. I will find him.”

  “Ianatos.”

  “The Philistine?” Jonathan raked a hand through his hair.

  “Ye—yes.” Having lived in Jerusalem much of the past seven years, Jesse was familiar with most of the people, but even being part of the temple guard he’d never before met Ianatos. It hadn’t been until a week ago when Ianatos helped him and Ari defeat Suph and the palace guard when they’d sought to kill young Joash that he’d met the elusive warrior. So, how was it these two knew of him? Jesse narrowed his eyes. “How do you know of him?”

  Their faces lit into identical smiles. Jesse couldn’t be sure but he thought the two might be twins. “We know many people and many things. Things not privy to ordinary people.”

  Jesse furrowed his brow. “How is it you came to be in Suph’s camp?”

  “As my brother said, we know many things. The captain’s plans for Abigail cannot be good, and our mother loves her like a daughter. She’s loyal and would do anything for the princess.” Jonathan lowered his voice. “As would Bilhah.”

  “Those who are here, except you, have Abigail’s best interest. We do not wish to see her used as Suph would, even if she is the rightful leader of Judah,” Nathan said.

  “Brother, it could be the child who is in truth the rightful heir.”

  It seemed that even though the brothers agreed on protecting Abigail, they disagreed on her position as queen.

  “Jonathan will take your message to Ianatos and I will stay. However, we cannot remain here so close to camp. Where is it we shall meet?”

  “You are correct,” Jesse said. “Tell him to meet us by the creek where we fought the queen’s guards a few days ago.”

  Nathan placed his hands on his hips. “Out in the open?”

  Jesse shook his head. “No, we will be close by and keep watch. Tell him Ari’s brother Jesse needs his assistance in saving our king.” He glanced from one to the other, daring them to say otherwise. “He will come.”

  “What makes you certain this Philistine will help your king? Only days ago he was loyal to Athaliah.” Nathan jammed his hands on his hips.

  Jesse considered the question. For some reason he felt the man’s question was a test, but what sort of test Jesse did not know. It was obvious they knew of Ianatos, which meant they possibly knew what he was. Besides, their reaction to the truth would help him ascertain exactly where their loyalties lay. “Ianatos comes from a line of Philistine warriors who have vowed to protect the line of King David. He is a Carite and recognizes King Joash for who he is. The rightful heir to King David’s throne.”

  Chapter Eight

  His words penetrated every bit of her being. She had not believed the child was truly the king, not for certain. However, if this Philistine Jesse sought believed it enough to change his loyalties to protect the child, then perhaps it was true. She may have been sheltered but she had been taught much about the Carites, the Philistine guard and their ancient vows. The entire royal house knew of them, even her.

  What was it about the child that made everyone believe he was her nephew? She thought to ask but Nathan said
his goodbyes to Jonathan. Soon Nathan was lifting her and then Bilhah onto a horse. A thick blanket draped over the horse’s back cushioned her seat. Nathan handed her a thick braided rope that was attached to something in the horse’s mouth. “Do not yank on this, Abigail, else you’ll find yourself quickly on the ground. Stay relaxed. She’ll follow us when it is time to leave.”

  “She is a beauty.” Abigail patted the horse’s neck. Muscles quivered beneath her fingertips.

  Bilhah grabbed hold of Abigail’s waist. “Whatever it is you are doing, please do not.”

  Abigail glanced over her shoulder. “Does the beast frighten you?”

  Her cousin shuddered. “I have not had much chance to ride one.”

  Abigail laughed. “Neither have I, Bilhah, although I’ve often wondered what it would be like. They are majestic, proud beings. I loved watching them parade through the courtyard.”

  “Ach, but they always left a mess. Not so majestic if you ask me.” Dara scratched at her head.

  “Can you mount on your own?” Nathan held a hand out to Jesse, who leaned heavily against a tree.

  “I believe so.” Jesse grabbed his hand. With Nathan’s palm beneath Jesse’s elbow he helped him off the ground. A painful growl emanated from Jesse’s throat. The horse danced around.

  Bilhah squeezed Abigail tighter. “Would you quit petting the beast?”

  “I fear the horse will move whenever it wants.”

  “Then I’d prefer to walk.”

  “Ach, me, too.”

  “I do not think so, Mother,” Nathan said. “We must make haste and you walk slower than any snail shriveling in the sun.” Her face paled. “No worries, Mother. I won’t let anything happen to you.”

  Nathan assisted Jesse onto the horse and then lifted Micah behind him. “Her name is Papyrus because Suph believed her to be a rare creature in her beauty. And if tales be true, she was stolen out of Egypt. If we have cause to run fast you’ll see why.”

  “My thanks,” Jesse said, his jaw clenched in pain.

  Nathan’s hand rested on his hip. “You are certain you can ride?”

  Jesse straightened his spine; the grimace deepened. “I have no choice in the matter unless I wish to die. Besides, God will give me the strength I need. And young Micah is strong. He will hold me steady.”

  Nathan smiled and then nodded. Abigail glanced at the night sky. Tiny lights flickered all across the horizon. Her nose tickled and tears pricked her eyes as her heart lightened. There was something about Jesse’s hope in this unseen God that invaded her caution. Somehow it dispelled her fear of the unknown. She was unsure what it was, but it seemed as if all would be well as long as Jesse was near.

  But what would happen when they parted ways? Where would he go? Where would she go?

  Nathan hefted his mother onto a horse and climbed behind her. “Lead the way.”

  Jesse guided his horse toward the south. They rode in silence for some time. Abigail bit her lip to keep from asking the questions clinging to her tongue. She did not wish her voice to carry and she did not wish to tax Jesse’s strength any more than what was being exerted from remaining seated on the horse.

  She watched him for signs of weakness, but none showed. His hands weren’t clenched around the braid. They were loose as if he were comfortable around horses. His shoulders were relaxed, not wrought with the pain he’d endured earlier. His swollen jaw, although cut and bruised, seemed to have lost the tenseness. Every so often he glanced at the stars and then guided them in a different direction. She tried to see what sign he was looking for, but she could not discern one star from another, although she’d heard of those who could.

  So many questions itching to be asked ran through her thoughts. She maneuvered her horse beside his and glanced at him.

  “We are safe enough to speak. What is it you wish?”

  “How do you know where we are going?”

  “The stars and landmarks guide me. You see that star there?” He pointed toward a bright one. “If you look at the stars around you’ll see the pictures they make.”

  “I do not—”

  “There, it’s a ladle hanging upside down,” Bilhah said.

  “Yes, and by looking at the star at the end of the handle I know I need to go west until I meet up with that grove of trees there.” He pointed toward the trees. “And once we get there we turn south and east until we reach the hills.”

  “Then where do we go?”

  “We rest and wait for Jonathan to arrive with help.”

  She glanced toward the sky, then to the trees before looking to the sky again. “You make it sound easy.”

  His lips twisted. “I’ve had practice. A lot of it. My brothers and I were taught by our father to find our directions by the stars from the time we could walk.”

  Sadness swirled in her heart. Jesse’s life had been different from hers. It was obvious in the way he spoke that he loved his family greatly. Her brothers had been kept from her as if she’d taint them in some way. Even if Ahaziah hadn’t been groomed to be a king the difference in their ages would have kept them from bonding like Jesse and his brothers. “You love your family very much?”

  The light of the moon caught his white teeth and glinted. He smiled. “I do.”

  Bilhah patted Abigail’s thigh as if to comfort her, as if she understood the sorrow building in her eyes.

  “And you spent a lot of time outdoors?”

  A rumble bubbled from his throat. At her silence he glanced at her. “I did. What of you, Princess?”

  She shook her head. Before she could say a word, Bilhah spoke up. “Abigail’s mother feared the sun would taint her flawless complexion.”

  “I forget you were raised in the royal house, but certainly you were allowed to run and play in the courtyard.”

  Bilhah’s arms tensed around Abigail’s waist. “Future queens do not run and play. They learn how to comport themselves and serve their husbands.”

  He pressed his lips together. He looked up to the sky and then back ahead of him. He swayed on the back of the horse but straightened his shoulders.

  “What was it like? Having your father teach you things?”

  “Abigail, you should not torment yourself,” Bilhah whispered in her ear.

  “I have many fond memories of my childhood. My father was, still is, attentive to his children, even my brothers who were sent to Jerusalem to study. My father is wise and loving. He has sought to follow God’s will and instill in his children the same values. He always made us feel as if we were important, not just to him, but to God. He also made us feel as if we were loved above all things, except my mother and God. More importantly he showed us how to worship the Creator of heaven and earth.”

  “Why would you do that?”

  “Why would you worship an idol carved of wood or hammered from bronze by the hands of man?” His words snapped like a mangy dog fighting for a bone.

  Although she had never partaken of such festivities, she felt the shame nonetheless.

  He blinked his eyes closed. “My apologies. I should not have spoken with such harshness. I worship a God who created the heavens and the earth we live on. A God who loved me enough to knit me in my mother’s womb. A God who is faithful, who will never leave me.”

  Bilhah laughed. “How can you say that? Where was your God when Suph captured you?”

  “Right beside me. I cannot see the plans God has for me. All I can do is seek His guidance and trust that He is faithful in all things.”

  This intrigued her, but she wanted to know how he ended up in their camp. “Where were you going when Suph caught you?”

  He remained silent for several long minutes and she thought he chose to ignore her. His chest rose and fell; his lashes blinked against his cheeks, the only sign he had not fallen a
sleep.

  “I was taking my uncle Elam back to Jerusalem.”

  Bilhah mumbled something beneath her breath.

  Abigail glanced over her shoulder.

  “Elam is the one who told your mother about this boy king. She promised to allow him access to the temple as the new high priest if he gave her the boy,” Bilhah said.

  “He is also my uncle. My father’s brother.”

  Abigail sucked in a ragged breath at Jesse’s revelation. Jesse’s family wasn’t without fault? “Why would he do such a thing? If you believe this child to be the rightful heir, why would your uncle betray you?” And why had her mother wanted the boy found? If he was an imposter then he was no threat to her position. However, if the boy was in truth the descendant of King David, then her mother would lose her throne. Would her mother have had the boy killed? A mere child? Her own grandchild?

  “I would tell you my uncle thought he had Judah’s best interest in mind, but I fear he was obsessed with selfish ambitions. It is fortunate for him Suph found us when he did else my uncle would have stood before the elders and would have been judged for his actions. The punishment would not have been easy on him. I must trust God will see justice served for the wrongs he committed against innocent people.”

  “You would see him die?”

  Jesse pulled up on the braided rope, halting his horse. “Because of Elam’s jealousies people died. Children have died. If that is not enough to convince you, he had my brother beaten and left for dead, worse than what Suph has done to me. If it were not for the bravery of a young girl, he would have perished in the desert and my family would never have known.” He shifted. “He tried to have Joash killed. Even after Joash was set on the throne and your mother dead, he refused to acknowledge the will of God and kidnapped my brother’s betrothed.” He raked his fingers through his hair. “Elam is evil.”