He looked at the horizon, streaking gray, pink and purple. The brilliant hues created by God each morning had always left him in awe of God’s greatness. Had Abigail ever seen the sun rise? Had she seen it set? He prayed today would not be her first for he wanted nothing more than to share that experience with her. He had the sudden urge to be on his way, if only to discover other aspects of God’s creation through Abigail’s eyes.
“Are you two going to stand there poking at my scalp all morning?”
The two looked at each other and then at Jesse.
“No.”
“No.”
“Then what are we waiting for? The sun to set?”
Ianatos grumbled something unintelligible. Jonathan glared, but they both helped him mount Papyrus. He glanced at the men who rode with Ianatos. Ten. How were they going to get all of them and their horses on the path and into the cavern? He’d have to discuss it with Ianatos.
“Are you sure you can ride?”
The thought of jasmine and seeing Abigail smile fueled his strength. “Yes. However, there may be a problem.” He told Ianatos and Jonathan of the pass along the rugged hills and the danger it possessed. He had been thankful for the cover of darkness when Nathan led the women, else they would have been frightened. “We cannot take all of your men.”
“Where does it lead?” Ianatos asked. Jesse knew he spoke of hidden tunnels within some of the caves.
Jonathan cocked his head. “Where does what lead?”
Jesse rolled his shoulders to ease the ache from sitting on the horse. “Nowhere, my friend.”
Ianatos gave him a look as if to say he did not believe him but did not press further, for which Jesse was thankful. Although Ianatos had helped them dispatch a few of the captain’s men when they’d followed his brother and King Joash into the caves, Jesse was still unsure how much he could trust Nathan and Jonathan, and although he’d told Nathan of the alcoves for hiding he doubted the man would search further, especially given his reaction when Jesse mentioned the cave.
“Have your men camp where we camped by the creek. If all goes well we will be there soon. With our numbers we should be safe enough and if we’re fortunate my family will be there. If they are, tell your men to keep their distance as to not alarm them.” Jesse eyed the large Philistines. “A battle between your men and my father’s would not be good if there was a misunderstanding.”
“Your people would be slaughtered,” Jonathan said.
Ianatos burst into laughter. “Never underestimate your opponent, especially if he is a man of the one true God.”
Pride at Ianatos’s compliment welled within Jesse’s chest, until he remembered he was responsible for their current plight. He’d let his guard down thinking all was well within Judah. Aye, his brother Ari had cautioned him against those faithful to Athaliah, but he didn’t think they’d rally so soon after her death. He should have been more watchful; if he had he wouldn’t now be in his current condition. If Suph messaged his father and brothers, Jesse knew they’d never give up Joash, but they’d do all in their power to rescue him, which would place them in danger.
He had no doubt his family could handle Suph’s mere army, but why cause them needless trouble? If he’d been more careful... If he’d been more careful, then he’d never have laid eyes on Abigail. And to what end? She was of the royal house. He was a warrior. She was obviously sheltered and knew little of the horrors he’d seen. They could overcome all those obstacles if he thought to court her. She was easy on the eyes and he admired her compassionate nature. Not just when she insisted on his wounds being treated, but her insistence on protecting an old woman and a prostitute. However, he could not overlook one thing. She did not believe in God.
“Are you well?”
Jesse blinked, bringing his vision into focus. Jonathan sat his horse beside him.
“Your cheeks have lost some of their color. I do not wish you to fall from your horse.”
Jesse smiled. “I am well enough, although I will be glad when these wounds heal.” Ianatos’s men left. Jesse and Jonathan walked their horses toward the Philistine. “Shall we go?”
Ianatos nodded. “I sent two of my men to scout the area. They are to signal if trouble arises.”
“And what of Joash?” Jesse guided his horse toward the rugged hills.
“After Jonathan informed me of Suph’s plans, I sent messengers to alert Jehoiada and the others. The king is well guarded.”
A little relief replaced the guilt of being caught unaware. He had no idea what plans God had in store for him, or why God had allowed Jesse to be captured by the captain. Perhaps it was to alert others of the imminent danger.
Abigail’s green eyes and brilliant smile pressed into his thoughts. Perhaps God had another reason altogether. Dare he hope? If only she would call on the name of the Lord with sincerity then he would be free to explore his growing feelings where she was concerned. But then her ancestry was tainted with evil. Aye, that did not matter, as he could testify. Although a man’s lineage often influenced, it did not dictate his future. The same could be said for Abigail. He’d seen the compassion in her eyes. Compassion her mother had lacked.
It would be good to know if the fluttering in his chest whenever he thought of her or spied her smile was something more than owing her a debt for saving his life.
“Jesse!”
He shook his head and glared at Ianatos, who had halted his horse. Jesse pulled on the reins. “Can a man ride in peace without your chattering?”
“If we knew where we were going.” He waved his hand out in front of him. “You are about to run us into the face of the mountain.”
Jesse swiveled back around. The cliff stood tall, leaving them in the cool shadows. An ibex stared down upon them, his curled horns looking deadly. An eagle, looking for the morning meal, soared above.
“We are close.” He guided his horse to the east and around the rocky edge until the morning sun bathed them in its warmth.
He spied the path and began the slow, tedious climb.
“You cannot think to take us on this ledge.” Jonathan’s voice quivered.
“Are you frightened, Hebrew?” Ianatos’s tone meant to dispel Jonathan’s fear.
Jesse was tempted to turn around. He wanted to see the Philistine’s face to see if he was as indifferent as he pretended to be. Jesse doubted, since he heard the hesitation in Ianatos’s voice.
“Of course not.”
“Do not look down and you will be fine. Trust your horse’s footing.”
Small rocks tumbled over the side and Ianatos growled.
“I told you not to look down, Philistine. Why must you test my caution?”
“You are a Hebrew, that is why.”
They climbed upward in silence for near an hour. The ledge curved one way and then the other. The salty tang of the sea clung to the air. Soon the Sea of Salt came into view. Jesse inhaled the scent of home even though it was still hours away. “We are close.”
“That is what you said before we left the trees,” Ianatos grumbled.
“Are you weary of the scenery, my friend?”
“It is breathtaking, although I could do without the rocks tumbling beneath my horse’s hooves.” Jonathan’s voice no longer held a hint of fear.
“I agree,” Ianatos added.
Jesse agreed, too, especially since he didn’t know how much longer he could keep his eyes open.
Chapter Ten
Abigail didn’t think Nathan’s posture could become any more stiff. He tilted his head, listened for a moment and then pierced her with a hard stare.
Her heart hammered against her chest. Nathan did not need to say another word. She shook Bilhah’s shoulder and her eyelids snapped open. Abigail pressed a finger to her lips and then motioned toward the alcove
they had decided to hide in should danger arise. Bilhah’s gaze flicked toward Nathan and then back to Abigail. She nodded her understanding, and together they gently shook Dara’s shoulder. The old woman mumbled, smacked her lips and resumed snoring. Abigail tried again. “Dara,” she whispered. “Come, Dara, we must hide.”
The old woman squinted. Bilhah placed her hand over Dara’s mouth to keep her quiet.
“We need to hide.” Abigail stood and held out her hand to Dara. Bilhah did likewise. The old woman grunted but placed her hands in theirs. Abigail snatched up Dara’s bag as well as her own. Bilhah reached for hers, and then they moved as one toward the dark corridor. Abigail released Dara’s hand and doused one of the firebrands illuminating the cave while Micah doused the other. With the morning light beginning to filter in, soon they would not be needed anyway. She glanced toward the opening once more. Nathan had taken a few steps back from the mouth of the cavern. Cloaked in the shadows, he drew his sword from its sheath.
A shiver of fear raced down Abigail’s spine. Of all the possible dangers she could imagine, Suph was the greatest threat. God of Jesse, if You hear me, please protect us from our enemies, and please keep the horses quiet.
Micah tugged on Abigail’s hand and she slipped into the darkness. A distinct chill crept over her limbs as complete darkness engulfed her. The air from her lungs ceased to move. It was as if her face was buried into a pillow. She’d experienced this sort of darkness before, the sort that claimed all of her senses and made her feel ill to her stomach. Even the sound of the rushing wind echoing in her ears was the same. Was the deafening noise in her head? Surely the cave could not live and breathe the way it seemed the box her mother had locked her in had.
She forced her breaths to steady. As if sensing her fear, a small hand clutched hers, entwining their fingers. “My thanks, Micah,” Abigail whispered, her words bouncing off the damp stone. She tucked the child against her side.
Bilhah squeezed her other hand and Abigail was thankful for the dual reassurance. She was also thankful Bilhah did not mention the experience. No one needed to know her greatest fear, or how she was punished when she dared step from her room without permission.
The more she tried to breathe, the more difficult it became to draw in air. Abigail released Micah and tore her hand from Bilhah’s before sliding to the floor. She wrapped her arms around her knees and buried her face into the crease of her arms. Abigail rocked back, then forward. She kept the motion. As long as she concentrated on the movement she did not think about the dark and how it threatened to swallow her.
“Halt!” Nathan’s commanding voice carried into the depths of the cave.
“It is I—Jonathan.”
Abigail stopped rocking and tilted her head, waiting to hear Jesse’s voice. She climbed to her feet, swiped her hair from her face and stepped into the cave. She remained standing in the shadows.
“Brother!” A few slaps on the back and a tight squeeze between the two. A pang of jealousy pricked her nape. She’d seen the genuine affection the brothers had shared. They had once included her, but then Shema had died and they’d left her, too, and she had no idea why.
Jonathan led his horse into the large cavern. The horse blew out air. Its body quivered. The other horses tossed their heads as if to greet each other.
“What of Jesse?”
Nathan and Jonathan turned toward her. There was enough light for her to see the questioning glance Nathan gave his brother. Before Jonathan could say a word, Jesse ducked into the cave.
“How does Abigail fare?”
Heat rose into her cheeks at his concern. Her pulse picked up a beat. Her eyes watered at the sight of him. He was safe. He had kept his promise and returned. He had not left her.
Her relief was short-lived when Nathan pulled back his fist and punched Jesse in the face. She squeaked as her hand flew to her mouth. Jesse’s head snapped back. He stumbled toward the ledge outside the cave. She screamed and raced forward. Jonathan snagged his arm around her waist, yanking her back. Nathan snatched the front of Jesse’s tunic as another large man caught hold of a limp Jesse.
“What was that for?” The stranger’s voice boomed off the cave walls.
“He near sent us to our death.” Nathan spit.
The large man laughed. “He most likely saved your lives.”
“Pfft.” Nathan crossed his arms over his chest.
“Ianatos does not lie, brother. There are signs Suph’s men have been scouring the area. It is fortunate they did not find the path.”
“Bah! It is fortunate we did not tumble to our deaths.” Nathan eyed a limp Jesse. “Perhaps that was his will.”
“Nonsense.” Abigail moved closer. Her gaze shifted from Jesse to Ianatos. The man’s size alone settled fear into her toes. “Jesse would not bring us harm.”
“I wouldn’t be too certain about that.” Nathan’s jaw set to stone. She thought to ask him what he meant, but Jesse groaned.
“Bring him in and lay him on the mat.” She pointed to the flax blankets spread on the floor. “Dara, we need your help.”
The old woman peered around the edge of the alcove. She lumbered forward. “I will be needing that light again, Micah.”
Abigail blinked. She’d never seen anyone light a firebrand. A fire had always been present. How were they to light the firebrand when there was no fire? “I am sorry. I only thought to hide us. I did not realize we’d need the light.” She folded her hands together and hung her head. “I did not consider how we would relight it.”
Dara glanced at her, the papery skin around her eyes wrinkling. Abigail looked around the room; they all looked at her as if she were a two-legged, mangy dog.
“Child, Jonathan will see it is lit. You need not worry yourself.” Dara dug in her bag and handed Abigail a small earthen jar. “Here, come see to your Jesse’s wounds. Dip those strips of cloth from my bag into the honey and replace the soiled bandages. The honey will keep them sealed and prevent them from festering.”
Abigail knelt on the blankets beside Jesse. Red splotches seeped through his tunic. Dara draped a blanket over Jesse’s thighs. “Nathan, come help remove his tunic.”
Nathan grumbled something about leaving Jesse alone, but he obeyed his mother’s wishes. They tugged on the corners of his tunic until it was gathered around his hips. Nathan lifted Jesse’s shoulders from the ground as Dara untied the belt and then lifted the tunic away from Jesse’s scarred chest.
“It is good the sutures have held.” Dara clucked. “Micah, fetch that cruse of water.”
Abigail’s cheeks warmed and she dropped her gaze. Even with all the slices crisscrossing Jesse’s upper body, he was still well-formed. Of course she’d not seen many men outside of those who paid court to her mother and those she’d seen from a distance. However, Jesse was much more handsome than Suph. Strange how the features of Jesse’s face weren’t discernible yet she thought him more handsome. Perhaps it was because she suspected a kind heart beneath all of his brawn.
“Abigail.” His cracked whisper drew her attention. She looked into his eyes. He rewarded her with a smile followed by a grimace. “You are well?”
“Yes, of course, Jesse. I am well.” Her cats would purr whenever they were content and Abigail felt the need to purr. All because of Jesse’s smile. No, his smile had nothing to do with the lightheartedness she felt and everything to do with the fact he cared enough to ask her if she fared well when he lay wounded and bleeding.
She didn’t care what Nathan and Jonathan said. Jesse was a good man. Much better than the likes of Suph.
“What happened?” he croaked.
Dara pressed a cup of water to his lips. Abigail glanced to Nathan.
“I lost my temper and clouted you,” Nathan responded.
Jesse flicked his gaze toward Nathan. “For what purpose?”
“Abigail near fell to her death on that path you sent us on.”
Jesse sat up, wincing as he did. He grabbed hold of her hand, his thumb gentle against her skin. She sucked in a sharp breath at the contact as locusts seemed to buzz in her ears. “But you are well?”
She pulled her hand from his. If she’d left it there, she would have begun to purr and that wouldn’t do. “I am. It was nothing. My horse remained sturdy on the ledge at all times.”
“Bah, rocks tumbled and his hooves slipped. If it weren’t for Micah’s quick thinking, you would have slid over the edge.” Nathan scowled.
“I was not that close.” She sent Jesse an apologetic smile. “Nathan’s back was to us and it was dark—he could not have seen what happened.”
“It is as she says,” Bilhah added, surprising Abigail, given her cousin did not seem to like Jesse much.
Jesse lay back down, his breaths ragged from the exertion of holding himself up. He placed his palm on his jaw and moved it around. “Then I deserved what you doled out, even if it does hurt.”
“Ach, enough chattering like old women. We must see to the boy’s wounds so we can be out of this damp hole.”
“Dara’s right.” Jesse scrubbed his palm over his jaw once more. “We need to be quick. Ianatos’s men are waiting for us.”
Abigail dipped a strip of linen into the honey and smoothed it over the smallest cut first. Dara applied a balm to Jesse’s swollen and cut lip.
Jonathan crouched near Dara’s side. “He has a bump on his head. It would be no cause to worry except...” He looked from Ianatos to Jesse.
“’Cept what?”
Jesse squeezed his eyes shut for a moment. “My eyes do not see like they should.”
“What else?” Dara prodded.
“My muscles feel weak.” Jesse grimaced, but Abigail did not think from pain. She had a feeling it was difficult for this brawny man to admit weakness.
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