“Is that all?”
There was silence for long moments. Only the shifting of the horses could be heard.
“He fell asleep.” Ianatos’s voice rumbled through the cave.
Abigail glanced over her shoulder. The man stood with his feet hip-width apart, his arms crossed over his chest. “What do you mean he fell asleep?”
“One moment he was looking at me, the next he was lying on the ground. He slept.”
She turned her gaze to Nathan. “And you hit him!” She shoved him, knocking him a step back. Honey stuck to the front of his tunic. Good, let the flies congregate around him. “You could have injured him more. You could have killed him!” She shook with anger. “What were you thinking?”
Nathan gaped. His mouth opened and closed. “You were almost killed.”
“No. I. Was. Not! Even if I was, my life is not worth that of a man of his standing.” Abigail wrapped her arms around her midsection.
“What do you mean, a man of my standing?” Jesse’s tone was hard; it raked down her nerves.
“You are a Levite.” How could she tell him what was truly in her heart? That she thought him good, kind and noble. If she uttered those words, everyone here, including Jesse, would think she liked him more than she should, and she couldn’t allow that. If she did, then he’d abandon her.
“Just because I was born into that tribe does not mean anything. It does not give me any more standing with anyone than if I were a Philistine.”
Ianatos grumbled. His fists clenched at his sides.
“My apologies, my friend. I meant no offense. I am only trying to make a point. My ancestry does not make me any more special than if I were born of the tribe of Dan.” At her confused look he explained, “Dan, the son of the great patriarch Jacob, sold his brother into slavery out of jealousies. I am not but a man, Abigail, a man born into the tribe of Levi.”
“But you know God.”
“And you can, too, Abigail. Just like Nathan and Jonathan. Just like Ianatos. All who call on the name of the Lord can.”
“How is that even possible?”
* * *
Seven pairs of eyes stared at him and Jesse froze. What was he to say to them? Not one of them believed, for certain, in the Creator of heaven and earth. His brother would have known what to say. And he would not have hesitated.
Jesse sniffed, his breathing no longer an even cadence of a man comfortable in his surroundings. Their waiting faces closed in on him and began to swim before his eyes. He did not lie when he said his eyes didn’t see properly. At times, he’d seen two Nathans and two Jonathans. He had to get away. He needed to gather his wits. Odd, given how he’d never been one to run, but rather face adversity head-on. Now all it seemed he was doing was running.
Jesse sat up. He snatched his tunic and draped it over his shoulders. Drawing the blanket around his hips, he grabbed his belt, stood and pushed past Ianatos.
“Jesse, where are you going?”
He ignored the concerned plea in Abigail’s cry and stepped out into the daylight. He tossed the blanket over his shoulders, donned his tunic and then tied the belt around his waist. He leaned back against the stony rock face, closed his eyes and drew the salty air into his lungs.
Her sharp inhale alerted him to her presence. He snapped his eyes open and glared at her.
“It is lovely. The most beautiful thing I have ever seen.”
Pushing away from the rock, Jesse tore his eyes from the Sea of Salt surrounded by the rugged cliffs and looked at her. “I guess that depends on whom you are asking.”
She turned her head. Her gaze settled on his. Her lips parted as if she understood what it was he was saying. Her cheeks flushed and she dropped her gaze. “Oh, my. It is narrow.”
“You understand why Nathan was so angry with me?”
She shook her head and then nodded. “I suppose, but he still had no right—”
“Abigail.” He moved closer, drawing his hand along the side of her face. He cupped her chin and forced her to look at him. “Nathan is your protector. Your life has meaning to him.”
“Only because he believes I am the rightful Queen of Judah.” She pulled her chin from his hand and looked out across the sea. “The longer I am away from the palace, the more I do not want to return. The more I want to believe Joash is the rightful heir.”
Jesse would not force the truth upon her. She would have to come to that realization on her own. “I understand. Obligations often feel like a prison.”
One corner of her mouth slid upward, and even though he could not see her eyes he knew great sadness clung to them. “What is it, Abigail?”
She hugged her arms around her waist. “I do not know what it is like to be a prisoner, not like you. I’ve not been tortured or wounded.”
“A man can be a prisoner and never have had manacles on his wrists, Abigail.”
“This I know.” She raised her head and looked him in the eye. “I have seen very little outside the palace walls. Very little outside of my chambers.”
“It is often such with princesses. They are meant to be protected, guarded against their kingdom’s enemies and groomed for marriage to kings.”
A tear slid from the corner of her eye. He wiped it from her cheek. The smoothness of her skin warmed the top of his finger, daring him to linger. Her lashes fell against her cheeks as more tears streamed. “My mother kept me hidden, not because she sought to protect me, but to protect herself.”
Jesse was not surprised by Athaliah’s jealousy, even of her own daughter. Athaliah no doubt feared her daughter’s beauty would take attention away from her. “Your mother was jealous.”
“No.” She shook her head. “I shamed her.”
He stroked his hand through her hair. “I do not know what you could have done—”
Abigail jerked away. “All I have seen of Judah is beautiful. Even this place with its dangers and rugged terrain.” She darted a glance his way. “My mother was beautiful. She surrounded herself with beautiful things. Exotic. There were tigers in the palace. Monkeys, even. She invited people from all over just to dine with her, but never me.”
Jesse’s heart lurched at the sadness and longing. He wished he knew how to ease her sorrow.
“I never dined with my mother, Jesse.”
He jerked as if he’d been slapped. Her words formed a pit in his stomach, but it was the words she did not say that left him reeling. “Abigail, you must know...” The wind blew over his heated skin and he shivered. “Exquisite...”
“Jesse?”
His knees began to buckle. He reached out and grasped hold of a rock. It loosened. Jesse rocked from one side to the other. He pitched forward. She screamed and he waited for the jarring pain of his body as he fell to his death. All he could think of was that he should have told her how she could know God. And tell her once again that she was beautiful.
Chapter Eleven
Her heart stopped when Jesse began to fall. She had feared what he had been about to say and had failed to see the beads of perspiration on his brow until he shivered. It was by providence that Ianatos had grabbed hold of Jesse when he did. Or was it?
She tipped her head back and looked up at the blue sky. She had no idea where the heavens were but that seemed the obvious place. “Jesse’s God,” she said, dropping her hands to her sides. She shrugged her shoulders and gazed out at the sea nestled below. “Wherever You are, thank You for Ianatos’s presence and rescuing Jesse.”
“Who is it you are speaking to?”
She glanced over her shoulder to see for certain who spoke, since Nathan’s and Jonathan’s voices were so similar. “Jesse’s God.”
Nathan glanced around.
“You have to wonder, Nathan, if there is something out there greater to worship than wood an
d bronze. Wood rots and burns, and bronze, well, it can be reshaped and loses its shine after a time. Its beauty disappears.”
“You are right, Abigail. I remember the stories my mother used to tell about the great God.”
“Dara?”
He snapped his gaze to her. Shock, and then sorrow flitted through his eyes. He shook his head. “We should not speak of such things. Come, let us check on the prisoner.”
She took a step toward the entrance, and Nathan halted her with a hand to her arm. “I am sorry that I hit him. Not because I could have harmed him further.” He dropped his gaze to his feet. “I do not wish to distress you, Abigail.”
She smiled. “You are forgiven, Nathan. As long as Jesse is with us we are to treat him with kindness. Just like when we found that wounded bird when we were children. Remember?”
A twinkle danced in his eyes. “Of course. How could I forget how you and Bilhah cried when he recovered and flew away?”
Abigail laughed.
“Your tears left us bewildered. Jonathan and I had no idea what to think. You cried when he was broken and cried when he was well.”
“Bilhah stared out the window for days waiting for the bird’s return.”
“Aye, it broke my heart to see her as such.”
Abigail laid her hand on his forearm. “You were a good friend to us, Nathan. As was your brother. We have never forgotten your kindnesses. Why did you and Jonathan leave?”
He stiffened and his eyes bored into hers. “We were not allowed to return.” He disappeared into the cave.
Abigail stepped into the cavern. “How is he?”
“Ach, the bump on his head is not too good. I have done all I know how to do.” Dara wiped her brow then looked at each of them. “Do not move him until he wakes on his own else you risk killing him.”
“We cannot—”
“Jonathan, we will stay.” Abigail glanced at his brother. “Nathan, will you keep watch with Ianatos? Bilhah and I will prepare some food while Dara tends Jesse’s wounds.”
“There is not much else I can do. I will help Bilhah while you sit beside him and keep watch.”
“She is right, Abigail. You should not be preparing meals.” Bilhah smiled. “I would wish for edible food. I do not think you have made anything before.”
Heat rose into Abigail’s cheeks. Her cousin was correct. She would not know where to begin, but was it not something she should learn? Especially if Joash remained King of Judah.
As if reading her mind, Bilhah laid her hand on Abigail’s shoulder. “Do not trouble yourself, cousin. Tomorrow has enough worries of its own. Even if you are never to be queen, you are royal and will never have to do such things.”
“But I want to. I want to learn. What if...” Her gaze landed on Jesse and then back to her cousin. “What if I choose to marry and not live in the palace? What if I have no choice but to live outside the palace? What then?”
Bilhah laughed. “Then we will teach you how to cook.”
It was obvious they were not going to allow her to help. She sat in the place Dara had occupied.
“Watch his chest. Make sure he breathes.”
Abigail felt her eyes go wide.
“Fear not. He did not escape Suph to die.” Dara began to move away and then stopped. “Dip the sponge into that cup and moisten his lips. He needs water and rest to renew his strength. I have already applied honey to reseal the wounds that split. It will take some time for his ribs to heal.”
Time was something they did not have. Suph would search until he found them.
“Abigail?”
Jesse’s eyes slit open. Lines of pain etched his brow. “I am glad you are well.”
“My thanks. You must rest now.”
He shook his head. “No. You must listen. If I cannot—”
“You will be—”
“Please.” He reached for her hand and squeezed. “I do not understand the wounds plaguing my body. I do not like this weakness.” He closed his eyes and swallowed. “You must do all in your power to stay away from Suph. He is not a kind man. He will treat you poorly.”
“What choice will I have if you do not take me to Jerusalem?”
“Abigail.” He opened his eyes and tried to sit up. She placed her hand on his shoulder, pressing him back down.
“We need not worry, Jesse. You will be fine.”
“If I am not, have Jonathan and Nathan take you to Hebron. Ianatos knows the way. The journey will not be easy. Ask for...” His lids slid shut and the hold on her hand relaxed.
“Jesse?” The beat of her heart caught as she thought he had perished. She glanced at his chest. It rose and fell, but he did not reopen his eyes. She leaned her head against the cave wall and sighed, thankful he had not passed from earth.
There were too many questions he had the answers to, and she trusted him enough to give them to her. She held on to his hand, the little pulse at the base of his thumb beating against hers. The contact brought her peace and comfort, something she had not truly felt since Shema had been taken from her life.
Why had her father killed Shema? Had he discovered the stories she’d told? What had he to fear of such stories to kill her? She thought back to the last time she’d seen Shema and then the look on her father’s face when he’d come to check on her. Shema had been there. Her father had snapped his fingers and she’d immediately left the room, but there hadn’t been fear in her nurse’s eyes. But then Shema had never shown anything but joy. Was it because she had loved Jesse’s God?
What was it about this God that caused such passions? Some would die to worship this God, yet others, like her father, killed those who would worship Him. It was another question she would ask Jesse when he was well enough.
“Abigail.” Bilhah’s voice broke through her musings, causing her to jump. She jerked her hand from Jesse’s and was rewarded with a slight groan of protest. Did she bring him as much comfort as he did her?
“What is it, Bilhah?”
“Your food is ready.” Bilhah walked toward her and handed her a wooden bowl filled with various fruits. She glanced to Abigail’s hands. “You should be careful, Abigail. Your life has not been such as his. You do not have the experience to know who to trust and who not to trust.”
“This I know, cousin. However, I believe there is only good in him.”
“You may be right, Abigail, but even good people cannot be trusted when they lack good judgment. What will you do if you discover he is not all you think he is?”
Abigail shook her head. “Do you think I am so trusting?”
Bilhah crouched beside her and pressed the flat of her palm against Abigail’s cheek. “Abigail, how many people have you spoken with in your life?”
The skin between her eyebrows scrunched together. “I do not understand.”
“Dear one, I have encountered all sorts of people. Some good. Many bad, most evil. I can see it in their eyes. Jesse is a good man, but there is something in his eyes that keeps him guarded.”
Abigail laughed. “Would you not be guarded if you were surrounded by those who were once your enemies? Besides, what if all you see is the agony of his wounds?”
Bilhah looked down at Jesse. “Be careful, Abigail. It is obvious you are taken with the man. A man’s affections are not as easily given as a woman’s.”
Bilhah rose and walked away. Nathan’s eyes followed her cousin and she wondered if her cousin knew of Nathan’s affections for her. Abigail might have been sheltered, secluded from much, but she could tell Nathan loved Bilhah. Even when they were children he had claimed an undying love for her, but then according to servant gossip most of the men in Jerusalem did. Perhaps that was why he had the look of sadness.
Jesse mumbled something in his sleep, drawing her attention. Did she feel somethin
g for this man? Something beyond caring for a weak and wounded vessel? She drew her finger over the warmth of his brow, skirting along the edges of the purple swelling and the cuts. She outlined his beard, now cleansed from dirt and blood. She could not discern the natural shape of his lips or his cheeks. Did this man have a stony jaw, or were his cheeks rounded? Had his nose been straight, or was the bump on the ridge natural?
“Why is it you wished to rescue me from Suph, Abigail?”
She startled, jerking her fingers from his skin. Heat filled her cheeks. “I told you, I want the truth.”
“And what truth is that?”
“My brothers and cousins, my father. My mother. The whole of it.” Your God.
“What if you do not like what you hear, Abigail?”
She breathed in the dank, salty air. Moisture caught in her throat, causing her eyes to water. She already knew what her father was capable of, but why? And was she capable of the same sort of evil? “Then I will deal with it.”
“I will not tell you rumors, Abigail. I will only tell you what it is I know. Jehoiada must tell you the rest.” He turned his head toward the others and then back to her. “But not now. I must see you safe from Suph’s grasping hand before I tell you the truth.”
* * *
Jesse did not think himself a coward. Abigail deserved to know the truth, but if she discovered it and Suph got his hands on her, forcing her into a marriage, her hatred toward him would make married life difficult for her. Besides, he cherished his time with Abigail. The more time he spent in her presence, the more he thought of holding green-eyed sons and daughters. He had no doubt once she discovered what he’d done she wouldn’t want anything to do with him.
“I have thought myself a patient person. However, I find I am anxious to know the full truth.”
“I understand, Abigail. Waiting has never been one of my strengths. I have always rushed headlong into situations, but trust me when I say this is for the best, even if you never discover what it is you wish to know.”
The Warrior's Vow Page 10