The Warrior's Vow

by Christina Rich

  “Blasphemy, Abigail! Has that rebel turned you from your mother’s ways?”

  “I will call upon the Lord.” Her voice became louder, echoing off the mountainous walls as she remembered the love pouring from Shema’s heart when she spoke the words to God. “He is worthy to be praised, and I shall be saved from my enemies.”

  Suph’s arm trembled. “You are mad, Abigail. No wonder your mother kept you locked away.”

  Awareness dawned on her like the rising of the sun. Is that why her mother had kept her locked away? Because she believed the stories Shema had told her? She searched her memories, for she had not always been isolated. Memories of running through the palace halls flashed into her mind. They were quickly followed by the cramped darkness of the locked box.

  Perhaps it did not matter why her mother had treated her so. All that mattered now was that she continued to call on the name of the Lord and worship Him. Even though Suph had left the last of her family for dead, even if he killed the twins, she would worship God because He loved her, loved her enough to give her a sunrise each day. Even if Suph brought harm to Jesse, she would choose to worship God. That was one choice Suph could not take from her.

  She giggled. Her giggle bubbled into laughter. Joy overflowed her heart and into her eyes. She wiped the tears of joy from her cheeks and glanced over her shoulder at her captor. His eyes darted to and fro as if seeking a threat, or mayhap he was scared of her. “Perhaps you are right, Suph. I am mad. Mad with love for the one true God. God Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth, and that is one thing you can never take away from me, Suph. As long as I breathe life into my body, I will worship Him.”

  He released his arm from around her waist and clouted her on the back of the head. The impact propelled her over the side of the horse. She would have fallen if Suph hadn’t grabbed hold of her tunic and jerked her upright. “We will see about that.”

  Chapter Eighteen

  “Jesse, would you slow down?”

  He pulled up on the reins and glared at Isa. “We have wasted enough time retrieving the Philistines.”

  “We will not get there at all if you ruin our horses.”

  Jesse raked his fingers through his hair. “It is sorry I am, Isa. After what Suph did to Bilhah, I fear for Abigail’s life.”

  “It is fortunate Bilhah is alive.”

  “For now.” The bitterness of revenge clung to his tongue.

  “Dara is a capable healer, as is our own healer. They will work together.” He blew an exaggerated breath. “It is fortunate Melchiah and his family were left unharmed.”

  “Aye, I do not think I could have swallowed that sour grape. I should have been there. I should not have left her. I should have taken her with us.”

  “Jesse, if you had, it is certain Melchiah, his wife and the children would have been taken or murdered. It is by the grace of God, Abigail pleaded for their lives.”

  Jesse swallowed the bile in his throat. Melchiah had told him that she held a knife to her own throat and threatened to slit it if Suph harmed a hair on their heads. His brave, courageous Abigail, the woman he had vowed to protect and failed. How could he?

  “I should not have left. Not when I had known Suph had more than likely stolen Bilhah from camp. I should have been more vigilant. I should not have rested.”

  “Enough! You can think of all the things you should have or should not have done, but that does not help us now. It does not change our circumstances at this moment.” Isa moved closer to him, his gaze roaming over the Philistines. “If you do not get your emotions under control, I will have them tie you up and leave you for the birds while we rescue Abigail.”

  Ianatos rode up beside them. “It does have merit. You cannot go into a battle led by your emotions, Jesse. You know this. Besides, Suph will be expecting you. He believes you are the key to removing Joash from the throne.”

  “What is it you suggest, Ianatos?” Jesse growled.

  “I like your brother’s suggestion. I weary of listening to you whine.”

  Jesse narrowed his eyes.

  “You cannot ride into the pass, Jesse.”

  “You will not go without me.”

  “We will lie in wait. Suph will grow impatient and he will come down. When he does, we will be ready.”

  Jesse scanned the cliffs. “How do we know he does not have men watching for us?”

  “I have already sent men to scout the area earlier this morn. My men will signal soon. If I am correct, Suph believes he’s outsmarted us. You forget your reputation, Jesse. You are known for your rashness. You often rush headlong into battle.” Ianatos shifted his weight on the back of his horse. “It is what makes your prowess renowned. It’s what makes you dangerous. It also makes you predictable.”

  “Patience is not a virtue I possess.”

  “Then we will tie you up.”

  “I do not like this. The more time he has Abigail, the more time he has to harm her.” Jesse did not think she could survive what Suph put Bilhah through. “I cannot bear the thought—”

  Isa reached out and dropped his hand on Jesse’s shoulder. “Jesse, where is your faith? Have you prayed for Abigail? Have you sought God’s guidance in this?”

  Jesse closed his eyes and lifted his face heavenward. “We prayed together this morn.”

  “Then trust God to carry us through. No matter the outcome.”

  “And if Suph harms her,” Ianatos said, “I will personally take care of him so you do not have his blood on your hands.”

  Jesse dropped his head to his chest. “Forgive me, Father God.” He drew in a long breath and glanced at his brother, then to Ianatos. He nodded. “So be it. I will trust your lead in this.”

  It was difficult for him to hand over leadership to these two men, not because he did not believe they were capable, but because his emotions demanded he rush in and take Abigail back. However, he knew they were right. He knew he would do Abigail no good if he were captured. He wished this heaviness weighing on his chest would disappear, but understood that would only occur if he fully placed his trust in the Lord. God was more capable of protecting Abigail than Jesse was, that was for sure.

  “You can inform me of your plans when I return.” Jesse dismounted and tossed his reins to Ianatos. He removed a flask of water from a leather bag and drank from it. He walked toward a grove of trees and knelt beneath what little shade was available. He leaned his forehead against the trunk. “God, forgive me. Please forgive me for my lack of faith. I do not know what has overcome me. Is it because I care for Abigail, because I have broken my vow to her?

  “I pray she will forgive me for my lack. God, I ask You to help me to redeem my vow. Enfold her in Your wings, Father. I beseech You, keep her from Suph’s cruelty. May he not be able to lay a hand on her. Guide my footsteps, I ask You grant Ianatos and Isa wisdom in their plans.

  “Father of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, praise You for Your greatness, Your goodness and Your faithfulness to a faithless people. Anoint my steps and my words, keep my actions pure. May they reflect what is in my heart. Help me to forgive Suph for the evils he has committed against Your people.”

  A screech cried out overhead. Jesse leaned back from the shadows and looked to the evening sky. Several griffons circled above, looking for their evening meal before they sought their perch in the mountains. An image of Abigail flinging her arms in the air trying to frighten such a great bird in order to save the life of a cub forced its way into his thoughts. He smiled when he recalled thinking it had been a mere rodent she had risked her life for. Most likely it would not have mattered if it had been a rodent. His Abigail had a big heart, full of courage and compassion. She would have done the same for such a miserable creature, had done so for him. He prayed her heart had not been shattered by what Suph had done to those she loved.

  * *
*

  The cold seeped into her bones. Suph’s hiding place in the mountains left little room for a large fire and she refused to move any closer, lest she smell the stench of blood on his hands. Even now his tunic was stained. He wore it like a badge of honor, which made her nauseous every time she laid her eyes upon him.

  Nathan and Jonathan were nowhere to be seen. She had no idea if Suph told the truth about their captivity, or whether they were even alive. Given his actions so far, she had little hope.

  However, she refused to allow her circumstances to rob her of the joy she had gained from speaking with God. Three nights now, she had spent cuddled in fleece praying to the God of the Heavens. There was little to be seen entrapped as she was between the tall craggy mountains, but she could see the stars twinkle down upon her. And although the sunrises and sunsets had been obscured, she did her best to recreate them in her mind’s eye when the time arrived.

  Suph seemed to know whenever it was she began to pray in earnest. Once he tossed water in her face, another time he yanked her to her feet and made her stand for what seemed like hours. His eyes had grown wide with fear when she began praying louder until he pushed her back to the hard ground. She sported a few scrapes and bruises, but she welcomed them, knowing this man had delivered much worse to others. To Jesse. To Bilhah.

  The more she prayed the more agitated Suph became. He paced often, even gashed his own arm with his blade. His faithful soldiers began to eye him with distrust. Many kept their distance and made as little noise as possible. Abigail could only hope they would tire of this barren place with no springs and leave him. Could only hope they had the courage to leave Suph to his madness. She giggled to herself.

  “You are mad, woman. Why is it you laugh?”

  “I am filled with joy, Suph. Why is it you scowl and pace like a wild animal?” She lifted an eyebrow, daring him to answer.

  He stalked toward her like the very beast she accused him of being. Crouching low in front of her, he grabbed her by her nape and pressed his nose against hers. “The longer it takes for your Levite to arrive, the longer it is before I can make you my bride, Abigail. I am anxious to see the deed done.” He curled his lip and looked her up and down, before rising and walking away. “Why, I have no idea. You haven’t the beauty of your mother, but one must sacrifice for the good of his kingdom, I suppose.”

  “The only kingdom you possess is those few souls who have followed you into this barren land. If you look closely, Suph, you will see even they wish to abandon your side. No, you will never rule over Judah, for you will never rule over me.”

  Anger filled his eyes and he came at her with a roar. He was mad, crazed. His eyes were wide and darting as he grabbed hold of her and jerked her against him. Afraid, she slipped the dagger he had failed to remove from her tunic after she’d threatened to slit her own throat and pierced it into his flesh. Suph rocked back on his heels with a howl of pain. He jerked the dagger from his upper arm. Fire burned in his eyes and she feared what it was he might do to her. He arced the dagger upward. A hand caught his before he thrust it down.

  “You forget you need her alive.” One of Suph’s men stood over his shoulder.

  The hardness of Suph’s jaw relaxed. “Bring me one of our prisoners.”

  Frantic, Abigail searched the area. What prisoner? Did he have one of the twins here? Worse, had he captured Jesse?

  The soldier climbed higher into the mountain and disappeared around a bend in the pass. Her pulse beat hard against her chest.

  “Scared, my beloved?”

  Bile rose into her throat at the endearment. She flicked her gaze toward him and glared. “I will fear no evil for Thou art with me, Thy rod and Thy staff, they comfort me.”

  Suph swung his hand back and smacked her across the cheek. Abigail reeled backward. The palm of her hand landed on a sharp rock. She sucked in a breath against the pain, gripped the rock and clouted Suph’s jaw with it.

  Grabbing a fistful of her tunic, he jerked her forward, pressing his face into hers. “You do something like that again, and I will kill you, Abigail. I will find another way to secure Judah as my kingdom.”

  She spit in his face. He tossed her from him and then wiped his tunic over his bearded jaw. “Ah, here we are.”

  Suph’s soldier led a small boy by his neck. The child’s hands were tied in front of him. Abigail squinted, unable to tell in the waning light if she knew who this child was. He was much smaller than Micah was, younger. She shook her head, glanced at Suph, to the boy and back to Suph again. “I do not understand.”

  “Do you not, Abigail?”

  Did Suph know her well enough to know she would do anything to protect a child? The soldier brought the child closer and released him. Suph wrapped his arm around the boy’s shoulders and then mussed his hair. The smile Suph rained down upon the child left Abigail feeling sick. There was no possible way Suph had kidnapped Judah’s rightful king. Was there?

  * * *

  After three nights of trying his patience and praying, Jesse finally convinced Isa and Ianatos that Suph might not come down. Ianatos’s men had kept watch over Suph’s little hideaway and reported that the man had not moved but seemed to grow more agitated by the hour.

  Isa believed Suph would come down soon, but Jesse was not too sure. When a man was led by his emotions, even he did not know what his next actions would be. Jesse could testify to that.

  Now he crouched behind a rock, above Suph’s position. Isa and Ianatos were positioned close by as were Ianatos’s men. The plan had been for two of the Philistines to make as if they were passing by. However, when Suph began to torment Abigail, Jesse near gave up their positions. It was only the staying hand of Ianatos and the grace of God that had kept him rooted and his jaw clamped shut.

  He could not believe his little Abigail had the tenacity to fight her attacker. Although he hated that she had drawn blood, for it was not an easy task to handle, he applauded her courage and strength. His heart roared to life when she spoke God’s word aloud. He knew her heart belonged to God, and if she could forgive him for killing her mother he would court her; if not she would be beyond his reach.

  “Who is this?” Isa pointed toward a small child tied at the hands.

  Jesse squinted. It was not easy to tell in the dusk, especially since the child was hidden within the shadows of the mountain.

  “It cannot be King Joash.” Ianatos leaned forward for a better view.

  Every fiber in Jesse’s being froze. Anger, fear, dread... “Are you certain? I cannot tell from here.”

  “This child’s hair does not curl like our king’s does.”

  “It does not matter. It is obvious Abigail has angered Suph. He will use the child against her, to make her suffer and assure her cooperation.” He looked from Isa to Ianatos. “We cannot allow him to harm the child.”

  Crouching low, Ianatos scrambled away from them toward the opening of the pass and then came back. “My men are close. They are making merry.”

  “Not merry enough if they have not drawn Suph’s attention.”

  “What do you suggest, Jesse?” Isa asked. “It is not likely we can do anything from here.”

  Jesse glanced at Ianatos. The Philistine nodded, then lifted his hand high, signaling to his men across the way. Suph’s soldier drew close; the boy trembled. Jesse was certain tears streamed down the child’s cheeks. Ianatos stood and drew his bow, arrow poised. Suph wrapped his arm around the child and then teased the boy’s hair. Jesse held his breath.

  Suph released the boy, turned and said something to his soldier. Abigail screamed and clambered toward the boy on her hands and knees. Suph grabbed hold of her. She pounded him with her fists, kicked him in the shins. “No, no, no!” she cried.

  The soldier drew his sword. Abigail gripped the edge of Suph’s tunic, pleading with him for the boy�
�s life. Jesse’s heart ripped from his chest. The soldier flipped his sword around. The moment before he would have thrust it into the child, an arrow sped from Ianatos’s bow and pierced the man’s heart. A second later, the soldier released the child and fell to the ground as Ianatos bellowed out. Suph looked up. He grabbed hold of Abigail, using her as a shield. His knife was at her neck.

  Jesse stood, arms crossed over his chest.

  “It is about time you arrived.”

  “You are surrounded, Suph. I suggest you release the woman.”

  Suph spun one way then the other, spying each of the men standing above his camp.

  “You cannot think to leave here alive,” Jesse bellowed.

  “No. What say you, Abigail?” Suph’s words were said against Abigail’s ears but Jesse heard them as Suph meant him to. “Do you think we can make it? If they shoot an arrow, they will not miss you, will they?”

  Jesse blew air out through his nose. He narrowed his eyes. He was too far up to do anything. He hated feeling defenseless. Even though Suph was surrounded, he still had the upper hand because he had Abigail. “Release her and we will let you leave alive.”

  Jesse felt Isa’s gaze on him. He heard Ianatos grumble. Jesse widened his stance.

  “You will let me go with her, not without. She is my betrothed.”

  Abigail frantically shook her head.

  “She may deny it all she likes but I have the contracts to prove it. Since she has no male relatives alive I appointed your uncle Elam as her guardian. Of course, he was only too happy to accommodate my wishes.” He breathed against Abigail’s ear, “After all, I am the only one suitable who is willing to marry her.”

  That was not true. Any man would be honored to have Abigail as his wife. “As King Joash’s guardian, Jehoiada is the only one who can draw up the marriage contracts.”

  “That imposter?” Suph laughed. “What do you have to say, Jesse the Levite? If you care for her, you will let her go. You will allow her to reign as Queen of Judah with me by her side, not that imposter you support.”