The Warrior's Vow

by Christina Rich

  “You must know Jesse is not a stupid man. He will wonder why Jonathan is not with us.”

  Tilting her head, she looked at Nathan and laid her hand on his forearm. “Your brother was not well when I last saw him. Suph left him in the mountains. Jesse will think him dead.”

  “Then why carry out Suph’s will? Once we are free—”

  Her fingers dug into his muscles, willing him to understand. “I have to hope Suph will keep his word to me. I have to hope he will not bring further harm to Jonathan. You two are all I have left.”

  And Jesse, even if she was about to make him believe she was about to betray him. She was not proud of the deception but it seemed necessary if she was to save his life.

  “What of Bilhah and Micah? My mother?”

  She shook her head. “Shema was your mother, was she not?”

  His jaw slackened. “Yes.”

  “My father had her killed because of my disobedience. Suph left Bilhah for dead because of my disobedience. I will not allow Jonathan to be further harmed because of the same.”

  “You were but a child, Abigail.”

  “And now?”

  “You did what was right.”

  She wasn’t too certain. If she’d done what was right, then why had God allowed those she cared for to perish? Why did Jesse, even now, seem to be at the mercy of their enemy?

  “If you wish to stand by my side, I welcome you. However, if you have no stomach for what we are about to do, then I beg you to stay.”

  Nathan’s gaze flicked toward Jesse and then to her. “I have no stomach for what you ask of me, but I will not allow you to do this alone.”

  “My thanks, Nathan.”

  “The captain will likely not allow us to go alone.”

  Abigail glanced across the camp at Jesse, the memory of his kiss warming a place in her heart. “He has no other option if we are to convince Jesse of our freedom.” She looked at Nathan. “That is why Suph must believe you are loyal to me without any question and will do as I ask.”

  A wide grin split his mustache and beard. “This I can do, but I will pray to Jesse’s God and all will be well. You will see.”

  She prayed her friend was right.

  * * *

  He had long lost the feeling in his arms, no longer felt the burn of the ropes cutting into his wrists. How much longer would they travel before Suph cut him loose? The sun, no longer above, would not light their path much longer, which meant another night camping with his enemies.

  Fortunately, he’d seen signs from Ianatos and, if Jesse understood correctly, the Philistines had rescued Jonathan. Jesse rolled his shoulders and he released a tense breath. At least that was one less person to concern himself over. Now if only he could ascertain what it was Abigail had gotten herself into and then get her out of it.

  She’d done her best to avoid him. She’d avoided looking at him but for that once when she’d been seated next to Nathan. That one small glance had gripped him by his innards and twisted him all around. There had been no hate, no dislike of him. If anything, it had been what he’d seen in Mira’s eyes when she’d looked upon his brother Ari with longing. With love.

  With love? He stumbled over his feet and near fell to his knees. Reuel, his assigned guard, righted him. “My apologies.”

  Reuel eyed him before giving Jesse a clipped nod in response. However, it was not the guard’s increasing amiability that left Jesse stupefied. It was the idea that Abigail might have some sort of affection for him. Even love him. If that was possible, if she loved him, would he ever be able to let her go? Would he have a choice?

  Jesse tilted his head and considered his guard. “Why is it you have remained loyal to your captain?”

  The guard eyed him once again, and then glanced around at those who traveled with them. “I am a warrior. It is what I do.” Reuel shrugged. “I have stood outside the princess’s door for the last few years. I watched her mother enter and exit on occasion. When her mother requested her presence, I was her escort. I know she is the princess. I know she is the former king’s sister.”

  “I do not contest who she is.”

  Reuel shrugged again. “No. You do not, but you would harm her if she posed a threat to this child you claim is the rightful heir. I would protect Abigail.”

  “Yet you would see her married to your captain after you’ve witnessed his cruelty?”

  “It is the lot of a woman, no? To do as she is told.”

  Jesse bit back the words that crept onto his tongue. “Did you know her brother? King Ahaziah?”

  The man’s jaw hardened to stone. His pulse ticked at the side of his jaw. “I was with him when Jehu’s men killed him. There was nothing I could have done to save him.”

  Jesse noticed the scars marring his body. How had he survived Jehu’s ambush? “We trained together for a time.”

  Reuel flicked his gaze to Jesse. “I, as well. He was like his father. And his mother.”

  Jesse understood the unspoken words. Ahaziah had worshipped the false gods. He also had a cruel streak. “The child, Joash. He has the look of his father.”

  They walked in silence for long seconds before the guard spoke. “The princess, she is not like them. I would not see her harmed. Her goodness is a rarity and I would see it protected. I would give my life to do so.”

  “As would I, my friend.”

  Suph raised his hand from his perch on his horse. “We will stop and rest.”

  Jesse scanned each direction, looking for any sign of Ianatos and Isa, as Reuel motioned him to sit. “There is water nearby. I will refill our earthenware jar while we wait for the captain’s orders. Take care with those whom you speak. Loyalties are divided. Many see our captain as a way to advance their status, and to keep their families alive.”

  Jesse nodded, knowing the man risked his life and that of his wife and child if anyone overheard such a warning. “Before you go, what does Suph intend to do with the man from the cave?”

  Reuel shrugged. “My orders were to leave him.”

  Jesse watched as he walked away. The weight of his burden was evident in the way his shoulders sagged.

  “Here.” Nathan knelt before him, holding a piece of bread in his hand. “I noticed you did not break your fast when we stopped earlier.”

  The corners of Jesse’s mouth curved. “I was not given the option, my friend.”

  “’Tis glad I am you still consider me as such.” He pushed a piece of the bread into Jesse’s mouth and then helped him drink water from a jug.

  Jesse swallowed and then glanced around, hoping for a glimpse of Abigail.

  “Your guard has taken her to see to her needs. She would not like it if she saw me speaking to you.”

  Jesse’s gaze settled on Suph.

  “The captain would think something amiss if I did not pretend to be your friend.”

  Sharp talons gripped Jesse’s insides. “Pretend?”

  Nathan sat beside him and draped his arms over his knees. “I do not know what our Abigail has gotten herself into.”

  Twisting his lips, Jesse waited for him to continue.

  “She has tried to convince me she is going to marry Suph.”

  The pulse in Jesse’s temple picked up its cadence. He clenched his jaw, grinding his teeth together.

  Nathan’s gaze pierced his. “Before I tell you more, I must know, do you trust Abigail’s heart?”

  “I have stared evil in the face. Abigail is not capable of such things.”

  His friend nodded. “I believe she is trying to save you and Jonathan. Somehow she has convinced Suph to allow her to accompany you to Jerusalem.”

  “This I know, although I do not understand it.”

  “He has threatened to torment my brother if she does not carry out h
is wishes while she is there.”

  Jesse rocked back until his bound fists touched the ground. He ached for Abigail. “Jonathan was in a bad way. He would not survive any more torture Suph would dole out. Abigail knows this for she has seen him with her own eyes. However, I have it on good authority your brother has been left in a cave to die on his own.”

  Closing his eyes, Nathan nodded. “I told her as much, but she had hoped... She did not wish to be responsible for another’s death. She believes the death of Shema, my real mother, is her doing. I told her she was just but a child. Then Bilhah.”

  Jesse shook his head. His arms ached with the need to hold Abigail close to his heart and comfort her. “Bilhah was alive with Dara tending her wounds when I left camp. I have no doubt my brother and Ianatos have scoured the area where Suph held us. I am certain Jonathan has been found.”

  “That is a relief.” Nathan glanced toward the direction Reuel and Abigail had gone. “We do not have much time. No matter what Abigail might say against you, she does not believe it. Her words are a ruse for the captain.” Nathan dropped his palm to Jesse’s shoulder. “You made a vow to protect Abigail. I also know you have vowed to protect our young king.”

  “Aye. I have vowed to do both before God.”

  “What if I told you Suph believes she intends to kill King Joash when she attends him?”

  He narrowed his eyes as bile rose from his stomach but he choked it down knowing she was incapable of such a thing. He recalled the way she sought to protect the child Suph had used only the day before. Nothing had changed her compassion for the weak and the broken. Why, she had faced a griffon to protect a cub. She would have done the same even if the bird had held a rodent in its talons. She would not see Joash harmed. And even if she hated Jesse and could never forgive him for killing her mother, she would not see him harmed, either. It was not in her character.

  Shrugging, he tried to raise his hands. “If I were not bound I would whisk her away from this place.”

  He gazed across the horizon. Although the land rose and dipped, there were very few places to hide.

  “It seems our odds are good. The captain’s men have dwindled and are succumbing to exhaustion. They have been coddled by palace life. Even if they were hale, you and I could take them.”

  Jesse caught Suph’s stare of hatred and smiled. He should not goad the man, but the need to keep up their pretense prodded him. Let the man’s thoughts run amok. Perhaps he would become more unstable and lose the loyalty of all his men. Then again, if he pushed Suph too far, Abigail could become a target for his anger. “I would rather not have Abigail close by. I would not risk her safety.”

  “Then what shall we do?”

  He was not certain, but he felt God leading him to wait, to bide his time and not rush into action. Knowing he had allies made it easier. “We wait.”

  Nathan’s eyes widened as if surprised. “Forgive me, but you are not one known for patience.”

  Jesse laughed. “You sound like my brothers. It is time I learned, is it not?”

  Nathan grinned.

  “Keep close to Abigail. Protect her above all else. And pray God’s favor falls upon us.”

  Prickly thorns raced down Jesse’s arm when Nathan clamped his hand on Jesse’s shoulder. The inability to move his arms was causing his arms to sleep. Suph’s glare at the two of them did not go unnoticed by Jesse. He only prayed Abigail would not suffer for the friendship between him and Nathan.

  Chapter Twenty-Two

  “My thanks for attending me,” she said to Reuel as they returned to camp. His only response was to nod. He left her and returned back to Jesse, who sat alone. His legs were crossed, his eyes closed, and she knew he prayed. A pang of jealousy stole through her. She wished she could openly pray, but unless her prayers were answered and they were rescued from Suph’s madness, she’d never be able to pray at will again.

  It was strange to her that a few days ago she did not even know who this Creator of the heavens and earth was and now she could not imagine life without Him. How had the people of Judah turned their backs on the one true God? She supposed, just as she had rebelled against Suph, so had the people of Judah rebelled against God. She prayed that one day God would once again reign across the land.

  A hand smacked against her arm and she cried out. She focused her gaze on her attacker. Suph’s fingers dug into her flesh as he dragged her away. “What are you doing?”

  She blinked her eyes, unsure of how to answer. “I have returned from seeing to my private needs. Certainly you would not deny me.”

  “You gaze upon the Levite as if he were the rarest of gems.”

  The mention of gems caused the jewel tucked beneath her tunic to warm against her skin. “I do not know of what it is you speak. I have not had the occasion to adorn myself with such things.”

  His fingers dug further. “You know well what it is I speak. You are to be my wife.” His words seethed, sending chills over her skin. He had never once shown an obsession with her, only the kingdom he believed was hers.

  “I know this, Suph, and have agreed. How am I to convince that murderous Levite to take me to the imposter if I do not show my affections?”

  The captain released her and shoved his fingers through his hair as he paced. Abigail fought the urge to rub at the bruising of her flesh. Suph halted and pressed his mouth hard against hers. Abigail remained still, uncertain of what it was she was to do. Just as quickly as the assault had begun, it ended. The corners of Suph’s mouth curved upward and she wanted to scrub her hand over her lips. “I had to be certain you have not played me false. I can tell you have never before been kissed. Can tell the Levite has not tainted you.”

  The captain looked over his shoulder, his chest expanding out like a bird ruffling his feathers. His smile was like that of a cat with a mouse. Abigail followed his gaze. Nausea slammed against her midsection and boiled upward. She sucked in a sharp breath. Even from where she stood, she could see Jesse’s nostrils flare in anger, see the banded cords beneath the skin on his shoulders and arms ripple.

  Abigail swallowed back the words threatening to spew from her mouth and released the tension curled in her fingers. Straightening her spine, she stared down her nose at Suph, commanding his attention. “Of course I am not tainted. The Levite may have murdered my mother but he always treated me with courtesy. Whether or not he wished to kiss me is beyond my knowing.”

  In that she did not lie, for she did not know Jesse’s reasons for kissing her. Suph firmed his lips into a hard line at her slight chastisement. The old Abigail would have cowered, but she pushed past him. Knees quaking, she kept her regal pose until she seated herself on the hard ground next to Nathan.

  His comforting presence lured her to collapse against him, but she dared not. Instead, she smiled at her friend and ignored the fact that every man encamped watched her. Including Suph. And most assuredly Jesse. “I see you did not abandon me while I was gone.”

  Nathan stared at her. “Of course not, Abigail.” He twisted a small twig between his fingers. “How long will you keep up this farce?”

  Drawing in air, she blinked. “I do not know what you speak—”

  “Do not lie to me, Abigail. Not if you hold dear our friendship. It is plain to see you cannot suffer the captain’s attentions. Aye, he may be blinded, but it is written in the paleness of your cheeks.” He reached out and clasped her fingers in his hand. “The way you shiver.”

  She sought out Jesse and willed the thunderous ache in her chest to go away. How long could she pretend to be who she was not? She shook her head. If Jesse was to return to his family alive, she had to continue. In this there was no choice.

  Bowing her head, she dug the toe of her sandal into the hard ground. Dust lifted and carried on a breeze. If only it was as easy for her to disappear. “There may be no hope to
save your brother, but if we can convince Suph to keep with my plan, if we can get Jesse to Jerusalem, then we can save him from the death the good captain intends to give him.”

  “You carry a heavy burden, Abigail, but there is no need.”

  If only it was true. If only she could deliver her burden elsewhere.

  “Jesse has great affection for you. It shows when he looks upon you, in his fierce protectiveness over you.”

  She glanced across the camp toward Jesse. He stared at her, his eyes never wavering.

  “If it had not been for the guard staying Jesse, he would have attacked Suph when he dragged you away.” Nathan paused, and she turned her eyes upon him, waiting for him to continue. “Perhaps your cruel treatment was my fault. I visited with Jesse while you were gone.”

  “Why...why would you do such a thing?”

  Nathan tossed the twisted twig he’d been mutilating away from him. “I trust Jesse. I do not trust Suph. And, although I trust you, I do not understand your misguided sense of responsibility. Jesse is a honed warrior, a genius at forming battle tactics. If anyone can save us, it is him.”

  “I don’t know, Nathan. I don’t want to risk...”

  “Abigail, he has vowed to protect you before God and his family. He has greater affection for you than I have seen many a man for his own wife—all you must do is trust him. He’s more than capable. He is not the babe you treat him as.”

  Nathan’s words stung. Aye, of course Jesse was capable. She did not mean to imply otherwise. The more he healed, the more evidence she’d seen. But she could not remove the image of his battered body from her mind. The deep gashes, the pain he’d endured while she and Dara set the sutures. The wound on his head, an injury that had kept him unstable on his feet.

  “He tells me Jonathan has been left alone in the cave.”

  “Left to die?”

  “He is certain his brother and the Philistines have checked the area. He is confident Jonathan has been rescued.”