The Warrior's Vow

by Christina Rich

  Releasing the breath she held, some of her worries rolled off her shoulders.

  “He also tells me Bilhah is alive.” A grin split his face. “Dara was caring for her when Jesse left the camp.”

  She glanced back toward Jesse and allowed the love in her heart to spill across the space between them. Nathan believed Jesse held great affection for her, but he had not said he loved her. It did not matter, for she loved him. The tension in Jesse’s jaw relaxed. The creases around his eyes softened and he smiled at her.

  “What is it we do?” she asked.

  Nathan winked at her. “Jesse says we wait. And of course pray.”

  The waiting would be hard, but she could pray.

  * * *

  Jesse leaned his head back. Even though his back was toward the setting of the sun, he still took pleasure in watching the lighter blues give way to the darker shades. He flicked his gaze toward Abigail sitting across the camp. Her arms wrapped around her legs, with her chin resting atop her knees.

  For a moment he thought she watched the colorful artistry, but then the corners of her lips curved upward. His pulse kicked against his chest. Air lodged in his throat, burning his lungs. The suffocation was not like that when he found himself flat on his back during a sparring match with his brothers. This was much different, like basking in the warmth of the sun on a cool day. A feeling he wanted to hold on to for the rest of his days.

  Her lids slid closed and remained so for several long seconds. When she reopened them, her silent apology and deep affection sought to embrace him. He clenched his jaw, strengthening his defenses against the love she conveyed. The emotion could not be returned, no matter how much he wished it.

  She was a princess, he a warrior who had taken her mother’s life. Their hearts could never meet as one.

  Knowing it might cause her pain, he glanced at the sky and ignored the ache in his chest. The brightest star of the night had yet to meet its fullness, but Jesse knew exactly how close they were to Jerusalem. How far away they were from where his people camped. Whatever plans Abigail had made with the captain, he had changed them. The man was consumed with madness if he thought to enter Jerusalem’s gates.

  Whatever he intended, Jesse could not allow it.

  Rolling his neck, he dropped his chin and risked a glance toward Abigail just as Suph pulled her to her feet. Jesse had wanted to rage when the captain had dared to take what she had not freely given. If it had not been for his guard halting him...who knows what Suph would have done, especially with his arms tied behind his back. Of course, that had never stopped him before.

  His guard crouched beside him, a wooden cup in his hand. “There is something you should know.”

  Jesse raised an eyebrow and waited.

  “When I took the princess to see to her needs earlier, there were signs of your people.”

  Surprise flowed through his blood. Not that his people were near, but that this guard, even after showing kindness, would risk treason in the eyes of his captain. The muscles in Jesse’s neck twitched, but he didn’t dare look for the giant Philistine and his brother, lest Suph notice and become suspicious. Instead, Jesse nodded. The guard pressed the cup to his lips.

  “I do not know what it is he has planned, but it cannot be good for either you or the princess.”

  Jesse pulled his head back and scanned the occupants. Suph had not sent a single man to scout the area, which Jesse found odd and foolish, especially for a captain. There were ten men, not including himself and Nathan. One of those men seemed to be an ally. Would that change when it came to battle? If not, the odds were not terrible.

  The princess... The word was like bitter herbs on his tongue. She was Abigail. His Abigail, but he should not, could not, think of her in such a way. The more barriers he erected around his heart, the easier it would be to leave her when the time came.

  “What is it you suggest?”

  The instinct that often warned Jesse of deception did not prick his nape; however, he was not certain this man could be trusted with Abi—the princess. “I would see her away from here. We should not risk the captain using her as a shield again.”

  “I could take her to see to personal matters once again, but that would leave you to fight alone.”

  Jesse smiled at the guard. He would not tell him Nathan would have his back, especially since he was not certain if the guard was a true ally or a spy. “I have faced worse odds in my time and come out the victor.”

  The guard rested his arms against his bent knees. He toyed with the cup in his hand. “I suppose one does not gain a fierce reputation without earning it. The stories told among the guards are often exaggerated. The stories told about you rival those feats passed down through the ages of David’s elite.”

  Lowering his voice, Jesse bent closer. “That is because we’ve had the same training as King David’s elite. However, my brothers and I have spent much time training with the Philistines, as well.”

  The guard firmed his lips into a thin line. The tip of his beard twitched as he hardened his jaw, and then he bent behind Jesse’s back. “I will escort the princess now before the sun slips completely beyond the horizon.”

  The ropes tugged against Jesse’s wrists as the guard cut them. The binding gave way, releasing his arms. Jesse was thankful for the waning light, yet he did nothing to begin working the feeling back into his limbs. The guard slipped his dagger beneath Jesse’s thigh. “I would wait until it becomes darker, but not too long. Suph will wonder about the princess and send men out to search for us.” The guard scratched his jaw. “However, that might not be a bad thing. It would lessen the numbers you have to deal with.”

  And increase the numbers seeking the princess. No, he would not tarry too long.

  A muscle at the top of Jesse’s jaw began to twitch as that instinct that not all was as it seemed roared to life. Perhaps he should refuse the guard’s offer to whisk Abigail away. What if Ianatos and Isa weren’t nearby? What if this man remained loyal to the captain?

  He drew in a long breath. He knew this land better than most, knew how to track his enemies even in this barren area. Besides, even if this guard had lied about Ianatos, Jesse was certain he and his brother were watching. Waiting. “Even if the numbers were lessened, it would be a difficult feat for me to gain the upper hand.”

  The guard shook his head. “You said—”

  “Aye, I know what I said. You forget I have been recovering from being the captain’s sticking board.” Leaving his hands behind his back, he rolled his shoulders. The guard flinched at the movement. “My muscles are weakened, strained from their bindings. I may be useless. However, if you take Abigail and hide among the brush near the creek...”

  “If something goes awry, that is the first place he will look for us.”

  “Even if we outnumbered them, there would still be the possibility of a bad outcome. If my brother is near, as you say, he will see to Ab—the princess’s safety.”

  The guard unfolded from his crouch. He scrubbed his hand over his bearded chin. “I will pray we find favor with God Almighty.”

  Craning his neck, Jesse considered the man. Perhaps he was a friend. Only time would tell.

  Chapter Twenty-Three

  Another tear leaked from her eyes. By now the sleeve of Jesse’s tunic, which still carried a hint of sandalwood, was damp with her sorrow. Suph had witnessed another instance of what he called “a foolish desire for a Levite with no brawn.” In his fit of jealousy he had threatened Nathan with his dagger. Images of Jesse’s wounds sickened her and she was somehow able to convince the captain to spare her friend.

  And then he sent him to sit with the other soldiers, leaving her alone with her thoughts. She had tried to pray. Pray for their freedom, pray for Jesse to glance her way. But he had avoided her, brushed away her affection like a bit o
f dust, leaving her confused and consumed by her erratic thoughts.

  Did Jesse love her, or did he not? Would he abandon her or stay with her?

  She had hoped... Suph had told her she was not going to Jerusalem. Which meant he had other plans for Jesse. Plans that would no doubt end his life.

  That was a burden too heavy for her heart to bear.

  A dark shadow fell over Abigail. “Princess?”

  Recognizing Reuel’s affectionate tone, she swiped the wetness from her cheeks. The smile she tried to force refused to show itself as another pair of tears fell.

  “I’ve come to escort you to see to your needs.” He held out his hand and pulled her to her feet.

  “My thanks,” she said in a whisper as she released his hand. The sooner she prepared for sleep the sooner tomorrow would come. She sniffed. The sooner the captain would abolish Jesse from her life. But then it seemed as if Jesse wanted nothing to do with her. She had hoped, prayed even, that Jesse would come to care for her as a man did a wife. Nathan’s earlier words had caused that hope to soar like that of the giant bird. It did not take long for it to crash into the forbidding face of a mountain.

  Perhaps Bilhah had been right. Maybe men did not give their affections as easily as women. Maybe not even at all.

  “Princess?”

  Blinking, she focused on Reuel. His eyebrows dipped in concern. “Are you ready?”

  She folded her hands in front of her, tucking them into the arms of her tunic, and nodded. Before they took one step, Suph stayed Reuel with his sword. “Where do you think you are going?”

  “The princess needs some privacy.” Reuel glanced her way. Her cheeks caught fire with embarrassment. “I would escort her. It would not do for her to be ravaged by a lion.”

  Stepping to the side, Suph lowered his sword. “You will make haste.”

  Reuel dipped his head. “Of course, my Captain.”

  It wasn’t until they stepped outside the reaches of the fire in the middle of the camp that she was able to breathe. Suph’s madness seemed to be flourishing. Not even the peace of God’s colorful display had been able to set her nerves at ease.

  They walked for several minutes until they reached an area with shrubs. Reuel stepped in the midst, piercing the tip of his sword into the foliage. If her heart was not so heavy with sorrow she would have laughed at the staid guard warring with the little branches.

  “I believe it is safe from lions.”

  She could not help but smile at his teasing, especially when it was unexpected.

  “I will step away. Call out when you are finished.”

  Slipping behind the shrubs, she tipped her head back and looked at the darkening sky. Was it too early to spy the ladle Bilhah and Jesse had spoken of? If she had knowledge of the stars, she could find her own way to the safety of Jerusalem. Of course, she would have nobody to protect her from griffons.

  “God of the heavens and the earth, will You bend Your ear toward me? Will You hear my plea?”

  * * *

  Jesse’s fingers itched to bully the captain the way he pushed Abigail and his men around. Patience had never been a virtue he was fond of, but Abigail’s life depended on it. So he had waited, even as Suph sent three of his men to follow Abigail and Reuel. What had been ordered, Jesse had not discerned, but given the captain’s increasing agitation over the past few hours, his demands could not be good.

  Unsure of how much time he had before Suph’s minions caught up with the princess, he risked a glance over his shoulder. His timing had to be perfect. The men had to be far enough away in order to give him time to dispatch those remaining, yet not too close to dole out Suph’s orders. From a battle stance he was grateful for the diminished threat, but his vow to protect Abigail roared in his head. He did not like sending her out into the night. Alone, with a possible enemy. He disliked it even more with the three vultures preying behind her.

  The remaining soldiers sat near a small fire. Nathan between two of them, chattering as if they were old friends, and perhaps they were. One of the men’s hands twitched near his blade. Another looked as if he was a great cat about to pounce.

  What was Suph about?

  Rolling his shoulders, Jesse worked his fingers, forcing blood to flow into his limbs. Fortunately, Nathan had caught his movements and gave a slight nod. Jesse prayed Nathan would be ready.

  He glanced over his shoulder once again. Abigail and Reuel had disappeared. The three minions remained visible.

  His jaw clamped down. There wasn’t much time. Jesse’s patience had about reached the end of its tether. If he was to gain his freedom and go after Abigail, the time was now. God in heaven grant me strength to do what I must and save Abigail.

  Before he was finished with the silent prayer the captain growled and snatched one of his men up by the neck of his tunic. “You dare to look at me?”

  All the soldiers stood, and then froze with their hands near their hips. It took Jesse a moment to realize the captain had completely lost his wits. The spittle bubbling at the side of his mouth reminded Jesse of a rabid dog. Lifting his face toward the darkening sky, he gave his thanks to God for this small blessing. He drew in a fortifying breath that seemed to renew his strength. Jesse signaled to Nathan as he jumped to his feet, the small dagger in his hand.

  One of the soldiers swung around. In two long strides, Jesse met the man face-to-face. Before the man blinked, he swept his foot to the back of the soldier’s leg. The man fell to his back and stared blankly toward the sky. Nathan had two soldiers disarmed and his arms around their necks. Suph darted his gaze around, his knuckles white from holding on to his prey. He threw back his head and laughed. The sound was much like that of the sea when angered by the wind.

  Suph cut down his own man and jumped toward Jesse. “You think to defeat me?”

  Jesse shifted his weight, right foot forward, blade in his left hand. He kept silent and concentrated on Suph’s slightest movement.

  “I will rule this land. Athaliah promised Judah to me once we married.” The captain’s eyes narrowed to mere slits. “You took her from me, but you will not take Judah. It is mine.” Suph darted forward. Jesse jumped back. The length of the captain’s sword compared to Jesse’s eating knife put him at a disadvantage. However, Jesse had his faculties.

  “Just as Abigail is mine, Levite.” He stabbed the tip of his sword into the air between them. Arching his back, Jesse sucked in his stomach.

  “You are mad, Suph. You cannot rule when you pace like a coward.”

  The captain growled and rushed forward, his sword arced high. Jesse stepped to the side as he twisted around. He grabbed the captain’s arm and, ducking, rammed his shoulder into his chest. Jesse rose to his full height, lifting Suph off the ground and flipping him over his shoulder. The sword clanked to the ground as Jesse twisted Suph’s arm and bent his wrist, his foot on the captain’s chest. “You should not act with haste, Suph. It’ll only get you killed.”

  The captain fought against Jesse’s hold, but Jesse clamped further down on his wrist until Suph’s fingers near touched his forearm. The sound of horses’ hooves beating the ground brought Jesse’s head up. He shook the hair from his eyes and smiled. “Isa, Ianatos, it is about time you showed your faces.”

  “We had full confidence in you, little brother.” Isa jumped to the ground.

  “That we did.” Ianatos swung his leg over the back of his horse and stepped down.

  Suph laughed. “You have not won, Levite.”

  Jesse jerked his arm upward and forced more weight into the foot pressed against the captain’s chest. “You are no longer a threat.”

  An evil glint sparked in his black eyes as he narrowed them. “You may have captured me, but you will not save your princess.”

  Chapter Twenty-Four

  “Prince
ss, we’ve not much time before the captain comes looking for us.”

  “A minute if you will.” She squeezed her eyes closed and warred against the sobs filling her chest. “God, Jesse says You’ll rescue those who call on Your name. I am calling, God. Please rescue us. I will go with Suph and become his bride, if only You save Jesse from the captain’s wickedness.”

  “Princess!” Reuel’s shout was followed by thumps like Dara pounding her herbs into powder.

  “Reuel, whatever is the matter?” She pushed apart some of the branches and began to walk toward her guard.

  Just as she was about to break free from the secluded area, an arm shot into the shrubbery and yanked her toward the creek. She dug her heels into the ground with no effect. She swatted at this hand. “Reuel, explain yourself.”

  He jerked her forward and tossed her over his shoulder.

  “Reuel!” She pounded on his back. “What are you doing? Put me down.”

  “Not now, Princess.” His voice was strained as if he wanted to shout but did not want to be heard. He jumped into the water and trudged through it. Her hair caught in the swirls and twisted, pulling her from his shoulder. She smacked the palm of her hand against his back as he climbed the other side of the bank.

  “Please, put me down.”

  His chest heaved as he gulped in air. “I cannot do that, Princess.”

  The hiss of refined iron slicing through the air sang above her thundering pulse. “Put the princess down.”

  Abigail froze as her mouth fell open. She waited for several heartbeats, waited to hear the deadly tone, but not even the night creatures stirred. Reuel’s grip fell slack and she slid to the ground. She twisted around and pushed her hair from her eyes. Before she could catch her breath, Reuel shoved her behind his back and unsheathed his sword.

  Clinging to the back of Reuel’s tunic, she shivered in fear. What was going on? She recognized their attackers as two of Suph’s men. Why were they here?

  Reuel widened his stance and raised his sword. She lost hold of him and her footing on the edge of the bank. She fell right into the water. The coldness seeped into her tunic, swirled around her neck as she tried to claw her way to the other side. Her fingers dug into the muddy bank as she started to climb. She was met by a pair of sandals and hairy legs. She craned her neck but could see little through the drape of her soaked hair.