I waited for him to regain composure. “David still loves you. I know it.”
After a few moments, he raised his eyes. “My sister, the best thing for you is to stay with Merab and Adriel. Promise me you’ll stay out of trouble?”
I rubbed his slumped shoulders. “Yes, for you, dear brother, I promise, as long as trouble doesn’t find me.”
“My little sister, ever since you were a tiny tot, trouble has always found you. Let’s get some sleep. We have a long journey tomorrow. You sleep on the bed. I’ll lie down on my cloak.”
I washed my face and cleaned my teeth at the basin and remembered Tora. “Jonathan, there’s one more thing. Ribai of Gibeah, tell him his daughter Tora lives. She lives in Gath but does not want to be rescued. She wants him to know she is well.”
He yawned and rubbed his eyes. “I will make inquiry.”
“And tell him that he has a grandson. Ittai.”
“Ittai? Isn’t he King Achish’s son? His mother is the queen?”
“No, his mother is a slave. Like Moses, he was raised in the king’s palace. You have to find him and bring him to his grandfather.” Weariness crept over my bones, and I slumped on the bed. “He’s one of us.”
Jonathan winked. “I couldn’t let you carry on in front of my men. Ittai is my friend also.”
He pulled a scroll from the leather tube he wore at his chest and read to me from the Book of the Law until I fell asleep.
Chapter 17
Ruth 2:10 Then she fell on her face, and bowed herself to the ground, and said unto him, Why have I found grace in thine eyes, that thou shouldest take knowledge of me, seeing I am a stranger?
>>><<<
Jonathan and I crossed the Jordan River and followed a smaller river due east. The full moon cast moving shadows through windblown trees. I drew my cloak over my face as we arrived at Abel-Meholah and stood in front of Adriel’s house.
An elderly servant blocked the gate. “Who goes there?”
“Prince Jonathan with his sister Michal. We’ve come to call on our brother Adriel.”
He opened the gate and called to a boy. “Go to the main house and tell the master his brother and sister are here.”
The door flung open, and Adriel’s tall, lanky form flew down the path. “Jonathan! What a surprise! What are you doing in these parts?”
He turned to me. “Michal?”
I extended my hand. “Adriel, it’s been so long.”
He kissed my hand and shocked me with a warm embrace. Leading us into the parlor, he called, “Merab, your sister is here.”
I shook out my wet cloak and rubbed my hands in front of a crackling fire.
Merab came out of her room with a baby in her arms. I hugged her tightly and kissed her. “You look wonderful. Who’s the little one?”
“This is Eliah, number three. You look remarkably well. We thought you were getting married again.”
“No, not this time.”
“Mother will be so happy.” She handed the baby to a maid and knocked on a closed door.
Servants set food and drink in front of us, and soon Mother bustled into the kitchen and tried to hug both Jonathan and me at the same time.
“Jonathan, you were so brave to rescue her. Michal, my darling daughter. My prayers are answered. I couldn’t bear to think of you bearing the child of a Philistine while your father glories in the peace treaty he signed over your body.” She smothered me with kisses and stepped back to study me.
Slightly nervous under her scrutiny, I waved my hand. “Mother, don’t be so dramatic. I’m fine, and Father received nothing because I escaped from Gath.”
“You must tell me everything,” Mother said. “How did Jonathan rescue you? I was sure they’d have you guarded well.”
I glanced at Jonathan, hoping he wouldn’t mention Ittai.
He coughed. “Actually, Michal had already gotten away when I met her on the road.”
All eyes turned to me.
“Escaped? You don’t say.”
“How? Michal, how did do it?”
“Did you see David? Did he help you?”
I raised my hand to silence them. “Please, one question at a time. Yes, I did see David. But he would not help me.”
Merab narrowed her eyes. “Why not? I told you he wasn’t good for you.”
“He sought asylum with the Philistine king,” I said. “So obviously he couldn’t help me.”
Merab tapped Jonathan. “But I thought you kept track of David. How is it he’s gone to the Philistines?”
Jonathan’s eyebrows lowered. “Apparently he’s given up. Father’s forces hunted him all over Israel. I thought to use Michal to lure him back. But he’d already remarried, twice.”
Mother pressed her lips. “Bad move. Michal also remarried. And you sent your sister into danger for David?”
“No, it’s not like that. I sent a spy to take a note to him asking him to return. But before he got the message, Michal turned up.”
Mother grasped my arm. “How did you get there? Why didn’t you stay with Phalti?”
I made patterns on the floor with the tip of my sandal. Before I could answer, Jonathan said, “No doubt, our Michal took it upon herself to find David.”
“Michal!” Merab’s eyes widened.
“So how did you get away?” Mother grabbed my sleeve.
I looked sideways and twisted my robe from her. “There’s always bribery. I met a woman in Gallim, and she gave me her gold and jewels. She was the village healer, and she took a liking to me.”
Mother frowned. “A woman? What was she like?”
“A friend. She helped me escape, that’s all, by bribing the guards. Anyway, I’m just glad to be back.”
Merab laid her hand on my shoulder. “We’re glad you’re here, too. Are you going back to Gallim?”
Jonathan cut in. “It’s too dangerous. The Philistines will surely look for her there. I’m going back to warn Phalti.”
Adriel opened his arms. “Michal, you must stay. We’re tucked many miles away from the border. They’ll never think to look for you here.”
Merab and Mother joined in. “Yes, stay.”
Adriel clapped a hand on Jonathan’s shoulder. “And when you see Phalti, tell him he’s welcome to join his wife. I’m sure we can find work for him.” His friendly voice rang with finality.
Mention of Phalti wrenched my heart. I had been so cruel to him. How could I face him when he’d been punished so severely? A choking sensation flooded my chest and tears threatened. I grumbled about being tired, and Merab asked a servant to prepare a room.
* * *
One morning, after the new moon, I woke sick and dizzy. As I sat in bed, a wave of nausea rippled through me. I stumbled to the chamber pot, trying to remember what I had for dinner.
A note from Phalti lay on the table. My dearest Michal, I thank God you are well. As soon as I settle my business, I will hasten to your side. With warmest affection and lots of kisses, your Phalti.
Regret and guilt coursed through my veins. Phalti had looked so despondent the last time I spoke to him. I had disbelieved him, accused him of lying and forging the note of divorcement. And he’d been hurt on my behalf. What could I possibly say to him?
A few minutes later, the queasiness was gone. I dressed and went to the kitchen and found Merab tending her children. I took the baby from her arms while she gathered the two toddlers and fed them breakfast.
After they were settled, I lifted a jar and followed her to the stable to help her milk the goats. My sister, a former princess, worked harder than a maid. As wealthy as Adriel was, times were hard, and crops had not been abundant because of the dry weather. The presence of bandits made trade difficult, and sometimes Adriel’s grapes and olives rotted before making it to market.
“Merab, you’re looking weary today, is everything all right?”
“I’ve been more tired than usual,” she said. “My back aches from carrying the babe around. I sure could use
a good night’s rest.”
“I can care for the baby at night. Show me what to do.”
“You would? Oh, Michal, you’ve grown to be a gracious and thoughtful woman. I don’t know why I didn’t appreciate you earlier.” She squeezed and pulled at the goat’s udder while I rubbed its head, thinking of David’s goat hair pillow.
“Ha, I was a spoiled and willful child, and I followed you around. But no matter, I’m glad we’re together again.”
I helped her carry the milk jug, and she showed me how to funnel the milk into the skins from which the baby would suckle on during the day.
“He’s ready to wean,” she said. “His nurse had to leave early, but this milk will keep him happy. He also eats little pieces of raisin cakes, chopped vegetables and meat.”
Merab set Eliah on my lap. He wiggled and squirmed, the milk dribbled and spilled, and more food fell on the floor than in his mouth. He bit me with his two front teeth, laughing and squealing. A surge of affection warmed me. I blew and tickled his fat belly and kissed his chubby cheeks. A tear formed in my eye when I thought about all the nights I had prayed for a baby with David. Could it be? I shook the thought away, fearing another disappointment.
I handed Eliah back to Merab, and another wave of nausea overtook me. Cold sweat dampened my nose. The mess of curdled milk, squashed fruit, vegetables, and spit up meat took my appetite away. I swallowed hard, not wanting to be sick in front of everyone. Mother raised an eyebrow and asked if I were ill. Assuring her I was fine, I raced toward my room.
She followed and asked if I’d like to do some weaving with her. Wrinkling her nose at the sour odor, she yelled for a servant to change the chamber pot. I rummaged through the piles of thread, my fingers shaking.
Mother stepped in and shut the door. Her stare drilled through me. “We’re alone. You can tell me what happened.”
I tied threads to the top of the loom and attached stone weights to the ends. “I’m happy to be back. Do you have to lecture me?”
She swiped the thread from my hand. “What did you think you were doing running off from Phalti?”
“Mother, I’m sorry…”
She shook at finger at me. “Have you any idea what he suffered because he lost you? They whipped him and burned his fields, drove his livestock away. Your father almost executed him had Jonathan not intervened.”
Flexing hammers pounded my head and rushed blood to my ears. Nausea swept over me, and I bent my head between my knees and swallowed until it subsided. My forehead broke in sweat. I stumbled to the bed.
“Your brother found you a dependable husband, and you endanger him for a traitor?”
I slapped the bed. “David is not a traitor. He’s my husband.”
“No, he has forfeited you. Abandoned you. Thank God, Merab did not marry him. All he wanted was your father’s crown. We should never have allowed him into the palace.”
I put a hand over my mouth. “Mother, I’m not feeling well. Can you let me rest? You never understood David.”
I beat back a queasy rumbling from my stomach and hunched over the clean pot.
“Are you ill?” Her voice softened.
“No, just tired.” I vomited and heaved until nothing remained but bile.
Mother wiped my mouth and swept errant strands of hair from my sweaty face. “Could you be pregnant?”
A flash of pride curled my lip. “I don’t know.”
“How do your breasts feel? Are they heavier, tender at the tip?”
“Maybe.”
Mother rubbed my head. “How about your monthly blood? When was the last time?”
“I don’t remember. I never kept track.”
She sighed. “You’ve always been irregular, and I worried if you’d be barren. Did you last have it at Phalti’s house or on the road?”
“Phalti’s house. But what happens now?” I sank into the bed. “What will Phalti think?”
She clasped my hands. “If you are pregnant, he’d be overjoyed. Jonathan says Phalti practically worships you. He was worried sick when you went missing.”
She rubbed my back. “Feeling better?”
“Yes, thanks, Mother.” I closed my eyes while my stomach settled. “Now, about the weaving, I’ve learned some new patterns.”
I dared not hope. But if I were pregnant, I would have David’s son. My heart bubbled, and I wanted to jump and scream. David would certainly want me now. I had his heir tucked inside of me. A secret smile lit my heart. We would be so happy, the three of us.
* * *
Around noontime, Adriel returned from the fields with a broad smile. “Your husband approaches. He’s crossed the ridge and should be nearing our gate soon.”
I stood, a swarm of dots danced around my eyes like buzzing bees. Voices hovered above me.
“She’s so excited she fainted,” a female voice said.
“Michal, can you hear me?” A man’s deep voice sounded near my ear.
Cold water splashed my face, and I swatted at the hands that swabbed my forehead. A set of bearded lips kissed me on the cheek. “Wake up. I’m here.”
Phalti’s face loomed above me. Naomi looked over his shoulders.
“She’s been ill all morning,” Merab said. “Looking forward to your arrival, no doubt.”
“You’re not well?” Phalti held me in his lap, fussed over my hair, and wiped the water off my face.
“I’m fine. Don’t worry,” I mumbled, embarrassed by his mushy display in front of my family.
Mother smiled and crinkled her forehead, as Merab placed a tray of food in front of us. Everyone sat around and asked Phalti for the news. He fed me small pieces of cheese that sent my stomach spinning. Discreetly, I pressed his hands away from my mouth. While they talked, I leaned my head on his chest, feeling miserable.
“The Philistines are more aggressive,” Phalti said. “I’m afraid there’s going to be war soon.”
“How is the king reacting?” Adriel questioned him, his gaze darting back and forth.
“The king? He is scouring high and wide for Michal to deliver her to the Philistine king and secure David’s head. Apparently they want to make some sort of alliance for peace.” He draped a protective arm over my shoulder and rubbed my back.
“But that is ridiculous. Why is Father so stubborn?” Merab exclaimed.
“The Philistine king is furious,” Phalti said. “He accused your father of stealing his bride.”
I lifted my head. “Is that what he thinks?”
“Maybe, and maybe not,” Phalti said. “But it’s the official story. I hear at the well his own son betrayed him. Michal, is that so?”
Everyone turned astonished faces at me. My stomach fluttered and heat rushed through my chest. I could not betray Ittai. He had sacrificed so much for me.
“How did you get away?” Phalti demanded.
I pushed out of his embrace. “I bribed my way out. It doesn’t take a genius to figure out guards blind themselves for gold.”
Phalti gripped my arm. “You don’t have to snap at me. I think you’re tired.”
Everyone assented, and I went back to my room and flounced on the bed, queasy and upset, but determined to hide it.
I didn’t nap long. Phalti bustled around the room arranging the furniture. He stood David’s harp in the corner and piled our scrolls next to it. When he saw me looking at him, he handed me a small scroll. It was the covenant of my marriage to David.
“This is temporary. I’m going to find a small house to rent for the two of us. I can help the villagers with their scribal needs. I’ll get one with two bedchambers. You needn’t worry about me bothering you.” He unrolled a blanket and placed it on the floor near the door.
“Let’s not worry about all that right now,” I said. “Tell me about your journey.”
He sat on my bed. “I’m so glad you’re here. I had a dream. It was so vivid and unbelievable. The sun glinted behind you, all golden and red. You opened your arms and ran toward me. You said… y
ou…” He rubbed the back of his neck and blushed. “It seemed real at the time.”
“Why are you so kind to me?” I said. “Aren’t you mad at me for leaving and stealing your mule?”
He held my elbow. “I was so worried. Why didn’t you tell me where you were going?”
“You wouldn’t have let me go.”
“And I would have been right.”
“Phalti?” I touched his beard. “Thank you, and I’m sorry about the mule.”
A shock of hair fell over his eyes. Making no attempt to brush it back, he smiled. “Don’t worry about the mule.” His voice hoarse, he paused and cleared his throat. “Michal, can you at least like me a little?”
Warmth spread in my cheeks, and my heart fluttered. I squeezed his knuckles and tickled the hair on the back of his hand. “I like you more than a little.” I leaned over and kissed his beard. “Did they hurt you badly?”
He lowered his eyelids, and his cheeks turned pink. “You care?”
I poked his chest. “You big oaf, of course I care. I’m sorry for everything that happened to you.”
“How sorry?”
“Um… well, how sorry do you want me to be?”
A daft grin draped his lips. “Sorry enough for a kiss?”
I fingered his robe, picturing the matted hair on his chest. Glad that I’d cleaned my mouth with mint, I wrapped my fingers around the nape of his neck and kissed him lightly. Drawing back, I inhaled his scent, like warm leather and baked bread, and a tingling shiver caressed my spine. His lips dropped to mine, gently sucking my lower lip and then my upper lip. I tilted my head, and he nuzzled my neck, his hands seeking my breasts.
Tenderness and pain greeted me. I cringed and brushed his probing thumb away. Mother was right. I broke from his embrace when nausea roiled my belly.
“What’s wrong?” Phalti bent over me. I clutched my middle, swallowing and rocking myself to calm my stomach.
Anxiety mixed with elation. How would Phalti react to David’s baby?
“Are you sick?” Phalti rubbed my back.
“Get me a bowl, please.” He had barely time to bring it to me when I threw up, splattering his feet.
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