The Chronicles of Gan: The Thorn

by Daron Fraley

  “We will,” Amon replied as he glanced at Pekah.

  Now satisfied, Jonathan remembered there was still much to be done before the next day.

  “Amon,” Jonathan began, “we’ll ride at the first hour of light in the morning, with as many riders as you can spare. I need some of Gideon’s faithful to identify those who escaped. Tavor’s men and Ezra’s men ride with me also.”

  “I’ll attach a company of fifty to your contingent. Will that suffice? There cannot be more than twenty who escaped.”

  “I believe you’re right. Although Rezon’s men have great skill riding in mountainous terrain, they should not be able to get far on foot. And I have the best archers of Uzzah with me.”

  “Very well then, prepare your men, and fifty riders of Gideon will join you. They’ll meet you in front of the city gates at dawn.”

  “Thank you, General.”

  “No, thank you,” Amon answered. “Thank you for living this wonderful dream of a new day with me and my people. I’ve never had so much hope for the future.”

  Jonathan shook the general’s hand as a friend, and they parted.

  Chapter 34

  Matched

  Pekah wandered through the market, paying very little attention to the street vendors around him. Instead, he watched customers as they went about their business of choosing and haggling. Weary from spending eight days in the Hara Mountains with the cold ground for a bed and rations they rarely had time to warm up, he looked forward to a hot meal and a proper place to sleep. Once again he had been invited to stay with Eli’s family while in Ramathaim—and recent experience had taught him never to turn down the hospitality of Uzziel’s wife. Miriam was a fabulous cook.

  I should bring something with me, he thought. He spotted a fruit and vegetable stand nearby that looked promising. After weaving between customers, he intended to survey the two well-organized racks, but his gaze locked on a large bin next to them, filled to overflowing with what looked to be fresh almonds.

  Picking one up, he got the attention of the vendor, who brushed off his hands on a white apron. “Are the almonds from last year’s harvest?”

  “No, these are the first fruits, just brought in from Karmel. They’re wonderful. Would you like a sample?”

  “Please.”

  The vendor dropped an almond into a slot between four sticks that had been banded together on one end, then gave the bundle a twist. The shell cracked easily. He tapped out a perfect, undamaged nut, handing it to Pekah.

  Still chewing on the delicious almond, Pekah covered his mouth and said, “I’ll take two solars’ worth, please.” As he handed the man his coins, Pekah looked up to see Abigail across the street, her back to him. “Thank you, but could I have one more solar’s worth, please?”

  The man obliged, and Pekah thanked him as he gripped his treasures, hurrying to be sure he wouldn’t lose Abigail in the crowd. He approached her from the side, giving her the opportunity to see him coming. Pekah didn’t want to surprise her. Although they had talked several times since the day Jonathan and Eli had literally raised him from the dead, he still felt a little uneasy around her, and expected her feelings were much the same.

  “Hello, Abigail,” he said, catching her attention.

  “Captain Pekah. Good afternoon.”

  Pekah wished she wouldn’t be so formal with him. But he glanced down at his chest and realized he was still wearing armor, and his sword was strapped to his belt, both of which made him look very official. A dusty spot on his sleeve caught his eye, and he brushed it off. Then he remembered that it had been two days since he had been able to bathe, and he suddenly felt very self-conscious, even wishing he hadn’t approached her. He looked back to see she held a bulky reed basket on her shoulder, balancing it with both hands. It appeared to be heavy.

  “Could I help you with that?”

  “I can manage,” she said flatly.

  “I didn’t mean to insinuate that you couldn’t,” he said quickly. “I’m sorry.”

  She held his gaze for a moment, her eyes searching his. She smiled. “Actually, it would be a help.”

  Pekah grinned, handing her the two bags of almonds in trade for the basket. It was heavier than it looked. “Shopping for rocks?” he teased as he followed her down the street.

  “Iron shot from the catapults. Mementos. I wanted a few for doorstops.”

  Taken aback, Pekah looked sideways at the Gideonite woman, studying her expression. At first she appeared to be serious, but then her lip quivered in an effort to suppress a grin. She broke out into a wide smile.

  Pekah laughed. “You had me believing you.”

  “I did?”

  “Yes. Because of the weight of the basket, I wasn’t about to doubt you.”

  “It’s only peaches. And some bread. The bread doesn’t weigh much.”

  “Maybe I’m just weak.”

  Abigail smiled at him again, but didn’t say anything. Now out of the market, they continued to walk down the sloping street toward the residential areas. Pekah wondered where they were going, suspecting that they were headed to Uzziel’s place. But when they came to the first intersection, Abigail turned, and Pekah followed.

  “Tavor and Sarah’s home?” he asked.

  “Yes. Rachel and I are going to help Sarah prepare the fruit. She has a large drying rack and plenty of storage. Besides, with you and Eli returning today, I didn’t want to be underfoot.”

  Pekah suddenly felt uncomfortable, wondering if Abigail was avoiding him. He could feel his face turn red, and was glad she didn’t seem to notice. He chose to change the subject. “How do you like it here in Ramathaim?”

  Abigail looked around as if admiring the architecture. “It’s very beautiful here. And the weather is nice.”

  Pekah nodded. “I agree. It feels like home, but still has its own character.” He paused to move the basket to his other shoulder, then increased his pace to keep up. Rounding a corner, they arrived at Tavor’s home. Sarah peeked out from a window as they approached. Before they even passed under the simple arch that linked two sides of the low, stone wall around the modest property, Sarah opened the front door to greet them.

  “Here, let me take that, Pekah,” she said.

  Pekah didn’t argue. He helped Sarah to shoulder the basket. She then scurried into the house. Abigail turned and handed the two bags of almonds to him. As she did, he caught the faint scent of lavender on her hands.

  “Thank you,” she said.

  “It was my pleasure. Besides, it’s not every day I get the chance to walk with a beautiful lady of Gideon.” As soon as the words slipped out of his mouth, he regretted them. She’s going to be offended by my forwardness, he thought. He could still smell the perfume.

  Her reaction surprised him. She smiled, kindness in her eyes. He gulped, quite uncomfortable. “Oh, I almost forgot! These are for you.” Pekah extended his arm, the small bag of almonds in his hand.

  “Thank you, Pekah.” She took the bag and held it close to her chest. She held his eyes for a moment, her expression far more pleasant than the feeling in Pekah’s stomach—as though he had just been kicked by his horse. He felt a sudden urge to be on his way.

  Abigail turned as if to head into the house, but paused and looked back over her shoulder. “Jasher was right to have liked you.” She then hurried in and shut the door.

  Pekah stood there for a moment, amazed. Why did she say that? Replaying the words in his mind, hearing again the tone of her voice, and visualizing the friendly expression on her face—he realized her statement was a hint that she liked him too.

  Leaving, Pekah’s step was light, his body full of energy. As he walked, he whistled.

  * * *

  Cool morning breezes fluttered down upon the broad canopy that had been erected next to the garden fount, ready to be the focal point of the marriage celebration. The fountain jumped and gurgled, and some of the spray drifted into the orchids that were lined up behind it, giving them an occa
sional wind-blown sip. Jonathan’s gaze lifted to just behind the beautiful flowers, and he saw the courtyard wall of the Temple of Sacrifice: tall, white, and brilliant in the morning suns-light.

  Rachel placed her hand on Jonathan’s arm affectionately as they sat together on a bench enjoying the fresh air together. Jonathan held her hand tight.

  “Look!” Rachel said, pointing to a songbird that settled into an almond tree nearby. Moving to a higher perch, it started to sing.

  Utter contentment radiated from Rachel’s face, drawing Jonathan in. His gaze remained affixed to the lines of her face and her soft, brown eyes, rendering him almost breathless at her beauty. Feeling peaceful, he kissed her softly on the forehead and put an arm around her shoulder, watching the orchids sway in the breeze.

  His mind drifted for a moment to dwell on the taxing and unsuccessful excursions to find Rezon and his men. They had spent days in the mountains of Hara. His troops had gone not once, but three times in the last month. Signs of the fugitives had been sparse, and Rezon’s followers—most of them from Gideon—were well acquainted with mountaineering. Jonathan wondered if they would ever be found. Catching himself, he put thoughts of disappointment away. He just had to believe that Rezon would eventually be found and brought to justice.

  Thinking of more positive things, he mentally reviewed reports from Amon and Mehida, who just had returned to Ramathaim from the mountains of Gideon, bearing tidings of the successful creation of their new council. They had brought with them an old man, a goatherd named Eder. When Jonathan was introduced to him at the home of Uzziel, all four of them, including Pekah, were in complete agreement. Eder was undoubtedly the right man to fill the final council seat being offered to Gideon—unpretentious, never in a hurry to speak his mind, and rarely eloquent when he did so, but full of proper respect for all the tribes. Prejudice did not exist in any fiber of his makeup.

  Instantly drawn to the man, Jonathan marveled at Eder’s optimism. Eder was blind, and yet, he had immense vision. It only took five minutes of conversation for Jonathan to see there was no guile in this simple goatherd.

  When Jonathan found out that Eder was a widower, his invitation became more than just a seat around the council table of Hasor. Eder had no living children to care for, and his meager existence was hardly sufficient to allow him to travel to and from Hasor as needs would arise, especially since an escort would be needed each time.

  Therefore, Jonathan offered the old man a room in his own home, the palace of Hasor, and complete freedom to come and go as he pleased. Eder graciously accepted. The best part of Jonathan’s kind offer was Rachel’s reaction—she was thrilled with the arrangement.

  Jonathan smiled at the memory. Her compassion for others had always warmed his heart, and this part of her personality was one of the many reasons he looked forward to spending a lifetime with her at his side. No man would ever have a brighter jewel for his treasure than this woman would be for him. Everything felt so perfect. Peace. Friends. Rachel.

  “Where are you?” Rachel asked.

  “I’m sorry. Just thinking about things.”

  “Our marriage tomorrow?” Rachel asked, teasing.

  “Yes,” Jonathan said with a smile. “Of course. And reflecting on everything that has been accomplished in such a short time. I’m pleased that Amon and Mehida have returned to share our joyful occasion. And the Council Hall of Hasor will, for the first time, be honored by the presence of Gideon within its walls. All these things give me peace—I think they will allow me to truly enjoy our day to its fullest.”

  Rachel laid her head on Jonathan’s shoulder. “I love you.”

  “I love you, too.”

  The sound of sandals upon the cobbled garden path caught their attention. Rachel ran to greet Abigail as she approached.

  “Abigail! Good morning!” The two women embraced warmly.

  Now standing next to Rachel, Jonathan dipped his head toward Abigail. “Peace to you, daughter of Gideon.”

  “And to you, Jonathan.” Abigail hesitated. “I’m looking for Pekah. Have you seen him?”

  “Not this morning. Have you checked with the guards of the gatehouse? He has spent a lot of time out in the hills lately.”

  “I have . . .” Abigail replied in a distracted manner. She glanced over her shoulder as if expecting Pekah to be there.

  Rachel’s brow furrowed. “Is something wrong?”

  Abigail looked away again. Jonathan sensed she wished he wasn’t there. “No. I just need to talk to him. I’ll keep looking, thank you.”

  “If we see him, where can he find you?” Jonathan asked.

  “Sarah’s home. Or at Miriam’s home.” Abigail then wandered off, staring up into the sky.

  Jonathan touched Rachel’s arm. “Abigail had more to say, but didn’t because I was here. Right?”

  Rachel’s smile confirmed Jonathan’s suspicion. “You are quite observant. Last night, Abigail and I talked for quite a while. She told me that Pekah has spent some time with her during the last few weeks. Each time you boys have come down out of the mountains, he has sought her out so they could talk. But he has never mentioned what happened on the night Jasher died. Abigail’s concerned. What if he feels duty bound to honor Jasher’s request, and yet doesn’t want to fulfill it?”

  “How does Abigail feel about it?”

  Rachel turned to face him, looking up into his eyes. “I believe Abigail is going to tell Pekah she doesn’t expect him to honor Jasher’s dying wish. Did you know Pekah talked a lot about your journey together?”

  Jonathan shook his head.

  “Abigail was very touched by his tale. She told me of her desire to obtain the same peace Pekah told her about—the peace he found standing in the river.”

  “Really?”

  “Yes. And by the look on her face a minute ago, I think I know what else she decided to do.”

  Rachel was teasing him. He crossed his arms, pretending to be frustrated. Rachel laughed.

  “She will tell him that if he so desires, she wants him to fulfill Jasher’s wish.”

  Jonathan leaned forward. “That’s wonderful!”

  Rachel stepped back, as if surprised by the revelation borne in his excitement. “You mean, Pekah desires this?”

  “He has anguished over this for weeks. He’s very attracted to Abigail, but didn’t dare let her know it. He told me he didn’t want to pressure her to accept Jasher’s will. He wants nothing less than Abigail’s independent decision on the matter. If she is not comfortable with remarriage, he will release her.”

  Rachel now had tears in her eyes. “Jonathan,” she said as she wiped her eyes with the backs of her hands, “I am so happy for Abigail! She feels the same way about Pekah. Her days of mourning are past, and now she’ll be able to choose. From the very moment Jasher placed her hand in Pekah’s, she has struggled with what he requested. But now, after getting to know Pekah, she feels that she will do it.”

  “Out of duty? Or out of respect for Jasher?”

  “Abigail loved Jasher, but they were still newlyweds of only a few months. With all the travel Jasher had done among the provinces of Gideon, she’d hardly seen him. And she has no other living family. She feels alone. She told me she feels that her chances of marrying again will be slim. If she’s worried that men will look down upon her, as being someone ‘less desirable,’ what more could she hope for?”

  “Did Abigail use that term?”

  “Yes. That’s how she feels.”

  Jonathan put his arm around Rachel and squeezed her. “She deserves to be happy. Maybe you should go find the young lady and tell her what we talked about. Perhaps it will help her confidently approach Pekah to discuss the matter.”

  “I love you.” Rachel gave Jonathan a quick peck on the cheek. Her long auburn hair flowed behind her as she ran.

  Chapter 35

  Joy

  The next morning, the day before the Sabbath, dawned as beautiful as the last—nearly cloudless skies, an
d a slight breeze tugging at the hem of Jonathan’s priestly robe. He held Rachel’s hand tightly, drawing strength from her touch. But today, more than ever, he felt the void left by his absent parents deep within his heart. I’m getting married today—they should be here. He took a long breath. Perhaps they will be. Self-conscious of his distracted thoughts, he tried to refocus on the present. After all, wasn’t this supposed to be a happy day?

  He snapped back into the moment, once again aware of those circled around the octagonal font in the temple court—Pekah, Uzziel, Miriam, Tavor, and Sarah, all dressed in white. The beauty of the scene struck him. These were his friends. They were his family. He realized he actually was surrounded by those whom he loved, and he smiled. And I am about to witness a miracle, he thought

  Less than a day had passed since he sat with Rachel, watching songbirds and enjoying the sweet scent of orchids in the gardens when Abigail had come looking for Pekah. By the end of the day, Pekah had proposed marriage to her, and she had accepted. Since Abigail had previously been married, and neither of them had any living family to participate in the celebrations, they decided, at Rachel’s insistence, to share her day and formalize their own union.

  And much like the Gideonite captain, who had been taught in his youth about a King and Creator, Abigail had been prepared by her own parents. Spending time with Pekah, she had learned more about The One Who Would Suffer and had decided to follow Pekah’s example.

  She now stood in the waist-deep baptismal font with Eli, a temple priest, his hand gently on her arm. Eli committed her into the care of the Great King of Heaven, then lowered her into the water and brought her up again.

  Jonathan’s gaze rested on Uzziel, watching for his approval. Presiding, Uzziel looked down at Eli and nodded, indicating that the covenant was acceptable and complete. Eli supported Abigail as he guided her toward the steps.