The Thorn tcog-1

by Daron Fraley

  “Kalev, is this the scepter you were seeking?”

  Gasps and whispers floated above the crowd like hovering bees.

  Pekah stood with his arm outstretched. He moved the glass rod back and forth, causing reflections to spill in every direction. With a wry smile, Pekah stared at Kalev.

  “I seem to have accomplished the very thing you claim could not be done, and I did not even ask for it! This scepter was placed in my hands by Jonathan, Daniel’s heir. I shall never forget his words. He said, ‘I am giving this to you, in hopes that it may be an instrument in convincing Manasseh to end his aggression toward our peoples.’ Jonathan told me I was to use it in trade for prisoners, if need be.”

  Pekah now glared at the old soldier. “As you can see, Daniel does not have the scepter. Gideon does.”

  Murmurs became arguments, and Pekah wondered if they were sounds of surprise or disdain. He peered over to get the general’s reaction. Jasher glowed with pride, almost as if Pekah were his son. Embarrassed, Pekah looked at the ground. He lowered the rod and returned it to its protective cover. With some degree of regained composure, Pekah threw one last barb.

  “Even though the Danielite next to me has not asked for it to be returned, I do not claim The Thorn to be mine. It is certainly not yours.”

  With that bold statement, the crowd erupted, unintelligible yells coming from some areas and cheers from others.

  Kalev was furious. He fiddled with the pommel of the sword at his side, his gaze fixed on Jonathan. Pekah did not flinch. General Jasher moved up to the edge of the platform with hands raised, challenging the crowd.

  “You have now seen what I have seen. Daniel is no aggressor. The emperor deceived us all. It is our duty to end this conflict. Pekah has joined with Daniel and Uzzah, as have I. Will you also join me?”

  This time, there were far more Gideonite soldiers raising their arms in token than there had been a few minutes before. Still, in addition to Kalev, there were several other soldiers who gathered into a tighter group, refusing to accept Jasher’s challenge. Defiant, they stood in the midst, some with weapons drawn.

  One of them, a few years younger and taller than Kalev, spoke up. “We… we will not. We are men of Gideon. We will not make an alliance with Danielites.”

  After all the explanation and testimony given, this refusal angered Jasher. He loomed tall and menacing as he approached the very edge of the wooden platform. Shocked that Jasher’s authority as General of the Host of Gideon was being defied, Pekah leaned in, hoping to catch every word.

  “You may have desires within your hearts to refuse, but as your commanding officer, I am now giving you an order. Gideon will march with Uzzah and Daniel to stop Rezon’s attack on the northern cities. Yet I cannot have dissenters in our midst. Therefore, I am giving you a choice: either you will return to your homes in peace and renounce this war until the end of your days, or you will be found guilty of sedition. You will forfeit your lives.” He paused. “What say you?”

  The men he challenged shrank back, searching their friends for one who would lead out. Not one would. Fingers twitching on the pommel of his sword, it seemed as if Kalev was going to defy Jasher again. He gripped the sword tightly and looked about. Very few men stood with him. He grumbled. Stepping forward, he thrust out his hand. Jasher’s gaze locked with Kalev’s. The old soldier made his oath to return home, and the others joined him in the pledge. This appeased Jasher, and he promised them safe passage out of the city.

  At this juncture, Jonathan took a step forward, and with his arm raised, said, “I will follow Jasher. He will be my protector, to lead me into safe havens.” This allusion to Father Gideon, founder of the tribe, drew a very positive reaction from the crowd.

  An unknown soldier from within the group below tossed a Gideonite breastplate onto the platform, where it landed squarely at Jonathan’s feet. He did not hesitate in the least, but retrieved the armor and strapped it on.

  Cheers flew skyward as soldier after soldier raised his arm in their traditional greeting, welcoming the Danielite into their midst. Several shouted encouraging words, and a few even waved swords in the air. Others joined together and cried aloud, “Health and prosperity to the heir of Daniel!”

  Pekah’s jaw tightened, attempting to fight back the tears now welling in his eyes as he saw his new friend proudly wearing the Black Raven of Gideon.

  Chapter 17

  Bounty

  Would you please join me in the general’s quarters? Our evening meal awaits-there is enough for all. General Jasher insists,” Amon said.

  “Thank you.” Pekah immediately noticed his own hunger, his stomach growling.

  “We would be honored,” Jonathan said.

  Amon raised his voice and waved his hand to include Tavor and others standing nearby. “Please come, be filled, and rest before we depart for Saron in the morning.”

  Once they were all seated around a group of mismatched tables in Jasher’s tent-a large reception area attached to the general’s sleeping quarters-Pekah breathed in the wonderful smells of the hot meal about to be served. He studied the guests around the table. Smiles were plentiful, and Rachel’s eyes exhibited pure delight, which Pekah surmised came from having both Jonathan and Eli safely there with her.

  Content being among new friends, Pekah watched, intrigued by each of them. Eli teased Rachel, making her laugh. Jonathan leaned in close to whisper something that made her blush. Tavor had taken a seat next to Amon, and the two of them chatted amicably about various things pertaining to the events of the day.

  Pekah caught the tail end of a question posed by Tavor about the farms around Ain. Amon started to answer the question, but then stood to get everybody’s attention. The chatter died down, and all eyes fixed on the captain.

  “I want to explain something about this meal,” Amon said. “Just one day ago, many things were taken by force from the citizens of this conquered city. But this meal was provided entirely by the donations of families who were returned to their farms in peace. Gideonite soldiers assisted in repairing fences and doors broken during the attack. The families were grateful for the service rendered, and many of them donated chickens, fruit, flour, and other items. Many of these good people shared from very limited supplies, having lost most of their stores in our conflict. And yet they still shared.”

  Amon’s eyes misted, and the room stilled. “We thank them. We thank them for their forgiveness, which they have truly manifested by their generosity. Have we ever witnessed such a day as this? I have not. I look forward to many, many more.”

  Amon sat down amidst the gentle clapping of approval from the room.

  Jasher then stood and thanked all for being present. He also mentioned the miraculous events of the day, and noted that he felt privileged to have had just a small part in bringing The Brothers together once again. “I wish this war had never started,” he said. “There are many things that should have been considered before Gideon marched in aggression. I shoulder much of the blame. Before casting my lot with Manasseh in this matter, I should have personally traveled to Hasor to verify what Rezon had told us about Daniel’s preparations for war. Long-standing prejudice clouded my thoughts. I consider it to be my greatest mistake. I thank Pekah, whose eyes were open to the truth, for opening my own eyes in these matters. I also want to personally beg the forgiveness of my brothers from Daniel and Uzzah for the pain, sorrow, and death inflicted upon them and their families. I pledge myself to my brothers in peace. I will never again cause them this kind of pain.”

  The sincere, emotional expressions by Amon and Jasher appeared to touch Jonathan’s heart. His eyes moist, he stood, speaking softly.

  “There have been sorrows for Gideon, too. I thank you for your pledge, and pray the Holy One will forgive us all, not only within Gideon, but Daniel, and Uzzah too. We are not without fault in this grave misunderstanding.”

  Jasher responded that his wish was the same, to which Amon also added his approval. “Can we invi
te the priest within our midst to begin our meal with words of thanks?” Jasher inquired.

  “Did he mean me or you?” Tavor asked Eli.

  “I’m sorry, Tavor,” Jasher answered, overhearing the question. “I didn’t know you were also a priest of the temple. I was referring to Eli. Eli, would you please?”

  Eli stood, and with head bowed, prayed tender words of thanks and appreciation for the safety of those present. He implored the Holy One for His guiding hands to assist those who still suffered. Before closing, Eli also asked for a quick resolution of the war still being waged near his own home of Ramathaim.

  As Eli took his seat, Pekah noticed Rachel blotting tears from her eyes. Eli reached for her, drawing her close. Jasher again rose from his seat.

  “My friends-please eat. Enjoy this wonderful bounty.”

  Pekah relished every savory bite of the delicious meal as he chatted occasionally with those around him. Most of the conversations at the table centered on happier days spent with family and friends, but a few times during the meal, messengers who stood by were called up to receive orders from Jasher or Amon, after which they would depart on their errand. Minutes later, others who had been summoned would enter the tent, receive instructions, and then depart again. Among the guests, there was some discussion of plans for the morrow, but only in generalities, with nothing decided.

  Near the end of the meal, Pekah listened in as Rachel told Jonathan of her journey from Saron. She was gracious-the references she made to the Gideonites who captured her were matter-of-fact, not spiteful. When she told Jonathan of Asah’s death, she broke down. Jonathan held her close, whispering in her ear until her sobbing stopped.

  “I’m very sorry for your family’s loss,” Jasher offered when she had composed herself.

  “I am also sorry for your grief,” Amon said. “Please forgive the people of Gideon for this terrible deed.”

  “Thank you for your understanding,” Rachel said while blotting tears away. “He meant a lot to me and my family.”

  Conversation around the table returned to small talk. As the evening grew late, Eli suggested that arrangements needed to be made for the night, but Amon announced that he had taken care of everything.

  “Extra tents have been set up near here. Eli, Tavor, and Jonathan are invited to share a tent. There is also a tent for the lady,” Amon said, with a gesture to Rachel.

  “Thank you, Captain,” she said.

  Amon straightened and smiled, apparently pleased for his part in making her comfortable.

  Jasher rose from his seat, and the rest of them did likewise. As they all stood to leave, the general reminded Pekah that he was still conscripted, and told Amon to find him accommodations with the other soldiers. “However, you may stay with your Danielite friends if you wish.”

  “No, sir,” Pekah replied. “I will stay with the other soldiers, as suggested.”

  “I have an extra cot in my tent,” Captain Amon offered. “I doubt the barracks in the city have any free sleeping space. We’ve sent all those who do not have a bed here within the walls to an outpost north of Ain.”

  “Very well,” Jasher said.

  Outside the tent, and standing under a lantern which Amon held aloft, Pekah waved his goodbye to the others. “May you all sleep well.” He then turned and followed Amon into the darkness.

  Jonathan let go of Rachel’s hand, then waved to Pekah as he left with Amon.

  Pointing to a barely discernable form in the darkness, the cloud cover preventing the moons from illuminating the plaza, Jasher said, “That tent near the fountain has been prepared for the three of you men. Jonathan, I plan to gather my captains for our journey toward Saron soon after dawn. At first light, would your group join me for a quick meal?”

  “Yes, General,” Jonathan replied. “I, too, would like to be on our way as soon as possible. There are many lives at stake in the north. I hope the armies can hold the walls of Ramathaim until we arrive.” He reached for Rachel’s hand and held it tight.

  “So do I,” Jasher said. “Jonathan, would you please accompany me to the lady’s quarters?”

  “Yes, I will,” Jonathan said, winking at Rachel.

  “We’ll see you at our tent,” Eli said as he and Tavor left.

  A short distance away from the general’s accommodations, yet apart from all others, stood a tent Jonathan hadn’t noticed before. Light spilled from the open entrance. Two guards were already posted there, and to Jonathan’s surprise, a beautiful Gideonite woman waited at the entrance, her face illuminated by a lantern hanging from the tip of a pole above her. She appeared to be quite young, but she stood tall and confident. When Jasher approached, the woman stepped forward to kiss him on the cheek. Both surprised, Jonathan and Rachel exchanged glances.

  “This is my recently wedded wife, Abigail,” Jasher said. “Rather than eating dinner with the soldiers and having to listen to talk of war, she insisted on seeing the beautiful fountains of Ain. She arrived a few hours ago under escort with a message from my mother, who has been ill. Abigail has cared for her while I’ve been away.”

  “It’s nice to meet you,” Rachel said.

  Holding Abigail’s hand, Jasher motioned to the others. “This is Jonathan and his betrothed wife, Rachel. Jonathan is the heir of Daniel, and he came with the soldier I told you about, the one who brought The Thorn.”

  “It’s nice to meet you, too,” Abigail said, her head dipping forward.

  “I admire your courage to travel during wartime,” Jonathan said.

  “Sometimes she does not concern herself with whatever danger may be out there in the world,” Jasher teased.

  Abigail poked Jasher in the ribs, making him wince.

  Jasher took Abigail’s hand. “Because of the change in conditions here in Ain, I asked her to stay, but we are still at war. Would it be acceptable for Rachel to stay with her as a companion?

  “I would sleep much better knowing you were in the company of another woman, rather than by yourself,” Jonathan agreed.

  “Yes, that would be fine,” Rachel said. “Thank you very much for your kindness.” She smiled at Abigail.

  Eyes bright, Abigail reached to take Rachel by the hands, seemingly delighted to make a new friend.

  “Abigail, let’s leave these two alone for a few moments. These dutiful soldiers can be their chaperones,” Jasher teased. The soldiers posted at the tent saluted sharply. The general then offered his arm to his wife as the two of them meandered toward Jasher’s tent.

  Jonathan took no more notice of the guards, and reached forward to brush a strand of hair from Rachel’s face. He then pulled her to himself. Rachel’s eyes glistened with joy as he held her, and she shivered in the cool night air.

  “What are you thinking about?” he asked.

  “I’m just thrilled to be here with you,” Rachel said as she stepped back.

  Still holding her hands, he took in the beauty of her soft features under the lantern light. She took in a breath as if she wanted to talk.

  “What is it? You seem to have a question.”

  “When are you coming to Ramathaim with our letter of marriage? We’ve been betrothed for nearly a year now, and I’m getting anxious to know the date.”

  Jonathan grinned at the prospect of finalizing their marriage. “That’s why we are going home, so I can tell Rezon to leave. He’s not invited to the celebration.”

  Rachel let out a giggle as Jonathan pulled her close again, twirling her around as he did so. He held her there for a few minutes, warming her, and then bent down to kiss her tenderly on the forehead. Light from the two lesser moons bathed her fair skin.

  “Don’t think you’re going to get away with a mere touch on my head, son of Samuel,” Rachel said, teasingly defiant.

  He usually kissed her in a more subdued fashion, but now, with both hands, he brought her face to his and kissed her hard on the lips, making her flush. He did it again, just to show how much he enjoyed it. Rachel moved forward, resting
her head on his chest. They held each other, Jonathan’s chin nestled against her warm cheek. Over Rachel’s shoulder, he could just make out a woman approaching, a glow-stone in her hand. As she got closer, he could see it was Abigail. He released Rachel with a final kiss.

  “I pray you will sleep well this night, my dear lady.”

  “And you, my prince.”

  Both went away smiling, Rachel into her tent with Abigail, and Jonathan to his.

  Chapter 18

  Symbols

  "Kissing my sister again?” Eli asked with a low chuckle when Jonathan entered the tent.

  “Guilty.”

  “You’re a lucky man,” Tavor said. “I have not kissed the love of my life for more than two weeks.”

  “How long have you been married now? Four years, right?” Jonathan asked.

  “Almost five.”

  “I still remember how hot it was that day. How is your family?”

  “The twins have been very… busy lately. My Sarah is a wonderful mother, but the two boys really test her strength. I wish I were there to help.”

  “I’m sorry you’re not home,” Jonathan said.

  “I am too. Eli and I have been scouting about longer than I would have liked, and I worry about her.”

  “I understand completely-I would feel the same way.”

  Tavor’s gaze fell to the ground. He cleared his throat. “Jonathan, I’m very sorry to hear about your father. Samuel was one of the best men I have ever known.”

  Jonathan briefly looked away. “Thank you, Tavor. I think so too.”

  Eli’s loud yawn caused the others to do the same. Each man arranged his things by his cot and bedded down quickly. Tavor slid the door closed on the glow-stone lantern closest to him, muting the light in the tent. Jonathan closed the other lantern, but it still spilled faint streams of light onto the floor through its bent door. He reached for a tunic left behind by previous occupants and covered the lantern.