by Fiona Tarr
Now as he walked to meet David on the battlefield, he felt an overwhelming sense of relief. The battle had been truly amazing. David now stood over the dead giant using the long broadsword to sever the giant’s head from his body so that the victory could be displayed for all to see. Martinez called out in a booming voice.
'Will the King of the Philistines honour the challenge of his champion? Will he submit his army to the will of the Israeli King and the One True God?' The question hung in the air with the density of a thunderstorm. The question was shortly answered by a stout little man, who announced himself as the Philistine King’s general advisor.
'Your terms will be met. Send an envoy to a neutral point in the centre of the field in one hour and our final surrender will be arranged.'
A great cheer went up from the Israeli soldiers who now covered the entire side of the hills, overlooking the flat ground below. Martinez noted the look in David’s eyes. He appeared to be void of emotion, however Martinez now knew him well enough to see a little glint of euphoria.
'You have been true to your sense of call David. Today marks a great victory for you and our nation. You will be remembered for thousands of years to come I think. Be prepared for a promotion from the King I would say.'
David smiled then, his usual expression of mischief returning. 'The adventure begins then.'
'I thought it already had,' Martinez returned the grin.
David returned to the King but not before meeting Jonathan at the entrance to the pavilion. He had walked back through a long lane of cheering Israeli soldiers, the head of the giant Philistine under his arm and Martinez at his side. Jonathan looked at David, he had always liked him, but his courage and conviction had now sealed their friendship. Jonathan knelt before David as he approached, an honour not missed by Martinez and the other soldiers and generals close at hand. Jonathan then handed his sword and shield to David, not only a personal honour and gift from a member of the royal household; it was an ancient offering of his shield in battle. Martinez later explained to David that this meant Jonathan had offered his life to David, a life of service in which he would protect and honour David at all costs, even if the cost was his own life. David felt truly humbled by the experience, yet he did not want any man to lay down his life for him. He would have to explain this to Jonathan when he got the chance. He was only a shepherd boy after all; such honours were reserved for great leaders and Kings.
As David entered the meeting tent he was greeted by Saul and a huge gathering in his honour. Servants were bringing food and wine as he entered. A feast was being quickly prepared. He felt uncomfortable with the attention; all eyes were on him. Men he had never met before greeted him with fond slaps on the back. The generals who had all squabbled over his offer to fight were now all smiles. Martinez did not stray far from his side. For this he was very thankful. He handed the head of the giant to the King with a bow. Saul took it and then passed it to a guard.
'Put this ugly mess on a tall spear outside my tent. I want everyone to remember this day and anyone who passes to fear the power of God and his faithful servant David. Send that monstrous sword to the priests in the temple of Armin. They can look after it with all the other artefacts of religious significance.' Saul tossed the weapon to Jonathan without interest.
The evening was drawn out. David was exhausted. He was unable to leave before being given permission. Martinez had sat with him all evening fending off the gloaters and peacocks who hovered around vying for his attention. Jezebel had entered the tent part way through the evening. David could not help but notice her sitting near the King; she did not appear to be her usual self. She was looking somewhat tired and sulky instead of her confident and enticing self. David was jolted from his thoughts when the King finally called an end to the evening. Firstly he excused all the officials who had been hanging on through the evening almost as decorations. Then the generals and finally Jonathan, Martinez and David were given their leave.
'David, rest well, for tomorrow we break camp for home and your chance to take your place amongst my family. Official duties will accompany your position and newfound fame. I still wish for you to play your harp for me, yet I will have other important duties for you to perform. I promise you one of my daughters in marriage as a reward for your service. We will discuss which one when we return to the palace.' With that the King waved his hand in dismissal.
'May I see my brothers before we leave in the morning? If I will not be going home, I must see them again to ask them to take word to my father and mother.' David looked pained and Martinez only nodded agreement.
'You need to get your rest first. Today has been a momentous event both physically and emotionally. You have achieved an amazing feat and with more bravery than I have seen from many a seasoned soldier. Your father will be proud of you. I will take this opportunity to offer my own shield to you David. From the moment I met you I realised you were destined for something extraordinary. I am pleased and honoured to have helped along the way. Now it is my turn to serve you I believe. If you remain as honourable as you are today, I will always serve you to the fullest of my ability.
They had reached David’s tent and both stood motionless outside. David did not know what to say. The day had been overwhelming and he did not fully realise it until now. Martinez’s words had moved him and raised feelings from deep within.
'I, I do not know what to say Martinez. You honour me with your offer. I do not want any man to be tied to me with their life. When you explained to me earlier this evening what Jonathan had offered, I was stunned. I fully intended to ask him to take back his offer. His life on my shoulders would be too much. Now you are making the same offer. I do not understand; why would you do such a thing and more importantly why would I accept? You have both become my closest friends. The bond we share will be there for a lifetime. I pray that lifetime is long and fruitful. However, if you both offer your life and they are lost because of me, I do not think I could live with myself,' David dropped his head to hide his pain.
'I am sorry David. This is the bond of a soldier, and you must get used to it. What you have done today is only the first step, I believe, in a long journey. You have been called to lead my young friend. With leadership, will come the solemn oath of men like myself, and Jonathan to serve and protect. That same leadership will also test you beyond your belief. As I said my oath holds as long as you remain true to who you are today. I will serve and protect what you stand for: truth, love, courage, honour and faith.' Martinez took David’s arm in the warriors grip and clasped his shoulder with an added pat. 'Sleep well David, may God’s peace be with you.' With that Martinez turned and headed for his own blankets.
David took to his blankets, however sleep would not come. All that he had done was what he felt needed to be done. Yes, he was going to appreciate the honour which would come from the success, however he did not expect so many complications. He also did not accept responsibility for the victory. He had sensed the protection as he had approached the giant. There had been no fear in him. The giant’s taunts had not unnerved him. His enemy did not even get close enough to be a threat. The stone had hit its target even though the giant had worn a brass helmet with a nose guard. That was miraculous enough, yet to have knocked him nearly unconscious with that stone was amazing. With the giant dazed, David was free to take the killing blow unhindered. It truly must have been the work of God. A shepherd boy no longer, David was both tired and apprehensive about the future. He should have been exhausted, his body was tired enough, but he could not rest his mind. Instead he decided to get up and run through some exercises.
He left his tent and entered the clearing just outside. The moon was high and there were a few sentry fires and low burning cook fires nearby, casting a small glow. He ran through the exercises just as Martinez had shown him. He used his spear as a staff, blocking, thrusting and twirling it through the air. Sweat was pouring from his back, even though the desert evening was crisp. Now physically exhausted a
nd mentally fatigued, David entered his tent again and collapsed on his bed. His last thoughts, as he slipped into a deep sleep were of a beautiful pale-skinned women with long golden red hair.
Chapter 11
David rose early to see his brothers before he left and the army disbanded. The war was finally over and they were free to return to their homes. Jerim was waiting for him as he approached the surgeon’s tent. He seemed a totally different man; changed by the experience of the war and maybe more. David embraced his brother.
'How are you brother?'
'I think I should be asking you that question. You have been through so much recently and now a hero!' Jerim eyed David with a slightly mocking grin.
'I am not a hero brother. I have no idea why I did what I did and I am as amazed as you are that I am alive to tell the tale. Events have opened doors to a different future. I do not know how to tell father and my mother and I will not be able to do it in person.'
'Whoever takes that message home, can take the same message from me. The chief surgeon has agreed to take me on staff to learn from him. It is a wonderful opportunity. Remarkable really, I cannot believe that I was against coming to this war, resigned and happy to marry and herd goats for the rest of my days. Now I could not think of anything more mundane and pointless. Do not get me wrong, I do not belittle what our brother’s head home to do. However I feel truly blessed that I will not be joining them.'
'I think neither of us can expect to lead mundane lives Jerim. I believe we can look forward to many difficult days ahead, but I agree, I am looking forward to the challenge. Let us go and talk with our brothers. I think most of all I am going to miss Nina tremendously. Did I tell you the King has promised me one of his many daughters? I had not intended to marry in a hurry, yet I do not know how to refuse a King and his daughter.' Jerim laughed and David smiled.
'You and I are avoiding marriage for very different reasons; there is something strange in that.' They began their walk towards the final campfires to be lit on this battlefield.
'Did I ever tell you what Amelia did when you all left me at home? It was the most frightened I have ever been I believe. It all seems so long ago now.' Jerim looked at him curiously.
'Possibly a good story to tell our brothers before they head home?’ Jermin smiled.
'I would expect that with Amelia married to Nate now, she will not be any concern. However, they might want to be on the lookout for Amelia’s sisters!’ David slapped Jerim on the back and they both laughed as they wove their way through the tents toward their brothers, who were now gathered around the cook fire they had called home for so many months.
****
David’s mind wandered as he sat his mare. He had enjoyed the last hours with his brothers and had felt the closest he had ever felt to Jerim, as they had embraced to say their goodbyes. It was going to be such a long time before he would see any of them again, yet he was not sad. He was nervously excited to face his new adventure. Jerim was not headed back to Jerusalem and the palace with the King. He was heading to the next possible battlefield, an outpost near the Amorite border, where the King’s men were dealing with attacks from mercenary soldiers hired by the Philistine King before his recent loss. This war was hardly over David mused to himself. As his mind drifted, he began to imagine what the King’s daughter might look like. He was as happy to consider bedding a woman as the next man. Yet to have to marry without knowing who he was betrothed to was making him far more nervous than before his battle with the giant. He had kept himself from women until now or was it that he had been kept from women by his fear up until now?
'What are you thinking about David,' asked Jonathan as he trotted up alongside David startling him from his thoughts.
'My brothers,' David lied. Jonathan gave him a strange look, but decided not to pursue the question. 'How many sisters do you have?' David looked uncomfortable.
Jonathan laughed a knowing laugh. 'You are worried my sisters are as ugly as goats. Rest assured, I have no idea who my father has selected for you to marry, however all my sisters are quite pretty to the eye. Not all are as beautiful on the inside. Beware that what you see may not be what you get.'
'Charming,' mumbled David. 'Why is life not more straightforward? Battles I can handle, mad lionesses and ugly giants, but women are a total mystery to me. I have never understood them or been more afraid of anything in my life.' David pouted.
Jonathan suddenly saw he was still quite young, something he had forgotten over the months as they had grown as friends fighting and training together.
'I am sure father will not throw you to any lioness. He likes you so I would expect he will marry you to Meredith, his oldest unmarried daughter. However she may already be betrothed without my knowledge. Next is Miriam, she is truly adorable. If you are lucky enough to marry her, she will be loyal and loving until the last. Either way my friend your destiny awaits and there is little you can do to control it. Embrace it and enjoy it for all it is worth. Have you ever been with a woman Jonathan suddenly asked?' David answered with a blush. Jonathan smiled. 'Then you have much to look forward to my soon to be brother in law, no matter which daughter Saul chooses for you. There is nothing quite like the pleasures of a beautiful woman.' With this Jonathan trotted forward to meet up with Martinez, leaving David with a mixture of excited expectation and sheer terror.
David relaxed in time to the rhythm of the ride. He decided to watch and learn how a large company of soldiers made their way forward. The King travelled upfront with Martinez and a close group of bodyguards. David had asked if he should ride with the King, however he was told while they were in formation it was not necessary. His duties as personal bodyguard and manservant were more for private quarters than when the King was on the move with the army. Meanwhile Jonathan spread himself along the line, talking with the scouts, chatting with the soldiers and acting as second officer. Bartholomew worked all day leading the scouts, returning late afternoon to announce they could make camp over the next ridge. David was most pleased to make camp for the night. The last few days of activities had taken their toll and he was beginning to feel weary. Cook fires were lit as the bulk of the paid army was travelling home with their King.
As David sat quietly watching the hive of activity before him, he suddenly longed for his home. So many stories he could have shared with his mother. His brothers would now be riding into the home encampment to the overjoyed welcome of their families. His mother, he knew would be devastated to realise he was not with them. He suddenly felt quite guilty for not travelling home to take the news himself. There was nothing he could have done to change anything. He had written a note, which he prayed would ease their minds.
As his mind relaxed his thoughts drifted to his pending marriage. Women had held no real attraction to him until recently; as he had said to Jonathan, they actually terrified him. The women of his home were always well covered and the mysteries of their bodies hidden. The natural desires of a young man were within him, yet it had not been until he had seen the King’s mistress Jezebel, with her lightly clad body that he had suddenly felt the desires of his manhood come to the fore. Unlike many of the officers, he was not mesmerised by her. However for the first time in his young life, he had really wished to touch a woman. Her body was like nothing he had ever seen. Truly God had been faithful to men when he created such exquisite beauty for a man to share. It was not traditional for men to marry so young in his culture. Usually many more years would pass before he would wed. He would be on a crash course of discovery and he was beginning to liken to the idea. His feelings were a mix of the power of battle and exhilaration at his first gallop on horseback; frightening, while somehow unbelievably exciting.
Martinez watched David as he ate his meal, the boy looked tired, so much to take on in such a short time. He was handling it well. David’s road ahead would be difficult Martinez knew. Serving a King could be precarious at the best of times; Saul was no exception. The changes in the King had been gradual.
Martinez nonetheless saw there were changes: his distracted behaviour when Jezebel was around, his pride, growing by the day at the nation’s many victories at his hand. All were of great concern. The pitfalls of power it seemed. He never understood why Samuel had ever agreed to appoint a King over Israel, but the nation now had its King. There would be many more Martinez knew. He just hoped the people could survive them all. He got up from his meal to approach David and noticed he had fallen asleep by the fire. Instead, he grabbed his own blanket and dropped it over David, who stirred and then fell back asleep. Yes, still only a boy, thought Martinez affectionately. He really was warming to the young man. As he headed to his bed, Martinez thought of David and then of his beautiful love, Derai. Suddenly his thoughts drifted to Francesca and her proud and radiant manner.
Chapter 12
Jezebel was past reason. Saul had left her behind with a few low ranking soldiers, to bring her to him in secret once he was settled in the palace again. He said he needed to make arrangements with his wife and harem. His reasoning was sound and she knew it. However all the work she had done establishing her hold on him would now be threatened in her absence. What if when he arrived home, his wives managed to satisfy his desires? Even worse was the fear that his first wife, whom Saul still held in high regard, would bed him. It would take many months to wash her from his spirit. Her hold on him was still strong though. She would follow along only a day’s ride behind him, camping out in very primitive surroundings for another few days before he could place her in her own apartments within his easy reach. This too was not to her liking as she had expected he would find a room close to his own, so that he could maintain her constant presence. She was sure however that once he had been with her again on her arrival, she would be able to convince him to move her closer. There were pleasures she could provide that no Israeli woman would ever consider proper or acceptable. A man’s lust was so easily satisfied if a woman was willing to do anything to fulfil the man’s passion. Why Saul still cared for his first wife Derai was beyond her understanding. What acts of copulation did she do that were so addictive? It could not have been her beauty as that had now faded, so what could the attraction be she mused?
