by Fiona Tarr
Chapter 22
David could only just keep up with the little man. The terrain was rough, with close forest and small trails making it difficult on horseback, although Narayana managed to spring through the trails like a young deer. He was fascinating to watch, so light on his feet with a fitness which belied his age. Talking was not possible. David was still very curious about who the man was and why he had obviously sought him out. Questions would have to wait for the evening fire, which David now felt would be safe with his pursuers well behind him. However the wait just served to give David plenty of time to think of even more questions to ask Narayana. Where was he from? Why had he come? Did he follow the one true God? How long had he been travelling and so much more. His thoughts began to wander. He missed Miriam, Martinez and Jonathan. It would be some time before he would see any of them again and this thought brought on a certain melancholy, which he was struggling to shake.
'You must stay strong young man,' Narayana stopped long enough for him to catch up. He looked up at David on horseback. 'I feel your pain and your fears. You must work through them. Use them to strengthen you.' Then he was on the move again. David wondered further, who was this little man and how he had known what he had been thinking? Another question for the campfire that night.
****
Francesca was growing more comfortable with travelling again; the smell of the horses, the freedom and lack of people. Crowds always made her feel uneasy. She was not used to people, palaces or politics. None of her stay in Jerusalem had been enjoyable, except for her time with Martinez, which continued to confuse her.
She was making good time. Travelling was quick with very few people on the road. Many had heard of the increase in Philistine activity and were leaving the major centres for their lands and local villages. Most believed if they stayed out of the fuss, they would be safe. Unfortunately, Francesca knew that if war came to the Israeli nation, all these people would need to flee back to Jerusalem for protection. If the Philistines came, it would be a racial cleansing; such was the hatred between the two peoples. It was an ancient hatred, with many generations handing down the stories. The Israeli people had been freed from slavery and had travelled from the Egyptian Pharaoh, into the desert. There they had spent many years wandering and finally a whole new generation had made their way into the lands of the Philistines. They had killed many men, women and children to make the land their own. They believed their God had given them the land. As a faith filled Priestess of the One True God, Francesca was supposed to agree with this action. However it had never sat well with her. It had created a blood feud between the nations which had endured, contaminating the thinking of future generations on both sides. Faith and politics never made a successful mix, she thought to herself. She never believed her God wanted to bring about the death of any human, yet the nations fought on in the name of their faith.
Now here she was, aiding in the fight! She questioned herself, and not for the first time. This was different though. This was to do with which King would rule the nation, not with the death of another nation. Yet somewhere, deep in her soul, she felt ill at ease. She wished Martinez were here to talk to. He always possessed wisdom. At the end of the day, she would protect David, not for any reason other than that he was a strong, fearless and innocent young shepherd boy who was now the victim of a mad King and the witch who shared his bed. It was the right thing to do; where it led was not in her hands.
****
Narayana was sitting in a small clearing as David caught up to him.
'A good place for a camp, yes?’
'Yes,' David replied. 'I will just rub down my horse and get out some provisions. I do not have a lot with me, but you are welcome to share what I have. We will need to collect some more soon, or do some hunting.'
'No need, I do not eat meat. I am happy to collect some berries and plants. If you do not have enough to spare, I do not eat much,' he smiled as he pointed to his scrawny frame.
David smiled back. He liked the little man, sprite, with a bright sense of humour and fit as a ram. 'I would be honoured to share my food with you, as long as it lasts.' He joined Narayana as they built a small fire, enclosed in a ring of rocks. David collected some extra twigs and some larger pieces of wood; enough to keep the fire smouldering overnight. 'Why is it that you have come to my aid? Yet I do not know what I need aid for. How do you know what I am thinking? Are you a magician or seer?'
David was sitting opposite Narayana by the fire now, having shared their meal together. The wise little man had eaten sparingly, avoiding the meat and even the cheese, settling for the flatbread and a handful of nuts and fruit.
'I am not a magician, yet I can do magic. I am not a seer, yet I know some of the future.’ He was enjoying the look of bewilderment on David’s face. 'I am a wise man who simply got a message that you would need my help. You carry a sword which possesses more power than you can possibly imagine. You have a destiny you know nothing about. Yet you have courage David and the Universe, your God, whatever your understanding of divinity, has sent me to help you. You will understand more as we progress, as will I. For now we continue to head north as you planned.' With that, he rolled over into his blankets putting his back between the fire and the darkness.
With very little of his questions answered, it was obvious that it was all he was going to learn for now. David walked to the outer edge of the firelight and relieved himself before heading to his blankets. Sleep did not come easily, unlike Narayana, who was already snoring softly on the other side of the fire. How did he do that? David wondered. He remembered earlier times, when he would sleep out on hunting trips with Martinez and Jonathan. He would have been the first to be snoring in his blankets. There was so much more to concern his mind now. He would have liked to go back to the carefree times of hunting, sharing his bed with his beautiful Miriam and playing his harp, yet he knew they were well behind him now. Thoughts of Miriam helped him drift into a light sleep, fuelled with dreams of their passion, be it only short lived.
****
Katzu was tired and hungry as he tracked the young boy who was wanted by the King of Jerusalem. His little band of men were nothing more than farmers who had lost everything over this religious feud between the Israelites and the Philistines. They cared nothing for the dreams of Kings and Priests. Mercenaries and soldiers from both sides had ravaged their homes, their wives raped and murdered, their children slaughtered. All they had now was Katzu, to lead them, to seek revenge for them, to make a little coin in the process. He smiled!
Men were so clever at making enemies for themselves he thought. If the soldiers only took some of the food from the villages, and left the farmers to tend their farms, maybe pay a few women some coin for their rutting, all would be well, and these men would not be hunting other men. They would be tucked up at night with their families, then returning to the toil of growing food for the armies of Kings. But no! Soldiers always had to burn the village, murder the women and children so as to stop the enemy from getting supplies. Stupid soldiers thought Katzu. They left no food for themselves either, no people to farm the lands, no life left in the villages. What was the point of fighting to convert a Kingdom to one religion when there was no one left to worship their Gods?
It had always been so, even where he was from. Powerful men killed because they could, not because they should. He took a deep breath, calming himself as he looked out across the camp before him. The young boy was sleeping now, with the little shaman by the fire. He smiled to himself. They would be easy pickings he thought, as he directed his men into the undergrowth on either side of the campfire.
****
David had been sleeping lightly, tossing in his blankets when he heard the crack of leaves under boot. The Sword was at his side; he slid his hand out from his blankets to hold the hilt. The low glow from the burnt out coals created a red light against the darkness. David was facing away from the fire and could see clearly into the forest surrounding the campsite. He cou
nted four assailants; one behind a rock at the edge of the clearing, one just behind him hiding in the lee of a tree and two towards Narayana’s side of the fire. The old man was no longer snoring and David guessed he too, may have heard the crack of twigs. It was a waiting game now, either they knew he knew they were there, or they did not. His question was answered as the closest figure jumped up from his hiding place and rushed forward. The Sword was in David’s hand and he was on his feet in one smooth movement. The Sword felt amazingly light and it sang with a rhythm he had never felt in any weapon. It was shining with a silver glow which stopped the advancing threat. David held the Sword high, ready for a downward cleave, yet neither he nor the two men on his side advanced any further.
Narayana had vaulted to his feet, staff in hand. The two enemies on his side had also stopped at the sight of the glowing Sword.
'There is no need for anyone to die tonight,' said David.' Put down your weapons and you can live another day. I am raising an army, join me and live.'
He had no idea where the words had come from. He had intended to raise an army, however he had not even begun to plan how. To his amazement, the men dropped their weapons. The first man walked forward, dropping to his knee.
'We heard you were heading this way. We thought to take you to the King for payment, but... well, that Sword and all. It was like a sign,' he stammered.
'What is your name?’ asked David.
'Katzu. My friends call me Kat. My men and I would be happy to join you, as death is not really in our plans at this time.’ He smiled up at David. ‘Catching you was simply a means for survival. We will take up any offer of survival.’
‘Survival is always a good plan.’ David returned the smile and pulled Katzu to his feet.
‘What do you plan to do? The King hunts you wherever you go?'
'I plan on raising an army. Come join us, the fire is low and we have very little food left, but there is always tomorrow to gather some more. God always provides for the faithful and resourceful.' David waved a hand towards the fire.
‘Resourceful yes! Faithful? I am not so sure.’ Katzu shrugged.
Narayana’s expression indicated he thought David to be out of his mind, yet he did not protest. He did however fully expect the men would try to slaughter them in their sleep. He was going to sleep lightly tonight.
They talked, shared the last of the food and then settled down for the remainder of the night. To Narayana’s disbelief, David had Katzu take the next watch until early dawn when he took over. Narayana was beginning to like this young man called David. He was fearless, bright and as it appeared now, an obvious leader of men. The other men had simply given way to his authority. How does a young shepherd boy become a leader of men with such ease? He walked over to David as he stood with his back to the group, looking out towards the forest. David heard him approaching and spoke without turning.
'Time to explain the sword to me wise man.’
'Difficult to explain. It is enchanted, however I do not know why or by whom.' He shrugged, sat down next to David and began to make patterns with his staff on the forest floor.
'You are a puzzle to me Narayana. You have offered to help me, yet you do not believe in my God. There are powers at work here I do not understand. You at least seem to have some knowledge of them. You speak of balance in the Universe, yet you do not really explain what that is. An interesting twist my life seems to be taking.' He looked at his hands, as if he was expecting to see something in them. 'I pray God continues to bless me with His strength, for I am playing this game of leadership on instinct alone.'
Narayana was aware once more of David’s young years; confident on the outside, yet so young and insecure on the inside.
'He has brought you this far; either you serve him well, or he just likes you. So, keep doing whatever it is you are doing. It seems to be working.’ He smiled his wide grin; white teeth in a dark face, with even darker rings around his eyes.
Yes, a strange little man indeed David thought once more, yet he returned the infectious smile reflexively.
****
The light of dawn now spread through the forest, dappling light here and there, fighting against the grey shadows. David turned back to the men who were now huddled in their blankets, practically on top of the now burnt-down coals. He made his way to the circle, mist streaming from his mouth as he breathed. The nights were cool in the north, but the dawn was always the coldest. He pushed at the rolled up mounds of blankets with his boot.
'Time to get this army on the road,’ he announced with an authority and energy which once again left no one with any confusion as to who was in charge of the little group. The beginnings of an army it seemed! 'Pack up the horses. Let us see who can keep up with little Narayana today? I know I struggled yesterday, maybe one of you can catch him.'
He pointed his sword at the men as they rolled out of their blankets. Strange how he was the only one laughing?
A short time later they were all mounted up, making their way further north. The sun was fully in the sky now, the early grey of dawn light replaced by a clear sky and bright sunshine. David felt cheerful and at peace for the first time since his escape. Maybe he was blessed by God after all?
****
Francesca had been making such good time. She had caught sight of David in her visions. He was still heading north towards the outlawed tribes. She had not met with any concerns until today.
As she entered a village to stock up on provisions, she had heard a wailing which reached right into her soul. The village had been under attack from Philistine soldiers. Too far from Jerusalem to have regular military support, the village had suffered great losses. There were dead villagers on the roadside, even children. She heard the wailing still and made her way towards it. A woman sat over what appeared to be the body of a younger woman. As Francesca approached, her stomach ached and then rebelled, threatening to empty its contents. Her mind raced, memories flooding back to her. The body was a young woman, her clothing torn from her breasts, exposed and cut with the point of a sharp blade, her skirts torn from her lower body; no doubt as to what she had endured before she had been put out of her misery. Francesca went to the woman, knelt beside her and placed her hand on the woman’s arm.
‘Come; let me see to your wounds.' The woman looked at her through uncomprehending eyes. 'You have grave wounds. I must dress them or you will not live. You are losing too much blood.' The woman looked at the gaping hole in her belly and suddenly realised for the first time that she had been injured. 'I can see your pain is not only physical, please let me help you survive so you can give this beautiful soul the burial she deserves.' The woman seemed to understand. She backed away from the girl on the ground and suddenly sat down, eyes glazing over as if she had gone somewhere else to bury her pain.
Francesca healed many, tended wounds, prayed for others and helped bury the rest. How do two nations do this to their people? She hoped that when David was King he would not put his people through this misery. Deep down, she knew that man was not really equipped to truly love their fellow man, as they should. Power, greed and lust always seemed to get in the way of Love, Faith and Hope. A year ago, before she had met Martinez, she would never have wanted to walk away from her work as a Priestess, yet now it did not seem so important. What could she do after all? Lasting change was not in her hands!
She had been offered a room in the local alehouse as a small thank you for her support. The owner was a burly woman, overweight, loud and absolutely joyous considering the horrors of the day. She arranged for the stabling of Francesca’s horses, fed her a hearty meal and personally showed her to her room for the night. As Francesca thanked her, the woman took her hand and squeezed it gently.
'Thank you my dear. It is hearts like yours we need more of in this land.' With that she turned and headed back to the bar. Francesca fell into her bed exhausted yet she needed to be with Martinez. It would take all her strength, however she would release her spirit to travel ton
ight to be with him. Sleep came quickly, but she did not have the strength to speak with him, however she could feel his presence. She found him in his apartments, asleep in his bed. She did not attempt to speak to him. She just needed to be with a friend and he was the best friend she had. Having left him there, she continued her meditation on returning to her body. She prayed for safety for all those she cared about, Martinez, David, Jonathan and even King Saul. She asked a blessing on the remainder of her travels and then fell into a deep, dreamless sleep.
****
Martinez had experienced a busy and tiring day. Word had reached them of raids by the Philistines soldiers on outlying villages. His thoughts had gone to Francesca, hoping she had not been caught up in the fighting. He was mobilizing the army now. It was time they moved to settle the fight with the Philistines on the field. It would be months on the march, time away from Jerusalem, but to be honest with himself, he was looking forward to getting away from the politics. Sleep had come quickly to him; his head had hardly touched the pillow. His dreams were peaceful, yet he felt a familiar presence. He could have sworn it was Francesca, maybe she had tried to reach him, but he had been so tired she could not get through to him. He had wished he could have seen her one more time before he took the army north.
Chapter 23
It had been months since David had run from Saul’s wrath. He had amassed a small army of followers who had worked with him to protect the local villages from raiding parties. The local tribes were mostly supportive. Yet times were growing difficult with the impending war between the Israeli and the Philistine nations, and food was scarce. David went to the leader of the local tribe and asked for payment for their services by way of food. Everyone knew how much protection David and his men had been providing. The leader’s wife Abigail had met with David and assured him of their support. She took David, Narayana and Katzu to her husband who was relaxing in his tent, surrounded by food, a handful of soldiers and his wives. The tent interior was sparse; a floor mat, some brightly coloured throw cushions, a few guards posted outside and very little else. Abigail explained to her husband the offer she had made.
