by Beth Shriver
Levi set down his bowl. “Did you speak to Nethan?”
Enan looked up from the fire to gaze at Levi. “For a short time. He is busy with his new command.” Enan scraped the bottom of the bowl, took the last bite, and set it down. “Do you have concerns about Nethan?”
Levi stared at his bowl of gruel. It had grown cold as was the conversation. “Yes, yes I do Enan. I’ve known him since he was a boy. I have watched him grow into a young man. And recently I have seen him transform into a stranger.” Enan frowned at the familiar description, thinking back to his last supper with Abraham. “Yes, Abraham has suggested the same sort of change. They do not seem to spend much time together anymore. It is hard to believe. There was a time when we could not be separated.”
“But you do not see the difference between the Nethan you once knew and the one you know now?” Levi leaned toward Enan, eager to hear his answer.
Enan avoided the truth, Nethan was equal rank with Levi, and Nethan was still a friend, no matter how things had altered. “We have been apart more than together this past year. I have changed as well. I assume that has caused us to lose one another somewhat.”
“You are a much gentler friend than warrior, thank God.” Levi stared up at the heavens. “Is it a desire of yours to lead the charge in this battle Enan?”
The change in conversation caught Enan off guard. He could not hide his look of surprise. He took a moment to gather his thoughts then rubbed his hand behind his neck and sat up straight. “I would never decline such an honor. If you wish me to lead the charge, I will carry out your request.”
Levi sighed. “I never claimed the desire was my own. I asked if it was yours.”
Again, Enan pondered Levi’s words. “I would not take the honor from you, Commander.”
“I would gladly give it, if it is your calling.” Levi’s penetrating stare was as if he were searching for the answer in Enan’s soul, not as a soldier’s duty. “You pray for your answer. When we fall into formation, tell me what your heart has told you.”
****
Every warrior from the hill country had been called to Zayin. Lamed and Alef were left with guards to protect their villages. Hundreds of men, young and old, positioned themselves and paused for instruction from Levi and his comrades. The anticipation of the assembly intensified as they gathered their weapons and horses. Most were silent, deep in thoughts of the coming conflict.
Finally, when each man was prepared and in place, they stood at attention and waited. A soft wind cooled the sweat from their brows and calmed the fears as they stood in formation on the grassy plain. Enan had never felt more ready, with his bow and arrow on his back, sword in sheath and Legend at his side
A horn blew, gaining the waiting crowd’s attention. General Boaz and the commanders moved forward on their horses and each commander spoke to his unit.
Levi sat straight and proud as he rode toward the cavalry and stopped in the middle of them. “Each of you started at a very young age and learned how to survive with nothing, to find food, water, build shelter, and find transportation, to mend wounds, and tend to sickness. The bow and sword are the weapons of choice, and all of you have quickly learned which you are best suited for. Although you have learned to be skillful with both, you have polished one or the other to perfect the skill.”
Levi’s horse grew agitated, and Levi slowly walked him in a circle to the right and then to the left to steady him as he spoke. “Once you grew to the suitable age and were able to prove yourselves worthy of a horse, you gained an equine partner. If your family couldn’t provide a horse, your town carried the responsibility to provide one for you. Your horse has been with you both day and night. You’ve done whatever was needed at your own home to provide adequate fencing, shelter, and the provision of food. You have learned to groom, tack, and care for the horse should it become wounded or sick, and learned to ride as if you were one with your mount. And every one of you has grown in his battle techniques.”
Levi stopped his steed in the center of them. “But it’s not enough to be good with a sword or bow, to know your horse, and how to survive. You must know battle. And now, you will know, and conquer it as well.”
The men gave out a yell as Levi raised his fist. Enan admired the man’s charisma and felt encouraged by his words. Enan and Legend had succeeded in these trainings and were now going to be given the chance to prove themselves for the honor of their people and their faith.
The wheat rolled as waves in the mild wind, rising up one hill then down another. Enan’s focus stilled on the golden shafts as he remembered his conversation with Levi that morning.
****
The wind stopped momentarily, breaking the hypnotic effect of the wheat as it stood still. Enan met Levi’s gaze and saw his nod. Enan urged his horse forward to halt next to Levi.
The men stared at one another, and Levi smiled hesitantly. “You are a good leader, Enan.”
Enan clucked his horse forward into a fast walk. Levi moved his steed ahead as well and stayed by Enan’s side. The other regiments were already in motion ahead of them making their way through the village. Townspeople cheered their bravery and thanked them for their protection.
Enan searched the crowd for familiar faces. To his surprise he knew most every face but still didn’t see the one he was looking for. He turned forward as the procession led out to the field and surrounded the village. The cavalry was at the end of the regiment. The sand flew up behind the last of the horses. The crowds began to wander off having said their last goodbyes as their loved ones passed by. Enan glanced through the crowd one last time before entering the field; the same field where the festivals were held each year, and where he met Tirzah.
Then he saw her. She had not seen him yet but was scanning the last of the foot soldiers before his regiment approached. When their eyes met she smiled, big and beautiful at first, then tentatively. Enan knew she was taking in the position he held in formation and the relevance of it. Her stare became emotionless and frozen on him. He knew by the forced closure of her bottom lip she was fighting to keep from trembling. She drew in a breath telling him she was keeping herself from weeping. He kept a steady smile on her until he couldn’t any longer, and made the turn to leave. As he finally looked away, he erased her face from his mind and brought back the expression she gave him the day on the hill at the picnic they had together. That was the face he would take with him.
****
Nethan stood by Tirzah’s side as she and Enan gave one another their last look of goodbye. When Enan had passed, Tirzah broke. She held her face in her hands and sobbed, shaking. She had been strong for him during the short period of time they’d had, but seeing him next to Levi was too much for her to bear.
The more she loved him for his bravery and willingness to do his duty, the more she hated him for putting himself at risk. She glanced around to see people going back to their families and homes to prepare for the probable siege.
Trees had been cut down and old clothes were sewn into bags and filled with sand to barricade the village gate. Mud bricks mixed with straw blocked other entrances into the village. They had always been prepared for such a day, although no one was ever truly prepared in their hearts.
As Nethan and Tirzah walked the road, they heard loud voices giving orders and others singing songs of worship to gain comfort, or praising God. Walking past homes, they caught glimpses of mothers rocking babes or fathers gathering supplies. No children played outside or did chores.
Tirzah rubbed her arms, not from the cold but from fear of the one sure fact war always brought—death. As they neared her home, she envisioned Enan again as he sat on Legend, back straight and head high, imbued with every attribute one expected of a warrior, and through her fear she also felt pride.
She was so very proud of her handsome, brave warrior, but the shock of seeing him next to Levi had set her back. He wouldn’t have been one to ask for such a position, but knowing how the other men looked up to him, sh
e wasn’t as surprised as she was worried.
Nethan stopped and turned to Tirzah. His eyes pierced deeply into hers, as if seeking her thoughts and emotions through them. His warm smile calmed her, and she was grateful to be with him. He had proven to be a dear friend, always there for her in Enan’s absence.
She hoped Enan had been made aware of Nethan’s efforts so he could feel reassured knowing his friend was caring for her while he was away.
“I must go. My men are waiting for me. I don’t want to leave you until I know you’re all right.”
Tirzah nodded. “I’m better now. I shouldn’t have gone to see him leave. If I would have known he was with Levi, I might have been prepared, but it was such a shock. He must not have wanted me to know. Maybe he thought I wouldn’t come to see him off, or he didn’t want to worry me.”
“He didn’t tell you that he asked Levi to lead?”
Tirzah’s eyes shot up to his gaze and her lip trembled. “He asked?”
“Why, yes. Levi and I spoke of it only yesterday.”
Tirzah shook her head and held a hand to her mouth. “No, he would have told me.”
Nethan looked down the road to the military tents. “I’m sorry. I need to go, but I’ll be back as soon as I can.”
A tear fell down Tirzah’s cheek, and she wiped it away with the back of her hand. She nodded and whispered. “Yes, I know you will. Thank you, Nethan.”
Chapter Sixteen
Abraham gathered food, blankets, and other supplies his family might need if forced from their home and took them to the cellar. The rough underground rock scratched his shoulder as he entered. He fell to one knee and let out a yelp as his leg hit the hard ground. Ignoring the bleeding on his shoulder, he picked up the supplies he had dropped in the fall and began stacking them against the far wall. In the dimness, he heard someone enter and spun around to face the silhouette of his wife.
“I thought I heard you yell. Are you hurt?”
Abraham put a hand to the wall and helped himself up. “I’m all right. That ceiling at the entrance is low and jumped out at me is all.” He chuckled to hide the pain, but she knew better.
“Let me see. Come here in the light.” She walked to the entrance and stooped down to examine his shoulder.
Abraham chuckled again. “Look at you fussing over me. What would you do if I was one circling this village ready to fight?”
“I wouldn’t have married you if you were a warrior. It would have driven me mad.” She grabbed a rag from his supplies and blotted the blood from his cut.
He hid a wince and realized how pampered he was. “Let me alone, I’m fine.”
“I will find the salve to help it heal.” She began rummaging around in the supplies he had just stacked.
He took her arm and pulled her to him. “You’re making a mess, let it be.”
She sighed and walked outside, crossed her arms and smelled the air. “I cannot stand the wait. I can’t stand Enan being out there. Tirzah must be going out of her mind.”
“I guess it is wise Tirzah isn’t married to that warrior,” he said with a grin.
Ruth glanced back at him and shook her head. “No, I’m sure they both wanted to be married before he left, but there’s a reason why they weren’t.”
“And how do you make sense of that?” Abraham grabbed her around the waist and waited for her to justify both Enan’s and their relationship.
“We are meant to be together now. Enan and Tirzah need more time, that’s all I meant. And knowing her mother, I’m sure they will get more time than they need.”
“It’s all for the best until Enan comes home. We need to get this battle behind us. It has been long in the waiting.” He squeezed her waist and watched her smile and tears fill her eyes. He wondered how long the fight would last.
“We have all we require here. We have the refuge here if we need it, but it won’t get that far. It’s only a precaution.” Abraham reassured his wife.
“I need to go into town and see Enan off. I won’t be long,” he said.
Ruth nodded, wiped her tears away, then wrapped her arms around his neck, and pecked him on the cheek. “I would have married you no matter what you were. It’s the man you are that I love.”
“Yes, I would have made sure that you did.” He kissed her in return and left.
As he neared the village market, he realized the procession was almost over. He quickened his step but arrived to see the back end of the last horse leaving the village. He held his fists to his hips and let out a disgusted sigh.
Looking around, he caught a glimpse of Nethan up the road. Abraham shook his head, and turned to go home, but thought better of it and went after him. Abraham felt bad at having missed seeing Enan, knowing he’d be in battle within the next couple of days. Then he realized suddenly that Nethan would also be in harm’s way. Ashamed at recognizing Nethan’s troubles only as an afterthought, he quickened his steps to close in on him but stopped cold at the sight before him.
Nethan walked with Tirzah, wanting to pull her close to him. Abraham stayed just far enough behind to follow without fear of them noticing him. He cursed under his breath, then asked God for forgiveness, and cursed them again. His anger extended to Tirzah, as well.
He watched as they stopped at her home and talked, and Tirzah shed her tears. The embrace was more than he could stand. He turned on his heel and waited behind a tree for Nethan to pass.
When Nethan reached the tree, Abraham confronted him, shoving his shoulder. “You are a wicked man, Nethan. Enan has hardly left the village, and you run to her. What sickness flows through your head?”
Nethan stepped back to maintain his balance. “Don’t touch me, Abraham.” He bared his teeth and let out a heavy breath through his nose, as if keeping a pot from boiling.
“You do not touch her,” Abraham yelled and pointed toward Tirzah’s home.
“I have told you this is not your affair.” Nethan clenched his fists at his sides and cocked his head forward.
“Not my affair? Enan is my friend. Do you remember what that means? Do you have a single friend, Nethan? No, you have none, because you are a jealous and bitter man.”
“Stop!” Nethan yelled, causing Abraham to move his head back as if the forced word whipped him like a strong wind. “Tirzah has her own mind. Let her decide.”
Abraham shot off a forced laugh. “Do you really believe you can win her heart when she’s given it to Enan?” He laughed again, enjoying Nethan’s irritation.
“Do you see her pull away? Does she turn me away? She isn’t forced to spend her time with me. She chooses to.” Nethan’s face softened, but his eyes remained sharp.
Abraham deflated, as if the air had been knocked from him. He put his hands to his hips and thought on Nethan’s words. Tirzah had not refused Nethan. This was true, but why? Abraham stared at Nethan’s smug face and watched as he crossed his arms over his chest. He had to be manipulating Tirzah in some way. And he would find out how.
“I don’t know what you’re up to, Nethan. But I will find out.” Abraham tried to soften his face as well, but wasn’t as swift at hiding his emotions. He marched past Nethan to Tirzah’s, and then turned back to Nethan. “Don’t you have guards to tend to?”
****
Tirzah found the afternoon ride a good distraction as she rode out to the hills to find mandrake for her father. The powerful healing herb would soon be in great demand. Tirzah tried not to be resentful of the reason why but found it nearly impossible.
The impending war angered her. Not only that their way of life would be altered, but also that men would die because of it. She selfishly wished it away for one reason—Enan.
He was brave and skillful, but Tirzah held a black fear in her heart. She felt he would surely die in battle. As many times as she willed the thought away and fought it in her conscious mind, it would haunt her at night, giving her nightmares of the man she loved dying. Those nights, she woke in a sweat and lay quietly, as tears slipped
down her cheek, hoping she had not screamed aloud as she had in the dream. Sometime before dawn, she would fall asleep again from exhaustion.
Tirzah’s eyes moistened as one of her dreams flashed through her mind.
The bright color of crimson blood spreads as his enemy pierces his chest, and he falls first to one knee and then to the other, and finally to the ground on his back, eyes staring blankly to the heavens.
Tirzah shook herself. She wished she could express her fears to Enan, but she could never tell him. He had his own fears. She worried it was more than just her fear causing her mind to imagine such things, that the dreams were the Lord trying to warn her of Enan’s fate.
She put her hand to her head as if to physically push the thoughts away and instead thought of their last few moments together. Just having him near had mellowed her. Her unjustified anger toward him subsided with each loving glance. She had felt the roughness of his calloused palm catch on her hair and the smell of smoke from a fire and earth from sleeping on hard ground. Emotions unraveled in her soul making her dreams seem distant for a moment. She opened her eyes.
As she got closer to home, she collected herself before she entered the house. Her parents would be holding the meal for her, and it was inconsiderate to prolong their wait. She hung the last of Bluma’s tack on a hook and took a brush to her hide. Feeling the thinning winter coat and cleaning out the brush made Tirzah realize it had been almost a year’s time since she had met Enan.
She had become aware of him many times during his days home from training. He was one many girls took note of. His brown hair was cut short then and curled slightly on his brow. His shoulders were broad, and his waist narrow. He had dressed in a brown tunic with a leather belt, the leather straps of his sandals wound securely around his muscled calves.
He never seemed to notice her or any girl, which made him all the more interesting. Many young men come to call on Tirzah, but they didn’t usually make it past her brothers—not that she cared for them to—but she had made it clear to her male siblings that this one could pass. The brothers who knew him accommodated, and the others followed suit once they spent some time with him.
