The Stonecutter: A Herod Chronicles Novella

by Wanda Ann Thomas

  “You are upset.”

  “Of course, I'm upset. Alexandra almost died.”

  Eyes cautious, Cephas stared at her for a long moment. “Your mother told me Alexandra fainted.”

  Mary saw Tabitha's body draped in grave clothes. “But she could have died.”

  “You are tired. We can talk tomorrow.”

  The screeching fear wouldn't quiet. “You can't force me to marry.”

  Cephas captured her arms. “Shh... shh... no one will force you to do anything you don't want to do.”

  She pushed against his chest. “Go away.”

  “Why, Mary? Why can't you marry?”

  “I don't know. I just can't.”

  “You are afraid. Because of Alexandra.”

  “I can't breathe,” she cried. I can't think!”

  His fingers caressed her jaw. “You're not afraid of marriage. You fear you will die in childbirth. That's why you have been avoiding marriage.”

  She stilled. “That’s absurd.” But Cephas’s words rang true. She, and Tabitha, and Alya had danced together in the orchard. They swore to be friends forever and ever. What if she was fated to die in childbirth too?

  “You have every right to be afraid.”

  Having Cephas’s good opinion was vitally important. “I'm not a coward.”

  “I didn't say you were. But the prospect of bearing a child must be chilling after watching Tabitha die in childbirth and losing Alya the same way.”

  She covered her ears. “I can’t talk about Tabitha and Alya. Not now.”

  “Mary, don't allow your fears to rule you. None of us are guaranteed a tomorrow. A stone could topple on me and crush me while I labor, but I don't let it stop me from doing what I love.”

  “That would be an accident. Would you deliberately stand in the way of a pillar as it tumbled over? Would you?”

  A look of disappointment crossed Cephas's face. “Do you want to grow old, tucked up safe and sound in your bed all alone? You are vibrant and beautiful. Enjoy the days the Lord sees fit to bless you with.”

  Tabitha had been brave and noble…yet she’d died. “You know nothing of the burdens women face,” she fired back, miserable and exhausted.

  Cephas released her and stepped away, but there was no retreat in his gaze. “Life is too precious to waste worrying over what might be. Think about what I've said, and we'll talk it over again tomorrow after you've rested and eaten.”

  Her death grip on the door handle was the only thing keeping her from sliding to the cold floor. An icy draft crept through the thin fabric of the worn tunic she'd changed into to assist in the birth. Sick over Cephas's tight-lipped grimace, she squeezed her eyes shut. “Please leave.”

  A moment of quiet passed, then she heard the scuff of sandals across stone. The sound grew fainter and fainter, then faded to deathly silence.

  CHAPTER 13

  The nightmare started the way it always did, with the bandits who had attacked the farm dragging Mary away from her unconscious father. Then the black maw of the cave. Drunken men. Raw terror pounding in her heart.

  Mary startled awake and clapped her hand over her mouth to muffle her cry. She was safe in her home, she reminded herself, and then sat up to take in the familiar sights of the dimly lit bedchamber.

  Her mother lay in the next bed, her breaths loud and steady. The silhouette of the oil lamp darkened the bedside table. A soft breeze ruffled the tunics and cloaks hanging from pegs. The orange glow of dawn filled the window.

  A faint knock sounded at the door. Mary sat up. Nathan or Alexandra must have heard her cry out. Their gentle reassurances always comforted, but worry for her was the last thing they needed. “I'm fine,” she said in a loud whisper, trying not to disturb her mother.

  The door to the bedchamber cracked open. “May I bring you some wine or something to eat?” Cephas asked from behind the door.

  Mary slid out of bed, pulled on her cloak, tiptoed across the cold stone floor, and slipped through the door. Cephas caught her in his arms. She buried her face in his chest and was immediately comforted. “I had a nightmare about the bandits.”

  Strong hands stroked her back. “You had the nightmare after Tabitha died as well.”

  “Thank you for understanding.”

  “I fell in love with you that night.”

  Mary's heart beat faster. “But I acted frightened as a kitten that night. You said you admired me when I stood up to Bartholomew in front of the whole village.”

  “That was the day I first took notice of you and knew I must have you for my wife. But I fell in love with you when I heard you singing the song your father sang to woo his first wife. My thoughts get lost for hours imagining flowers and grapevine locked in stone waiting for my hammer and chisel to free them. Your eyes shine beautifully and get a far-off look when you speak of the splendors of the sea. We are both dreamers.”

  “Tabitha used to accuse me of being unrealistic and going about with my head in the clouds.”

  “I want to walk on clouds with you, Mary, but I won't marry you until you are sure that's what you want.”

  The oppressive heaviness returned. “I do want to marry you, but—”

  Cephas laid his finger over her lips. “I won't settle for 'buts,' Mary. And neither should you. Life is too short to be unhappy. Promise me you will consider what I’ve said. I’m leaving for Dabaritta.”

  Her heart ached at the thought of him leaving. “Do you have to go?”

  He pulled his hand free and backed away. “I’ve kept my wealthy patrons waiting too long for the promised fountains.”

  She followed. “When will I see you next?”

  His roughened knuckles skimmed her jaw. “I won't return to your home until I come as your husband. You will have to come to me. And come prepared to marry without a proper betrothal. When I’m finish in Dabaritta I leave straightway for Syria. I don't know when I will return to Galilee.”

  “You make it sound so easy.”

  “I know what I want. The question is why aren't you grabbing hold of what you want?”

  Equal parts elated and unnerved, she wet her parched lips. “I have to come to you?”

  Cephas’s gaze heated. “I promised myself I wouldn't do this,” he said, and his wide mouth melded to hers. She pressed against his hard body. His mouth turned possessive and hungry—his powerful need sliding like honey over her tongue.

  He groaned and broke away. His panting breath mixed with hers. “When you conquer your fears...and I know you will, because you have a courageous heart...come to me.” He backed away, turned, and disappeared down the dark hall.

  She leaned heavily against the bedchamber door and hid her face in her hands. She hated that she’d disappointed him. You are not afraid of marriage. Cephas's accusation from the night before slithered snake-like through her mind. You fear you will die in childbirth. That is why you have been avoiding marriage.

  Did she want to go through the rest of her life knowing she’d turned her back on a man who loved her and would do everything in his power to make her happy? She’d deceived herself, thinking a move to the Sea of Galilee would free her. She would have found more excuses not to marry. There was no telling how long she would have remained blind to the truth if Cephas hadn’t pointed it out to her.

  Baby Anna’s soft cries drifted down the hall. The door to Nathan and Alexandra's bedchamber opened, and Nathan gave her a sleepy-eyed smile. “Alexandra is famished.”

  “I will bring you both something to eat,” Mary said, and rushed away, but not fast enough to escape the feel of Cephas's lips on her mouth, or quiet her fears and doubts.

  CHAPTER 14

  Alone with Alexandra in the bedchamber later that day, Mary fiddled with the soft swaddling clothes she and her mother and Alexandra had lovingly stitched. Cephas and his donkey must be almost to Dabaritta by now.

  Come to me. The words reverberated through her mind. She refolded the lengths of white linen and shoved them into the basket. He
made it sound so simple. But Alexandra needed help with the boys. Nathan was busy with the harvest. Her mother spent all day cooking for the hired laborers. Mary couldn't just abandon her family.

  She massaged her aching temple. Excuses, excuses, they were weak excuses. Her family would take on angels brandishing flaming swords if it meant seeing her happy and settled. They approved of Cephas and held him in highest regard.

  “You've been extra quiet,” Alexandra said, gently rocking Anna. “Did something upset you, dear?”

  Mary longed to pour her heart out to Alexandra, who excelled at soothing others. “You need your rest. I'll leave.”

  “You haven't held Anna yet.”

  Hesitant, Mary sat on the bed beside Alexandra. She touched her finger to her niece's dainty chin. “She's beautiful.”

  Alexandra's face glowed as she kissed Anna's forehead and placed her in Mary's arms. “Nathan is completely smitten.”

  “He was shaken when you fainted.”

  Alexandra's smile dimmed. “The boys' births were much easier.”

  Mary took a deep breath. “Were you afraid you might...die?”

  “I was more concerned for the welfare of my babe.”

  “Tabitha was anxious the whole time she was...” Mary's voice cracked. “I miss her.”

  Alexandra wrapped Mary in her arms. “You were a good friend to her, Mary.”

  “Cephas says I'm avoiding marriage for fear of dying like Tabitha.” Mary pressed her tear-dampened cheek to Anna's soft face. “It's true. I am afraid.”

  “I was uneasy while carrying Achan. Most women are apprehensive.”

  Mary released a shuddering breath. “I hate that I've been a coward.”

  “Don't say that.”

  Baby Anna stirred and fussed.

  Mary kissed Baby Anna's cheek and handed her back to Alexandra. “I want to be brave like you were when you and Nathan married.”

  “I was sick with fright.”

  “Truly? I never knew.”

  “I had no choice but to be brave.”

  Mary dipped her chin. “Cephas said I have a courageous heart.”

  Alexandra squeezed Mary's hand. “You stayed by my side throughout Anna's difficult birth, even though you must have been very frightened.”

  “I didn't feel brave.”

  “If there is nothing to fear, you don’t need courage.”

  Explaining to her family why she must go to Cephas would require admitting and confessing her innermost fears. Nathan and her mother would suffer criticism when her neighbors learned she’d married without the traditional betrothal period. Bartholomew would get the satisfaction of complaining to their neighbors and friends about Mary’s suspect behavior.

  But Cephas believed in her. His demand that she go to him was a gift. A way to prove to herself that she wasn’t a coward. Mary’s smile reached her heart. “I will be brave and happy, like you.”

  “Of course you will, dear.”

  Baby Anna began to cry in earnest. Mary hugged Alexandra, slipped out of the bedchamber, and almost tripped over Achan, knocking something from his small hand. She reached for the object and froze in place. The polished, pink stone incised with blades of grass winked up at her.

  “I wanted to show the shiny rock to Raziel,” Achan said, his voice wobbling on the point of tears.

  “I'm not angry,” she assured him, wrapping her fingers around the stone Cephas had carved her to remind her of her guardian angel. She held the small rectangle of sandstone to her chest.

  “May I go play with Raziel?” Achan asked.

  She nodded and patted his head. Achan scampered off.

  She traced her finger over the vertical lines...slender blades of grass, stirred by the wings of a passing angel. Cephas said it was to remind her that, no matter where she went or what she did, she wouldn't be alone. Her guardian angel would be there to watch and protect her.

  What she wanted most in the world was to be with Cephas. And though the thought of bearing a child still made her a bit queasy, she wanted to have a family with Cephas. She didn't want Cephas to go to Syria alone. She wanted to be the one who shared his days and nights. None of that would come to pass if she allowed her fears to have the victory.

  Cephas's words called out to her. Come to me. She kissed the smooth stone.

  She would go to him. As soon as possible. She hurried off to speak to her mother and Nathan, eager to arrange matters.

  CHAPTER 15

  Two long weeks after Cephas departed, Mary was on her way to him. She'd been torn. She hadn't wanted to leave so soon after the baby was born, but Alexandra insisted. And Nathan assured Mary he would have made the trip soon anyway.

  “You usually can't contain your joy when we approach the sea,” Nathan remarked over the creaking wheels of the donkey cart.

  Marriage contract clutched in one hand and the pink sandstone in the other, she forced a smile. Anxious to be reunited with Cephas and apologize for rejecting him, and for doing it more than once, she took no pleasure in the rugged descent into Hammett and the azure sea stretching in all directions. The sooner they were on their way to Dabaritta and Cephas, the better.

  Nathan patted her hand. “We will take a slight detour before entering the city. I have a surprise for you.”

  She bit back a protest. Nathan had been unfailingly good to her. She couldn't and wouldn't say no. “A surprise?”

  Nathan smiled. “Arrangements have been made for you to take a boat ride on the Sea of Galilee.”

  Shocked, she laughed. “I’ve always wanted to sail on the sea. Father promised to take me someday.”

  “I thought it would make you happy.”

  She lifted her face to the sun. “I loved hearing Father tell how he fell in love with your mother and wooed her with boat rides on the sea.”

  Nathan steered the donkey around a deep rut. “He was very good about sharing stories with me about my mother. I think he was afraid I would forget her.”

  Mary sighed. “I miss Father.”

  Nathan put his arm around her. “He was gentle. And loved to smile. He and Cephas have that in common.”

  The cart rumbled within hailing distance of the glittering sea, which was actually a large freshwater lake. A weathered wooden boat bobbed at the end of an anchor close to the rock-strewn shoreline. The beach was deserted, except for a man reclining against a small cluster of boulders.

  Spotting them, the man stood and waved.

  Mary stored the marriage contract and sandstone disk in a basket and shaded her eyes against the midday sun. Something was familiar about the man's broad shoulders. Her heart leapt. The cart rattled to a stop.

  The man strode toward them, a smile dimpling his rugged face. Cephas was waiting for her by the Sea of Galilee. She jumped from the cart and raced through waving sea grass with Nathan's joyous laugh speeding her on.

  She flew into Cephas's strong arms. “What are you doing here?”

  He lifted her off her feet and twirled her in a circle. “I was hoping to exchange kisses for a boat ride.”

  He set her down and she gave his cheek a smacking kiss. “Where did you find the boat?”

  His chest rumbled with laughter. “I exchanged a day's use of the boat for a day spent scrubbing the patched tub clean.”

  “Was it as horrible as it sounds?”

  “Worse.”

  She pressed closer to his warmth. “I missed you.”

  His mouth skimmed her jaw. “I knew you would come to me, my brave, sweet Mary.”

  She threaded her fingers through his thick locks and stared into his beautiful brown eyes. Her heart felt ready to burst with joy. “I love you. I will travel with you to the ends of the world and beyond. I will be your safe haven. And you will be mine.”

  His kiss was impossibly gentle. “I will do everything in my power to keep you safe.”

  “Love me. That's all I want.”

  “My heart will always beat for you.”

  They held each othe
r. Seabirds called out and waves lapped against rocks. “I will return for you in a few hours,” Nathan yelled from a distance.

  They waved back, and Cephas took her hand and led her to the water's edge. She removed her sandals while Cephas retrieved the boat.

  A short time later they floated blissfully upon a sea of blue, the sun warming their faces. Cephas stowed the oars and held his arms out. “Come sit with me.”

  Careful not to tip the boat, she negotiated the distance. He pulled her into his lap, and she wrapped her arms around his strong shoulders “You made my dreams come true,” she said. “The Maidens' Dance. Rowing me across the Sea of Galilee. A life outside the hills of Galilee. An escape from the unhappy memories. I don't know how I will ever repay your kindnesses.”

  Cephas remained silent for a long moment. Then his eyes turned shy. “Would you sing for me?”

  His vulnerability surprised and touched her at a soul-deep level. She had long since stopped thinking of him as the shy stonecutter. People who didn't know him would think he was overly reserved, since he withdrew into himself when in large crowds or surrounded by strangers.

  Yet he planned to live in distant cities to practice the craft he loved. Strong and capable and talented as he was, Cephas needed her. He needed the comfort and reassurance of her presence.

  “Lo, winter is past,” Mary sang in a low whisper, lacing her fingers with his. “The flowers appear on the land, the time of the singing of the birds has come. Until the sun passes and the moon flees, my beloved shall be mine and I shall be his.”

  Cephas had said. Enjoy the days the Lord sees fit to bless you with. She planned to heed his words, confident that joy unlike any she had ever known would be her reward.

  The End

  ~ Author Note ~

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  Thank you for reading!

  I hope you enjoyed The Stonecutter. The next book in The Herod Chronicles series is Lydia Onias and Kadar the Barbarian’s story and covers the years when Herod’s enemies have him on the run and fighting for his future. Find The Barbarian here: http://dld.bz/TheBarbarian