An hour later, with all the villagers accounted for, the injured stitched up, and soldiers posted as lookouts, Nathan and Herod returned to the inn. Herod sent the frazzled innkeeper, his wife, and the other guests off to their beds and called a meeting.
More than ready to be alone with Lex, Nathan took her hand and headed for their tiny room.
“Not so fast, olive farmer,” Herod called out, flinging a straw mat.
Nathan caught the mat. “It’s been a long day.”
“Stop looking so grim,” Herod ordered, then his grin faded. “Stay. We need to have a talk about your friends.”
“Do you mind?” Nathan asked Lex. She shook her head and let go of his hand. He watched until she slipped behind the door of their small bedroom, then joined the men.
Oil lamps burned next to baskets filled with bread. Cups brimming with wine stood at the ready. The smell of human sweat and mildewed hay kept the place from feeling cozy. He eyed the men sitting around a blanket spread out on the floor in the middle of inn’s main room. Malchus and Obodas had been riding with Herod forever. The rest of the Herod’s Idumean soldiers were strangers to Nathan.
Herod lifted his squat goblet. “To your wife. She handled tonight’s chaos admirably. She is a stronger, braver woman than I first supposed.” Herod wasn’t a flatterer, meaning the compliment was high praise, indeed.
Nathan smiled. “I am continually surprised by Alexandra. She is a rare gem.”
The men hooted and howled. Herod cocked an eyebrow. “If she’s as clever as she is courageous, you, my man, are in trouble.”
Let them laugh. Nathan could handle that kind of trouble every day. He came to the point. “What are you planning to do about my rebel friends?”
“Rebels?” Herod grabbed a loaf of bread and tore off a chunk. “They are common thieves and thugs.” Herod waved the remains of the barley loaf in Nathan’s direction.
Nathan shook his head. “If it was only so simple. Hezekiah and Judas have been wreaking havoc all over Galilee and getting away with it. And do you know why? Because ninety-nine out of a hundred Galileans either support them or are willing to overlook their lawless deeds.”
Obodas spoke up, “And here I thought the scoundrels were just good at hiding.”
“They are.” Nathan drank deeply from his cup. “Plus, the hills in upper Galilee are riddled with caves ideal for their purposes. You are going to need help from the locals to find Hezekiah and Judas.”
Herod stuffed a piece of bread into his mouth. “You still haven’t told us why the people support them.”
Nathan cringed. He’d hoped to avoid admitting the truth. “The people believe Hezekiah is the next Mattathias Maccabeus.”
Herod threw his head back and laughed. “No, no, no. You are jesting?”
Nathan shifted uncomfortably. The others shared puzzled looks.
Herod dried his eyes on his sleeve. “These dullards don’t know who Mattathias Maccabeus is. Tell them while I try to catch my...br...br...” Herod fell to laughing again.
Nathan rolled his eyes. Give me patience, he prayed. Sizing up the half-godless Idumean soldiers, he amended the request. Make that baskets and baskets of patience.
“Listen up, dolts,” Nathan said. Chunks of bread sailed toward him. He deftly ducked out of the way and continued. “Around three hundred years ago the Greek conqueror, Alexander the Great, had barely finished conquering this part of the world and subjugating it to Greek rule when he suddenly fell ill and died. But thanks to the generals who proceeded him his influence survives to this day.”
Herod slowed down laughing and offered a comment. “It’s why we and every nation west of here speak Greek as a second language.” Herod was no dolt. He had paid attention to his tutors, especially the ones giving lessons about conquering generals and military campaigns. Herod’s favorite teachings from scriptures had to do with the battles fought by great men of war such as Joshua and David.
“Thank you, Rabbi Marglus,” Nathan said, calling Herod by the name of the humorless teacher they both had dreaded to see darken the door as boys.
The men whooped at the banter.
Looking properly revolted, Herod said, “Get back to Alexander.”
Nathan bit back a smile. “After Alexander died, the empire he’d built was divided between his generals. Judea, and other small nations bordering the middle ground, changed hands on a regular basis between the opposing realms. This went on for several generations until Judea came under the rule an insane despot named Antiochus Epiphanes, who got it into his head to destroy Hebrew traditions and religion. Enter Mattathias Maccabeus, a priest and the great, great, great grandfather of High Priest, John Hycranus. A family better known as the Hasmoeans.”
The light of understanding finally dawned in the men’s eyes. They nodded.
Nathan sliced his finger across his neck. “Maccabeus and his sons ousted Antiochus Epiphanes and the Greeks out of Judea for good and became beloved figures because of it. Hezekiah and Judas believe they’ve been anointed to drive the Romans out of the land.”
Herod started laughing all over again.
Nathan frowned. “What about this amuses you?”
“The Hasmoeans are...are...” Herod paused for breath “...the Hasmoeans are responsible for convincing my Idumean ancestors to give up idol worship and to convert to Judaism. It wasn’t much of a choice, since it was either circumcision or death by the sword.” Black eyes twinkling with mischief, Herod continued. “If the Hasmoeans had left well enough alone, my father and brothers and I would be at home minding our own business instead of supporting Roman rule.”
Nathan choked. “You and your father sitting at home, peaceful as lambs. Tell me another fable.”
Herod pressed his hand to his chest. “Your lack of faith wounds me.”
Nathan rolled his eyes. “Give me your plan for dealing with the rebels—and how you’re going to do it without offending all of Galilee—and I’ll be impressed.”
Herod sobered and leaned forward. “Very well, here’s what I’m thinking.”
***
Alexandra lay awake, straining to hear the muffled conversation going on beyond the curtain. The loud snores coming from the cubbyholes to either side of her tiny room blocked most of what was said. She caught a few words—rebels, caves, Judas.
The image of the zealot’s mocking face loomed before her.
She squeezed her eyes shut. A low roar filled her ears. She released a steadying breath. Uncurling her fists from the blanket, she pulled the sturdy cover up under her chin and brought her husband’s face to mind.
What a fine man Nathan was. Beautiful brown eyes and thick curly hair. Bold, brave, intelligent, and possessing a clever wit, Nathan had burst like a brilliant star into her drab existence. She’d been prepared to be an obedient and virtuous wife. And had prayed for a loyal and upright spouse in return. Instead, she was coming to love her husband. How extraordinary. How wonderful.
But Nathan was not all light and beauty. He kept warning her he had a dark side. She still hadn’t truly believed the reports painting him as the angel of death. Until tonight. In the wake of the bandit attack, a wild ferocity had darkened his face, making her afraid for him.
It seemed like hours before Nathan pushed aside the curtain and came to bed. Alexandra lifted the covers and he lay down, bringing the cold with him. The steady drone of Herod and his men talking and laughing drifted into the dark sanctuary.
“You’re so warm,” Nathan whispered.
She turned to him. “How did it go?”
“Herod asked me to ride as one of his men again,” he said, drawing her close.
She pressed her body to his. “I think that is for the best.” Nathan the olive farmer was a reasonable and prudent man. The angel of death had looked capable of committing dark deeds aplenty, the type of man bold and reckless enough to think nothing of single-handedly taking on a band of criminals.
Nathan stroked her back. “My commitment to
Herod wouldn’t end there.”
“Why not?”
“If I want to have a part in apprehending Judas, then I will have to become one of his official advisors. Herod can track down the rebels without me, but he might be heavy-handed about it.”
“What did you tell him?”
He kissed her forehead. “I told him I needed to talk to you about it first.”
Flustered, she stammered, “That is thoughtful of you, Nathan. But...but...”
His warm breath filled her ear. “I’m in earnest. We need to discuss what’s best for us.”
For us. What a lovely thought.
Anxious to be of real help, she searched her mind for the wise, sensible thing to say. Painfully aware Nathan was waiting for her response, she blew out an exasperated breath. “I begin to sympathize with my brother’s propensity to spout nonsense.”
Nathan’s soft laugh tickled her ear. “Just tell me what you are thinking.”
She shivered and traced her fingers over his chest. “I think Herod is an oversized bully.” She felt Nathan’s lips curve upward against her ear. She pressed a kiss to Nathan’s neck. “Herod won’t be content to have you as an advisor. He will do or say anything to force you to rejoin his father’s army.”
Nathan’s calloused fingers stroked her arm. “It’s not too late to break with Herod. I can hire men to help hunt down Judas.”
It sounded promising. “Could you find men as skilled as Herod’s soldiers?”
“No. But I’ll manage.”
“I want Lydia back, but...” She cupped Nathan’s face and drew him down until their noses touched. “I would see her lost to the bandits forever rather than risk having you killed.”
Nathan kissed her nose. “You saw for yourself, I’m an able soldier.”
Her throat closed. “I wish I was worrying for no cause. But, I have seen what Judas is capable of.” She squeezed her eyes shut, but the terrible image came, a bloom of red welling and spilling down James’s deathly-white cheek. The walls of the tomb-like room closed around her.
Nathan rubbed her arms. “Tell me what happened,” he whispered.
She scratched lightly at his chest with a fingernail. “I’d rather forget that day. Can’t we go back to talking about Herod’s demand?”
Nathan shifted so his body sheltered hers. “I’m sorry to cause you pain, but I want to know everything.”
The attack was permanently imprinted upon her mind. Her mouth turned dry as dust. “Judas and his men came rushing at us from all sides. They reeked of strong drink. After the initial confusion died down, Judas placed dice in my brother’s hand and forced him to throw them. The lots landed in the dirt.” A tremble went through her. “It fell on me to maim James. Lydia was condemned to go with the bandits.” She had pleaded with the bandits, begged them to show mercy.
“Tell me the rest,” Nathan coaxed gently.
She exhaled a ragged breath. “Judas placed a long, ugly knife in my hand. Three men grabbed my brother’s head and arms and held him in place. Poor James began to cry hysterically. Lydia and I were weeping. Father was screeching curses at the bandits. Judas was yelling into my ear, ‘Cut him. Cut him.’ My hand shook violently. I nearly dropped the knife. I touched the blade to James’s face, but I couldn’t do it. I couldn’t.” A sob bubbled up. “Judas slapped me hard across the face.”
Nathan growled low in his throat. “I’m sorry I came too late to save you from the evil you suffered.” His body settled more firmly against hers. “Forgive me for pushing, but I want to hear it all.”
She squeezed her eyes shut. “Judas’ hand closed over mine and he guided the knife to slash across my brother’s face. James screamed pitifully and blood spurted over his clothes and onto my sleeve.” She gagged on the confession. Nathan’s cool fingers slid over her face and tucked her hair behind her ears.
She swallowed, but couldn’t get rid of the bitter taste filling her mouth. “Then they released us and shoved James and me to the ground. Lydia joined us, and we wept and hugged. Father continued to screech. The bandits turned their attention on Father and beat him senseless.” Black despair welled up. “Then they tore Lydia away from us and fled.”
Nathan groaned. “My God. I had no idea Judas had descended so low.”
Alexandra turned her face aside. “It would have been better if I’d been the one kidnapped. I’m stronger than Lydia. My feelings aren’t as sensitive as hers.”
Nathan stroked her hair. “Your strength amazes me. Not many people could move past such an experience as well as you have.”
“My brother accuses me of being cold and uncaring.”
“James is an idiot.”
She smiled, but tears stung her eyes. “I’m hateful, that’s what I am...these days I am happy Lydia was kidnapped instead of me...otherwise, I wouldn’t be married to you...and isn’t that the most selfish thing you’ve ever heard?”
“Lex?” The white outline of his tunic framed Nathan’s wide shoulders. His face remained hidden from her.
She released a shuddering breath. “Yes?”
“You don’t need to feel guilty about what happened,” he said soothingly. “Our marriage was meant to be. Though it grieves me you had to suffer violence, I doubt our paths would have crossed without help from Judas.”
She wiped at her eyes, hating that she’d cried. “Help? That is a strange word for evil.”
“Forgive me. It’s my poor attempt to sum up the scriptures. Do you know the passage I mean? ‘You thought evil against me, but the Lord meant it unto the good’.” Nathan pressed a soft kiss to her forehead. “What Judas did was atrocious. But it brought you into my life, and I count that a very good thing.” Nathan’s voice hitched and deepened. “There’s more I want to say, but I won’t have you hear it here, in this armpit of a place, with the dark between us and with Herod and his men practically snoring at our feet.”
The confession made her indecently happy. She ran her hands up and down his strong arms.
His lips grazed her face. “Surely, as the Lord has given you to me, Lex, he has also given it to me to put an end to Judas’ evil ways. You know that, don’t you?”
Her hands stilled and her stomach went back to feeling sick. “I do, but I hate it, nonetheless.” She had another secret to share, one making her glad for the dark. “It is why I thank the Lord you are the soldier they call the angel of death.”
Nathan tensed and started to pull away. She held tighter to him.
“Let me up.” There was a dangerous edge to the command.
“Listen to me...please!” He stopped struggling. She pressed her palms to his chest. “I am glad you fight like the angel of death, because I am less frightened knowing you are a fierce, experienced warrior. You will rescue Lydia. And you will bring her home to us. I know you will.”
“Job’s bones, Lex,” he said without heat. “You make me sound noble.”
“That’s because you are noble. Marrying me was the good and decent thing to do. Going after Lydia is beyond kind.”
A shudder went through him. “You should be disgusted with me.”
“But I’m not.”
“What about Herod?”
Alexandra sighed. “I think we should accept Herod’s self-serving offer. And, though it amounts to throwing our lot in with vipers...I think it the safest way. We can worry later about extracting you from the snake pit.”
“We?” Nathan asked. “As in you and me, together?”
She laughed, pulled him down, and gave him a smacking kiss. “Fool. We are talking about saving your neck and not my reticence over spouting every notion that pops into my head.”
“Very well.” The doubt tingeing Nathan’s agreement sobered her. “We will throw our lot in with Herod and hope we don’t live to regret it.”
CHAPTER 16
They’d been home from Syria for six weeks, and the hunt for the rebels was finally underway. Nathan was both relieved and apprehensive. He, Lex, Joseph, and Rhoda had spent coun
tless hours discussing the best way to proceed. Their plan called for Nathan to help Herod see the wisdom in letting all of the rebels go except Judas.
Meanwhile, Joseph would try to contact Hezekiah, who had gone into hiding with his men, and convince him to put his sword away in favor of taking the rebel grievances to the Sanhedrin.
Everybody ought to be satisfied. The rebels could return home to their families. Herod could boast to his Roman overlords he had restored peace to the land. And Nathan could fulfill his promise to reunite Lydia with her family and see that Judas the Zealot was punished.
Leading Royal by the reins, Nathan walked beside Lex on the hard-packed path he’d trod more times than he could count. The family was accompanying him as far as the village of Rumah. They’d brought along some olive oil to trade for goods they were running short of. From there Nathan would go on to meet Herod and begin the search for Judas.
He turned and walked backward, checking to make sure his father and stepmother hadn’t fallen too far behind. The donkeys carrying Joseph and Rhoda continued to shuffle along at the same abysmally slow pace. Nathan smiled, watching his father gesture enthusiastically as he talked. The frail man looked healthier than he had in ages. And, miracle of miracles, Rhoda was in a rare, relaxed mood, laughing at whatever it was his father was saying.
Nathan heard Mary and Timothy yelling excitedly. He turned around and saw his brother and sister racing toward the gates of the walled village in the distance. They ran past the slave maiden, Sapphira, who was trying without success to hurry along the donkey she’d been assigned to lead.
Royal nickered and tossed his head. Nathan tightened his hold on the reins and pulled the gelding’s head down to his shoulder. The horse sniffed at his neck. “Good boy,” he said, rubbing the long, velvety nose.
“The poor dear,” Lex said, staring up ahead.
Nathan wasn’t sure if she was referring to Sapphira, who was anxious to get the village and spend time visiting with her family, or to the donkey plodding along under the load of two oversized jars filled with olive oil.
The Warrior (The Herod Chronicles Book 1) Page 15
