The Warrior (The Herod Chronicles Book 1)

by Wanda Ann Thomas

  Rhoda and Mary’s eyes went wide.

  Timothy’s brows shot up. “Job’s bones, Alexandra. Why’d you do that?”

  Nathan smiled. They were coming more easily, no longer feeling quite so foreign on his face.

  Alexandra wiped her hands and sat back down beside Nathan. The ivory scarf Nathan bought for her held back her long brown hair, a perfect counterpoint to her creamy, smooth skin and rose-tinged cheeks. Her gray eyes met his. “The veil belongs to an old life that is over and done with. My place is with you, wherever that leads.”

  Her entrance into his life was the greatest gift he’d ever received. Humbled, Nathan took her hand and squeezed her fingers. “You’d follow me to the other side of the world, if I asked, wouldn’t you?”

  A smile lit her face. She nodded.

  He tried to imagine her living in a hulking fortress surrounded by an army. A foul taste arose. He swallowed. Another image arose—Alexandra kissing him under the leaves of the young olives trees they’d planted beside the ancient olive orchard she loved.

  Taking her from the farm to live as a soldier’s wife would just be exchanging one hard life for another. He was deceiving himself to think otherwise. His reasons for running away from the farm had all been selfish ones.

  He cleared his throat. “I’ve been having second thoughts about selling the farm and rejoining the army.”

  “Praise heaven,” Rhoda said in her straightforward way.

  Mary and Timothy clapped and spoke over one another.

  Lex’s brow creased. “But you will have to live beside your enemies.”

  Nathan kissed her fingers. “With you showing me the way, I hope I can learn to be as forgiving as you. I want to be able to walk through Rumah again. I want to work beside Pinhas. I want to attend synagogue. To pray and read from the precious scrolls I have known and loved since I was a boy.” He studied the flames licking the sky. “But, we need to be ready to accept the fact our neighbors might never welcome us back into their midst.”

  Rhoda reached over and patted Nathan’s knee. “I would like to try to live in peace with them. I’m praying my Joseph’s death shook some sense into them.”

  He turned to Lex.

  She nodded. “I agree with Rhoda.”

  “It’s decided, then,” Nathan said. “We will keep the farm.”

  Lex, Rhoda, and Mary shared happy smiles

  Timothy sighed loudly. “I probably wouldn’t have liked living in a fort.”

  Mary put her arm around Timothy. “Nathan will finish the stone house, and you will forget all about forts.”

  The boy propped his chin in his hands dejectedly.

  “Cheer up, monkey,” Nathan said. “I’ll take you to visit High Priest Hycranus’s palace fortress tomorrow, and we can take Royal out for a ride while we’re there.”

  Timothy smiled wide and nodded enthusiastically.

  Lex leaned against Nathan. “Herod won’t like it when you tell him you’re not joining the army. He’ll press you hard to ride as one of his men.”

  “Trust me to deal with Herod. I have plenty of practice saying no to him.” Nathan recalled the hate-filled look on Herod’s face after the trial, and his threats against the Sanhedrin. “I think Herod and I would have soon parted ways even if I had decided to join the army.”

  Lex rubbed his arm. “Thank you for doing this for us.”

  “I’m doing it for myself, as well.” He kissed the top of her head. “I don’t want to find myself in another war, lifting a sword against my brethren.”

  “Will you sell your sword?” Rhoda asked.

  He shook his head. “No. But I vow I will never raise my sword in battle, unless it is to protect my family.”

  ***

  By the end of the week the Mount of Olives filled with those arriving to observe Pesach.

  Nathan and Timothy sat on a blanket outside the main tent under a bright, blue sky. The boy lined up his newest collection of rocks, shining up a speckled stone with a wet rag. Nathan stroked the blade of his knife over the oiled sharpening stone, lifted the knife to the sun, and inspected it.

  Pinhas and Bartholomew accompanied Barjesus and Sapphira into the camp.

  Nathan’s joints tightened. The villagers from Rumah had been settling into the campsites around them, but until now none of them had gone out of their way to pick a fight. He longed to be at one with his neighbors again, but he’d settle for an end to the open hostility.

  He set the knife aside and stood. “Go get the others,” he instructed Timothy. The boy raced inside the tent. Lex, Rhoda, and Mary followed him back out.

  “Shalom, neighbors,” Bartholomew called out.

  Nathan nodded. “Peace to you.” They were off to a good start.

  Pinhas wore a hesitant look. “We’ve come to offer our apologies.”

  The tension knotting Nathan’s shoulders eased. He offered his friend a smile. “You don’t know how good it is to hear you say that.”

  “So, you’ve finally come to your senses,” Rhoda said. “What happened?” Leave it to his practical-minded stepmother to come to the point.

  Bartholomew pointed at Barjesus and Sapphira. “These two refuse to be quiet. They’ve gone near and far telling everyone of Judas’s evils.”

  “We told them how brave you were, Alexandra,” Sapphira added, her face beaming.

  Lex blushed at the praise, but she didn’t duck her head as she used to when finding herself the center of attention. She reached out for Sapphira’s hand and squeezed it. “We wish you a happy marriage.”

  Dewy-eyed and pink-cheeked, the former slave maid appeared very much in love. “Bless you all for your kindness,” Sapphira said. “Will you come to our wedding? Please say you will.”

  Nathan gave Bartholomew a direct look. “Will we be welcomed?” Nathan held his breath.

  The elder’s corpulent face sagged. “I did you and your family a great wrong. Will you ever be able to forgive me?”

  Lex, Rhoda, and Mary spoke over one another. “Yes. Of course. Indeed.”

  A heavy weight fell off Nathan’s back. Thick emotion filled his chest and throat. “I already forgave you. I did it for my father’s sake, and for my family, and for myself. But it is good to be able to say it to you.” The sweetness of forgiveness tasted better in his mouth than the sour remains of revenge. He didn’t know if he’d ever achieve the utter serenity his father had worn like a second skin. But, if he got even halfway there, he was sure to be the happiest man in Galilee.

  Timothy pushed his way forward. “Does this mean I’ll be able to play with Matthias again?”

  Pinhas kneeled down in front of Timothy. “Matthias told me to tell you that even though I wouldn’t allow him to see you he is still your friend. He would like you to climb the crooked tree with him. He’s there now.”

  Timothy swiveled his head around. “Can I go?” he asked, his eyes bright.

  Nathan squeezed the boy’s small shoulder. “Make sure you are back by dinner.”

  Timothy gave a loud whoop and galloped off.

  Everybody laughed. Everyone except Pinhas. The stonecutter climbed to his feet as though weighed down by a load of the stones he so skillfully cut. His pained eyes met Nathan’s. “If I had known Judas was going to the farm, I would have found a way to stop him. He told us he was taking his men deeper into the mountains. I cared for Joseph like he was my own father. I hate that he died so senselessly.”

  The confession washed over Nathan like a refreshing rain. He patted Pinhas’ arm. “Father never stopped loving you or believing the best about you. I’m glad you were there to help me put Father into the grave. It would have pleased him.”

  Pinhas’ face flushed red. “I should have stood by you.” He stabbed at the dirt with his sandal. “You probably won’t believe me, but Bartholomew and I were at your trial to testify to your innocence.”

  Nathan winced. He’d been angry with his neighbors for rushing to believe the worst about him, yet he’d done the s
ame in return. He touched Pinhas’s sleeve. They looked each other in the eye. “I thought my father-in-law had bribed you to tell lies about me,” Nathan said. “I was thinking some very unkind things about you that day. We’ve both said and done things we wish we hadn’t. I’m ready to put it all in the past. Know you will be welcomed back into my home with open arms, if you so choose.”

  Pinhas sagged in place. “Martha and I would like to share the Pesach supper with you.” He turned red again and shook his head with vigor. “I know. That’s too much to ask.”

  Nathan wanted to whoop like Timothy had. He hadn’t allowed himself to hope for this much. The two families had always celebrated Pesach together. He laughed. “Nothing could make us happier.”

  Pinhas pinched the corners of his eyes, staunching his tears. “May the Lord strike me dead if I turn my back on you again, my friend.”

  Nathan’s chest tightened. He embraced the stonecutter and gave him a kiss on both cheeks. “The Lord strike me dead if I ever lift a sword against my friends.”

  They thumped each other’s backs and stepped apart, Pinhas grinning as foolishly as Nathan.

  “My Joseph said you two would reconcile,” Rhoda said sobbing. She dabbed her eyes on the washrag clutched in her hand. “I wish he could be here to see it.”

  Alexandra put her arm around Rhoda’s thin shoulders. Their growing friendship pleased Nathan.

  Bartholomew shifted his bulk from one foot to the other. “If there is anything I can do for you, name it.”

  There was another matter Nathan hoped to settle for Lex’s peace of mind. “My wife’s brother is missing. We’d appreciate it if you would ask around about the boy.”

  “Bartholomew! Pinhas!” A breathless voice called out. Old Zeke hobbled toward. He came to a wheezing stop. “Trouble’s coming. Herod is marching an army on Jerusalem.”

  Nathan stomach soured, recalling the look in Herod’s eye when he left the Hall of Hewn Stones.

  Bartholomew’s jowls shook. “What’s this?”

  Pinhas frowned. “Where’d you hear that wild rumor?”

  Old Zeke pointed up at the city. “A messenger returning from Egypt came across the soldiers this morning. The temple guard is out in full force. High Priest Hycranus and most of the Sanhedrin are locked inside the Temple, and the markets are crowded with people buying up all the food and wine.”

  Nathan asked, “Do you know who the messenger rides for? The messenger might be riling everyone up for nothing. A couple hundred men is a far cry from an army.”

  Old Zeke frowned. “The man was Antipater’s messenger.”

  Nathan exhaled heavily. “Antipater’s man would know a legion when he saw one. Herod went to Syria. He must have convinced Sextus Caesar to give him a small army.”

  Lex pressed against Nathan. “Do you think Herod would actually attack Jerusalem?”

  Nathan dragged his hand over his face. “He was angry and making threats. And a man doesn’t march an army across the land on a whim.”

  “Do you think Antipater put Herod up to it?” Bartholomew asked.

  “No,” Nathan replied. “Herod’s style is to strike out. Antipater is more subtle than that. I doubt he knows what Herod is up to.” Nathan scanned the campsites dotting the orchard, then looked back at his friends. “We can’t stay here. Go pack up your families and take them inside the city walls.”

  Bartholomew ‘s pudgy face fell. “Surely Antipater will stop Herod,”

  Mind filling with tasks to be done, Nathan shook his head. “Antipater is in Idumea. Herod’s brothers are away as well. By the time they get word, it might be too late for them to act.”

  Bartholomew pointed. “You ought to ride out to Herod. Try to talk some sense into him.”

  Lex inhaled sharply.

  Nathan touched his hand to her elbow. “I can’t leave my family unprotected.” Memories of Roman soldiers swarming through Jerusalem came flooding back. Priests cut down as they performed their sacred duties. The blood of his fellow Jews pooling in the streets.

  Pinhas straightened. “I’ll watch over Rhoda and Alexandra for you.”

  Nathan smiled tightly. “I appreciate the offer, but—”

  “But, nothing,” Bartholomew said.

  Bile rose in Nathan’s throat. “Herod won’t listen. I begged him not to kill Hezekiah. But it didn’t help.” He pictured Hezekiah’s head dropping to the ground. A great ache filled his heart. His eyes moved between Bartholomew, Pinhas, and Old Zeke. “I tried to save Hezekiah. I truly tried.”

  Bartholomew’s eyes softened. “I believe you, son.” Pinhas and Zeke nodded in agreement.

  Nathan swallowed. “I hate what happened.”

  “So do we,” Bartholomew said. The corners of his mouth turned downward. “After all you’ve been through, I can understand why you don’t want to be apart from your family. But you must try to stop Herod.”

  Nathan turned to Lex. “What do you think?” He’d already asked so much of her.

  She linked her fingers with his. “Herod is our friend. We can’t turn our backs on him.” Outwardly she was a picture of calm. But Nathan felt the rapid beat of her blood rushing through her wrist.

  Amazed again by her strength and her loving heart, he squeezed her hand. “Very well, I’ll go.”

  Showered with blessing from his family and friends, Nathan headed for the stables. One question drummed in his mind. How was he supposed to turn back the army bearing down on Jerusalem?

  CHAPTER 32

  Pinhas escorted Lex and the rest of the family to her father’s home shortly after Nathan rode out of Jerusalem. They’d arrived a few hours ago to find her father missing and the house closed up. They learned from the neighbors that Simeon had fled to Egypt taking Lydia and the slaves with him. Alexandra assumed her father was afraid Herod would kill him for even thinking about raising his own army.

  She hoped rather than believed the change would be good for Lydia.

  A knock sounded at the door. Alexandra hurried across the open-air courtyard, half expecting it to be one of her Galilean neighbors. She’d offered shelter to anyone who didn’t have a place to go. Most had relatives in Jerusalem, but Sapphira and Barjesus’s families had come, as well as few others.

  Pinhas greeted her with a weak smile.

  Lex’s hand went to her throat. Please don’t let anything have happened to Nathan.

  “No, it’s not Nathan,” Pinhas hastened to assure her.

  She resumed breathing. “What then?”

  Pinhas offered her a weak smile. “I would like to bring my family here so I can watch over you and Rhoda in case the worst happens.”

  “What about Antipater’s men?”

  Nathan had asked Pinhas to round up able men to stand guard over them.

  “They are on their way.” Pinhas shrugged. “I want to be here for Nathan. And for you. Not many people would have acted as selflessly as you have, sending your husband off with an army approaching.”

  Embarrassed, Lex ducked her head. She hadn’t watched Nathan go with a brave smile because she was courageous or insensible to the danger. She’d done it for Nathan. For all the things she loved about him, his loyalty, devotion, and goodness. She might as well cut his heart out as ask him to turn away from his responsibilities. He’d married her out of duty, hadn’t he? The sacrifice of her peace of mind seemed a minor price to pay for all she gained. She certainly shouldn’t be praised for it.

  Pinhas cleared his throat. “I also came to tell you I found your brother.”

  Her head snapped up. She blinked repeatedly. “James? Did you speak to him?”

  “No. I was afraid of scaring him off. I can take you to him, if you like.”

  Mind whirling, Lex nodded. “I’ll go tell Rhoda and we can leave.”

  A few moments later Pinhas was leading Alexandra and Mary through Jerusalem’s jammed streets. News that Herod was marching on Jerusalem had sent the festival pilgrims and the people who lived outside the city walls stream
ing into the city. People scurried here and there on urgent business or stood in small circles outside their homes, somberly speculating over Herod and his Roman army. Children peeked out from the safety of their doorways, eyes wide with fear or excitement.

  Mary clung to Alexandra’s hand. They’d brought her along to close the mouths of the gossips, but given the current tumult, a man and woman would have to be practicing adultery openly in the street for anyone to notice.

  They left the upper city behind and entered the Mishneh District. They came upon a small work party patching a tumble-down section of the city wall.

  “Most of the men have gone home.” Pinhas raised his voice to be heard over the ping of hammer on stone. “The young men without families volunteered to stay and continue the work.”

  Lex nodded and smiled.

  Pinhas went to have a word with the stonecutters.

  Mary pressed closer to her. “James didn’t go far from home.”

  Lex peered down the nearby alleys. “I didn’t know James and Father had friends in this part of the city.”

  “Lex.”

  Alexandra turned at the sound of her brother’s voice. A young stonecutter stood before her. The boy’s clothes were stained with dirt and sweat. His face was beet-red from exertion, almost hiding the purple scar crossing one cheek.

  Lex’s lips went numb. “James?”

  Her brother actually smiled. “It’s me.”

  “How? What?” Lex touched James’s grimy sleeve, trying to make sense of what she was seeing. “Did you have a fight with Father?”

  James’s smile vanished. “I despise the man. I want nothing more to do with him.”

  “You can come live with me and Nathan.” She didn’t know what else to say.

  James shook his head. “I’m staying here.”

  Lex recognized the stubborn tone. “You can go home. Father has taken Lydia to Egypt. I think it will be a very long time before we see them again.”

  “They left?” James asked astonished. “Do you know what this means?” A hateful smile crossed his grimy face. “He will miss Pesach.”