by K. Dzr
* * * * *
“Ezria!” a familiar voice called.
She looked out of the window and saw Elijah’s wife standing in the yard. She was clearly upset about something. Ezria put down the knife she was using to clean the fish, wiped her hands, and rushed to the door.
“Helen, come in. What’s wrong?”
“Did you know that Nehemiah and Elijah are planning an attack on Netiro? They are going to try to kill him! Nehemiah is a brave strong man, but my poor Elijah is two slices short of a loaf. He’s all I’ve got. You have to help me stop him! Elijah will be killed for sure!”
“Wait! Slow down Helen. Come. Sit and tell me everything.” She poured tea and then took the seat across the table.
Helen sipped the tea, took a deep breath and began again.
“Elijah felt responsible for Netiro’s attack last night because we were unable to provide enough food. So Nehemiah talked with him and told him that it wasn’t his fault. Then he said it was time to take action against Netiro. Nehemiah told Elijah that he was going to plan an attack. I don’t think he meant to include Elijah. Elijah just appointed himself leader of the attack to relieve his guilt. He’s so excited about all of this. He can’t lead an attack Ezria, especially one of this nature. I’m so afraid. I just don’t know what I’d do if I lost my husband!” Helen buried her face in her hands as she burst into tears.
“Calm down, Helen. I was not aware of their plans. Be assured I will speak with my husband on your behalf.”
“Oh, Ezria. I would be so grateful if you could convince Nehemiah to leave Elijah behind.”
“After dinner I will speak with him. Go along now and let me finish cooking.”
“Thank you, Ezria. I know Nehemiah will do the right thing.”
“Yes, he is a good man. Do not worry.”
Ezria could see the relief on Helen’s face when she left.
What was Nehemiah planning? How could he even think about doing such a crazy thing? She would definitely have a talk with her husband tonight.
