Glorious Companions

by Summer Lee

  “Don’t be so quick to jump to conclusions,” said Tyro. “I’ll look into it for you.”

  “I know you will get the truth out of him.”

  “I will.” He patted the mare’s back. “Get back on. We need to move forward.”

  “All right.”

  “It is not your place to worry about the problems of servants.”

  “Whose place is it?” Rachael asked.

  “Mother’s, of course.”

  “Will that be my charge if I am ever a queen?”

  “Yes.”

  “And I can tell everyone to do what I want?”

  Tyro laughed. “Fear not, little sister. You will grow up soon enough.”

  She nodded and momentarily closed her eyes, allowing the brisk air to blow across her face. It was necessary that she relax and enjoy herself. For one day, she was free from the confining walls in the Alalakh palace. She did not want to think about her problems right now. Nor should she be concerned about Joel.

  They rode up to Ava’s small hut and tied their horses to a tree.

  “Let’s go see Ava,” said Tyro. “She has a story to tell you about our father, the king.”

  Chapter Ten

  KENANA AND ASHER

  Kenana woke up late and ate her morning meal alone. Asher had left earlier to meet with some noblemen down in the marketplace, but where was Rachael? Why had she not come down? Had she gone outside?

  Kenana asked around and realized that Rachael had not been seen since the night before and two of the horses were gone, Tyro’s stallion and a mare. She ran outside, calling out for Rachael as she looked. Rachael was nowhere to be seen, and Kenana panicked. She ran to the servants’ quarters and sought out Joel.

  “Where’s Rachael?” she demanded.

  Joel said, “I haven’t seen her since our meal in the kitchen yesterday.”

  Bilhah said, “You told her to start a knitting project. Perhaps that is what she is doing.”

  “If so, where is she knitting? And a mare is missing.”

  “Your Highness, we don’t know where she is,” Bilhah said. Joel nodded.

  Kenana returned to the great hall of the palace, which was empty. If anything happened to Rachael, Kenana’s world would end. Bilhah followed along to help her look. She asked other servants if they had seen Rachael. No one had seen her most of the day. Kenana panicked.

  She combed through every room in the palace, but found no sign of Rachael. She finally sent a couple of scouts out to look for her in the wooded area.

  “Try to stay calm,” said Bilhah. “Wait until the king returns. Maybe she’s with her father.”

  “I guess that is possible,” said Kenana, taking in air. “I used to travel with my father on occasion when I was a young girl.” She would have to wait for Asher to return.

  “Let me see to your dressing,” said Bilhah. “Time will go by faster that way.”

  While Bilhah instructed a servant girl to prepare a bath for Kenana, the queen walked over to a window. Out to the left, a slave was cultivating a garden spot for vegetables. On the right, a groom led a horse to the exercise ring. Maybe Rachael was just out running her mare around the outer edge of the property. There was no use in yelling to anyone in the stable. They were too far away.

  Beyond the palace walls, the city of Alalakh sprawled over the rolling hills. Asher was holding a meeting in the marketplace. Kenana marveled at the task of overseeing a place of such magnitude. It was a hard job, but it did not scratch the surface of the Mesopotamian land under Asher’s care.

  Bilhah reported that her bath was just the right temperature. “Bathe and relax. I’m sure your daughter is fine.”

  As Bilhah took leave of her queen, Kenana sighed, “She is growing up too fast.”

  While seated in the large metal bathtub, the servant girl, Eliraz, washed her back, and lathered and rinsed her hair.

  After her bath, Kenana dried off and put on a clean tunic. Seated in front of a brass mirror, she watched Eliraz dry and brush her hair. She braided Kenana’s hair, weaving jeweled ribbons through it.

  Nervously, Kenana fidgeted, and said, “Where is my daughter? This is upsetting me. I should be looking for her myself.” At that moment, Bilhah returned to her chamber.

  “No, my queen,” said Bilhah. “You need to stay here and let the scouts do their job. Just keep yourself busy and do not worry.”

  “I’m too nervous.”

  “What do you do for pleasure?”

  “Read.”

  “How did you, a woman, learn to read?”

  “My father taught me when I was a small girl.”

  “You must read then.”

  Kenana went into the library and found the tablet written by her grandmother—it was her favorite. She tried to concentrate on the writing, but her thoughts were fearful that her daughter was in danger. Midday came and still there was no sign of Rachael. Nobody knew where to find her. “I fear she has been kidnapped,” said Kenana.

  After some time passed, she checked the location of the sun. It had moved across the sky. The king was to be home soon. She hoped he had their daughter with him.

  Dressed in a pale blue tunic and matching jewels sprinkled throughout her hair, the queen went to the dining room to share the evening meal with her husband.

  As soon as Asher entered the room, Kenana spoke. “Asher,” she said. “Didn’t Rachael go with you?”

  “No.”

  “I can’t find Rachael anyplace. I fear she has run away or been kidnapped. What should we do?” Tears filled her eyes.

  “She’s fine. I saw her ride off with her brother this morning,” said the king. “I’m sure she is well.”

  Kenana exhaled in relief. “Do you know why she went with Tyro?”

  “He went to see if Ava wants to spend some time here at the palace. Maybe they spent the day out there at her hut.”

  “You frustrate me with your calmness, Asher.”

  “Take heart. She was never missing.” He leaned over and kissed her on the cheek.

  “Hush.” She pushed him away angrily.

  Hurt, Asher sat in his armed chair.

  The table was laden with delicacies. Cucumbers in sour cream, steamed carrots, and lamb chops marinated in wine. Asher commented on the food. “It looks and smells delicious.”

  “I know,” said Kenana, looking around. “Our new cook prepared it.”

  “I see why you want to keep her. Delicious food,” said the king, changing the subject.

  “Our new cook is talented,” said Kenana as she glared at the king. “So, what did Rachael say to you? Why did she go with Tyro?”

  “I didn’t ask.”

  “She must not go places with Tyro. He will give her bad ideas,” said Kenana.

  “No, he won’t. He’s your son.”

  “My son’s head has been filled with nonsense about conquering the world.”

  “That’s not nonsense. Tyro is positioned to be the next king, my love. Now is the time for him to show his power to the people. He may be the one to deliver them, when the time comes.”

  King Asher spoke with authority, as always. He had always been Kenana’s Goel—a man who followed El’s teachings, and had a positive outlook on life that were reflected in his decisions. It was obvious that he was the one chosen by God to redeem Kenana when she was yet in her teens. She needed guidance, even now.

  Kenana raised her voice. “He does not need to prove anything to my daughter. Rachael has to stay home with me until she’s grown.”

  “You must trust our son with our daughter’s safety, my dear.” Asher sounded a little impatient. “Don’t allow yourself to worry.”

  “I can’t take a chance on Rachael being exposed to worldly notions like I’m sure Tyro has.” She tightened her lips.

  “If you are this mistrusting of her, you will lose her forever, my love. Calm down.” Asher spoke with a solid determination. “Tyro is a good man. We raised him well. He will take good care of his little siste
r.”

  “I disagree. Rachael will be exposed to things in the world that are…untoward for her innocence. She will get grand ideas that will threaten the safety that we provide for her in the palace.”

  He had a disgusted look on his face. “This subject is closed.”

  A tear floated down Kenana’s cheek, as she tried to believe him. But she could not. Asher immediately reached for her hand, holding it gently. “My apologies. You have been upset too long. I need to spend more time with you.”

  She sniffed back the tears, feeling guilty and unable to speak for her thoughts lately had been of Tall, not Asher.

  He lifted her hand to his lips and kissed it. “Don’t cry, my love, your daughter will return soon. I promise. Tyro promised to be home for the evening meal.”

  Kenana placed her fork on the table, and pushed her plate away. Neither of them spoke while Asher ate. Memories of her own childhood flooded her mind. She was virtually raised by her father, while her mother had been immersed in her own selfishness. Being the youngest of four girls, by the time she was old enough to help, she was not often needed in the kitchen.

  Instead, she’d traveled with her father to visit Prince Jubal. His vile touch was a horrible childhood memory, and she hated it. She was glad Prince Jubal had died before she had given birth to Tyro. If he had still been alive, he would have had her thrust through with a sword for giving birth to a fallen angel’s baby.

  When Asher finished eating, he pushed his plate away as well and stood. He helped Kenana to her feet, and lifted her chin to kiss her gently on the cheek. “You need some fresh air, my dear. Let’s go outside.”

  She nodded and he summoned the maid. “I think we will take our evening tea in the garden.” He guided the queen out of the hall and led her outdoors.

  Seated in the outdoor edifice under a lacy weeping willow tree, Kenana was served tea by the king. She sat sipping one cup and he the other. Kenana sighed deeply, her gaze admiring the king.

  He met her gaze with a tender look. “The tea will soothe your nerves,” he said.

  Chapter Eleven

  TYRO AND RACHAEL

  Rachael and Tyro arrived at Ava’s hut just before noon. They tied their horses to a tree, and went into the house. Ava had received them with a big grin and hug. “I just baked some bread and was sitting down with a cup of tea. I’ll set two more places at the table, and we can visit while we eat.”

  Tea and bread were soon served, and they all sat around the kitchen table, eating and talking.

  “Ava, there may be a war in the near future,” Tyro began. “What can I do about that?” Ava asked.

  “First, Father feels you should come to stay with us for a while until the danger has passed. The Nephilim are up to their old tricks. Second, I brought Rachael with me to get her out of the palace so she could get some fresh air.”

  “It must not be too dangerous if you brought Rachael out into the wilderness with you.”

  “I am protecting her. I am quite capable, you know. And she is safer with me than she is without me anywhere else.”

  “You speak the truth.”

  Rachael walked around, looking at little carved items that were scattered about. “Ava, what do these things represent?”

  “My childhood, dear.” She walked over by Rachael. “Our family was once wealthy, because we were royalty.”

  “I would like you to share some of your childhood memories.”

  “Yes,” said Tyro. “Would you please tell her about the death of Father’s parents?” Tyro cocked an eyebrow and nodded toward Rachael. “She has this idea that she can run around unescorted outside the palace walls, and does not realize how dangerous it is.”

  Ava said, “The danger is real.”

  “Thank you.” They both sat on a soft cushion.

  “Are you ready for this?” Ava asked Rachael. “It is a scary story.”

  “I love scary stories.”

  “Your life is such a mystery,” said Tyro. “She needs to hear it.”

  “Tyro and my guardian angel both seem to think you hold the keys to my future,” Rachael announced with finality.

  “Me? I am only your father’s cousin.” Ava frowned and looked straight at Rachael. “Has Asher told you anything about his younger days?”

  “Yes, he has,” said Rachael. “But Tyro doesn’t think I know enough.”

  “She doesn’t know much,” said Tyro. “I want her to hear the story from you. Father thinks so, too.”

  “So, I’m the one who is designated to tell you.” Ava chuckled.

  Rachael said, “I believe so.”

  “It was around thirty-five years ago. We had a lovely kingdom here. Undisturbed and happy, children romped and played in the streets. At a point when we least expected it, a raiding band of Nephilim came riding through our town, killing everyone in sight. No one was safe. First, they brutally killed the royal family, which was all of our relatives. Young Asher watched from his hiding spot as they killed his parents. After that, they went in and out of all the homes slaying men, women and children. It didn’t matter. Then they returned to the palace and were able to find Asher. For some reason, they spared his life, and later sold him into slavery. I am sure that the only reason I survived their attack was because I was able to hide in a group of big rocks by the trees.”

  “Oh my,” said Rachael. “I’m so sorry.”

  “It’s sad, I know. I believe he must have been around three years old.” Ava reached for the pot of tea and refilled the cups. She waited until Rachael took a sip.

  “That had to be so awful for Father.”

  “It was, but it caused him to develop a relationship with God.”

  “How about you?”

  “I have more memories of it than he does. He was so small,” said Ava. “I talked to Tyro when he was about your age, and gave him details.”

  “That’s what he told me.”

  Tyro nodded.

  “It was awful. That day, blood flowed in the street. When I saw them kidnap Asher, I thought I would never see him alive again,” said Ava. “Years later, it was a surprising blessing to have him return.”

  Ava looked questioningly at Tyro, and he nodded that it was all right for her to continue.

  “We have a long line of royalty in our family. Your father’s parents were king and queen of Alalakh, just like our grandparents were before them.” She paused. “The palace was beautiful with hanging gardens. It was safely guarded at the time, but it was protected from humans with hatred, not from the wicked giants. Everything was destroyed, except for one small building where I lived for quite some time.”

  “I know he remembers living in a big, beautiful house,” said Rachael, remembering her father’s version.

  Ava took in a deep breath and continued. “The building was more like a shed than a home. But it became my home.”

  “So, the Nephilim murdered his parents. Just like that,” Rachael snapped her fingers and said quietly, “That is why Father feels so sad when we talk about his childhood sometimes.”

  “I am sure.” Ava showed signs of royalty with her sharp features. She held a spoon between long tapered fingers, and gently stirred her tea. “El took good care of me. I remember hearing a sudden bellow of rage when the giants appeared in the streets, some on camels and horses, others on foot. They slew the king first. I watched as his blood spilled to the ground.”

  “Father saw that as well?” questioned Rachael.

  “Yes. The queen grabbed her husband’s sword and swung it at the giant, thrusting it into his thigh. With a bellow of rage, he turned and slashed her to her death. So many were murdered that day, and most of the town was burned to the ground,” Ava said.

  Tyro had been sitting with his chair leaned back against the wall. “But Father was out in the open, wasn’t he?”

  “At first, he was hidden. When the giants came back, he ran to the cellar, but was spotted before he could get there. I watched a giant follow him into the cellar and
drag him out. They chose to kidnap him, and took him with them.”

  “Why do you think they wanted Father?” asked Rachael.

  “I’m certain it was for the cattle they would barter for him,” said Tyro. Ava agreed.

  Rachael sat in deep thought for a moment and then said, “So, the day began peacefully, and then, suddenly, it was over.”

  “Exactly. Asher was taken and sold into slavery.” Ava pushed the hair away from her face, and wiped the tears running down her cheeks. She made a gentle gesture. “I believe with all that is in me that El protected him because it was destined for him to grow up and become king of Mesopotamia.”

  The water on the hearth was now boiling full force. Ava removed it from the fire. She picked up the empty plate and walked over to the hearth. She put the rest of the bread on the plate and then returned to her seat.

  Tyro said, “Our father was intelligent and soon rose in status to be head over all of the servants at Prince Jubal’s palace. That was where he met Mother.”

  “Truly, Asher had been blessed to be bought by Prince Jubal said Ava, her jaw set squarely. “It was a stroke of fate that no doubt saved his life.”

  It was Tyro’s turn to brag. “Prince Jubal had even entrusted Father enough to send him to Zoan to watch over Mother when she was married to him. Prince Jubal died before they could return from Zoan. That was when our mother inherited the slaves and set Father free.”

  “And then they fell in love and got married,” said Rachael.

  Tyro smiled and said, “It is amazing how God brings people together.”

  “Yes, it is. We have been safe since your parents came here to rule,” said Ava. “Although another attack of the Nephilim is prophesied.”

  “That’s right, but we’ll handle it this time,” said Tyro. “We are prepared.”

  Tyro washed down the bread with his tea. “Thank you Ava. That was very good,” he said.

  Ava heard footsteps and stood to look out the window. “Someone is coming.”

  First, there was the clumping of heavy boots, and then, there was a knock at the door. Tyro opened the door and stepped outside. Rachael could not hear what they were talking about, but when Tyro came back in, he said, “The runner says the giants are dangerously close. Spies have reported that a small contingent of Nephilim is approaching the palace at this moment from the east. We must flee soon.”