Glorious Companions

by Summer Lee

  “Am I safe here if you take Tall away?”

  “Do you feel strong enough to travel with us?”

  “Oh, no. I cannot ride or walk. I am like a melon about to burst.”

  “We will get a midwife to take care of you and I think you are safe with the servants that you have here. When I saw the horse stalls, I was greatly impressed with how well the slaves take care of the place. Nevertheless, I will be sure to send you plenty of protection.”

  “Thank you.”

  Why were there evil men trying to kill off all the civilized humans? To take over the land? Tyro ran this thought through his mind. He realized that it did not matter why. He had to stay focused and determined that it would not happen. He must protect the people.

  Physically speaking, he was equally as strong as the giants. But, he also had the power of God working in him, giving him strength that no Nephilim could get from Lucifer. Also, the angels fought for those who trusted in the God of creation. His mother made sure he believed that. He would be God’s man for now.

  Startling him out of his reverie, Sarah said, “Follow me. Leah is waiting for you.”

  Chapter Fourteen

  RACHAEL

  Back home, Rachael felt abandoned.

  She was still lonely and still wanted a close friend, but kept her distance from Joel to keep the peace between herself and her mother. She decided to go for a walk outside. While cutting through a backfield, she climbed to the top of a nearby hill. It was a well-worn path that she always took while walking. From that point, Rachael could see over the trees and into the valley below. When she reached her destination, she looked down. To her shock, she saw the enemy setting up a soldiers’ camp just over the hill.

  She hid behind a tree to watch from her perch. The leader was a giant. She felt a painful stab of fear in the pit of her stomach, and her heart started pounding in her throat. She needed to let her father know that the Nephilim had arrived, and with them, the scum of the land.

  Her first fear was that there would be a surprise attack on Alalakh while Tyro was gone…or could there possibly be an assault on the palace? Could she live through such an attack? Could anyone?

  Looking toward the opposition’s encampment, she saw complete insanity. Rachael saw a brawl break out among the warriors. She could hear giants chanting, because they were a loud bunch, prone to fighting within their ranks. She could see a fire burning in their circle, and smoke in the air. Furious grunts erupted, followed by the clang of swords, and then a long, agonizing death cry, as one was struck down.

  The fights escalated. Another cry echoed through the valley, as one opponent bashed another in the head. With hoots and shouts, they fought each other with their swords. Influenced by wine, they usually missed the targeted foe, but occasionally, one fell.

  Nearly frozen by her fear, she sensed that the whole bunch had diabolical power. Rachael was unable to tear herself away from the terrifying scene below.

  In a moment’s time, heavy, evil-looking clouds rolled in overhead. She saw pictures of evil faces being formed in the swollen black clouds. Next, they were turning gray and frozen balls of ice fell on the encampment. The ice balls beat down on the valley—only on the enemy, who yelled as they were pelted. The skies had her attention.

  “Oh!” said Rachael aloud. “God is punishing them.”

  A bolt of lightning split the skies, followed by the crash of thunder. Then came more lightning and more thunder. This shook Rachael. RUN!

  She screamed and ran back to the palace as fast as she could, calling, “Mother! Father!”

  Kenana ran out to meet her. “Rachael! What is it?”

  “Giants! Nephilim!” she blurted breathlessly.

  Kenana grabbed onto Rachael’s arms. “Where?”

  “Over that hill!” Rachael pointed.

  “I’m sorry you saw that,” Kenana said as she put her arms around her daughter to try to calm her. “We know about them. We are hoping we can get enough of our soldiers together before those brutes attack us.”

  “Everyone is against us, even the weather,” Rachael said. A breeze came up while she was talking. The wind started blowing harder, moaning fiercely, pulling at Rachael’s robe, whipping her hair about her face. There appeared to be a tornado coming. The storm, which began over the enemy camp, was following Rachael.

  Rachael asked, “They are violent and they hate us, don’t they, Mother?”

  “Yes. They hate us, so let’s get inside where it is safe.” The queen grabbed her hand and ran back toward the palace.

  “I’m scared, Mother.”

  “So am I.”

  “What will happen?”

  “There is going to be a fierce battle soon, my daughter.”

  “Where?” asked Rachael, running to keep up with her mother.

  The queen said, “It could come to the palace. Tyro is rounding up soldiers to protect us and we need to stay within the walls.”

  “We need help now, Mother.”

  “You and I must pray that they stay away.”

  “Will we die?” Rachael asked.

  “Anything is possible.”

  “What can I do?”

  “Keep away from the windows so archers don’t shoot you from afar.”

  “Is that all?”

  “It is always good to confess our sins and keep our hearts right with El, just in case,” said Kenana.

  “In case of what?” Rachael sniffed back the tears. “In case we die?”

  “In case of anything that might go wrong.”

  “Don’t we first need a holy man to sacrifice a lamb for us to atone for our sin?” Rachael’s voice shook in fear. “How do we do that when we are dying?”

  Kenana shook her head. “The priest sacrificed one the other day for everybody, ahead of time. There is no time now anyhow. We will pray. For mercy.”

  Suddenly, Rachael cried out toward Heaven. “Have mercy on me, dear God, for being so selfish. Make the fear and the clouds go away.”

  The queen mother blinked back her own tears and hugged Rachael tightly. Although overprotective, she was a good parent. “Let’s get inside where we can be protected,” she said and rushed her daughter into the palace.

  “I do not want to see an attack,” cried Rachael. “I’m going to hide.” Running up the stairs to the upper rooms, she could now hear the enemy through the open window. Clouds blocked all the light, and it was dark. It was as if the day had suddenly turned to night. A streak of lightning zigzagged across the sky, followed by a loud clap of thunder. The enemy sounds were blocked out by the storm. She clasped the drape and pulled it shut. Hiding under her coverlets in her bed, Rachael prayed for help.

  She believed that God answered prayer. The angels of Heaven would help attack the army led by giants. Of this, she was certain. Something big is about to happen, she thought.

  Rachael screamed as she heard footsteps coming and gasped in fear. “Who is there?”

  “It is I, your father. Are you unwell, my dear one?” Asher approached, and quietly took her in his arms. “You are trembling. You must be brave, child. Can you do that for me?” he asked, hugging her.

  “I am so scared, Father.”

  “Your mother told me what happened when you went out for a walk. I’m sorry you saw that.” The king was a man of faith, trusting God even while Nephilim were preparing to lead an attack on the palace. Looking off toward the distant horizon, he said, “Our help comes from the Lord.”

  “And Tyro.” Rachael followed his gaze as she looked toward the distant, bleak foothills beyond the enemy’s camp.

  The king said, “Tyro receives his strength from El. We truly need Tyro to get back soon with his soldiers.”

  She asked, “What are you going to do if he doesn’t come, Father?”

  “First, we pray that they don’t attack. And then we pray that Tyro returns with help. And then we wait.” Asher nodded seriously. “We are planning a surprise attack on them. But Tyro needs to be here. He went to a
sk Tall to come lead one group of men for us.”

  “Those evil beasts are horrible. I hate them,” Rachael said. “Why couldn’t they just stay in their own section of the woods, instead of coming here, and forcing us to hide in the palace? You must get rid of them forever this time, Father.”

  Holding her, he patted her back. “You seem to have remarkable wisdom for such a young woman.”

  “I’m only a girl. I can’t help.”

  “Listen to me. We plan to create a diversion on the opposite side of where they are assembling,” he said.

  “To make them look the other way,” she said.

  “Yes,” the king agreed. “You see,” he said, “you understand more than you have believed that you could.” With moistened eyes, he stared into the far distance as he continued to hug her. For a second, he turned and focused his gaze on her. He looked her in the eyes, and Rachael saw a serenity in his face. “I love you, my daughter,” he said. “You and your mother will be safe. We will win this war, even if it is one battle at a time.”

  “I wish Tyro would hurry home.”

  “We will pray for that,” he replied.

  Rachael said, “Ava told me that she has seen this kind of thing before.”

  “I know.” Asher said, “Come downstairs. You and Ava need to stay with your mother.” He looked around. “Where is Ava anyway?”

  “I don’t know.”

  They headed downstairs to look for Ava. Asher found Ava huddled in a corner of the great hall. The king softly asked, “Ava? Are you going to be all right?”

  “I hope so,” said Ava. “I fear reliving the past. Many nights, I have cried myself to sleep because of it.” Ava’s eyes moistened as her voice choked up. “Memories are haunting me and rising up as if they are fresh.”

  Asher listened as Ava explained. “Memories of what?”

  “Your kidnapping. I was walking out in the field when I heard a loud thundering noise. When I looked up, I saw the band of Nephilim come through on huge horses. They stole you. That was the last time I saw you as a child, Asher. Every building was burned to the ground except one. My modest home for the last ten years.”

  Ava began to tremble, and her eyes stared into the distance. She mumbled incoherently.

  “Go get your mother,” Asher told Rachael. “Ava has need of her.”

  Rachael left the room and returned with Kenana. “You need to lie down,” Kenana told Ava as she helped her to her feet and over to the lounge.

  She lay down with Rachael beside her, stroking her hair. “Just relax, my daughter. Have faith.”

  Ava looked at Rachael. “I lost your father when he was little. The next time I saw him, he was grown. When he came back and saw that the great house was gone, he cried. Everything that he remembered was completely gone.”

  Rachael said, “That is heartbreaking.”

  Kenana said, “Those memories have haunted my husband, as well.”

  “There was nothing anyone could do. The tribes of Nephilim controlled the hills during that time,” said Asher.

  Ava said, “When I heard the sounds of battle, I raced over to where the big rocks are among the trees. I just hid. No one knew to look for me.”

  The king, who was standing a short distance from the women, said, “I’m so sorry that you had to watch what happened.”

  Ava said, “It took me weeks to bury the dead. All I had was a shovel. When it was over, I planted trees over the graves. Now that the trees are grown, whenever the wind blows, it seems that the children buried there are singing.”

  Rachael looked out into the trees. Wind whistled through them. It was as if she could also hear the children singing. Rachael’s mind was in turmoil. Why would God allow such devastation for a young girl and a little boy?

  Ava answered the question for her without her having to ask. “El has been good to us. We were blessed not to be completely destroyed by the evil spirits that possess the giants.”

  Ava grabbed Rachael’s hand. “I stayed in the shack until your father built the small hut for me where I now live. That was after Tyro was born—when they moved here. It was strange. Asher just showed up one day. I recognized him immediately.”

  Rachael softly said, “I know that he was so glad to see you alive. He often tells me that.”

  “I’m sure it was a great reunion for both of you,” said Kenana, as tears moistened her eyes. “No one saw you watching the attack from your hiding place. That was good fortune.”

  “Yes, it was,” said Ava. “I think that is enough sad talk for now.” Her eyes rested on Rachael’s slender, girlish shape. “You are very pretty, just as a princess ought to be.”

  “Thank you,” Rachael said. But it seemed like one problem only led to another. She thought of Joel. She wanted to be his friend, but not if he had murdered the old lady. She looked at Ava.

  Ava smiled tentatively at Kenana, and then glanced seriously toward Asher. “We women will pray. You men will fight.”

  “Agreed.” King Asher looked out the window toward the sky. “A storm is coming. Let’s hope Tyro gets here before the tempest reaches us.”

  Chapter Fifteen

  TYRO

  Tyro did not know how bad things were back home.

  He was in Adah, his birthplace. In spite of the fact that he was supposed to be gathering an army, he had come to see his girl. But how could he help others if he had needs himself?

  He stood in the doorway. The old palace in Adah had a peculiar odor that set it apart. It smelled like newly tanned leather and rosewater. Tyro did not move as he drank in the beauty of Leah lying on the cushions. When she saw him, she jumped up and ran to him. Throwing her arms around his neck, she squealed his name with joy.

  “Ah, Leah,” he sighed. She smelled so good, and her creamy skin was without flaw. Her long, flowing red hair, which glowed like fire, caused his heart to burn with a flame that roared up. He put his arms around her small waist, which was encased between firm breasts and shapely hips. Tyro could not resist embracing her. He actually felt faint as she raised her face toward his for a kiss. He kissed her passionately. “Let me just feast my eyes on you for a moment.” He looked her over. “Absolutely beautiful,” he said and kissed her again.

  But he had to control his emotions and his physical desires, so he released her. Tyro had a job to do. He said, “I’m on a mission, and I don’t have much time.”

  “I know.” She placed her hands on his cheeks.

  “But I just had to see you.” He tightened his arms about her again.

  “I was hoping you’d come.” She immediately tightened her arms around his neck, her soft lips touched his again.

  “I love you so.”

  “I love you, too.”

  “We will marry soon,” he said.

  “Sometimes, I think I can’t wait for that,” she teased.

  He very much wanted to clasp her buttocks and pull her close against him, but it would be the worst thing he could do at this time. He patted her back and released her.

  On this particular trip, he had an urgency to see Tall. “I need to talk to your father.”

  “Of course.”

  He said, “There is serious trouble in Alalakh, which could spread to all of Mesopotamia. It is such a pressing matter that I speak to your father right away.”

  “I’ll have someone find him.” She stepped out in the hall and talked to a nearby slave. When she came back in, she said, “I sent for Father. He will be here soon.”

  “Thanks.” He looked at her again, pleased with what he saw. He kissed her again.

  Leah smiled, her eyes sparkling. “Will you be spending the night with us?”

  “I don’t think so.” He sighed. “I don’t have extra time.”

  “You have to get some sleep.”

  “I wish I could stay longer, but I still have several stops to make, and then I must report back to the king.”

  “You can’t accomplish your mission without sleep.”

  “Maybe y
ou are right. I’ll go to the servants’ quarters.”

  “No, please. I can make you a bed in the anteroom.” Leah had a pleading look in her eyes. “I promise not to tempt you to lie with me.”

  Tyro stood, drinking in the view. His heart pounded loudly in his throat. Without a doubt, he would rather spend the night with Leah in her bed, but he had to stay focused on his mission.

  “I shouldn’t,” said Tyro. “But I’ll consider your offer.” Tyro realized that he could waste no time gathering warriors.

  “You are so noble. It is late, and you need rest.” Leah said, as she shook her head. “Just stay.”

  “Greetings, Tyro. How are you?” asked Tall as he walked into the anteroom. “What is the problem?”

  “Tyro doesn’t want to rest,” Leah said.

  “Make our young man a bed in the anteroom, Leah.”

  “I have no time for rest,” said Tyro. “Thank you, but I am on the king’s urgent business.”

  “You need to sleep sometime,” said Tall with finality.

  “I have not yet seen any of the village patricians, nor the governor of this region. I rode straight here.”

  “I want no arguments from you, son.”

  Tyro laughed as he said, “Is there someplace we can talk alone?”

  “Of course.”

  He looked at Leah. “You do understand, don’t you?”

  “Yes.”

  “Come,” said Tall, taking him outside in the yard. “The war, is that what news you bring?”

  “Yes.”

  “I’ve heard that it has gotten more serious?”

  “Very serious. Some Nephilim are organizing an attack on the palace in Alalakh as we speak. They have destroyed several hamlets in the north country. Killing, robbing, even food, and burning.”

  “So, if we don’t stop them now, our entire country could be in danger of annihilation.”

  “The palace could be destroyed any day now,” said Tyro. “Can you send your strongest soldiers to the king?”

  “Now?”

  “Yes,” said Tyro. “Can you spare them?”

  “Certainly.” Tall spoke in serious tones. “Although I do need to leave some soldiers here to guard this place, Sarah has to stay home until the baby is born. She cannot travel. It would risk her life and the babe’s life. They are safer at home than on the road.”