The Thorn tcog-1

by Daron Fraley

  Jonathan stepped back a few paces to give Pekah some room, and took opportunity to check him over. He saw that Pekah was strong and fit, slightly shorter than himself and Eli. The Gideonite’s rough hands betrayed the life of one accustomed to the hard work of a laborer, and seemed out of place when contrasted with the almost-new uniform he wore. Dressed in the typical manner of Gideonite soldiers, he wore a tightly-woven green wool tunic under his breastplate, which reached to just above the knees, held to his waist by a wide leather belt. His pants were black, and his brown boots wore the evidence of many long marches in recent days. In particular, Jonathan noticed that the paint on Pekah’s hardened leather breastplate shone in the evening light, an indication he had not been serving in the army of the Gideonite emperor for very long.

  As Jonathan surveyed the soldier’s appearance, Pekah gaped at the sword in Jonathan’s hand as if surprised not to have been struck down by it. Jonathan looked again at Eli, and felt annoyed when Pekah cleared his throat to get his full attention.

  “I seem to have a problem.”

  Jonathan’s eyebrows lifted as he scrutinized the young Gideonite. “What kind of problem?”

  Pekah swallowed hard. “If I consent, and give the oath which you have requested, my life will be in danger of forfeit. Desertion from the emperor’s army is punishable by death. From what I have heard, death for deserters is not a pleasant experience. The emperor is fond of torture to induce submission among the people.”

  “I see.”

  “And,” Pekah continued, “returning home will take me nowhere. My mother passed away a few years ago. I never knew my father. I only have one other choice.”

  Jonathan waited. Pekah’s dramatic pause irritated him.

  “My only choice is to follow you.”

  Jonathan frowned, and he felt his brow furrow. He stepped closer to the Gideonite and glared at him. “What will you do for me?” he asked in a firm voice.

  Pekah did not hesitate. “I will serve you. Yes, Nate-I will serve you until you release me, and even unto the end of my life, if you desire. Will you take me as your servant?” He stood unflinching and motionless.

  Jonathan did not relish the thought of having a servant join him in battle, and yet something intrigued him about the idea of keeping Pekah close. This young man may be of use, he thought. “Swear it. Swear it by your honor.”

  “I swear it by my life and my honor.”

  Now satisfied, Jonathan switched his weapon to his left, then stepped forward, offering the palm of his free hand in acceptance, which Pekah instantly covered with his own right hand. Jonathan held Pekah’s gaze momentarily, then both men withdrew. An oath of honor such as this would be broken only by death, even by a Gideonite. Jonathan relaxed with a deep breath.

  Seeing that his own sword was still in hand, Jonathan drove it deep into the soft grassy turf, all the way to the hilt, to clean it. He pulled it from the ground and flashed the perfect, sharp edges above him. Through the blade, he could see the eastern sunset sky where the small dots of Azure and Aqua rested on the horizon. He sheathed the sword, feigned a glare at Eli, then grinned.

  “It’s good to see you. But you can’t seem to stay out of trouble, can you?”

  Eli returned the grin. “It’s my lot in life. Yours is to get me out of the trouble I’m in.”

  Jonathan nodded and laughed. Eli frequently seemed to be into some kind of mischief when they were together as young boys. Jonathan had often shouldered the blame for some of the pranks so Eli would not be the one always in trouble.

  “I’m sorry,” Pekah said.

  Jonathan studied the Gideonite. Pekah appeared as if he wanted to say something more, but instead blew out a sigh. Jonathan followed the soldier’s eyes down to Eli’s shackles.

  “Let me get the keys,” Pekah suggested as he ran to the fallen captain’s body. Jonathan remained alert, and was relieved to see that Pekah only retrieved keys from a pouch on the belt of the captain. When Pekah returned, he knelt before Eli, unlocked the fetters, and untied the ropes.

  Now free from his bonds, Eli stepped to the side and gently kicked Pekah to make him lose his balance and fall. Jonathan snickered.

  “That’s for yanking on the rope around my neck!” Eli said with a forced growl as he pulled the loop over his head, dropping it to the ground.

  At first, Pekah appeared worried about retaliation from Eli, but when he saw the boyish grin on Eli’s face, he stood and returned a sheepish smile.

  “We should find some shelter for the night,” Jonathan said in a serious tone, trying not to laugh.

  “What about the-?”

  Jonathan cut him off with a wave of his hand, pretending to cough. He didn’t want Pekah to know of the cave. “I think we should make our way a mile to the west. The trees there are very dense. Perhaps we can find a good spot off the main trail where we won’t be noticed.”

  Eli agreed, and Pekah shrugged his shoulders.

  Jonathan started to speak, but hesitated. Do I trust him? Yes. I must show him that I do.

  “Pekah, get yourself a new weapon. We also need to hide the bodies before we leave, or we will surely be followed.”

  Before they worked together to drag the bodies into the trees, Jonathan helped Eli retrieve his weapons, which had been bundled and tied to a large shoulder sack belonging to one of the archers. They found that Eli’s sword, belt dagger, and boot knife were all together.

  Eli strapped them on, stretched his aching and cramped muscles, then rubbed the marks left by his bonds.

  “Is that all of it?” Jonathan asked.

  “All but my walking staff. Unfortunately the soldiers left it behind when I was captured,” Eli said as he brushed the dust from his coarsely-woven white tunic. “I’ll get a new stick tomorrow. Plenty of trees around.”

  Jonathan led the way, and the three of them started the unpleasant task of disposing of the dead Gideonites. As they placed the bodies together, Eli suggested they reclaim any usable items from the soldiers, such as provisions and weapons, rather than leave the supplies for marching Gideonite troops to find. Jonathan consented. He helped Eli cut branches to cover the men while he watched Pekah gather supplies in eager haste. Jonathan could see that Pekah felt no grief for the dead soldiers, especially the captain. He watched with interest as Pekah removed a dagger from the captain’s leather belt, took a sword from one of the archers, and then strapped both weapons to his waist.

  Jonathan cut a final branch, then motioned to Eli. They turned to assist Pekah in his search and found quite a few other useful things. Their pile of treasures included a few glow-stones, two glow-stone lanterns, a flint for fire making, two quivers of very fine arrows, two bows, and enough provisions to last for three days.

  In addition to the supplies, Pekah also found a small bag of gold and silver coins on the captain’s belt. Each coin bore the image of Manasseh, Emperor of the Gideonites, on one side, and an image of the twin suns on the other. Jonathan estimated that there were about forty Gideonite solars total. Pekah returned them to the leather bag and presented it to Jonathan, respectfully asking him to take them.

  Jonathan declined. “Pekah, keep them for us. Should we not need the money in Ain, the coins are yours.”

  Pekah shrugged and tied the bag around his belt. They returned to their task of hiding the bodies of the fallen soldiers, using the cut limbs and some large pieces of bark from downed rotting timber. As they finished, they noticed the darkness fast approaching.

  “There may be other patrolling soldiers about,” Eli said.

  “True,” Jonathan agreed. “We should move on.”

  The three men crossed the grassy glade and chose the western fork of the dividing path. Eli suggested they travel single file on the side of the trail once they entered the trees. This minimized the traces of their passing, even though occasional underbrush and branches slowed their progress. As they hiked through the forest, the waning light of dusk was replaced by light from the two smaller ri
sing moons. The heavens peeked in upon them between the treetops, showing a beautiful spray of stars. As was common at this time of year, a dim green aurora danced over the southern sky, and Eli hummed a simple child’s lullaby about the lights in the heavens.

  Jonathan’s troubled heart warmed upon hearing the deep, soothing melody. “Thank you, Eli,” he said.

  “You’re welcome. Music lifts the spirit, does it not?”

  “It certainly does help.”

  Pekah did not comment.

  Eli continued to hum, and Jonathan was glad for it. Curious about the Gideonite who had joined him, he peered over at Pekah. He could just make out the soldier’s face in the dim light provided by holes in the leafy canopy above. Whether aware of Jonathan’s curiosity or not, Pekah’s gaze did not leave the ground. He seemed tired and distant, so Jonathan did not attempt to engage him in conversation.

  Now larger and much closer together, the trees bordering the shadowed path completely obstructed the lights of the moons and made it difficult for them to see where to step. Eli and Pekah rubbed two glow-stones to charge them, and then placed each crystal in a reflective lantern, the light of which allowed them to quicken their pace.

  The men hadn’t eaten in some time, so the search for a place to rest for the night intensified. Their careful observation was rewarded as they turned from the path to follow the faint sound of trickling water.

  About one hundred paces from the trail near a wide bend in a rocky stream, they found a thick growth of thorny, gnarled brush and vines overrunning a tight group of trees. The trees and bushes together made a natural barrier shaped like a cup turned on its side, the hollow facing the water. Because of location and a gentle southerly breeze, this made a perfect place to stay the night. Travelers on the forest path would probably not notice them as long as they were quiet, even with a campfire.

  After unburdening themselves of all the supplies they carried, each of them helped to gather wood, piling it within a fire-circle of large rocks. Jonathan used flint to spark some tinder, and soon the fire burned bright and warm. They arranged logs for seating, then took the opportunity to wash at the stream’s edge before returning to camp to eat.

  “I still have some dried meat, fruit, and half a cheese in my sack,” Jonathan offered. Eli growled like a hungry animal, rubbing his stomach for emphasis. Pekah grabbed his own provisions sack and produced a large round of leavened bread, some strips of salted meat, and a wineskin. Jonathan decided to save his own provisions, especially the fruit, for breakfast. Pekah grabbed his round of bread and started to break it into large pieces, but Jonathan held out his hand to stop him.

  “Do you mind if we pray before we eat?” he asked.

  Pekah appeared puzzled at first, but then shrugged his shoulders. “That would be fine.”

  Both Eli and Jonathan knelt on the ground and bowed their heads. Jonathan glanced at Pekah, who mimicked them like an awkward youth.

  “Our Father, our God, we come to Thee in humility and with broken hearts…” Jonathan paused as his voice began to quaver. He composed himself and continued. “We thank Thee for all which Thou dost provide; for life, for bread, for strength and wisdom and love. We thank Thee for the Son whom Thou wilt send. May Thy blessings be upon us, and upon our peoples. We thank Thee for the protection we have been granted this day. May the souls of those who have gone home to Thee find rest, forgiveness, and healing. Let peace reign, and the hearts of all men be softened by truth and love. Bless us to this end and prepare us for Thy will to be done. Amen and amen.”

  Jonathan opened his eyes and found Pekah staring at him.

  “You seem troubled. Did I say something that bothered you?”

  Pekah shook his head. “No.” His gaze fell, and he gave no other explanation.

  Jonathan did not press the issue. He took an offered piece of dried meat from Eli. Pekah still held the bread motionless in his hands, and Eli had to get his attention in order to ask him to share. Pekah apologized.

  All three men fell quiet, lost in thought. Jonathan reflected on his father’s passing. He felt guilty for leaving Samuel’s body in the Council Hall, and wondered if he should have gone back. Surely the Gideonite army did not leave him there, Jonathan reassured himself. He imagined them taking the body to a hill outside the village walls. He pictured the familiar green hills and almost smelled the fresh dirt as shovels turned over the sod. Jonathan’s guilt turned to sorrow as he realized he would never till the soil at Samuel’s side again.

  Fighting back tears, his attention turned to Eli, who chewed his last bite of jerky loudly enough to be heard. Eli gazed at him expectantly, as if he wanted to talk.

  “Pekah?” Jonathan asked. “Do you mind if Eli and I excuse ourselves for a moment?”

  Pekah shook his head and said, “No.”

  Jonathan gave him a reassuring smile. “Thank you. We’ll be back.”

  Jonathan and Eli grabbed their sword belts and left the fire. They found a suitable place to sit outside of earshot, but still within sight of the fire-lit camp. The site they chose was well-lit by the beaming three sister moons.

  Before Jonathan could sit on the log they found, Eli grabbed Jonathan to himself and embraced him. They patted each other’s backs firmly, and then clasped forearms. Tears of joy and sorrow welled in their eyes and dropped onto their arms.

  Eli released his friend, and both men used their sleeves to dry their eyes. Then they sat down together under the moons-light to talk.

  Chapter 7

  Promises

  Jonathan broke the silence. “My father was slain.”

  Eli exhaled. “I know. I saw him.”

  “You were there? Tell me what you saw!”

  Eli’s face filled with sorrow. Light from the moons above glistened upon his wet cheeks as tears tumbled from his green eyes and into his scruffy red beard. Jonathan’s own eyes blurred as Eli rubbed his eyes dry.

  “I am so sorry, Jonathan,” Eli said with emotion. “This morning, after a speedy march with a group of eight other Uzzahite warriors, Tavor and I arrived at Hasor just as the suns were rising. I had hoped to assist you in your defense. However, my fears of arriving too late were confirmed as we approached the village walls. We came down from the north road, and when the east gate came into view, we found the heavy doors destroyed. The entire village had been deserted.”

  “I think they were all taken prisoner,” Jonathan interjected as he wiped his cheeks with the backs of his hands.

  “I think you’re right,” Eli confirmed. “We had seen a very large contingent of soldiers escorting a group of at least two hundred men, women, and children due west toward Saron the previous evening. We believe they were going to use the Geber Pass to get to Ain. Our scouts confirmed that Ain was taken just four days ago.”

  Eli paused and crossed his arms as if to allow Jonathan time to absorb the new information.

  “Father and I suspected Ain had already been captured, but we did not know for sure.” Jonathan let out a deep sigh, then pursed his lips. Confusion replaced his anger. “If you found the village deserted, how did you get mixed up with the Gideonite soldiers?”

  “I sent most of my men to check the garden gate while I took Tavor with me to check out the temple, palace, and hall. The temple seemed to be undisturbed. Obviously the Gideonites were not after gold candlesticks that day.”

  Jonathan managed a thin smile at this somewhat positive news.

  “When I got to the hall, I found your father in the Council Room.” Eli placed his hand on Jonathan’s shoulder. “I sent Tavor to call the other men, and then the ten of us carried him out the broken gates into the olive garden. We found some shovels in the gardener’s hut. Jonathan, we laid him under your favorite olive tree.”

  Tears were visible in Eli’s eyes again, and Jonathan’s own sorrow pulled his head low. He felt the strong squeeze of Eli’s hand on his arm. He looked up, again wiping his face with his hands. “Thank you, Eli. You did my father a great service.”<
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  “I loved him too, Jonathan.”

  Eli paused, but then explained that after their very emotional ceremony for Samuel, they split up to cover the entire village to be sure there were no survivors within the walls.

  “When we met back at the hall, we thought it peculiar that we did not find any other bodies in the entire village. There were evidences everywhere of intense fighting when the village was overrun, but we did not find a single soul, living or dead. We decided to patrol the outside wall, and did so, starting at the garden gate. We circled the southern wall heading west.”

  Eli cleared his throat. “We were surprised to find a fresh mass grave to the west of the village, still being filled by a group of Danielites and their captors. Not far off, a group of about forty Gideonites were camped in the hollow there by the vineyards. About ten of them rushed up to us as soon as we were seen, and knowing we were outnumbered, we surrendered. We were harshly questioned, and when they figured out that I was the leader of my band of warriors, they separated us. My nine were added to the main group of remaining Danielites and marched down the road towards Saron. I had the pleasure of traveling the forest trails toward Ain in company of the rogues you caught me with earlier this evening. The captain told Pekah and the others it would be a faster route.” Eli grinned and spat on the ground in defiance. “Once again, you have gotten me out of a bad one,” he said with a laugh.

  Jonathan didn’t laugh, but he did return the smile. “It’s so good to see you, Eli. Thank you again for giving my father a dignified burial. It was I who left him on the floor of the Council Hall. I hated to do it, but I was in a hurry to escape.”

  With hand gestures for emphasis, Jonathan proceeded to tell Eli about hiding in the barn, hearing the commotion in the village, and returning to the hall where he found his father. He also mentioned the noise which had startled him, and his retrieval of The Thorn. Jonathan patted his chest.

  “Eli, I got it, and then literally ran out the door.”