The Thorn tcog-1

by Daron Fraley

  The Uzzahite warrior studied his own commanding officer with some suspicion, but when he saw the sincerity in Eli’s face, a smile appeared. Tavor put forward his hand, taking Jasher at his word. The two of them made their oath, and then the Danielite captain did the same.

  “You and your peoples are then free!” Jasher declared. “Please gather your leaders and come to the central plaza, where we will make plans for a very important journey. Together, we will commit the rest of the Gideonite armies to our cause!”

  With that, General Jasher spun around on his heel and left them all standing there in wonder. A small contingent of soldiers followed Jasher as a bodyguard detail, but the rest stayed behind, talking to Captain Amon.

  Eli almost pounced on his friend. He gave Tavor a great bear hug, just as he had Jonathan four days earlier. Tavor choked and pushed him off, patting Eli on the arms.

  “How has this happened?” Tavor begged of him.

  “I’ve made a new friend,” Eli said, pointing to Pekah. “This man is responsible for your release. His brave actions before Manasseh changed the heart of the general, who in turn has convinced the entire Gideonite army here in Ain to unite with Daniel and Uzzah!”

  Pekah introduced himself.

  “Thank you,” Tavor said, “for whatever it is you have done. I’m grateful for it.”

  Pekah blushed and looked away at first, but then turned to say, “You’re welcome.”

  Eli chided Tavor for leaving him at Hasor, as if it was his fault. The three men laughed together until Eli’s countenance turned from excitement to anxiety.

  “Have you seen Rachel?” Eli asked, his expression earnest.

  Tavor held up a reassuring hand. “Yes. She is here, and well. She cares for some of the wounded and sick.” He then pointed, adding, “She’s near one of the other fountains of the city.”

  “Tavor, please take us to her!”

  Interrupting, Amon stepped closer and said, “We should go together. That will allow my men to spread the word as we go, and therefore prevent conflict.”

  “As you wish,” Eli agreed.

  Following Amon, the entire body of soldiers entered the holding area. As they tromped through the streets, captains accompanied by their small bands peeled off to gather prisoners around them, declaring their freedom. Their jubilant message went through the crowds faster than they could walk, a cry of “The Three Brothers are again united!” echoing down the city streets before them. The profound declaration made Pekah’s skin tingle with excitement.

  Leaders from the tribes of Daniel and Uzzah pressed close for news as the mob flowed farther into the neighborhood. At first, this caused confusion among some of the prisoners, but when they witnessed Eli, Tavor, and the Danielite captain walking among the Gideonites, many of them realized something extraordinary had taken place.

  By the time the crowd reached the fountain, over three hundred men, women, and children trailed behind in a long procession. Captain Amon waved Pekah and Eli onward, then turned away from the main group in order to take care of business with other soldiers.

  It did not take but a moment of searching the area for Eli to spot Rachel, and he called out to her. The woman stood from her work of checking the bandages of a wounded Danielite soldier and pulled her straight auburn hair back into a knot behind her. Recognizing Eli, she ran to fall into his outstretched arms and burst into tears of relief. Eli cried openly as he patted her back and whispered words of encouragement.

  Made uncomfortable by their emotional reunion, Pekah stepped back to give them privacy. When Eli released her, Pekah stood closer but did not speak.

  “Are you well?” Eli said tenderly.

  “I’m very tired,” Rachel said as she put her hands to her cheeks to stifle a yawn. “Because we have no bedding, it has been hard to sleep.” She let her hands fall, then briefly looked away. “And I’m hungry. The Gideonites have fed us, but the rations have been small.”

  Pekah could see her hair was visibly soiled in parts, and there were minor tears in her brown, front-laced dress. She had pulled the dress up to mid-calf, girding it about her hips with a green sash. The hem of her garment was also riddled with snags and mud, and her bare feet showed signs of recent bleeding. Hints of deep sorrow softened her brown eyes. Although he was not responsible for her discomfort, the pitiful sight tugged at Pekah’s heart.

  Seemingly anxious to share all her burdens, Rachel volunteered the events of the past week in quick succession. She explained that the Gideonite army attacked Saron just as she left the market, and all the goods and money she had obtained by the sale of the spring lambs were lost.

  “Eli, Asah is dead.” Rachel sniffed.

  Eli shook his head, horror in his eyes. “What happened?”

  “Our caravan had just started along the road to Hasor when we were attacked. Asah told me to run, and he tried to fight off a soldier who saw me trying to escape. But it was too late. We were surrounded. I ran back to our cart to find Asah dead.” Tears welled in Rachel’s eyes.

  Eli held her again, his eyes misty. Looking over Rachel’s shoulder at Pekah, he said, “Asah is my father’s steward. Since Father is the High Priest of Uzzah, Asah has always taken care of the family property. He is a good friend.”

  Pekah acknowledged Eli with a nod. He could find no words of comfort, and he sighed, wishing he knew what to say.

  Still holding his sister, Eli asked about her arrival in Ain. Rachel wiped her eyes and pulled away. She then told of their march from Saron, through the Geber Pass, and finally into the city of fountains. She explained that the new leather boots she had purchased at market had caused her feet to blister. To ease the pain, she had removed them and wrapped her feet in shreds of cloth. A lack of shoes caused them to bleed, but now that she had been in the camp for three days, her feet were starting to heal.

  “Rachel,” Eli said softly, holding her by the shoulders, “I was very worried when I heard Saron had been attacked. When Jonathan and I discussed where you might be, we only suspected you might be in Ain. Thanks be to the Holy One that you are here, safe.”

  Rachel’s eyes twinkled with delight at the mention of Jonathan’s name. Her face glowed with joy as she looked from right to left in the crowd, searching for her betrothed.

  “He’s not in the city, my sister,” Eli said as he put his hand on her arm. “Before coming into Ain, Jonathan secreted himself in the hills-he awaits my return with news. Jonathan is not aware that General Jasher of Gideon has declared an end to the Gideonite aggressions, or that Jasher wishes to join Daniel and Uzzah in ending the conflict.”

  Eli’s declaration startled her. “How can this be?” Rachel asked.

  “This is Pekah…”

  Pekah bowed at the introduction, his eyes holding hers as he did. Rachel politely nodded.

  “He brought a message to the emperor-a message inspired by the Holy One. Manasseh rejected it. A great sign was given from the heavens, and General Jasher witnessed the demise of his leader. Jasher’s heart has been turned, and he has made an oath to join in the protection of Daniel and Uzzah. Our peoples have been freed!”

  Tears flowed again down Rachel’s face, and Eli stepped closer to wipe them away. Eli kissed Rachel on the forehead, then held her close.

  “How are your feet? Can you travel?”

  “Yes, I’m fine.”

  “I want to leave right away and go to Jonathan. Do you wish to come with me?”

  Rachel put a hand on her mouth, then she looked away. “Where is he?” she whispered as she brushed hair from her eyes.

  “I’ll take you to him.”

  Her eyes bright, she pulled herself up and kissed Eli hard on the cheek. “Thank you for coming for me.”

  “Jonathan made me.”

  Her mouth fell open, then she punched Eli on the arm, making him laugh. “I need my boots!” Rachel said as she ran off to find them.

  Pekah tugged at Eli’s sleeve.

  “Hmm?”

  “Sh
e… she’s beautiful,” Pekah stammered.

  Eli grinned, with arms crossed. “Yes. Yes, she is.”

  Chapter 15

  Rezon

  Two days earlier, just after dusk the same night on which Pekah dreamed of his encounter with the emperor, Rezon’s army camped outside the city walls of Ramathaim. A rich, green aurora billowed near the southern horizon. Embers glowed bright in the campfire next to General Rezon’s tent, where four Gideonite guards stood at attention, one at each side of the lodging. The flickering of a torch within danced upon the thin canvas walls. In the cool, still air, Gideonite soldiers in the camp huddled in small groups around steaming pots of dinner, ignoring the watchman fires upon the high city walls behind them.

  On their way to the general’s tent, three soldiers hastened past some troops who slurped on thin stew. Nearly tripping over each other as they went, the tallest of the three fumbled with the straps of his breastplate, while another held his sword and shield. Once they arrived at the general’s pavilion within a tight cluster of tents, the three men approached the guards and stated their business. One of the guards disappeared through the tent flaps and then returned, motioning them inside. They stooped through in single file and found themselves standing before the seated general.

  Rezon looked up from a map spread over the table in front of him. He studied the three visitors through strands of sandy brown hair that had fallen out of a thin leather band about his head. He brushed his hair to the side as he stood, then stepped toward the men as two of them saluted him in unison, raising their hands high. The third soldier gawked at the general, staring at his unusual hair color. He did not salute.

  Almost amused by the staring Gideonite, a smirk crossed Rezon’s lips. Embarrassed, the soldier’s gaze fell to the ground.

  Rezon scratched the stubble on his unshaven face, and then said with indignation, “I’m sorry the color of my hair causes you such.. concern. My mother was a Danielite.” He returned to his seat and grabbed for a goblet. The soldier still did not look up. Rezon sipped a mouthful, swished the liquid around, and swallowed. He pointed at the soldier who had stared. “You are excused! As you leave, tell the guard at the entrance to see me at once.”

  The man finally did salute as he left, his expression dejected. The posted guard appeared through the tent flaps, saluted, and waited for orders.

  “Have that man arrested immediately,” Rezon barked. “Take him to the center of camp and flog him. Do not kill him, however. I want him-and those who witness his punishment-to remember it.”

  The guard raised his hand and ducked out. The other two soldiers remained at attention before the seated general. The face of the tallest remained expressionless, even stolid, yet the other wore a crooked smile.

  After a thoughtful exhale, Rezon addressed them again, using his goblet to motion in their direction. “Which one of you is Ilan and which is Zev?”

  The tall soldier blurted, “I am Ilan, and this is Zev.”

  “I like the name Zev, ” Rezon replied as he set his goblet down and crossed his arms. “I need a wolf right now. In fact, I need an entire pack of wolves. Do you know why my chief captain chose you?”

  Both Ilan and Zev said, “No, sir.”

  Rezon regarded the two soldiers, inspecting their uniforms. Both were outfitted in the characteristic fashion of other Gideonite captains, and even had a remarkably similar appearance. They were of pure Gideonite descent, with short-trimmed, wavy hair almost as black as night, complemented by clean-shaven faces. Both were battle-hardened, about thirty years of age, and their darkened eyes showed the signs of many years of indulgence in various vices. This pleased Rezon.

  He stood, drew the dagger from his belt, and placed it on the table in front of him, deliberately pointing the blade at the two soldiers. Recognition lit Ilan’s and Zev’s faces, and they stiffened. The general moved to stand next to his table and placed his fists at his side. He then spoke in soft tones intended to keep the outside guards from overhearing their conversation.

  “You were chosen because Jael trusts you. You are trustworthy, are you not?”

  Both men enthusiastically answered, “Yes.”

  Rezon paced to the edge of the tent. “How very unfortunate the other man proved to be less than qualified.”

  Returning to the table, he pointed at each of the men in turn. “You are here to help me. I have been given the delightful task of bringing Daniel and Uzzah into subjection. This task will be complete within a few days from now. Once I’m done, I am to return to Ain. If they can be found, I will present either the scepter of Daniel, or the head of the heir himself, to the emperor. I am confident the Danielite escaped here, to the great Uzzahite holy city. He surely has the scepter.”

  Rezon paused and reached for his goblet again, draining all that remained. He looked at the wineskin hanging from the center pole of the tent, but did not retrieve it. Instead, he set the goblet down, and then almost shouted, “I do not want to bring them to Manasseh!” He stopped, wanting his statement to have some shock effect on the two men. They only stood straighter.

  “Manasseh, the Great Emperor of Gideon, has asked that I do all of this for him, thinking that the peoples of Daniel and Uzzah will submit to his will as an ass does to its master, while they grind corn together at the mill. I know something of Daniel, however, and they will never follow a man of Gideon.

  “But I… am not just a man of Gideon!” His piercing gaze held both soldiers still.

  “What would you have me do?” offered Zev, with evident anticipation.

  Rezon turned away. Purposely avoiding eye contact, he spoke to the tent wall. “If only the emperor could be… convinced.” He turned back, his eyebrows high, lips curled.

  Zev leered at Ilan, his grin sinister. He stepped up to the table and picked up the general’s dagger, holding it in his right hand. Wincing, he squeezed the razor-sharp blade. A drop of blood appeared on the bottom of his grasping hand. Zev placed the dagger back on the table, and then opened his hand, showing two fresh cuts in his palm and fingers. A small amount of blood pooled in his hand, covering other cuts which had previously healed.

  “I will remove Manasseh from his place, else I will be removed from mine,” Zev said as he wiped the blood across his own bare neck with the final word.

  Without hesitation, Ilan also approached the table to take the dagger, his eyes fixed on Rezon. He repeated the same oath, in the same fashion as Zev. When both of the men standing before him had blood smeared across their necks, Rezon picked up his dagger and wiped the flat of the blade on the palm of his right hand. He then sheathed the weapon without cleaning it.

  “I am very pleased. Leave tonight, and return to me when it’s done. I have arranged for your provisions and for horses.”

  Ilan and Zev smartly saluted and turned to leave. Rezon called them back. He unbuckled his leather belt from around his green tunic, slipped the dagger and sheath from it, and set the belt down on the table.

  “Here,” Rezon said as he handed the sheathed weapon to Zev. “Use this with care.”

  Zev gave a bow, and the two soldiers left.

  Rezon stood alone in silence. He let out a laugh, so deep and low it sounded like a grunt. The prospect that he would soon be in command of the entire Gideonite army danced in his mind, his greed and lust for power making his pulse quicken.

  He returned to his chair after replacing his belt, at a loss of what to do next. While tapping the table with the bottom of his empty goblet, his mind wandered. Thoughts of the coming siege held his attention briefly, but then he called to the guard outside his door.

  “What is your wish?” the soldier asked when he entered.

  “I’m lonely. Bring me a prisoner-and I will not be pleased if she’s ugly.”

  The guard saluted and left. Rezon refilled his goblet, then sat down. A coin on the table caught his eye. He picked up the solar and flipped it over to see Manasseh’s image. Closing his eyes, he rubbed the surface of the coin with
his thumb and smiled.

  Chapter 16

  Jonathan

  The cold water from the fountain caused Rachel to gasp as she washed the dried stains of blood and dust from her calloused feet. Taking care not to make them bleed again, she ignored her discomfort and cleaned the healing cuts the best she could.

  “Are you all right?” Eli asked as he approached.

  “Yes, it just stings.”

  “Do you think you can wear your shoes?” he asked, holding them up.

  “I believe so. Earlier today I washed my stockings, and a woman who lives in this part of the city gave me some oil to soften the boots. I’ve been working the leather.”

  She put on her stockings and took the boots from Eli’s outstretched hands. After latching the brass buckles, she stood to test them. She smiled, pleased to be able to stand without pain. “They feel much better.”

  “I’m glad. Are you sure you can travel in them?”

  Rachel paused. She hadn’t seen Jonathan in weeks, and the thought of him being just outside the city was almost more than she could stand. “Eli, I would walk barefoot to see him.”

  “I know,” Eli chuckled.

  Pekah stood near Tavor and Amon while they discussed their plans. Travel arrangements were finalized as Eli and Rachel approached.

  “Are we ready to leave?” Pekah asked.

  “I believe we are,” Eli said.

  “Eli, is this your sister?” Amon inquired.

  “Yes, Captain. This is Rachel.”

  “I am Amon of Gilad, a captain of Gideon,” he said, voice rumbling. He bowed, and Rachel dipped her head toward him.

  “Your brother has told me the heir of Daniel is nearby in the foothills outside Ain, and he means to bring him here so we may meet. I’ve arranged for horses for both of you, and a small group of soldiers as an escort. When you return, I invite you to accompany me to the central plaza, where we will all meet with General Jasher.”