by Tom Cormany
idol worshipers. That is why He commanded us to kill the Canaanites when we entered the Promise Land under Joshua.”
“You mean...” began Jacob.
“Yes, son. And it is about time that this happened.” This time it was his father who spoke.
The two of them wandered over to a convenient rock and sat down. Jacob had many questions for his dad. While they talked, they finished the food that they had brought with them. Most everyone else had left, but a few others had stuck around. As if unwilling to leave.
Soon, though, even those began to drift away. Most had farther to go to get home before dark and there was much to ponder about the day's events. Ezra sent the wagon home. It wasn't long until it was just the three of them – plus the king over in his pavilion. He seemed preoccupied with the day's events. He did not speak to them, nor did they speak to him.
Elijah strolled back into the glade, a sword in his hand. He went and laid it on the ground under the shelter of his cloak, then walked over to the king. Jacob didn't hear what was said, but the king nodded distractedly and went back to just sitting there with his head in his hands. Elijah shrugged and came over to where the three of them stood.
“I told him he should eat, but it doesn't look like he is going to take my advice. Well, that's up to him. Ezra, I'm going over here to pray. Near my cloak. I want you to go up to the top of the hill and look out over the sea. Come back to me and report what you see.”
Without waiting for a reply, he turned and went back to his little shelter and knelt down. Jacob could hear his voice, but could not make out the words.
“Jacob – would you like to climb with me?”
Jacob looked over at Ezra in surprise. Ezra continued, “If I know my master, today isn't over. Something else is going to happen.”
“But, every one's gone,” protested Jacob.
“No, they're not,” put in his father. “There's us three, plus Elijah, plus the king and his servants. And yes, Jacob, you may go. I, too, feel that this day isn't over.”
Together, he and Ezra climbed to the top of the natural amphitheater. There, they could clearly see the western sea. Jacob searched the horizon, but he wasn't quite sure what he was supposed to be looking for.
“Do you see anything unusual?” asked Ezra.
“No,” replied Jacob. It was hard to keep the disappointment out of his voice. “Not a thing.”
Ezra chuckled at the sound of his disappointment. “That's okay,” he said. “My master sent me up here for a reason. He also said to come back and report what I've seen. So, I must go back. How about you stay here and keep watch. If you see something, come tell me, otherwise, I'll be back in a few minutes.”
With that, he started back down the hill. Jacob kept watching. Soon, Ezra was back with a puzzled look on his face. “He said to look again, then come back. Do you see anything?”
“No, nothing changed,” said Jacob.
“Okay, I guess I'll be back in a few minutes.” And with that, he set off while Jacob kept watch.
Four more times this cycle repeated itself. Ezra looked like the running up and down the hill was wearing him out. Jacob asked him how many times he would keep going up and down the hill. “As many times as my master requires. Take heart, whatever is going to happen won't be long now.” And he set off down the hill for the sixth time.
Jacob was almost bored as he looked out across the horizon once again. So bored, he almost missed it. There! Way out to sea, he saw a little cloud, not much more than a speck of lint in the distance. He looked for more. Nope, just the one tiny fluff of white. Not terribly exciting except it was the first cloud he had seen in a very long time. Should he go for Ezra?
Just then, he heard Ezra's footsteps coming back. “See anything yet?” he asked.
“Yes, but it's just a tiny little...” Jacob broke off as he looked at the cloud. “Hey, it's bigger! It was just the size of a speck of link a minute ago.”
The tiny cloud had indeed grown. Now, it was the size of his fist held at arm's length. It was still small, but not as small as before.
“I think you'd better come with me this time,” said Ezra. “Somehow I don't think we will be coming back up here.” Together they set off down the hill.
When they got down to the clearing, Ezra went to report to Elijah. Jacob ran to his dad.
“I saw a cloud!” he exclaimed. “It was a really tiny cloud and then it got bigger.”
“Is that so?” his father asked. “Are you sure?”
“I saw it, too,” Ezra put in as he came over to them. “My master thanks you for your help, but says you will want to head for home before it rains. And you'd best hurry.”
“Rain?” Jacob and his dad asked together.
“How can rain come from such a little cloud?” asked Jacob.
“Can you doubt my master's words after what you've seen today?” asked Ezra.
“I suppose not,” admitted Ephraim, answering for both of them, “Come on Jacob, let's go home.” He started off towards home.
“Bye Ezra,” said Jacob. “Thanks for letting me help.”
Ezra raised his hand in farewell as he watched the two hurry towards their home. Already he could see the first clouds spreading over the ridge above him.
By the time Jacob and his father reached their home, the sky had grown black, and the wind was blowing. A cold wind. The two of them made sure the animals were secure before they headed indoors. The rumble of thunder followed them inside.
Jacob's mother set the food on the table as the rain came down. “So dears, how was your day?”
Jacob yawned as his father relayed the day's events. Ephraim noticed Jacob's yawn. “Off to bed with you young man,” he ordered with a smile. “You've had a long day.”
As Jacob drifted off to sleep, he listened to the rain coming down so hard outside. “But it was such a little cloud...”
If you enjoy this short story, please search for Mr. Cormany's inexpensively priced collection of Bible stories called "Beyond the Veil" by Tom Cormany.
About the Author
Mr. Cormany was born and raised in the Midwest. He is an avid reader and has done writing in his professional life.
Following a major change in his life, Mr. Cormany decided to devote more of his time to writing. At the encouragement of friends and family, the results are what you see here.
Mr. Cormany is a believer in Yeshua (Jesus) as Messiah. Some of the stories you will find here are secular and some are religious. For the secular stories, he has kept out graphic violence, sex scenes, and foul language in honor of his Savior.
In addition to writing, the author enjoys reading, biking, hiking, and working on models. He currently resides in the South where he continues to write.
Please search online bookstores for other Tom Cormany titles.
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Cover art by CJ Martin--the author of the Tanaka thrillers.
