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
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.”
“Thank you very much for your kindness,” Rachel said.
Eli spoke. “Captain, we plan to return before the evening meal.”
“Wonderful!” Amon said. “I’ll be expecting you. I look forward to meeting this Danielite.”
Following Amon, they made their way back to the plaza where they found a small contingent of men tending enough horses for everyone, including an extra mount to bring Jonathan back, and light provisions, should they be delayed in their return. Amon said his goodbyes and left for his tent.
“Would you like help?” Eli asked Rachel, holding the reins of her horse.
“I can manage.”
“But your feet…” Eli protested.
Pekah chuckled. “Better not argue with your sister,” he said.
“So true!”
They all paused as she mounted the horse side-saddle. Once she settled in, the men readied themselves. The Gideonite captain assigned to accompany the group did not say much, but motioned for them to follow. They went at a leisurely pace. This gave Pekah another chance to admire the fountains and balconies of Ain. Although beautiful in their own right, the cities of his homeland were significantly more plain-no fountains, and the buildings were typically made of large timbers. I would live here, he thought.
It did not take long for the group to navigate through the maze of streets, and they soon found themselves outside the city walls with the gates closed behind them. The escorting captain rode around the group to get a headcount. Once he was certain none had strayed, he gave the command to ride.
As they rode, a gentle breeze carrying the scent of farmland reminded Pekah of the abandoned farms, untended animals, and quiet homes he had seen previously. A milk cow grazing on an open hillside caught his attention. The sight of the loose animal reminded him that the families had not yet returned to their homes.
Soon they left the outskirts of the city, where they began the gradual ascent of the winding switchbacks. Pines and oaks were scattered along the road, but the trees did not obscure the view of the tops of the hills or the rocky outcroppings in the heights on the north side of the pass.
Pekah watched the area intently, hoping to catch a glimpse of their friend, but searched in vain. A hawk circled near the top of the rise, taking advantage of the late morning thermals, but nothing else moved in the area. The twin suns, warm and bright above them, felt good to him.
Conversation had been scarce during the short ride, but now that they neared the top of the switchbacks, they fell silent. The Gideonite soldiers who had provided the escort now motioned Pekah to direct their way. He led them off the road and across a dry stream bed, where they stopped near some trees at the base of the rock outcroppings. Pekah dismounted and tethered his horse. Eli joined him. Except for Rachel, the rest of the riders remained in their saddles. She jumped down from her perch. Her mouth open, she craned her neck, searching. Pekah cheerfully accepted the reins from her hand and tied her horse to a tree branch next to his own.
