dropped his other arm as if it were a mallet. Like lightning striking from the heavens, a volley of arrows-some flaming and some not-arced over the outer wall. They heard screams in the distance, and the spotter reported that many of the projectiles had found their mark.
In perfect harmony, each of the Uzzahite warriors lifted a shield from the ground to create a protective ceiling over themselves. Just as they had anticipated, a return volley whistled over the wall and bounced like pebbles thrown all around them. Again, the shields were dropped, and another strike was delivered by the Uzzahite archers. The spotter on the wall signaled that the catapult was now unprotected.
Twenty archers with flaming arrows assembled on the wall. After three swift salvos, the spotter signaled that the machine burned. The warriors’ loud cheer burst skyward. Uzziel leaned forward, straining to see for himself if the spotter’s report was true, his heart pounding in his chest. Like a leaf caught in a sudden gust of wind, a pillar of smoke rose over the wall. Uzziel danced.
Chapter 22
Familiar sights of industry bordering the river told Jonathan they were very close to Saron, city of the plains. Flowing northward from the direction of the Geber Pass, the Saron River held both gristmills and lumber mills upon its grassy shoulders. Each appeared to be untended, although water wheels continually sloshed in the river.
Jonathan stood in the stirrups, but a gentle rise before the advancing army still hid their destination from view. Even though he could not see the city with his eyes, he remembered its charming characteristics well-a tiny blue lake fed by a spring at its center that eventually emptied by way of canal into the river, wandering streets paved with brown bricks, round adobe buildings with thatched roofs, and small parks of trees where the citizens could gather to socialize in the evenings.
Quaint as it may seem to a visitor, Saron was in reality a very busy place. Artisan shops of every variety, markets for commodities and handcrafted wares, bustling bakeries, storehouses, and especially the efficient mills drew the masses to Saron, transforming it into a center of trade and industry. Jonathan had been there many times himself. Every day, apart from the Sabbath, scores from each tribe would arrive to sell their goods and purchase needed items. Sometimes the streets were so clogged with people, Jonathan could barely move, but he didn’t mind. He was used to the crowds.
As the army crested the hill, Jonathan could see Saron sprawled out before him. It spread across the rolling plain like the branches of a fruit tree-some portions dense, and others mere offshoots. Seeing a particular area of the city where he had done business before, he pointed out the familiar location to Rachel, who rode next to him. Engrossed in conversation, Jonathan hardly noticed crossing the rest of the distance from the hill.
When they gained the outskirts of the city, they found themselves near one of the livestock trading areas. Daniel, Uzzah, and Gideon always traded with each other in Saron-it was a completely natural and common sight. But now Jonathan stared in wonder at the gathered throng near animal pens where the proud banners of Gideon, Daniel, and Uzzah flapped together in the breeze. Only the colors of Daniel had ever flown there before.
Jonathan guessed that the messengers dispatched earlier in the morning had gathered the crowd when he recognized one of them rushing to greet Jasher, who now rode nearby. The soldier saluted as he approached.
“General Jasher, the city has been secured. All prisoners have been released. They await your arrival.”
“Excellent!” the general replied. “And our men?”
“All patrols have been called in. They have been informed.”
Jasher hailed the crowd that had swelled into hundreds, then waved the army forward, leading the way. Many people along the roadside lifted their hands to touch the riders as they went by. Once at the center of the throng, the general raised his arm, and the procession came to a stop. After the crowd quieted, Jasher shared the events of past days. Even though he had heard the story before, Jonathan listened intently.
“My brothers from Daniel and Uzzah, it is my desire to end this war,” Jasher said as he finished recounting what had happened in Ain. “I now ride with Jonathan of Daniel and many of your friends from the northern cities of Uzzah. Saron is free. You may return to your homes-but I need the help of those who are able. Together we are strong. We must stop General Rezon. Will you join me?”
The crowd cheered. Many able-bodied men stepped forward and pledged their support.
Jasher again waved them onward, and the entire crowd followed. Many of the Danielite residents of Saron, freed by Jasher’s arrival, peeled off from the entourage to return to their homes. Progress through the city slowed. Excited children ran to and fro through the crowd. One child rushed up to her home and hugged the adobe walls before entering with her mother. The sight of her happiness thrilled Jonathan. He caught Rachel looking over at him with a sparkle in her eye, and he winked at her.
When Jasher turned onto the road to Hasor, Azure and Aqua were burning high in the sky. The army halted for a much-needed rest. This allowed others to catch up, including the many men of Saron who had previously departed to check on their homes. They returned bearing additional provisions and weapons. Only those with young families stayed behind, but word came that they had committed to assist the families of those who were leaving, making the cause of peace a communal effort.
After loosing their horses to graze upon the slopes bordering the road, Jonathan stood upon a small hill with his friends and surveyed the scene. Amongst the crowd he could see banners representing every tribe-the green and white of Gideon, the purple and white of Daniel, and the blue and white of Uzzah. A gentle breeze made them all wave proudly. Underneath the high banners, the gathered multitude appeared as dew upon the grass. Jonathan smiled.
Jasher approached and pulled Amon aside, but not out of hearing range. Jonathan watched with interest as Amon received orders from the general.
“Place, or find, captains of fifty within each tribe,” Jasher directed. “Then place over every three captains a more senior captain to lead them all.”
“You wish to make units of one hundred and fifty?” Amon verified.
“Yes. And I want to mix the tribes. Three groups of fifty-one from each tribe.”
“Very well, sir. We have enough from Uzzah to form perhaps three or four of these units, but not more. What do you wish to do with the rest of Daniel and Gideon?”
“You may mix them in a similar fashion, I suppose, but with two groups of fifty from each of the tribes.”
“And their colors? Do you wish each fifty to fly their own?”
“Precisely. When we find Rezon, I want him to see what has been done. I want him to see The Brothers together and be surprised. Astonishment-that is what I am after. What do you suppose Rezon will think when he sees us?”
Amon laughed. “I know what I would think.” He saluted, then departed to relay the orders to the other captains. Jasher walked off with his entourage of messengers and aides in tow.
“How far is Hasor from here?” Pekah asked.
“Slightly farther than you made me march the day before the Suns’ Crossing.” Eli grinned from ear to ear. When Pekah began to laugh, Eli shouldered him off balance as he had on the day of his rescue, and chuckled.
“Don’t hurt my bodyguard,” Jonathan scolded.
Rachel drew close and took his hand in hers. “Your bodyguard?” she asked.
Pekah’s face reddened.
“Rachel,” Jonathan said as he gestured toward the young Gideonite, “Pekah saved my life. The day before you and I were reunited, we came upon a Gideonite soldier who was not happy about the three of us traveling together. Pekah stepped in front of an arrow meant for me.”
Pointing to the small dent and crack in Pekah’s breastplate, Jonathan added, “Here is the testament to his deed.”
Rachel leaned forward to see it better, then looked up at Pekah, her eyes wide. “You weren’t hurt?”
Shaking his head, Pekah said, “Only a scratch.”
Rachel gave him a warm smile. “The Great King rewarded your selfless act by protecting your life. You are very brave.”
