nodded. Rachel led the way.
Previously, they had come out of the western door and hallway that connected the Council Hall to the palace. Rachel explained that this time she wanted to go back into the palace by way of the eastern door so she could show Abigail the Temple of Hasor.
They followed the graceful curve of a flagstone path winding between mature oak trees on the south side of the hall. As they rounded the south-east corner of the edifice, the Temple of Hasor loomed before them. The sight of the white granite walls and the tall central spire filled with glow-stone windows nearly took Abigail’s breath away.
“It’s almost identical to the Temple of Sacrifice in Ramathaim-smaller, but just as beautiful,” Rachel explained.
“It is magnificent,” Abigail said, admiring the spire.
Rachel touched her arm. She saw Jonathan, Pekah, and Eli walking toward them from the temple. Jonathan found his way to Rachel and fell to one knee as he kissed the hand of his betrothed.
“You rested well, I hope?”
“Yes, thank you,” Rachel replied, watching Abigail.
Unprepared to face the man she had been told to marry, Abigail awkwardly avoided Pekah’s eyes. Both Jonathan and Eli greeted her warmly.
“Peace and comfort to you, Lady Abigail,” Jonathan said.
“And rest from your sorrows,” Eli added.
“And to you-and thank you, Eli. I am very grateful,” she said, her voice muted. She studied the boots of the men. They were scuffed and worn. Feeling Pekah’s gaze, she forced herself to look up. He looked at her steadily, his face calm.
“We were in the temple before dawn this morning,” Pekah said. “I prayed that you would feel the love of the Holy One in your broken heart, that it might be made whole, and that you would be comforted. I’m sorry for your loss.”
Touched by the evident emotion in his voice, Abigail believed he was sincere. She bowed her head, but could not find the words to respond. Her husband’s request of the night before, for her to “marry this good man,” again played out in her mind, leaving her speechless. She did not know Pekah. Although probably her age, he seemed younger, a stark contrast to Jasher, who was older, wiser.
Abigail barely managed an expression of gratitude for his kindness. Pekah nodded, stepped back, and seemed to melt into Eli’s shadow.
Abigail’s eyes lifted once again to the central spire of the exquisite building. Trying to be strong, she stated, “There’s a peace here. Something about these grounds makes me feel bright and warm, like the color of the stone. It’s the most beautiful building I have ever seen.”
Eli stepped a bit closer to the women and pointed to the spire. “The capstone on that spire was placed by Jonathan’s grandfather and my grandfather together. It’s not an old structure like the Temple of Sacrifice in Ramathaim. That temple was built several hundred years ago. Have you ever been there?”
“I haven’t,” Abigail said. “If it’s as beautiful as this temple, I would like to see it someday.”
“You may get your wish soon,” Eli said with enthusiasm. “You’re riding with us today, are you not?”
“Yes, I am.”Abigail hesitated, and then added, “Rachel has been so good to me. I have nowhere else to go, but with her.”
Rachel smiled and hooked her arm through Abigail’s.
Memories of the previous evening suddenly made Abigail feel like a burden. In addition to Rachel, many others had gone out of their way to try to comfort her. She remembered their concern as they all stood around Jasher’s grave. That concern again showed in the eyes of all those present, making her feel conspicuous.
“Is it all right if I come with you?”
Rachel seemed somewhat shocked by the question. “Of course it is! I wouldn’t want to go without you!”
This warmed Abigail’s heart, causing her to fight back tears. Rachel threw an arm around her shoulder.
“Would you ladies please excuse us?” Jonathan asked as if he were intruding.
Rachel reached for Jonathan’s hand. She held it for a moment, and released him with a very stern, motherly, “Yes, you are excused.”
The men chuckled at her playfulness and took their leave toward the western courtyard, where the army made preparations to travel. Abigail hugged Rachel, then together they walked toward the temple, arm-in- arm.
Chapter 28
Still very solemn, Pekah stole a glance over his shoulder to see Abigail as he left. She was hugging Rachel. Picking up his pace, he followed close behind Eli and Jonathan. As he thought of Abigail’s hand in his, a yearning to talk to his friends in private welled up within him. What did they think of Jasher’s last wishes? Were they upset? Did they think it was improper?
The general’s request felt out of place to Pekah, even awkward. What man would give his wife away? Pekah felt certain there were some present in the tent who were not happy about what had happened, but no one had said anything to him. And that was precisely the issue-the fact that Jonathan and Eli had not mentioned the experience at all made him even more uncomfortable with it. It seemed as if he had breached the rules of propriety.
He groaned. But I didn’t do it! Jasher did. I was just as surprised as anyone else.
Pekah couldn’t wait. He walked a little faster and tapped Jonathan on the shoulder, and they all stopped.
“Jonathan,” Pekah said, mustering courage, “I feel terrible about last night. Why did Jasher do that?”
“Do you mean, his words to Abigail?” Jonathan asked.
“Yes.”
“I certainly don’t know all his reasons, Pekah. I can guess, however, that Jasher saw something in you he hadn’t seen in others. How well did you know him?”
“We had never met before I arrived in Ain.”
Jonathan frowned thoughtfully. “Pekah,” he said, “Think on the events of the past week. Nothing we have experienced has been anything less than a miracle. Perhaps this event is also part of our Creator’s plan.”
“I feel guilty about it. He pressed his wife’s hand into mine. I felt like… like I had sinned.”
“I understand how you might feel that way, but we don’t judge you in that manner, Pekah. We were there. Jasher’s whole intent was for Abigail’s welfare.”
“And I agree with it,” Eli added. “Jasher did the right thing.”
Pekah was stunned. This was not the reaction he had expected. “You agree with what he did? How can that be?”
Jonathan put a hand on the young Gideonite’s shoulder and gave him a quick pat of reassurance. “What Jasher did showed incredible love and respect for Abigail. Even as his life ebbed away, he was concerned for her- not his pain, not his life- her. Personally, I think that was one of the most compassionate things I have ever witnessed.”
The blast of a horn sounded from the other side of the Council Hall.
“Pekah, remind me later to tell you something else pertaining to Jasher. This is not the right place, but I think you should know what I have to say.”
“Thank you. Thank you both. I do feel a little better knowing you don’t think less of me for what happened, but I will need some time to think this through.”
“We’re here to help,” Jonathan said.
As they walked toward the assembling army, Pekah felt grateful for their understanding and support. These were the best friends he’d ever had.
