A Lineage of Grace (16 page)

Joshua rose. Salmon sprang to his feet. Joshua turned before going out, put his hand on Salmon’s shoulder, and gripped him strongly. “May the Lord watch over you and keep you safe!”

“Blessed be the name of the Lord.”

Releasing him, Joshua swept the tent flap aside, stooped, and went out. Salmon held the flap open long enough to watch Joshua disappear among the other tents of Israel. Letting it drop back into place, he let out his breath sharply and dropped to his knees. Throwing back his head, Salmon closed his eyes and raised his hands, thanking God for this opportunity to serve. Then he prostrated himself and prayed for the wisdom and courage to complete the task.

* * *

By moonlight, Salmon and Ephraim girded their loins by drawing up the backs of their tunics and tucking them into their belts. Thus unencumbered, they ran, reaching the eastern bank of the Jordan well before daybreak. Gasping for breath, Salmon dumped his bundle on the ground, grasped his tunic, and hauled it up over his head.

“The river looks swift,” Ephraim said, stripping off his clothing and catching the Amorite tunic Salmon tossed him.

Swollen by spring floods, the river rose over its banks. And Ephraim was right—the current was swift.

Salmon shrugged into the Amorite tunic. He nodded toward a sloping bank as he strapped on a leather belt. “We’ll go in down there and start swimming.”

Ephraim’s mouth curved sardonically. “I hate to mention this now, friend, but I don’t know how to swim.”

Salmon laughed mirthlessly. “And you think I do? The desert hasn’t exactly afforded us much opportunity to learn, has it?”

“So what are we going to do?”

“Cross over. Stop worrying. If God wills, we’ll make it.”

“And if not, we’ll drown,” Ephraim said flatly.

“Do you think the Lord has brought us this far to let us be defeated?”

Ephraim watched the river. “I’d feel better if I had a tree trunk to hang on to.”

“The Lord will uphold us.” Salmon spoke with more conviction than he felt.
Give me courage, Lord.
“Fill your lungs with air, keep your arms outstretched, and kick like a frog. The current will carry us.”

“All the way to the Salt Sea.”

Salmon ignored his friend’s grim sense of humor and pointed. “Aim for those willows on the other side.” Tying the sheath to his belt, he jammed his dagger into it. “Let’s go.”

Despite his bravado, fear shot through Salmon as the river’s current tugged hard at his legs. Overcoming his fear, he waded into the Jordan until the water was to his waist. Perhaps he could make it this way, one step at a time, using his own physical strength to keep himself on his feet. But the next step proved he couldn’t. He slipped on some slick rocks and lost his footing. Panic gripped him as he was sucked into the current. He was pulled under briefly, but he fought his way up long enough to fill his lungs with air. His body rolled and turned, spun back. He hit something hard and almost lost his breath. Salmon fought his fear and the river, as the spring flood carried him along.

Lord, help me!

He saw the trees and kicked hard. Clawing the water, he used the current to steer his body. He kept his neck arched and stiff so that his head was above the water and he could breathe and see where he was going. He heard a shout behind him but didn’t have time to turn and see if Ephraim was doing any better than he. Making a lunge for an overhanging branch, he caught hold. Reaching up, he got a better grip and looked back. Ephraim was still standing on the far bank.

“Come on!” Salmon called to him.

Ephraim entered the river with obvious uneasiness. Stretching out his arms, he went in face-first. Seeing how fast Ephraim was swept along, Salmon stretched out his body as far as possible so that his friend could reach his ankle. “Grab hold!”

Ephraim succeeded, but the jolt almost yanked Salmon free. His body swung hard around and jerked against the strong pull of the river. Water rippled violently over Ephraim’s head. Clinging to the branch with one hand, Salmon reached down and grasped Ephraim and pulled. “Climb!” Ephraim reached up, his fingers biting into Salmon’s thigh. Pulling himself higher, his head emerged from the rushing water. He gasped for breath. Salmon grabbed Ephraim’s belt and hauled him up farther. Salmon shoved him toward the west bank.

When he made it to shore, Ephraim reached out and gave Salmon a hand and threw himself back as far as he could before the limb broke and toppled into the water. Gaining his footing in the rocky bottom, Salmon slogged his way out of the Jordan and collapsed to his knees. Ephraim was coughing violently.

Chest heaving, Salmon drank in the air. He dug his fingers into the soil and held it up to breathe in the scent of its richness. “The Lord has brought us over,” he said in a voice choked with emotion. They were the first of their generation to set foot in the Promised Land. “The Lord be praised!”

Ephraim was still coughing up murky river water, but he managed to rasp, “May God grant we live long enough to enjoy it.”

“Amen.” Salmon rose. “It won’t be long until daybreak.” He was eager for the mission ahead, anxious to be on the move, but it wouldn’t be wise to arrive wet and muddy from the river—or too early in the day, making them appear anxious to enter the city. Hunkering down by the Jordan, he washed. “If we hurry, we can make it to the palms before full daylight.”

“Just give me a few minutes to rest, will you?”

“We’ve no time to waste. Rest while we walk!”

As they crossed the arid stretch of land west of the Jordan and gained the road, the sun rose behind them. Even from a distance of several miles, the lush, green spring-fed oasis was visible, as were the high, thick walls of the City of Palms that blocked entrance into Canaan. Salmon’s heart sank. These walls were so immense, they would be insurmountable by frontal attack. Nor could they be taken from the west, for behind the walled city was a towering backbone of steep, jagged mountains. “The city is well situated.”

“And impregnable. How will we ever conquer such a city? Never has there been such a stronghold!”

Speechless, Salmon studied the walls. They were at least six times the height of any man, and there were battlements on both sides of the gate. Guards standing watch would see an army coming from miles away, giving them plenty of time to close the gates and prepare for battle.

Would Joshua have them build ladders to scale these walls? How many would die in setting them up and keeping them in place until enough soldiers could get over the wall? Could those immense gates be smashed or burned? How many would die in the battle for this city? Thousands! Would he be one of them—if he didn’t die here today, on this mission?

“May God protect us from such an end,” Salmon said under his breath.

“What should we do now?” Ephraim said. “Join the throng waiting for the gates to open?”

“We’ll wait until late in the day. Better if we aren’t inspected too closely. The guards will be less attentive then.”

They found a grassy place not far from a spring-fed stream and slept in the shade of the City of Palms.

TWO

At first glance, Rahab dismissed the two men as Amorite soldiers carrying a message to the king. But as they came closer, she noticed their interest in the walls. The men, who carried no packs or parcels, seemed grim as they spoke to one another, watchful of the guard towers. Even more telling was their complete disinterest in her. Soldiers, even those on a serious mission, invariably looked for women of her calling. They were always eager for a comfortable night’s lodging, food, drink, and fleshly pleasures whenever they could get them. Amorite soldiers were especially lustful and profane.

Ah, the men had spotted her. “Hello, my fine friends!” she called, smiling and waving. They turned their faces away. Odd. They were young, but not so young they should be embarrassed by a woman’s attentions.

Or had that been disgust on their faces? An uncomfortable feeling curled in the pit of her stomach. It had been years since she had felt shame or the desire to cover her face and hide. Not since the first few weeks she had been in the king’s company. No matter what her father had said, she knew in her heart that what was being done to her was wrong, and for her to take advantage of it was even worse. It had been a confusing time, a time of degradation and elevation. But no one had dared openly look down upon a young woman chosen by the king. She had been treated with deference during her months in the palace. And with time, she had learned to hide her feelings. She had learned to hold her head up and walk like a queen, even though every prospect of having an honorable future had been stripped from her.

In spite of her discomfort—or perhaps even because of it—her interest in the two men increased. She was certain they were not what they appeared to be. True Amorite soldiers would strut and swagger. They would call out lewd suggestions to her and make offers of money. They would boast of their prowess with women.

Were these the Israelite spies she’d hoped would come?

The desert wind came up, swirling dust around the two. The outer garment on the taller man blew open. He snatched the garment closed. But not before she saw the stain he’d quickly hidden.

Her heart leaped. Rahab drew in her breath sharply and leaned forward. She was determined now to gain their attention. No matter how brazen she had to be, she would make them look up at her. She leaned so far out the window that her black curling hair spilled like a dark waterfall against the stone. “You, there!” she shouted. “You two!”

The taller man glanced up, and his face went red. She waved. “I want to welcome you!”

“We’re not interested!”

Clearly, he was displeased with her continued attention. He muttered something to his companion and kept walking.

She wasn’t about to give up, no matter how contemptuous he was of her. “I can’t remember the last time a man tried so hard to ignore me!”

Irritated, he stopped. “We haven’t enough money for your services.”

“Have I set a price?”

He gave a dismissive wave, jerked his head at his companion, who was gawking at her, and strode on.

When had she ever had to talk a man into spending time with her? If she leaned out her window any farther, she’d fall at his feet! “I have cool wine, fresh bread, and a comfortable place for you both to sleep.” When they still ignored her, she tore off her slipper and threw it at them. “Most Amorites call out my name when they approach the gate!” She’d always been the one to ignore
them
, unless the soldier happened to be a commander and held information of interest to the king. Normally she would not have given these ordinary soldiers a second glance, but they were Israelite spies. She knew it. Clearly, they saw her as nothing more than a common harlot plying her trade.

Fear swept through her for their sake. Did they think the guards posted at the gates were fools and wouldn’t see through their disguise? She must get their attention quickly. One look at these wary fellows and the guards would be on top of them, swords drawn. By tomorrow morning, their heads would be lopped off and their bodies tied to the wall!

“Even the king has drunk wine from my cup and eaten bread from my hand!”

The taller one stopped and looked up at her again. “Why do you honor us with your attention?”

His mockery stung, but she swallowed her pride and answered plainly. “Because I have wisdom beyond my years, young man, wisdom I can share with you if you’re wise enough to listen.” She kept her tone teasingly seductive, for they were close enough to the gate that one of the guards might take note of the conversation. “I know what you want.”

“Oh, do you?”

Save her from self-righteous, callow youth! “Every man needs to eat and rest.” If he turned away again, she would throw a jug at him. “And a few come for intelligent conversation.” She noted the sudden tension in his body. Just to be sure he understood her, she smiled. “The Jordan is high this time of year, isn’t it?” She raised her brows and said nothing more.

Perhaps she had gone too far, for never had she seen a fiercer look.

“We are tired and hungry,” he conceded.

“You will be glad you tarried with me.”

“How do we find you?”

“I’ll meet you inside the gate and show you the way.” She blew them a kiss for the sake of the guard who had taken a sudden interest. She was shaking with excitement as she stepped down off the stool and yanked the cord holding the curtain back. Raking her fingers through her hair, she braided it quickly before hurrying out.

Rahab raced down the steps and around the corner. It was the hottest time of day. Few people were on the walkway that ran along the inside of the city wall. Many had worked during the morning hours and were now resting. When she entered the gate, she saw that Cabul had noticed the men. Slowing her pace, she sauntered closer, leaning against the cold stone. “Cabul!”

He turned and grinned, then left his post and came to her. “What brings you out so late in the day, my beauty?”

“You, of course.” She kept her tone light and teasing.

He laughed. “More likely a wealthy merchant or an emissary from the Philistines.”

She raised her brows and gave him a shrewd look. “One never knows.”

Chuckling softly, he took her hand. His eyes narrowed. “You’re shaking.”

“Too much wine last night.” She moved closer, toying with the hilt of his sword while looking past him. The two men were entering the gate.

“You weren’t drinking with me,” Cabul said and tipped her chin. “What do you say I come up after I get off duty and we’ll get drunk together?”

“I think I’ll forgo wine for a few days.”

“Then we could—”

She slapped his arm playfully. No one was challenging the two strangers. Several city elders were arguing among themselves, and the soldier who’d taken Cabul’s post seemed more interested in them than in two young Amorites dusty from travel.

“Did you come down here just to tease me?”

“Never.” She raised her head again, gazing into Cabul’s eyes. “You know I think you’re the most handsome fellow in the king’s service.” And he was arrogant enough to believe her.

Cabul grinned and started to say something when two elders started shouting angrily at one another. Glancing back, he spotted the two strangers. When the taller young man looked her way, Cabul frowned. “Amorite soldiers? I never thought you’d stoop that low.”

She shrugged. “Who knows? They may have news that will be of interest to the king.”

Troubled, he looked at them again. “These are dangerous times, Rahab. They could be spies.”

Her pulse rocked. “Do you think so?”

“Their hair is too short.”

“Maybe they’ve taken some kind of vow.” She touched his arm and smiled up at him. “I must say I’m touched you’re so concerned for my welfare, but let me conduct my own business. The king wouldn’t appreciate your interference in my affairs. If they
are
spies, he’ll want to know about it.”

“Are you about the king’s interests, Rahab?”

She glared at him purposely. “What do you think?”

“Be careful, then. Israelites show no mercy, even to women and children.” His dark eyes were filled with fear, but not on her behalf. “I’ll tell the king.”

“Wait a while. You don’t want them to leave before we can find out why they’ve come.” She knew him well enough to sense his tension. He was silent for a moment, undoubtedly calculating what would please the king most. She planted a suggestion. “Give me time with them, Cabul. They’ll be easier to take if I fill them with good wine.”

“You may be right.”

“Of course I’m right.” She toyed with his tunic. “Besides, I know the king better than you.” She looked up at him through her lashes. “These men could bring me a fat pouch of gold, and if you allow me more than an hour with them, I’ll give a portion to you.”

His jaw clenched and unclenched. She knew his greed warred with his sense of duty. Would his desire for money outweigh his fear of failing to report immediately to the king? “I’ll give you as much time as I can,” he concluded.

When Cabul walked away, she looked at the two men trying so hard to appear inconspicuous among the bustling Jerichoans bargaining in the gate. She motioned to them. Perhaps they hesitated now because they’d seen her speaking with Cabul and thought she was setting a trap.

Cabul was watching them. He glanced at her and jerked his chin.
Go on,
he was saying.
Take advantage of the opportunity.
She could imagine what he was thinking. Better she risk her life than he risk his. So be it!

Smiling boldly, she strolled over to the two men. “Welcome to Jericho.”

* * *

Salmon followed the woman along the walkway. He’d thought her disturbingly beautiful even from a distance, but close up, she took his breath away. He hadn’t expected to face any kind of temptation on this mission, but he was having a hard time keeping his eyes off her hips and his mind on his business. How old was she? Thirty? Thirty-five? Her body didn’t show it, but her eyes did.

She opened a door and entered quickly, standing just inside and beckoning them impatiently.

Salmon entered first, Ephraim following.

“Look at this place,” Ephraim muttered under his breath as he stood, gaping, in the middle of the room. Salmon glanced around at the carpets, cushions in all colors, and red curtains held back by thick crimson cords. He tried not to look at the bed that dominated the room. The air held the fragrance of incense and cinnamon. He looked around. Evidently her profession paid well.

Closing the door behind them, the woman threw off her shawl. “I’ve got to hide you!”

“What are you talking about, woman?”

“Don’t pretend ignorance. You’re Israelite spies. If it wasn’t written all over you before, it is now.” She went for the ladder against the back wall.

Ephraim looked at Salmon. “What do we do?”

Salmon stared at her. “How did you know?”

She rolled her eyes and shook her head. “You mean aside from the way you studied the walls and battlements?” She dragged the ladder across the room. “There’s a bloodstain on your tunic. I imagine the man who wore it before you died in it.”

Salmon blocked her way. For one brief instant, he considered killing her so he could complete his mission. She lifted her head and straightened, her brown eyes clear and intelligent. “The soldier you saw speaking to me? He knows who you are.”

“You told him?”

“He guessed.” She grew impatient. “You came for information, didn’t you? It would be better if you lived long enough to get it.” She thrust the ladder at him and pointed at the hatch door to the roof. “Hurry! What’re you waiting for? The king’s executioner?”

Ephraim protested. “The roof is the first place the soldiers will look!”

“They won’t have to look if you’re still standing in the middle of the room!”

Ephraim looked around. “There must be a better place!”

“Fine.” The woman put her hands on her hips. “If you don’t like the roof, how about my bed?”

Horrified, Ephraim went up the ladder.

Her expression became pained as she watched Ephraim’s hasty retreat. “I thought he’d feel that way.” She looked at Salmon. He thought she had the most beautiful dark brown eyes he’d ever seen. No wonder Joshua and Caleb had given so many warnings about foreign women. “Now, how about you?” she said, her mouth tipped ruefully.

Salmon put his foot on the bottom rung, then looked at her again. “What’s your name?”

“Rahab, but we haven’t time to talk now.
Move!
”

She followed him up the ladder. Pushing him, she gestured to Ephraim. “Lie down over there, and I’ll cover you both with the bundles of flax.”

Salmon did as she instructed and watched her as she worked with quick efficiency, stacking the bundles carefully over them. Finishing the task, she leaned down and whispered, “I’m sorry I’m unable to make you more comfortable, but please be still until I return.” She hurried back to the ladder, pulling the hatch over the opening as she went down.

“We’re putting our lives into the hands of a harlot!” Ephraim said in a hoarse whisper.

“Have you got any better ideas?”

“I wish we had our swords!”