Love Inspired Historical March 2014 Bundle: Winning Over the Wrangler\Wolf Creek Homecoming\A Bride for the Baron\The Guardian's Promise (78 page)

“You do not fully understand what has occurred. Do not worry overly much. Ariel, he's never been one for words. It is why he was chosen. But he'll speak soon enough.”

Anna draped a rich blue-colored tunic over Mira's head and then tied a gold sash around her waist. The soft linen whispered against her skin, but it was the woman's observations of Ari that left her shivering.

She had spent several years scorning the man, but that did not mean she didn't know his gait. The lyrical tone in his voice when he lifted up prayers to the Lord. The gentleness of his hand when he soothed a frightened sheep. The care he took with her father. How he ran a hand through his hair when he was perplexed. But this woman, this woman he had not seen once in the past six years seemed to know him better than she ever could.

“You know him well, then?”

Anna stood in front of her, a delicate blue veil trimmed with gold beads in her hand. The cloth a perfect match to the tunic. She settled it on Mira's head, her fingers brushing through her hair.

“You are very lovely, child,” Anna said, her eyes glittering with an emotion Mira had only seen in her mother's eyes. It was a deep love that only a mother could have. But why she looked at her thusly Mira could not fathom.

The moment drew long and Mira grew uncomfortable. She longed to return to Ari's side. To knead dough. Plough the mountainous terrain. Anything. “My thanks, Anna.”

“No, Mira, thank you. You do my son proud.”

Mira swallowed hard. “Your son?”

“Yes. Ari, he is my son.”

Chapter Fourteen

A
ri sipped the cool spring water from the cup offered him by his younger sister. “I am very grateful it is you who occupied this area and not one of Athaliah's guards.”

“It is fortunate for you, my son,” Ishiah, his father, responded. “Word spread quickly that they'd been terrorizing the area. I knew it would only be a matter of time and sought to offer our assistance.”

“How did you know I would come this way and not make straight for Jerusalem?” Ari's curiosity had nipped at his tongue since he had spied his family, but he had let it lay dormant.

“Ah, my nephew,” Daniel spoke. “We have our ways.” He laughed as he lifted his own cup to his lips.

His Uncle Elam's eyes twinkled with mischief. “That we do.”

Ari ignored his uncles and looked to his father and wondered if his father had broken his vow to keep silent about Joash. “Although I have no doubt in your abilities to know things that leave the best of spies baffled, even I did not plan our retreat thusly.”

“This I know, my son. Your brothers and cousins are branched throughout the area.” His father paused to take a sip from his cup. “If you'd not arrived when you had, we would have come after breaking bread.”

“I near turned around and went to Seth's when I saw the firelight,” Ari responded with a smugness that was overdone even for him. His father and uncles always knew things, even when he did not and it set him on edge. He lacked their ability to discern details. Details that often came in handy when one was on a mission.

“Is that so?” Elam asked.

Ari hid his smile behind his cup as he took a sip. He had not lied.

“You fool yourself, boy,” Daniel added. “You have ever been curious. You would not have left without investigating further.”

Ari conceded with a nod.

“Besides, your brothers Isa and Melchiah wait with Seth along with their wives. They will join us soon.”

In the comfort of his family he had near forgotten that danger lurked. He rose from his seat, his eyes on Joash. His thoughts on Mira. “I must return. I must see to it they did not infiltrate and if they did...” He raked a hand through his hair as he turned from them and faced the opening in the cavern from whence they came.

A heavy hand gripped his shoulder. He did not need to look. It did not matter whose it was for it brought little comfort. “You have carried a heavy burden all these years, my boy,” Daniel said.

Another hand, this one stronger, firmer, laid on his other shoulder. “Of course, I had not realized all you've sacrificed until recently. I did not even know you were alive until Jehoiada confided in me, something I should have learned from my own brother.” Elam glared at Ari's father. The terseness in his voice set Ari on edge.

“Forgive me, Uncle. My father was sworn to secrecy as was I. If I hadn't been in need of his help he never would have known, either.”

“All that matters, now, is you are home, and fortunate, too, as your burden has cost you much,” Elam added.

What his uncle said held a great wealth of truth, but an image of Mira kneading dough, the comfort of her music offered during his sleeplessness contradicted the words, for he had gained a greater wealth than any man could have asked for, even if he might have to walk away from her in the end.

He heard his father rise from his seat. He shuffled to stand in front of Ari and looked him in the eyes. “Ari, it is time to share your burden. Besides, your brothers will see to it our hideaway is secure.” He waved a hand toward the youngest of his children. “Lydia prepares a meal. You must rest and build your strength for the fight ahead of you.”

“Your father is correct, Ari.” Mira's soft-spoken words wrapped around every one of his muscles. His heart filled with a combination of overwhelming joy and tormenting pain. They seemed to fight for precedence. Fear of her rejection left him utterly helpless. Hope of her love had him spinning on his heels, dislodging the hands that sought to bring him comfort.

She was a vision to be treasured. The rich blue dyed linen set her eyes to flames, like a lamp lit with oil. Her cheeks glowed even in the dimness of the cavern, and her smile was the first genuine one he had seen from her since she had last spoken with her father. She left him breathless, and his heart pounded like a madman trying to escape the chains of death. He worked his lips to respond, but no sound came.

“You need your rest.” Mira folded her hands before her. She seemed relaxed. Comfortable among his family, which was good. Her eyes sparked with mischief. “Even now circles grow beneath your eyes. You look as if you are about to faint from exhaustion. Tell me you did not carry my father around the fields.”

For a moment, he thought she had been serious. He knew he must look like a wild animal, especially since he had pushed Caleb homeward and then raced to the spring. Not to mention their frantic escape through the tunnels.

“I see you have fared our travels well.”

She bowed her head a little. “I have also rested.” Mira raised her brow.

Ari rolled his shoulders before settling his fists on his hips. Restlessness consumed him. He feared it would continue to do so until all was well within Judah. “You,” he said, glancing around the room encompassing his father, uncles and Mira, “do not understand. It is obvious Athaliah knows of his existence or her guards would not now be searching the area as we speak. Until the child is in Jerusalem where he belongs, I cannot, and will not be at rest.”

* * *

Delight curled her toes when Ari had looked at her with such great emotion, yet his scrutiny made her uncomfortable. Especially in full view of his family, which left her searching for a way to ease the tension building in the air. But when he turned serious, when he clung to his stubborn tendency and mentioned his duties it left her reeling.

It was as if he had tossed her words of affection to the ground and trampled them beneath his sandals. Of course, she had not uttered any such words for fear he would do just that.

He was not a man who would ever belong to her. There was no use in offering what would never be accepted or returned. She did not blame him. Nor did she blame the Lord for what seemed cruelty. Ari was a man loyal to his duties, not his heart. Instead, she would embrace the blessing of having known a man as great and honorable as Ari. And she would do all she could to help him in his quest.

“I overheard the guards. They talked of killing Joash.”

Ari's gaze narrowed. “Why did you not tell me this before?”

She twisted her hands into the folds of her tunic.

“Mira, you have had a difficult day,” Anna said, exiting the makeshift chamber behind her. “Why don't you sit and rest?”

Ari's mother wrapped her soft fingers around hers and squeezed. She offered her strength and courage in the face of adversity. Mira would take both. However, she would not sit by with idle hands.

“My thanks, Anna. I would prefer to help in any way I can. First, I must tell Ari what I know.” Mira smiled at the kind woman and then glanced once again at the man who remained as still as a statue, the only evidence of life was the rise and fall of his chest and the slight ticking of his jaw. She'd angered him. Albeit unintentionally. It was just as well. The more distance between them, physically and emotionally, the better.

“Very well then, my daughter,” Anna responded. “There are two tables by the earthen jars. If you would lay them out over there.” She pointed to the east side of the fire. “You'll find all you need once you are finished speaking with my son.”

Anna turned her piercing gaze on her son before leaving them to tend to her chores.

“What is it you know, Mira?”

She felt the men's eyes on her and she swallowed. “On—only what I heard. The captain believed it to only be a rumor.”

“But?” He clenched his jaw, his nostrils flared. If spears could shoot from his eyes—she fought back the tears threatening.

“One of my father's servants added suspicion by telling him of Tama's arrival with an infant. I know—” She lifted her chin and held her head high. “One of the soldiers saw us. I know he did. He was in the cave. He saw Joash.”

Ari gripped the back of his neck and rolled his shoulders before reaching out with the pad of his thumb to wipe a tear from her cheek. “That is not your doing, Mira. You had no way of knowing they would follow you and Joash.”

No, she did not. She hadn't even known where they were. But if it hadn't taken Joash so long to coax her into the water, would they have been followed?

She turned away, found the tables and carried them to where they would eat their meal. She untied the strap and pulled it through the loops that edged the round leather fabric. In the center were a stack of bowls and utensils. She set them out and then laid out the second leather table. Its center contained seasoned spices as well as several more bowls and cups. With the setting of the dishes done, she searched the earthen jars for one that held wine. When she found none she remembered whom she was dining with and grabbed the water jar.

She had just begun to pour water into the first cup when a booming voice sounded from one of the tunnels. Startled, she dropped the jar and rushed to Joash and enfolded him in her arms.

It was then that she glanced at Ari. His face radiated with fierce pride. And for a moment she thought it was directed at her, until a rather tall, muscular man ducked through one of the entrances.

“Jesse, my brother!” Ari beamed, clasping the man in a hug before kissing each cheek.

Ari was a tall man, but Jesse towered over him. His shoulders were much wider than Ari's, but his arms weren't as muscular. The color of their hair was the same silky straight strands, although Jesse's curled at his shoulders. Ari's barely brushed his. Where Ari's chin was clean-shaven, Jesse wore his beard in the same fashion as Ari's father and uncles. Their eyes were the same shade, their noses the same aquiline. And their smiles were identical, like Anna's. She looked to Jacob, and then to Anna and wondered how these two average people could produce giants.

“I see I have frightened our guest,” Jesse said. “Look, I've brought another guest.” He motioned his hand toward the opening. Her cousin stood in the entrance.

It was then Mira had noticed all eyes were on her and Joash, who squirmed within her arms.

She released him and he rushed forward giving Tama a quick hug before darting toward the men. Mira rose from where they had knelt. “Tama, you are well? What of my mother and father?” She pulled her cousin close.

“Ay, I am, as are your parents. It is glad I am to see you two alive,” Tama returned. Her gaze fell to Joash and she smiled. “And you, what a brave boy you are.”

Joash tugged on her hand and pulled her to a bench where he proceeded to tell her of his adventures.

“Jesse,” Ari said, sauntering to Mira's side and taking her hand. “This is Mira, the daughter of my master. Tama's cousin. Her protection of the child is fierce.”

She took great comfort in Ari's presence. The warmth of his touch. The mint leaves that seemed to belong to him. She bit her tongue against any wayward speech that might threaten to spill from her mouth. The mention of her father, not knowing if he was truly well, the idea of Ari, this priest, as a bond servant left vinegar churning in her stomach.

“A pleasure.” Jesse bowed to her. She returned the gesture.

Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Lydia mop the spilled water. Mira made a sound of distress and pulled her hand from Ari's.

“My forgiveness.” She knelt beside the girl and took the cloth from her. “Allow me.”

“It is no matter,” Lydia returned. “I have often spilled a jug.”

“Or two,” Jesse teased. The young girl's cheeks turned rosy.

“Jesse,” Anna called. “Leave the child be. She is coming along nicely. She'll make some man a wonderful wife one day.”

“Let us not be hasty, Anna,” Ishiah spoke.

Mira rose with the dripping rag. She glanced around, unsure where to place it. Anna pointed her in the direction of an ornate blue hand-painted bowl, the same used to wash their feet when they had entered this cozy, dark cavern. From all that she had seen they were a very loving family. Not what she had expected from a long line of men dedicated to carry out God's edicts.

She had expected...what? Less love, more sternness? It was a pleasant surprise even if a double-edged sword, for it was something she would never be a part of. Not that her family wasn't loving. They were very much so, except for the occasional spat with Rubiel.

“
Abba,
you'll have to let her go sometime,” Jesse answered.

“But only when she is ready, is that not right, Elam?” Ishiah turned the conversation to his brother. “You have been blessed with a quiver of daughters and not one remains.”

“And you've been blessed with a quiver of sons and have gained only two daughters beside your own.” Elam took a sip from his cup.

Mira found the talk of marriages disturbing. A son took a wife and brought her home to his parents. The reminder was like a seal upon an earthen jug. Ari would never be free to leave his family. Just as she would never be free to leave hers. And now that she fully understood that Ari's constant help with her chores didn't grow from pity but from a sincere kindness in his heart, now that she knew the sensation of his hand, she'd never be able to marry another. Not for love.

“Tell me, brother, how was it serving your master?”

Guilt gnawed at her insides. Her father had never treated him badly. But she had, not as unkindly as Rubiel, but she'd been unkind nonetheless.

Ari laughed, sending a thrill of awareness to her toes. “It was more blessing than anything. The Lord's plans are much greater than anything I could have fathomed. As we will all see in due time.”

His dark eyes forced their way into her soul. It was as if he were conveying a message to her. A message she wanted to reject wholeheartedly. Except for that one little piece that caused her heart to soar to the heavens. Surely, Ari knew the impossibility of their match. For he would never give up his ambitions. And she would never ask him to.