Love Inspired Historical March 2014 Bundle: Winning Over the Wrangler\Wolf Creek Homecoming\A Bride for the Baron\The Guardian's Promise (83 page)

Chapter Twenty-One

M
ira stepped out onto the terrace and peace settled over her. Flimsy cloth hung from the ceiling blowing in the breeze from the sea, tantalizing her eyes with glimpses of the scenery beyond. Curious, she moved closer to the edge. She slid her fingers down the gauzy fabric and tasted the salt from her lips a moment before she lost her breath.

White-capped waves of blue lay cradled within the wilderness. Mountain peaks rose on all sides as if to protect the secrets of the sea. Here, high above the landscape a sense of pride welled in her breast, a pride that rightfully did not belong to her, for it had not been her hand that had shaped the jagged lines and multifaceted hues.

An urge to fall to her knees shook her.
Father, God of all creation, I am not worthy of such a gift.

The evening breeze danced across her cheeks and she drank in each detail, the sound of the waves crashing into the mountain fortress. The taste of salt. The puff of clouds cloaking the horizon.

How could anyone stand here and not see how gracious their Creator was? What beautiful blessings He offered to His people. And yet she'd seen too many people take for granted the offerings of the Lord. If anyone ever doubted God's love all they needed to do was open their eyes.

The spicy scent of cloves danced along the breeze, teasing her. She wrapped her hands around the balustrade. Tilting her head back, she inhaled the salty air.

In this place, cleansed from the day's dirt, she could almost believe. She gripped the railing tighter, the sharp pain in her knuckles a swift reminder that she should not hope for Ari's presence. Although she knew he stood directly behind her.

Her heart pounded in anticipation. Would he lay his hand on her shoulder? Would he wrap his arms around her? Would he kiss her brow with tenderness?

What was she thinking?

The longing flooding her heart would only cause her more pain. She could not love Ari even from a distance. She would not encourage his attention, no matter how his kindness filled her heart. Since a man with any deformity could not serve in the temple as a high priest according to Levitical law, she could only reason that a priest's wife could hold no such deformity either, even if that priest served in a lesser fashion. She would not wish him cast from the temple because of her imperfections.

Nor would she have him ridiculed for taking pity on her and making her his wife. Where had that come from? It wasn't as if he had mentioned marriage. Just because he wanted to kiss her didn't mean he wanted her for a helpmate.

No, Ari was an honorable man. He would not kiss her if he did not wish to take her as his bride. Yet, he had a duty to the Lord, one he knew all too well, just as she knew hers to her father.

Straightening her shoulders, she turned and drank him in. His black hair hung around his shoulders. The waning sun graced each strand into a silvery sheen. Tiny creases crinkled at the corners of his eyes. The lines, depicting a hardworking man, enhanced the beauty of his being. His cheeks and chin were once again scraped smooth, which left her baffled since no Hebrew man cut the sides of his beard. Not that she complained. It was very pleasing to her eye.

“I have missed you, Sh'mira.” The way her name rolled off his tongue like the melodic blow of the shofar sent shivers down her spine.

“You should not,” she responded.

He took a step toward her. If her back had not been against the terrace wall, she would have retreated. As it was, she had no escape. She looked beyond his shoulder into his home for reinforcements, but none were to be seen.

“Whenever we are parted, I will always miss you.” He closed the distance between them and lifted his hand to cup her jaw. The pad of his thumb slid along her cheekbone. She fought the urge to close her eyes. Instead, she sidestepped and faced the sea. If she could not see his eyes, if she could not read the emotion burning in them, she could deny him.

He leaned his arm against the rail in the exact spot she had just abandoned. She stared out across the white-tipped waves and tried to count their rise and fall. However, they seemed to move in time with her breathing, ragged and full of life. Her face heated as she felt his gaze focus on her.

She swallowed.

Ari drew a finger along the curve of her ear and along her jaw. With the tip of his finger he guided her chin, until her eyes lifted to his. He bussed her cheek. “I like being in your presence.”

“Do you not have duties to attend? What of Joash?”

Ari pulled away, and she sought his gaze. It had not been her intention to offend him, but she needed space.

“The boy is well.” He flashed her a smile. “He is waiting for you so that he may break bread.”

“Then I shall not keep him waiting.” She turned and left him cloaked behind the flimsy cloth.

* * *

Her scent clung to him like honey. He should find his friends in the courtyard. After all, it had been a few years since he'd seen them. But like a deer to water his eyes had to drink in her beauty. It was torment to see her and not touch her hand. And he was sentenced to an entire meal in her presence. Not that the thought was an onerous one, he didn't mind dining with her. He preferred, however, to do it alone and not with his family listening to their words, watching their actions.

Ever since his conversation with his father, he couldn't help but wonder if all his family thought the same thing. Did they all believe he loved Mira? Their interference would only make his wooing of Mira that much more difficult. He thought back over the past several days. Something had changed. Why was Mira so determined to distance herself from him? He thought she might love him. But it was more than that. Deep inside, their souls recognized each other as the other's half. She was his helpmate. If he knew that, why didn't she? Weren't women supposed to know such things?

He smiled. Mira was special. She wasn't like most women, even if he had caught her many times during his bonding with that dreamy-eyed look. What had she dreamed of?

He would give all his gold coins to know if only to make them come true. And he'd give all his possessions to make things right with her.

For now, he would join his family in their homecoming feast and then he'd pray to God for guidance.

Ari entered the dining area. Although he enjoyed camping in the tunnels, the comforts of home had given him peace. Or they should have. This discord with Mira had left him feeling anything but peaceful.

Mira sat between Lydia and Melchiah's wife, Hannah. Jesse and Melchiah sat across from her. The only spot left to him was the farthest from her. A stab of jealousy pricked his conscience. He did not wish to share her attentions, but since she was doing her best to ignore him, what could he do? Sit, eat and watch her every move.

“Come, let us hold hands and thank the Lord for our safe return and ask Him to bless our food.”

Ari listened to the words of blessings his father lifted to the Lord, but his mind wandered to Mira. Shame infused his blood. Had his time away from the temple demolished all his discipline?
Forgive me, Father God.

Duty had always been most important to him, but now...his gaze shifted to Mira. Now she seemed to be taking precedence, at least in his thoughts.

“Let us eat,” his father said.

“You have outdone yourself, Mama,” Jesse said.

“Nonsense, my son.”

Foods Ari hadn't seen in years graced the table. Almonds, apples, dates and figs. Olives and cheese. Roasted fish.

“Where did you get the fish, Anna?” Ishiah asked.

“One of the men at the market had them.”

“It is delicious,” Mira added.

Even more than having all his favorite foods, he enjoyed watching Mira poke and taste each item on her plate. He could tell by the way her eyes widened when she bit into an apple that it brought her sweet pleasure. Perhaps he'd talk her father into adding apple trees to their crops.

“How long will you stay?” his grandmother asked, reminding him of his vow.

His eyes settled on Joash who seemed to be enjoying himself, as well. If only they could stay here until the boy became a man, but he would not risk the people of Manna as he had Mira's people. He
could
not risk the people of Manna, not even for the chance to convince Mira to be his wife. Instead, he would take her to Jerusalem. Since leaving her behind was not an option, especially if an enemy moved among them.

“I need to speak with the elders,
Savta.
Preferably tomorrow.” He looked at Mira. Her eyes filled with an emotion he couldn't read. “The sooner I return to Jerusalem, the better.”

For everyone involved.

Once Joash was back with Jehoiada, Queen Athaliah would no longer rule with terror. And then they could demolish her idols. The one true God would once again prevail over Judah. And Ari could begin wooing Mira.

“Will you hand me the olives, Melchiah?” Ari asked, needing the bitter tang to remind him all his sacrifice was not in vain.

“You always did prefer olives.” Melchiah passed the bowl.

“As I recall,” his mother interjected. “Ari preferred to stick them in his ears.”

Mira's face lit with a beautiful smile as his siblings laughed at his expense, but he wasn't going down alone.

“Mama, I believe it was you who showed me how,” Ari teased.

Lydia giggled. “Mama taught me how to wake Jesse by tossing grapes at his head.”

Jesse answered by tossing a grape at Lydia. They all broke out into laughter. He had missed this, and as hard as it would be to leave again, he knew he had to. At least when it was all done he'd be free to visit.

“Mira, Ari tells me you have a gift with the lyre. Would you mind playing for us?” his mother asked.

Mira's cheeks brightened much like they had when he'd asked to kiss her earlier in the day. She chewed on her lip and clenched her fists. Discomfort registered on her brow. Did her hand cause her pain?

A twinge of guilt nagged him. He'd told his mother out of a selfish desire to hear Mira play. To take delight in the gift of her fingers as they created comfort and peace. He had not intended on causing her distress.

“Mama, Mira needs her rest.” He popped an olive in his mouth and chewed. “Our travels have not been easy, and we have a long road ahead of us on the morrow.”

“Won't you stay a day or two?” his grandmother asked.

“We cannot.”

“But, Ari—”

“Enough.” Ari snapped. His voice hard, gruff to his own ears. His bevy of a family silenced as if he'd struck them down with a sword.

Did they not realize that he had given up his life? While they had each other, while they ate apples and olives, while they were able to keep the ceremonies, he had given up everything. His ambitions, his identity. Not that he regretted a moment of it because it had brought him to Mira, but Lord help him, he did not want to waste another moment of his life. He wanted to be done with his duty to Jehoiada, so that he could begin living the life he desired with Mira.

“My apologies for bringing an end to our camaraderie. I meant no disrespect.” He rose from his seat and bowed to his parents, and then turned to his grandmother.
“Savta.”

Without a glance toward Mira he left.

Chapter Twenty-Two

S
he watched his retreating form. Head high, shoulders straight, his gait full of purpose. Someone should go after him. A glance around the table proved she wasn't the only one shocked over Ari's behavior.

“I have never before heard Ari raise his voice in anger, nor have I seen him show a hint of disrespect,” she said, recalling all the times she'd lashed out at him and not once had he spoken in anger. “Even when it was well deserved.” She looked at Anna wondering if she had spoken out of turn, and then to Jacob. “I fear the danger we've experienced the past few days has taken its toll,” she defended.

Ishiah firmed his lips as if he was fighting back laughter but a twinkle of joy betrayed his intentions. “Danger has never before bothered Ari. Perhaps...” He trailed off, his gaze bored into hers. The occupants at the table remained silent waiting for his next words. “Mira, you would do me an honor if you spoke to my son. Perhaps, he'll speak to you about what bothers him.”

Mira's eyes widened in horror. The thought of being alone with Ari scared the breath from her. Would he try to hold her hand? To kiss her?

It was something she could not allow. She chewed on her lower lip as she bowed her head to Ishiah. “Of course,” she said.

She slid off the bench and walked from the room. A shiver of anticipation raced down her back.

Once out of sight of the others, she halted her steps upon the tiled foyer to gather her courage. She wiped her hands down the front of her tunic and wondered what it was she was supposed to say. Or why his family had chosen her when his brother Jesse seemed to be his closest friend.

“Sh'mira.” She heard the soft grandmotherly voice behind her.

Mira faced Sybil and waited for the woman to speak.

“You are nervous, child.”

Was that why the palms of her hands beaded with moisture? Was that why her stomach tumbled like a boulder slipping from a mountain?

“What I do not understand is why?” Sybil reached out and squeezed her hand. Mira halted the reaction to jerk her fingers back from the kindly woman's grasp. “It is obvious you hold deep affection for my grandson.”

Mira swallowed past the lump in her throat. She cared more than she should. “It is not my rightful place.”

“Then whose is it?”

She shook her head. “His mother's? His father's?” Mira shrugged her shoulders. “Yours or his brothers'? I mean no disrespect, Sybil. I will do as asked. However, you must know I do not know what words to speak to Ari.”

“Why, Sh'mira? If you love—”

Mira disengaged her fingers from the soft papery ones of Sybil. “This,” she said, waving her hand, “has nothing to do with my feelings for Ari. I intend to ask to be returned to my father as soon as possible.”

“You do not mean to travel to Jerusalem?” Sybil's eyes grew wide, her lips pursed.

“Sybil, I've not the Lord's wisdom. Whatever His purpose He brought Ari to my home along with Joash, but our lives...they can never be as...as one.”

The elderly woman's gaze traveled over her. Mira tucked her fingers into the folds of her tunic.

“Sh'mira, my grandson is much like his father, ever a rock. His strength and fortitude know no boundaries.” The woman paused, as if to relent in her argument. “I will not pry, Sh'mira, but my grandson draws his strength from you. It is evident in the way he looks at you. If ever he needed anyone, it is you. It is you, and it is now that he needs your support the most.”

Sybil pressed a kiss to her cheek. When she pulled back, concern etched in the lines of her wrinkled brow. “Do not allow your pride to carve your future.”

Before she could deny the sin of pride, Sybil shuffled away. Couldn't the woman see pride had nothing to do with her not wanting to be in Ari's presence?

She took a deep breath and fought for calm. She'd never been able to deny a person in need, not even if it meant much pain and inner turmoil. If Ari needed her to sustain his strength in order to see Joash to his rightful place then how could she walk away? Her heart was already broken, shattered. A few more missing pieces wouldn't matter. As it was, she'd never be whole again. Especially when the time came to part ways.

She strode through the entryway and leaned against the cut stones forming columns as she glanced around the terrace. She peered deeper into the shadows, and then stepped out onto the flagstones.

“Now is not the time, Sh'mira,” he said. The hardness of his voice sliced through her.

She moved toward him, and squinted. He knelt beside the fountain. “Have I upset you?”

The rolling of the sea and the distant sounds of strings and flutes dancing in the air left a foreign intimacy skirting along her skin, but his silence left her hollow. Somehow she'd angered him.

Unwanted tears thrust to her lashes. She turned on her heel and swiped them away as she made to retreat to her room.

“Do not go.” The harsh whisper pulled at something deep in the soles of her feet, halting her steps. She closed her eyes.

She waited for what seemed like an eternity for Ari to say something. Anything. When no words came she turned back and glanced at where he continued to kneel with his head bowed. An unknown force, a power greater than any she had known, drew her to him.

With tentative fingers she touched his shoulder. It was then she realized he wept. She slid her hand down his arm and to his hand as she knelt beside him. He cupped her hand in his and lifted it to his lips.

She had known this man of little words for many years. She'd felt many things toward him, perhaps even a young girl's love immersed in anger at his pity for her, but never until this very moment had she known just how deep her love was rooted.

They remained on their knees in silence, their fingers entwined. It was sweeter than any of his words. More intimate than his kiss.

“The priests here at Manna,” he whispered. “Many of the priests have been trained in the art of war. Some are even spies.”

As much as her curiosity begged to ask questions, she held her tongue.

“My uncle Seth was attending duties at the temple when he was just becoming a man. There was a small rebellion when King Asa removed the detestable Asherah poles. Seth was speared in the eyes. My grandfather and his brothers moved their families here to save him from ridicule. Grandfather sought out the tribe of Benjamin and Philistine warriors to train our people in the art of war.

“Many agreed. Just because we were teachers of God's law did not mean we were to be defenseless. All firstborn sons were and still are sent to Jerusalem.”

“But you are not your father's first born.” She'd seen Melchiah and Isa. Melchiah's hair grayed at the temples. It was obvious he was older.

“This is true. Elam is the youngest of my uncles. My grandfather allowed him to return to the temple since he showed little ability in warfare. When his wife failed to bear him a male child...”

The oil lamps glimmered and flickered, lengthening the shadows. He lifted his face and turned his gaze on her. “I was supposed to serve in the temple under Elam's mentoring. It wasn't long before the elders realized my talent for combat. I became the youngest of the captains and soon commander of the entire temple guard.”

It was no wonder Jehoiada had trusted Ari with Judah's future. For a man to achieve much at a young age, he had to be determined and loyal.

“Elam was not pleased. My training took time from him. To keep the peace, I trained hard under the warriors and studied diligently under Elam's watchful eye.”

“Your uncle must have taught you well. You are a wonderful teacher, Ari.” She caressed the back of his hand.

He shook his head. “The night—that night I was with Elam, if I'd been on duty maybe I could have stopped Athaliah's men.”

“You cannot think to blame yourself, Ari. Her selfishness was not your doing.” All the times he'd carried Mira's yoke for her, relieving the weight from her shoulders and he was carrying something much greater. She wished to lighten his burden if only this once.

“You do not understand, Mira, it was my duty, but when—when...” he stammered.

She'd heard some of the horrors that had occurred from Tama. Had Ari seen them with his own eyes? Shifting her position she knelt in front of him, her hands cupped his jaw. “It is all right,” she said.

“No. I will not speak of such things. You must know, Sh'mira, I would protect Joash with my very life. Jehoiada sent us from Jerusalem. There was no time for instruction. We left in the dark of night beneath the city. We traveled here in hopes to hide the child. I left Tama and the babe in my father's care, while I went to seek the Lord's wisdom. My father knew they weren't safe at Manna, and now it seems he was right. When I returned, Tama and Joash were gone.

“My father had taken her to your father. I followed only days later.”

“They did not arrive until later.” She nodded, thinking back to that time and his struggle to remain alive. Tama had showed up with Joash right before Ari was able to have lucid conversations. Why?

“I did not travel along the mountain passes but instead went through the tunnels. Had I, I wouldn't have been set upon. I would have come across my father and Tama.” He shifted and looked her in the eyes. “Sh'mira, I am a trained warrior, I was attacked and left for dead in your father's groves. I can tell you from experience the men who tried to kill me were not thieves. I do not remember much, and I first believed they were the queen's soldiers, but they knew our art of combat.”

“And this is the urgency that fuels your desire to leave quickly?”

His lips pursed together as if he were about to deny her assumption.

“I am concerned for Joash's safety, and that of yours, here at Manna. I fear not everyone here is on the side of our God. However, my concern is not what feeds my desire to be done with my duty. The Lord is ever faithful. He will see Joash on the throne in Jerusalem with or without me.”

“Then why? You have behaved in a way that I have never seen, and that has left your parents speechless. What is it that bothers you?”

He rose, and began to pace. She uncurled her legs and stood. “Ari, what is it?”

Ari halted and looked at her. Even through the darkness she felt his gaze bore through to her soul. “It is my selfish desire to finally begin living my life, Sh'mira.”

As much as it hurt, she did not blame him. He had intended to serve at the temple, and ended up serving as a bond servant, no better than a slave. Commander of the temple guard was a high honor, one he greatly deserved for his service to the Lord and Judah. When all was done, and Joash was crowned, Ari would be free to return to his life as he intended. She would find joy in his happiness, even if it left her devastated.

* * *

He gave in to his longings and reached for her. Pulling her into his arms, he hugged her close. Her breath hitched in her throat at the contact, but no more so than his. Was this how it felt to love? A simple touch of hands, a touch of their lips...it was no longer enough.

“There are many miles between us and Jerusalem. I feel an urgency that I cannot explain.” He took a deep breath. “I do not wish to hurt their feelings, but the time for celebration is not now. We must make haste, Mira.”

She pulled back and searched his eyes. “Do you intend for us to go alone, then?”

“No. Of course not.”

Ideally he'd prefer to go with a contingent of armed men. “I must speak to the elders.”

“Do they know, then?”

“The elders, yes. It seems Elam informed them only weeks ago.”

“But someone must have discovered.”

“There is that possibility. I had considered that it might be someone here at Manna. However, I am not sure how any would discover such information.”

“If anyone in Jerusalem knew of Jehoiada's relation to my mother—”

“That would mean they've known about the child from the beginning.” He shook his head. “No—I believe someone found themselves in trouble and the only way out was to offer information worth its weight in gold. One thing that troubles me is that Athaliah's guards knew the tunnels well enough to plan an attack, which means someone has shown them through, but they did not, or at least have yet to give up Manna's location.”

“Who knows the intricacies of the mountains, Ari? Is it common knowledge among the occupants of Manna?”

Her question opened a door he did not wish to pass through. “No, it is not common knowledge.”

“Then who?” she whispered.

Ari lifted his eyes to the heavens. The nagging thought that had plagued him ever since the attack pierced his chest. The answer to her question could only mean— “Lord, say it is not true.” But he knew it was, knew as he knew he held great affection for the woman standing before him. He lowered his gaze to Mira. “My grandfather's sons, and their sons. Their daughters.” He scrubbed a hand over his chin not wanting to believe that one of his kin had betrayed him. “We have been protectors of the mountain passes for ages.”

“How is it the locals never knew of these passages?”

“Their secrets have been well hidden. My apologies, Mira. There are many things I, myself, do not understand. Many things I must ponder before I commit to action. I should speak with my father. I trust him above all others, only second to God.”

He pressed his lips to her brow and released her. “Find your rest this night.”

He turned from her and walked to the balustrade looking out to the sea.

“Ari,” she said, laying her hand upon his shoulder. He felt her need to say something but she held her tongue.

“What is it, Mira?” he asked, staring at the reflection of the moon upon the choppy waters, the image, a mirror of his emotions.

If she were to invite him, he'd kiss her. Her hand slid off his shoulder. He turned and captured her in his arms before she could walk away.