Love Inspired Historical March 2014 Bundle: Winning Over the Wrangler\Wolf Creek Homecoming\A Bride for the Baron\The Guardian's Promise (86 page)

Chapter Twenty-Seven

M
ira walked beside Ishiah with her arm wrapped around his. “How much farther?” she asked, the bright spots in her vision had lessened. And although she could now see the shadowy figure of Ishiah beside her, it remained difficult to see.

“Not far. I see the sentry at the gates. Here,” he said, handing her his cane. “Use this. Pull your tunic over your head, and above all take courage.”

She thought to ask why she needed to cover her eyes, but his last words gripped her. She had not felt courage since she'd left home.

“Hail! What is your business?”

Ishiah drew her close wrapping his arm around her shoulders. “My daughter, she is ill. We seek a physician and to bring sacrifice.”

“Your name?”

“Ishiah of Ziph.” Ishiah grumbled the words.

Mira was not surprised he did not speak the truth. The truth would bring danger to them.

“Ishiah and daughter,” the sentry said. “Move along.”

A loud snap, as if a branch had broken from its mooring, caused her to jump.

“It is only the latch releasing from the gates,” Ishiah whispered.

The groan of heavy wood skittered along her nerves. Ishiah drew her forward, the tension in his arm relaxed beneath her fingers. His calm pats did not give her assurance all was well.

Once they were through the gate, the atmosphere changed. Her spirit shirked within her, cringing from the discordant noises. Cymbals and horns, boisterous revelry. With her eyes veiled, and only her heart to guide her, she could see no reason why Ari wished to call this offensive place home.

The stench of unwashed people left her nauseated as their bodies pressed against her. Afraid to be lost among the crowd of revelers she gripped tighter to Ishiah. Lewd comments were tossed in the air. Her arms were pinched. She cried out as her tunic was pulled back and her veil ripped from her head. One man even stopped them, offering to purchase her from Ishiah for a piece of silver. She wanted to weep, for this was could not be the Jerusalem she'd heard of. It could not be God's holy city.

Ishiah patted her arm, offering her encouragement. “We are almost home,” he whispered. “But I do not think it best to enter through the front.”

It did not matter which direction they entered as long as she was free from the eyes she sensed leering at her back.

She cried out as another person yanked on her hair, causing her to trip on the cobblestones beneath her feet. She released Ishiah's arm and fell to her hands and knees. “Ishiah!” She froze, unable to move due to the pressing bodies closing in on her.

Her fingers were smashed beneath someone's foot, and then she felt an arm around her waist lifting her to her feet. The man squeezed the air from her as she tried to break free. “You've caused my master a bit of trouble, Sh'mira, daughter of Caleb.”

Mira stilled at the low voice rumbling near her ear. What master did he speak of, and who besides Ishiah knew her? She tried to look at her captor and catch a glimpse of his features through her dimmed eyesight but he jerked her close against his chest. Fear gripped her, and without thinking of what she would do once she was free, she jammed her elbow into the man's midsection. He dropped her to her feet, and another hand, this time a familiar one, grasped her and ran with sure footedness.

Ishiah turned a sharp corner and pressed her against a plastered building. He heaved deep breaths, hers matching his.

“I think we lost him,” he huffed as he tugged on her hand and pulled her farther away from the street they had been on. The ground beneath her feet was no longer cobbled but smooth and soft.

After a few twists and turns he placed his hand on her head. “Duck, Sh'mira.”

She did so, and the smell of baking bread made her mouth water, making her forget she had been near abducted.

“Where are we?” she asked.

“Do not worry yourself, child,” Ishiah said. “You are safe here.”

“My son,” a woman's voice called. “I did not think to be blessed with your presence so soon.” Mira blinked as the firebrands lighting the room tried to break through the dark spots dancing in her vision. She heard the smack of a kiss and couldn't help but smile at the greeting between Ishiah and his mother.

“Hello, Mother.” He pulled Mira close. “May I introduce Sh'mira to you? She is the daughter of Ariel's master.”

Mira flinched at the reminder of how hard Ari had worked for her father. All the while he should have been taken care of by her father and his family.

“I see,” the woman clucked. “What a beautiful girl she is.”

Heat rose in her cheeks.

“And very courageous,” Ishiah added.

Mira opened her mouth to argue but he squeezed her hand. “Mira, this is my mother, Sara, Ari's grandmother.”

“My pleasure,” She bowed her head.

Papery fingers held her chin as the woman placed a kiss on her brow. “Come, come sit by the fire while I mix up a salve.”

“A salve?” Mira asked.

“Yes, my child, you've burns on your face,” Sara replied as she moved away, and Ishiah led her to a stool. He helped her to sit. Mira brought her fingers to her cheeks.

“All will be well, you will see.” Ishiah offered comfort. Fool as she was, she believed him even as she felt the tender flesh around her eyes. Had she been so focused on protecting Joash that she hadn't realized how close the flames had been? At least her skin was only tender to the touch and did not blister, which would have surely left scars, ones that would not have been as easy to hide.

* * *

Ari had searched the temple for the high priest, but was met with more destruction. Some of the smaller pillars had been demolished, pottery broken. All of the lampstands had been removed. The ten bronze basins and the laver were gone from the outer court. Even the bronze pillars at the entrance of the temple had been stripped.

The desolation filled Ari's heart with sorrow, yet the hand held in his was a reminder there was hope for Judah once Joash was crowned king.

He led Joash out of the temple courtyard and into the streets. Ari gasped at the revelry taking place. He knew his beloved city had been turned into a den of wickedness but he never quite imagined anything this terrible. He knelt beside Joash. “Keep your eyes to the ground as we make our way, and do not let go of my hand.”

Ari rose to his full height at the child's agreement. He tried keeping to the shadows and away from large groups of people lest they get caught up in a mob.

After several long minutes, Ari and Joash stood in the center of the priest's courtyard surrounding his home. They were greeted by several men Ari recognized from his days of service as temple guard. Without a word, a servant stepped forward and then led them into Jehoiada's private chamber. He released a sigh of relief at the sight of the high priest leaning on a staff in the center of his room as if he were expecting them. Jehoiada's aging eyes fell to Joash. “This is he?” His eyes glittered with joy.

Ari nodded, and Jehoiada lifted his hand, waving to someone hidden behind a curtain. It took all of Ari's strength of will not to push the child behind him, but when Jehoiada's wife stepped within sight, Ari relaxed.

He squeezed Joash's hand. “This is Jehoiada, your high priest, and his wife, Jehosheba, your aunt. She rescued you along with Tama.” He hadn't told the child of his kingship as he grew up, but he and Tama had told him about his survival. The boy needed to know who his greatest enemies were.

Jehosheba fell to her knees with her arms stretched out. Joash looked to Ari for reassurance. Ari nodded. She hugged the child to her and kissed his cheeks as she cried.

“You may take him,” Jehoiada told her.

Ari watched with a mixture of sadness and relief as the boy was no longer under his protection. Joash turned back and bowed his head to Ari, and Ari did like in return. The boy and his aunt disappeared.

His look must have held some concern, for Jehoiada addressed the issue of Joash's safety. “He is well guarded.”

Ari nodded.

“You have done well, Ariel. I do not know how I will repay your service.”

“None is necessary,” he replied.

“I can place you in charge of training our warriors. Of course,” he said, waving his hand, “you must first grow your beard.”

“We both know the law prohibits me from returning to do my duties. I am defiled. I have shaved my beard, which is the least of my impurities.”

“Ari, your service—”

“It does not matter. God has been faithful and just. He has shown me another path that I must take.”

“I see.” He scratched his beard. “What is her name?”

Ari was taken back. Was his love so plain for all to see?

“Do not worry. I know there is only one thing that would keep you from what I offer. Your heart belongs to a woman.”

“Her name is Sh'mira.”

“Ahh.” Jehoiada smiled. “Her name means protector.”

Ari smiled, knowing that she had been suitably named. “And rightly so,” he added.

“My niece will make you a wonderful wife,” Jehoiada said.

“I am anxious to see to her well-being. She was attacked protecting our king not far from the city gates. Although she will not speak a word of it, I am sure she is frightened. And I am not sure she came away unscathed.”

“Your vow is complete. However, before you leave Jerusalem, I would ask that you help in removing Athaliah.”

“Of course, I would like nothing better than to offer my assistance, especially after what she's done to the temple.”

“It is a shame, but with Joash as king we will restore the temple to Solomon's glory. We must act quickly, before Athaliah realizes Joash is alive and in Jerusalem.”

“I fear she knows.” Ari told the priest of the events leading up to their arrival in Jerusalem, even of the Philistine who helped them fight the queen's men. “I would give all my possessions to know who betrayed us,” Ari said.

“As would I. No matter, the Lord will reveal all to us in due time, of that I have no doubt.” Jehoiada paced before him. “The last word I received, Athaliah had near one hundred faithful in her ranks.”

“After the fight outside the city you should be able to reduce that by about twenty or thirty.”

“That gives us the advantage.”

“God is on our side. That alone gives us the advantage. My family will enter the gates on the morrow and will be of whatever assistance you need. They've come to celebrate Jubilee.” Ari smiled.

Jehoiada chuckled. “And what a grand Jubilee it will be, too. We'll begin the next fifty years with a new king and the promise of restoration.” The staff Jehoiada leaned against began to tremble. Ari rushed to his side and aided him to his bed. The high priest patted him on the arm and smiled up at Ari. “You've done well, my boy. You've done well. On the morrow at the setting of the sun, when she is offering worship to her god, we will act. I will call upon those who have not turned from God. How many have come from Manna?”

“Fifty men and their wives and children,” he said with thought. “I dislike putting them in harm's way, especially knowing there is a traitor in the midst, but I understand the necessity.”

“So you believe the traitor has come from Manna?”

Ari closed his eyes, and then opened them. “Not only am I certain the enemy has come from Manna, but I'm certain it is one of my own closest kin.”

Jehoiada raised his brow. “You say this with reason?”

“Whoever betrayed us knew the intricacies of the tunnels near En Gedi.”

Jehoiada emitted a low wheeze. “Even I do not know the passages.”

“None do, but my grandfather's sons, and their sons.”

“That makes things difficult, does it not?”

Jehoiada did not say anything Ari had not already felt, but how was he to explain all to his father when the traitor was ousted? Especially if it was the man he suspected.

Chapter Twenty-Eight

M
ira sat in silence as Sara packed a thick salve over her eyes. Tears stung the backs of her lids but she refused to allow them to fall. She would not cry over the discomfort caused by the salve on her burns, not when she worried over whether Ari had delivered Joash safely to Jehoiada.

If only she could have gone with them, but if their entrance into the city had been anything like hers then she understood. Ari could not have divided his protection. His focus needed to remain on Joash.

She exhaled, feeling deflated, weary from the events of the past week. Had it been only a few days ago that she had dropped an oil jar on her feet? Had it only been a few days ago that she had discovered Ari's secret? Had it only been a few days ago that she'd become aware of Ari as a man and not just as an annoying servant?

“There,” Sara said with one last swipe across her eyes. “The pain should be alleviated. I will cut some linen strips for bandages.”

“My thanks.” The sound of Sara's feet shuffled away, and then something in the air shifted. She lifted her chin, wishing the salve did not keep her eyes shut. She longed to see him standing there.

“Ari?”

A scented oil clung to his person as he entered his house, and she knew he must have had his feet anointed.

“It is I, Mira.” His voice was like warm honey. His feet shuffled across the floor. He took her hands and raised her to her feet. He pressed his lips to the backs of her knuckles and then to her brow. His fingers caressed over the contours of her cheeks, edging along the thick salve covering her eyes and upper cheeks. “I must ask your forgiveness. I should have been there.”

“Shhh,” she whispered. “I am not sorry. Neither should you be. And you were there when I needed you for I do not know that I would have been able to contain my fear without your strength.”

He brushed his lips against her brow once again, and she sighed. He pulled away. She felt the discord within him. “Is all well?” she asked.

“Joash is safe. My duty to Judah and Jehoiada is finished.” Hesitation choked his voice.

“Something bothers you, Ari. And I do not believe it has anything to do with saying goodbye to the child.”

“I'll miss him greatly, have no doubt, Mira.” He pulled his hand from one of hers and she knew he raked his fingers through his hair. It was something he did often when concerned. “I cannot speak of things. Not here. You must know it is not because of my lack of faith in you, but that in others.”

“I understand, Ari.”

“I would take you from this place. It is not the same as it had been when I left. As much as the desolation bothers me, I know a change is to come and Jerusalem will be restored. But the danger has not passed. I expect uprisings to follow. Many will not be happy when the queen is ousted.”

She would not tell him of her near abduction or he might abandon all reason and leave Jerusalem before he should. And if she listened to the voice in her head, Ari needed to be here. The high priest may have released Ari from duty but she knew God had not released him, yet. Once he was released, then he would hold his vow to her and take her home. Then he could return to his destiny and serve in the temple.

“Ariel, my grandson, you have come,” Sara said from behind her.

“Of course,
Savta.
It is my home.” Ari helped Mira to sit and then he moved away.

“You have a lovely girl, here,” Sara said as she wrapped linen over Mira's eyes.

“That I do.”

Heat filled her cheeks and flowed into her limbs, flickering a glimmer of hope within her heart. She quickly tamped it out.

“Your father asked to speak with you when you arrived. He is on the roof.”

“My thanks,
Savta,
” Ari responded. He bent and kissed Mira on her head. “Where is your veil?”

If she could have blinked she would have. Her mouth moved trying to form words but none came out.

“The streets were crowded when they entered, someone pulled her hair, another stole her veil,” Sara spoke for her.

Ari's fingers ran over her locks. “Are you harmed?” His voice gentle, filled with concern.

“No, Ari. I am well.”

“You are sure?” he asked as he handed her something soft and silky. “It is the one my mother gave you. I'd have you wear it, Mira, since you've lost another.”

“How did you—”

“It does not matter, Mira.” He smoothed a strand of hair behind her ear. “Are you sure you are well?”

“Ariel, go see your father.” She stiffened her back, thankful she had once again found her obstinacy.

He touched his lips to her head, and in her mind's eye she saw the love he had yet to speak of shining there. If only she could accept it.

She listened to his movement as he climbed the ladder leading to the roof. A hand dropped onto her shoulder, startling her. She had forgotten she had not been left alone.

“You do him good, Sh'mira,” Sara soothed.

Mira sighed, her heart shattering like an earthenware jar. “It can never be, Sara. It can never be.”

“Hello, Mother.”

Mira snapped her head up in surprise.

“Elam!” Sara squealed. “What a pleasant surprise it is to see my youngest son.”

“I worried over your well-being, Elam,” Mira said. “I am glad to find you alive.”

“My thanks for your concern, Sh'mira.” His voice was ragged as if he'd been running through the crowded streets like she and Ishiah had. She heard the brush of fabric as he moved around the room. It sounded as if he paced in front of her.

“You are well, yes?” she asked.

“Other than a bump to the head,” he said. “I am fine.”

“Oh, Elam, let me see. Come sit and I'll tend your wound,” Sara crooned.

“I am fine, Mother.”

“At least sit and drink.”

Mira heard Sara dip the ladle into a jar and then pour water into a cup. “Would you care for bread? Curds?” Sara asked.

“That would be nice, Mother,” Elam replied.

“Sh'mira?” Sara asked.

“No thank you.” Mira heard Sara shuffle away, the scent of cloves and cinnamon followed her as she left the room. A fire crackled in the pit. Much as the warmth filled the room, so did Elam's leer. What was it that caused this man to dislike her?

At first she thought it her disfigurement, and perhaps it was, but... Her conscience prodded her to speak. “I know you care deeply for your nephews.” She twisted her fingers within the folds of her tunic. “Do not trouble your heart,
ladonee,
” she said, using the endearment for master out of respect. “I will not discourage Ari from his destined duties at the temple.”

“You concern yourself over the wrong thing, child.” His voice sharp, deadly. The rustling of his tunic drew closer to her. He lowered his voice. “I have come out of fear for Joash.”

She tilted her chin. “Why is that? Ari returned him to Jehoiada only this evening.”

“And Jehoiada handed the child to his wife. A follower of the queen's gods.”

“No,” Mira cried. “It cannot be.” She began to rise from her seat. “We must inform Ari at once.”

“I am afraid, it will do no good. Jehosheba has seen Ari and would not allow him entrance.” Elam paused.

Silence hung in the air pulling her already taut nerves to their limits. Is this what caused Ari to worry?

“However, you might be able... No, Ari would never allow it.”

She stood. “Ari is not my lord. He does not make my choices. If there is anything I can do to save Joash, then so be it.”

“I am not certain it is wise, Sh'mira. Ari would never allow you to leave.”

“Then we'll go before he discovers our plan.” She tucked the veil inside her tunic and held out her arm for him to guide her. “You'll have to help me find my way.”

“Are you certain?” he asked tucking her hand over his arm.

No she was not certain. Her stomach quivered in fear, but whether from fear for herself or for Joash she did not know. She had vowed to protect Joash with her life. If there was a chance he was in danger, then she would do all in her power, with the help of Almighty God, to protect him. “I have never been more certain.”

“Then let us go,” Elam responded.

* * *

The reeds covering the roof ground into the flesh of his knees, but he continued to pray. The Lord's faithfulness filled him with an abundance of joy, so much so it burst forth from his lips, and leaked from the corners of his eyes. Even though she had suffered minor burns, the sight of Mira had set him at peace. He no longer harbored doubt within his mind.

All was well. Tomorrow, Athaliah would be removed and Ari could take Mira home and make her his wife.

The creaking of the ladder broke his concentration and he turned to find his grandmother's head peeking through the hole in the roof. His father turned, also.

“
Savta,
you should not be risking your limbs. What is it?”

The soft wrinkles paled under the light of the moon. She gripped the top wrung and closed her eyes before looking to him. A lump formed in his throat blocking the air.

“I had hoped Sh'mira had come here, but I can see she has not,” his grandmother spoke with solemnity.

“What do you mean?” Ari asked. The fierce pounding in his chest did not bode well. He clenched his fists at his sides. The look of concern in his grandmother's eyes kindled a furnace. There was no one to blame but himself. Only a handful of men could have entered his home without sounding the alarm. He had no doubts about who had her. None at all. He scrubbed his hand over his eyes.

“When I returned to the courtyard with bread and curds for Elam, they were gone?”

“Elam was here?” Ishiah asked.

“Yes, he came in a short while ago.”

Ari glanced at his father and saw the speculation in his eye.

“He had been hit upon the head, although he refused to allow me to attend to it.”

“That is because, Mother,” his father said, scratching his chin, “Elam has not been attacked.”

“What are you saying, Jacob?”

“He is saying that Elam has, for some reason, chosen to betray us.”

And now he had Sh'mira within his clutches, which could only mean he meant to exchange her for Joash. Ari's chest expanded with the pain of loss. “God, help us,” he whispered. How could he choose between the good of Judah and the woman he loved?