Daron Fraley: The Thorn

Amon’s face flushed. “Yes, I would be honored!”

“Also, I would like Captain Mehida to sit on the Council,” Jonathan said. “He has greatly impressed me. Do you think he would accept?”

“Of course I do. Mehida believes in the work that has been done to unite us. He’ll accept the charge with gladness.”

“The fourth seat, however, I cannot fill on my own. I don’t know who among Gideon is like unto Amon, and Mehida, and…” Jonathan then looked directly at his Gideonite friend, the one who had saved his life on the road to Ain. Being an only child, Jonathan never had a brother-Eli had been the closest thing to it. Jonathan now felt similar feelings growing for Pekah. “… and like unto Pekah,” Jonathan continued. “Pekah, will you sit with the Council? Your presence there would honor us all.”

Pekah’s face reddened. “ Me? I have no experience with these types of matters.”

“Experience can be both good and bad,” Jonathan said. “Isn’t Rezon experienced? He’s experienced in deception, ambition, and warfare. What I desire is an honest and true heart, one I can trust with my life. There is none better qualified.”

Pekah’s eyes were low. He did not answer at first. “I will serve, as requested,” he finally said, looking up.

Jonathan shook Pekah’s hand with vigorous congratulations and thanks.

Turning to Amon, Jonathan made one more request. “General, as I said before, I cannot choose the fourth. Please do me the favor-will you sit in council with Mehida and Pekah, and make an invitation to one you trust? Will you fill the seat for me?”

“We will,” Amon replied as he glanced at Pekah.

Now satisfied, Jonathan remembered there was still much to be done before the next day.

“Amon,” Jonathan began, “we’ll ride at the first hour of light in the morning, with as many riders as you can spare. I need some of Gideon’s faithful to identify those who escaped. Tavor’s men and Ezra’s men ride with me also.”

“I’ll attach a company of fifty to your contingent. Will that suffice? There cannot be more than twenty who escaped.”

“I believe you’re right. Although Rezon’s men have great skill riding in mountainous terrain, they should not be able to get far on foot. And I have the best archers of Uzzah with me.”

“Very well then, prepare your men, and fifty riders of Gideon will join you. They’ll meet you in front of the city gates at dawn.”

“Thank you, General.”

“No, thank you,” Amon answered. “Thank you for living this wonderful dream of a new day with me and my people. I’ve never had so much hope for the future.”

Jonathan shook the general’s hand as a friend, and they parted.

Pekah wandered through the market, paying very little attention to the street vendors around him. Instead, he watched customers as they went about their business of choosing and haggling. Weary from spending eight days in the Hara Mountains with the cold ground for a bed and rations they rarely had time to warm up, he looked forward to a hot meal and a proper place to sleep. Once again he had been invited to stay with Eli’s family while in Ramathaim-and recent experience had taught him never to turn down the hospitality of Uzziel’s wife. Miriam was a fabulous cook.

I should bring something with me, he thought. He spotted a fruit and vegetable stand nearby that looked promising. After weaving between customers, he intended to survey the two well-organized racks, but his gaze locked on a large bin next to them, filled to overflowing with what looked to be fresh almonds.

Picking one up, he got the attention of the vendor, who brushed off his hands on a white apron. “Are the almonds from last year’s harvest?”

“No, these are the first fruits, just brought in from Karmel. They’re wonderful. Would you like a sample?”

“Please.”

The vendor dropped an almond into a slot between four sticks that had been banded together on one end, then gave the bundle a twist. The shell cracked easily. He tapped out a perfect, undamaged nut, handing it to Pekah.

Still chewing on the delicious almond, Pekah covered his mouth and said, “I’ll take two solars’ worth, please.” As he handed the man his coins, Pekah looked up to see Abigail across the street, her back to him. “Thank you, but could I have one more solar’s worth, please?”

The man obliged, and Pekah thanked him as he gripped his treasures, hurrying to be sure he wouldn’t lose Abigail in the crowd. He approached her from the side, giving her the opportunity to see him coming. Pekah didn’t want to surprise her. Although they had talked several times since the day Jonathan and Eli had literally raised him from the dead, he still felt a little uneasy around her, and expected her feelings were much the same.

“Hello, Abigail,” he said, catching her attention.

“Captain Pekah. Good afternoon.”

Pekah wished she wouldn’t be so formal with him. But he glanced down at his chest and realized he was still wearing armor, and his sword was strapped to his belt, both of which made him look very official. A dusty spot on his sleeve caught his eye, and he brushed it off. Then he remembered that it had been two days since he had been able to bathe, and he suddenly felt very self-conscious, even wishing he hadn’t approached her. He looked back to see she held a bulky reed basket on her shoulder, balancing it with both hands. It appeared to be heavy.

“Could I help you with that?”

“I can manage,” she said flatly.

“I didn’t mean to insinuate that you couldn’t,” he said quickly. “I’m sorry.”

She held his gaze for a moment, her eyes searching his. She smiled. “Actually, it would be a help.”

Pekah grinned, handing her the two bags of almonds in trade for the basket. It was heavier than it looked. “Shopping for rocks?” he teased as he followed her down the street.

“Iron shot from the catapults. Mementos. I wanted a few for doorstops.”

Taken aback, Pekah looked sideways at the Gideonite woman, studying her expression. At first she appeared to be serious, but then her lip quivered in an effort to suppress a grin. She broke out into a wide smile.

Pekah laughed. “You had me believing you.”

“I did?”

“Yes. Because of the weight of the basket, I wasn’t about to doubt you.”

“It’s only peaches. And some bread. The bread doesn’t weigh much.”

“Maybe I’m just weak.”

Abigail smiled at him again, but didn’t say anything. Now out of the market, they continued to walk down the sloping street toward the residential areas. Pekah wondered where they were going, suspecting that they were headed to Uzziel’s place. But when they came to the first intersection, Abigail turned, and Pekah followed.

“Tavor and Sarah’s home?” he asked.

“Yes. Rachel and I are going to help Sarah prepare the fruit. She has a large drying rack and plenty of storage. Besides, with you and Eli returning today, I didn’t want to be underfoot.”

Pekah suddenly felt uncomfortable, wondering if Abigail was avoiding him. He could feel his face turn red, and was glad she didn’t seem to notice. He chose to change the subject. “How do you like it here in Ramathaim?”

Abigail looked around as if admiring the architecture. “It’s very beautiful here. And the weather is nice.”

Pekah nodded. “I agree. It feels like home, but still has its own character.” He paused to move the basket to his other shoulder, then increased his pace to keep up. Rounding a corner, they arrived at Tavor’s home. Sarah peeked out from a window as they approached. Before they even passed under the simple arch that linked two sides of the low, stone wall around the modest property, Sarah opened the front door to greet them.