Page 68 of The Guardian's Promise

“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?

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