Page 47 of The Guardian's Promise

“Look,” Lydia called.

Ari snapped to attention, afraid danger loomed. But when he glanced at where she pointed he couldn’t help but look upon Mira’s face. The awe and complete rapture etched in the softness of her amber eyes took his breath away.

Manna had always been a source of pride, even more so than Jerusalem, but somehow he had forgotten just how unique Manna really was.

“It is more beautiful than where we left,” she murmured. “I did not think it possible to find a lovelier place.”

“God has blessed us tremendously,” his mother responded.

Ari stepped closer to Mira and wove his fingers with hers. The sensation pulled on his heart like a bowstring pulled taut. She looked into his eyes, his lips parted. Like water beading to water, he felt drawn to her and bent toward her. Her eyes grew wide, she released his hand and raced to catch up to Lydia, looping her arm through his sister’s. The bowstring snapped, leaving a distinct ache in the middle of his chest. And for the first time that he could recall, he felt the sharp pang of jealousy.

* * *

They were met with a procession of music, dance and food fit for a king. He turned to his father. “They know?”

His father drew his hand down his beard. “I fear your uncle interrupted a meeting with the elders. He accused me of lying in front of them and then proceeded to tell them of Joash.”

No wonder the soldiers had increased patrols. With so many aware of the boy’s existence it stood to reason Athaliah had found out through rumor. Had Elam inadvertently sent danger to their doorstep? It set Ari’s mind at ease knowing there hadn’t been intentional betrayal. Then how did the warriors know of the tunnels?

That was a question that would leave him alert.

“There shouldn’t have been celebrations, Abba.”

“It could not be helped, my son. The people of Manna cannot contain their excitement. Besides, Manna has always been full of joy.”

“You are correct, Abba. However, the child does not even know who he is.” Ari prayed it would remain that way until they met with Jehoiada.

“Do not worry, son. Only the elders know. The celebration is of our homecoming. They’ve had sentries on watch.” His father pointed to the high places. “Waiting for our return.”

A bevy of servants lined the entranceway, some kneeling beside bowls of cleansing water, others with cups of water to break their thirst. Their belongings were taken from them, as were their sandals. Their feet were cleansed, their stomachs fed and their minds nourished with song.

Used to the ways of Jerusalem, and then that of being a bond servant, Ari had forgotten what the welcomings were like here.

“No!” Mira shouted.

Ari looked through the crowd to see what had distressed her. He cut through the pressing bodies until he stood behind her. Her back stiff as a rock.

“Would you not have me cleanse the travel from the child’s feet?” A young woman Ari did not recognize held on to Joash’s hand as if she were about to lead him away.

“Not without his guardian’s approval.”

The young woman looked perplexed. “You are?”

The woman bowed her head. “Dinah, daughter of Omar.”

Omar had been an elder in Manna for years. “Dinah, my thanks for your hospitality. I will see to the child myself.” The woman glanced between them and shrugged her shoulders. Ari waited until the woman walked away before turning to Mira. “You do me proud, Mira.”

Her shoulders relaxed a little. “I am sorry.”

“Do not be.” He laced a wayward strand of hair behind her ear. “You are right to be protective.” He glanced around the people. Although it was not Jerusalem, it was still like a small city. And although each and every one of them should be worthy of trust, someone had betrayed them. “As it is I do not know who can be trusted.” His gaze flitted to hers. “Except you, Tama, my father and Jesse. Come, I will take you to my father’s house where you can bathe and rest.”

She looked at Joash. “What about Joash?”

“I will see to him.”

Joash crossed his arms over his chest. “I am not a child to be watched over, am I?”

Ari laughed. “Then it is I who must need watching.”

“And who will watch over Mira?”

“That would be me,” his mother said, entering their little group. “I near lost you, my daughter. I forget how busy it is here. Come,” she said, ushering Mira away.

Lord, bring her comfort and safety.

For as much as being here should ease his mind, the pricking at his nape continued. He was certain someone watched him with malice. Or was it Mira who was watched with such murderous emotion? The idea set his nerves on edge. If any harm came to her... How was he supposed to be responsible for his actions? For he knew he’d have a difficult time keeping himself from murder if any harm came to her or Joash. He prayed the Lord was not tallying up his sins. He’d broken more commandments in the past few days than he had his entire life.

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