Page 51 of The Guardian's Promise

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.

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