Page 54 of The Guardian's Promise

“I did not travel along the mountain passes but instead went through the tunnels. Had I, I wouldn’t have been set upon. I would have come across my father and Tama.” He shifted and looked her in the eyes. “Sh’mira, I am a trained warrior, I was attacked and left for dead in your father’s groves. I can tell you from experience the men who tried to kill me were not thieves. I do not remember much, and I first believed they were the queen’s soldiers, but they knew our art of combat.”

“And this is the urgency that fuels your desire to leave quickly?”

His lips pursed together as if he were about to deny her assumption.

“I am concerned for Joash’s safety, and that of yours, here at Manna. I fear not everyone here is on the side of our God. However, my concern is not what feeds my desire to be done with my duty. The Lord is ever faithful. He will see Joash on the throne in Jerusalem with or without me.”

“Then why? You have behaved in a way that I have never seen, and that has left your parents speechless. What is it that bothers you?”

He rose, and began to pace. She uncurled her legs and stood. “Ari, what is it?”

Ari halted and looked at her. Even through the darkness she felt his gaze bore through to her soul. “It is my selfish desire to finally begin living my life, Sh’mira.”

As much as it hurt, she did not blame him. He had intended to serve at the temple, and ended up serving as a bond servant, no better than a slave. Commander of the temple guard was a high honor, one he greatly deserved for his service to the Lord and Judah. When all was done, and Joash was crowned, Ari would be free to return to his life as he intended. She would find joy in his happiness, even if it left her devastated.

* * *

He gave in to his longings and reached for her. Pulling her into his arms, he hugged her close. Her breath hitched in her throat at the contact, but no more so than his. Was this how it felt to love? A simple touch of hands, a touch of their lips...it was no longer enough.

“There are many miles between us and Jerusalem. I feel an urgency that I cannot explain.” He took a deep breath. “I do not wish to hurt their feelings, but the time for celebration is not now. We must make haste, Mira.”

She pulled back and searched his eyes. “Do you intend for us to go alone, then?”

“No. Of course not.”

Ideally he’d prefer to go with a contingent of armed men. “I must speak to the elders.”

“Do they know, then?”

“The elders, yes. It seems Elam informed them only weeks ago.”

“But someone must have discovered.”

“There is that possibility. I had considered that it might be someone here at Manna. However, I am not sure how any would discover such information.”

“If anyone in Jerusalem knew of Jehoiada’s relation to my mother—”

“That would mean they’ve known about the child from the beginning.” He shook his head. “No—I believe someone found themselves in trouble and the only way out was to offer information worth its weight in gold. One thing that troubles me is that Athaliah’s guards knew the tunnels well enough to plan an attack, which means someone has shown them through, but they did not, or at least have yet to give up Manna’s location.”

“Who knows the intricacies of the mountains, Ari? Is it common knowledge among the occupants of Manna?”

Her question opened a door he did not wish to pass through. “No, it is not common knowledge.”

“Then who?” she whispered.

Ari lifted his eyes to the heavens. The nagging thought that had plagued him ever since the attack pierced his chest. The answer to her question could only mean— “Lord, say it is not true.” But he knew it was, knew as he knew he held great affection for the woman standing before him. He lowered his gaze to Mira. “My grandfather’s sons, and their sons. Their daughters.” He scrubbed a hand over his chin not wanting to believe that one of his kin had betrayed him. “We have been protectors of the mountain passes for ages.”

“How is it the locals never knew of these passages?”

“Their secrets have been well hidden. My apologies, Mira. There are many things I, myself, do not understand. Many things I must ponder before I commit to action. I should speak with my father. I trust him above all others, only second to God.”

He pressed his lips to her brow and released her. “Find your rest this night.”

He turned from her and walked to the balustrade looking out to the sea.

“Ari,” she said, laying her hand upon his shoulder. He felt her need to say something but she held her tongue.

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