Page 53 of The Guardian's Promise

“Now is not the time, Sh’mira,” he said. The hardness of his voice sliced through her.

She moved toward him, and squinted. He knelt beside the fountain. “Have I upset you?”

The rolling of the sea and the distant sounds of strings and flutes dancing in the air left a foreign intimacy skirting along her skin, but his silence left her hollow. Somehow she’d angered him.

Unwanted tears thrust to her lashes. She turned on her heel and swiped them away as she made to retreat to her room.

“Do not go.” The harsh whisper pulled at something deep in the soles of her feet, halting her steps. She closed her eyes.

She waited for what seemed like an eternity for Ari to say something. Anything. When no words came she turned back and glanced at where he continued to kneel with his head bowed. An unknown force, a power greater than any she had known, drew her to him.

With tentative fingers she touched his shoulder. It was then she realized he wept. She slid her hand down his arm and to his hand as she knelt beside him. He cupped her hand in his and lifted it to his lips.

She had known this man of little words for many years. She’d felt many things toward him, perhaps even a young girl’s love immersed in anger at his pity for her, but never until this very moment had she known just how deep her love was rooted.

They remained on their knees in silence, their fingers entwined. It was sweeter than any of his words. More intimate than his kiss.

“The priests here at Manna,” he whispered. “Many of the priests have been trained in the art of war. Some are even spies.”

As much as her curiosity begged to ask questions, she held her tongue.

“My uncle Seth was attending duties at the temple when he was just becoming a man. There was a small rebellion when King Asa removed the detestable Asherah poles. Seth was speared in the eyes. My grandfather and his brothers moved their families here to save him from ridicule. Grandfather sought out the tribe of Benjamin and Philistine warriors to train our people in the art of war.

“Many agreed. Just because we were teachers of God’s law did not mean we were to be defenseless. All firstborn sons were and still are sent to Jerusalem.”

“But you are not your father’s first born.” She’d seen Melchiah and Isa. Melchiah’s hair grayed at the temples. It was obvious he was older.

“This is true. Elam is the youngest of my uncles. My grandfather allowed him to return to the temple since he showed little ability in warfare. When his wife failed to bear him a male child...”

The oil lamps glimmered and flickered, lengthening the shadows. He lifted his face and turned his gaze on her. “I was supposed to serve in the temple under Elam’s mentoring. It wasn’t long before the elders realized my talent for combat. I became the youngest of the captains and soon commander of the entire temple guard.”

It was no wonder Jehoiada had trusted Ari with Judah’s future. For a man to achieve much at a young age, he had to be determined and loyal.

“Elam was not pleased. My training took time from him. To keep the peace, I trained hard under the warriors and studied diligently under Elam’s watchful eye.”

“Your uncle must have taught you well. You are a wonderful teacher, Ari.” She caressed the back of his hand.

He shook his head. “The night—that night I was with Elam, if I’d been on duty maybe I could have stopped Athaliah’s men.”

“You cannot think to blame yourself, Ari. Her selfishness was not your doing.” All the times he’d carried Mira’s yoke for her, relieving the weight from her shoulders and he was carrying something much greater. She wished to lighten his burden if only this once.

“You do not understand, Mira, it was my duty, but when—when...” he stammered.

She’d heard some of the horrors that had occurred from Tama. Had Ari seen them with his own eyes? Shifting her position she knelt in front of him, her hands cupped his jaw. “It is all right,” she said.

“No. I will not speak of such things. You must know, Sh’mira, I would protect Joash with my very life. Jehoiada sent us from Jerusalem. There was no time for instruction. We left in the dark of night beneath the city. We traveled here in hopes to hide the child. I left Tama and the babe in my father’s care, while I went to seek the Lord’s wisdom. My father knew they weren’t safe at Manna, and now it seems he was right. When I returned, Tama and Joash were gone.

“My father had taken her to your father. I followed only days later.”

“They did not arrive until later.” She nodded, thinking back to that time and his struggle to remain alive. Tama had showed up with Joash right before Ari was able to have lucid conversations. Why?

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