Page 62 of The Guardian's Promise

Ari’s arm tightened around her waist like a steel band as if he could read her thoughts. The horse tossed his head. She dug her fingers into Ari’s arm. They smarted with the movement. She grasped her disfigured hand with her other and ran her fingers over her knuckles, the heat from the firebrands had aggravated her scars.

She sighed.

“Are you well?”

She nodded. Other than feeling sick to her stomach, a renewed ache in her hand and darkened vision, and the fact that she’d soon be parted from his strength, she felt wonderful. “I am fine, Ari.”

“How much longer before we reach the temple?” she asked seeking anything to keep her mind from dwelling on what could never be.

“I must take Joash to the temple alone.”

She gripped his forearm.

“Do not let your heart be troubled, you will stay with my father. I will send Jesse back to alert the camp. They will be with you before the sun rises.”

Had he forgotten about the traitor?

“And if God wills it our traitor will be ousted before they do.”

“And if he is not discovered, what then?” she asked, her nerves, added to the rocking motion of the large horse, were getting the best of her. She didn’t know how much longer she could keep from obeying the commands of her stomach and discarding her evening meal.

“Have you no faith, Mira?” he whispered.

Ari’s words were a reminder that the Lord had answered her prayers in more ways than one, for the Lord had protected her and Joash from their enemies. Although she had feared to see death coming in the image of horse, rider and curved sword, she had peeked through her lids. There’d been nothing but an inferno, and she could not tear her eyes from the flames, not even when she felt the heat on her flesh, nor when she smelled burning of her tunic. She had feared an enemy would swoop down upon them and she didn’t want to be caught unaware.

If God had answered her prayers in a great time of need would He answer her other prayers, too? Would He find a way for her to stay with Ari?

Ari pulled up on the reins. The beast danced around, quivered and snorted. Mira tightened her hold once again on Ari’s arm.

“What is it?”

She shifted, her ears attuned to his breaths. His chest rose and fell in short, shallow rhythms.

“Jerusalem.” The word was no more than a whisper. A whisper of adoration. Devotion.

Jerusalem.

Ari’s home. His destiny.

That one word for God’s holy city squeezed her insides with the efficiency of a wine press, leaving nothing but empty skin. All her hopes for a future with Ari crushed.

“If only you could see...” The air in his lungs hitched, expanding his chest.

She stared in front of her and willed the bright spots dancing in her vision to lessen, willed the dimness in the corners of her eyes to lighten. It was like she’d stared at the sun too long.

“Tell me,” she urged.

“Torches line the gates. The stones look as if they’re made of gold.”

“Are the gates as big as Hebron’s?” Hebron had once been a holy city and still maintained much of its fortifications.

“No, they are much grander. Larger and wider. Wider than the breadth of your village, Mira. The towers seem to stretch to the heavens.”

She’d heard the stories from her parents and had longed to see the city. She sighed. Perhaps God protected her from herself. If she could not see the city she couldn’t fall in love with it. Couldn’t be tempted to leave her father’s house and stay with Ari if he asked.

“We are approaching the eastern wall. It is nothing like you’ve ever seen.” He flicked the reigns. The horse jerked its head and snorted as it moved forward.

They rode for many long minutes before they halted once again. The saddle dipped and creaked as Ari slid to the ground. He placed his hands around her waist and brought her down alongside him. Although they had not been riding overly long her knees wobbled, threatening to tip her over. Ari held on to her.

“My thanks, my brother. I will forever be in your debt.” Ari leaned forward as he held on to her arm. She heard the smack of Ari’s lips as he kissed his brother’s cheeks.

“I will remember you said that, Ari.” Jesse chuckled and then grabbed her hand. He gave her a gentle squeeze. “If you need anything at all, Mira, you know how to find me.”

“You are leaving, then?” she tilted her head.

“I am heading to camp, but I will return if God wills it.” He kissed her brow, she felt, more than heard the growl rumbling through Ari’s chest. His hand banded around her waist. “I will miss you, sister.”

“And I you, Jesse.”

“Abba,” Jesse acknowledged.

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