Page 70 of The Guardian's Promise

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Sh’mira lifted her head from the rolled tunic and blinked. She pressed her fingers against the cloth covering her eyes, and then pulled the bandages away before blinking again. Thankfully, the flesh on her cheeks no longer smarted with discomfort, but she was even more thankful that her vision had returned.

Several times through the night she’d paced the humble cell and waited to be retrieved. Yet nobody had come. Not even to bring her a meal. Her body had grown weary and exhausted and she gave in to sleep. Now, with only torches for light she had no idea the hour for she had no idea how long she’d slept. Nor how long she had before Athaliah carried out her punishment.

Her hair fell over her shoulders as she curled her legs beneath her. She ran her fingers through the strands.

“It is her,” a feminine voice called out from beyond her cell. “Come, woman. It is time,” she said over the sound of the keys grating in the lock. Thick black kohl traced the woman’s eyes. Tint the color of blood shaded her lips. Gold rings looped through her ears and nose. Her white, loosely draped gown left little to the imagination, but it was the shiny smoothness of her head that concerned Mira the most.

She would not harbor fear in her heart.

She would not doubt.

She would trust God.

Rising to her feet, Mira draped her tunic over her clothes, tucked the veil Ari had given her near her heart and waited for the gate to swing open.

“First we must bathe you,” the woman said, wrinkling her nose. “Then we shall shave your head.” The smile curving her lips made Mira think of a leopard ravenous for a sheep.

She led her down a corridor. Palace guards flanked either side of her.

“It is a shame your Ari chose to deny her majesty’s request for an exchange.”

“Ari?” Mira choked.

“The temple commander, Ari.”

“Your queen expected that he would?” Mira held her head high, refusing to allow doubt to enter her thoughts. If there had been a way, Ari would have come for her. She knew he could not endanger Joash, no matter the cause. Yet, knowing the truth did not ease the sharp pain deep within her chest.

“Elam assured her that Ari would do all in his power to keep harm from your head.”

“No,” she whispered, not realizing she had said the word aloud until the woman stopped and turned on her.

“Did you not please him?” The woman reached for Mira’s hand. “We were told you were disfigured.” She lifted it to her inspection. “Perhaps your Ari decided against a marred woman.”

Mira lowered her eyes at the weeping of her heart. She knew he’d rescue her if it was possible, but she could not stop the pain the woman’s words caused. It was difficult enough knowing their hearts could never bind. She did not need this woman giving her reasons for Ari’s abandonment when she knew full well why they must part ways when this was all over. For she had no doubt she’d return home to her father’s house.

“It is a shame your God has abandoned you.” The woman turned a corner and continued down the corridor.

“My God has not abandoned me.”

She knew God would never leave her nor fail her. A renewed peace settled around her shoulders like a cloak to ward of the rain during the latter season.

Chapter Thirty

“It is near Shabbat,” Jesse pointed out as if no one had realized the fact. They walked up the hill toward the temple where they were to prepare for battle.

“Yes, and Jehoiada believes we’ll catch the queen off guard,” Ari explained.

“There is no complaint from me, brother. I am surprised Jehoiada and the others would break tradition.”

“All is possible when God dictates a man’s actions,” their father said, looking Jesse in the eye. Although Ari’s thoughts remained firm on Mira, he sought comfort in his father’s teasing chastisement. “Whether he be priest or no.”

“Here we are.” Ari interrupted whatever Jesse thought to speak. His brother had yet to gain wisdom in how to choose his words with care lest he sound disrespectful.

“It is I, Ishiah and my sons Ariel and Jesse.”

The sentry nodded his head to the pair of soldiers standing between the pillars. They moved apart. Just as Ari was about to ascend the stairs, the sentry blocked their way. “Welcome, my friends,” he said, kissing either side of Ishiah’s cheek. He repeated his actions with Jesse and Ari. “We are all joyous for God’s return to our city.” His eyes twinkled.

“As are we.” Ari tapped the man on his shoulder and walked between the gates as he had done hundreds of times before. Masses of men stood in three groups, each with some sort of weapon. Jehoiada stood before them, directing their steps. “Ah, Ariel. It is glad I am to see you.” The high priest greeted him. “Here is your weapon.” Jehoiada handed him a spear. “You will go with those to the palace. Rescue my niece. It is the least I owe you for your service to God and to Judah.”

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