Love Inspired Historical March 2014 Bundle: Winning Over the Wrangler\Wolf Creek Homecoming\A Bride for the Baron\The Guardian's Promise (87 page)

Chapter Twenty-Nine

“T
his girl, this child, is the one who has thwarted my attempts at killing my grandson?”

“She is.”

“I would be careful not to be so smug, Elam,” Athaliah crooned. “She not only thwarted my soldiers but you, as well.”

The fullness of the woman's hatred penetrated Mira's thoughts. “What have you to say for yourself?” A rustling of silks, and the clicking, of what seemed to be a staff on the flagstones alerted Mira of the queen's movements. The heavy scent of fermented wine invaded her senses. Athaliah stood directly in front of her. “Be careful with your answer lest you commit even more treason than you already have.”

“Punishment for treason is death by sword, your majesty.” Mira bowed, giving her the respect due her position even if it was not deserved, but she would not keep her tongue silent. She would even play on the queen's superstitions and strike fear into her heart. “You already believe me guilty, so therefore I will speak the truth. It is not I who has thwarted your efforts, but the Almighty Jehovah, the God of Israel. For it is He who allowed the jar of oil to break, spilling over my feet. It is He who led me to the well to cleanse, and it is He who carried Joash to safety when you would have had him killed. It is the God of Abraham that warned of an ambush, leaving your men to perish. It is the God of Isaac Himself who came down and cloaked the rightful King of Judah and me in His glory, shielding us from your armed soldiers. It was the Lord God Almighty who sent men to fight your warriors, leaving them to their deaths outside Jerusalem's gates.”

“The girl is mad, your majesty. All those events were by chance, not her God.”

“No matter your disbelief, Elam, it is Jehovah God who will crush your bronze and wooden idols beneath His fist. It is Jehovah who will hand all who've hardened their hearts to Him to your enemies. Even you, Queen Athaliah, demolisher of Judah.”

The heavily scented perfumes cloaking the queen shifted as she slapped Mira across the face. “You speak boldly for a blind sheep herder.”

“Prepare her,” Queen Athaliah commanded.

“What is it you would prepare for her?” For once Elam sounded wary, but Mira hadn't a thought of pity for him given all the hurt he caused Ari.

“My bronze god will find her pleasing, do you not think, Elam?”

“You promised no harm would come to her.”

“Do not worry yourself, Elam.” Athaliah circled Mira. “You have done your job. Once I have the boy in my clutches, you will get your reward. Although, I'm sure Jehoiada will not be too happy.” She caressed her fingertips along the side of Mira's stinging cheek.

Mira jerked.

“A feisty one. Too bad she'll be consumed when we sacrifice her.” Athaliah pulled on Mira's hair, wrapping it around her fist until her nose buried against Mira's head. She sniffed. “My
god
will find her pleasing, indeed.”

A bubble of laughter rumbled within Mira's chest. The hand gripping her hair trembled. The laughter spilled from Mira's throat. Her stomached fluttered in joy, not fear of this pitiful queen.

Athaliah shook her hand from Mira's hair as if she'd been burned. “She's mad. Take her away!”

Elam tugged on her arm to take her from the queen's court. Boldness filled her, strengthening her courage. Her tongue became thick, heavy. “Your greed has twisted your thoughts. It is not too late to seek forgiveness, for it will always be yours if you only call on the name of your Lord God.”

“You speak of what you do not know, Sh'mira.” He jerked her arm, causing her to stumble over her feet.

“You know God has no mercy for the faithless. Not even one who calls himself a priest.”

“Enough,” Elam spat.

“Remember this, Elam, you have denied God, He will deny you.”

She heard the opening of an iron gate and she was shoved forward. She fell to her hands and knees.

“You are naught but a crippled beggar. Who are you to tell me what God will do?”

She stood to her feet, and shoved her hair from her face, the strips of linen kept her from seeing his scorn. “God does not discriminate against afflictions such as mine, only against decaying hearts.”

The gate slammed shut, echoing against the inside of her cell. The key turned in the lock. “Where is God now, Sh'mira? Will He deliver you from the queen?” His voice quivered as a man facing a lion. “No. I think not. Soon my queen's attendants will retrieve you. They'll shave the shame from your head and paint your eyes with kohl right before they tie you to the altar and set it on fire,” he hissed. “Will God grant you mercy then?”

* * *

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

“I
t 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.”

Ari bowed over the priest's frail hand. “My thanks, Jehoiada.”

“Ishiah, if you will bless us by guarding Joash until all is settled?”

“I consider it an honor,” his father replied.

“Jesse, I send you with your brother.” Jehoiada handed his father and Jesse each a weapon. “See to it that Althaliah does not leave Jerusalem alive. It would not do for her to regain forces and return.”

Congregated together, they stood in their ranks and waited for orders. Jehoiada stood before them, between what should have been bronze pillars. He lifted a prayer of blessing over them. Collectively they banged the butts of their spears upon the ground and shouted, “Praise God!”

Jehoiada raised his hand for silence. “I have assembled you here for a greater purpose than any could ever imagine. On my command you are to kill all who would protect Athaliah. Kill her guards, and any who would follow her. The terror of Judah and her servants must perish. Demolish the Asherah poles she has erected in your city. Cleanse Jerusalem of her defilement. Do not allow anyone within the temple walls who is not one of us. Blood must not spill within the temple.”

Jehoiada waived his hand, a hundred Philistine mercenaries streamed into the courtyard, each carrying a giant spear. Ianatos stood at their head.

Between them, Joash strode, attired no longer as a shepherd boy, but as a king draped in purple and gold.

Jehoiada, motioned Joash forward. An attendant handed Jehoiada a gold crown and a vile of oil. “The Lord your God has preserved the line of David as He promised. He has set before us a child.” Jehoiada poured oil onto his fingertips and drew his fingers across Joash's brow. “I present to you Joash son of Ahaziah.” The high priest sat the gold crown upon the boy's head. “King of Judah.”

The curling sound of the shofar wound into the air, followed by one and then another, until every trumpeter blew his praise to the Lord God, Creator of the heavens and earth.

After a few moments of the shofars resonating into Jerusalem, Jehoiada raised his hand for silence.

“What is this!”

Ari turned toward the palace, as did everyone else. Athaliah stood on the steps of the palace, her face red with rage.

“Treason! Treason!” She rent the neckline of her garment. “Kill them,” she ordered the guards standing beside her.

Ari and the group of warriors he was with turned upon her and her guard. Her men fled back into the palace. Ari raced after them, cutting with his sword and jabbing with his spear those who fought for their queen. He pushed his way through the palace gate. His movements, that of a battle-honed warrior, were sure-footed, yet his mind focused on finding Mira. Desperation gnawed at him with each guard he dispatched, warring with the faith and trust he placed in the Lord.

It was like a double-edged sword twisting in his gut. The doubt that had crept in sliced deep, leaving a gaping wound in his heart. “Sh'mira!” He sidestepped a sword as it threatened to crash against his head. Ari swung the flat of his own blade against the knee of his opponent, sending him to the ground. “Sh'mira!”

Lord, guide my feet to her.

He turned a corner, his instincts prodding him to run. His feet flew over the flagstones of a long corridor. His gaze fell to a pair of women. One lay on the stones, another crouched over her. The muscles in his legs froze, refusing to move another step. Was he too late? If only he had not taken too much time in fighting his opponents. If only he had been quicker.

“My Lord,” he whispered, pleading with God. Sweat poured over his brow and into his eyes, causing them to sting, yet he could not take his eyes off the women out of fear they'd disappear.

If I have lost her...
A knot curled in his belly at the anguish of losing her, leaving the taste of vinegar clinging to his lips. Ari sheathed his sword as his knees wavered in their strength. He shoved the flat end of the spear against the ground and leaned against it for support.

* * *

Just as they had entered the large bathing chamber, a shofar sounded. And then another sounded, and another until the palace walls vibrated with the intensity of the horns. Mira had feared the walls would tumble around them. The guards flanking her had tensed, their hands gripping their short swords. A thunderous shout arose from outside. “Praise God!”

Athaliah's shrill screams echoed through the palace, and the warriors raced away, leaving Mira alone with the arrogant woman.

“Praise God!” Mira looked heavenward and placed her hand over the beating of her heart.

The woman who only moments before had ridiculed God, trembled in fear.

“Did I not tell you my God has not abandoned me. Nor has he abandoned Judah.”

The woman fell at Mira's feet. “Forgive me,” she cried.

Mira knelt beside her, cupping her hand beneath her chin, she lifted the distraught woman's face to meet her eyes. “It is not I from whom you should seek forgiveness, but the Almighty God of Israel.”

“Sh'mira,” his voice, a mere whisper, echoed over her flesh. She swiveled and rose. Her heart swelled like a bladder of water near to bursting.

“Ari, you have come.”

Afraid her eyes played tricks, her feet refused to move. And then he smiled. She ran across the distance, flung herself into his arms and pressed her lips to his.

Settling her on his left side, he buried his nose into her hair. “I have missed you, Sh'mira.” He dropped a kiss to her brow, and then grabbed a hold of her hand. “Come, we must go.”

“What of Athaliah?” Mira asked.

“She will not escape.”

“It is over, then?”

“Yes. We may now go home.” He dropped another kiss to her brow.

Home. Back to her father's. A blessing and a curse.

Ari drew her out into the palace courtyard. Slain men clothed in palace attire lay in various places. They exited through the gate facing the temple of God. Tears pricked her eyes as her gaze fell upon a crowned Joash in the center of the temple court. She leaned her head against Ari's shoulder.
God, anoint Joash the King of Judah with Your wisdom. And Your mercy.

As if he heard her prayer, Joash turned his eyes upon her and Ari, giving them a slight bow. “My soul is filled with joy that all is as it should be. Yet, it is filled with sadness for I will never see the child again.”

Ari looked down upon her, his eyes soft, filled with emotion mirroring her own heart. “If God wills it, you will see him again.”

“Not as the child who lived among us,” she said with solemnity.

“No, not as that child.” He tugged her down the steps and into the streets. “Perhaps, the Lord will bless you with a bevy of sons. If you are truly blessed, perhaps He will grant you daughters, as well, Sh'mira daughter of Caleb.”

Even though his words tore at her heart, she smiled. If she were truly blessed, God would grant her an eternity with Ari. Children created of their union would be a double portion, whether they be sons or daughters for she would have none without Ari.