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“What need of forgiveness do you have, my son?”
It was not the Lord who had asked the question, but Caleb. Ari would much prefer to speak with God on this matter.
“For my iniquities, adon,” Ari responded, hating his deception.
“I suppose we all have them, do we not?”
Unable to speak, Ari nodded.
Just as they were about to enter through the gate, Ari halted. “I do not think it safe for you to go any closer. Not yet.”
“I must,” Caleb said.
“I will go.” Ari would go and see the destruction. He would—what would he do? Bury the dead to save Caleb from such devastation? Ari drew in a ragged breath.
“We will go together.” Caleb laid his palm on Ari’s shoulder and searched his eyes.
Ari’s shoulders sagged.
“I must know that my family is unharmed.”
“But, adon—”
“No!” Caleb snapped. In his years of service, Ari had not once heard his master raise his voice.
“Yes, adon. I understand, you must do what you must.”
Afraid of what they would find, Ari felt the urge to drag his feet. Yet he wanted to drop the donkey’s lead and run as fast as he could. He would not breathe easy until his gaze touched Mira and Joash.
A swath of sand blew around them making it difficult to view the cattle enclosures but Ari knew they were close. Close enough to taste the acrid smell of death.
No sooner had they spied the earth-colored structures than Rubiel, with her long black hair streaming down her back, ran to greet them, Nathan fast on her heels.
“Abba! Oh, Abba, thank the Lord, all is well with you.”
Caleb shifted his weight and struggled to dismount. Ari wrapped his hand around the old man and assisted him.
“Tell me, child?”
She halted in front of them, tears streaked down her swollen cheeks. “Soldiers came and...” she choked.
Her betrothed patted her shoulder. “It is all right, Ruby,” he crooned. “There now, you should see to the children.” She looked up into his face, her eyes red-rimmed, a mixture of trust and anger marring her features.
“But—”
Nathan stopped her with a finger to her lips. “Allow me, Rubiel.”
She stepped forward, pressing a kiss to her father’s cheek. “Shalom, Abba.” With that she hung her head and walked back to the center of the village.
“I fear she will never forgive me. I was not here when the soldiers came. The women and children were left defenseless.”
Caleb pressed his lips together and lifted his hand to Nathan’s shoulder, his gaze shifting back and forth as if seeking the truth. Nathan had a tendency to shirk his duties. This, no doubt, was one of those times. By the worry etched on his brow, Ari had no doubt the man was remorseful.
Ari’s gaze searched for Joash. Since Rubiel had gone to care for the children, there was hope. But that didn’t stop the heavy stone rolling around in his stomach.
He had prayed the Lord would spare them, but with the look of grief in Nathan’s eyes, his hope waned.
“My wife?” Caleb asked with choked emotion.
“Leah is fine. Bruised, but fine.”
“Thank Ye, God.”
“Soldiers came.”
A pain so sharp, as if his own sword had severed his arm, pierced his chest. Mira? He dared not ask. “What of Joash?”
Nathan bowed his head. His feet shifted in the sand.
Impatient and out of control, Ari grabbed the front of his tunic and hefted him off the ground. “Where. Is. Joash?” he ground out.
“Ari!”
Ari’s heart quit pounding in his chest, but it was only Tama. She ran toward him. Her face swollen and ashen. Her eyes red-rimmed from tears.
“He’s gone.” She collapsed against him.
Ari gripped her shoulders to keep her from falling to her knees.
“He’s gone. I failed him.” Her sobs increased. “I—I tried to find him. I went near the cave—b-but soldiers were guarding it.”
He understood the pain of failure. It cut him deep. “There is no need to worry, Tama. All will be well. You will see.”
If only his words were true. He handed Tama to Nathan and then turned toward his master. “Adon.” He pierced Caleb’s gaze with his eyes. “I am unworthy, but I ask that you trust me.”
“You cannot think to trust this bond servant, Father,” Nathan interrupted. “It’s obvious he brought the soldiers here.”
Nathan’s words twisted the blade deep into his soul. “Trust me, Caleb. I must go with haste to find the boy.” Ari dropped his chin. “When I see him to his rightful place, I will return.” He once again lifted his eyes. “I vow it.”
“Of course, Ari. You are a free man. You must do what you must.”
