A rumble of noise went through the crowd as the news was assimilated. After the chatter died down, Jasher finished his plea.
“In grave matters such as these, I choose not to give commands which would be followed out of blind duty. Rather, I ask you to stand by me in joining the tribes of the Three Brothers once again together in peace. Will you march with me to find Rezon, that I may counsel with him, in hopes that his heart may be turned, as mine and yours have been?”
After a brief delay, a shout of commitment went up from the body of soldiers, saying, “It shall be done!”
Pekah was thrilled upon hearing the words, excitement filling him like the warmth of beams from Aqua and Azure breaking through the clouds. Amon saluted the general with both hands high in the air. Jasher stepped from his seat and motioned the eight leaders to come closer for specific instructions. Orders were given, but Pekah did not hear them on account of the commotion now coming from the gathered crowd. Separating into groups of ten and groups of fifty, the commissioned captains shouted out commands to secure the prison area and prepare it for the general’s arrival. Without another word, the crowd left in columns, down the same road previously taken by the prisoner escort.
His lips curled as if amused, Captain Amon patted Pekah on the shoulder. “You have delivered your message to us. Now we will deliver it to Daniel and Uzzah.”
“Thank you,” Pekah said, humbled by the acknowledgement.
“Please follow me,” Jasher invited, smiling.
Walking to the end of the platform where weapons had been stashed in a large wooden bin, Jasher stopped so Pekah and Eli could retrieve their belongings. With Jasher and Amon leading the way, the four of them then marched across the plaza, past the beautiful central fountain, and down the confines of the narrow city street where the soldiers had gone. Bordered by multi-storied buildings with wrought iron railings on balconies, the cobbled passage was the most colorful street Pekah had yet seen in Ain. In addition to flower pots hanging from some balconies, most of the stone walls had been painted bright colors-yellow, blue, green, and orange. He was cheered, simply walking down the street.
A few blocks later they turned onto a road which opened up into a small park, another beautiful fountain at its center. On the other side of the open area stood several of the Gideonite soldiers who had left them at the plaza, their captain yelling at prisoners cordoned off in the better part of an entire neighborhood. All the Gideonites brandished their weapons, and angry shouts rose from the crowd. A wounded prisoner sat on the street, being tended by another. As Jasher and Amon approached, the captain hollered for silence.
“What happened here?” Jasher demanded.
The captain stiffened. “When we explained that you would soon arrive to free the prisoners, several of these men called us liars. One of them rushed forward with a rock in his hand. We did only what was necessary to control the crowd.”
Pekah looked at the Danielite who sat on the cobbled street, holding up his wounded arm so it could be wrapped with a strip of cloth. The injury appeared to be superficial. A large stone lay nearby.
Jasher pointed to the captain. “Take the man to the medical tent in the plaza so the wound can be properly dressed. Then set him free.”
The wounded Danielite gaped, amazed.
“Help him up,” the Gideonite captain ordered. A group of five soldiers broke away to assist in carrying out the general’s request, and they all left.
Amon escorted Pekah and Eli to the front of the holding area. Standing before Jasher’s group were two men, one a captain from Daniel and one from Uzzah.
“Tavor!” Eli cried out as they met. Tavor managed a meek smile, but did not say anything in return. Looking around at the assembled crowd, comprised mostly of Gideonites, Tavor’s expression soured. The Danielite captain next to Tavor clenched his teeth, his lips curled almost into a snarl. Eli could say no more before General Jasher introduced himself.
“I am Jasher of Bezek. I am a general of Gideon, and I have received news delivered by these men,” he paused, pointing to Pekah and Eli, “which has changed my entire perception of this war, almost in an instant! I am here to speak with the leaders of your peoples, so we might come to an agreement. I desire a permanent treaty, so peace might be had once again in the land.”
Tavor’s jaw dropped. The Danielite captain mumbled something under his breath in surprise. Jasher gave them both time to recover, and then proceeded to tell the two men all that had befallen both Amon and himself earlier that morning, including the fate of Manasseh and the covenant made by the men under his command. He then said, “I wish to end this war. Will you join me in doing so?”
Tavor still did not appear to believe what he was hearing. He backed a few steps away from Jasher in distrust, and looked to Eli for help. Eli nodded in affirmation and stated, “It’s true. This is his sincere desire. I am joining with him myself.”
The Uzzahite warrior studied his own commanding officer with some suspicion, but when he saw the sincerity in Eli’s face, a smile appeared. Tavor put forward his hand, taking Jasher at his word. The two of them made their oath, and then the Danielite captain did the same.
“You and your peoples are then free!” Jasher declared. “Please gather your leaders and come to the central plaza, where we will make plans for a very important journey. Together, we will commit the rest of the Gideonite armies to our cause!”
With that, General Jasher spun around on his heel and left them all standing there in wonder. A small contingent of soldiers followed Jasher as a bodyguard detail, but the rest stayed behind, talking to Captain Amon.
Eli almost pounced on his friend. He gave Tavor a great bear hug, just as he had Jonathan four days earlier. Tavor choked and pushed him off, patting Eli on the arms.
“How has this happened?” Tavor begged of him.
“I’ve made a new friend,” Eli said, pointing to Pekah. “This man is responsible for your release. His brave actions before Manasseh changed the heart of the general, who in turn has convinced the entire Gideonite army here in Ain to unite with Daniel and Uzzah!”
Pekah introduced himself.
“Thank you,” Tavor said, “for whatever it is you have done. I’m grateful for it.”
Pekah blushed and looked away at first, but then turned to say, “You’re welcome.”
Eli chided Tavor for leaving him at Hasor, as if it was his fault. The three men laughed together until Eli’s countenance turned from excitement to anxiety.
“Have you seen Rachel?” Eli asked, his expression earnest.
Tavor held up a reassuring hand. “Yes. She is here, and well. She cares for some of the wounded and sick.” He then pointed, adding, “She’s near one of the other fountains of the city.”
“Tavor, please take us to her!”
Interrupting, Amon stepped closer and said, “We should go together. That will allow my men to spread the word as we go, and therefore prevent conflict.”
“As you wish,” Eli agreed.
Following Amon, the entire body of soldiers entered the holding area. As they tromped through the streets, captains accompanied by their small bands peeled off to gather prisoners around them, declaring their freedom. Their jubilant message went through the crowds faster than they could walk, a cry of “The Three Brothers are again united!” echoing down the city streets before them. The profound declaration made Pekah’s skin tingle with excitement.