Pekah caught the tail end of a question posed by Tavor about the farms around Ain. Amon started to answer the question, but then stood to get everybody’s attention. The chatter died down, and all eyes fixed on the captain.
“I want to explain something about this meal,” Amon said. “Just one day ago, many things were taken by force from the citizens of this conquered city. But this meal was provided entirely by the donations of families who were returned to their farms in peace. Gideonite soldiers assisted in repairing fences and doors broken during the attack. The families were grateful for the service rendered, and many of them donated chickens, fruit, flour, and other items. Many of these good people shared from very limited supplies, having lost most of their stores in our conflict. And yet they still shared.”
Amon’s eyes misted, and the room stilled. “We thank them. We thank them for their forgiveness, which they have truly manifested by their generosity. Have we ever witnessed such a day as this? I have not. I look forward to many, many more.”
Amon sat down amidst the gentle clapping of approval from the room.
Jasher then stood and thanked all for being present. He also mentioned the miraculous events of the day, and noted that he felt privileged to have had just a small part in bringing The Brothers together once again. “I wish this war had never started,” he said. “There are many things that should have been considered before Gideon marched in aggression. I shoulder much of the blame. Before casting my lot with Manasseh in this matter, I should have personally traveled to Hasor to verify what Rezon had told us about Daniel’s preparations for war. Long-standing prejudice clouded my thoughts. I consider it to be my greatest mistake. I thank Pekah, whose eyes were open to the truth, for opening my own eyes in these matters. I also want to personally beg the forgiveness of my brothers from Daniel and Uzzah for the pain, sorrow, and death inflicted upon them and their families. I pledge myself to my brothers in peace. I will never again cause them this kind of pain.”
The sincere, emotional expressions by Amon and Jasher appeared to touch Jonathan’s heart. His eyes moist, he stood, speaking softly.
“There have been sorrows for Gideon, too. I thank you for your pledge, and pray the Holy One will forgive us all, not only within Gideon, but Daniel, and Uzzah too. We are not without fault in this grave misunderstanding.”
Jasher responded that his wish was the same, to which Amon also added his approval. “Can we invite the priest within our midst to begin our meal with words of thanks?” Jasher inquired.
“Did he mean me or you?” Tavor asked Eli.
“I’m sorry, Tavor,” Jasher answered, overhearing the question. “I didn’t know you were also a priest of the temple. I was referring to Eli. Eli, would you please?”
Eli stood, and with head bowed, prayed tender words of thanks and appreciation for the safety of those present. He implored the Holy One for His guiding hands to assist those who still suffered. Before closing, Eli also asked for a quick resolution of the war still being waged near his own home of Ramathaim.
As Eli took his seat, Pekah noticed Rachel blotting tears from her eyes. Eli reached for her, drawing her close. Jasher again rose from his seat.
“My friends-please eat. Enjoy this wonderful bounty.”
Pekah relished every savory bite of the delicious meal as he chatted occasionally with those around him. Most of the conversations at the table centered on happier days spent with family and friends, but a few times during the meal, messengers who stood by were called up to receive orders from Jasher or Amon, after which they would depart on their errand. Minutes later, others who had been summoned would enter the tent, receive instructions, and then depart again. Among the guests, there was some discussion of plans for the morrow, but only in generalities, with nothing decided.
Near the end of the meal, Pekah listened in as Rachel told Jonathan of her journey from Saron. She was gracious-the references she made to the Gideonites who captured her were matter-of-fact, not spiteful. When she told Jonathan of Asah’s death, she broke down. Jonathan held her close, whispering in her ear until her sobbing stopped.
“I’m very sorry for your family’s loss,” Jasher offered when she had composed herself.
“I am also sorry for your grief,” Amon said. “Please forgive the people of Gideon for this terrible deed.”
“Thank you for your understanding,” Rachel said while blotting tears away. “He meant a lot to me and my family.”
Conversation around the table returned to small talk. As the evening grew late, Eli suggested that arrangements needed to be made for the night, but Amon announced that he had taken care of everything.
“Extra tents have been set up near here. Eli, Tavor, and Jonathan are invited to share a tent. There is also a tent for the lady,” Amon said, with a gesture to Rachel.
“Thank you, Captain,” she said.
Amon straightened and smiled, apparently pleased for his part in making her comfortable.
Jasher rose from his seat, and the rest of them did likewise. As they all stood to leave, the general reminded Pekah that he was still conscripted, and told Amon to find him accommodations with the other soldiers. “However, you may stay with your Danielite friends if you wish.”
“No, sir,” Pekah replied. “I will stay with the other soldiers, as suggested.”
“I have an extra cot in my tent,” Captain Amon offered. “I doubt the barracks in the city have any free sleeping space. We’ve sent all those who do not have a bed here within the walls to an outpost north of Ain.”
“Very well,” Jasher said.
Outside the tent, and standing under a lantern which Amon held aloft, Pekah waved his goodbye to the others. “May you all sleep well.” He then turned and followed Amon into the darkness.
Jonathan let go of Rachel’s hand, then waved to Pekah as he left with Amon.
Pointing to a barely discernable form in the darkness, the cloud cover preventing the moons from illuminating the plaza, Jasher said, “That tent near the fountain has been prepared for the three of you men. Jonathan, I plan to gather my captains for our journey toward Saron soon after dawn. At first light, would your group join me for a quick meal?”
“Yes, General,” Jonathan replied. “I, too, would like to be on our way as soon as possible. There are many lives at stake in the north. I hope the armies can hold the walls of Ramathaim until we arrive.” He reached for Rachel’s hand and held it tight.
“So do I,” Jasher said. “Jonathan, would you please accompany me to the lady’s quarters?”
“Yes, I will,” Jonathan said, winking at Rachel.
“We’ll see you at our tent,” Eli said as he and Tavor left.
A short distance away from the general’s accommodations, yet apart from all others, stood a tent Jonathan hadn’t noticed before. Light spilled from the open entrance. Two guards were already posted there, and to Jonathan’s surprise, a beautiful Gideonite woman waited at the entrance, her face illuminated by a lantern hanging from the tip of a pole above her. She appeared to be quite young, but she stood tall and confident. When Jasher approached, the woman stepped forward to kiss him on the cheek. Both surprised, Jonathan and Rachel exchanged glances.
“This is my recently wedded wife, Abigail,” Jasher said. “Rather than eating dinner with the soldiers and having to listen to talk of war, she insisted on seeing the beautiful fountains of Ain. She arrived a few hours ago under escort with a message from my mother, who has been ill. Abigail has cared for her while I’ve been away.”
“It’s nice to meet you,” Rachel said.
Holding Abigail’s hand, Jasher motioned to the others. “This is Jonathan and his betrothed wife, Rachel. Jonathan is the heir of Daniel, and he came with the soldier I told you about, the one who brought The Thorn.”