For This Cause

by Narelle Willmott ©2006

Welcome everybody to my very first novel.  This is a work in progress; so much so that you may find that by going back to look over a section that you have previously read, there may be additions or changes.  This is my first draft and I would appreciate it very much if you would view it as such.  I am basically just putting sections forward to 'test the waters' so to speak.  I value any imput you may wish to share, though I do reserve the right to decide myself whether your suggestions will work in the framework of what I am trying to achieve with this story. 

Well, at last I have finally made it easier for you to find the chapter that you are up to without having to scroll down to do it!  I hope that this is helpful.  Please, please, please don't forget to leave a comment.  I am a person who thrives on feedback! (as many of you have already noticed)

Be blessed dear friends and I hope that you enjoy the story contained on this site.

With love from your Aussie sister in Christ,

Narelle

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

CHAPTER 5

The sun streamed in the room, its heat waking Rondi from his sleep.  It took him a while to remember where he was and what had happened the previous twenty-four hours.  Melancholy filled his heart.  An apprehension at what would greet him this day, or more likely, fear of letting his guard down and blowing the cover that was set in place by obadiah and his father.  It was set in place, not just to protect the three travelers, but these good people who had taken them in and shown mercy with a sincerity that amazed him.

Movement from across the room drew Rondi’s attention to the figure of the beautiful Shayna.  She was preparing for the new day.  In the other corner sat Jeb.  He was leaning on the pillows that surrounded the table which was used for meal time, watching her.  It became suddenly very obvious the love that Jeb felt for Shayna.  It was splattered over every corner of his face; just as the love that was held for Jeb danced in the eyes of Shayna when she looked him.  They had been softly speaking to one another, and Rondi felt suddenly out of place.  Like a usurper of a time that should only be shared between a man and his wife ~ his wife!  Of course!

Shayna was the one to notice Rondi first as she joined her husband at the table.  Her smile of greeting to the lad was magnificent .  Once again heat made its way up the boy’s neck as he averted his eyes.  Seeing his wife’s smile, and the reaction from his young acquaintance, Jeb tried to cover the grin that spread across his face.  He didn’t want to embarrass his young guest.

“Good morning Master Jesse,” greeted Jeb. “Did you sleep well?”

“Yes.  Thankyou.  I must have been very tired. I don’t even remember lying down.”

“We noticed that it didn’t take you long to fall asleep." replied Shayna. 

Jed noticed Jesse moving to get out of bed. "Please, don’t get up.  You need to take it easy for the next few days, to rebuild your strength.  Take your morning meal in bed for today.”

“Thankyou, but I only eat in bed when I am sick, and I would prefer to join you if you don't mind.”  Rondi rose and walked slowly over to the table.  The blisters on his feet and the aching of his muscles making it hard to move with any speed. 

Sitting across from the young couple he felt a bit bolder, and looking at Jeb and Shayna sheepishly asked, “May I ask you both a favor?”

Jeb looked into the face of Rondi, “Yes, of course Master Jesse, anything.”

“Would you agree to call me just Jesse?  It would make me feel more comfortable.”  Rondi believed that this would be fine by his father as in the palace at home, his father allowed close friends to call him by his first name when not in public, and it would also waylay suspicion by anyone outside the clan if they heard a title being used.  Besides, being a guest in this couple’s home, he felt it only polite.

A friendly smile crossed Jeb’s face and he looked at his wife.  She returned the smile with agreement and they both looked back to the young prince.

Jeb nodded his recognition, “It would be an honor, Jesse.” Rondi returned the nod and started to eat his meal.

"Yes, thankyou Jesse," added Shayna.

“Do you know how my father is today?” asked the boy slowly.

Jed glanced at his wife,“I went before to look in on him.  He was sleeping peaceably and seemed to be without too much pain.  You must remember though, that his injuries will take quite a while to heal sufficiently to travel.”  It was barely noticeable, but Jeb’s face held a small frown as tried to convey to the lad the severity of the situation that Ammiel was in.

Rondi took a deep breath, “Please Jeb, what are his injuries?  I am a man now and feel that I have a right to know.”

Jeb looked the boy over; yes, according to Obadiah, this lad had shown considerable maturity in the handling of the situation that they had found themselves in after the attack.  He decided that the boy would not be much older than thirteen, the age of ceremonial manhood, yet he was right; he did have a right to know.

“Of course.  According to the healer, your father has broken his right thigh just about clean through.  He has bruises over much of his body and deep cuts on his upper arms, face and chest.  Thankfully there is no infection to speak of.  He is in good hands here, Jesse. Obadiah did the right thing bringing him here to his family.

 After taking a bite of his food Jebediah continued, "He has told us of the kindness that your family has extended to him, even though he came to your family as a slave.  He holds deep gratitude and respect for them; all of them, including you Jesse.” 

Those words would have made Rondi swell with pride; that is if he had heard them, but the lad had closed his eyes tightly as if to shut the world out.  Jeb noticed this and concern filled him.  What had this boy been through?  What had he seen to make him react in such a way? 

Gently, Jeb questioned him, “Jesse, what is it………….. What happened for your father to sustain such injuries?" No answer came. "It might ease your burden if you were to tell me. Please lad, I want to help you.” 

Silent words were exchanged between Jeb and Shayna, and when Rondi opened his eyes, it was to see Jeb helping Shayna up, her swollen belly making it too difficult on her own.  She finished clearing the table then with a nod in Jesse’s direction, and a reassuring squeeze of his shoulder, she left the house.  Jeb sat waiting patiently for an answer from Rondi; he could see that the lad wanted to tell him, but he needed time to get his thoughts into focus.

At last he began,“We had been traveling for six days when we came across a meadow in the lowlands.  It was a perfect place to hunt for deer. We had brought with us another three servants and the cook. They did the work around the camp while we practiced our hunting skills.  We left the camp with Obadiah and Charnel, father’s best friend early in the morning.   It was meant to be a celebration of my entering manhood.....”  Rondi looked up into Jeb’s face.  Jeb knew what he was thinking, the deep sadness written in those eyes told the story better than words.

“I hope you don't blame yourself for what happened  Jesse, none of this is your fault!”  Jeb’s voice was stern yet not harsh.  He wanted to get through to his young friend the truth.  He would not let this boy take the entire guilt on his young shoulders. He had seen that happen before when he was younger to his cousin, and knew the toll it had taken on him.  “You share no blame in what happened to your father and the other men.  It was the thugs who did this to you who are totally to blame."  Jebediah moved around the table to sit next to the boy who was now called a man.  He placed his hand on his arm for support, "Their hearts are blackened, Jesse, their intentions were evil and that is what they were out to achieve ~ evil.  Unfortunately it seems that you were just at the wrong place at the wrong time and felt the full brunt of it.” Jeb’s voice had gradually grown softer.  “Please, continue.”

Jesse had lowered his eyes to look at the table top.  As grateful as he was for his new friend’s wise words that had helped alleviate some of the guilt,  there was something more.  Something that he had heard that he knew he must keep to himself until he could speak to Obadiah by himself.  For the time being though, he would set it aside.

The lad continued, “We had been hunting for most of the morning and had killed two deer and tracked another four. When we drew near to the camp, we noticed that the the camp was unusually still compared to the other times that we came back at that time of the day. Normally Cook was having a fit about something or other that the other servants had done, or had forgotten to do........" Lines creased Rondi's brow as he remembered the other men and their antics.

"When we realised that it was too quiet, it was decided that Charnel would circle the camp to see what had happened to the others and circled through the trees to the left at the edge of the meadow.  Obadiah circled from the right and Father and I stayed where we were under the cover of the bushes looking for signs of what had happened. 

We did not even hear them coming until they were upon us. Father tried to protect me, but one of the men hit him over the head with a club and knocked him out cold.  I tried to fight them Jeb, I really did, but they were too strong and there were too many of them!” Eyes filled with tears fell on Jeb and he tightened his grip on the boy's arm.

“I know you did lad, I know you did,” comforted Jeb.

Rondi went on, “I tried to call out for Obadiah, but they had gagged me.  I thought that it would probably be better for Father and me if I didn’t struggle too much.  I guessed that they were thieves and that if we just gave them what they wanted, they might have left us alone.”

“That was good thinking Lad,........... but that's not what happened, is it?”

“No."  It was obviously getting more difficult for Rondi to speak.  "I didn’t know until they had taken us back to the camp that they had already killed the other men.  They didn’t have a chance, Jeb, they were all unarmed when they were attacked." Rondi had to bite his bottom lip to keep it from shaking, "They mutilated them; not just killed them, but mutilated them.  It was horrible.”  Rondi took a sip from the cup of water that was in front of him.  He would never forget that sight.  Broken and torn bodies were strewn in every direction.  The force at which the servants must have been hit was mind-boggling.  It was the ugliest thing he had ever seen; well maybe the second ugliest.  The look of evil in the eyes of the murderers and the pleasure that the killings had obviously bought them would have to have been the ugliest!  Such depredation he had heard of on the battlefield, but not taken against a few unarmed men.  The fact that there were such people in the world was a lesson that he would not soon forget.

Jeb noticed the haunted look in Rondi’s eyes; heard the grief in his words, saw the tears that spilt over and down his face.  He shared his sorrow, but he knew that the boy had to let it out so it wouldn't damage him beyond repair.  Jebediah urged him on.

“It was about then that Father regained consciousness.  They had him tied and bound and I could see that the way that they had tied him, it would have taken a knife to free him. 

He tried to negotiate with them for my life.  He promised them that if they let me go that he would provide them with details of riches beyond their dreams, but they just laughed at him. 

It was about then that they bought Obadiah in, bound and gagged.  He was bleeding from his ear and unconscious like Father had been.  Father told them that we were expecting a party to join us and that they were expected at any time, but the men just jeered at him and the leader came over and pulled Father's head back by his hair. Then he spat in his face before he stood back up and started to kick into him like a madman.  The others just stood by and laughed!"  Shaking his head as if in a daze at the cruel memory of what had taken place, Rondi suddenly lifted his reddened eyes to his companion's face.

 Jeb, what makes a man do that to another man, especially when he can't defend himself?” Rondi returned his eyes back to the table in front of him, yet not seeing it.

There was no easy answer to that question and Jeb was glad when he realized that the boy hadn't  meant him to.  After a while, the lad continued.

"After the leader had finished kicking my father, he picked up a long, thin branch and started to whip him with it.  I thought that he was finished with him when he had stopped kicking him, but no........ when he started whipping him, he seemed even angrier than before. He just kept thrashing and, and thrashing him with it........ I didn't think he was ever going to stop!

When he finally did  stop, he motioned for the others to bring Obadiah over to him.  He pulled a long knife from one of the men’s belts.  I couldn't believe it!  He was going to run it through Obadiah, even though he was still unconscious.  I tried to pray, but I just couldn't manage to find any words.  I closed my eyes because I didn't want to watch.  When I heard the sound of arrows through the air and the sound of one of the men gasping, I opened my eyes just in time to see on of the thugs falling  forward.  It was then that I saw the two arrows that were sticking out of his back.

 There was a mad scramble for cover.  Within no time, the Leader was yelling for the other men to find where the arrows were coming from.  Charnel killed another two of the men with his hunting bow and arrows and we could hear a mad fight taking place in the woods.  Suddenly I realized that Father had somehow slid over to where the long knife had been dropped and forgotten about and had cut himself free. He then passed the knife on to Obadiah without anyone seeing him.  When the leader came back again and saw Father unfettered, he went into another rage.  I tried to call out to him, to warn him, but I still had that infernal gag in my mouth. 

He ran at Father, knocked him down and picked up the huge, heavy piece of metal that the cook used sometimes to cook on, and brought it down as hard as he could on my father’s leg.  I still can hear the sound of the metal crushing my father’s bone.”  Rondi stopped for another sip of his water before he continued.

“Father didn’t move again after that.  Obadiah had cut himself free and was headed towards the leader when another thug came at him and they started fighting.  I don’t know what happened to the head butcher after that.  He was gone when I looked back to see what he was doing. He must have escaped.  Jeb,I will never forget that man's face."  Jeb knew that he wouldn't and grieved for innocence lost. 

"When Obadiah had finished with the man, he got up and released me from my bonds.  He told me to stay with my father and gave me the knife that he and Father had used.  He went into the woods where we could still hear voices yelling, but came out later by himself.  He picked up Father, and told me to follow.  He placed Father on the back of Warrior and led us quietly away from the fighting.  I asked him later what had happened in the woods and where Charnel was, but all he said was that “Charnel had given his life for his Prince”, and left it at that."  Rondi paused as if to think for a while.  Once he started his story again, his voice seemed to have found a renewed strength.

"I don’t know what happened in the woods, but I know that if Obadiah made the decision to leave right then, then that was the right decision to make.” Jeb was surprised to see the sudden fire in Rondi’s eyes as they darted back to him; it was as if the lad was daring him to disagree with Obadiah’s decision.

 Right then, the admiration that Jebediah had held for his cousin multiplied as he realized the respect that he had gained in the eyes of his young master and his father. He had seen the bond between all three, and knew that it was rare to see such relationship between masters and their servant.

Jeb just nodded his agreement with Obadiah’s decision.  That was enough to subdue the young fellow once more.  Rondi ran his hands over his face, a sigh of weariness returned to his voice.

"When we were far enough away, we used the knife to cut branches to make the stretcher and used the ropes that had bound us to tie it together and fasten it to Warrior.  We hardly stopped in all the days that it took for us to get here; we walked day and night.”  Jeb could see the toll that this experience had taken on the boy.  His story obviously over, Jeb decided that it was time to change the subject.

“Are you up to seeing your Father yet, do you think?” Jeb spoke softly to the lad.

Rondi’s eyes lifted from the table at once, “Yes.  Please!”

“Then come.”

CHAPTER 4

The young prince sat beside the communal fire, watching the sun slowly make its way below the western horizon.  Every now and again he would peer over to where the women were making the night meal.  There was laughing and whispering and every now and again, Rondi would catch one of the women looking at him.  It was starting to get cold, but that was not what made Rondi uncomfortable.  He was not used to being the centre of this kind of attention.  Sure, being a prince brings with it looks and stares, but these women had no idea who he really was.  It was only now that Rondi realized what a sheltered life he had lead. 

It did not help either that he had been separated from his father and Obadiah.  Rondi waited in silence for someone to come for him. He waited for someone to tell him that the healer had finished checking his father and that he would be alright.   He had waited by himself for almost an hour now.

“Master Jesse.”

“Master Jesse, are you alright?”

Rondi looked up to see a man standing above him. He was average height, lean yet very fit. He reminded Rondi of the messengers at the palace. His long, dark brown hair was ruffled, as if its owner’s idea of grooming was a quick run through with his fingers.

 Rondi brought his thoughts back to what the man was saying. He was obviously talking to him.  A friendly smile covered the man’s face as he sat down next to the boy.

“Well, you were obviously thinking very deeply, lad.  I have been calling you for a while now.”

Rondi apologized and looked back to the fire.  He didn’t want to offend this newcomer, but he suddenly realized that the game of masquerade had begun; and he had no idea of the rules.

Taking the boy’s silence as shyness, the man went on, “I should introduce myself.  I am Jebediah, the eldest son of Eiroln, but my friends call me Jeb.  My father is the uncle of Obadiah.” 

Rondi took a new interest in the man sitting next to him.  He took the offered hand and smiled shyly.

“You must be tired after your long journey.  Come, I will take you to my home where you can rest.” 

“I thank you for your offer, but I doubt that I could rest without first seeing my father.”

“Of course; I understand.”

The two sat together in companionable silence. It didn’t take long before Obadiah exited one of the buildings and made his way to the pair.

“Master Jesse, your father wishes to see you now.”  Rondi stood.  So, now his name was to be Jesse.  Confusion reigned supreme in his mind, but he put it away to concentrate on his father and what lay behind the door.

~«<>»♦«<>»~

The door creaked slowly open, announcing the entrance of the three.  Looking around him, Rondi saw his father in the corner of the average sized room, propped up with padded rolls and blankets.  His torn shirt had been removed and where the make-shift bandages had presided, there were now clean, fresh ones.  Ammiel had obviously been cleaned up as dirt was nowhere to be seen on his person. Rondi in that instant became very aware of the dirt that clung to him and the discomfort that it brought. 

Looking around the room, Rondi also realized that they were not alone.  Eiroln, Obadiah’s uncle sat next to his father, while the lovely woman from the river moved quietly around the room, cleaning up the old bandages and removing the bowl of dirty water that must have been used to clean the prince.  She looked at Rondi and smiled.  The lad felt his heart miss a beat as he lowered his eyes and searched out his father’s face.  She was truly beautiful.  Against his will, Rondi felt a warmth make its way up his neck to his face.

Ammiel’s eyes opened and Rondi could see the deep weariness that resided there.

“Jesse, my son.”  The corners of Ammiel’s lips rose slightly at the look on his son’s face.  No one else would have noticed the slight questioning in Rondi’s eyes, only someone who knew to look. Rondi went to his father’s side and sat beside him as Eiroln moved over to give the lad room to sit. 

“How are you Father?”  Rondi’s eyes quickly scanned the covered form of his father.

“I am well enough,” he replied, not wanting to worry his son any further.

“Aaron, I do not wish to interfere, but I think you should tell your son the truth about the extent of your injuries.  After all, it will be quite a while before you will be able to travel the long distance to your home.  Getting his hopes up now will only cause pain later.”  Rondi looked over to Eiroln to see that he had been speaking to his father.  Aaron?  His father had chosen Aaron as his new name?

“You are probably right.  Please Eiroln, would you do the honors?” Ammiel looked suddenly uncomfortable.  There was pain written on his face.  He was obviously in a lot of discomfort.

“Certainly, but I believe that it is time for us to leave you to get some rest.”  Looking to the others, Eiroln spoke, “Jeb, would you stay to take care of Aaron for me?  Shayna, please ask Jenja to prepare the necessities for the young master to bathe, and some clean clothes for him to wear.”  Turning to Rondi he said, “After you have washed, Shayna will get you some food.  You must be ravenous after such a long journey.  I will speak to you then.” Eiroln’s eyes filled with kindness as he spoke to the boy, “Your father is in good hands now.  We will take care of him as if he were our own, so do not worry any longer.”

“Thankyou,” was all that Rondi could think to say.  He was exhausted and hungry and concerned for his father, and these were only some of the things that were whirling around in his mind.  Adonai, I need your strength more than ever just to get through this night.  I can not handle this on my own, but Lord I know that I am never alone when I am in you.  I claim your strength as my own.  Thankyou for your sustaining hand my God.  Amen.

 A peace suddenly seemed to flow over Rondi starting from the top of his head and made its way to the bottom of his feet.  All would be well; he had that certainty to sustain him now as Rondi offered up his thanks and praise to his Heavenly King.

Well, there you have it - the first part of chapter 4. I hope you enjoyed it.

Once again - Cheers my dears!

CHAPTER 3 

Ammiel looked back at his son.  He had opted to lag behind the others as soon as they had resumed their journey. 

Ammiel could no longer keep the grin off his face as he watched Rondi, hands clenched by his side, walking with head down.  The father could see the lad’s anger from where he was tied to the stretcher behind his stallion.  The temptation had been too much for him, he must admit.  Looking into the cocky face of his son as he waited for a new name; a name that he had made clear that he expected his father to provide, there had been no way that Ammiel could possibly give up this chance to teach his son who had the greatest wit of the two.

Now though, seeing the anger that he had caused his son, there was a small nagging at the back of Ammiel’s conscience.  He had been a bit mean in his choice, though by the smile on Obadiah’s face, even he got the joke.  Of course he had no intention of using the name that he chose.  It was only a bit of fun, though as he watched his son, he could just hear his beloved Deborah’s voice.  “Ammiel, what have you done to Rondi this time?  How can you expect him to grow up to take anything you say seriously when you tease him so?” 

Aaaaaah, Debbi.  It seemed like months since he had last held her. Surely even she would enjoy this little joke.  After all, Mizell wasn’t that bad a name!

~«<>»♦«<>»~

“Mizell!  How could he!?!”  Rondi was so angry.  From the moment that he had heard the name come from his father’s lips, he had been disgusted with the choice.  “Out of all my names, he has to go and call me by the name that my older cousins use to tease me with.  He knows I hate it.  How will I be able to look these people in the eye?”

Rondi silently tromped on.  “What is wrong with the name Gideon (mighty warrior)?  Or Ari (lion)?  Even Aaron (shining light, high mountain, messenger) is a better name for a man.  Why did he choose to name me Tiny Gnat? Well, I suppose at least we won’t have to worry about our safety, as Obadiah’s family will be rent helpless from laughing at me!”

Rondi knew better than anyone how much his father loved a joke, but his face had been so serious when he had called him over after his time of deliberation with the news.  Sure, it was true that the further from any of his actual names, the less likely for his identity to be revealed; but - MIZELL!!!

Rondi was so engrossed in his thoughts, that he noticed neither time nor the countryside pass.  So full of emotion was he that he spared no thought for the danger that they may find themselves in.  He only felt the discomfort of being slighted by his father.  The same man, he reminded himself, who he loved and respected deeply. 

There was a slight wisdom to his father’s words.  Anyhow, why should he be so upset at the name?  It was only a name after all.

Just as the last thought took root in Rondi’s heart, he began to feel ashamed of his behavior.  The boy’s shoulders slumped under the weight of knowledge; knowledge of the folly of pride that he had partaken in.  His anger slowly turned to shame as he fell a little further behind the others.  “Forgive me, Adonai.  I have no excuse, but I know that one word from you and I am forgiven.  Please, my God.  I promise, with your help not to walk in pride any more.  Always remind me who I am without you, and I shall forever be grateful for who I am in you.”  Rondi could feel the guilt lift from his shoulders.  He could walk tall once more.

He looked up just in time to see that Obadiah had stopped the horse at the edge of a clearing.  There was a lazy stream that meandered along not far from where they stood, and bending over the stream, was the most beautiful woman that Rondi had ever seen.  She was humming as she bent to do her washing.  Her dark hair spilled over her right shoulder, her skin tanned, no doubt from similar work to that which she was so engrossed in.

Just then, the horse stamped his foot and snorted with impatience, bringing the company of three to the attention of the woman.  She looked up with a start, and raised herself to her feet as quickly as she could.  It was only then that Rondi noticed the round belly that had been hiding beneath the folds of her dress as she leaned over her work. 

~«<>»♦«<>»~

Obadiah saw that the young woman was about to flee.  He saw the fright in her eyes and knew that they had startled her.

“Please,” he said, holding out his hands to show that he held no weapon.  “We mean you no harm.  My master is wounded and we need help.  We have traveled far.”

The young woman’s eyes darted to and fro, looking for something that she might use as a weapon. 

Obadiah tried again, “I was wondering; is my Uncle Elias still alive?”

With this new information, the woman’s eyes flew to Obadiah.

“Elias is your uncle?” She stood, eyes narrowing as she looking him over.  “What is your name?”

Obadiah felt the heat rise in his face.  This was the moment that he had dreaded; the revealing of himself, the one who had caused such pain to his family.

“I am Obadiah, son of Amos.”

The young woman gasped as she dropped the clothes that she still had held, the shock registering on her face.  “Wait here,” she mumbled, barely loud enough to be heard, as she turned and made her way in what Obadiah remembered was the direction of the camp.

Minutes passed as the three waited silently.

It seemed like an eternity to Obadiah as he sat, waiting for someone to come.  In actual fact, it couldn’t have been more that fifteen minutes before many people, all speaking excitedly came into view.  They stopped before the stream, each one peering at the strangers on the other side. 

Four men stepped silently forward, one much older than the others.  Obadiah felt the tears prick in the back of his eyes as he recognized his beloved uncle standing before him.  He could not move as a deafening quiet fell over the crowd.

“Obadiah is dead.”  The old man’s voice was low and steady, his eyes searching the face of the man who claimed to be his nephew.  “We were told that he had tried to escape, so the soldiers killed him.”

“No Uncle, I live.  It is I, Obadiah, the son of your older brother Amos, come to beg your forgiveness for the pain that I have caused you.”  Obadiah lowered his eyes.  Shame filled him to the core of his being. 

It took much concentration to keep his emotions in check.  So much so that he did not hear his uncle approaching, until he spoke just a small distance from him.  “Obadiah, my son,” wavered the voice beside him.  Obadiah’s eyes shot to his uncles face, seeing the look of love in his eyes, the warmth of his hand on his arm.

“No Uncle, I am unclean.  Do not touch me!” sobbed Obadiah.  “I have wronged you and my family.   Please.”  He sank to the ground, his legs unable to hold him any longer.  “I do not deserve your forgiveness……”  Elias sank to his knees beside him, taking the large frame of his nephew in his arms as they both wept.

It wasn’t long before they were joined by the other men who had stood beside Elias.  They too knelt to wrap their arms around their cousin and wept.

He was home.  He was forgiven………at last he could find peace.

Chapter 2