Warrior Prophets Chapter 16

Monkey in the Middle

Pain assaulted Akavish’s awareness from multiple points. His mouth was dry and sticky. In semi-consciousness he tried to open it, but his parched lips would not part. He groaned a deep pain-filled noise, but no sound reached his ears. He was light-headed. He had trouble organizing his thoughts. He remembered Boaz and a duel. He had been about to kill Boaz, once and for all. But something had gone horribly wrong.

Then he remembered. The pain just below his right shoulder reminded him. Boaz had cut off his arm. Tears welled up in his closed eyes. My arm? Akavish thought. Is it possible?

Akavish felt the bed underneath him and the clean sheets over him. He had been cared for. He still felt pain down his arm. How is that possible? Was it reattached somehow? Did I dream of losing it?

Akavish slowly moved his left arm towards the stump that was his right. His fingers drew back suddenly from the place where his arm should have been. Tears fell freely down his face. It is gone! Yet I still feel the pain!

Akavish sat up in his bed and opened his eyes. He saw Krafus sitting in a corner of the small room, staring at him with pained eyes.

“Water,” Akavish managed to croak.

Krafus brought a copper cup to Akavish’s lips and held the cup for him as Akavish fumbled it with his left hand. Akavish drained the cup.

“My arm,” Akavish stated.

“Yes,” Krafus answered, understanding the question. “It is gone.”

“But I can still feel it.”

“Yes, warriors who’ve lost limbs talk of the sensation. They swear they can feel their fingers or move their toes, but it is clearly gone.”

“It doesn’t grow back, does it?”

“Not unless you’re a lizard.”

“What happened with Boaz?”

“Your father stopped him and his friend and sold them to the Timna mine. They won’t last long there.”

“What about Risto? He was also hurt.”

“I’ve not seen your monkey since the fight.”

“I must find him.”

“You must recuperate first. You nearly died. And it will take you time to get used to your new condition.”

“You mean as a cripple?”

“No. Not a cripple. It is true you will be at a great disadvantage, and you can give up on the path of a warrior, but I have known many one-armed men who went on to lead productive lives.”

“I am a fighter and that is what I shall do.” Akavish got out of bed, only to fall back into it.

“What happened?” Akavish groaned.

“You lost much blood. If you try to get up slowly it might be easier.”

“Perhaps I’ll rest a little bit longer.” Akavish covered himself again.

“Not so dumb after all,” Krafus declared as he got up. “I’ll go fetch you some food.”

≈

The boy hunted for green. His singular task in life was to find the green rivulets within the rock. The oil lantern was his only friend in his underground prison. He used a small chisel to cut the innards of the earth. He was careful to examine each crumbly grain of dirt. If he found the green, he was to place it lovingly in the bucket at his side. His masters had warned him not to lose any of the green, any of the precious copper. He had the whip marks to remind him. His back still stung from his recent lashing. His whole body was racked with pain and fatigue. He didn’t remember how long he had been digging. Days, months, years? His whole existence seemed a continuous stream of digging. He would collapse to the ground from exhaustion only to be kicked awake a few hours later. Upon awakening he was given a ladle-full of smelly water and a dried crust of bread and whipping if he didn’t start chiseling again quickly.

He tried to remember. Anything. But his mind was a jumble of thoughts and visions that made no sense. His name? He wasn’t sure. Boaz? Boaz. Yes. That sounds right.

What am I doing here? How did I get here? But he couldn’t think clearly. Not knowing what to do and fearing the whip, Boaz kept chiseling with less and less strength.

≈

Risto slapped his furry little hand against his side. He rode on Yered’s shoulder. The old man had nursed the little monkey’s wound and allowed Risto to travel with him. Yered had even tied a thin branch to the stump on Risto’s right side. It was small comfort for the loss of his arm, but he somehow felt better with the branch on rather than off.

Risto was furious with himself. He had grown fond of Akavish. Too fond. He had been aware of Akavish’s many character faults, but had enjoyed the boy’s company and attention. The partnership had turned deadly in their last encounter with the other prodigy, and now both Risto and Akavish had lost an arm. Risto wanted to have nothing further to do with Akavish and decided to follow the eccentric, yet kind old man under him.

“Laugh at me, Joshua and Caleb will,” Yered grumbled to Risto.

Risto chittered at Yered.

“I know, I know. The only hope for Boaz and the Gibeonite, it is.”

Yered approached the Israelite camp at Gilgal, unarmed, except for a one-armed monkey on his shoulder.

≈

“You saw Risto leave with the old man with the golden teeth?” Akavish asked the tavern-keeper.

“Yes. The old man woke up after your father smashed him against the wall. He tended to your monkey and said something about going to Timna.”

“To Timna? To the copper mines? What’s he looking for there?”

“I presume he wants to find his young friends. Perhaps you should seek some human friends, as opposed to chasing after some jungle animal.”

“That animal is my friend. The only one I have.” Akavish stormed out of the tavern.

“I’m not surprised,” the tavern-keeper said to Akavish’s back.

≈

Boaz had brief moments of clarity. I’m being drugged, he realized. That is why my mind is so numb. I can barely think how to get out of this hole. I must retain clarity, but how? I already feel it slipping away. Boaz continued with his mindless digging.

≈

“The son of Job?” Joshua asked incredulously.

“Hard of hearing, young Joshua?” Yered responded.

“Why should I believe your tale? Boaz is a very capable child. I can’t believe he would get entangled in a bar fight, and even less so, to be sold as a slave to the Egyptian copper mines.”

“Met Larus, you have not, nor into unconsciousness smashed, nor in iron chains taken, nor mind numbed from continuous drugs. Die, child will, if you do nothing.”

“How is it this creature is with you?” Caleb asked. “Last we saw him was atop the shoulder of that deadly little Philistine, who was so intent on killing Boaz.”

“Addled your brains, decades in the desert have. Of little monster, monkey tired. One handed, as well, is he. Much more interesting company, I make. Send troops to Timna to free them, if for boy’s life and his friend, the Gibeonite, you care. Otherwise, to certain, though slow and painful death, you doom them. To accompany you, am willing and ready am I. Suicidal it would be, going on my own. To give up on my inordinately long life, am not prepared yet.”

“Why should we believe you?”

“Chance that I’m right, are you willing to take?”

≈

Krafus insisted on accompanying Akavish. They hired camels in Beer-Sheva for the long trek south to Timna.

Akavish rode unhappily atop the camel’s hump.

“How is one supposed to ride these infernal beasts?” Akavish asked.

“Much like a horse, I suppose. Point them in the right direction and make sure not to fall off.”

“They smell and this heat is suffocating.” Akavish tried to wipe his sweaty brow, with his lone remaining hand, lost balance, and promptly toppled off the camel, to the dusty, hard ground of the Negev desert.

≈

Where is the drug, Boaz thought in his moment of clarity. The bread? What can they place in that dry piece of bark? The water? No, I’ve noticed the masters drinking from it as well. What is it? It must be something in the air. Yes. That must be why they cover their faces when they come in the mine. That is it. If I can raise my shirt up to my nose and take it off when they approach…

≈

Caleb led a dozen of his best soldiers south along the shore of the Salt Sea. Caleb feared strange Yered was telling the truth and time was of the essence.

≈

Krafus and Akavish could see the opening to the great copper mine of Timna. The red mountains were a stark contrast to cloudless blue sky. From the south, they could smell the breeze from the Sea of Reeds.

“Let me handle this,” Krafus told Akavish as a burly Egyptian overseer approached.

“You come for copper?” The Egyptian asked.

“Perhaps,” Krafus answered.

“This one not good for slave,” the Egyptian pointed at Akavish’s missing arm, “so better be to buy copper.”

“We seek information.”

“Copper prices have not changed.”

“We are seeking a man. A very old man. He may have had an unusual animal with him.”

“Don’t know what you’re talking about. Wasting my time. Leave.” The Egyptian turned his back and walked back to the mine entrance.

“Is there a young boy here?” Akavish blurted. “An Israelite, red-head, about ten or eleven years old?”

The Egyptian turned around.

“All are young boys here. I don’t care for age, color or nation. Thinking that one-hand can probably also dig.” The Egyptian approached menacingly. Akavish noticed the whip in his hand and the large sword by his side. Half a dozen Egyptian guards, showing interest in the discussion, left the mine entrance and approached Krafus and Akavish.

“Never mind,” Krafus called out and turned his camel away, motioning to Akavish to follow.

“Not buying copper, not selling slaves, asking strange questions. By Ra! Spies or trouble-makers. Deal with each same way.” The Egyptians closed in on Krafus and Akavish.

Arrows suddenly protruded from the chests of each of the Egyptians. The Egyptians had just enough time to register surprise as they dropped to the floor, dead.

“Yered spoke the truth,” an Israelite voice called out. “There is the one-armed Philistine boy.”

Akavish looked up the mountain to see a dozen Israelite soldiers with Caleb, and fresh arrows in bows aimed at him. He was pleased to see his monkey on the old man’s shoulder.

“Risto!” Akavish called out. “Come to me.” Akavish opened his arms.

Risto did not budge off of Yered’s shoulder, but merely glared at Akavish.

“You four,” Caleb pointed at soldiers to his left. “Guard the Philistines. The rest, with me to the mine.”

Before Caleb could reach the mine entrance, they heard a commotion from deep within the mine. Suddenly, an exhausted, blood-drenched Boaz emerged, with a bloody chisel in his hand. Shakra, the Gibeonite, was behind him, together with dozens of children, teenagers and men, bedraggled, bloody and blinking in the strong desert sun.

“Caleb!” Boaz shouted joyously. “What took you so long? I thought I would live out the rest of a mindless existence down there.”

“It looks like you didn’t need us after all.” Caleb grinned.

“Truth, I spoke. Child fortunate.”

Akavish stuck his left hand in his tunic, but Krafus grabbed his arm with a vice-like grip.

“Have you learned nothing, child!” Krafus berated Akavish. “Do you wish to die so badly? You would attempt to kill this child, at which you have failed so miserably, while surrounded by four of his compatriots with arrows pointed at your heart?” Krafus released Akavish’s arm. “Perhaps you deserve to die. You can put your idiotic and misguided existence out of its short and tragic misery.”

Akavish looked back to Risto.

“Risto, please, come back to me.”

Risto jumped off of Yered’s shoulder, grabbed ahold of Yered’s water skin and filled his mouth from it. He then hopped to Akavish. Within arm’s reach, Risto spat a gush of water at Akavish’s face. Surprised, Akavish spluttered as the water dripped to the dry desert floor. Risto turned his back on Akavish and farted loudly. He hopped back to Yered and jumped onto his shoulder.

“That’s incredible!” Shakra exclaimed. “That animal really doesn’t like you.”

“There is nothing more for you here.” Krafus held Akavisk’s arm tenderly. “Let’s go home.”

Akavish looked one last time at Risto, his sole childhood companion and friend. He then turned to look at Boaz, and saw him as if for the first time.

Boaz, sensing a change in Akavish, called out:

“Do you still hate me?”

“Probably. But I hate myself more,” Akavish answered with the heaviness of truth. “Let’s go home,” he turned to Krafus.

Caleb motioned for the Israelite soldiers to let them go. Krafus and Akavish cantered their camels northward without looking back.

Caleb and Boaz hugged.

“When I could think, I thought this was my end.” Boaz cried. “That I would be doomed to this eternal hellish trance. I’m so glad you came.”

“You seem to have escaped on your own.”

“If those guards would have been at their posts and you hadn’t shot them, I’m not sure we would have had the strength to make it.”

“Well, we are safe now. Are you ready?”

“Yes, please. Let’s go home.”

* * * * * *

END PART I of WARRIOR PROPHETS

Biblical Fiction

Warrior Prophets Chapter 12

Royal Executions

“Let them out,” Joshua commanded the troops surrounding the mountain cave. An enormous circular stone the height of two grown men blocked the cave entrance. Even in the summer sun, Boaz shivered, thinking of the fate of the cave’s residents. He looked towards Shakra the Gibeonite by his side, who looked pale and worn. Boaz was not sure if Shakra was tired from all the killing, or his burden as the youngest Gibeonite chieftain.

A half a dozen Israelite soldiers rolled the massive stone from the entrance. Silence greeted the Israelites.

“Kings of Canaan,” Joshua announced. “We know you are in there. Come out and save yourselves the discomfort of a needless struggle.”

“You will have to come and fetch us,” a high pitched voice called out. “We shall not willingly walk to our deaths.”

Joshua nodded at Caleb. Caleb motioned to a dozen soldiers to accompany him into the dark cave, with swords drawn and bows on their back. Boaz followed on Caleb’s heels. Shakra did not follow, nor was he asked to.

“They are no longer a threat,” Boaz whispered to Caleb. “Why do we hunt them? We’ve completely destroyed their armies.”

“Because they are our enemies,” Caleb answered without looking back. “And not just any enemies, but the leaders of our enemies. If we let them live they would assemble a new army to fight us again. We must wipe out the snakes, both the bodies and the heads.”

Boaz closed his eyes as they walked deeper into the darkening cave. He could sense the aura of the Canaanites inside. He immediately detected the aura of the five kings. A broken brown of deep despair colored their souls. A sharp red of anger tinted part of them, though Boaz did not know to whom the anger was directed. Boaz was incredulous to note a rich purple of pride or arrogance in many of them, or was it dignity? He didn’t understand.

He noticed two dozen auras to their left, waiting in ambush.

“To the left,” Boaz whispered to Caleb.

“Very good. Your senses have become sharp indeed. I’ve only noticed them now.”

“Arrows,” Caleb commanded quietly to his troops. “Stay in line with me.” Caleb grabbed the hands of soldiers on either side of him and turned them to directly face their hidden adversaries. Each soldier grabbed his companion and did likewise.

“Fire!” Caleb ordered. A dozen arrows flew. Ten bodies fell to the ground.

“Fire!” Caleb repeated. A dozen more arrows flew. Six bodies fell to the ground.

“Engage!” The Israelite soldiers shouldered their bows, drew their swords and approached the surviving Canaanites in the dark.

Boaz closed his eyes again and saw the vibrant green Israelite auras slaughter the remaining Canaanite ones. The dull brown auras were extinguished one after another. Boaz thought of rats being drowned.

Caleb and his troops turned to the five quietly whimpering voices in the back of the cave. The five kings offered no resistance and let themselves be walked out of the cave. Each king had an Israelite soldier on either side, holding their arms firmly.

Both Israelite soldiers and Canaanite kings blinked in pain at the bright afternoon sun.

Joshua pointed at five of his generals and called out:

“Come near. Put your feet upon the necks of these kings.”

The escorting soldiers forced the kings to lay on the ground. Each general placed his foot on the neck of a king.

“Fear not, nor be dismayed,” Joshua adjured the generals as he approached them with outstretched sword. I am fearful and dismayed, Boaz thought. They are defenseless. They have surrendered themselves. He noticed Shakra turning his head away.

“Be strong and of good courage,” Joshua continued, “for thus shall the Lord do to all your enemies against whom you shall fight.”

Joshua methodically beheaded each king, their heads rolling down the gentle incline. The head of Yafiya, king of Lachish, with its long locks, reached Boaz, who stopped the roll with his foot.

Though Boaz had seen many dead in his short military career, he felt his insides churning. Not able to contain himself, he ran aside, hid behind a boulder and started to retch. Boaz sobbed and cried and retched, until his stomach was empty, and then he continued to retch more, while hot tears rolled down his face.

He sensed Caleb approaching him.

“What is the matter, Boaz?” Caleb asked gently.

“I can’t do this anymore,” Boaz wept.

“Do what?”

“The killing. At ten years old, I’ve become a little killing machine. Is that my fate? Endless war? I should be playing, learning, not out here executing helpless old men.”

“They were not so helpless and they certainly were not innocent.”

“I don’t know that.”

“Do you doubt our ways? Do you doubt Joshua? Do you doubt that we are doing anything less than the will of God?” Caleb answered forcefully.

“I don’t know what to think anymore. But I know that I can’t continue like this. I need to leave.”

“Perhaps you were too young to be involved in such bloody conflicts. Go back. Go back to our camp in Gilgal and rejoin your friends. Being in a safer environment should be good for you.”

“No.”

“No, what?”

“I will not go back to Gilgal. I cannot go back to the life of a simple Israelite boy. I will go elsewhere.”

“Are you mad?” Caleb asked angrily. “Where else can you go? How will you live?”

“I don’t know. Perhaps amongst the Canaanites that we are exterminating. I’m curious about this enemy that we are commanded to kill. Or perhaps I will go to the Philistines. There is no command to kill them, is there? I might find out why that Philistine hates me so, and is intent on killing me.”

“You might discover much more than you anticipate. This is a foolish notion. Please get it out of your head and make ready to return to Gilgal.”

Boaz crossed his arms, pouted and did not move.

“I will leave this place,” Boaz declared, “and I shall not return to Gilgal, whether you like it or not.”

“You will disobey me!? You will turn your back on me? On your training? On your people?”

“I can’t stay here and I can’t go back. That is what I know in my heart.”

Caleb brought his hand to his bushy red and white beard and looked for long moments at Boaz. He closed his eyes briefly and then opened them again.

“I see that your mind is made up. But you should not mingle with the Canaanites. It is against all our laws. If you must, seek out the Philistines. You may learn a thing or two. They are renown as great metal workers. But do not learn from their foreign ways, for they are idol-worshipers too and if they continue their strange worship in this land, that will make us enemies as well.”

“Thank you for understanding,” Boaz said.

“I understand your feelings. But I still know you’re making a mistake. You are stubborn though, and you will need to discover this on your own. I just hope the damage will not be too great. Also, you should not go alone, but who to send with you?”

Caleb turned to look towards Joshua and the dead kings. Soldiers had tied the bodies to nearby trees, letting them hang and sway in the mountain breeze. He saw a morose Shakra staring sadly at the dead kings.

“Shakra!” Caleb called.

Shakra, surprised, turned, and saw Caleb and Boaz. He walked slowly, with hunched shoulders, towards them.

“Yes, Prince Caleb?” Shakra asked unenthusiastically.

“I would like to make a request of you.”

“I am your servant, and at your command.”

“Good. I would like you to accompany Boaz.”

“And where is the young master going?”

“He is not sure. He is tired of fighting and bloodshed and does not want to return to our camp at Gilgal. He wishes to explore the land and its inhabitants.”

“But who will lead my people?” Shakra asked.

“Do you still desire to lead Gibeon?” Caleb asked back, through narrowed eyes.

Shakra’s mouth widened at the question. He stood speechless for a moment, then looking down, answered: “No.”

“We can send word to your people,” Caleb suggested, “that you are on a mission on our behalf and that you request someone else take on the mantle of leadership.”

Shakra’s face transmitted his emotions. First he frowned in contemplation, then a wide grin lit up his face.

“That would be fantastic!”

“Do I have a say in any of this?” Boaz interjected. “Who said I wanted or needed a companion?”

“I say,” Caleb stomped his foot on the ground. “As God is my witness. I only allow you to leave us if you are escorted. The alternative is for me to drag you in chains back to Gilgal and keep you in chains until you regain your senses. I much prefer to keep my eye on you, but I accept your need to see this enemy you’ve been killing. But do not get too close. You will see that they may breathe and eat and work as we do. That their wishes for their children are to grow up healthy and strong. That they mean no harm to anyone. You will come to think of them as very much like yourself. But you would be wrong. We stand for something else. Something entirely new in Canaan and most likely the world. We are descendents of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. God, the one and only God, took us out of Egypt. I was there. I saw the plagues and the splitting of the sea and Moses bringing the Law from the mountain. I heard the voice of God and I shall never forget it. And God abhors these Canaanites. He abhors these people that worship the work of their hands. That worship lifeless husks of clay and metal. That are immersed in gross sensual gratification and care little for the life of the spirit and of truth. Their world is one of falsehood, lies and evil. Go young Boaz, if you must, if you must examine the enemy from up close. But do not be enamored by their ways. Do not be seduced by their pleasures and exotic rituals. Do not be impressed by their powers and their magic, for it is all as nothing compared to the path of our God. I do not wish for you to go. I allow it only reluctantly as I would not yet break your spirit by forbidding you. But by God, you either go with Shakra, who I pray now has the maturity, sense and understanding to keep you from harm, or I will call for the chain-master right now and you will have an uncomfortable journey back to Gilgal.”

Boaz stepped back and stared at Caleb with wide eyes. He had never spoken to him so. So passionately, so forcefully.

“I will go with Shakra,” Boaz conceded.

“Good,” Caleb nodded. “And I want you to return by Passover, though you are welcome and encouraged to return earlier than that. When the rains stop, you should start your journey back, especially if you’ve reached the coast.”

Both Boaz and Shakra nodded.

“Get provisions from the supply-master and then come take your leave from Joshua,” Caleb directed.

Boaz and Shakra ran excitedly to find the supply-master. The squat middle aged supply-master grudgingly gave them each packs with a small tent, pots, fruit and dried meats. He gave them the few copper pieces he had on hand. “Don’t eat anything you haven’t killed or cooked yourself,” he warned their backs.

They found Joshua and Caleb by the entrance to the cave where the kings had been. With the descending sun, the kings’ bodies were cut down from the tree and thrown into the cave. Israelite soldiers piled large boulders in front of the entrance until the cave was impenetrable.

“I understand you are leaving us,” Joshua addressed Boaz.

“Yes, sir,” Boaz replied.

“I will sorely miss your special insights and your growing skills, but Caleb thinks it may be for the best.”

“I am tired of this war,” Boaz answered.

“It is necessary, but one so young should not have to be exposed to it. Just make sure to come back. And remember your lessons. Not just your training with Caleb, but the commands of our teacher, Moses.”

“I will.”

“And you, Shakra,” Joshua turned to the Gibeonite. “Guard our Boaz well and do not revert to your old ways. We take your forsaking idol-worship as permanent and steadfast. Do not expose yourselves to unnecessary risk or danger. Forty years ago, Caleb and I spied this land and learned much of great use. You are to learn and to avoid trouble. I have heard of new Phoenician weapons and iron chariots. I would learn more, their strengths and weaknesses. But remember God, our God. Do not forget Him and do not forsake Him and He shall guard you and return you safely. Godspeed.”

Boaz and Shakra both bowed to Joshua. Boaz ran to Caleb and embraced him.

“Thank you, Caleb,” Boaz muttered, holding back tears.

“Keep your wits about you and come back soon.”

“I will.”

Boaz let go of Caleb, turned around and together with Shakra, walked westward, towards the coast and the Philistines.

* * * * * *

Biblical Source: Joshua Chapter 10

15 And Joshua returned, and all Israel with him, unto the camp to Gilgal. 16 And these five kings fled, and hid themselves in the cave at Makkedah. 17 And it was told Joshua, saying: ‘The five kings are found, hidden in the cave at Makkedah.’ 18 And Joshua said: ‘Roll great stones unto the mouth of the cave, and set men by it to keep them; 19 but stay not ye; pursue after your enemies, and smite the hindmost of them; suffer them not to enter into their cities; for the Lord your God hath delivered them into your hand.’ 20 And it came to pass, when Joshua and the children of Israel had made an end of slaying them with a very great slaughter, till they were consumed, and the remnant which remained of them had entered into the fortified cities, 21 that all the people returned to the camp to Joshua at Makkedah in peace; none whetted his tongue against any of the children of Israel. 22 Then said Joshua: ‘Open the mouth of the cave, and bring forth those five kings unto me out of the cave.’ 23 And they did so, and brought forth those five kings unto him out of the cave, the king of Jerusalem, the king of Hebron, the king of Jarmuth, the king of Lachish, the king of Eglon. 24 And it came to pass, when they brought forth those kings unto Joshua, that Joshua called for all the men of Israel, and said unto the chiefs of the men of war that went with him: ‘Come near, put your feet upon the necks of these kings.’ And they came near, and put their feet upon the necks of them. 25 And Joshua said unto them: ‘Fear not, nor be dismayed; be strong and of good courage; for thus shall the Lord do to all your enemies against whom ye fight.’ 26 And afterward Joshua smote them, and put them to death, and hanged them on five trees; and they were hanging upon the trees until the evening. 27 And it came to pass at the time of the going down of the sun, that Joshua commanded, and they took them down off the trees, and cast them into the cave wherein they had hidden themselves, and laid great stones on the mouth of the cave, unto this very day.

Biblical Fiction 

Warrior Prophets Chapter 11

The Battle of Gibeon, Part 2

I’m going to die, was Boaz’s first thought, as he saw the metal stars twirl rapidly at him. His body moved of its own accord. Time slowed to a crawl. He could see the stars approaching his head and neck. He could see the wiry young Philistine flicking star after star at him from atop the rampart of Gibeon. Six stars now intended his death. That furry animal still clutched the boy’s shoulder gleefully. Impossibly, Caleb intercepted four of the stars with his sword. One passed Boaz harmlessly. In his slow motion world, Boaz had the presence of mind to catch one of the stars in his sling. With the star’s own momentum, Boaz slung the weapon back at its thrower. The Philistine boy ducked quickly, but not before the star hit the animal on the shoulder.

“Well done!” Shakra, the young Gibeonite leader, complemented Boaz.

“Shakra, quick. Lift me up. I need to stop the Philistine. We may not be so lucky next time.”

Shakra, understanding Boaz’s intent, threw the light ten-year old Boaz over the heads of the Canaanite troops. Boaz started running on the top of the heads and shoulders of the Canaanite army as he neared the Philistine. The Philistine flung another barrage of deadly stars at Boaz. Boaz’s body once again took over. Boaz followed his Instincts and blessed his ancestor Judah for passing on such a life-saving trait to him. He twirled and somersaulted midair. The stars passed him by, embedding themselves in the backs of the Canaanites below him. More purposely, Boaz caught a star mid-air and slung it back with violent speed at the Philistine’s throwing hand.

Boaz, pleased to see the star hit his adversary’s hand, saw him cry out in pain and run. Boaz reached the rampart, intending to pursue the Philistine. A large Canaanite commander intercepted Boaz and thrust a long sword at Boaz. Boaz pulled out a short sword from his side and parried the Canaanite sword.

“You are the wonder boy?” the Canaanite asked, smashing his sword on to Boaz’s short weapon. “You have chosen your opponent poorly. I am Margun, commander of all the troops of Lachish.”

“I did not choose my opponents and I do not care who you are,” Boaz replied as he rolled under the blow and stabbed Margun under his guard. Caleb reached Boaz at the rampart, clearing the swordsmen and archers with long swipes of his sword.

“Warn me next time you attempt something so foolhardy,” Caleb saluted Boaz.

“There was no time. I was following the Instincts you’ve been telling me to listen to,” Boaz answered.

“Remind me to teach you the trait of Diligence of Yissachar. Your Instinct does not make you invulnerable.”

Caleb and Boaz watched as Canaanites at the gate of Gibeon fell to the Israelite onslaught. Gibeonites who had retreated rejoined the fray. Joshua and Shakra joined Caleb and Boaz on the rampart over the gate. Shakra noticed Gibeonites fighting Israelites. The Israelites killed every Gibeonite that attacked them. But no Israelite fell, whether by Gibeonite or Canaanite sword.

“You are killing my people, too!” Shakra shouted at Joshua.

“That’s terrible!” Joshua stated. “But there are three armies here. How do we tell foe from allies who’ve never met?” Joshua asked.

Boaz held the fringes on the side of his garment and showed them to Shakra. Seven long white strings with one deep blue one rested in Boaz’s hand. He had fringes on each corner of his garment.

“Shakra, tell your people that the Israelites are all wearing fringes,” Boaz urged. “And tell your people to rip the idols off their necks. That way our armies can recognize each other.”

Shakra nodded, took Boaz’s fringed garment off of him, and stood on the top of the rampart.

“Gibeonites! The Israelites are the soldiers with the fringes on their garments!” He waved Boaz’s garment in the air, the fringes flying as a flag for all the Gibeonites to see. “Take your idols off your necks! Otherwise, the Israelites will kill you! Pass it on!”

Gibeonites viciously removed the telltale idols from around their necks. Israelite soldiers examined their combatants’ necks, while the Gibeonites focused their gaze upon their opponents’ waists. The Canaanites looked at both waists and necks, wondering in morbid fascination the nationality of who was killing them.

The Canaanites remaining within the walls of Gibeon were quickly dispatched by the joint Israelite/Gibeonite attack. The Israelite army outside the walls engaged the bulk of the Canaanite troops surrounding the city. The Canaanites fled from the unrelenting Israelite onslaught. They fell, as before a wild bull in a vegetable patch, leaving discarded husks of fringeless bodies with their cold idols still adorning their necks.

The Canaanite troops of the five kings retreated from Gibeon.

“Chase them!” Joshua ordered from the ramparts of the city. “We must destroy their armies today. Do not let them leave unhindered.”

Joshua, Caleb, Boaz and Shakra descended from the ramparts.

Shakra, finding one of the Gibeonite commanders, called him.

“Lurus, order our troops to secure the city. There may be some Canaanites hiding about. And tend to the wounded. It looks like the Israelites can handle the Canaanites without us.” Shakra looked meaningfully at Joshua.

“Yes,” Joshua agreed. “Our Lord is with us and you shall see how He deals with those who cross us. You are welcome to come along Shakra, to see for yourself.”

Shakra gulped and nodded. Together, they joined the Israelite army in pursuit of the Canaanites.

The Israelites hammered and hacked at the Canaanite rearguard all the way up the mountain pass eastward to the village of Beit Horon. At Beit Horon, the Canaanite commanders attempted to hold the Israelites, but to no avail. The Israelites cut through their defenses as the scythe cuts through wheat.

The Canaanites retreated southeast, down from Beit Horon towards the fortress city Azekah. The downhill terrain allowed the fleeing Canaanites to put some distance between themselves and the Israelites. Suddenly, the clear afternoon sky darkened. Thick clouds formed over the moving Canaanites, following their retreat. With a blast of thunder, hailstones fell on the Canaanites. Hailstones the size of human skulls rained down on them. The stones killed or maimed every Canaanite they hit. The Canaanites halted under the fatal barrage. The Israelites kept their distance, allowing the divine downpour to do its dirty work. Shakra looked aghast at the carnage. Canaanites fell in waves. Hundreds and thousands of Canaanites crumpled to the ground, more than the Israelites had killed by the sword. They lay as freshly slaughtered quail, littering the mountain with their corpses.

Just as suddenly as the hail had started, it stopped. The dark cloud disappeared, revealing the setting sun and the remains of the Canaanite troops continuing towards the sanctuary of Azekah. Boaz could see the sun glinting on the walls of Gibeon and the summer moon starting to rise from the valley of Ayalon.

The Israelites closed in again on the retreating Canaanites with Joshua, Caleb, Boaz and Shakra in the lead, together with the other Israelite generals and princes. The Canaanites, noting Joshua at the front, redoubled their attack. Archers shot their arrows at the leader of Israel, only to watch him deflect them with his sword.

“If we don’t finish them soon,” Boaz remarked to Joshua, “we will be forced to stop, or fight them in the dark in their territory.”

“The child is right,” Joshua agreed. “We have never been in these areas and we must destroy their troops while we retain the advantage.”

Joshua climbed onto a nearby ridge.

“Caleb, protect me,” Joshua requested. “I need to concentrate.”

Joshua faced the Canaanites, closed his eyes tightly and raised his arms heavenward.

A volley of arrows sped towards the unmoving Joshua. Caleb slashed through the arrows, stopping them mid-flight.

“Sun!” Joshua commanded in a booming voice, heard throughout the mountain and beyond. Joshua’s voice seemed to echo of the very sky. “Stand thou still over Gibeon. And thou, Moon! In the valley of Ayalon.”

The response was utter silence. The entire world seemed to stand still at the sight of a mortal commanding the heavens. Boaz was not certain, but thought he heard a deep rumbling or groaning sound, as if the movement of some giant mass was being held in check.

Israelites and Canaanites both looked from the moon to the sun. Over the course of long moments they did not notice any movement of the celestial bodies. All looked in awe at Joshua standing on the ridge until he commanded: “Attack!”

The sun and moon did not move from their places in the sky for the length of an entire day. It was sufficient for the Israelites to annihilate the remains of the Canaanite armies of the five kings. Very few Canaanite soldiers ever made it to the town of Azekah.

≈

Far behind the Israelite troops, a lone thin figure hugged a tree. He whimpered at the raw display of power. Akavish, the young Philistine, still clutched his wounded right hand. Risto, with a makeshift bandage on his furry little arm, sat on Akavish’s shoulder dejectedly. I must go back to my people, Akavish concluded. I cannot fight them alone.

* * * * * *

Biblical Source: Joshua Chapter 10

8 And the Lord said unto Joshua: ‘Fear them not; for I have delivered them into thy hand; there shall not a man of them stand against thee.’ 9 Joshua therefore came upon them suddenly; for he went up from Gilgal all the night. 10 And the Lord discomfited them before Israel, and slew them with a great slaughter at Gibeon; and they chased them by the way of the ascent of Beth-horon, and smote them to Azekah, and unto Makkedah. 11 And it came to pass, as they fled from before Israel, while they were at the descent of Beth-horon, that the Lord cast down great stones from heaven upon them unto Azekah, and they died; they were more who died with the hailstones than they whom the children of Israel slew with the sword. 12 Then spoke Joshua to the Lord in the day when the Lord delivered up the Amorites before the children of Israel; and he said in the sight of Israel: ‘Sun, stand thou still upon Gibeon; and thou, Moon, in the valley of Ayalon.’ 13 And the sun stood still, and the moon stayed, until the nation had avenged themselves of their enemies. Is not this written in the book of Yashar? And the sun stayed in the midst of heaven, and hasted not to go down about a whole day. 14 And there was no day like that before it or after it, that the Lord hearkened unto the voice of a man; for the Lord fought for Israel.

Biblical Fiction

Warrior Prophets: Chapter 10

The Battle of Gibeon, Part I

With the rising of the sun, the gate caved in with thunderous splintering of the solid oak wood. The battering ram smashed through the wood, ripping the heavy copper hinges off the sides of the gate. Akavish was gleeful at the opportunity to retrieve all the stars of death that lay implanted in the warm corpses of the defenders of Gibeon. As the army of the five kings rushed into the city with raised swords and engaged the Gibeonite soldiers, Akavish, with Risto on his shoulder, hopped from body to body, evading the raging battle around him and extracted his metal stars from immobile heads or necks. I have become too dependent on these stars, Akavish thought. Once I run out of them, I have lost my long-range advantage. I need another weapon.

A Gibeonite attacked Akavish. Risto jumped off Akavish’s shoulder and scratched at the soldier’s eyes. Akavish ran him through casually with his short sword and continued gathering his precious stars. Risto rejoined Akavish’s shoulder.

“The Israelites are here!” someone yelled. Akavish was not sure if it was a defender or attacker. He looked past the city gates and saw Lachish’s troops ambushing the Israelites on either side. The Israelites had been expected, though perhaps not so early in the morning.

I hope Boaz is here, Akavish thought. I want him for myself. Akavish exited the city and trotted towards the site of the ambush two hundred paces away. Before he could take a few steps, the ambushing army of Lachish turned and began to retreat. The retreat quickly became a rout, as the troops ran into Gibeon through the gates the other troops had secured. Akavish fell back into the city.

“What is going on?” Akavish asked a Lachishan soldier.

“The Israelites fight like devils! They must have known about the ambush. Three hundred of our men fell during the ambush and not one Israelite. Not one! Find a safe boulder and crawl under it.” The soldier ran off without looking back.

“Hold the gate!” Akavish recognised Margun’s voice. The Lachish commander rallied his troops. “We outnumber them five to one!” Margun yelled.

Ironic that they are now defending the gate they just broke down, Akavish frowned.

Akavish climbed the ramparts over the gate to seek Boaz. The troops of the five kings that had breached the city turned from the Gibeonite defenders to prepare for the Israelite onslaught. The Gibeonite defenders disengaged and ran deeper into the city. They will regroup, Akavish concluded.

He looked outside the walls of Gibeon. Surrounding the city were mostly the troops of the five kings, including a high concentration of Lachishan’s at the gate. The five kings had raised an army of close to a hundred thousand soldiers. The Israelites, perhaps twenty thousand strong, had formed an impregnable wedge. The tip of the wedge methodically cut through the troops defending the gate. Canaanite troops attacked both flanks of the Israelite wedge, only to be shot or sliced as they approached. Mounds of bodies slowly grew as the Israelite wedge inexorably penetrated the defense at the gate.

Margun joined Akavish on the ramparts with a dozen archers.

“Quick!” Margun commanded. “Kill their front! Stop them!”

The archers loosed their arrows on the front of the Israelite wedge. A flurry of swords and sticks knocked the arrows aside. Not one Israelite fell.

Akavish saw a large man with a flaming red and white beard at the tip of the wedge. He swung his sword at a speed Akavish had never witnessed before. After each swing another Canaanite attacker fell. That must be the legendary Caleb, Akavish realized. To his side was a young, tall, dark Gibeonite, wielding a sword competently. That is the Gibeonite leader who concocted the original deception, Shakra. Akavish’s heart skipped a beat when he beheld the young boy behind Caleb. Boaz. That can only be Boaz. He is so small! He can’t be more than eleven years old. Boaz was whirling a sling and downing Canaanites left and right. He seemed to have an inexhaustible supply of stones.

This is it! This is my chance to make history, Akavish thought as he swiftly threw three stars at the approaching Boaz. Caleb’s sword flashed and intercepted all three. The stars bounced off the sword loudly, with sparks lighting the air. The three stars pierced three Canaanite soldiers in front of Caleb.

Incredulous, Akavish threw six additional stars as rapidly as he could. Caleb blocked four of them, with the resultant sparks. Two got passed his guard. Boaz moved with supernatural speed. One star passed him harmlessly, embedding itself in the ground. The last star, Boaz caught in his sling, and with the momentum of Akavish’s own throw, hurled it back towards Akavish.

Akavish ducked, but not before the star hit Risto’s arm. Risto yelled in pain. Furious, Akavish grabbed a dozen stars. He was startled to see Boaz running towards him, leaping on the heads and shoulders of the Canaanite soldiers between them. Akavish threw a continuous stream of his deadly stars at Boaz. Boaz twirled and somersaulted in the air, not a single star touching him. Finally, Boaz caught another star in his sling and launched it at Akavish. The star hit Akavish’s right hand, deadening it immediately. Akavish howled in pain as Boaz got closer. I never knew these stars were so painful, Akavish held back tears. My hand is useless now. We’ve got to escape.

Akavish climbed down from the rampart into the city and ran as far away from the gate as possible. He looked back to see Boaz on the rampart stab Margun with a short sword. The five kings are doomed, Akavish realized. None will survive.

Akavish prodded the metal star out of his hand and licked the oozing blood from his wound. I will live to fight another day.

* * * * * *

Biblical Source: Joshua Chapter 10

7 So Joshua went up from Gilgal, he, and all the people of war with him, and all the mighty men of valor. 8 And the Lord said unto Joshua: ‘Fear them not; for I have delivered them into thy hand; there shall not a man of them stand against thee.’ 9 Joshua therefore came upon them suddenly; for he went up from Gilgal all the night. 10 And the Lord discomfited them before Israel, and slew them with a great slaughter at Gibeon; and they chased them by the way of the ascent of Beth-horon, and smote them to Azekah, and unto Makkedah.

Biblical Fiction

Warrior Prophets: Chapter 9

The Nation that Cried Wolf

They kept pouring over the mountains, Shakra noted in quiet terror atop the ramparts of Gibeon. Thousands and thousands of soldiers. With their axes, spears, bows and swords. Where are they from? Jerusalem does not have so many soldiers. Then he noticed the kings together on their horses. Five of them. Adonizedek of Jerusalem, with thinning hair and beady eyes. Hoham of Hebron, squat and dusky. Big Piram of Yarmuth. Handsome Yafiya of Lachish. And heavy Debir of Eglon.

Shakra clutched the little copper statuette of Baal hanging from his neck. Baal save us, he prayed. There must be over twenty thousand soldiers. They’ve come prepared for siege. It’s just a matter of minutes before we’re encircled. I must reach Joshua. The Israelites are our only hope. Shakra kissed the statuette and placed it back under his shirt.

≈

An arrow pierced Shakra’s left shoulder as he fled to the woods outside of Gibeon, heading towards Gilgal. He collapsed against a young oak tree. More arrows thudded against the trees as the ancient Magi and old Silu joined him in the protection of the forest.

“This is better than an Israelite attack?” Silu accused the slumped Shakra.

“Silu, you ungrateful wretch,” the Magi whispered in a high pitched voice. “If it weren’t for Shakra’s plan, we would now lay dead by the Israelite hordes. At least under Israelite dominion there is still hope. Help me with the arrow. Hold the head of the arrow firmly. I don’t want to cause more damage to the boy.”

Silu held the shaft of the arrow that protruded from Shakra’s shoulder. The Magi intoned in a low voice and quickly broke off the rest of the arrow.

“That’s better,” Shakra thanked the Magi and slowly stood up.

“Should we try to take out the arrowhead?” The Magi asked Shakra.

“No. There is no time.” Shakra gently felt the remaining shaft and winced at the touch. “We must reach Joshua at Gilgal before there is no Gibeon to return to. I can’t believe Adonizedek attacked us! And that the other’s joined them. How did they overcome their differences? Now we will see if the Hebrew God is truly powerful.”

“If they will believe us,” Silu added.

“May Baal be with us,” Shakra answered.

≈

The three Gibeonites were escorted to Joshua’s tent near the center of the encampment. Snickers and jeers accompanied Shakra as he limped through the Israelite camp, suffering from the arrowhead still in his shoulder.

The princes and generals of Israel assembled at Joshua’s tent at word of a new Gibeonite delegation. Young red-headed Boaz was at Caleb’s side as always.

“That is the sorceress,” Caleb pointed at the Magi and exclaimed as they neared.

“Rasmer, draw your bow,” Caleb commanded to the Judean general, “and kill her if she so much as makes a magical twitch.”

“Shakra,” Joshua addressed the injured leader, “what brings you back to our camp so soon. New tales?”

“My master,” Shakra fell to his knees and bowed to Joshua. Silu and the Magi followed suit, the Magi with a wary eye on Rasmer’s arrow.

“We have been attacked, my master,” Shakra continued. “Adonizedek of Jerusalem has rallied at least four other kings and their armies and they are attacking Gibeon as we speak. Here is small evidence of their intentions.” Shakra pointed to the arrowhead in his shoulder.

“How do we know it is not self-inflicted and this is not some other ploy to deceive us?” Joshua asked.

“You think I would have myself shot in order to bring your troops back to Gibeon?” Shakra asked back.

“Boaz,” Joshua addressed the young boy. “You’ve been able to see through their deception before, what are your thoughts?”

Boaz stepped forward from Caleb’s side and looked carefully at Shakra and then at Silu and the Magi.

“I would have been more impressed had the injury been more severe and on the right side,” Boaz replied to Joshua in front of the princes and general. “This is little evidence and they have proven that their words are to be doubted.”

“Well said!” Joshua delighted in Boaz’s analysis. “So, Shakra,” Joshua turned back to the Gibeonites. “Stand up and give me another good reason to come to your supposed assistance.”

“My master, please,” Shakra stayed on his knees and put his hands together. “My people are being killed by the five kings. They have over twenty thousand soldiers. This is the truth. I swear by…” Shakra hesitated.

“You swear by who?” Joshua stood from his chair and paced. “You are proven liars on a grand scale. You and all your people, as even young Boaz knows. There is nothing you can say that can convince us. Your words have no meaning. An arrowhead in your left shoulder demonstrates nothing. Had you cut off your right hand, I would still doubt you. You don’t even know who to swear by. Do you still pray to Baal? Do you still worship your idols? If that is the case and what you say is true, you deserve to be killed. We should come and aid your enemies. Is that what you wish?”

“My master,” the Magi said in a trembling voice. Rasmer pulled the arrow back further on his bow. Joshua motioned for Rasmer to hold from firing.

“If I may,” the Magi continued. “I have the means to show you what is occurring at Gibeon right now.”

“We do not condone sorcery, woman,” Joshua replied.

“Yet you are amongst the most powerful sorcerers I have ever met,” the Magi said in confusion.

“It is not sorcery. We are strong in the ways of our God and that protects us from your magic.”

“What I propose is not sorcery either. It is a tradition going back from mother to daughter since the days of Naama wife of Noah, our common ancestor. It allows one to see far distances. I have heard that your teacher, Moses, had such power as well.”

Joshua put his hand to his long white beard. “If it will bring clarity to your claims and involves saving lives, I’m willing to consider it. But know that we are aware of your powers and shall sense if you plan any mischief. As Caleb rightly instructed, we shall kill you where you stand.”

Shakra gave a meaningful look to the Magi and whispered. “Are you sure? We cannot afford to lose you.”

“It is the only way. Why else did you bring me along?” she whispered back. “I will need a basin with water, my master,” she addressed Joshua.

Joshua nodded at Boaz, who, understanding, ran off. In a few minutes he returned with a copper basin filled with water and placed it in front of the Magi.

The ancient woman pulled a jagged knife from the folds of her robe. Her wrinkled hand drew the blade across the overlapping layers of skin hanging from her arm. Rivulets of blood trickled down her arm to splash in the basin. The Magi returned the knife to her robe and clasped her arm to stem the bleeding. She closed her eyes, muttered unintelligible words under her breath, circled the basin with her hand and swayed as her muttering grew to a loud chant. She opened her eyes. Her pupils were now white.

“Behold!” she announced. “The city of Gibeon.”

Joshua, together with the princes and generals surrounded the Magi and the basin. In the waters of the basin they saw the city of Gibeon. It was surrounded by thousands of soldiers. Arrows filled the air between the ramparts of the city and the troops below. Large scaling ladders approached the city. Most of the ladders were successfully toppled before attackers could reach the top. Some hardy swordsmen did make it to the top only to be rebuffed moments later and their ladder knocked down. A team of oxen slowly hauled a large battering ram towards the gate. There was an intense exchange of arrows between the defenders of the gate and the troops escorting the battering ram.

Hopping between attackers and the torrent of arrows, the onlookers noticed a young boy, no older than thirteen, with a strange furry creature on his shoulder. The boy kept flinging something towards the defenders. Whenever the boy flung his arm, a defender fell, dead. A chill went up Boaz’s spine. He is the one from Rahab’s dream, Boaz shuddered.

“You see,” Shakra pointed at the images in the basin. “We are under attack. We cannot last long under such an onslaught and such numbers. Please, I swear by…” Shakra reached for his idol but held himself. “I swear by the Almighty God of the Hebrews, that I speak the truth. Please my masters, help us.”

The Magi who had been muttering the entire time, fainted and the image in the water disappeared. Silu caught her before she fell to the floor.

“Caleb,” Joshua turned to his old friend. “Your thoughts.”

“It may be another sophisticated ruse. Her powers are impressive, but we still do not know if we see the truth or what they wish us to see. I would ask Boaz again. He has been immune to their deception.”

Joshua, Caleb and the leaders of Israel all turned to Boaz.

“I believe the vision is true. Gibeon is under attack by the combined forces of five kings. But the Gibeonites still worship their idols. Shakra here can barely hold himself from touching his idol and Baal’s name is not far from his lips.”

“It is true,” Shakra fell to his knees again and bowed. “It has been difficult for us to abandon our old ways, our old beliefs. But we renounce them now.” Shakra looked at Silu holding the Magi upright. “I speak for all my people when I say that we renounce Baal and all the other gods of Canaan. We hereby proclaim our exclusive allegiance to your God. We are your servants. Our lives are in your hands and in the hands of your God.”

“Pretty speech, Shakra. Pretty words. But I am far from convinced.” Joshua sat back on his chair. “It seems we are at an impasse. I may believe that you are under attack, but I do not believe that you have renounced your base idol worship. How is one to read the hearts of men? How can you prove your dedication when evidence is otherwise and we do not believe your words? I doubt there is anything that you can say that would convince us.”

“Please, please, please,” Shakra begged tearfully. “Don’t let us die. We have joined you. We have allied with you. We are your servants, under your protection. How can you leave us to die, to be slaughtered? By your enemies?”

“I am unmoved. Does anyone here see a way to believe these liars?”

Boaz stepped forward.

“Why am I not surprised?” Joshua smiled at Boaz. “Share with us your insight.”

“They are wearing idols around their necks. They may have other idols on their bodies. They should destroy them all, right in front of us, now. That would be a first step. The moment they are free of danger, all the Gibeonites need to do so, or they will again be open to attack.”

“Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings you establish strength,” Joshua uttered with joy.

Shakra spotted a nearby fire, removed his copper Baal, kissed it and threw it into the fire. Silu removed a silver Baal from around his neck and repeated the procedure. The revived Magi, almost in tears, took a small golden Baal off her neck and threw it into the fire.

Shakra removed a small pottery statuette of Ashtarte from his garment. He kissed the statue, placed it on the floor and with a grimace crushed it under his foot. Silu took three small statues also of clay and did the same. The Magi, openly crying, took over half a dozen tiny pretty statues and stomped them to dust.

“All our people shall do likewise,” Shakra stated.

“I am more convinced,” Joshua said.

Boaz focused intently on the Magi. Joshua noticed and asked: “What is the matter, Boaz?”

“She has one left.”

The Magi narrowed her eyes and peered intently at Boaz. She dug deep inside the folds of her robe and removed an exquisite colorful glass statue of Ashtarte the size of a fingernail.

“This is over a hundred years old,” the Magi wailed. “It was made for the king of Damascus, of whom I am a descendent.”

She threw the tiny figurine into the fire. It smashed on a stone and disintegrated into powder with a sharp popping sound.

“Boy,” she pointed a gnarled finger with a long black fingernail at Boaz. “You think you are so smart, but I can see your future. Death hounds you and you shall know little joy.”

“I guess that means we are going to Gibeon,” Boaz replied nonchalantly.

* * * * * *

Biblical Sources:

Joshua Chapter 10

1 Now it came to pass, when Adoni-zedek king of Jerusalem heard how Joshua had taken Ai, and had utterly destroyed it; as he had done to Jericho and her king, so he had done to Ai and her king; and how the inhabitants of Gibeon had made peace with Israel, and were among them; 2 that they feared greatly, because Gibeon was a great city, as one of the royal cities, and because it was greater than Ai, and all the men thereof were mighty. 3 Wherefore Adoni-zedek king of Jerusalem sent unto Hoham king of Hebron, and unto Piram king of Jarmuth, and unto Japhia king of Lachish, and unto Debir king of Eglon, saying: 4 ‘Come up unto me, and help me, and let us smite Gibeon; for it hath made peace with Joshua and with the children of Israel.’ 5 Therefore the five kings of the Amorites, the king of Jerusalem, the king of Hebron, the king of Jarmuth, the king of Lachish, the king of Eglon, gathered themselves together, and went up, they and all their hosts, and encamped against Gibeon, and made war against it. 6 And the men of Gibeon sent unto Joshua to the camp to Gilgal, saying: ‘Slack not thy hands from thy servants; come up to us quickly, and save us, and help us; for all the kings of the Amorites that dwell in the hill-country are gathered together against us.’ 7 So Joshua went up from Gilgal, he, and all the people of war with him, and all the mighty men of valour.

Biblical Fiction

Warrior Prophets: Chapter 8

Alliance of Hate and Fear

Akavish had learned that dusk was an excellent time to sneak around. The rapidly dimming light played tricks on one’s eyes. Lengthening and intersecting shadows camouflaged movement. At dusk, Akavish became invisible to the untrained eye.

Climbing the stonework of Yafiya’s palace up to the unmanned battlement had been easy for the wiry twelve year-old. Akavish, with Risto on his shoulder, fastened a coil of rope around the merlon and let himself down, head first, to the thin lancet window. He squeezed silently through the window, his bony frame sliding soundlessly over the stonework, and found himself high up in a dark corner of the throne room.

Akavish recognized Yafiya, the handsome King of Lachish, with his long unbraided dark locks framing his triangular face. Yafiya sat upright on his wooden throne facing his Chief of Staff, the squat, steely-faced Margun. Two torches on the wall behind the King lit the long room.

“We cannot sit still and wait for the Israelites to pick us off one at a time, my liege. We must unite!” Margun declared.

“With whom, Margun? With Eglon? They are more concerned with the Philistine encroachment. With Hebron? They are still upset about our raid on their flocks last spring. With Adonizedek in Jerusalem? They are most likely to fall next. Let them be a buffer. I would not waste my soldiers on the Israelite forces until I absolutely have to.”

“What about Gibeon? They are strong and canny.”

“I would sooner strike a deal with the blasted Phoenician merchants than with a Gibeonite. They are not to be trusted.”

A loud rapping on the heavy door echoed in the room.

“What is it?” Yafiya asked, annoyed.

“Urgent messenger from Jerusalem,” a guard announced.

“Let him in.” Yafiya raised his eyebrow at Margun.

A young man, in leather armor, ran breathlessly into the room.

“Your majesty,” he bowed to Yafiya.

“Speak,” Yafiya ordered.

“I bring word from my liege, Adonizedek. The Gibeonites have allied with the Israelites.”

“What!?” Yafiya jumped out of his chair, startling Akavish in the shadows.

“How is this possible?” Yafiya yelled at the messenger. “Is this some deception? Is Adonizedek so desperate that he would fabricate a story to get our support?”

“No, your majesty. I saw them myself outside of Gibeon. I swear to you by Baal, Ashtarte and all the gods, this is the truth. I saw Joshua, Caleb, the princes of Israel, the young Boaz, and more than ten thousand Israelite troops.” Akavish’s pulse quickened at the mention of Boaz’s name.

“They made a pact with the leaders of Gibeon,” the messenger continued. “The entire scene was surreal. Joshua accused the Gibeonites of deceiving them and pretending to be from outside Canaan.”

“That sounds like a Gibeonite tactic,” Margun interjected.

“Joshua cursed them and their descendents to be slaves for eternity, but held the Israelites back from killing them. I have never been so fearful before in my life. The Israelite anger was palpable. But the Gibeonite leaders walked back into their city, untouched by the ten thousand soldiers that wanted to kill them. The Israelites retreated back to their camp.”

“This is very bad,” Yafiya sat back on his throne, resting his elbow on the side of the throne and his head in his hand.

“Your majesty,” the messenger pleaded. “My king begs for an alliance. I have just come from Yarmut, whose king has agreed, and my next stop is Eglon. After that I shall cross back east to Hebron and return with them north to Jerusalem. We shall together punish the Gibeonites and thereby strike at an Israelite ally that we know we can defeat.”

“What value is there in striking Gibeon when the Israelites are the real danger?” Yafiya asked.

“No one has survived a direct encounter with the Israelites,” the messenger explained. “Their god is powerful and Joshua is a magician of the first order. By attacking their allies we fight normal men of flesh and blood, except perhaps for that old witch of theirs. The Israelites will then be forced to help their allies. Bloodying the Gibeonites will give us a tactical advantage and then we can meet the Israelites on a battlefield that we know and control. With our five armies and some of the most powerful sorcerers in Canaan we shall prevail.”

“It could work, my liege,” Margun agreed.

“Or it can bring our destruction sooner,” Yafiya twirled the curls of his long hair in his fingers.

They heard a swift ‘whoosh’ through the air and Yafiya felt a sharp tug on his hair. The curl he was holding was suddenly separated from his head. A loud thud alerted him to a small, thin, star-like device protruding from his chair.

Yafiya jumped out of his chair and Margun pivoted around, sword in hand.

“Who is there?” Yafiya called out.

“An ally,” Akavish tried to deepen his young voice in the shadows.

“Show yourself,” Margun commanded.

“There is no need for violence,” Akavish said. “You may lower your weapon.”

“You attack us and say there is no need for violence?” Yafiya asked incredulously.

“I merely wanted to demonstrate my skill and value. Had I wished, you would all be dead.”

“Show yourself, coward!” Margun shouted, holding his sword in both hands.

A dark blur flew through the shadow striking Margun on the left shoulder. Margun cried out in pain, as a star of death protruded from his shoulder, yet faced the shadow with sword in his right hand. Another blur cut his right wrist, forcing Margun to drop his sword.

“I could have easily struck your eyes, throat or heart, but I merely wished to disarm you. Do you still threaten violence or am I wasting my time with fools?” Akavish asked from his shadow. Margun grasped his bleeding wrist with his left hand and then with his right hand awkwardly pulled the star of death out of his shoulder. He gave the device to Yafiya.

“Come forward ‘ally,’” Yafiya called nervously, gingerly holding the bleeding star. “We are impressed by your skill and wish to understand you better. We shall not threaten you, if you show us no further harm.”

Akavish exited the shadow of the room with a long dagger strapped to this back, three stars of death in each raised hand and Risto clutching his shoulder.

“You are the Philistine,” Yafiya exclaimed. “The one who killed Balhad’s men.”

“Yes.”

“What do you want? If I didn’t have more pressing matters, I would sic my army on you and your pet.”

“If I didn’t want to work with you, you would have been dead already, and your army would be headless,” Akavish responded, smiling. Risto chittered in agreement.

Yafiya sat back on his throne, letting his cut curl fall from his fingers, but still clutching the star with the sticky blood.

“Pardon my manners then, young Philistine,” Yafiya said. “How can we be of service? I now recall you sent us a contribution. Very noteworthy.”

“It is I who is offering you services. You shall join the King of Jerusalem, you shall attack Gibeon, it will draw the Israelites in and I will fight for you.”

“Why?”

“There is someone I must kill.”

Yafiya’s eyebrow shot up in surprise.

“Who?”

“Boaz.”

“The young warrior from the tales?”

“Is there another?”

“But why?”

“To prove myself. To prove that a child of the sea can best a hero of this strange people that everyone fears, with their invisible gods. To prove to my father that he was a fool for treating me like a child. Does that answer your question?”

“Yes.”

“Will you join with Jerusalem and attack Gibeon?”

“Yes, but not because I think we will win.”

“Then why?”

“If we are to be defeated, I would have it at the time and place of my choosing, and at the very least we can hurt those devious Gibeonites.”

“If you go with such an attitude, even I know it will affect morale.”

“Do not worry, young warrior. To my troops I shall be the epitome of optimism and confidence. I have been a ruler long enough to falsify all emotions and feelings,” Yafiya smiled grimly. “And with a skilled assassin in our employ, it may be enough to tip the balance. There may be several other targets to kill before you have a chance at your Boaz.” Yafiya lightly tossed the star with the dried blood at Akavish.

“That is fine. I will enjoy the practice.” Akavish licked his lips as he caught the star.

* * * * * *

Biblical Source:

Joshua Chapter 10

1 Now it came to pass, when Adonizedek king of Jerusalem heard how Joshua had taken Ai, and had utterly destroyed it; as he had done to Jericho and her king, so he had done to Ai and her king; and how the inhabitants of Gibeon had made peace with Israel, and were among them; 2 that they feared greatly, because Gibeon was a great city, as one of the royal cities, and because it was greater than Ai, and all the men thereof were mighty. 3 Wherefore Adonizedek king of Jerusalem sent unto Hoham king of Hebron, and unto Piram king of Jarmuth, and unto Yafiya king of Lachish, and unto Debir king of Eglon, saying: 4 ‘Come up unto me, and help me, and let us smite Gibeon; for it hath made peace with Joshua and with the children of Israel.’ 5 Therefore the five kings of the Amorites, the king of Jerusalem, the king of Hebron, the king of Jarmuth, the king of Lachish, the king of Eglon, gathered themselves together, and went up, they and all their hosts, and encamped against Gibeon, and made war against it.

Biblical Fiction

Warrior Prophets: Chapter 7

Masters and Slaves

“We have a problem, Caleb,” Joshua said. “Our soldiers will kill the Gibeonites.” Joshua paced in his tent, running his hand over his long white beard. The blond hair of his youth was but a memory. Joshua eyed Boaz in the corner suspiciously. No one else was in the tent.

“Must the boy be present?” Joshua asked.

“Boaz is my pupil whom I have come to trust implicitly,” Caleb answered. “He was the first to detect the Gibeonite duplicity. He noted that the Gibeonites could not have been from outside Canaan as they claimed. They knew the alternative would be to flee Canaan or face us. Boaz saw through their trickery and magic. I would have him as part of our council. He is strong in Judah’s Instinct.”

Joshua looked at Boaz closely. Boaz squirmed under the glare.

“Very well,” Joshua concluded. “I will bow to your judgment on this. I made a grave misjudgment by making an alliance with the Gibeonites and not checking the matter thoroughly. But it cannot be rescinded. If we were to attack them, it would be a great desecration of our vow in God’s name.”

“They deserve to be destroyed,” Caleb retorted.

“Perhaps, but our word is sacred. All of the princes swore to the Gibeonites. All except you.”

“Then let me take troops and wipe them out.”

“No, Caleb. You too are bound by our oath. All of Israel is. I need you to guide the princes and the troops and prevent bloodshed. You must create consensus. Only then will I be able to decree and dictate a peaceful alliance.”

“Alliance? This whole thing is a farce. They cannot walk away unpunished. They made a laughingstock of us.”

“I have thought of this too. They shall be slaves. Woodchoppers and water carriers for as long as their line continues. That way our shame will be cleared and our word will be true. What think you of this, young Boaz?” Joshua turned to the quiet ten-year old in the corner of the tent.

“You are wise, Joshua,” Boaz stated. “But I recall learning that he who takes a slave for himself, in reality takes on a master.”

“This boy is precious!” Joshua grinned and clapped his hands. “You are too right, young master. I expect we shall yet have to come to their defense, as word of such an alliance will enrage the other Canaanite cities. They may decide to attack the Gibeonites as a reprisal. But it will serve our purposes.”

“Joshua,” Caleb interrupted. “Perhaps one of the other princes should take the troops. They swore the oath – they should be the ones to uphold it.”

“No, Caleb. For that very reason you are the perfect choice. The men will follow you. You and I know very well you can read the sentiment of the crowd and do not fear to speak against it.” Both men looked down as painful memories from forty years earlier resurfaced.

“I hope we have better luck this time than we did with the spies,” Caleb finally said.

Joshua reached and held Caleb’s arm. “We will, old friend. We will.”

≈
Shakra perspired heavily in the cool morning breeze. He sat at the head of the council circle facing the large stone archway of the gate of Gibeon. Scouts have spotted Israelite troops on their way, Shakra thought. More than ten thousand strong. They have surely discovered our ruse. Will they honor their word? Or will they slaughter our people as they had slaughtered all in Jericho and Ai? How should we react? The council now looks to me for answers.

“Defenses will be useless,” Shakra argued with the elders.

“We will not die without a fight,” old Silu stated.

“Fighting will give them more cause to attack. Our only hope is in begging for mercy and imploring them to honor their word. They claim their god is the god of truth. To betray their word would be betraying their god.”

“If they have a god of truth, all the more so they should destroy us for our massive lie.”

“Perhaps. But there is no other choice. We must beg for mercy. They claim their god is one of compassion as well.”

“I have only heard of their god of war.”

≈

Boaz marched with pride beside Caleb at the front of the Israelite troops. Caleb had outfitted him with a sling of which he had also taught him the rudiments. Boaz still carried his broken spear-bottom. The one that had saved Caleb from arrows in his back at Jericho. The other princes looked strangely at the young red-headed boy, but did not ask any questions.

Boaz could see the open gates of Gibeon. It had seemed like ages ago that he and Caleb had reconnoitered the area alone and figured out the deception. Now they marched at the head of twelve thousand troops. One thousand from each tribe.

“We will kill those liars,” a tall pale soldier murmured from behind.

“They will die painful deaths for making fools of us,” another added.

“Enough!” Caleb turned around and with his hand held high ordered the troops to halt.

“Enough of this talk. Rasmer!” Caleb pointed at the tall pale soldier. “As commander of your troops, you will maintain discipline.”

Caleb climbed a nearby outcropping of rock and faced the twelve thousand men behind him. He waited until the masses of spears, bows and swords quieted down.

In a booming voice he declared:

“We are not here to massacre the Gibeonites. We have made an alliance with them. Though it was made under false pretenses, our word must not be violated. Otherwise, we are no different than these idol-worshippers that God Almighty has commanded us to destroy. We will meet with them and let them know their deception has been revealed and that we are furious.” The troops cheered mildly.

“But no man shall raise his hand against them,” Caleb continued, “for by the power of our vows they are now our bond-brothers.” Muttering broke out through the ranks.

“We go now to parley. Remember my words!” Caleb climbed down the rock and led the troops to the gates of Gibeon.

“Thank God they left the gate open,” Caleb whispered to Boaz. “Someone there has some wisdom.”

“Or cunning,” Boaz replied.

≈

Shakra stood in front of the gate with Silu and another elder at his side. He had never seen so many soldiers in his life. The Israelites looked angry, ready for blood. The troops carried their spears with the point up. Archers marched with arrow in bow, scanning the walls of the city. Shakra noted Caleb and Boaz at the front of the army. He had learned their names when he had played his deception on the Israelite camp. Caleb wore an expression of determination, though it was not directed at Gibeon. Caleb looks like a man holding back a wave of fury threatening to consume the city, Shakra thought. Caleb will be our hope.

“Hail, Prince of the Hebrews!” Shakra called out. He prostrated on the ground and bowed. The elders on either side bowed as well. The troops are hesitating, Shakra noted. Good. I must play this role until the end.

“Hail, Masters. We are your servants.” Shakra proclaimed from the ground.

Caleb approached with Boaz and eleven other men. Shakra recognized them as the princes he had deceived. They looked at him with a mixture of distaste and anger. Behind them followed another twelve purely angry men. These must be the commanders of each of the tribe’s troops.

“We know of your deception,” Caleb pointed at Shakra. “You should die for it.” A murmur of assent flowed through the troops.

“Yes!” one soldier cried out.

“Kill them!” another shouted.

“Liars! Deceivers! Idol-worshippers!”

Shakra and the two elders stood up and stepped backwards in mortal fear of the Israelite anger.

Caleb and the princes turned to face the troops. Caleb motioned to four princes. He climbed on the shoulders of two of them, a leg on each shoulder, while the two other princes held his legs upright. Standing high, Caleb addressed the army.

“We have sworn to them, by God, Lord of Israel. We cannot touch them. This we will do to them, and let them live, lest wrath come upon us, because of the oath which we swore unto them. Let them live and become hewers of wood and drawers of water for the entire nation.”

“Caleb! Caleb!” a runner cut through the assembled troops and breathlessly reached the princes. “Joshua has reached the back of the army and asks that you bring the Gibeonite leaders immediately.”

Caleb jumped off the princes’ shoulders. He motioned to Shakra and the elders. They walked towards Caleb. The other princes formed a protective circle around Shakra and the two elders. Boaz walked next to Caleb. Together they all sliced through the troops, who split apart, as the sea did for them forty years before.

Joshua met them in the middle of the troop formation.

He pointed an accusing finger at Shakra.

“Why have you lied to us? You say you are from far away, yet you live right under our noses! Therefore you are cursed!” A collective gasp echoed from the troops. Shakra and the two elders fell to their knees.

“Your people and your descendants will forever be slaves!” Tears poured down the Gibeonite eyes. Israelite soldiers shuddered at the curse, some still remembering the feel of the whip of their Egyptian masters.

“Hewers of wood and drawers of water shall you be for the House of my God,” Joshua concluded.

Shakra noticed that the Israelite anger had been spent. The troops looked at him now with pity. At least I have life, Shakra thought. For me and my people. The fight for liberty may come another day.

Shakra bowed to Joshua. “We are your servants. We feared for our lives. We had heard that your God had commanded Moses to give you the entire land of Canaan, and to destroy all of its inhabitants. The deception was the only way for us to survive. We are now in your hands and you may do with us as you see fit.”

“Your doom and curse have been cast. You may now return to your city and await our commands.”

Shakra and the elders stood up. The princes opened the protective circle around them, making way for the Gibeonites to return to their city. Boaz looked at Shakra with a mixture of pity and apprehension. He unconsciously rapped the end of his spear against the palm of his hand. This Boaz still does not trust me, Shakra thought. Never mind. We are safe for now. The army parted again. Not one Israelite soldier touched them or blocked their way.

Shakra forced himself not to smile. I fooled the Israelites and have secured life for my people. I wonder how the other cities will fare.

As if in answer to his hidden thought, Shakra’s sharp eyes noticed a glint to the south. A spy! He recognized the spear as one from Adonizedek’s soldiers. Shakra could not hide the frown that framed his face as the spy returned south to Jerusalem.

* * * * * *

Biblical Source: Joshua Chapter 9