Jezebel

Part Two: 10

Harel was having lunch at the barrack dining when a messenger brought him a sealed letter. None at the table paid him attention as he excused himself, walking over to the empty corridor that led to the foot soldiers' living quarters.

It wasn't up to a week since Harel joined the army and so far his training was nothing compared to what Jehu had been putting him through in their personal training. Even as he leaned against a wall and broke the seal, the muscles of his shoulders and arms screamed in protest. He embraced the pain because as he was fast learning, pain was a necessity for greater strength. He chuffed when he realised he was already beginning to sound like his brother. If he were to be honest, he was gradually liking it at the barracks. The structured living, challenging tasks, and even being the brother of one of the king's trusted commanders made it a worthy choice. Jehu was right to push him.

Harel unrolled the thick parchment. He recognised the long winded writing of Obadiah.

After you read this letter, burn it.

Harel paused and looked around to be sure no one was watching. Choosing to be more cautious, he hurried to his small quarters, shutting the door behind him. He unrolled the paper once more and continued reading.

I stumbled upon troubling news this morning. I confess that I would have had knowledge of it sooner if I knew it concerned someone who has been of great help to us. The queen sent letters containing this message to all the elders at the town Naboth lives:

'Call the citizens together for fasting and prayer and give Naboth a place of honour. Find two scoundrels who will accuse him of cursing God and the king. Then take him out and stone him to death.'

Harel's jaw dropped. He blinked repeatedly, hands trembling as he resumed reading.

I wish I came upon this news earlier. Go to Naboth immediately. The queen's letters were sent yesterday. Warn him of the danger that lies ahead if he attends the fast-breaking ceremony. If he does not listen, do whatever it takes. Resort to kidnap if necessary. He must not attend that feast.

After ensuring the letter was burned, Harel snatched his sword and dashed out of his room. He had just saddled a brown mare at the barrack stable when a figure strolled past the tall doorway of the place.

"Why are you in such hurry?" Nahum asked as he walked over and stood directly in Harel's path.

"What do you want?" Harel asked. Every moment he wasted placed Naboth in even greater danger.

"I heard you received a letter. It was sealed with the signet of one of the king's officials."

Harel gritted his teeth, fighting hard not to let his annoyance overtake his senses. It was no secret Nahum was a spy of the queen and his odd interest in him was slowly but surely shaving away at his patience. "Get out of my way, Nahum." He mounted the horse.

"I know a disloyal man when I see one." Nahum drew closer, his face pinched with an ugly frown. "I am never wrong about people. I will keep watching until you slip."

"Good luck with that," Harel said, his patience barely hanging by a thread. "Now, get out of my way before I trample you." He pulled at his rein, causing the horse to kick its front limbs. Nahum jerked back. He didn't spare a backward glance as he rode out of the stable.

Naboth was not home when he arrived. Looking around, he spotted a woman with a large earthen jar balanced on her head. He gave a terse wave in greeting. "Have you seen the man who here?" He nodded at Naboth's home.

The woman first took in his appearance, the black leather and signature sword giving away his occupation. "You mean Naboth?"

Harel nodded.