Jon

Updated 7/30/24

Jonathan Ch 3

Jonathan

As was their custom, he should have returned home for good by now, started a circle with his family, and established a community but having spent five years training at the Knight school and an additional twelve years after, in service as a Knight of J’shua, he couldn’t resist the calling to stay. Besides, his wife and daughter were still missing. His home burned to ash. There was no home without them? These thoughts and many others plagued his mind as he reached the halfway point, the Tarin Inn, after many days of travel. Perhaps this would be a good place to stop for the night.

The hearty stew over the fireplace coals bubbled and steamed with a tempting aroma. All conversation stopped.

He thought he might lose his stomach right there.

The back of his neck prickled.

His eyes darted around the room analyzing threats.

Once those That stared looked him over, they turned away and the talking ramped back up. The murmur of a dozen conversations that continued, set him at ease.

It was just his blasted light hair. At thirty years old, he guessed it would more likely turn white before it ever darkened.

He walked to a table near the back with an uneven stride, biting the inside of his cheek, and sat, It gave him a good vantage of the front door. A back door only strides away. He carefully took stock of his belongings. Then he slowly unstrung his bow. He scanned the room again as he pushed it into his pack. Carefully setting it behind his chair.

He had been in Esthlanis far longer than he’d intended. Even though the daikon of the Esthlanis Knights’ School was resistant to his suggestions, he felt called to stay. However, now, it was time to return.

He felt his heart rate slowing, but he continued to scan the room, discretely.

“Hallo, traveler, yah wish to eat somethin? Or drink?” A cute girl, perhaps ten years old, pushed a lock of brown hair behind her ear, smiling.

She reminded him of Sarah, and Jonathan felt a wince flicker across his face as a pang of regret filled him, but he tried to hide it with a smile and a wink.

“Yes, please, that stew smells wonderful. An ale too.”

“Yes sir, two baden for the stew and one baden for a pitcher of ale. It’s only another two baden for a pigeon if ya like?” she asked with raised eyebrows.

Jonathan rummaged in a pouch, and pulled out an Esthlani duhrn. The gold coin was thin and small with a hole in the center. It was worth five baden. A mohrn looked just like it except it was bigger and thicker, with two stallions engraved upon it. He’d only seen one like it once.

“I’ll have the pigeon as well if this will do?”

Her eyes went wide. “Yes, sir, my da prefers them.”

He tossed her the coin.

As he relaxed, enjoying the warm fire crackling pleasantly, a quiet argument caught his ear.

“I tell you the Knights are finished. Their school in the south just burned to the ground.” An old man drawing on a pipe, puffed out each word.

Another waved the smoke away and said, “I heard they all died in their sleep.”

“I thought they were wiser than everyone,” a third added.

Jonathan, alerted to the words as if they punched him in the gut. Standing, he approached the men clutching the back of an empty chair. “Tell me all you know about the fire. My son might be there.”

They reassured him it was just a rumor, that he’d find his son was safe.

But Jonathan didn’t feel reassured. His face mirrored his anguished thoughts, as they stared at him in awkward silence.

The room seemed darker now.

The fire felt hotter.

“We’re sorry. It’s just a rumor,” one said as they left, but he was still gripping the chair in disbelief, when they took their leave.

Unsure of how much time had passed before he moved, he went to pay for the room, gathered his belongings, and left the meal waiting at his table untouched. When he found his bed, he laid on the straw tick pallet, tossing and turning, sleeping only a few hours when his anxiety allowed. Finding no comfort in prayer, he left in the early dawn, making headway for the school.

***

Two days later, as the sun sank to the horizon, Jonathan’s heart lifted. Despite the anxious rumors echoing through his mind, he saw the signs that told him he’d be at the school soon. Spurring his horse, he broke out of the woods—

He pulled his horse up short. His hands, cold and clammy, touched his face as his head swam. His gut clenched. If there was any sound left in the world, he could not hear it, not while the image of the burnt ruins of his home and the corpses of his family surged over him again.

The school’s chimney and a few teetering upright timbers were all that remained.

He plodded past grave markers. Tributes left by loved ones littered the ground.

Did anyone survive?

He dismounted and fell to his knees.

His fists dredged his face.

Thoughts raced to comprehend the dreadful scene.

His forehead creased in worry as he thought of his son, the boys, their teachers, and his own destroyed home.

What can be done to end such evil?

It was hopeless.

David.

He’d last seen him at the Agon Gorum’s horse farm, after the trail of his wife and daughter went cold. David was only nine. So brave. The boy wanted to leave, right then, to find his mother and sister. Perhaps that would have been better—

Argh. Now, I regret leaving him. It seems impossible to choose the right path. If I had taken him along, would he be alive?

He hung his head, praying.

Forgive me Father. Tell me David is alive. Show me what to do.

A blue jay screeched overhead.

He looked up.

Amidst his tumultuous thoughts he heard the words Bowing Sister. They pierced through his icy heart, and he felt a peace that transcended understanding.

He ran to his horse. Clutching the reins, he pulled her head away from the grass and mounted. Despite the failing light, he galloped through the moon-dappled trail toward the mountain. He stopped only when the trees became too thick for any light to penetrate.

He sucked in a breath through his teeth.

It was unsafe to proceed further. The terrain of Easy Slope changed each rainy season. A rockslide to his left hinted at that.  After the rains, fifth years and knights would have remapped the area. He scanned for new crevasses, but he would never see these chasms in the dark. There was no other choice, but to stop and wait for dawn.

After tending to his horse, he tried to eat, but he had no appetite. He attempted to sleep, but managed only snatches between worry and thoughts that denied him rest, so he prayed while he waited for the light of day.

***

At first light, he left his horse to graze, while he ran toward the Kneeling Queen’s Skirt, a wide ledge at the base of the Watchers, a formation of dozens of vertical stones huddled close together that seemed to guard the mountain. From this view, he could see the thin black line in the distance formed by their shadows.

Sprinting across Easy Slope, the sun rose from behind the hills of Tarinland in the east, blanketing the grey mountain in red. He veered west of God’s Thumb, a huge boulder, said to be all that was left of a giant, a Nephilim, who ruled this land in times long gone. Like a fist gesturing his success over a bloody battlefield, it marked the end of Easy Slope.

From here the trail was rougher.

The terrain grew steeper.

The rocks were sharper.

Still, he rushed, pulling hard on every handhold to keep his pace. He had to know if David survived. If anyone survived. Bowing Sister lay ahead, beyond another ridge, and at midday, he crested the last ridge.

Coming out of shadow into the bright sunlight, he squinted at the silhouette of a man. His hair flounced around his head like dandelion fuzz.

Is that Daikon Crispus?

“Jonathan!” The old man threw his arms wide, waiting at the end of the path.

A dozen students rushed into view behind the old man.

Seeing his teacher before him, Jonathan sighed. He bowed,  “Is-is David here? Is he— alright?”

“David has not arrived yet.” Crispus squeezed Jonathan’s shoulder.

Jonathan let out a sigh. “What happened? How many were harmed?”

The daikon’s brows furrowed as he told the story, while they walked up the path.

Am I the cause of this? Did my taunting Greysun bring what followed?

Jonathan remembered the knights amongst the dead. Kotchy, the cook who was cranky, but always gave him goodly portions, and more whenever he asked.

“I am so sorry, Daikon Crispus. I may have caused this terrible slaughter.” He balled his fists. “I taunted Commandant Greysun when I encountered him. He was already angry that he could not arrest me because of the King’s pass I carried, but I rubbed it in his face.”

Jonathan turned his wet eyes on Crispus. “It was impulsive. It was wrong. I am so sorry. I-I—”

Daikon Crispus guided him to a cave behind one of the Watcher’s.

Jonathan ducked his head as he followed, placing his hand against the rock face. The familiar stone of the mountain felt cool under his rough hand. The hidden opening expanded into a warm room. A small fire near the opening produced almost no smoke yet kept the dampness out of the room. Three crude stools sat beside the fire. Behind them, a pallet of dried grass and herbs lay against the cave wall.

“Sit, dear boy, sit.” The daikon stood over him.

Jonathan sat, slumped, wringing his hands, hoping for the chastisement he deserved, and the punishment that would absolve himself.

Instead, the old man placed his warm hand on his head. “Dear boy, nothing we do can make another do anything they don’t want to do. Selfish desires are in us all. You had no way to know that the Serpent would use him this way.”

Daikon Crispus patted his head as if he were eleven years old again.

Jonathan’s chest shuddered as he sucked in a breath.

His old master continued, “It’s been many moons since that atrocity. We have mourned, but we have the hope of J’shua. Many others have no hope.”

Crispus sighed. “We’ve encountered Greysun before. No, son, you did not cause this. He has been a boiling pot for a long time. This has made us even more determined to train young knights to do the Father’s will and follow J’shua.”

The stool creaked as the old man sat down. “Now, tell me what else has happened to you.”

Jonathan let out a long, relieved breath and began to tell him his tale of woes. “Two years ago, while I was away, soldiers came to the farm demanding Rebekah’s father pay his loan in full or give up his daughter and granddaughter in lieu of payment. I imagine Rebekah and Sarah ran and hid as I had taught them. Rebekah escaped, I heard she stole a horse. You know she would only do that if she had to pursue someone.” He sighed. “I believe they took Sarah.”

He looked down, running his hands through his hair. “I cannot find them. The Father and J’shua have not told me where they are.” He held his breath to hold back tears, “I fear they are—dead.”

He groaned. “But I can’t accept that. Rebekah must be hiding somewhere. She must be looking for Sarah as well.”

Crispus squeezed his shoulder. “Your wife was here.”

Jonathan’s head jerked up. He inhaled a raspy breath.

“She looked well.”

The daikon’s kind smile made him break, tears streamed down his cheeks in relief.

“And what of Sarah?” he asked, daring to hope.

“She’s not found her but she’s learned your daughter did escape her captors. Rebekah believes she’s safe. Until J’shua reveals it, trust she’s in his care.”

Jonathan nodded, feeling a hint of relief, but not enough to stifle his groan or the pain in his chest. He gritted his teeth.

I have to do something. I have to find them.

“Where is Rebekah? I will go to her.”

Crispus gripped Jonathan’s shoulder. “That would be unwise. You must remember, her quest is no less important than yours, but—” He stepped aside to rummage through a leather bag. Returning, the old man said, “She left a message for you.”

The daikon handed over the parchment, and Jonathan was quick to open it.

Jonathan, My Heart,

The world conspires to keep us apart, yet my spirit soars with the hope of our reunion. It is why I look for your whereabouts constantly, just as much as I continue to search for our Sarah. She is as brave as her father, and I know in my spirit she is well. As I journey, every step I take is a prayer for each of us.         

Know too that our Lord J’shua has given me a mission. This means I am closer than you think, working in the shadows to protect our family and our country. But it’s why I cannot come to you directly. I fear I would refuse to be parted from you again, regardless of my calling.

Please do not try to find me. Please understand that my role is crucial. Many others will be in danger, if I’m found, so I cannot risk meeting you, though I wish it with all my heart. Also, I know you are hunted as well, and we both know that if those who look for you caught me, they would use me to coerce you. This I cannot allow.

Be safe, my love. We will be together again, and I look for that day to come soon. Fear not. We are bound not only by our love, but our faith. I know this because I know you are holding fast to the Faith and doing as J’shua directs as am I, and J’shua will see us through these dark times. The way is clear when it is needed.

Stay strong, my knight. My love for you is undying.

Yours Forever,

Rebekah

Although relieved to know she was well, at least at the time of this writing, he feared he’d never find her. Pressing her letter to his chest, he prayed. The God of Truth alone knew how to end the evil that kept them apart. All he knew was to follow J’shua.

Jonathan wiped tears from his eyes and placed the letter under the lining of his pack near the bottom.

A long night of fellowship soothed his battered soul. He pulled his cloak tighter around him against the cool breezes as they all sang the old psalms, each note a healing balm. Many prayed for family, friends, and the nobles who led the country. Jonathan prayed for the king.

He knew the king. When Jonathan was six, he’d lived under the King’s care and was made companion to his six-year-old son, Prince Sagen.

He is a good man and so is Sagen, my friend.

The young student knights and old teachers listened in silence as he confessed his encounter with Commandant Greysun. Acceptance and the comfortable familiarity of those around the fire warmed him. Many embraced him and gave him good wishes.

As he gazed around the circle, he saw no judgment, only sorrow—the same sadness he felt at the loss of men and boys at the school. This pain they shared was a bond between them.

When the fire burned down to glowing coals and they all had drifted off to bed, he retreated to a small cave he had outfitted years ago. Prayers, long into the night, gave way to sleep.

***

The following morning, after thanking each of them for soothing his soul, Jonathan gave Crispus a letter for Rebekah, should he see her again.

Returning to his horse, he rode down into the foothills, guided by the still, small voice telling him to go westward toward Mestelina. The sun warmed him. He felt at peace. Yes, buildings had been destroyed and good men died, but it was a grave error by the Serpent, which the God of Truth would turn into a beacon.

He had news of Rebekah. They would be stronger together. He vowed he would find her. He would continue to search for her. And Sarah.

Jonathan Ch 6.2

INSERT something between the Sarah bits.

Jonathan Ch 17

Jonathan scanned the crowd as he walked through another small village eighteen miles west of Fairness Crossing. It was market day. Farmers and those living on the outskirts came to buy, sell, or both. Tinkers, clothiers, saddle makers, and others had their carts of wares open, attracting people with shouts and clever melodies. The smell of freshly baked bread, lamb braising on a spit, and sweet delicacies laced the air.

It all made him homesick.

A blonde girl ran past. Her similarly colored mother gave chase, calling her name and threatening a paddling if she didn’t behave.

The youngster was the about same age as Sarah, fifteen.

It had been nine years since he’d lost his daughter. No, since they took her. She’d have grown up without him, without her mother. Would he even recognize her?

He’d know her bright eyes, her dimple, and her laugh. But…

Sarah’s grandmother was a Locke, with fine-boned frame, full lips, and high, rosy cheekbones. Sarah favored her. Yet here in the south, close to Lexandria to the west, there were many blondes. He counted six on the street and another two hanging out of windows, yelling down to friends, any of whom could be Sarah.

A carriage drawn by four horses approached, surrounded by well-armed men. Jonathan backed into a shaded alley. As it passed, he recognized the Locke’s crest on its side, a white wolf on a purple field.

“Make way!” The carriage driver yelled, clearly angry at being delayed. “Make way for the Duchess of Lexandria and the midwife who delivered a Locke boy!”

He could see several women and a blonde girl through the window. Straining to get a better look—”oof”.

Something smashed into the back of Jon’s knees, dropping him to the ground.

He reached for his sword. But another drew it as hands dragged him deeper into the alley. He thrashed to free himself, pulling a hidden dagger from his boot. About to swipe at the closest neck, he glimpsed familiar red hair bending over him. “Eikhan? You couldn’t just tap me on the shoulder?”

Magistrate Gorum’s son shrugged. The three men accompanying him released the knight but stood ready.

“Apologies, Sir Otual. I warned them.” Eikhan grinned sheepishly, nodding toward his men. “But they were worried you might react rashly. Your notorious legend of being a wild man is well known in Esthlanis.” Eikhan offered his hand.

Jonathan took it and stood, shaking his head. “Wild man—another falsehood. There are safer ways to get my attention.”

Eikhan shot a glare at his men. “Father sent me to find you. A suspicious man came to the estate seeking you. He’s not the first, but this one…”

“What?”

“The man was loitering about town for some moons. An untrustworthy type who knew too much about too many, had too many baden, and spent too many hours watching people he shouldn’t know. He knew who David was.

“Is David safe?”

Eikhan gave Jonathan’s shoulder a reassuring squeeze. “Yes, he never got close. Some of the other estate owners wanted to run the spy off. Father insisted on surveillance. A good thing too.”

“Why?”

“When your wife came to take David to the Knights’ School, the man attempted to follow them. Our men intercepted him. Rather forcefully, I’m told. Before being allowed to—eventually—go on his way, he became most forthcoming. There’s a private bounty on your head. Not merely the false charges made against you in Freislicht—this is prize money for any who can capture you, dead or alive. Five hundred baden dead, One thousand, alive.”

Jonathan slumped. “That is disturbing. I had hoped to keep searching for Sarah. Did the man say who was behind it?”

Eikhan shook his head. “He said his contact was a man named Rosewud.”

Jonathan scowled. “I have met him. I do not know who he is working for.”

“You must take the most extreme care. Father offers you sanctuary should you ever need it. However, for everyone’s sake, he said not to come directly to the estate. Instead, go to the abandoned mine-works southeast of town.”

Jonathan frowned. He knew the place, a deep cave containing dozens of manmade tunnels. It was many miles from the Gorum Estate but closer to the Freislicht border and the sea. “How would you know I was there?”

“The mine is being put to…new uses. Storing weapons and materials for when the Esthlani come to your country’s aid. A group called Licht Gegen oversees it, although Father refuses to discuss it with me.”

“All are interesting developments, yet I do not understand how you found me. If you can do so, others might as well.”

“Father sent me because, of all his sons, I hear J’shua’s voice most clearly. The path took more than a moon.” Eikhan lifted an overstuffed saddlebag. “He’s sent you provisions, some baden, as he was sure you’d lack for funds, and two horses.” He nodded toward two horses tied to a post.

“That is far too generous—”

“Do not refuse these minor gifts. He’s given twenty-five horses to your fellowship. David brought us good fortune. And great prosperity. This is the merest token of the blessings granted to us since your son’s arrival. And…” Eikhan glanced down at his feet.

“And what?”

“I want to ride with you, but Father forbids it. He said that you do not need a bodyguard, but when you need an army, we’ll be there.”

Jonathan held Eikhan’s arm firmly. and accepted Agon’s package, “He is right. Having someone with me will just make traveling unnoticed more difficult.” He was overwhelmed by the risks his friend and his friend’s son were willing to take for him. “Thank your father. And thank you too.”

Jonathan Ch 30

New Moon, Late Spring, Woods Outside Caswell

Jonathan tromped through the glade where he usually ran into one of the young sentries. He visited James of the Wood and his boys whenever he passed nearby one of his camps. There was one in the woods outside of Fairness Crossing, Lexandria, and Caswell. He usually found them near Caswell because Drake Caswell, the earl, did not have much of a military presence. The original brothers were now men. James was twenty-one. But they had taken in new cast-off children. This time, he found them outside Caswell. Today he expounded on the creed of the Knights of J’shua.

[Endeavor to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; One Lord, one faith, one baptism, One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.]

When he finished speaking, a boy ran up with a message for James of the Wood. After James read it, he shot Jonathan a face-splitting grin and shared the news of David’s wedding.

Somehow, one of James’ tribe had learned that Jonathan’s son, David, now a Knight of J’shua on his first mission, would take a wife. Further, the earl had offered to hold the ceremony in Caswell, only a day’s ride away. Jonathan wondered how James was so well informed.

With all his heart, he wanted to attend. Yet he knew that if he did, men would be there to ambush him. Worse, if that happened, it would ruin the happy couple’s day and could have them seen as accomplices.

No, the sensible thing is to stay away…or…perhaps, watch from afar.

After eating with the boys, he prayed about it. He received no guidance. All would become clear. Then he would make up his own mind. Pushing the matter aside, he slept.

In the morning, he was sure. He had only one son. It might also be an opportunity to encounter Rebekah. Surely, she would not miss the event either.

Having decided, he spoke to James of the Wood. “I need a way into Caswell, but not as myself. No one must recognize me. It would put my son and his new bride in peril. Can you get me there in time? Do you have—”

“Finally! A way we can repay you, a little.” James beamed. “I’m sure we can help. Come. Look at some things that have…uh, fallen…into our possession.”

“You have not been stealing, have you?”

“No. We merely follow the examples of lords and their stewards…charging a small toll to those who wander through our woods. We don’t seek them out. And we’ve not hurt anyone. And most were more than willing to help orphans.” His eyes twinkled. “You told us Lord J’shua would provide. He has.”

“James,” Jonathan shook his head at the irrepressible youngster, “when there is time, we need to have a long talk.”

Jonathan Ch 37

Jonathan and another bodyguard dressed as mercenaries followed James, who gave his invitation to the porter.

After the ceremony, Jonathan suppressed a chuckle at Drake’s excess. He moved through the crowd two steps behind and to the left of James, who was dressed as a wealthy merchant. A third man accompanied them. Like Jonathan, he wore the face-covering cowl of a mercenary, dark brigandine armor, and a sword at his belt.

The haughty expression on James’ face was so believable. Yet, that and pouches of baden had seen the two mercenaries find a place in the hall’s rear, where they had stood silently, observing the ceremony and James.

Jonathan scanned the room as if searching for threats to the merchant he was protecting, but if Rebekah was in attendance, he could not find her.

Could she be disguised as well?

No, that was absurd. What would Rebekah know of changing her appearance?

Jonathan Ch 47

Jonathan found himself—still hooded—walking amongst the servants of the visitors. Watching them posture and compete, depending upon who their masters and mistresses were, would have been humorous if he was not afraid of being discovered.

[@@@insert encounter w/BH]

There had been no time to discuss the matter. When the maid limited James to one bodyguard, he had ordered Jonathan to the kitchens, from where Jon could slip away as if carrying out a task for his employer.

As a mere mercenary, every retainer thought themselves better than him. That suited Jonathan.

Cooks screamed at everyone to keep out of their paths. Maids, squires, and other servants pushed through anyway. More than once being splattered by hissing meat on spits only to yell out their own curses.

Dodging yet another such yelling match between servant and cook, Jonathan stepped aside only to find himself standing beside a captain of the royal guard. He nodded. The other nodded back. Then there was an opening in the throng. The two men nearly collided as they headed in opposite directions.

The soldier bulled his way past, Jon giving way.

 He had almost worked his way to an exit when an old woman beckoned to him from a dark passageway.

“I must talk to you,” the woman whispered. “Your master is in danger.”

Jonathan turned away from her, but eased closer.

Then the woman continued, “Lady Parynna believes he’s a provider of carnal pleasure. She intends to ruin him, blackmail him, or worse. If you have any loyalty to your employer, you must warn him. And leave immediately.”

Jonathan almost laughed. Considering all the things James could be accused of, peddling flesh was beyond ridiculous. There must be a mistake. Yet that would not stop the young man from being harmed. “What do you seek in return for this warning?”

“I…we, my granddaughter and I, would leave Caswell, but cannot without Lady Parynna’s blessing. Get us out. That’s all we ask.”

“I cannot make promises on my employer’s behalf. But I will do what I can. Do you wish to accompany me or—”

“We cannot. If seen with you, it will bring down the lady’s wrath. Is there somewhere we can meet you?”

“Go to the stables on the south road.”

As he strode away, the old woman whispered again, “Thank you, sir. Thank you.”

Jonathan Ch 50

Her voice cut through Jonathan. “…anything I can do…” His breath caught. They were the first words the dowager uttered clearly, and they could only belong to Rebekah.

He stared, marveling at her disguise. Although it had been many years since he had seen her up close. This old woman bore no resemblance to his wife. Except her eyes.

Jonathan shook himself back to the current predicament. He evaluated each person they passed. They must keep a leisurely pace toward the stables and the gate.

He followed them closely.

James spoke quietly to Rebekah, “I must help the servant and her granddaughter get out of Caswell Castle. Lady Parynna is forcing them to stay. Without her warning we would have been easily surrounded. I’ve only horses for my bodyguards and myself. Riding double would slow us down, not to mention draw attention.”

“Leave them to me,” Rebekah said. “I have resources nearby.”

Jonathan smiled. You are amazing, dear wife.

Then James strolled on with Rebekah on his arm.

Jonathan noted a commotion behind them. A group of soldiers was assembling.

He whispered to James, “We’ve been noticed.”

Jonathan continued to scan the area. An officer joined the group, which formed up and marched toward them.

Jonathan whispered, “they’re coming fast.”

Jonathan Ch 53

Jonathan rode in silence, pleased to know that Rebekah was still alive. But what was she doing impersonating a dowager noblewoman? Drake must have helped her. He glanced at the lad riding beside him.

Once they were well away from Caswell Castle, he could wait no longer. “James, do you know that woman?”

“Which one?”

“The old one you sat at table with.”

“Oh, I just met her. She knows Tommas Bekh, the other friend to us that I mentioned before.” He chuckled. “I guess I shouldn’t have used the name Albertus Bekh.”

Jonathan hid his disappointment behind a laugh and they rode on without another word. He pondered the strange circumstance, praying to see her again. Entering the woods, he removed the Lorness cloak and gave it to James, who stuffed both in a leather pouch. When they came to a fork in the road, he canted his head to James. “Thank you for allowing me to see my son’s wedding. I think it best we separate now. Godspeed to you.”

As soon as James returned the nod, Jonathan galloped off on the westward trail toward Mestelina.