Chapter 20

Jezebel's plans to see David dead were unravelling. He had escaped; Saul could not even manage to kill him in his own dining hall, stupid, useless man! At least with David out of the way, she could take control of the situation within the Israeli capital. David was the one the officials had faith in now. Saul had lost all support as the priests and politicians were increasingly uneasy with their King. Yet civil unrest appeared to do nothing to aid the officials in eliminating the King. Such was their faith in an ordained ruler and they believed that their God would prevail. She may yet have to reveal her little secret to truly undermine Saul. If she could eliminate the King with no clear ordained replacement the people would be lost in the desert once more, leaving them no choice but to return to their rightful place as slaves to her people. 

Saul rolled over in his sleep. Jezebel got up from the bed, wrapped herself in her robe of silk, and left for her own rooms. She rarely slept with the King anymore. He was virtually impotent; such were the depths of his depression. It seemed small mercies did exist, Jezebel thought with a wicked smile. He was such a needy man with little aptitude for pleasuring a woman. No great loss. One consolation was that she was once again treated like a queen with her every whim catered for.

Alone now, she decided to seek out David, just to see how he was going. As long as he was heading away from Jerusalem she would leave him to his own fate. He would not cause her any further concern. She would need no sacrifice tonight, as the distance of travel should not be too far. Candles and oil burners were lit, with the symbols of power placed around the room, Jezebel settled into the cushions on her big soft, silky bed and began to chant her ancient incantation. Her amulet hung low between her breasts; it was warm as it began to glow. The flight was indeed short. David was resting in a cave around 15 parasas north of the Israeli capital. More than twice what the average man could cover in less than two days. Jezebel was mildly impressed. Heading North straight into Philistine territory, he should be of no further concern now. He would likely be dead in a matter of weeks. She returned to her body and blew out the candles, leaving the oil burners to cast a glow and aroma through the room as she drifted into a dreamless sleep, content that her plans were once more back on track.

****

Francesca had put much thought into whether it was wise to tell Martinez about Jonathan. It was only a matter of time before Jezebel felt the need to use the information to her advantage. Yet telling him would change the way he treated Jonathan. It could affect how much devotion he would continue to show David. She was aware David was the son Martinez thought he never had. She was not lying; she would withhold the truth for now. No matter how she tried to justify it, she still did not feel comfortable.

She was preparing to leave the city. This would be her last meeting with Martinez before setting off. There was no joy in leaving, pursuing her duty. She was past wanting to take on the responsibility. Yet she could not pass it over to anyone else, not even God. A failing she knew was hers alone to bear. 

Martinez had spent many hours considering religion, finally deciding long ago that he had no interest in it. He had faith and believed in God. He got up every morning and thanked Him that he had not died in his sleep. Lately it seemed religion was becoming more and more like politics and he disliked politics intensely. The ancient commandments of God were relatively straightforward. Do not sleep with your neighbour’s wife. Be happy with what you have been given. Do not steal. There was not really any grey area that he could find. Somehow the commandments seemed to be easily twisted by any man, at any time, to suit any whim. He found the reasoning of priests and officials strange, even infuriating. They would quote a commandment, then rationalise what God really meant by it. Then fashion some obscure application for that commandment. If that were not enough, they would quote an earlier priest without fully understanding the circumstances. Instead of the original Ten Commandments the Israeli people had been given in the beginning, now they had many little rules that had been crafted by the priests in order to pass laws to control the people. Martinez was no scholar or theologian; he was simply a soldier, one who understood discipline. If the people just obeyed the Ten Commandments it would be far simpler. The problem was that people in general lacked discipline and self-control.   

How did he find himself immersed in religious matters regarding the ordained leader of their nation? He liked Saul; he was his half-brother, they had grown up together, fought together as mercenaries. Martinez had spent many years in the King's service as envoy, confidante and senior General of the Army. His relationship with David was different. He had liked the boy the moment he met him. He now loved him like a son. Yet, now his brother was trying to kill his adopted son and he was placed fatefully right between them. Precariously positioned and ultimately heading for trouble no matter which direction he moved, he frowned to himself. God had a very strange sense of humour he reasoned.

As he was once more following Francesca to her meeting place, his mind was brought back to the present by the hypnotic sway of her hips as she walked; a far more productive use of a man’s imagination. Her high leather boots were now discarded for something more appropriate for city life in order to blend in and not arouse suspicion. He chuckled to himself. She would most certainly stand out in the long leather boots, riding skirt & frilled blouse she had worn when first they met.  

Francesca's mind was wandering; she was trying to think of a gentle way to explain to Martinez that she would be following David. She had enjoyed his company and really was not looking forward to leaving. Regret was futile. She knew she would go. Her duty was too important she told herself. When Martinez spoke, she almost jumped out of her skin, she had been so lost in her thoughts. 

'It is so very good to see you again. I only hope it is good news you have. Is David safe?'  He looked intently, his eyes seeking hers out.

'He is safe, making his way towards his destiny. I need to travel to support David now. He will be gathering men around him. In time he will need you; however he will not ask you to compromise Saul. David’s honour still holds, and he would do nothing to hurt Saul, even though he will have many chances and plenty of cause.' Francesca wondered not for the first time, if David had the strength for that honour to hold out against the power and wealth that would ultimately be his. Saul had failed. Samuel had told her of his visions, of the pain the Israeli people would experience at the hands of their King. Which King did God speak of?  

Francesca saw the questions in Martinez's eyes and did not wait for him to ask about her leaving. She continued, 'I have not fully explained David's importance and I think now is the time,' Martinez raised an eyebrow and indicated she should take a seat first. 'Yes, sorry, my mind is full and I am rushing.' They were in the rear room of the cafe, one of their many meeting places.  Martinez had not returned to the healing house, and they had returned to their earlier behaviour of meeting in unexpected locations. 'A new King has been ordained. Samuel foretold of it before he died. The new King of Israel will be David.' she paused for the idea to sink in. Martinez sat quietly waiting for more. 'I have been given the task of helping to complete his training. For the first time in my life, I am not feeling so passionate about the work I have been called to. I have grown to appreciate your company Martinez; to be honest I think I would prefer to stay here. Yet my duty calls and I am a Priestess of the One. Samuel asked me to work with you to support David, yet David is not here anymore,' she paused for a breath, her words catching in her throat.

Martinez was surprised by the information but distracted. 

'You do not have to go. You have a choice. I would rather we stayed together,' he heard himself say. He recalled his feelings at his mother’s death, this feeling was similar; his heart was being torn. 'I understand your duty, mine calls me to protect a King who is trying to kill a young shepherd boy who has done nothing but serve him faithfully for years. It is my duty nevertheless. As a soldier my choices are limited. I could walk away now and follow you, however I believe I will be far more use staying by the King's side. Jonathan has sworn an oath to serve David unto death and I have given him my word as a warrior to do the same. We both owe our allegiance to the King. He is family and he is the reigning King. We will walk a fine line, but we will serve both faithfully. It is best done from within Saul's service. With the unrest among the priests and the officials it is only a matter of time before war comes to us again. Due to Saul's weakness the Philistines will seek to overthrow us once more.'

Francesca could not disagree. ‘You are wise as always Martinez, duty above all else.' Yet somewhere in her heart she knew she was born for more than duty. Samuel's words returned to her, niggling at her soul, nudging at her core. Seek out the soldier who leads the King’s army, he needs you as much as you need him. 'I will be able to seek you out as my spirit can travel across great distances. I will be with you and if you need anything, call me to you in your dreams, I will be with you.' 

Martinez smiled. 'I think maybe I should be the one offering to protect you on your journey. Rest assured though, if I need your counsel I will call on you.' He was thinking that Francesca would feature in his dreams, but not for counsel. 'When you see David, tell him I will do all I can to help him. There was no chance for me to speak with him before he fled. He needs to know where we stand, Jonathan and I.'

'I am sure he knows. I will set his mind at ease and let him know what you have said. I will not share his plans with you, in order not to put you in the position of lying to the King. Jezebel would see it in an instant.'