The Bronze Bow - Elizabeth George Speare [19]
The man who had spoken, though, Jesus of Nazareth? There had been a moment, when he first stood up to speak, when it had seemed—but it had come to nothing. More words, nothing but words.
He knew one man who still dared to act. One of these days Rosh would show them all. One day Rosh's army would be strong enough, and then these timid men in the village would come scrambling to throw in their lot with him. And when that day came, he, Daniel bar Jamin. would show them too. When the Romans were defeated and the last of them had gone, he would come back. He would build a good house for his grandmother and Leah, and there would be plenty to eat, and a good life for them at last. And there would be no more giving way on the road and looking over their shoulders before they dared to whisper, but everyone would walk free.
In the darkness Daniel climbed down the ladder. He caught the faint note of a bell as the little goat shifted in its sleep. For an instant he wavered. Would Leah be sorry when she woke and found him gone? Then he pushed back his doubts. Someday, very soon, he would come back and make it up to her.
He walked through the narrow streets and struck off toward the hills. He walked swiftly, his feet sure on the rocky trail. Toward midnight he came to the foot of the steep ascent that led to the cave. His heart began to beat strongly and joyfully. As he started up the last climb a dark shape moved out from the boulders above, loomed for an instant against the sky, and then came soundlessly down toward him. In the dim light he could see the white gleaming arc that split the shadowy face.
"Ho, Samson!" he called out. "I've come back."
5
THE MONTH of Nisan drew to a close. It was the time of the first harvest. On the slopes at the foot of the mountain the villagers, men and women and children, moved slowly through the fields of barley, the long hairy heads of grain falling in rhythmic waves before their sickles. From the mountain lookout Rosh's men watched them, speculating from which unguarded field they might snatch their own due share. Daniel, who had never before been discontented with a mountain springtime, felt restless. He chafed at the days of heavy labor required to make one inferior sword. He yearned for the day when they could cease to make swords and could at last put them to use. He was impatient with Rosh's waiting.
Every day Rosh's spies brought news of caravans passing on the roads below. When the men least expected it, Rosh would give sudden orders, and there would be a spurt of furious activity. Then Daniel would hurl himself into the short battle with all the fury he longed to expend on the Romans. Afterwards he always felt let down. What had been gained? Was the day actually any nearer? That night on the rooftop of his grandmother's house he had seen so clearly that all he longed and hoped for was here in Rosh's band. Now it seemed to him that most of the men did not really care, that they were just as bad as the villagers who thought no further than the next meal.
He roamed the trails often in the hope of meeting again the boy who had climbed up from the village, though he knew that by now Joel bar Hezron must be living in the big house in Capernaum. He and the village boy had been drawn togetherbya common dream, and for a few moments Joel had been very close to giving up everything he possessed to join Rosh's band. Perhaps if he had another chance—? Joel was the sort Rosh needed, impatient, full of spirit, not afraid to take a risk. Slowly a daring plan began to form in Daniel's mind, and when he had mulled it over for several days he summoned his courage and took it to Rosh. Rosh heard him out, his button-black eyes twinkling with derision.
"Ever been to the city of Capernaum?" he inquired.
"No," said Daniel. "Still, I'd like to try. I'm sure I could find him."
Rosh considered. "Go ahead," he said finally. "You can look after yourself. But don't set your heart on that