Chapter 15: Establishing a Church

All week long, Abish heard of many comings and goings in the palace. Hundreds were taught the gospel. One of the Lamoni’s pools in the courtyard was designated as a baptismal font. Many were baptized. Ammon appointed a few others who could do this work also, otherwise he would have spent most of the day dripping wet. Lamoni had been the first baptism.

Abish sighed as she looked out the window to the back of the palace; she would have liked to have been second, but it wasn’t possible. After her initial burst of spiritual energy, the queen had become very ill. Her milk all but dried up and she was too weak to even hold the baby. She was bleeding badly and Abish feared that even if she did survive she would never have another child. Lamoni, when he wasn’t preaching, was at her side. Ammon blessed her and kept vigil too. Abish fasted and prayed. She knew that she would never be able to look back on the joyful events of this week with anything but sadness if the queen passed.

Finally, after nearly a week of being on the verge of death, the queen took a turn for the better. Her fever broke, and although she was weak, she was very hungry. In her deep relief, Abish slept soundly for her first night in many days.

The next morning she awoke slowly feeling well and rested. The queen had also slept well and Abish left her in the hands of a healer. She wanted to explore the changes taking place in the palace and in the city. The first thing she noted was that the slaves were gone. The cook in the kitchen explained that they had all been freed—either allowed to go home or kept on as paid servants. Within the palace walls, several private huts were being built for those who wanted to stay. One of these residences was being fashioned near the queen’s room, so that Ham might stay with his wife for the many months that she would be Sariah’s nurse. Abish walked through the courtyard, marveling at the changes and well-pleased with the general feeling of happiness she felt from people and saw in their faces.

She was strolling casually when Ammon found her in the garden. She smiled and waved when he saw her. “Hello, Abish.” He said simply as he fell into step beside her.

“You and Lamoni have been busy.”

Ammon smiled and shrugged, “You never know what the Lord is going to do.”

“I thought I almost ruined it. My big mouth nearly got you killed that day.”

Ammon continued smiling, “But my life is in the Lord’s hands. I will not die until it is my time to do so. There is still much work for me here. Besides, the people you gathered witnessed some remarkable miracles. Many have told Lamoni and I that they have become believers in part because of what they were witness to that day.”

“Really?”

“Yes. But more important than any additional preaching today, my priority is to get you baptized. That is what you want isn’t it?” He said slyly as he gave her a sideways glance. She smiled in reply, knowing that he already knew the answer. “You have also been very busy, Abish.”

She nodded, the fatigue and worry from the last days momentarily clouding her face, “I think all will be well now.”

“Good. Lamoni has nearly eaten himself up with anxiety over her.”

“He is a good man.”

“The best. He is like a brother to me.”

“The two of you will do many great works in this land, for these people.”

“You will be a part of that work too, Abish.”

She smiled and nodded, “I hope so. It is as if a great weight has been lifted from my heart. To no longer hide my belief is the most freeing feeling I could ever imagine.” They walked through the garden in companionable silence for several more minutes. Abish finally said, “I’ve had a question in my mind for a few days now.”

“Go ahead.”

“How many of those sheep-stealers did you really kill?”

Ammon laughed right out loud at her question. He too had heard the rumors of his superhuman strength. “Seven.”

“So not the reports of thirty that some have said, but not the two or three I actually suspected.”

“I am not sure if that is meant to compliment or humble me?” he said with a question in his voice, but she knew he was definitely teasing now.

“Maybe a little of both. Let’s see about that baptism, huh?”


As she rose out of the water that day she had never felt happier. Her heart was light and free and for a moment she believed that nothing in her life would ever be wrong again. Ammon helped her out of the water, and she immediately began drying off, though such a thing was hardly necessary. It had been another hot day, as it nearly always was. The difference was that today some clouds were actually gathering. There hadn’t been a proper and lengthy rainy season in the land for so many years that it was hard to even remember the last time there was a good, cooling downpour.

Abish nodded happily as Ammon explained that her confirmation would be done later. It was taking longer to get through the confirmations because he was the only one, for now, with authority to do them. He also explained to her about the Holy Ghost and what that would mean to her when she was confirmed. He then made a statement that seemed out of place, “Lemhah tells me you read and write.”

“Yes.”

“Very well?”

“I haven’t had a lot of practice, but I think I have a knack for it.”

“Do you think you could record the names of the baptisms and confirmations? In Nephite lands we keep records of such things so that members of the church might be fellowshipped and helped.”

“I think it is a great idea. Have you kept track so far?”

“Pretty well. Lemhah has been a great help, but he is also busy with other duties in the palace.”

Suddenly there was a loud noise from the sky, like a thousand people clapping together at once. Abish screamed and looked up, the sky had grown dark in just the few minutes they had been in the courtyard, “What was that?”

Ammon laughed good-naturedly at her reaction. “Thunder. You know, like before a big rainstorm. It looks like we are in for a huge one today.”

“Thunder? It has been so many years since I’ve heard it.”

Suddenly, a breeze picked up and there was the most wonderful smell in the air. “Uh-oh.” Ammon said.

“What?”

“That smell means the rain is nearly here. We’d better make a run for it or you’ll be baptized twice today.”

They ran headlong for the palace but didn’t quite make it before the skies opened up. They were both laughing when the reached the portico, though Abish had to admit she was also a little bit startled. “Well,” Ammon said, “I guess you will always remember your baptism day.”

Indeed, Abish thought, the first day of the rest of her life.


As the church grew, Lamoni and Ammon became serious about organizing it. Small congregations were organized and visited often by Ammon himself to ensure that the preaching remained pure. Abish often followed Ammon to places where he preached and copied down the words he said. People remembered her from the day many of them became believers and her notoriety as a midwife expanded and she became very busy that way as well. She chuckled sometimes thinking that her reputation was stronger than her actual skills—not unlike Ammon and his sheep.

One afternoon some months after Ammon had come, when Abish was not particularly busy, she was in the queen’s chamber, spending the afternoon with her. Little Sariah was adorable; her features were just like the queen’s but she had Lamoni’s dark eyes, hair and skin. She was rolling around the ground to get to where she wanted to go and Abish was sitting on the ground with her as she explored her environment with giggles and coos. She idly wondered what it would be like to be a wife with a baby. In some ways it would probably be quite wonderful, but then, in other ways she greatly enjoyed her newfound independence as well.

The queen sensed her mood, “And what will be next for you Abish?”

She smiled. “I’m not sure. I’m quite content.”

“And you are still young; barely 17.”

Abish sat up, crossing her legs. “I think my sister had a baby or two by the time she was my age.”

“Perhaps you will look for your family now.”

“I have thought about that, many times. I’m not even sure where I would begin. Truthfully, I’m not sure how close I feel to them, even my mother. Besides, it is difficult to say how well the rest of the Lamanites are going to take all of these believers in their midst.” The queen nodded. Abish knew that such a thing had been a frequent topic of conversation between Ammon and Lamoni. In fact, the week after Ammon came, Lamoni was supposed to have gone to a feast day to celebrate his father’s 25th anniversary as ruler of the Lamanites. All of his sons, as well as the other Lamanite nation kings had been invited. Between teaching the gospel and the queen’s unexpected illness, Lamoni had stayed behind. The queen had tried to encourage him to go, fearful of Lamoni angering his father, but he reasoned that her health and God’s work were more important. He sent word that he wouldn’t attend, but Abish wasn’t sure how much he had explained. Now, all these months later, he was considering taking Ammon to meet his father to try and convince him to allow the preaching to spread to other parts. Ammon spoke often of finding his brothers to find out what their success had been. Only when large numbers of the Lamanites were converted could those in the Land of Ishmael be assured of any real safety.

There was silence for a few moments; perhaps the queen was thinking the same things. Then she said, “I was thinking that you might like to move outside the palace.” Abish sat up, momentarily startled. “Don’t look so shocked, darling. Most of those who were once slaves have done so. If you would like to stay there is plenty of room for you, but you might like the independence that it would afford you.”

She tugged at her hair that was growing painfully slow. Still it nearly covered her earlobe and with the practice of slavery being banned, the notch in her ear meant very little. At least in the Land of Ishmael, “Perhaps.”

The queen nodded too. “It was just a suggestion; I love having you here.”

Abish leaned back down on her elbow and held a delicately carved rattle for the baby who followed it very carefully with her eyes and made clumsy, grabbing motions for it. “I love being here; especially now.”

There was another long pause and the queen cleared her throat and said mildly, “Dinner conversation has certainly been livelier since a certain young man joined our household.”

Abish’s cheeks burned hotly, but she kept silent, trying to pretend ignorance, but it was nearly impossible to ignore Ammon’s natural charm and magnetism. Sometimes it seemed that Ammon often sought her out for things that could have just as easily been done or answered by someone else. There were others who could do the scribe work that he pretended she was so wonderful at. And more than one woman in travail in recent weeks had received a blessing from Ammon himself as he accompanied Abish to their homes, particularly if it was late at night.

She continued to flush under the queen’s direct gaze, unable to reply until the queen said softly, “You admitted to me yourself once that he was handsome. Would such an alliance be so terrible?”

“I think that Ammon has become a very good friend recently. I do not want to read more into it than is really there.” As the words came out, they sounded so level-headed, but Abish could not ignore the way her heart seemed to thump in her chest when she thought of marrying Ammon. “Besides, Ammon is a prince.”

The queen shrugged, “And you are a daughter of God. This makes you a princess in your own right.”

Abish shifted uncomfortably, “I feel like I’ve spent my whole life trying to be invisible. It is still difficult to imagine a different kind of life.”

“I am sure that will change in time. You know, my friend, even before the gospel came to us, there was something about you. I’ve never known a woman to carry such a light in her eyes or such capability in her hands. A man like Ammon would be just the kind to recognize such powerful gifts.” Abish looked away, feeling her cheeks burn anew with the compliments she was not used to hearing. The queen gently prodded, “Maybe it is time to be on your own—to discover who you really are and what you might be capable of.”

“Maybe you are right.” She smiled at the queen, enjoying the way friendship felt after so many years without it.

Just then a servant came to announce that Ammon wished to see her. The queen nodded and Ammon entered. He was unusually pale and obviously distraught. “Have you seen Lamoni?” He came right to the point, uncharacteristically forgetting his manners or his charm when it came to the queen. Something definitely was wrong.

The queen sensed it too. “Not for several hours; whatever can be the matter?”

“I’ve just received some news I need to speak with your husband about; if you see him, please tell him that I’m looking for him.”

The queen smiled gently, “I certainly will, but is there any way that Abish and I might help you?” For the first time since entering the room Ammon looked sideways at Abish, startled to see her sitting on the floor. He really hadn’t seen her. He still didn’t seem to see her and just answered, “No my lady; I am sorry to have bothered you.”

“It is no bother, Ammon.” Abish said and then repeated the queen’s request, “Are you sure there is nothing we can do?”

“I’m sure. I’ll leave you now.” He was out the door before anything else could be said. The queen shrugged as Abish looked at her, puzzled.

The queen said, “I suppose time will tell if it is something we need know.”

Abish agreed and added, “He was certainly agitated.”

“Yes, I’ve never seen him like that before.” The subject was quickly dropped, as nothing more could be said. Abish spent the rest of the afternoon entertaining the babies. Sasha’s boy was toddling everywhere on his short, chubby legs. Nothing was safe from his prying hands, but there was something utterly adorable about him too. Home and family or independence? In her heart she hoped that she wouldn’t have to choose one over the other.


That afternoon was the last restful time she had for several days as she helped five mothers give birth. Four boys named Ammon and a little girl name Shammon. She bit her tongue to hold back the laughter after the last boy was born. It had been happening a lot lately. When all these children grew up they would have to be numbered to keep them straight. Two of the births had been difficult and she’d spent an entire three days away from the palace. She was anxious for a good night’s rest and a bath.

Despite her late night deliveries, Ammon had not sought her out to join her as he often did and she wondered if the source of his anxiety would be revealed when she went back to the palace. She chided herself for how much she missed his company. She knocked quietly on the door, unsure if the queen would actually still be awake. Zaria answered with a very distressed look in her eye and exclaimed, “Oh Abish, come in; we have just learned the most awful thing.”

Chapter 14--Conversion

Despite the wonderful prospect of staying up to speak with Ammon that night, exhaustion got the better of Abish and she too fell quickly asleep. The rest didn’t last long. Little Sariah was awake just a few hours later. Abish gently roused the queen, who practically nursed the baby in her sleep. Then Abish took the infant and rocked her near a moonlit window. She hummed softly to the wrinkly bundle in her arms who soon dozed. Before she could stand to lay the baby down, however, Ammon joined her.

“Sorry to wake you.” Abish said in a whisper.

Ammon shrugged. “If my faith was better I would be sleeping like a baby, but the truth is my stomach is all tied in knots.”

“He will arise in the morning.”

Ammon smiled at her. “Yes, indeed, there is something special about the faith I have already seen among the Lamanite women.”

“Perhaps the conversions are just beginning.”

“I hope so. It is the reason I came to this land.”

“I have wanted to ask you about that.”

“It is an interesting story really.”

The baby breathed a sigh and slumped further down into Abish’s arms. Abish smiled. “I have plenty of time. I think Sariah has settled in for the night.”

“Sariah is an interesting choice.”

“It was the name of the queen’s grandmother; she is an Amalekite you know, although her mother was a Lamanite. Now, for your story.”

“My father was the King of the Nephites. How is that for a start?”

“Pretty good. Now I’m really curious.”

“I am the oldest, so I grew up knowing that I would one day be king. In Zarahemla, however, it works differently than here. While I had many opportunities as a young man, I was also expected to work to support myself, as my father and my grandfather did before me. I hated being a farmer. I couldn’t understand why, when we were the royalty of a nation, the people shouldn’t work to support us. It burned me up inside. My father was very good friends with the head of the church, Alma. Alma’s oldest son was also named Alma and we ran around a lot together, though he is some years older than me. We began to see the Church as the source of all our woes.”

“How so?”

“With the Lord’s strong teachings on self-reliance and caring for the poor and so forth, it became very easy to see that because of the Church my father cared more for others than he did himself. I thought this was a very bad thing. Alma and I would stay up late at night throwing rocks in the lake behind my house and complaining to one another about the state of things. We decided that if we could lead people out of the Church, it would have less and less power over the way the kingdom was governed. My father would have to exert greater control and actually become a king instead of just a farmer.”

“That seems a little twisted.”

“Oh, it was. Then, as we began going around and speaking openly against religion and God and our fathers, there was no logic to it at all. I was doing it for the power.” His voice had risen slightly, and the baby stirred. He was silent for a moment while the baby re-settled herself and then he continued, in a softer voice. “It was during those years that realized I had a great gift for speech. I had a way of finding just the right words to lift an angry crowd off the ground. Alma and I did much damage to the Church. And I dragged my brothers into it.”

“They just followed your poor example?”

“Not exactly. My brother Aaron is younger than me, by just a year. While I was busy persecuting the believers, he had fallen in love and married young. When he had been married less than a year, his wife and baby died during childbirth. He was devastated and bitter. He had never fought against God before, but he was suddenly angry. I was there to fuel the fire with my damning words. He joined with us and then the younger ones came.”

Abish could hardly believe her ears. She cleared her throat and said in a whisper, “What finally happened to make you change?”

There was a long pause. Abish had almost begun to wonder if he’d heard her question or even dozed off when he answered with some emotion, “One day, while the five of us traveled to a city where a large group of our followers were, an angel appeared to us. There was a cloud and a voice. I didn’t understand the voice, but in our astonishment we fell to the earth. There were more words; we strained to hear what the message said but to no avail. Still, there was power in the words and we fell again. Alma was hit the heaviest; he was completely unable to speak and so weak we had to carry him to his father. His father rejoiced in his state and then invited everyone who knew of the event to fast and pray for Alma’s recovery. In spite of myself, I joined in. I was hoping that somehow Alma would awake and help us understand our experience. Maybe he had gotten something more from the angel and that is why he had reacted so much more strongly than we did.”

“Did he arise?”

Ammon nodded, “And the angel’s message and had been specifically for him. He taught us of repentance and redemption. He described the torments of Hell in a way I will never forget. We were converted from that time on and set about to make reparations for the damage we’d caused. We spent some years at home, but it was hard. Many of our followers stayed out of the Church and many believers continued to mistrust us, especially me, although Alma regained much of his credibility. My brothers and I decided that journeying to this land was the only way that we could attempt to redeem ourselves for our myriad mistakes.”

“Wow.”

There was another long pause filled only with the irregular, but normal, newborn breathing. Again, Abish wondered if her companion had gone to sleep when he said, “And what of you, Abish? How is it that you are so well-spoken and yet a slave? How is it that you are so young, but you have the wisdom to bring life into the earth? How is it that you are a believer with enough faith to pray a missionary to come to your King from hundreds of miles away?”

Abish told him the barest details, and though she still felt the familiar sorrow well up inside when she thought of her father, she realized for the first time that her sadness was completely void of bitterness. Recent events had done more healing for this wound than in all the years leading up to Ammon’s coming. She felt a glimmer of hope that she would feel whole again.

Just as she stood to go to bed, Ammon said, “My heart tells me that your powerful faith will yet play a role in all that is to come to pass. The miracle we have seen in this family is only the smallest portion of the work God intends in this land.”


Abish arose early the next morning. She hadn’t been able to sleep very well either for the anxiety that filled the pit of her stomach. She understood now what Ammon meant when he said that if his faith had been perfect, sleep would have been easy. The queen was unusually anxious too, but Abish forced her to eat, trying not to worry about the strain of the last days all over her face.

Finally, about mid-morning, they heard low groans from where Lamoni lay. The three exchanged pleased and anxious glances and went to his bedside. The queen reached out her hand to touch him when he suddenly sat up. He reached out his hand as well and caught hers midway. They exchanged a tender glance and Lamoni whispered fiercely as he kissed her hand, “Blessed be the name of God, and blessed art thou.”

He then went on to testify of the redeeming power of the Savior to all mankind. Abish again felt the now familiar swelling of joy in her heart and she glanced at Ammon who gazed intently on the tender family scene taking place. As the king’s voice raised in intensity, the door to the chamber was opened and Lamoni’s shepherds spilled into the room just in time to hear the very thing Ammon had prophesied. The exhausted king fell back against his bed; surprisingly, the queen slumped over him as well.

Abish rushed to her side and saw that she, like Lamoni from the day before was well, but caught up in some kind of a trance. Ammon picked up his testimony where the king left off and then prostrated himself on the ground praising God for the faith of the people he had come among. His words were filled with gratitude. While Abish was startled by all these happenings in a space of a few minutes, she could see that the other servants were frightened, or was it something else?

Within moments of seeing Ammon cry unto the Lord they began to do the same. They too knelt in an attitude of deep humility, asking forgiveness for their many sins and misdeeds. As she saw these men kneel in such humility, something deep inside of her snapped. For years she had contained her testimony, carefully hidden from the world. But today was the day to tell! Today was the day to testify of the song in her heart for the true God of heaven.

The door was blocked by servants, but there was another way out. The back of the queen’s rooms opened up wide into the courtyard, and just through the courtyard was the busy city square. In less than five minutes she would be to a place where she could tell hundreds of people of these events and lead them back to the palace to show them the amazing events of this day. Without another thought, she flung wide the doors and curtains that separated the queen’s chamber from the courtyard and ran as fast as she could to the heavy garden doors on the opposite side. There were guards there, but she merely said in her most commanding voice, “The queen orders this door open today so that all might come in and see a great miracle that has come to pass.”

The guards did as she asked and it surged her confidence for her message; she ran into the busy market square and stood atop a low wall. She shouted above the many hawkers there that day. “There has been a miracle in the land of the Lamanites today! A man has come to declare a message of salvation and peace to the king of this city. I have seen first hand the salvation of the Lord in Lamoni’s house. He desires all to come, see and hear this man whom God has sent to preach to us. The back gate of the palace courtyard is open even now that all might know the greatness of God.”

She had the attention of many and she continued in this vein until a large crowd had gathered. “I am but a servant to the King and Queen of Ishmael, but if you go now then you will hear the servant of the God of Heaven proclaim a message! Go! Find a way into the palace that you may learn for yourselves.”

Perhaps they were moved by her words, or perhaps they were just grateful for the diversion, but they began heading to the palace and sharing the news with their neighbors along the way. Abish left the square and called out to people in the street; explaining the need to go to the house of Lamoni. Some listened, others did not, but by the time she was ready to head back to the palace, word had spread and she was joined by many others. The crowd jostled along.

Reactions in the crowd were mixed; she was dismayed to hear some murmuring in the crowd about some great evil that had been visited on their people because they had heard the messenger spoken of was a Nephite. Others argued that the evil was brought about because of all of the men that the king had killed over the sheep incidents at the waters of Sebus. But the report that frightened her most came from a clump of large men she passed by unnoticed.

“I think the messenger people are speaking of is the Nephite.”

“You do?”

“Yes! The same Nephite who slew my brother just three days ago.”

“If he is the same man then we are wise to stay away; he is very powerful.”

The man scoffed at the comment, “He was prepared, and that is all. He is just a man. An open invitation to the palace is just the chance I need to find this Nephite and kill him. Until three days ago we had a lucrative scam going and this man has ruined it all, besides killing our friends. I will have my revenge today!” He drew his sword and he and his companions began pushing frightened people out of the way.

The heady euphoria Abish had felt since Lamoni’s awakening ebbed immediately at their words. Her only thought was to warn Ammon and perhaps Lamoni about what was coming, about what she had started. She felt sick and began making her own way through the crowd, hoping there would still be a private, back entrance into the house so that she could prevent this great evil.

She hurried as fast as she could, elbowing her way through the throng flooding Lamoni’s home and grounds. Her fear mounted as she heard the conversations around her. Rumors flooded from the palace that Lamoni and his queen were dead and that the Nephite monster had cast some sort of spell over them and the servants; that anyone who came near them was in danger of falling under the same spell. Abish entered the smaller door by the corridor, pushing through clusters of people, winning her several looks of disgust from those she’d gathered. She entered the chamber just in time to see the men with the swords rush through the room from the other side. The evil look on the face of their leader was unmistakable as he charged at Ammon; before Abish had time to scream warning the man with the sword fell dead to the ground. The murmurs immediately spread through the crowd again. A woman behind her hollered, “It is the Great Spirit; we must worship him too or suffer the same fate the others have.”

Some followed this directive while others resumed their arguments. The contention grew and grew around Abish until she ran to the midst of those who had fallen in an attempt to clear her head from the false accusations around her. Her heart felt as though it would break. How could such a beautiful day ended with such ugliness? How was it possible that she could have caused this to happen when she only wanted to praise the name of the Lord and have others do the same?

Years of unshed tears built up behind her eyes and she no longer tried to keep them back. They flowed unabashedly down her face and she felt desperate and scared. Her heart cried out to God and in that moment, the stillness she had felt on occasion swept through her heart and she knew exactly what to do. Blinded by years of tears flowing down her face, she moved clumsily to where the queen knelt, praying in her heart that her next action would somehow help to undo this great wrong she had unwittingly caused. She turned and faced the queen and knelt before her. She sensed a quieting in the room; evidently some had seen her kneel and were waiting to see what would happen. She slowly stretched her hand forth to take her hand. As she did so, she whispered, “Arise my lady.”

As soon as she touched the queen’s hand, Zaria stood straight up to her feet. She saw Abish’s dazed face and embraced her, laughing for joy. She cried with a loud voice, “Oh blessed Jesus, who has saved me from an awful hell!” She smiled brightly and looked around at the gathered multitude; it was now her turn to be dazed. She turned her eyes Heavenward and held her arms wide, “O blessed God, have mercy on this people!”

She stepped away from Abish and began speaking to the people of the vision she’d had. Many of her words were difficult for Abish to even understand as she taught doctrines Abish had never before heard and spoke rapidly, explaining everything at once. Then, she reached over as Abish had done and touched Lamoni’s hand. He also arose, looking around with eyes full of bright joy.

He was silent for a moment and the gathered multitude began murmuring once again among themselves. He strode to the center of the room and raised his hands up, “My people! It is not God’s will that you should contend with one another! It is his command that you hear his word and learn of the things I have been taught these last few days. If you will listen, you may stay as long as you like so I may teach you.”

The crowd thinned almost immediately, but those that remained were silent as they squeezed in for greater advantage. Lamoni began to preach with power and authority. Ammon picked up in this vein just a few minutes later.

Seeing the queen’s exhaustion, Abish took her by the arm and removed her down the hall to Lamoni’s quarters where she might get some rest. As she saw the joy so evident on Zaria’s face, Abish knew that every struggle and difficulty had been worth it.

Chapter 13: Two Nights

Abish just stared. She had never before touched the king and didn’t move to do so now even though she’d had more healers’ training than any other in the room. She was grateful when Ammon moved so she didn’t feel compelled to. He touched the king’s head and listened to his chest and pronounced, “Lamoni is fine, probably just the shock from all he has learned. He should be taken to his chamber where he can rest comfortably.”

Lemhah issued some orders and in a daze the men carefully hoisted him and carried him into the hallway. Abish followed at a careful distance, with Ammon. She looked at him sideways and whispered, “Have you ever seen such a thing?”

Ammon smiled, “Only once. It was God’s way of redeeming a soul that was headed for almost certain damnation. He will recover.” Almost unwillingly, she trusted the confidence in his voice, wondering if she had sounded the same to Sasha earlier that morning.

“How soon?”

“It is not for me to say.” Abish felt mildly distressed, knowing that somehow she would have to explain all of these happenings to the queen. He caught her expression and said, “You have faith, don’t you?”

“I have faith; but I must relate these events to someone who does not—at least, not yet.”

“The queen?”

Abish nodded. “Queen Zaria is already overwrought emotionally. She has a very new baby, and the birth was difficult.” Abish flushed to be discussing such things with a man. “This will be hard for her to understand.”

Ammon nodded. “Perhaps it is best if I stay away until she wishes to see me.”

“Yes. Knowing that you are involved in these events may increase her distress.”

“Then I will wait.”

“And I will try to help her see.” She smiled slowly, “But I’ll leave the preaching to you. You are very good at it.”

“When the word of God is preached by the Spirit, both those who hear it and those who receive it are edified together. There is no better feeling of comradeship in the world than sharing the gospel.”

Almost without thinking she said quietly, “Then I expect that we will be very good friends.” They parted ways and she hurried her steps to be with the group that entered the queen’s room.


As predicted, the queen did not take the news of her husband’s episode very well. Abish tried to explain, but without Ammon’s preaching the story really didn’t make much sense. Perhaps it had been a mistake to caution him against coming because now the queen was adamant about not sending for him. Despite the testimonies of her servants, Abish thought she seemed fearful of the Nephite, though she was impressed by the presence of mind the queen kept for being a new mother. She maintained her authority very well and ordered Lemhah to not let word of any events leak out. The slaves were ordered to secrecy, though Abish knew how poorly such an admonition was kept among the servants themselves and was sure everyone in the palace would be discussing what had happened in about twenty minutes.

She allowed Abish to examine the king to determine the cause of his unconsciousness. Abish attempted, but she knew it was mostly for show. She trusted Ammon’s promise completely, and tried to reassure the queen. “He is fine; there is no injury or anything to indicate any trauma or damage. He will come out of this in a few days. His heartbeat is faint but steady. He will arise when it is time for him to.”

The queen regarded Abish closely, “I don’t mean to insult you, dear, you are a marvelous midwife, but he is hardly pregnant. I’m calling a healer.”

Abish tried to protest, but it wasn’t her habit to do so, so she decided to wait it out. As feared, the healer’s opinion was much starker. He told the queen that Lamoni had slipped into a coma it was unlikely he’d ever recover from. He suggested the king had been hit or even poisoned. Hearing this libel, Abish found the courage to protest. She argued that she had been there.

The healer glowered at her and answered, “I am not accustomed to being second guessed by slave-girls. I order you to hold your tongue.”

The queen looked exasperated, but whether she was more frustrated by Abish or the healer was hard to say. Not wanting to embarrass the queen or be slapped by the healer—a thing totally within his rights—she closed her mouth, praying with all her heart that he would leave very soon.

Before he left, he added, “I’ve seen this kind of thing before—the coma getting deeper and deeper. You won’t even know when the moment of death arrives until he starts to stink. I will watch him closely through the rest of the week and I would do all you can to find who has caused this to happen to him. This couldn’t have just been spontaneous.”

The queen sank into a nearby chair when he left. Abish quickly found a stool for her and helped her prop her feet. “This is too much decision making for a woman who just had a baby. I am so tired.”

“I’m sure.”

“Let me hear your version of events one more time without a chamber full of dirty shepherds or that nasty little healer.”

“Just relax for a little bit first.” Abish rubbed her feet gently.

“Where is Sariah?” The queen asked after a moment.

“Resting. She’s been with Sasha this afternoon. If you aren’t sleeping when she wakes up then I will have Sasha bring her to you.”

"I like her.”

“The baby or Sasha?”

The queen smiled lightly and leaned back in her chair, “Mmmm. . . Both I think. Well, I know I like the baby; I haven’t fully decided about Sasha yet, but she does come with your recommendation so she is probably wonderful.”

“Ammon comes with my recommendation too.”

"Yes; but perhaps you are just besotted by his blue eyes and fair skin.” In spite of herself, the queen’s grin was mischievous and girlish at the same time.

Abish smiled, trying not to blush and failing miserably, as she massaged. “He is handsome. I will admit that.”

The queen sighed and leaned back. “You know, I never found Nephite men all that handsome. I was actually grateful when I learned my father had promised me to a Lamanite. The alternative seemed too terrible. If you want handsome, a lady need look no further than Lamoni.” Her voice caught slightly as she said his name.

“He will be fine. You will be side by side with him in no time.”

“How can you be so sure?” The queen’s eyes were swimming with tears.

“With mine own ears I heard your husband tell Ammon that he would believe anything he said. I feel the same way. If Ammon tells me that your husband is just working through his salvation, then I know it is the truth.”

The queen nodded slowly, but Abish could see she didn’t understand. Abish continued, “Let tomorrow be a nice quiet day—just you and your baby and your resting husband. If he isn’t awake by tomorrow evening then perhaps you will want to send for Ammon and speak to him yourself.” The queen nodded again.

“It is a good idea. In the meantime, don’t slack off on that foot rub.”


But the next day was not a quiet day. Before Abish could arise and order the doors sealed to outside visitors, the healer returned with Lamoni’s three children close on his heels. Selah, a special favorite to Lamoni, was nearly beside herself with hysterics. They were already dressed in mourning clothes and the procession sent the baby into high-pitched catlike wails for having her morning feeding interrupted. Frustrated, the queen handed the baby to Sasha and began trying to sort through the mess.

The older boys were arguing over whether or not Lamoni had started to stink. The queen broke into their conversation loudly. “He doesn’t smell! His own servants bathed him just last evening and he is not dead.”

"But he’s going to die!” Selah wailed.

The queen looked like she would slap her, but refrained, “Pull yourself together, Selah! Nobody knows anything yet. He is just fine. Until we know more I would appreciate it if you would just pretend that he was sleeping.” Selah sniffed back her tears, knowing from the queen’s tone that it was unwise to be disobedient.

Unwilling to let it drop, the younger of Lamoni’s boys accused, “You wouldn’t tell us if he was dead! Then you could be queen all by yourself and the Amalekites would come and move into our palace.”

Abish couldn’t help but try and interpret the queen’s expression to that comment—it was a mixture of amusement, impatience and exasperation. “Clearly, Helamoni, you don’t know how it works. If your father did die, then your brother, Lemuel, would be the king. I would be nobody. And there are too many Amalekites for this house anyway. Now, it is very evident that neither of you are ready to be king yet, so your father wouldn’t die and leave his kingdom in such disarray, would he?” The brothers looked at each other and finally they both shook their heads.

“Now, please, just go. Your father needs it to be quiet so that he can recover.”

Abish added, “And your stepmother has just had a baby; she also needs it quiet so she can recover.”

The children were not gone more than a minute when the healer started in. This time the queen waved him off. “I will call for you again when you are needed. In the meantime, please do not hang around the palace scaring people with your speculation. I think we will wait this one out a little bit.”

He left, offended by both her tone and her words. But he wasn’t gone ten minutes when others began arriving—courtiers Abish often saw standing around hoping to advance their positions. The priests paraded through next. The noise alone was exhausting with the constant undercurrent of conversation about whether or not the king stank, and if his condition had anything to do with the Nephite in the palace. So, while it was apparent the servants had indeed gossiped, the healer had been no less reserved with his opinion.

“Enough!” The queen finally said aloud just after midday. The latest group of people in the door was headed by an undertaker who’d brought a funeral shroud and a group of six wailing mourners. When she asked him what he was doing he said that he’d been ordered, by someone in the palace, to bring burial clothes because the king was dead and they wanted to lay him in his family’s sepulcher that very day. Without even a reply, she ordered everyone out. The ensuing silence was wonderful. She sank, exhausted into a nearby chair. She was exceptionally pale and Abish quickly ordered a lunch for her. The queen drank a large cup of water. “I’m not feeling all that well.”

“Lunch will help.”

“Getting all this resolved would help more.” She waved her hand toward where Lamoni lay, so peaceful and oblivious to the chaos that had surrounded him that day. “He doesn’t stink, does he?” The queen had begun to even doubt herself.

“No.” Abish reassured her.

“I think maybe it is time I see this Nephite of yours.”

“Lunch first.” The queen agreed. Abish noted that she looked a little bit better after lunch, but she was still very pale. Seeing that the queen had eaten well, Abish stood to go get Ammon. “No, send somebody. I don’t want to be alone. And if anybody else comes, send them away.” Abish stood to follow her directive. “Wait. Send for the shepherds also, but ask them to wait in the hall.”

Ammon arrived within minutes. He was out of breath as if he had sprinted the distance. As he had been with Lamoni, he was supremely cordial with the queen in his manner of address and speaking, but even with the formality, his voice carried warmth and familiarity.

He bowed low, “What would you have me do, My Lady?”

Her words were likewise filled with formality, “Our servants have made it known to me that thou are a prophet of a holy God and that thou hast power to do many mighty works in his name. If you do, go in and see my husband. Thou knows that he has laid for two nights and days.” Her voice quavered slightly and her eyes filled with tears. Unable to stand any longer she sank against Abish’s arm and lowered herself into a chair, “Some are saying that he is dead, and that he stinks and others want to place him in the sepulcher! But he isn’t dead. And he doesn’t stink.”

Ammon smiled winningly at the queen and Abish noted that some of the color returned to her face as he did so. “Of course he isn’t dead, your Majesty. The veil of unbelief is being cast from his eyes so that he can behold the light and glory of God. When he arises his soul will be infused with a joy that surpasses understanding. He will be a new creature, born again by the power of the Lord.”

Abish’s heart burned and she prayed that the queen felt it too. Ammon walked to Lamoni’s bedside and knelt over him in prayer. His words were beautiful and alive. Abish had never heard such a prayer. As his voice faded, Abish heard the barest sniffle from the queen. He stood slowly and came to the queen. He bowed low in front of her again and took her hand. “He is not dead, but he sleepeth in God. On the morrow he shall rise. Bury him not.” He added his last, simple sentence with a gentle smile, knowing the queen had already vehemently decided against that. “Believest thou this?”

She smiled back at him, tears coursing freely down her cheeks. “I have no witness, save thy word, and the word of our servants.” She quietly took Abish’s hand as she said this, but kept her eyes directly on Ammon’s. “Nevertheless, I believe that it shall be according as thou hast said.”

“Blessed art though, because of your exceeding faith. I say unto thee, woman, there has not been such great faith among all the people of the Nephites.” He leaned forward and kissed her hand as he said these words. Abish truly believed that she would burst wide open from happiness in that moment.

The queen asked the shepherds to come in again to tell their story; she assured them that she believed them and asked that they return the next morning, that they might see Lamoni awaken. And then, she asked Ammon if he would teach her the things he had taught Lamoni. Abish heard much of Ammon’s sermon again, trying to commit portions to memory, wondering if she would ever grow tired of hearing him speak.

As supper neared, Abish asked that meals be brought to them. The queen stifled a yawn as they ate. Ammon took note, “Your majesty is tired.”

“You have no idea.”

“So where is this beautiful baby I have heard about?”

The queen smiled. “You are a flatterer, Ammon. But somehow I believe that you mean every word of it.”

Abish retrieved Sasha and the baby. Introductions were made, Ammon was especially differential when he learned that Sasha was Ham’s wife and was thrilled to meet their little son. Food was plentiful and Sasha was invited to join them. The queen startled them all with a sudden comment, “You know what? I am unbelievably happy. I am exhausted and actually feeling a little bit sick, but I’ve never felt so happy. Here I am, a Lamanite queen eating dinner with a Nephite, my midwife and a slave, and it doesn’t even matter. For the first time I feel an overwhelming love toward everyone around me. I would never have guessed that this feeling is the secret to true joy.”

Ammon nearly laughed with happiness at her simple statement and the song in Abish’s heart reflected Zaria’s feelings exactly. Ammon moved to leave after dinner, “You need your rest, Queen. There will be many days for sharing and teaching the gospel. I would not forgive myself readily if you became sick from the strain of these past days.”

“I will rest; I don’t think I could stay awake even if I wanted to. But will you stay and keep vigil with us this night? Abish has not been sleeping much herself for checking on me and Sasha and the babies. I am sure she would love your company.”

Abish felt the blood creep into her face, hoping her skin was dark enough to hide the heat she felt rush to her cheeks. Ammon bowed low, “As your Majesty wishes.”

Chapter 12: Three Days

The queen’s pains began before Abish even fell back asleep. She quickly rubbed the sleep from her eyes and was at the queen’s side when she heard her cry out. It was still hours before dawn and Abish ordered the candles lit throughout the chamber. Her contractions were not close, but they were surprisingly sharp. The fear was apparent all over the queen’s lovely face and Abish worked to reassure her. Just after dawn, she sent word to Lamoni that today would be the day.

In less than an hour Lamoni himself was at his wife’s bedside. He was unable to stay long, but his appearance energized the queen. He comforted and reassured her, quite tenderly, Abish thought. Abish stayed back while he was there, although she sensed from his looks her direction that part of their discussion revolved around her. She bowed low as he walked toward the door, but instead of walking past her he stopped. “You, girl.” She glanced up, startled to be addressed by him, as she never had been before. His eyes were dark and unfathomable and for a moment he looked terrible to her. She looked down.

“Yes, Sire.”

“You are young to handle the life of my wife and child. I have my doubts, but she has expressed complete faith in your abilities and will have no other. Look at me.”

She raised her eyes to meet his, hoping she appeared competent and confident. He peered at her closely and continued in a low voice, “You will purchase your freedom this day if all goes well.” His gift was wholly unexpected and the look on her face must have shown her further surprise. “But by the gods, if any harm comes to this woman you will regret having ever laid eyes on me.” He swept from the room in a flurry of feathered robes. She nearly sank in fear to the deep rug underfoot, but the queen moaned and Abish quickly shook off the threat and focused on the job she had to do.

By late afternoon, Abish was exhausted. More than once she had to stifle a yawn and splash cool water in her face. She held the queen’s hand, massaged her back, rubbed her temples, spoke soothing words and held her eyes locked while she breathed. No matter how many times she was part of this miracle, she was always amazed by the strength of mothers. The queen’s progress was steady, but slow, and despite her exhaustion, Abish knew it would still be many hours before the baby was born.

As sunset approached, the queen fell against her bed, wholly drained. Abish had observed that the body changes during birth caused a woman to feel intensely sleepy between pains. Abish held the queen under her arms, stroking her damp hair softly. The pain was coming every minute now and her respite would not be long. In spite of herself, the prayer she’d carried in her heart all day spilled out of her mouth. “Dear God, she murmured against the queen’s cheek, this is a noble daughter. Please do not let her hard work this day be in vain. Please bless her with the righteous desire of her heart. If nothing else, bless her for the kindness she has often shown a slave girl.”

The queen stirred beneath her and Abish helped push her up to her knees to get on top of her next pain. While the lady never said anything about the words Abish had spoken, she seemed to do better after the prayer. She seemed more determined, more able. Instead of fighting the pain so desperately, she began working with it. Less than twenty minutes later her water broke and the progress started in earnest.

While Abish’s assistant held the queen’s arms Abish sat below the chair that had the bottom cut out of it. She was pushing well, but something was wrong. Abish knew the baby should be out by now. It had crowned, but wouldn’t drop. She was desperate for knowledge she didn’t have. Then, the Spirit whispered the peace to her heart she had longed to hear the entire day. Her fear left and she knew that she had delivered babies like this before. She pretended for a moment the stakes were no different and forced the queen to look at her. She gave instructions and used her expertise to find where the cord was wrapped around the baby’s neck. With a slip of her finger the obstruction was gone and then instructed the queen to push. Once. . . twice. . . .

And the baby girl was out into Abish’s hands, but all was not well. She was nearly blue in color and didn’t cry out the way babies usually did. Abish cut the cord and whisked her immediately away to the window where the last of the day’s sunlight was shining through, just feet from the blazing fire. It was the warmest spot in the room and the newborn’s blankets had been set up there. The queen was crying out, and Abish continued to shout encouragement while massaging the tiny purple limbs. Movement was scarce and no breath had been taken yet. Abish squeezed the girl’s cheeks to clear out the phlegmy obstruction in her mouth. On impulse, she began breathing into the little girl’s mouth, watching between each breath for her little chest to begin rising and falling on its own. She had never tried such a thing before and had nearly given up all hope when she saw a slight movement, then there was a cough and sputter and a terrifically loud cry. Her color instantly went from a sickly purple to a healthy pink in moments and Abish began laughing and crying all at once, wrapping and handing her to her mother immediately. She quieted quickly when the queen swaddled her close. The queen both wept as Abish cleaned up the afterbirth and the baby suckled.

After the baby was cleaned and fed, Lamoni was sent for and Abish stayed carefully away from the family scene. She felt a deep contentment and peace she only felt in the hours immediately after birth, especially a difficult birth. The perfect spirit of a tiny baby was so sublime it touched anything in contact with it for many weeks.

She studied Lamoni’s face from the side. Usually taciturn and reserved, he was animated and even smiling. This must be a side of him that the queen knew; the man that she had come to love despite having had no choice but to marry him. Again, before leaving he addressed Abish. This time she was better able to meet his eyes and didn’t feel as though she cowered quite so obviously before him. He called her by name, “Abish, you have done a good thing here today. My lady was right to put her trust in you. I will uphold my promise to free you, but it must be on the queen’s terms, as she sees fit. You do, after all, belong to her and not me.”

Abish fought the urge to reply that she belonged to nobody and instead bowed low as he left the chamber. She went back and sat by the queen, the exhausted baby sleeping peacefully beside her. “You should get some sleep, Your Majesty.”

“I’m too full of emotion to sleep. You look tired as well.”

“It was a long day.” And a long night, Abish nearly added.

The queen abruptly changed subject, “Has your slavery here been so awful?”

As always at such times, Abish chose her words with care, “You have always been most kind to me, my Lady. Sometimes I think you have almost been a friend. Even before I was an especial servant to you or even a midwife, Lamoni’s treatment was fair and just.”

“But you wish to leave us.”

“I have never expressed this wish.”

“Yet Lamoni promised you your freedom if this baby came to us whole, and if I survived my experience.”

“He did.”

“And you did not contradict his offer.”

“I am a slave, Madam. I am not in the habit of contradicting a king.”

She sighed deeply. “And regardless of how well you have been treated, you are still not free to make your own choices.”

“No, I am not.”

She held her free arm out and tipped Abish’s head slightly and looked at the notch in her ear. Abish was quiet, marveling that for the second time in less than a day somebody was really seeing her. “If I set you free, where will you go?”

“I have no where to go. This is the only life I have known for many years.”

“You must have come from somewhere.” It was the first time in the months she had slept in the next room that the queen ever ventured to learn more of her.

“It is not a place I can ever go back to.”

The queen nodded, understanding. She seemed to change the subject as she said, “During this long and difficult day, there was a moment you prayed over me. It somehow gave me great strength. I have never prayed, nor was I taught to pray, but when I was a young girl I had a grandmother whom often prayed. Your prayer to a personal, singular God reminds me of the prayers I would catch her uttering aloud at times. So, I say again, Abish, you must have come from somewhere.”

Abish wavered for a moment, the queen had not exactly asked a question, but the implication was obvious and she could no longer hide her past. “My father loved me deeply. He was an apprentice to the priests in the land of Middoni. Then he had a vision.”

“And what was this vision?”

“The only God who lives in the Heavens visited my father to tell him that the life he was following was an abomination. God exhorted him to actually read the scriptures hidden from the Lamanites. He was to call the Lamanites to repentance.”

“And how did the Middonites take this call?” She prodded gently.

Abish lowered her eyes, again feeling unfamiliar tears welling up, wondering how much longer she could hold them back. “He was killed. Sacrificed to false Gods on the temple altar.”
The queen shuddered. Lamoni was not always exactly a gentle man and his anger was sharp and sudden when it came, but she was grateful that human sacrifices were never performed in this part of the Land of Nephi. She wasn’t sure she could have ever gotten used to such cruelty regardless of political expedience. “Were you there?”

“My mother knew it was coming and she fled the city. I ran away before she could take me with her, and I stayed behind so that I would know his fate. After his death, my only choice seemed to be to try and locate her.”

“But you didn’t make it.” The answer was obvious and Abish shook her head slightly. “How can you be so committed and cheerful in your service to this household?”

Abish was again surprised by the many directions this conversation took. “My father taught me of his beliefs before he died. He knew I was committed to them. He admonished me to live for my beliefs. I have never forgotten his charge. I chose to stay behind with my father, and I knew there would be consequences for that. So instead of regretting having loved him more than I’ve ever loved anyone else, I try to be the person the God of Heaven knows I am.”

“And who is that?” The queen was clearly fascinated and Abish’s heart warmed within her.

“I am his child, as are you. As is this new life who has come to you and Lamoni this day. God loves us and wants what is best for us. I may not have exactly chosen to become a slave, but I learned quickly that my attitude would make all the difference in how I was treated, and particularly in my perception of how I was treated.”

“Your words bring me comfort and peace at the end of a long and difficult day.”

“Thank you for your understanding, but now it is time for you to get some rest.” Abish stood, fighting to keep her standing, her aloofness.

“I know. I just have one more question.”

“Yes?”

“Will you always be alone in your belief, or will there be a time that others believe too?”
Abish paused only a moment before whispering, “What does your heart tell you?”
The queen also hesitated before replying, “That a message of love and peace and kindness is just what this land needs.”

“There will be others. And I think the time is near.” The queen looked at her very directly as Abish curtseyed and turned once more to leave the room.

“Abish.” She turned back one last time. “The notch in your ear says you are a slave for life. Perhaps it is time you grow your hair out. I know you have no where to go, but you are free to if you would like. And if not, I would ask that you would stay here in the palace. We need a good midwife and I am sure that you could be paid for your services.”
Impulsively, Abish planted a kiss on the queen’s fair cheek. She repeated the spirit of Ammon’s words from the previous day, “It is my desire to be your servant, perhaps for all the days of my life. There has never been another who has shown such kindness; there has never been another I could tell my heart to. I will not leave you, or this household, as long as I am needed.”

“And I will release you from your oath when it is time.” The queen returned her simple kiss and the bond between them was sealed.

Abish woke up several times that night to check on baby and mother, but like most newborns, the baby was sleepy. Abish let them rest, knowing that tomorrow they would begin a regimen of making sure the little princess ate regularly to gain weight and thrive. She would send word to the servant quarters tomorrow that the queen was in need of a nurse; perhaps Sasha could be spared. It would allow her to spend hours each day interacting with her own son instead of strapping him onto her back. Finally, just a few hours before dawn she fell into a deep and dreamless sleep.

While she wasn’t exactly refreshed the next morning, she still felt ready to face her day. She made sure the queen was comfortable and then made her way to the slave’s quarters, grateful to not be worrying about subterfuge. By the time she arrived, most of the room was emptied of women who were already about their duties. The palace was buzzing with news of the new baby; word of the nature of her birth had also escaped and Abish could see the near-awe that she was looked upon by the other women.

She finally located Sasha scrubbing floors in the dining room. Abish strode confidently to her side and then saw something that left her in great dismay. Sasha was crying. It was quiet, but profound. Her tears dripped down her face as she worked steadily. Abish was alarmed, “Sasha, whatever can be the matter?”

“It is Ham. . .” She sniffed loudly before she could finish.

“Is he all right?”

“He won’t be.”

“What has happened?”

“Today when they went out on shepherding duty, they called Ham. This is the Nephite’s second day and they actually allowed him to choose whom he wanted to come with him—like he is in charge or something! He picked the strongest and most obedient slaves to go with him. How could he have known that? And why would they let him punish all these good men?”

Abish was surprised at these tidings herself, but saw the situation in a very different light.
“Everything will be fine.”

“How?”

“I believe this man can protect his brethren as well as the sheep.”

Sasha’s tone went from sorrow to a kind of mocking bitterness in almost an instant, “Oh, that is right, I nearly forgot. He is your Nephite. How could any harm come to him or any around him if Abish says that he is the strongest and best. Abish, the one who can do anything can now predict the future too! He probably only chose Ham because of you—you are the one that convinced him to wake him up that night.” Abish was unsure what to say next. Sasha’s voice had risen slightly and she was nearly hostile.

“I am deeply sorry, friend.”

Her calming words seemed to take some of the steam out of Sasha’s tirade and in its place was just sorrow. “I am sorry too; I know this isn’t your fault, nor is it something you would have chosen for us.” “Maybe we will just have to trust God.” It was a thing she would normally never say aloud, but her conversation with the queen the night before made her bold.

Sasha scoffed, “I think the gods care very little for the likes of Ham and me.”

“And why not? You are good, hard-working honest people who are trying your very best to make a happy life. Why should you not be helped in such endeavors?”

Sasha looked at her for a moment, her tears finally subsiding. And, for the first time since finding her that morning, there was the slightest hint of hope in her dark eyes. “I don’t know why, but I find it surprisingly easy to believe you sometimes.”

Abish smiled, “Good. Because I have some news that you will really want to hear.”

Sasha readily agreed to be the princess’s nurse, if the queen would have her. As she agreed, tears came to her eyes for a second time. This time for joy. Such a position would mean much more time to spend with her child, and Sasha wasn’t ignorant of the other benefits of having the most powerful woman in the city as your ally.

The rest of the day was busy as the queen’s quarter adjusted itself to its new arrival. There were also many visitors—more than Abish would have preferred, but the baby was, after all, a Lamanite princess. Members from the court filed through, leaving many gifts, some of which were actually useful. The queen’s three stepchildren also lined up and dutifully kissed their little half sister. The older children had a good relationship with the young queen, but Abish could see the uncertainty on their faces. Now that she had a child of her own, would it be the same with them? But the queen had a kind and tender heart and would certainly not let her love be divided. Lamoni was in and out throughout the day, proud and attentive as a good father should be.

The next day Abish’s duties slowed considerably. The queen was doing well and so was her daughter. They decided to name her Sariah. Abish had raised her eyebrows slightly at the suggestion; she remembered seeing this name in the scriptures her father had once given her to handle. Sariah had been the name of the queen’s grandmother. And while Zaria herself had a Lamanite name, she suddenly seemed interested that this baby understand a measure of her Nephite heritage as well. She certainly didn’t look like a Nephite with her mass of dark hair, but only time would tell what color her eyes and her skin would actually be.

She knew that in the coming weeks, her position as the queen’s midwife would wane. There were other women in the palace and in the surrounding city who would need her services, but she was uncertain as to her role now. Would she continue living here? Was she really free to go as she had wished? Perhaps she had been too hasty to pledge her life to the queen in a moment of deep emotion. She tugged at her short hair. Maybe she would have to let her hair grow before she made any decisions at all.

Sasha was enthusiastic in her new duties. After less than a day she said to Abish, “I’m doing great. I’ve never eaten so well in my life and I have loved taking care of the babies all day. There is just one thing. . .”

“You would like to know how Ham is, or to let him know where you are.”

She nodded. “Yes, that is exactly it.”

“I will find out what I can.”

Abish wasn’t exactly sure how she would find out the information she sought. She wandered toward the King’s court not knowing what she would do next, but grateful to have some task to occupy her time. She was curious about Ham herself; besides, learning about him would help her to learn the fate of Ammon as well. She wandered into the back of Lamoni’s receiving hall, half expecting it to be empty so late in the day, but instead the room was crowded with people, straining to see past one another. Surprised, Abish squeezed through the group to a vantage point to the side of the room. As soon as she saw what the commotion was about, she nearly gagged.

Five men, one of whom was Ham, stood in the center of the large room speaking to the King. On the floor in front of them, in a very large basket, were arms. Actual, severed, human arms. They were speaking rapidly, and sometimes over one another, answering the King’s questions as quickly as he could ask them. Abish was thoroughly confused; it was easy to see that she had missed most of the story. She concentrated carefully, trying to piece together what had happened. Ammon was no where to be seen.

After listening for several minutes, as near as she could tell, it seemed that the men and the sheep had been attacked by a large group of men. Ammon had killed several of them with his sling and cut off the arms of any person who raised a sword against him. Abish believed their outlandish tale; the hacked arms were evidence of that.

They finished their retelling of the events and Lamoni sat in stunned silence for what seemed like several minutes. People in the room began to shift their weight uncomfortably and the closeness of the warm bodies caused Abish to begin sweating. Lamoni finally said, almost to himself, but still using his most king-like and courtly language, “Surely this is more than a man. Behold, is not this the Great Spirit who doth send such great punishments upon this people because of their murders?”

The servants looked startled at Lamoni’s words, uncertain how to respond. After several seconds, Ham cleared his throat and spoke up, “Whether he is the Great Spirit or a man, we don’t know,” he paused for a moment to glance at his companions and continued, “but this much we do know—that he cannot be slain by the enemies of the king.” There was murmured agreement in the group.


Another man, standing next to him, chimed in, “Neither can they scatter the king’s flocks when he is with us, because of his expertness and great strength.”

Ham nodded, “Whatever else he is, we know that he is a friend to the king.”


The last member of their party finished the glowing report, “And now, O king, I do not believe that man has such great power for we have seen that he cannot be slain.”

Lamoni responded when there was a break, “It must be the Great Spirit. He has come down at this time to preserve your lives, that I might not have you killed as the others before you. This is the Being that our fathers have spoken of!” Abish’s heart sang within her. She had never before heard Lamoni purport to have any religious belief. If he could acknowledge there was indeed a God in heaven, regardless of how distorted his tradition was, then certainly Ammon could find a way to talk to him.


Again, there was a space of silence for several seconds; Abish saw some kind of emotion and expression working across Lamoni’s generally stern features. It seemed that Lamoni was deeply agitated, even fearful. Abish could believe it; Lamoni sincerely thought that in facing Ammon again he would be facing his Maker. She was impressed by his boldness when he finally spoke in a voice barely above a whisper, “Where is this man who has such great power?”

Ham bowed low, suddenly chagrined, “If it please your majesty, Ammon is feeding your horses in preparation for tomorrow’s journey to the land of Nephi. It was the other job Lemhah had given to us to do this night, but we thought you would be interested to learn of these events first.”


The king’s face betrayed open astonishment now. “And yet he did not come here to boast of these deeds to be raised up in the eyes of my court? Instead he continues to follow the commands of my steward? Surely there has not been any servant among all my servants that has been so faithful as this man, for he remembers to follow through on all my commands. I desire that he should come see me, but do I dare?”

In frustration, he dismissed the crowd in the chamber. She could see the sweat bead on his brow. The heat was getting to him also, it was indeed hard to think in the crowd of people. She’d positioned herself near the front of the room against the wall, so it would take some time for everyone to make their way out. Ham was leaving the room the same time she was and she caught his attention. The room was mostly quiet, so she whispered to him where his wife was. He opened his eyes in surprise and mouthed the word ‘thank you.’ This had indeed been an astonishing day for him all around.


She heard Lamoni shift his weight on the dais behind her, and then, surprisingly, she heard her name called. She turned abruptly to see that it was only she and the king left in the room. She bowed low to him. “Is all well with my wife?” He queried quietly.

“Yes, your majesty. I only came to tell your servant, Ham, that his wife is now nurse to Princess Sariah and her sleeping arrangements have been changed.”


“Ham? The short man who spoke here with these others?”

“Yes sire.”


“He is a good servant.” Abish said nothing, but again nodded, looking down. “As are you.”

“Thank you.”


“The queen told me yesterday that you know something of the Nephite religion, more even than the queen herself who was raised among a Nephite people.”

Abish looked up, stricken. She had been honest with the queen, because it was her habit to be so. She didn’t consider that the queen might betray her confidence, particularly to Lamoni. Images of her father’s death danced before her eyes and she was suddenly afraid, but concealment was not an option. “Yes.” She responded, the word barely creaking out.

“Have you seen this Ammon?”

“I was in court the day he arrived.” She kept further information to herself. Knowing of the midnight visit might weaken the awe he felt toward Ammon at this moment.

“And what think you of him?”

Abish could scarcely believe this remarkable turn of events. A king asking her opinion! Still, she was careful for while he was vulnerable in this moment, he was still a man of great power and temper. “I think you should send for him; I think he means Your Majesty no harm.”
Lamoni abruptly clapped and Lemhah appeared. Abish stayed planted in place, having not been dismissed. “Ask Ammon to come into me if he is willing to see me.”

Lemhah bowed, “I believe he is on his way even now, Sire.”

The king suddenly looked stricken. Abish waited in silence. Would he ask her to move? Leave? Was there any way that she might be witness to this extraordinary meeting? The king’s eyes were wide, again the fear and uncertainty played through his face and anxiety oozed from him. She faced him directly, but she didn’t think he even saw her. His eyes were trained on the door, staring.

She heard a noise behind her. The king stared, as if frozen. Abish whirled quickly. Ammon stood in the doorway. He was filthy from his days’ labor, but his eyes were bright and his chin was strong. Abish’s stomach flipped as it had the first time he looked at her. She had never seen such strength, intelligence and beauty embodied by one man. Ammon glanced at her, but then saw past her to the king. He regarded the heathen king silently for a moment and then moved as if he would leave again directly.

Abish, nearly breathless, dared to speak the words the king could not, “Rabbanah,” Ammon’s eyes darted to her face. He knew the word—it was the word for great, or powerful king. Such a word was never even referenced to Lamoni, but only to his father. It gave him pause and she continued in her most courtly language, “Rabbanah, the king desireth thee to stay.”

Ammon strode forward and stood in front of Abish, who carefully bowed and took four or five steps back. He looked at Lamoni with boldness and queried, “What wilt thou that I should do for thee, O King?”

There was a long pause while Lamoni attempted to gather his wits. Abish’s back began to ache from standing still for so long. It seemed like an hour. Ammon finally repeated his question, but still the king was unable to answer. The pause was interminable, but Ammon’s booming voice finally filled the silence, “You have heard of my deeds this day, and you marvel because of it. But I am no god; I am just a man, and your servant. You desired that I should defend your flocks. I have done no more or less than what thou commanded.” Ammon’s words were as courtly as Abish’s had been. Their exchange was so formal and yet somehow personal at the same time. Abish thought she would weep for joy at the mere sound of the language.

Lamoni answered in kind, “Who art thou, that you can discern my thoughts? You say you are a man, but you must be the Great Spirit.”

“I am not.”

“Then how can you know the thoughts of my heart? Speak boldly, and tell me of the things that give you such great power of spirit and body. If you will tell me these things, whatever you want I will give unto thee. I would guard you with all the armies under my command, but I know that you have no need of this; you are more powerful than all of them. But whatever you want. I will give it, freely.” He bowed his head, as if to a sovereign.

While Lamoni’s head was down, Ammon turned his face slightly to Abish. He gave her a half-smile, a knowing smile. Hadn’t she told him just three days previous that if he would defend these flocks faithfully then Lamoni would listen to any message? She had been right; his almost-amused smile told her that she had been right. It was his way of thanking her for her help. She perceived Ammon’s wisdom, but his harmlessness in a moment as he said to the king, “If I tell you of the power by which I do these things, will you promise to listen to all my words?”

He glanced up, sharply. “That is it? All I must do is listen?” Ammon nodded. “Very well, say on; I will believe all you say.”

Ammon moved from his bold stance for the first time. He sat next to King Lamoni, at his feet and looked into his face. Lamoni moved to sit next to him. Abish was amazed; she had never seen such a thing. Abish also moved to sit, wordlessly, silently where she had been standing so that she might not be asked to leave. And, as predicted, Ammon built on Lamoni’s belief about a great spirit. He helped Lamoni to understand that there was only one God of the Universe who had created all things, including heaven, a concept Lamoni had never heard. He told the king of a personal God who knew his very thoughts and intentions. Ammon taught by asking questions and allowing Lamoni to think and listen. Abish’s heart sang out with great joy at the knowledge being reawakened in her heart as she listened to Ammon teach with such patient sincerity and love.

Lamoni asked, in awe, “Art thou sent from God?”

Ammon repeated, “I am just a man, like you, Lamoni. But the greatest part of the message I have come to share is that man, from the very beginning, was created after the image of God. We are his children! He loves us and is concerned for our well-being. So he sends his Spirit to help us learn of Him. I have been called by that Holy Spirit to teach these things unto you and your people, that you might all be brought to the knowledge of what is just and true. A portion of that Spirit dwells in me, and gives me knowledge, as well as power, depending on my faith and my righteous desires. You feel it right now too, don’t you, Lamoni?”

Lamoni nodded slowly, “I do! I feel everything in me expanding, growing. I cannot even explain it, but I know that you are sharing the truth.”

Ammon nodded along with Lamoni, growing more enthusiastic as the king spoke. Abish found herself nodding too. “That feeling is the beginning of testimony. As you gain knowledge of things as they were, are, and are to come, you will feel it continue to grow and expand until you cannot contain the joy you feel.”

“Teach me, Nephite, tell me of these things.”

Ammon smiled, clasping his arm on Lamoni’s. “No longer Nephite and Lamanite, but brother to brother I will teach you these things.”

“And not just me, will you teach those in this palace too?”

“I will teach any who will listen,” he pointed to Abish, “and we’ll start with her.”

Lamoni looked at her, noticing her for the first time in many minutes. He smiled at her. “Yes, indeed, and any others who are about.” Abish jumped, searching corridors for any she could find immediately. Lemhah had been waiting not far away and seemed impatient at her request, but willing to follow the king. There were other servants about, including Ham and those who had tended sheep with Ammon. She gathered as many as she could in a matter of moments and they returned to the king’s chamber. Lamoni seemed pleased, “Yes, this will be a good start. There will be others, especially my family, but for now, this will do.”

Then Ammon began to speak. To Abish, it seemed like hours as Ammon spoke of the creation, the fall of man, the history of the children of God in the old land and the journey to the new. He told of the history of the Nephites and Lamanites in a way that Abish had never before heard. Lamoni was all astonishment as he heard a new version of events he had always been taught. Then, when the history lesson was past, he taught of the redeeming power of God through the coming of his Son. Abish could see the amazement and joy evident in the faces surrounding her.
As Ammon spoke of atonement and redemption, Lamoni hung on every word. Finally, when it seemed he had exhausted all words, there was a great, heavy silence. Lamoni sunk to his knees calling on God in the most desperate manner possible crying out, “O Lord, have mercy; according to thy abundant mercy which thou has had upon the people of Nephi. Please, Father, have such mercy upon me and my people.” Abish openly wept as she saw the desperation and torment of their king; she noticed that other eyes in the room were wet also, Ammon’s included as he knelt near the king, adding his supplication to Lamoni’s.

And then, without warning, Lamoni dropped to the ground, as if he were dead.

Chapter 11: A Meeting

Abish was unable to sleep that night in her alcove adjacent to the queen’s chamber. Undoubtedly, after the baby came, this small chamber would be given to the nurse. But despite its plainness, Abish liked this room. It had been many years since she had slept in such relative quiet. She had so seldom been alone in her life as a slave that it was a wonderful change to have a private place for her few possessions. Many nights she would lie awake for several minutes before sleep came. She would think on her day and review the next. Her prayers in this quiet place had become more fervent and sincere when she could kneel before her bed and speak her words aloud.

But neither prayers nor sleep came readily that night. She saw Ammon’s blue eyes swimming before her every time she closed her eyes. Unless someone told him, he would have no idea the depth of what he had gotten himself into. She had an idea where he would be sleeping: probably in the men’s slave quarters. Ammon offered himself as a servant, but the king had very few people he actually paid to be in his employ. The men’s quarters were right next to the women’s. Abish herself was a slave and was known as the palace midwife, there would be no reason for the guards to suspect her as out of place in that part of the palace, even if it was very late. The only problem would be if Zaria’s pains began and Abish could not be found. Her rational impulse was to lie back down, forget about the Nephite and just let him face his fate, unsuspecting and unprepared. But her heart whispered a different story.

Noiselessly, she put her bare feet to the side of her low cot and stood. She tiptoed to the queen’s chamber and listened. The queen, despite her bulk, was resting peacefully. She had shown no more sign of being ready when she went to bed that night than she had any day for the past week. Still, Abish knew that babies came when least expected, often suddenly. She would have to hurry.

The corridor was guarded, as she had expected. Lamoni’s family all slept within this hall. The guards roughly asked her name and business, “I am Abish, the queen’s midwife; she has sent me on an errand.”

“And what is the nature of this errand?”

Abish knew the soldiers were only harassing her because it was late at night and she was alone. She had been given free reign as long as she was in such close proximity to the queen so she assumed her most haughty voice, “It is the queen’s business and none of yours.”

The soldiers exchanged amused glances, but seeing they could not intimidate her or draw her into conversation they let her pass. She moved quietly past the kitchen, hearing voices from inside. Probably slaves still cleaning from the days’ meals, or even preparing food for the next day. She shuddered with faint distaste at her memories of her time serving there. She was close to the slave quarters now.

She went to the women’s quarters. Her friends there might suggest a way to help her. The guards were alert when she entered. She stated her name, and although they probably didn’t recognize her, her clothing designated her as a slave to the royal family. Such clothing gave her passage with few questions asked. She carefully shut the door behind herself. It was late. The room was mostly dark and, as far as she could tell, all were sleeping soundly. She paused for just a moment to get her bearings. What next? Why had she come here at all? She prayed again silently that she would somehow be shown what to do. There was an aisle down the center of the large room with beds on either side. She began walking carefully into the darkness, knowing there was a small trunk at the foot of every mattress, holding each woman’s possessions.

She heard a baby cry out near the end of the row on her right. The baby was young, well under a year. She immediately heard a mother stir and make shushing noises in the dark. She moved toward the sound. On impulse, Abish said, “Sasha?”

The woman started on her bed where she had just begun feeding her baby. “Abish? Is that you?”

“Yes.”

"By the gods you frightened me! What are you doing here?” She hissed in a whisper.

Abish instantly relaxed. She and Sasha had remained close since the birth of the breech baby. It had been nearly six months ago now. It wasn’t until later that Abish learned that if he had died it would have been Sasha’s third stillborn. Perhaps that was part of the reason for the miraculous reputation she had earned almost overnight with little Omri’s birth. She was grateful that Omri had picked that exact moment to insist on a nursing. God had indeed led her to the one person in this room who would do anything she could to help her.

Abish sat softly on the end of Sasha’s sleeping mat, trying not to disturb the chubby infant sucking greedily in her friend’s arms. She chuckled as she watched him, thinking that even if she began jumping up and down and screaming, it would not deter him from his task. “Wow. He looks good.”

"I should think so, he eats like a man starved every two hours.”

“How are you doing?”

"Very well, actually. Omri loves the carrier Ham fashioned for him. I am able to do all my work with him strapped right to my back. He’s hardly slowed me down a beat.”

“Wonderful. He sure has gained weight.”

“Yep, he’s a little fatty. Just like Ham.” Abish had to stifle a laugh. Sasha’s husband was shaped like a boulder.

Abish put her arm around her and gave her a slight squeeze. “I’m so happy it all worked out for you.”

“It could never have happened without you.”

She placed a light kiss on the young mother's temple. “Oh, it’s the mothers that do all the work.”

Abish put her arm down and wondered about the best way to approach what she needed when Sasha got right to the point, “Now, I know this isn’t a house call in the middle of the night, especially with the queen ready to pop any day. You are sneaking around down here; what is going on?”

With a smile, she said, “I need some help.”

“Is everything okay?” Sasha’s voice was immediately filled with concern.

"The king acquired a new servant today.”

“Yes, a Nephite, everyone has been talking about him.”

“Where is he staying?”

“With the slaves, but none of them are happy about it. They think that having him there will bring the displeasure of the gods.”

Abish nearly bit her tongue to keep from commenting about Sasha’s superstition. Instead she said, “Lamoni told him he would help tend the sheep.”

Sasha stifled a giggle, “Yes, I’d heard that too. I guess the king doesn’t like him any better than any of the other Nephites who’ve wandered this way.”

Abish decided to be blunt. “I would like to warn him.”

“What?” Came the astonished reply in a nearly a normal voice. The woman on the cot next to her shifted slightly and the two were silent for a moment. Sasha whispered, “Why?”

Abish shook her head, “I hardly know myself. I just feel like it is the right thing to do.”

“This could be serious trouble.”

"That is why I need your help.”

Sasha looked dubious. “I don’t know . . . and besides, what could I do anyway?” Little Omri detached himself from his mother’s breast with a contented sigh and snuggled against her in an impossibly uncomfortable position that only babies could manage.

Abish stroked his soft head as he made baby smiles in his sleep. “I may be an unmarried woman, Sasha, but I know a lot about babies and how they begin growing in the first place. If the male and female slaves in Lamoni’s household are supposed to lead such separate lives, then where do the babies come from?” Abish looked at her friend very directly and could see the chagrined expression on her face even in the darkness.

“There is a passage connecting the two chambers. It is probably known about by the king but nobody speaks of it.”

"Why isn’t there just movement through the normal hallway?”

Sasha shrugged, “Who knows; maybe tradition? It has always been done this way and probably always will be.” Abish looked at her imploringly, not sure what else to say. Sasha sighed, “Oh Abish, for the gift you have given me, how can I refuse anything?”

Abish smiled as Sasha laid her baby gently on the rug next to her bed. She padded softly after Sasha down the aisle to the end of the room, past the common cooking area. There, at the back of the room was a small door. She could tell from the architecture that the low door had indeed been an afterthought, but it wasn’t exactly hidden either. In all the years she’d slept there, Abish could hardly believe she didn’t know about it. Sasha opened it without the slightest creak, and whispered, “We keep the hinges well-greased.” Abish smothered a laugh and stepped carefully through after Sasha. She whispered, “I’ll get Ham; he will help us.”

Abish took deep breaths to steady herself as she waited in the back of the room. The smell of the men’s sleeping chamber was strong and she fought the urge to run back through the door and find her bed as quickly as she could. What was she doing here? And what would she say if Ham did manage to get the Nephite to talk to her? A few minutes later Ham followed his wife to Abish. He rubbed sleep out of his eyes; she could see that he was uncertain about what they were asking.

The women explained again what was wanted, but Ham was more reluctant than his wife to help. Although he too was grateful for the life of his son, he did not have the mother’s strong love toward the one who delivered the baby. “The gods will not like this, Abish.”

She fought impatience for the second time that night at the invocation of false gods. “How do you know that? How can it be the will of the gods that Lamoni continues killing his servants in anger over something they are not responsible for? Doesn’t it make more sense to believe that the gods would be thrilled if the sheep were saved and those responsible were brought to justice?” Ham seemed to weigh her words carefully and she continued, “I know that every man in here is terrified that he will mess up and offend somebody in a position of power and end up on shepherd duty.”

Ham nodded. He could not disagree with the truth of her last statement, but then he said, “And what makes you think this Nephite is so different than any of the others? Why should he have any better luck as a shepherd than any man in this room?”

Abish smiled and reassured him the only way she knew how. “I don’t know, Ham. I only know that when this man speaks, there is something remarkable about him. He is touched by some inner fire that gives him strength. Maybe there is something to the religion of the Nephites after all.” She stopped before she said too much.

Ham sighed. “You are determined. But nobody should know that better than Sasha and Omri. I will bring your Nephite back here to speak to you, but if this all goes badly then Sasha and I had nothing to do with it.”

“You have my word.”

He walked away and Sasha gave her a reassuring squeeze on her hand. “Everything will be fine, Abish. I’m glad Ham and I have been able to somehow repay you even though I think you must be touched in the head to even go near a Nephite.”

“Let’s not pass judgment just yet,” she said, smiling.

Sasha shrugged. “Whatever you say. Just make sure you don’t forget and go out that entrance.” She pointed to the opposite end of the long hall.

“I won’t.”

Sasha slipped wordlessly back into the women’s section and a moment later she saw Ham in the aisle, pointing Ammon toward Abish. She swallowed hard as he walked toward her. His chest was now uncovered and she was struck again by how strong he was. He was taller than he’d seemed earlier; probably because she had been standing on the dais near the king. In the dark she had difficulty imagining the light that seemed to surround him earlier that morning and she suddenly felt afraid. When his eyes adjusted to the darkness and he saw her fully, the dismay in his eyes was evident. Before she could speak he said, “Milady, this is no place for the king’s daughter.”

She nearly laughed aloud thinking about her short hair, always cropped near her scalp and the disfiguring earlobe that would never heal. “I am not the king’s daughter.”

He looked momentarily puzzled, “But you were there today, on the dais. I saw you look at me so directly when the king asked if I would marry his daughter. . .”

She quickly corrected him, “I am the queen’s slave and midwife. I was in court today to learn of gossip that might amuse her. She is impatient for delivery and becomes bored easily. King Lamoni’s daughter is still a child.”

His eyes widened “Why would he . . .”

She waved off his comment with her hand. “Old Lamanite tradition. Had you agreed to marry his daughter then you would have been his servant anyway, for pretty much as long as it pleased him.”

"I understand, but I still don’t know why you have come. It isn’t meet for any lady to be alone in such a place, regardless of your standing in this palace.”

She flushed, grateful for the dark to cover her red face. “I came to warn you.” She came directly to the point.

He nearly laughed aloud, “Are you kidding? These men here seem more afraid of me than anything. Even when your friend woke me up, he did no more than prod me with a stick. If my life is in danger, they will have to kill me without touching me.”

Abish smiled but shook her head. “No, it is the shepherding that is the hazard.”

Again, he nearly laughed out loud. “How can it be?”

With a sigh. she motioned for Ammon to sit. She sat on the ground, wanting him to understand the whole situation, and knowing it would not be a short story. “Lamoni’s father is king over all the Lamanite lands. There are many areas ruled separately, however. Lamoni’s father doles these lands out to his sons or friends as he sees fit. Some of the lands are more desirable than others. When he dies, one of his sons will be named king over all the Lamanites. He will ask whoever seems to be the most competent. Lamoni has always been held in great favor with his father. He is fair and honest. His wife is an Amalekite, so he has forged an important friendship with a group that nobody wants as enemies.” Ammon nodded, he obviously knew of her people.

“About two years ago, Lamoni began having serious trouble with his sheep. They are often driven away, scattered and stolen. Each time the flock is rebuilt or found, it happens again. For many years, the land of Ishmael was known for its sheep—the king’s sheep being the best of those. But in two years, Lamoni has not been able to turn a profit from his sheep because of the problems.”

“Who is doing this?”

“Nobody knows for sure, but there are suspicions. Lamoni’s brother runs a neighboring city—a lesser city with few resources. The queen says this brother has been jealous of Lamoni for many years. She believes that the scattering is all a game to make Lamoni look bad and improve the brother’s standing in front of his father.”

“So that he might one day be king of the Lamanites instead?”

Abish shrugged, “Or at least so that Lamoni will not be.”

“So is my life in danger because those who do the scattering kill the shepherds?”

She nodded. “Sometimes, but there is more to it than that. This whole game makes Lamoni furious, of course. In many other areas of his rule he is actually quite a temperate, generous man. Not so with the sheep problem. Lamoni has servants and slaves put to death when they are unable to defend the flocks. Especially if they can provide no information about their attackers.”

Maybe she just imagined it, but she saw the blood drain from his face, even in the dark. It was nearly silent for a moment, the only sound coming from the sleepers in the room. “Why would your king set me to this task just moments after offering his daughter as a marriage partner?”

“I do not know. Perhaps you offended him by refusing.”

“I thought to honor him by serving.”

“Perhaps you will.”

"This task seems very difficult.”

Again, there was silence as she framed her words carefully. “I came to tell you these things tonight because I believe deeply that you might be the one to turn this around. If you could, Lamoni would listen to any words that you said.”

He raised his eyebrows and peered closely at her, “And what makes you think I have come to tell Lamoni anything?”

“Only one time have I seen another person carry the light of the true God in their eyes the way you do. That person taught me the gospel and then was killed for his beliefs.” Her eyes filled with years of unshed tears that came unbidden, she sniffed them back, willing them to stop. “His final admonition to me was to live for my beliefs, and that if I did I would see a time when others came to a knowledge of the Redeemer who has yet to come—the God the Nephites proclaim. I have prayed for many years that this day would come. The voice in my heart whispered deliverance today when I looked at you as you spoke toe-to-toe with a king.”

He spoke in a whisper of such low intensity she had to strain to hear, “The same voice spoke to my heart, telling me to come to the land of Ishmael because someone had prayed me here.” He put his strong hand under her chin and held it up to face him. “I would never have guessed those prayers had come from the slave of a king.” He turned her head slightly to the side, observing the notch in her ear beneath her short hair. “This defect was given to you, was it not?”

The tears she had been fighting now spilled easily, but noiselessly down her cheeks. Not since the day of her father’s death had another person looked at her so directly and seen her for what she was—a daughter of God. Not since her father’s death had she allowed such tears to fall. She choked out the words, “It is the mark of a slave.”

“I will guard the king’s sheep, and then I will stand before your king to proclaim that all men and women are equal in the sight of the true God of Heaven. I will do all in my power to see that you are not a slave for the remainder of your life.”

Ammon still held her face for a moment longer and she whispered, “You are sent from God himself.”

He dropped his hand, “I will serve him as long as there is breath in my body.”

“Then do not go to the waters of Sebus unprepared.” She stood. “I must leave; the queen is often in need of me during the night. It would not be well with me if my absence was discovered.”

He stood easily too. “I understand, and I thank you.” She turned away from him toward the low door. His voice rose just slightly and called her back, “What is your name?”

“Abish.” She whispered and then scurried back through the passage toward the women’s quarters.