Falana birthed a healthy and beautiful son after a difficult labor. Abish stayed on for many weeks, hovering anxiously over each roll of fat the baby gained and any discomfort the princess might express. To Abish’s great delight, Falana hardly let the little man leave her side and the new prince’s nurse had very little to do but sit and wait for Falana to eat or bathe.
Though she still missed Ammon himself, his brothers were a welcome addition to her limited circle of friends in Nephi and the baptisms numbered in the hundreds before it was time for her to leave. Once again, she enjoyed being involved in the work of the Lord, and became almost as happy as she had in the land of Ishamel.
A few days before her departure, King Lamoni-hah declared religious freedom in all Lamanite lands. Missionaries would soon have free passage anywhere they wanted to go. Care would still have to be taken in the wilder and more hostile parts of the land, but the Church was now free to grow. Abish was no prophetess, but her heart burned every time she thought about future possibilities.
Finally, after many months away, she said her goodbyes and turned her eyes homeward. Despite the long journey, the men who accompanied her were cheerful as they spoke of wives and sweethearts. Abish carried messages for Ammon. She was anxious to see him again, too anxious. She hoped their meeting would not fan the flames of her initial attraction to him. He was focused on his work and undoubtedly saw her as nothing more than a good friend. After all, weren’t his brothers both shocked to see how young she was? Whatever Ammon had said about her, it was nothing to make them think she was a potential wife.
After some days of travel, the landscape became familiar. Abish had delivered babies this far from the city and knew they were only within a day or two of the palace. The next day, the group decided to press on quickly and arrive late at night. Their late arrival meant there was no one to receive them. Abish was mildly disappointed, but told the men to join her for a late supper in the kitchen when the animals were put away. They heartily agreed.
As expected, there was plenty of food stocked in Lamoni’s house. Her hastily prepared meal would be simple, but filling. She heated water on the hearth for strong tea, cut and wrapped a large squash in corn husks to roast in the covered embers from the day’s cooking. She began rolling out corn cakes for frying and was humming to herself when she heard someone enter the kitchen. Rather than turning, she said, “Just sit anywhere. The food will be ready in a few minutes.” Abish continued her soft humming but worked with greater speed. She was surprised at the efficiency with which the animals had been put away. After a few minutes, she realized that nobody else had joined the first, or if they had they were very quiet and unconversant. She turned to see how many were there and cried out in surprise.
The man at the table looked equally surprised and stammered, “You said to sit—so I did.”
He had to be the fourth brother. In many ways he was so like Ammon it was uncanny. His hair and skin were nearly exactly the same color as his older brother’s. His features were the same too, but more guarded. His eyes were equally intense, but not blue. Or were they? There was something strange about them she couldn’t quite put her finger on, and it was hard to tell because he didn’t look at her directly.
Realizing she was staring, Abish stammered back, “You must be Himni.” The heart, Ammon had called him.
He bowed his head, “I am.”
“I am Abish.”
He nodded and even in the dim light she could see him blush, “You’re younger than I had expected.”
Abish couldn’t help but laugh right out loud, “I get a lot of that.”
Himni smiled and in that brief moment he looked almost exactly like Ammon, except for the way he held his head cocked slightly. The moment passed quickly and she could see that his smiles were rarer than his brother’s. “The queen thought you would arrive tomorrow.” He said.
“We pressed ahead. We’ve only been in just a few minutes—too late to wake anybody, but too early to go to bed hungry.”
“You are cooking for more than yourself,” he observed.
“Yes, my escort has kept a diligent pace these many days and we are all hungry.”
“Surely there are servants who can help . . .”
Abish smiled, “But since being converted the gospel, Lamoni gave all of his slaves their freedom and only a few stayed behind as hired help. So really, there is no one. Besides, like all Lamanite girls I have been doing this kind of work since I was a small child. This is second nature.”
“Like delivering babies?” He raised his eyebrows; she wasn’t sure he was teasing or not, but his remark struck her as funny and she laughed again.
“I wish delivering babies was as easy as making corn cakes!” As she said this, she handed him a plate of hot ones. She liked the way he devoured the stack, and turned away while he ate.
She continued working, trying to estimate how much food she’d need for eight, no nine, hungry men. Himni interrupted her counting, “I have often marveled at the multitude of skills women possess.”
“How so?”
He waved his hand in the air, “Men hunt or grow crops and argue over how to run kingdoms. I sometimes think they should ask the ones who know how to do everything else the best way that it should be done.”
Abish laughed again. She didn’t know why. His comments were sincere and kind, not funny, but she felt relaxed and happy around him. “Perhaps that is so, Himni, but since it is not a question we can ever answer tonight, would you like more food?”
“That would be excellent, actually.” She loaded his plate as he added, “I couldn’t sleep tonight; we have lived out of doors for so long that this easy palace living is making me soft and restless. As I wandered the halls tonight I smelled something wonderful and decided to follow my nose.” He bit into another stack of her corn cakes and said as he swallowed, “Is that tea ready?”
She smiled brightly, “Just now.”
As she said these words, the others filled the room. Abish quickly introduced Himni to the soldiers and, seeing there was plenty for everyone to eat, dismissed herself wordlessly. Despite the recently relaxed protocol as of late, it still was not seemly or comfortable to eat with a large group of men. Besides, she felt the odd sense that her pleasant conversation with Himni had been somehow ruined, for all that she knew the others better. She slipped out quietly, turning to look into the kitchen as she walked out the door, thinking to see Himni’s back. Instead, he was looking at her directly with his strange eyes. There was no expression on his face, but he flushed and turned quickly away when she caught him looking.
It was well after midnight when Abish finally went to bed and sleep came immediately. She found herself in the middle of a very odd dream. She was walking through the woods when she approached two pools of water. Without hesitation she dove, clothing and all, into the first though it seemed almost muddy in appearance. As she dove, she realized the pond wasn’t actually brown, and there seemed to be a light radiating from the bottom, which gave the pond a kind of an amber color. Swimming in the pond filled her with inexplicable energy and joy that pulsated through her whole body. Just as she adjusted to this new, heightened awareness, she climbed from the pool and dove into the second. Again, as she swam, she realized the pond wasn’t brown at all, but actually green, although she couldn’t tell the source of it. This second pond gave her an overwhelming feeling of peace and relaxation. She closed her eyes and sank under the cool water.
She awoke suddenly, with a start, gasping for breath. She couldn’t erase the vividness of the dream from her consciousness. She tried to sleep again, but was too agitated. She stood and splashed water on her face, trying to make sense of it. Since her baptism, she had often dreamed of water, but never like this. She rubbed her eyes for a moment, and as she did so, she felt the flush spread through her face. The reason Himni’s direct gaze had so disconcerted her was suddenly apparent—his eyes were exactly the same color as the ponds she’d been swimming in.
Abish greatly enjoyed the independence of her new life as she moved into a small home not far from the palace. As the missionary work spread, her circle of friends broadened. Over the next couple of years, Ammon and his brothers came and went as they preached in the seven lands. Jerusalem was the eighth, but there were no converts there. If anything, hostilities increased. Zaria ruefully joked that she was the only Amalekite who would ever be converted. Still, she didn’t seem too sorry to put distance between herself and her family. Despite the love she and Lamoni now shared, she could never quite forget that her father had given her to a man he knew nothing about merely to seal a political alliance.
The kings in the faithful lands organized a council that met regularly. They decided to begin calling themselves, officially, the Anti-Nephi-Lehies in order to separate themselves from their more bloodthirsty relatives. The people, however, often referred to themselves as the Ammonites. Abish knew the name made her friend uncomfortable, and he was glad they had officially decided on something else, even if it was seldom used.
As grateful as Abish was to no longer be considered a Lamanite, she knew such a move would anger those who were hostile to them. In addition, correspondence had been opened with the Nephites. Ammon’s old friend, Alma, was the head of their government there, and he explained in a letter that a new group had risen up and had broken away from the Nephites. They called themselves Amlicites and marked themselves red on the forehead to distinguish themselves from Nephites. It was feared they had opened negotiations with the hostile Lamanites. Abish was aware of all of this. She knew it worried Lamoni a great deal, but such dealings seemed far removed from the happy, peaceful life she knew during those years in Ishmael.
And so, for a long time, the adventures in Abish’s life seemed to be at an end. The sons of Mosiah became famous through the land until those early events surrounding their coming almost became the stuff of legend. Though they were very busy and often far away, when they were in Lamoni’s city, Abish would occasionally have the companionship of Ammon on her night visits. Himni, Ammon’s near-constant companion, would come too and hover near the margins, anxious to help and listen while his elder brother ministered and spoke. Abish couldn’t deny that births went better when this splendid pair of missionaries came with her. Ammon’s energy was boundless and Himni brought a spirit of love and compassion to each visit.
Abish looked forward to her rare times with Ammon more than she’d dared express to anyone, even her closest friends. But talk had begun. The women in the palace and the marketplace whispered that Ammon and his handsome brothers could not stay single forever. Didn’t it seem that they would stay in this land always? They must marry. Abish heard these things and kept very quiet. She had been there the day Ammon as good as pledged a lifetime of service to Lamoni. Still, the women had a point; surely God didn’t intend for these righteous men to stay single for the rest of their lives.
Abish’s twentieth birthday came after a three-day stint of delivering babies non-stop. She’d had little time to reflect on the tenth anniversary of the time her life changed for good, but took a moment to remember the significant details from that week in her life. Twenty also gave her great pause. She’d never met a Lamanite woman married in her twenties before. At least not a first marriage. As she swaddled her fifth new baby in three days, she couldn’t help thinking she would never do this for her own babies. The thought made her despondent and despite her exhaustion, she spent some time in prayer before trying to sleep when she returned to her home. The desired peace didn’t come. When she lay down, all she could think is that Ammon had gone away again, for at least two months, to meet with Lamoni’s father and some of the priesthood in the Land of Nephi. She stilled her breaths, willing the image of his handsome face from her mind.
There was a clap at the door. Surprised, Abish rose to see Himni waiting at the entrance to her home. He generally always followed Ammon on his journeys, long or short. She smiled broadly at him. He seemed nervous, perhaps because he was by himself, though they had shared many wonderful conversations together, “Yes, Himni?”
“I know you have delivered many babies these past days, and I’m sorry to disturb you.”
She wasn’t sure how he knew this, but said, “That is no matter. What do you need?”
“One of Lamoni’s household needs you.”
“Tika?” He nodded, and Abish frowned. Tika was early and had not been doing well the last couple of weeks. Abish had feared something like this. She sighed, “I will come as soon as possible. I just need to gather a few things.”
“I’ll wait.”
She prepared quickly and Himni offered to carry her basket of things. She carried a second, smaller one. There were things she had for the queen and would take advantage of the extra set of arms. They said little as they hurried toward the palace, though the silence was not uncomfortable.
Himni looked at her sideways, “Everything is a little duller without Ammon around.”
Abish laughed, “Yes, perhaps it is.”
There was more silence and Himni cleared his throat before announcing. “Omner is engaged to be married.” Abish stopped in her tracks and dropped her basket, so great was her shock. Himni stopped with her and bent over to help her recover the items that had fallen into the road. He quickly gathered them and took her basket on top of the larger one he carried. Abish flushed, murmured her thanks and stood. Himni looked mildly distressed, “I didn’t mean to startle you.”
“No, of course not . . . I just . . .” Abish trailed off, not knowing what to say.
“I’m sure it will come as a shock to many. We ourselves were not sure if such a thing would happen, but we have been in this land many years.”
“And may stay many years yet.”
“Exactly. We are beginning to feel less and less like foreigners. Perhaps it is time to settle.”
Abish fought for calm and tried to sound casual, “So are you or your other brothers thinking of settling?”
Himni glanced sideways at her again, “There are no plans, as of yet, but Omner’s decision has gotten the rest of us thinking.”
Abish swallowed hard, biting back more questions, particularly those that would be about Ammon. Little more was said for the rest of the trip and Abish hardly noted when Himni left her side with a polite farewell. She told herself to focus on the task ahead and not think about what Omner’s wedding might mean for anyone else but himself.
Omner’s wife was a good and righteous woman named Tisha from the land of Middoni. She was not young, and it was likely that many people had thought she was past a proper marrying age. Abish was immediately impressed with her strength and wisdom. She would be the kind of woman who could work alongside her chosen husband with little complaint or murmuring. On the rare occasions Abish had a chance to observe them, she could see that they said little, but seemed to communicate in a way that was beyond words: understanding one another soul to soul. As she watched Omner over the next months with his new bride, she knew that for all of Ammon’s friendship and their history together, he had never looked at her with such tenderness.
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Chapter 20: All His Kingdom
Abish and Zaria anxiously awaited the return of the men, though for different reasons. Zaria carried all the concern of a devoted wife for her husband’s safety; Abish was frustrated over the stagnation she already saw in the Church. The band of converts was trying, but Ammon had only left a small group of priesthood holders in his stead and the organization was tenuous at best. Word had been sent via messenger that Ammon’s brethren had indeed been saved, but they were weak and waiting to travel.
As they waited, an unexpected messenger from Queen Vitria came for Abish. The message summoned her far north, to the land of Nephi were Lamoni spent his childhood. Zaria’s sister-in-law had a baby due in a couple of months. Unlike her brothers, she did not inherit any land and so lived with her husband in her father’s palace. Before sending any reply, Abish sought Zaria’s advice and friendship.
The queen too was incredulous, “Falana is her only daughter. Lamoni has many brothers. I believe this daughter has always been special to Vitria and Lamoni-hah.”
Abish sighed. “It is a long journey. And who knows how long I’ll be there? Surely there must be a midwife in the Land of Nephi.”
The queen laughed, “But not one who has never lost a mother.”
Abish snorted at the ridiculous rumor, “I’ve lost mothers too. And babies.”
“Not many, friend. Sometimes people just need something to believe in.”
“But it isn’t real faith if the thing isn’t true.”
Zaria shrugged, “That might be the case, but a woman in labor will take even false hope if she finds something to hang on to.”
Abish fought the urge to sigh, “I will go.”
“It is probably best. Perhaps you will help to heal the rift I have caused between the house of Lamoni-hah and his son.”
“I think I’ll have better luck delivering a healthy baby!” She laughed.
Zaria laughed too and then suddenly grew somber. “There is one more thing I feel I must tell you so that you know what you are getting into.”
“Oh?”
“This is Falana’s fifth pregnancy, but she has no children. The first she lost after many months, the second was strangled by his cord, the third was a still born, and the fourth died of fever three days after birth.”
Abish felt the color drain from her face and legs weaken slightly. “No pressure.”
“You are the midwife to a queen. There will always be pressure.”
Her journey was uneventful, but her arrival at the palace was not comforting. While unbearable, Abish only had to endure Queen Vitria’s condescension and rudeness in small doses. The real problem was Falana. After just a few days, Abish feared that two more months of Falana’s near hysterics would put her over the edge. She could see that the only approach was to be completely in charge, so she organized Falana’s room and immediately put her on a soothing regimen of herbs. Drugging her mothers was not her favorite approach, but the princess’s stress would certainly bring her labor early, a thing that would likely spell disaster for mother and baby, and, Abish had to admit ruefully, herself.
Abish’s life was little better than a slave in the land of Nephi. She was not allowed to leave Falana’s side for more than a couple of hours at a time. The only other babies she delivered were of noble women who were brought to the palace. Abish missed working with the common women that had become such an integral part of the work she normally did. While she was better paid for her work in Nephi, she was dismayed to see how frequently the babies were passed off with disdain to nurses before mothers even held them.
The one redeeming bright spot in all these weeks, was that once Abish was able to soothe many of Falana’s fears, she could see that Lamoni’s sister actually wanted to have children. She had always enjoyed growing up with her many brothers and cousins and wanted the same for her children. As Abish came to know her, she saw that, like Lamoni, she was fair-minded and treated those around her with fairness. Abish learned that Falana was sorrowful over the recent estrangement between her father’s and Lamoni’s houses.
Then one day she learned something that gave her greater interest than anything that had happened so far in the Land of Nephi. One of Falana’s servants brought the breathless news. “Princess, some Nephites have come to the palace.”
Abish’s ears pricked almost immediately. Had Ammon and Lamoni finally made the journey? Falana replied, “Is my brother with them?”
She shook her head, “No ma’am. In fact, your father seemed displeased about that. And these Nephites are not the same as the one your father met.”
“There are more of them?”
Abish cleared her throat, “I believe, your highness, that some of these men may be the brothers of Ammon—the one your father met.”
The princess turned to Abish, “Do you know these men?”
“I have never met them. I only know what Ammon told me of them.”
The Princess nodded, “Then you must go and find out why they have come.”
Abish complied, knowing that she had really been given a directive. As awkward as she felt the task to be, she had to admit that she was very curious about them herself and that it would be a good diversion.
She made her way through the unfamiliar palace and was given passage into the King’s chamber where many were gathered. A tall man was standing near the center of the room, preaching. He didn’t look like Ammon: his hair was darker but his skin fairer. Still, there was something about the quality of his voice that was much like Ammon’s, though it didn’t carry such intensity. Like Ammon, the speaker was a very capable preacher. Her attention wandered to his companions. There was another that looked much like the man who was preaching, but with bluer eyes. There were other Nephites there, but she could detect no similarity. It seemed one of Ammon’s brothers, she had no idea which, had gone back to Ishmael with Ammon.
Her eyes wandered back to the speaker and she listened to him for several minutes. Could this be Aaron? He seemed older than the other brother and he certainly had a commanding presence. Aaron was the leader, Ammon had said. This man was handsome and tall and strong. And though he lacked Ammon’s inner fire, he certainly held the crowd captive with his words and gestures.
Suddenly, the King interrupted, proclaiming a desire to have a change of heart and pledging his entire earthly kingdom if only he could receive the joy his preacher had promised. As he explained to Lamoni-hah about prayer, a remarkable thought occurred to Abish. Hadn’t Vitria said that her husband had pledged half his kingdom to preserve his life? And now, here he was, pledging his whole kingdom if only salvation might be his.
The king knelt. Abish had seldom heard a thing as beautiful as King Lamoni-hah telling the Lord that he “would give away all his sins to know Him.” The sins of a Lamanite king were legion. Tears came to Abish’s eyes as she thought on her own sacrifices and trials in exchange for knowing God. She hoped Lamoni’s father would find what he was seeking, and that he indeed would know, in the end, it was worth it.
Just as his prayer ended, Lamoni-hah passed out, as completely as his son had done all those months before. As the court around her erupted in complete pandemonium, Abish stayed rooted to her spot, knowing only that Vitria would not take this state of affairs as well as Zaria had done.
Abish’s inaction only lasted until she saw several servants flee the room, undoubtedly they had gone to tell their queen of these strange events. Abish pushed her way through the crowd until she saw the brother who had not spoken off to one side. She approached him, “Are you the brother of Ammon?”
“I am Omner. And yes, Ammon is my brother.”
“I was a servant to Lamoni’s wife when this very thing happened to him.” She didn’t pause to see the recognition that flashed across his face. “The queen will not take this well. I would not be surprised if even at this moment she is sending someone to kill you.”
“We are here on the Lord’s errand. My brethren and I were sent to see this king at this time. He will protect us.”
Abish could see the familiar intensity burn in Omner’s eyes and nodded slowly, “I believe you; and I will add my prayers to yours.”
She turned away to fade into the crowd, “Abish!” He called back over the gathering din. She turned inquisitively. How had he known her name? “There is preaching in the Land of Middoni. We left two of our brethren there to organize the work.”
The words hardly registered, “Preaching? In Middoni?”
Omner nodded, happily. “Your father’s life was not in vain.”
“You know then?” Tears smarted in her eyes.
He nodded again, “We will talk when there is more time.”
“Indeed.”
She turned again and was called back one last time, “And Abish?”
“Yes?”
He smiled lightly, with an almost puzzled look around the corners of his eyes, “I expected somebody much older.”
She shrugged and smiled in return, “I am what I am.”
He bowed slightly toward her in a move that made her flush to the roots of her hair, “And this people will be eternally blessed for that.”
Gratefully, Abish was saved any reply because the melee erupted as Queen Vitria swept into the room with a contingent of guards. It was impossible for her to see what was happening with the pushing and the noise. Vitria had obviously given a command her men were reluctant to follow and there was much argument. It seemed they were afraid of the Nephites. Through the crowd, Abish caught a glimpse of the queen’s pale face; she too was afraid. What a contrast to Zaria’s fledgling faith! Vitria finally stopped issuing execution orders, but Abish could see that it was because of superstition, not belief, because she quickly began ordering men to leave the palace to find others to slay them: others who had not witnessed their power.
Abish wondered what would happen next, remembering that day at Lamoni’s palace that she helped orchestrate. It had ended well, but Abish could never forget how she felt when she thought her actions would turn the situation for the worse. She was in no hurry to find anyone to witness this scene.
And then, Aaron spoke in a voice so low Abish had to strain to hear. For a moment, he seemed to glow with some great inner fire and in that instant she saw Ammon’s exact expression run through his features. He stepped past the queen to her husband and stretched out a hand to him. The queen’s shock and horror was evident as Aaron murmured some words and raised her husband to his feet. And just like Lamoni had that day, the King began to preach words so wonderful Abish could hardly contain the song of joy in her heart. After what seemed like hours, she shook herself from her reverie and went to talk to the princess. Falana just might accept the gospel.
As they waited, an unexpected messenger from Queen Vitria came for Abish. The message summoned her far north, to the land of Nephi were Lamoni spent his childhood. Zaria’s sister-in-law had a baby due in a couple of months. Unlike her brothers, she did not inherit any land and so lived with her husband in her father’s palace. Before sending any reply, Abish sought Zaria’s advice and friendship.
The queen too was incredulous, “Falana is her only daughter. Lamoni has many brothers. I believe this daughter has always been special to Vitria and Lamoni-hah.”
Abish sighed. “It is a long journey. And who knows how long I’ll be there? Surely there must be a midwife in the Land of Nephi.”
The queen laughed, “But not one who has never lost a mother.”
Abish snorted at the ridiculous rumor, “I’ve lost mothers too. And babies.”
“Not many, friend. Sometimes people just need something to believe in.”
“But it isn’t real faith if the thing isn’t true.”
Zaria shrugged, “That might be the case, but a woman in labor will take even false hope if she finds something to hang on to.”
Abish fought the urge to sigh, “I will go.”
“It is probably best. Perhaps you will help to heal the rift I have caused between the house of Lamoni-hah and his son.”
“I think I’ll have better luck delivering a healthy baby!” She laughed.
Zaria laughed too and then suddenly grew somber. “There is one more thing I feel I must tell you so that you know what you are getting into.”
“Oh?”
“This is Falana’s fifth pregnancy, but she has no children. The first she lost after many months, the second was strangled by his cord, the third was a still born, and the fourth died of fever three days after birth.”
Abish felt the color drain from her face and legs weaken slightly. “No pressure.”
“You are the midwife to a queen. There will always be pressure.”
Her journey was uneventful, but her arrival at the palace was not comforting. While unbearable, Abish only had to endure Queen Vitria’s condescension and rudeness in small doses. The real problem was Falana. After just a few days, Abish feared that two more months of Falana’s near hysterics would put her over the edge. She could see that the only approach was to be completely in charge, so she organized Falana’s room and immediately put her on a soothing regimen of herbs. Drugging her mothers was not her favorite approach, but the princess’s stress would certainly bring her labor early, a thing that would likely spell disaster for mother and baby, and, Abish had to admit ruefully, herself.
Abish’s life was little better than a slave in the land of Nephi. She was not allowed to leave Falana’s side for more than a couple of hours at a time. The only other babies she delivered were of noble women who were brought to the palace. Abish missed working with the common women that had become such an integral part of the work she normally did. While she was better paid for her work in Nephi, she was dismayed to see how frequently the babies were passed off with disdain to nurses before mothers even held them.
The one redeeming bright spot in all these weeks, was that once Abish was able to soothe many of Falana’s fears, she could see that Lamoni’s sister actually wanted to have children. She had always enjoyed growing up with her many brothers and cousins and wanted the same for her children. As Abish came to know her, she saw that, like Lamoni, she was fair-minded and treated those around her with fairness. Abish learned that Falana was sorrowful over the recent estrangement between her father’s and Lamoni’s houses.
Then one day she learned something that gave her greater interest than anything that had happened so far in the Land of Nephi. One of Falana’s servants brought the breathless news. “Princess, some Nephites have come to the palace.”
Abish’s ears pricked almost immediately. Had Ammon and Lamoni finally made the journey? Falana replied, “Is my brother with them?”
She shook her head, “No ma’am. In fact, your father seemed displeased about that. And these Nephites are not the same as the one your father met.”
“There are more of them?”
Abish cleared her throat, “I believe, your highness, that some of these men may be the brothers of Ammon—the one your father met.”
The princess turned to Abish, “Do you know these men?”
“I have never met them. I only know what Ammon told me of them.”
The Princess nodded, “Then you must go and find out why they have come.”
Abish complied, knowing that she had really been given a directive. As awkward as she felt the task to be, she had to admit that she was very curious about them herself and that it would be a good diversion.
She made her way through the unfamiliar palace and was given passage into the King’s chamber where many were gathered. A tall man was standing near the center of the room, preaching. He didn’t look like Ammon: his hair was darker but his skin fairer. Still, there was something about the quality of his voice that was much like Ammon’s, though it didn’t carry such intensity. Like Ammon, the speaker was a very capable preacher. Her attention wandered to his companions. There was another that looked much like the man who was preaching, but with bluer eyes. There were other Nephites there, but she could detect no similarity. It seemed one of Ammon’s brothers, she had no idea which, had gone back to Ishmael with Ammon.
Her eyes wandered back to the speaker and she listened to him for several minutes. Could this be Aaron? He seemed older than the other brother and he certainly had a commanding presence. Aaron was the leader, Ammon had said. This man was handsome and tall and strong. And though he lacked Ammon’s inner fire, he certainly held the crowd captive with his words and gestures.
Suddenly, the King interrupted, proclaiming a desire to have a change of heart and pledging his entire earthly kingdom if only he could receive the joy his preacher had promised. As he explained to Lamoni-hah about prayer, a remarkable thought occurred to Abish. Hadn’t Vitria said that her husband had pledged half his kingdom to preserve his life? And now, here he was, pledging his whole kingdom if only salvation might be his.
The king knelt. Abish had seldom heard a thing as beautiful as King Lamoni-hah telling the Lord that he “would give away all his sins to know Him.” The sins of a Lamanite king were legion. Tears came to Abish’s eyes as she thought on her own sacrifices and trials in exchange for knowing God. She hoped Lamoni’s father would find what he was seeking, and that he indeed would know, in the end, it was worth it.
Just as his prayer ended, Lamoni-hah passed out, as completely as his son had done all those months before. As the court around her erupted in complete pandemonium, Abish stayed rooted to her spot, knowing only that Vitria would not take this state of affairs as well as Zaria had done.
Abish’s inaction only lasted until she saw several servants flee the room, undoubtedly they had gone to tell their queen of these strange events. Abish pushed her way through the crowd until she saw the brother who had not spoken off to one side. She approached him, “Are you the brother of Ammon?”
“I am Omner. And yes, Ammon is my brother.”
“I was a servant to Lamoni’s wife when this very thing happened to him.” She didn’t pause to see the recognition that flashed across his face. “The queen will not take this well. I would not be surprised if even at this moment she is sending someone to kill you.”
“We are here on the Lord’s errand. My brethren and I were sent to see this king at this time. He will protect us.”
Abish could see the familiar intensity burn in Omner’s eyes and nodded slowly, “I believe you; and I will add my prayers to yours.”
She turned away to fade into the crowd, “Abish!” He called back over the gathering din. She turned inquisitively. How had he known her name? “There is preaching in the Land of Middoni. We left two of our brethren there to organize the work.”
The words hardly registered, “Preaching? In Middoni?”
Omner nodded, happily. “Your father’s life was not in vain.”
“You know then?” Tears smarted in her eyes.
He nodded again, “We will talk when there is more time.”
“Indeed.”
She turned again and was called back one last time, “And Abish?”
“Yes?”
He smiled lightly, with an almost puzzled look around the corners of his eyes, “I expected somebody much older.”
She shrugged and smiled in return, “I am what I am.”
He bowed slightly toward her in a move that made her flush to the roots of her hair, “And this people will be eternally blessed for that.”
Gratefully, Abish was saved any reply because the melee erupted as Queen Vitria swept into the room with a contingent of guards. It was impossible for her to see what was happening with the pushing and the noise. Vitria had obviously given a command her men were reluctant to follow and there was much argument. It seemed they were afraid of the Nephites. Through the crowd, Abish caught a glimpse of the queen’s pale face; she too was afraid. What a contrast to Zaria’s fledgling faith! Vitria finally stopped issuing execution orders, but Abish could see that it was because of superstition, not belief, because she quickly began ordering men to leave the palace to find others to slay them: others who had not witnessed their power.
Abish wondered what would happen next, remembering that day at Lamoni’s palace that she helped orchestrate. It had ended well, but Abish could never forget how she felt when she thought her actions would turn the situation for the worse. She was in no hurry to find anyone to witness this scene.
And then, Aaron spoke in a voice so low Abish had to strain to hear. For a moment, he seemed to glow with some great inner fire and in that instant she saw Ammon’s exact expression run through his features. He stepped past the queen to her husband and stretched out a hand to him. The queen’s shock and horror was evident as Aaron murmured some words and raised her husband to his feet. And just like Lamoni had that day, the King began to preach words so wonderful Abish could hardly contain the song of joy in her heart. After what seemed like hours, she shook herself from her reverie and went to talk to the princess. Falana just might accept the gospel.
Saturday, April 4, 2009
Chapter 19: Prisoners
I wasn't quite dawn when Himni rose from his knees, several yards from where the others slept. He had fallen asleep quickly the night before, but woke up well before the sun came up. The hot, inky night had driven him from his slumber, and while he knew it wasn’t safe he had wanted desperately to be alone—to offer up a sincere, verbal prayer to his Heavenly Father. He had been on his knees a long time, though his remaining companions were not awake yet.
He stared across the plain, watching the sun rise and remembering that terrible day three weeks ago when the young boy had come running to warn them. He was so out of breath he could hardly speak. Himni had never seen the child before and did not understand how the boy knew them, or how he had happened to see the others arrested. Nobody else knew either. His appearance was a miracle, though little else had gone right since fleeing the city.
Then, finally, yesterday, King Antiomno had granted them an audience. It was agreed ahead of time that Omner would speak, but when it came time to bow before the king no words came. Fearful of losing their opportunity, Himni had stepped forward. As he stepped from behind his brother, he knew what had shocked Omner into speechlessness. King Antiomno was wearing a long necklace of what appeared to be human teeth. His chin was painted in a complicated pattern of swirls. The priests behind him were wearing headdresses made of a single row of black feathers, but the king’s head covering was elaborate and colorful. Himni had plunged ahead anyway.
To Himni’s surprise they were actually allowed to see their brothers while the king himself followed them to the dungeon. Himni shuddered involuntarily at the recent memory of the four missionaries. Their naked skin was dotted with recent and old bruises piled layer upon layer in a sickening sea of green and brown and purple. Aaron was still lucid, but the other three didn’t appear to be. They had obviously been given very little to eat, if anything. Willing himself to be tough in front of the king, Himni fought to keep the tears from spilling down his cheeks. After speaking to Aaron for just a moment, Antiomno had interrupted them.
He put his scepter under Omner’s chin and eyed him carefully. “You look like the tall one.”
Omner finally found his voice, “He’s my brother.”
The king cackled heartily, “Now isn’t that sweet. You have come to save your brother but when you see the heathen king you are too frightened to even beg for his life.” His cruel laughter reverberated the dungeon and Himni’s skin had gone cold with fear.
Finally recovering himself, the king had said, “It was my intention to throw you in with them. But now, I think, I have a better idea. You tell this white god of yours that nothing short of a miracle will save these men. It would take an order from King Lamoni-hah himself to release them, or plagues or locusts or hail or whatever your god sees fit to do. You go back to the woods and call on your god to make me release these men, or in a week’s time, they will be dragged to the top of my temple and sacrificed to the gods of the Lamanites while my people cheer. On that day you will know the real power of Heaven.”
Himni’s head hung low in the early morning light. After those terrible words, the king’s laughing expression dropped and was replaced with one of pure evil. Then, using his scepter, he had unexpectedly clubbed them both on the right side of the head, near the eye. The brothers hardly had time to react before they realized they were both dripping with blood. “Such a wound takes about a week to heal. If your brothers have not joined you by that time, then they won’t. Let’s call that the seal on the contract between your tiny god and the multitude of deities that fill my sky.” His laughter had followed them all the way out of the dungeon.
They had been escorted from the city. Now, less than a day later, Himni got to his knees again, praying for a miracle. After several minutes in this attitude the thought came to him that Ammon would somehow help them. Such a thing seemed nearly impossible, but Ammon had gotten Himni out of more than one seemingly impossible situation.
One of these times came vividly to his mind. When he was just seven, and Ammon was many years older, Himni was out in the fields, helping some of the workers harvest potatoes. There was an old well on the edge of the field that he and his brothers had been warned many times about, but curiosity got the better of him. He was seldom without his brothers and he took advantage of the opportunity to not be bossed by them. He had left his work and gone exploring. It was only after her fell into the well that he understood their words of warning. Panic set in almost immediately, though he tried very hard to keep his wits.
His brothers had taught him how to swim, so he treaded water for a long time, while alternating trying to cling to the slippery, rocky side. He called for help until he was so hoarse that even his tears were silent. His legs grew numb and he was sure that he would die. And then he heard Ammon’s voice. Later, Ammon would tell him that they were in the middle of their lessons that afternoon when suddenly he just knew his brother was in danger. He had unceremoniously left his studies and run to the old well. Mosiah had held his youngest son tightly that night; there was no punishment, obviously Himni had been punished enough by the fear attached to his disobedience. In his whole childhood, he remembered that as being the one day that Ammon and his father had gotten along.
There had been other times too, perhaps not so dramatic, but Ammon seemed to sense when Himni needed something. So, as Himni knelt, instead of just praying for a miracle, he prayed that wherever Ammon was and whatever he was doing, he would somehow know that Himni was in trouble and come to save them. Somehow.
Even with their letter from Lamoni’s father, Ammon’s anxiety increased hourly as they approached Middoni. He knew the men were exhausted. Since meeting the great king, Lamoni had insisted they not stop. They had traveled nearly all night, stopping just long enough to eat and rest their pack animals. Tempers were short, but Ammon ignored it. As long as Lamoni would push on ahead, Ammon did not disagree. Arriving even a few hours earlier might mean the difference between life and death for his brothers.
As they approached the city, Ammon could see that Abish had indeed been correct about the feast day’s approach. The road was crowded, and although safe passage was made for Lamoni, going was slow. On their fourth day of travel, they arrived at the city gates just before sundown. Lamoni hesitated.
“What’s wrong?” Ammon fought his impatience.
“I know what we need to do, friend, but there is some protocol that must be followed.” His diplomatic words soothed Ammon’s restlessness slightly and he continued. “Middoni is a well-protected city, as are all the cities at the north end of the Lamanite lands. This gate will be closed by sundown, allowing no exit or entrance until tomorrow morning. Our coming here tonight violates that security. Besides, the king is likely at or preparing for his evening meal. The interruption is unconventional.”
“So we camp.” Ammon tried very hard to not sound impatient, but he was certain that Lamoni knew him too well not see right through the façade.
“On the other hand, their feasting begins tomorrow at noon and Antiomno will not want the week’s festivities interrupted for any reason.”
“What is to be done?”
Ammon’s desperation made revelation impossible. Now, so close to their objective, he was at a total loss for how to proceed. There was a long pause. “We should wait,” Lamoni determined with an air of finality.
Ammon was less disappointed than he expected those words to make him feel. He had faith in Lamoni’s judgment, and he was grateful that someone else made the decision. He nodded slowly. “It is well. If we are rested our arguments will be more convincing.”
Just after dawn they entered the city gates and rode through a marketplace already becoming overcrowded. Unlike Ishmael, in Middoni everything was centrally located. The entire populace that Antiomno ruled was inside the walls. The congestion heightened with the many visitors streaming through the gates. Even though it was barely light, vendors were already busy selling a variety of foods and goods. Ammon knew he was very conspicuous at the king’s side and was unsure how to avoid eye contact—should he hold his head high and risk appearing haughty, or should he look down, as if he was Lamoni’s slave or prisoner? He opted for neither, keeping his eyes straight ahead, reminding himself that he too was a king’s son.
King Antiomno’s anger was evident, but Ammon sensed another emotion playing beneath his hard and impassive face. He was afraid. Deeply afraid. Ammon could see that he clenched his teeth, but whether it was fury over King Lamoni-hah’s royal decree read in front of him or because he was trying to keep his chin from quivering, Ammon wasn’t sure. He couldn’t explain it and wouldn’t press his luck with this man by pursuing the matter, but somehow in their coming he had seen the hand of God. And it terrified him.
The prisoners were ordered to come. Although he had separated from eight men all those months before, only four were brought. Ammon’s heart broke when he saw their condition. Their wrists and ankles were rubbed raw where they had obviously been tied. Their naked skins were tattooed with layer after layer of bruises. Aaron, the strongest of his brothers, was emaciated. His bones stuck out in sharp relief and he was the only one of the quartet able to stand on his own. But Ammon’s terror became so sharp he could almost taste it when he scanned and identified their faces. Ammon walked to Aaron and looked into his sad green eyes. “Are Omner and Himni dead, then?” The tears threatened to spill as he said the words aloud.
Weakly, Aaron shook his head. “They were never captured. I think they are in hiding in the jungle.”
Before Ammon could say anything else, Antiomno spoke, “The others you speak of sought audience with these men a week ago. They weren’t harmed and were given safe passage out of the city.”
Ammon bit off a sarcastic reply. He was quite certain the visit wasn’t as amiable as Antiomno would want them to believe. Ammon just kept his eyes on his brother’s and nodded, “We will find them.”
Aaron nodded too; the relief was so evident on his face that Ammon’s tears could not be stopped from spilling down his cheeks. Lamoni was businesslike as he arranged transport for the wounded men out of the city. Antiomno gave a display of hospitality by inviting them to stay in the palace. Lamoni was equally diplomatic in his refusal saying, “No, cousin, we have no wish to interrupt your feast day. Undoubtedly you have many important people staying with you: our business is to move on.”
“There are indeed many here this week. This is the most important of our festivals to honor the rain god. But then, I have heard strange rumors that those in the Land of Ishmael have stopped paying homage to the old gods.”
Lamoni paused and Ammon could see him weigh the words carefully. “It is true that many in our region have begun rethinking what they have always claimed to know about the gods.”
Seeing that he could not bait Lamoni, the king said no more. Still, as was proper, he walked Lamoni and his party to the front of his house. Just before they parted, Ammon stopped and said, “King Antiomno?” He bowed low as he said it, his heart in his throat but knowing the Lord had given him the words to say.
The King narrowed his eyes at being addressed by the Nephite, but he nodded his head for him to proceed anyway. “Thank you for the release of my brethren. For the kindness you have shown this day, God has in turn shown me how this people might receive their rain.”
Ammon met his hard gaze without flinching and could read the thinly veiled curiosity just under the surface. “And how is that, Nephite?”
Ammon smiled so slightly, “Several years ago this very week, a holy man was killed on your sacrifice day for his testimony of the living God. His death was meant to appease your rain deity who then sent no significant rain to replenish your barren land. Middoni has been under condemnation all these years for his death, and for the deaths of others in like manner. If you will announce to your people this day that there will be no sacrifice; that the Nephites you captured have been given their freedom as well as all the other victims, then the only true God with any power in the universe will send you the rain your people desperately need.”
The color had drained from Antiomno’s face and his eyes grew wide. Ammon felt the power of the Lord move through his entire body as he made his prophecy. Ammon lowered his voice, “The feeling in your heart tells you I have spoken truly. You are a great king—a man who can destroy life at whim. But if you will follow the counsel of the Lord’s servant this day and risk the displeasure of your priests, then you will do the first brave thing you have ever done in your life. Today your courage could save your nation.”
Antiomno blinked and the direct gaze he’d held Ammon locked in for several moments was broken. He shook his head and staggered back from Ammon, the color returning slightly to his face, “Get out of my house.” He said with a low growl.
Ammon bowed low, “As your majesty wishes.”
Little was said until the group was well outside the city gates. A camp was made in the jungle and scouts were sent to locate the others. Their camp was not makeshift; it would be some time before Aaron, Muloki, Ammah and Shem were well enough to travel. Lamoni ordered them to build it on the highest ground they could find. Ammon looked at him sideways as he gave the orders. When they were alone, Ammon said, “I like your faith, friend. We will be drier on high ground if the rain does indeed come.”
Lamoni smiled. “Antiomno was angry, but he didn’t kill you on the spot. He knows that only God could have delivered those men from prison today. He has a few hours to mull over the most important decision of his life. I think he will make the right choice.”
Ammon smiled at this man who had become dearer to him than any save his brothers in the past six months. “I hope so. It would be a great boon to the missionary work in this city.”
There was silence for a moment. Limhi said, “Did the Lord tell you about the holy man that was killed here? Antiomno seemed to know of what you were speaking.”
Ammon shook his head. “The Lord didn’t tell me. Abish did.”
“Abish? The midwife?”
He nodded. “The holy man killed was her father. He hadn’t been dead a month when she found herself a slave in your household.”
“All these years, and I had no idea.”
Ammon clapped him on the back. “Even in suffering there is purpose. Before he was killed he taught her the gospel. She never forgot him or his message, and she has kept the faith close to her heart. It is her prayers that led me to your household; her friendship with Zaria that caused your wife to listen instead of having me killed when you were finding your way through the veil of unbelief; and it was information she gave me that prepared me to defend your sheep.” Lamoni looked in astonishment at Ammon’s grin. “In all the years I guarded my father’s flocks I never took a large and newly sharpened sword with me to do so. The Lord gave me strength that day, but his handmaiden gave me a tip.”
Lamoni laughed heartily. “I like you more all the time, Ammon. I can hardly wait to meet the rest of your family.”
“Me too, brother, me too.”
Omner, Himni and the others were found just later that day. Himni looked directly at Ammon and smiled one of his rare smiles. “We stayed close to the city; I knew we would see you today. You have always been there when I needed help the most.”
“We were almost too late,” Ammon said soberly as he hugged his younger brother.
“But you weren’t.”
That very night, storm clouds rolled in and the heavens poured. The parched earth soaked it up as a sponge. Muddy water ran in rivulets all around their tents. Only Himni did not sleep soundly in the wonderfully cool evening. He stood out in the rain, allowing it to wash over him in great torrents. He laughed for joy at being reunited with his brothers, and for a city that was ripe for conversion.
He stared across the plain, watching the sun rise and remembering that terrible day three weeks ago when the young boy had come running to warn them. He was so out of breath he could hardly speak. Himni had never seen the child before and did not understand how the boy knew them, or how he had happened to see the others arrested. Nobody else knew either. His appearance was a miracle, though little else had gone right since fleeing the city.
Then, finally, yesterday, King Antiomno had granted them an audience. It was agreed ahead of time that Omner would speak, but when it came time to bow before the king no words came. Fearful of losing their opportunity, Himni had stepped forward. As he stepped from behind his brother, he knew what had shocked Omner into speechlessness. King Antiomno was wearing a long necklace of what appeared to be human teeth. His chin was painted in a complicated pattern of swirls. The priests behind him were wearing headdresses made of a single row of black feathers, but the king’s head covering was elaborate and colorful. Himni had plunged ahead anyway.
To Himni’s surprise they were actually allowed to see their brothers while the king himself followed them to the dungeon. Himni shuddered involuntarily at the recent memory of the four missionaries. Their naked skin was dotted with recent and old bruises piled layer upon layer in a sickening sea of green and brown and purple. Aaron was still lucid, but the other three didn’t appear to be. They had obviously been given very little to eat, if anything. Willing himself to be tough in front of the king, Himni fought to keep the tears from spilling down his cheeks. After speaking to Aaron for just a moment, Antiomno had interrupted them.
He put his scepter under Omner’s chin and eyed him carefully. “You look like the tall one.”
Omner finally found his voice, “He’s my brother.”
The king cackled heartily, “Now isn’t that sweet. You have come to save your brother but when you see the heathen king you are too frightened to even beg for his life.” His cruel laughter reverberated the dungeon and Himni’s skin had gone cold with fear.
Finally recovering himself, the king had said, “It was my intention to throw you in with them. But now, I think, I have a better idea. You tell this white god of yours that nothing short of a miracle will save these men. It would take an order from King Lamoni-hah himself to release them, or plagues or locusts or hail or whatever your god sees fit to do. You go back to the woods and call on your god to make me release these men, or in a week’s time, they will be dragged to the top of my temple and sacrificed to the gods of the Lamanites while my people cheer. On that day you will know the real power of Heaven.”
Himni’s head hung low in the early morning light. After those terrible words, the king’s laughing expression dropped and was replaced with one of pure evil. Then, using his scepter, he had unexpectedly clubbed them both on the right side of the head, near the eye. The brothers hardly had time to react before they realized they were both dripping with blood. “Such a wound takes about a week to heal. If your brothers have not joined you by that time, then they won’t. Let’s call that the seal on the contract between your tiny god and the multitude of deities that fill my sky.” His laughter had followed them all the way out of the dungeon.
They had been escorted from the city. Now, less than a day later, Himni got to his knees again, praying for a miracle. After several minutes in this attitude the thought came to him that Ammon would somehow help them. Such a thing seemed nearly impossible, but Ammon had gotten Himni out of more than one seemingly impossible situation.
One of these times came vividly to his mind. When he was just seven, and Ammon was many years older, Himni was out in the fields, helping some of the workers harvest potatoes. There was an old well on the edge of the field that he and his brothers had been warned many times about, but curiosity got the better of him. He was seldom without his brothers and he took advantage of the opportunity to not be bossed by them. He had left his work and gone exploring. It was only after her fell into the well that he understood their words of warning. Panic set in almost immediately, though he tried very hard to keep his wits.
His brothers had taught him how to swim, so he treaded water for a long time, while alternating trying to cling to the slippery, rocky side. He called for help until he was so hoarse that even his tears were silent. His legs grew numb and he was sure that he would die. And then he heard Ammon’s voice. Later, Ammon would tell him that they were in the middle of their lessons that afternoon when suddenly he just knew his brother was in danger. He had unceremoniously left his studies and run to the old well. Mosiah had held his youngest son tightly that night; there was no punishment, obviously Himni had been punished enough by the fear attached to his disobedience. In his whole childhood, he remembered that as being the one day that Ammon and his father had gotten along.
There had been other times too, perhaps not so dramatic, but Ammon seemed to sense when Himni needed something. So, as Himni knelt, instead of just praying for a miracle, he prayed that wherever Ammon was and whatever he was doing, he would somehow know that Himni was in trouble and come to save them. Somehow.
Even with their letter from Lamoni’s father, Ammon’s anxiety increased hourly as they approached Middoni. He knew the men were exhausted. Since meeting the great king, Lamoni had insisted they not stop. They had traveled nearly all night, stopping just long enough to eat and rest their pack animals. Tempers were short, but Ammon ignored it. As long as Lamoni would push on ahead, Ammon did not disagree. Arriving even a few hours earlier might mean the difference between life and death for his brothers.
As they approached the city, Ammon could see that Abish had indeed been correct about the feast day’s approach. The road was crowded, and although safe passage was made for Lamoni, going was slow. On their fourth day of travel, they arrived at the city gates just before sundown. Lamoni hesitated.
“What’s wrong?” Ammon fought his impatience.
“I know what we need to do, friend, but there is some protocol that must be followed.” His diplomatic words soothed Ammon’s restlessness slightly and he continued. “Middoni is a well-protected city, as are all the cities at the north end of the Lamanite lands. This gate will be closed by sundown, allowing no exit or entrance until tomorrow morning. Our coming here tonight violates that security. Besides, the king is likely at or preparing for his evening meal. The interruption is unconventional.”
“So we camp.” Ammon tried very hard to not sound impatient, but he was certain that Lamoni knew him too well not see right through the façade.
“On the other hand, their feasting begins tomorrow at noon and Antiomno will not want the week’s festivities interrupted for any reason.”
“What is to be done?”
Ammon’s desperation made revelation impossible. Now, so close to their objective, he was at a total loss for how to proceed. There was a long pause. “We should wait,” Lamoni determined with an air of finality.
Ammon was less disappointed than he expected those words to make him feel. He had faith in Lamoni’s judgment, and he was grateful that someone else made the decision. He nodded slowly. “It is well. If we are rested our arguments will be more convincing.”
Just after dawn they entered the city gates and rode through a marketplace already becoming overcrowded. Unlike Ishmael, in Middoni everything was centrally located. The entire populace that Antiomno ruled was inside the walls. The congestion heightened with the many visitors streaming through the gates. Even though it was barely light, vendors were already busy selling a variety of foods and goods. Ammon knew he was very conspicuous at the king’s side and was unsure how to avoid eye contact—should he hold his head high and risk appearing haughty, or should he look down, as if he was Lamoni’s slave or prisoner? He opted for neither, keeping his eyes straight ahead, reminding himself that he too was a king’s son.
King Antiomno’s anger was evident, but Ammon sensed another emotion playing beneath his hard and impassive face. He was afraid. Deeply afraid. Ammon could see that he clenched his teeth, but whether it was fury over King Lamoni-hah’s royal decree read in front of him or because he was trying to keep his chin from quivering, Ammon wasn’t sure. He couldn’t explain it and wouldn’t press his luck with this man by pursuing the matter, but somehow in their coming he had seen the hand of God. And it terrified him.
The prisoners were ordered to come. Although he had separated from eight men all those months before, only four were brought. Ammon’s heart broke when he saw their condition. Their wrists and ankles were rubbed raw where they had obviously been tied. Their naked skins were tattooed with layer after layer of bruises. Aaron, the strongest of his brothers, was emaciated. His bones stuck out in sharp relief and he was the only one of the quartet able to stand on his own. But Ammon’s terror became so sharp he could almost taste it when he scanned and identified their faces. Ammon walked to Aaron and looked into his sad green eyes. “Are Omner and Himni dead, then?” The tears threatened to spill as he said the words aloud.
Weakly, Aaron shook his head. “They were never captured. I think they are in hiding in the jungle.”
Before Ammon could say anything else, Antiomno spoke, “The others you speak of sought audience with these men a week ago. They weren’t harmed and were given safe passage out of the city.”
Ammon bit off a sarcastic reply. He was quite certain the visit wasn’t as amiable as Antiomno would want them to believe. Ammon just kept his eyes on his brother’s and nodded, “We will find them.”
Aaron nodded too; the relief was so evident on his face that Ammon’s tears could not be stopped from spilling down his cheeks. Lamoni was businesslike as he arranged transport for the wounded men out of the city. Antiomno gave a display of hospitality by inviting them to stay in the palace. Lamoni was equally diplomatic in his refusal saying, “No, cousin, we have no wish to interrupt your feast day. Undoubtedly you have many important people staying with you: our business is to move on.”
“There are indeed many here this week. This is the most important of our festivals to honor the rain god. But then, I have heard strange rumors that those in the Land of Ishmael have stopped paying homage to the old gods.”
Lamoni paused and Ammon could see him weigh the words carefully. “It is true that many in our region have begun rethinking what they have always claimed to know about the gods.”
Seeing that he could not bait Lamoni, the king said no more. Still, as was proper, he walked Lamoni and his party to the front of his house. Just before they parted, Ammon stopped and said, “King Antiomno?” He bowed low as he said it, his heart in his throat but knowing the Lord had given him the words to say.
The King narrowed his eyes at being addressed by the Nephite, but he nodded his head for him to proceed anyway. “Thank you for the release of my brethren. For the kindness you have shown this day, God has in turn shown me how this people might receive their rain.”
Ammon met his hard gaze without flinching and could read the thinly veiled curiosity just under the surface. “And how is that, Nephite?”
Ammon smiled so slightly, “Several years ago this very week, a holy man was killed on your sacrifice day for his testimony of the living God. His death was meant to appease your rain deity who then sent no significant rain to replenish your barren land. Middoni has been under condemnation all these years for his death, and for the deaths of others in like manner. If you will announce to your people this day that there will be no sacrifice; that the Nephites you captured have been given their freedom as well as all the other victims, then the only true God with any power in the universe will send you the rain your people desperately need.”
The color had drained from Antiomno’s face and his eyes grew wide. Ammon felt the power of the Lord move through his entire body as he made his prophecy. Ammon lowered his voice, “The feeling in your heart tells you I have spoken truly. You are a great king—a man who can destroy life at whim. But if you will follow the counsel of the Lord’s servant this day and risk the displeasure of your priests, then you will do the first brave thing you have ever done in your life. Today your courage could save your nation.”
Antiomno blinked and the direct gaze he’d held Ammon locked in for several moments was broken. He shook his head and staggered back from Ammon, the color returning slightly to his face, “Get out of my house.” He said with a low growl.
Ammon bowed low, “As your majesty wishes.”
Little was said until the group was well outside the city gates. A camp was made in the jungle and scouts were sent to locate the others. Their camp was not makeshift; it would be some time before Aaron, Muloki, Ammah and Shem were well enough to travel. Lamoni ordered them to build it on the highest ground they could find. Ammon looked at him sideways as he gave the orders. When they were alone, Ammon said, “I like your faith, friend. We will be drier on high ground if the rain does indeed come.”
Lamoni smiled. “Antiomno was angry, but he didn’t kill you on the spot. He knows that only God could have delivered those men from prison today. He has a few hours to mull over the most important decision of his life. I think he will make the right choice.”
Ammon smiled at this man who had become dearer to him than any save his brothers in the past six months. “I hope so. It would be a great boon to the missionary work in this city.”
There was silence for a moment. Limhi said, “Did the Lord tell you about the holy man that was killed here? Antiomno seemed to know of what you were speaking.”
Ammon shook his head. “The Lord didn’t tell me. Abish did.”
“Abish? The midwife?”
He nodded. “The holy man killed was her father. He hadn’t been dead a month when she found herself a slave in your household.”
“All these years, and I had no idea.”
Ammon clapped him on the back. “Even in suffering there is purpose. Before he was killed he taught her the gospel. She never forgot him or his message, and she has kept the faith close to her heart. It is her prayers that led me to your household; her friendship with Zaria that caused your wife to listen instead of having me killed when you were finding your way through the veil of unbelief; and it was information she gave me that prepared me to defend your sheep.” Lamoni looked in astonishment at Ammon’s grin. “In all the years I guarded my father’s flocks I never took a large and newly sharpened sword with me to do so. The Lord gave me strength that day, but his handmaiden gave me a tip.”
Lamoni laughed heartily. “I like you more all the time, Ammon. I can hardly wait to meet the rest of your family.”
“Me too, brother, me too.”
Omner, Himni and the others were found just later that day. Himni looked directly at Ammon and smiled one of his rare smiles. “We stayed close to the city; I knew we would see you today. You have always been there when I needed help the most.”
“We were almost too late,” Ammon said soberly as he hugged his younger brother.
“But you weren’t.”
That very night, storm clouds rolled in and the heavens poured. The parched earth soaked it up as a sponge. Muddy water ran in rivulets all around their tents. Only Himni did not sleep soundly in the wonderfully cool evening. He stood out in the rain, allowing it to wash over him in great torrents. He laughed for joy at being reunited with his brothers, and for a city that was ripe for conversion.
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Chapter 18--Half His Kingdom
The first few days were awful, but their lives quickly settled into a routine. The queen certainly missed her husband, but she was so busy with the added responsibility of running the city in Lamoni’s absence that she had little time to regret. Abish was equally busy, though with very different tasks. She was now delivering babies all throughout the land of Ishmael and was often away for several days at a time.
Near the end of their third week away, the queen received an unexpected visitor that sent the entire palace into an uproar of preparation-making. Lamoni’s mother herself came for a visit. Queen Vitria was a formidable presence for even a lady as gracious as Zaria.
“I am so glad to see you!” The queen exclaimed when she saw Abish return one afternoon after four days away.
“I heard that you have an important visitor.”
“Yes, and it worries me. The only times I’ve spoken to her without Lamoni present have not gone well. She would only come if there was something very serious on her mind. She doesn’t waste time on frivolities.”
“Maybe she just wants to see the baby.” Abish speculated.
“I think the baby visit is a cover. I think she has learned all that has happened here.”
“Then she is probably livid over Lamoni’s absence.”
“You know, that is the strangest part. I thought she would be. But she seemed to expect it, almost like she knew he wasn’t here.”
“Have you spoken with her yet?”
“Only formally. She just arrived the day before yesterday, but she has requested a meeting with me later today.”
“How can I help?”
“Will you stay with me?”
“Won’t that seem strange, for her to request a private meeting with you, but then you invite me to join you? A stranger for Queen Vitria to meet?” The queen’s cheeks flushed a bright red and she and opened her mouth to speak but no words came. In that moment Abish understood. Her own cheeks grew hot too, but with something more like anger than embarrassment. She kept her voice low, willing herself to be patient until she understood. “I see. You aren’t inviting me to join you; you are inviting me to stand in the corner, mute, as a slave.” Instinctively, Abish fingered her mutilated earlobe. The mark was still painfully obvious to even a casual observer.
“Please hear me out.”
“I’m listening.” Abish sat back in her chair, arms folded.
“She will expect me to have slaves and servants around. If she is carrying a message back to her husband, it may be better for her to see that things are pretty much the same here, at least until Lamoni returns. Besides, then you will hear everything that goes on and you and I can talk about it later. I won’t ask you to do anything for us.”
“You won’t, but she might.”
“Probably not, that would be very irregular.”
Abish chafed under the request, not that it was a difficult thing to do, but only because she hated being treated as a slave again, even in appearance, simply because it was convenient. She remembered telling Lamoni that she would help take care of his wife. She really had asked so little from her in recent months, and Abish did live in their home. The arguments for and against ran through her head and she sighed, “I will do it, but only because you are my friend and I think it will help you.”
The queen’s face relaxed and she smiled, “I am so sorry to ask you to do it, but I think it will be for the best.”
For whom? Abish couldn’t help but think bitterly, but she kept her mouth shut and nodded. She traded her outfit that afternoon for a simpler one and helped the queen dress her hair. Abish chided herself for being so foolish as she helped the queen. This was a task she had always enjoyed before, so she tried to convince herself that she was just helping a friend get ready for an important day instead of only being there because she had no other choice. It almost worked.
Queen Vitria was prompt. She entered the room with a slave of her own and Abish kept her eyes averted, remembering the proper behavior for a slave as she saw the subdued manner that the other woman held her head. Abish and the other woman stood on opposite sides of the room, ready if called, but shadows otherwise.
“We missed you at the celebration months back.”
“We were sorry not to attend; I was very ill after the baby was born.”
The queen’s eyes were sharp as they regarded her daughter-in-law. “Surely Lamoni could have had no part in dealings with women; he could have come alone.”
“Lamoni was loathe to leave me; for a time my midwife feared that I would die.”
“It is a poor midwife who brings a woman and child through delivery only to nearly lose them in the days after.” Abish’s face burned with anger, but she held her tongue.
Zaria’s voice turned slightly cold, “My midwife is the best of women. She seldom loses a mother or a baby, even in the most difficult circumstances. Because of her, Sariah and I both lived.”
The queen’s eyes narrowed, “Yes, I have heard legend of the child-midwife who delivers babies in this quarter of the land of Ishmael.” Abish almost bit her tongue to keep from gasping. How far had her overblown reputation spread?
There was more silence. The queen prompted quietly, “But I know, Mother, that you did not come all this way to discuss my midwife.”
“Indeed I did not. There is something much more pressing on my mind.” The queen raised her eyebrows ever so slightly, encouraging her mother-in-law to continue. “For a few months now, ever since our celebration, Lamoni’s father has heard alarming reports coming from this land, causing him to believe there was more to Lamoni’s absence than just a sick wife. In fact, these reports were so alarming and so patently out of character for our son, that my husband decided a few weeks ago that he would journey to this city in an attempt to discover the source of these rumors.”
“We were never privileged to receive this visit.”
“No you were not. My husband met Lamoni and a very unlikely companion when he was a just a few days on the road.” She snapped.
“You must mean Ammon.” Abish could tell by her tone that her friend was fighting to keep her composure and dignity, and while her voice did not shake, she kept her hands clasped tightly in her lap.
“Is this what your Nephite calls himself?” The queen was haughty.
“Ammon is a Nephite.”
“My husband has given me some of the details from their chance meeting on the road. I was first surprised to learn that they were headed to Middoni, and not to see Lamoni’s father, as should have been proper.”
“They had actually planned on meeting with His Majesty, and were making plans for such a visit when urgent business called them to Middoni.”
“Yes, I heard of this ‘urgent’ business. Apparently there are more of these Nephites who have been imprisoned by Antiomno.”
“Yes.”
“And the Nephite knows this because his god told him?” The haughtiness of her tone had been steadily increasing.
Abish was proud of the way Zaria held her head high and replied, “Yes, your majesty, that is how Ammon knows.”
She narrowed her eyes. “Indeed.” There was a pause. “Well, if by some means of stealth or deception he has learned this information, Antiomno has made the right choice by putting our enemies in prison.”
“Did your husband send you to deliver this message?”
“My husband does not order me about. I am free to come and go as I wish. If he merely wanted a message sent then he would have sent a slave.” There was another pause, this one heavy with waiting. Abish could see her queen wanting to ask the obvious question then—why had she come? Why did it seem that she was not on the king’s errand if these were indeed his feelings? After an uncomfortable interval, the high queen finally got to it. “Where they were going was not the only item of interest to my husband in the course of their meeting.”
“Oh?”
“My husband ordered Lamoni to kill Ammon.”
Abish nearly bit through her tongue to keep from crying out and she saw the blood drain from the queen’s face, “And how did my husband take this command?”
“He refused. In fact, his refusal was so vehement that it angered his father greatly who then attempted to take Lamoni’s life.” The stillness was powerful and the Zaria’s eyes welled with tears. Abish felt her stomach churn with anxiety, but the silence only lasted a moment. “You’ll be grateful to know that your Nephite intervened just then, and while my husband is a powerful man he is no match for a young man who rips the arms off his enemies with his bare hands.”
Abish nearly chuckled with relief and at the latest distortion of Ammon’s strength. The queen’s face finally relaxed also and she said mildly, “I believe he used a sword.”
“Whatever! The point is that my husband had to promise him half his kingdom to make Ammon to let him go.”
Sensing Queen Vitria’s growing discomfort with the direction the meeting between her husband and son had taken, Zaria’s said sardonically, “Ammon hasn’t seemed all that greedy to me. The king should have been more conservative; Ammon probably would have been satisfied with your husband’s promise not to attempt to murder my husband.”
Queen Vitria looked at her sharply and narrowed his eyes again, “You seem to know the Nephite well.”
“I like to think we do.”
“Well, that is exactly what he said! That he would let him go on condition that he would not kill Lamoni.”
The queen’s face softened somewhat, “All in all, your Majesty, doesn’t that seem to have been for the best? Your husband and your son are both well and perhaps they will begin to see eye-to-eye on some things.”
“I don’t want my husband to be minded as Lamoni is regarding Nephite traditions. Your people are not my people.” Abish suddenly saw into the heart of what this was all about. Queen Zaria did look like a Nephite and Vitria seemed to think she was somehow responsible for all that had transpired.
Zaria lowered her voice and said, “In all the years I have been married to Lamoni, I have followed his leadership and learned all I could about his culture, leaving my own behind. Now, under the influence of the true God of Heaven, Lamoni is trying something else. Once again, I am wholeheartedly following my husband.”
Queen Vitria suddenly swept to her feet, “What is it about this Ammon that has you all so bewitched? My husband is acting as crazy as the rest of you!” She dropped her defenses in an instant and suddenly looked more worried than haughty.
Abish fought to keep control of her face, it would not do to have Queen Vitria believe the slaves were listening in. Zaria spoke in low tones, “Your husband was impressed with Ammon then?”
“It is not to be believed how impressed he was! When he saw how much Ammon loved Lamoni, he granted Ammon’s brothers’ clemency. Even Antiomno cannot argue with that, regardless of the charge against his brothers. On top of that, he has given Lamoni absolute control over this land.”
Zaria’s face was no less puzzled than Abish’s own as Queen Vitria explained, “Didn’t you understand, Your Majesty,” this latest was said with much sarcasm, “that Lamoni’s power and policy was contingent on his father’s good grace, but now! Now my out-of-his-head son can do whatever he likes regardless of what my husband thinks. He has made Lamoni a sovereign nation right here in the middle of the Lamanites! He has never allowed this kind of privilege to any of his kings before.”
She could see the queen mulling this over. “So this means that although Lamoni’s kingdom is smaller than his father’s, they are on equal footing?”
Vitria was momentarily taken aback, “Well, yes, I suppose.”
“And that my status is likewise equal to yours.” Now her mother-in-law was really speechless. “I thought so. Thank you for bringing me this news. And now, if our interview is finished, I would be happy to show you back to your rooms; or, if you prefer, my friend Abish can do so.” Here she turned and pointed to where Abish stood, beaming. The word friend had made all the difference.
“Your refer to this slave as your friend?”
“She is not my slave. Lamoni has freed all our slaves.”
“This is scandalous! What has gone on here?”
The queen stood now, to her full height, making her taller than Queen Vitria who suddenly seemed a little bit cowed, “I would be happy to tell you the history of our relationship to the Nephite Ammon, but I would have to ask you to listen very carefully and with an open heart.”
“I have never been so insulted in my entire life! I am unused to being treated in such a manner.”
“Milady, I have no wish to insult you, but our equal status prevents me from having to listen to outlandish criticisms of myself, my husband, or our friends. Again, if you wish to hear the full, true story I am happy to give it to you, but if you have merely come to belittle and gossip, I must insist that our visit be concluded.”
Abish could see that Queen Vitria was unsure whether to argue and risk being put in her place or leave the room, giving her daughter-in-law power over her. She was saved the choice by the Zaria’s deep bow and her own exit from the room. Abish hastily followed her. Her friend swept through the hall, head held high and silent. Even with Abish’s long legs she had to walk very quickly to keep up with her quick pace. When they made it to the queen’s bedroom chamber she shut the door behind her and quickly looked around. Seeing they were alone, she sank to the bed in a fit of relieved laughter.
Abish grinned broadly and the queen said, “That was by far the most indecorous things I’ve ever done as queen. I wouldn’t be a bit surprised if I end up paying dearly for it, but oh, it felt good to tell her exactly what was on my mind.”
The great queen was indeed offended. She left first thing the next morning, after requesting one last interview. Abish was the only one present, but she was unable to stay invisible enough to avoid the queen’s disdainful stare. She bowed slightly before the queen and said only, “You and I may officially have equal status, but you are certainly never welcome in my home. That goes for your nasty half-breed child also. Helamoni, Lemuel and Selah are welcome to visit any time they wish; I had no quarrel with their mother. It will, in fact, be good to get them away from this house of zealous Nephite-lovers.”
Much of Zaria’s grace had returned this morning, and Abish was impressed with the way she held her head and kept her countenance, “Is this the message you would have me pass to your son, then, when he returns?”
“I have no faith in your ability to pass on any message to my son; I know that whatever you say to him will place yourself in a perfect light and I will be a monster. So you may say whatever your like to him: I know it will make no difference.” She left the room in a swirl of robes and feathers.
Zaria sighed and leaned on the arm of the chair. She looked very pale and colorless compared to her counterpart who had just left. Abish loved her for it. “My rash words from yesterday can’t make me laugh today. We really need Lamoni’s father on our good side. He was perhaps getting there, but hearing how deeply I’ve offended his wife could turn his mind very easily.”
Abish smiled wanly, “Or perhaps he is not so ignorant of his wife’s nature as to believe outright whatever she may say about this visit.”
Queen Zaria smiled wanly, “I think I cannot see anybody today; I just want to spend the day with Sariah. Today I want to be a mother instead of a queen.”
“A great choice. You are not so busy today, and I’ll have your schedule cleared otherwise.”
“You know that you don’t actually work for me anymore.”
Abish laughed, “I know. Old habits are hard to break. Let’s just say I’m helping as a friend; my own duties are light today.”
The queen stood and sighed, “I’ll be so glad when Lamoni is back.” Abish said nothing as she nodded slightly. Lamoni’s return would definitely be good for the kingdom and for Zaria; Ammon’s return would be good for the church, but what would his return mean for her? Like all the believers in Ishmael, she missed his enthusiasm and his way with words. And in a part of her self she hardly dared acknowledge, she missed his easy charm, handsome face and ready attentiveness.
All of this skimmed across her mind in the silence and Zaria said quietly, “Will you be glad to see Ammon again?’
Abish smiled and put her arm around the queen, “Yes. But whether that means anything significant or not . . .”
“Maybe it’s too early to say.”
Abish nodded, “And he is here on the Lord’s errand. That must come first.”
“Your turn will come, dear. Maybe when you least expect it.” In that moment, the Spirit whispered patience. For many years to come she would remember the peace of that moment and remind herself to just wait.
Near the end of their third week away, the queen received an unexpected visitor that sent the entire palace into an uproar of preparation-making. Lamoni’s mother herself came for a visit. Queen Vitria was a formidable presence for even a lady as gracious as Zaria.
“I am so glad to see you!” The queen exclaimed when she saw Abish return one afternoon after four days away.
“I heard that you have an important visitor.”
“Yes, and it worries me. The only times I’ve spoken to her without Lamoni present have not gone well. She would only come if there was something very serious on her mind. She doesn’t waste time on frivolities.”
“Maybe she just wants to see the baby.” Abish speculated.
“I think the baby visit is a cover. I think she has learned all that has happened here.”
“Then she is probably livid over Lamoni’s absence.”
“You know, that is the strangest part. I thought she would be. But she seemed to expect it, almost like she knew he wasn’t here.”
“Have you spoken with her yet?”
“Only formally. She just arrived the day before yesterday, but she has requested a meeting with me later today.”
“How can I help?”
“Will you stay with me?”
“Won’t that seem strange, for her to request a private meeting with you, but then you invite me to join you? A stranger for Queen Vitria to meet?” The queen’s cheeks flushed a bright red and she and opened her mouth to speak but no words came. In that moment Abish understood. Her own cheeks grew hot too, but with something more like anger than embarrassment. She kept her voice low, willing herself to be patient until she understood. “I see. You aren’t inviting me to join you; you are inviting me to stand in the corner, mute, as a slave.” Instinctively, Abish fingered her mutilated earlobe. The mark was still painfully obvious to even a casual observer.
“Please hear me out.”
“I’m listening.” Abish sat back in her chair, arms folded.
“She will expect me to have slaves and servants around. If she is carrying a message back to her husband, it may be better for her to see that things are pretty much the same here, at least until Lamoni returns. Besides, then you will hear everything that goes on and you and I can talk about it later. I won’t ask you to do anything for us.”
“You won’t, but she might.”
“Probably not, that would be very irregular.”
Abish chafed under the request, not that it was a difficult thing to do, but only because she hated being treated as a slave again, even in appearance, simply because it was convenient. She remembered telling Lamoni that she would help take care of his wife. She really had asked so little from her in recent months, and Abish did live in their home. The arguments for and against ran through her head and she sighed, “I will do it, but only because you are my friend and I think it will help you.”
The queen’s face relaxed and she smiled, “I am so sorry to ask you to do it, but I think it will be for the best.”
For whom? Abish couldn’t help but think bitterly, but she kept her mouth shut and nodded. She traded her outfit that afternoon for a simpler one and helped the queen dress her hair. Abish chided herself for being so foolish as she helped the queen. This was a task she had always enjoyed before, so she tried to convince herself that she was just helping a friend get ready for an important day instead of only being there because she had no other choice. It almost worked.
Queen Vitria was prompt. She entered the room with a slave of her own and Abish kept her eyes averted, remembering the proper behavior for a slave as she saw the subdued manner that the other woman held her head. Abish and the other woman stood on opposite sides of the room, ready if called, but shadows otherwise.
“We missed you at the celebration months back.”
“We were sorry not to attend; I was very ill after the baby was born.”
The queen’s eyes were sharp as they regarded her daughter-in-law. “Surely Lamoni could have had no part in dealings with women; he could have come alone.”
“Lamoni was loathe to leave me; for a time my midwife feared that I would die.”
“It is a poor midwife who brings a woman and child through delivery only to nearly lose them in the days after.” Abish’s face burned with anger, but she held her tongue.
Zaria’s voice turned slightly cold, “My midwife is the best of women. She seldom loses a mother or a baby, even in the most difficult circumstances. Because of her, Sariah and I both lived.”
The queen’s eyes narrowed, “Yes, I have heard legend of the child-midwife who delivers babies in this quarter of the land of Ishmael.” Abish almost bit her tongue to keep from gasping. How far had her overblown reputation spread?
There was more silence. The queen prompted quietly, “But I know, Mother, that you did not come all this way to discuss my midwife.”
“Indeed I did not. There is something much more pressing on my mind.” The queen raised her eyebrows ever so slightly, encouraging her mother-in-law to continue. “For a few months now, ever since our celebration, Lamoni’s father has heard alarming reports coming from this land, causing him to believe there was more to Lamoni’s absence than just a sick wife. In fact, these reports were so alarming and so patently out of character for our son, that my husband decided a few weeks ago that he would journey to this city in an attempt to discover the source of these rumors.”
“We were never privileged to receive this visit.”
“No you were not. My husband met Lamoni and a very unlikely companion when he was a just a few days on the road.” She snapped.
“You must mean Ammon.” Abish could tell by her tone that her friend was fighting to keep her composure and dignity, and while her voice did not shake, she kept her hands clasped tightly in her lap.
“Is this what your Nephite calls himself?” The queen was haughty.
“Ammon is a Nephite.”
“My husband has given me some of the details from their chance meeting on the road. I was first surprised to learn that they were headed to Middoni, and not to see Lamoni’s father, as should have been proper.”
“They had actually planned on meeting with His Majesty, and were making plans for such a visit when urgent business called them to Middoni.”
“Yes, I heard of this ‘urgent’ business. Apparently there are more of these Nephites who have been imprisoned by Antiomno.”
“Yes.”
“And the Nephite knows this because his god told him?” The haughtiness of her tone had been steadily increasing.
Abish was proud of the way Zaria held her head high and replied, “Yes, your majesty, that is how Ammon knows.”
She narrowed her eyes. “Indeed.” There was a pause. “Well, if by some means of stealth or deception he has learned this information, Antiomno has made the right choice by putting our enemies in prison.”
“Did your husband send you to deliver this message?”
“My husband does not order me about. I am free to come and go as I wish. If he merely wanted a message sent then he would have sent a slave.” There was another pause, this one heavy with waiting. Abish could see her queen wanting to ask the obvious question then—why had she come? Why did it seem that she was not on the king’s errand if these were indeed his feelings? After an uncomfortable interval, the high queen finally got to it. “Where they were going was not the only item of interest to my husband in the course of their meeting.”
“Oh?”
“My husband ordered Lamoni to kill Ammon.”
Abish nearly bit through her tongue to keep from crying out and she saw the blood drain from the queen’s face, “And how did my husband take this command?”
“He refused. In fact, his refusal was so vehement that it angered his father greatly who then attempted to take Lamoni’s life.” The stillness was powerful and the Zaria’s eyes welled with tears. Abish felt her stomach churn with anxiety, but the silence only lasted a moment. “You’ll be grateful to know that your Nephite intervened just then, and while my husband is a powerful man he is no match for a young man who rips the arms off his enemies with his bare hands.”
Abish nearly chuckled with relief and at the latest distortion of Ammon’s strength. The queen’s face finally relaxed also and she said mildly, “I believe he used a sword.”
“Whatever! The point is that my husband had to promise him half his kingdom to make Ammon to let him go.”
Sensing Queen Vitria’s growing discomfort with the direction the meeting between her husband and son had taken, Zaria’s said sardonically, “Ammon hasn’t seemed all that greedy to me. The king should have been more conservative; Ammon probably would have been satisfied with your husband’s promise not to attempt to murder my husband.”
Queen Vitria looked at her sharply and narrowed his eyes again, “You seem to know the Nephite well.”
“I like to think we do.”
“Well, that is exactly what he said! That he would let him go on condition that he would not kill Lamoni.”
The queen’s face softened somewhat, “All in all, your Majesty, doesn’t that seem to have been for the best? Your husband and your son are both well and perhaps they will begin to see eye-to-eye on some things.”
“I don’t want my husband to be minded as Lamoni is regarding Nephite traditions. Your people are not my people.” Abish suddenly saw into the heart of what this was all about. Queen Zaria did look like a Nephite and Vitria seemed to think she was somehow responsible for all that had transpired.
Zaria lowered her voice and said, “In all the years I have been married to Lamoni, I have followed his leadership and learned all I could about his culture, leaving my own behind. Now, under the influence of the true God of Heaven, Lamoni is trying something else. Once again, I am wholeheartedly following my husband.”
Queen Vitria suddenly swept to her feet, “What is it about this Ammon that has you all so bewitched? My husband is acting as crazy as the rest of you!” She dropped her defenses in an instant and suddenly looked more worried than haughty.
Abish fought to keep control of her face, it would not do to have Queen Vitria believe the slaves were listening in. Zaria spoke in low tones, “Your husband was impressed with Ammon then?”
“It is not to be believed how impressed he was! When he saw how much Ammon loved Lamoni, he granted Ammon’s brothers’ clemency. Even Antiomno cannot argue with that, regardless of the charge against his brothers. On top of that, he has given Lamoni absolute control over this land.”
Zaria’s face was no less puzzled than Abish’s own as Queen Vitria explained, “Didn’t you understand, Your Majesty,” this latest was said with much sarcasm, “that Lamoni’s power and policy was contingent on his father’s good grace, but now! Now my out-of-his-head son can do whatever he likes regardless of what my husband thinks. He has made Lamoni a sovereign nation right here in the middle of the Lamanites! He has never allowed this kind of privilege to any of his kings before.”
She could see the queen mulling this over. “So this means that although Lamoni’s kingdom is smaller than his father’s, they are on equal footing?”
Vitria was momentarily taken aback, “Well, yes, I suppose.”
“And that my status is likewise equal to yours.” Now her mother-in-law was really speechless. “I thought so. Thank you for bringing me this news. And now, if our interview is finished, I would be happy to show you back to your rooms; or, if you prefer, my friend Abish can do so.” Here she turned and pointed to where Abish stood, beaming. The word friend had made all the difference.
“Your refer to this slave as your friend?”
“She is not my slave. Lamoni has freed all our slaves.”
“This is scandalous! What has gone on here?”
The queen stood now, to her full height, making her taller than Queen Vitria who suddenly seemed a little bit cowed, “I would be happy to tell you the history of our relationship to the Nephite Ammon, but I would have to ask you to listen very carefully and with an open heart.”
“I have never been so insulted in my entire life! I am unused to being treated in such a manner.”
“Milady, I have no wish to insult you, but our equal status prevents me from having to listen to outlandish criticisms of myself, my husband, or our friends. Again, if you wish to hear the full, true story I am happy to give it to you, but if you have merely come to belittle and gossip, I must insist that our visit be concluded.”
Abish could see that Queen Vitria was unsure whether to argue and risk being put in her place or leave the room, giving her daughter-in-law power over her. She was saved the choice by the Zaria’s deep bow and her own exit from the room. Abish hastily followed her. Her friend swept through the hall, head held high and silent. Even with Abish’s long legs she had to walk very quickly to keep up with her quick pace. When they made it to the queen’s bedroom chamber she shut the door behind her and quickly looked around. Seeing they were alone, she sank to the bed in a fit of relieved laughter.
Abish grinned broadly and the queen said, “That was by far the most indecorous things I’ve ever done as queen. I wouldn’t be a bit surprised if I end up paying dearly for it, but oh, it felt good to tell her exactly what was on my mind.”
The great queen was indeed offended. She left first thing the next morning, after requesting one last interview. Abish was the only one present, but she was unable to stay invisible enough to avoid the queen’s disdainful stare. She bowed slightly before the queen and said only, “You and I may officially have equal status, but you are certainly never welcome in my home. That goes for your nasty half-breed child also. Helamoni, Lemuel and Selah are welcome to visit any time they wish; I had no quarrel with their mother. It will, in fact, be good to get them away from this house of zealous Nephite-lovers.”
Much of Zaria’s grace had returned this morning, and Abish was impressed with the way she held her head and kept her countenance, “Is this the message you would have me pass to your son, then, when he returns?”
“I have no faith in your ability to pass on any message to my son; I know that whatever you say to him will place yourself in a perfect light and I will be a monster. So you may say whatever your like to him: I know it will make no difference.” She left the room in a swirl of robes and feathers.
Zaria sighed and leaned on the arm of the chair. She looked very pale and colorless compared to her counterpart who had just left. Abish loved her for it. “My rash words from yesterday can’t make me laugh today. We really need Lamoni’s father on our good side. He was perhaps getting there, but hearing how deeply I’ve offended his wife could turn his mind very easily.”
Abish smiled wanly, “Or perhaps he is not so ignorant of his wife’s nature as to believe outright whatever she may say about this visit.”
Queen Zaria smiled wanly, “I think I cannot see anybody today; I just want to spend the day with Sariah. Today I want to be a mother instead of a queen.”
“A great choice. You are not so busy today, and I’ll have your schedule cleared otherwise.”
“You know that you don’t actually work for me anymore.”
Abish laughed, “I know. Old habits are hard to break. Let’s just say I’m helping as a friend; my own duties are light today.”
The queen stood and sighed, “I’ll be so glad when Lamoni is back.” Abish said nothing as she nodded slightly. Lamoni’s return would definitely be good for the kingdom and for Zaria; Ammon’s return would be good for the church, but what would his return mean for her? Like all the believers in Ishmael, she missed his enthusiasm and his way with words. And in a part of her self she hardly dared acknowledge, she missed his easy charm, handsome face and ready attentiveness.
All of this skimmed across her mind in the silence and Zaria said quietly, “Will you be glad to see Ammon again?’
Abish smiled and put her arm around the queen, “Yes. But whether that means anything significant or not . . .”
“Maybe it’s too early to say.”
Abish nodded, “And he is here on the Lord’s errand. That must come first.”
“Your turn will come, dear. Maybe when you least expect it.” In that moment, the Spirit whispered patience. For many years to come she would remember the peace of that moment and remind herself to just wait.
Saturday, March 14, 2009
Chapter 17
Chapter 17—No One Save it Be God
Abish listened to the queen carefully, but had to ask again, to make sure she understood, “How did Ammon receive his message?”
The queen was infinitely patient, “He said that the Lord revealed it to him.”
“No messenger, nothing?”
She shook her head, “No. Ammon’s exact words were that no one had told him save it was God himself.”
“And he is certain they are in Middoni?” Abish felt the fear grow inside.
“That is what the Lord told him. What?” Abish’s instant pallor was not lost on her friend.
“My father was killed during their week of feasting to the rain god.”
“Yes.”
“Their feast day is approaching soon.” Now the queen’s face lost all color.
“You don’t think they would. . .”
Abish shook her head, “I don’t know. My father once told me that they preferred their victims to be willing, it made a better show for the crowd that way, but perhaps because they are Nephites. . .” she trailed off as well. The inevitable was too difficult to talk about. “What is Ammon planning on doing?”
“I’m not sure what he was planning on doing, but now he is taking Lamoni with him and that should help.”
“Does Lamoni know the king?”
“King Antiomno is a good friend of Lamoni’s. They were raised together in his father’s palace; I believe they are distant cousins.”
Abish looked momentarily puzzled. “Antiomno was not the king when I was a child.”
“No, the former king fell out of favor with Lamoni’s father and Antiomno was appointed in his stead.”
“Did he die?”
The queen flushed slightly and put her head down, “After he fell out of favor he mysteriously turned up poisoned a few weeks later.”
“Ahh. . .I see.” Abish’s face reddened a bit too. Their lives were so different now, that it was sometimes difficult to remember how closely akin they were to a very savage people. “It is good to know things are different, at least in this part of our land anyway.”
“Yes. That is why it is very important that we try to spread this message or I fear we will not last long.”
Abish changed the subject back to what they had begun talking about, unable to get the image of her father’s gristly death out of her head. “Do you know if Antiomno practices human sacrifice?”
It was silent for a moment, Abish could see that the queen was carefully choosing her words so as not to either alarm or reassure. “I don’t know. But I do know that when new kings pass into power, they do very little to interrupt the status quo that existed before, particularly if the people are happy or prosperous.”
“But the former king had fallen out of favor with Lamoni’s father?”
“Not over human sacrifice. My father-in-law has generally allowed the communities to worship as they will. There was a Nephite-style temple in the city I grew up in. It would not have been built had Lamoni’s father not allowed it to be. You have to remember that the Lamanites are a very loose collection of people. As you move further out from these lands that have been centrally held for generations, you will find many that do not even speak the language we consider Lamanitish. Some of the groups, like mine, are here by choice, but countless others are here by force. This has been going on for hundreds of years, but some of the cultures never really assimilate.”
Abish was taking all of this in with a nod. She could also see that she needed to warn Ammon. “I think I need to go find our Nephite friend and pass on some information.”
“It is probably wise, but all is nearly in readiness. They are leaving this day. Even when you came I wondered if it would be Lamoni coming to say goodbye. Ammon is likely at the stables.”
Abish hurried, suddenly energized despite three nearly sleepless days. She found him grooming horses and finalizing the packing of the chariots. It was not a large group, but she could see from their preparations they planned on being gone some time. She had hurried so quickly to find him, but now, as she stood in the door of the stable she was unsure of how to approach him.
She was saved the awkward moment because he came to her with a wan smile, “I guess you have received word of my bad news.”
Abish nodded sympathetically, “I know you are leaving today anyway, but I wanted to bid you extra haste.”
“Oh?”
“There is a feast day coming in the land of Middoni, that is, if they are still practicing the same religion that they did when I was a child.”
“So it will be crowded.”
“There is more to it than that.” Ammon raised his eyebrows and she continued, “The Lamanites in Middoni always do a human sacrifice during this feast. It is this feast during which my own father was killed. Murdered on the altar so that he would not speak.” Abish surprised herself by saying the words without anger or sorrow. This awful thing had become a fact of her past now, no longer something to fear and hide from.
The blood drained from his face and all trace of humor left his eyes. “Dear God.”
Almost without thinking, she put her hand out and touched his arm, a thing that their social norms forbade but seemed as natural as anything. “I am sure the Lord has told you in time.”
Ammon sat hard and shook his head, “I hope so.” He then looked up and toward the door Abish had just entered through. “Lamoni has just gone to say goodbye to his wife. We will be off within the half hour.”
“It is good.” She said and sat next to him. Ammon put his head back down, lost in his thoughts. Abish glanced sideways at him. It might be true that Lamoni was friends with the king over the land of Middoni, but civil wars had probably started over less than what he would be requesting, particularly if Antiomno had some specific offense in mind when he’d imprisoned Ammon’s companions. As she quietly studied his features, she could see his face filled with tension for the coming journey. Normally she had seen such arresting brightness in his eyes that it was easy to be enveloped in his passion, but not today. Abish believed he would not close his thoughts to her if he asked, and so she ventured to pull him out of the shell she had never before seen him cast around himself.
“And what are your brothers like, Ammon?” His countenance opened slightly, and she knew that she had been right to speak to him.
“They are the best of men.”
Abish smiled even more brightly, “All alike?”
“Oh no. Each unique and strong in his own way. I have felt quite lost these past months without them as my companions.”
“And you are the oldest?”
“Yes, Aaron is just younger than me. You know, I have a great passion for the work of the Lord; I feel it so deeply that my mouth runs over with the joy in my heart. When we preached in the land of Zarahemla, much of the time it was I who jumped up in the middle of the village square. The Lord blessed me with the right words, but Aaron is the real leader. He thinks and studies and ponders things out. Not long after we left the land of my father, we received word that the people wanted Aaron to be their king.”
“I am sure you would have made a great king.”
Ammon shrugged, “Possibly, but in Nephite lands, the voice of the people has a great say in how things come to pass in our government. Our people are wise and Aaron is much like my father; but he decided on the ministry. We sent the messenger back to tell our father that not only did Aaron refuse the crown, but that each of his brothers, in turn, did also. We suggested a new form of government all together. It is an idea my father had toyed with for many years.”
“What would you do without a king?” Abish had never heard of such a thing.
Ammon grinned. “There are other ways, my Lamanite princess.”
She laughed, “I am no princess.”
“You are a true daughter of the Most High King of Heaven. No title is more fitting.” She remembered Zaria’s words from a few days before and felt the blood creep into her face as his blue eyes bored directly into her dark ones. Nephite customs and directness of speech were so different to her. She was unsure what to make of it.
To clear her suddenly rapid breathing she said calmly, “There are two other brothers you mentioned before.”
“Yes, Omner is the third brother. If Aaron is a born leader than Omner is a born follower.”
“Is that a good thing?”
“Now that we are all on the right path it is a marvelous thing. He accepts much on faith and follows obediently the course he has chosen. Whatever work needs to be done, Omner is the first to jump to his feet and volunteer. He knows how to serve.”
“So, Aaron is the head, you are the mouth and Omner is the hands.”
Ammon laughed loudly, “Cleverly put.”
Just then they were interrupted by Lemhah who gave some last minute instructions to Ammon. He also let them know that Lamoni was on his way. She lingered only momentarily after Lemhah left, feeling the tug of her exhaustion, but knowing Ammon would be gone for perhaps many months. His presence had been the light in the darkness that had been her life; because of him, every day of her future would be different. She wanted to bask in his glow, if only for another instant.
“I suppose we must part ways now,” Ammon said as he stood from the low wall on which they had been sitting.
Abish smiled, “But the separation will only be brief and then you will come back with your brothers.”
His countenance clouded, “I do hope so.”
“The queen and I will pray for your safe and quick return.”
Ammon smiled again in that arresting, sun-from-out-behind-the-clouds way, “My own mother died when I was very young, but I watched the mother of my best friend pray many years for my soul and the souls of my brothers; she prayed for the Lord’s mercy when it was the last thing in the world any of us deserved. As I think back on her now and the goodness of her heart, I must believe the Lord listens especially to the prayers of righteous women. Knowing that you are here, praying for us, will no doubt speed the success of our mission. After all, it was your prayers that brought me here in the first place.”
“Do you really believe so?”
“I do, Abish. The Lord did not overlook your years of righteousness despite the many difficulties. Some of the prayers requiring the biggest miracles take the longest time. Look at the good work we have already done here in Lamoni’s land. Who knows the extent of the labor the Lord intends for us?”
Abish smiled. Even in his worry, he still took time to teach her the gospel, to testify of truth and to look forward with optimism. Spontaneously she said, “I’m grateful you came.”
“I am too. In many ways, I have never been happier than I am right now.” He did not look at Abish directly as he said these words, but she blushed anyway. As much as she was sorry for the trouble his brothers might be in, she was almost grateful for the months he’d be away so she could sort out how she really felt about this glorious man who had seemed to have come straight from Heaven.
Not knowing what else to say, she finished with, “Then, until we meet again.” Ammon bowed low as she turned to leave the stable. Suddenly, she remembered something and turned just as Ammon had begun to walk away. She called him back. “One more quick question.”
“All right?”
“You never said anything about your last brother.”
Ammon’s smile became almost wistful as he looked out the window and into the light. “My dear youngest brother with enough charity to encompass the whole world. I pray that his weeks in a Lamanite prison have not taken his great love of mankind from him.” He made eye contact again with Abish. “Himni . . .” He trailed off and nodded slowly, “Himni is the heart.”
Abish listened to the queen carefully, but had to ask again, to make sure she understood, “How did Ammon receive his message?”
The queen was infinitely patient, “He said that the Lord revealed it to him.”
“No messenger, nothing?”
She shook her head, “No. Ammon’s exact words were that no one had told him save it was God himself.”
“And he is certain they are in Middoni?” Abish felt the fear grow inside.
“That is what the Lord told him. What?” Abish’s instant pallor was not lost on her friend.
“My father was killed during their week of feasting to the rain god.”
“Yes.”
“Their feast day is approaching soon.” Now the queen’s face lost all color.
“You don’t think they would. . .”
Abish shook her head, “I don’t know. My father once told me that they preferred their victims to be willing, it made a better show for the crowd that way, but perhaps because they are Nephites. . .” she trailed off as well. The inevitable was too difficult to talk about. “What is Ammon planning on doing?”
“I’m not sure what he was planning on doing, but now he is taking Lamoni with him and that should help.”
“Does Lamoni know the king?”
“King Antiomno is a good friend of Lamoni’s. They were raised together in his father’s palace; I believe they are distant cousins.”
Abish looked momentarily puzzled. “Antiomno was not the king when I was a child.”
“No, the former king fell out of favor with Lamoni’s father and Antiomno was appointed in his stead.”
“Did he die?”
The queen flushed slightly and put her head down, “After he fell out of favor he mysteriously turned up poisoned a few weeks later.”
“Ahh. . .I see.” Abish’s face reddened a bit too. Their lives were so different now, that it was sometimes difficult to remember how closely akin they were to a very savage people. “It is good to know things are different, at least in this part of our land anyway.”
“Yes. That is why it is very important that we try to spread this message or I fear we will not last long.”
Abish changed the subject back to what they had begun talking about, unable to get the image of her father’s gristly death out of her head. “Do you know if Antiomno practices human sacrifice?”
It was silent for a moment, Abish could see that the queen was carefully choosing her words so as not to either alarm or reassure. “I don’t know. But I do know that when new kings pass into power, they do very little to interrupt the status quo that existed before, particularly if the people are happy or prosperous.”
“But the former king had fallen out of favor with Lamoni’s father?”
“Not over human sacrifice. My father-in-law has generally allowed the communities to worship as they will. There was a Nephite-style temple in the city I grew up in. It would not have been built had Lamoni’s father not allowed it to be. You have to remember that the Lamanites are a very loose collection of people. As you move further out from these lands that have been centrally held for generations, you will find many that do not even speak the language we consider Lamanitish. Some of the groups, like mine, are here by choice, but countless others are here by force. This has been going on for hundreds of years, but some of the cultures never really assimilate.”
Abish was taking all of this in with a nod. She could also see that she needed to warn Ammon. “I think I need to go find our Nephite friend and pass on some information.”
“It is probably wise, but all is nearly in readiness. They are leaving this day. Even when you came I wondered if it would be Lamoni coming to say goodbye. Ammon is likely at the stables.”
Abish hurried, suddenly energized despite three nearly sleepless days. She found him grooming horses and finalizing the packing of the chariots. It was not a large group, but she could see from their preparations they planned on being gone some time. She had hurried so quickly to find him, but now, as she stood in the door of the stable she was unsure of how to approach him.
She was saved the awkward moment because he came to her with a wan smile, “I guess you have received word of my bad news.”
Abish nodded sympathetically, “I know you are leaving today anyway, but I wanted to bid you extra haste.”
“Oh?”
“There is a feast day coming in the land of Middoni, that is, if they are still practicing the same religion that they did when I was a child.”
“So it will be crowded.”
“There is more to it than that.” Ammon raised his eyebrows and she continued, “The Lamanites in Middoni always do a human sacrifice during this feast. It is this feast during which my own father was killed. Murdered on the altar so that he would not speak.” Abish surprised herself by saying the words without anger or sorrow. This awful thing had become a fact of her past now, no longer something to fear and hide from.
The blood drained from his face and all trace of humor left his eyes. “Dear God.”
Almost without thinking, she put her hand out and touched his arm, a thing that their social norms forbade but seemed as natural as anything. “I am sure the Lord has told you in time.”
Ammon sat hard and shook his head, “I hope so.” He then looked up and toward the door Abish had just entered through. “Lamoni has just gone to say goodbye to his wife. We will be off within the half hour.”
“It is good.” She said and sat next to him. Ammon put his head back down, lost in his thoughts. Abish glanced sideways at him. It might be true that Lamoni was friends with the king over the land of Middoni, but civil wars had probably started over less than what he would be requesting, particularly if Antiomno had some specific offense in mind when he’d imprisoned Ammon’s companions. As she quietly studied his features, she could see his face filled with tension for the coming journey. Normally she had seen such arresting brightness in his eyes that it was easy to be enveloped in his passion, but not today. Abish believed he would not close his thoughts to her if he asked, and so she ventured to pull him out of the shell she had never before seen him cast around himself.
“And what are your brothers like, Ammon?” His countenance opened slightly, and she knew that she had been right to speak to him.
“They are the best of men.”
Abish smiled even more brightly, “All alike?”
“Oh no. Each unique and strong in his own way. I have felt quite lost these past months without them as my companions.”
“And you are the oldest?”
“Yes, Aaron is just younger than me. You know, I have a great passion for the work of the Lord; I feel it so deeply that my mouth runs over with the joy in my heart. When we preached in the land of Zarahemla, much of the time it was I who jumped up in the middle of the village square. The Lord blessed me with the right words, but Aaron is the real leader. He thinks and studies and ponders things out. Not long after we left the land of my father, we received word that the people wanted Aaron to be their king.”
“I am sure you would have made a great king.”
Ammon shrugged, “Possibly, but in Nephite lands, the voice of the people has a great say in how things come to pass in our government. Our people are wise and Aaron is much like my father; but he decided on the ministry. We sent the messenger back to tell our father that not only did Aaron refuse the crown, but that each of his brothers, in turn, did also. We suggested a new form of government all together. It is an idea my father had toyed with for many years.”
“What would you do without a king?” Abish had never heard of such a thing.
Ammon grinned. “There are other ways, my Lamanite princess.”
She laughed, “I am no princess.”
“You are a true daughter of the Most High King of Heaven. No title is more fitting.” She remembered Zaria’s words from a few days before and felt the blood creep into her face as his blue eyes bored directly into her dark ones. Nephite customs and directness of speech were so different to her. She was unsure what to make of it.
To clear her suddenly rapid breathing she said calmly, “There are two other brothers you mentioned before.”
“Yes, Omner is the third brother. If Aaron is a born leader than Omner is a born follower.”
“Is that a good thing?”
“Now that we are all on the right path it is a marvelous thing. He accepts much on faith and follows obediently the course he has chosen. Whatever work needs to be done, Omner is the first to jump to his feet and volunteer. He knows how to serve.”
“So, Aaron is the head, you are the mouth and Omner is the hands.”
Ammon laughed loudly, “Cleverly put.”
Just then they were interrupted by Lemhah who gave some last minute instructions to Ammon. He also let them know that Lamoni was on his way. She lingered only momentarily after Lemhah left, feeling the tug of her exhaustion, but knowing Ammon would be gone for perhaps many months. His presence had been the light in the darkness that had been her life; because of him, every day of her future would be different. She wanted to bask in his glow, if only for another instant.
“I suppose we must part ways now,” Ammon said as he stood from the low wall on which they had been sitting.
Abish smiled, “But the separation will only be brief and then you will come back with your brothers.”
His countenance clouded, “I do hope so.”
“The queen and I will pray for your safe and quick return.”
Ammon smiled again in that arresting, sun-from-out-behind-the-clouds way, “My own mother died when I was very young, but I watched the mother of my best friend pray many years for my soul and the souls of my brothers; she prayed for the Lord’s mercy when it was the last thing in the world any of us deserved. As I think back on her now and the goodness of her heart, I must believe the Lord listens especially to the prayers of righteous women. Knowing that you are here, praying for us, will no doubt speed the success of our mission. After all, it was your prayers that brought me here in the first place.”
“Do you really believe so?”
“I do, Abish. The Lord did not overlook your years of righteousness despite the many difficulties. Some of the prayers requiring the biggest miracles take the longest time. Look at the good work we have already done here in Lamoni’s land. Who knows the extent of the labor the Lord intends for us?”
Abish smiled. Even in his worry, he still took time to teach her the gospel, to testify of truth and to look forward with optimism. Spontaneously she said, “I’m grateful you came.”
“I am too. In many ways, I have never been happier than I am right now.” He did not look at Abish directly as he said these words, but she blushed anyway. As much as she was sorry for the trouble his brothers might be in, she was almost grateful for the months he’d be away so she could sort out how she really felt about this glorious man who had seemed to have come straight from Heaven.
Not knowing what else to say, she finished with, “Then, until we meet again.” Ammon bowed low as she turned to leave the stable. Suddenly, she remembered something and turned just as Ammon had begun to walk away. She called him back. “One more quick question.”
“All right?”
“You never said anything about your last brother.”
Ammon’s smile became almost wistful as he looked out the window and into the light. “My dear youngest brother with enough charity to encompass the whole world. I pray that his weeks in a Lamanite prison have not taken his great love of mankind from him.” He made eye contact again with Abish. “Himni . . .” He trailed off and nodded slowly, “Himni is the heart.”
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Chapter 16: A More Hardened People
It was nearly the worst day of Aaron’s life. The only exception he could think of was the day that his young wife and newborn son died. He and Himni found a small stream as they staggered away from the city they had just been banished from. Himni looked to make sure that nobody was nearby and he helped his brother bathe his face. Aaron winced at the pain. He looked at Himni, “What do you think? Does it look bad?”
Himni made a face, “Pretty bad.”
“It hurts like the devil.”
“I am sure it does.” He glanced nervously into the surrounding jungle again. “I think we need to move on, brother. It would be better if you could rest, but we are still close.”
“I know, I know. I’ll get up.” He groaned, “Just not very quickly.”
Himni smiled. “Glad to see you have some humor left.”
Aaron was on his feet now. “But not much.” He arched his back to stretch as they began walking down the path. “Is it just me, or were they really like the meanest, most contentious people you’ve ever seen?”
“They were pretty bad all right.”
“You know, it wasn’t that long ago they were Nephites. I thought that might make them more receptive, but wow. . .”
Two days before he and Himni had entered the city of Jerusalem, home to the Amulonites and the Amalekites. There was a generous sprinkling of Lamanites thrown in as well, but many times it hadn’t seemed any different than walking the streets of Zarahemla. Until they started talking to the people, of course. The first day had not been bad, but this very morning they had decided to go right to the synagogue to preach. Aaron felt like that was a nice touch; standing there he could easily explain the true purpose of the building they had erected for worship. His preaching had almost immediately turned into an ugly argument. Himni had tried to take a turn speaking, but Aaron plunged ahead, trying to prove from the scriptures the many errors of their ways. Then, after the angry crowd got tired of throwing words, they began throwing rotten fruit. It was a testament, really, to how much they hated them; Aaron knew this land had been in a drought for many years and even rotten fruit was probably scarce. Then the stones had started; that is when they fled.
Aaron glanced sideways at his brother who still had gooey stickiness in his hair. A direct hit. His face was clean now and not as bruised as Aaron’s own. It looked like most of the stones had missed his face. Still, Himni’s head was down and his normally cheerful gait was heavy. Aaron felt the same way. He hadn’t felt that deeply contentious for years—since the last time he and his brothers had been preaching against the Church. It suddenly occurred to Aaron that if he had just allowed Himni to speak, his soft-spoken brother might have won over the day with his pure, simple testimony.
Instead they had been thrown out of the city, mostly unharmed, until Aaron had tried to shout one last thing into the mocking crowd. That was when the soldier at the gate drew his sword and clubbed him with the hilt of it across his face. Aaron had fallen, but the blow had not knocked him out. The soldiers spat in his face and growled at Himni, “If your brother opens his mouth again, we’ll flay you open while he watches and then we’ll kill him.”
Foolishly, Aaron had tried to speak again, but patient Himni had covered his mouth and dragged him to his feet. He began running as more stones flew, compelling Aaron to follow. Aaron had seen one of those stones, and not a small one either, hit his brother in the small of his back. It must be causing him a serious amount of pain, but Himni was silent about it. The only reference he’d made to Aaron trying to speak one last time was, “It isn’t martyrdom if you ask them to kill us; it’s suicide.”
They walked through most of the long, hot afternoon. In the two weeks since parting from Ammon they’d had no success. And not much to eat. They had planned to meet Muloki and Ammah outside the village of Ani-Anti the next morning. It wasn’t far from Jerusalem. Omner had gone with them. The others had gone ahead to Middoni.
Ani-Anti was not a large enough city to have any type of wall, but it was after dark when they arrived on the outskirts. Not wishing to alarm anyone, they waited in the forest nearby for daybreak to come. It would be another night of sleeping on the ground. Aaron didn’t mind so much; it seemed to be the only time there was a break from the heat in this terrible land.
As agreed upon, the others joined them early the next day. Thankfully, they didn’t ask how the work in Jerusalem had gone; one look at Aaron’s face was enough to explain. Aaron asked them for a report on their activities. Ammah was blunt, “It isn’t great. Most of the people we have met seem more interested in contending with us than anything else.”
Himni shot Aaron a knowing glance as he replied, “Yeah, we know.”
Omner was more positive, “Still, I think we have a few here that might listen. We certainly haven’t been beat up or threatened. I think we need to stay here for a few more days. We aren’t supposed to meet the others over in Middoni for a while yet. I think we should keep trying.”
Himni then made his longest speech for the first time since yesterday morning, “And I think, brethren, we ought to kneel here and pray we will say the right thing, that no matter how provoked we are we will not contend. I think we should pray to know their hearts so that we might be able to say the right words. We should pray to remember our goal in coming to Lamanite lands was love for our brethren.” Here he looked at each one of them solemnly, “My prayer this day is that each of us will remember to love these people and not just try to prove something to them.”
Aaron could see the flush creep across his face. It was hard for Himni to be so bold. He had little wish to offend anybody. Indeed, he had only persecuted the church in Zarahemla because he had no wish to disappoint his brothers. But even then, hardly more than a boy, he had stood up to the others, particularly if their ranting turned hateful. As Himni spoke, he did not look at anyone directly, but Aaron imagined for a moment that his eyes focused a moment longer on himself. It was a bit disconcerting, really. Himni’s eyes weren’t quite the same color and the slight difference was uncanny when the light caught his face just right.
Omner spoke up first, “Well put, brother. Would you lead us in prayer?”
Himni glanced at Omner, the flush creeping further across his face, but he nodded. For the first time since his last conversation with Ammon, Aaron felt the peace of the Lord move in his heart as Himni prayed. Aaron prayed in his own heart that he would humble himself and love the people.
The next several days of preaching were mostly futile, but Aaron felt the spirit in his missionary work for the first time since coming to the Land of Nephi. He concentrated on listening to the people and bit his tongue every time he felt compelled to argue. Despite their lack of success, he actually began to enjoy their work.
While they weren’t officially run out, it was safe to say that they had worn out their welcome. They had talked to everyone who would talk back and nobody wanted anything to do with them. At least, that was what they said. As Aaron became more sensitive to the whispering of the Spirit he could see that some wanted to listen, but were fearful. Discouraged, the turned their faces toward Middoni.
Aaron wasn’t in Middoni more than a few days before he began to feel that the Amulonites and Amalekites in Jerusalem had been hospitable. In Middoni there were strict rules about who was allowed in an out of the gates. They had actually stayed at an inn in the city of Jerusalem, but there was no such accommodation here. They had to leave the city wall every evening by sundown or face arrest. Still, even with this precaution, Aaron had little hope of avoiding arrest. To avoid notice from King Antiomno, they had stayed in the housing end of the city, away from the temple, palace and crowded marketplace. Often times, he and his brethren would split up for the day into at least two groups, but regardless of how they divided, he insisted that Himni stay with him.
Aaron knew that Himni was taking this parental supervision in stride, but he didn’t think it would last much longer without some comment. One evening after they had done some hunting in the forest and were walking together, Himni cleared his throat in a way that indicated he wanted to talk about something. Aaron waited.
“You know, Aaron, you were married at my age.”
Aaron smiled at Himni’s round-about way of approaching what was on his mind. “I hadn’t thought of it that way.”
His little brother gave a lopsided grin that reminded him of Ammon. They both looked a lot like their mother, whom Himni had never known. She had died giving birth to him; he had almost died too. The three of them had felt protective toward him from the minute he took his first breath. He tried to put these thoughts into words now. “I promised my father and my older brother that I would look after you; I don’t take these promises lightly.”
“We are under the Lord’s protection, brother. He will look after us.”
Aaron smiled, “I know you aren’t a child, Himni. And I have faith that the Lord is watching out for us. Maybe an extra set of eyes is just helping him along.”
“A man could not ask for better older brothers.”
“But?”
“You have a way of getting to the heart of things, don’t you?” Aaron nodded, encouraging him to continue. “I feel impressed to travel with Omner’s group tomorrow.”
Aaron said nothing for a moment, praying in his heart for some kind of answer. The only impression he had was to let go—to trust his youngest brother. “I will travel with Ammah, Muloki and Shem tomorrow. You and Omner will go with the others.”
“Thank you for trusting me, Aaron.”
“I would trust any of my brothers with my very life; it is others I do not trust.”
“Then we must trust in the Lord.”
Not having Himni with him the next day made him bold. As the other three were agreeable to it, they decided they would try to preach in near the temple, in the markets. The area was crowded and they spent the morning talking to many people, a few of whom seemed interested. All seemed to be going very well, actually, and then the trouble arose out of nowhere.
When the sun was nearly at its zenith, Muloki was preaching and he had gathered quite a crowd. He was too concentrated on his sermon to notice, but Aaron had been standing off to one side and began to see shoving in the crowd. Then the noise began. Muloki finally stopped orating as he saw several large Lamanite soldiers and priests yelling and pointing. Aaron strode over to them, and was going to ask what the problem was when he was seized and clubbed over the head. Pandemonium broke out. Aaron and his brethren had agreed that if arrested they would attempt to resist, so that at least one of them might have a chance of getting away to warn the other group. He fought back as well as he could, but even in the chaos and the press of bodies he could easily see that they were outnumbered.
He was clubbed again, the force of the blow knocked him to his knees and his last thought was a hasty prayer that Omner and Himni would somehow learn what had happened to them and flee the city.
Himni made a face, “Pretty bad.”
“It hurts like the devil.”
“I am sure it does.” He glanced nervously into the surrounding jungle again. “I think we need to move on, brother. It would be better if you could rest, but we are still close.”
“I know, I know. I’ll get up.” He groaned, “Just not very quickly.”
Himni smiled. “Glad to see you have some humor left.”
Aaron was on his feet now. “But not much.” He arched his back to stretch as they began walking down the path. “Is it just me, or were they really like the meanest, most contentious people you’ve ever seen?”
“They were pretty bad all right.”
“You know, it wasn’t that long ago they were Nephites. I thought that might make them more receptive, but wow. . .”
Two days before he and Himni had entered the city of Jerusalem, home to the Amulonites and the Amalekites. There was a generous sprinkling of Lamanites thrown in as well, but many times it hadn’t seemed any different than walking the streets of Zarahemla. Until they started talking to the people, of course. The first day had not been bad, but this very morning they had decided to go right to the synagogue to preach. Aaron felt like that was a nice touch; standing there he could easily explain the true purpose of the building they had erected for worship. His preaching had almost immediately turned into an ugly argument. Himni had tried to take a turn speaking, but Aaron plunged ahead, trying to prove from the scriptures the many errors of their ways. Then, after the angry crowd got tired of throwing words, they began throwing rotten fruit. It was a testament, really, to how much they hated them; Aaron knew this land had been in a drought for many years and even rotten fruit was probably scarce. Then the stones had started; that is when they fled.
Aaron glanced sideways at his brother who still had gooey stickiness in his hair. A direct hit. His face was clean now and not as bruised as Aaron’s own. It looked like most of the stones had missed his face. Still, Himni’s head was down and his normally cheerful gait was heavy. Aaron felt the same way. He hadn’t felt that deeply contentious for years—since the last time he and his brothers had been preaching against the Church. It suddenly occurred to Aaron that if he had just allowed Himni to speak, his soft-spoken brother might have won over the day with his pure, simple testimony.
Instead they had been thrown out of the city, mostly unharmed, until Aaron had tried to shout one last thing into the mocking crowd. That was when the soldier at the gate drew his sword and clubbed him with the hilt of it across his face. Aaron had fallen, but the blow had not knocked him out. The soldiers spat in his face and growled at Himni, “If your brother opens his mouth again, we’ll flay you open while he watches and then we’ll kill him.”
Foolishly, Aaron had tried to speak again, but patient Himni had covered his mouth and dragged him to his feet. He began running as more stones flew, compelling Aaron to follow. Aaron had seen one of those stones, and not a small one either, hit his brother in the small of his back. It must be causing him a serious amount of pain, but Himni was silent about it. The only reference he’d made to Aaron trying to speak one last time was, “It isn’t martyrdom if you ask them to kill us; it’s suicide.”
They walked through most of the long, hot afternoon. In the two weeks since parting from Ammon they’d had no success. And not much to eat. They had planned to meet Muloki and Ammah outside the village of Ani-Anti the next morning. It wasn’t far from Jerusalem. Omner had gone with them. The others had gone ahead to Middoni.
Ani-Anti was not a large enough city to have any type of wall, but it was after dark when they arrived on the outskirts. Not wishing to alarm anyone, they waited in the forest nearby for daybreak to come. It would be another night of sleeping on the ground. Aaron didn’t mind so much; it seemed to be the only time there was a break from the heat in this terrible land.
As agreed upon, the others joined them early the next day. Thankfully, they didn’t ask how the work in Jerusalem had gone; one look at Aaron’s face was enough to explain. Aaron asked them for a report on their activities. Ammah was blunt, “It isn’t great. Most of the people we have met seem more interested in contending with us than anything else.”
Himni shot Aaron a knowing glance as he replied, “Yeah, we know.”
Omner was more positive, “Still, I think we have a few here that might listen. We certainly haven’t been beat up or threatened. I think we need to stay here for a few more days. We aren’t supposed to meet the others over in Middoni for a while yet. I think we should keep trying.”
Himni then made his longest speech for the first time since yesterday morning, “And I think, brethren, we ought to kneel here and pray we will say the right thing, that no matter how provoked we are we will not contend. I think we should pray to know their hearts so that we might be able to say the right words. We should pray to remember our goal in coming to Lamanite lands was love for our brethren.” Here he looked at each one of them solemnly, “My prayer this day is that each of us will remember to love these people and not just try to prove something to them.”
Aaron could see the flush creep across his face. It was hard for Himni to be so bold. He had little wish to offend anybody. Indeed, he had only persecuted the church in Zarahemla because he had no wish to disappoint his brothers. But even then, hardly more than a boy, he had stood up to the others, particularly if their ranting turned hateful. As Himni spoke, he did not look at anyone directly, but Aaron imagined for a moment that his eyes focused a moment longer on himself. It was a bit disconcerting, really. Himni’s eyes weren’t quite the same color and the slight difference was uncanny when the light caught his face just right.
Omner spoke up first, “Well put, brother. Would you lead us in prayer?”
Himni glanced at Omner, the flush creeping further across his face, but he nodded. For the first time since his last conversation with Ammon, Aaron felt the peace of the Lord move in his heart as Himni prayed. Aaron prayed in his own heart that he would humble himself and love the people.
The next several days of preaching were mostly futile, but Aaron felt the spirit in his missionary work for the first time since coming to the Land of Nephi. He concentrated on listening to the people and bit his tongue every time he felt compelled to argue. Despite their lack of success, he actually began to enjoy their work.
While they weren’t officially run out, it was safe to say that they had worn out their welcome. They had talked to everyone who would talk back and nobody wanted anything to do with them. At least, that was what they said. As Aaron became more sensitive to the whispering of the Spirit he could see that some wanted to listen, but were fearful. Discouraged, the turned their faces toward Middoni.
Aaron wasn’t in Middoni more than a few days before he began to feel that the Amulonites and Amalekites in Jerusalem had been hospitable. In Middoni there were strict rules about who was allowed in an out of the gates. They had actually stayed at an inn in the city of Jerusalem, but there was no such accommodation here. They had to leave the city wall every evening by sundown or face arrest. Still, even with this precaution, Aaron had little hope of avoiding arrest. To avoid notice from King Antiomno, they had stayed in the housing end of the city, away from the temple, palace and crowded marketplace. Often times, he and his brethren would split up for the day into at least two groups, but regardless of how they divided, he insisted that Himni stay with him.
Aaron knew that Himni was taking this parental supervision in stride, but he didn’t think it would last much longer without some comment. One evening after they had done some hunting in the forest and were walking together, Himni cleared his throat in a way that indicated he wanted to talk about something. Aaron waited.
“You know, Aaron, you were married at my age.”
Aaron smiled at Himni’s round-about way of approaching what was on his mind. “I hadn’t thought of it that way.”
His little brother gave a lopsided grin that reminded him of Ammon. They both looked a lot like their mother, whom Himni had never known. She had died giving birth to him; he had almost died too. The three of them had felt protective toward him from the minute he took his first breath. He tried to put these thoughts into words now. “I promised my father and my older brother that I would look after you; I don’t take these promises lightly.”
“We are under the Lord’s protection, brother. He will look after us.”
Aaron smiled, “I know you aren’t a child, Himni. And I have faith that the Lord is watching out for us. Maybe an extra set of eyes is just helping him along.”
“A man could not ask for better older brothers.”
“But?”
“You have a way of getting to the heart of things, don’t you?” Aaron nodded, encouraging him to continue. “I feel impressed to travel with Omner’s group tomorrow.”
Aaron said nothing for a moment, praying in his heart for some kind of answer. The only impression he had was to let go—to trust his youngest brother. “I will travel with Ammah, Muloki and Shem tomorrow. You and Omner will go with the others.”
“Thank you for trusting me, Aaron.”
“I would trust any of my brothers with my very life; it is others I do not trust.”
“Then we must trust in the Lord.”
Not having Himni with him the next day made him bold. As the other three were agreeable to it, they decided they would try to preach in near the temple, in the markets. The area was crowded and they spent the morning talking to many people, a few of whom seemed interested. All seemed to be going very well, actually, and then the trouble arose out of nowhere.
When the sun was nearly at its zenith, Muloki was preaching and he had gathered quite a crowd. He was too concentrated on his sermon to notice, but Aaron had been standing off to one side and began to see shoving in the crowd. Then the noise began. Muloki finally stopped orating as he saw several large Lamanite soldiers and priests yelling and pointing. Aaron strode over to them, and was going to ask what the problem was when he was seized and clubbed over the head. Pandemonium broke out. Aaron and his brethren had agreed that if arrested they would attempt to resist, so that at least one of them might have a chance of getting away to warn the other group. He fought back as well as he could, but even in the chaos and the press of bodies he could easily see that they were outnumbered.
He was clubbed again, the force of the blow knocked him to his knees and his last thought was a hasty prayer that Omner and Himni would somehow learn what had happened to them and flee the city.
Monday, February 23, 2009
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.”
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.”
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