The Guardian's Promise. Christina Rich

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      Chapter Five

      “Ariel, it is with joy I am to see you.” Caleb lay on his mat with his head propped on a bedroll. A wet cloth rested against his brow. Red patches blotted his cheeks and down his neck.

      “I see our walk caused you difficulties, adon.”

      “Bah, I am old, nothing more.” He rose onto his elbows. The cloth slid to the ground. Ari rushed forward. He picked up the soiled linen and tossed it into a basket outside the doorposts. “My thanks. Now, come, sit beside me. We have matters to discuss.”

      Ari slid his fingers through is hair before taking a seat beside Caleb. “If this is about Hebron, I do not think your health will sustain the trip.”

      A spastic cough erupted from Caleb.

      Ari patted him on the back, before offering him a drink of water. “Perhaps, you should lie back down.”

      Caleb shook his head. “No. What I have to say is important. Each day the Lord gives me is a blessing, but I would see matters settled before I die.”

      His master pulled a rolled parchment from the side of his mat and handed it to him. Ari did not know whose hands shook more, his or Caleb’s.

      The twine fell to the ground as Ari loosened the knot. Caleb’s hand rested on his forearm before Ari could unroll the letter. “Wait. Hear my heart.”

      An erratic thump beat against the wall of his chest. If he had not already been sitting, he would have collapsed. Whatever Caleb had to tell him would not be easy to accept. Worse, by the knot in his gut, it would be more difficult to reject.

      “I have no brothers. Leah a brother who is bound by other duties. I have no sons other than Nathan who will soon take Rubiel as his wife, and although well suited for her, even if he could leave his father’s house, I do not trust him to have Mira’s best interest.” He sucked in a breath.

      Ari rested his elbows on his knees, his fingers tented, the parchment resting between his hands. “Caleb—”

      “Do not deny me this request, Ariel. It has not gone beyond my notice how you care for my daughter. You are kind and generous with your patience where she is concerned. I know all too well my child can be strong minded.”

      Caleb’s view of his daughter must have been colored with a father’s love. She was stubborn and prideful.

      “She’s much like her mother was when we first married in that regard. You have not allowed her to scare you. You are not wary of her disfigurement.”

      A thick lump formed in his throat. “Caleb, I must—”

      “I realize what I’m about to ask is unusual. My circumstances are unusual. Take time to consider my offer before you deny me.” Caleb began to cough, but it subsided before it began. “There is a betrothal contract.” He held up his hand. “I do not expect to bind you if that is not your heart. I only wish for her to be watched after. I know you would do so and I’ve given you the legal means. If you find you cannot marry her...I ask you see that she marries a man of her choosing, one who would care for her. I would not see her married to Esha.”

      Neither would he, but it was not his duty. He glanced at the parchment nestled in his hands.

      “There’s a marriage contract, as well. If you are in agreement, all you need do is sign your name. There is no need for a bride price.”

      Ari rose from his seat and crossed his arms over his chest. “You must understand, adon, I am not free—”

      “I concede you may have family, but if that is true why have you not contacted them?”

      He had, if only to tell them he was safe. That the child was safe. Before he could respond Caleb continued.

      “I have released you, Ariel.” Caleb struggled to rise from his mat. He shuffled toward Ari and laid his hand on his arm. “You are free. Free to leave, free to stay. I only ask you seek God’s face before you answer.”