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The following is the tenth installment of a serialization of the novel, Abinadi by H.B. Moore. To read the previous installment, click here. More information about H.B. Moore can be found: www.hbmoore.com
Chapter Nine
But the path of the just is as the shining light.
(Proverb 4:18)
Raquel stayed close to the river, knowing it would keep her within sight of the city in case she met with real danger. It took most of the day to skirt the homes and outlying fields. She moved carefully, keeping a wary eye and ear out for anyone within the city—or without. Every so often she waded in the river so her trail would be harder to follow. Her father, among others, was known for his excellent tracking skills. So were the Lamanites. She stopped to pick an avocado. The water and the fruit kept her going.
By late afternoon, she’d made it to the lower reaches of the city where the slope to distant farms and orchards became more steep. It was possible that the king had set up guards to watch the main road. But as Raquel found a place to survey the road, it was eerily empty. She remained still for several moments, watching the road. She was surprised really, and wondered if they’d given up the search. Regardless, she didn’t dare step onto the road. She stayed a good distance away since the trees had thinned considerably and there was no cover near the road. She passed through a field of maize, grateful the stalks were tall and mature this time of year.
She connected with the river again and followed it to the beginnings of the southern forest. There she saw Abinadi’s home. In the daylight she could better see its makings. It was a modest hut made of long sticks with a thatch roof. Although it was small, it looked tidy and well cared for. She half expected to see Ben running around scattering chickens and Esther sitting in the yard grinding maize or mending something. But everything was quiet. She walked up to the entrance, covered by a skin that, just the night before, Abinadi had stood on the other side of. She paused for a moment, wondering if she should involve these good people in her disappearance. What if the king’s people questioned them? Why should she expect them to risk protecting her secret?
She knocked on the side of the hut anyway, out of options as she was. She thought she heard a scuffling sound come from within the house, but no one came out.
“Ben? Esther?” she called out. “It’s Raquel.”
Another sound, then the skin-covering opened. Ben’s small face came into view. He burst through the opening and leapt toward her, throwing his arms around her legs.
“Hello there,” Raquel said, wrapping an arm about him and patting his head with her other hand. She smiled at his enthusiasm, but when he pulled away, he looked upset. “What’s wrong?”
He waved her inside, and Raquel followed him. “Where’s Esther?”
Once she was inside, he spoke. “She went to sell at the market as she does every day. She didn’t want anything to seem different with Abinadi gone.” He looked about the room, his nose wrinkled. “She told me I had to stay out of sight. There’s nothing to do here.”
Raquel stifled a laugh. So he was bored, not upset. “When will Esther be home?”
“Hopefully in time for supper.” He shrugged.
This time Raquel laughed. “Would you like me to fix you something?”
Ben’s face lit up as he smiled. “Could you?”
Raquel moved about the tiny cooking area and found a grinding rock. She set Ben to work grinding while she lit the fire in the stone oven. With the water from a storage jug, she quickly made a paste, then dumped the batter onto the hot flat stone above the flames. She had little skill in cooking but had watched the servants in her home plenty of times. Soon the batter bubbled and her stomach grumbled in anticipation. When the two cakes were ready, she slid them off the stone with a flat stick and onto plates. Ben started to eat his as steam still rose.
After they’d finished eating, they waited for Esther together, Raquel wondering if she should say anything to Ben as to why she was really here. They talked for a few minutes about the elders when she finally said, “Do you know where they are staying?”
Ben lowered his voice as if someone might be listening. “Abinadi said they were meeting at their headquarters. From there they’d decide when to travel. Only a few outsiders know where the settlement is. I think it’s the empty strip between the river and the first set of mountains.”
“Are the elders safe?” Raquel wondered aloud.
“They have the protection of the Lord,” Ben said.
Raquel looked at the boy, realizing that she believed him. It was incredible, really. She wished she could understand life as he did and enjoy such simple assurance. “Tell me about their headquarters. Is it someone’s home?”
“Oh no,” Ben said. “It’s like a cave, but it was built by our ancestors—Father Nephi and Father Jacob. The elders have expanded it from a storage place to a large room where they can hold meetings.”
“And they’ll be there a few days?”
“They might be gone already, now that Abinadi is with them,” Ben said. He wore a wistful look. “When they get settled in their new land, they’ll come for me.”
Raquel’s thoughts tumbled. The cave seemed like the perfect hiding place until she decided what to do next. But she’d still need supplies. The shadows had grown long in the room, and she didn’t want to be wandering too deep into the forest at night. She’d have to leave soon.
“Where is the cave?”
Ben looked at her sharply. Raquel saw that she’d gone too far. This young boy was no fool. But it seemed he was unaware of her visit the night before, so perhaps . . .
“You didn’t just come here to see me,” he said in a flat voice.
Raquel wrestled with her answer, trying to think up a quick story. But she couldn’t wait much longer, and she really did need supplies. She’d have to explain to Ben so that he could explain to Esther. “No, I didn’t just come to see you.” She smiled. “Although that is part of why I am here.”
Ben crossed his arms, eyes narrow.
She took a deep breath. “I—I ran away from my home . . . from the palace, to be exact. The king wants to marry me.” She lowered her eyes, feeling the impact of her actions. Had she made the right decision? It seemed so foolish to run from a life in the king’s court.
“Abinadi wouldn’t like that.”
She snapped her head up. “I know. It was foolish of me to do.”
“No,” Ben said. “Abinadi wouldn’t be happy if you married the king.”
A jolt passed through Raquel. She tried to keep her voice steady as she asked, “What do you mean?”
A mischievous smile crossed Ben’s face. “I heard them talking about you last night.”
Raquel stared at him. “What did he—did they—say?”
“His mother knows and I know . . . that he likes you.” He covered his mouth and laughed at his own words. Then trying to keep his face straight, he said, “But he won’t admit it. His mother says he’s no smarter than an alpaca.”
Raquel smiled but didn’t really dare to hope. Abinadi hadn’t actually admitted anything. Besides, if he knew what had happened between her and the king—that awful kiss—Abinadi would be repulsed. He was so pure. She was far from that.
“The king will be angry when you go back,” Ben said in a knowledgeable whisper.
“I know,” Raquel whispered back. “That’s why I’m not going to return.”
Ben’s eyes widened. “You’re really leaving?”
“Yes,” Raquel said, swallowing her resolve with finality. “I really am. And I need your help.”
Ben nodded eagerly.
“I need to take a few things with me,” she said, removing the feathers from her hair. She looked down at her clothing. “If there is a plain tunic that Esther can spare . . .” She held out the feathers. “If you could give these to her as payment . . . And I need to know where that cave is so I can hide.”
Ben jumped to his feet. “I’ll come with you. I know the way, and I can protect you.” He pushed out his chest, his eyes gleaming with excitement.
“No,” Raquel said, thinking fast. She couldn’t risk this boy’s life too. Plus, Esther needed his help. “You need to stay here with Esther like you promised Abinadi.” She pressed the feathers into his hands.
He took them without a word, his expression dejected.
“If I see Abinadi or any of the elders, I’ll tell them you’re waiting patiently.”
“All right,” Ben said, his face brightening a little. “You’ll need to take an oil lamp—it’s dark in the cave.” He rummaged through the house until he found a piece of parchment and a stylus. He drew a rough map for Raquel. “Here are the hills. If you travel over the first one, you’ll see a clearing.”
Raquel watched his finger trace the line, her heart pounding at what she was about to do. The location of the cave was right on the border of wild territory. There could easily be Lamanites camping in the area.
She changed her clothing and gathered the supplies Ben brought, tying everything together into a bundle. She thanked Ben and embraced him. She would miss his enthusiasm and simple faith. As she stepped outside of the house, she noticed the lengthening shadows of the approaching evening. Ben had assured her that it would take less than an hour to reach the cave. She should make it there before dusk.
As shown on the map, Raquel followed the river, feeling refreshed after eating and spending time with Ben. Now that she’d come this far, she allowed her thoughts to turn to her mother. A twinge of guilt passed through her—no, it was more than a twinge—but for now she pushed it away. She couldn’t let sorrow slow her down. She’d had no choice. Her mother would eventually understand.
According to her map, she was almost there. She scurried up the ridge. From the top she saw the clearing. She’d be able to finally rest and perhaps sleep in a secure cave for the night. And then tomorrow—she wasn’t sure. But tonight she’d be assured that Ben was safe, Abinadi was safe, and she was free.
Something whizzed past her, and a sharp pain hit her shoulder at the same time. She gasped at the intense burning sensation. Turning, she looked for the offending insect. With horror she saw blood trickling down her shoulder. A lot of it. She staunched the blood with her hand, taking a few steps backward. What had bit her? Then she saw an arrow on the ground a few paces ahead.
Her chest seized with panic. Someone had shot her. She looked behind, trying to capture a glimpse of movement within the surrounding trees. Her legs threatened to give out, but she half ran, half slid down the other side of the ridge. Her shoulder ached, and she started to feel lightheaded. At least the arrow hadn’t pierced her, though it had left a pretty good gash in her skin. She tried to stay low to the ground, looking for anyone chasing her and hoping she was running in the right direction toward the cave.
On she ran, her stomach sinking with nausea. Just a little farther, she urged herself. Finally she arrived at the clearing. No one was in sight. Perhaps whoever shot her had lost her trail. She moved along the outside of the clearing, staying hidden, her stomach roiling and her head throbbing. Quickly she scanned for the hidden entrance Ben had told her about. Straight ahead she saw a line of heavy brush.
She worked her way toward the cave, trying to stay concealed in the trees. When she reached the tangles of the brush, she pushed her way through it. She had found the opening. She hovered inside the entrance to catch her breath and wait for her eyes to adjust. Her shoulder throbbed, and she clutched it, willing the bleeding to stop. For a few moments, she listened for anyone who might have followed her. At every slight sound, panic seized her chest again. Then, before she could explore the cave, she stumbled, pitching forward before everything around her went black.
* * *
Raquel didn’t know how long she’d lain unconscious, but when she awoke, her shoulder burned so that tears sprang to her eyes. She thought with irony of the herbs she’d risked so much to get to Abinadi . . . what she wouldn’t give now for a poultice to ease the pain. She maneuvered to a sitting position, trying not to move her right shoulder. Then she became aware of a new pain. Her hand flew to her face and touched her forehead.
“Oh no,” she groaned. Her fingers came away wet. She grabbed for the waterskin, then scooted to the wall of the cave entrance and leaned against the cool surface. She closed her eyes, the pain coming in bursts against her temple. She had to make the bleeding stop. With trembling hands, she ripped a length from the hem of her tunic, then wadded the fabric and held it gingerly against her forehead.
After several moments, she tore a second strip of fabric and tied it around her upper arm, just below her shoulder. She poured water on the wound, then with another strip, wrapped her shoulder. With the bandage, the pain seemed to isolate itself and no longer pulsed through her entire arm.
She used some of the water to clean the blood off her face and neck, then took a long drink and rose to her feet, hoping the cave had some provisions stored. She lit the oil lamp Ben had given her and walked slowly, the lamp in one hand and her other hand running along the rocky walls for support. After several paces, the cave opened into a large cavern.
Her dim light didn’t reveal the entire space, but Raquel sensed it was quite large. She walked carefully around the room and found a spring of water in the center. Kneeling by it, she washed away the remaining blood.
The sound of falling rocks startled her. She hovered over the lamp, wondering if she should extinguish it. What if the person who shot at her was here? Or some wild animal? A jaguar that had seen her light? Then, distinctly, she heard footsteps. She blew out the lamp and crept to the far wall.
The light of a torch flared up just inside the tunnel. “Who’s in here?” a voice demanded.
Raquel covered her mouth to stifle a scream, but then she lowered her hand. “Abinadi?”
He stepped into the cavern and raised the burning torch.
She moved from the shadows. “It’s Raquel—”
“Thank heavens,” Abinadi said. He crossed to her and examined her face. “Are you all right?”
“Yes, I probably look worse than I feel.” How did he know I was here?
“I saw you running through the trees—and there was blood on your clothing.” He peered at her. “Your head . . . what happened?”
“I—I fainted.” She touched her shoulder. “And an arrow brushed me. I lost some blood.”
Abinadi’s face crinkled in concern. “You were shot?” He crossed to the wall and lit another torch wedged in a crevice. The room brightened considerably. He turned to her. “Let me take a look.”
She held her breath, anticipating the pain as he removed the bandage.
“We need to clean this more.” He took her other arm and led her to the pool. “Wait here. There might be something we can use stacked in the corner.”
Raquel knelt and dipped her hands in the water, then touched them to her wound while she waited for Abinadi. She was amazed that he’d found her, and just when she needed him. It was as if someone was looking out for her.
In a moment, Abinadi was back with a clean strip of cloth. “We’ll have to look outside for the curaiao plant.”
Raquel nodded. The curaiao would take the sting away and speed healing time. As he rewrapped her shoulder, she closed her eyes. The pain seemed to lessen just with Abinadi’s presence—knowing that she was no longer alone. But what would he think when she told him what she’d done?
“Finished,” Abinadi said. His gaze was on her, warm in the torchlight. “Now tell me why you’re so far from home . . . and how you knew about this place.”
She lowered her eyes, suddenly feeling nervous. Not because of what her explanation would be, but because she was having a hard time looking at Abinadi without her heart hammering. He’d surely notice the scarlet of her face, the sound of her heart in this much-too-quiet cave.
“Ben told me about the cave,” she said. “He also gave me a rug and a waterskin from your mother’s home.” She finally looked at him, seeing the surprise in his expression. “I gave him some feathers in payment.”
Abinadi nodded, his gaze still locked with hers. “Why do you need supplies?”
She took a deep breath, willing her voice to stay steady. “I left home.”
He furrowed his brow. “You left? Meaning . . .”
“I ran away,” she said, her breath catching. “I couldn’t bear it. I couldn’t . . . let the king take me as his wife. I—” Her voice broke and hot tears budded. “When he tried to . . . I knew I had to get away. They were chasing me, but I escaped the palace—”
“They chased you?” Abinadi said.
She could only nod. He stood and walked a few paces away.
Raquel covered her face with her hands. She hated crying, and it was all the worse in front of him. He must think she was a foolish girl. He’d send her back. She knew it.
“Mother was right,” he said in a quiet voice.
She lifted her head and wiped her eyes. “What?”
“My mother said the king wanted to marry you—that’s what being ‘presented’ to him meant.” He watched her from a distance. “An arrow wound may be the least of your concerns.”
He crossed to her and crouched. Taking both her hands in his, he stared at her intently. “Listen carefully. I don’t want to alarm you, but just before I saw you running through the forest, I saw someone else. Actually, several others.”
“Lamanites? They shot me, didn’t they?”
“No,” Abinadi said. “The men who shot you weren’t Lamanites.”
Raquel squeezed his hands, trying to understand.
“They were Nephites,” he said. “They were wearing feathered headdresses.”
“They’re from the king’s court, then.”
He nodded and said, “At first I thought the king had sent out a hunting party, but then I saw your injury.” He held her gaze. “I think you’re their prey.”
Her mind reeled. “But if they’re trying to kill me, that means the king . . .” She shook her head, unable to voice the thought.
“Issued the order,” Abinadi finished.
“What about my father? Couldn’t he change the king’s mind?”
Abinadi released her hands and rocked back on his heels. “It seems too late for that now.”
Raquel dropped her head as despair consumed her. The king was not only looking for her, he wanted her dead. What did her mother think? What about her father? What did he think? Was this just another order to be followed by King Noah? Obviously it was no longer a game for wooing her. It was now a matter of life and death. If her mind had not been completely made up before, it was now. Even if she wanted to, she could never return.
“We have to get you out of here,” Abinadi said, cutting through her thoughts. “It’s not safe. You may have left a trail of blood. If not, it still wouldn’t be hard to track you.”
She opened her mouth to refute him, then closed it. She probably had left an easy trail. How long had she been in the cave? Too long, she thought. “Thank you for helping me.” She stood, surprised that most of her strength had returned. She picked up her bundle and waterskin. Her plan was to head north until she found a settlement to live in or until she reached the sea. She had always wanted to visit the great waters. She could probably find a tribe to join and weave to earn her keep.
Raquel looked at Abinadi one last time. “Tell Ben that I’ll miss him. He’s looking forward to your return, and your mother will be happy to see you again.” She turned away, not trusting herself to say another word. She felt emotion building again and didn’t want him to think she regretted her decision.
“Raquel,” Abinadi said, but she kept walking.
She’d find a curaiao plant for her shoulder wound, and then she’d travel for a couple of hours to put more distance between herself and Noah’s men. It shouldn’t be too hard to find a place to sleep.
She reached the tunnel and moved between the close-set walls.
“Raquel.”
She slowed, realizing that Abinadi had followed her into the tunnel. He touched her good shoulder and turned her around. The light from the cave entrance was just enough to make out his features. She began, “I’m sorry I have nothing to give you for your kindness—”
“I’m not looking for payment. I’m coming with you.”
“You can’t.” She shook her head. “I’ve already brought you enough danger. If they track me to this cave, your hiding place will be revealed.”
“Nothing here is of value anymore. We’ve moved to another location.” A smile tugged at his lips. “You don’t think I’d let a young woman face the jungle alone?”
She lifted her chin. “I can’t expect you to put everything aside for some young woman and lead her around the country.”
Abinadi opened his hands. “I’d never forgive myself if something happened to you.” A slight smile touched his mouth. “Besides, I’m a fugitive just as you are, except I was cast out, whereas you cast yourself out.”
Raquel stared at him, overwhelmed. He was too generous. But what better excuse could she give him? Apparently the threat to his life wasn’t enough. “I . . . I don’t think it’s proper for me to be escorted by an unmarried man . . .”
He laughed, and Raquel found herself smiling. Suddenly, he grasped her hand and gave her a quick bow. “I promise I’ll be more than proper.”
Her skin burned at his touch. He must have thought . . . She wanted to disappear with embarrassment. Everything she said around him seemed to come out wrong. “I didn’t mean . . . of course you would—are—proper.” She covered her mouth just to stop herself from speaking.
Abinadi looked at her with those amused eyes. “Wait here. I need to gather a few things.”
While he was gone, Raquel debated whether to flee. She hated putting him in danger. If she met her fate, so be it, but she didn’t want responsibility for Abinadi’s life upon her shoulders too. But if he were determined, he’d find her easily enough. Or someone else would. Fear thumped through her as she thought about running into one of the king’s men. Even the Lamanites seemed mild compared to them. Finally she decided that if they were captured by Noah’s men, she’d make them release Abinadi in exchange for her going along with their wishes. Instantly she felt better.
Abinadi walked out of the darkness. He carried a bundle over his back. “Ready?”
“Yes,” Raquel said. She let him lead the way. They emerged from the cave silently where rays of the sunset poked through the foliage surrounding the cave entrance.
Abinadi brought a finger to his lips, and Raquel held her breath as they listened together. Then, ever so quietly, he took her hand and guided her through the maze of trees that dipped and rose with the terrain. Occasionally the howl of a monkey or cry of a bird startled Raquel, but overall their journey was uneventful. She collected curaiao leaves on the way. Several times she nearly stumbled under the weight of her pack until Abinadi insisted on carrying her rolled pack and waterskin.
He had to release her hand, and she concentrated on keeping up with his long strides. Soon darkness was thick upon the land, and Raquel was grateful when Abinadi slowed his pace. The jungle masses grew denser the farther north they traveled.
“We’re almost there,” he whispered. They reached a manmade clearing in the middle of a mass of vines and trees. Three tents stood side by side, illuminated by a cooking fire. As the two stepped into the open, the men crouched around the fire looked up.
“It’s me,” Abinadi announced. The older one who was clearly the leader, Gideon, rose to his feet and crossed to them, his gaze on Raquel. He towered over her, his dark hair and swarthy beard intimidating at first. A long, jagged scar ran from his shoulder to just below his elbow—probably from combat. Yet his eyes were kind.
“This is Raquel, daughter of Amulon,” Abinadi said. Gideon simply nodded and asked about Abinadi’s journey.
Raquel sensed the elder’s curiosity, but his politeness prevented him from immediately satisfying it.
“Are you hungry?” Gideon asked.
“Yes,” Raquel said before she could stop herself. She felt embarrassed to have blurted it out so suddenly.
“Come this way, then. We are nearly ready.” He introduced her to the other elders—Ezra, Nathan, and Timon—then fetched a rug that she could sit on. “I’ll take your things.” He waved his arm toward the first tent. “You’ll sleep there.”
Ezra stood and started clearing out the tent.
“Wait,” Raquel said. “I don’t want to take your places. I can sleep anywhere.”
“You’ll be more comfortable inside the tent.” Gideon’s voice was kind but tinged with authority, like a man not usually crossed.
So Raquel stood by while they prepared the tent, then served a simple meal of dried fish and fruit. Food had never tasted so good. After she had finished eating, Gideon inspected her shoulder injury. He blended the curaiao paste and applied it to her shoulder.
When Raquel crawled onto her mat, her tired body heaved a sigh of relief. She listened to the quiet voices around the fire for a while, then finally drifted into sleep, content for the moment and hoping that the hunt for her had ended.
