Chapter 6

-Chapter 6-

Not as easy as relieving oneself

"Not another word out of anyone on the matter of Saul, lest my anger be kindled again--as well as David's," came Joab's ultimatum, quickly quieting down the masses that had grown restless over the outcome of the chance encounter turned by an act of mercy of all things.

"What was needed to be said has been spoken. The line has been drawn, so I will not tolerate any crossers either," affirmed Josheb before letting out a sigh. "Now let us warm by the fire and enjoy the first true moment of peace we have had since the day the giant fell."

Many troubled looks remained troubled, even of The Thirty. It took a moment for them all to comprehend the truth behind Josheb's words beyond the torment of knowing how much further comforted they would have been with the death of a key enemy. Of all the men, it was Uriah that showed the first signs of conceding to joy over the uncomfortable victory.

"This makes one step closer to being able to return home to my sweet Bathsheba. I can think of no greater bliss than this moment. It rivals even the moment Goliath was no more," he nearly sang. The name he mentioned forced those around him to cast a spit to the ground out of disgust to the "over sized Baal worshiper." After that display, the idea conveyed began to spread as Ira of Tekoa spoke up as well.

"The skirmish we won against those rats who invaded Keilah might now get the son of Ikkesh renown as he yet lives while being in David's company."

One after the other, men from the entire company--even those not of The Thirty made known of what could now bring them happiness in light of the situation. Aside from the others, The Three conversed amongst themselves.

"Still, I myself cannot quite understand what stayed David's hand. I've seen the man split skulls of Philistines I would consider less worthy the deed than our accursed king," pondered Eleazar.

"If a better time ever presents itself, I hope he doesn't grow soft. Yet on the other hand, it seems fitting his compassion. Mark how he is able to split skulls during the daylight, yet when the sun wanes he takes that harp out and sings to God with the heart of a child," Shammah then remarked.

"I wonder what brought the accursed king within here, and at unawares as he was," Josheb poked as he surveyed the very footsteps left behind by the anointed ones. A misplaced step then brought a swift and unfavorable smelling answer to his quandary.

"Relieving himself seems to fit that stench," joked Eleazar.

"Covering his feet so close to where we eat. What could ever get as unnerving as this, I shudder to imagine," stated Shammah. The rest of the company had silenced as their attention was now drawn to The Three. Josheb pointed to the nearest junior soldier.

"Don't just gawk! Fetch a man some water."

Heleb of Netophah nodded and did what was told of him, with a notable grin as his back was turned.

"Asahel, I haven't heard you say anything you long for from home," noted Uriah, yet with  poor result as far as getting the lad to speak up. Even the other five or so who tried to get a word out of the son of Zeriuah were unsuccessful. At length, the boy did speak though.

"I would rather be like the commander, at least as much as wanting nothing at this moment. Speak to me no more!" He implored those around him to little avail as they scoffed at the mention of David. Silence reigned once more though as Asahel chucked the cup in his hand to the wall and made to storm off for fresh air. He was caught short by Josheb, gently so.

"Hold yourself, son of Zeriuah. Now, you can help your elder as he gives you counsel once more," the Tehchemonite said, motioning to the basin held by Hereb. Only with a scowl did Asahel obey the man, taking the basin to pour over Josheb's foot. "If the mercy David showed to our enemy troubles you, then think of it this way; it is far easier to relieve oneself than take the life of another man. Especially if--by the LORD's grace alone such a man is anointed more worthy than other men. I know this might not comfort you, but I will certainly tell you of a time we Three overheard David himself wanting. It happened late a night when we were still in the cave of Adullum, long after Benaiah told his story. The commander said aloud that he strongly desired water of Bethlehem. The torment we could sense in his soul made it impossible for Shammah, Eleazar, or myself to do anything else but oblige the request of such a noble man's heart. I'll tell the full of the tale, as it might make David's reason tonight seem more clear when you hear of what he did with the water The Three verily retrieved from the wells of Bethlehem. All in one night. It was like a night rarely seen in Israel, or perhaps it was just the hour in which we set out..."