Shadow Warrior

By Dee Blackshear

Rejected by their father and left to be raised with Jesse’s family, the sons of Zeruiah are intensely loyal. Abishai, Joab, and Asa battle side by side with David to establish him as King of Israel. The two oldest are captains in his army.
The boys grow up as sheepherders in the fields outside of Bethlehem alongside David one of Zeruiah’s brothers. Though only a year older than Abishai, he is the leader and instigator of their adventures. The brothers develop special skills. Abishai, the eldest, with his ability to blend into the dark, lives his life as a spy in the shadows. Joab serves as a warrior and statesman. The youngest, Asahel, a swift runner, works as a courier. They join with David to bring him to power.

What happens when David becomes king and the excitement ends? Or, if his hero falters? Faced with a critical decision, Abi decides honor is more important than his life and ignores God’s promise for himself.

Their story begins with the four boys tending their sheep in the fields outside of Bethlehem. Though life is settled into a routine with no possibility of escape, they still dream of greatness. One day a stranger comes to Bethlehem and changes their lives forever.
Suddenly, more power than they ever imagined is within their grasp.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Dee Blackshear
• Release date: Dec 10, 2019
• ISBN: 9780463321522

Dee Blackshear

Check out my blog for information about me. http://dblackshear4writing.weebly.com/

Book preview

Shadow Warrior

Dee Blackshear

Revised 2019, 2021

Copyright 2012 by Dee Blackshear

ASIN: B0086JJBZM

SHADOW WARRIOR

Captain Abishai, eldest of the fierce sons of Zeruiah, uses his unique talents to aid in David’s fight to be crowned king.

CHAPTER 1 A Prophet Arrives

CHAPTER 2 Alarming Summon

CHAPTER 3 King’s Men

CHAPTER 4 Abi Gets Noticed

CHAPTER 5 Ordered by the King

CHAPTER 6 Abi’s Future Begins

CHAPTER 7 Mountain Training

CHAPTER 8 Bethlehem Attacked

CHAPTER 9 A Strange Effect

CHAPTER 10 David Returns

CHAPTER 11 Saul’s War

CHAPTER 12 Brothers Go To Battle

CHAPTER 13 Supernatural Defeat

CHAPTER 14 Rumors

CHAPTER 15 Escape from Bethlehem

CHAPTER 16 A Willful Act

CHAPTER 17 Healing

CHAPTER 18 Asa Searches

CHAPTER 19 Cave at Adullan

CHAPTER 20 David’s Army

CHAPTER 21 Abiathar’s Story

CHAPTER 22 Shelter at Keilah

CHAPTER 23 Escape from a Trap

CHAPTER 24 The City of Ziph

CHAPTER 25 God’s Promises

CHAPTER 26 A Treaty with King Achish

CHAPTER 27 Refuge at Ziklag

CHAPTER 28 Allies

CHAPTER 29 Raiders

CHAPTER 30 A Promise Fulfilled

CHAPTER 31 Miraculous Victory

CHAPTER 32 Time of Mourning

CHAPTER 33 Hail David, King of Judea!

CHAPTER 34 It is Time!

CHAPTER 35 A Vision Becomes Real

CHAPTER 36 Courtship

CHAPTER 37 Reconciliation

CHAPTER 38 The Future

CHAPTER 1 A Prophet Arrives

Enoch stood hidden in the shadows, eyes alert for any movement. From the top of a hill, with only a little shift in position, he could study all angles. As a Watchman, along with others in the adjoining hills, he participated in a warning system for Bethlehem. Something was going to happen, the quiver in his stomach warned him. The air crackled and snapped. Dark shadows moved, but nothing was there.

This part of Israel experienced an extreme drought. Withered plants, in the unnaturally hot and dry landscape, were burned to a dark brown. The wind gusted and stirred up dust swirls. Bethlehem was barely visible in its haze. For miles in either direction, the country was dying.

God’s punishment on Israel, some elders at the gate wisely announced, but gave no answer for what.

Could be the king, Saul. There were rumors about divination and witches. He shrugged. The king thought it was all done in secret, but word spreads, even to the insignificant village of Bethlehem. Living out in the mountains, Enoch developed an understanding of God’s power. A man could not hide from the Almighty.

A group of young shepherds sat next to their flock at the mountain base. He studied them from above for a few moments. Though young, they handled the sheep with skill. Over the years, he protected the boys without their knowledge and watched them grow up. Abishai, the tall one, was a dreamer. His companion, David, a short and more athletic youth, eagerly accepted any challenge. Asa, the youngest, bounced around like a newborn lamb.

Sunlight beat down on Enoch’s weathered face. Using a sleeve, he wiped off the sweat. The sheep bleated as they fought to drink at the spring. Almost mud, it offered only a little water. It’s been too long without rain, but we live at the Lord’s mercy. Right now, the animals need water. A cool burst of air caused him to turn around. His eyes studied a small white puff on the horizon. A dust swirl? Or, maybe a traveler braving the dry terrain? The last one was almost two months ago.

Loud mournful bleating again drew his attention. Either the water was gone or somehow, they sensed a change. The Watchman shrugged and started down the mountain. His short muscular body defied gravity as he leaped over rocks and dodged tree branches to land on a ledge. Rising from the shadow of a tree, his dog stretched.

What do you think of that puff in the sky, Dog? Might be interesting. Well, no matter. The boys need to move the flock in closer. No more water between here and the well at Bethlehem. Good thing it never runs dry. He pulled out a piece of shiny metal and caught the sun on its surface. His hand flicked in a series of movements. A coded message was sent to a distant mountain. Investigating movement. If nothing, I'll go to Bethlehem with the shepherds.

A return flash indicated, Message received.

Dog leaped down the mountainside; his tail wagged in rhythm at each jump.

Something did not feel right. Before calling to the boys, Enoch stopped one more time. To his surprise, the small cloud had exploded in size and now covered the sun. The air thickened and started throbbing.

A gray fog drifted across the sky, and from it, a horse appeared and floated toward him. The form of a man took shape riding on the animal’s back. He was slumped over and appeared to have been traveling for a long time. His hair and beard were matted; dust lay in thick layers on his clothes. Deep lines scored his face from squinting into the sun.

I need water? A dry rusty voice called out as the horse stepped onto solid ground.

Sorry, but the waterhole is dry. Here, take some of mine. I have a little with me.

That’s all right. My horse and I will drink from the spring.

Enoch looked up at him with a puzzled expression. But, it’s dry.

The cloud covering thinned out and cool air flowed over them. With a loud gurgling sound, water bubbled up. The sheep, from a distance, smelled water and started pushing each other. A dog barked trying to control them.

Aware of the miracle that just occurred, fear caused Enoch’s heart to tighten. He threw himself face down on the ground. You must be from the Lord! What have I done to be struck down? I shall surely die.

No, no. Everything is all right. I am Samuel, the prophet. The Lord sent me to do a sacrifice in Bethlehem.

Enoch carefully raised his head and stared up at him.

Get up, go tell the shepherd boys to release the flock to drink. With a tired sigh, the man sat down next to the running water. Cupping his hands, he noisily drank from its cooling flow.

The youths were staring up at the gray cloud covering the mountain. His quiet approach startled them. The spring started running. There's water in a pool, bring the sheep.

The tallest of the group grabbed his wooden staff with both hands and crouched in a defensive stance. Who are you?

Enoch, one of Jesse’s Watchmen.

That answer seemed to satisfy the short older boy. He whistled to the dogs. They released the flock. Sheep surged forward, crowding around, pushing and shoving, fighting for a drink. The tall boy was not so easily assured. He waited with cautious eyes.

Enoch nodded and walked back to the prophet. As he approached, Samuel stood and stretched. A strong gust of wind hit him and blew the dust from his clothes and hair. His form changed immediately into a tall broad-shouldered man. Long black hair streaked with silver flowed behind him in ripples. With his hood flipped back, the man’s old and wrinkled face was exposed. His dark brown eyes glowed with ageless energy.

Another tingle of fear streaked up Enoch's spine.

I’ll walk with you to Bethlehem and give my horse a rest. The prophet assumed Enoch was accompanying him.

Now with a source of water, the boys and their flock were no longer in danger. He could leave them without worrying. Enoch picked up his bag and whistled to the dog. Nodding in agreement with the man, they started the long trek across the valley.

A cool breeze gently blew on them as they traveled under the cloud cover. While the horse plodded along behind them and Dog calmly paced along-side, Enoch cast anxious glances at his companion.

Samuel sensed his concern. I’m not coming to destroy the city. God is not sending his judgment down on it.

I’m afraid that you bring bad news, and I helped deliver it.

You should not fear. I need to deliver a message to Jesse the Elder that is all. No ‘fire and brimstone’, I promise.

He slowly relaxed and occasionally handed over his water pouch. The prophet took deep drinks and gave it back. For several hours, the only sound was the horse shuffling behind them.

As Bethlehem loomed closer, Samuel became curious about it and the people. Looks to be a peaceful place. Anyone special living there?

No. Jesse and his clan, the man you search for. Other clans are there, as well. Belzar, Cethtol, Assur, to name a few.

I heard Jesse had some fine, strong sons. Anyone stands out?

Enoch thought for a moment. He has many sons, all strong and brave; a daughter too, Zeruiah. Is Jesse in trouble? From what I know of the man, he’s honest and God-fearing.

I just need to meet with him.

The town elders sitting at the gate studied the approaching travelers. Their voices echoed in the quiet evening.

Who is that man with Enoch the Watchman? one of them questioned.

Another squinted at them in the fading sunlight. I’ve seen him before. And, is that a rain cloud hovering over them?

Getting a look at the traveler’s face, an elder started to shake and stood so quick, he tripped on his robe. It’s Samuel the prophet. What’s that troublemaker doing here?

The rest scrambled up and rushed to meet him. Anger, mixed with fear, showed on their faces. They knew the Lord was with him, and a prophet usually did not bring good news. Something bad must be coming.

Is this a peaceful visit? The mayor started to reach for his sword but froze in motion.

Yes, yes. I’m here to meet with Jesse the elder and his family. Tell him I will come to him and his sons tomorrow morning. Later, we will sacrifice to the Lord. Samuel's intense eyes glared at the elders.

The men stepped backward with fear at his fierce expression.

Go clean yourselves up, so I can sanctify all of you to come with me for the sacrifice.

The mayor shook himself free from his trance and, along with the other men, hurried off without looking back.

Enoch was left standing with Samuel at the gate. Would you like to come with me to Zeruiah's house? She gives me lodging and food when I'm in town? You can clean up and rest.

The prophet nodded, I would be grateful.

CHAPTER 2 Alarming Summons

In the fields, Jesse the elder stared at the empty yellow sky. As he studied it, a white puff appeared on the horizon. Within minutes the cloud tripled in size.

Hope, at last.

The sun burned down on the crops, leaving them limp and undersized. He and his sons set up a system to water the thirsty plants, but it was long, hard work. Being a leader in the city, Jesse could have rested in the shade, but he chose to work beside the men. Not a person to give up and wait, he turned to the well, pulled up a bucket of water, and poured it into a clay pipe. Dropping it back down into the water, the action was repeated. For the rest of the afternoon, the steady rhythm of work continued.

Jesse?

He turned around in surprise to discover a servant approaching him. Yes, what is it?

The elders sent for you. The prophet Samuel has come to Bethlehem.

Samuel the prophet, I’ve heard of him. Did he give a reason for traveling all this way?

He requested to meet with you by name. He also said to bring your sons. Afterward, he would do a sacrifice.

Jesse stood for a moment with a troubled frown and pulled out a rag to wipe his face. He turned back to the fields and waved to his nearest son. We are called back to the city. Pack everything up. It’s time to quit.

He started to send the servant with a message but noticed the man was looking upward. Following his gaze, Jesse stared in astonishment. Puffy black clouds rolled across the sky.

Ozem saw his father’s surprise and glanced up. A grin broke across his face. With a shout to the others for their attention, he said, We need to head for home before the rain starts.

The tired men, suddenly full of energy, laughed and loaded their tools on the cart. Jesse signaled his sons to walk with him. He studied their faces. The prophet Samuel requested to meet with me and my sons tomorrow morning. So, prepare yourselves tonight. We will assemble in the main hall after breakfast.

Excitement rippled through them. Eliab burst out with a question, What's this about?

I have no answer. Samuel just appeared and asked for us. If any of you know why then tell me.

His sons glanced at each other. They shook their heads in denial.

Lightning streaked across the sky. We need to get moving.

On the quick walk back to the city, Jesse, in deep thought, searched his heart for answers but none came. He led a simple but hard life away from political tensions. There was no reason for Samuel to be seeking him out. Rain poured down on him, but he was oblivious to its refreshing touch.

Quiet at supper, Jesse sat with his food uneaten. His wife patted him on the shoulder. Everyone knew something was wrong. After the meal was over, he remained alone in the dark, searching his thoughts and actions. Finding no answers, he bowed his head and prayed for guidance.

*****

Samuel entered the building and paused. Though cleaned up and rested, his intense eyes were still circled by deep shadows. All night the rain fell in a steady rhythm, but the morning brought sunshine. The room was cool and shaded, for a moment he could only see the men’s outlines as they turned toward him. A large figure approached. When his eyes adjusted, he discovered that Jesse, though old, still projected an air of authority. An imposing man with a head of silver hair, he stood as tall as Samuel.

He bowed his head to the prophet. You honor us with your presence. I am Jesse the elder. These are my sons. I will introduce them to you, but first please be seated. Let me bring you some food.

Thank you for your offer. Enoch the Watchman took care of my needs. But, I will sit down. Samuel purposely crossed the room; his wooden staff pounded on the stone floor with each step.

Jesse indicated the chair next to him and waited for the man to sit.

With a sigh, Samuel lowered his aching body down. The trip to Bethlehem was long and complicated. He looked around at all the tall, strong men surrounding him. Surely, one of these must be the person I search for.

You requested to meet my sons? Jesse, not one to put things off, waved for them to come forward. As each man approached Samuel, he introduced him.

This is my oldest Eliab, a great fighter. A tall handsome man stepped up and flexed his massive arms. At his father's nod, he grinned with pride. Curly black hair flowed down his back in waves, almost to his knees.

Abinadab, my next son is cunning and skilled. Another tall man shoved his brother aside and bowed. Long, sinewy legs showed beneath his short robe.

Shammah is extremely accurate with a bow and arrow. Dark eyes glared out at the prophet from under thick curly hair and a bushy beard. He stepped up beside the other two.

Nethaneel is an accomplished horseman. From a shadowed corner, the man nodded. His thin shoulders and legs poked out from his garments while he nervously bobbed sideways.

Raddai is an excellent businessman. Eagerly, he came from the back, his hands rubbing together in excitement.

Finally, Ozem is the negotiator. Another muscular man shoved to the front. His face twisted into a smirk as he confronted the prophet.

Jesse waved to indicate his sons. All are fine warriors and strong in the Lord.

Samuel carefully studied each face as they were introduced. The men appeared intelligent and capable of leadership. The room’s occupants were quiet as they waited for his reaction. He also waited, but for a different reason. None of them caused him to reach for the horn of oil hidden in his coat. He did not know what to do and gave a perplexed gaze around the room. God said he would indicate whom to anoint, but there was no sign. Are these all of them?

David, the runt. Eliab, the eldest, snickered.

His father turned and glared at him. He stooped down and slid to the back of the group.

The prophet pointed at him as he tried to hide. You, Eliab go. Find your brother, bring him to me. We can’t start the sacrifice until he is here.

The brothers parted to reveal him trying to sneak out of the room. He stared at the prophet with terror in his eyes. His voice came out in a squeak, But I don’t know where to look. David’s out with the sheep somewhere, playing that stupid harp.

Samuel’s staff pounded on the ground. The room’s occupants watched both men with eager anticipation. Ozem let out a nervous laugh.

Eliab shook his head and glared at his brother. His long thick hair swirled around him. There was a tingling on his scalp and then something hit his foot. A thick clump of black hair lay on the ground. More fell around him.

Nethaneel snickered, He’s going bald.

At a gasp from his brothers, his eyes widened with shock at the realization, it was his. In a panic, Eliab clutched his scalp, trying to keep on what hair was left.

The prophet’s dark intense eyes burned with a deep warning.

Jesse stood with a strange expression. He turned to ask a question. But, before he could speak, Samuel softly said, The Lord has dealt with our people many times through the youngest son.

I understand your message, but it is still a surprise. David is special and walks separately from the others. What do you need him for?

Samuel ignored Jesse’s question and listened to an unseen presence. And bring Abishai back with David. Now, go, Eliab.

He yelled, I’m going, and ran out the door. His voice echoed in the courtyard calling for servants, horses, and a scarf.

CHAPTER 3 King’s Men

Stupid sheep, no, don’t you come near me. I don’t want to be licked. Besides, you stink. A shrill, young voice echoed through the air.

Sixteen-year-old, Abi slowly sat up and sighed. He was enjoying his favorite pastime, lying back and admiring the sky. After last night’s rain, everything changed. Clouds raced across the sun and cooled the air. Overnight, grass turned green and thick; the earth came alive. Birds sang overhead; lambs frolicked among the rocks.

Hearing another yell, he stretched and glanced toward the noise. His youngest brother just could not adjust to life as a sheepherder. Asa, you smell as bad as the sheep.

It’s different, it’s human. Sheep odor makes me itch.

Get in the water and wash off.

Then I’ll smell like sheep water, ugh, he wailed.

Abi laughed and lay back to watch the clouds again. His imagination ran wild. One almost resembled Sari, his cousin. Well maybe not, she was a bit thinner in certain places. A two-headed horse formed and then stretched out into a rabbit-shaped cloud. The peaceful setting got to him and his mind drifted.

An off-key squeak grated on his ears and caused him to groan. David was his uncle, though only a year older than Abi, and could play the harp beautifully. So why not stick to the harp? No, he decided to try something different, a pipe. Even the sheep became restless at the pipe’s screeching whistle. One bleated off-key in harmony.

A sharp Clang followed by a faint yell caught his attention. Taller than most of his family his youthful build foretold a future strength. The resemblance to his father and not Jesse’s clan caused him to stand out and attract a lot of notice, not all of it good. But now, using the height to his advantage, he stood on a large rock and looked around. Nothing caught his attention. Abi whistled to the dogs and called out. David, Asa did you hear that?

Hear what? Asa's small excited face appeared from behind the rocks. Another faint clang was heard. Sounds like a sword fight. He started off in a run towards the noise, leaping over the rough ground.

No, wait! Abi shouted. He tried out to catch him but missed. His brother’s feet ran faster than his brain.

David appeared from the side. Though shorter, his muscular body moved with agility and speed. It sounds like a sword fight. Where’s it coming from?

To our right, up near that stand of trees, I think. Don’t you go running off, too.

Not without my staff and sling-shot. He tied a leather pouch of rocks to his waist and stuck the sling in his belt. Racing toward the noise, using a staff to vault him over large rocks, his form disappeared from view.

Ah well, what good are armed fighters against three young shepherds with a staff, a slingshot, and dogs? Abi considered the possible outcome. He threw his shoulders back, took a deep breath and whistled for a couple of the dogs. Following at a more cautious pace, he dropped down next to his brother and discovered David crouched on the other side.

What took you so long? Asa whispered.

From their concealed position, they discovered two brawny thieves beating and kicking a man. A third one was in a violent sword fight with what appeared to be the travelers’ leader. Two more men, obviously victims, lay bleeding on the ground.

Asa started to rise but was jerked down by his brother.

Wait, we need a strategy. David, what will we do? His uncle always had a plan.

David grinned and handed his slingshot and bag of stones to Abi. Alright, here’s what's going to happen. I’ll go over there with my staff to help the man in the sword fight. Abi, you use the slingshot. Try not to miss. Asa, you go to the other corner with the dogs. When you get there, stand up and scream ‘Attack’ to the dogs. That should do it.

Uh, he has a sword against your staff. Are you sure?

It’ll work. Just be prepared when Asa lets the dogs loose. Ready? Let’s go! David jumped up and raced across the ground, leaping rocks and dodging tree limbs along the way.

In the past, his plans worked. Abi would have to trust him again. Of course, the other confrontations involved David’s brothers and were not life-threatening, sort of.

Faith. A voice whispered in the wind.

Where did that come from? He jerked around but found no one behind him. Though a little confused, Abi opened the pouch of rocks. David always carried a supply. They were smooth and round and fit snugly in the leather sling. He called them ‘smooth-flyers’.

Abi pulled out one and fingered the texture. Swirling the strap around his head, he prepared to release it at the nearest attacker.

ATTACK!

Asa yelled so loud, Abi lost his rhythm and almost dropped the rock. Recovering quickly, he let it fly.

A red circle appeared on the man’s forehead! Not sure what happened, the thief snarled and, seeing a teenage boy staring back with only a slingshot, stomped toward him.

Abi mentally gauged the distance, swung the weapon around his head again, and let a second rock fly. He was aiming for another headshot, but instead struck the man's jaw. The thief’s eyes glazed over, and he dropped flat on his back. At his whistle, the dogs ran out to finish the attack; one went for the throat, the other the arm. Their sharp teeth aroused the man who started to scream and tried to fight them off.

Abi!

His brother was trapped against a tree with a man coming toward him. Growling while swinging his knife in an arc, the attacker took his time, taunting Asa.

Now, working on instinct and adrenalin, his aim improved. He hurled another stone, hitting the man’s elbow. Shock at the sudden pain caused his fist to open and drop the knife. Abi let loose one more rock and struck him on the back of his head.

The second attacker fell forward, face down in the dirt.

Breathing heavily, he crossed to his brother. Asa help me tie up these men.

The man trying to fight the dogs yelled out, Call them off!

Dogs, guard!

With that command, the two dogs stood at attention, snarling and showing their teeth. The thief reached for something concealed in his cloak. At Abi’s whistle, a dog growled and lunged forward. The man screamed in pain.

Good dog.

Asa, his eyes wide with shock stepped away from the tree.

They have leather cords knotted around their wrists. We can use that to tie them up and afterward search for weapons. Abi unwound the leather and used some for ropes, the rest he stuffed in his pocket.

They pulled out knives tucked in waistbands, pant legs, wrapped on their sandals, even small ones stuck in their headscarves. Pitching them in a pile, the dangerous collection was impressive.

Testing the knots one more time and