Psalmwriter Bathsheba's Eyes: Book Iv in the Chronicles of David

By Michael Sandusky

Here’s a psychological thriller of two people in trouble. David’s discouragement and depression in the midst of middle aged power and wealth find relief in the arms of another woman. It was her eyes though. It was the way she looked at him with seduction. Then turning, she bared all for him to see. Yes, she understood him as no other woman did. There was only one problem. She was married. It’s an erotic true tale of sex and seduction, lies, secrecy, neuroticism and murder. Down, down, down they fell lying in each other’s arms until one day…time was up.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Oct 22, 2007
• ISBN: 9781462812332

Michael Sandusky

Michael Sandusky is the quintessential story-telling romantic. His fifty years of writing novels, short stories, poetry, self-help books and newspaper columns have been read and enjoyed the world over. He loves deep-sea fishing, traveling to exotic locales, cooking and public speaking relating thrilling, funny and poignant stories about his adventures, narrow escapes and interpersonal relationships. He still believes that the best stories cannot be made up, but come from actual human experience. He can be reached at [e-mail]

Book preview

Chapter 1

I’m not even supposed to go in there.

You’re not? Why?

The King called me to the throne room… .

You? What’d you do that warranted such a special invitation?

He told me not to touch our Lady’s things and to leave the room just as it was when… .

. . . When the Angel came?

Yes.

Michal’s handmaidens continued on with their work as the mistress of all the servant girls walked by.

. . . Called her in too at the same time, Timna nodded as the woman passed by. Locked it they did… .

He’s taken this harder than I expected, added the friend.

I’ll never forget the look on his face that night… when he called for me, said Timna as she leaned upon her broom. It was… I… I can’t describe it… kind of like a ‘hopelessness.’ I felt so sad and helpless, really. I thought she was better since she wasn’t sweating at nights and the cough had calmed down.

I have to tell you, I was really shocked when they asked me to help with the body. She was so thin… like she had just wasted away. Did the king really love her? I mean, she never seemed to be with him much after we came to Zion… .

I think he did, replied Timna. What I couldn’t figure out though was… Timna looked around to see if anyone was listening, . . . Why she seemed so angry with him at times.

Ah, she was angry with him? All the time?

Um, no not all the time… in fact… Timna lowered her voice to an even softer whisper; our Lady spoke warmly of him at times.

What’d she say?

Hmm… One time she started talking about his songs and how they were such a sweet thing to her, and how I should listen to them. She acted like they weren’t even of this earth.

Have you been in the room since?

No

Can we get in?

The door is locked, but the balcony is still probably open. We’d get in trouble… .

Only if we’re caught!

Timna looked around and then followed reluctantly as her friend crawled over the banister and edged her way to the balcony. Neither looked down. They found the door leading to the balcony of the end room to be open and soon slipped through into the darkened bedchamber. As their eyes adjusted to the dim light Timna could see that it was much the same as she had remembered of several weeks previous. The bed had been made, but a close examination of the floor revealed small drops of dried blood.

I can smell death! exclaimed the girl.

Oh stop it! whispered Timna. Don’t be so morbid! If it was here I would smell it for I was here the night she died.

What’s this?

That’s where she kept her jewelry.

The girl opened the lid of a large ornate box overlaid in gold and gasped at the brilliance of the gems in spite of a darkened room. She started to reach for a necklace, but Timna grabbed her wrist preventing her. Don’t! They were my Lady’s.

You’re forgetting that she’s dead!

No you’re forgetting that she was an honorable person and deserves respect. She treated me well and I loved her. I miss her and… .

The door lock began to rattle and in a panic the two girls slid under the bed not just fearful of their positions, but afraid of losing their heads.

They held their breath as the door opened and a solitary individual entered closing the door behind him. Timna could see the royal emblem on the sandals and then buried her head in her hands. It was the King.

They were both now terrified and knew for sure that any movement or sound would give them away. The man sat down in a chair close to Michal’s table and proceeded to examine the jewelry that the girls had just been viewing. After a while he began to weep. Timna grabbed her friends arm in silent exclamation. They were embarrassed yet exhilarated to be witness to such an intimate occasion. It helped assuage the terror that resided in the back of their mind. After a while the sobbing ceased and the man got up and commenced to walking around the bed chamber stopping here and there to examine some item of interest. It wasn’t long before the weeping began again. However this time it was accompanied by a slapping or pounding on the wall. The girls looked at each other wondering what it was all about. The physical emotion also came to an end and shortly thereafter he left the room locking the door behind him.

Both girls gave a sigh of relief. Cautiously they crawled from beneath the bed. Timna immediately noticed that the jewelry box was now gone as well as two flutes that had rested on a table nearby.

It was obvious that they had received their thrill for the day for without a word they both headed for the balcony and were soon out and on the promenade.

I don’t want to do that again said Timna.

Why? Afraid?

No… well yes, but more so I felt that we were invading a private moment of the King’s. I feel guilty about it.

Oh he’ll get over it. Give him a few months.

I don’t know… .

Trust me.

Chapter 2

Mornings were dreary now. David looked towards the window from his bed. The sky was overcast today. ‘It was sunny yesterday’ he remembered. It made no difference though. The brightness had been voided from his life as far as he was concerned. He lay there looking at the ceiling, staring so long that the mosaic seemed to be coming alive and moving. He squinted to see if the shift of the tiles was true. After several attempts he concluded that he was imagining it.

Will it be the usual this morning my lord? asked the aide entering from the side.

Yes, as usual was the reply with no hesitation.

The king arose and dressed himself, ambling over to the window. In spite of the chill the streets were fairly busy this morning. There had been little snow this winter and the ground was still bare, but the nippiness was still apparent. He pulled his robe tighter as he watched several laden camels being led down the street and towards the stable. He wondered from where they were coming. This was the usual scenario for many times Jerusalem was the last stop before the sea. This had its benefits for often the more exotic trade stuffs were being brought back from the east. On the other hand the City of David was one of the last stops of the caravans that had loaded at the ports with Egyptian and Tarshish merchandise. That would change as soon as he was done with the ports in Philistia. He would see to it that all the laden ships were unloaded to caravans going to Israel first.

Here, my lord, the aide said as he sat the tray down on the bed table. He poured milk and prepared the raisins and cheeses and then departed after asking if anything else was needed.

The king continued standing at the window and noticed an older beggar approaching several of the caravan drivers. He would have to make sure the beggars did not become too much of a nuisance. He couldn’t remember having beggars in Ziklag or Hebron either for that matter. If they were there, perhaps he had taken care of them. Oh well, that was then, this is now. There were few caravans that passed by Ziklag and none at all in the mountainous area of Hebron.

Taking his bowl of cheeses and raisins he moved to the fireplace to capture its warmth. For days now since he had ceased the visits to Michal’s tomb he had attempted to rationalize her death. The talks with God were more diatribes at times. Her childlessness and her explanation for it were unearthed time and time again, but still he was unconvinced of any chastisement there might have been from God. For a few moments it even appeared that he was lapsing into the old argument of why all of their turmoil had to happen anyway. A reason for the thirteen-year separation was sometimes demanded while the estrangement of his wife and of her own volition was wondered about with the end result of confusion. A knock at the door brought the face of Benaiah through the doorway.

My lord, how are you this morning? he asked. David just stared at him. My, lord, if you don’t mind my saying so… you’ve never taken the time to listen to lord Joab since his return… .

I am not ready to see him… .

. . . But my lord, why the change? I mean, I’m sorry… we’re all sorry about our lady’s death, but for several months after our return from Damascus-that’s all you could talk about. When is Joab returning? When is Joab returning? Now you don’t even want to see him?

It can wait… was the reply.

Benaiah shook his head and walked out the door and then down to the throne room. What’d he say? asked Joab waiting.

He’s not ready to see you yet.

What? It’s been two moons now since we’re returned and our own king doesn’t want to hear from us? Well, we’ll just see about that! He turned and strode out the doorway into the courtyard and was headed towards the steps when Benaiah jumped in front of him barring his way.

My lord you can’t do this… you can’t just barge in on him like this.

Joab stopped. Benaiah… I’m trying to stay calm here. Look, I know that he lost his wife. I know that he hasn’t been himself lately, but you know as well as I do that this nation won’t run itself. I’ve already heard of problems in the north that need a decision made. ‘Not today’ can turn into another month and then two or three months.

You still shouldn’t do it lord Joab.

It seems to me that I remember someone who had the gall to tap that young king on the chest in chastisement at one time years ago. Maybe it needs to be done again and by me this time.

My lord, don’t make me do this said Benaiah as he pulled the only weapon he had on him—his dagger. Now lord Benaiah, look at me. Am I carrying a weapon? He was right of course and Benaiah knew it. Then again what could come of Israel losing the commander of her armies over… well over an obstinate king? The bodyguard sheathed his weapon and followed along after the commander. He would use the excuse of being unable to stop Joab. The commander knocked on the door and then entered in an upset and defiant mood. Benaiah winced.

David was startled and then chagrined that Benaiah had allowed him to get through.

My lord, I know that you are in no mood to see anyone, much less me said Joab. David just looked at him hoping he would get the full impact of his disdainment at having to deal with… well, having to deal with life today. I am truly sorry about our lady Michal… but I’ve been here for two months and you don’t even want to see me or hear of any reports? Well, I’m going to report anyway.

David took a long, hard if not approving look at Joab. He might as well have stepped out of a cave. The man standing before the king had a mess of hair that was tangled, but not matted. From a distance it may have appeared dirty, but the king could smell that it was clean. It was thick and dark, hanging down and touching his shoulders. He sported a thick beard with a finger’s length of growth, not scraggly, but neatly trimmed. Streaks of gray were visible even from a distance. His mouth was just barely discernible. What could be seen of his facial features revealed a darkness even to his already olive-toned skin. His eyes showed wrinkles creeping from the outward edges. There were lines crossing the brow. His clothing was clean and fitted his muscular, but aging body well. At his waist and attached to his girdle was a knife sheathe. It was well marked with its victories. Bowing his head, he knelt down on one knee before the king. The sight of this softened the king’s heart unexpectedly. It was like a tonic poured over a hurting if not confused soul. What had he been thinking? He had been lost in his own self-pity forgetting and caring little for this one who had put his life on the line for the king and the nation. David was humbled and felt that his head should be lower than the one before him with bowed head. He winced when he thought of himself lying in that cold gutter in his own vomit as he watched the returning heroes led by Joab himself gallop through Zion on that cold morning. He had to say it. He had to speak the truth:

I thought you were never going to return said the king quietly. Joab was surprised, as was Benaiah at the king’s change of demeanor. The commander’s defensiveness and obstinacy melted to the floor at the soft words.

I, myself, wondered that at times, my lord replied Joab. We all questioned if we would ever see the streets of Zion again… and sadly some will never see them again. I felt as though I was in Joshua’s regiment at times… it was rough. We sincerely intended to be back by this last summer, but our foes had a different view of that… .

You may rise… I see by your belt that it is well marked… more so than at any time since I’ve known you… .

They were not easy I may add, responded the commander.

Killing never is, said David.

The three men moved towards the fireplace at David’s invitation and then sat down. The arrangement surprised Benaiah who felt that it was highly unorthodox to hear reports in a bedchamber, much less sitting in the presence of the king. However the one in front of them was entirely comfortable and was reminded of the times in Adullam’s cave when they were young and equal in leadership capacities. It felt like old times and on this day he needed it to feel like the old times was this time. He was lonely and discouraged and sensed that God was far away and he needed it to feel like it used to be. He was tired of being a king and remembering of the demise of Asahel as well as Abner even though the one in front of him was guilty of that travesty. He needed to be escorted back to that cave before he heard of the fate of Jonathan and Saul and beheld the head of Ish-bo-sheth. He needed to remember that they were friends, but maybe most of all he needed to bring to mind that Joab had saved his life once.

Lord Jashobeam and I found the mountains before Hamath filled with Hadadezar’s rebels. We had a most difficult time in routing them from the rocks and trees and little crannies. Most of the time they were on top of us until we made it over the summit. It was slow going and casualties were fairly heavy… .

How many?

Joab bowed his head as he recollected the numbers. Three hundred and twelve from that initial campaign.

Have you contacted the families?

Yes, my lord. We eventually made it over that range and took Qatna. There was no resistance there so we left a temporary occupying force just to set up the tribute schedules. From there we moved on to Hamath. We learned that the reason it was so difficult in the mountains was because Hadadezar’s troops had pulled away from Hamath and regrouped in the mountains for the express purpose of stopping our advance. So not only had the rebels fled to the range, but the regulars had pulled back from their second front and joined in the mountains. When we seemed to be stuck up in the trees I felt we needed more men and that’s when I sent for Eleazar to join us. Well, Hamath was wise to us. Actually I should say their king was. Toi is a smart man and had that Hittite kingdom under control. As we approached the city and ready for battle, a peace courier was sent out. He requested a meeting between Toi and us. So Jashobeam met with the king. He came back with a proposal. He said that Toi wanted to know the truth to the rumors he had heard about Israel expanding its borders. He actually wanted to know the fate of Syria, Hadadezar and Hadadezar’s army. He knew the outcome of any battle to be fought with Israel. We learned later that he had a sizable and well-trained army that had withstood the Syrians for some time. He realized that he was up against the wall and rather than risk the destruction of the city and it’s populace proposed giving us the city and allowing him to remain king. We also learned later that the city was low on foodstuffs for two reasons. They had been under siege for a long time. The second reason was that it lies on a major trade route between Aleppo and Damascus. You and I know that no caravans came through Damascus during that time that we all were there due to the war and thus none made it to Hamath… .

What was your decision about his retaining his ruling?

He was told that we would occupy the city and that he could retain it temporarily, but not necessarily permanently until you had been advised… .

That’s good, said David.

The city is quite desirable, continued Joab, because of its placement on the trade route. In any case that’s why he sent his son Joram to see you and bring gifts to the treasury… .

Joram? Have I met him? Is he here? he asked looking at Benaiah.

Yes, my lord, he’s been here about three months… .

What? This man had been waiting three months to see me? This isn’t Egypt, Benaiah. Why hasn’t he been shown in?

My lord, you were indisposed for all that time with Lady Michal and the other affairs of the kingdom said Benaiah. However, he looked at the king with an I told you so look and a What did you expect? shrug. Actually he wanted to give him a you were out of it stare, but felt best not to do so.

We regrouped in Hamath, continued Joab, and waited there for Eleazar. I had hoped he could join us in the mountains, but he found stiff resistance along the river. After he did join us we started for Aleppo. By this time the leaves were beginning to fall and I feared we would not be back to Jerusalem before winter. We fortunately didn’t meet much resistance in Aleppo or Arpad or Carchemish. The problem though was that we were so far north and by the time the occupying units were in place, it was winter. We thought of holding up in Hamath so we went back there and then after a few days I was afraid I was going to have a mutiny on my hands because the men really wanted to get home. We left and traveled in snow at times but made it back one morning. We returned with two hundred and twelve men. The rest are occupying the areas we were in or were killed.

It was obvious that the report had finished. Joab looked at the King expecting something although he knew not what. David stared at him as though he was glad that the long, but necessary details had come to an end. Joab was puzzled that the King was not asking a myriad of questions as he usually did on such occasions. David pulled at his beard as he looked at the commander as though in deep thought. Benaiah shifted his weight in his chair and then cleared his throat.

Are you ready to meet Joram of Hamath now my lord?

Not really, but I’ll meet with him after the Sabbath said David.

This amazed Benaiah who thought he had perhaps erred in not telling the king of Joram’s presence. But I thought… he then caught himself for it was no use to question the king while he was in this state of mind.

My lord when will we begin discussing spring maneuvers against Moab? asked Joab.

I don’t know. You should know though that I’m not going out this time said David.

Joab raised his eyebrows in a mystified look. He had never known David to act like this.

Chapter 3

The cedar was soft to his touch. It had been months since the king had last sat on the throne. He had forgotten the handiwork of the lions’ heads on the armrests. Slowly he rubbed his hands over the figures at the end of the arms. He didn’t really want to be here today, but now that he reposed upon the throne he recalled the kind of power that he really did possess. He held in his hands and in his decisions the ability to impose justice, to decide right and wrong and even to give life or force death. Who was there in all the land that could wield the authority that he possessed? It was his, all his—and it had been given to him by Samuel and by God. The people only ratified the decision. They had been right when they sang of him killing his tens of thousands. Such accolades surely deserved to possess the throne. In the space of four years he had driven the Philistines back to their hovels and furthermore had expanded the kingdom to the Euphrates River. The kind of power that accomplishes those things cannot be challenged without loss. He had achieved what Saul had failed to do. He lived in a beautiful palace surrounded by cedar and gold. It was a far cry from the fields of Bethlehem. Who would have thought that a shepherd boy raised in the fields would someday become the king of a great people?

So why was he depressed?

My lord the King, I present to you Joram son of Toi, King… er… leader of the Hittite kingdom at Hamath. The aide presented the young man and then retired to the side of the fire, now blazing in the throne room and courtyard area.

The young man fully dressed for the winter approached the throne and then bowed to David. As you have probably seen, said David, we’ve been in a state of transition here… what with the wars ceasing for the winter and the death of the Queen… .

Joram bowed his head and then looked the king straight in the eye. It is I who should not have been so presumptuous to expect to see you so soon after your return and when grief still wears its black hood in your presence.

Nonetheless, continued the king, I was unaware of your presence until recently. I trust you have been looked upon with kindness and have stayed warm on such cold days.

The man nodded in agreement.

You are young, said David. Subjugation is foreign to you isn’t it?

Yes, my lord, it is. However there are worse alternatives.

I’m glad that you realize that for your life will be easier when you can accept your state of affairs. Your father… how is he taking this?

Actually quite well my lord. He frankly is relieved that all of this has come to an end. We tired of fighting Hadadezar. We held out well, but he was a constant tick in our flesh. There was great rejoicing in our city when we heard that you had been victorious over such a warmonger. He was constantly knocking on our door. I do not mean disrespect by saying that we were glad to be accountable to the lesser of two evils.

The king smiled. You are aware of your annual charge?

Yes, my lord—two thousand talents of gold each year… I am also aware of the presence of Israel in the city and environs. We also look forward to the protection provided to us by your armies… .

Yes, and you shouldn’t have to worry again about invasion… as long as you subjugate yourselves in a peaceable manner.

I… I wanted to inquire about my father King Toi… or I should say Toi? What role shall he have in the city my lord?

I haven’t decided yet said David. He had not had full reports yet on the city and its capture from Joab and Jashobeam. The initial report of Joab two days previous held not enough information on the strategy of holding and governing the city. He, of course, could not tell the visitor before him of the inadequacies of his knowledge for the fault lay with him and him alone. Refusal to meet with the captains of such ventures carries consequences that now could come to light quite easily. He felt himself getting angry and hot. It was not from the fire in the fireplace, but his own blushing embarrassment. His question was: Was he angry with the young man or annoyed at himself? I can assure you though that he will live to see his grandchildren… the rest of which I leave up to you he smiled. The gesture was returned in equal favor.

My lord we have brought gifts… bring them in! He motioned to his aides standing in the background. The men entered carrying gold shields with the medallion of Hamath consisting of silver squarely implanted in the middle of each one. Silver goblets were brought forth as well as gold incense bowls. A large bronze bowl took two men to carry it. Two exquisitely carved lions with emeralds in their eyes were set before the king. The animals were cast from gold. Six silver bracelets were presented with each holding rubies. Finally a long bronze pole was brought in to which were attached the flags of the Star of David and the Medallion of Hamath. Inscribed on the length of the pole in both Hebrew and Hittitish symbols was the account of the siege against Hadadezar and also against Israel. The King made sure that the end result showed the victory of Israel.

Your gifts are much appreciated, said David. You can relay our respect to your father when you see him again.

The man bowed and exited the courtyard leaving David alone save for an aide and Benaiah close by. The three of them looked at the treasures resting in front of the throne. What shall we do with them my lord? asked Benaiah. David said nothing. Finally Benaiah suggested presenting them unto the Lord. Yes, that’s a good idea responded the king, although he had forgotten that the spoils of his conquests had always been presented unto the Lord. Benaiah was puzzled that his sovereign seemed surprised at the suggestion, but said nothing. He was equally taken aback when David asked to be left alone. Nonetheless the king was left alone on the throne for the better part of the day. He felt not the cedar underneath him or against his injured back. At times he rested his head against the back of the chair and at other times he stared straight ahead as if in a trance. Certainly he was not thinking of the chair or the day itself.

Were there no more kingdoms to conquer? He would have to get that seer in here to see what else lay before the Kingdom of Israel. Who would have thought that a shepherd could rise to such noble and admired status among the people of Israel? All this part of the world belonged to him and all because of a giant too stupid to fight like a warrior should fight. Look at this palace! Certainly it was something Saul could never have attained. Why, he couldn’t even defeat the Philistines at Gilboa!

Such thought was so deep within his subconscious that he was oblivious to the attendant who asked if the fire should remain fed as the afternoon dusk approached. Receiving no answer the man continued to add the necessary wood.

Perhaps he had made the wrong decisions on the path to the throne. Maybe he should have killed Saul in that cave. Jonathan would be alive now. The Queen could have returned sooner. There would be no need to be so bitter over the lost years. Bitter? Who was he kidding? Why was he thinking he was bitter? Bitterness is for weaklings—not for kings… .

My lord… .

Let the man in the street be bitter… although he knew not for what reason. After all wasn’t it he who had built this great city and brought such prosperous times to Israel? So some lives were lost in the wars. That’s what war is all about. Someone has to pay the price… .

My lord… .

Perhaps the poor might be bitter… but that would end for he would make sure that someday there would be no poor in Zion. Why, the wealth coming in from yearly payments—which by the way was another reason why someone has to die in the midst of conquest—would be enough to distribute and end poverty. They couldn’t help but love a king with such noble intentions and accomplishments… .

My lord!

David was startled to feel Benaiah’s hand on his shoulder. My lord did you not hear me? I’ve been trying to get your attention for some time now. Are you feeling well?

Yes, Benaiah, but it is dark already?

You’ve sat here all day, my lord. If it were I—my rear end would be aching if you don’t mind me saying so… .

Now that you mention it—I’m afraid what you’ve said is indeed true. David stretched as he rose from the throne, rubbing his arms and attempting to refocus on where he was and what he was doing. My lord, it’s been some time since you’ve dined with the rest of us… perhaps you might enjoy this evening’s meal—it’s gazelle. Benaiah hoped that the king would acquiesce and attend the meal for his presence had been sorely missed.

You’re right Benaiah… It’s been good to be out today. It’s been difficult you know since the Queen died… .

Yes my lord, I know… .

If we hadn’t gone out two years ago I could have probably talked her into dining with us again… I can’t believe I spent two years killing people when I could have been in her bed.

Benaiah was puzzled at this talk and did not let it lie. But my lord, the kingdom would not have been advanced if you had stayed in Zion. You were going on the command of the Lord… . You’re just still grieving that’s all… .

Just stop it Benaiah! Don’t let on like I don’t know what I’m talking about!

All right so you’re saying you made a mistake?

Well no… I… I… gazelle you say? I could go for that.

Chapter 4

You would have thought someone had risen from the dead.

So startled were they that, after a gasp, a round of applause burst forth as well as shouts of joy and praise. The dining hall was packed. Benaiah had taken a chance when he saw that the king was actually out of his room. He sent forth to the cooks to prepare gazelle and then notified the family and the captains that the king might be dining that evening. After the cheering subsided David lifted his hands and said, I know, I know—you heard that gazelle was being served tonight! Laughter broke forth filling the room with sounds he had not heard since before the wars. He took his seat next to the Queen’s empty chair, but tried not to dwell on its vacancy.

He looked down the table to his left. Abigail smiled in the way that only she could do. It was a smile that had always brought sunlight to David’s soul—even when he was on top of things. She had always impressed him as not only smart, but also understanding. He had to be reminded of those qualities though after having been away for so long. Her aging maturity and the graying of her hair gave her a special place among the wives in not only his view, but theirs also.

Nathan stood and asked God’s blessing on the evening and the meal. It seemed foreign in a way to David. He had not been to sacrifice since his return from the wars and he had not listened to prayers, yea even prayed himself since the Queen’s burial.

The room was alive with chatter as the portions were served. Yet David had seen none of these diners with the exception of Benaiah and Joab since the Queens burial. Abishei bowed his head to him as their attention brought their eyes to each other’s. Yes, he had done a fine job of watching over Israel for two years. Surely, however, it was because of the strength and stability of Jerusalem that had come at the hand of David. Joab and Jashobeam conversed as they pulled at the gazelle. That’s right he hadn’t yet heard Jashobeam’s report. He would get to it someday and also that of Eleazar. He didn’t want to think about it right now.

Gad and Nathan completed the other side of the table. Honorable men were they, but let them not chide David over his absence from sacrifices. He was the king. He could certainly not attend if he didn’t have time or didn’t even want to for any reason. David’s eyes looked away as Gad glanced at him. The king might be depressed, but he didn’t have to feel guilty on top of that. If he was to be convinced of guilt—let the Lord do it.

He pulled from the gazelle along with Amnon who sat on his right. Why don’t we see you any more Father? This annoyed David. Why did he have to give an answer to anything? You’ll see me when it’s necessary was the reply. Well I’ve been thinking continued the heir to the throne, maybe in the spring we can get rid of the poor people that clog our streets and wet our walls by banishing them to some other city? The annoyance level went up dramatically as was witnessed in the king’s face. Amnon—that’s the most cock-eyed comment I’ve heard from you since you had the bean up your nose. If I hadn’t pulled it out myself I would think that it went to your brain. Amnon glared at him questioning within himself why he did not remember the incident. You get rid of poor people by making them not poor—even rich if you can. You wouldn’t understand that I suppose since you’ve never been poor. He tried to busy himself by eating, but Amnon just stared him. Enough of your inane comments tonight. Just eat said David. Father… is it possible for a brother to marry his sister if she has a different mother? David looked at the boy and shook his head. Amnon… . He couldn’t even finish his sentence, but tried to go on with his meal wondering how he could have sired this boy. This boy was going to be king? God help us all! Look… you’ll need to ask Gad… he knows about those things. Now eat your meal.

David looked down at Ahinoam. She wasn’t young any more. He remembered how she had been saved from the raiding party and had ridden on the back of his horse with him. She was not the one who had assuaged his loneliness back then. It was Abigail who accomplished that feat. Nonetheless she was to be honored for she had brought forth his firstborn and the heir to the throne. She looked at him and smiled. Sitting on the other side of Maacah’s empty chair was Haggith, Abital and Eglah all still young and capable of child rearing.

Not only was there gazelle tonight, but entertainment and before long the girls came out with a belly dance that had everyone in a sweat, even on a cold winter night. However, it was Tamar, the prettiest of the maidens and concubines that captivated everyone’s attention. David had forgotten how she had blossomed out and now was the most desirable in all of Israel with her beauty and her ability to dance. He could see her mother’s face and remembered that evening in Geshur when Maacah cast a hypnotic spell on the two visitors from Israel. The seventeen year-old Tamar was the hit of the evening and greatly cheered by David and the rest of the table. Amnon was the loudest of the group while Absalom was genuinely proud of his sister. She looked at her father for a nod of approval and found it. The several concubines looked for any sign of a visit this evening, but found it lacking even after more than two years of waiting.

It was Ahinoam who saw the opportunity after such entertainment and approached the king from the rear whispering into his ear: My lord needs to finish the evening after such food and amusement with me… I’m sure you won’t be sorry to have me in your bed this evening.

David reached up and felt her hand upon his shoulder. He rubbed it while in thought and then turned and whispered: I’m sure you’re right. The bed has had no other woman in it in over two years. You shall be the first later this evening. Like a kid with candy she returned to her place at the table completely unable to keep the secret. It might as well have been announced as part of the menu. If Maacah had not been in Geshur, then there might have been a scene as she felt she was the most deserving of the king’s bed. Ahinoam had seen her chance and had taken it. The reward would be great.

The evening was alive with hope and gladness since the king was now sitting at his place. Not only did it feel like a kingdom, but also a family when they were all together. He looked at all the faces including the children at the other table and all seemed happy for the instance. However, for the most part David avoided the interaction with those around him for the rest of the evening. He found himself with a tender and aching mood. He was weighed down by a persistent desire to sigh. The wine cup in front of him continued to be emptied and then refilled. Before long the king found himself in solitude—a place that at one time would have seemed embarrassing amongst so much company. Now he found it a welcome respite. The vivacious, even chaotic conversation in the room was lost in the din as David sat back in his place and into himself. He had forgotten such escape in the time since the Queen’s death. Surely the cup would lend a better hand than to sleep the day away. He had done this before. He could do it again. In the midst of such chatter throughout the room he was presented with one sobering thought. Every time he had taken this cup—Michal was the one doing the pouring. He wanted to slap himself, but couldn’t bring his uncoordinated palm to do so. Why blame the Queen for all this? He was bored too—he knew that. He was depressed after such victory and acclaim in the expansion of the kingdom. Not only that, he hadn’t known a woman in over two years. There were none in the expanse of the desert and if there had been, then surely there would have been no urge to have sex half buried in sand. The wine opened his mind’s eye enough to convince him to refrain from blaming the Queen any longer. Look at Amnon! Here was something to lose heart over—what was he saying earlier? The poor, that’s it. Get rid of the poor! Send them to some other city. What’s he been doing for twenty-one years? It doesn’t make any difference where they live. There will always be poor and they’ll always need to be helped. You pour water down an anthill—it doesn’t kill them. They just move. Now that’s some thing about which to get discouraged. You think you’ve trained a child right and out comes something that makes you doubt the child’s parentage. Surely he didn’t learn that from us. What’s the use? There’s no use he said to Ahinoam as she led him away from the nearly deserted hall. Let me help my lady said Benaiah as they approached the steps to the upper bedchambers. We’ll be fine she replied as the two began their ascent.

Chapter 5

My lord you don’t know how my heart was so excited to see you tonight! It’s been so long. Ahinoam helped David to his bed where he laid his head down on the pillow and closed his eyes. She crawled in beside him and curled up next to him. You can tell me, my lord… . She was right, he thought. It had been a long time—too long. A man needs the comfort of a woman and two and half years was entirely too long to go without satisfaction. He had to get out of this mood—this dreary self-defeating mood of pity.

She rubbed her hand over his chest, but got little response. It was no surprise to her, but the ability to do such a thing was still pleasing. She, of all the wives, was one to not forget from where she had come. Thrown over the shoulder of desert marauders never to see the Plain of Jezreel again was always in the back of her mind as she crossed the blocks of limestone set into the floor of a palace. Awesome was not sufficient to describe the outcome of this young woman now accustomed to seeing windowsills of polished stone and a king’s bed of cedar wood. The youngest and most unlikely of all the wives had done something that no other had done. She had given him the heir to his throne. For all of these things David was truly grateful.

She set her teeth into her lower lip and whispered, What are you thinking?

David was quiet for a while. For months now, but especially the last few weeks he had played mental gymnastics with himself. It was a chase and sometimes a race—going in and out of these rooms in his mind. He still blamed Michal’s death somewhat, but admitted to the others in these cerebral rooms that he needed a challenge after such victories of the last two years. He admitted that his depression was an understatement. His theory was that more accomplishment might relieve him of such a sickness. He had rebuffed all thoughts for sex from any wife up until this evening. Maybe such male pleasure would be the panacea to rid him of this mental demon. Certainly it took less effort, time and expense than to embark on a military expedition. Nonetheless he had not been removed from all his rational faculties. There were some things that only certain people could hear. Abigail was the only one he could trust with his insecurities. He would be careful even in an inebriated state of what he would utter on his bed tonight.

I was thinking how long the nights are and how my back aches.

From your injuries of falling from the cliff?

Maybe so, but from what I remember—it was aching before that.

Sleeping on hard ground no doubt said Ahinoam.

Ha! I didn’t have these backaches in Engedi or Adullam… then again I’m not in my twentieth year either.

I can’t do anything about such body aches, but I can keep the nights from being so long. She pressed closer to him and pulled the embroidered coverlet tighter over the two of them. She desperately wanted to say some word that might serve as a balm upon his many bruises. Now she realized that the task was more than she might be prepared to handle. There was a reason or reasons why the king had not been seen for several months. Was she imprudent enough to think she could bring him out of this secret room? Was she silly to think that one or more acts of female submission could relieve him of this hour of bitterness? The best she could do was take pity on his disillusionment for whatever reason and hope that he might find fulfillment in her this evening.

The embers had now burned low and darkness had set upon the room. Some small light emitted from the window. The few lights of the city resonated against the cloud cover that kept out the truly bitter cold for the evening. She lay warm and dry against his side, but her heart leapt when the ominous quiet was broken as he passed his arm underneath her naked body and drew her closer.

I had determined to not go out to war in the spring, but now I realize that there is still much work to be done… .

Ahinoam closed her eyes and sighed. These were not words she wanted to hear. However, she knew that she lay against a king and kings make these kinds of decisions. Perhaps she could inflame his desire thus convincing him of what would be missed. She rested her head against his shoulder and allowed her unbound hair to lay across his chest while moving her leg to lay over him.

My lord, far be it from me to suggest what to do, but doesn’t fighting all the time harden a man? Doesn’t a man need a rest? Bridegrooms get a year off; perhaps you should take a year off? The kingdom will remain secure. Send Joab out to fight the battles… . She searched urgently for reasons to compel him to remain in the city. Amnon needs more personal training and… and Abishei was good, but he tired of having to make so many decisions. We all saw that. ‘Surely what he needed was this good woman,’ she thought.

What I need is a good horse.

‘What did he say?’ She lifted her head and looked at him in the dimness. Surely she hadn’t spoken her