Rebel Daughter by Lori Banov Kaufmann

Author:Lori Banov Kaufmann [Kaufmann, Lori Banov]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Random House Children's Books
Published: 2021-02-09T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER XLV

Yehuda was home, eagerly describing the Roman retreat. “We chased them all the way back to Beth Horon. The Romans were trapped between the crags above and the ravines below. We picked them off like chickens in a pen! Their swords couldn’t reach us, and their heavy weapons got stuck in the mud.”

Matti reached out to touch the dagger strapped to Yehuda’s waist. Yehuda took it out. “A gift from the Romans,” he said, chuckling, showing it to Matti. “They called upon their heathen gods, but only our God is in the heavens. He’s the one who made the heavens!”

Miriam, Matti, Esther, and Yehuda went up to the roof to watch the rebels returning.

Even Sarah climbed the rickety staircase to see. Some rode atop stolen Roman wagons, while others led oxen hauling the other spoils of battle: siege engines, catapults, and battering rams. Children sat astride donkeys and mules. People danced around the returning fighters, accompanying them on their victory march home.

“Look at the wealth God delivered into our hands,” Yehuda said as they watched the procession.

Esther found her father in his study with a faraway look in his eyes. She felt terrible, knowing it had been quite some time since Hanan had been able to easily make his way up the stairs to the roof.

“Father,” Esther said gently, “I know you wanted to go up and see for yourself, but you can’t be sad today, not when we’ve had such a victory.”

“It’s not that,” he said. “It’s because we won.”

Because we won? She didn’t understand.

Hanan said, “People are celebrating, as if King David had returned to Jerusalem after defeating the Philistines. But this isn’t the end, despite what Yehuda thinks. Like I told you before, this is just the beginning. Now we’ll truly feel Rome’s wrath.”

“But the Romans retreated. Our victory is proof that God is on our side, like Yehuda says!”

“I don’t know if God takes sides, but I do know that the Romans will be back to avenge this humiliating defeat, and next time, they’ll bring an even bigger force. Nero will send his best generals and troops.” The crease lines on Hanan’s face deepened. “I probably won’t be here when they come back. You’ll be on your own.” The noise of the celebration outside made it hard for Esther to hear him.

He pinched the bridge of his nose and rocked back and forth in his chair. “Have I done everything I can to protect my family?”

Esther knew that the question wasn’t for her ears. He continued to rock back and forth while he said, over and over, “Have I done everything? Have I done everything I can?”

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