The Kingdom

*****

I rode beside the cart that Susori was in. I stared ahead, waiting for the inevitable to occur. The border of Poretani was just ahead and my scouts had reported a massing of troops there. I had close to thirty thousand people in this caravan, but only about seven hundred had any fighting experience. It was a problem that I attacked relentlessly in my mind as I rode.

No matter how I figured it, I couldn't see a way through what was waiting ahead across the border, barring the miraculous.

"Dear, if those worry lines are etched any deeper I fear they may become permanent."

My eyes found Susori and I smiled tightly. The sight of my son held in her arms though brought all my fears back into sharp focus.

My headache began to pound in earnest. What was I going to do? What could be done?

"I think you're approaching the future in the wrong manner, my husband."

I looked to Susori, eager for any wisdom she could impart to me, "You're right. What should I be doing?"

Her gaze turned reflective as she looked off toward the horizon behind us, "When I was running for my life in the city, I was choked with the fear I felt for our children. It didn't matter that the night before I was told by one of the Malachim that my future and that of my children was secure. That was all forgotten in my moment of panic. All I could think of was the Gargon down the street from us. It occupied all parameters of my mind until I couldn't think of anything else. The baby cried out and I knew it was all over in that moment except…… except for the truth of El Elyon's hold over the realities of my existence. I told you what I did next and what happened."

I nodded in remembrance of her amazing story.

Her eyes came back to mine, "In a way I'd say the situation facing us at the moment bears some resemblance to my experience in the city wouldn't you say my love?"

I stared at her for a long moment as her words sank in. Leaning forward out of the saddle I kissed her.

Drawing back from her I felt peace come into me and I said, "You are an amazing woman."

Her smile turned teasing, "I'm so glad you noticed."

Smiling at her, I straightened in the saddle and rode Phalon forward. Reaching the forward point of the caravan I came alongside of Falarin. I gestured to his lance and he obligingly handed it over to me.