Free Among the Gods by Lynn Austin Page A

being angry enough to kill someone after learning that Yael had married another man, and he knew he had good reason to fear Hadad. Or was it only his conscience confronting him with the truth of how he had wronged his friend?
    Joshua released the knife but balanced his weight on the balls of his feet in readiness. “When did you get back?” he asked Hadad.
    “This morning. I came on the supply boat.”
    Hadad looked several pounds thinner than when he had left, with a lean hardness that often comes from suffering. Joshua noticed a ridge on his nose that made it look as though it had been recently broken, and a scar on his upper lip that he didn’t think had been there before.
    “We need to talk,” Hadad said.
    Joshua brushed the dirt off his hands and folded his arms across his chest. “I’m listening.”
    “I want Amariah to hear what I have to say, too.”
    “He’s up at the fortress. We can talk there.”
    Joshua allowed Hadad to lead the way, but as they silently walked the short distance to the outpost, Joshua’s mind spun with all the questions that Hadad’s return raised. Instinct warned him not to trust Hadad, and he considered sending soldiers to Amariah’s house to guard Dinah. He stopped walking when they reached the outer gate.
    “You were furious when you left, Hadad. You made some pretty serious threats. I can’t let you near Amariah until I’m certain you’re unarmed.”
    “You’re welcome to search me,” Hadad said. He turned to face the wall, resting his palms against it. Joshua searched him, carefully patting his clothing and inspecting the folds of his robes. He found no weapons.
    “Shall we go in now?” Hadad said when he was finished. Joshua tried to read the expression on his face but couldn’t. There was something very wrong. Hadad showed no anger, no wariness … no emotion at all.
    They found Prince Amariah inside the courtyard, watching as several dozen recruits sparred with one another and offering occasional words of advice and encouragement. Hadad gave a humorless laugh. “You’ve got to be kidding. You’ve got the prince coaching them? He would have flunked his own training if he hadn’t been the king’s son.”
    “We had no choice after you left,” Joshua said irritably. “I’ve had to divide my time between helping here and supervising the altar’s construction.”
    Amariah turned as they approached, and Joshua saw his surprise and fear when he spotted Hadad. Hadad spread his arms wide as he strode toward Amariah, as if to embrace him, but Joshua quickly moved between them, holding Hadad at bay.
    “Amariah, how are you, my brother?” Hadad asked.
    “I’m well. And you?” Amariah gazed at him, wide-eyed. Joshua nodded to reassure him.
    “We need to talk,” Hadad said. “Can you spare a few minutes?”
    Amariah exhaled. “All right. Let’s go inside.”
    The prince led the way to an empty guard room and sank onto a bench as if his legs wouldn’t hold him any longer. Joshua followed with Hadad. Although he knew Hadad wasn’t armed, it didn’t ease his distrust. He stayed alert, ready to defend himself or the prince. When Hadad refused a seat, pacing restlessly in the small room, Joshua also remained standing.
    “I’ll admit I was angry when I left,” Hadad began. “In many ways, I still am. But I’ve had a lot of time to think about everything these past few months, and there’s no way I can undo what’s already happened.” He halted in front of Amariah and their eyes met. “Are you and Dinah married?”
    Amariah looked at the floor. “Yes. We are.”
    “I thought so.” Hadad turned his back and crossed the room to stare out of the window, gripping the shutter latch so hard that Joshua saw his knuckles turn white. He waited, watching Hadad carefully. Finally Hadad turned to face them again.
    “I went back to Judah,” he said. “At first I intended to stay there, but everything’s changed. It’s a very dangerous place now. Entirely