Daughter of Deliverance by Gilbert Morris Page A

will keep an eye on him. Joshua is putting a lot of trust in you, and so am I.”
    â€œI’ll do it, Father,” Ardon said. He felt a gush of relief that he was able to do something to wipe out the sinful feelings that had been his since he had nearly fallen to the wiles of the Amalachite woman. He said, “Tell us everything you want to know.”
    The two young men listened. After a while Caleb said, “You’ll leave at dawn tomorrow. Make sure your weapons are ready. Joshua and I are depending on you two, so be faithful.”
    As the two young men left, Ardon was exultant, but he saw that Othniel was glum. “What’s the matter with you, Othniel? This is the chance of a lifetime!”

Chapter 9
    Ariel closely watched Ardon prepare to leave on his mission. Caleb had told her the sort of mission it was, and she had asked him if it would be dangerous. He had replied brusquely, “Of course it’s dangerous. Every mission in a war is dangerous. Now, go away and don’t bother your brother.”
    Ariel ignored Caleb’s order, however, and stayed to talk to her brother. “I’m worried about you, Ardon.”
    Ardon looked up, surprised. “What are you worried about?”
    â€œYou could be hurt. It’s a dangerous thing you’re going to do.”
    Ardon came over and put his hand under Ariel’s chin. The two were very close, and he studied her face with a smile. “It’s exactly what I need.”
    â€œSomething’s been bothering you lately. What is it?”
    Ardon was not surprised at her ability to read his moods. “Oh, nothing, really.”
    â€œI believe you are troubled. You can tell me.” She frowned. “It’s not a woman, is it?”
    â€œNo, not a woman,” Ardon said.
    Ariel stared at him. “You said that too quickly. I believe it is a woman. Who is she?”
    Ardon was uncomfortable with the conversation. “You’re too curious. There’s nothing wrong with me. It’ll be good for me to go on this trip.”
    Ariel knew she had touched a sore spot, and that made her unhappy. She had long wondered why Ardon had not yet taken a bride. He was twenty-five, and many young men were married and had families by his age. But he had not shown the same interest in women as their cousin Othniel had. Thinking of Othniel made Ariel shake her head. “I don’t know why Joshua chose Othniel to go with you. You need a hard, tough soldier so you can protect each other.”
    â€œJoshua knows best.”
    â€œWhat good will Othniel be? All he can do is sing songs, eat, and romance loose women.”
    â€œDon’t be so hard on him.”
    â€œYou’re hard on him yourself. I’ve heard you lecture him about such things.”
    Ardon remembered the conversation he had had with Phinehas. The priest had said something very like this. Ardon had been thinking of it ever since with a troubled mind. He had always been so sure of himself. That he was right and Othniel was wrong. Now the close encounter he had had with the young Amalachite woman was troublesome to him, and he said in defense of Othniel, “He’ll grow out of it.”
    â€œGrow out of it? He’s twenty-one years old, Ardon. He’s not growing out of anything. He’s getting worse. Why don’t you ask Father to let you take somebody else? Take Menaz. He’s a fine soldier.”
    â€œHe would have been my choice, but it’s not for a soldier to question his commanding officer. I’ve got to go.”
    Leaning over, he kissed her on the cheek and left.
    She called out after him, “He’ll probably get you killed!”
    ****
    â€œI never saw anything like that!” Othniel stared at the massive wall that surrounded Jericho. The two young men had traveled mostly by night to keep themselves hidden. Now dawn was breaking and the city rose up before them. “How will our army ever get over