The Chronicles of Gan: The Thorn
soft, blue glow.
    Pekah’s brow furrowed. “How is it that the
blade does not break? Any crystal, when struck with the amount of
force which you used today against our swords, should shatter, no
matter how perfect it is.”
    Jonathan smiled. He leaned forward, locking
gazes with Pekah, and stated with a wry smile, “I don’t know.”
    The answer was honest, but
not complete. Although Jonathan didn’t understand how the blade remained
whole, he did suspect why . Only a few close friends
outside of his immediate family knew that his grandfather had been
led to the location of the raw crystal by a dream of the night—a
dream in which Father Noah himself had delivered a message of
promise. Much like The Thorn, Noah promised that a sword crafted
from the unique crystal would be claimed by the Holy One at His
coming—a symbol of His kingship, a sword that shone like the blue
fire of sister suns, a sword of light.
    The Gideonites all knew about the scepter
because their father, Gideon, was there when it was fashioned. But
none knew about the sword. And under the present circumstances,
Jonathan did not feel impressed to share the story of the dream
with Pekah, or the prophecy given to his grandfather. After all,
the Gideonites already sought the scepter.
    Jonathan hadn’t intended to be so
mysterious. But he almost chuckled as he noticed Eli thoroughly
enjoying the puzzled frown on Pekah’s face. Eli clasped his large
hands behind his head and leaned back against a log, grinning
widely.
    Fortunately, Pekah asked no more questions.
The conversation lagged, and Pekah again grew quiet. Ready to
change the subject, Jonathan removed the small stone from the
pommel, sheathed the sword, and suggested that they discuss their
plans for the next day. Eli agreed.
    “Tomorrow is the Sabbath,” Jonathan began.
“I would rather not travel on the Sabbath. We’ll need our rest for
the days ahead, and so I plan to stay here through the daylight
hours of tomorrow. We can leave before dusk in the evening, and
then travel under cover of darkness with the face of the moons as
far as we can.”
    “It’s true,” added Eli. “Tomorrow will be
the crossing of the sisters, and under their face, travel will be
easy enough, if the weather holds.”
    “But where will we be going?” Pekah
interjected, staring at Jonathan.
    “We believe a large body of prisoners was
taken from Hasor,” Jonathan said. “It’s possible they’re traveling
toward Ain by way of Saron. If so, it’s my intention to find them
and free them, if I can.”
    Jonathan watched Pekah’s fire-lit face for a
reaction. With the news Jonathan had received from Eli, he knew
Pekah was aware of the prisoners taken at Hasor, and he wanted to
see how this Gideonite felt about their plan to find them. Pekah’s
countenance indeed had changed, but Jonathan could not tell if fear
or some other emotion affected the Gideonite.
    Sensing Pekah’s great unrest, he spoke with
soft tones. “I want you to know, I have accepted your oath to me.
You swore you will follow me and serve me until the end of your
life. I will do all I can to ensure your life will be long, and
that you will be happy, if you seek happiness.”
    “Pekah,” Eli said. “Nate is a man of honor.
His promise will be kept.”
    “Thank you, Eli,” Jonathan said.
    Pekah merely blinked as he stared into the
campfire embers.
    Still curious as to what Pekah’s thoughts
were, Jonathan spoke again. “Can you tell me what you know about
the fall of Hasor?”
    Pekah remained silent. He fiddled with his
boot straps as he continued to stare into the coals. Jonathan did
not press him, but waited on his answer with hope that he would
choose to talk about it. He looked towards the fire himself,
wishing he could in some way make this awkward discussion about
their plans bearable for both of them.
    After a short time, Pekah spoke in a low
voice. “I’ve seen things I do not wish to remember.”
    Eli cleared his throat, but did

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