The Bronze Bow

Daniel’s doubt about the new meeting place is its distance from home. Leah, however, is gaining confidence and doesn’t tire as easily. When she completes the cloth, Daniel gives her the payment. She has never been recompensed for her work and is bewildered. Daniel shows her how to sew her coin into her headscarf, which she now wears as she works, touching the coin from time to time. One afternoon, Joel arrives with Malthace. Daniel is pleased to see Malthace, who never before been in a blacksmith’s shop and has been begging Joel to bring her. Leaving Malthace at the shop, Daniel and Joel head over to recruit a weaver’s apprentice.

Joel admits to Daniel that he has been visiting Bethsaida to listen to Jesus. Jesus has helped him understand several parts of the Law that always confused him. Despite being a carpenter, Jesus knows his scripture and makes things clear and uncomplicated. Daniel and Joel agree that they wish Jesus and Rosh would join together. When the two return, the shop is empty, and they hear voices murmuring from the house. Daniel rushes in, dumbfounded to see Leah and Malthace, or Thacia, sitting side by side in the garden, laughing and talking.