The Bronze Bow

Before dawn the boys position themselves along the cliffs. Many caravans travel through the pass throughout the morning. While this was once a dangerous section of the road, travelers pass with confidence after King Herod wiped out the robbers years ago. It has been so long since bandits inhabited these rocks that Daniel dares to gamble the Romans will not suspect an attack. Daniel tells Nathan and Kemuel that he will free Joel and lift him to them. Daniel doesn’t expect to get back on the bank but means to use every ounce of his strength to ensure Joel does. As the hours pass, Daniel’s foreboding deepens—he has only a cluster of untried boys compared to Rosh’s tight-knit band, which moves with precision. However, he knows he can count on them and that they are prepared to give their lives.

When Joktan brings the warning, the boys prepare themselves. On Daniel’s signal, the boys hurtle rocks at the foot soldiers. At first, the soldiers stumble. Daniel’s heart sinks when the men charge up the vertical rock. As Daniel shouts for a retreat, he sees Samson throw a great rock from the opposite bank. Daniel runs to Joel and works to free his chains as confusion swells around him.