The Bronze Bow

Five days pass as Daniel recovers. Joel reads ancient passages for Daniel and Malthace. When they read a prophecy stating that God will punish those who oppressed His children, Malthace wonders why their father believes the Jews must not fight for their freedom. Hezron believes that God will establish His kingdom when He is ready. Joel thinks they should rise and fight just like the men of old rather than waiting for God to fight their battles. Joel wonders when God will send another Phineas, and Daniel bursts out that perhaps God already has and that they should build an army. Joel suggests Rosh might be the leader they are waiting for. Daniel states that he already knows Rosh is, describing him as a fearless lion whose men obey him without question. Malthace protests that God wouldn’t choose an outlaw. All Daniel knows is that he hates the Romans—he has lived for taking their blood since they killed his parents. Malthace asks to hear about the tragedy.

The killings took place when Daniel was eight and attended synagogue school and his father’s brother got married. After their first baby boy was born, his uncle used his savings to buy his wife a shawl with a gold thread.