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The cover art was done by my cousin, Kim Ross. Along with being a gifted artist, Kim teaches art in the Houston area.  The following is an excerpt from the book. In this section, Jonthan argues with his father, King Saul, about the current battle strategy. If you enjoy, click this sentence or the link above titled "Buy Five Stones," to purchase. If you have questions or comments, shoot me an email at
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. Thanks, and God Bless. Saul approached. He was tall despite a deep slouch and was one of the tallest men in Israel when he stood straight. His half-grey, matted hair and untrimmed beard stuck out in all directions. His only clothing was a silk undergarment wrapped around his waist. The once thick, strong, and handsome man stood before them looking more like a beggar than a king. “Abba—you are well?” Jonathan said. “The headaches, they torment me. The voices—it is almost more than I can bear.” Jonathan eyed a circle of cushions on the floor. “You have not called your harp player?” The harp player calmed his father’s nerves. Saul motioned for them to sit. “A battlefield is not the place for extravagance. I never expected this delay.” A servant appeared with oil lamps that brightened their enclosure and made the inside of the tent appear smaller and less like a cave. Jonathan and Chaya settled onto the cushions. The servant pulled a shirt decorated in ornate stitch work over Saul’s head. The fabric hung loosely on his shoulders and covered him to below the waist. Saul sat across from Jonathan. “What brings you son?” Jonathan tried to focus on his father’s eyes, which held the gleam of life, and not his disheveled hair and gaunt features. “Morale fails. We should end this standoff.” “And who would fight the giant?” “We should ignore him and attack.” Saul frowned and attempted to straighten his beard. “We wait.” “For what, the pillar of fire?” Jonathan had expected his father’s response. Light flooded into the tent as the door flap opened. Abner stuck his head inside. “My lord, there is—.” He looked at Jonathan. “Carry on,” Saul said. Abner was general of the Israelite army. His rough face and windblown features had seen many conflicts. His hair was white, but the muscles on his arms said that he could still fight with more than his mind. He was gruff, to the point, and intolerant of failure. “Someone stirs up the army. He asks about the reward for killing the Philistine.” “I told you to bring any challengers to me.” “This young man is hardly a warrior. He has no scars, and the face of a baby. He showed up this morning. I thought to send him home.” “So why do you bother me.” “He comes from a good family. I thought—” Saul raised his hand. “Bring him here.” “Yes, my lord.” Abner backed out. The weight of Jonathan’s circumstances and the foolishness of his father crushed him. How many others had his father interviewed? His father had never consulted him or suggested that he could face the giant. Lately his father had become aloof, indecisive, and unpredictable. The king would delay a decision for days and make a foolish move on a whim. The word of God was not sought. The prophet Samuel had withdrawn his presence long ago. “Father, we cannot play games. This must end!” He could not keep his voice from shaking. Saul smiled. “Is this a battle of morale or one of position?” He spoke in the tone of a teacher that tutored a slow student. “I do not understand.” “Why do we wait?” Because you are an indecisive fool. Jonathan struggled to keep his thoughts from his lips. “No one will face the giant.” Saul clicked his tongue and shook his head. “So much to learn for an heir—why do they wait?” Jonathan sighed. “They want to win without a fight?” Saul laughed. “Do you think Achish believes I will surrender if that monstrosity beats one of my men? This is not like a legend where two gods fight for the fate of their people.” Jonathan was too exasperated to ask for clarification. Saul put his hands out in front of him. He raised his right hand above his left. “Position. They attack from the Valley.” He wiggled his left hand. “We fight from higher ground and cover.” He wiggled his right hand and pointed to the lower left hand. While position was important, Jonathan was convinced that morale was the deciding factor in a battle. Whole armies died because they lacked resolve. That was why the Philistines hid behind the giant. They possessed iron weapons and chariots, but their army was smaller. The equal strength of the opposing armies made morale the deciding factor. The aggressors, the Philistines would eventually attack. They stalled to gain confidence before they moved, though after forty days of challenges, strength of will was already with them. His father had to do something to change this or the Israelites would lose. “You forget how morale rules the battle. The giant demoralizes our men. They cower before him.” Saul gazed at his hands that were still held in front of him. “I have a plan.” Jonathan knew argument was futile, but he was almost as stubborn as his father. A victory by their champion would spark them to victory. To send a challenger was incredible foolishness. Had his father become desperate? “We should surprise them and take them off guard—bring the battle to them.” Saul shook his head. “You will trust me, son. You are not king yet.” In his anger Jonathan felt reckless. You will get us killed, but we are already dead. The only question is will Israel go down with us? “You—” The tent door opened. Abner stepped in followed by a young man. “My Lord, the one I told you about.” Abner motioned to the young man and moved to stand near Saul. The young man blinked his eyes. Tall, lanky, and handsome, with red hair, freckles, and a wispy beard below his chin, he stood with an air of confidence out of place for one who wore plain white garments and a shaggy wool cloak. He bowed and waited. The young man’s face was vaguely familiar. A scent wafted from him, cattle or maybe sheep. |