As Sure as the Dawn(102)

“No, no,” Rizpah said gently. Over and over, he tried to go to it, and she would get up and retrieve him. Caleb cried in frustration, and she looked sorely ready to join him.

Annoyed, Atretes rose and came round the fire. “Give him to me.”

“He’ll settle soon.”

He reached down and scooped the child up, then returned to his space on the opposite side of the fire. Kneeling, he released him.

“He’s too close to the fire, Atretes.”

“He’ll learn to stay away from it.”

She rose as Caleb crawled straight for the flames.

“Sit down!”

“He’ll burn himself!”

“He has to learn boundaries.” Atretes made no move to stop him. “No, Caleb,” he said firmly. Leaning forward, he lightly smacked the small hand reaching for the bright embers on a stick. Startled, Caleb drew back and hesitated. Fascination won over obedience. He reached out again. “No.” Atretes smacked his hand harder. Caleb’s lip quivered, but after a brief hesitation, temptation won.

Rizpah rose quickly, but it was already too late. Caleb’s expression of wonder changed to one of surprised pain. Theophilus caught her wrist and held her where she was when Atretes plucked his son off the ground.

“How could you?” she cried.

“A few blisters won’t kill him,” Atretes said. “And he’ll learn obedience.” He tucked his son in the crook of his arm. “Next time, you know better, ja?”

“Let me have him back before more harm comes to him.”

Atretes ignored her and spoke softly in German as he examined his son’s scorched fingers. He sucked on them, and Caleb’s crying eased. When the tot stopped crying completely, Atretes examined his fingers again.

“No serious damage.”

Rizpah glared at him speechlessly, her eyes awash with tears. Caleb plucked at his father’s lip, delighted to be the center of his attention.

Atretes uttered a playful growl and snapped at the tiny intrusive fingers, drawing a squeak of laughter. He nibbled his son’s fingers and sucked gently on the sore ones a moment longer before setting him down again.

Caleb looked at the fire.

“Oh, Lord,” Rizpah said. Theophilus’ hand tightened, keeping her where she was. “Atretes, don’t let him—”

“He’s a boy and not to be coddled!”

“He’s a baby!”

Still fascinated, Caleb rocked back and forth, thinking.

Atretes leaned back and watched.

“He’s as willful as you,” Rizpah said. “If you let him hurt himself again, so help me, I’ll—”

Caleb started to crawl toward the pretty flickering lights. “No!” Atretes said firmly. Caleb plopped back on his bottom and flapped his arms, jabbering loudly as he made his frustration known. Theophilus laughed, releasing Rizpah.

Rizpah let out her breath softly, but kept watching Caleb lest he change his mind and head again for disaster. He headed for the packs and sat playing with the leather straps.

“He’s willful,” Atretes said, grinning smugly, “not stupid.”

She wasn’t amused or mollified. “Well, thank God he wasn’t on a cliff.”

A muscle jerked in Atretes’ jaw. His blue eyes turned hard and mocking. “You think you take better care of my son than I do? A painful lesson is hard learned, but never forgotten.” He stared straight into her eyes. “Pain teaches a man not to make the same mistake twice.”

She knew he had just deliberately smashed the bridge that had been built between them this afternoon. And it was her own fault. Lord, when will I learn to hold my tongue? She looked bleakly back at him and felt the boundaries he had drawn around himself. After all these months together, he still equated her with Rome and Julia Valerian. He would enjoy having her as his mistress, but heaven forbid he let her close enough to be a companion and friend.

O Abba, Abba . . .

Turning her head away, she hoped he wouldn’t know how easily he could cut through her own barriers. She had almost regained control when Theophilus put his hand over hers. The tender gesture broke down all defenses. “Excuse me,” she said in a choked whisper and rose.

Atretes came to his feet as she walked away into the darkness.

“Sit down, Atretes.”

“Stay out of this.”

“You got your victory. Enjoy it if you must, but let her withdraw with honor.”

“Mind your own business, Roman.”

“So be it, but if you’re going to chase her down, take Caleb with you.” He settled back comfortably on his blanket. “I’m going to sleep.”

Frustrated, Atretes clenched his fists and stayed where he was. Rizpah went down the bank and disappeared from sight. He wanted to go after her, but knew if he did, he would say or do something more to regret. He had seen the effect his words had upon her.