Days later, the Elite were readying themselves outside the castle and city.
30 to 40 warriors, in some level of secrecy, getting their horses and weapons and beds ready for the long journey.
Joab looked at his horse, going through his mental checklist.
He saw a younger warrior trying not stare at him as he readied his own pack.
Joab turned. "Say it, boy."
The young warrior came up. Not really that young, on second look. But short and strong.
Immediately, Joab softened, thinking of his brother, Asahel.
"I am Kai. I fought against your men in the third Swordfall," Kai said.
Joab nodded, remembering some of it.
"You were brave. Too brave. It actually scared me."
Kai nodded, then went back to readying his gear.
He turned once more.
"It was an honor to fight against you. It is an honor to fight alongside you, now."
Joab nodded.
One for my team.
Soon, the rushing sound of royal horses was heard.
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All the men turned to see Abner and some of his men coming up to see them off. A holy man was with them.
Beniah nodded at his boss as he came forward, letting him know all was going well.
Abner cleared his throat.
"The king wishes you well on your two missions. To return the armor of the desecrated governor, and the liberation of Elah. Come and pray."
All came and knelt for prayer, regardless of their belief system.
A circle of bowing warriors was made around the holy man, as he spoke in an ancient tongue of the Creator and the One to Come, and against the ways of the Dark One.
He spoke a prayer of bravery and valor, of holy vengeance and fire. His voice shook as he told of marvelous battles of fire and water and heaven and hell.
An "amen" ended it, and all stood to leave.
Abner walked towards Joab.
I could do it right now. One slash and the throat is gone, and then I will be executed by the greatest warriors in all the kingdom.
"I envy you, Joab." Abner said, at a distance.
"I know you do," was all Joab could respond.
Abner nodded and went his way.
Joab mounted his horse and yelled a cry and led the warriors out from the fields and outskirts of the city.
They rode for sometime.
Joab in the front.
He saw a lone rider coming from far away.
His horse riding skills were expert. A long spear was strapped to his back.
Joab smiled and turned to yell at his men.
"He comes! All hail the giant killer! Abishai, the great!"
All the men pulled their swords and cheered with excitement and jubilation, and rode harder to meet their warrior.
Abishai faked a grin, as he rode into the elite men's cheers and songs.