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Sons of the Flaming Throne 2 – Ch. 20 | KT OLLA

DAVID had been reigning for about forty years already. And in those years of his reign in Israel, soldiers have stood and fallen for him.

The warlord had conquered lands, conquered nations. He’d taken territories, subdued enemies.

Yet as the monarch grew older and nations bowed to him, there remained no wars to fight; and so his valiant men had nothing doing.

His soldiers settled in families and kept livestock. They became shepherds and keepers of vines. The great ones among them got involved in public duties and administration.

Still, there were a few who didn’t change with the changing tide. And chief among them was Joab, commander of the army.

No, it wasn’t that the man didn’t settle down with family or other civil matters. But Joab wasn’t quite settled enough when it came to his heart and attitude.

The old man had been quite loyal to David through the long years. But ever since the time that wars were done with, he had lost his sense of purpose.

Joab wasn’t all that interested in national affairs, as he couldn’t thrive much in talks of diplomatic matters. All that the sixty-year-old wanted was war.

Therefore, the former fighter grew more dissatisfied as the years mounted. He’d felt like blaming himself many a time for not being able to fit in well in society.

But still he’d remember his badges, the tears and scars of battle. He’d remember the glories, too. The taste of victory, the sound of triumph.

He’d remember him and realize he was great in what he was made to do. And so, he’d turned about to cast the burden on someone, at least.

Now there in front of all was King David, the figure of Israel’s responsibility. So he blamed him for his loss of worth and value.

If only David would be as lion as when he was the lion! Iron as when he was an iron!

If only he would be as young and strong as the days of glory! Then warriors won’t be sitting in chambers talking like women!

What a shame; what a shame on Israel! Her King can’t fight, nor will he let his people war!

Then Joab stopped attending the council meetings. But once in a while he simply went there to hear the latest of the country’s matters.

Yet no one missed the former soldier, whether he was absent or he simply sat down absent-minded.

Even so, King David saw it all, knew it all.

He knew that Joab was being very bitter towards him. And even when he sought to clarify, he saw that he wasn’t seeking answers.

So therefore, the monarch left the man to himself afterwards.

Now the warrior went on seeking for a younger David. Nay, a younger form of himself.

Then at last, the man’s wishes came through. For the Fourth Son now chose to see him.

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