Before the Fall Read Online Free Page B

will you learn that it is the strong who are deserving of your attention?”
    In three strides, Baka stood before her, gripping her cheeks. His hand was so big it almost covered her entire face. “You will learn your proper place, woman. And I shall be the one to show you.”
    Rage surged through Raphael as he watched Baka’s fingers tighten their grip when she struggled to get away from him. She was like a delicate desert flower, ready to be crushed at the soldier’s will.
    Without thinking, Raphael took a step forward. The only thing that stopped him from doing the soldier bodily harm and probably bringing more danger to people in the tent community was the sound of Rachel’s voice.
    “Raphael, I have Ethan and Miriam. Raphael?”
    Raphael blinked and Rachel’s concerned face came into focus. He glanced down to where she was looking and realized his hands were curled into fists.
    What am I doing?
    Slowly, he stretched out his fingers. He couldn’t believe what he’d almost done. With his angelic strength, a mere flick of his hand could send the tyrant, Baka, flying into the air. And so help him, that was exactly what he wanted to do. He wanted the menacing soldier far away from Rebecca as quickly as possible. But then, that would send the other dozen soldiers to attack them all, starting with Rebecca.
    He wanted to go to her. But he couldn’t. Too many people would suffer if he did. And then, he would have to answer to Michael for the abuse of his powers and for the deaths that were sure to come.
    He looked at Rebecca and was surprised to see the fire in her eyes was still there.
    “Let go of me,” Rebecca spat.
    Baka glared at her for a moment and then dropped his hand. “Stubborn woman. Why do you protect them?”
    “They are sick. They need help.”
    “They are weak and have been forsaken by the gods. And this old man”—Baka threw a glance at Obadiah—“who is he to you?”
    She placed herself in front of Obadiah protectively. “An old man.”
    Baka huffed.
    “He deserves to live his last days in peace. It is not up to you to choose the day when a person gets to live or die.”
    “You are wrong. It is up to me. I tire of arguing with you. You will leave. Now!”
    “My father will hear of this,” she threatened.
    Baka took hold of Rebecca’s arms and jerked her to him. He leaned in, the tip of his nose almost touching hers. “Your father is the one who ordered their destruction.”
    Raphael could see Rebecca’s fierce spirit wane under Baka’s words. His heart ached for her.
    “I’ll change his mind. I know I can,” she said.
    Baka’s lips curled into a wicked smile. “The only thing that will change his mind is the feel of a leather purse on the palm of his hand. Can you give him that? Can you?”
    Her face dropped, the light in her eyes fading.
    “Ah, I see you are not totally blinded by love for your father and his weaknesses. Go back to the city now and I will forgive you and your womanly heart. After all, when I lay my purse on your father’s hand, you will be betrothed to me.”
    Something in Raphael snapped at what Baka said, and the words flew out of his mouth before he could stop them. “Leave the people here in peace.”
    He ignored Rachel’s gasp and brushed away her hand as he walked toward the soldiers. The voice in the back of his mind told him he shouldn’t be doing this. He shouldn’t intervene. He had just told Rachel that moments ago. Yet, the thought of the hardened soldier, Baka, breaking Rebecca’s kind spirit and taking her as his wife was too much for him.
    “Halt!” Baka held out his sword toward Raphael.
    Raphael paused. He didn’t fear injury to himself by the sword, if Baka chose to use it. It would hurt and he would bleed, but it wouldn’t kill him. He worried that Obadiah or Rebecca would accidentally be injured if Baka decided to attack. They were too close to him.
    As if reading his mind, Obadiah turned to Raphael and gave him a toothless smile.