The Stonecutter: A Herod Chronicles Novella by Wanda Ann Thomas Read Free Book Online

this. Go watch over your nephews. Allow me to find someone else to assist your mother and the midwife.”
    Mary wanted to run to her room and hide her head under the blankets until the baby was born, and Alexandra was safe and well. Tongue and mouth dry as ash, she swallowed. “Alexandra needs me. I can't let her down.”
    Cephas stroked her arm. “I'll be here all night.”
    “Thank you for understanding.”
    Another whimpering moan raised the hair on the back of her neck. I can do this, she told herself.
    The door swung open and her mother hurried out of the room. “Cephas, we need more water,” she said, mopping her brow.
    Cephas squeezed Mary's hand and hurried away.
    Her mother shooed Mary into the room. “We can't allow Gada to do all the work.”
    Her sandals heavy as blocks, Mary crept into the darkened bedchamber. The air was heavy with the smell of sweat and herbal remedies. Gada, the midwife who had assisted at Tabitha’s time of trouble, moved about quietly at the foot of the bed. Jars of oils and salts, and sea sponges, and swaddling clothes, and strips of linen stood ready.
    Sweat beading her brow, Alexandra supported herself on her elbows, straining against a wave of pain.
    Mary rushed to her side, grabbed a soft cloth from a basin of water, and dabbed Alexandra's forehead. “Think of your beautiful baby,” Mary said, amazed her voice sounded steady.
    Alexandra exhaled a ragged breath, slumped back against the pillow, and clasped Mary's hand. “Did Achan and Raziel go back to sleep for their father?”
    Mary shook her head. “Nathan is feeding them cooked apples and reciting their favorite stories…and doing a terrible job of pretending he's not worried.”
    “He wanted to stay, but Gada and Rhoda threatened to hit him over the head with a pruning hook.”
    Mary smiled, but dread sat heavy in the pit of her stomach.
    The next hour dragged as Alexandra's pains grew stronger and stronger.
    Gada and Mary's mother took turns rubbing purified olive oil over Alexandra's distended belly. Mary offered small words of encouragement and cooled Alexandra's brow with fresh well water.
    Alexandra sat up and leaned forward. A look of distress crossed her face. “I don't feel well.”
    Mary's heart sped up.
    “It is time to move to the birthing stool,” Gada announced.
    Mary took a deep breath and helped Alexandra to the edge of the bed. “Take your time standing,” Mary said.
    Alexandra answered, but her words were slurred. Then her eyes rolled up and she flopped over on her side.
    Terror paralyzed Mary.
    “She's fainted,” Mary heard Gada say through a thick fog.
    “Bring Gada the strong herbs, Mary,” her mother said. “I'll get Nathan.”
    Mary forced her trembling legs into action. Hands shaking, she fumbled through the jars until she found the foul concoction. She handed the jar to Gada.
    Nathan burst through the door and rushed to Alexandra's side.
    Gada waved the strong herbs under Alexandra's nose. Alexandra blinked awake.
    “Mary,” a deep voice said.
    She turned.
    Cephas hovered in the doorway, his face ashen. “Can I help?”
    Mary shook her head.
    “How are you holding up?” he asked.
    Tears threatened. If anything happened to Alexandra... She wanted to run far as she could from the room. “Pray for Alexandra.”
    “I will pray for all of you.”
    “The baby is coming,” Gada said, sounding calm and competent.
    Her mother rushed around the foot of the bed. “Mary, we need more oil.”
    Mary cast a last glance at Cephas.
    He nodded encouragingly. “You are braver than you think.” Then he snapped the door shut.

 
     
    CHAPTER 12
     
    A short time later, Alexandra and Nathan's tiny but perfect daughter entered the world. Though her face was very pale, Alexandra recovered quickly.
    Hands shaking now the trouble was past, Mary fisted her hands in her tunic. “Can I get you anything else?”
    Resting against Nathan's chest, Alexandra smiled and cradled baby Anna closer. “Thank you