Eder looked at his wavering reflection in the river, studying the changes on his face from the countless hours of marching and fighting. A long white scar stood out painfully clear on his dark skin, curving along the side of his face. His hair had grown wild and long, held back by a spare leather string into a rough tail, and the stubble of a beard shadowed his jaw.
Three years. Three years and more it had been since he'd left home. He was changing, becoming a man, reaching adulthood. And he wasn't the only one; half the stripling warriors were experiencing growth spurts of one kind or another. Only one thing hadn't changed: the number of Helaman's sons.
Ever since the 60 extra young men had joined the ranks of their original 2000 strong, Helaman's sons had lost none of their brothers-in-arms. It was clearly a miracle, a work of God, brought about by their faith Helaman said.
"Eder!"
The young warrior turned his head upon hearing his name and saw Samuel coming his way. He raised his hand in greeting, then returned his gaze to the flowing water.
"Do you bring news?" he asked his brother-in-arms. Samuel shrugged, filling his water skin before splashing the cold liquid onto his dirty face.
"We're marching out in two days, after the sabbath," Samuel answered. "And a company of Pahoran's men has joined our camp for our dinner. They'll be moving on at first light tomorrow."
"How big is the company?" Eder wanted to know, trying to imagine the number of men that would need to be accommodated. Samuel shrugged again. The younger warrior filled his own water skin, then poured the whole thing over Samuel's head. Samuel laughed and returned the favor until they were both dripping wet and getting cramps from laughing.
"So you were there with Antipus' army when he was slain?" the old Nephite soldier asked, taking an extra fruit from the bowl being passed around the men.
"Yes," Samuel answered, filling his mouth full of sweet fruit. "My brothers and I went into the wilderness as part of our strategem. There, the Lamanites pursued us for three days before the army of Antipus began to battle with the Lamanites, having ambushed them from behind. We turned and joined in the fight, but it was too late for Antipus, who had been slain when we arrived."
"You were truly brave," the paler man said, in slight awe. "I did not know it could be that ones so young as yourself would help us win our freedom."
"We only do what we feel we have to," Eder interjected. "Does a man deserve his freedom if he merely wishes for it? No. My people have received much from the Nephites, but now it is our turn to give of ourselves."
The Nephite nodded to himself, ready to ask another question, but was called away by his captain. He clapped the younger men on the shoulders before he left. Samuel caught Eder's eye and grinned, the orange firelight sending half his face into shadow.
"Well, no boring war stories," he remarked smartly. "Looks like Johab owes me half of his bread tomorrow."
"I thought we agreed gambling was against the rules?" Eder laughed. "How are you going to get this past our Father?"
"It's not gambling if I give him half of mine the day after."
"All right, you miscreants," one of their older brothers interrupted, sitting between them. "That's enough chatter for one night. Let's do prayer and get to sleep."
"Good idea." Eder shoved Samuel's shoulder playfully before raising his voice. "Prayer time!" The call was picked up by other young men and soon echoed around each of the many campfires throughout the forest of tents. Each warrior gathered around their respective fire, kneeling in large circles. Bowing their heads in unison, they began their prayers.
Samuel listened to the voice across the fire, the flames orange behind his closed lids. This was just another moment with him and his brothers. Another moment of perfect peace.