Urusalim had not seen such banners in a generation. The courtyards were crowded with soldiers from the southern cities, their shields stacked in rows, their spears leaning against the walls like a forest of bronze. Messengers hurried between the gates and the palace, and the people whispered as they passed: Gibeon has betrayed us.
    Adoni-zedek, king of Urusalim, stood at the high window of his hall, watching the armies gather below. His jaw was tight, his hands clasped behind him. Word had reached him the day before: Gibeon—great among the royal cities, stronger than Ai, feared by its neighbors—had made peace with Israel. It had given in without a fight. It had broken ranks with the Amorite coalition.
    He feared Israel because they destroyed Jericho and Ai. But he also remembered Heshbon—the home of his parents.
    The stories had filled his childhood: the fall of Sihon, the loss of the eastern kingdoms.
    Recently, Israel moved west. Across the Jordan. The river crossing that should never have happened. He had spent half his life hearing that the invaders would eventually come west.
    Now they had.

    He turned as the first of the kings entered.
    Hoham of Hebron strode in with the confidence of a man who trusted his own strength. Piram of Jarmuth followed, sharp‑eyed and calculating. Japhia of Lachish carried himself with the pride of a city that had never been taken. Debir of Eglon came last, cautious, weighing every step. Each brought his retinue, armored and silent, the air thick with the heat of their presence.
    Adoni-zedek did not wait for ceremony. He had waited too many years already. 
    “When we last gathered, Gibeon stood with us. Together we shaped a plan to keep the invaders out of our land, our cities, and our homes. You were there. You heard their vows. None of us questioned their resolve—perhaps we should have. They are now in league with Israel. Our defense of the high road is broken; it would leave a powerful enemy at our back. Unless…” He paused, letting his gaze move across the room. “…we remove that threat before Israel marches into the hill country.”