Mountain of Full Moons

by Irene Kessler

  We arrive in Beersheba and Doron finds the way to our host’s house.

  “Can you see, Doron, the bottom of the house is made of stones. I never saw that before.” And the holes to see out of are covered with wood. Why did they do that?”

  Before he can answer our host appears, and as if I am an important person, welcomes me with a low bow.

  “Please, my lord, raise yourself. I do not deserve this honor.”

  Our host leads us through two big rooms, the last one larger than the first. “Welcome to my home. My name is Palluw.”

  Doron bows his head. “I remember, sir. Thank you for having us.”

  “I arranged for one room but must ask if you are wed.” He looks at me.

  “We are not, my lord. We have a tent and shared it with ease. We do not wish to disturb your household or cause embarrassment, but if we are together we can work on our music.”

  He thinks about it. “If that is your wish.” He leads us to the rear of the house and ushers us into another room, a small one for servants.

  I point to a strange object on the wall. “Pardon me, my lord, but what is this?”

  “It is a lattice window. It can keep the sun out.” He closes it. “Or open it to let in fresh air.”

  “Window.” I pronounce the strange word. “What a wondrous thing. I wish my parents could enjoy such a window.” That is why the outside wooden holes are closed. They are no longer needed.

  Palluw is not comfortable. “I will leave you to settle yourselves. I hope you will partake in the evening meal. We can settle our business afterward.”

  We unpack our few belongings and lie down for a rest. When Palluw calls, we walk up steps on the side of the house to a flat roof covered with clay pressed down with a stone roller. It is smoother than the floors at home. Silk pillows for seating are in a circle for ease of conversation.

  I wait for his woman and children to join us, but no one appears. It is strange for a man to live alone. The coolness up so high is delightful. A breeze comes through the surrounding trees carrying a fresh scent. Most of the time the wind is light, then it blows harshly and I need to wipe hair from my face.

  Servants climb up and down the steps, bringing a feast of dishes and libations. The aroma of roasted lamb with heavy spices and the milder scent of fish with vegetables accompany the hearty lentil soup and fresh baked breads. Sweet cakes of figs and dates are still warm from the baking stones. Goblets of wine stay full throughout the meal. At home we have wine after we eat.

  The servants clear all but the libation and cakes. “Now that we have filled our bellies it is time to concern ourselves with your visit.” Palluw leans back. “We did not know when you would arrive, so no time has been set for your presentation. However, the public was notified, and they await the news. How soon can you be ready?”

  Doron’s expression asks me to speak. My wide eyes tell him no. “We can be ready after a respite, my lord. Or if the time is proper,” Doron offers.

  “Very well. By the third moon, arrangements will be ready. In the meantime, you can relax and enjoy some of our city.”

  I turn to Doron. “That leaves us time.”

  He nods. “We would like to have a visit with Abraham. Can you show us the way to his house?”

  Palluw laughs. “Abraham dwells in his tent.”

  I join in his laughter. “Come to think of it, I never saw him in any other shelter.”

  “He lives on land outside the city and comes here often. I will let him know you arrived.”

  “Thank you,” I bend my head.

  Palluw glances at both of us. “Is there anything further you need?”

  Doron smiles. “Not at this time.”

  I stand and Doron joins me. “I am ready to retire. It has been a long trip. Thank you again for your hospitality.”

  Doron sits again. I climb down the steps wondering why he stayed behind. It is not long before he comes into our room.

  “Why did you stay? I am ready to close my eyes.”

  “Because of his remark about marriage, I did not think it proper for me to leave until I was sure you were ready for sleep. And it gave us time for men’s talk.”

  “Good idea.” I nod and turn over.

  We enjoy the morning meal under the trees shading a part of the rooftop and decide to take a day of rest. Abraham contacts Palluw to say he is awaiting us. We send the messenger back saying it will be the following morning. We fill the time with walking through the city, then do our practicing. We relish the wonderful food the servants provide for the mid-day meal and enjoy another respite. We end with a walk around the countryside and back to the house.

  The evening meal is superb, but the walks tired me. “Please excuse us, Palluw, but we must practice before we sleep. I hope we do not disturb you.”

  “Do not worry, Elisha. All is well.”

  The next day Doron and I set out for Abraham’s tent right after we finish eating. We are both refreshed after a good night’s sleep. It is a long walk for most, but not for us. We come near, Doron calls out his name, and I land in Abraham’s arms for a great hug.

  “Come in, come in. The sun is high.” Abraham opens the flap to the tent. “I will bring drinks for your dry throats.”

  We wait for his return. Hagar is handing us Sarah’s favorite pomegranate juice. The shock of her standing there silences me. It makes so much sense with his many trips here. It is difficult to find my tongue, but I must not embarrass him.

  “Hagar, it is nice to see you,” I manage to say.

  Abraham ignores the surprise written on my face. “Elisha, enjoy your drink.”

  We chat about our trip from Kiriath Arba to Urusalim, our meeting with Melchizedek, and the small concert that brought us here.

  “I see no sign of Ishmael. Where is he?” I ask.

  Abraham shakes his head. “He is visiting Hagar’s family.”

  “And Sarah?” Doron stares. “I thought she would be here.”

  “Do not worry, she is well. I have much business here. Is Doron taking care of you?”

  “He is wonderful. There is nothing he cannot do, including playing the lyre.”

  “Doron.” Abraham’s scolds him like a little boy. “You did not tell me.”

  “I was too busy taking care of your other needs, Abraham, and I had not played for a long time.”

  “I am a lucky woman. Doron now accompanies me in our presentations and plays some of his own music.”

  “You two make a sure match.”

  I shake my head. “You misunderstand, my teacher. We are not betrothed or joined as husband and wife. We make music.”

  “I am disappointed. I hoped that by putting you together, which I suggested to Sarah, we achieved something beyond friendship and business.”

  My cheeks flush, and I smile not knowing what to say. Doron hides his face by considering the floor.

  “Nothing is going on you say? I am not sure about that.”

  I make sure to laugh. “Please, cease your rattling. There is nothing to tell. I promise.”

  Doron joins the conversation. “That is the truth, my lord.”

  “I am sure it is. Do not call me my lord, Doron. You are no longer a servant.”

  “I promised to return.”

  “Wait and accept where life takes you. Then decide. I will not free you now, but in the future?”

  “Thank you, my lord.”

  Before we leave, we explain the arrangements for the concert. “I will not miss it.”

  We wave our goodbyes. “We will meet again soon.”

  We are out the door. Doron stops me. “What do you think of that?”

  “He changed the subject when I mentioned Sarah. Do you think she knows?”

  “I do not think so. We will not mention it.”

  Poor Sarah. He broke his promise. An unusual silence takes over during our return to Palluw’s house. Neither of us wishes to return to Abraham’s remarks. Is something brewing between us? I never considered that a
nd shrug it off. Abraham is an old man and his mind strays.

  The evening meal is not comfortable. Palluw does the talking. He gives up. “Are you two feeling well?”

  I laugh. “Yes, Palluw, we are fine. Tired from the walk and thinking about the morrow. The nervousness has begun.”

  “I sympathize and will leave you to your business.”

  There is no heart in our practice this night. Our conversations are formal and distant. Even with the window wide open, the room feels stale and airless. I remove my garment as fast as I can and pull the cover over me as soon as I lie down. Foreboding fills the air. The practice did not go well. It takes a long time to fall asleep.

  CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT

  Doron and I are glum and irritable since the visit with Abraham. It is nearing time for the concert and we argued over everything since the first meal. What song to start with, when to be there, and what to eat beforehand so our stomachs would be settled. Most of it was nerves for the presentation, but the rest is the nearness to each other. For me, it is also the possibility of his pressing me for my secret if we become more than friends.

  We reach the gathering place, and I stay far from Doron. The breathing practice helps to settle me. The audience gathers, some sitting on the ground, others standing, all catching up on the latest news. Palluw quiets them and introduces us.

  The presentation begins with “There Is Always Plenty” and ends with “How Can I Say I Forgive You.” In between, Doron plays two or three known songs mixed with a few of his own compositions. The audience reacts well and applauds with vigor. The concert ends and they are smiling. We meet many of the guests and receive praise. Some bring gift s of the fig cakes I used to live on. Doron goes to make plans with our next host. Abraham waits with patience for us to complete our business.

  “Elisha, I am astounded. Why did you not sing these songs while in Urusalim?”

  “I did, but they were not acceptable.”

  “Ah, yes. Now I remember. Whatever you did to change them, keep doing it. They are wonderful.”

  “I was worried you might not approve.”

  “Why would I not?”

  Tears come to my eyes. “Thank you. You were a father, a teacher, and a guide to me.”

  He nods. “And you took my words and made them poetic like the work of Gilgamesh.”

  “I wrote them in homage to you and Sarah and the marvelous things you did for me. Out of my love for both of you.”

  He holds me in his arms, then moves me away to see my face. “Go, my daughter. Your work is waiting. You have my blessings.”

  He called me daughter. I watch him walk away. “Thank you. I will do as you ask.” There is no mention of Hagar.

  Palluw joins us. “The concert went well and I am content.” His face shows complete satisfaction.

  “Thank you, my lord. I am glad you are happy. I now hope the venture will go well.”

  Doron grows near and overhears us.

  “Why would it not?” He is more positive than before. “We have something to offer.”

  “Poo, poo. You never know what might happen,” I respond.

  Palluw rises from his mat. “I am ready to retire.”

  “We are also ready.”

  We sleep well that night. In the morning we eat an enormous meal and are packed and on our way to Ein-gedi with the promise to return. The promise is made because it is expected.

  The tension between Doron and I lessened but is still obvious. He takes care not to touch my hand and walks far ahead of me as he leads the donkey. Conversation includes only needed responses. Ein-gedi is not too far, and we expect to arrive in a little more than two suns.

  The journey goes well, and we settle down outside our small tent for the evening meal. Visitors arrive. Doron is concerned and whispers, “Go, stay near the donkey until I find out why they are here. If anything happens get on the donkey and run for your life.”

  I move closer to the animal and pet him while trying to listen in on their argument. “Elisha, please come here,” Doron calls. He turns back to the men. “I must call on Elisha to settle this. These are her concerts. He turns to me. “Explain to them that we cannot sing for their villages because we are expected in Ein-gedi.”

  “Good evening, my lord, what is your concern?”

  “A warm welcome to our composer.” I bow my head. “Word spread of the concert in Beersheba and Abraham’s presence there. Every village near here wishes you to do the same for us.”

  “One moment, sir, let me speak with my musician.” I pull Doron out of earshot. “I fail to understand your displeasure. This is something we must do. My purpose is to spread Abraham and Sarah’s words as far as I can. Do you not agree?”

  “And what about those who are waiting?”

  “We ask the villagers to send a messenger explaining the delay.”

  “What if the next village is angry when we do not appear?”

  “Doron, we do not have to treat this like a business. We will calm them and explain and if they no longer want us, so be it.”

  “I do not agree. Are you sure it is what you wish?”

  “I am sure.”

  The families in each village contribute to our housing and food. Many times we are given so much, we must return what is left or overburden our donkey. I do not know how many villages we stopped at before we reach Ein-gedi and the same thing happens on the way to Gerar.

  We look forward to a leisurely walk to Kiriath Arba, but that is not to be. We perform in what seems like hundreds of small villages. There are many more full moon cycles before we reach Sarah’s tent and darkness is getting ready to close in.

  Doron waters the donkey, and we go to the front of the tent. “Sarah,” I call in a gentle tone. “Sarah, are you here?”

  She runs into my arms. We hug and cry, examine each other, then hug and cry again.

  “Come in, Elisha, you too, Doron. The wait was too long. Excuse my tears. I worried something happened to you.” She brings us each a large goblet of libation, then joins us on the mats. “Tell me of your travels. I cannot wait to catch up with your adventures. Have your drink and let me call Isaac. He is in Abraham’s tent.”

  Doron whispers, “I still do not understand. Can you explain your purpose?”

  “I have nothing more to say. We made no promises and Abraham’s words and Sarah’s wisdom need to be heard.”

  Sarah comes running into the tent. “Isaac cannot wait to see you both and asked that we wait so he can listen to all the news. Your arrival was expected many moons ago. I heard from Abraham after he attended your concert. He said you and Doron were wonderful. How is he?”

  Having to answer her disturbs me, as if I am lying. “He is well and involved in business as always.”I smile.

  “He needs to return home. He has been away too long.” Sarah rarely complains.

  Isaac comes in. “Elisha, Doron. What a surprise.” We embrace each other and take our seats.

  “You are a young man, Isaac. I am so happy to see you.”

  “You changed also, Elisha. You became an adult.”

  “It happens to every one of us sooner or later.” They appreciate our joke and it breaks the tension of Hagar hanging in the air. Questions fly, we talk over each other, sentences are left hanging, we laugh a lot yet manage to catch up on the news.

  “I am proud of the work you both are doing,” says Sarah. “Songs with Abraham’s words.”

  “And your teachings,” I interrupt.

  “What a blessing.” She turns to Doron. “From the length of time it took to get here it seems you are well accepted.”

  Doron’s eyes are fixed on her. “How are you Sarah?” he inquires. I note the glance between Sarah and Isaac. “I am well.” Isaac examines the floor as if it is a beguiling woman.

  “I am glad to hear that.” I study Sarah’s expression. Her smile was not real.

  “How long will you stay?” she asks.

  “Not long enough. One more moon and we must
be on our way.”

  “I am disappointed, but I understand. You and Doron settle yourselves in Abraham’s tent and Isaac will stay with me until you leave.”

  “It is not necessary,” I assure her. “I do not wish to disturb Isaac. I can stay with you.”

  “It is obvious you have become close companions. Isaac will sleep here.”

  She reacted the same way as Abraham and knows me better than my own parents. Sarah is hiding something about her health. I will get the secret out of her.

  As soon as the sun rises Doron wakes me. I try to open my eyes. “Where are you going? I can hardly lift my head.”

  “Sarah said Abraham is in Beersheba. I want to make sure the cattle are in favorable health and taken care of as I instructed.” He joins us for the morning meal and disappears.

  I turn to Sarah. “He is checking up on the running of the business. He feels responsible with Abraham gone.” Or is he using that as an excuse to avoid me? “Are you well? In all honesty, well? We spoke last evening and I felt something was wrong.”

  “I am fine. There is nothing to worry about.” Sarah never evades matters that need discussion. “Isaac has done so much to make the herds larger. He is betrothed to Rebecca. I am so excited and cannot wait for their nuptials.”

  “Sarah, that is wonderful news.” She avoided my question. “Do you like her?”

  “She is a wonderful young woman who enhances Isaac’s essence. She is delicate with dark hair and eyes and a soul that shines with joy.”

  “I am pleased for all of you.” She does not bring up Hagar.

  Our visit is short and the leaving distressing. Doron acknowledges that as well. His slumped shoulders give away his feelings. Will I ever see my beloved second mother again?

  Back on the trail, the area grows more remote. Sadness prevents conversation until we sit to eat.

  “Was all well with the animals?”

  “The men are reliable and doing as I asked.”

  I reflect on our meeting. “That was difficult.”

  “What was?”