Master Potter

by Jill Austin

  A BATH—AT LAST!

  Clapping her hands, Mrs. Beguiler summons several servant girls. She instructs them quietly. One returns with a plate of dates. The other sits in the corner and plays slow, yearning music on her flute.

  As Beloved finishes the last sip of tea, another servant appears. “Please take Beloved to her quarters.” Turning to Beloved she smiles and says, “You will find a hot bath and lovely robes awaiting you.”

  The servant girl leads her behind another section of the tent, concealed by a floor to ceiling damask curtain. The servant silently bows to Beloved and pours perfumed spikenard from a beautiful translucent alabaster jar into the hot bath. From her pocket she sprinkles rose petals. Beloved watches them glide through the air and gently light on the water. She inhales the aromatic spikenard and smiles at the servant, who bows once more and leaves.

  Relieved that all of her troubles seem to finally be behind her, Beloved relaxes in the stillness of her perfumed bath. She soaks while listening to the gentle music of a distant mandolin.

  Who would have thought I’d end up in such a beautiful place and with such gracious people who love and serve Master Potter? I was so afraid I’d never get out of the wilderness. Oh Lord, I need to trust You more. Just look at where You’ve brought me!

  CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX

  FALLING IN LOVE

  Later, Enchanter returns to find Beloved elegantly dressed in a long-sleeved red silk dress with golden embroidery and matching gold jewelry. His face clearly shows his pleasure. Standing straight with her chin up, she’s aware that he is examining her from head to foot. He brushes her cheek with his fingertips, and a thrill shoots up her spine.

  Without taking his eyes from her, he tells his mother, “You’ve done a wonderful job; isn’t she beautiful? I can’t wait to show her off. We’ll be back for dinner after I give her the grand tour.”

  Beloved’s face turns bright red as much from the touch of his hand as from the welcomed flattery and attention. It has been such a long time since a handsome man found her attractive. She feels the same rush of excitement that she used to derive from the standing ovations at Madam’s. Closing her eyes she savors the feeling.

  She follows him outside into the bustling commune. He quickly takes her hand into his own as he leads her down the path.

  “Beloved, do you know what kind of dress you’re wearing?” She shakes her head. “It’s called a Malakat. It’s derived from the word Malakah, which means queen. And I must say, you’d make a beautiful queen. The dress is made of the finest silk and even the embroidery is silk thread. See the pattern across the chest piece,” he says, gesturing. “Here it’s geometric and here it changes to the pattern of a cypress tree,” he says, sliding his hand gently across the side of her breast.

  Beloved doesn’t know whether his touch was an accident or not, but he continues talking as though nothing has happened. “Our family is very proud of this community. My great grandfather established it. I come from a long line of pastors and leaders. I’m the associate pastor and worship leader of the church. One day I’ll take the senior leadership as my father did before me. I hope to have a son one day who will follow in my footsteps,” he says, squeezing her hand gently and putting it through his arm.

  The thought that she might be the woman to bear his children and be the first lady of the commune floods her heart. Is this my destiny? She quickly pushes the thoughts away as she remembers where she came from and who she was in Comfort Cove.

  They continue walking past beautiful, highly decorative tents. “What’s all that noise?” asks Beloved.

  “That’s the marketplace on the outskirts of town. Do you remember that I told you a caravan arrived late last night? Once a week we have market day. When it coincides with a caravan’s arrival, it’s quite a sight.”

  ON THE OUTSKIRTS

  As they continue walking, the tents become less and less opulent. They come to a watering hole where camels and other livestock are drinking, and shabbily dressed women and children are carrying water in earthenware jugs on their heads.

  Beloved looks at the tents on the outskirts. They are black, and some have patches. They are more like large blankets thrown over a wooden frame, totally lacking the elegance and opulence she’d seen earlier.

  “Why are these people so poor?”

  “They’re not poor, Beloved; they are workers. Every community needs employees. Even in nature, some are the queens, like you, and some are the worker bees. Their husbands work in our date orchards and tend to the animals while the women cook and clean our tents.”

  “Do they have all the rights that others do?”

  “Of course they do. They even have a representative who is a deacon and meets with our board. Look at the children playing so freely. See how happy they are. The kind of care that the children get is a good indicator of the health of the community. They are well taken care of. All communities have different classes of people.”

  THE MARKETPLACE

  They turn the corner, and the residential tents give way to a bustling marketplace. Stalls with brightly colored awnings line each side, forming a wide walkway. Everywhere people are milling, children are running and animals stroll as if they have no owners. Beloved can’t believe how much chaotic activity she sees. So many people are making their way through; there is barely room to walk.

  Sweet and pungent aromas waft from the booths, spices she’s never smelled before. Men are playing mandolins, flutes and harps, making music in a style she’s never heard before. All around, men and women dress in clothing styles she’s never seen. Everywhere she looks it’s like a celebration for her senses. This is a long way from Comfort Cove, she thinks.

  Men gather in front of the vendor who is selling flat bread and fresh lamb roasting over a spit. As they eat they take turns rolling the dice in a friendly game of chance. Between rolls they catch up on the news from afar and the local gossip, sometimes having to raise their voices to be heard over the ruckus.

  Heads turn when they see the striking couple walk by. Several wonder aloud who the beautiful woman is on Enchanter’s arm. Women look on with jealousy as the curvaceous Beloved walks arm-in-arm with the most eligible bachelor in Deeper Life. A sense of power and satisfaction floods her emotions as she realizes she’s commanding the spotlight with her beauty and sensuality.

  The first booth she stops at displays fine, handwoven rugs. The carded camel and sheep’s wool has been dyed in rustic and vibrant colors. It feels so soft and plush as she rubs her hand against it. The next stall carries hammered metal and brass wear—incense burners, lamps, bells, plates and bowls. The next has all manner of wood products, from tiny carved toy camels to large pieces of elegant furniture.

  Every inch of every stall is packed with wares—on, under and behind the counter and hanging from the support poles overhead.

  Beloved notices that the merchants engage in aggressive banter and bartering with everyone walking by, in an effort to make a sale—but no one has tried to sell her anything, even when she picked up a piece to examine it. How strange, she thinks as she continues walking arm-in-arm with Enchanter.

  Braids of garlic cloves hang from a booth where several women are clustered. Large gunny sacks with the top rolled down display yellow, red and rusty orange spices behind the counter. “Here, come here for the freshest saffron. This capsicum is unusually potent. Come, come sniff these cloves,” the spice vendor cries out.

  Women are buying large sacks of rice and carrying them away balanced on their heads. Some have their faces covered; most are heavily adorned with jewelry. Beloved loves the exotic look of the ankle bracelets that many of them wear.

  Enchanter guides Beloved to the left, and they sidestep two black and white kid goats following their mother and the little boy running after them.

  She can’t believe the exquisite hand-made jewelry with brightly colored semiprecious stones. Displayed against a dark background, they glitter and sparkle as the sunlight bounces off the l
ovely pieces. What craftsmanship, she thinks.

  “Over here is one of my favorite booths,” says Enchanter. “We trade our dates for these fine fabrics,” he says as he motions to the elaborate display of solid and printed bolts of cloth. “You probably noticed how beautiful our clothes and even our tents are. This is where it all comes from.” Turning to Beloved he asks, “What’s your favorite color?”

  “Blue.”

  He tells the merchant, “Please have every bolt of blue fabric delivered to my tent. I think it needs a woman’s touch to update it.”

  “That was easy,” he says as they approach a lavish display of fruits and nuts. “Beloved, would you like to have a date with me?” She pauses, unsure if he means the fruit or companionship. “Well, which would you prefer?” he asks teasingly.

  Working up her courage she says, “Both.”

  “Good,” he replies, “both can be arranged.”

  On the counter are olives, dates, figs, raisins, pomegranates and other strange-looking fruit she can’t identify. Enchanter points as the merchant fills a bag full of dried delicacies and gives it to him as a gift.

  Just past the fruits is a table displaying perfumes, oils and incense. Several ladies have congregated there admiring the multicolored, hand-blown perfume containers. Other vessels painted with beautiful flowers contain powders and ointments. The vendor calls out, “Frankincense, myrrh, spikenard, rose of Sharon and lily of the valley.” Recognizing the ivory-colored alabaster jar from her bath, she picks it up and inhales deeply. Smiling, Enchanter says, “Beloved, you do have good taste. This is my favorite also.”

  MADAM FALSE DESTINY

  Beloved sees several booths of religious artifacts, statues, idols, charms, altars, amulets, books and candles. One booth even has a gypsy fortune-teller. Beloved sets the alabaster jar down and walks from table to table looking at the merchandise.

  “Why do you let people sell these things?” questions Beloved, rather taken aback.

  “Well, we are on a major trade route and people come from all over the known world. We have a gentlemen’s agreement with them and we can’t prohibit them from selling any of their wares.”

  “But people in your community could get deceived from these things.”

  “Nonsense, we have very strict religious parameters around our people. The elders are the spiritual gatekeepers. These booths are only here on market days when the caravans come through. We can’t stop this because we’re in the middle of a trade route and we really can’t offend them by restricting what they can sell. Besides, whatever path people find that leads to happiness is fine; we all end up in the same place.”

  “I’m not sure I understand,” questions Beloved.

  “Happiness is like a mountain with many paths leading to the treasure at the top. Each person must find his or her own pathway to personal purpose and satisfaction. There are many paths with only one destination for all of mankind, Beloved. We all end up at the top.”

  “But don’t you believe Master Potter is the Son of God?”

  “Of course I do. But, we are all sons and daughters of God. Besides, we have very strict rules and we forbid them from proselytizing our youth. As I said before, you can tell a lot about a person or a community by how they care for their children.”

  As they near the end of the market, Enchanter sees Madam at a booth buying a book on spells, several amulets and a large crystal. A knowing nod passes between them.

  “This is the end of the market,” he says quickly, while turning her around the other way. “We know we won’t be buying from these booths, so let me take you back to the tent to rest and I’ll pick you up later for dinner with my family.”

  CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN

  PASTOR BEGUILER

  Beloved is sitting on an ornate pillow next to Enchanter around the long mahogany dinner table. Pastor Beguiler clears his throat in preparation to speak. Beloved can hardly take her gaze off him. His tanned olive skin, offset against his silver white hair and dark penetrating eyes, commands respect from all.

  Enchanter leans over and whispers into her ear, “Father looks very dignified, but don’t worry, he really likes you. Do you know how exquisite you look? The sapphire blue of your gown pales next to your beauty.” Beloved giggles softly, reveling in the attention.

  “Beloved, my son shared with me how he found you in the mountain pass. I’m glad that he and our oasis helped save your life. As the head of this family and the leader of this community, I want to formally welcome you.”

  At the clap of Pastor Beguiler’s hands a parade of servants comes in the room carrying platters of food. Sitting in front of Beloved is a multicourse feast: roasted goat, lentils, bitter herb salad, hummus, goat cheese, roasted lamb, flat bread and yogurt. Beloved inhales the exotic aromas, many of which are completely new to her.

  Laughter and warm conversation fill the night air as she is entertained by Pastor Beguiler’s stories of how his grandfather founded this religious community. Fraught with bandits, sand storms and other hurdles, he and his followers carved out an oasis for weary travelers that grew into a major trade route connecting various nations.

  “Yes, we have been blessed, and this community will pass to our son and someday to our grandson,” says Mrs. Beguiler, smiling.

  Concealed from view under the table, Enchanter’s hand strokes her thigh, causing Beloved’s heart to race.

  Enchanter says, “Let’s toast the arrival of this lovely lady to our community.” Lifting an ornate brass decanter, he pours rose water into several brass goblets embellished with floral decorations. “To this wonderful gift from Master Potter.”

  Beloved blushes and sips the rose water. A feeling of acceptance floods her senses. I’ve never felt this loved before except at Master Potter’s House. This must be a confirmation from Him that I have a permanent place here among these people.

  A servant brings the final course, a dessert of Sweet Uppuma, a crumbly fried dessert with cashew nuts, cardamom and sugar served along with hot tea, cream and spices.

  Pastor Beguiler claps again, and musicians and dancers entertain them. The new culture, new sights, smells, sounds and tastes fascinate Beloved.

  Pastor Beguiler’s deep resonating voice rivets her attention. She’s held spellbound by his charisma and warm invitation. She sees an older version of Enchanter, and imagines herself and Enchanter 25 years from now, seated at the same table with their own children. As Enchanter takes her hand, their eyes meet and she blushes from the sexual energy that passes between them.

  As dinner ends Pastor Beguiler states, “I hope that you will stay awhile and get rested from your trying time in the wilderness. We have a guest room and I insist that you stay here. I’m sure my wife would love the company of another woman.” Winking across the table at Enchanter he says, “I know how my son feels, too.” She looks up at Enchanter and smiles with contentment.

  Glancing toward Beloved, Enchanter says, “Oh yes, I’ve got lots planned for this lovely lady.”

  CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT

  UNHOLY FIRE

  As they stroll through the commune after dinner, Enchanter says, “Let’s get away from the campfires and all these people. I want some time alone with you. The desert has its own special beauty. I want to show you the dunes by moonlight.” Enchanter places his arm around her waist as they walk toward the outskirts of town.

  Their feet sink deep into the soft sand as they climb to the top of the dunes. “I have a special spot to show you where I always went as a small boy. Follow me.” He takes her hand and they laugh as they run down the backside of the dune. “From this palm grove we can see the majesty of the heavens open above us. If we’re lucky we might see a shooting star and we can make a wish.”

  He takes off his robe and spreads it on the sand, bowing before her. “My lady, please sit.”

  Sitting down next to her he takes out a silver flask, unscrews the top and says, “I brought some brandy to warm us in the chilly desert night.” Belove
d hesitates and stammers, “I-I don’t think I’ll have any. I haven’t had anything to drink for a long time.”

  Standing in the shadows and unseen, Amazing Grace whispers, “That’s right, Beloved, you no longer need a drink. It’s dangerous to be here with him alone. This is a trap.”

  “What’s one little drink among lovers?” He puts the flask to her lips and tips it up. A demon of addiction slithers around her. “It’s my old friend Forsaken. I’ve been waiting for you.” After several sips she takes the flask from Enchanter and they drink until it’s empty. A warm familiar feeling comes over her.

  THE SEDUCTION

  Embracing her, he whispers tenderly in her ear, “Beloved, I know Master Potter brought you to me. I want to take care of you and protect you forever.”

  He passionately presses his lips against hers. She struggles to pull back but is held in his strong arms. Finally she pulls away.

  He tells her, “We were meant for each other, but I won’t pressure you. I want you to want me. I know all the women in the commune and many have wanted to marry me. But I wouldn’t settle for anything but the best. There’s something so special about you.”

  Beloved looks into his dancing eyes and admires his curly black beard and handsome features. She wants to say yes but feels restrained not to appear too eager. “It’s all happening so quickly. I just don’t know. Can you give me a little time?”