“Joppa has a circle of great rocks that form a harbor,” Haman continued. “The cedars of Lebanon were shipped to Joppa when King Solomon was building the great temple in Jerusalem. I have seen the temple. It is magnificent.”
“We believe that Mount Gerizim, our holy mountain, is the place to worship,” Jesse put in. “The Jews worship in Jerusalem, but we of the Samarim do not share their views. There is none greater than our holy mountain, Gerizim.”
“That is true, Cousin, but the temple is magnificent all the same. Great pillars, courts bustling with many people from many lands, moneychangers, merchants selling doves, goats, lambs for sacrifice. It is a meeting place. Many teachers and rabbis come from far and near to talk to the people who gather there.”
Elon became stern when they mentioned the temple in Jerusalem. “What could they tell the people that we of the Samarim do not already know? When have you heard a Jewish rabbi with any new thoughts?” he growled.
Haman was not deterred. “As a matter of fact, there are many with new and different thoughts these days.”
Jesse changed the subject. “Have you been to Caesarea, Cousin? I hear it is also a great seaport.”
“Yes, an interesting port. Two giant towers mark the entrance to the harbor. Merchandise from all over the world comes into Caesarea.”
“What sort of merchandise?” Caleb asked, fascinated.
“Well, there are stevedores, workmen who unload bales of wool and amphorae, or large clay storage jars used for wine or dried fruit. Much grain is shipped through there. There is also glassware from Syria, timber from Palestine, frankincense and myrrh from Arabia . . . many wonderful things. These are brought in by the ships and transferred to the caravans that take them inland, like the ones that come here to Shechem.”
Caleb asked so many questions that Jesse, sensing his cousin’s slight impatience, put a hand on Caleb’s shoulder. Caleb realized he had spoken more than he should in the presence of his elders and was instantly silent.
It was time to finish serving the meal. Jesse and Caleb spoke quietly and Elon observed them benignly as he ate. Glancing at Haman, Marah unexpectedly met his bold stare. Instinct told her to be careful. He was too open in his admiration, and Jesse was becoming increasingly wary of Haman’s casual visits, especially during the day when Jesse was at work in his shop. Haman always had a good reason for his visits, a question for Elon, a small gift for Caleb, or to tell about what was happening at the caravansary. He knew she loved to hear about the caravans, the merchants and goods being carried on the trade routes. Haman always had a tale to tell of some incident.
Jesse had been brooding ever since he learned that his father had invited Haman to join them for yet another evening meal.
“I am glad for my father. He and Caleb at least seem to enjoy the many visits of my cousin.” The last word was spoken harshly. “But surely he is not as devoted a nephew as he would appear. It is plain he admires my wife!”
“Husband, you are the light of my life and the keeper of my heart. No man could take your place, ever. Perhaps that is just Haman’s way.” She looked earnestly into his face, her hand on his cheek, and laid her cheek on his shoulder.
He held her close. “I am a foolish, jealous husband. You are so beautiful, wife of my heart. If ever I were to lose you, it would be as though my life had ended.”
“And if anything happened to you, my life would end also. Oh Jesse, may we be as one all the life that God has given to us.”
“May we be as one,” he whispered gently and brushed her hair with his lips.
26
When can I come to see the caravansary, Cousin Haman?” Caleb had longed to see the inside for a long while, but Marah knew, as a woman, she did not belong among the muleteers and camel drivers, even with her son as companion.
“How about tomorrow?” Haman said casually, anticipating the boy’s response.
“Tomorrow? Oh Papa, tomorrow. Please, may I go with Haman? I will be very careful and not get in anyone’s way? Please?” He implored his father.
“Actually I thought my uncle Elon and Marah could accompany me, as well as yourself, Cousin.” The last was added hastily.
“It is no place for a woman,” said Elon with a frown.
“I agree. It is no place for Marah. Take my son and my father if you will.”
Haman’s face was bland. “I only wished to have my friend Ahmal, the merchant, meet the family I told him about. His caravan comes into Shechem tomorrow with many goods for the marketplace. Perhaps the wife of my cousin wishes to choose something from the caravan?” He turned innocent eyes on Marah.
“You present an enticing offer, Cousin,” Jesse said evenly. “But we are a simple family, not used to purchasing trade goods from passing merchants.”
Marah had been watching the two of them and felt the tension building. She raised her eyes appealingly to her father-in-law.
“I would be honored to go with you, Nephew, to meet your friend. My grandson can go with us, and I believe that my son might spare a few moments from his work to accompany us also. In the care of three,” he glanced at his grandson, “or should I say four males of her household, our Marah should be safe.”
Caleb had straightened his shoulders noticeably at his grandfather’s words, and Marah turned away to hide a smile and her own excitement. Jesse would go if she went, and she did want to see the caravansary. Listening quietly for Jesse’s answer, she waited.
“If it pleases you, Father, we will all go. It will not hurt to take a short time away from the shop, even though I do have a rather unusual order to meet. The day after tomorrow I need to select a rather large oak tree.”
“Papa, may I go with you to find the tree?”
“You will be at school in the synagogue, my son. Perhaps another time.” Jesse ruffled Caleb’s hair affectionately.
Ordinarily Caleb would have been devastated, but with the prospect of seeing the caravansary tomorrow, he was pacified.
“Could I be of help, cousin?” Haman offered. “If the tree is of any size, an extra pair of hands could be useful.” He glanced toward the town. “Have you noticed any strange men in town you haven’t seen before? I was thinking of the robbers who nearly overtook me when I came to Shechem.”
Jesse shrugged. “Shechem is filled with Israelites from many of the tribes as well as men from other parts of the world who pass through with the caravans. Who knows whether they have entered the town.”
Marah wondered at the strange look, almost of fear, that crossed Haman’s face. He glanced again toward the town and then turned back to them, smiling again, his eyes lingering on Marah’s face in open admiration. She suddenly felt uncomfortable and looked modestly at the ground, not wishing to provoke a scene.
Jesse spoke suddenly. “How well do you handle the long saw, Cousin?”
Haman looked at Jesse, his face bland. “As good as any man.” He looked down at his hands, strong, but smooth, and added ruefully, “But it has been a long time. You can teach me once again, I am sure.”
Jesse nodded. “Done, I leave at dawn the day after tomorrow. And cousin, the tree I seek will indeed challenge your, ah, dormant skills.”
The men joined in uneasy laughter, and Marah was glad the tension that had marred the evening was broken. Yet as she listened to Haman’s conversational skills and how he drew in her father-in-law and Caleb, she wondered at Jesse’s words. Was Haman indeed a tale not yet told? Was there more to this cousin than appeared on the surface? She looked at the face of Elon. He was so delighted with his brother’s son. It must be a good thing, she reasoned, and smiling to herself, went about setting her cooking area in order.
27
Caleb could hardly contain himself as they started toward the caravansary. Marah watched with amusement as he fairly skipped along beside his father. She had selected a mantle of heavier than usual fabric to protect her face. Jesse was pleased that she was attired as modestly as possible and had given her one of his slo
w smiles that tugged at her heart.
They walked slowly, gauging their pace for Elon who walked beside Haman. As they passed through the marketplace, their noses were assailed by the tang of fish, olives packed in stone jars, and perfumes. They passed stalls of linen and the soap the Samaritans were known for, as well as baskets of dates, nuts, leeks, and cucumbers. At the stall of the spice merchant, baskets of mint, dill, coriander, rue, and mustard mingled their fragrances. Marah admired the stalls of the woolen merchants, for Shechem was known for its wool. She would have liked to stop and finger some of the garments, but moved quietly on behind her husband and father-in-law. Haman was greeted by a short, fat man who had been sitting in one of the wine shops as they passed. He appeared to want to talk, but Haman brushed him aside with a meaningful look. The man shrugged and sat down again.
Marah had rarely been to this side of the city of Shechem, for not far from the caravansary were the weavers, who were looked down upon by the other trades. While their craft was in demand, it was considered women’s work. Beyond them, outside the city walls, were the tanners and copper smelters, both odious trades. She shook her head as she remembered hearing of women who had obtained a bill of divorcement simply because they learned their “intended” was one of these tradesmen and the smell would be unbearable. They could even get a bill of divorcement after the marriage had taken place if they found the stench of the trade not to their liking. For a brief moment she remembered Zibeon, but that was long ago. With pride she thought of Jesse’s trade. Carpentry was a worthy occupation.
The men stopped at one stall at Caleb’s persistence. The tradesman carved small animals out of olive wood. Caleb looked at a delicately carved camel. Jesse could probably make one for Caleb, but he had little time for carving these days.
The tradesman, seeing a possible sale, began to extol the virtues of his work, and Jesse casually examined the camel. In a few moments of bartering, Jesse produced a coin and Caleb tucked the camel in his girdle, thanking his father profusely. Jesse nodded and glanced briefly at Haman, whose face was unreadable.
They entered the narrow gate from the city that led to the caravansary. The stench of the camels gathered at the stone troughs was hard on the senses. Some were being watered and others stood or lay in groups according to the time their caravan had arrived. Piles of straw were here and there and some were feeding. They contemplated the newcomers with large indolent eyes and chewed their cud. In the corner of the large courtyard was a stone two-story building with stairs that led to the upper level where there were rooms for wealthier merchants to stay. Doorways were covered by colorful tapestries and rugs. Down below, there were large arched openings where animals could be sheltered in inclement weather—poorer travelers were obliged to share these rude lodgings with their animals.
Haman excused himself and walked over to a group of men near the center of the courtyard, which was dotted with merchants sharing information. He spoke briefly to one of them. The man nodded and returned with Haman to where the family was waiting.
The merchant was portly, but not heavy. His beard was full and his face had a pleasant expression. He walked with the air of a man who was used to being in charge, but he did not appear arrogant.
“Uncle, Cousin, may I present Ahmal, a caravan master, who has been most kind in allowing me to work for him, truly a blessing in my time of need.”
Marah couldn’t imagine Haman being in a time of need. He seemed too sure of himself and too self-reliant.
“Our pleasure, my lord,” murmured Jesse and Elon, nodding their heads respectfully.
“Greetings. It is my pleasure indeed to meet the family of Haman.”
Ahmal’s eyes twinkled as he very seriously greeted Caleb. The boy was obviously beside himself with excitement.
“A fine young man you have here.” The small edges of his eyes crinkled with Ahmal’s ready smile. Marah decided that she liked the man.
Ahmal inquired as to how the carpentry trade was going. Marah left them to their discussion and turned away to look at the camels. When she found a couple of the camel drivers eyeing her with interest, she quickly turned back and moved closer to Jesse.
“. . . carrying the wonderful soaps and woolens of Shechem,” Ahmal was saying. “I bring back copper pots, linens, spices, and other goods.”
“How large is your caravan, my lord?”
Ahmal’s eyes appraised Jesse carefully. It was obvious that he liked what he saw, for his head nodded imperceptibly. “Forty to fifty camels, twenty or so mules, drivers and muleteers, and of course my own armed men. It is an unfortunate necessity, bandits still roaming the hills.” He looked briefly at Haman but said no more about bandits.
Caleb could not hide his curiosity. “The camels are different.”
Ahmal put his hand up to stop Jesse’s apology for his son and smiled down at the boy. “That is because they have different uses. The djemel is the pack animal of the caravans. A bit obstinate, that one, but built to carry a full load with ease.”
Caleb looked at another camel Ahmal indicated. Its broad head was tapered to a narrow muzzle with firm lips. Its large eyes with their heavy lids and long lashes observed them insolently. “That is the fleet and elegant riding camel. They are called mehari. Their legs are built to insure a fast and easy gait for their riders.”
All the nearby camels had a guiding ring that had pierced the right nostril. Through the rings, the reins tied the camels to posts.
Marah was fascinated. She had questions she wanted to ask, but knew it would embarrass Jesse in front of the merchant for her to speak.
Elon broke in. “My nephew Haman works for you? There would appear much to do.” Elon looked around, obviously wondering exactly what his nephew did.
Ahmal broke in as Haman started to speak. “He is a factor for me. He procures goods from the merchants of Shechem, at a fair price, and prepares them for the arrival of my caravan.”
Evidently Haman was not offended, for he added, “I also sell Ahmal’s goods to the local merchants. It is a good trade all around. And, of course, I have my share.”
That would explain why he always had money, Marah thought. They had wondered at that too. At least Jesse’s cousin seemed to be engaged in an honest business.
“Where is your horse?” Caleb asked Haman, looking all around anxiously at the busy courtyard.
Haman led Caleb to one of the stalls. He reached out to stroke the muzzle, but the horse shied away from his touch. Caleb reached up to pet him also, and to the boy’s delight, the horse prodded his shoulder with his nose. For some reason this seemed to annoy Haman. Aware that Marah was nearby and watching them, he spoke casually.
“A spirited animal, you had best be careful, Caleb. Perhaps he should be left alone.” He led the reluctant boy away from the horse. Caleb looked back over his shoulder.
“I think he likes me. When I grow up, I shall have a horse just like this one. Can I come to see him again sometime?”
Haman nodded absentmindedly. “Yes, of course, some other time.”
Marah turned back to Jesse, Elon, and the merchant Ahmal. She did not see where Caleb went until there was a commotion nearby.
Jesse strode quickly to retrieve Caleb from the hands of an angry camel driver. Caleb had come too close to one of the camels and Marah could make out the words “stubborn . . . spits” as the man waved his hands in the air.
“A thousand pardons, my friends.” Ahmal nodded to them and went to say a few words to the camel driver. The man quickly fell silent and sullenly moved away from the scene. Ahmal returned.
“He is one of my men. He was concerned about the boy. That is a mean camel. He is known to spit frequently at those who bother him. If he was not such a good pack animal, he would be made into a footstool!” They all smiled, but Jesse put a firm hand on Caleb’s shoulder, insuring that he would stay close by from now on.
“Do you live here in Shechem?” asked Elon.
“My travels take me many plac
es, too many to stay in one place any length of time. Yet I confess, Shechem is the city of my birth and I think one day I will settle down when I am too old for all this traveling. In the meantime, I have a small house that belongs to my family. I have a steward who cares for it in my absence.”
He spread his hands to include them all. “Would you do me the greatest honor to take supper with me this evening? The fare is simple, but to my liking.”
It was settled, and Marah knew Jesse would not return to the carpenter shop this day.
From Ahmal’s words, Marah expected a small house somewhere in the city. He led them through a few streets and entered a wooden gateway. They came to a small but beautiful courtyard with flowers and shrubs with a fountain in the center. With two stories, the house itself was not small by their simple standards. Tapestries hung on two of the walls and stone shelves in the walls held treasures that Ahmal had taken a liking to on his journeys. An older man, dressed in a simple tunic, came forward to greet them.
“Welcome home, good master. Your message was received and I have prepared for your guests.”
“My friends, this is Eliab, my steward. Were it not for Eliab, I would have a poor welcome and sleep with the camel drivers.”
Eliab smiled at Ahmal. They were master and servant, yet Marah saw they were greatly fond of one another.
“Come, dinner is prepared.” Eliab bowed and indicated with his hand that they should follow him.
“We should have such a small, humble house as this,” whispered Jesse with a wry grin.
The meal was delightful. Ahmal was a charming and solicitous host. He courteously inquired about the carpentry trade and the items that Jesse made. He spoke with Elon concerning his field and the problems of a farmer. He examined the small camel that Caleb showed him proudly and exclaimed over its workmanship.
Marah listened to the men’s conversation and kept an eye on Caleb. The talk flowed over and around her, and with the full meal and sweet cakes for dessert, she was pleasantly full. Glancing at Elon, she saw that he was looking a little tired. It had been a long day for him.
Journey to the Well: A Novel Page 15
