Journey to the Well: A Novel

by Diana Wallis Taylor

  “You are right, Daughter. We most humbly apologize. We would be most honored to accept your gift.”

  Ahmal smiled again and, motioning with his hand to wait, stepped outside, and spoke to a servant who had been waiting at the gate. In a moment, two servants came, bearing jars, bags of leather, goatskins, and more items, which they began to place on the low table. The items covered the table and more was placed on the floor. There were cheeses, wine, sweetbreads, meat, dates from Jericho, plums and figs from Palestine, and truffles from Jerusalem. It was a king’s bounty in the eyes of the poor family.

  Marah and Elon stared at Ahmal in astonishment.

  “My lord, this is too much. We can never repay you.”

  “Repay? My friends, one does not repay a gift. It eases my poor conscience that your family has had to suffer such grief at the hands of one who worked for me. I know he was of your family . . . but . . .”

  “But there is a possibility that he was not, my lord.” Marah looked at Ahmal directly.

  Ahmal inclined his head sadly. “It would be better to believe that such a one could not come from one’s own family . . .”

  Elon spoke up. “I have thought a great deal about this. It is possible, knowing what Haman was like, that he only pretended to be part of our family for his own purposes.”

  Marah turned and looked at Elon. He had echoed her own thoughts, yet she had never had the courage to say these things to him. He had suspected Haman also.

  Ahmal spread his hands and shrugged his shoulders. “God is merciful. We shall look forward to better times, shall we not?”

  “You are a good and kind man, my lord, you have our sincere gratitude. We thank you for your gifts.” Elon inclined his head respectfully toward Ahmal.

  “God’s peace upon this house,” Ahmal said again, and turned to leave.

  “God give you His blessing and protection. You are welcome at any time to our humble home.” Elon stood tall before the merchant.

  Ahmal touched his breast with a familiar gesture, nodded to Marah, and was gone.

  Marah and Elon stood for a moment and looked at the treasure of goods in front of them. Tears came to her eyes. God had seen their need and truly sent that good man.

  39

  Ahmal passed through the marketplace on his way to the wool merchant to arrange for the disposal of goods he had brought in. As he walked, he was preoccupied with things not related to his caravan. Ordinarily he would have paid little attention to the affairs of women. He was a bachelor and comfortable with his life as a traveling merchant and caravan master. Yet thoughts of Marah stayed on his mind. In spite of the mishaps and the tragedy that plagued her life, she was beautiful and serene. She saw to the affairs of her small family and provided for them with her wool and weavings. An admirable woman. He allowed his thoughts to rest on her, remembering her laughter that evening when the family had joined Haman for dinner at his home.

  Ahmal continued on in deep thought. He knew their family’s circumstances were destitute. He brought them gifts each time he returned from a journey, always taking care that the small bounty was presented in such a way as to save their pride. Always they were gracious and grateful. They could not continue to live in this way. Sooner or later, out of desperation to put food in the mouth of that growing boy and to take care of Elon, she might turn to a trade she despised. The thought brought him grief and anger.

  All day, as he continued his business in Shechem, the thoughts of Marah and her family were seldom far from his mind. He wanted to do something, but what?

  Slowly, as the day progressed, an idea began to form. He was more than concerned about her, and attracted to her from the first time she shyly greeted him in the company of that great brute of a husband, Jesse. She loved him, there was no doubt. He had observed the looks that passed between husband and wife. She was happy with him. Then there was Haman, a man who proved to be dishonest and a wretched excuse for a husband. A new thought crossed his mind. He smote his palm with his fist. By the God of Abraham, that was the answer.

  That evening as he began to dress, the idea that formed began to whisper its doubts to him. Would she accept? Would she laugh at him? Would she think he felt sorry for her and only offered her his pity? She would scorn him if she suspected that. Truly he must present his idea in such a way as to preserve her dignity and yet offer a solution for the state they now found themselves in.

  Eliab came in and observed Ahmal pacing the room. “Master, are you troubled about something?”

  “Eliab, you are just the one. I have an idea . . . perhaps the idea of a foolish man, but I am considering marriage.”

  “Marriage, at this time of your life? A fine idea, but who is the woman who has won the heart of my master?” Eliab was astonished.

  “Do you remember the family who joined us for dinner, with Haman?”

  “Yes, Master.”

  “It is that woman. She is now a widow, and I would offer marriage.”

  “I recall the woman, Master. Has she not been through much tragedy in her life? I hear them speaking of her as I go about the marketplace.”

  “And what are they saying there, Eliab?”

  “They say she has the ‘evil eye.’ Three husbands dead and another who divorced her. She has endured a great deal of suffering, has she not? The women spurn her, saying she has powers of sorcery and bewitches the men . . . sending them to their death.”

  “Cackling hens! Do you believe that, Eliab?”

  “I do not. I was impressed that she is a virtuous woman and upright.”

  “I agree. The family suffers much with trouble not of their own making.”

  “It is a fine family, master.”

  “Yes, and she has a young son by the name of Caleb, a good boy and one to be proud of.”

  “Ah, yes, master. A fine boy as I recall.” Eliab studied his master a moment and then his eyes sparkled with understanding. “You have no heir, my master?”

  “Eliab, you rascal, there is little that I can hide from you.”

  “Nothing, master,” and they both laughed.

  “My lord.” Eliab’s tone was politely respectful. “Will you permit your humble servant to make a suggestion?”

  “You know I rely on you. What is it?”

  “Let me send a servant to invite the family to our humble home for another meal. It would give the woman time to prepare herself. Such surroundings may perhaps lend themselves to a more favorable answer.”

  “Praise be to God, I was fortunate the day I found you. Of course, that is a much better idea . . . one I should have thought of. I cannot stumble in there and suddenly blurt my intentions. Prepare at once and I will send a message to Marah and her family to join us.”

  Ahmal clapped his hands and a servant was soon on his way.

  40

  Marah had struggled to walk to her home after another ordeal with the women at the village well. They had thrown a couple of stones this time and hissed at her. They accused her again of the “evil eye” and drew their skirts away from her.

  “Any woman who has lost four husbands must be suffering the punishment of God. She has done wrong and kept her sin secret. God knows her!”

  “Her husband was a murderer. Who knows what things they have done.”

  “She comes even now!”

  She had ignored them and gotten her water, maintaining her dignity. She would not let them see how they hurt her. These were women who had been friends since she was a young girl. How could they treat her so?

  With her last strength, she set the water jug down and unwound her mantle as she stumbled to her pallet. Her head was ringing as she gave in to the darkness.

  “Mama!” The voice of Caleb seemed to come from a great distance away. Someone was putting cool cloths on her head.

  “Mama, please open your eyes. Please. I cannot lose you also.” Caleb was sobbing quietly.

  Slowly Marah opened her eyes. It took so much effort. She turned her head to look at Caleb’s a
nxious face. Next to him was Hannah. Behind her, Elon looked down at her, his craggy face drawn with worry. She tried to speak but no words came.

  “God be praised. She is with us again,” Elon murmured.

  Hannah patted her shoulder and spoke gently, “Rest, Marah. You have suffered much. Now is the time of rest. I will take care of your household. You must gather your strength. Caleb and Elon need you. Rest, my friend.” Hannah soothed her with words as she lifted Marah’s head with her arm and put a cup of broth to her lips. She could only manage one swallow before putting her head back down. She was so tired.

  “You will get better, Mama. You must get better.” Caleb took her hand.

  When Marah opened her eyes again, Elon slept nearby. She looked around the room. Her mouth was dry and she could not raise her head. Hannah was sweeping and had her back turned. She moved slowly for it was nearly time for her babe to be born.

  Hannah turned and smiled. “You had a good rest?”

  “You should not be doing my work and your own as well at this time.”

  Caleb came into the house. “I’ve gotten the herbs you asked for, Hannah.” When he saw his mother with her eyes open, he gave a glad cry, which wakened Elon, and knelt by her side, laying his head on her shoulder. “I knew you would be all right, Mama. I knew it.” His eyes pooled with tears.

  “Caleb . . . ,” she whispered softly, stroking his hair. She took a deep breath and held her hand out to Caleb with a smile. “Help me rise, my son, there is work to be done.”

  He happily took her hand and Elon moved to put an arm behind her shoulders. They helped her up. She stood wavering for only a moment and then moved toward Hannah.

  “Let me help you, dear friend, for a change. Your time is soon.”

  “Nonsense, I am fine. You should rest longer, until you feel well.”

  “I believe I have been ‘resting’ far too long already.” Marah laughed. “I will be all right. Everything just seemed so much to bear, for a time.”

  “God will see you through this, Marah, as He always has.”

  “Yes, and He gives me strength even now. Return to Simon, Hannah, with my heartfelt thanks. I can manage now.”

  “You are sure?”

  Marah smiled at Elon and Caleb. “I have two fine men to watch over me. I shall be in good hands.”

  Elon and Caleb beamed.

  After Hannah had gone, Marah contemplated what she had for supper. There was a knock on the door and a servant of Ahmal waited with a message.

  Marah turned to Elon and Caleb. “It seems we are all invited to the home of our friend Ahmal to share the evening meal. What should we do?”

  Elon stood. “He is a good man, and does not seek just your company, Daughter. He asks your father and son to come also. I see no harm in responding to his kind offer.”

  Marah thought of the meager meal she had begun to prepare. The choice was simple. She nodded to the servant and hurried to refresh herself and put on her best tunic and mantle. Elon and Caleb washed carefully and each combed his hair. Satisfied that they were presentable, they cautiously went through the narrow streets to the home of Ahmal. The servant carried a lamp and a stout staff as did Caleb, in the event they should meet up with one of the gaunt and hungry village dogs who plagued the town in the evening hours.

  With a smile, Eliab greeted them at the door, treating them as honored guests. He had purposefully chosen a simple but elegant meal. There must not be a great show of wealth for he had sensed it would offend the woman and make her feel uncomfortable. With a bow he indicated the low table, and they seated themselves, waiting for Ahmal. In a moment he was with them, smiling and acknowledging each of them separately.

  “Welcome, my friends, to my home. It is indeed a joy to my heart that you were able to keep company with a lonely man this night.”

  Marah smiled and watched Ahmal. He had a purpose in this dinner, for in spite of all his charm and gracious hospitality, he appeared very nervous. She felt slightly alarmed. Did he have bad news for them and had chosen this way to soften the impact? But then, what bad news could he possibly bring them at this point? She waited expectantly, as did Elon and Caleb.

  She observed the patient and friendly way Ahmal conversed with Caleb. He didn’t treat him as a mere boy to be ignored and for that she was grateful. Caleb respected him. Elon also was drawn carefully into the conversation, and his comments were met with a serious nod of agreement. She liked Ahmal. She didn’t know what they would have done without his kindnesses. She wondered if he realized how carefully she hoarded and portioned out the gifts of food he brought to add to their simple meals. Letting her mind wander over the hum of the men’s conversation, she thought of what she knew of him. He was a bachelor, and traveled a great deal as a merchant. He was well respected in Shechem by the other merchants. He controlled the men of his caravan with a firm, but honest hand. He and his servant Eliab seemed to genuinely respect and like each other. She suspected that Ahmal was still somewhat of a lonely man. Why didn’t he marry, to have a wife to comfort him at the end of his journeys?

  At that moment, Marah looked up from her musings to meet the eyes of Ahmal. There was appreciation and warmth there. Suddenly, she suspected why they had been summoned. Was he no different than the other men of Shechem?

  “Perhaps Elon and Caleb would enjoy my small courtyard and the evening sounds,” Ahmal was saying. With the promise of sweets, Caleb followed his grandfather with Eliab into the courtyard, bright with starlight. Marah, realizing that the invitation did not include her, remained where she was sitting. She knew Ahmal had something to say to her.

  “Marah, I would speak with you concerning . . . a matter that has come to my mind only recently. I hesitate to even begin . . .”

  Poor man, he was certainly not the smooth Haman when it came to speaking to women. She felt compassion for Ahmal. Let him ask her to share his bed, whatever, she would find a way to discourage him gently. He meant well.

  “I have been concerned about your family . . . and you. I have heard what the women are saying.”

  “And what did you think of their charges, my lord?”

  “Foolish and unfounded. You have indeed been through great trials, but I have watched how you have overcome your . . . adversities. I have admired you.”

  “You are most kind, my lord.”

  “Let me come to the point, if I may. I have admired you greatly since the first time we met in the company of your husband, Jesse. I saw that you were happy with him and wished you many years together. Perhaps I had hoped to have a woman look at me in that way one day, but alas, the years pass quickly and there has been no one.”

  “Ahmal . . . ,” she sighed and spoke as kindly as possible. “What is it you would like to say to me?”

  He looked at her face and there was no guile in his words. “I would offer you myself and my home, such as it is.”

  “In what way, my lord?” She drew herself up and looked back at him without coyness.

  He stepped back, startled. “You misunderstand my intentions. I have noted you to be an honorable woman, a woman who looks to her hearth and home. I would ask you to share my home . . . as my wife.”

  Marah stood up suddenly. She was without words. Her eyes searched his face. “Marriage?”

  “You have a son to raise, a fine boy, growing into manhood. Elon is old and he is concerned with how you will live. He is ready to go as his wife has gone. I would offer you my protection, the security of a home to raise your son, and the means to live comfortably here in Shechem. As my wife, you would not be treated so . . . unkindly. I do not ask you to love me . . . for I believe a woman such as you loves only once. I would hope that in time, you would come to care for me a little, but I am prepared to accept the will of God.” It was a long speech for Ahmal and he stood quietly waiting for her to speak.

  “My lord, Ahmal, I am . . . overwhelmed by your offer. I had thought . . . it would be an offer of another kind. There have been many of those, too
many. It is difficult to believe that you would give us that much, asking nothing in return.”

  He smiled gently. “Your presence in my home would be a gift in itself. After my long journeys, I would have a pleasant companion to return to, instead of empty rooms. Eliab is as a brother to me, but there are many times I have been greatly lonely.” He paused, weighing his next words carefully. “And yes, in a way, there is something I wish in return. I have been well impressed with what I have seen in your son. He is a fine boy, one to be proud of. One day he shall be a man of influence. You have given him an understanding heart and respect for others. One could ask no more of a son than that. I am a bachelor. Not having a wife means I have no heir. Eliab is not a young man, and he does not wish to inherit my worldly goods. If he survives me, he wishes only to return to his own country, and I would leave him more than enough to do that and live there comfortably. I wish to make Caleb . . . my heir.”

  “Oh my lord . . .” Marah sat down again suddenly. She searched his face. “I do not know what to say. I must think. Would you be offended if I do not give you an answer just yet? I must speak with Caleb and Elon in this matter.”

  Ahmal seemed relieved to have finally said what he wanted to say. “I am honored you wish to consider my offer at all, and I admire the fact that you wish to consider your family. You are most welcome to take your time. I do not leave on another caravan for three weeks. Will you be able to give me your answer by then?”

  “Yes, my lord, I will give you my answer by then.” Sensing that there had been enough time for his master to accomplish his purpose, Eliab graciously escorted Elon and Caleb back to the room.

  “We must be on our way home, Daughter, the hour grows late.”

  “Yes, Father.” She turned to Ahmal and smiled. He nodded slightly and walked with Eliab to his patio where servants were waiting to escort them to their home.

  “God be with you.”

  “And with you, Ahmal. We thank you for your hospitality . . . and friendship.”

  “Until we meet again, my friends.” And with a hopeful glance at Marah, he turned back to the house.