“I kind of feel that way about Ezekiel, but I fear he’s not honest. I love him, but I cannot bring shame on my family by marrying the son of a thief.”
“A man is not always as his father is.”
“But what if he turns out to be?”
“Love is always a risk. Do you hope for the best when you’re with him?”
“Yes, always.”
“Then it’s your choice.”
“Well, I don’t want to rush.”
“Then, don’t rush. Your mother and I want the best for you. That’s all.”
“Thank you, Dad.”
“I know you’ll make the right decision.” He smiled his infectious smile once again.
Rina hugged Hadwin and went about her housework. Her head swam with all the possibilities. It had been some time since she imagined a future without Ezekiel. Now Asher, who fulfilled every fantasy of love in her head, showed up asking for her company. She had other suitors who thought they could woo her, but her thoughts always stayed true. She didn’t know if she could fully trust Ezekiel. Maybe it was providence. Maybe Yahweh was showing her something better.
CHAPTER 8
Asher asked around to find where Rina lived. The only information he gathered was where her father worked. He made the trek to the vineyards. The immaculate farms were a testament to Hadwin’s leadership.
Ordinary laborers do not yield these kinds of results. Maybe he would buy the vineyards. His family owned several others farther north. It could be a good business decision.
He walked the paths around the field where workers were building and repairing trellises for the new plants. The fresh air filled his lungs. What a welcomed change from the city where the smell of people lingered. His freshly oiled black hair twisted in the breeze, which felt cooler since his visit the day before. He loved the winemaking business.
In truth, it wasn’t the business he loved so much as the wine. His position allowed him to taste wines from all over the world. His newest taste for the fermented drink came from the newly acquired Roman territory, Germania, called mead. It was made from fermented grain and honey. Asher sought to bring this drink to Israel’s children by introducing it to the Levites, who could leverage it against the people. The Levite priesthood made their influence substantial.
Mead was stronger than wines of the day and would fit well with the Hebrews’ bitter pallet. He could build the fermentation bins right next to the wine presses and pay some of the workers an allotment of mead in addition to their wages. The addition of honey and wild yeast made it more intoxicating. As soon as the public took notice, the region would be rich with the beverage.
With a little imagination, Galilee could be a cultural center of the region, he thought. The area could use the creature comforts of Rome. He could marry a local and take other mistresses as well. This would endear him to the people and let him make a name for his family, which his father would be proud of. In that sense, Rina was a perfect match.
He was attracted to her beauty, and he would also have the Hebrews eating out of his hand. Asher was half-Roman, half-Hebrew. His father married a Roman, which was a mark of shame on his extended family. However, the favor he carried with the Romans was more than worth the slight, yielding trade agreements that would have been impossible otherwise.
This day, he walked among the workers, inquiring who owned the vineyard. Since his father had been sent to the leper colony outside of Jerusalem, it was up to Asher to keep his family name alive. The task felt like a heavy burden.
“You there! Do you know who owns this vineyard?” he asked a man carrying a basket of nails.
“Yes, sir. His name is Eber from the tribe of Judah.”
“Where might I find this Eber?”
“He lives in Tiberias near the springs. He doesn’t like visitors. He’s a good master, though. We are well paid for our work.”
“How then would you suggest that I contact this man?”
“He goes to the market every first day after the Sabbath. If you ask people, they will point him out to you.”
“Thank you, sir.”
The man nodded back and went about his work. Asher mounted his horse and rode into Tiberias straight away. Business cannot wait. Along the way, he decided to stop by Rina’s house. The day was waxing hot, and she might provide him with some refreshment. He rode hard down the road to her home. Rina was thrashing wheat to make bread.
“Hello. I wasn’t expecting to see you today.”
“Surely you know I’ve been asking about you.”
“Yes, I heard,” she said.
“I was wondering if we could get some water and talk for a while.”
“That would be disgraceful. I just met you, and there are no family members around.”
“Then you can serve me as your guest.”
“I suppose that would be alright.”
Asher dismounted his horse and followed her into the house. Rina pulled the animal skins off the windows and left the door open.
“You know, you are much too daring.”
“You said that before.”
“I know, and I mean it,” she replied honestly.
“Rina, my intentions are true.”
“Yes, but I wouldn’t know that, would I?”
“I’m a man who knows what he wants. I admire true beauty, and I have traveled extensively to find it. Let me just say I have never witnessed a woman as beautiful as you.”
“This is why I say you are too daring.”
Asher moved toward her.
“That’s far enough.” Her voice was less than convincing as he pulled her close and kissed her. He felt her relax in his arms, then, as suddenly as the kiss started, she pulled away.
“Don’t do this. Not now. It’s forbidden.”
“Alright. I’m sorry. I don’t know what came over me.”
“Don’t be sorry either. Just slow down. I have a lot to consider before allowing myself to be swept away.”
Asher nodded, slowly left the house, and mounted his horse. He smiled at her before galloping off. It was a game he had played many times before, but only when he traveled outside of Israel. It was too dangerous to do so without intentions to marry her. The Sanhedrin would have the poor girl stoned, and he could be fined.
No, Rina would do. She was poor enough to bridge the gap of public opinion, and she was Hebrew, which would make the Sanhedrin happy. The Romans could care less who he picked. His Roman citizenship through his mother ensured good relations there. All in all, Rina would be the prize of his new business venture.
His horse’s hooves fell syncopated and steady against the ground. In his travels to the Orient, he had heard of a concept called Zen, a kind of mindfulness that comes from thinking nothing while sensing everything. The rhythm of horse and rider always pulled him into such a state. Riding was one of the great pleasures of life. The steed was magnificent and brought admiration wherever he went. Asher decided to make the horse open fully down the lonely, dusty road. The beginnings of a clopping echo resonated through the hills. By the time he made it to Eber’s house, the horse was gasping so hard Asher thought he might collapse. He chuckled to himself as he dismounted. The door was made of cedarwood and bronze, which was as imposing as Eber’s reputation.
After shaking the dust from his sandals, he proceeded to the door. Before he was able to reach it, a voice boomed, “Who goes there?”
“My name is Asher, and I’m a Hebrew. I am here to inquire about a price for the vineyards just west of town.”
“They’re not for sale. Go away.”
“Isn’t that for your master to decide?”
“Aren’t you being a little rude?”
“Depends. If I buy the vineyard next to it for a fair price, your master loses a deal because of you.”
“Wait here.” The door closed with a creak. Moments later, the door opened again. This time the servant was accompanied by an older man, short of stature and bald.
“My servant
tells me you’re interested in buying a vineyard. You are wasting your time.”
“Once you know what I offer for the vineyard, you might reconsider.”
“Well then, come in, and let’s hear this amazing offer.”
The dichotomy of the house’s exterior and interior was striking. The interior was decorated with relics from all over the known world. Asher recognized Indian art as well as African tapestries. One thing was missing—Roman art. This man was most likely a Zealot sympathizer, and maybe Asher could play to his political leanings.
“I have some tea from Asia. Would you like some?”
“Yes, thank you. I haven’t tasted the beverage since my travels to the Orient.”
“So you are well-traveled. What keeps you in Tiberias?”
“Several things. I want to settle down and make a life that is my own.”
“I take it you come from a wealthy family.”
“Yes, my father was a Jewish prince.”
“That’s interesting. I don’t know too many Jewish princes who have any wealth left since the Romans tax them so heavily.”
“There are always ways to hide one’s wealth. Especially if one does not claim it all at once.”
Eber furrowed his bushy eyebrows. “So, I take it you are not exuberant about the Roman occupation.”
“I’m an opportunist. If I can thrive in this environment, I will. If I can make money from them, then that’s what I will do. I have contacts and have built many relationships with the Romans. However, I am not in favor of what they have done to our people.”
“Spoken like someone whose wisdom is twice that of your age.”
“My father was killed trying to fight with the Zealots. They never knew who he was, or I would be imprisoned. My mother is Roman. Since my father was Hebrew, I felt this would be a great place to start.” Asher felt the lie leave his lips. He reveled in his ability to shape the winds of his fortune. “Where does your allegiance lie?”
“With ambition. I think the Romans are filthy swine. They are unfit for anything except to feed the ocean. I know one must be careful when talking around here. The walls can have ears. But you are safe here.”
Asher measured his words. He didn’t want to be too bold, but he knew if he could find common ground, the vineyard would be his in no time.
“I hate them too, but my life gives me no quarter for such hatred. I simply cannot afford to hate them, at least for now. Your secret is safe with me.”
“It’s no secret. Let the Romans come for me.”
“You are foolish if you think they won’t.”
“I don’t need a lecture. Let’s get down to business,” Eber said.
“How much are you willing to pay for the vineyard and winepresses?”
“Three thousand gold talents.”
“The price is five thousand.”
“It’s not worth five thousand,” Asher responded.
“You said you had a great offer, and yet you come up short. The price is five thousand.”
“I will pay you four thousand and not a drachma more.”
“You insult me with such an offer. The lowest I will take is four thousand five hundred talents.”
“Done. I will have one of my servants bring the money tonight under the cover of darkness.”
“Just meet me tomorrow with the money. We’ll let the workers know they will be working for you from now on. Please treat them fairly, as I have.”
“You have my word. Tomorrow, sunup.”
Eber nodded. “My servant will show you to the door.”
“It was a pleasure.”
CHAPTER 9
Ezekiel arrived home to find his mother silently working the dough with her fingers. The flour seemed to hang in the air. Ezekiel coughed, and Aaliyah promptly stopped to wipe her forehead with the back of her hand.
“How did the fishing go today?”
“It was fair. I made enough to pay the fishermen. I have some leftover to help here. I’m even able to save a little. Soon, I’ll ask for Rina’s hand.”
“Well, I hope you will be happy with her. She’s a wonderful woman.” Aaliyah forced a smile. “What’s wrong, Mom?”
“Nothing. It just seemed like yesterday I was teaching you how to walk. Now you look as though you are ready to take on the world. Just don’t forget your mother when you make your fortune.”
“You know I would never do that.” Ezekiel winked at her and put down his satchel. “What’s for dinner?”
“Your favorite. Lamb stew with bread. I’m tired of fish.”
Ezekiel smiled as he helped his mother prepare the table.
That night Ezekiel laid on his mat and wondered what the future would hold. The business was going well. Still, there was a restlessness that besieged him. His mind kept turning over Yeshua’s words. Fisher of men. What did that mean? Apparently, a recruiting strategy, but for what? He couldn’t think of anything, unless Yeshua was a Zealot.
If that was the case, Ezekiel wanted nothing to do with him. His thoughts turned once again to Rina. It seemed she was never available anymore. The pit of his stomach turned. His thoughts twisted like vines, always searching, keeping him awake. He would have to make his move soon.
CHAPTER 10
Rina couldn’t shake the feeling she was cheating on Ezekiel. Her situation was both exciting and nauseating. Ezekiel would make a good husband but would never be able to pull her family out of poverty. Plus, he hadn’t been completely honest with her about the curious origins of his money. She had trusted him her whole life, yet he would not give her a straight answer. Asher, for better or worse, had no history with her.
He was a clean linen with no stains, and that was refreshing. Plus, he was exceedingly handsome. Their children would be beautiful.
I owe it to myself to see where this goes, she thought. Her girlfriends would approve of Asher over Ezekiel, but she was over the flighty ways of youthful girls.
Love was a luxury, but one she craved. She knew Ezekiel would love her, but could Asher? She wasn’t sure she was really attracted to Ezekiel, but she loved him the way one loved an older brother. Her head swam with the possibility of Asher, but her thoughts always turned to Ezekiel. This war in her heart plagued her thoughts until sleep finally overcame her.
The next morning, she woke with a start. Sunlight peeked from behind the date palms just outside her window. The burlap curtain let just enough light in to hurt her eyes as she stretched her arms and rolled off her mat. It was going to be a busy day. Her work was never done, and her father needed help in the vineyard. One of the workers had been kicked hard by a donkey in the mouth. The work had to get done, and the only one Hadwin could trust to pick up the slack was Rina. She knew it was an honor to have such trust from her father. And since Asher was asking about her at the vineyard, it would be a chance to see him again. Dread filled her stomach, while elation filled her chest.
She walked behind her father all the way to the vineyard, keeping the mandatory five steps behind. From the looks of how things were going, she would have to work harder than anyone else merely to save face. It would help her father, though, and he was a man worth helping. She knew she would be safe as long as he was around.
It was a beautiful morning. Rina couldn’t help but have lifted spirits. The work in the vineyard was arduous, but the soft morning sun made the task bearable. Today’s task was pruning the vines, and each worker had a bronze blade used for shearing the unwanted tendrils. The work gave Rina a needed reprieve from the inner turmoil she felt in her heart.
Her father knew she could outwork any man on the crew, and the day became a competition. Rina loved challenges, and, in a way, she relished the fact that grown men were insecure about being beaten by a woman.
The heat of the afternoon waxed intensely, but Rina seemed not to mind. Everyone worked as hard as they could. The other women looked at her as an inspiration. Rina smiled as her section was cleared quicker than everyone else on the crew. She then turned he
r attention to helping the other women on the crew finish their plots.
It was a record day in the fields.
She couldn’t help but notice two men talking near the presses. Her heart leaped into her chest. Asher. But who was that with him? It seemed to be an older gentleman. Then it dawned on her. That’s Eber. She caught Asher looking her way and averted her gaze.
Although the end of the day drew near, Rina kept the furious pace as if the workload demanded it. The other workers slowed down to enjoy the cool of the shade and tally their progress. This fact did not go unnoticed by Hadwin, who quietly walked into the field.
“Rina? It’s time to come in,” he said gently. Rina’s cheeks turned red as she gathered her things and went into the storehouse for her final tally. The wages were weighed, and her father gave her the half measure reserved for women. He kept her other half measure under his cloak to make things fair when he returned home. This bothered Rina. She didn’t like special treatment. Other women were given the half measure for their work and were happy to work at all. Rina knew it wasn’t fair, but this was their world. No one was going to change it. At least, not in the foreseeable future. She loved her father for trying to be fair but resented the situation.
Reasoning with him was futile. He would say the same thing each time: “The men are not worth as much to me.” Eber knew about the arrangement. He let it slide because he depended on Hadwin’s leadership abilities.
Rina wondered what Asher was doing with Eber on the hill. Was it business? Was he there to see the workers? Was he asking about her?
After work, Rina walked home. On the way, she stopped by an old olive tree. She had never thought much about it, but today it seemed to have more character. It reminded her of her childhood when Ezekiel would climb to the top of every tree just to make her nervous. He was always showing off. The thought brought a smile to her face and overwhelming sadness in her heart. He would never live up to what she needed. Asher would make her life comfortable. The choice should be simple.
She moved on before tears escaped her eyes. She noticed movement to her right just off the path. It was a lamb. The baby was stuck in a thicket of briars. It had black spots, so she knew it was not being held for the Day of Atonement. She went over and gently picked up the lamb and held it close.
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