The Scarlet Cord

by Carlene Havel

  The lad who previously opened the tent flap poked his head inside again. “Come, my son,” Joshua said. He took the boy into his lap, and then lifted his eyes to Salmon. “I, too, watch the foreigners in our camp, keeping an eye open for spies and false converts. It so happens I believe you are making a wise choice, and not merely because this woman is courageous—although I understand how that appeals to you.” He tousled the hair of the child. “Little one, you are not hiding from someone, are you?”

  With wide eyes, the boy asked, “How did you know, Father?”

  “It is my job to know what goes on in this camp,” Joshua said. “What did you do?”

  “I put a bug down the back of Sarah’s tunic,” the youngster replied, his eyes downcast.

  “Then go and tell her you are sorry,” Joshua said. “And do not frighten her with insects again.”

  “Yes, sir.” The boy sprang from Joshua’s lap and ran outside.

  Laying a hand on Salmon’s shoulder, Joshua said, “You have selected a bride with no particular standing. Therefore, you will avoid alienating those who push their daughters forward because you will not favor either prominent family over their rival. You have my blessing to ask for this daughter of Karmot.”

  “I can never thank you enough,” Salmon said, pulling Joshua’s hand forward to kiss it.

  “Do not be too sure,” Joshua answered. “We have a land to conquer and a nation to build. Perhaps I will call on you to repay me a hundredfold.”

  CHAPTER FORTY-SIX

  The morning of Yassib’s wedding dawned clear and sunny. Rahab was pleased her family was able to dress well for this festive occasion, although her arm felt strangely bare with no bangles to adorn it. Bilda dispatched her daughters on seemingly unending errands to fetch water, firewood, and food supplies, while Karmot accompanied Yassib to be cleansed and blessed.

  For many days preceding this occasion, Matthias and Karmot sat in the main chamber of the family tent to finalize the marriage agreement. Often, Rahab took refuge in Milcah’s tent to work at weaving baskets. Otherwise, she went outside to tend the family’s new sheep, make ghee, or bring water from the river. Although she did her best to find outside chores, there were occasions when she sat quietly with her sisters and mother listening to Karmot and Matthias discuss their plans for Yassib and Hannah on the other side of the goat hair partition. By now, Rahab knew every word of her brother’s brief marriage contract. For the rest of his life, Yassib was to protect and defend Hannah and their children. In addition, he promised to provide for his family to the best of his ability. Rahab’s brother must promise to continue fighting as long as he was physically qualified to do so or until the people possessed their territory. When the war ended, the couple and their children were to settle on their allotted portion of land, which Yassib accepted the responsibility for making productive.

  As the sun began to sink in the afternoon sky, Yassib emerged from the tent and shouted, “Let us go and claim my bride!” He was greeted by the loud cheers of his friends gathered near the cooking fire. The group of finely dressed young men moved rhythmically toward Matthias’ dwelling, chanting to the tune of a shepherd’s pipe. Karmot and Yassib followed, while Bilda and her daughters stayed behind to put the finishing touches on the banquet for their guests.

  “Will we have a grand feast such as this when Sanda gets married?” Masula asked as she set out trays for food.

  “The groom always provides the food,” Sanda said, while arranging almonds and fig cakes on the first tray. “So my husband’s family will have the celebration when my time comes, if it ever does.” She stopped bending over the trays and stood. “But my friends say girls have to marry in birth order. So I have to wait my turn.”

  Rahab continued to boil a mixture of water and crushed dates. When the right consistency was achieved, the sweet syrup would be poured over flatbread to create tasty morsels for their guests. She wanted Sanda to move to another topic of conversation or—better yet—do her work quietly. Instead, her sister put her hands on her hips and said, “Father rejected the offer of a contract for Rahab. So now I wonder if I will ever have a husband.” She popped an almond into her mouth.

  “Rahab, do not allow the date honey to burn. Sanda, stop eating the nuts,” Bilda admonished her. “They are for our guests.”

  “Why does Father not want Rahab to get married?” Masula asked.

  Sanda ate another almond. “I heard Father was agreeable at first, but then he turned. The family is convinced Rahab objected to my friend’s brother. They do not understand why.”

  “No one understands Rahab,” Bilda said, speaking as if her daughter were not present. “Least of all me.”

  Rahab continued stirring the thickening date syrup. She felt no obligation to respond to Sanda. However, her mother’s words cut at her. “In what I thought was a private conversation, I asked Father to inquire into why this boy who thinks himself a man wanted me,” she said at last, never looking away from her work. “I found the answer unsatisfactory.”

  Bilda grunted. “Not enough to want a pretty wife.”

  “Who would not find Rahab beautiful?” Masula asked.

  “He does,” Sanda said. “Pay attention to what I said, Masula. My friend’s brother likes the way she looks so much he wishes to make her his wife. And he is willing to ignore everything else.”

  “How will he think of me as I grow old? What if an illness or an accident leaves my face with scars?” Rahab asked. She held her stirring rod in the air, watching the stream of syrup as it dribbled back into the cooking pot. “Just the right thickness.”

  The cooking fire blazed, but Bilda poked at it nonetheless. “Karmot has determined he will permit Rahab to live in his tent for the rest of her life if she chooses. He feels we owe her a debt.”

  Sanda stamped her foot. “Why does no one in this family ever consider me?”

  Rahab removed the pot of dib from the fire and wiped her hands against each other. She turned to face Sanda. “Perhaps you have forgotten your sisters were sold in order for you to eat and live.”

  “What does that have to do with Father allowing you to reject a suitable husband?” Sanda asked.

  “Did anyone require me to help my family after Riata began to pay me good wages?” Rahab held Sanda’s gaze until her younger sister finally dropped her eyes. “No, I chose to share what I earned, because I wanted to give you and Masula a better life. And if I had not helped the spies, you would have perished in the fire of Jericho.”

  “Enough of this bickering,” Bilda said. “I hear the wedding party coming. Rahab, prepare to measure out the wine.”

  Accustomed to masking her feelings, Rahab smiled and served wine with the same pleasant manner with which she once presided over her inn at Jericho. Her hands did their work while her mind attempted to sort her jumbled thoughts. Her anger still smoldered at Bilda for taking her possessions and giving them to Kemil. Why did my mother not defend me against Sanda? It is obvious everyone wants me to marry. Is this so I will have a husband to care for me, or do they merely wish to have me out of the family tent?

  CHAPTER FORTY-SEVEN

  The wedding festivities continued well after dark and picked up again early the next morning. Yassib and his friends, along with Hannah’s family, sang, danced, and ate in an atmosphere of happy celebration. People continued to come and go for several more days. When the party at last dwindled to a handful of revelers, Karmot suggested a walk to the riverside. As if recognizing a signal, the last guests took their leave. Rahab kept a firm grasp on Karmotil’s hand as they left the tent. She wondered if she would ever take this boy to the river again without the uneasy feeling Kemil might suddenly jump from behind a rock and threaten them.

  “Why are Yassib and Hannah staying behind?” Masula asked.

  “They are newly wed,” Sanda answered. “They want to be alone.”

  “Sanda, take charge of Karmotil,” Karmot said. He took hold of Rahab’s arm and held her back while every
one else went ahead. “This way,” he said, guiding her upriver from the family group. “We will talk, away from the others.” As she and Karmot walked along in silence, Rahab suspected she was about to hear another speech on the benefits of marriage. Even she herself did not understand why she was both attracted and repelled by the idea of becoming a wife. She yearned for the right man, but how many were strong enough both to command her respect and to cope with her past? Did she dare join a household of fools, or one whose members flaunted the laws of the Almighty One? While Yassib’s wedding celebration was going on, she noticed some of her brother’s friends were pleasant and good-looking. Nevertheless, how would their relatives react to her becoming a member of their family? Rahab knew ways to soothe a disagreeable man, but the thought of chafing under a disapproving mother-in-law was a grim prospect.

  Karmot leaned against a boulder and gazed toward the water. He stood for a long moment before speaking. “I have reason to believe I will receive the offer of a good marriage contract for you in a few days.”

  When Karmot did not elaborate, Rahab asked, “Will you ask him my questions?”

  “I suppose I can.” Folding his arms, Karmot exhaled and looked to the sky. “Because I have sinned so greatly against my daughters in the past, I have made a solemn vow I will not force you to marry, Rahab.” He squatted and turned his face to hers. “Yet, some men should not be denied.”

  “You are saying you wish to make this contract,” she said.

  “I believe it is best for you as well as our family.”

  Rahab stooped and picked up a small stone. “It has become clear Mother is more than ready for me to leave our family’s tent.” She flipped the rock far out into the water and watched the circles spread from where it landed.

  “Do not judge your mother too harshly,” Karmot said. “She looks into your face, and thinks of Rohat.”

  “She has told you this?” Rahab hoped for the comfort of knowing someone else grieved for Rohat as she did.

  “No.” Karmot raked his bottom teeth over his top lip. “Neither of us can speak of the sadness we feel for the loss of our daughters.” He looked away. “Three of our girls, sold into slavery.”

  “Three?” Rahab questioned.

  “Yes. You were still very young when we sold a baby to the slavers. Perhaps you do not remember her.”

  Fearing her legs might not continue to support her, Rahab sat on the ground near Karmot. “I remember Rima.” How could she forget the day she and Kemil took their baby sister to the temple of Molech?

  Karmot spoke softly. “I know Rohat died in Jericho. However, I like to think the slavers sold Rondar and Rima somewhere far away before the city fell. It is possible they both have kind masters in some distant land.”

  Rahab’s heart pounded. Did Karmot not realize she knew the truth? Why did he speak of Rima as if she were a slave instead of a sacrifice? Rahab stole a sidelong glance at her father as an intrusive idea almost took her breath away. Was it possible Kemil secretly disobeyed instructions to sell Rima to the slavers, choosing instead to receive Molech’s higher price? Although she continued to hear her father’s voice, Rahab could not attach any meaning to the sound of what he said.

  It took a few moments for her to collect herself enough for words to penetrate the fog in her mind. “This is why we take such comfort in knowing the Almighty One is willing to forgive the sins of His people,” Karmot was saying. He splayed and flexed his fingers, watching their movement as if his hands belonged to someone else. “It is my hope you also will forgive your mother and me, Rahab. I cannot tell you the pain I feel for the sacrifices you and your sisters made to sustain the rest of the family.” Suddenly balling his hands into fists, Karmot turned his face to Rahab. “Now back to the reason for this talk. I can see why you might think I want you to marry for some reason other than your own benefit. However, as the Almighty One lives, my only thought in this matter is for you to have a good husband to care for you. Otherwise, where will you go when I am gone? Do you want to live as a childless widow, serving Yassib and Hannah?” Karmot took a deep breath and exhaled. “I believe the visitor coming to see me tomorrow wants to begin arranging a marriage contract. If you wish, you may remain behind the curtain and listen when I ask your questions.”

  Rahab nodded absently. Her thoughts were in another time and place, hearing once again the faint cry of an infant as she and Kemil left the temple of Molech.

  CHAPTER FORTY-EIGHT

  Seven months after the fall of Jericho

  Rahab concentrated on remaining still and quiet. Except for the partition separating them, she could have extended her arm and touched her father’s back. After their conversation by the river, she thought of many questions she wished she had asked. More than anything, she wanted to know something about the man who was seeking to take her as his wife. However, unable to find Karmot alone, and unwilling to ask her mother to intercede, she held everything inside. She kept her hands busy with household chores while her mind reviewed her father’s words over and over. What did he mean when he said some men should not be denied? After seeing how helpful Hannah’s relatives were in managing their recent move, she certainly understood the value of forming a bond with another family. In addition to providing physical labor, Karmot’s tent was now located where he was the first of Matthias’s ten families to receive any news spreading through the camp. Hannah made herself useful in innumerable ways, even beginning to teach Masula how to care for the family’s small but growing flock of sheep.

  As Bilda took particular care with special foods this afternoon, Rahab concluded this was the day for Karmot’s promised visitors. The sun seemed to drag across the sky, while Rahab anticipated yet dreaded the arrival of the marriage broker. When the food was ready to serve, Bilda directed her daughters to the women’s sleeping room. “You are to remain here while Karmot’s guests are in the tent. No noise.”

  Rahab unrolled her sleeping mat and set out a half-completed basket, doing her best not to show how her insides churned. Sanda wore a smirk. “I think I know why someone is coming,” she whispered. When Rahab and Masula remained quiet, Sanda continued, “This must concern a proposal of marriage. Why else would only Hannah and Mother serve Father’s guests such fine foods?”

  Bilda poked her face inside the curtain. “Stop this whispering. Did I not warn you to be silent?” After a short glare at each daughter, she disappeared and the curtain dropped.

  More to calm her nerves than to accomplish work, Rahab set to work weaving her latest basket. She thrust each stitch in, out, under, and through, just as Milcah taught her. It seemed a very long time before there were sounds of stirring in the main compartment of the tent.

  “Greetings,” Karmot said. “You are most welcome in my dwelling.”

  “We are privileged to be your guests.” This was a voice Rahab was certain she had heard before. She stopped weaving and thought hard to remember where and when.

  “Please make yourselves comfortable and permit my wife and daughter-in-law to serve us.”

  “Thank you. That sounds delightful.” The man speaking reminded Rahab of Benjamin, one of the spies who came to Jericho. With so many people in the camp, no doubt there were numerous men with similar-sounding voices. Whoever he was, Rahab wondered if he came here on behalf of a relative, or perhaps arranging marriages was his livelihood. The rustle of people seating themselves on the carpeted earth mingled with the soft padding of feet moving to and fro. Rahab resumed work on her basket as she heard the thump of the food tray on the flat stone table. For a while, Rahab heard only the soft squeak of the green vines as she wove them, mingled with the crunch and scrape of food being served and consumed.

  “My wife and daughters are very skilled at cooking, do you not agree?” Karmot’s muffled speech told Rahab her father was simultaneously eating and talking.

  “Yes. Everything you have set before us is delicious.” Rahab dropped her hands from the basket. There was no mistaking the deep, resonant
tones of Prince Salmon’s voice. Sanda’s face registered obvious surprise. Masula glanced questioningly from one sister to the other. For a fleeting moment, Rahab allowed herself to imagine Salmon himself intended to make her his bride. She smiled, relishing the thought of falling into his embrace and pleasing him, while part of her resisted something so far-fetched. He could have anyone he wants. A girl from an important family, an innocent virgin, a striking beauty. Why would such a man choose me?

  The polite talk among the men continued until Rahab thought she might have to stuff rags in her mouth to keep from screaming. When Bilda ducked inside the curtain, followed by Hannah, Rahab had hope the pleasantries were at last ended.

  “Sir,” Benjamin said, “I have come to your dwelling to inquire into the possibility of arranging a marriage contract between my friend Salmon and your daughter Rahab. Tell me, is she already promised?”

  Rahab put her hand over her mouth. Did he say what I think I heard?

  “No, I have made no pledge concerning my eldest daughter,” Karmot answered. With all her heart, Rahab yearned to become Salmon’s wife. “My family is deeply honored by the possibility of such a marriage,” Karmot continued. “However, there are some questions I must ask before I can agree to anything.”

  No, Father. My foolish questions no longer matter.

  “I understand.” Benjamin said, almost as if he anticipated Karmot’s reluctance. “I have brought Salmon along, as you asked when we arranged this meeting.” Rahab did her best to keep her eyes focused on her basket, trying to ignore the stares of everyone on her side of the curtain.

  “I asked for our Prince’s presence because I must ask a question and wish to hear the answer directly from the lips of the prospective bridegroom. I would know why Prince Salmon asks for my daughter,” Karmot said.