Ahmal indeed went on his journey a happy man. When he returned two months later, he made arrangements for the marriage, and the small family came to live in his home. Elon rented out their small house, for it was Caleb’s inheritance and they would keep it for his future.
This was a time of peace for Marah unlike any she had known since her marriage to Jesse. Because Ahmal was respected in Shechem, Marah was treated well. When she walked through the marketplace with Caleb or one of the servants, the merchants presented their best goods, knowing Ahmal was wealthy.
Caleb fingered a bolt of cloth. At fourteen, he was as tall as Marah and moved with the grace of a young man, rather than an awkward boy. “You should have a tunic made of this, Mother.” Already he had an eye for quality.
“Now what would I do with still another garment, Caleb?” she teased. “Between Ahmal and you, I shall have enough garments for ten women.”
“And you deserve them all.” Caleb grinned. He tossed a coin to the fruit merchant and walked along munching on a handful of dates.
She glanced at him affectionately. He had an insatiable curiosity about things and learned quickly. Ahmal had the > necessary papers drawn up and signed in front of witnesses making Caleb his heir. Caleb was touched but, having grown up with little wealth, could not comprehend at the time the generosity of his stepfather. He was never inclined to be arrogant or boastful, and took the event in stride as he did everything else.
“Ahmal’s caravan leaves soon. I wish he would let me go with him.” Caleb’s tone was wistful. “Why will he not let me go? I know his merchandise well and I have proven I can bargain better than Shema. I should be his factor, not Shema.” Caleb pursed his lips.
“You are still young, Caleb. Not only must you be able to bargain well for Ahmal, you must also have the respect of the other merchants. You are growing quickly. Soon you will be a man able to represent Ahmal to the caravans.”
Caleb was not pacified. “But I am ready now, Mother.”
Shaking her head slowly, she turned back toward home. “It was good of you to accompany me, my son. I always feel better knowing you are at my side in the crowds of the marketplace.”
As they entered the courtyard, they were met by Demas, a young slave whom Ahmal rescued from a cruel slave trader. Demas had been beaten badly and was half dead when Ahmal brought him home. Demas, wise enough to know when he was in good surroundings, served Ahmal’s household well. Yet he too longed for places beyond Shechem, and Marah knew that, if he could, he would leave them and return to his home in Laodicea.
“Demas,” Caleb asked, “has my father returned?” Marah marveled at how easily Caleb had taken the role of Ahmal’s son.
Demas answered with deference and respect. “No, Master Caleb, but Eliab prepares for him. We expect him soon.”
Marah observed the two young men. One, tall, broadshouldered and blond, the other slender and dark. She knew there was a bond between them for Caleb often found excuses for Demas to accompany him on errands and they talked quietly when the work of the day was finished. Suddenly the feeling of apprehension returned. She had not been able to cast it aside. Did it have to do with Demas? She puzzled over the matter for some minutes until she heard voices. Ahmal entered the courtyard gate and with a smile, she moved to greet him.
“My husband, your day has been a successful one?”
He smiled back. “You are as a shaft of sunlight at the end of my day, my heart. If I had known how pleasant it was to be greeted by a beautiful wife when I returned home, I can assure you, I would have married long ago.” He drew her arm through his and they strolled over to the fountain that sparkled with effervescent light as it splashed. “I shall miss you on this next journey.”
“Your words are a comfort, Ahmal.” She sensed the apprehension again. “How long will you be gone this time?”
“Alas, my love, it will be a longer journey than usual … perhaps four months.”
“Four months? Why so long?”
“Word has come that the caravan of Marcus was set upon by bandits … a raiding party. Many of his men were killed or wounded. His caravan was the one to which I transferred my goods at Iconium. Until he has established a new caravan, I must take our wool and soaps farther to meet another caravan.”
“Must you go, Ahmal? I have this feeling that something is going to happen.” She looked up at him, full of concern.
Touched, he patted her hand. “It is a comfort to my heart that you are concerned for me. But where would merchants such as I be if they neglected their business because their wives ‘had a feeling’?” He chuckled softly.
“Truly, Ahmal, I have not felt something like this since the day Jesse died. I had this same sense of danger.”
“Dear one, I have a large company of well-trained, armed men who travel with me. My caravan is sizable. We are well protected from bandits. Now smile and say that you will wish me good fortune on my journey.”
She pushed the shadows away and looked up into his dear face. “I do wish you good fortune and a safe journey. I shall be anxious for your return.”
“That thought shall speed me home. Now, promise me there shall be no more talk of danger?”
“Yes, my lord, but I shall pray for your safety.”
Ahmal nodded solemnly. “I will be glad for your prayers.”
Eliab soon called them for the evening meal and went in search of Caleb and Demas who had disappeared. A properly chastised Demas soon appeared and hurried to the kitchen under the stern gaze of Eliab. Caleb looked a little sheepish and slipped down next to the table quietly.
“We were only talking of Laodicea, Father,” he offered. Ahmal nodded sagely, but with a half smile. “You and Demas are friends, my son, but he must not neglect his duties. He is a servant and has work to do.”
Caleb nodded quickly and began to eat.
Marah went to the quarters of Elon. He was still frail and she marveled that he was still alive. Now Demas watched over him making sure he rested and was well fed. He had even gained a small paunch.
“You are well, Father Elon?”
“Ah, Marah. Yes, Daughter, I am well. I fear that young Demas will kill me with kindness.” He waved a thin hand and chuckled. Suddenly he bent over in pain, clutching his chest.
“Demas!” she called, quickly helping him to sit down. “It is your heart, Father?”
He began to breathe easier. “It comes and goes, Daughter. Be not concerned. I shall be all right. It is the ailment of an old man.”
They all came—Ahmal, Caleb, Demas, and Eliab. When Elon was resting comfortably, they left Demas to watch him and went quietly out.
“He has had these spells for years, yet each one I fear for him.”
Ahmal took her hands gently. “We cannot stop life as we cannot stop the wind that blows. These spells come more frequently. One day God will call him.”
Caleb turned and walked quickly away, but not before she had seen the pain in his eyes. He loved his grandfather dearly.
The morning of Ahmal’s departure dawned. The wind blew slightly and there was a touch of cold in the air. Marah walked to the gate with Ahmal. She had not slept well. As she looked earnestly at his face, she thought how dear he had become to her. She did not love him as she loved Jesse, but he had won her respect, and with what love she could give, she cared for this dear and gentle man.
“I shall pray every day for your safe return.”
Ahmal patted her shoulder and headed toward the caravansary.
Marah watched until his figure was lost in the crowd and then turned reluctantly back to the house. She was working on a new weaving. It would be just the thing to take her mind off foolish fears.