The Host of Luminaries

Sisters, Brothers, and Others חמש

You press upon me behind and before, and lay your hand upon me.

The concept of a sister was foreign to Hava. She knew what it was, but she'd never been around women her own age. Dan – her betrothed – had six of them. The eldest was Esther, twenty-four years old and already married. The youngest was Sara, who was only fourteen.

They took her in. They bathed her. They gave her fine clothes and jewelry. The fed her a banquet of food. They cooed over her and told her how beautiful she was, how happy they were that she was to be their sister. The men did not come into this part of the house, this was the women's domain. She did not see Dan, or her father-in-law. She doubted she would see them before the wedding.

They told her about Dan though. He was eighteen years of age, slightly younger than her, the third eldest son. They told her that he was a quiet man and gentle spirit, and that Hava would be happy with him. She would be spending most of her time with the women, anyways. And it was clear that Hava's sisters-to-be already loved her.

Their sincerity washed over Hava. She could not help but believe them and trust their assurances. But she could not let go of Alecta. Alecta, who had been called to fight against the Sons of Darkness. Alecta, who didn't stand a chance.

She was doubtful about the heavenly nature of it all now. She had to admit that. But the men were real. Hava had never seen Alecta so afraid.

Could this be her life? Could she do what Alecta asked? Marry? Raise children? She considered it. She was afraid. Even if she could make her way back to Qumran, she wasn't sure what she would find.

"You don't want to be here," Esther noted, as the light of the lamp began to burn down low. It wasn't an accusation. There was kindness in her voice.

Hava didn't respond at first. She wrapped her arms around her body.

"I don't know," she said honestly.

As night wore on, the women around her began to go to sleep. But Hava couldn't sleep. All she knew – everything the was – was about to be destroyed. Perhaps it was being torn apart at that very moment.

And she could not abandon Alecta.

She rose, and opened the door to the room. She heard some rustling behind her and was started to see the eyes of another glinting back at her. She froze.

"Go," Esther whispered.

Hava did not need to be told twice. She stole a camel from the stables and headed for home.

Qumran was not surrounded by enemy forces. It was not burning. Its walls had not been toppled. It looked positively deserted.

Hava made her way to the cave where she and Alecta had stowed their research notes and scrolls and the raymaker. She was surprised to bump into Brother Ehud in the antechamber.

"Hava!" he said in shock. "I thought you were ..."

"The Sons of Darkness," Hava finished. "So you believe Alecta now," she said viciously.

Brother Ehud shook his head in dismay. "We know they're coming. They aren't here yet."

Hava glanced around the cavern. The two Brothers who could no longer walk were laid at the back of the space. There were two other Brothers pacing around, each carrying an old, probably useless sword. For a group that had been preparing for a Holy war, they certainly weren't well prepared for a war.