Delilah

Chapter 24

That night Magog returned to the camp grumbling, but in good spirits. Evidently he had traded many times with Myra's father. The man had spoken with him about Alian and Naomi and me. He had filled him in on what had transpired in Hebron, telling him of the meeting at the town gate and the ruling that Sallu acted in self-defense. Evidently the two men had spent long enough together for Magog to extol the virtues of Naomi the healer and his good friend, and sometimes business partner, Alian. Magog had assured him that we were reputable people who could be entrusted with his daughter.

Being the astute businessman, he had also struck a bargain to sell the bulk of his wares to him, freeing us to return to Hebron more quickly. Magog was complaining about adding another woman to his entourage while mentally calculating the riches he would gain as a direct result of the addition.

Early the next morning a line of men approached our camp. Myra's father had come to examine Magog's wares and brought servants to carry them back into Zorah. With him he brought his daughter and her maid.

"I am entrusting my daughter into your care," he told us. "I have grave reservations about this journey, but have agreed that she can go with you to see if her presence will help Sallu recover. Her maid will accompany you and has strict instructions to remain with Myra at all times. When the full moon rises, I will come to Hebron. By that time I will have thoroughly investigated the matter surrounding Sallu's injury and will have decided whether to annul the betrothal contract. Letting her go is my way of demonstrating that I have only my daughter's best interest at heart. I know that she is heartbroken over Sallu's situation. I know that she will have no peace until she knows she has done what she can to restore him to health. She has agreed that she will abort her betrothal if I think it prudent, even if Sallu recovers. She feels his health and well being are more important than their planned marriage. No matter what I decide, I expect all of you to abide by my decision."

With that speech, he left Myra and her maid with me and turned to business. After some fierce bargaining, the two men arrived at a price. The servants led the loaded asses into the town. Magog headed into the city with the merchant to feast and then purchase wares to sell in Hebron, telling us to rest well because on the morrow we would return home.

Myra and her maid were to share my humble tent. Although it was a bit crowded, we three were able to squeeze into the small space. We talked, ate a quick dried meal, and talked some more. We were preparing to try to get to sleep early, but as we unrolled our sleeping mats I heard the pound of horses' hooves. I stepped from the tent, raising my hands above my eyes and squinting into the setting sun.

Much to my surprise, Alian jumped from a horse's back. Standing at a distance, holding two sets of reins in his hands, he beckoned to me urgently.

When I cried out his name, he made as though to silence me, so I ran quickly to him.

"We have to leave, Salome! Now!" he hissed.

When I started to question him, he interrupted, "There is no time to explain. They know. They are going to come for you tonight while you sleep. We must get you back to Hebron. Can you ride?"

As I admitted that I could not, a quiet voice behind me stated, "I can." Neither of us had heard Myra approach. As I whipped around and Alian's head snapped up, she continued in a voice of iron, "I heard. I do not know why this man is urging you to flee by horseback, but I have not come this far to be turned back. If you leave, I know my father will make me return home. I must see Sallu. I will tell my maid that Sallu has taken a turn for the worst and that Alian – that  is what you said his name is, is it not – came for us, and we are going ahead to Hebron on horseback. Salome and I can share a mount."

"That will work," I was surprised to hear Alian readily acquiesce. "Only, Salome will ride with me. My mount is larger and can more easily bear the load. We have no time to waste. Tell your maid what you must, and let's go."