Rebekah Redeemed (6 page)

Philip talked about his Roman friends and how he longed to cement his relationship with them. He seemed to crave this way of life over his own heritage. He spoke of nothing else as they traveled the road from Jerusalem.

Not far from
Bethany
, the entourage arrived at the country villa. Rebekah felt alone and depressed. Even though Deborah got into trouble for listening in on everyone and loved to gossip, she had become a friend. It seemed like Rebekah’s life consisted of never feeling secure or loved, always unwanted and passed off to someone else, always ripped from any relationship that gave her comfort. She still missed seeing Mary and Martha daily at the well. They had been the only people who really cared about her since she lost her father.

Fields of barley and wheat surrounded the main house. A small olive orchard banked in a hillside behind the stables. Extensive rows of grapevines basked in the sun. A pair of heavy, carved gates faced the road. Rebekah noticed a well near her new master’s house. At least she wouldn’t have to walk so far for water.

Philip and his manservant left orders with a man named Aaron who seemed to be in charge of the household. He directed Rebekah, Eunice, and Anna to follow a woman he called Prisca into the house. Prisca had a sinewy look to her and had deep lines in her face.

“Put them to work preparing for the master’s birthday celebration. You’ll only have Eunice and Anna for a few days, but Rebekah stays with us,” said Aaron.

Prisca nodded her acknowledgment and waved the girls through a doorway. Rebekah caught glimpses of the household as she followed Prisca. This villa was not like anything Rebekah had seen before. It didn’t reflect much of the traditional Judean homes or Jacob’s lavish home in
Jerusalem
. They emerged into an open air atrium with a rectangular pond, lush plants and benches scattered among the cool green. She walked on intricately tiled floors. Murals depicting heroic soldiers and hunters killing beasts decorated the walls surrounding the atrium. Numerous doorways opened onto a balcony that encircled the atrium. A stairway led up to the second floor rooms at each end of the atrium.

They walked through a passage that went under the second floor with rooms on either side. After continuing through a smaller open garden filled with greenery, flowers and a small fountain, they came to the kitchen and servants’ part of the villa. This part of the house remained plain and utilitarian.

Rebekah soon learned that Philip liked surrounding himself with friends and that they spent their time hunting, drinking, and entertaining women at their Roman banquets. He stayed up late every night and awoke in a foul mood and sick from drink. He barely acknowledged his servants and resented any messages from his father, Jacob, to summon him to
Jerusalem
. He seemed to hate everything about his heritage and his own people. He considered everything and everyone at his disposal, to be used for his own selfish purposes. However, it was different when his Roman friends came to call.

The morning after Rebekah arrived at her new home Philip went hunting with his friends, leaving Aaron and Prisca to manage the household and get things prepared for the next banquet.

Prisca said, “Eunice and Anna, you will work in the garden and kitchen. We have two weeks, but the master will celebrate for two days with his visitors.” She spit on the ground. “His Roman friends have no respect for anything or anyone.”

“Shhh, Prisca.” Aaron looked around. “You don’t want someone to overhear you.”

Prisca shrugged.

“There are far worse things than serving Philip. You could end up at the slave market in
Jerusalem
… or worse.”

“Rebekah, since you are staying you will be a house servant. Do you know what to do?”

“I cooked, fetched water, and did anything else my mistress wanted when I lived with my… I mean, when I lived in
Bethany
. I served a merchant and his wife.”

“Humph.”

“I can bake and I can help with the animals.” Rebekah tried to say something that might please Prisca.

“You can help with the celebration,” Prisca said brusquely, “but after it’s over you will have regular household duties. I’ll show you later.”

Pomegranate bushes, apple trees and date palms grew in a garden outside the main house wall. She learned to work in the herb garden and to tend the cucumbers and other vegetables. After her work was done, Aaron allowed her to wander the stables petting the animals and talking to the goats. It seemed as though the animals were her only real friends no matter where she found herself.

The next two weeks passed quickly while Rebekah learned her duties and settled into a new routine. She liked Prisca and Aaron but was careful not to share her thoughts with anyone. She watched and learned from those around her and tried to stay obscure when Philip raged through the house in a temper. He reminded her of small children she’d seen playing in the streets when they didn’t get their way.

A few days before the celebration, Aaron found Prisca and Rebekah in the herb garden. He looked around to be sure they were alone. “The master wants to make his birthday party a celebration of Marcus and his rising power. He charged me again to be sure everything would be Roman-style and to have many of the most beautiful painted women for Marcus and his men.”

Prisca looked at Rebekah. “We need to keep you away from the celebration when it goes into the wee hours.”

“The Roman soldiers don’t care who they take,” said Aaron. “They have their way with you and then cast you aside to look for another woman.”

Rebekah felt sick to her stomach. She remembered being touched and used by Benjamin’s friend many years before and found the thought revolting. She looked down and kept cultivating the herbs.

A young boy ran into the garden, interrupting the conversation. “Aaron, the wagons are here.”

Aaron and the two women went to see. Carts arrived full of fresh produce from the market and lots of fish carried straight from the coast. Servants came in from the hunt carrying a buck antelope, assorted smaller wild beasts, wild fowl, and a goat she heard one of them say was slain accidentally after too much wine passed among the hunters. Prisca put Rebekah to work baking bread for the rest of the day.

As they worked together Prisca instructed her, “You must be careful to keep your gaze downward and stay away from the tables as much as you can. Serve the platters and let the other girls tend the tables,” she instructed.

“I must be of service when I am called.”

“Yes, but you’re a beautiful girl. The Roman soldiers treat our women like nothing more important than meat on a platter. You are theirs to satisfy their hunger.”

Rebekah blanched.

“You are of marriageable age with our people. Have you not been around men that take what they want from a woman?”

Rebekah felt ashamed of her past. “Maybe I’m no better than those women of the night.” She felt she had brought the shame of molestation somehow on herself.

“These Romans treat women like animals. They will drag you away and force themselves on you. No one can stop them. Philip has his own indulgences and will not defend you. You are but a servant. I will try to protect you, but I cannot promise you, especially if Marcus wants you.”

“I will be careful as you say,” she interrupted
. I have seen women mauled by the soldiers before. Hannah didn’t think I saw, but I did. Dear God of my father, protect me from these men.

Prisca stood. “We are finished here. Help me sort the vegetables and fruit into baskets and then we will eat.”

The two women walked out the kitchen door and gazed at the piles of food. The older woman rubbed her lower back and began pulling baskets from the pile and emptying them onto a large table that stood in the shade next to the wall.

“Come girls, help Rebekah sort the fruit and vegetables. Only put the best on the baskets and platters for the master’s feast.”

They gathered around the edge of the table. The fruit and vegetables that were not fresh enough were put into baskets on the ground by the table. Those the servants could eat.

As Prisca and Rebekah carried platters to a cool place to await the arrival of Philip’s guests the woman said, “Rebekah, should you be chosen by one of the soldiers then serve him more wine. Pretend to be nice to him so he will not strike you or hurt you. Keep filling him with wine. If he becomes drunk enough, he will pass out and you can escape.”

“I’ve seen men so drunk they couldn’t stand, but it didn’t keep them from hurting me.”

“These Roman’s drink until they are sick or asleep. They never stop. Your only chance is if they pass out.”

“I will do as you say, but I’m not sure it will work.”

“You must try,” warned Prisca.

I’m not pure anyway, so what does it matter?
 
One more nightmare to add to the others
, thought Rebekah.

Prisca continued telling the young woman what to expect. “First they will entertain each other with their stories of bravery and battle. Philip will tell hunting stories. They will laugh and eat and drink for hours.”

That wasn’t much different from what she’d seen her uncle Benjamin and his friends do.

“If you are unlucky enough to be selected by one of the soldiers, he will stay at the table for a while and want you to sit with him so he can touch you under your clothes. Keep him drinking. Be sure it is only wine in the goblet, not the wine and water they begin with. After they drink for awhile, they don’t know the difference. They can’t taste it anymore. It may be your only chance to get away.” Prisca looked intent.

Rebekah shivered at the thought of what might befall her. “What if I can’t?”

“Then you must not fight. It is nothing for them to kill a woman and find another. You are of no value to them. Save yourself.”

The young woman’s head and shoulders dropped and tears flooded her eyes.
Is there no God to hear my prayers? I’ve prayed all my life, but He does not hear or answer me. I remember Abba and mother taught me to pray, but is God really there for a lowly servant who means so little to her own people?

The day of the grand celebration arrived. Prisca and the girls began their work at first light. The grand dining room where Philip liked to entertain his friends and associates held two round tables, each with three carved legs, at either end of the rectangular room. Three carved lounges, each large enough for three people to recline on, accompanied each of the tables. An elaborate tapestry decorated one wall. Four large iron lamp stands lit the room after dark. At one end, a wide carved cabinet held glass goblets and Arretrium pottery in coral red and dark red clay patterns.

Aaron took Joseph from the winery, and they carried large clay jars of wine into the dining room. Three shiny pitchers of wine were put at the center of each table. Prisca’s daughter, Jael, came to help her mother. Jael’s husband managed the crops for Jacob. They lived on the other side of the fields with the other workers and their families.

Prisca and the girls washed and put on sleeveless linen tunics that tied at the waist, Roman style. Aaron and Joseph wore knee-length linen tunics tied at the waist. They would stand at the outside of the dining room doorway waiting for any need they should fulfill. The four girls would attend the tables. Prisca was instructed to put Jael and Rebekah at the table where Philip and Marcus would sit. She hoped that the dancing girls, musicians, and prostitutes from
Jerusalem
would draw the attention away from Jael and Rebekah. She knew from experience that Marcus would bring some of the soldiers in his legion. She planned to have Eunice and Anna attend to the legionnaires, and she hoped the prostitutes would keep all the guests busy.

The centurion arrived with his friends on horseback. The stable boys quickly took their horses and cared for them. The rowdy and arrogant group swaggered into the villa. Each took off his sandals, and servants washed their feet while they congratulated Philip on his birthday. Philip pounded his friend Marcus on the shoulder, congratulating him for his coming elevation to tribune.

Philip ushered his friends into the secluded courtyard where they lounged on benches and drank wine while telling stories of their conquests. Philip joined them and told stories of his hunting wild beasts in the countryside with Marcus when they were young men. Then the servants brought out small tables filled with the
gustus
to enhance their appetites. These tables were placed conveniently among the guests as they relaxed in the cool shade surrounded by fragrant flowers. They enjoyed salmon, shellfish, and mixtures of jellyfish and eggs. Sow’s udders stuffed with salt, sea urchins, and boiled tree fungi with peppered fish-fat sauce provided a touch of Marcus’s home in
Rome
.

“My friend, you make me miss Rome and long for a life away from this god-forsaken province,” declared Marcus between swigs of wine and bites of Roman delicacies.

Philip ordered honey wine served. The musicians played hauntingly beautiful music in the background, tucked away under the far portico. Laughing loudly and telling lewd stories, the men toasted each other again and again.

When they had eaten all they wanted they adjourned outside the walls near the olive orchard to throw javelins and wager on who could throw the farthest and the most accurately.

“As you see, my estate is yet small. But when it is all mine… well, rewards go to those friendlier to Caesar and Pontius Pilate. I am sure I can be of value to you all,” Philip stated.

Marcus slapped his friend on the back laughing, then looked seriously into Philip’s eyes while keeping one hand on Philip’s shoulder. “We have been close since childhood, when my father was stationed in this desert and this unbearable heat, but as I rise you will rise, my friend.”

“Come, enough gambling for now. I’ll end up losing my land to you. Back to the villa for more refreshment.”

The men sauntered into the atrium.

“I have a surprise for you, Marcus. It is small and nothing like the one in
Caesarea
, but you must come with me.” Philip motioned for him to another part of the house.

Following his friend, Marcus teased. “Did you find some new exquisite whore for me?”

“I always supply you with the best
Jerusalem
can offer, my friend.”

Marcus smiled and nodded.

Philip pushed open a door and announced, “A bath.”

“You’ve finally become civilized, my friend.”

“Enjoy.”

The Roman soldiers followed Marcus into the bath, and they were soon stripped and immersed in the wonderful waters. Aaron and Joseph came to attend the guests and scrubbed them and served them wine and fruit. When they had finished, Philip brought each a new knee-length tunic and sash made of the finest cotton from
Egypt
.

“You spoil me,” Marcus said.

“You are my best friend and life-time ally. You are my brother,” replied Philip. “I have more.”

On re-entering the atrium they saw that lounges and stools had been placed about the room with drink and tidbits. The prostitutes were dressed in sheer, layered, sleeveless tunics tied tightly at the waist and under the bust line. They wore bracelets, several necklaces, large hoop earrings, beads woven into their hair and exotic makeup meant to allure.

The entertainers performed a one-act play to the delight of the small audience. Then the musicians began to play, and the dancing girls twisted and turned to the music until they fell exhausted at Marcus’ and Philip’s feet. The men hooted and whistled as they clapped.

As evening fell they moved into the dining room arm-in-arm with their companions. Each one of the men reclined with a woman at his side on one of the lounges, leaning on one elbow and surveying the banquet set before him. The servant girls took their places by each table and poured wine for the guests. Music drifted in from the courtyard on the gentle breeze.

The
cena
—the main course—offered roast boar with apples, roasted antelope with onion sauce, herbed rice, dates, raisins, oil and honey, bread, cucumbers, parsley, and tomatoes. On a side table desserts tempted the eye—cakes, pomegranate, grapes, and nuts.

The wine continued to flow and stories of the gladiators and games in
Rome
and
Caesarea
punctuated the night.

“You must come to
Rome
with me when I return,” said Marcus. “We will go to the Circus. It makes the games in
Caesarea
look pale.”

“I look forward to going to
Rome
with you,” said Philip, “and to seeing all the wonders of the great city that you can show me.” He lifted his goblet in recognition of his friends.

Rebekah had managed to keep herself unnoticed throughout most of the day and evening. The dancers and prostitutes captivated the soldiers. They slowly drifted off two-by-two late into the evening and found their bedrooms.

However, Philip and Marcus stayed up until the wee hours planning and plotting together. They both planned to rise to great wealth and power in the Empire. It would take cunning and tenacity and possibly marriage alliances, but they would do anything to get what they craved.

This left Jael and Rebekah to wait on their needs. All the others had long since gone to bed. Philip had suggested they retire to his private office for more discussion, but Marcus was too drunk to walk. Lying back and laughing he slurred, “More wi-ne,” Then, he looked down and noticed Rebekah for the first time.

Reaching for her, he turned up her chin as she poured the wine. He saw her beautiful eyes and pushed the hair back from her face. “Well, Philip, where have you been hiding this desert flower?”

“I got her as a gift from my mother recently. I really haven’t paid any attention. She is but another house servant.” He waved his hand as if to dismiss her.

Marcus kept her chin in his hand. Rebekah held her breath. “No, stay. You go.” He dismissed Jael, and Philip waved her away. Rising he could barely stand. “Help me to my room, girl.” Marcus leaned on Rebekah’s slight frame.

“I like strong women.” He slapped her rump.

Remembering Prisca’s instructions Rebekah offered meekly, “Do you want me to bring your wine?”

“Yes-s-s…” he slurred. “You know just how to take care of a man.”

Somehow she managed to support Marcus to the bedroom, sit him down and bring the wine without spilling but a few drops. She poured him another goblet of wine, no water mixed in this pitcher. Then she took off his sandals. He reached down and pulled her up to him and kissed her hard. She could smell and taste the wine. It made her gag, but he didn’t notice. She felt sick to her stomach. He continued kissing and groping her. Rebekah knew there was no escape for her unless he passed out like Prisca had told her. She knew nothing of the art of love-making or manipulating a man, but she tried to pull away gently.

“No you don’t,” he said in her ear. As he pulled her down onto the bed with him, she pushed away again.

When he grabbed for her, she said coyly, imitating the prostitutes she had seen earlier in the evening, “I’m getting you one more drink. I know how you love this wine.” As she poured the wine she could taste bile and wine mix in her mouth and swallowed hard to keep from vomiting.

She poured the goblet full and helped him drink it. His eyes closed almost to slits, but he continued to grope her as she emptied the last of the wine into his mouth. He fell back, pushed the goblet and it crashed to the floor. Then, he pulled her on top of him and more quickly than she had thought possible rolled on top of her. Rebekah was pinned under his great strength and weight. He continued to kiss her and his words ran together. As he kissed her neck, his impatience heightened. The young woman remained frozen under his weight.

Please, God, if you are there. Please stop this man. I am but a lowly servant and slave, but if you truly hear me, do not let me be shamed again.

Marcus pulled at her tunic, but he suddenly relaxed. She felt his whole weight pushing down on her, but his breathing was that of a man deeply asleep. Frightened of awaking him, she tried desperately to slide away from him. After a few minutes, he began to mumble in his sleep. She froze again. Then he rolled over and snored. Rebekah rolled quickly and silently onto the floor. She lay there in her stomach barely breathing. Marcus never moved, and his breathing remained constant and deep.

Rebekah silently crept from the bedroom, down the stairs and back to the servants’ quarters. Her whole body trembled violently. She huddled on her pallet, and silent tears poured from her eyes.

She woke the next morning to the sound of men running and people yelling. She crept to a place where she could see and hear what was happening without discovery. A messenger from the Antonia fortress in
Jerusalem
had been sent to summon Marcus and the other soldiers immediately. The soldiers, still half drunk from the night before, struggled into their uniforms. Aaron and Joseph saddled and brought the horses, and the Roman’s were gone.

On the way out Marcus had called to Philip, “We must go. The tribune summons us. These people are always causing trouble.”

“Come back tonight. We still have much to celebrate.”

When Philip back inside he began throwing things around and complaining that his time with Marcus had been cut short. He turned the household upside down and finally took his last few remaining friends jackal hunting.

“Aaron, send the entertainers and women away. Return the servants to my mother.”

After Philip’s departure, the servants went to work cleaning up the aftermath of the feast and Philip’s temper tantrum. Prisca found Rebekah working in the kitchen away from everyone.

“What happened? Jael told me that the Centurion took you to his chamber with him. Are you…?”

“I… he didn’t… I did what you said, but he…”

“Did he… ?”

“No. It was strange.” She shuddered. “I kept giving him wine, but it didn’t seem to stop him; and then I prayed.”

“Does he know that he passed out and nothing happened between you?”

Rebekah said, “I stayed hidden until he and his men were gone. I was afraid of what he would do if he thought I tricked him.”

Prisca said, “We must get you out of the house. If Marcus returns and finds you here you could be in great danger.”

“What kind of danger?”

“Philip would beat you and probably sell you in the slave market. Marcus could kill you, and no one could lift a finger against him.”

“But where can I go that Philip won’t find me?”

“You must run away, girl. You must get away from Philip and his lands so he doesn’t discover you as he wanders the fields and the house.”

“But if I run away, what will you tell him? He can send word to the garrison, and anyone would bring me back if they found me.”

“I will tell him we need you in the fields. We have too many house servants already. He leaves things to Aaron and Daniel when it comes to the cultivating and management of the land. Philip will believe me. I have taken care of him since he was a child. He cares little if one of his many servants dies or disappears as long as he is pampered and can do what he wants. Aaron and Daniel answer directly to Philip’s father. They will help me protect you. They have seen and experienced too often what happens to servant women who are abused by Philip’s Roman friends. One of Daniel’s daughters died because of it only a year ago. But you must run away. If we can keep Philip thinking you’re working at the far end of the land then he will soon forget about you.”