BOOK 2: COMMUNITY / CH. 26:ENGAGEMENT PARTY
SATURDAY, 12TH AUGUST, EARLY EVENING
“Most honoured friend, welcome.”
“It is so pleasant to be here without my title! I hadn't realised how much care that title brings with it. To be here just as a friend is a welcome relief! But I think from your expression you need my title. Am I right?”
“It is true, and although it is far from my desire to ruin your evening, there
is a thing that we should discuss. A most serious thing, my friend.”
“Does it have anything to do with the mass of activity among the embassies of
what I believe you call the stable nations?”
“Your informants have been earning their pay, my friend.”
“Hardly informants. I mean, a five year old could tell me you've been having a lot of visitors in big cars. So, I presume you're plotting something with the other embassies.”
“Urm, that's one way of putting it.”
“So, since I haven't seen such a flurry of activity since the UN decided to invade during the troubles, I'll tell you a state secret: I have just signed an order for the arrest of my nephew Ibrahim on suspicion of treason. Would that alter your plans at all?”
“Slightly. I've managed to get the other ambassadors to agree that I show you this little document.”
The president didn't have his glasses on to read it clearly, but he quickly took in the layout of the page, the way it was points and sub-points and decided it must be a legal decision. Then he glanced at the letterhead, a seal he recognised instantly.
“I think I need my glasses on.”
“Your nephew has not been a good man, my friend.”
“And he stirred up this much response?”
“Eleven people held without charge, without communications, kidnapped by the bodyguard of a government official using a police vehicle, albeit with the markings painted over? Yes, my friend. Especially when said government official seems to have every intention in following his father's way of taking your place.”
“Thank you for sharing this. You'd like an executive order telling everyone to cooperate, I presume?”
“And perhaps a few trusted army officers. We don't really want it to seem like we're invading.”
“You'll have them. It just so happens that I brought what I need with me. Let's get this done quickly, then we can enjoy the happy event. I presume there's more that you don't need to tell me?”
“Yes, but you know how these things are.”
“I know. I'll just go put on my hat. May I borrow an office?”
“Of course, this way. Your hat?”
“Supreme commander in chief of the armed forces. The military do like impressive hats. I don't know why. My body guard has it in his briefcase there, along with some other things.”
“Ah, I see. Here you are, the chair isn't very comfortable, but the walls and doors are soundproof.”
“Thank you. Oh, could you get someone to track down my truth-sayer? She's gone off in a huddle with yours, I think.”
“Yes, of course, my friend, I'll probably go and find her myself. I expect all the staff are busy with the preparations.”
“I'll wait here for her. She's a very reliable girl, you know. Very reliable. Head screwed on right.”
“And her father was a good friend?”
“The very best. The very best. He didn't want to be any more than he was, or I'd have made him my chief advisor. A very good friend. It was sad to lose him. But his daughter learned from him well.”
“Ah, that is good.”
“Yes. Very good indeed. Now I must put my hat on, sign some papers and make some calls. Then I'll be able to enjoy being a normal person again.”
“I will leave you in peace then, my friend.”
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After looking around for a while, James ended up calling Karen by wrist unit to ask her where he might find Deborah and Hagar. “I even asked the computer but it said it had no data. How can the computer not know where they are?”
“Urm. My fault I guess, Daddy. I told them they could use the family room so they wouldn't be in anyone's way, and then told it to give them absolute privacy, so they could talk freely.”
“Karen! Absolute privacy is for discussions involving spies and state secrets! It won't remember they've even been here!”
“Oh no! I'm sorry. I should have said complete privacy, shouldn't I?”
“No, that's for bedrooms. You should have said ‘total.’ That turns off the video and audio links but doesn't disable the location detection.”
“I always get them confused. Who thought up these names? I mean, they're synonymous to most people!”
“I did. Now since the computer won't even let me in there with that level, you go and downgrade their security and ask Deborah to find the president. He's in interview room one.”
“OK, Daddy. Sorry.”
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“Deborah, daughter of my friend, I will have a question for you.”
“I will try to answer, friend of my father.”
“My friend, your father, sometimes gave me advice. You know this?”
“No! He never said.”
“That is like him. But he told you about decision making, I am sure.”
“Yes, it was a game we often played. He would think of a complicated situation and I would have to decide one way or another, and then explain my reasons to him.”
“I have a complicated situation. Is your chosen one finished with his letter?”
“I think that he re-writes it a hundred times an evening. He does not want there to be a single mistake.”
“Have you told him it must be perfect?”
“No, I have told him even that it is not wise to seek such perfection, but his mother insists. That worries me.”
“That his mother has such a hold on him?”
“Yes.”
“Tell him that I must have that letter tonight, or the answer will be no. No, better yet, do not tell him the deadline is mine. If your wisdom is not more important to him than his mother's pride, then he is not the one for you. Use this.” He tossed her a handset.
“How can I issue such an ultimatum?”
“You should have earlier. Your worry was right, daughter of my friend. Now, call him!”
“You are testing me, honoured friend of my father?”
“Of course! You and him both. Are you prepared to make enemies for what you know is right? It is such an important test!”
“I will seek to obey.”
“Only seek it if you want him, little one, if you are convinced. Is he a good man, a truly good man? Will he care for you all your life? Even if all his family turn against you? Is he that brave in his love for you?”
“I will make the call. He should bring the letter here?”
“Yes.”
She rang the number, hoping he would answer. He did.
“Hello, this is Deborah. No, it is not my phone. I'm not surprised the number is not listed. I have a question for you: do you love me most or your mother? No. I am serious. Would you go against her for me? She has kept us apart for so long now! First the dowry, now this letter! What will be next? So, if you cannot bring me the letter now then don't write it. No. There will be no point. I will not give it to the friend of my father tomorrow. I will give it tonight, in about half an hour's time, or not at all. I do not mind what your mother thinks. It is plain that she does not like me. She will reject every copy you write for a month or more and then say it is too late in the year for a marriage. Don't you see? I'm glad you've been worrying too. So, she has forced me to do this, you see, not me. I love you, but you must choose. I am worried and need this proof that you can decide for me. Will you be able leave your father and mother and be joined to me, as Scripture says? Or will every decision in our lives be hers? No, I expect you won't be able to get into the embassy to give it to me. You'll have to give it to the guard, convince them it is urgent. Do hurry, my chosen.”
She ended the call. Tears were running down her cheeks, although somehow her voice had held steady. “Friend of my father! That was so hard!”
“But you did so very well, daughter of my friend. You have great strength, you know. Thank you for showing it to me. And you have courage to say things that might offend. That is important and so I will trust you to answer wisely without fear of you holding back for fear of offence. You must not.
And so, I have a question. I have three relatives. One has proven such a bad man that soon I must sign his death sentence, or there will be war in a few years. That is a sad decision, but necessary. The second is lacking in the skills of power and would be easily swayed by bad advice, and that would not be good for our country. The third is a distant relation, who from what I have seen can make hard decisions like you have just done, and carry them out
exceedingly well, and who can face danger without panic. This relation has not once sought to make use of our relationship for selfish purposes. An ideal heir in almost every way, but she is a woman. Do you think our country could accept such a one as president?”
“You are speaking truth? I can guess about the first two, but who is this third? Do I know her?”
“Do not seek to guess, you are only likely to be wrong and might let your like or dislikes affect your answer. Answer the question. War, corruption or a woman president?”
“But what if the people vote against your choice? Is that not also war or corruption? There would be angry talk in the mosques, I think. If your plan is to succeed then I think you must name your heir soon. Let there be the angry shouting, but remain steadfast, pension off the other relative so he does not mind losing power. Adjust the constitution, so that the head of state becomes more policy setter, less executive. Abolish elections even and restore a monarchy. Perhaps phrase this last as rejecting the last vestiges of 20th and 21st century colonialism in favour of our proud traditions. Stop people wanting the position by enacting a constitution that says the head of state may not be rich or become rich, so that the leader becomes a servant of the people. Enact strict and harsh penalties against all corruption. Friend of my father, all men in this nation of ours honour and respect you. You could do this if you choose.”
“You have answered very well, niece of my chosen. Do not look so surprised. You know your father and I were friends, and you know his elder sister was killed during the troubles, I am sure.”
“Yes, but he never said...”
“Now you know. My chosen was your father's sister, and you have her strength. And oh what a mind you have! I have considered this problem for days, and you have come up with better ideas, further reaching ideas than I did, in just a few minutes. Shame that you should have been cleaning rooms for so long! You have indeed helped me in my decision and I present you with this old document. I think you will see why I insisted that your chosen make his mind up before I gave it to you.”
“Honourable friend of my father and chosen of my aunt. Do I read this correctly? Your uncle adopted my father? You were cousins?”
“Yes, daughter of my adopted cousin. At the time it was necessary and I know he considered it a legal fiction. He asked that I not tell anyone. You were not told for your safety, I have kept you where you were safe and fed, but not exposed to the risk that killed your aunt. But now it is a convenient fact. Some have wondered why, after your father's death, you were not adopted into my family. But you see, you could not be. You were born into it.”
“Then the distant relative was me? You would put a Christian woman truth-sayer as president of this republic?”
“Such things have happened. No, I lie, I'm sure there's never been a Christian woman truth-sayer president. But anyway, I think I like the idea of you as queen better,” he laughed. “I will enjoy listening to the screams of corrupt politicians. A truth-sayer who honestly hates corruption, with the power to act against it! What a merry game it will be!”
“Friend of my father, there will be rebellion and strife!”
“But we will fight them for all the right reasons, my young cousin. For all the right reasons. Come, let us give the ambassador a surprise. He is a friend to our country, and I'm sure he will be interested in your plans for the future. And I love seeing him surprised.”
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Deborah spotted the ambassador first. He was needlessly checking that all the seats were properly arranged. By prior arrangement the president and Deborah had arrived half an hour early. Now other guests had started to arrive, but the ambassador was looking concerned.
“Is there a problem, my friend?”
“An old family friend has just called. He was due to come, but he has a pain that his doctor said might be his appendix, or wind. He always was worried about his health, so he suspects the first and I suspect the second. But he's rushing to the hospital, and I have an empty seat.”
“Then I have a perfect opportunity to solve your problem and surprise you in one sentence, my friend. The chosen of my cousin here comes to deliver a letter for me, asking for her hand. If he is allowed to deliver it in person, then he could sit with her and enjoy seeing the look on your face.”
“Your cousin?!”
“It was necessary during the troubles, for my friend and I to adopt one another as cousins. The daughter of my friend is daughter of my cousin. I have kept the relationship secret at the request of her father and for her protection, but the time has come to tell her. I intend to name her my heir.”
“Allow me to congratulate you, honoured lady. A momentous day for you! I will give instructions that your chosen be welcomed in.” James tapped out a series of instructions on his wrist unit.
“My elder cousin likes to spring surprises on me. I would wonder what comes next, except he has already suggested that the constitution be rewritten.”
“There is no bar on a woman president, is there?”
“No, my friend, not even on a Christian or a truth-sayer either, but there are all these inconvenient elections. I think that our people are ready to... what was that phrase you came up with, Deborah?”
“Reject the last vestiges of twentieth and twenty-first century cultural imperialism and return to our proud traditional pattern of broadly dynastic rule. Of course we would not want an absolute monarchy, for that brings nothing but corruption and power seeking. I suggested that a servant-monarch is a better model.”
“So that the last thing the rich and powerful want is to be named monarch?”
“Yes. Exactly.”
“My friend, you will set the politicians screaming, but I hope you can succeed.”
Karen came over at this moment. “Honoured friend of our family, I greet you on this joyful occasion.”
“I greet you and introduce to you the daughter of my adopted cousin, Deborah.”
“I greet you also, Deborah, welcome. There is a confused man at the gates, who the guards invite in, but he says he is only here to deliver an urgent letter to you.”
James chipped in, “He's on the invitation list as of five minutes ago. Please tell him that the president requests his presence, and a place beside Deborah waits for him.”
“May I go and drag him in, friend of my father?” Deborah asked.
“I think you had better. I want to question him. But perhaps you should not tell him this.”
“He faces many changes.”
“No more than you.”
“Ah, but for me it seems like a dream I will wake from one day. For him, it is more of a nightmare at the moment, I think.”
“Go and reassure him. You may tell him that I forced you to demand the letter, if you think it is necessary.”
“I thank you for the freedom. I will go.”
“Come this way,” Karen said, “it is shorter. We don't want him running away, do we?”
“Not through the kitchens, please, Karen,” James said.
“Daddy! It's been years since I was last caught using the kitchen as a short-cut.”
“Did you notice the phrasing of that denial, my friend?” the president asked.
“Yes, I did. I suspect she said it that way just for effect. She enjoys doing
such things.”
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As they walked through the compound to the gate, Karen asked: “Deborah, I wanted to talk to you, now more than ever. I'm amazed how calmly you're reacting to the president's declaration. You didn't cheat, did you?”
“Cheat? Oh, you mean listen to his thoughts?”
“Yes. I know it's impossible to avoid hearing decisions...”
“The president knows I can hear decisions. He makes them when I am not near. But I'd begun to suspect something. When I told she-who-assigns-tasks of my promotion, she said she wasn't surprised, since he often asked after me. And in the past week, sometimes he spoke using close terms. It was a bit unnerving. I was beginning to wonder if he wanted me as wife or as adopted daughter. So this, this pre-existing cousinhood is a relief. I'm still not sure how serious he was about naming me heir. That's scary. Dangerous and scary. But you speak of hearing decisions as one who knows what it's like. You do know?”
“I know.”
They arrived to find that Henry and Samantha were practising their language with a young man, who was clutching a letter, and who in turn was practising his English.
“Adam, my chosen! You came, but you didn't come in.”
“Deborah, your dress is beautiful, how could you afford it? I came. My mother was not at home, so there are no wounds yet, though there will be, I am sure. I brought the letter. The guards would not accept it, but said I could give it to you myself. I could not come in, I am not dressed for a formal event. I do not understand what is happening, my beloved! Why this deadline, do you want to force conflict? I do not think my mother dislikes you.”
“I know you do not, Adam. But your mother loves perfection too much, I think. Perhaps that is why the issue must be forced. Only God is perfect, but lots of people are happily married. Now, I think your clothes are acceptable. This is Karen, the ambassador's daughter. This is her banquet to celebrate her betrothal. Karen, are his clothes acceptable?”
“They are fine. But if conflict were avoided by not giving the letter, perhaps you do not need to.”
“That is an excellent idea! Come, Adam, you can ask the friend of my father yourself! And you may tell your mother that you had to come to the banquet because there was an empty seat and he suggested to his friend the ambassador that you fill it.”
“I don't understand. Am I here to deliver the letter or to attend the banquet?”
“Adam, you like details, I know this, and love you for it. But look also at the bigger picture too. You are here to show that I am more important to you than your mother. I thank you so much that you have done this. It was necessary. Not just to me, but also to the friend of my father. Then, knowing that you were coming, he suggested that you attend the banquet, but your mother does not need to know that you were already coming. I have not declared war on your mother, Adam.”
“The president knew I was coming? He told you to demand the letter?”
“Yes Adam, yes to both. He made me use his phone and told me that I must make that call or he would reject you. But I had to make it seem to come from me. The worry I spoke of was mine, but he said he would not accept your letter tomorrow. ”
“Oh my beloved! Why would he do such a thing?”
“Because it was important that your priorities be clear, my chosen. You will see why soon, I expect.”
“He is not giving you an even bigger dowry, is he?”
“No, Adam, not quite. Now, will you come, or will the ambassador be embarrassed by an empty seat?”
Karen jumped in, “Honoured guest, I beg you, do not cause my father this embarrassment! He would truly hate it!”
“I will come and summon my courage to ask the president for you, my beloved.”
“I have come to see, my Adam, that he does not like to be president all the time. Address him as my guardian, that is sufficient, and it is enough. It is not on a matter of state that you wish to gain his permission, after all.”
[But tomorrow it might be?] Karen asked, touching Deborah's arm as she guided her towards the formal entrance.
[So I fear.] [Better sorted tonight then.] Letting go, Karen sent to her without touch. [Deborah, I want you to know, but it is better if others do not, that I share Hagar's gift.]
Unauthorized content usage: if you discover this narrative on Amazon, report the violation.
Deborah's eyes showed surprise, but she managed to limit her reaction to that. Karen continued, [If the president is serious, and I think he is, then I think you will need friends, and I offer my friendship. We serve the same Saviour, after all. My parents also.]
“Thank you, Karen. It is a generous offer.”
“Did I miss something?” Adam asked, confused.
“You missed Karen touching my skin, Adam. She thought an offer of friendship to me.”
“You are so familiar with truth-sayer ways you can do that without being noticed, even while walking with crutches?”
“Yes, Adam, I've had some practice. My betrothed and I both have.”
“Your betrothed also?” Deborah asked.
“Yes. It makes translating for him much easier.”
“Am I surrounded by truth-sayers?”
“Well, I'm not sure four in a city counts as surrounded, Adam,” Deborah said, calmingly.
“Actually... No, it's OK.” Karen started, and then decided she didn't need to raise the issue of thought-stealers, or of people who didn't declare themselves thought-readers, like George had been and Sam and Henry still were. Quite where Ahmed was in the spectrum, she wasn't sure, except she prayed for his redemption.
“You're not going to say that you know any more, are you?” Adam asked. “I mean, the legends speak of less than one in a thousand, but this city has close to a million inhabitants, so there could be.”
“Really? I hadn't heard that number. One in a thousand would be more common than I was thinking,” Karen said, surprised. “Of course I know more than my fair share, but I've presumed that's just God at work or something.”
“'Just God at work'? What do you mean?” Deborah asked.
“I've had this ability about three hours longer than I've had these crutches, and two hours less than I've had a broken leg. I wasn't born with it, I gained it by grace.”
“God gave you the power to hear thoughts?”
“Yes. I'd been stupid several times, one after another. I was trapped, lost in a dark tunnel and no one knew where I was. For some reason God chose to let me be found by a truth-sayer with special gifts rather than become a corpse, but for me to hear her so she could ask me questions meant that I was given the ability to hear her thoughts.”
“But there was no touch. How could you hear?” Adam asked. He'd obviously been doing his research.
“Hagar and some others, I don't know how many, have a gift of God, beloved. They can reach across the world and hear as though they were touching.”
“About fifty,” Karen supplied. “I was told that there are about fifty in the world with this spiritual gift.”
“That's not very many. Why aren't they famous?” Adam asked.
“God's gifts are not for fame, Adam!” Deborah said, shocked.
“Sorry, wrong question,” Adam apologised, embarrassed. “Adam, have you been a Christian long?” Karen asked.
“No, not long, only since just before I met Deborah, actually. My parents are pretty much atheists, though they'd claim to be Moslem to fit in with the crowd. I was studying electronics and was interested in philosophy and started asking questions. Some faiths don't like questions. I really liked the answer that a Christian gave me.”
“Oh? What was the question?”
“Oh, I was very full of them, but eventually he said, ‘Look, if you really want to know these things, ask God. He can explain them much better than me.’ Just that matter of fact assumption that God was real, could be approached with questions, would answer them even. That was stunning. Here was someone who sounded so sure their God was real.”
“Oh yes, there's no question of that. He's real.”
“So after that, I've been trying to be a Christian. I wish it were easier to lie though.”
Deborah stopped walking and held Adam's hands. “Adam, my chosen, what do you mean?”
“That I've been trying to join in with Christian worship and trying to obey, and trying to speak as though God was real. But it feels wrong to lie about God.”
“Adam, why do you think you need to lie about God?”
“Well, like Pastor Yosuf said on that Sunday when we met, and several times since. ‘Make it up as you go along.’ That's lying, isn't it?”
“Adam, have you been asleep or totally distracted by something else?”
“Pardon?”
“I know what Pastor Yosuf said. It's one of his favourite sayings: ‘Love God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength, read God's word, obey it, and then you can make the rest up as you go along.’ That is not the same as make up the whole thing, no, that's called using your God-given mind to apply what you know in situations the Bible doesn't cover!” She heard his thoughts in a jumble as he was trying to fit what she'd said into a philosophical framework. “Adam. When you came to church, that first week, you said that you'd been led to Christ by someone at university and they'd told you our church was nearest to your home.”
“Yes, that's probably right.”
“Who was it?”
She heard his thoughts name a name which sounded foreign. “They were visitors. Why do you want to know?”
“Because I think there was some miscommunication, oh, man who I love.”
Karen decided it was time to announce a delay.
[George! Please tell one of my parents there’s a little crisis here. Nothing dangerous yet, but it seems Deborah's intended has a very very mixed up idea about the faith. She's being patient, but right now I think she shouldn't be able to accept a proposal.]
“They didn't speak our language very well. They mangled the grammar. I said what I thought they'd told me to say.”
Once more, Deborah heard the thoughts behind those words, [What else might ‘owns is introduced to Christ’ mean?]
“Adam, beloved, I think Karen might be able to interpret what he actually wanted to say to you. I'm very very sorry we haven't had this conversation before now,” and then she dropped his hands and burst into tears, as she turned to Karen for comfort.
Just at that moment, George let her know the reply: [All OK. Food can wait, visitors all enjoying snacks and drinks plus renewing old acquaintances.]
Holding her new sobbing friend, Karen said, “It's perfectly all right, Deborah. This is much more important.” [I've told George of the delay. I'll take over for a bit, shall I?]
[Yes, I can't cope! How can I have been in love with him for so long without even knowing he's not a believer? I can't marry him, but I love him so much!]
Speaking over Deborah's heaving shoulder, Karen asked, “Can you please try to remember exactly what he said, Adam?”
“I guess the important bit is ‘Owns is introduced to Christ,’” he said.
“Oh, that doesn't make much sense, does it? But you're learning English?
“Yes.”
“Do you know the expression, ‘has to be'?”
“Yes, it means ‘must.’”
“And what might you get if your friend translated that expression word for word into this language?”
“Oh. He said I must be introduced, and I understood it as I was introduced?”
“Yes, I think so, Adam. And as you can see, Deborah's a bit stressed at the moment. Can I ask, do you know what sin is? I'm just trying to find out what you do understand.”
“Breaking God's law.”
“Good answer. Can you tell me about the cross?”
“'Jesus died and took my sins, so I can live, the spotless for the sinner.’ That's what the song says, but I don't understand how! I wish it were true, but it feels like a lie when I sing it.”
“Thank you, Adam.” [Deborah, he wants to believe. Would you like to take over at this point?]
[Shouldn't we call pastor Yosuf?]
[No need, Deborah. You can lead him to our Saviour.]
Brushing away her tears, Deborah said, “It's very simple, Adam. So simple that we thought... Never mind. What needs to happen before we can become man and wife, Adam?”
“A vow? Do I need to take a vow?”
“No, Adam, I mean before that.”
“I need to ask your guardian, then I need to ask you, but I hope I know what you'll say!”
“But even so, that asking is important, isn't it?”
“Of course! But so is the vow.”
“You see, Adam, you've missed a stage in your relationship with God. Do not wonder that it feels wrong. It is. It's like being half way through the wedding reception without having had the wedding.”
“Oh Deborah! What do I need to do? I want to know God!”
“You need to confess your sins, ask Jesus to take them from you, ask him to be your Saviour and Master, to give you new, everlasting life, and the Holy Spirit in your heart to guide you. And we know the answer He will give, but you still need to ask, Adam.”
“It is so simple?”
“And so life-changing,” Deborah agreed.
“Actually, I wonder if we've got it round the wrong way?” Karen asked .
“Scripture speaks of Christ as the groom and the church as the bride. He asks us to turn to Him in faith and obedience, He offers us His love. He offers to take our sins. The question is do we accept what He offers and freely submit ourselves to Him in return. Salvation comes from the Lord, and He offers it as a love-gift.”
Crouching down, with his head in his hands, Adam prayed, “I accept! Oh God, I accept Your offer, I want You to be my God and I to be one of Your people. I want to know You and love You and obey You, just like Karen and Deborah do. Make me Yours, God, I pray! Take my sin, my hateful lies and make me Yours.”
Tears of joy ran down his cheeks and Deborah's also. She told him, “Now, my chosen suitor, I see why there has been this delay. God didn't want me to be yoked to an unbeliever even unknowing. And I praise Him for your mother's hardness of heart. And now that you've prayed that prayer there is nothing except my guardian's permission to stop me accepting you as my husband.”
“Then let us go, my beloved, because I feel that I am so full of love for God that nothing is fearful now.”
“That is good, my chosen. That is very good. I have too many fears.”
“Of what, Deborah? What makes you afraid?” Adam asked, concerned.
“Just now I was afraid for our love, for our future, now I only fear for our country. But my motives for that are probably a state secret.”
“Ah, my chosen, you know too many things.”
“There are only three solutions to that,” Karen offered. “A different job, which would upset your guardian, I think. Be unthinking, which would upset God, I'm pretty sure. It certainly got me into this cast. Or thirdly, trust and obey.”
“I think I'll try that one,” Deborah decided, and they entered the dining room. George was waiting in his formal suit. Karen was wearing her ball-gown but with a bright blue silk shawl over her shoulders and fastened with a broach. She'd forgotten the shawl when George had seen the dress in her memory, and her memory had indeed exaggerated the neckline. She decided that it was worth remembering, even when she was able to bring things to mind, that her memory was pretty bad on details.
As soon as George and Karen met, James gave the signal and the serving staff ushered everyone to their tables. Of course, while the president wasn't here officially, they could hardly have seated him in the ranks of staff and former staff. It would have been too embarrassing for the staff, even if not for the president. Thus he was seated at the head table, the other side of Karen's mother to her father. Karen and George made the rest of the family group, and next to George was Jane, feeling amazed at the company she was keeping. Since Deborah knew so few people here, James had seated her on the same table as Hagar and Yosuf. Adam was on the same table, and it had been an easy switch to put him and Deborah next to each other.
“Pastor Yosuf, I'm afraid that I have been mistaken these past two years about some very important things. I'm happy to say that Deborah and Karen have helped me understand that, and taught me to put it right. Now I understand what the songs we sing are about.”
“I had wondered, Adam. You look like you've had a great weight lifted from your shoulders. I am only sorry that I hadn't realised.”
“Well, I misunderstood the message I was told to tell you, believed a lie, and wanting to conform I have been deceitful about where I was spiritually. Could I spend some time talking with you? I don't want to believe any more lies.”
“Of course. If you remember, I did suggest we go through some studies when you first came.”
“Yes, and I foolishly let exam pressure keep me from them. I'd like to do them before I marry Deborah, if that's possible. I think she'd appreciate that.”
“Yes, I really would. Thank you, Adam, it's a good idea.”
“I think I would also recommend a series of studies related to marriage. Mostly just to discuss things so that you've talked through different issues.”
“That sounds good,” Deborah agreed. “I think we're going to need a lot of discussing on some issues.”
“But you haven't asked for Deborah yet, have you?” Hagar asked.
“No. I think I must wait until after the meal now.”
Hagar quickly confirmed with Karen. [Karen, when would be a good time for Adam to ask for Deborah?]
[I'll just ask Daddy... He says now! Food will be a few minutes, they're still bringing the drinks.]
“Deborah, Adam, do not wait. Karen says.”
Surprised, Adam looked at Karen and saw she was discretely gesturing them to approach.
[Come, Deborah,] Karen urged her. [The friend of your father awaits.]
“Come, my chosen. Let us not wait for a private moment, I fear those times do not exist any more.”
Adam wondered what she meant, but urged from all sides, he got to his feet and moved Deborah's chair for her. He was sure that he was going to be the centre of attention, but the prize was worth it.
As was fitting, he walked a metre or so behind Deborah as she walked to the centre of the room. There, in the silence that quickly spread, she spoke the traditional words, in a clear, loud voice. “Friend of my father, there is one here that I have spoken of to you. May he approach to ask a great request of you?”
He gave the traditional reply: “Does he approach with your consent, daughter of my friend?”
“He does, friend of my father. You know my desire in this matter.”
“Then he may approach, and I shall see if he is worthy.”
Deborah bowed and returned to her seat. Adam, on the other hand, approached the head table. He'd been surprised that Deborah had been quite so traditional about it, but he thought he understood. It made his request easier, for he should stick to the traditional form, and also it would have been inappropriate to be more informal in this setting. Deborah, for her part, thought of these also, but she had also decided that given the pressure that might come upon them as soon as the president announced his decision, it was best if their betrothal was public right from the start. That had been the most important factor for her.
“You may ask, young man, what is on your mind,” the president asked in a quiet voice, and the conversations around the room resumed their previous level.
Together this meant that Adam could happily ignore the people around him. This was not a public address.
“Honourable guardian of the maiden Deborah, I ask for your permission to take her as my wife. I have a respectable job, no debts and an income which will provide for her needs.” The next sentence he added from himself. “I do not desire her for her dowry, nor to advance my position, but only for herself, for she is precious to me. However, my parents have said that there should be a dowry, so from respect for them I request her dowry also.” And then he added another bit of his own invention. “But I do not request it for myself, but for Deborah, to be treasured and passed on to her daughters or used as she alone feels fit.”
“And if I refused the dowry, would you renege on your desire for Deborah?”
“No, respected elder, I would not.”
“Good. Tell me of your work.” So Adam explained about his position at the university and his research in portable forcefields.
“That is interesting indeed. I wish you success. And you have no objection to Deborah working?”
“I see that her work is demanding but important. I would like to help support her in it. I have no objection.”
“And if her job becomes more demanding and even more important, will you ask her to stop, or will you take time from your work to help her bear the load of hers?”
“I do not think I am a proud man, respected elder. If that is necessary, I would do it. And if both of us working demands that we employ help with cleaning the house, then so be it.”
“You have answered very well. Take her as your betrothed with my blessing. Your parents have kept you from asking too long, so it is fitting that you marry her as soon as all can be arranged. I have told her there would be a dowry of one thousand.”
“She told me this, honoured one.”
“But she did not tell you a thousand what, I think?”
“I presumed it was in our currency, honoured one.”
“So did she. She will be embarrassed to learn that she should pay more attention to details. She shall have a dowry of a thousand hectares. I am glad that you say it shall be hers, for it was my mother's dowry, but she had no daughters.”
“I, I am stunned, respected elder.”
“That is appropriate, as is her dowry. Her father was cousin to me by adoption. I told her this tonight. There should be no secrets between you, tell her I said this. Give her all the support she needs, apply your training to her protection and care for her more than your own life. Then you will be a good husband to her. What I have told you, you may tell your parents. What Deborah tells you, you must not. Now go to your betrothed, young Adam, and greet your parents from me.”
“I will, honoured sir.”
Somewhat overcome, he went back to his seat. He'd fallen in love with a pretty girl who cleaned rooms at the palace. Now he found that she was the president's relative!
The serving staff reacted to the end of this conversation and brought in the meal. “His cousin?” he whispered to her as he sat down.
“Yes, Adam. I think this is part of why he demanded you ask tonight.”
“He said there should be no secrets between us, but not to tell my parents what you tell me.”
“I am relieved. So he gives his blessing?”
“Yes, and he says we should marry as soon as all can be arranged. Oh, and your dowry, it shall remain yours alone, you may keep it for our daughters if that is your desire. I will not control it.”
“This is his condition?”
“No, mine. Thus I decided long ago, to show my disapproval for my parents' delays.”
“But it was from God, Adam, I am sure.”
“Still, they do not know or acknowledge Him or His authority. God used their pride for His purposes, but the responsibility is theirs, still. Am I not right?”
“You are right. But if it is mine to spend, I will spend it for us.”
“It will be hard to spend, my beloved. It is not money.”
“Not money? Then what is it?”
“Hectares, my beloved, hectares. It was his mother's dowry, and he gives it to you as yours. A thousand hectares. You must ask the president for more details, I suppose.”
Deborah turned towards the other end of the table. “Yosuf, I know nothing of farming. Is a thousand hectares a large farm?”
“Not the largest, but it is big enough. It depends what you farm, and where. Why do you ask?”
“The friend of my father has surprised me. Again. I thought my dowry would be money, but he gives me a thousand hectares.”
“From his own estates?” asked an elderly man across the table. “A magnificent dowry!”
“He said they were his mother's dowry, but he had no sisters.”
“Ah, that land! Magnificent! Magnificent!”
“You know it? I know nothing about his lands.”
“I grew up near them. They are the best land in the country, and his mother's dowry is the best part of it. But surely, he would not give such a precious gift to a friend's daughter!”
“Until today, all I knew is that he and my father were neighbours in childhood and that my father's sister died in the troubles. I can say no more, but perhaps for those who know, this is sufficient information.”
“Neighbours?” he looked at her more closely, in surprise. “Ah! A most fitting gift. Most fitting. You do have have his look about you, and of your mother of course. A most fitting gift. My congratulations on your betrothal. Did you know who you sought to marry, young man?”
“I know her father's name, respected elder, but I was not a diligent student of history. I only knew that she has captured my heart and that my parents consider her a penniless orphan with nothing to offer but her looks. But it was her mind and her spirit that I fell in love with.”
“Ah, that is how it should be. Your parents will be entirely filled with chagrin, I think, when you tell them.”
“If my betrothed can bear the situation, I am most tempted to not tell them. Is that wise, respected elder, or only childish?”
“An interesting question! Perhaps both! Do they know you asked tonight?”
“No, they do not. I was called here unexpectedly. They know the honourable president gives her a dowry.”
“Then it would be wise to tell them you were called here and you asked and that the president agreed. And see how they take this glad news. As for the rest, I think it would be best to allow them to show affection before the truth is revealed. Else there will forever be suspicion.”
“I thank you for your wise advice, respected elder,” Deborah said.
“It is nothing, young one. Your father was a great man. A very great man.”
“You knew him?”
“Oh, everyone in politics knew your father, child, either as friend or enemy. I wasn't exactly in politics myself, of course, but as head of staff here I knew everyone. Such a shame your father retired from politics. But your mother's death broke his heart, I'm sure you know.”
“Yes, I know. But he was a wonderful father to me. It was only recently that I realized he had a role other than my daddy, and that other people might know him.”
“Do your parents know even his name, young man?”
“I think they have shown great disinterest in my chosen, respected elder. Her Christian faith is not a good thing in their eyes. For all that they are atheists, they would prefer that I marry a Moslem girl, but that would not be right, as I share her faith.”
“Ah, yes. That would cause some friction. And now I realise why the ambassador puts us here together. All the Christians on one table. It keeps the meal more peaceful.”
“Indeed,” agreed Yosuf. “There is a time for everything and everything has its time. Speaking of which, Hagar, what was the ambassador's wife talking to you about just before we sat down?”
“She was reminding me to talk to you about something, my husband.”
“Ah, that thing which I didn't have time to listen to earlier?”
“Yes, my husband.”
“Could you tell me now, in the company of these good people, and between mouthfuls of this excellent meal?”
“I suppose I could, my husband. In their language there is a word ‘chaplain.’ Do you know it?”
“I have heard it before. Someone's name, perhaps?”
“I think it is a little like a pastor for a workplace, but maybe without the need to preach sermons. She described it to me as someone who would be able to offer advice and guidance, to help people think about particular problems they might have. I do not understand why they cannot simply talk to their pastor at home.”
“Perhaps if the issue is complex and would be known already to this workplace pastor.” Suggested the elderly man. “I know there have been times that my pastor didn't really understand what the issue was. The ambassador seeks such a one?”
Hagar nodded. “And since I work here and it is known very well that my Yosuf has a bad back and construction work is not helping it, he thought to offer it to you.”
“Ah. And the honourable lady believed that you could be more convincing than a direct approach?”
“I think it was simply convenience. But yes, of course I can be more convincing!”
“What am I to do, respected sir, when my wife's over-generous employer seeks to employ me too, no doubt at similarly corrupting rates of pay as they lavish on her? And he does it in such a sly and underhand way that it will cause distress to the light of my life were I to refuse?”
“The ambassador is a good man, young Yosuf. If I were you, I would ask him more about this job and then accept it. You do not want to cause trouble at home, and such a little pride does not compensate for much back pain.”
----------------------------------------
After the first course was tidied away, James gave his speech, saying that he noticed that he'd sent his daughter to get an education and she'd come home with a broken leg, crutches, and George. He was certain that George would be with her far longer than the crutches that she was so dangerous with and that God would continue to use them for His glory. As the polite applause died down, the president stood up and reminisced about Karen's telling him to cut off his beard.
Then he changed the subject, “I know this is Karen's evening, but she has a big heart and will not mind, I think if I distract you a little. As you might have noticed, there is another newly betrothed couple here. The daughter of my very good friend and her betrothed are also swimming through the intoxicating sea of love, but their minds seem to be functioning still. At her father's request, I have not told her until today of all that connects us. Her betrothed sought her hand for the right reasons, not because he sought power or position. He fell in love with young Deborah when she was a mere cleaning girl, but I have tested her power and wisdom, and I know she is also a truth-sayer and that her pretty head contains a mind as sharp as her father's. So it is that I make known to you, who are here for friendship and not matters of state that this wise young woman is daughter of the wisest of men, the renowned Daniel Asaf, who I persuaded my dying uncle to adopt so that there would be less money going to my foolish brother's costly war. Daniel accepted the uncertainty this caused in my brother's camp, but after the end of the troubles he said the adoption was a legal fiction forced by that necessity and so he had no right to keep the money. I do not know if he regretted that decision, but I could not persuade him to even accept help for his own hospital bills. Nevertheless, I tell you that in the eyes of the law, young Deborah is daughter to my cousin, and I acknowledge her as my relative.” With this he sat down.
There was a hum of whispered conversation at this announcement. No doubt there would be someone who'd put it on the network and soon the whole country would be talking about the story.
“Deborah, will you allow me to present you to my parents this evening?” Adam asked. “Otherwise they may hear of the president's acknowledgement from someone.”
“I expect it'll be late, my betrothed, and I would not cross the city in this dress.”
“Where did you get it?”
“It was my mother's. Father kept it for me.”
“It is beautiful, and so are you, my beloved.”
“But you are right about your parents. I wonder, might they come to meet us as we leave the embassy, if you called them?”
“I think they might. They would like to boast of their son being invited to a banquet, I am sure.”
“And you must apologise to your mother for not being at home for the meal.”
“Yes. You are right. I must. I'll go and do it now.”
----------------------------------------
“Respected father, I have news. Could you call mother to the phone?”
“She is not happy with you, Adam. You left a note saying you had been called away, but no explanation.”
“Yes father, I know. I am sorry. I was called to fill a seat at an important meal.”
“Called to fill a seat? Someone at work?”
“No, respected father, I am at an embassy. The ambassador was embarrassed that a guest had cancelled because of a medical emergency, leaving an empty seat, and his friend the honourable president suggested me so he could speak to me about the daughter of his friend. I asked for her and am betrothed.”
“The president asked that you be invited to a formal banquet?”
“It was not a very formal one, mother. It was to celebrate the betrothal of the ambassador's daughter, and even the honourable president is here as a friend of the family.”
“And you are a friend of the family too? What narcotic have you consumed, my son?”
“Mother, father, I speak truth! I am at the big embassy on Revolution Square. If you do not believe me you can come to meet me as I leave. You could greet my betrothed also. I thought to bring her home so she could greet you, but it would not be safe for her to travel so late, I think.”
“You really have chosen to waste your life with that penniless cleaning girl? What was so wrong with the baker's daughter?”
“Mother! Deborah is no longer a cleaner at the palace, nor she is penniless. She has a dowry of a thousand from the president himself, for she is daughter to his friend, and she has a most honourable job, truth-sayer to the president.”
“Oh very well, we will come and meet this girl who has bewitched you. You can use some of her dowry to buy your mother a nice dress.”
“No, father! The dowry stays her possession. I shall not touch it. This I vowed to the honourable president.”
“Such a vow cannot be enforced,” his mother stated. “We shall get the imam to annul it.”
“Nevertheless, I shall not touch her dowry, mother. You also may apply to a witchdoctor from Africa and a shaman from South America too, and a radiation suit-clad bishop from Jerusalem if you desire, but I will not break my vow.”
His mother became furious. “You are a stupid, stubborn young man. You ruin your chances with one below you. We have tried to guide you to wisdom, but you have refused to listen. You have rejected wisdom and the faith to which you owe allegiance. We have tried to steer you in the right direction but have failed, you dishonour us with your stubborn attitude, your persistent pursuit of an infidel witch. Do not return to us if you pursue this course. You have no place with us!”
“You are an atheist, but cast me out because I am a Christian?”
“We may be lax, but we are Moslem! There was hope for you before you did this. You have sealed your fate! You are outcast and apostate!”
“My atheist father calls me apostate because I worship God in truth? My mother casts me out because I refuse to break my vow in order to buy her a dress she could afford herself? I will sleep at a friend's house tonight. If you are still of the same mind tomorrow I will send a friend to collect the possessions I bought with my own earnings.”
“Ha, you may sleep at that slut's hovel all you like. You will find your possessions in the waste.”
“Do not damage them, mother, or you will answer to the law. Out of respect, I will not answer your other vile words, nor repeat them.” He ended the call.
Ashen faced he returned to the table.
Yosuf saw him first. “Adam! What is wrong?”
“My parents became angry over the dowry. I am cast out.”
“Over the dowry?”
“I declared to the president that I would not touch it, but my mother wanted me to spend part of it on a dress for her. It must have been the final straw, I guess, that they would not benefit immediately in a material way from our relationship. They said hateful things. My atheist father called me apostate.”
“I'm as shocked as you, Adam. You will stay with us?”
“If I may.”
“Oh Adam, I am so sorry!” Deborah cried.
“Do not be, beloved. They have convinced me that they truly hate you and our faith. They said you are beneath them and I should annul our betrothal and marry the baker's daughter instead. I choose you and our God.”
“It is their right to cast you out,” the old man said, “but they must allow you to take your possessions.”
“Yes, I know. I will have to ask someone from work to collect them.”
“Wait on this, my betrothed. Allow me to speak to the friend of my father. I have an idea.”
“Will you tell me what it is?”
“Not yet.”
Once again, Deborah left her place and approached the president. This time she spoke quietly.
“Friend of my father, my betrothed has just rung his parents to tell them of the happy news. But the parents of my betrothed have cast him out on account of me, rather than rejoice. They consider me beneath them and have told him that he should marry the baker's daughter instead, even though they know you are friend to my father.”
“An insulting response to such happy news, my cousin. They have insulted my honour as well as yours.”
“Respected relative, someone must collect his possessions. I ask that I go, so that they do not mislead the one my betrothed might send and claim what he has worked for. But I think there might be some danger.”
“In this life there is always danger, but you ask for a guard? You shall have it. And a vehicle. What he owns is bulky?”
“He has bought some furniture, my cousin. I will have to ask him what was a gift for them and what he considers his own.”
“You shall have six soldiers and a truck for the removal, my cousin. But shall I come myself to talk to them and seek reconciliation?”
“His father is an atheist but names him apostate. I do not know if reconciliation is possible.”
“I will come. Perhaps the hateful words were spoken in haste.”
“I thank you, my elder cousin. You grant far far more than I sought.”
“That is as it should be, little cousin. Now return to your place and comfort your betrothed.”
Deborah curtsied low and returned to Adam.
“All is settled, betrothed. But you must tell me what of the furniture is yours and what was given as a gift to your parents. My honourable cousin will first seek reconciliation.”
“I think there can be none. But I thank him. That was your idea?”
“No, his. I sought a guard, in case they became violent, he gave me six soldiers and a van.”
“You do not need to go, Deborah.”
“Who better to claim what will be ours? But tell me what I must collect.”