Naqam turned from the still waters, considering what was next. The comfort of reconciliation with Joram was fading, leaving a sense of shame and embarrassment. Naqam, not used to being so wrong, thought back, “The things I said about Joram…I nearly ruined his reputation.” Naqam gripped the blanket tightly. “Now I’m the foolish one, and it’s all because of that woman.”
Naqam devised a plan. He sought counsel from Raham, who listened carefully and instructed him. Naqam was to send a summons according to the village law. He prepared an official letter with Raham’s approval, and he ordered his servant to deliver it. It detailed the accusations certified by witnesses and demands for reparations. She would either atone, or plead her case under the great olive tree in the presence of the village elders. The demands of the letter were under the village law. The servant followed Naqam’s instructions, seeking Mara at the lake.
Arriving at Mara’s weathered hut, the messenger called out, since she was not immediately visible. A chimney produced a small amount of smoke from smoldering coals. The thatched door was unsecured, revealing that the simple stone and driftwood structure had only a single room. A short distance down a steep hill, a rickety dock extended only a few feet into the lake. There, a small fishing boat was tied, and nets hung drying on wooden poles. The air carried the scent of fish and damp wood; and the muddy ground revealed much back-and-forth foot traffic, proving it to be an humble, hardworking place.
A small woman could be seen near the dock, quickly making her way up a well-defined path. Her steps were short and uneven as she struggled with a basket of fish. She had the sun-weathered skin and patched clothing of someone who had worked hard throughout her life. The woman was muttering to herself as she made the steep climb, obviously preoccupied and unaware of a visitor standing outside her hut. “Mara,” he called out as she neared. Startled, she stumbled, struggling to hold on to her load.
Mara paused, eyeing the man warily as she steadied herself with her basket. She made her way closer, gently setting her basket down and wiping her hands on her pouched apron. Apparently not used to nor fond of visitors, she spoke in a gruff voice, “What is it you need?” The messenger quickly offset Mara’s caution by extending the summons and instructing her. “You are to appear in Erudition to settle.” She hesitantly reached out, taking the sealed notice, still eyeing the man. “What is this about?” Mara’s face tightened when she barked. The messenger did not respond, but left the letter in Mara’s hand and turned, making his leave.
Mara stood alone and took a glance at the sealed letter in her hands, thinking, “I don’t have time for this nonsense.” She quickly broke that seal, reading –
“Summons
By order of Naqam, landowner of Erudition, and witnessed by Amon and Chakam:
You are summoned to make full restitution for damage caused to a fine wool blanket and damage to a reputable merchant’s name, or to appear before the elders under the great olive tree to answer for your actions. Failure to comply will result in the lawful seizure of your possessions.”
The words felt cold and heavy as if stone had dropped onto her stomach. Mara stood confounded; her eyes slowly scanning each line; her lips tightened as she reread the document several times. She stood in anger, refolding the letter and tucking it away; then worry followed. She thought of her means being forcefully taken, but quickly rejected the idea since this made little sense.
Under the great olive tree, a serious crowd had gathered. Naqam, Raham, Amon, and Chakam waited, soon joined by a visibly shaken Mara. The air felt heavy. The two witnesses gave their testimony clearly and without exaggeration. As Mara listened, the missing fish brine finally made sense. The pieces fell into place. She knew in her heart that she was at fault.
Her voice trembled as she confessed. “It was my jar. I was rushing and careless. I am sorry.” She looked at Naqam with desperate eyes. “I have nothing but my gear and my boat. Please… give me time to repay.”
Naqam remained firm but calm. “The matter has gone on long enough. The blanket was expensive, and your carelessness damaged more than wool. Justice requires full restitution.” The villagers dispersed, leaving Mara with Naqam and a few of his servants. He motioned to his servants to make arrangements for collecting her fishing gear and boat – Mara’s only means of survival.
Mara could do nothing but stand, shoulders slumped, head down, taking on the weight of what was transpiring. Her future was bleak, but knowing it was her carelessness, she also knew atonement was due. Finality settled over her as she led Naqam and his party to her dwelling.
They reached the spring where Raham had been waiting. He motioned to Mara to hold up, then addressed Naqam, who was in proximity. Naqam was quick to speak, cutting off whatever Raham had to say, “Justice has been issued, and the matter is closed, Raham.” Then Raham stretched out his hand, pushing it into Naqam’s chest, forcing him to take a coin purse. Raham turned to look at the engraved stone, and Naqam’s eyes followed.
Then, Raham finally spoke. “You are right, Naqam. Justice is sought out in our ways, but the Creator desires mercy above justice.”
Raham then gave his attention to Mara. “You are free of this debt and no one should bother you again.” Naqam stood dumbfounded, without words. Mara’s face went from sadness to disbelief. The debt was erased. All the accusations and ill-tempers toward Mara vanished with it. Raham gave her a smile as he turned to leave, and the still waters reflected Mara’s face – no longer so hard, so broken, but softer with her smile and even a slight glow that hadn’t shown for her in a long time.
