The Bible is the divinely inspired word of God. It should be obvious to any reader that my story is only an extrapolation of an existing scripture and is in no way intended to be on the same level or accuracy as the sacred authors. In other words, no imprimatur or nihil obstat.

KITCHEN GOSSIP

"So, did you hear the news? The Isrealites are coming," Ishta said, tearing off a piece of bread and popping it into her mouth.

The three women were busy preparing for the evening meal and the rush of customers who would arrive to eat. Rahab, cutting lamb for the cook-pot, merely rolled her eyes, but Vashta snorted scornfully.

"I heard that, Vashta," said Ishta indignantly between bites. "My customer told me last night. He said all the men are talking about it. He said--"

"He said--he said," Vashta laughed. "By Baal, you believe everything people tell you. No matter how absurd."

"But he told me all about it," Ishta insisted. "Furthermore, they have a very powerful God. My customer says their God dried up the Red Sea just so the Isrealites could walk through." Ishta lowered her voice to a mumble. "I don't see our gods doing things like that." She reached for a date to munch on.

"Ishta," Rahab said, warningly.

"What do you think, Rahab? Maybe they are coming," Ishta said.

"I think you need to stop eating the customers' food. Vashta and I will continue cooking. You clean up. Broom's in the corner."

Ishta began sweeping.

"Isrealites coming," Vashta mocked. "You are so gullible."

"Rahab--" Ishta whined.

"Girls, please. You give me a headache, both of you. Ishta, the Isrealites aren't coming here. Stop listening to everything the customers tell you--it's gotten you into trouble in the past. Your job is to serve the customers food. You provide any extra...amenities they request. But, you don't have to listen to every word, every piece of idle gossip they bear. Besides, you know perfectly well that part of the reason our customers come back is because they can trust us not to repeat tales. They know that what goes on in our chambers stays in our chambers."

Ishta's face fell, and Rahab relented her harsh words. "Don't look so sad, Ishta. Listen--that story about the Red Sea--are you aware that it happened a very long time ago? My mother was a little girl when the Isrealites took up residence in the desert. Think about it--if they were to move, wouldn't they have done so many years ago?"

Rahab patted Ishta's shoulder kindly. "Don't lose too much of your innocence, Ishta. The men do find it appealing."

Vashta, stirring the pot, shook her head.

Rahab smoothed her robes and put on her jewelry. "I think I hear some customers in the front. I'll go see what they require." She straightened her veil and left the room.

"Idiot," Vashta hissed at Ishta.

THE MERCHANT

"Welcome to my inn, men," Rahab greeted her guests. "Come in and rest. Supper is almost ready. Let me pour you some wine." She poured and passed the wine around.

"It's good to be in a city again, among civilized people. It feels like we've been traveling in the desert forever," the leader of the men said gratefully as he lowered himself into the nearest seat.

Rahab pushed a cup of wine at him. "Drink, then. What business drives you into the desert?" She asked, although she had already guessed. She had learned a long time ago that her customers loved talking about themselves.

"I'm a merchant. I travel to distant lands to find the rarest and costliest goods. My illustrious clients demand the best, and I give it to them."

By Baal, what a pompous ass, Rahab thought contemptuously, but she smiled at him and looked impressed.

"In fact," the merchant continued, "By clever dealing, I was able to bring back a little extra." He reached into a bag tied around his waist and brought out a gold ring set with a red stone. "A beautiful woman like yourself deserves something fine like this." He took her hand and slipped the ring on her finger.

Rahab stared at the ring. Whatever shortcomings the man's personality might have, he did at least have exquisite taste in jewelry. "I do believe our best room is currently vacant," she said with a wink and a sly smile.