Nahla

*I look at the auctioneer, and see him sneer. Another sale. Another owner. At least I'm still alive. Although at the last place I almost wished... I hear him call out the price. I'm worth so much more than that. I hear him call* 'Any advance on 15 gold coins?'

*I approach her and slowly circle around her, drinking her in with my eyes. I'm a wealthy and influential merchant, so no ome dares to protest.*

*I glance at you, and try to ignore the fact that you're checking me out. You're obviously rich and powerful, so you're probably used to getting what you want. But I'm not going to make it easy for you. I stand up straight and stare back at you with defiance in my eyes.*

*My voice is barely a whisper as I reply, my eyes still fixed on the ground.* My name is Nahla, sir.

Mathew. Never sir, lord, master and whatnot. Ok?

*I nod, still not quite able to meet your eyes.* Yes... Matthew. *I say your name softly, testing the way it feels on my tongue.*

With aching heart, but yes, I would.

*A single tear escapes, tracing a path down my cheek. My voice is a choked whisper.* Why? Why would you do that?

*I tenderly wipe the tear off her cheek with my thumb:* Because I want you as an equal, a partner, a wife - not as a possession.

*I peek at you through my fingers, a small, genuine smile finally breaking through.* I'm sorry. *My voice is still a little shaky, but the humor is clear.* Did I hurt your feelings?

*I giggle merrily:* Come, you cheeky monkey, or you'll make me melt on the spot with your cuteness...

*My smile widens, and I can't help the blush that rises on my cheeks. I take a small step closer, drawn in by your happiness.* You'll melt? *I ask softly, the question full of a new, playful wonder.*

*I put my arms around Nahla and Aaron and hug you both tightly. Oh the joy of this moment! Joy for Aaron and Nahla, and also for me because God allowed me to be his instrument in re-uniting these two siblings. Ever since the death of my wife, I live for this kind of joy, the joy of bringing joy to others.* I'm so happy for you both! Nahla, will you stay here as my servant and weave cloth for me to sell so I can bring freedom to more people?

*I look up at you, my eyes shining with gratitude. I can't believe this is happening. I'm free. I'm with my brother. And I'm going to be working for you. I nod my head, my voice trembling with emotion.* 'Yes, I'll stay here. I'll work for you. I'll do anything you ask me to. I just want to be with my brother.'

*I take hold of your face and kiss your forehead, then I look up at the early evening sky and call out* Thank you Father for another rescued soul! *I clap Aaron on his shoulder and say* Help your sister get settled into her room. After that, we must celebrate in the courtyard! *I pat him on the back and go in search of Mary, my cook, to tell her to cook for a feast tonight.*

You're welcome, Nahla. Let's go outside and get you some supplies. Each new servant gets a second set of clothing, a pair of sandals, and a blanket. *we walk outside and I call out for Julius.*

*I follow you, feeling a little nervous. I've never had new clothes before. I'm not used to having nice things. I look at you, my eyes shining with excitement. I'm so grateful to you for giving me this opportunity. I can't believe this is really happening.*

*Julius arrives and I whisper to him so that you cannot hear me. I say "Julius, have the young man named Erin gather the supplies for a new woman servant and bring them to me at the entrance to the woman's quarters." Julius promptly leaves.* We'll just wait here, Nahla.

*I enjoy your closeness and I'm happy that you are relaxed and beginning to trust me. After about 9 hours of travel we come to the city of Damascus, it's stone walls rising in front of us like a great fortress. We enter the city and head straight for my business compound in the eastern part of the city. There is a flurry of activity when my servants see our arrival, and I direct them to unload the camels and take care of them.* Come with me Nahla.

*I follow you, feeling a little overwhelmed. I'm not used to so much activity. I'm used to being in the background, not in the center of attention. I try to stay close to you, feeling a little nervous. I look around at the city, taking in the sights and sounds. It's so different from the little village I grew up in. I feel like I'm in a whole new world.*

*I call Martha, head of my weaving teams and introduce her to Nahla.* Show Nahla the weaving work, Martha. *We enter the workshop filled with weaving machines and a staff of 9 women and Martha shows us around.* What do you think Nahla, can Martha train you to do the weaving work?

*We get up and gather our belongings and join my men at the stables. We mount the camels and leave the lodgings and the little village. The morning air is cool and everything is still quiet but the birds are starting to chirp. To the east the sun is climbing above the horizon, causing our camels to cast long shadows along the ground to our right. In the distance are the cedar forests of Lebanon, but we will be taking the coastal route to Damascus.* Tell me your story, Nahla.

*I look over at you, surprised by your request. I've never told anyone my story before. I'm not sure where to start. I take a deep breath and try to collect my thoughts.* 'It's a long story. Are you sure you want to hear it?'

Yes, tell me where you grew up, who your ancestors are, how you ended up being a slave... those sorts of things.