When Naaman and Ophiram reached camp, they entered a tent that was obviously not used by the family for sleeping. Three walls were folded up to allow the breeze to enter, with the side nearest the sun rolled down. A fine, mesh netting hung from the frame on the outside, with some sort of lush thin fabric hanging inside the netting. In the center of the tent was a fine leather mat that served as a table. Several finely tooled leather and carved olivewood camel saddles were scattered about the mat. The saddles looked new and elegant and were used to recline against so guests could rest comfortably while talking or eating. Naaman had brought this frivolous entertainment tent, hoping to share hospitality with the family of a prospective groom.

Sending a maid for refreshment, Naaman gestured to the expensively draped tent. "I hope this does not seem ostentatious to you," he said. "I came seeking a groom for Baara and thought it best to bring a tent for entertainment so I could share hospitality with the groom's family without having to invite them into our living quarters. I did not know if an Israelite's bride's family normally provides any wedding entertainment, but thought it best to be prepared. I hope you understand that though Baara has served as servant to my wife, their relationship is more like mother and daughter. We plan to provide for Baara in the same way we would our own daughter. But then such matters can await the arrival of your brother. Why don't you and I just spend some time getting to know one another?"

Approximately an hour after Ophiram and Naaman arrived, Manoah rode up to the camp on a mule, leading another mule laden with bags of pottery. He had returned to the market following Naaman's invitation and packed his wares. He had no trouble finding Naaman's camp. Not many caravans traveled to Kedesh and set up large camps outside the gates.

After Manoah had tethered his mount and pack animal, he joined Naaman and Ophiram in the plush tent. As he leaned against a camel's saddle and gratefully drank the water Naaman offered and partook of the sweet grapes, he looked around at the obviously expensive trappings of the large tent. He was surprised that such an obviously wealthy man would go to so much trouble for a slave girl. He couldn't help but wonder if the girl had been his mistress or had some other hold over the man.

As though sensing his thoughts, Naaman said, "It might be best to start by telling you what has transpired in the years Baara has lived in my household. I know it is not only unusual, but unheard of, for a family to go to so much trouble for a slave. I know Ophiram heard the abbreviated version I told those gathered at the gates, but I don't know if you had arrived yet, Manoah. Even if you had, I imagine your curiosity is stirred and you desire more detail."

The telling of the tale took some time. Naaman began with Baara's capture and included all pertinent happenings save Zipporah's defilement of the girl. He knew that information would have to be shared, but thought it best to talk to Manoah alone and allow him to discuss the matter with Ophiram before the betrothal was finalized. When he finished, he asked the two brothers if they had any questions.

"Not about your story," Manoah answered. "I must admit I wondered why a man of your station would concern himself with the disposition of a slave girl. Your story has allayed those worries. But several things will need to be discussed. Even though I trust you, it would probably be prudent to have my mother or wife at least talk to Baara about her virginity. Also, we will need as detailed as possible a description of Nahbi's land from the girl. I am sure there will be skeptics who believe she is an imposter. I cannot imagine why anyone so obviously well-placed would go to this kind of trouble to obtain a fairly insignificant piece of land here, but there are those who will contest its assignment to a slave girl. There is also the matter of dowry. Since you are not Baara's parents and did not pay to purchase her as a slave, what do you expect as a bride price? Do you need enough to compensate your wife for the loss of her services, enough to purchase another maid? Baara will bring land with her into the marriage, but since the land is not yours, I presume you do not expect compensation for the land," he finished, completing his concerns.

Taking the last question first, Naaman responded, "I do not consider the land to be a factor in the bride price. Baara brings the land as her heritage. I do not expect to be compensated in any way for the loss of Baara as maid. In fact, I am prepared to give the reward Elisha refused for my healing to Baara as dowry. He accepted only a fraction of what was offered and I understand he gave that to two young prophets who were destitute. A generous father usually shares part of the bride price with his daughter as her insurance in case of divorce or death. Baara will not have to worry if anything happens to Ophiram. As far as your other concerns go, those rest with Baara. I am sure she will be willing to talk to a family representative. We can invite her, with my wife Maacah as chaperone, here to discuss the land."

At this point, Ophiram entered the discussion. "I would be embarrassed to come into this union empty handed while my wife brings lands and riches, but because Manoah has assumed the role as patriarch of our family since our father's death, he is the one who should negotiate the bride price on my behalf." Then sitting up to his full height and leaning toward Naaman, he continued, "I know what I am about to ask flouts custom, but I ask that you hear me out. Would it be possible for me to speak with Baara while you two discuss the legalities of the wedding? She and I could sit in an open tent with your wife watching. I know a man is not supposed to talk privately with an unmarried woman, but you must admit nothing about this arrangement is normal. Since I have been visited by this woman in my dreams, I would like a chance to talk to her about those dreams and hear firsthand about her own vision. Because I have seen her outside the city without veil or headpiece, I hope she will consent to talk to me unveiled. I would like to be able to read her expressions while we talk."

Although he gave no hint, Naaman was actually relieved at Ophiram's suggestion. He had worried about how to get Manoah alone to discuss Baara's defilement without seeming rude. Seizing the opportunity, he answered, "Let me talk with my wife about this. I will return shortly."

After Naaman exited the tent, Manoah leaned toward Ophiram and asked in a low voice, "Are you having second thoughts, brother? If so, now is the time to voice them. You have announced your intentions publicly, but there are still ways to renounce the promise before the actual betrothal."

"No," Ophiram responded. "I am certain I was beckoned to Kedesh to intervene on behalf of this girl. I just would like to find out more about her vision. She spoke of an angel, but she didn't ever say she knew what I would look like. Still, when her eyes met mine over the crowd, I could swear there was recognition and invitation in their depths. Yet when we arrived here, she did not allow me to help her dismount from the camel and the look she gave me was filled with malice. I want to find out if she actually recognized me or if it was my imagination. I also want to know what she expects of me. I need to find out what was behind that malevolent look. That's all."

"That's all!" Manoah hissed. "It sounds like a lot to me. If she hates you for some reason, why would she wed you? I will talk bride price with Naaman while you question the girl. If for some reason her answers do not satisfy you, I want you to be frank. Remember, it is not too late to change your mind. The men of Kedesh may tease about my having to overcome the spell the girl wrought, but a few weeks of teasing is better than life with a cantankerous woman."

While they talked, Ophiram kept his eyes on Naaman. He saw him hold up the flap of a nearby tent. A slight woman emerged and spoke briefly with him. She then retreated into the tent only to emerge almost immediately, nodding her head in affirmation. As he watched, Naaman had two servants roll up the front of the tent, revealing the interior. Sleeping mats were rolled up along one wall. A thick woven cloth, probably a goat's hair mat, covered some of the dirt floor. Water skins hung in one corner with a basin beneath. A couple of worn camel saddles resided at the edge of the mat. Baara leaned against one saddle with her back to the tent opening. Her raven colored hair, still uncovered, gleamed in the afternoon sun. The riotous curls that so intrigued Ophiram fell across her slender shoulders and cascaded down onto the saddle.

When the flap was secured and a mat placed on the ground near the tent where a slight shadow was cast, Maacah sat in the bit of shade with a piece of cloth in her lap. She began to sew as Naaman brought Ophiram across the enclosure to the tent. When they stopped outside the tent, Naaman motioned in Maacah's direction and said, "My wife will sit here in the shade where she can watch the two of you without being privy to your conversation. Go in. Baara is expecting you. When you finish talking with her if you still want to continue with the betrothal, come back to the other tent. If Manoah and I have completed our discussions, we will ask Baara and Maacah to join us to discuss the land identification. I have already told my wife we may need her as chaperone. Since this is essentially a family meeting, neither woman will be veiled."

Stooping to enter the tent, Ophiram walked past Baara and squatted on the mat in front of her. Politely looking past her, he said, "I would like to talk with you about this proposed betrothal – about your vision and my dream. When our eyes met outside the city, yours seemed to entreat me to act on your behalf. I thought I saw recognition and even longing. But when we got here your eyes were filled with loathing. Are you willing to talk with me? To look me in the eye without veiling your feelings? To speak with me in candor about what you expected and how I somehow must have failed you?"

As he finished, Ophiram lowered his eyes to Baara, the intense blue orbs filled with entreaty. He was surprised to find Baara's eyes focused intently on him as though searching for something. When their eyes met, she flushed slightly, but she her gaze did not waver.

"I too would like to talk with you," Baara admitted. "I also am confused. I saw the recognition in your eyes, likewise. But after you claimed me, you treated me as though I didn't exist. You slung me onto the camel like a sack of grain without even asking permission. I must admit that I felt demeaned and let my anger take over during the ride back to camp."

Folding his long legs under him, Ophiram sat cross-legged in front of her. With his bronze color darkening in consternation, he stammered, "Please forgive my rash actions. I admit I did not really think about how you would feel. I did not mean to demean you. I was just overcome by the emotional confrontation, and when Naaman suggested we come here, I acted thoughtlessly."

With that issue out of the way, the two began to talk about their dreams. Baara admitted to Ophiram that she too had dreamed of him three times, but her dreams had been over the course of years, not months. "Your face was so clear in my mind that I would have recognized you anywhere," she admitted. "Your blue eyes, of course, are distinctive. Even though there are other men with blue eyes, I don't know if there is another pair set so deeply under bristly black brows in a face dominated by patrician cheekbones. I have searched the market for a tall man with a distinctive curved nose guarded by those blazing blue eyes."

Realizing that she had given away much about her obsession with him, Baara dropped her eyes in embarrassment, her color once again rising. Reaching out his hand and cupping her chin, he gently tilted her head so that their eyes once again locked. As he did a current seemed to flow between them, shocking them both with its intensity. Snatching his hand back hastily, Ophiram once again choked out an apology.

"Forgive me for my forwardness. I didn't mean to do anything improper. I just wanted you to look into my eyes and know I was not self-conscious about your description. I too have searched for your face in the crowds the last few months. Your features are impressed on my mind as though the fires in my brother's pottery kiln imprinted them there. I have had to stop myself from appearing lecherous by looking into the eyes of strange women, hoping to find your expressive brown eyes peering back at me."

Despite his seriousness, Baara could not stop herself from laughing as she conjured up the image of some irate shrew striking out at Ophiram, calling him a rake or worse. Wiping tears of mirth from her eyes, she apologized, "Please forgive my merriment. I am afraid I have an unruly imagination that sometimes creates amusing images at inappropriate times. I could picture a shrewish old hag striking out at you, calling you a lecherous reprobate." Then snickering again, she continued with obvious amusement, "And that reminded me of when I told a friend in Damascus about seeing you looking at me above the crowds in a dream. She speculated that I dreamed of my future husband and that you might be a descendent of the Philistine giant Goliath. I almost dropped my water jug as I pictured a huge man in wedding attire going to claim a bride whose head reached his knee. He was so large he picked up his bride and tucked her under his arm and carried her to his home for the ceremony."

Chuckling, Ophiram answered, "I don't mind your laughter. I admit that I too sometimes find myself amused when the situation would dictate a serious demeanor. It is a bonus that I will get a bride with a similar sense of humor. Isn't Yahweh good?"

"He certainly is," Baara responded fervently. "He has stood by me patiently, even when I almost hated Him after my family died. He drew me back to Himself and showed me how much He loved me. I still don't understand why He spared me and not my family. But I trust Him. I did not know for sure that Yahweh sent my dreams of you until I saw you yesterday. The angel told me I would live out my life on my ancestral lands with a husband from my tribe and lineage. He informed me I would know without a doubt who was the right husband for me when the time came, but offered no further enlightenment. When I saw your face, I finally understood that cryptic message. I knew you were the man because I recognized you from my dreams, dreams that made no sense and had no meaning until you appeared at the back of the crowd."

"Tell me about this angel," Ophiram said. "I must admit I thought angel visitations were a thing of the past and then were limited to prophets and leaders. Were you awake or did the angel appear in a dream?"

"I'm not sure," Baara admitted with a sigh. "I know it sounds strange. I think I was awake, but it's possible I dosed. You see; it was late at night. I was sitting under an olive tree in the courtyard praying. I was focused on a particular star that seemed to grow brighter as I prayed. My prayer started out normally. I was praising Yahweh for healing Naaman and for his conversion. After a while, though, my mind ceased to form words. It was like I was communicating with Yahweh without the need for language. I could feel His love surrounding me even as I sent my love and gratitude toward Him. Then suddenly this man stood before me, but he wasn't an ordinary man. He shone like a star. While he had a body and substance, his skin appeared translucent and light seemed to emanate from deep within him. His sudden appearance scared me, and I shrank against the tree trunk, covering my eyes. I guess that is why I believe I was awake," she said, her eyes growing distant as she recreated the scene in her mind. "In my memory I can still feel the rough bark against my back and smell dirt on my skin as I covered my eyes. I can hear the deep tones of his voice as he tells me not to be afraid because I have found favor in the eyes of Yahweh."

"As though such a statement would dispel fear," she said with a laugh, shaking her head. "Who wouldn't be a little frightened if singled out by Yahweh? I was less afraid, though, and able to listen as he told me that Yahweh was pleased with my faithfulness in witnessing to Naaman's wife who in turn relayed my stories to Naaman himself. He said my faithfulness in prayer resulted in Naaman's conversion and the name of Yahweh being on the lips of the men of Damascus. The strange thing is, I didn't even think of what I was doing as witnessing. When Maacah said she would petition her gods for me, I didn't even try to stop her. I thought I might have failed Yahweh somehow in my timidity. But by telling her stories from my heritage and by making her privy to God's work in healing my soul, I guess I was doing what Yahweh wanted. I felt humbled. I mean, shouldn't the God of the Universe know that I didn't do much, that I was sometimes weak and afraid?"

"I'm sure He knew," Ophiram replied. "But He was able to use even your weakness to bring Him honor and glory. I doubt there are many Israelite captives who forgive their captors and send them to our prophets for healing. I think you sell yourself short, Baara. I think. . ." his voice faltered as Baara inhaled noisily and dropped her eyes, her skin taking on the tale-tell swarthiness.

When Ophiram spoke Baara's name in conversation, the utterance had been almost a caress. Surprised to hear him address her by name and to hear behind it the tones reminiscent of the love and reverence Naaman had for Maacah, Baara involuntarily gasped and dropped her eyes, hiding the feelings invoked by his use of her name.

Realizing too late that he had used her name, showing a familiarity not permitted between unmarried men and women, he groaned aloud, saying, "I am such a dolt. I keep putting my foot in my mouth, and that is not easy for such a big paw," he finished ruefully, holding up a foot easily twice the size of the normal man's. "I am sorry that I used your name in too familiar a manner. I guess it just seems like I should be able to do that. I have seen you in my dreams and felt your entreaty in my sleep. I didn't know your name then, but it still fell from my lips naturally. Please, forgive me," he ended reaching his hand toward her in supplication, but stopping in midair without touching her face as he had earlier.

This time, though, Baara boldly raised her head and brashly reached out and caught his large hand between her two small ones. Disregarding the now expected shock of feeling when they touched, she looked into his eyes and said passionately, "You needn't apologize. I am not easily offended by the disregard of convention. What shocked me was not the use of my name, but the tone behind it. It, it," she said groping for the proper words, "it sounded almost like you held me in high respect and esteem. It is the tone I hear used by Naaman when he talks to Maacah with affection," she finished, coloring again, but not taking her eyes from him, or loosening her grip on his hand. Being a sensitive, empathic person, she wanted to see his feelings in his eyes and detect any undercurrents that might course through his body.

Much to her surprise, he did not pull away or drop his gaze. Instead, he reached out with his other hand and covered hers. Squeezing her hand slightly, he said, "You heard true. I do hold you in high regard. Naaman told us the story of your capture and your struggles to overcome the nightmares. He told us how you prayed to Yahweh and how He relieved your nocturnal disturbances. He told us how you ministered to his wife and shared stories of your heritage with the other slaves. He told how you faced humiliation when the other slaves were jealous of you and begged forgiveness for them in the name of Yahweh. I already had feelings for the girl who begged my help in my dreams. But those feelings were unsubstantiated hopes. The respect I have for you now is based on seeing you in action outside the city gates and hearing of your bravery and faithfulness in Damascus. When I faltered I was about to tell you that I think Yahweh rewarded your humility and your availability to be used by Him. I am sure what I feel for you will deepen as we build a life together, but our marriage will already have a strong foundation. I respect your integrity. I admire the determination you showed as you faced the derogatory crowd this morning. I applaud your willingness to flaunt conventionality and face me honestly before our betrothal is finalized."

Slowly extricating her hands from his, Baara said softly, "But will you still respect me when you know everything?"

"What more is there to know?" Ophiram asked. "Naaman told us your history in his household. You were just reaching womanhood when you were captured. What could you have possibly done in your childhood that would cause me to lose respect for you?"

Dropping her hands into her lap, Baara looked down and nervously began to pick at the fabric of her dress. "I fear there is something Naaman left out of his story," she said as she raised her eyes from her hands and once again looked Ophiram in the face. Taking a deep breath, she continued. "What I am going to tell you now is painful for me. I fear I will be unable to look you in the face during the telling. And I want you to know I will not hold you to your hasty declaration today. If you do not wish to wed me, I will understand."

Searching her eyes, Ophiram declared, "I can think of only one thing that would make me question my resolve to marry you. And even then I would have to consider the circumstances before deciding," he concluded firmly.

Coloring, Baara still plunged in. "I assume you refer to the possibility that I might have lost my virginity during the raid and its aftermath. I haven't. What Naaman said is true, I am a virgin." Then pausing, squeezing her eyes shut as though in prayer, and taking a deep breath, she continued, "But I won't be able to prove to a woman's satisfaction that I am a virgin." Opening her eyes and peeking up at Ophiram's set face, she began her explanation, "One of my fellow slaves in Damascus was the daughter of a healer. Zipporah plotted to find a way to gain power by becoming the second wife of one of Naaman's sons, Arisai. She hated me because I was chosen as Maacah's personal maid while she and others who had been there longer than I continued to work in the back. Her diabolical plan was to get me to support her efforts to become nanny to Arisai's children so she could slip a love potion into his food. She knew I would not voluntarily help and so she schemed to blackmail me into cooperation. She aborted a fetus from another slave and preserved it in a jar. She then got me to go with her into the women's slave quarters. Two others waited inside. They held me down and gagged me while Zipporah, she, she, she," Baara faltered, swallowed convulsively and then completed the sentence. "She took her abortion tool and destroyed my maidenhead. She told me that she would tell Maacah that the fetus was mine and that Naaman was the father if I did not do as she instructed. That night I cried out in prayer to Yahweh. He told me to trust Maacah with the story. I did. She examined me and found evidence of the penetration and a splinter of wood left by the tool. Since Naaman had been called away that morning, she believed my story. She knew he could not be the culprit. She trapped Zipporah and my name was cleared. But she could not restore me physically. Any woman who examines me will think I have had intercourse because she will know that I have been penetrated."

As she talked, Baara was not even aware that tears had escaped her eyes and run down her face. Only when she felt Ophiram's hand once again gently cup her chin and the fingers from his other hand carefully brush away her tears, did she realize that she was crying. Through the haze of pain and grief that the telling resurrected, she heard his already cherished voice say softly, "Oh, Baara, my sensitive, sweet Baara. Why would this keep me from wanting to marry you? Did you think I would believe this story was made up to cover indiscretions by Naaman's men? You have done nothing to make me think you would be a part of such deceit. All of your actions have practically shouted that you are a woman of integrity. Even if Naaman's men had raped you, I would have married you. That would not have been your fault. The scenario I spoke about that might have made me reconsider my marriage proposal was not a loss of virginity, per se. I would have only withdrawn my proposal if you told me you had an assignation with one of Naaman's sons, and he was bringing you here to avoid disgrace to the family. I don't think I could wed a woman who had willingly given herself to another man outside wedlock. But this thing you have told me, it has no power to sway my decision. It does not damage the respect and high esteem I hold towards you. I don't care if a woman examines you and thinks you are not a virgin. I won't even subject you to such an examination. I will simply tell my family that I am satisfied with your word and that of your master. I will tell them I do not wish to humiliate you with a personal examination. I am sure my family will respect my wishes in the matter."

When she heard his words, tears began to fall afresh down Baara's cheeks. Tersely wiping them away, she smiled through the tears. "I am such a silly woman. Disregard these tears. They are tears of happiness. I do not deserve your esteem. You don't really know me. You have no reason to believe me. Thank you, Ophiram. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. I will forever be in your debt."

Returning her smile, he answered. "Of course I have reason to believe you. Those eyes speak volumes. I don't think you could lie while looking at me. Those black pools reflect your every feeling and your expressive face gives away anything your eyes try to hide. Why do you think I asked to talk to you without a veil," he ended with a laugh. "I had seen your revealing face in my dreams and in person. I knew you could not hide your true feelings and motives if you were forced to speak to me without hiding behind a veil. Women usually have an advantage. They often learn at a young age to lower an invisible veil over their eyes, masking their feelings. I don't think you will ever perfect that art Baara. Your eyes will always betray you, or at least I hope so. I would hate to imagine looking into those eyes and not seeing hope," he paused and looked momentarily deep into Baara's eyes and then concluded, "And yes, even love reflected there."

Blushing prettily, Baara told Ophiram that he probably should rejoin his brother and Naaman as they had talked long and there were not a lot of hours left before sundown. Rising hurriedly to his feet, Ophiram told Baara she might want to wipe her face that was splotched from crying because she would be expected to join them shortly to discuss the land claim. As he hastily exited, Baara went to the basin and splashed water on her face.

As Ophiram entered the other tent on one side, Naaman exited the other side. Manoah hailed his younger brother, saying with a smile "Well, it is about time, brother. I was beginning to fear we were going to have to forcibly remove you from the tent. The sun is falling in the western sky ,and we have yet to discuss the land. Naaman has gone to fetch his wife and the girl. Before they return, I need to discuss something with you and give you one last opportunity to change your mind."

"If you're going to tell me that Baara cannot prove her virginity, you needn't bother," Ophiram interrupted. "She told me the story of Zipporah's treachery. I believe her, and I do not intend to subject her to the indignity of an examination anyway."

"You talked to her about her virginity?" Manoah said in disbelief, his voice going up an octave as he voiced the question.

Laughing at his incredulity, Ophiram countered, "Close you mouth, big brother. It is not polite to gape. When she comes in here I don't want you staring at her like that. And, yes, we did talk about her virginity. I didn't exactly ask. I just told her there was only one thing that would get me to reconsider my marriage proposal. She was the one who actually brought up the topic. She told me she would not blame me if I recanted after she told her story. I thought she was going to tell me the Armenian soldiers had raped her. Instead she told me that while she was a virgin, there was no physical proof. I do not need physical proof, Manoah. I know I probably sound foolish and besotted, but I looked into her eyes. I know the story was not a fabrication."

"I agree," Manoah said. "I don't think I would have ever thought of such a wild tale as an explanation. I too am sure she is still a virgin. But I didn't want you to be married to someone that you had questions about, to always wonder if perhaps you had been duped."

As Naaman, Maacah and Baara entered the tent, Ophiram concluded quickly, "You needn't worry any longer, big brother. Let's get on with the discussion so we are prepared to face the men this evening."