I knew that Ozath’s wife and three eldest children had been killed during the destruction of Hamath. His home and barns had since been rebuilt. He was a gentle man, generally liked by those around him. Despite my uncertainty about his motives, I knew there would be more danger being outside his protection. Living and working in his home would at least provide me an excuse to avoid town.
I had heard scattered accounts of some young women, namely those alone without family, being taken advantage of. If impregnated, which I suspect was how their predators justified or got away with such horrible treatment, such women were pressed to live in communes where they could be cared for. At least that dignity was given to them, that worth, for the communes offered shelter and charity. I overheard so
