The Red Tent (2014) s01e02 Episode Script
Part 2
For thousands of years, I have been lost to the world, me, Dinah Where's my Dinah? Jacob's only daughter.
And it was here in this sacred place where I came to know the secrets and wisdom and love of my mothers.
Where will we go? That's Shechem, where the king lives.
She's the most powerful oracle in all of Canaan.
- Hello, mother.
- She cut you.
It's how Rebecca marks all her slaves.
The only thing you and I have in common is my father, and you lost him.
As will you.
His name is Shalem and he's the son of the king.
In love? You've just met him! My son has married your daughter.
Why was I not consulted? Name your price and I will pay it.
You're asking the opinion of a boy? A boy who sees things you cannot.
Demand the foreskins of all the men of Shechem! Jacob, I agree to your terms.
I just don't understand why Shalem would agree to such a thing.
He must love you very much.
We'll get our revenge and father will never overlook us again.
Dinah! No, no.
Shalem No! No! No! No! No No! No! Let's go.
Father Is that Simon and Levi? Bring her.
What is all this? No more than what we are owed.
Dinah! What have you done? Dinah! Where is she hurt? Is she dead? Not dead or hurt.
- Whose blood is this? - Shalem's.
And the king's and every man in Shechem.
They're all dead.
We decided to give them a second cut.
A little higher and deeper than the first.
You murdered them? You wanted to make a bride price.
Now they've paid it.
What of the price we will pay? This tribe? Your family? Do you have any idea of the shame that will rain down on us? There are no men left to fight us.
And you think that means there won't be a reckoning? We're finished here.
We need to leave quickly.
Bilhah, help my mother take care of Dinah.
The rest of you, start breaking camp! We will forever be fugitives, disgraced in the eyes of God.
You Monster! No! Simon, stop! Jacob! Jacob! I call you by your name because I can no longer call you "father!" I do not know you! Dinah, it was not his blade that killed Shalem.
No, it was his pride.
His arrogant, "God-fearing" pride that demanded there be a first blade! The one that left Shalem and every other man in bed, feverish and unable to fight back.
I didn't know what Simon and Levi would do.
And yet you allow them to live, when they have my husband's blood on their hands? What would you have me do? They are my sons.
And I am only a daughter, which means I am nothing more than a piece of property! Nothing compared to the loss of your name, or your land.
A true daughter would have shown me the respect of waiting for my consent.
Instead of allowing yourself to be taken like a bitch in heat.
If anyone has shamed this family, it's you.
You avenge sin with greater sin! There was no sin! We were married! Your sons have slaughtered righteous men! How does that not sicken you? I curse you to a life without peace, without happiness, and all that you treasure, you will lose.
You are no longer my father, and this is no longer my home.
Oh, leave Leave her.
Dinah So, that's how you decided to make amends with our brothers? By betraying me! No, I had nothing to do with that.
I saw you with blood on your hands, watching what they were doing to me! I thought you were dead.
I am.
Dinah! Where will you go? Back to Shechem.
To bury my husband.
And after that? I'll never see you again, will I? I'll always take you with me, mother, wherever I go.
You must try to keep some broth down.
We still have a long journey ahead.
You will need your strength.
My white shawl, the one Shalem gave me, where is it? I had it taken away.
It was soaked in his blood.
I'm sick.
Please, just leave me alone.
If I do that, you will die.
Then let me die.
I can't.
Why? Why should you even care? Everything that you loved, my brothers took away from you.
No.
Not everything.
Stop.
Stop! It isn't this ride that is making you sick.
You are with child.
That is why you will drink this broth, and that is why you will stay alive, so that, together, we can bring Shalem's son into the world.
And what world is that? The one I grew up in.
Egypt.
Weeks later, we arrived in the city of Thebes, where the queen's brother welcomed us into his palace to await the birth of my child.
You're doing so well, Dinah.
Push! Dinah, breathe.
Your son is almost here.
Mother It's all right, I'm here.
I'm afraid.
I know you are.
I was, too.
You have to push now, my love.
Push.
Mother? Breathe You are doing so well, Dinah.
It won't be long now.
Breathe, Dinah Breathe You have to push now, my love.
Push Push! Push! Meryt, what's wrong? The child has moved no further.
Dinah, wake up, your baby needs you.
You have to open your eyes, my love, to help him.
He's your son.
Give me the mirror.
His shoulder's stuck.
Give her the knife.
He needs more room.
I'll call for a surgeon.
No, there's no time, he's losing air! Give her the knife! Make a downward cut.
Once his shoulder is out, I need you to no Do it now! Cut! Cut! He's Just waking up.
Shh, shh, shh I name you Bar-Shalem.
He's strong.
Like his mother.
Like my mother.
Thank you, Meryt.
We did it together, my friend.
Though, from what I saw, you are more skilled as a midwife than I am, and I am Very good.
My aunt Rachel taught me.
I was going to be one.
Once.
Well Try and rest now.
I'll be back to check on you later.
Shh Look, Shalem.
Look at our beautiful son.
How is he? What is it, Meryt? Where is Bar-Shalem? His name is Re-Mose, and here in Egypt, he is my son.
Meryt, you may leave us.
No You did well, my dear.
Indeed, you were magnificent.
The son you have brought to me and my family will be a prince of Egypt, and for that I will forever be grateful.
I don't understand.
He will know you gave him life, nothing more.
You will remain here in the palace, as his nursemaid, and for that, you will be grateful.
What? Why are you doing this? I'm I'm his mother.
If you wish to remain in his life, then you will say nothing to him of what happened in Shechem, and you will never speak of your brothers.
You cannot keep him from me.
I want to see him.
I want to see my son.
He will be brought to you as soon as he wakes and needs to be fed.
But I warn you again, Dinah.
What he learns of his father, he will learn from me.
If you ever speak of his past, if you call him Bar-Shalem even once, you will lose him forever.
Don't go wait! No.
No No No! Find them.
Shh Go! Go! Open up! Open up! Help me, please.
Over here! No No! No.
No.
No! No! No! No, don't! Don't! You cannot! No, please! No! You selfish little fool.
Even if you had survived, what kind of life could you possibly have given him, alone and penniless? Would you have him be a beggar instead of a prince? No Is that what you think Shalem would have wanted for his son? No He would have wanted him to be with his mother.
With me, the woman he loved! A woman who, with one word from me, could be put to death for kidnapping a royal son.
Believe me, I have condemned men for far less.
The rules have changed, Dinah.
You are now in service to me, tending to the needs of my son.
You will have access to the nursery only when necessary, and never on your own.
No! And you will sleep in the underground quarters, with the rest of the slaves.
How many? Three in the last five days.
Maybe when the rains come, our luck will change.
I keep thinking God will show me the right path, but I fear even he has abandoned me.
All I have left now are your dreams.
What are they telling you? That we must keep moving.
The signs still point to the northwest, though I cannot tell you why.
Perhaps there are some curses that we aren't meant to escape.
Do you ever see her, in your dreams? Not for a long time.
Either she is hiding herself from me, or Or the sister I loved is dead.
How many times will he listen to Joseph before he sees there is no use? The only ones making a profit in this forsaken land are the slave traders.
Then let's go trade.
Dinah you should be resting.
You haven't yet healed.
I'm fine.
She has no right to keep you here.
What choice do I have? He's my son.
And she stole him from you.
Is that not punishment enough? What happened between the two of you that would ever make her do such a thing? It doesn't matter now.
I won't leave him, Meryt.
He's my son.
He's all I have left.
You could come and work with me.
I've got more than I can handle.
No.
You have a gift, Dinah.
I saw it the night Re-Mose was born.
I said, no! That is not who I am anymore.
I know you mean well, but this is my life now.
Whatever I suffered at the hands of the queen, I was made whole again in those few precious moments each day with my son.
He was the miracle that kept me alive.
For him, I could bear anything.
Did you find him? Only his coat.
Wild animals must have killed him and dragged his body away.
My boy.
My beautiful boy.
No No! My boy! My boy! Oh, look there That's a sailing ship.
Can you see anything? I can see a sword, a tiny sword.
Oh, you won't win any battles with that one.
That's a fine sword you have there.
I'm going to be a warrior, just like my father! Then you will be a great one, indeed.
Did you ever see him fight? Did he rescue you in battle? No, but I did see his scars, though.
He had one right there on his leg, and the other one, on his shoulder, so I know he was really brave.
I would rescue you.
I wouldn't be afraid.
Every great warrior feels afraid, and that's where courage comes from.
No! Ow! You already did save me.
The day you were born? Phew you were a fighter, even back then.
What did my father fight for? Oh, for the people he loved.
Like mother and uncle? Yes.
Re-Mose! Bye.
Time to come inside.
Coming, mother.
He's a fine boy, and obviously fond of his mother.
He loves the queen very much.
I wasn't speaking of the queen.
I don't know what you just overheard, but I didn't have to.
He has your eyes.
And do carpenters usually make a habit of noticing such things? Depends on the eyes.
Perhaps you should pay more attention to what you're doing, and less to the people around you.
Perhaps.
Ma! Ma! Re-Mose? Ma! Re-Mose? What is it? Mother says I must go away.
The plan cannot be altered.
He will travel to Memphis and be trained as a scribe.
His destiny is for him to decide and not you.
If Re-Mose studies under the vizier, he will become an important man, with power.
If you truly love him, you will be my ally on this, and let go of him, to the life he deserves.
Ma! Coming, Re-Mose.
Werenro? Dinah I cannot stay long.
How is it that you're here at all? A dancer in Egypt.
My grandmother Rebecca is still alive, and she would have me executed if she ever found me.
You ran away? As far as I could.
Just like you.
Dinah, I am truly sorry for what your brothers did to you.
And to Joseph.
Joseph? Simon and Levi took their revenge on him as well.
He was sold into bondage and taken away on a slave ship.
Rebecca saw it in her visions.
What of my mothers? Did she see anything of them? If she did, she said nothing to me.
But however they've suffered, they are survivors.
And so are you.
Take care, Dinah.
I'm so proud of you, Re-Mose.
You're going to learn so much.
And just think of all the stories you'll have for me when I next see you.
Can't you come with me? You have to be brave, my sweet boy, and I am always with you.
Right here.
How many years before he returns? As many as it takes.
You are released from your service to me and from this palace as your home.
My service was to my son and not to you.
This was never my home.
I was wondering if you would excuse me, do you know anyone who has a I was told you might have a small room to let? No, wait, wait, wait.
Please, I What would this afford me? For three years I kept to myself, growing my herbs, and hoping for Re-Mose's return.
Use these for the poultice and the rest you should brew into a strong tea.
What a day.
Two deliveries, and the second one twins.
I could have used your help.
I'm sure you did fine on your own.
I'm only saying You have been saying for years.
Relentlessly.
It was one thing when you had Re-Mose to look after, but now you're free to use your talents as a midwife.
And I have told you that was part of my other life, the one I left behind.
Well, if I'm relentless, you're stubborn.
As stubborn as these weeds of yours.
And which of these weeds might you be short on today? Fennel.
Mm.
Please Is there any news of Re-Mose? It's been three years, and I thought by now surely he must have sent The young master is still away at school.
You know where to find me, if he should want to send Yes, you've told us, many times.
It's all right.
Just rest for a moment.
Thank you.
How far along are you? How did you know? I was brought up in a tribe full of women.
Someone was always with child.
One learns the signs.
I'm I've had some bleeding.
That isn't unusual.
I can give you some herbs.
It will help, if you like.
They say you're a witch from the desert.
Well, if healing toothache and stomach pains makes me a witch, then I'm hardly one to be afraid of.
Take these.
Thank you.
My name is Ahouri.
A servant under my employ once spent a year in prison.
He told me that during his time there, he shared a cell with a man who was a great interpreter of dreams.
A man who could divine the future.
Was he speaking of you? I have been plagued by the same dream for many months now.
Tell me what it means and I will spare your life.
You are a foreigner, are you not? What is your name? Slaves have no name, my king.
Your given name, then.
Before you came to Egypt.
Joseph.
Dinah! My wife Ahouri.
Something isn't right.
How long has she been in labor? Most of the night.
There's a square south of the market.
Find the house of a woman named Meryt, and tell her I sent you.
Go! Ahouri, listen to me.
Your baby is breached.
I have to try and turn him and it's going to be painful.
Where is she? I waited, but she never came home.
I told her neighbors to send her here.
Is she dying? She has no strength left.
We have to find a way to give it to her.
Daughters of Inanna Great mother to us all we thank you for your blessings Anyone? I need your help.
Ahouri has given up.
She needs our strength.
We're here with you, Ahouri.
You're not alone.
You're not alone.
I know you can do this.
Thank God.
My wife is inside with Dinah.
She needs your help.
Meryt! She's ready, we need the bricks.
Ahouri, I need you to sit up.
That's it.
I'm going to need you to make one last push.
Are you ready? Ezri Do you want to see your daughter? Go go.
Go inside.
That night, they stole into the city, and they killed Shalem, and the king, and every other man they could find.
All of them dead at the hands of my brothers, and all of it done in my name.
That's what you've been carrying around all these years? And I thought if I could just Be someone else.
If I could bury my mothers' voices, and The girl that I was, then it would all stay buried, and I would feel nothing.
What I saw you do in there, that is who you are.
Not a princess, or a slave, but a woman of strength, and if that strength is born of your mothers, and the red tent, then those are things that you can never turn your back on.
Though it was Meryt who spoke these words, it was Leah I felt there beside me, and I knew that she had never truly left.
My mothers had given me a gift, and it was mine to pass on.
After the birth of Ahouri's daughter, word spread through Thebes of the foreign-born midwife.
If they still thought me a witch, they were all too happy to make use of my sorcery.
And then Seven years after I'd said goodbye to Re-Mose I was summoned to the palace.
I should have given you this a long time ago.
He did love you so.
I was wrong to make you suffer.
You weren't to blame for what your brothers did.
Forgive me.
Rest.
We are at peace now.
Ma.
Re-Mose I'm here, mother.
My sweet, handsome boy.
I am sorry to be leaving you.
Sorry for so many things.
I heard you talking to ma.
What did you mean about her brothers? Is it true? The men who murdered my father were your brothers? You have enough sorrow in your heart for one day Answer me! Yes.
And I used to think you were just a slave.
But you're much lower than that.
You have the blood of murderers in your veins, which means I do as well.
Re-Mose, no, please.
My son Don't touch me.
And don't ever call me that again.
I had stayed in Thebes for only one reason, and it was now gone to me, and so, when Meryt told me that midwives were needed across the river, in the valley of the kings, I did not look back, but set my sights forward, to join her there.
Faster! Get a move on! And it was there, in this city of tomb-makers, that I began again.
Work harder! Work harder! Get up! Get up! No, stop! Stop! She should not be doing this work.
She's pregnant.
And what concern is that of yours? I'm a midwife.
Oh? Out here all on your own? Looks to me like you're no one's wife.
Stop! She's with me! How is that, carpenter? The wood we're carving in the tombs needs to be treated.
I asked her to bring the oils for it.
Get her out of my sight.
What are you looking at? Move! Don't turn around.
- But - Keep walking.
We can't just leave her there.
And you can't help her if you're dead.
Do you even realize the kind of danger you put yourself in? Both of us? I didn't ask for your help.
No, as I recall, the last advice you gave me was to mind my own business.
Lucky for you, I didn't take it.
Faster! Move! What brings you to the valley anyway? I thought you were in service to the queen.
The queen is dead.
I live here now.
With your son? The boy I saw you with that day.
I can walk alone, thank you.
You're injured.
I'm not letting you walk alone.
And I have nothing to say about it? Oh, I'm sure you have plenty to say about it.
You usually do.
She could have died.
She'll likely die anyway, giving birth, most of the slaves do.
Oh, so you're saying I should just accept that and do nothing? I'm saying if you want to change things, there are better ways of doing it will you stop walking away from me? - I live here! - What's going on? You're bleeding.
It's nothing serious.
But it might have been.
Do you two know each other? - No - Yes - We just met.
- For the second time.
And you still haven't told me your name.
It's Dinah.
And you are Benia.
It doesn't look too deep.
My carpentry shop is just up the street.
If I can ever be of service.
Stay out of trouble Dinah.
Thank you, Meryt.
Excuse me? Excuse me! Excuse me! What What are you doing here? Meryt hired me to fix the roof.
Oh, well, Meryt's gone for the day.
I know.
She asked me to have it finished by the time she got back, which would be a lot easier if I didn't have someone distracting me.
It's rare to see a lotus growing here in the middle of the city.
Even rarer to see one made out of pearl.
It's beautiful.
You seem surprised.
No, I'm just curious why a man who can create something like this would want to fix roofs.
Because I also want to eat.
There isn't much profit in making pieces only the king can afford.
Well.
Seems you also have a talent.
My wife always dreamed of having a garden like this.
She died of river fever, just after we were married.
I'm sorry.
It was a long time ago.
Well It's never long enough, is it? Why do you never speak of him? Your son.
I need to get these to the market.
I can't accept this.
I'm working.
If you don't want it, leave it there on the table.
I'm sorry, I didn't mean to It's all right.
Dinah No, Benia.
I'm broken.
I don't know how to be anything else.
I've lost my son.
I've lost my husband.
Don't, please, don't.
You don't want this, you don't want this What are you doing? Looking at my wife.
If you look much longer, you're gonna be late for work.
Can't help it.
You're a very difficult woman to leave.
Then don't.
The next years were the sweetest of my life.
The days passed gently, and the fact that there was little to mark one from the next seemed a great gift to me.
Neither of us gave voice to the names of our dead loved ones, and for this act of respect, they permitted us to live in peace, and to place our hearts in each other's keeping.
It was more than enough.
We are looking for the foreign-born midwife! Open the door! The foreign-born midwife! Open the door! Send her out.
What do you want with her? We are to bring the midwife to the vizier's palace in Thebes.
On whose authority? Mine.
Re-Mose? Benia, this is my son.
When did you return to Thebes? When the vizier moved there a year ago.
I'm in his service, as a scribe.
What does he want with your mother? His wife is in labor.
She has miscarried twice, and nearly died from a stillbirth.
My master fears for her and has sent me to find the best midwife in Thebes.
They all spoke of the foreign-born woman with the golden hands, and they sent me here to the valley.
If I'd known it was you, I Forgive the intrusion.
No Go.
Re-Mose, wait.
Whatever you may think of me, you will not find a better midwife.
Take me with you, and I swear I will deliver your master's child safely.
As-Naat? I'm Dinah.
I'm here to help you through this, all right? This one is probably dead, too.
If it is, let me die with him.
Your baby is very much alive.
He's just resting up for the journey.
The midwife has arrived, Vizier.
She's in with your wife now.
See that she doesn't fail.
Is there any news? None good, I'm afraid.
And the midwife Is she as skilled as they say? Not in any way I've seen, but she's kept the girl alive so far, and that's a miracle in itself.
Shh Close your eyes, close your eyes, and breathe.
Listen to me, where I come from, it was our tradition to give birth in a red tent, and all the women in the camp, they would gather, they would be holding hands and chanting softly.
Blessing the mother with their love, and their strength.
Can you feel them around you? Push! One more, one more.
Breathe! It's a boy.
It's beautiful, beautiful boy.
Master, you have a son.
Must you leave so soon? My work is done.
I will stay another night, just in case you need me, but I have no doubt you will heal swiftly.
How will I ever repay you? Love him well.
Is there anything you need? I'm fine.
You may assure your master that his son is strong and healthy.
Actually, it's you I wished to speak to.
The vizier is deeply grateful for your service.
He is hosting a banquet in a week's time to celebrate the birth.
He'd be most honored if you would attend.
The honor is mine.
You are welcome to stay here in the palace until then.
That is, I I would like you to stay.
I'd like that, too.
Your husband Benia.
Is he good to you? Very.
I'm glad.
I'm very sorry that I wasn't.
The things I said to you that day.
Forgive me.
I was I was wrong.
No.
No, you were young, and had been told a truth too awful to imagine.
Why did they do it? Greed.
Envy.
Revenge.
They'd convinced themselves that I had been defiled.
They couldn't believe that a prince would choose to marry a Shepherd's daughter, and yet he did, and we loved each other deeply.
All those years, why did you never tell me? I was forbidden to.
The queen demanded my silence when it came to your past, and mine.
Why would you agree to that? You did it to be with me, didn't you? It was the only way she'd let you stay.
As a servant.
Re-Mose, you were all that she had left of her son.
And every time she looked at me, she saw my brothers, and they took everything from her.
And your suffering didn't matter? My suffering is over.
We are together again.
No more secrets.
There's still so much I don't know.
What would you like to hear? Everything.
Oh I'm out of practice.
I'm listening.
My mother's name was Leah.
One day, when Rachel was fetching water You can wait here if you'd like.
I'll get you some wine.
Thank you.
Joseph Dinah? Joseph.
I didn't I didn't know.
For years, I cursed our brothers for what they did to me, until I realized God's purpose behind it To bring me to Egypt, so that I could foresee the famine that awaited its people.
Did you dream of it? No.
No, the pharaoh did.
I merely interpreted it for him, but But because of that, I rose to a position to be able to save those who would otherwise starve, including our family.
I moved them to Egypt years ago, to give them refuge from the famine.
And you've seen them? Our mothers? Rachel died, giving birth to a son, Benjamin.
He's a fine young man.
And Leah? When I last saw Judah, he told me that that she'd died three years ago.
Peacefully, in her sleep, surrounded by her nieces and granddaughters.
And what of you, sister? Have you found your peace? I have found a man who loves me, and now I have found my son And my dear brother who I'd long thought dead.
Joseph.
Joseph! So it's true? You are Joseph of Canaan.
That was a long time ago.
And you've been hiding from it ever since, praying that no one would learn of the blood on your hands! Re-Mose What will you do now that there are two of us who can expose you? Will you slit our throats as you did my father's? No! No! Re-Mose, listen to me! Joseph had nothing to do with your father's murder! It was our brothers, Simon and Levi.
Is that what he told you? That's what I know! You heard it spoken that your master rose up, out of the bonds of slavery And it was Simon and Levi who put him there.
They stole Joseph's life from him, as they did mine, and as they did yours.
No! Wait! Wait! Execute him.
No! Wait! Joseph! Joseph Execute him! No! No! Joseph, I beg you I have no choice.
To threaten the life of a vizier is a treasonous offense, punishable by death.
Sparing him would weaken my authority.
Being merciful is a sign of strength, not weakness.
Great men cannot afford to be merciful! Not when they've suffered as I have! God tested me, Dinah.
He stripped me of everything my humanity, my dignity, everyone I loved, until I had nothing left but my faith.
That is what I survived on, and that is why he put me here.
Where is your faith now? That you would kill your own nephew out of fear? Re-Mose is your blood.
Which he wanted to slit from my throat.
As he believed you had done to his father! Do you think you're the only one who's paid a price? What of Re-Mose's suffering? What of mine? What of our mothers'? What of all the families in Shechem? It is time for this to end.
Enough blood has been shed because of what Jacob started, and you must be the one to end it.
He is my son, Joseph.
My son! What would you do? What if he were your son? Would you not want him to be shown mercy? And how do you know this is not another one of God's tests? I can't answer that.
Well then, perhaps you are not as great a man as you think.
He will be executed in the morning.
How much time do we have? I don't know.
I will stay with you until it's over.
I suppose you'll tell me to be brave.
Just as you did when I was a boy, leaving you for the first time.
Forgive me for leaving you again.
I'm so sorry.
Ma, I didn't know what I was doing.
You were seeking justice for the father you never knew.
There's nothing to be sorry for.
You should have known him, Re-Mose, and if it was the sins of my brothers who took him away, then it was my own sin for not giving him back to you, for letting even a single day go past without telling you of the man that he was.
And how much he loved me, and honored me And how much I see of him in his son.
Ah, Re-Mose, your father was as beautiful as the sunset for which he was named, and the day you were born, the name I gave you as I held you to my breast was "Bar-Shalem.
" "Son of the sunset.
" I do not have to tell you to be brave.
You are your father.
And he was the bravest man I've ever known.
There is a ship leaving in two days.
I've arranged passage for you up to the north country, by the sea.
You will journey under a different name, with a letter from me securing you a position there.
You will never return to Thebes.
Thank you, Uncle.
It is more than I deserve.
No, Re-Mose.
It isn't.
Thank you.
We will see each other again.
I know.
What name did you give him? The one he requested.
Bar-Shalem.
You sent for me? Jacob is dying.
Our brothers say that he will not live out the season, that he's calling for his children.
Jacob has been dead to me for years, and I to him.
He was angry, and not in his right mind, but I know he wept over losing you.
Did he weep when I lay at his feet, covered in Shalem's blood? Why should I give comfort to a man who spared none for me? For the same reason you asked me to forgive Re-Mose! Because it is time for this to end.
I sent for your husband.
He's waiting for you, outside in the courtyard.
It's your choice, Dinah.
You may leave at once and return home with him.
Or you can come with me to face our father and the life that was lost to us.
It will be all right.
You know, then? What he is asking of me? I will go with you.
No, I can't.
Dinah! No.
I will hear no more about Jacob.
My heart is with you now.
I know.
But do you think I don't see the pain that it still carries? And until you heal it, no solace I can offer you will ever be enough.
Go.
Find your peace.
Then let me take you home and love you for the rest of our days.
The place where Re-Mose is going will he be happy there? The north coast is beautiful.
He'll fall in love with the sea.
They all do.
But not you? It's different when you cross it in chains.
Yes.
It is.
You must have been as scared as I was.
I don't remember feeling afraid.
Only lost, and very much alone.
God never spoke to me as he did to you and Jacob.
God's will isn't done in words, Dinah.
It's in what we become.
Oh Of course, he spoke to you.
He made you a mother.
Benjamin.
Brother.
Hello, Ben.
It was good of you to make the journey.
We only got word of it yesterday.
This is Dinah And her husband, Benia.
Welcome, both of you.
I'm Rachel's son.
I'd know her face anywhere.
How is father? It won't be long now.
His mind is nearly gone, as well as his sight.
Sometimes, he will recognize a voice, but it's likely he won't remember yours, or know who you are.
Go.
Judah's wife asked me to give you this.
She said Leah wanted you to have it.
Leah? But this was your mother's ring.
Rachel gave it to her the night that Benjamin was born.
Leah wore it for the rest of her life.
So they finally made their peace? Maybe this was her way of telling you That she'd died with a forgiving heart, and wanted the same for you.
Rachel? Is that you? W why did you leave me? I can't bear it.
My beloved.
Shh Just rest.
That voice I know it from somewhere.
It's me, Father.
It's Dinah.
Dinah.
Yes.
I had a daughter named Dinah.
But I lost her.
I can't remember how.
How did I lose her, Rachel? How did I lose my little girl? Shh It doesn't matter now.
It doesn't matter.
Will you stay with me? Until I fall asleep? Yes.
Yes.
Close your eyes.
I'll be right here.
I'll be right here, Father.
Shh, shh, shh.
Oh Dinah? We were hoping you'd come to us.
I'm Judah's wife, Tola, and these are my daughters, Kiri and Vania.
Welcome, Aunt Dinah! We're so happy to finally meet you! You must be tired.
Come, sit.
Where we've heard all about your stories here in the red tent.
Aunt Rachel always told that story the best, though the shepherd's daughter who married the prince.
When I fall in love, it will be just like that.
You see? You were never gone, my sweet girl.
Remembering, loving each other That is our gift.
Our gift to pass down.
Leah spoke of you every day.
She never stopped believing you were alive.
We used to imagine where you might be living.
Is it a palace? My home in Egypt is nothing as grand as that.
Behind it, I have a garden and by night, the blossom withers, its perfume lingers Do you still dream, Joseph? Sometimes.
And what do you see? Hope.
I'm ready.
Let's go home.
Egypt loved the lotus because it never dies.
It's the same when people are loved.
Thus can something as insignificant as a name, two syllables, one high, one sweet, summon up the innumerable smiles and tears, and dreams, of a human life.
Dinah!
And it was here in this sacred place where I came to know the secrets and wisdom and love of my mothers.
Where will we go? That's Shechem, where the king lives.
She's the most powerful oracle in all of Canaan.
- Hello, mother.
- She cut you.
It's how Rebecca marks all her slaves.
The only thing you and I have in common is my father, and you lost him.
As will you.
His name is Shalem and he's the son of the king.
In love? You've just met him! My son has married your daughter.
Why was I not consulted? Name your price and I will pay it.
You're asking the opinion of a boy? A boy who sees things you cannot.
Demand the foreskins of all the men of Shechem! Jacob, I agree to your terms.
I just don't understand why Shalem would agree to such a thing.
He must love you very much.
We'll get our revenge and father will never overlook us again.
Dinah! No, no.
Shalem No! No! No! No! No No! No! Let's go.
Father Is that Simon and Levi? Bring her.
What is all this? No more than what we are owed.
Dinah! What have you done? Dinah! Where is she hurt? Is she dead? Not dead or hurt.
- Whose blood is this? - Shalem's.
And the king's and every man in Shechem.
They're all dead.
We decided to give them a second cut.
A little higher and deeper than the first.
You murdered them? You wanted to make a bride price.
Now they've paid it.
What of the price we will pay? This tribe? Your family? Do you have any idea of the shame that will rain down on us? There are no men left to fight us.
And you think that means there won't be a reckoning? We're finished here.
We need to leave quickly.
Bilhah, help my mother take care of Dinah.
The rest of you, start breaking camp! We will forever be fugitives, disgraced in the eyes of God.
You Monster! No! Simon, stop! Jacob! Jacob! I call you by your name because I can no longer call you "father!" I do not know you! Dinah, it was not his blade that killed Shalem.
No, it was his pride.
His arrogant, "God-fearing" pride that demanded there be a first blade! The one that left Shalem and every other man in bed, feverish and unable to fight back.
I didn't know what Simon and Levi would do.
And yet you allow them to live, when they have my husband's blood on their hands? What would you have me do? They are my sons.
And I am only a daughter, which means I am nothing more than a piece of property! Nothing compared to the loss of your name, or your land.
A true daughter would have shown me the respect of waiting for my consent.
Instead of allowing yourself to be taken like a bitch in heat.
If anyone has shamed this family, it's you.
You avenge sin with greater sin! There was no sin! We were married! Your sons have slaughtered righteous men! How does that not sicken you? I curse you to a life without peace, without happiness, and all that you treasure, you will lose.
You are no longer my father, and this is no longer my home.
Oh, leave Leave her.
Dinah So, that's how you decided to make amends with our brothers? By betraying me! No, I had nothing to do with that.
I saw you with blood on your hands, watching what they were doing to me! I thought you were dead.
I am.
Dinah! Where will you go? Back to Shechem.
To bury my husband.
And after that? I'll never see you again, will I? I'll always take you with me, mother, wherever I go.
You must try to keep some broth down.
We still have a long journey ahead.
You will need your strength.
My white shawl, the one Shalem gave me, where is it? I had it taken away.
It was soaked in his blood.
I'm sick.
Please, just leave me alone.
If I do that, you will die.
Then let me die.
I can't.
Why? Why should you even care? Everything that you loved, my brothers took away from you.
No.
Not everything.
Stop.
Stop! It isn't this ride that is making you sick.
You are with child.
That is why you will drink this broth, and that is why you will stay alive, so that, together, we can bring Shalem's son into the world.
And what world is that? The one I grew up in.
Egypt.
Weeks later, we arrived in the city of Thebes, where the queen's brother welcomed us into his palace to await the birth of my child.
You're doing so well, Dinah.
Push! Dinah, breathe.
Your son is almost here.
Mother It's all right, I'm here.
I'm afraid.
I know you are.
I was, too.
You have to push now, my love.
Push.
Mother? Breathe You are doing so well, Dinah.
It won't be long now.
Breathe, Dinah Breathe You have to push now, my love.
Push Push! Push! Meryt, what's wrong? The child has moved no further.
Dinah, wake up, your baby needs you.
You have to open your eyes, my love, to help him.
He's your son.
Give me the mirror.
His shoulder's stuck.
Give her the knife.
He needs more room.
I'll call for a surgeon.
No, there's no time, he's losing air! Give her the knife! Make a downward cut.
Once his shoulder is out, I need you to no Do it now! Cut! Cut! He's Just waking up.
Shh, shh, shh I name you Bar-Shalem.
He's strong.
Like his mother.
Like my mother.
Thank you, Meryt.
We did it together, my friend.
Though, from what I saw, you are more skilled as a midwife than I am, and I am Very good.
My aunt Rachel taught me.
I was going to be one.
Once.
Well Try and rest now.
I'll be back to check on you later.
Shh Look, Shalem.
Look at our beautiful son.
How is he? What is it, Meryt? Where is Bar-Shalem? His name is Re-Mose, and here in Egypt, he is my son.
Meryt, you may leave us.
No You did well, my dear.
Indeed, you were magnificent.
The son you have brought to me and my family will be a prince of Egypt, and for that I will forever be grateful.
I don't understand.
He will know you gave him life, nothing more.
You will remain here in the palace, as his nursemaid, and for that, you will be grateful.
What? Why are you doing this? I'm I'm his mother.
If you wish to remain in his life, then you will say nothing to him of what happened in Shechem, and you will never speak of your brothers.
You cannot keep him from me.
I want to see him.
I want to see my son.
He will be brought to you as soon as he wakes and needs to be fed.
But I warn you again, Dinah.
What he learns of his father, he will learn from me.
If you ever speak of his past, if you call him Bar-Shalem even once, you will lose him forever.
Don't go wait! No.
No No No! Find them.
Shh Go! Go! Open up! Open up! Help me, please.
Over here! No No! No.
No.
No! No! No! No, don't! Don't! You cannot! No, please! No! You selfish little fool.
Even if you had survived, what kind of life could you possibly have given him, alone and penniless? Would you have him be a beggar instead of a prince? No Is that what you think Shalem would have wanted for his son? No He would have wanted him to be with his mother.
With me, the woman he loved! A woman who, with one word from me, could be put to death for kidnapping a royal son.
Believe me, I have condemned men for far less.
The rules have changed, Dinah.
You are now in service to me, tending to the needs of my son.
You will have access to the nursery only when necessary, and never on your own.
No! And you will sleep in the underground quarters, with the rest of the slaves.
How many? Three in the last five days.
Maybe when the rains come, our luck will change.
I keep thinking God will show me the right path, but I fear even he has abandoned me.
All I have left now are your dreams.
What are they telling you? That we must keep moving.
The signs still point to the northwest, though I cannot tell you why.
Perhaps there are some curses that we aren't meant to escape.
Do you ever see her, in your dreams? Not for a long time.
Either she is hiding herself from me, or Or the sister I loved is dead.
How many times will he listen to Joseph before he sees there is no use? The only ones making a profit in this forsaken land are the slave traders.
Then let's go trade.
Dinah you should be resting.
You haven't yet healed.
I'm fine.
She has no right to keep you here.
What choice do I have? He's my son.
And she stole him from you.
Is that not punishment enough? What happened between the two of you that would ever make her do such a thing? It doesn't matter now.
I won't leave him, Meryt.
He's my son.
He's all I have left.
You could come and work with me.
I've got more than I can handle.
No.
You have a gift, Dinah.
I saw it the night Re-Mose was born.
I said, no! That is not who I am anymore.
I know you mean well, but this is my life now.
Whatever I suffered at the hands of the queen, I was made whole again in those few precious moments each day with my son.
He was the miracle that kept me alive.
For him, I could bear anything.
Did you find him? Only his coat.
Wild animals must have killed him and dragged his body away.
My boy.
My beautiful boy.
No No! My boy! My boy! Oh, look there That's a sailing ship.
Can you see anything? I can see a sword, a tiny sword.
Oh, you won't win any battles with that one.
That's a fine sword you have there.
I'm going to be a warrior, just like my father! Then you will be a great one, indeed.
Did you ever see him fight? Did he rescue you in battle? No, but I did see his scars, though.
He had one right there on his leg, and the other one, on his shoulder, so I know he was really brave.
I would rescue you.
I wouldn't be afraid.
Every great warrior feels afraid, and that's where courage comes from.
No! Ow! You already did save me.
The day you were born? Phew you were a fighter, even back then.
What did my father fight for? Oh, for the people he loved.
Like mother and uncle? Yes.
Re-Mose! Bye.
Time to come inside.
Coming, mother.
He's a fine boy, and obviously fond of his mother.
He loves the queen very much.
I wasn't speaking of the queen.
I don't know what you just overheard, but I didn't have to.
He has your eyes.
And do carpenters usually make a habit of noticing such things? Depends on the eyes.
Perhaps you should pay more attention to what you're doing, and less to the people around you.
Perhaps.
Ma! Ma! Re-Mose? Ma! Re-Mose? What is it? Mother says I must go away.
The plan cannot be altered.
He will travel to Memphis and be trained as a scribe.
His destiny is for him to decide and not you.
If Re-Mose studies under the vizier, he will become an important man, with power.
If you truly love him, you will be my ally on this, and let go of him, to the life he deserves.
Ma! Coming, Re-Mose.
Werenro? Dinah I cannot stay long.
How is it that you're here at all? A dancer in Egypt.
My grandmother Rebecca is still alive, and she would have me executed if she ever found me.
You ran away? As far as I could.
Just like you.
Dinah, I am truly sorry for what your brothers did to you.
And to Joseph.
Joseph? Simon and Levi took their revenge on him as well.
He was sold into bondage and taken away on a slave ship.
Rebecca saw it in her visions.
What of my mothers? Did she see anything of them? If she did, she said nothing to me.
But however they've suffered, they are survivors.
And so are you.
Take care, Dinah.
I'm so proud of you, Re-Mose.
You're going to learn so much.
And just think of all the stories you'll have for me when I next see you.
Can't you come with me? You have to be brave, my sweet boy, and I am always with you.
Right here.
How many years before he returns? As many as it takes.
You are released from your service to me and from this palace as your home.
My service was to my son and not to you.
This was never my home.
I was wondering if you would excuse me, do you know anyone who has a I was told you might have a small room to let? No, wait, wait, wait.
Please, I What would this afford me? For three years I kept to myself, growing my herbs, and hoping for Re-Mose's return.
Use these for the poultice and the rest you should brew into a strong tea.
What a day.
Two deliveries, and the second one twins.
I could have used your help.
I'm sure you did fine on your own.
I'm only saying You have been saying for years.
Relentlessly.
It was one thing when you had Re-Mose to look after, but now you're free to use your talents as a midwife.
And I have told you that was part of my other life, the one I left behind.
Well, if I'm relentless, you're stubborn.
As stubborn as these weeds of yours.
And which of these weeds might you be short on today? Fennel.
Mm.
Please Is there any news of Re-Mose? It's been three years, and I thought by now surely he must have sent The young master is still away at school.
You know where to find me, if he should want to send Yes, you've told us, many times.
It's all right.
Just rest for a moment.
Thank you.
How far along are you? How did you know? I was brought up in a tribe full of women.
Someone was always with child.
One learns the signs.
I'm I've had some bleeding.
That isn't unusual.
I can give you some herbs.
It will help, if you like.
They say you're a witch from the desert.
Well, if healing toothache and stomach pains makes me a witch, then I'm hardly one to be afraid of.
Take these.
Thank you.
My name is Ahouri.
A servant under my employ once spent a year in prison.
He told me that during his time there, he shared a cell with a man who was a great interpreter of dreams.
A man who could divine the future.
Was he speaking of you? I have been plagued by the same dream for many months now.
Tell me what it means and I will spare your life.
You are a foreigner, are you not? What is your name? Slaves have no name, my king.
Your given name, then.
Before you came to Egypt.
Joseph.
Dinah! My wife Ahouri.
Something isn't right.
How long has she been in labor? Most of the night.
There's a square south of the market.
Find the house of a woman named Meryt, and tell her I sent you.
Go! Ahouri, listen to me.
Your baby is breached.
I have to try and turn him and it's going to be painful.
Where is she? I waited, but she never came home.
I told her neighbors to send her here.
Is she dying? She has no strength left.
We have to find a way to give it to her.
Daughters of Inanna Great mother to us all we thank you for your blessings Anyone? I need your help.
Ahouri has given up.
She needs our strength.
We're here with you, Ahouri.
You're not alone.
You're not alone.
I know you can do this.
Thank God.
My wife is inside with Dinah.
She needs your help.
Meryt! She's ready, we need the bricks.
Ahouri, I need you to sit up.
That's it.
I'm going to need you to make one last push.
Are you ready? Ezri Do you want to see your daughter? Go go.
Go inside.
That night, they stole into the city, and they killed Shalem, and the king, and every other man they could find.
All of them dead at the hands of my brothers, and all of it done in my name.
That's what you've been carrying around all these years? And I thought if I could just Be someone else.
If I could bury my mothers' voices, and The girl that I was, then it would all stay buried, and I would feel nothing.
What I saw you do in there, that is who you are.
Not a princess, or a slave, but a woman of strength, and if that strength is born of your mothers, and the red tent, then those are things that you can never turn your back on.
Though it was Meryt who spoke these words, it was Leah I felt there beside me, and I knew that she had never truly left.
My mothers had given me a gift, and it was mine to pass on.
After the birth of Ahouri's daughter, word spread through Thebes of the foreign-born midwife.
If they still thought me a witch, they were all too happy to make use of my sorcery.
And then Seven years after I'd said goodbye to Re-Mose I was summoned to the palace.
I should have given you this a long time ago.
He did love you so.
I was wrong to make you suffer.
You weren't to blame for what your brothers did.
Forgive me.
Rest.
We are at peace now.
Ma.
Re-Mose I'm here, mother.
My sweet, handsome boy.
I am sorry to be leaving you.
Sorry for so many things.
I heard you talking to ma.
What did you mean about her brothers? Is it true? The men who murdered my father were your brothers? You have enough sorrow in your heart for one day Answer me! Yes.
And I used to think you were just a slave.
But you're much lower than that.
You have the blood of murderers in your veins, which means I do as well.
Re-Mose, no, please.
My son Don't touch me.
And don't ever call me that again.
I had stayed in Thebes for only one reason, and it was now gone to me, and so, when Meryt told me that midwives were needed across the river, in the valley of the kings, I did not look back, but set my sights forward, to join her there.
Faster! Get a move on! And it was there, in this city of tomb-makers, that I began again.
Work harder! Work harder! Get up! Get up! No, stop! Stop! She should not be doing this work.
She's pregnant.
And what concern is that of yours? I'm a midwife.
Oh? Out here all on your own? Looks to me like you're no one's wife.
Stop! She's with me! How is that, carpenter? The wood we're carving in the tombs needs to be treated.
I asked her to bring the oils for it.
Get her out of my sight.
What are you looking at? Move! Don't turn around.
- But - Keep walking.
We can't just leave her there.
And you can't help her if you're dead.
Do you even realize the kind of danger you put yourself in? Both of us? I didn't ask for your help.
No, as I recall, the last advice you gave me was to mind my own business.
Lucky for you, I didn't take it.
Faster! Move! What brings you to the valley anyway? I thought you were in service to the queen.
The queen is dead.
I live here now.
With your son? The boy I saw you with that day.
I can walk alone, thank you.
You're injured.
I'm not letting you walk alone.
And I have nothing to say about it? Oh, I'm sure you have plenty to say about it.
You usually do.
She could have died.
She'll likely die anyway, giving birth, most of the slaves do.
Oh, so you're saying I should just accept that and do nothing? I'm saying if you want to change things, there are better ways of doing it will you stop walking away from me? - I live here! - What's going on? You're bleeding.
It's nothing serious.
But it might have been.
Do you two know each other? - No - Yes - We just met.
- For the second time.
And you still haven't told me your name.
It's Dinah.
And you are Benia.
It doesn't look too deep.
My carpentry shop is just up the street.
If I can ever be of service.
Stay out of trouble Dinah.
Thank you, Meryt.
Excuse me? Excuse me! Excuse me! What What are you doing here? Meryt hired me to fix the roof.
Oh, well, Meryt's gone for the day.
I know.
She asked me to have it finished by the time she got back, which would be a lot easier if I didn't have someone distracting me.
It's rare to see a lotus growing here in the middle of the city.
Even rarer to see one made out of pearl.
It's beautiful.
You seem surprised.
No, I'm just curious why a man who can create something like this would want to fix roofs.
Because I also want to eat.
There isn't much profit in making pieces only the king can afford.
Well.
Seems you also have a talent.
My wife always dreamed of having a garden like this.
She died of river fever, just after we were married.
I'm sorry.
It was a long time ago.
Well It's never long enough, is it? Why do you never speak of him? Your son.
I need to get these to the market.
I can't accept this.
I'm working.
If you don't want it, leave it there on the table.
I'm sorry, I didn't mean to It's all right.
Dinah No, Benia.
I'm broken.
I don't know how to be anything else.
I've lost my son.
I've lost my husband.
Don't, please, don't.
You don't want this, you don't want this What are you doing? Looking at my wife.
If you look much longer, you're gonna be late for work.
Can't help it.
You're a very difficult woman to leave.
Then don't.
The next years were the sweetest of my life.
The days passed gently, and the fact that there was little to mark one from the next seemed a great gift to me.
Neither of us gave voice to the names of our dead loved ones, and for this act of respect, they permitted us to live in peace, and to place our hearts in each other's keeping.
It was more than enough.
We are looking for the foreign-born midwife! Open the door! The foreign-born midwife! Open the door! Send her out.
What do you want with her? We are to bring the midwife to the vizier's palace in Thebes.
On whose authority? Mine.
Re-Mose? Benia, this is my son.
When did you return to Thebes? When the vizier moved there a year ago.
I'm in his service, as a scribe.
What does he want with your mother? His wife is in labor.
She has miscarried twice, and nearly died from a stillbirth.
My master fears for her and has sent me to find the best midwife in Thebes.
They all spoke of the foreign-born woman with the golden hands, and they sent me here to the valley.
If I'd known it was you, I Forgive the intrusion.
No Go.
Re-Mose, wait.
Whatever you may think of me, you will not find a better midwife.
Take me with you, and I swear I will deliver your master's child safely.
As-Naat? I'm Dinah.
I'm here to help you through this, all right? This one is probably dead, too.
If it is, let me die with him.
Your baby is very much alive.
He's just resting up for the journey.
The midwife has arrived, Vizier.
She's in with your wife now.
See that she doesn't fail.
Is there any news? None good, I'm afraid.
And the midwife Is she as skilled as they say? Not in any way I've seen, but she's kept the girl alive so far, and that's a miracle in itself.
Shh Close your eyes, close your eyes, and breathe.
Listen to me, where I come from, it was our tradition to give birth in a red tent, and all the women in the camp, they would gather, they would be holding hands and chanting softly.
Blessing the mother with their love, and their strength.
Can you feel them around you? Push! One more, one more.
Breathe! It's a boy.
It's beautiful, beautiful boy.
Master, you have a son.
Must you leave so soon? My work is done.
I will stay another night, just in case you need me, but I have no doubt you will heal swiftly.
How will I ever repay you? Love him well.
Is there anything you need? I'm fine.
You may assure your master that his son is strong and healthy.
Actually, it's you I wished to speak to.
The vizier is deeply grateful for your service.
He is hosting a banquet in a week's time to celebrate the birth.
He'd be most honored if you would attend.
The honor is mine.
You are welcome to stay here in the palace until then.
That is, I I would like you to stay.
I'd like that, too.
Your husband Benia.
Is he good to you? Very.
I'm glad.
I'm very sorry that I wasn't.
The things I said to you that day.
Forgive me.
I was I was wrong.
No.
No, you were young, and had been told a truth too awful to imagine.
Why did they do it? Greed.
Envy.
Revenge.
They'd convinced themselves that I had been defiled.
They couldn't believe that a prince would choose to marry a Shepherd's daughter, and yet he did, and we loved each other deeply.
All those years, why did you never tell me? I was forbidden to.
The queen demanded my silence when it came to your past, and mine.
Why would you agree to that? You did it to be with me, didn't you? It was the only way she'd let you stay.
As a servant.
Re-Mose, you were all that she had left of her son.
And every time she looked at me, she saw my brothers, and they took everything from her.
And your suffering didn't matter? My suffering is over.
We are together again.
No more secrets.
There's still so much I don't know.
What would you like to hear? Everything.
Oh I'm out of practice.
I'm listening.
My mother's name was Leah.
One day, when Rachel was fetching water You can wait here if you'd like.
I'll get you some wine.
Thank you.
Joseph Dinah? Joseph.
I didn't I didn't know.
For years, I cursed our brothers for what they did to me, until I realized God's purpose behind it To bring me to Egypt, so that I could foresee the famine that awaited its people.
Did you dream of it? No.
No, the pharaoh did.
I merely interpreted it for him, but But because of that, I rose to a position to be able to save those who would otherwise starve, including our family.
I moved them to Egypt years ago, to give them refuge from the famine.
And you've seen them? Our mothers? Rachel died, giving birth to a son, Benjamin.
He's a fine young man.
And Leah? When I last saw Judah, he told me that that she'd died three years ago.
Peacefully, in her sleep, surrounded by her nieces and granddaughters.
And what of you, sister? Have you found your peace? I have found a man who loves me, and now I have found my son And my dear brother who I'd long thought dead.
Joseph.
Joseph! So it's true? You are Joseph of Canaan.
That was a long time ago.
And you've been hiding from it ever since, praying that no one would learn of the blood on your hands! Re-Mose What will you do now that there are two of us who can expose you? Will you slit our throats as you did my father's? No! No! Re-Mose, listen to me! Joseph had nothing to do with your father's murder! It was our brothers, Simon and Levi.
Is that what he told you? That's what I know! You heard it spoken that your master rose up, out of the bonds of slavery And it was Simon and Levi who put him there.
They stole Joseph's life from him, as they did mine, and as they did yours.
No! Wait! Wait! Execute him.
No! Wait! Joseph! Joseph Execute him! No! No! Joseph, I beg you I have no choice.
To threaten the life of a vizier is a treasonous offense, punishable by death.
Sparing him would weaken my authority.
Being merciful is a sign of strength, not weakness.
Great men cannot afford to be merciful! Not when they've suffered as I have! God tested me, Dinah.
He stripped me of everything my humanity, my dignity, everyone I loved, until I had nothing left but my faith.
That is what I survived on, and that is why he put me here.
Where is your faith now? That you would kill your own nephew out of fear? Re-Mose is your blood.
Which he wanted to slit from my throat.
As he believed you had done to his father! Do you think you're the only one who's paid a price? What of Re-Mose's suffering? What of mine? What of our mothers'? What of all the families in Shechem? It is time for this to end.
Enough blood has been shed because of what Jacob started, and you must be the one to end it.
He is my son, Joseph.
My son! What would you do? What if he were your son? Would you not want him to be shown mercy? And how do you know this is not another one of God's tests? I can't answer that.
Well then, perhaps you are not as great a man as you think.
He will be executed in the morning.
How much time do we have? I don't know.
I will stay with you until it's over.
I suppose you'll tell me to be brave.
Just as you did when I was a boy, leaving you for the first time.
Forgive me for leaving you again.
I'm so sorry.
Ma, I didn't know what I was doing.
You were seeking justice for the father you never knew.
There's nothing to be sorry for.
You should have known him, Re-Mose, and if it was the sins of my brothers who took him away, then it was my own sin for not giving him back to you, for letting even a single day go past without telling you of the man that he was.
And how much he loved me, and honored me And how much I see of him in his son.
Ah, Re-Mose, your father was as beautiful as the sunset for which he was named, and the day you were born, the name I gave you as I held you to my breast was "Bar-Shalem.
" "Son of the sunset.
" I do not have to tell you to be brave.
You are your father.
And he was the bravest man I've ever known.
There is a ship leaving in two days.
I've arranged passage for you up to the north country, by the sea.
You will journey under a different name, with a letter from me securing you a position there.
You will never return to Thebes.
Thank you, Uncle.
It is more than I deserve.
No, Re-Mose.
It isn't.
Thank you.
We will see each other again.
I know.
What name did you give him? The one he requested.
Bar-Shalem.
You sent for me? Jacob is dying.
Our brothers say that he will not live out the season, that he's calling for his children.
Jacob has been dead to me for years, and I to him.
He was angry, and not in his right mind, but I know he wept over losing you.
Did he weep when I lay at his feet, covered in Shalem's blood? Why should I give comfort to a man who spared none for me? For the same reason you asked me to forgive Re-Mose! Because it is time for this to end.
I sent for your husband.
He's waiting for you, outside in the courtyard.
It's your choice, Dinah.
You may leave at once and return home with him.
Or you can come with me to face our father and the life that was lost to us.
It will be all right.
You know, then? What he is asking of me? I will go with you.
No, I can't.
Dinah! No.
I will hear no more about Jacob.
My heart is with you now.
I know.
But do you think I don't see the pain that it still carries? And until you heal it, no solace I can offer you will ever be enough.
Go.
Find your peace.
Then let me take you home and love you for the rest of our days.
The place where Re-Mose is going will he be happy there? The north coast is beautiful.
He'll fall in love with the sea.
They all do.
But not you? It's different when you cross it in chains.
Yes.
It is.
You must have been as scared as I was.
I don't remember feeling afraid.
Only lost, and very much alone.
God never spoke to me as he did to you and Jacob.
God's will isn't done in words, Dinah.
It's in what we become.
Oh Of course, he spoke to you.
He made you a mother.
Benjamin.
Brother.
Hello, Ben.
It was good of you to make the journey.
We only got word of it yesterday.
This is Dinah And her husband, Benia.
Welcome, both of you.
I'm Rachel's son.
I'd know her face anywhere.
How is father? It won't be long now.
His mind is nearly gone, as well as his sight.
Sometimes, he will recognize a voice, but it's likely he won't remember yours, or know who you are.
Go.
Judah's wife asked me to give you this.
She said Leah wanted you to have it.
Leah? But this was your mother's ring.
Rachel gave it to her the night that Benjamin was born.
Leah wore it for the rest of her life.
So they finally made their peace? Maybe this was her way of telling you That she'd died with a forgiving heart, and wanted the same for you.
Rachel? Is that you? W why did you leave me? I can't bear it.
My beloved.
Shh Just rest.
That voice I know it from somewhere.
It's me, Father.
It's Dinah.
Dinah.
Yes.
I had a daughter named Dinah.
But I lost her.
I can't remember how.
How did I lose her, Rachel? How did I lose my little girl? Shh It doesn't matter now.
It doesn't matter.
Will you stay with me? Until I fall asleep? Yes.
Yes.
Close your eyes.
I'll be right here.
I'll be right here, Father.
Shh, shh, shh.
Oh Dinah? We were hoping you'd come to us.
I'm Judah's wife, Tola, and these are my daughters, Kiri and Vania.
Welcome, Aunt Dinah! We're so happy to finally meet you! You must be tired.
Come, sit.
Where we've heard all about your stories here in the red tent.
Aunt Rachel always told that story the best, though the shepherd's daughter who married the prince.
When I fall in love, it will be just like that.
You see? You were never gone, my sweet girl.
Remembering, loving each other That is our gift.
Our gift to pass down.
Leah spoke of you every day.
She never stopped believing you were alive.
We used to imagine where you might be living.
Is it a palace? My home in Egypt is nothing as grand as that.
Behind it, I have a garden and by night, the blossom withers, its perfume lingers Do you still dream, Joseph? Sometimes.
And what do you see? Hope.
I'm ready.
Let's go home.
Egypt loved the lotus because it never dies.
It's the same when people are loved.
Thus can something as insignificant as a name, two syllables, one high, one sweet, summon up the innumerable smiles and tears, and dreams, of a human life.
Dinah!