Sodom and Gomorrah

HORSE AND CART RUMBLES

For hundreds of years,

fabulous riches had accumulated

behind the walls of Sodom and Gomorrah,

cities of sin and unspeakable vice.

And the lust for power and wealth

had now reached the ever-threatening desert tribes,

whose most powerful chief

was the King of the Helamites.

Even if your prince's officers are loyal to him,

our combined attack against Sodom must await my calvary's return.

Tell your prince I look forward to the day

we spill the blood of our enemies.

Thank you, your highness.

Be careful of Sodomite patrols!

There! There she is!

Faster!

Faster!

Stop!

Get down from that horse!

No!

Who sent you to the Helamites?

Who sent you? Who sent you?

Tamar, the Prince's messenger.

She may talk.

We must get word to his highness.

While treason and intrigue were perpetrated

in Sodom and Gomorrah,

in the desert, the peaceful people,

the Hebrews, wandered in search of forage

for their herds and crops for themselves.

Amongst these Hebrews was the tribe of Abraham.

And the land was not able to bear them

that they might dwell together,

for their numbers were great.

So Abraham said unto Lot,

"If you will take the left hand,

"then I will go to the right,

"or if you depart to the right hand,

"then I will go to the left."

Lot chose and journeyed east with his people

toward the valley of the Jordan.

The journey was long and weary.

Thirst, hunger, and exhaustion

came unto Lot's people,

and so did the loss of hope

that spread amongst them the seed of dissension.

Lot said it's only for the sick to drink.

Aren't you sick, Isaac?

Do you feel well? Rip them open.

Let the cold water rush over your hands,

let it wet your lips, fill your mouth.

Don't, please!

Then when Lot gets angry,

you'll say, "But Lot, can't you see I'm sick?

"I die for water." Take it.

No.

Go on. Take it. Here. Take it.

No!

CROWD SHOUTING

Wait, Isaac. Wait!

Please. I want a drink. I'm sick, Lot.

I'm sick. It was put here for the sick.

Help him.

But who made him sick?

Who goaded him so he lost control?

I say Lot did.

I say we turn back.

When we are almost within a few days,

even a few hours of our destination?

Lot's unfit to lead us.

We've suffered enough.

He's crazy!

It's not our custom

to settle such matters with a weapon.

Give the word to turn back.

The council has empowered Lot to be our leader, Melchior.

It's your place to obey.

That staff belongs in my hand.

It's my place to lead.

As Melchior burns for action,

I suggest he come ahead with me.

We'll find out how far we still have to go.

Come on.

Water.

Come, let's drink.

Wait.

Where there's water, there's also danger.

Stand back!

No! Let them approach.

What are you doing here?

We're looking for water.

You'll find none at the oasis -

not since the drought three years ago.

You're Hebrews, aren't you?

Yes.

Our patrols have said for weeks you were coming.

They said your men were bearded,

but you're clean-shaven. Why?

Our men go clean-shaven

when they're in mourning.

Really? For whom? A favourite, perhaps?

A wife.

SHE LAUGHS

There's always someone to take the place of a wife, no?

How far is it to water?

Many of my people are sick.

They may also need salt.

Salt? But salt creates thirst.

It is a secret as old as my city.

When one is overcome by weakness from the sun's heat,

one needs salt.

Unfortunately, I've traded all mine

for those slaves you see.

I bought them for the Queen.

They're worth four times their weight in salt.

Poor creatures.

Am I a poor creature, too?

Does your heart ache for me?

I'm a slave, too -

chief of the Queen's body slaves.

For one human to own another is wrong - evil.

Evil?

How strange you are.

Where I come from, nothing is evil.

Everything that gives pleasure is good.

Where do you come from?

There. Not far. Just ahead.

Sodom and Gomorrah.

You citizens of Sodom and Gomorrah, beware!

Your sins cry out for extermination!

LAUGHTER

You buy men and women

as if they were objects of stone.

You treat them only

as implements for your pleasure

or machines to work!

You force them to mine

your miraculous deposits of pure white salt

to increase the power

of your infamous cities!

LAUGHTER

Yes, your power and wealth rest on salt,

and your salt is bought with the blood of slaves!

Hear me, o people of Sodom.

It's only Alabias, the old clown.

Close his mouth. I must warn the Prince.

Hyah! Hyah!

And someday they will destroy you,

just as your bloody prince

would destroy even his own sister.

Silence, old man.

You dare blaspheme against the Queen's brother?

Who is he to command loyalty

and you to speak of it?

CROWD ROARS

You, who monopolize that one commodity

more valuable in all Africa than gold -

salt!

Who use this precious stuff

to keep your cruel fingers

tight on the heartstrings of a whole continent...

who trade your salt for jewels, perfumes, or slaves

to sate the hideous appetites of your Queen

and your infamous prince!

TRADITIONAL MUSIC PLAYS

We rode hard to warn you.

I only hope that we came in time.

She has not yet arrived.

It is well done to come so fast.

You shall be rewarded.

It's enough to call for more subtle methods -

betrayal... a great defeat on the battlefield

that would disgrace her.

Then her murder would be hailed

as an act of patriotism.

And he who kills her, the next King of Sodom and Gomorrah.

My sister. She thinks herself as strong a leader

as a man might be.

But she has a little, cautious woman's mind.

I could create a state, a nation, an empire.

She seeks to conserve only what we have -

our two joined cities.

Let go of me!

Here she is.

Stupid creature.

Tamar. Tamar.

Up here.

Don't worry.

I'll protect you.

Don't worry.

GROANING AND MOANING

Quiet.

What message did he give you for me?

That the arrival of the Hebrews makes a difference.

The time is not yet.

I said quiet!

Breathe deeply.

Breathe, I said!

He's blind.

Blind? What a wonderful idea.

So delightfully imaginative.

It makes the whole affair more interesting.

Oh...

an excellent refinement.

That should certainly make the disloyal slut talk.

Utter the name that my sister wishes to know,

and your sisters will die.

You let them watch, and I shall utter it.

Of all my slaves, you were my favourite.

Weren't you happy with me?

Not even grateful?

What information did you take

to the Helamite camp?

Since when did murderers act as judges?

Since when did traitors

have the right to question?

Who sent you there?

Whoever it is,

I prefer to leave them still alive...

my legacy to your majesty in Sodom.

Lock it!

Tamar. Tamar, the slave!

Oh, no...no.

Aah!

Quickly, Arno.

Quickly. It's better this way.

No. No.

I beg you.

I'll feel less pain.

No.

I beg you, Arno.

Aah!

The name, Tamar.

Please, Arno! No!

She will die silent.

Kill the rest of the litter.

Speak! Tell me the name!

Who sent you to the Helamites?

Speak before it's too late!

Speak!

SHRIEKING

Agh-hhh-hh!

Of all of them,

this animal's the most delicate compliment to your taste.

Thank you, your majesty.

Proud, too.

They are tough, Ildith, to suppress all outcry.

I admire pride.

It had best not please you too much.

If one is to take Tamar as an example,

the life expectancy of the Queen's favourites

is distressingly brief.

You say you met them, these Hebrews?

That's more than my brother has done,

yet he hasn't ceased to warn me against them for weeks.

I wonder why.

You can see yourself the Hebrews are untrustworthy.

They're fanatics who'll do anything to propagate their faith.

And you...

you tell me they're not dangerous.

Dangerous?

Dangerous to whom?

To us.

Didn't you say they went unarmed?

The ones I saw, yes.

I'd like to see for myself

why you think them such a menace.

When my plans are perfected,

we shall visit them.

I live, my dear sister,

only to obey your orders.

As always,

he thinks no further than the point of his sword.

He thinks of these people

as a physical threat.

In a physical sense,

their presence can be useful -

in the event of an attack

from the Helamites, let's say.

In time of peace,

they live in youthful employment -

slaves of the soil.

As slaves, no.

Their leader, Lot, believes

that for one human being to own another

is wrong.

If they own no slaves,

they must be very poor.

Poor?

Yes, of course.

But they don't seem to know that they're poor.

If Lot chooses not to own slaves,

that is his affair.

But it is not always possible

to avoid becoming one,

particularly when tempted by tricksters as old as Sodom,

as long-lived as Gomorrah.

How often, even in our own marketplace,

have we heard

"Ah, but the Hebrews keep their word.

"The Hebrews can be trusted"?

Yes.

Between ourselves

and that great empire my brother dreams of

stand the Hebrews

with their newborn religion.

And between the Hebrews and the world, only Sodom.

And you, Ildith,

are you afraid of being my favourite?

The Jordan.

Where our faith will meet its bitterest test.

No Hebrew must go into those cities,

no, not even near them.

Ah.

Give the order no one is to cross the river.

No one cross the river!

No one!

Ah.

My two fine, courageous daughters,

our long pilgrimage is finally over.

EXCITED SHOUTING

You warn our people not to drink too much.

'Oh, thank you, lord, for our deliverance,

'and I humbly beg you

'to show me what we must do now.'

Take it away.

Get on there. Come on.

Old Alabias seems still alive.

What hideous place is this?

What dreadful blasphemy.

Dead and dying men,

white bones under the lord's bright sky

and his sweet sun.

Don't move.

You'll be all right. We'll take care of you.

Here. Drink.

Slowly.

What is this place?

The graveyard

for the slaves of Sodom and Gomorrah.

The flesh from these bones

was the clay that built those iniquitous cities.

FANFARE PLAYS

Move on!

Move!

Faster!

Come on. Move.

Go faster. Move!

Faster!

Move on!

The chosen people.

Or so they call themselves.

Chosen by whom?

Stop.

You were right, Ildith.

When it's dressed in homespun,

one tends to take crudity for virtue.

So long as one doesn't mistake it for weakness.

Down.

Necor.

Warn our people. No one is to cross the river.

Except you, Lot.

You must negotiate for us.

Be careful, Lot.

Don't worry.

My son and I, we're slaves of the Queen.

We will carry you across.

I have my own legs.

Please.

So we may talk.

All right.

You have no slaves?

We're only servants ourselves -

servants of Jehovah.

If my son and I could escape to you,

will you give us sanctuary?

I will.

Thank you.

Your majesty. Lot...

leader of the Hebrews,

of all places to choose from,

what was there here

that made you journey across the desert?

I'd heard the land was fertile.

For what, your crops... or your religion?

For both, perhaps.

If this land were yours,

would your people be prepared to fight for it?

The nomadic tribes are far from friendly.

We are not warriors,

but we would fight

to defend what is ours.

Then make it yours.

All this valley

for 100,000 talents of grain a year

for, say...

10 years?

It's only fair to warn you the land's barren and dry.

We could not possibly meet the price.

75,000 talents a year.

No less.

50.

Agreed.

For, say, seven years?

Still agreed.

My daughter brings a gift for your majesty

to seal the bargain.

To dry your legs.

Let me give you a gift in return -

this female slave. ..Ildith.

I will not go.

I'd rather die.

Is this why I was schooled -

to live here with herdsmen

in huts of... of stinking hide?

You were schooled to do whatever pleased my whim.

Your majesty, I must refuse.

It is against our principles

to own another human being.

Is it also against your principles

to liberate them?

Goodbye.

Good fortune.

SINGING

THEY SING A TRADITIONAL SONG

Walk faster. Come.

There's going to be trouble, Necor.

Maleb.

Father.

The women, especially the wives,

are reluctant to accept this woman.

She's an ex-Sodom slave.

But I shall point out

from the altar of the tabernacle

the need for hospitality.

Thank you, Necor.

We dressed her as you have ordered, Lot.

She complains of the fit,

but I've told her she will get used to it,

even as the rest of us.

Thank you, Ruth.

As you ordered, Lot.

Well?

Aren't you even going to look at me?

Exquisite, isn't it?

And so soft to the skin.

Do you find it more becoming

than the silks I wore when I came here?

For its purpose, yes.

What purpose?

A bird wears bright feathers

to attract other birds.

Look at this.

Or don't you agree with me?

Not at all.

Women wear clothes to shelter them from the sun,

to protect them from the cold.

That explains the fit.

You...you Hebrews confuse clothes with tents.

Oh, yes, they're loose.

That's to leave the limbs free to work.

What work?

A woman's work -

to cook, spin,

clean, follow the harvesters.

And you say slavery's against your principles?

Yes.

And yet you want me to do work

no slave of my class has ever done before.

Work is the price of freedom -

to support your own needs,

to be able to determine

how and where you will work.

To...to own yourself.

If it means sunburned face,

coarse sand, rough and dirty clothes like these,

then let me be a slave in Sodom.

Let me, too,

if it means perfumes and silks like these.

Feel it, father.

Like an angel's wing.

And the shoes. See the lovely shoes.

You'll need these when they're dry.

What would your mother have said?

What would she have said

to see the woman who owned these clothes

in our tent?

No need for a man who's lost his wife

to be ashamed of that.

Impudent!

You're forgetting that your father is the leader.

The first thing I learned as a slave

was that a leader can do no wrong.

< SHOUTING

HEATED SHOUTING

The nets!

The nets!

Run! Run!

Stop! Stop!

Return our slaves.

This land is ours.

They reached it. They're free.

Return them.

No.

Wait!

Cease fighting!

Ishmael!

Would you kill a helpless man? Would you?

Well?

Help him.

And you.

Tell your Queen that we'll care for her brother.

Shuah, take him to our tent.

And also tell her these men are now free.

We grant them sanctuary.

And now,

get off our land.

Return to Sodom!

The Sodomites will never forgive you for this.

We have no need to fear the Sodomites.

We're servants of the Lord.

We're here on God's business.

It is they who should fear us.

PRAYING IN Hebrew

The elders and Lot are offering a prayer to Jehovah.

They ask that he help us in our new venture.

It is better they ask for swords, spears, lances.

They don't yet understand.

The Sodomites are your enemies -

dangerous, ruthless.

Be careful of this Astaroth.

No matter how sweetly he speaks,

be wary of him.

I'm in your thoughts a good deal,

aren't I?

No.

Even at night?

Not at all.

Tell me... do you think of me often?

Is my skin still as soft

as the first day you bathed me?

Does my hair smell as sweet?

Does your hand still tremble?

My father told me to care for you.

I obey him, nothing more.

Not even at night?

Tent walls are thin,

and you sleep so close.

I hear you.

Your words are most...

interesting.

What words?

What words?

Should I really tell you?

Should I?

Why are you this way?

What is it?

Your... your skin...

..the door of your hair...

..why do I...

..why can't I stop feeling?

To stop feeling is to die.

You're too young for that.

Remember your dream last night.

The answer...

..lies...

there.

COCK CROWS

And he didn't even tell you he was leaving?

No.

Why should he?

He only stayed to amuse himself.

Remember how Ildith looked when she first came?

Those are the women he is used to.

That should be wide enough.

It should withstand any pressure.

How long will it take?

If our people work as hard as Eber,

we'll be ready for spring planting.

A present for Sodom's Queen.

She'll be pleased to see this burial ground turned green.

The promised land for every slave in Sodom.

You see this root?

Well, this root grows wild

all over the hills here,

and when you cut it, like this, it bleeds.

And we use the juice

to dye the nails, like this.

You see?

The more you use,

the darker it gets, until...

Now what's going on?

She had an animal's feet. I showed her.

So I see. Shuah...

..the hour is late.

The stock need watering.

You see? My father doesn't want me to be attractive.

Why can't Maleb take care of the stock?

Must she do your work along with hers?

Go along.

My daughters are attractive enough

as nature made them.

They need no adornment to make them more so.

Perhaps...perhaps the best artifice is to have none.

You know, there must be a charm

about the flesh and the skin, sunburned,

fresh from the wind...

..that we in Sodom never realized.

You think so?

Oh.

A dirt floor has its advantages.

Had that have been marble,

this pretty thing would have broken.

How strange.

Hmm?

Let me see the other hand.

Let's go near the light,

where I can see better.

You haven't the hands of a farmer at all.

Why not?

You have the hands of an important man.

Your lifeline, it's long and clear.

My lifeline is short.

That means I shall die very young.

Do you mean to say you believe in such things?

Why? Don't you?

We believe only God knows our future.

That belief gives us a faith

that moves mountains.

Soon...you'll see that faith create something

that will transform this whole land.

When you see that creation rise against the sky,

then perhaps you'll come to share our faith.

And after that fine speech,

you're going to sleep outside?

No...in the tent of Ishmael.

Of course. I should have remembered.

Here it's warm, comfortable.

Too comfortable, perhaps?

And you have to set a good example

to the men of the tribe.

Even though you wanted to stay here,

you wouldn't dare, would you?

Good night.

You're more of a slave to your beliefs

than any slave in Sodom!

BOMBASTIC MUSIC PLAYS

Though your visit

caught us by surprise, your highness,

we managed to arrange in your honour

this rather primitive display

of our marching and horsemanship.

Hardly primitive, I assure you.

The flower of a dozen desert tribes.

March them an hour longer.

Why don't you act immediately?

Patience, patience. I hear your sister has new allies.

Allies? The Hebrews live in tents of skin.

Their camp's unfortified. Their men go unarmed.

I heard the Queen's brother was unhorsed by them.

Mere chance.

They're a peaceful people.

Still, I intend to appraise with my own eyes

the strength of these... peaceful people.

All things must wait their moment.

I've trained leopards to hunt.

I can tell from the pull of the leash

when the animal's ready to spring.

That moment is not quite yet.

I await your majesty's pleasure.

To me!

To me!

That's all.

Have you seen my brother?

No, your majesty.

So, in short,

we must maintain a constant alert

and gain as many converts as possible.

When the attack comes,

we must throw our entire strength

against the Queen's forces.

CHEETAH GROWLS

Gentlemen...

how pleasant to see so many of my loyal officers

so sure of our defences

that they can afford to while away their time

in my father's favourite game...

playing it here

before his mortal remains.

You do him and our other ancestors

the kind of honour they would have relished.

Get out.

We were not as idle as you would think.

No? More to the point,

have your officers discovered

why the Hebrews spend their time in that dusty quarry?

I was just suggesting - only a theory, of course -

that those huge blocks of granite which have puzzled us

are for a temple to propitiate their voracious God.

Best to make sure.

Here, their first request for salt.

Mind they sign pledges

for every grain they need.

You might find guileless Ildith of use to you.

Ask her what they build.

A visit to the Hebrew camp. How pleasant.

Ah, yes, Lot's young daughter.

I must say that at times

you men make me envy your freedom of activity.

And nothing else?

Many things...

..as you, alone perhaps, are well aware,

sweetest brother...

..oldest and dearest enemy of all.

You drew blood.

I know.

It doesn't give you any longer pleasure?

Not even pain.

Go! Do as I order!

As you desire,

sweetest sister.

So the Sodomites think we're building

a temple to Jehovah, huh?

To Jehovah? No.

A pagan temple, I'm afraid -

to fertility.

Good neighbours, come!

We bring you gifts, beautiful gifts!

Silver, perfumes, jewels!

Gold and silver! All for you!

Come.

Come.

Gold, at the request of your leader,

but we've brought other things.

EXCITED SHOUTING

Make your houses better than your neighbours'!

Good day.

Are you not pleased to see me?

Tell me, does this man Lot

seem to be attracted to you?

I would judge so. Yes.

Good.

What is it the Hebrews build in the canyon?

I haven't found out.

It's your business to find out.

Why?

Tell me.

My dear child,

you're here precisely to keep us informed,

to seduce Lot to our customs,

to convert him, say,

even as Malech converts the women.

Tell your sister I know nothing,

and if I did, I wouldn't say.

Now, now, my love.

You know my sister doesn't take kindly to harsh words.

Why should I care?

She gave me away. I'm not her property.

I can do as I please. I own myself.

I wish you pleasure in the ownership.

Shuah!

The bird you seek took cover

there in those tall reeds.

Thank you.

I find your loyalty to Lot most touching.

Why do you hide from me?

Am I suddenly a stranger to you,

or are you angry at me for leaving?

You won't show me where you are.

Good.

That improves the game.

I have to find your tracks in the reeds.

You left tracks, you know.

You meant to leave them,

wanted to,

so that I could follow you...

and find you.

And even for an indifferent huntsman.

It's easy to follow tracks left in reeds, my Shuah,

as you well know.

We'll soon find them.

We'll find where you are.

Why do you need so much, Melchior, huh?

Why so much?

No!

You wanted me to find you. Admit it.

No!

Salt is for everyone.

It's free, like water, like the air!

In the name of the council,

Necor signs for all of us!

But why? We're not slaves!

And now you,

leave.

Leave!

Lot!

Lot!

Lot! Lot!

Astaroth and Shuah. I didn't think. Forgive me.

Down by the reeds.

Leave me.

Oh, leave me.

What restrains you?

Is it rougher treatment you expect?

You dog!

Now, run. Leave me to my pleasure or die.

Go on, kill me,

but you'll never reach Sodom alive.

No!

You want him to live?

Yes.

You once spared me.

For her, I spare you,

but now, you and I are even.

Next time, there will be no handicap.

No favour given.

No favour asked.

You touch my daughter once again -

but once again -

and by Jehovah, I'll kill you.

Lot, look!

Who are they?

Nomads. Helamites.

Perhaps now you'll agree.

It's wiser to move on.

We'll call a meeting of the council, plan our defence.

We are just coming off duty, Lot.

Oh, good, Sarah.

All the relief sentinels posted?

On all high points,

within hearing distance of each other.

Good.

But for days we've seen nothing.

Give the devil his due - or hers.

She's worked like one of us

this whole week.

What does one week prove?

They've been watching us. I'd better go.

Wait.

Look at him.

She'll have him sweeping out the tent next.

Leave them alone.

Lot!

Lot, wait.

There's something I want to ask you.

It's about Maleb and me.

We look forward to getting married.

Married?

Well, naturally, not right away.

In about six months.

Ishmael, when a man and woman love each other...

..they shouldn't live apart too long.

There are good reasons to wait -

my share of the crop,

a new household to furnish.

Whenever you decide, with my blessing.

Now give her a kiss.

You shouldn't have followed me.

Oh? Not to my own tent in broad daylight?

That's just it.

All those women at the river -

it will be all over the camp.

The breath of scandal.

You have a low opinion of me.

Have I?

You confuse me with my office.

Lot the leader of the tribe would never do this,

so, of course, neither would Lot the man.

Now here is Lot the man,

and his heart is pounding

like an idiot boy.

He didn't set out for his tent,

but his legs brought him here.

Lot.

So? Let it be all over camp.

Must I deny myself what other people take

as naturally as bread and salt?

Yes. Your people must think of you

as a good man.

Good? Why not dull...

grey, old, boring?

That wasn't what I meant.

What has my being a good man

to do with me being here with you

in my own tent?

Please, Lot.

Is it because you think I'm a good man

and that you're not a good woman

because you once lived in Sodom?

You could never conceive the life I lived in Sodom.

I want you for my wife.

You mustn't love me.

Why?

I don't know. You just mustn't.

My good wife.

It's not for what I've done.

It's for what I may do someday.

I may never believe in this Jehovah.

You will.

I may never be happy in clothes like these.

You will be.

Perhaps...perhaps something in me will betray us,

and I will want to go back to Sodom.

That's a chance I will take.

Why do you disturb me?

Why can't you say this to the guards?

Doesn't one favour call for another?

Did not Melchior show you the way

to Lot's daughter?

Other favours I'm prepared to perform,

but perhaps you're not interested in the first Hebrews

who wish to become citizens of Sodom.

Favours in the past are happily remembered.

Favours yet to come will be rewarded.

Be assured that here you are most welcome.

Open!

Open!

Melchior betrayed us.

What else must you say?

To Sodomites, nothing,

but to Hebrews who betray us, much.

To us you're dead.

Hollow words of an empty religion.

I'd say you're all mad

if I hadn't seen this great dam you've built.

Help! Help me, Father!

Help!

Father!

No! No!

Don't take him!

Please, let me go!

You've been so wise, so clever.

You dug a pit for them

and fell into it yourself.

You talked the Hebrews into overpaying for a wasteland,

and now with their dam,

that land will yield enough to pay for itself

in two short years.

Now time is on their side...

my gracious sister.

But Melchior brought other information...

too.

That Lot was going to marry Ildith.

You think it's not important?

It proves to me

that the leader of these impregnable people

is not so impregnable,

that time is on my side.

Speak.

Your majesty,

the leader of the Hebrews -

Lot - he awaits with a group of his advisers.

They wish to speak to you.

Tell Lot I'll speak to him, but alone.

This is excellent.

He delivered himself into our hands.

We can finish with Lot

and leave the Hebrews without a leader.

And Sodom without allies?

Your eagerness to serve touches me.

Put away that weapon and wait outside.

Why must I always be treated as a child?

I want to speak to Lot alone.

My brother is suffering

from a slight attack of hurt pride.

Pay no attention to him.

You've come to reclaim Melchior?

I care nothing for traitors,

but where are the ex-slaves

he helped abduct from me yesterday?

To clear your head

and calm your temper, Lot.

Where are they?

I want them back.

It is our pleasure to give you pleasure,

so let us make you comfortable.

You're wasting your time.

I didn't come here to be drowned in wine

and smothered in cushions.

I'm the leader of the Hebrews.

I came to speak with the leader of the Sodomites.

Leave us.

You want me to speak not as a woman

but as ruler of Sodom?

Very well. But you speak as leader of the Hebrews,

and, if you please,

not as the self-appointed prophet of an imaginary deity.

We will both dispense with camouflage.

Do you want to see the slaves

that were recaptured?

Come.

Where does he go with so grim a face?

Wherever he goes it will serve him not.

Our general's wrath is aroused.

The wicked will not escape.

A man on free land is free.

If not, we aren't masters of the land we buy from you.

In that case, we must move on.

Who told you I'd mind if you left?

Was it Ildith?

Nobody told me.

You asked if I'd be willing

to fight for the land.

Since then I've assumed that our presence here

suits your purpose,

but perhaps I was wrong.

One moment.

I can afford to be generous.

The three recaptured slaves

are to be unchained and delivered

back to the Hebrews.

Yes, your majesty.

And the right of sanctuary?

As you insist it be part of your land, that, too.

You refused to drink with me before.

Drink now

to celebrate a covenant

between two good enemies.

We are enemies, are we not?

Our peoples? No.

Our philosophies? Yes.

FRENZIED SHOUTING

Do you see any lack of spirit there?

Detect any weakness now?

Nothing but high spirits -

hot blood.

I bow to your good judgment,

but if it is to be done,

it should be done now.

You have never asked my price.

I assumed there would be one.

For years we nomadic people paid dreadful tribute

for the salt from your city.

Now our turn has come.

One half of Sodom's yearly output of salt.

Agreed.

The leopard tugs at the leash.

When I release it,

do you take care of the play within the walls?

My sister?

Yes, my sister.

I've waited a long time for this kind of hunting.

REGAL MUSIC PLAYS

I'm so happy to see you my father's wife.

Thank you, Shuah.

May I be first to bring you the good bread

and salt of life?

Maleb.

Congratulations, Lot.

Thank you, Ishmael.

It's yours and Maleb's turn next.

Happy life. Thank you.

Long life. Eber.

Thank you.

Oh, my lucky comb.

Remember? I used it as a bait

to catch you with.

Don't you ever lose it.

SHE ULULATES

SHE ULULATES

SHE ULULATES

MUSIC STOPS

Ildith, take the women and children to Sodom.

Demand shelter for them.

Calm yourselves!

Calm!

Keep calm!

We were warned this might happen,

but we gave our word to protect this land.

Our land.

We're prepared, so arm yourselves.

Take up your positions.

Slowly, slowly.

As Lot has said, we are well-prepared.

Calmly, calmly.

They must pass through the canyon

before reaching us.

They're over an hour away.

Have faith. Calm yourselves.

Our outposts told us.

All goes as Lot planned.

Have we not rehearsed this?

Calm. Slow.

Meet the enemy with faith.

I'm so sorry. On your wedding day.

Quiet, Maleb. Quiet.

What will the other women think?

He'll come back.

Shuah, you and your sister

help Ildith lead the women.

Yes, father.

Ildith, my two daughters will obey you

as their own mother.

We must take immediate action.

The Helamites are less than 5 miles away.

As agreed, you're under Lot's command.

Attack.

May I suggest that I select

our most trustworthy officers and men,

that they remain in the city

as her majesty's bodyguard.

As you wish.

Select them.

Let them enter!

The men I picked to stay are in the forefront.

As her majesty's most trusted warriors,

they were given that honour.

Give me the honour of leading them.

You will serve where it best pleases me.

Here...at my side.

My bodyguard.

Ah!

Go! Attack the Hebrew camp.

Death to the Hebrews!

Destroy their camp!

EXCITED SHOUTING

The Hebrews don't even fight for their camp.

The Hebrews are gone!

They've run!

Escaped!

We'll find them.

Even in Sodom, General,

the Sodomite cavalry is noted for its treachery.

I hope they're not vital to your plans.

We hold them in reserve.

With good fortune, they won't fight.

Lot! >

Lot!

The Helamites have destroyed our camp -

tents, grain, everything burned.

All our men are in their assigned positions.

Ready, Lot!

But suppose the Helamites don't chose to fight

where we want them to?

That's what the decoys are for.

Signal them to come towards us.

SHOUTING

The Hebrews!

No prisoners will be taken!

The word of the day is...

kill!

Oil!

Take concealment!

Take concealment!

You see, captain,

they are prepared.

Kill!

Kill!

SCREAMING

HORSE WHINNIES

Your prince's allies seem hopelessly trapped, Captain.

The key to the trap is up there.

We turn that key,

and we turn the tide of the battle.

You take that tank,

I'll take the other.

Attack!

Attack!

SHOUTING

Ishmael!

Retreat!

Retreat! Retreat!

The fire, it's dying out!

Go see what's happened.

Melchior! Come back.

Come back, you traitor!

Help me!

Help me!

Have mercy!

I hear no voice.

The dead cannot speak.

Help me!

Aah!

We'll be massacred!

Lot, order a retreat.

Our men must hold them,

give us time to break the dam.

The dam? No, Lot!

No.

It's our peoples' only hope for the future.

I know that!

There's nothing else to do.

Order our men to fight

till they hear the horn.

The Sodomites, too.

When they hear the horn, they'll retreat.

Eber, back to the dam.

The way's clear.

Attack!

Attack!

Charge!

Defend the dam's south face.

I'll take this side.

Cut off the Hebrews!

I'm in command now!

Retreat!

Retreat!

After them!

They retreat to their camp!

After them! Stop them!

Eber, try and break the centre of the dam.

We'll hold them as long as we can.

But Lot...

Now, Eber. Now!

Over there. You, up there!

We'll break the dam.

Have you warned them to watch my signal?

Yes! They'll sound the alarm.

They're trying to drown us.

Your men, dismount!

Dismount!

Attack!

Yaa!

Wait!

Wait!

First patrol move forward.

Attack south face of dam.

Attack south face of dam!

Second patrol attack north face!

Foot soldiers, advance!

Agh!

Cut the ropes!

Cut the ropes!

Go on! Cut them!

HORN BLOWS

Come on! Let's go!

Up the canyon's side. Quick!

Retreat!

Agh!

CHEERING

What news?

Ya! Ya!

Victory!

Complete victory!

CHEERING

TRIUMPHANT SINGING

Dangerous.

Isn't that what you once called the Hebrews?

My dear bodyguard...

who got no opportunity...

to protect his sovereign.

Get water and bandages for the wounded.

Between Sodom...

and the world...

..only the Hebrews.

Listen to her majesty.

Listen!

Listen!

Hebrews and Sodomites,

greetings!

We extend the hospitality of our city

to you brave Lot,

and all your people.

Inside waits food and drink...

and all that your warriors may dream of.

Charity?

Charity from the Sodomites?

We can take Sodom in a blow,

free the slaves.

Give us the command, my general,

and we'll burn Sodom.

No.

No. I'm going to accept.

We have very little choice.

Your majesty,

we accept your offer of food and shelter,

but only until our encampment

has once more been rebuilt.

I will tend to the wounded.

JOYFUL SINGING

'Oh, Lord, Jehovah, give me some sign

'that I have done well in your sight,

'that I have made the proper choice,

'and show me if you will

'what is it I am to do next in thy service.'

Where's the water?

In there. Quick.

There! Quick!

I'll look there.

Maleb!

All our work, destroyed.

Ruined by the water we counted on as our blessing.

The water's still there

to grow things again.

Lot!

The water.

This land is cursed.

I'm not convinced.

I'm not convinced at all.

The whole tip of it.

The flood or the landslide carried away the earth.

Our soil will grow nothing.

We'll never raise a crop.

This is on our land.

What good is land that is poisoned? Dead?

Better we leave it, return whence we came.

No. We'll accept the Queen's invitation.

We will live in Sodom.

Separate, but in their full view.

Live in Sodom?

This is the sign I was asking for.

Jehovah's chosen me to lead my people from the fields.

We'll open up shops,

give honest weights, fair measures.

The Sodomite tyranny is ended!

Merchants who never came to Sodom

will come to buy from us.

We'll pay for our land in one year.

But what will we sell?

Salt!

And so it came about

that the Hebrews lived within the walls

of Sodom and Gomorrah.

And they gave up their simple lives

as farmers and herdsmen

to become merchants of salt.

To pay for our land, Ishmael, or for you?

No, to free the slaves.

Quiet, quiet.