Al Qadim
The Bond of Salt
In Zakhara, generosity brings honor, and stinginess spawns contempt. According to Zakharan hospitality, a man must offer food and drink to anyone who appears at his doorstep as a friend, no matter how poor the host may be. In a husband's absence, or when receiving female friends, a woman must do the same. If a guest comes at night, the host must offer lodgings as well as sustenance. However, it is impolite for a guest to ask for hospitality of any kind; the guest must wait for the host to offer it. It is the host's duty to do so, and it is an insult for the guest not to accept.
No matter how poor or wealthy, a host's honor depends on how well the guests who place themselves in the host's care are treated. The bond of salt epitomizes Zakharan hospitality and the mutual responsibilities of host and guest. Once the bond of salt is established, even deadly foes can safely eat together, expecting protection as well as friendship for the duration of the bond. In turn, the guests are also expected to act as loyal friends to the host, never overstaying their welcome, and never overstepping the bounds of good behavior.
When a guest ingests salt from a host's table, the bond of salt becomes formal. By offering the salt, the host vows to protect the guest from harm for the duration of the salt bond.
The salt is thought to remain in the guest's body for three days. Until those three days elapse, the host is responsible for the guest's welfare. In turn, by accepting the salt, the guest agrees not to bring harm to the host.
A guest should leave by the light of dawn should the host's stores appear to be lean. If the family protests heartily, the guest may stay for the duration of the salt bond. No matter the circumstances, however, it is impolite for a guest to remain in another's house for more than three days. After three days the guest's welcome is gone, no matter how much salt is consumed.
To most Zahkarans, actual salt is not required for the bond of hospitality. Even guests who merely drink water or unsalted coffee can expect no harm from an honorable host; and the host, from an honorable guest.
