by Chuck Black
Eber stopped and stared at Eliazar. “She’s distressed me.”
Eliazar wrinkled his brow. “Who, my lord?”
“The maiden. The maiden in the street.”
Eliazar scowled. “She’s of no concern. She’s just a commoner who doesn’t know how to hold her tongue. Come, let’s enjoy the city before you feast with Nimrod.”
Eber shook his head and waved him off, then resumed pacing. “She’s more than that, and she’s afflicted me with her words. I can’t get her voice out of my head.” He stopped pacing again and looked at Eliazar. “Tell me, what ought I to do with Nimrod? Do I accept his offer and become part of his coalition to build the Tower so that our trade will prosper, or do I reject it and try to honor God and perhaps die in the process?”
Eliazar walked to Eber. “It is just a building, my lord, and you have thousands counting on your provision in these challenging days. I’m sure that you will do what is best for your family and all who serve you.”
Eber smiled. “You are as loyal a first man as I have seen, Eliazar, but you tell me what I want to hear. She’s told me what I need to hear.”
Eliazar flinched and turned away as Eber resumed his pacing.
“We need to bring that girl to Eber to convince him to stand against Nimrod,” Kelandar said to Validus.
Validus found himself in a predicament. Eber might be Tamaral’s ticket out of the city, but she might also be the catalyst to an all-out war in both realms if she influenced Eber into making a stand against Nimrod. The tenuous agreement between Kushad and Kelandar would crumble in an instant, and who knew what Nimrod would do if Eber stood against him.
“But, sir, General Danick wants her protected. If we bring her into the heart of the city, it will be impossible for us to keep her safe,” Validus protested.
“This girl of yours has changed everything. I believe that making a stand against Nimrod may be more important than the protection of one girl.”
“With all due respect, sir, I think General Danick may see it differently.” Kelandar glared at him. Validus could see his tactical mind calculating and weighing the risks and outcomes until he came to a conclusion. He nodded. “General Danick and Commander Brandt need to be briefed before we make a move. Captain Yasrah, you are in charge until we return.” Kelandar turned to Validus and began morphing his wings. “Come.”
Validus raised an eyebrow. “Are wings safe, sir, considering we are surrounded by Fallen?”
“They’ve promised not to attack, and time is of the essence.”
By now his wings had morphed to full spread. There was something gratifying and powerful about seeing a warrior angel with broad wings unfurled. Validus began morphing his wings and felt them push through the slits in the back of his armor. Once he was ready he nodded, and the two angels leaped into the air with powerful strokes.
Within three minutes they were descending into the camp of the warriors, and they landed in the presence of General Danick and Commander Brandt. Commander Kelandar gave them a quick briefing.
“This changes everything, General,” Brandt said flatly. “Commander Kelandar is right; there’s a lot more happening here than just protecting the girl or establishing a stronghold in the city. We must rally Eber to stand against Nimrod, and if this girl is the only way to do that, we must do it!” Brandt stood with his arms crossed.
Danick stroked his chin in his usual way as he considered the situation, clearly unconvinced. He looked at Validus. “What are your thoughts?”
Validus glanced toward Brandt, not willing to endure his hard stare but also wanting to show the commander due respect. “If we can convince Eber to bring the girl to him, and if we can convince the girl to go, and if we can convince Eber to make a stand against Nimrod, then the Fallen will immediately breach their agreement and attack us. We are surrounded and outnumbered. The situation is uncontrollable, and she will most certainly be killed.” Validus paused, and they waited for him to finish, but he had no finish. “If our goal has shifted from the girl to the city or to Eber, then so must our tactics. What I do know is that there is great risk to both Eber and the girl if Eber stands against Nimrod.”
Brandt leaned forward and put both fists on the table before him, looking straight into Danick’s eyes. “What is at risk is another total rebellion against God unless we act now. Besides, what good will it do to protect the girl if Eber and all of his people come under the rule and control of Nimrod?”
Danick thought a moment longer. “Commander Brandt is right. Do what you can to have the girl influence Eber.” Danick’s gaze fell directly on Validus. “But do everything in your power to protect the girl. She is still the key. Commander Brandt, brief Commander Porthan and his warriors. Validus, report to Commander Guilden and bring him up to date. Commander Kelandar, make sure your warriors are ready both inside and outside the city. I want all warriors prepped for a full assault if necessary. And I want that maiden alive. Is that clear?”
All nodded. Validus could feel the urgency of the day mounting.
18
PROTECTING THE LINEAGE
2242 BC
In a flash, Kelandar and Validus were in flight, heading back to Babel.
When they entered Eber’s chamber, Eliazar was still there, and Validus expected him to be a formidable barrier in implementing their plan to bring Tamaral to Eber. To his surprise, Eliazar’s countenance had softened. Without the angels having to whisper a single word to him, he approached Eber once more.
“If what you say about the girl is true, then let me fetch her, that you might give ear to her words and settle this thing in your heart that has distressed you. Whether coalition or war, there will be no peace in your thoughts until it is resolved.”
Eber put a hand on Eliazar’s shoulder. “You are better than I deserve, my friend. Make it so, and see if she will come to me.”
Validus flew ahead of the servant to prepare Persimus and Ral. “Do whatever it takes to get her to go with the servant, and don’t let her out of your sight.” Persimus looked sober. “This has the potential of escalating fast. I thought we were supposed to keep her safe, not throw her into a lion’s den.”
Validus nodded. “I don’t like it either. We’d better be ready for anything. I’m going to brief Commander Guilden and his men. I have a feeling we’re going to need every warrior in the region.”
Persimus and Ral nodded, then entered Tamaral’s home. Validus looked up the street and could see Eber’s servant coming. He wanted to stay, but Persimus and Ral could handle the situation probably better than he could.
He sprinted west to find Commander Guilden and his forces. After briefing Guilden, the commander’s words were simple.
“Tell Commander Kelandar we are ready.”
Validus nodded, then returned to Kelandar, who was waiting with Eber.
“Sir, Commander Guilden and his forces are ready.”
Kelandar nodded. “If this works and Eber makes a stand against Nimrod, this day will end in blood.”
“Yes sir, but we have two legions waiting on the borders of the city,” Validus replied.
“And Kushad has twice that already in the city.”
Validus took a deep breath. It was a sobering reality. If it did come to a fight as Kelandar envisioned, he wondered if he would face the sword of Niturni again. Perhaps bringing Persimus into the city again was not such a good idea, but it was too late to turn back now.
The minutes dragged on, and he hoped that Persimus and Ral would be successful. Kelandar went to confer with his men below Eber’s quarters, and Validus remained beside Eber, waiting and feeling the angst of the man. Eber stood on the balcony looking out over the city of Babel. His silent contemplation was interrupted by Eliazar.
“Here is the maiden, my lord.”
Eber nodded but didn’t turn around. Eliazar left, closing the door behind Tamaral.
Persimus and Ral materialized through the wall of the chamber.
“Well done!” Validu
s greeted them. “Ral, find Commander Kelandar and tell him Tamaral is here.”
Ral disappeared, and Validus and Persimus became spectators of the interplay between wealthy nobleman and common street maiden. Validus wondered if Tamaral would be strong here in the abode of Nimrod.
Eber continued to stare out onto Nimrod’s great city. Tamaral carefully approached and waited in silence. She looked about the opulent chamber filled with the finest the Mesopotamian Valley could offer—ornate tapestries, fine linen, marble, and trinkets of gold and silver.
“You have afflicted me,” Eber said. “This was to be an excursion of trade, negotiation, and peaceful escape.” He turned about and looked her straight in the eye. “But since my encounter with you, I have had none of that.”
“My lord, I find it difficult to believe that a simple maiden such as I could speak such powerful words to afflict you. Perhaps it is not I who afflicts you but rather God Himself.”
Eber’s eyes narrowed. He walked toward her and stopped an arm’s length away. “You dare to speak bravely since you have nothing to lose.”
“I also have nothing to gain. I am not driven by gain or loss but by my desire to please God. Tell me, who will God hold more accountable? Me, who has nothing to lose, or you, who has everything to lose because God has given it to you?”
Validus marveled at the courage and the wisdom of Tamaral. Danick was right—there was something unique about her, something Noahidic.
Eber opened his mouth to rebut, but all he could do was grunt his annoyance and turn away. He paced ten steps, then came back to her. Anger flushed his cheeks as he pointed a finger at her. “Be careful, woman. My own men don’t speak to me in such a manner!”
Tamaral raised her chin slightly, unnerved by his threat. “Perhaps they should to keep you from growing apathetic in the comfort you have inherited from your father. Those who have faith in God do not proclaim it from the ease of their royal chairs.”
The brave words flowed from her stoic beauty. Validus liked her!
Eber’s eyes narrowed, his lips pursed, clearly trying to hold his temper but failing miserably. He spoke through clenched teeth. “I don’t know why I called you here to insult me further. Eliazar!” He took two steps toward the door. “Eliazar!”
Validus became uneasy. This was not what he was hoping would happen.
Tamaral quickly stepped in front of Eber. He tried to look over her toward the door, but she lifted herself up on her tiptoes and put her eyes right in line with his.
“This is your moment, a defining moment of faith. Or have you inherited your faith from your father as well?”
Eber stopped and looked into her fiery eyes. He grabbed Tamaral’s arm and pulled her to the balcony, then pointed out to the city. “Look … look at the might of Nimrod. My people want me to negotiate an agreement with him so that peace is maintained in Shinar. If I refuse Nimrod, how many people will die? We don’t want war. We want to live in peace.”
Tamaral looked out at the city, then turned to face Eber. And then it happened. The fire in her eyes softened to a tender glow. She looked up into his eyes and stole his heart with one disarming, gentle smile. Validus had witnessed it before and was always bewildered at the power of a woman over a man. In spite of his fury and frustration with her, Eber was as smitten with Tamaral as if he had been conquered by an army of ten thousand.
Eber realized that he was still holding onto her arm. He let go and took in her gaze.
With words that dripped like honey, she spoke. “Peace that costs you your conscience is a prelude to imprisonment. Have faith, my lord. God will not abandon you.”
The scowl on Eber’s face began to melt away. The moment lingered. His voice softened. “Greater men than I have resisted Nimrod and fallen.”
With the peace of heaven in her eyes, Tamaral’s gaze seemed to penetrate his soul. She lowered her head, then slowly lifted her eyes to meet his again. “Our God is not so weak that a mere man can destroy one of His servants. God knows how to protect His own.”
Eber stared at Tamaral again, mesmerized, offended, and amazed. He slowly shook his head. “Who are you and where do you come from?”
Tamaral flashed a shy smile. “I’m just a maiden that caused my lord to fall from his horse.”
“What is it, my lord?” Eliazar said as he entered the room.
Eber broke from his trance and walked toward Eliazar. Validus looked at Tamaral in wonder. What a marvelous warrior she would make, he thought.
“This woman that you have brought to me has brought no peace to my thoughts as you claimed it would,” Eber said.
Eliazar shot a fierce look toward Tamaral. She lowered her head. “I am sorry, my lord. I will return her at once so that you may be rid of her.”
Eliazar stepped aside and lifted his hand to show Tamaral the doorway. Tamaral walked past Eber, glancing once more at him from the corner of her eyes. Eliazar followed her to the door, and as she reached the threshold, Validus watched Eber struggling.
“Wait.”
Eliazar stopped and turned. Tamaral looked back at Eber through the doorway.
“I wonder if your tongue would speak so boldly with the King of Babel and his army staring you in the face.” Eber tilted his head slightly as he looked at her.
Tamaral seemed to catch the warning look from Eliazar. “Seeing as I am just a poor maiden living in the streets, I guess you will never know, my lord.”
She turned to go again.
“Sit at my table,” Eber said, “and let me see if your faith is as sure as you think mine should be.”
Both Tamaral and Eliazar looked at Eber in disbelief. Persimus and Validus did the same.
“Is this what you were hoping for?” Persimus asked.
Validus just shook his head.
“But, my lord—” Eliazar began.
Eber silenced him with a hand signal, waiting for the maiden to answer.
For the first time since Validus had started watching her, Tamaral was without words. It clearly pleased Eber to no end.
Tamaral shook her head. “I am not … well suited to such things.” She glanced down at her common and well-worn clothes.
Eber smiled. “That’s quite a feeble excuse for one so brave. Eliazar, take her to the servants and make her appropriate for the meal tonight.”
Eliazar looked at Tamaral with a slight sneer on his face. “As you wish, my lord.”
Eliazar and Tamaral left just as Commander Kelandar arrived.
“What has happened?” he asked, watching the two exit the room.
“I’m afraid it has worked too well,” Validus replied. “Eber wants her with him at the feast tonight.”
Kelandar raised a brow. “The threat to her will be great, but at least our focus won’t be divided.”
At sundown, the gong for the feast sounded and the hall filled with men and angels. Servants scurried to finish their final preparations for the hall and tables. Nimrod’s entourage included both men of war and men of administration. Eber and thirty of his ranking men entered the hall and conversed with the court of Nimrod while they waited for the king and his two wives to enter.
While Eber was making social conversation with two of Nimrod’s district leaders, he noticed that one of the men was looking past Eber and gesturing to his associate. Eber turned to see Eliazar escorting Tamaral his direction. She came to him, and Validus watched Eber stumble in his heart, for she was as beautiful as the Princess of Shinar. Persimus and Ral were with her.
“My lord, the maiden you requested,” Eliazar said.
Validus watched Eber fall a little further as the poised Tamaral, though distinctly missing the finer manners of a lady of the court, approached in her usual confidence. The elegant dress and adorned hair softened and magnified the beauty of the maiden, and Eber was once more struggling with words.
“You look … lovely,” Eber said.
Tamaral bowed her head and smiled nervously. “I feel rather silly and not quite mys
elf, my lord.”
Eber gave her a wry smile. “Well, perhaps I’ll escape the sharp edges of your tongue then … at least for a while.”
She smirked, but it did nothing to detract from her disarming charm.
“It seems as though your ploy has worked,” Persimus said as the three angels watched Eber become taken with Tamaral. Kelandar joined them just in time to hear the comment.
“I don’t think this kind of human love can be manipulated,” Kelandar said. “It has the power to strengthen or weaken a man. We shall see which will happen tonight.”
The hall was arranged such that Nimrod’s people would sit on the northern half with tables facing Eber and his people to the south. The angels and the Fallen naturally aligned with their human counterparts. Validus did not see Niturni, for which he was grateful, but the feeling was short lived.
Moments later the hall was called to order as Nimrod and his wives entered. Kushad and Niturni were with them. A fiery glare flashed between Niturni and Validus from across the large hall.
Validus turned to Persimus. “That is not our friend, Persimus. He will pierce you through as quickly as Apollyon would himself.”
Persimus frowned. “I know.”
Nimrod and his wives were seated at the head table, opposite Eber, Eliazar, Tamaral, and his other men. Validus stayed close to Tamaral, ever watchful of the Fallen. Protecting her was his exclusive duty now. Her presence here was both necessary and worrisome.
The feast progressed with conversation about lands, livestock, crops, and availability of resources. Eventually, Nimrod turned the conversation to his city and to his tower.
“With our combined resources, this tower will unite humanity in a way the world has never seen. It will stand as a beacon of light for all to see. No matter how far we travel, this will be the symbol of our common purpose as a great people.”
“And what is this common purpose, Nimrod? What is it besides a tower of brick and mortar that unites us?” Eber asked.
Nimrod eyed Eber. “Surely, cousin, you can see that we are the masters of this world, and as masters, there is nothing that can stop us. Join me and we shall reign as kings in the earth!”