by Tim Chaffey
Tsek put his hand in front of Naamah. “Remember, our whole plan depends on delaying them until reinforcements arrive tomorrow.”
“I know, Commander,” Naamah said. “You have experience in these matters, so I will let you speak to them.”
“Very well, Princess.” Tsek put his meaty hands on the edge of the wall and leaned forward. “Greetings, Captain of the Nodite army. I am Tsek, high commander of the Horde of Havilah, the greatest force ever assembled, and I serve the majestic King Lamech and the mighty Nachash, the Splendor of the World. What is your business here?”
“Commander Tsek, proud words coming from a man hiding behind a wall. I am Captain Iradel, and I look forward to meeting you in battle. Indeed, I was pleasantly surprised to hear that the king of Havilah had taken control of Iri Geshem and is currently in the city. It will bring my master great joy to know that his army defeated Iri Geshem and conquered the runaway king of Havilah.”
Tsek furrowed his brows at Naamah, who responded with a shrug of her shoulders.
“You mean you do not know your king’s history?” the Nodite captain asked. “Then I shall tell you about the cowardly son of the failed usurper?” He paused and peered up at Naamah. “And you must be his witch daughter. Yes, Princess Naamah, I know all about you, too. Indeed, you are attractive, but your beauty and enchantments will not spare your life today. Poor soul, you don’t even know your family’s history. Did you know that your grandfather was a Nodite?”
Naamah’s neck grew hot and she clenched her jaw, her mind racing through a list of incantations for a special curse to call down on the arrogant worm who dared to insult her and her family.
“Yes, he was a prince of Nod. At least he was until he attempted to kill his older brother so that he could become king upon their father’s death.” He pulled tight on the reins to steady the mighty beasts in front of him. “He was banished, but fate caught up with him when his own son, your father, murdered him in his sleep.”
“He lies.” Naamah looked at Tsek. “My grandfather died of an illness after being unjustly accused by his older brother and exiled.” Words spoken by her father many years ago rushed to her mind. Just like me. Somehow, in that moment, she knew the Nodite spoke the truth. She was just like her father, even in her efforts to assassinate him, just as he had done to her grandfather. Her mouth dropped open slightly, but she chased the thoughts away with an arrogant shake of her head.
“That’s right, Princess. Your father, the mighty king of Havil, is nothing but an illegitimate child of a failed usurper.”
“Your boasts and mockeries are empty speech,” Naamah said. “Why are you here?”
“To take this city for the Nodite Empire, of course.” He laughed and encouraged the men around him to join in. “But, Princess, perhaps I should be the one to ask why you are here.” He pointed his spear directly at her. “Where’s your cowardly father? Or what of your older brother, Tubal-Cain? Why isn’t he here in his father’s stead?” He scratched his chin. “Of course I know why he cannot be here. It’s because your brother was recently murdered by your father. I know all about what’s been happening in the city and why your father isn’t here. I wonder, do you think he’ll recover from his recent poisoning? Do you even want him to, Princess? Serves him right. What kind of man murders his father and son?” He stretched out his arms toward the soldiers on the wall. “How can anyone follow such a monster?”
Naamah clenched her fists and glared at the captain.
“You have two options, Princess. Remain in the city and be killed along with the rest of Havil’s army. Or your army can lay down its arms and go home to Havilah and never return. Turn over Iri Geshem to me peacefully, and I’ll allow you to leave unharmed.”
Naamah crossed her arms and smirked. She spoke softly to Tsek. “Delay them.”
Tsek nodded. “Captain Iradel, I look forward to fighting you. While I am impressed with your knowledge of history, I see no reason to fear your army, if it’s even fair to call this an army.” He gestured to the assembled Nodites. “Surely, you know a direct assault on the city is certain death for you and your troops. Your best option is to starve us out, but we have enough food in the city to last a year. Can you wait so long? Besides you do not control the harbor, so we can import endless supplies. We have no reason to fear you or your little gang.”
“Ah, Commander Tsek, if you only knew what I know. If only you knew how many spies I have in the city and how many people from Iri Geshem are prepared to turn on you when the battle starts. . . .” The captain turned and briefly conversed with one of his nearby soldiers, then he withdrew his sword and directed it at Tsek. “You have until this same time tomorrow to leave the city or we will destroy it along with you, your incompetent king, and the witch princess. Commander Tsek, I have no doubts about your abilities, but I do not wish for your ego to bring about the slaughter of tens of thousands. Go speak with your poisoned king. I’m sure the coward will want to be the one to give the order to retreat.”
Iradel uttered a command to the beasts, and they pulled his chariot away from the wall. The dozen flagbearers spun and marched back to join the innumerable mob.
Tsek snorted. “That went well. The fool just bargained his own life away.”
Naamah let out a deep breath and whispered to herself, “Only if the reinforcements arrive on time.”
Chapter 9
The soft wind cooled the shaved side of her head as Naamah reached the top of the wall just after dawn. The throbbing in her head and pain in her muscles and joints had subsided early the previous evening. With a full night’s rest behind her, Naamah felt invigorated, excited to establish herself as the most powerful person in the world. A victory over the Nodites and her father’s eventual demise would see her realize that goal. She quickly located Tsek, and her black gown lightly brushed the ground as she strode determinedly toward him. “How are preparations, Commander?”
Tsek twisted his large frame to face her. “Princess, the men are ready, but the wall and gate will not hold all day. We need those reinforcements.”
Naamah stared toward the harbor, but the low light and several tall buildings limited her view. “Still no sign of them.”
“No, but at least this wall will prevent the Nodites from seeing them when they do come. The element of surprise will only add to our advantage.”
She turned around and scanned the Nodite army. A few dozen guards stood watch in the front of the camp. Behind them, tents filled the road and nearby fields as far as she could see. Milling about in the multitude, a handful of men seemed to be waking their fellow soldiers. Torches blazed outside the large tent in the middle, casting enough light to catch glimpses of activity inside.
“Has the king improved at all?”
Naamah took a deep breath. “I didn’t see him, but the healer said he rested well during the night.” The healer’s face flashed in her mind as she lightly tapped her fingers against the small vial always hidden on her right hip. After the battle, he’ll get his reward for saving the king’s life. Then he’ll need his own medicine.
“That’s good news. If he’s not able to be here, you’ll need to inspire the men before the battle starts. Your father has always been great at that.” Tsek tipped his head toward her. “I’m sure you will be, too.”
“They must fight for Nachash — not for me or the king. He is the one who will grant us victory today.”
“Of course, Princess. You need only remind them of that truth.”
Closing her eyes, Naamah thought of what to say to the troops. For the first time in her nearly 500-year life, she considered the possibility that she might be killed by an enemy. Occasionally she had feared the king’s wrath, and her recent insubordination had certainly put her life in danger, but she had never needed to worry about an outside force. The Havilite army knew no equal in the southern part of the world. She considered the timing that had brought them control of Iri Geshem now, just as the powerful Nodites from the northeast apparent
ly had decided they wanted the city themselves. We need those reinforcements.
Naamah walked to the edge of the wall and watched as the enemy camp quickly turned into a hive of activity. Soldiers hustled about, packing up tents and moving their giant war machines into place. The morning dew glistened far beneath her, and the sunlight reflected off the metal armor of thousands of soldiers. As if united by a singular purpose, the Nodites transformed their encampment into a standing army not long after the sun had risen above the eastern wall of the city.
An eeriness hung over the men stationed on the wall. The guard next to her repeatedly shifted his weight and glanced around. His fear would infect the rest of the troops. Time to remind them who they serve.
Naamah turned and strode toward Tsek’s post on a low platform. The immense commander seemed to be arguing with Ashur about something. As she neared, both men stopped.
“Princess.” Tsek stood upright. “The councilman says that two Nodite spies were captured last night in the eastern part of the city.”
“Do they represent a threat? I thought we weren’t concerned about that area,” Naamah said.
“It’s true we aren’t focusing our efforts there, but” — he glared at Ashur — “I’d like to know how they entered the city and if there are any more of them.”
“Are they still alive?” Naamah asked.
“Yes, Princess.” Ashur hitched a thumb over his shoulder toward the steps. “Down there.”
Naamah smirked. “I’m sure we can persuade them to talk. Bring them to me.”
Ashur nodded and headed for the stairs.
Naamah scanned the lines of Havilite soldiers to her sides before glancing at the Nodite army. The captain and his entourage passed through the middle of the legions. The large wagon carrying the giant pointed log rested a short distance before the gate. She cleared her throat and faced the soldiers on the wall. “Men of—”
“Princess!” A messenger ran to her from the top of the stairs.
She glared at him.
“Forgive the interruption.” He lowered his voice. “The reinforcements. They’re here.”
Naamah’s eyes grew wide and she looked toward the harbor. “When?”
The man bowed low. “Four ships were spotted entering the port. We expect more, but I was immediately dispatched to bring you the good news before any others could be seen.”
Her hopeful façade instantly converted to genuine confidence. “Wonderful. Return to the harbor at once and tell them to meet us at the northern gate immediately. War is upon us.”
The messenger saluted and dashed away.
Naamah turned to Tsek. “We still need to delay until our men are in position. Where are those two spies?”
“What do you want to do with them?” Tsek asked.
“We will—” Three loud blasts from a horn cut her off.
The Nodite captain stood in the same position as the day before, with the same formation around him. “Witch princess of Havil.” His voice rang out loud and clear, echoing off the stone walls. “I don’t see your cowardly father this morning, so he must be living up to his title. Or perhaps he has not recovered from the attempt on his life yet. I assume you’re acting in his place. Shall I bid you morning peace or have you chosen war and destruction?”
Naamah largely ignored the insults, but his haughtiness irritated her. Leaning close to Tsek, she asked, “The men know that we are not retreating, correct?”
“I informed them before you arrived.”
“Very good.” She took a deep breath to squelch her anger. “Captain, indeed my father is ill, but I have consulted with him about your offer.” She paused, knowing that every passing moment brought them one step closer to battle readiness. “I told him that we were capable of defending the city.”
The captain chuckled, causing those around him to laugh as well. “Very foolish, Witch. If you choose to fight, you will die today.”
“I’m not finished.” Naamah folded her arms. “The king said that if he were well enough, he would rout your army, but since he cannot be here this morning, he has ordered us to withdraw from Iri Geshem and turn it over to you.” Her shoulders curled toward her chest as she lowered her head.
“So the runaway king is going to run again?” The captain held his arms out wide. “A wise decision. Although I must admit that I’m rather disappointed. I looked forward to battling Commander Tsek and hanging your body from the wall of the city before dragging it through the streets.”
Naamah glared back at the man, visualizing what punishments she might dole out to this insolent soldier. She imagined him on an altar of Nachash, screaming as she cut out his boastful tongue.
“Princess.” Tsek leaned close to her ear. “The councilman has returned with the captured Nodites.”
Naamah spun and faced the captives, who were being held near the top of the stairs so as to remain out of sight of the Nodite army. Both men were bound, gagged, and led by Ashur and a pair of Havilite soldiers. The prisoner on the left sported a large swollen gash next to his left eye. The other man’s nose veered to the side above a split lip. A grin creased her lips, knowing that these men would soon endure far worse. “Councilman, thank you for bringing them to me. Now I need you for another important task.”
“Of course, Princess,” Ashur said.
Pivoting to face the Nodite captain once again, Naamah kept one arm pointed at Ashur. “Captain, I will be leading the Havilites out of this city. Since you will be assuming control of Iri Geshem, allow me to introduce you to the head of their council, Ashur.” She gestured for him to step to the edge of the wall so the Nodites could see him. “I am sending him to you to work out the terms of our surrender.”
Ashur glanced up at her and kept his voice low. “What are you doing, Princess? I don’t want to go out there.”
Matching his volume, Naamah said, “I need you to stall him as long as possible. Then when you return safely, we’ll launch our assault.”
“Very well, Witch.” The Nodite captain gestured for Ashur to come to him. “Send him out. Enjoy living out your days as a coward. Just like your father.”
“At least I’ll have days,” Naamah said to herself.
Ashur stepped in front of her, his hands trembling. “What do I say?”
She slapped him. “Stop it. If you want to be a leader here, then you need to act like one. You had the spine to poison your fellow councilmembers. I think you can handle simple negotiations.”
“But what if they kill me?”
Sighing, Naamah shook her head. “If you don’t go, you’ll die here. The Nodite thinks we’re turning the city over to him peacefully, so he won’t do anything to you. In his mind, if he wants to kill you, he’ll do it once we leave. You have nothing to fear.” She walked toward the stairs. “Come. I’ll walk you to the gate, and then I’m going to meet our reinforcements.”
“Princess,” Tsek said. “Don’t you want to interrogate these two first?”
“As long as the Nodite army doesn’t see or hear them. Find out what you can and inform me when I return. Once the battle starts, hang them from the wall.” Naamah turned and descended the steps.
Ashur trailed her. Upon reaching the street, they turned toward the gate and stopped when a familiar female voice called out.
“Ashur.”
Naamah wheeled about and childhood memories flashed through her mind as Ashur hurried to Navea.
Navea’s colorful wrap and the expensive jewelry around her neck and wrists suited her as a councilman’s wife. She smiled wide. “Princess Naamah. It’s good to see you again. I’d hoped to spend some time together while you were here. It’s been so long.”
“Indeed.” Naamah forced a hint of a smile at her friend from her youth, but the woman now before her had committed a crime against Havil by running away from her duties as a dancer so many years earlier. Not that Naamah blamed her. She longed to escape her father’s reach as well. Nevertheless, Naamah knew little but contempt for the wom
an who had nearly stolen her glory long ago. “But we have urgent business at the moment.”
“Yes, I know,” Navea said. “I have news from the healer. He says the king is awake and wants to see you right away.”
“Unfortunately, he’ll have to wait. I’m too busy here.” Naamah grabbed Ashur’s arm. “You must hurry.”
“Where are you going?” Navea asked.
“To negotiate with the Nodites.” Ashur pursed his lips. “I need to delay them a little longer. The reinforcements have arrived, but it’ll take some time for them to get to the gate. We need the Nodites to think we’re surrendering the city.”
Navea’s eyes darted from her husband to Naamah several times. “Is Naamah going too?”
“I have other duties.” Naamah wanted to scold her for speaking so informally, but another idea came to mind. “Go with him. It’ll calm his nerves to have you along. Don’t worry — it’ll be safe.”
“Of course, if you think it’s a good idea.” Navea took Ashur’s free hand.
Ashur hesitated and opened his mouth, but closed it when he glanced at Naamah. “Let’s go.” He started for the gate.
Naamah reached into her hidden pocket and withdrew the small vial. “Wait.” She threw her arms around Navea and kissed her on both cheeks. “It is good to see you again, old friend. Be safe.” She deftly dropped the vial into one of Navea’s pockets.
Navea smiled and her muscles relaxed slightly. “I will.”
Naamah pulled back and turned to Ashur. “Just treat this like one of the thousands of business deals you’ve made before. You’re merely arranging the terms of conquest before they take control of the city.”
He stood tall. “Thank you, Princess. I’ll do my best for you and for Havil.”
“Guards.” With a wave of her hand, Naamah caught the attention of the two men standing next to the small door within the left side of the gate. “Take Ashur and his wife outside to meet with the Nodite captain.” She pointed to the next two closest guards. “And take these two with you as well. Ashur is to do all of the talking.”