by Tim Chaffey
“For how long?” Emzara wiped a tear from her cheek with the tips of her fingers. “I mean, the flood is coming.”
Purlek swallowed and then shrugged. “I don’t know. This whole flood thing is just so hard to accept. It’s not that I don’t believe in the Creator — I do, and I want to follow His ways. But it’s so hard for me to think that He’ll really destroy this whole world. There have to be other good people out there. Is He just going to let them die?”
Noah stroked his beard. “Purlek, I’m not going to argue with you. You know I believe the Creator will do exactly what He said He would do — even if I don’t understand it all. I don’t have to understand — I just need to trust Him and obey.”
Nodding, Purlek said, “I know.” He wiped the back of his wrist over his forehead. “I really admire that about you, but right now, I just feel—” He stared toward the ark and shrugged. “I don’t know how to describe it. I’ve become disinterested in this project over the past several whole moons. I need to try something different.”
“And you’ve really thought this all through? You aren’t just scared because of the ground shaking?” Noah asked.
Purlek shook his head. “No, like I said, we’ve thought about this for a while. But since our tent collapsed, we figured we may as well be on our way instead of taking the time to put everything back together only to tear it down again.”
“Kezia?” Emzara looked over at the girl, not sure how to fully form her question.
“We’ve talked it over with her,” Evet said.
“I don’t want you to leave.” Kezia fought back tears as she pushed her face into Evet’s shoulder.
Emzara struggled to control her emotions as it occurred to her that the young woman she had long thought would become her daughter-in-law might soon be departing. Her sadness intensified as she watched Kezia and Evet crying together.
“I’m going to miss you so much,” Evet said to her daughter.
Emzara straightened and repeated Evet’s words in her mind to make sure she understood them correctly before speaking. “Is . . . is Kezia staying here?”
“We wanted to let her decide. She’s old enough.” Purlek smiled at his daughter. “Why don’t you tell them what you told us?”
Kezia sniffled and looked at Emzara and then Noah. She twisted her fingers together as she spoke. “I believe what you’ve said about the flood and about the Creator and what He’s said about the wickedness in this world. I haven’t seen much of it myself, obviously, but most of you have. I want to stay and help with the ark. That is, if you’ll have me.”
Emzara held out her arms and Kezia embraced her. “Of course we’ll have you.” She glanced at Purlek and Evet. “We’ll take great care of her.”
Evet smiled as she came close. “We know you will.”
Noah put a hand on Purlek’s shoulder. “If you truly are going to leave, I want you to do it with the blessing of our whole group. Tonight, we’ll enjoy a feast and ask the Most High to guide you.”
Purlek gripped Noah’s forearm. “That sounds wonderful. Thank you for listening.”
Emzara squeezed Kezia tight and prayed silently. O Most High, if this is part of Your plan, help me to trust You as Noah does. Thank You for Kezia’s belief in You and please watch over her parents.
Chapter 26
Land of Eden — Noah’s 595th year
Noah set his mallet down and checked the small pile of wood behind him. “I’m going to fetch another load of planks from the mill. Keep working on this row.”
Shem drove a trunnel into the two boards, fastening them to the side of the ark. Just as Noah had instructed, he left two finger widths of the wooden nail sticking out to eventually secure the hull’s third layer. “Sounds good. Would you refill this while you’re there?” Shem handed him his empty waterskin.
“Of course.” Noah stood and smiled at his son. The young man worked hard, but Noah knew his passions lay elsewhere. Shem rarely found time to watch the flock and read the scrolls Lamech and Methuselah had written or brought with them, except when Noah encouraged the group to take a break from the ark. Instead of hanging around with Rayneh, Kezia, and his brothers, Shem often spent those days beneath his favorite tree.
“Would you check on Ham, too?” Shem hitched a thumb over his shoulder in the direction of the other hanging platform about 50 cubits closer to the stern. “He left his spot a long time ago and hasn’t been back since.”
“I will. I’m sure he has a good reason for being away. He’s probably helping Garun figure out the waste-removal system.”
Shem sighed. “He’s always working on something other than the actual ark.”
Noah shrugged. “Trust me. You’ll be grateful if he gets these systems up and running. Be back in a little while.” He watched his son for a moment before grabbing the rope ladder and climbing down about 30 rungs to the ground.
He scanned the length and height of the ship that towered above him. Resting on top of enormous piers, the ark looked taller than it truly was, but even without the supports, the ship was massive. A huge wooden structure above him protruded from the base of the stern end like the shoulder of a large stringed instrument. Noah had begun installing these types of projections on the bow end of his larger ships a couple centuries earlier to help the crafts cut through larger waves. As they designed the ark, Ham had pointed out that without any means of self-propulsion to push the ship into and through the waves, it would be carried along in front of the wind and waves, propelled with them by their combined power. Consequently, the projection designed for the waves to break against, which had always designated the front of other ships, would actually be on the tail end of the ark. It took several whole moons for Noah to reverse his thinking and grow accustomed to calling the stern the bow and vice versa.
“Ah, there you are.”
Noah turned and spotted his father walking toward him. “Morning peace, Father.”
Lamech glanced at the partially cloudy sky. “Morning peace, although morning is almost past.”
“You’ve been looking for me?”
Lamech bit his lip and kicked at a scrap of wood lodged in the ground. “I’ve thought about our conversation for a long time now, and I’ve prayed many nights about it.” He raised his head. “I’ve decided to return home, and don’t try to talk me out of it again.”
Noah folded his arms and shook his head. “But we’re getting so close to finishing the ark. A few more years, and this thing will finally be done.”
“And that’s why I need to go.” Lamech put an arm around Noah’s shoulders and led him toward the circle of tents. “If you’re right about the flood, then I have to see the rest of my children again.”
Noah sighed. Sixty-five years had passed since the Creator last spoke to him, and he still did not know if anyone else would be allowed on the ark.
“I love you, Son, but I love your brothers and sisters just the same — even if the Creator hasn’t called them to such a grand purpose. I’ve lived more than 750 years, and I’d rather die knowing that I reminded all of my children about the Most High than live on without telling them.”
Noah turned and watched Japheth pulling weeds from a field. “I understand. I think I’d make the same decision. I knew you were going to insist on this, so I’ve already talked it over with Emzara and the others. I’m coming with you.”
“But the ark. You need to finish the Creator’s work.”
Noah raised an eyebrow. “I know, and I hope it isn’t too presumptuous for me to say this, but I don’t believe the flood will start until we’re finished here. After all, the Most High told me that I’ll be on it.”
“Noah, you have your work from the Creator, and I have mine.”
“Yes, and part of my work is taking care of family, so I’m coming with you, and so are Shem and Ham, Garun and Laleel, and Elam.”
“But that only leaves my father, Japheth and Rayneh, Emzara, and Kezia. Who will protect them?”
Noah�
�s lips curled up on one side. “The same one who watches over all of us.”
Lamech shrugged. “Why are the others coming?”
“I think Garun feels like it’s his duty to protect me. So naturally, Laleel is going to join us. Elam wants to see how much the world has changed, and I think he wants to find out how the Zakari are doing. I want Ham to look at what others have built to see if it gives him any ideas for things that can help here. And Shem wants to see where I grew up.” Noah chuckled. “Em’s convinced herself that Kezia will marry either Shem or Ham, so she wants me to find a wife for the other one.”
Lamech grinned. “Yes, I’ve heard her speak of Kezia that way. I think Shem would be content to remain alone. Ham, on the other hand — if he could get his mind to stop thinking about designing things for the ark for a moment, I think he’d see how special that young woman is.”
“I think you’re right.” Noah massaged a tight area in his forearm. “I want them to go because I think it’d be good for both of them to see for themselves how evil the world truly is. They need to know the dangers of forsaking the Creator’s ways. I wanted to take Japheth, too, and he really wanted to go, but Rayneh wouldn’t hear of it.”
“He’s wise to keep his wife happy. I’m going to miss those two.” He sighed. “And the others.”
“I will, too, especially Em.” Noah gestured up to the ark with his eyes. “I’m not sure if I’ll miss this thing, though. I think a half-year break will be good for me.”
Lamech bit off the end of a fingernail and spit it on the ground. “It’s too bad you don’t have your construction crew who could finish it while you’re gone.”
“That’d be nice, but I’m sure Japheth and Em will keep things moving here. As much as they can, with the crops and the herds to tend.”
“So, six whole moons?”
“I hope to be back that soon.” Noah took a deep breath and let it out while staring at the ground. “My goal is to get you home safely and then return here. Whether you are with me on the way back is up to you. But we should wait a few weeks before leaving. That way we’ll avoid the coldest weather that might delay us.”
Lamech nodded. “That makes sense to me. In that case, I’ll work harder around here until then to make up for the time you’ll miss.”
Noah shook his head. “No, I want you to work less. Spend more time with your family. You may not see them again.”
* * *
Hiddekel River — Noah’s 595th year
“What are you working on?” Noah asked as he ducked his head and stepped into the cramped quarters.
Sitting at a makeshift desk consisting of two crates, Ham held up his index finger. “Just a moment.” His curly black hair hung over his ears and forehead as he moved the pen rapidly across the parchment, drawing whatever his mind devised.
Noah quietly sat down on a cargo box and let a slight smile form. Seeing Ham in this position reminded him of his father-in-law. Ham looked more like Emzara’s side of the family, while Shem and Japheth drew comparisons to Noah and Lamech, respectively. Ham displayed the same broad shoulders as Ara, and just like Emzara’s father, he often blocked out all distractions as he carefully noted every last detail in his designs. They even wore similar expressions as they worked, brow furrowed, tongue peeking out of the right corner of the mouth.
Ham finally set the pen down, rubbed his eyes, and turned to face his father. “I think I’ve figured out a good way to build the enclosures for the larger creatures. We can install gates—”
Noah held up his palm. “You can tell me later. Your grandfather wanted to show you something outside.”
“Can it wait? I’m right in the middle of this.”
“Not when you’re sailing down a river. Come on.” Noah led Ham out of the room, down a narrow hallway lined with a few more rooms, and then up a short flight of stairs to the ship’s deck.
Warm evening air greeted Noah as he emerged from the ship’s lower level, and the stench of dead fish assaulted his nostrils. The crew’s reliance on the swimming creatures for sustenance upset Noah, but he had broached the subject with the captain only once. As a guest on the boat, he knew it was best to avoid becoming a nuisance.
The vessel looked much like the boat they had sailed to Kadel nearly a century ago, although it may have been a little longer, with a shorter draft to accommodate the shallower stretches of this part of the river. Still, the craftsmanship lacked Noah’s skill. Multiple places on the ship flaunted pieces that were hastily put together and sealed with globs of pitch. When he had run the shipyard, he insisted on making sure every piece fit properly. Pitch was only to be used as a final coating — never to patch a mistake.
“There you are,” Lamech said as Noah and Ham approached the bow. Shem and Elam stood beside him.
“Where’s Garun?” Noah asked.
“He and Laleel went to their room to eat.” Lamech gestured beyond the front of the boat. “See those lights ahead? We’re getting close to Iri Sana.”
“And this is where you lived?” Ham asked.
“Almost. My farm is south of the city. But this land here. . . .” He smiled at Ham and stretched his right arm to the western bank of the river. “This all belonged to Toman, Evet’s grandfather.”
Shem nudged Ham’s shoulder and smirked. “So that would be Kezia’s grandfather’s father.”
Ham frowned at his brother. “Yes, I figured that out.” He huffed. “Is that what you wanted to show me, Grandfather?”
“No, not just that. There are several other farms before the city. I’ve got embarrassing stories about your father from each of them.”
Noah cleared his throat. “They don’t need to hear those.”
“Yes they do,” Elam said.
Lamech raised his eyebrows. “Of course they do. Every man needs to know how his father grew up. You think I like it when your grandfather tells embarrassing stories about me?”
Shem chuckled. “We like it.”
“Well, then I guess they are worthwhile.” Lamech nudged Shem with his elbow. “Did you know your father was scared to greet Toman? The man had such a strong grip Noah complained every time they shook forearms.”
Ham snorted. “Sort of like Purlek’s grip? That guy is strong.”
“No, not like Purlek. Toman would make him seem like a young boy.” Noah put his hands a handbreadth above his own shoulders. “He was huge. Strongest friend I ever had. My arm was sore for a week every time he shook it.”
“And that next farm.” Lamech directed his thumb over his shoulder. “There was a tree there that the boys liked to climb. One day, when he was about 30, Noah tried to impress a young girl who lived there, but he fell out of the tree and broke his arm. Needless to say, she wasn’t very impressed.”
Shem and Ham laughed.
Noah shook his head. “That wasn’t me. Jerah did that.”
“I’m pretty sure it was you,” Lamech said.
“No, Jerah was the one always chasing the girls. Besides, I’ve never even broken my arm.” Noah smiled at his father. “I think your memory is broken.”
“We can settle this when we reach the house. We’ll ask Jer—” Lamech yelped before pitching forward. He clutched Noah’s arm to keep from falling.
Noah pulled back to keep the man upright, and Elam held him from the other side. Only then did Noah notice an arrow sticking through his father’s shoulder. A second arrow whistled past his face. Noah ducked and faced his sons. “Get below deck. Now! Stay down!”
Ham hesitated. “But Grand—”
“We’ve got him. Go!” A quick glance at the opposite shore revealed a group of bandits rowing a small boat toward them. “Captain, we’re under attack!”
The captain and three crewmen stood near the back of the craft. “I see them. Quick! Defensive positions. I’ll steer.”
The crewmen pulled on a rope, which drew up a wooden wall above the deck to protect them from projectiles. They picked up their own bows and fired shots at the appr
oaching craft. In the distance, a man’s yell preceded a loud splash.
“I hit one,” the crewman closest to Noah said.
“Keep shooting,” the captain said.
Staying low, Noah and Elam guided Lamech toward the stairs as another arrow flew over them and lodged itself in the opposite rail. The boat shifted toward the western shore as the three crewmembers continued firing arrows.
Garun emerged from his room just as they reached the bottom of the steps. Shem stood in the hallway behind him. “What’s happening?” Garun asked.
“We’re being attacked by bandits. Shem, you and Elam need to take your grandfather and find a place for him to sit.”
“Let’s see if the captain needs help,” Garun said.
“You read my mind.” Noah climbed a few stairs and stopped. He raised his voice. “Captain, can we help?”
“Just stay down there! My men have it under control. We’re almost in the clear.”
Noah grabbed Garun’s arm. “Then we need to help my father.”
“I’ll get Laleel.”
Garun hurried back into his room as Noah navigated the tiny hallway to the back of the boat. He entered the dark chamber and located his father grimacing as he sat on a box.
“Stay still. You can’t lie back.” Ham held the old man steady.
Noah rushed to his side and knelt down. The arrow entered through the back of his shoulder and the tip stuck out through the front. A thin trail of blood trickled down Lamech’s chest while another line formed on his back. “Father, look at me. How do you feel?”
Lamech gritted his teeth. “I’ve been better.”
Garun and Laleel entered the room and moved quickly to Lamech’s side.
Noah looked up at Laleel. “Tell me what you think. I suggest breaking the arrow back here.” He pointed to the shaft near Lamech’s back. “Then we can pull the rest of it through the front.”