by Tim Chaffey
“Hey!”
Noah recognized Tubal-Cain’s voice and spun to see the blacksmith jogging toward him with a larger than customary grin on his face. “Good news?”
Tubal-Cain closed the gap between them and stopped a few cubits away. “Great news, actually. We found deposits not far from Superglider Cliff. The hills there are full of iron ore.”
“That is great news.” Noah handed the water to his friend. “What’s the next step?”
“It’ll take a lot of work to mine and extract the ore, but I’m sure I can find a couple of apprentices that’ll help.”
“When I have the time, I’d love to learn how to do it,” Noah said.
Tubal-Cain crossed his arms. “I’m sure you’d make a great blacksmith, but your woodworking ability is unmatched.”
“Thanks.” Noah stretched his arms out and yawned. “Maybe after this ship is delivered to your father.”
Tubal-Cain shook his head. “I was hoping you’d do that. I don’t anticipate moving back there anytime soon.”
Noah drew back. “You aren’t going back?”
He shrugged. “Maybe someday. I am the king’s oldest son after all. But for now, I’d rather live here. I love the smaller town feel, and the people are honest and much kinder.”
“That’s good news. We’d love to keep you around.” Noah grinned and then added. “I guess it doesn’t hurt that Adira’s here too.”
Tubal-Cain snorted but cast Noah a sheepish glance. “She might’ve factored into my decision, although she doesn’t know that yet.”
“I’m sure we can figure out a way to let her in on it. That seems to be Aterre’s specialty, actually.” Noah chuckled and then looked to the side and lowered his voice. “What’ll your father say?”
“Well, that’ll be the tough part. But if Demek’s doing a good job back home, then I’m sure my father will let me stay here for a while, especially if he thinks it’ll help his chances at opening up trade opportunities with Iri Geshem.”
Noah raised an eyebrow. “Not likely. No offense, but I know the council here doesn’t wish to establish —” He stopped as he noticed Tubal-Cain staring at the water behind Noah instead of listening. “What is it?” Noah turned around.
“A boat.”
“Usually they unload at the docks on the river.” Trying to get a good look at the craft being pushed into the shallows by crewmen on either side using pushpoles, Noah squinted against the light continually reflecting from the water. “There are quite a few people on there.”
“Who are they?”
Noah opened his mouth to speak, but stopped when he caught his first clear view of the ship’s occupants. His heart leapt and he shot an excited glance at Tubal-Cain. “It’s my family! Come on.” Sprinting across the beach, he spotted his sister waving her arms frantically as the boat softly ran aground. “Misha!”
“Noah!” Misha jumped up and down.
His parents beamed next to her as they watched Noah dash into the shallow water. His mother held the hand of a very young girl, and to her side stood Jerah and an attractive young woman.
As Noah reached them, Misha leapt off the deck into his arms. He squeezed her tightly, trying to make up for six years’ worth of hugs. “I missed you so much.” He kissed her cheek.
“I missed you too.”
Noah set her down gently in the ankle-deep water. No longer the small girl he remembered, she was now a beautiful young woman. “Where did my little sister go?”
“All grown up.” She hugged him around the waist. “Well, almost. Where’s Aterre?”
“He’s working on a farm right now. He’ll be back tonight.”
His father climbed out of the boat and turned to face him.
After gripping Lamech’s forearm, Noah grabbed his father in a tight embrace, with Misha still latched onto his waist. When they separated, the two men reached up to help Nina out of the boat. “It’s been so long. What’re you doing here?”
Jerah bounded over the edge of the hull and splashed into the water. He helped the young woman disembark.
Noah raised an eyebrow at the size of Jerah’s arms as he lowered the woman to the shore. Before he could comment, though, he recognized her. “Pivi?”
Jerah blushed. “Although you already know her, I’d like to introduce you to my wife.”
Noah reached forward and embraced Jerah. “Congratulations, little brother, or not-so-little brother. Looks like all that constant flirting eventually paid off.” He stepped back and smiled at Pivi. “And my condolences to you.”
Jerah shook his head and laughed. “Same old Noah.”
Noah shrugged and winked at Pivi. “When was the wedding?”
She blushed. “About six whole moons ago.”
“I’m sorry I missed it. Congratulations to both of you.”
“Mother, I need help.” The little girl that had been holding his mother’s hand stood above them, peering at the water with a determined frown creasing her forehead.
Noah stared at the youngster and then back to his parents. “Another sister?”
His father nodded. “Meet your newest sister, Elina.”
“Elina.” Noah reached his hands up to her. “Can I help you down?”
Her huge brown eyes locked in on his, but she stood fast.
“It’s okay, baby,” Nina said. “He’s your oldest brother, Noah.”
“Noah?” She carefully extended a hand toward him and leaned forward.
Noah swept her up in a joyous embrace and spun around. “A baby sister.” Still holding her, he looked at his father. “I can’t believe you’re all here.”
“You think Mother was going to miss your wedding?” Jerah said.
“My wedding?” Noah scrunched his brow. “How could you know?”
“We received a message many weeks ago,” Nina said, smiling and taking little Elina from his arms. “We wanted to surprise you.”
“Well, it worked.” Noah hugged his mother. “I missed you.”
She kissed his cheek and squeezed him tight. “It’s so good to see you, Son.”
Suddenly remembering his friend, Noah glanced up and saw Tubal-Cain standing on the shore watching. He released his mother. “Oh, I’d like you all to meet my good friend, Tubal-Cain. He’s the best metalworker around.”
As they greeted Tubal-Cain, Noah asked, “So who sent the message to you?”
“Your future father-in-law,” Lamech said. “The letter mentioned that he wanted it to be a surprise.”
“It sure is. The best surprise ever.” He glanced toward the shipyard’s taller building. “I’ll be right back. Don’t go anywhere.” Noah sprinted toward Emzara’s office. “Em!” Opening the door, he hurried into the darkened lower floor. Momentarily unable to see, he stopped a few steps into the space. “Em!”
“What’s wrong?” Emzara padded down the stairs from her office.
“Nothing.” He blinked hard and she came into focus. “Come here.”
“What’s all the yelling about?”
He blinked back tears of joy and grabbed both her hands as she joined him. “You have to come with me right now.” He pulled her along as he ran outside. King Lamech’s half-built boat stood between them and his family.
“What’s the big rush?”
“You’ll see in a moment.”
“This had better be good. I was right in the middle of something important.”
“Stop. Close your eyes. It’s better than good.” Noah readjusted his grip on her hand and walked backward in order to lead her carefully. “Your eyes closed?”
She bit her bottom lip and nodded.
Noah led her around the ship and toward his family who busied themselves unloading their belongings and chatting with Tubal-Cain. Jerah stood on the deck of the boat and passed a crate to Tubal-Cain on the shore.
“Keep them closed.” He gently placed his left hand over her eyes. “We’re almost there.”
Misha ran toward them. “Noah.”
“Who’s that?” Emzara asked cocking her head.
Noah stood in front of her to block her view. “Open your eyes.” He grinned and stepped aside. “I’d like you to meet my family.”
Misha sprinted right into Emzara and wrapped her arms around her. Startled, Emzara held her and giggled.
“This is my sister, Misha. I think she likes you already.” Noah put his hand on Misha’s shoulder. “Meesh, this is Emzara.”
She let go and rolled her eyes at Noah. “I figured that much. It’s so great to meet you. Now I’ll have two big sisters.”
Emzara kissed her cheek. “And I’ll finally have a little sister.”
Noah pointed to his mother and Elina walking toward them. “Two little sisters.”
“Two?”
Noah held his hands up and shrugged. “I was surprised too.”
Misha grabbed Emzara’s hand and pulled her. “Mother, this is Emzara.”
Nina’s smile grew even wider. She handed Elina to Misha and then stopped to look at Emzara. “I’m Noah’s mother, Nina.”
“It’s wonderful to meet you, Nina.”
Nina pulled her close and kissed her on the cheek. As she released Emzara, her eyes welled up and she looked at Noah. “Oh, Son, she’s gorgeous.” She grinned as she turned back to Emzara and spoke quietly to her.
Emzara’s cheeks reddened but her smile broadened and she glanced at Noah.
Pivi joined the group, and as the women became better acquainted, Noah spotted Ara walking toward the ship. Noah hurried over and arrived in time to introduce him to his father and brother. “Father, I want you to meet my mentor. This is Ara.”
Lamech gripped Ara’s forearm. “It’s great to meet you. Thank you for the invitation.”
“I was hoping it’d reach you in time, and that you’d be able to come. You and your family are most welcome here. How is your father, my cousin?”
“Very well.” Lamech hitched his thumb toward Noah. “I trust my son has been helpful.”
A wry grin crossed Ara’s lips. “He’s not so bad.”
Noah chuckled. “Well, your daughter’s opinion is the one that counts.” He turned around. “I’ll help Jerah unload.”
As he stepped back into the shallow water past Tubal-Cain, he overheard Ara. “He does great work. He’s very talented and hard-working.”
“This is the last one,” Jerah said as he lifted a chest and handed it to Noah. “I was wondering if you were going to do some work here.”
Noah grunted as he lowered the crate to his waist. “Who do you think built that boat you’re standing on?”
“You made this?”
“Not by myself, but I did a lot of it.”
“Impressive.” Jerah jumped down into the water. “It’s really great to see you again.”
“Likewise.” Noah carried the box to the shore and set it next to the others. “Where are we taking these?”
“My house, but just leave them there. I’ll get a cart.” Ara walked away toward his office.
Emzara, walking arm-in-arm with Misha, arrived at the pile of luggage with the other women.
Lamech stepped toward Emzara. “You must be my future daughter-in-law.”
“And you must be Noah’s father.” Emzara hugged him. “It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
“And you as well,” Lamech said. “I’m glad we could make the journey for your upcoming covenant.”
“How were your travels? And with Elina, too?” Noah asked.
“Quite an adventure. And we met some friends of yours along the way.”
“The Zakari?”
Lamech nodded. “We stayed with them for two nights. Great people. They spoke very highly of you and Aterre. They said you were heroes.”
“Heroes?” Tubal-Cain cocked an eyebrow. “This sounds like a story I haven’t heard.”
Lamech explained. “When the boys passed through the remote village of the Zakari on their journey here, the place was attacked in the night and four children were kidnapped. Noah and Aterre helped the Zakari men track down the assailants and rescue the children.”
Feeling Emzara’s arms wrap around his waist and squeeze him tight, Noah lowered his head, embarrassed. “You’d have done the same thing, Father.”
“Perhaps. But young Elam said you risked your life to save him from some crazy man with a knife. He wondered if your cut healed up properly.”
Emzara pulled away and looked into Noah’s face. “You never mentioned that part.”
Noah pulled his wrap up slightly and gestured to the horizontal scar above his stomach. “It’s fine.”
Lamech put his hand on Noah’s shoulder. “I’m proud of you, Son.”
Noah held his father’s gaze. “Thank you.”
“Oh.” Lamech reached into a pocket in his wrap and pulled out a small cloth with Noah’s name stitched into it. “Elam made this for you. Apparently, he’s quite the seamster.”
After examining the cloth, he smiled as he thought about his young friend. “How was his arm?”
“It’s scarred,” Lamech said. “But they said it looked so much better than before.”
“That’s good to hear.”
“They also said our return trip will probably go much faster. The people of Novanam and one of the neighboring towns upriver were nearly finished clearing boulders out of the river and installing a system that will allow boats to sail that stretch.”
“That’s right,” Nina said joining them and standing close to her husband. “Now it won’t take as much time for you to come and visit.”
“Wonderful. I’d love to show Em where I’m from.”
“And then you can make good on your promise to show me a keluk,” Emzara whispered.
Noah nodded, staring into her eyes and thinking of how much he enjoyed life with this woman by his side.
“Taht?” Jerah asked as Ara led an animal pulling a wagon up to the pile of luggage.
Noah nodded just as the creature raised her head in recognition of her name.
“You still have this old beast?” Jerah scratched Taht’s neck. “It’s good to see you again, girl.”
As they loaded their belongings, Noah watched as Nina lifted Emzara’s hand. “So, newest daughter, I want you to know that I’m here to be of any assistance I can.”
Emzara nodded and brushed the corner of her eye. “That’d be wonderful. I’d love to have your help. Thank you.” She hugged Nina tightly before both turned to help with the remaining few items.
The cart loaded, Noah came near to his wife-to-be and tried to put his arm around her, but Misha jumped between them and wrapped an arm around each of their waists. He shared a smile with Emzara over the young woman’s head, and the three of them walked linked together toward Ara’s house, the rest of the crowd following along behind them.
Chapter 30
I finally get to see you. Seems there’s hardly been a chance all week.” Emzara reached a hand up to Noah’s face.
He rested his cheek against her palm. “There’s been so much to do and so many people to see.”
“You won’t believe all the food that we’ve prepared. And to have your mother here, organizing it all — I can’t express how much that’s meant to me — how much she’s meant to me. I wish they didn’t have to leave so soon after the wedding.”
“I do too. You know, my mother’s quite taken with you.”
“Having her around has been so good.” Emzara blinked faster. “I —” She cleared her throat and tried again. “I didn’t know all that I missed, but this week’s given me a glimpse of what having a mother would’ve been like.”
Noah kissed her hand. “You have all the qualities to be a great mother. And after tomorrow. ”
She blushed, but then looked back up at him.
Holding her tightly against his chest, he didn’t speak for several moments as he took in the softness and eagerness of her gaze. Even the pounding of the waterfall in the background could not rival the intensity of his heartbeat. “T
omorrow.”
“Yes.”
Forcing himself to pull away from her, Noah gently touched the leather band on her upper arm and then gestured to the landscape around them, softly illuminated by the retreating sunlight. “Five years ago, at this spot, you agreed to be my wife.”
A breeze from the cliff’s edge danced around them and ruffled through the loose curls framing Emzara’s face. “It’s remained almost the same.”
He scanned his surroundings, taking in not so much the details, but remembering that day, which somehow seemed ages in their past and yet, also felt strangely like only moments ago. He had been so nervous before kissing her for the first time.
“Although tonight, I don’t see any pesky supergliders to bother us.” Her eyes held the familiar spark of fun and invitation before closing as she pressed her lips to his.
Leaning back, she looked up at him. “No supergliders and now these stones that you’ve assembled. I can’t believe you went to all that work this week.”
“I know it’s different, but I thought it’d be fitting.”
“I love that you seek the Creator’s favor for our marriage.” She joined her hand to his.
Noah kissed her fingers. “You’re one of a kind. Not many girls would want to spend the last night before their marriage sacrificing an animal. And that’s just another reason that I love you and can’t wait to marry you.”
“Tomorrow is simply a day. What’s more important than the ceremony is how we’ll spend the rest of our lives living before the Most High.”
Noah squeezed her palm. “You ready?”
“Yes.”
They walked to the altar. Noah’s arms still ached from lugging those stones out of the pool, and placing them just right. But the time spent with his father, Jerah, Aterre, Ara, and even Tubal-Cain had been worth it.
Kneeling, he caught the woolly bleater he had tied to a stake a few hours earlier. He quickly flipped it on its back and bound its four legs together before loosening the lead rope. Hating what came next, he paused and looked at Emzara, who shuddered and held her arms tightly around herself before nodding. His first sacrifice came to mind. Though thankful that the motions came easier, it still saddened Noah to watch the animal bleed out and to feel it go limp.