by Tim Chaffey
Thank You
While our names can be found on the front cover, we recognize that many others played a significant role in helping us complete this book.
The team at Master Books, we can’t thank you enough. Tim, thanks for choosing not only to read a work of fiction, but to publish it as well. Brittany, Laura, Katie, and others, you’ve been a delight to work with, and you make even the mundane fun.
Reagen, thanks for taking the manuscript we sent you and making it shine. Thanks for challenging us in every area of writing fiction and for applying your editorial expertise to produce a consistent, dramatic, and engaging story.
Casey, thanks for the long walks of plot discussion, the living room chats of character dissection, and the countless bowls of popcorn. We rely so much on your understanding of English grammar and your attention to details. We’d say you have a thankless job, but here you are being thanked . . . and you completely deserve it.
Ben, thanks for putting up with a word guy and an artsy girl. You take our spoken ideas and particles of thought and make them come alive on canvas in ways we couldn’t have even dreamed. Knowing many will judge the book by its cover, we’re so glad that you are the one helping us stand tall.
Janice, thanks for your countless prayers, words of encouragement, and happy reminders of ways we can make many details even better. Tony, thanks for the brainstorms on the plot. Steve, thanks for your editorial assistance in the nonfiction sections.
To all those in our lives, who shape our writing by walking out the experiences of the day to day with us, we love you and thank you.
Most of all, we thank our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Thank You for dying in our place and then conquering the grave. Thank You for revealing so much about who You are through Your word and world. Thank You for godly examples like Noah and for growing our own faith and understanding of You as we wrote this novel.
First printing: June 2017
Copyright © 2017 by Tim Chaffey and K. Marie Adams. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission from the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations in articles and reviews. For information write:
Master Books®, P.O. Box 726, Green Forest, AR 72638
Master Books® is a division of the New Leaf Publishing Group, Inc.
ISBN: 978-1-68344-074-1
ISBN: 978-1-61458-601-2 (digital)
Library of Congress Number: 2017940467
Cover design by K. Marie Adams; cover illustration by Ben Iocco
Unless otherwise noted, Scripture quotations are from the New King James Version (NKJV) of the Bible, copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
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Contents
Dear Reader,
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
Chapter 23
Chapter 24
Chapter 25
Chapter 26
Chapter 27
Chapter 28
Chapter 29
Chapter 30
Chapter 31
Chapter 32
Chapter 33
Chapter 34
Chapter 35
Chapter 36
A Glimpse of Book Three
Behind the Fiction
Answering Questions Raised By the Novel
Encounter This
Borrowed from the Bible
Dear Reader
About the Authors
Dear Reader,
Thank you for joining us for another look at what Noah may have been like in the years prior to the Flood. In the first book, we followed Noah on a coming-of-age adventure when he left home to work as a shipbuilder’s apprentice. He faced many challenges along the way as he learned more about the world beyond his hometown. He stood for justice, met his wife, resisted temptation, and faced a growing evil in the land. Book Two picks up right where book one ended.
As we mentioned in the opening of the first book, we realize that so much of the story we are telling is made up. The Bible provides scant information about the world in which he lived and what Noah was like before God instructed him to build the Ark. Our story is rooted in those small details revealed in the first six chapters of Genesis.
We certainly do not want to be guilty of adding to Scripture, so we have spent considerable space near the end of both novels explaining why we depicted people, places, and events in certain ways. We stated in the first novel that one of our objectives in writing these stories was to use fiction to help readers learn to discern between fiction and biblical fact. That may sound like a strange goal for a novel, but stories can be used as powerful teaching tools. One need look no further than the parables taught by Jesus. While our story is not a parable or an allegory, it is intended to teach biblical truths in the context of fiction.
We have intentionally avoided many of the stereotypical views about Noah that are not spelled out in Scripture in an effort to challenge the reader to pick up the Bible and pay close attention to what it actually states. The nonfiction section in the back of the book is also designed to help the reader distinguish between fact and fiction, as well as highlighting areas where the novel intersects with exhibits that can be seen at the Ark Encounter theme park in Williamstown, Kentucky.
Welcome aboard for another journey as we respectfully imagine what life may have been like for our great, great . . . grandfather Noah.
Sincerely,
Tim Chaffey and K. Marie Adams
Chapter 1
Havil — Noah’s 46th year
Emzara sprinted behind Noah, her eyes on the flap, flap of his robe as they fled the courtyard and the golden stare of the serpent idol Nachash. Her weary mind ran circles around the events of the day: the excitement and pleasure of exploring a new place with her new husband, his enjoyment at her delight when she picked out Tubal-Cain’s extravagant surprise gift. And later, the knock at the door, the guards grabbing Noah, the dread that he had been killed. And now this: Noah returned safely and the guards saying it was all a misunderstanding. So why the rush? As sickened as she was by what she had seen tonight, the sensuality and godlessness of the ceremony didn’t pose a serious threat to their lives, right? Why won’t he look me in the eye?
Without warning, Emzara crashed into Noah’s back as he halted in the middle of the street. She grabbed onto him to steady her balance. “Sorry.”
Unfazed, Noah reached out his arm and stopped Zain. Pointing to one of the guest homes, he whispered, “I sent Farna straight to the boat, so tell his crew to pack everything immediately and meet us there as soon as possible.”
“What happened?” Zain asked. “Why are we in such a hurry?”
“We have to leave before that ceremony ends. Naamah’s preoccupied for now, but Garun told me I’m not
safe in this city. Be on alert for her guards.”
Zain gave a curt nod. “Is it something you’ve done?”
“No, quite the opposite actually.” Noah glanced back down the road. “I’ll explain later.”
“Let’s hope they’ve already resupplied the ship for the return trip,” Zain said.
“Indeed.”
Zain paused and looked back toward the city square. “One more problem. We have no idea where Ashur is.”
“Ashur.” Noah sucked in a breath through clenched teeth. “Now what?”
“You two grab our things,” Zain said. “I’ll tell the crew to get going, and then go look for Ashur.”
“With that crowd?” Emzara’s voice shook.
“What choice do we have?” Zain’s question hung in the air for a moment before he continued. “You get to the boat. The important thing is to have you leave safely. If I’m not back, go without me.”
Noah held up an arm. “But . . .”
“You’re the one in trouble, not me or Ashur. We’ll find our own way back, if necessary. Let’s go.”
Noah reached out and gripped the councilmember’s arm, delaying his momentum. “May the Creator guide and protect you.”
“And you, my friend. Now go.”
Grimly, they made their way to their luxurious quarters. Zain hustled to the house on the left, while Noah and Emzara entered their lodging. The room was completely dark and unguarded.
Emzara turned to light a wick, but Noah stopped her with a hand over hers.
“No, let’s work in the dark.”
She frowned, peering up into his face and wishing for the light just so she could read his expression. “Very well.”
Hurriedly, they grabbed their belongings. Emzara laid one of Noah’s tunics on the ground in a long rectangle and arranged their folded garments on top. Strands of piks and pikas, clothing, and a few toiletries gave shape to the growing mound.
In her haste, she bumped into Noah, and a bottle of ointment flew from her hand. It shattered in a far corner, filling the air with the sharp scent of herbs and spices. “Sorry.”
Already turning away to resume his work, Noah said, “Leave it. Are you hurt?”
“No, but look at me.” She put a hand on his arm, her eyes searching out his. “Please tell me what happened.”
For the first time since he had been returned to her, Noah held her gaze. “I promise I’ll tell you everything, but there’s no time right now.” He bent down and kissed her forehead, muffling his voice against her skin. “We need to hurry.”
* * *
Naamah twirled, her bare feet tracing the same intricate steps to the dance that she performed earlier in the evening. Tap, tap, tap-tap-tap. In the final steps of the choreography, her toe gracefully patted against the sandstone flooring that lined the gardens on top of the palace. She dipped her left shoulder and glanced over it to where the seer lagged slightly behind, his lanky frame dark against the backlighting of the torches. Laughing, she ran back toward him and swirled around several potted kalum trees, enjoying the spicy aroma their flowers gave off.
“How did I do tonight?” she asked, looking up at him and hoping he approved.
“Very well, my child.” The old man lightly patted her cheeks, as a father who was proud of his child would do.
“Did I?”
“Yes, your singing mesmerized the people. Hearing your talent in person was greater than I imagined.”
“I’m so glad.” Unable to keep still, she spun as they walked toward the waist-high parapet marking the edge of the expansive rooftop garden.
“You’re a natural leader, and tonight you received some of the recognition you deserve.”
Naamah glowed under his high praise and leaned against the low stone wall. “There were so many people. Look at all the lights below, even this late at night.”
They both peered out at the city, which still bustled. Pockets of people moved about the streets below, laughing with their companions and calling out good-naturedly to other groups that passed by. The sheer number of lit windows indicated that the celebratory atmosphere moved beyond the streets. Music and drumbeats sounded out from a variety of places.
She flung her hands wide. “Isn’t the city magnificent?”
“It’s quite a sight. And you are its only princess.”
“Yes, I am. Everyone got to watch me.”
“And as priestess.” He stroked the serpent image atop his staff. “Introducing them to Nachash was your greatest achievement tonight. Against the backdrop of your talents, the people saw the beauty in following him.”
Naamah pressed her hands together and trembled with excitement. “I can’t wait for next year’s celebration. I’ll dazzle them even more.”
The seer gave a patient chuckle. “I have no doubts, but listen to me.” He grabbed her hands. “Tonight was only a first step for you. With my guidance, you can achieve power you’ve never dreamed of. The success you now feel — and deserve — is only a glimpse of what is to come.”
“More?”
He swept his arm out. “All that you see here — the might of your father’s soldiers and the skill of your craftsmen.” He shook his head slowly. “It’s nothing compared to the power available through Nachash.”
Intrigued, Naamah looked up and rubbed her chin, pondering the implications.
“The first time we met I saw greatness and giftedness in you. And power — that few can possess and even fewer will be able to resist.”
Naamah leaned in closer. “Show me. Teach me everything.”
A crooked smile spread across his lips. “Patience. It takes time. I’ll guide you in the ways of Nachash, and as you learn, your power and wisdom will grow.”
Hearing the rustle of leaves, Naamah stepped back as she glanced around. “Who’s there? Speak.”
Nivlac stepped forward from the foliage into the well-lit patio area, accompanied by Tsek, a mountain of a man. Nivlac bowed. “Princess, the king’s captain has a message for you.” Nivlac retreated to his post a short distance away.
Tsek bowed. “Evening peace, Princess. I’m here on behalf of the king. He wishes to inform you that he’s pleased with your part in the festivities. Because of your efforts, the people learned how great a leader they have. Now they have a god worthy of the leader who has done much to build this city into what it is. And you, Naamah, played a part in that.”
Naamah stiffened as Tsek droned on. It’s just like Father to take what should’ve been a simple compliment and make it all about himself. Discouraged, she looked up at Tsek’s strong jaw line as she waited for him to finish. Power? Can I really be as powerful as the seer promised? Could I turn Tsek’s loyalty to me instead of my father? Imagine that. His own captain following me. She grinned.
“I’m glad that you’re pleased with your father’s report of the evening’s successes.”
Pulled suddenly from her reverie, Naamah blinked quickly, attempting to speed up her brain’s responses. “Of course. I’m happy as long as my father is happy.”
Tsek bobbed his head. “Do you have anything you want me to take to the king in reply?”
She looked at the seer, who had taken a seat a short distance away, while she searched for the right phrase. Stepping close to Tsek, she brushed an imaginary speck from his broad, tanned shoulder, being sure to let her hand linger longer than necessary. She cast him an alluring look as she backed away. “Tell the king that my victory rests in his vast accomplishments.”
Tsek searched her face before replying. “I shall relay that. And may I say that, personally, I thought you were the highlight of the evening.”
She flashed him a broad smile. “You are most kind, Tsek. Thank you for bringing words from my father.” She dismissed him with a small wave of her hand.
He bowed and looked back at her twice as he walked through the garden.
The seer rejoined Naamah, wearing a slight frown. “That was not the type of power I was alluding to.”
With a flip of her head, she tossed her hair over her shoulder. “Oh, I care nothing for him, but it wouldn’t hurt to have his complete loyalty.” She turned around to look at the city again. “There is, however, someone that I’d like to bring to his knees before me. Do you think you could help with that?”
“Perhaps. Tell me what’s on your mind.”
“A man slighted me twice. He dismissed me once a while ago and again just today.” She let tears gather at the corner of her eyes, playing the role skillfully and without hesitation.
“Would this be the man your guard mentioned this evening? Noah? The shipbuilder?”
She bit her lip and nodded.
“And just what do you want to do?” He gently touched her shoulder.
She wanted vengeance. But how? “I — I . . . never mind.”
“Capture this man’s wife so that he has to beg you for her life.”
Once hidden in the recesses of her mind, her darkest thoughts became clear. And yet, the seer spoke them calmly and with even tones, as if he were simply discussing what would be served for the next meal.
Naamah’s eyes widened. “How — how did you know?”
The seer looked steadily at her. “I’ve been trying to tell you that the power I can teach you is beyond anything you’ve imagined.”
Still awed by his ability, she stared into the wrinkled face before her.
“If you’re bent on making this man pay, then call your guards to go get his wife. But I must say, you’re setting your ambition too low.”
She shook her head, brushing off his disapproval. “Maybe I am. But if I put this behind me, then I can focus more fully on what you have to teach me.” She raised her voice so that the sentry stationed on the terrace might hear her. “Nivlac!”
Her most dependable guard hurried across the roof and stood before her. “Yes, Princess.”
“I have an urgent mission for you.”
Chapter 2
About halfway there,” Noah said as they crested a rise in the road. “Are we going too fast for you?”
“No, I’m alright.” Emzara ducked behind Noah’s broad shoulder, thankful for his presence. The whole moon was bright and cast many shadows over the cobbled streets they raced through. Since Havil was built into hilly terrain, several retaining walls rose up, supporting other roads that followed the curvature of the landscape. The way the roads crisscrossed over each other reminded Emzara of a braided hairstyle in which lengths of hair looped and intersected and were tucked out of sight behind other strands. I sure hope Noah knows where we are.