by Tim Chaffey
Lamech pointed to the river. “You and Bachamel take it to the pier and tie it up.” He turned to Noah. “If that’s alright with you.”
Noah nodded. “It’ll be more secure there. So what brings you to Iri Geshem?”
“Oh, I got tired of sitting in Havil all the time. I needed to get out and see some of the world. What good is a ship if you never sail it? So I thought I’d tackle a few tasks in one trip. Put the new ship through its paces, travel the world a bit, and stop in here to see how my son is doing.” He glanced at his surroundings and patted the ship’s hull. “And this must be the place where you built my boat.”
Noah gestured to Ara. “Actually, this is the man who designs and makes the boats. I work for him. This is my father-in-law, Ara. Ara, this is King Lamech of Havil.”
The king grinned. “You invented these incredible vessels?”
“I did. I trust yours is sturdy.”
“Indeed, it is. I’d like to talk to you about ordering several more.”
Without warning, a bitter laugh sounded from somewhere in the small crowd. “Why would you want to do that? You’re lucky to be alive, riding in one of Ara’s boats.”
Noah spun to locate the source of the angry voice, and it did not take long to recognize the speaker. A short man with a long, scraggily beard pushed his way to the front of the group of villagers. A ragged wrap wound about his wiry frame, and a long dagger hung from his belt. His wild eyes, full of hatred, shot Noah a glance before locking onto Ara. He looked very much as Noah imagined he would. Apparently, time had not cooled Bayt’s anger.
Noah pointed at the man and stepped forward. “If you had followed Ara’s directions, then. . . .”
Ara put his hand on Noah’s chest to stop him. “Don’t worry about him. My work speaks for itself.”
Noah took a deep breath, nodded, and then moved back to stand by Em.
Lamech measured Bayt for a moment before shaking his head. He faced Ara. “As I was saying, I’d like to talk to you about ordering several more ships.”
Ara raised an eyebrow. “Sounds like a discussion for later.” His words came out slowly, and when Noah caught his eye, he could clearly read the reluctance there.
Lamech, too, seemed to sense Ara’s hesitation. His gaze shifted from the older man to Noah, and then to Emzara. “And you must be Noah’s lovely wife he spoke so highly of. I remember seeing you sitting by my wife, Adah, during the ceremony.”
Emzara smiled, but Noah could tell it was forced. “Yes sir. I’m Emzara.”
“A beautiful name for an even more beautiful woman.”
Some of the coolness left Emzara’s smile as Lamech took her hand. “Thank you.”
“You and your husband are always welcome back in Havil.” Releasing Emzara, he turned to Noah and gestured to Tubal-Cain’s workplace. “Is my son around? That looks like a forge over there.”
“You have a keen eye. That’s his shop, but he isn’t here today.” Noah bit his lip and looked down. He knew Tubal-Cain wanted to share the news, but this unforeseen situation changed things.
“I suppose he’s out looking for ores around here,” Lamech said.
Noah chuckled. “He’d better not be — at least not right now. He wanted to be the one to tell you this, but he just got married. He and his wife, Adira, planned to be away for a few weeks to celebrate. They should be back within a week.”
Lamech’s eyes narrowed, and for the briefest instant, Noah thought he glimpsed anger in the flinty eyes. “Married? Tubal-Cain? Without sending word to me?”
“Adira’s perfect for him.” Emzara took a step forward, and Lamech’s mask slipped back into place as he turned to meet her sparkling eyes. “She’s smart, funny, beautiful, and is completely devoted to your son. You should see them together. And she follows the Creator. . . .” Emzara flinched and broke eye contact with the king. “And she, uh, she’s my best friend. Everyone loves her.”
Lamech arched an eyebrow and smiled. “Well, if she’s anything like you, then I’m sure my son will be very happy.”
“That he is.” Noah tilted his head toward the boat he and Ara had been working on earlier. “Would you like me to show you around the shipyard?”
“Maybe later. I wonder if you might show us a place where we could lodge while we’re here. Perhaps that friend of yours has space? I’d like to rest in a bed that isn’t rocking on the waves.”
Noah looked questioningly at Ara.
“Sir, allow me to take you to Ashur’s,” Ara said. “Noah has an errand to run, and then he can catch up with us in town.”
“Thank you.” He held out an arm and smiled at the gathered townsfolk. “Please, lead the way.”
“Certainly. Come with me.” Ara took several steps before stopping. “Ah, just a moment. I’ve forgotten. . . .” He hurried back to Noah.
“An errand?” Noah kept his voice low.
“Yes. We’ll take a longer route. Run and inform the council members about this.” He turned to leave and raised his voice so the king could hear him. “Meet us at Ashur’s when you’re finished.”
“I’ll see you there.”
Ara hustled to catch up to the unexpected guests, and most of the bystanders followed the entourage toward Sarie’s Bakery on the road that Noah and Aterre had taken to the shipyard during their first visit to Iri Geshem.
Emzara sidled up to Noah. “I’m coming with you.”
Noah squeezed her hand. “I hoped you would.” He led her to the road to Ara’s house, which would allow them to take a shortcut into town. “As soon as we’re out of view, we’ll need to move quickly.”
“I don’t like this,” she said. “Lamech — coming here. I don’t like it at all. Did you see his face when you told him of Tubal-Cain’s marriage?”
“I did, and I don’t like him coming here, either. I don’t want anything to do with Havil anymore — especially their serpent god.” Noah picked up the pace a little. “I hate what he stands for, but I must admit, he’s never been anything but kind to me. He can be quite convincing, can’t he?”
“He’s very cunning. I can see why people follow him.” Concern spread across her face. “You don’t think Baba will fall for his lies, do you?”
“Never. He’s the last person that would. He’s not happy about this surprise visit either.”
They turned off the road and ran past Ara’s house. The trail led through the grove of milknut trees and next to their own home before ending at the beach where Aterre had embarrassed Noah in front of Emzara years earlier. As the sand penetrated his sandals, Noah smiled inwardly, recalling the awkward moments that led to his first sunset with Emzara.
The sun had nearly reached its zenith, and the morning’s coolness had given way to warmer air. Sea birds squawked as they flew overhead, while others trotted along the shore, pecking at the moist ground after every wave. Noah and Emzara ran west along the shoreline until they reached the path that led straight to the middle of town. They turned at the second crossroad, and from there a short jaunt took them to Zain’s residence.
A well-groomed trail wound through a wide array of colorful flowers that gradually gave way to rows of large niti trees. Tucked away in the shade, Zain’s two-story, mud-brick home was one of the oldest in town. A narrow path to the left led to a well that always reminded Noah of the one on his father’s farm.
Noah knocked on the door. “Zain, are you here?”
Moments later, Zain stood in the entryway. “Ah, Noah and Emzara, morning peace. What a pleasant surprise. Please come in.” He stepped aside and gestured for them to enter.
Piles of folded garments separated by color rested on shelves along the back wall. Seated in the middle of the room, Zain’s wife, Kmani, skillfully slid a shuttle through the strands on a large loom. She stopped and stood, motioning for them to enter. “Welcome.” She started to step over a pile of garments, but seemed to have second thoughts about her ability to clear the pile with her short legs. After zigzagging around piles of fa
bric, Kmani met Noah and Emzara just as they stepped inside, giving Emzara a warm hug.
After shutting the door, Noah put a hand up. “We’d love to stay and visit, but there’s no time. I have troubling news. King Lamech and nearly a dozen Havilites just arrived.”
Zain’s eyes opened wide. “What? Here?”
Kmani looked up at Noah. “What does he want?”
“He said he wanted to try out his ship and visit Tubal-Cain, but he may have other motives. We weren’t sure how to handle the situation. It was such a shock.”
Emzara pulled her hair back and tied it up as she spoke. “Baba thought it’d be best to be on our guard while extending hospitality to them.”
Zain pursed his lips. “That’s probably wise. No need to start a feud with Havil. Where are they now?”
“They’re taking the long way to Ashur’s,” Noah said. “Ara wanted me to inform the council members immediately and meet him there. You’re the first one on the way.”
Zain’s eyes shifted to Kmani, and he took a long breath before turning back to Noah. “You two go and warn Ashur. That should give him a little time to get ready for visitors. Let him know that I’ll be there soon with the other council members.”
Noah nodded.
Zain turned and kissed Kmani’s forehead. “I’ll be back as soon as possible.”
Chapter 5
Ashur’s eyes grew wide. “The king is in Iri Geshem? Now? And he wants to stay here?”
“Yes, he’ll be here very soon,” Noah said.
“How many people were with him?”
“About a dozen, including several guards and a few women.”
“That’s wonderful. Imagine, the king staying at my inn.” As if realizing what he’d just said, Ashur frowned. “I mean, that’s terrible. I’m not ready for such an important guest.”
“What can we do to help?” Emzara asked. “We don’t have much time.”
Ashur’s gaze darted around the dining hall. Several customers were scattered about the room, savoring their meals and enjoying one another’s company. “Noah, can you clean the empty tables and straighten the chairs?”
“Of course.”
Ashur pointed down the hallway to his left. “Emzara, would you mind preparing a couple of the guest rooms?”
“I can do that,” she said. “Which ones?”
“I’ll show you in a moment. I’ll be right back.” He hurried through a door in the back.
“He seems rather excited about it.” Emzara bit her lip. “Almost too excited.”
Noah kept his voice low. “I think he really enjoyed himself in Havil. I’m not sure he agrees with the rest of the council on this matter.”
Emzara crossed her arms and leaned back slightly. “Certainly that can’t be true. How could anyone from Iri Geshem want anything to do with Havil after seeing that ceremony?”
Noah shrugged one shoulder. “What if that someone didn’t really follow the Creator?”
“You think Ashur doesn’t . . .”
“I’m just thinking out loud, but sometimes he seems too interested in wealth and pleasure. Havil has plenty of both. I think your father suspects as much too.”
Emzara opened her mouth to speak just as Ashur re-entered the room.
Ashur tossed two cloths to Noah and set a bucket of water on the table beside him. “These are for tidying up out here. Emzara, come with me, and I’ll show you which guest rooms you can prepare.”
Noah plunged a rag into the water and wrung it out while Emzara followed Ashur up the stairs to the second floor. The establishment boasted four guest rooms on the second floor and four on the ground level. Widely considered the best place to eat in town, the spacious dining hall often filled to capacity in the evening. Noah turned his attention to the nearest unoccupied table and wiped it down, all the while keeping an eye and ear out for the group from Havil.
Before long, Ashur led a couple down the stairs and then to the last room on the right. “I’m sorry about the inconvenience. You can stay for half price tonight.”
Noah finished cleaning the tables and set the bucket near the door to the kitchen. He planned to ask Ashur what else needed to be done, but decided to check outside for the Havilites first. Looking out the front door, Noah saw a large crowd of people across the town square with Ara and Lamech at the front. He moved quickly to the landing and called to the second floor. “They’re almost here.”
A door slammed shut. “Coming.” Ashur hurried down the steps, his sandaled feet slapping against the wooden boards. “Thank you, Noah. I owe you one.”
“You’re welcome. They’re still on the other side of the fountain, but I thought you’d want to greet them outside.”
Ashur nodded. “Thanks again.”
“Do you mind if Em and I use the back exit? I’d rather not be here for this meeting.”
Ashur shrugged. “I suppose if you want to. I need to go.” He took a deep breath and darted out the front door.
“He sure was in a hurry.”
Noah spun around at the sound of Emzara’s voice. He crossed the floor and took her hand. “I am too. Let’s get out of here.”
He picked up the bucket and set it inside the kitchen. Ashur’s kitchen hand was busily kneaded a pile of dough while, to his right, a large iron soup pot simmered above coals, giving the room its pleasant aroma. “Smells great, Enika. Ashur said we can use the back door.”
“Oh, I didn’t even see you. Be sure to stop in again sometime.”
As they stepped into the narrow alley behind the inn, Emzara’s hand flew to her stomach and then to her mouth. “Whew, I don’t feel well all of a sudden. I hope I’m not going to be ill.”
Noah gently rubbed her back. “Are you alright?”
“Yeah, I think so.” She inhaled slowly and leaned against the building. “What do we do now?”
“After they arrive, we’ll join the crowd from behind and observe.” Noah wiped sweat from his forehead. He cast about and spotted a large wooden box under a nearby tree. “Do you want to rest over there for a while?”
“That sounds good.” She took his hand and followed him to the shade.
Noah sighed as he sat down. “This is much better.”
She reclined against him as he wrapped both arms around her. Grinning, she locked her dark brown eyes onto his. “No, this is much better.” She closed her eyes, a contented smile etched across her tender lips.
As she rested, Noah caressed her cheek with his thumb. Her eyes moved beneath her eyelids and her nostrils flared ever so slightly with each breath. Leaning in, Noah kissed her forehead, taking in the spicy sweet fragrance of the oil she used in her hair. He tilted his head back and closed his eyes. Creator, thank You for Emzara. What have I ever done to deserve her? The sound of the approaching crowd turned Noah’s thoughts away from his wife. Most High, please give our council members wisdom regarding this unexpected visit. May we always seek to serve You.
Emzara sighed. “Did they have to get here so soon?” She sat up. “We’d better go.”
Before leaving the alley, they peeked around the corner and saw roughly 40 people gathered between the fountain and Ashur’s inn. Ashur stood before Ara and the king, exchanging pleasantries, while the people fanned out in a semi-circle beyond them.
“Are we trying to hide?” Emzara asked.
Noah furrowed his brows. “No, but I got the impression that your father wants us to be cautious, and I agree. Let’s just observe from the back. If we get a chance, I’d like to talk to Garun too.”
“Oh, I didn’t realize he was with them.”
“Makes sense. He’s been here before, so he could teach them about our city and practices.” Noah took her hand and stepped out into the street. “I’m glad Nivlac isn’t here.”
She wrinkled her nose and frowned. “Me too.”
Noah looked down the road toward the sea. No sign of Zain yet.
Noah and Emzara slipped into the crowd, maneuvering themselves just close enough that
they could hear what was being said at the front.
“It’s an honor to host you and your group during your stay,” Ashur said. “Would you like to see the rooms now?”
The king put up a hand. “Thank you. My daughter spoke highly of your inn, and I am looking forward to a fresh meal. But first, I would like to address the citizens of Iri Geshem.” He paused and his gaze shifted from Ashur to Ara and back again. “May I?”
“Of course.” Ashur held out his hands and raised his voice. “Brothers and sisters, King Lamech of Havil would like to speak to you.”
The crowd quieted, and Lamech turned to face them, taking a step back as his gaze swept from left to right across the group. With shoulders back and chin up, the king’s posture matched his regal position, the dark brown scar stretching from his right cheekbone to ear only adding to the aura of fierce strength he exuded. “Men and women of Iri Geshem, thank you for kindly welcoming me and some of my people to your city. We have traveled a long way to visit you and to thank you for the marvelous ship made by my new friend, Ara.”
Without a smile, Ara nodded once in acknowledgment.
“Just as you have learned about metalworking from my son, Tubal-Cain, we would like to learn all we can from you.” The king looked directly at Noah, whose height caused him to stand out behind the three rows of people in front of him. “Noah may have told you that we’ve constructed a place of learning, what I call the House of Knowledge. I’ve dispatched scribes to cities throughout our region to record any of the wisdom and discoveries they find. Just imagine what we might accomplish for the good of all people if we could learn from each other.”
Lamech smiled broadly and opened his arms wide. “With your blessing, of course, I’d like to learn what we can from you.” He tipped his head toward one of his subjects, a man dressed in a fine silken wrap, much like the one Noah had worn in Havil. “To show our appreciation for your cooperation in this endeavor, I have prepared a bit of a gift and a brief demonstration of a fraction of what Havil could share with you.”
The man opened a small chest and pulled out a handful of golden piks. Excitement grew as he handed out a small gold ball to each person in the crowd.