by Tim Chaffey
“I understand that you may not be familiar with gold in Iri Geshem,” the king said, “but Havilah has the finest gold in the world. A beautiful metal and so easy to shape, I am sure you will find endless uses for it.”
The townsfolk chatted excitedly as each received his or her gold. “It is beautiful,” a woman next to Noah said as she stared at her gift. Meanwhile, Ara spoke to the king, but the commotion prevented Noah from being able to hear him.
After a few moments, Lamech held up his hands and the crowd quieted. “I hope you are pleased with that gift. Ara has informed me that I’ll need to speak to the town council before any official arrangements are made. But, in the meantime, I’d like you to enjoy a small demonstration of Havil’s beauty and talent.”
The three Havilite women stepped forward. Joining them were three men dressed in matching blue wraps. One held a stringed instrument, another a wooden flute, and the third carried a drum. In perfect harmony, the women allowed their overwraps to drop to the ground. Two wore light blue silken gowns and the third’s was a royal blue. The dresses were much more modest than the ones worn by the dancers in Havil, but still accentuated their attractive bodies.
As the musicians played, the women danced and clapped along to the tune. Thankfully, this show was also more reserved than the performance that exuded sensuality during Noah’s first trip to Havil. After a few moments, the dancer in the darker outfit started to sing. Her strong voice perfectly accompanied the music.
She looks like one of the dancers Ashur spoke with at the king’s table. Noah glanced at Ashur, who was engrossed. Noah put an arm around Emzara and looked into her eyes. “I’d rather watch you.”
A strong hand gripped Noah’s arm, distracting him from Emzara’s answering smile. “Did you inform the councilmembers?” Ara asked.
Keeping his voice low, Noah said, “We told Zain and Ashur. Zain said he’d get the others immediately.”
“They’d better hurry,” Ara said. “I think our fellow citizens like what they see from Havil. We need to stop this before it goes on too long, but I don’t want to act alone.”
“What about Ashur?” Emzara asked. “He’s on the council.”
Noah snorted. “Look at him. Do you really think he wants any of this to stop?”
“He’s right, Emz. Ashur refuses to see Havil as a danger.”
The music came to a stop, and the entertainers returned to their former places. Two guards armed with black staffs stepped forward, each clad in Havil’s customary light brown leather tunics partially covered by metal armor. They moved about 15 paces in front of the crowd and roughly five cubits apart before turning to face each other. In unison, they looked at the king, who responded with a nod. Both men assumed a fighting pose similar to the one Aterre had shown Noah years earlier. Following a brief pause, they tapped the two staffs together between them.
Without warning, the guard to the right yelled and spun toward his opponent with blinding speed. His strike would likely have broken the other man’s leg, except that the second guard deftly blocked the blow with his own staff. A flurry of attacks, blocks, and dodges ensued. The men moved so quickly, effortlessly, and skillfully that the action soon mesmerized Noah. I wonder how Aterre would fare against these men. He glanced at Garun, who was positioned near the man who handed out the gold. Can Garun fight like that?
As the crowd grew, a few newcomers asked if anyone was going to stop the fight, but they were quickly shushed and informed that it was a demonstration.
The soldier who blocked the first attack intercepted an overhead swing and then ducked and swept the legs out from under the other man. In one continuous motion, he finished the sweeping stroke and spun completely around, swinging his staff high above and then down with reckless velocity at the other guard’s head. He hit the ground when the tripped soldier moved at the last possible instant and then kicked the attacker in the chest. Still on his back, he sprang to his feet in one sudden motion and raised his staff above his face just in time to thwart another blow. The two men squared off and slowly spun in a circle, studying each other’s movements.
Lamech clapped. “Excellent!”
The guards stood tall, nodded to the king, and then tapped their staffs together. As they moved back to their position near Garun, the assembly applauded.
“There he is,” Ara said, pointing to the road to the beach.
Zain ran to them. “What’s happening?”
Ara kept his voice down. “They are winning over the people. We need to do something.”
Zain nodded. “Right. Let’s talk to the king.”
Ara and Zain walked around the crowd and joined Ashur near Lamech.
“King Lamech, I’m surprised to see you again,” Zain said.
“Ah, Noah’s steadfast companion — Zain, I believe it is?”
“That’s right. I am one of the council members of Iri Geshem.” Zain swung his arm out, palm up. “As are Ashur and Ara.”
The king beamed and put his hand on Zain’s shoulder. “Perfect. We have much to talk about.”
“Indeed we do, but we cannot decide on these matters without the rest of the council,” Zain said. “I just spoke with two of the other members, and we will not be able to meet together until tomorrow evening.”
“Oh, believe me, I understand what that’s like.” Lamech looked around the town square. “That’s just fine with me. As I mentioned before you got here, I want to learn all I can from your people.”
Zain dipped his head and pointed to the town hall at the end of the square. “Our meeting will take place in that large building over there.”
“I look forward to it.” The king yawned. “Now, if you don’t mind, I’d really like to see just how comfortable one of Ashur’s rooms is.”
Ashur chuckled. “I’m sure it’ll seem just like your own room at the palace — when you close your eyes.”
The king laughed and cuffed Ashur’s shoulder. “I like it already. I hope the food is good too.” He turned and called his subjects over. “Come. Let’s see where we’ll be staying.”
Chapter 6
Noah and Emzara crossed the square toward the front of the council building. The air held a trace of coolness. The sun hung just above the horizon, causing the looming shadow of the building to stretch far across the grounds. He whistled lowly at the sight of the throng of citizens waiting to enter the structure. “I think we’re in for a long night.”
Emzara slipped her hand into his. “Looks that way.”
“I sure hope we can find a peaceful resolution to this situation.” Noah cleared his throat. “I really don’t want to be part of this.”
She pulled his hand up and kissed it. “You’ll do great, if they even ask you to speak. Whatever happens, I’ll be right there with you.”
“Then I have nothing to worry about.”
To avoid the cluster of people at the portico, Noah and Emzara turned left before the building and headed for the side door as Ara had instructed.
As they slipped into the hall, Noah glanced at the growing mass of people trying to enter through the main doors. “There’s no way everyone will fit in here.”
Extra benches and chairs occupied every available spot inside the hall, but they were filling up fast. Seated at the front of the room behind the large wooden desk, Iri Geshem’s elders conversed quietly among themselves. As chairman, Akel had settled in the middle seat. To his right were Ashur and Oban, a farmer from across the river who was well into his 500s. To Akel’s left sat Zain and Iri Geshem’s newest councilmember, Ara.
As Noah and Emzara found their reserved spots in the front left row, Emzara waved to Ara.
“I don’t see Aterre.” Noah bit a fingernail as he watched the room fill up, although the bench to their right remained empty, having been set aside for the contingent from Havil. The overflowing crowd pressed up against the back and side walls, and their hushed conversations indicated that Noah was not the only nervous citizen. The doors stayed open to allo
w people in the lobby to witness the meeting.
Akel stood slowly and stretched out his arms for silence. “Please, let us begin our meeting by seeking the Creator’s favor.” He lifted his hands up near his face. “O Most High, Maker of heaven and earth, we ask for Your guidance during this meeting. Give us the wisdom to follow and honor You.”
The old man eased himself back into his chair. “I know many of you are excited about our guests, while others are not too thrilled about their visit. Before we invite them into the hall, I’d like to ask that you treat them with respect, and please let us conduct this meeting in an orderly fashion. If you have questions for the Havilites, there may be an opportunity for you to ask them near the end of our time. Thank you.”
Akel signaled to two men standing at the main doors. Moments after exiting, they reappeared with Lamech and some guards. Gesturing for the Havilites to enter the hall, each attendant stepped to one side.
In his typical manner, Lamech strode into the room with head held high and shoulders pulled back. Unlike his public appearances in Havil, the king was not wearing his crown and royal robe, but his blue and red silk wrap still stood out from the linen garments worn by the locals. His eyes scanned his surroundings before focusing on the council members. He stopped at the front of the room. “Council members of Iri Geshem.” Holding out an arm, he turned toward the audience. “And citizens of Iri Geshem. Thank you for kindly hosting us in your fine city. I bring you greetings from the great city of Havil, the jewel of the sea.”
“Thank you for agreeing to meet with us in this setting.” Akel motioned to the empty front row. “Please, be seated.”
The king nodded and allowed two of his soldiers to enter the row before him. Two more followed him, including Garun, and they all sat down in unison.
Akel cleared his throat and spoke loudly. “We have called this special session of the council to discuss your arrival.” He looked at Lamech. “I know some of our citizens may have questions they’d like to ask. I’ve informed them that they may have the opportunity later, if you find that agreeable.”
The king stood again and smiled broadly while surveying the crowd. “Of course. I’d be happy to answer any question or address any concern you may have.”
“Thank you,” Akel said. “And I’d personally like to thank you for allowing Tubal-Cain to live with us. He’s a fine young man, and his skills have greatly benefited our people.”
Lamech nodded. “Nothing pleases a father more than knowing his children are such a help to others.”
Emzara squeezed Noah’s arm and whispered in his ear. “Too bad the same can’t be said about his daughter.”
Akel continued, “I know you spoke to several people yesterday in the city square, but would you mind explaining to the council your purpose for coming here?” Akel leaned back slightly. “I want to make sure everyone has the same information before we proceed.”
“Council members.” Lamech’s focus swept from the right side of the table to the left. “Once again I thank you for receiving us. I’m pleased to see that your hospitality has not waned since the last time I visited your lovely town.”
Akel scratched his cheek. “You’ve been here before?”
“Long before I was king of Havil, I passed through with my father. I believe we were here only for an evening. It was much smaller then, but delightful nonetheless.
“But let me speak about this trip. Our purpose is fivefold. First, I had a desire to try out our fine vessel made by your very own councilman, Ara.”
Lamech turned to the audience. “Second, I wished to visit my son.” He chuckled. “But my timing seems to be off for that.
“Third, I wanted to see more of the world. Meet new people, as well as visit old friends. With such a magnificent boat, I can discover the unknown wonders of the coast from Havil to Nod.”
He paused, steepling his fingers before his lips as if considering his next words. “Which leads me to my fourth reason for coming here — I started an initiative nearly four years ago — a House of Knowledge. It’s a massive building.” He scanned the walls and ceiling of the hall. “You could probably fit 50 of these rooms in it.”
Gasps and chuckles filled the air, while from somewhere behind him, Noah heard an accusation of exaggeration.
“You think I’m joking?” Lamech raised his voice over the general murmur. “It’s as large as my palace. Ashur, do you think 50 of these rooms could fit in my palace?”
Ashur laughed. “I wouldn’t be surprised if you could fit a hundred of these rooms in it.”
The king snorted. “You see, I am not jesting. Havil is a magnificent city, grander than anything you’ve ever seen. But I’m getting ahead of myself.” He looked up as if trying to recapture his previous thoughts. “This House of Knowledge — our goal is to fill it with the world’s combined wisdom and knowledge. I have sent scribes throughout Havilah and the surrounding lands to record what people have learned regarding medicine, agriculture, animals, religion, metallurgy, music, and technological advancements. Just think what we might be able to accomplish if we worked together and combined all our understanding.” He pointed to Ara. “Thanks to your ships, we can already travel farther and faster. Imagine being able to sell your wares to a distant land. What if we could find a cure for the sicknesses in our world? We might even witness men or women live for over a thousand years. The possibilities are endless.”
Akel raised an eyebrow when Lamech mentioned an extended lifespan. “Do you really believe that?”
Noah scratched above his ear. Several people have lived into their 900s. Why does a thousand years seem so strange to Akel?
Lamech shrugged. “I don’t know the limits of what’s possible. But I am willing to work hard to make this world a better place.” After an awkward silence, Lamech continued. “Our final reason for coming here is that we’d like to establish official trade relations between Havil and Iri Geshem. At this point, with so few ships, I doubt there would be much trade, but I’m looking toward the future when travel between our cities could take place regularly and perhaps be much quicker.”
Folding his arms over his chest, Lamech fell silent, though he continued to stand.
“Was there anything else you’d like to say before we deliberate?” Akel asked.
“No, but I’ll gladly clarify anything, if needed.”
“I’m sorry you missed your son. It is a pity, after you have come so far.” Akel put both hands on the desk in front of him, pausing as if to further convey his sympathy. “It seems to me that we really only need to discuss your last two reasons — our potential contributions to your House of Knowledge and the question about a trade agreement. I think it would be fair to let you know that before we sent our first group to Havil, we’d decided against establishing official trade relations with your city. We’d heard rumors about certain practices, and we would like to keep those influences out of Iri Geshem.” Akel glanced both ways down the table at his colleagues before fixing his sights on Lamech. “That was a few years ago, and today we have a better understanding of what your city and people are like. At this time, I’d like the other elders to share their concerns, now that you’re here to address them.”
Lamech’s stoic expression changed little during Akel’s discourse. When the elder finished speaking, Lamech bobbed his head once and then walked several paces toward the council. “Rumors you say? I find it strange that a wise and upstanding person like yourself would make a decision based on rumors.”
Glancing around, Noah saw several townspeople nodding their agreement as Lamech continued in an almost injured tone. “I confess I hadn’t dreamed you’d be so accusatory after everything I’ve done to show my goodwill toward you all.”
Ashur leaned forward and addressed Akel. “Well, since I’ve been to Havil twice now, perhaps I should speak. That way you’ll all know I’m speaking about truth and not rumors.”
Noah took a deep breath and squeezed Emzara’s hand. Please let this go well.<
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“Just a moment.” Akel held out a hand toward Ashur and then directed it at the king. “Would you have a seat and make yourself comfortable?” The words were more of a declaration than an invitation, and for the second time, Noah caught a glimpse of anger on Lamech’s face. It was slight — nothing more than a glint in the king’s eye — and it vanished in a heartbeat.
When Lamech had settled on his bench, Ashur addressed the crowd. “On our first voyage to Havil, we were concerned about the impact certain practices could have on Iri Geshem, particularly activities we had heard were prominent in Havil. It’s true that the Havilites, by and large, don’t follow the Creator, as most of us do, but I believe that the potential benefits of trading with them outweigh the risk.” He glanced at the king. “I’ve learned much from them during my two trips, and I hope they might learn from us as well, including, perhaps, the value of obedience to the Creator.”
Oban, the beardless elder whose name Noah forgot during his first visit to the council meeting four years ago, shifted in his seat to face Ashur. “I remind you that such an agreement would stand at odds with our previous decision, which was not based on pragmatic concerns about business opportunities but on a desire to remain true to the Creator.”
Zain set down his pen and pushed a small scroll to the side. “Like Ashur, I have also visited Havil twice.” He looked at Lamech. “And while I thank you for your hospitality toward us, I don’t believe it would be in our best interest to establish official relations. We certainly don’t wish to make enemies of anyone, particularly with those who have shown us kindness. Our desire is to live at peace with all of our brothers and sisters throughout the land. My concerns are primarily based on what we observed at the ceremony, which directly opposed our beliefs. Here, we worship the Most High, the Creator. But you openly encouraged your people to worship the Serpent, the Great Deceiver. I don’t believe such an action is something we can simply overlook.”
“I’m glad you mentioned that, Zain.” King Lamech brushed his robe, looking as comfortable as if he were ordering his next meal from a servant. “I’ve learned much in my time as king. When I started, I believed that I needed to use religious ideas to win the support of the people. That whole Serpent religion event was a mistake, a means to an end, if you will. I’ve since learned that the best way to lead my people is through setting a good example.”