Noah: Man of Resolve

by Tim Chaffey

  “No doubt, but he has proven his good character to me.” Noah considered mentioning the fact that Garun had probably saved his life in Havil, but decided to keep those details hidden from Bedin. “If he says he didn’t do it, then I believe him. And if he can vouch for the scribe, then I’ll take his word on that too.”

  Noah looked at the Havilites. “Garun, were you involved in murdering my father-in-law and friend?”

  Garun returned Noah’s steady gaze. “I promise that I had nothing to do with it, and I don’t believe Bedin did either. We were in the guest house your town provided that entire evening.”

  “Is there anyone who could verify your claim?” Ethlin asked.

  Garun paused before speaking. “Bedin met with a farmer that night, and their meeting went very late. But the man wasn’t there all evening.”

  Noah motioned for Zain to join him. “Since you’re the ranking council member gathered here right now, I wish to express that I have no intention to accuse these men of murder. I ask that you set them free. However, I want to stress that I plan to do everything I can to find the murderers, and if we find any evidence that leads back to Garun or Bedin, then I’ll reconsider my decision.”

  Zain put a hand on Noah’s shoulder and addressed the people. “I believe Noah has spoken wisely. Are there any further objections to this plan?”

  “If we set them free and someone else gets killed, then what?” Ethlin asked.

  “We’re all new at this, so I understand your reluctance to set them free. If something else happens, then we need to investigate and try to find the killer, just like we should be doing now,” Zain said.

  Ethlin’s chest heaved a couple of times as his demeanor softened. “That’s all well and good, but we need someone to keep an eye on them for now.”

  Zain adjusted the wrap slung over his shoulder. “I think that’s fair.” He looked at Ashur. “Do you still have a room available for them?”

  Ashur bit his lip before nodding. “Yes, I have room, but I can’t keep a close eye on them at all times.”

  Zain clapped his hands together. “Very well, they stay at Ashur’s, and if they want to leave the inn for any reason, they need to notify him first. Does that work for everyone?”

  Ashur frowned and no one else objected.

  Oban stepped away from Ashur and whispered something in Tubal-Cain’s ear. Tubal-Cain looked confused at first, but then his eyes lit up with understanding.

  Zain gestured to Garun and Bedin. “Free them.”

  Chapter 12

  This whole situation makes me nervous.” Ashur scowled at Garun and Bedin, both of whom were stretching their limbs after Noah loosed their bindings. “How much longer do you plan to be in our city?”

  Bedin shrugged. “Perhaps two more weeks before I complete my interviews.”

  Ashur harrumphed. “I’ll go prepare their room.”

  “We’ll take them to collect their belongings from the guest house,” Zain said. “That ought to give you enough time.”

  Ashur walked away and acknowledged the plan with a dismissive wave of his hand.

  Noah waited until Ashur was out of earshot and then tilted his head toward him. “What’s he so mad about?”

  “I don’t know,” Zain said. “If he thinks they really are the murderers, then I could see why he’d be nervous.”

  “Then why didn’t he speak up when he had the opportunity?” Noah asked.

  Tubal-Cain reached the top of the stairs and stepped into their small group. Speaking quietly he said, “I think I might know the answer. Oban just told me that Ashur’s been secretly housing a guest ever since the day after the murders.”

  “Who?” Noah’s mind raced.

  “You think it’s the murderer?” Zain asked.

  Tubal-Cain shook his head. “I don’t know, but Oban says that arrangement will explain why Ashur doesn’t want these two to stay with him.”

  “Noah, you go with Tubal-Cain. I’ll stay with them.” Zain pointed over his shoulder to Garun and Bedin. “We’ll get there as soon as possible.”

  Garun grabbed Noah’s arm as he turned to leave. “Thank you for trusting me. You saved my life.”

  Noah tipped his head and half-smiled. “I guess that makes us even.” Though his words were light, inside, his bruised heart ached anew. When had life become this series of life debts earned and redeemed?

  Garun snorted. “Let me know if I can help.”

  “I will.”

  His mind churning over what awaited them at Ashur’s, Noah hurried across the square with Tubal-Cain at his side. “Any ideas about who this guest is?”

  Tubal-Cain shook his head. “No, especially since Oban seemed pretty certain he’s not the murderer. I just don’t understand why anyone would want to . . .” Tubal-Cain flinched. “Sorry. I don’t mean to keep bringing it up.”

  Noah gave him a grim smile. “It goes around and around in my head like a calic chasing its tail. Sometimes I feel like I’ll never escape it, and not because you keep bringing it up.” He straightened his spine, turning his mind away from futile regrets. “But the only thing I can give to Ara and Aterre now is justice, so I’m focusing on figuring this out.”

  “Well, since Ashur’s in a foul mood, let’s make sure we use some tact.”

  Noah chuckled. “You don’t think I should just march in and demand that he deliver the murderer to us?” Laughing felt good, but at once guilt stabbed him, as if he had disrespected the dead.

  Tubal-Cain winked. “That’s probably not the best idea.”

  Noah pulled the door to the inn and held it open for Tubal-Cain. After following his friend inside, he moved to their favorite spot in the nearest corner. The large open room was sparsely populated, indicating that midmeal had not yet been served. Wafting out of the kitchen, the unmistakable scent of Ashur’s mouthwatering bread reached Noah’s nostrils and reminded him of his hunger. Noah waved over Ashur, who stood behind a counter, wiping down drinking jars.

  Ashur avoided eye contact until he reached their table. “Noah, I’m really sorry about Ara and Aterre. They’ll truly be missed.”

  “I appreciate that.”

  “If there’s anything I can do to help, just let me know. Would you like some midmeal? Enika just made Momma Kylel’s stuffed specialty.”

  “Smells great, but not right now,” Tubal-Cain said.

  Noah raised his eyebrows. “He may not want some, but I sure could use it.”

  Ashur brightened and leaned toward Tubal-Cain. “You sure you don’t want any?”

  Tubal-Cain shrugged. “Adira will have something for me when I get home.”

  “We actually came to talk to you about something important.” Noah rubbed his growling stomach. “But we can discuss it while I eat.”

  An uneasy look passed over the innkeeper’s face, and he twisted the cloth in his hands. “Of course. I’ll go get your plate.”

  Tubal-Cain lifted one finger from the table, pointing at Noah. “So do you want to bring it up, or do you want me to?”

  “It’s probably best if I do it.” Noah grinned. “After all, you suggested we use tact.”

  Tubal-Cain smiled. “Well, then I’ll be the muscle if we need to make him talk.”

  Lowering his voice, Noah ran his finger along the smooth wood of the round-topped wooden table. “Actually . . . he sure likes your father and your city, so he may be willing to talk to you.”

  “Maybe. When I first moved here, he talked to me quite a bit. But over the past two years or so, he hasn’t said much.”

  Through the kitchen door to Noah’s left, Ashur appeared with the meal. He crossed the floor and set down a plate laden with spicy baked pebble beans piled under two large halves of a tangy green vegetable, each filled to the brim with an assortment of grains, beans, and vegetables. Two chunks of bread completed the arrangement. The delicious aroma made his stomach rumble in anticipation. Ashur handed him a clay vessel. “And here’s some water.”

  “Thank you.
It looks so good, as always.” Noah held out two copper piks.

  Ashur reached for the pieces but then withdrew his hand. “This one’s on me. Enjoy.” He turned to leave.

  “Wait, Ashur. I need to talk to you for a moment.” Noah motioned to a nearby chair at an empty table. “Please, join us.” As Ashur grabbed the chair, Noah shoved a few of the hot, sand-colored pebble beans into his mouth and savored their spicy flavor.

  Ashur sat back from the table and crossed his arms. He glanced nervously at Tubal-Cain and then at Noah. “What is it?”

  Noah folded his hands together and looked out the square-cut windows that faced the main street of the town. “At the town hall we discussed the need to figure out who killed Ara and Aterre and why they did it.”

  “And you’re certain it wasn’t your friend Garun?” It seemed as if Ashur emphasized friend, but Noah chose to overlook any insinuation.

  “I really doubt it. Garun helped us all escape Havil the last time we were there.”

  Ashur rubbed his beardless chin. “So what does that have to do with what happened here?”

  “It speaks to his character. I trust him. Besides, what would he stand to gain by their deaths? He had no quarrel with them.” Noah scanned the room then focused again on Ashur, satisfied that the three other customers were far enough away to not overhear him. “I’ve heard that you’ve been keeping a certain guest here since the day after the murders. Is that true?”

  The innkeeper fidgeted and glanced at Tubal-Cain.

  “So it is true,” Noah said. “Who is it?”

  Ashur shook his head.

  “Ashur, tell me. We need to figure out who the murderer is, and even if you believe your guest to be above reproach, he might have seen something.” Noah kept eye contact with Ashur until the chiseled-faced man looked down.

  After releasing a deep breath, Ashur pointed at Tubal-Cain. “Not with him here.”

  Tubal-Cain raised his eyebrows. “Me? Why won’t you say it in front of me?”

  “Yeah, what’s wrong with Tubal-Cain?” Noah asked.

  “Nothing, but I just can’t say anything with him here.” Ashur turned away. “You’ll understand why when I tell you, Noah.”

  Tubal-Cain stood, towering over Ashur. “You’d better tell him when I leave.”

  “Don’t worry. I will. It’s nothing against you, but you must trust me on this.”

  “Fine.” Tubal-Cain reached across the table and snatched a portion of bread from Noah’s plate. “Now, I’ll go.” He smiled at Noah as Noah slapped at his hand but missed.

  “Hey, thief, get your own bread.” The memory of meeting Aterre seared Noah to his core, but he blinked and willed himself to move on.

  Tearing off a huge bite with his teeth, Tubal-Cain walked out of the building.

  Noah turned his gaze from the door to Ashur. “Now tell me about this guest of yours.”

  “I think I’d better show you.” Ashur slid his chair back across the wooden floor. “I’ll be right back.” He stood and headed toward the staircase to the upper rooms, and Noah wondered for a brief instant if Ashur would try to flee. Guess that’s where Tubal-Cain comes in as the muscle.

  Noah took a couple of deep breaths as he imagined what he might do or say if Bayt returned with Ashur. But why would he make Tubal-Cain leave? Shaking his head to clear his thoughts, he returned to his meal. After a week of barely tasting a morsel, the hearty, flavorful assortment of vegetables, the warm bread, and spicy baked pebble beans reminded him how much he appreciated food. He closed his eyes and breathed in deeply to relish the flavors. Creator, thank You for the delicious foods You’ve made for us to enjoy. Please help us find the murderer and may justice be done.

  A creak on the stairs jolted Noah. He tried to hide his surprise when a lovely young woman followed Ashur toward the table. She wore a long wrap with a red border stitched into the edges. Her dark hair was pulled tightly back and then dropped behind her neck. Tilting his head, Noah wondered where he had seen her before.

  Ashur directed her to his recently vacated chair, and then he sat in Tubal-Cain’s spot. Scooting his seat close to hers, he made introductions. “Noah, this is Navea.”

  “Noah.” She bowed her head slightly.

  “Hello.” Noah furrowed his brow. “You look very familiar.”

  She flashed a wide, beautiful smile. “That’s not surprising. You’ve seen me a couple of times.”

  “I have? Where?”

  “The first time was in the royal dining hall in Havil,” Navea said.

  Noah raised his chin in acknowledgment. “That’s right. You were one of the dancers that dined with us.”

  She bit her bottom lip and nodded quickly.

  Noah pointed toward the city square beyond Ashur’s front door. “And you were one of the dancers that performed out there when the Havilites arrived in town?”

  “Yes.”

  Pleased with his recall, Noah popped a succulent, red orb into his mouth. Suddenly, he leaned forward. “Wait, what are you doing here? How did you get here? I watched your whole group leave on the boat. Well, everyone except Garun and Bedin.”

  “That’s why I wouldn’t bring her out here until Tubal-Cain left,” Ashur said.

  “Um,” Noah rubbed the back of his neck. “I’m not following you.”

  “Let her explain.”

  Noah turned to Navea but she sat quietly, her eyes downcast as she played with a strand of her hair. “So how did you get here after I saw you leave on the boat?”

  “It’s alright.” Ashur put a hand on her arm. “You’re safe here. And Noah deserves to know.”

  “I did leave on the boat, as you said.” Navea paused and took a deep breath. “We sailed until your city was out of view, and then the king ordered our crew to move the boat close to shore. We sat there at anchor all day, then, early that evening, King Lamech and three of his guards jumped into the water and swam to shore.”

  “What were they doing?” Noah asked, though the truth sat like a rock in his belly.

  “I don’t know. They didn’t say.” As if by habit, she glanced over her shoulder and then relaxed a little. “They were gone for a long time, well into the night. When I realized no one was watching, I slipped into the water and swam for the beach.”

  “Why?” Noah tilted his head as his eyebrows scrunched together.

  Navea rubbed her arm and gave Noah a look that made him feel like a child, naïve and foolish. “You don’t know what it’s like to work for the king. For years now, I’ve been free in name only. To Lamech and Naamah, I’ve been a slave, kept for their pleasure like a caged songbird. It used to be different, at least, with Naamah. We used to enjoy each other’s company. I thought . . .” Her eyes glistened, but she clamped her lips into a hard line and swallowed. “I thought we were friends. But then her father made her Nachash’s priestess.” The bitterness in her voice made Noah wince. “It was like he was pitting us against each other, using me to manipulate her.”

  She paused, staring out the window as if seeing something other than the street outside. “I didn’t care about the honor or the ceremonies, but Naamah wouldn’t believe me. She’s changed so much — and the changes aren’t good. She only cares about power. She’s just like her . . .” Navea closed her mouth and shook her head.

  Noah nodded. “So what happened after you came ashore?”

  “I made my way back here.”

  “Why here?”

  She shrugged and glanced at Ashur. “It seemed like the right thing to do. Ashur always treated me very kindly, so I thought he might be willing to take me in and give me work.”

  “Did you see the king or the guards again?”

  Navea shook her head. “No. I got a bit lost on my way here. I ended up sleeping in the forest and then found my way in the morning.”

  Mind churning, Noah shuffled through and picked one follow-up thought. “Do you believe they came back here that night?”

  She massaged her temple with her thumb.
“I’m not sure where else they might’ve gone, but I don’t know this area.”

  Noah clenched his jaw and studied Navea for signs of deception. “Let’s assume they did come back. Do you have any idea why they’d kill my father-in-law and friend?”

  She didn’t seem shocked at the idea, but met his eyes calmly. “I don’t know. If I had to guess, it probably had something to do with the council meeting. Before that, he acted like he always does. He was outgoing and” — she checked over both shoulders — “and arrogant.”

  “And afterward?”

  “After the meeting, he didn’t say a word to any of us except his guards.” Navea bit her lower lip and stared at the ceiling. “Even on the boat, when we were all in pretty tight quarters, he only spoke privately with his men. It was very strange.”

  Noah and Ashur exchanged a look, and Ashur shrugged one shoulder. “Ara was aggressive in his questioning.”

  “Yeah, a little,” Noah said. “But he wasn’t rude. Certainly nothing that would warrant such a violent reaction. And he wasn’t the only one to question the king.”

  “No, but he was the last to speak,” Ashur said. “Maybe the king thought Ara was responsible for the rejection of his trade proposal.”

  Noah’s thoughts tossed from one to the next like waves in a stormy sea. The king’s kindness toward him in their personal interactions made it hard for Noah to imagine him carrying out such atrocities. But based on Garun’s insights, he saw the possibility. He fixed his view on Navea. “Do you believe he’d respond that way to some basic questions?”

  “Some disrespectful questions.” Ashur held up a hand toward Noah to let him finish. “At least from the king’s point of view.”

  Navea trembled and fear stole into her eyes. “Promise me you won’t tell the king about our conversation — or that I’m here at all.”

  Noah arched an eyebrow. “I don’t plan on ever seeing him again. But yes, I promise.”

  Navea pushed her hands into her lap and lowered her head. “Yes, I think he’d be willing to kill someone he thought was getting in his way.”