Noah: Man of Resolve

by Tim Chaffey

Tubal-Cain’s posture turned stiff and rigid. “She’s turning them into ritual prostitutes?”

  “I’m afraid so,” Laleel said, glancing at her two young daughters.

  Listening intently, the two girls displayed compassion but no comprehension of Kal’s horrors. Their innocent young eyes showed only a sadness that mimicked their friend’s reactions.

  “What’s wrong with her?” Tubal-Cain asked himself before looking directly at Laleel. “Where did you hear this?”

  Garun’s wife turned to Kal.

  “It’s true,” Kal said. “I was supposed to be one of them, but I was able to sneak away one night.”

  Tubal-Cain glared at Adah. “Is Naamah really doing this?”

  “I think so,” the queen said. “I’m not aware of everything going on around that place, but I know she’s rounded up a group of young women.”

  “You were able to sneak out,” Tubal-Cain said. “Why didn’t any of the other girls go with you?”

  “They didn’t want to.” She looked up at the blacksmith as a tear slipped down her cheek. “We all went from being slaves to being lavished with baths, silken gowns, jewelry, and more food than we’d ever seen. For the first time, we were treated like we were important.” She shrugged. “Naamah and a creepy middle-aged man kept telling us what a valued role we were to play in Havil. Most of the girls longed for the chance to feel like they meant something to someone, and to have the princess of Havil telling us that we mattered — it was all very tempting to stay.”

  “So why did you run?” Noah asked gently.

  “Even with all the clothes and food that we could want, it seemed like just another form of slavery, especially when they did this.” She slid the wrap up her left shoulder, revealing a sizeable mark similar to the one burned onto Elam’s arm. “Plus, I knew that all the comforts in the world wouldn’t make up for what was coming.” Noah barely caught the whispered last few words as Kal hugged Laleel and buried her face into the woman’s open embrace.

  “So she ran.” Laleel took up the story. “She fell asleep in our barn. The girls found her in the morning, and we took her in.” Laleel turned to Adah. “You’re her mother and a queen of Havil. Should she stay with you from now on?”

  Adah’s chin quivered. “I wish she could, but after what Lamech did to Aterre, I can’t risk it.”

  Kal reached out and gripped Adah’s garment. “Come with us, Mam.”

  Adah knelt and hugged her. “I would if I could. But I have two small sons back at the palace. I can’t abandon them.”

  “Then bring them too,” Kal said.

  “I can’t — at least not now. Lamech would never let us go. He would hunt us to the ends of the earth.” Adah looked up at Laleel, her eyes wet. “Can she stay with you in Iri Geshem until I can find a way to escape with my boys?”

  “Of course,” Laleel said. “I’m sure Garun won’t mind.”

  “And we’ll help out in any way we can,” Emzara said.

  Noah grinned and looked into Kal’s face. “We’ll have to swap more stories of your brother. I have many tales of how his devious ways have gotten me into trouble.”

  With tears still running down her cheeks, Kal smiled up at him. “Oh, I’d like that.” She paused and her eyes twinkled. “And you should know that he always said I was the mischief master.”

  The whole room erupted into laughter and Noah relished seeing Aterre’s good humor and spunk shine through his sister.

  Chapter 23

  I look ridiculous.” Noah peered at his reflection in one of the four fountains built outside the western gate of the city. He fidgeted with the preposterous cap on his head and wondered how anyone could think it was in good taste to wear one. He snorted as he studied the blue paint Adah had put around his eyes. “I’m sure to blend in with the crowd looking like this — as long as it’s a crowd of mimicbirds.” Running his fingers through the four weeks’ growth on his chin, he added, “And I can’t wait to shave this beard.”

  Emzara slid her hand across his lower back and snickered. “I think you look handsome.” She stared into the water. “I’m the one that looks ridiculous.”

  “You’re always lovely.” Noah pulled her close and grinned playfully. “Even with all those white streaks on your face.”

  Leaning close to his ear, she said, “Let’s make sure we don’t start these trends back home.”

  “There’s no chance of that.”

  As Noah adjusted his outfit, Emzara wrapped the end of her garment over her head and then down around her chin and tucked it in, revealing only her face. They stepped toward the city gate and fell in line with other travelers. Sentries swiftly checked each person, ensuring no weapons entered the city. After passing the guard station, Noah and Emzara soon found themselves shuffling along the main road through the smiths’ section of town.

  Noah pointed to a window near the top of the palace ahead and to their right. “That’s Tubal-Cain’s room, and that large shop over there is where I met him.”

  Emzara squeezed his hand tightly. “I’m afraid that I’ll never see him after tonight.”

  Trying to mask his own concerns, Noah forced a smile. “He’ll be fine.”

  She rolled her eyes a little and her lips curled up. “You’re not very convincing. But thank you for trying.”

  “You’re right. I’m nervous too.” He held her gaze. “And not just about him. I don’t want tonight to be our last few moments together, but if we’re doing the right thing, then it’s worth dying for.”

  She brought his hand up to her cheek and closed her eyes. “I’m sorry for bringing it up. Let’s try not to think about those things. We’re supposed to look like we’re glad to be here.”

  Noah straightened and put an arm over her shoulder. “Let’s go.”

  The crowd thickened as they drew near the large entrance into the massive courtyard. While walking in silence, Noah thought through their plan and wondered if it was the best approach. Their goal was to arrive early and find a spot close enough to the stage to influence the multitude yet far enough back so as to not be identified by Lamech, Naamah, or anyone else who might recognize them. The fact that the sun still hung well above the horizon in front of them indicated plenty of time before the ceremony’s start.

  Eventually, they spilled into the courtyard and were able to move faster as the throng spread throughout the grounds. Noah and Emzara walked purposefully toward the palace wall on the right, hoping to find a spot beneath where Tubal-Cain planned to appear.

  Four guards approached them from the left. Noah turned his head and reached his arm out to stop Emzara. “It’s Nivlac,” he said under his breath.

  Emzara’s eyes grew wide, and after hesitating briefly, she bent down to dust off her sandal, keeping her face turned away from the guards.

  Noah flinched when one of the soldiers brushed against him as they passed by. He continued to watch them from the corner of his eye until they were out of range. Breathing a sigh of relief, he glanced up at the palace wall. A silhouetted figure moved past the window in Naamah’s room, sending a chill down his spine as his mind flashed back to that fateful night four years earlier. “Let’s go.”

  Keeping their heads down, Noah and Emzara picked their way through an ever-thickening mob. Noah occasionally peeped upward to locate Tubal-Cain’s designated spot.

  “I don’t think we’re going to get any closer,” Emzara said as they met a wall of people.

  Noah scooted behind a taller man who would prevent anyone on the stage from spotting him. “This is probably close enough.” Nodding toward the corner of the building, Noah said, “He should be right up there.”

  Noah and Emzara talked quietly as they waited for the ceremony to begin. A loud group of people to their left passed around a small container and they each took turns sniffing the smoking contents inside. The pungent odor invaded Noah’s nostrils and momentarily covered the stench of so many bodies packed together on a warm evening. As the sun neared the horizon, Emza
ra edged up to him and rested her head against his chest.

  Noah put an arm around her. With nothing else to do but wait, Noah’s thoughts drifted to his precious wife, so he pleaded with the Most High for her safety and thanked Him repeatedly for the treasure she had been to him. Creator please protect each of us, frustrate Naamah’s plans, and expose Lamech as the murderous villain that he is. I pray that the citizens of Havil would seek to follow You.

  Suddenly, the crowd hushed to an eerie silence. In the distance behind him, a slow but steady drumbeat grew in intensity and frequency. To avoid standing out, Noah and Emzara turned around with those nearby and watched the procession. Beginning at the palace entrance, approximately two dozen girls traipsed toward the lone tree in the middle of the courtyard. Half of them wore white silken gowns, and the other half sported yellow garments. Flanking them on either side, musicians played a variety of stringed and metal instruments and drums. The procession turned right at the tree and moved to the center stairway, where the musicians and women in yellow danced and spun their way up the steps while those in white slowly walked between them. Suddenly, they stopped when the first pair of dancers and corresponding musicians reached the next-to-last stair.

  The instrumental tones softened and a woman in a long, flowing black gown approached the top of the procession. Her hair stretched high above her head before fanning out like a fountain. White and yellow streaks hid much of her face, but Noah knew exactly who she was. As the crowd cheered, he turned to Emzara with a disgusted look. “Naamah.”

  Emzara gripped his hand with strength beyond her size.

  Naamah’s lovely voice rang out, silencing most of the crowd, and the music grew louder. As she sang, the girls in the procession resumed their routine. Each pair bowed low before the princess when they reached the top step before moving to the stage. The young women in white formed a semi-circle behind Naamah, and the others continued dancing as they made two symmetrical lines extending outward from the tips of the semi-circle.

  Quiet at first, shouts of disapproval grew sporadically. Noah spun around to find the detractors then leaned to Emzara’s ear. “I guess some people don’t care for her or her song.”

  “I wonder what will happen to them,” she said.

  “Not sure, but this might bode well for Tubal-Cain and us.”

  After ending her song, Naamah raised her arms and shouted enthusiastically, “People of Havil. It’s my great pleasure to welcome you to another celebration of our great god Nachash.”

  Someone lit a basin filled with flammable fluid in front of the giant serpent statue. Flames leapt up to illuminate the golden atrocity, drawing loud cheers from the audience.

  Once it quieted down, Naamah snapped her fingers, and the girls in white moved closer to her, tightening the semi-circle. “I have a very special announcement to make about these beautiful young women. They’ve been selected to be the first priestesses to assist you in your worship of Nachash.”

  She paused as applause erupted from the crowd. “Yes, they are lovely. And for those who desire to devote yourselves wholly to Nachash, you’ll have the opportunity to discover just how lovely they are. We’ve learned that Nachash is pleased when one of his followers engages in an act of sacred union with one of his priestesses.”

  Emzara leaned close to Noah. “I think I’m going to be sick.”

  Noah nodded.

  Eyes wide, Naamah jerked her head back at the subdued response she received. “Do you not understand what I’m telling you? You’ll now have greater opportunities to worship Nachash.”

  Applause broke out, but it was mixed with a significant amount of jeering, including from several people near Noah and Emzara. They joined the chorus of dissenters.

  Naamah held up her hands and laughed haughtily. “Maybe you don’t understand what I’m talking about. Give it a chance, and I’m sure you’ll see how special this opportunity is.”

  The disapproval sounded louder than the excitement as the mixed responses continued. From somewhere behind them a disgruntled voice yelled. “You stole my slave for this. How is that a special opportunity?”

  Noah smiled and looked at Emzara. “I didn’t expect this.”

  Her lips curled up. “I didn’t either. Maybe there’s hope for this city after all.”

  Naamah huffed and paced the stage. “Listen to me!” Instantly the crowd quieted. “Apparently, this idea will take a while for you to get used to. Let us move on to the moment you’ve really been waiting for. People of Havil, please welcome your king.” Naamah and all the other young ladies stepped aside to allow Lamech to take Naamah’s place in the front of the platform.

  Much of the crowd erupted in praise again while Noah searched the corner of the palace above him for any sign of Tubal-Cain.

  “My people,” Lamech said. “Please welcome your queens, Zillah and Adah.”

  Four guards carried a richly ornamented throne on which Zillah sat to a place of honor on Lamech’s right. On the opposite side, the same procedure was simultaneously done for Adah. In unison, the guards lowered the chairs to the ground.

  “People of Havil, we have much to celebrate this evening.” Lamech strode to Zillah’s chair as he continued. “Our city is thriving, and our House of Knowledge behind me receives new reports every week. This year we’ll be sending out more scribes than ever before, and we’ll send them even farther.”

  He paused while the applause roared. “In fact, I just returned from a trip to visit my son and we left a scribe there. So our initiative has already reached north across the vast sea.” The king strutted toward Adah’s chair next and put his arm on it. “We had a bit of a problem while we were there, but I left them a powerful reminder that they’d better not get in our way.”

  Noah’s insides twisted and he fought to keep his last meal from resurfacing as he stretched his neck forward and caught a glimpse of a man standing on the parapet above. Tubal-Cain!

  The king placed a hand on Adah’s shoulder. “Adah and Zillah, listen to me; wives of Lamech, hear my words. I have killed a man for wounding me, a young man for injuring me.” He stepped forward and raised his voice. “If Cain is avenged 7 times, then Lamech 77 times.” He raised his arms to the sky. “Yes, this slash on my face was returned 77 times. Hear me! The same thing will happen to anyone who gets in our way!”

  As the crowd roared their approval, Noah stood motionless in his shock. Lamech admitted what he’s done and they’re cheering. Cheering! Now what do we do? As the people slowly quieted, a voice above Noah rang out.

  “Murderer! The king is a murderer! He slaughtered innocent people!”

  Stunned at the audacity of his friend to continue forward with their plan, Noah remained rooted to the ground. Heads spun toward the roof of the palace, and Lamech squinted as he tried to locate the origin of the taunt.

  Noah closed his eyes. Please Creator, protect Tubal-Cain and let the people recognize the truth about Lamech.

  “Guards, seize that man who would dare insult me.”

  “Murderer! You’re a murderer!” Tubal-Cain remained hidden in the shadows as he accused his father. “People of Havil, do you really want a king who murders innocent people?”

  Murmurs spread through the crowd and a smattering of jeers rose up.

  The king lifted his sword high above his head. “How dare — bring him to me now! No one speaks to me like that. I am the king! I am the most powerful man —”

  Without warning, the terrain beneath them shook violently. People on both the ground and the stage screamed and shrieked as they struggled to remain standing. The earth’s intense movement reminded Noah of a large wave under a boat. Deafening cracking sounds boomed across the square. A fissure opened up in the middle of the center steps, and Lamech leapt to one side to avoid falling in it.

  Huge chunks of the massive wall on the other side of the courtyard fell to the ground. Noah’s gut turned. Something snapped above him and instinctively, he pulled Emzara away from the palace’s edge. He
looked up as the site of Tubal-Cain’s defiance collapsed merely cubits away from their previous location, silencing the screams of the people now beneath the rubble.

  Emzara dug her fingers into Noah’s hand as terror filled her eyes.

  Pandemonium ensued and then suddenly, as abruptly as it started, the violent quaking stopped.

  “Listen to me!”

  Noah glanced up and saw Naamah at the front of the stage yelling loudly, but her voice was muted by the cacophony around them. “Nachash displays his wrath against those who rejected his priestesses. Do not defy him again!”

  Noah grabbed Emzara’s arm. “We have to find out if Tubal-Cain is alive and then get out of here.”

  Chapter 24

  Noah tried to push through the panicked crowd but quickly found it nearly impossible to make any progress. The collapsed wall of the palace had created a makeshift exit from the square and some of the citizens clambered over the debris trying to escape. Others struggled in vain to lift the wreckage off those crushed under it.

  Filled with dread, Noah realized that Tubal-Cain might be among the deceased. Still clutching Emzara’s arm, he drove ahead and did his best to avoid being trampled until a massive gray cloud in the distance caught his eye. Noah pointed to it. “What’s that?”

  Emzara’s height hindered her ability to see beyond the crowd. She bounced on her toes, “I can’t see it.”

  Noah’s jaw dropped. In the rapidly fading light of the sunset, an immense cloud of smoke shot upward into the sky. The smoking hill just exploded!

  Minor vibrations shook the ground again. A small chunk of the palace wall dropped on the person next to Emzara, causing her to lurch sideways into Noah, hand pressed to her mouth in horror. Pieces of rock fell as the tremor continued, and many people around them changed course, deciding to head for the northern gate. Just then, a blast of wind swept through the courtyard, nearly knocking Noah to the ground.

  Accompanying the wind, a deafening boom, louder than any thunderstorm, rattled through the square, forcing him and others to cover their ears. Undeterred, he forged ahead. Veering right, Noah and Emzara reached the location where they expected to find Tubal-Cain. His heart sank when he gained a clear view of the devastation. Nothing stirred among the rubble and he climbed over the stones searching for his friend.