Enmity

by Paul J Fowler

  “The physiology of the creature was fascinating. Technically it has six wings, three on each side. Yet it looks like only two, overlapped as they are.” Mica said as he cut antelope meat from an improvised spit. “Adam says not all angels have wings, which I find most curious.”

  Mica salted the antelope and served the sliced meat on flatbread baked for their journey. Long ago, Abel had offered choice offerings from his flocks, which pleased the Lord. Among Adam’s people, animal flesh was a pleasure enjoyed only at harvest festivals where some sacrifices were considered a fellowship offering, though eggs and fish were freely eaten throughout the year. Adam hated waste and deemed today’s antelope a holy offering. The rest of the world ate meat as they wished, but Adam’s people only consumed it three periods out of the year.

  “We leave home during harvest offerings,” Jathan said in satisfaction. “And God provides meat anyway.”

  There was little conversation for a few minutes. The men were happy, tired, and enjoyed the food and stillness of the night air. Loran was the first to break the silence.

  “Little Uncle, have you ever seen your Father argue with a jungle cat?” Loran offered with a grin.

  Jathan shook his head in unbelief as he recalled the events just hours before.

  “Mother is fiercer,” Jathan offered without humor. After a moment, the corners of his mouth turned slightly upward. Loran then realized he had been baited, and all the men laughed at him.

  “Well said!” Loran rose and bowed to Jathan. “We are kinsman, indeed!”

  “I missed most of the exchange, but I saw the beginning of the encounter. Seepha was muzzled but upset greatly. I had to move her back with the horses,” Jathan stated.

  “The beast yet lives?” Mica asked Seth.

  “Yes. Though not much longer, I surmise. The lion is ancient, long known by Adam,” Seth informed them.

  “Uncle,” Lethan spoke to Jathan. “No longer will I call you ‘little’ on this trip. You have proved your worth to your people and to us.”

  “Well said, Lethan,” Seth spoke in agreement. The others nodded in affirmation.

  “But when we return home - I make no promises,” Lethan said, smiling as he broke the awkward silence. Jathan was quite at a loss for words.

  “Today Dinak and Jathan learned one of the rules of Adam,” Loran said in a tone that, when he was young, usually earned him correction from his mother, Ahavva. “Listen carefully – Adam does as Adam does.”

  Loran then began a humorous but truthful examination of Adam’s eccentricities. Unusual and terrifying stories of travels with Adam were shared, some by Seth himself. Most stories involved the expression, “Trust me.”

  Jathan laughed the most. He had heard his mother say, “Adam does as Adam does” behind Adam’s back many times, usually in exasperation. The food and the camaraderie were enjoyed and needed by all. Afterward, Seth instructed everyone except Lethan to rest. Dinak and Jathan settled down a few feet from the fire to sleep. Seepha, well-fed and now much calmer, dropped down between the two of them. Occasionally she would lift her head and scan the forest for her master, then lower her head and return to sleep. Mica tended the supplies as his nature dictated, then he reclined as well.

  Seth washed again in the stream, now conscious of his own fatigue. Lethan was nearby, spear and bow beside him. Seth sat down, reclined against a rock, and prayed. Prayers were offered first in thanksgiving, then requesting wisdom. As he finished his meditations, the low crackle of the fire blended beautifully with the noises of the forest. The night air was soothing as thoughts of his daughters, Har Shalem, and his people drifted through his mind. He missed Ahavva, her image his last conscious thought before sleep overtook him.

  Chapter Fifteen

  A King is Mourned

  Seth worked oil into Adam’s hands. As he did, Adam watched intently as the rest of the hunting party placed stones on the great cat’s burial mound. The rising sun brought newness of life to this small valley, which was seemingly ignorant of the passing and taking of life that had occurred within it just a few hours before.

  “You should have asked for help sooner,” Seth stated plainly. “There are many hands to aid. You will need these hands soon.”

  Adam’s hands were raw from digging. Seth had returned three hours before dawn and found his Father scooping earth with his hands. Adam had chosen a spot a few yards from where his friend lay, but closer to the edge of the brush line near the northern slope of the valley.

  “I like the feel of the earth in my hands. I miss it,” Adam said distantly.

  “Long ago, we could talk to each other – he and I,” Adam recalled, nodding towards the lion’s mound. “We were great friends once.”

  “Did all animals talk, Father?” Seth asked. Adam’s son knew the answer, he asked to keep his father engaged and talking.

  “No, not all, but many. All animals could understand me, though,” Adam replied. “When my friend spoke, I understood him. When I spoke, he understood me. I believe it was not unlike the way our enemy communicates amongst themselves. My friend was spirited and so intelligent...”

  Seth had heard his Father speak of such things before, and while it was fascinating, he longed to resume the pursuit. Finding the Fallen’s den and perhaps gaining knowledge of the depth of the threat against their people was foremost in his mind.

  After Seth had roused the men to complete Adam’s task, he had compelled his father to refresh himself at the stream. After his father cleaned himself, Seth made sure Adam ate some bread and dried fruit. Adam’s obsessive nature could prove detrimental to their cause if not appropriately managed. Fortunately, Adam was compliant with his son’s directives. When Seth completed dressing Adam’s hands, Seth encouraged Adam to rest for a few minutes. The men finished the burial mound and began preparing to resume the trek. When Adam reclined, Seth observed a peaceful, if not joyful, countenance on his Father’s face.

  Seth thought to himself as he left Adam to finish his own preparations for the journey.

  You are a mystery among men, Father!

  Adam rose after a few minutes of rest. He looked energetic and happy as he donned the armored chest-guard over his tunic. He then fastened leather bracers over his forearms.

  “Mica! I need my combat staff and gloves. I can’t find the gloves,” Adam said, looking about.

  Mica dutifully returned moments later with gloves and staff. He also placed Adam’s shoulder bag on him. Adam happily swung his weapon a couple of times. He smiled at Mica in appreciation and walked toward the burial mound.

  Within minutes the party was armed and ready for travel. The horses were tethered a few yards away from the mound where the men joined Adam.

  Adam walked to the head of the burial mound. Despite having little sleep, Adam looked rested and content. He wore a clean white tunic underneath his armor, and his damp platinum hair was freshly combed back. A warm smile adorned his handsome features. He watched with evident pride as his sons and grandsons of many generations made a circle around the pile of earth and stone. Tall and imposing, holding his staff in a dignified manner, Adam looked in every way a kingly figure.

  “My sons, here lies a great king and an old friend. Thank you for helping cover his remains. He was too noble a beast to be torn by scavengers, he was created from earth and must return to it. Your offering of labor honors him and his Creator as well,” Adam explained. “He is clearly the first crown of Enoch’s vision. Caring for this old soul in his final hours has brought great peace to my heart. God has stretched His hand to rejoin an ancient bond, and this both stimulates and troubles me.”

  “I don’t understand, Father,” Jathan asked.

  “I have had a growing sense that the forces against us are more powerful than ones we may have yet faced,” Adam said. “Were I allowed to see into the realm of spirit, we would see their Princes’ lust for power exce
eding previous boundaries. Even the behavior of these lesser Fallen is unusual.”

  “The Earthbound Fallen have no honor. They would slay a kinsman or leave one behind to further themselves without any second thought,” Seth added. “Yet this Fallen left his companion only when he had no other recourse.”

  “The dark Princes who traffic in the spirit realm, the mighty Fallen who govern from above, are proud and self-obsessed. The Princes of the Watchers are no different,” Adam concurred.

  Jathan wondered if the mention of the most powerful of the Fallen, the Princes, gave pause to Dinak or Mica. He knew the mightiest among them had unusual powers, not bound to a physical form but assuming one when it suited their purposes. The thought of Lyssa being taken for the Watchers pleasure broke the fear that had begun forming at the edge of his emotions.

  “How do we stop ones so powerful?” Jathan asked, perplexed.

  “We cannot. But the One God has resources for those adversaries beyond our strength,” Seth stated. “We can ask Heaven for their assistance, but we cannot summon them at our will.”

  “Only a Prince may bind a Prince,” Adam explained. “I sense the movement of His angels, the Holy Host. For this reason, I am encouraged. My reunion was an unusual kindness to me, a reminder of God’s mercy towards His Remnant. The prophetic sign of my kingly friend tells me God has dispensed an unusual grace to his people – to counter the growing threat of the Serpent’s followers. We must remain strong and defy this evil.”

  “If the Fallen goes where I believe he seeks to, we could overtake them before two days pass,” Seth specified. “I do not know what we may find there. Neither Adam nor I would endanger you carelessly, but all of you know the cost of intercession.”

  “Greater love, Father,” Loran and Lethan automatically responded in unison, “That we would lay our life down for our people!”

  All the young men shook their heads in agreement. Seth had demanded all his guards and soldiers memorize that truth.

  “Greater love indeed,” Adam said, nodding in agreement.

  Adam then looked about and smiled as he located Seepha. Dutifully she had kept her position near the horses but was clearly longing to be reunited with her master. Adam motioned for her to rise. She took her feet but held her place. Adam then waved her forward. She covered the distance in seconds.

  “Soon, Seepha, we must hunt again. Are you ready?” Adam said as he stroked the large dog affectionately. Seepha exuded pure joy at her master’s touch, her entire body revealing her excitement. “Yes, yes, but first we must say shalom to an old friend.”

  Seepha sniffed about the burial mound for a few moments then returned to Adam. She sat beside him and watched him intently, tilting her head occasionally as she sought to discern better her master’s state of mind.

  Adam knelt at the head of the burial mound. He placed his hand on the stones and dropped his head in prayer. The hunting party all dropped to one knee in honor of their patriarch and his friend, bowing their heads in reverence.

  Adam prayed:

  “A mighty king in your final hours,

  even fallen angels feared your approach.

  Long have you reigned on earth,

  never again will there be one like you.

  You longed for the redemption of the earth,

  And groaned for it from deep within.

  Renewal is coming, we shall see it together old friend.

  You forgave my sins against you,

  a kingly gift worthy of your noble heart.

  Merciful God, thank you for reconciling us.

  Rest well, great king,” Adam solemnly concluded.

  Jathan was holding back tears. Though Adam himself was not weeping, Jathan was deeply moved. Like Seth, Jathan often marveled at Adam’s use of words. Father could say so much in a short time. The whirlwind of the last two days had challenged Jathan in so many ways. Now his father’s capacity to love humbled him. His father had lived so long and seen so much, Jathan now longed to learn from Adam, he yearned to understand this man he thought he knew.

  Adam poured some purification oil over the stones that topped the burial mound. The brisk scent was instantly recognized by all in the party, the sweet aromatic smell waking their senses. Adam handed the small flask back to Mica to be placed in the supplies.

  “Oh wait,” Adam said suddenly. Feeling about his tunic, Adam was obviously looking for something. “Yes, here it is...” Adam produced three lengths of golden hair that he had interwoven with small strands of leather. It was a simple but beautiful adornment. Seth believed he must have woven it from the lion’s mane in the dark before he began digging the great cat’s grave.

  “For Mahalalel – to affix to a standard or perhaps his shield. To inspire his lions!” Adam said proudly. “I will tell him stories of the greatest lion. Formed, not born, when the world was new...” For a moment, Adam seemed lost to them, staring away absently. “Take this Mica, store it for me,” Adam requested suddenly, fully present again.

  Some of Adam’s words were not fully understood. Yet, no one asked him for clarification. Perhaps because the recollections of Adam about his friend had been so noble and stirring. As such, none wanted to intrude on the sacred moments they had just witnessed.

  “Lead us, Son,” Adam said to Seth.

  “Aye, Father,” Seth replied.

  Seth took the group to the eastern point of the valley rim. The morning air was crisp, the sun was low in the sky. Most of the men wore hooded cloaks of finely woven but durable linen. Spear in hand, Seth climbed the slope, followed by the rest of the hunters. There was enough light to see the objective, the eastward mountain peak they had also considered as a Fallen resting place. Soon man, horse, and dog were at a brisk stride.

  Chapter Sixteen

  Adam instructs Jathan about the Nephilim

  Seth was leading the group of seven, scanning for the blood or landing points of their winged quarry. Seepha was trotting alongside him, sniffing both the air and the ground. Loran and Lethan, bows in hand, were nearby. Dinak and Mica took the rear place with the horses. Adam and Jathan were in the middle of the group. The position of the sun indicated it was mid-morning. Their trek had taken a sudden northward turn, with a slight westward bent. Adam requested some time to instruct Jathan and asked Seth if that could be accommodated. The group had kept a quick pace to reach the second peak, and for two hours on the path northward. They slowed now to rest the horses, providing a good time to talk.

  The eastern peak, as expected, provided evidence of the Fallen. Blood, torn fabric, and footprints were found. A set of tracks leaving the summit indicated a northward movement, the tracks ending as the Fallen presumably took to the air. Adam and Seth exchanged a knowing glance as they surveyed the direction of flight.

  “The mountains below Hermon, in Bashan, I warrant,” Adam said confidently. Seth nodded in agreement.

  When they left the mountains and foothills near Har Shalem, they had traveled eastward and slightly north, crossing the great river and skirting the north edge of the Low Seas. The Low Seas were two adjoining inland lakes formed by the Great River as it emptied southward into deep river valleys below sea level. These salinized lakes held no life but were prized for their mineral salts and reputed to have beneficial effects for those bathing there. From there, they had traveled northward into the plains and found the high place where they intercepted the injured Fallen.

  Before they left this peak and traveled north, Adam and Seth both gazed to the distant east. Had they continued eastward, they could have followed the great river Euphrates to numerous cities of men. The city of Enok (also called Eridu by some), built by Cain, lay due east as did the mountain of Eden. Cain named the city after his first son. As they stared eastward, both men were reflective. For Seth, it was a lost brother he had never known; for Adam, it was a home he could not return to.

  Wh
en Seth had slowed their pace, Adam called Jathan closer to him.

  “Walk with me awhile, Son. There are things I must teach you, while our pace is slowed,” Adam said.

  Jathan had enjoyed his recent independence, living in barracks with the other young men of the city. Thrust into a larger, more dangerous world, there was now much he longed to learn from his father. A growing comprehension of his Father’s life and experiences made Jathan feel naive, even childlike. Jathan eagerly took his father’s side. Adam noticed that Mica and Dinak seemed eager to listen and motioned for them to walk with him as well.

  “Tell what you have been taught by Seth and Mahalalel, share with me the rules of war,” Adam requested of Jathan.

  “Strike from above,” Jathan offered his first recollection. “Both the advantage of ground or the ability to strike your opponent’s head.”

  “Very good, fight from the higher ground when you can, or to strike your enemy’s head,” Adam nodded for him to continue.

  “In connection to that truth, where the head goes, the body follows,” Jathan stated.

  “Yes, an important offensive truth,” Adam said, shaking his head in agreement. “It applies in defense of yourself as well...”

  “Fight on the ground you choose - when possible,” Jathan continued. “Also, fight at the time of your choosing – when possible.”

  “Well said, Jathan,” Adam said. “I have no doubt you could continue with more truths. Now tell me why we must become skilled at war?”

  “So that we can intercede for God’s people. The intercessor places himself between the threat and God’s people for their safety,” Jathan stated confidently.

  “Well said. You have been taught wisdom,” Adam remarked and then posed another question. “At what cost does an intercessor serve?”

  “With his life, if asked of him,” Jathan replied.