Enmity

by Paul J Fowler

  As Seth looked at his Father’s face, several truths were instantly apparent. He knew Adam completely understood his objections. Secondly, Seth perceived Adam had seen something that absolutely required his obedience. Adam’s face also revealed no stubbornness, only humility mixed with pain. Seth knew his father did not want to ask him to change course, recognizing his urgency to eliminate any threats to their people. Adam lifted his gaze to Seth, their eyes met, and after a few moments, both men nodded in agreement. Deep trust, forged over many trials, was a tie not quickly broken. Both men had surrendered to faith; faith not only in each other but in the God who was directing their steps.

  Adam drew close to Seth and touched his son’s forehead with his own. He gripped Seth’s shoulder with his right hand and stepped away.

  “Lead us, Son,” Adam said humbly.

  “Aye, Father,” Seth replied.

  Watching the interaction, men in the hunting party felt as if they were on holy ground. In part from the dramatic nature of Adam’s revelation but also watching Adam and Seth interact without words. Their bond of trust and honor towards each other was humbling.

  “Are you recovered? Can we make haste?” Seth inquired of his father. Adam shook his head affirmatively.

  Seth turned westward. With hand signals, he directed Lethan to take point beside him and Loran to take the rear-guard position. Now freed from scanning for blood or other markers, the group made haste to the Sea of Kinnereth.

  Chapter Eighteen

  Seth Makes a Discovery

  “Smoke,” Seth stated aloud.

  Seth called for the group to stop. He smelled the air again and then listened intently for a few moments. He looked to the rear of the group where his son, Loran, was positioned. Loran indicated with a nod that no threats were evident. Seth looked forward to Lethan several paces ahead. Lethan also gestured all was clear.

  “Pause. Attend your weapons!” Seth commanded.

  This command instructed soldiers to thoroughly review the condition and placement of their weapons. Jathan checked his sword, dagger, and thorns. He watched with curiosity as Seth walked to the supply horses and conversed with Mica. After searching momentarily, Mica produced a pair of swords which he then sheathed on Seth’s back with a leather harness Jathan had not seen before. These swords were slightly longer the standard weapon Jathan was issued and were used by Lions who fought on horseback. Seth then fixed a small oval buckler to his left forearm. The shield could be gripped with a flat leather handle that allowed the left hand to hold another weapon, usually a spear, while another buckled strap kept the shield affixed to the wrist. Seth’s war club was still slung over one shoulder. Finally, Seth exchanged his standard spear for two javelins.

  “Greaves and helmets!” Seth commanded.

  Mica dutifully distributed leg armor to cover the leather shin coverings they wore for travel. Stiffened leather was overlaid with strips of metal to protect the wearer’s shins and knees. They were affixed to the leg by straps and buckles. Jathan had not worn the style before, guards and infantry wore a bulkier version. Lions wore this armor, durable but not restricting, designed to facilitate their swift attack methods. When Dinak had finished placing his leg armor, he distributed steel helmets to those who wanted them. Only Adam refused one.

  “Mica, war gloves. And my cloak when you are finished,” Adam asked. Mica nodded his head and continued buckling his greaves. Upon completing, Adam’s attendant walked to the horses and returned with the items Adam requested.

  Jathan watched his father don his hooded cloak. Adam replaced his plain leather gloves with something Jathan had never seen him wear. The new gloves were made of dark brown leather, heavily padded. The thumbs and fingers were exposed, Jathan presumed they enabled the user to better grapple and hold during combat. The fingers had a row of iron studs incorporated into each digit on the outer face. The palm, as well as the bottom edge of the fist, also contained the steel reinforcements. They were a savage improvement to a modest item.

  Adam noticed Jathan staring at his gloves.

  “I don’t care for swords,” Adam explained. “Kenan’s handiwork – they are quite effective,” Adam said while making a fist. “This is what I am accustomed to. Old ways linger, I suppose,” Adam also retained his sturdy, metal-shod staff.

  Adam inspected Jathan’s gear. Adam’s last son walked a few steps, smiling as he realized how effortlessly he moved in the new equipment. Satisfied his son’s greaves were fastened correctly, Adam tested the buckler Jathan had just affixed to his left forearm. Adam ran his fingertips over the shield, admiring how the design curved over the user’s grip, protecting the hand. Jathan gripped the handle and then released the grip to free his hand. He repeated the action while changing the position of his arm several times; the shield remained in place. Jathan also punched forward, demonstrating his training with shields as an offensive tool. Adam nodded in satisfaction.

  “Thorns?” Adam inquired then added. “We used to harvest them from the hedges around Eden.”

  Jathan checked the placement of the simple but effective stabbing weapons. One was hidden in each armored forearm. One could be hidden in each greave as well; another was concealed in his tunic. A tiny wooden knob was affixed to the top of the slender weapon that enabled the user to draw the otherwise unseen weapon. The heavier Nephilim thorn was sheathed next to his dagger on his waist belt.

  Seth called Loran forward and placed Lethan, bow ready, at the rear. Though nothing had been seen, Seth was evidently preparing for more significant threats. The terrain was changing, plains now giving way to low hills. The Kinnereth region had to be close. Seth motioned that he and Loran would scout ahead of the group.

  Seepha trotted ahead, eager to again be at the forefront of the group. But Adam knew Seth desired to hunt silently for the source of the smoke. Adam reached into a pouch at his waist and produced a small notched tube made of bone. Adam blew into the device. Though the whistle produced no sound, Seepha instantly stood still. Her keen eyes quickly found Adam, and she happily trotted back to take her place beside him.

  “Son, there is more I must teach you,” Adam implored, his tone serious.

  “Yes, Father,” Jathan replied as he watched Seth and Loran in the distance ahead of them.

  “Just a few years ago, when Seepha was young, the three of us walked near the border of one of our fields. I was training her, and you accompanied me,” Adam said to Jathan. “Do you remember the wild dog?”

  Jathan nodded in reply. A feral dog had been stalking their sheep, hopeful it could position itself to drag away a young lamb. Slowly the dog worked its way towards the herd several paces away. The dog was so fixated on its quarry it failed to notice Seepha, Adam, and Jathan as they quietly approached some distance behind it. Seepha bristled with rage and, at Adam’s command, raced towards the dog like an arrow shot from a bow. Within seconds it was over. As Adam and Jathan drew near to Seepha and the dead trespasser, Seepha turned to Adam and Jathan growling with primal anger. The dog’s bloody teeth were bared, and her spiny hackles were on upright display. Jathan was stunned, even fearful, at the demeanor of his canine friend. With a word from Adam, Seepha stopped growling and obediently came to Adam. The mighty beast dropped at Adam’s feet in submission. As she did, her sweet, playful face returned. It was a vivid memory for Jathan, one he had discussed with his father many times as he grew older.

  When Seepha had obeyed Adam to his satisfaction, he commanded her to attend the flock. Seepha got up, sniffed the dead dog, and trotted towards the sheep. Adam laughed as Seepha corralled strays with nudges and barks. Adam made sure Jathan noted the discomfort some sheep had around their bloody protector. He then gave Seepha a command to watch, upon hearing the order she left the sheep and began scanning the fields. Made suspicious by Adam’s directive, Seepha moved between the sheep and the most likely place from which a predator would emerge, the brush and wood
s beyond the fields.

  Adam had used the event to instruct Jathan; like the sheepdog, the intercessor places himself between God’s people and the predators; Fallen, human, or otherwise. Yet those very people, like the sheep that Seepha defends, often fear the strength of those that protect them.

  “The sheep feared Seepha for a moment; to them, she looked no different from a wolf,” Adam stated. “This is the burden of war. A burden that weighs heavy on your brother’s soul, I fear. A burden you must understand as you shed blood to defend your people.”

  Adam stopped to stroke Seepha’s head. She happily pressed her frame against Adam’s armored leg, her face a picture of contentment. Jathan called to her and dropped to one knee, she responded by pressing her face into his and pushing her body against him.

  Adam’s face beamed with happiness, as he observed the affection between his son and Seepha. Jathan had been a source of joy. He had not expected to be a father again. Jathan had quickly grown into an excellent young man.

  “Only Eve’s presence could add to her happiness,” Adam remarked, observing Seepha’s joy at the attention she was receiving. Jathan looked up, smiling in agreement. Adam saw his smile and was reminded of what a beautiful boy he had been. Now he was a man, dressed in battle gear, but his smile carried Adam back in time.

  What a noble young man my son has become!

  As Adam watched his son, the rush of joy that flooded his soul was pursued by a bitter regret.

  If only I could have given you a better world...

  A part of Adam’s soul longed to grieve his past shame, but he quickly replaced that emotion with fierce resolve. Adam refused to linger on his guilt as he did years ago, he knew it was a useless indulgence. Adam fixed his soul towards purpose, overcoming the Serpent’s children. Jathan needed his instruction now so he could prevail in the tasks ahead. They began walking again.

  “After the Fallen attacked you and Lyssa, Seth intervened, and the enemy paralyzed you with fear,” Adam resumed.

  Jathan shook his head. Even recalling the event caused irrational fear to grow at the edges of Jathan’s mind.

  “Most fallen angels possess this power, as do some of the Nephilim. You must discipline your mind to fight against it,” Adam instructed. “Our enemy has been cast down from an existence of perfect beauty. In their corruption, the highest virtues of that realm are lost to them. They have no love, no honor, and no joy.”

  “I was not afraid when I faced him the second time,” Jathan stated. “I was more afraid of failing my comrades.”

  “That is good, Jathan,” Adam replied with enthusiasm. “That is a good fear, it binds warriors together and makes them brothers. But this Fallen was wounded, hunted, and unable to concentrate. Doubtless, his ability to project fear was compromised.”

  “How do I strengthen myself against it, Father?” Jathan asked.

  “The Fallen’s complete existence is dominated by fear,” Adam explained. “They fear their own kind. As you know, the strongest among them control the weaker through fear. They long for men to fear them, and many do. They fear the Holy Ones, the luminaries, who cast them down. They fear free men like your brother Seth, one who has fully devoted himself to God. But most of all, they fear the punishment that awaits them. God has shown mercy to man and asks only that we repent of our sinful deeds and seek Him. But for the Fallen, God has sworn an oath to Himself, there is no forgiveness or redemption.”

  “Does God favor men over angels, Father?” Jathan asked.

  “Perhaps,” Adam ventured aloud. “Though I think a comparison of affection is too simplistic. God’s mind is His own, and His thoughts higher than ours.”

  “Why did the One God create the Serpent?” Jathan asked.

  “Many ponder this question. Consider this, God did not create the Serpent, He created an angel equal to Michael himself in rank, perhaps even greater. He was called Helel, which means ‘Light-Bringer’ or ‘Star of the Morning.’ Adam explained. “Yet I believe this was a title, not his personal name. He was one of the Five Covering Angels who attended God’s throne. Much of this, you have been taught.”

  Jathan nodded affirmatively. Nonetheless, he was eager to hear more on the subject.

  “Curiously, the remaining Four Covering Angels are named; Uriel, Raphael, Prince Michael, and of course, Gabriel. But the Light-Bringer longed for things only reserved for God himself,” Adam explained, his tone sober. “For this, I fear God has removed his name from existence. Because he longed for things outside his purpose, he became the Serpent after iniquity had grown in him. The Serpent now has many names. This I do know; man often sins from ignorance. But the Light-Bringer was prideful and sinned from a position of great understanding. He fears because he knows the great wrath that awaits him.”

  “What did you teach Seth?” Jathan asked. “How does he withstand their attack?”

  “Ah yes, of course,” Adam said. “My apologies – let me finish. Fear is connected to punishment, but God’s higher virtues cast down fear. Love, joy, and beauty remind us that God is kind, and is merciful towards man. You must fix within your mind those things that reflect this truth.”

  Jathan pondered Adam’s words. He struggled to apply them as he thought of the waves of darkness and paralyzing fear that overtook him when he first faced the winged Fallen.

  “Don’t try too hard,” Adam said, observing Jathan struggling to understand. “Victory comes from simplicity. Seth would fix his mind on Ahavva or Enosh – a gift from God that reveals his love for us. Speak to me about simple joys – the first thoughts as they come to your mind.”

  “The way mother’s hair smells when she hugs me,” Jathan said tentatively. Adam smiled and nodded for him to continue. “Our walks outside the city when I was a boy when you taught me the names of plants and animals. Oh, and mother’s breakfast on Sabbath morning.”

  “Eve could not prepare enough eggs for you,” Adam interjected, a broad grin breaking his face. “Oh, how we laughed when she realized you were feeding Seepha under the table.”

  Seepha’s ears went upright at the sound of her name. Her black and tan frame straightened as she listened for a command.

  “I love how Seepha would wake me when I lived at home,” Jathan said, looking at the faithful canine. Seepha was an affectionate dog. Jathan often awoke to wet kisses and Seepha’s snout in his face, happy and eager to begin a new day with her human pack.

  “I think I understand, Father,” Jathan offered. “When attacked by fear, I fix my thoughts on simple joys.”

  “Yes, Son!” Adam rejoined enthusiastically. “Fix your soul on that which is good. Let that thought lead you to the Father of Spirits, the source of all that is good and pure.”

  “How curious Father, that we can repel our enemy’s sorcery with thoughts of breakfast and dog’s kisses,” Jathan pondered aloud.

  “How curious indeed, Son,” Adam agreed with a smile.

  The bitter smell of charred wood was growing stronger. Wisps of whitish-gray smoke could be seen ahead. The terrain had changed, with low sloping plains giving way to foothills. Seth and Loran were quite a distance ahead. The First Man and his youngest son continued their discussion as they walked together.

  “I must confess, Father,” Jathan offered cautiously as if seeking correction. “When I faced the Fallen in the valley, I enjoyed striking him down. Though not so much as I anticipated...”

  “That is to be expected; it does not diminish you to feel such a way,” Adam replied. “You faced pure evil and did as you were trained to do. Just know, there is blood yet to be shed that will weigh heavier on your soul.”

  Jathan nodded as he considered his father’s words without response. He looked ahead to his brother Seth.

  Seth and Loran had stopped at the top of a hill, peering over its crest cautiously. Seth raised his fist, giving the command for the team to halt. Jathan watched
as Seth and Loran were pointing into the valley and silently communicating with each other. Seth repeated the hand signal for the group to hold their position, and suddenly father and son leaped over the top of the hill and were gone from sight.

  Jathan heard Seth’s commanding voice from the valley below, then the faint, but unmistakable snap of Loran’s bowstring singing out. There was yelling, the sound of rapid footsteps, followed by men crying out in pain.

  Chapter Nineteen

  A Brother Offended

  Seth signaled the silent command to halt. He crept to the edge of the hill and cautiously peered over. Brush and woods several paces thick filled the short slope of the ridge and extended a few paces before ending in a level open field, charred black and still releasing wafts of smoke. The plowed field had been burned, perhaps two days ago. It was harvest season; its produce had probably been collected or should have been soon. A small house was beyond the field, it had been destroyed and partially burned. A section of stones that formed one side of the simple structure were randomly scattered several paces in every direction. It was not a permanent home, but a field house common to the region where farmers and workers slept during harvest and planting. A larger village or estate would be near.

  Seth saw the predators first and quickly scanned for the prey. Five rough-looking men were lurking within the edge of the brush at the base of the hill observing the field beyond. A lone man was in the open ground, clearly sick or injured. He was making a futile effort to catch a small pony that refused to be secured but would not leave the area. Horses were scarce in the last few years. Giants had developed a taste for horseflesh. Scarce meant valuable.

  Seth nodded to Loran and pointed to the bandits. Loran indicated he was ready, his face determined. Seth gave the ‘stay’ command to the team behind them. He watched as the leader of the group, older and huskier than others, produce a heavy bronze cleaver from his waist and readied himself to move into the field. Two of the men produced large knives while the two others held crude spears. It was clear they were going to kill the man. With a nod and a glance, Seth directed Loran to his targets. Seth relished working with his son, their skills, and communication honed by extensive experience together.