Enmity

by Paul J Fowler

  When the leader began creeping into the field, Seth and Loran bounded over the edge and started moving downhill. When Seth reached a clearing in the brush, he called out to the thieves, a call offering mercy he would not give to the Fallen or the Nephilim. Loran was ducked low behind him, unseen, waiting to see if a parley would occur.

  “Hold!” Seth roared. “Stay your ground!”

  The leader looked back in surprise. His cruel face sneered in indignation when he believed only one soldier was addressing them. Pointing with his cleaver, he motioned for the others to attack Seth. Seeing his father’s arm drawback to throw his javelin, Loran rose and shifted to his left to attack. Seth’s son, bow ready, drew back and released in a swift and fluid action. His arrow entered one of the spearmen who cried out in pain. While moving downhill, Loran readied another arrow and released it, intending to end the suffering caused by his initial shot. The second shaft found its place near the first, and the robber fell facedown, now silent.

  Seth hurled his javelin at the other brigand who carried a spear. Before the miscreant could fully draw back his arm to throw, the head of Seth’s javelin had pierced him. The man gazed in stunned disbelief at the shaft of Seth’s weapon in his chest, sobbed in pain, and dropped to the ground.

  Loran, still moving downhill, lined up his next shot. A thief had begun charging them, but seeing his two companions fall, broke to his right to find cover in the brush. But the marauder was too late. Loran’s next arrow released, shattering the man’s rib cage with an audible thud as it pierced his chest. He dropped his knife, gasping his final breath.

  Loran was a soldier under command; no mercy was to be shown if conflict began. Though the thief may have tried to leave the fight, he could alert companions unseen and escalate the conflict. Seth hated humans who preyed upon their own kind. One chance at mercy would be offered; if refused, his standing orders were to kill them quickly.

  Seth’s first javelin throw was from a considerable distance, the second was much closer. Seth released his second javelin with such force it passed wholly through the marauder who charged towards him, long-knife raised. Dead before he fell, Seth closed the distance quickly, leaping over the falling body on his way to their leader.

  Seth’s eyes never left the leader as the man charged towards him. Seth loathed being forced to kill his own kind and knew lives would have been spared had this man halted when called to. Adam’s son, like his father, often grieved over the cruelty of humanity. Seth believed strength was given to men in order to protect those weaker, not to exploit them.

  Loran nocked another arrow and rapidly scanned about for more brigands they might have missed. Finding nothing, he casually watched his father leap over the falling body of the adversary felled by Seth’s second javelin. He never ceased to admire his father at work and was curious how Seth would deal with the leader.

  Cleaver raised high and screaming in rage, the chief robber was nearly upon his father. Seth had continued moving forward himself, quickly releasing his war club from his shoulder sling. Loran watched his father’s form twist slightly, war club in the right hand, low and behind his body. Loran had seen his father obscure his weapon until he struck many times. Suddenly Seth pivoted in a flash like a lightning strike. Loran saw the blur of black and white and heard the crunching impact of weapon against bone. Seth stepped aside lightly as the dead man’s momentum carried him forward, falling facedown and motionless.

  Seth scanned the area. His war club had returned to a striking position, low and behind him. The smooth white shaft was then quickly returned to the leather sling, the weighty, black head of the weapon riding low near his waist.

  The lone man in the field was stunned by the commotion. He heard Seth’s voice cry out and turned to see two tall, highly-skilled warriors eliminate several men in a matter of seconds. He was shocked by the realization that thieves, likely murderers, had been stalking him. He now feared the soldiers could be as likely to kill him as the bandits had. As the two well-armed men walked into the field and began to approach him, he panicked. Pathetically, the man stumbled backward into the charred earth, his legs unable to obey his mind’s wishes. His attempt to retreat was futile. In frustration and brokenness, the man simply covered his head in his hands.

  As Seth determined the area was clear of other threats, he had shouldered his weapon to signal to the farmer he meant no ill intent. He knew the man’s condition was fragile. Despite his precautions, he saw the man panic and fall. Seth was gripped with compassion. Notwithstanding his injuries, the man was well-framed, and Seth perceived that he was no common laborer. Seth removed his helmet and called out to him in a non-threatening tone.

  “Peace to you. We will not harm you,” Seth voiced. “Where are your people?”

  To labor alone in this savage world was an invitation to harmful predators such as the ones who lay dead behind them.

  As the man looked past his fingers and began to see the men in front of him, he struggled to conclude that the fierce men meant him no harm. Tears welled up in his eyes as he struggled to form words of thanks for his deliverance.

  As he saw the man’s face, Seth was gripped with a sudden, painful recognition. He was the one now struggling to find words, Seth’s mind was processing several generations of memories to determine if what he was seeing was real, his thoughts and emotions struggling to come into agreement. Seth waited a few seconds before he spoke.

  “Adan, it’s Seth. I’m your brother,” Adam’s Third Son said gently.

  Loran, watching a few steps behind, felt his eyebrows rise in shock. This was family he had never met, an uncle he had never known. He watched his father tenderly bring the man to his feet. As the man arose, Seth brought him into a deep embrace. As he did, the man’s head fell onto Seth’s shoulder, and he wept bitterly. His frame shook for a few seconds as his older brother spoke softly to him, then kissed both his cheeks. Adan’s head returned to Seth’s shoulder, and he continued sobbing. Loran could not hear what was spoken. After a few minutes, the man began to calm.

  As they released their embrace, Seth and Loran became conscious of the rest of the hunters atop the hill. Seth had signaled for them to stay. Doubtless, they were intrigued at the sounds of conflict, but they held their position as instructed. When no call was given at the customary period, curiosity drew them forward.

  “Loran – create a wide perimeter with Lethan, Dinak, and Jathan,” Seth instructed, his handsome face marked with tears. “Tell the others to approach slowly.”

  “Aye, Father,” Loran replied warmly. He began moving across the field and up the short hill.

  It was not lost on Loran that his father did not identify Adam by name. Doubtless, this was one of their people who left in conflict with Adam. Not quite two-hundred years old, Loran’s experiences with Adam had nearly all been positive. But First Father’s temper and moodiness were legendary among their people. Loran had heard many stories about Adam’s stubbornness. Loran knew the early years of their people had been extremely difficult. While Loran’s years had not been without trial and conflict, he was mindful of the advantages their city and its advancements had afforded their people.

  Loran left to carry out Seth’s instructions. Adam was stunned when told by Loran that his son, Adan, was in the field below them. He wisely held his place for a few minutes, observing Seth talk with his long-departed son. Mica held the reins of both horses a few paces away from Adam. He, too, was stunned at the news. Being an advanced study of Adam’s moods, Mica allowed his master the time he needed to think.

  Dinak seemed relieved to be free of the horses but was upset that he missed the fight. He and Jathan, both pleased to find relatives, then hurried away to reconnoiter the area as instructed. Lethan was last to arrive, being the rearguard, and his face brightened in surprise when Loran told him the news of their relative. The twins often smiled or laughed when surprised. Broad grins and heads shaking in
amazement, they hurriedly marched off to set a perimeter.

  Adam’s mind was a tempest of emotion and amazement. Enoch’s vision, the Great Lion, and his own recent vision of high places and angels had undoubtedly given him things to ponder. Now seeing a departed son, he was mindful again of mistakes from his past. Mindful, but not ashamed, he knew God’s mercy had caused this reunion. An opportunity for redemption had been arranged. He watched Seth talk with Adan, confident that God’s providence had sent a peacemaker before him. Despite Seth’s ability to bring violent conflicts to an end, when not training or commanding soldiers, Seth was a caring shepherd to his people. In truth, Seth was both kind-hearted and gently spoken. While those qualities were not always exhibited in his role as Chieftain, they were known by many, mainly seen by those closest to him, Ahavva, Eve, and himself.

  Adan was perhaps forty years younger than Seth. There were two brothers between them, both dead long ago. Maybe a sister as well, Adam felt grief at their memory and struggled to remember their exact dates of birth, he then resolved to ask Eve when he returned. Adan was one of the first to leave in conflict with Adam. When he left, several families had gone with him. Only a few times had any of that group returned to them for yearly sacrifices. Adan certainly had not. Adam supposed it had been over three hundred years since he had spoken with Adan.

  Adam’s curiosity was caught by the pony, agitated, and flighty in the field. The animal was distressed, trotting, and fretting many paces beyond his son’s as they talked. Doubtless, this was the intended prize of the dead thieves he had stepped over minutes before. Seth had no choice, Adam concluded. He had heard Seth’s voice call to them before the bloodshed.

  Adam commanded Seepha to hold her place, and he began to walk towards the animal, speaking softly as he neared it. When the pony saw him approach, it bucked slightly in defiance.

  “Shush now, shush,” Adam voiced softly, then repeating the sounds again. “Look at me, child...”

  Moving closer, Adam held his hand out. When the pony locked eyes with Adam, its posture softened suddenly. Now entirely calm, it stepped unhurriedly towards Adam and dropped his head in submission. Adam inspected the animal, gently stroking it all the while. As he spoke kindly to the animal, he removed the tangled harness leathers around its waist. The poor beast had been bridled, but due to the apparent conflict, the bridle had been almost completely torn off. What remained was tangled leather, wound tightly over its snout, and it’s broken bit awkwardly twisted in its mouth. In a few seconds, Adam eased the bit from its mouth and removed the remaining leather. The animal was clearly relieved. Adam then fed it dried apple slices from his shoulder bag. Adam hated seeing animals suffer and relished the beast’s happiness as it consumed the food. Soon the horse was resting its head against Adam’s forehead as though they had long been friends.

  Seth looked towards Adam. Adam saw his gaze and knew it was time to approach. Adam patted his new friend’s neck and coaxed the animal to walk with him. Obediently, the horse obeyed Adam even though no harness was there to guide it.

  Seth kept one arm on Adan’s shoulder. Seth’s younger brother gripped his arm and could not let go. Adan’s gaze was fixed at Adam’s feet, he was unable to look at his father’s face. Adam approached his long lost son and realized Adan still clung to images of an angry father, a man he had been over three hundred years ago. Adan himself had been stubborn, head-strong, and openly defiant. The parting had been painful.

  But sometimes there is no greater healing balm for the human soul than the presence of family. Seth stepped aside, but remained near, as Adam was reunited with his prodigal son. Adan’s composure was broken again as Adam warmly embraced him. Adam kissed both of Adan’s cheeks and wept openly with him. As Adam offered words of apology and comfort, he was grateful even as he mourned; grateful he was not the same man Adan remembered, and grateful God had brought him to a wayward son, long forgiven.

  Chapter Twenty

  Anger is Kindled

  “You will not cause any trouble! Am I understood?” Seth commanded Lethan. “In fact, do not speak at all while in the city. Mica may speak, Loran may speak. You will listen and observe.”

  Lethan was livid. Indeed, the whole hunting party was angry. They now understood Adan’s family and estate had been devastated by a Nephilim giant. For several months, soldiers under the command of a nearby king had conscripted sons and daughters, and confiscated goods in an escalating cycle of exploitation. When Adan ultimately resisted their demands, a giant was sent to ensure compliance. Clearly, the soldiers had intended to make an example of Adan and, through fear, discourage other farmers and merchants from rebelling against the king’s wishes. Once unleashed, though, a Nephilim’s rage is difficult to quench. As such, stories of destruction were voiced from many farms and villages in the region.

  “Mica, if the market is open, buy some skins of lamp oil and any fresh food you deem helpful,” Seth instructed.

  Mica nodded dutifully. Lethan, Loran, and Mica had removed most of their armor and only carried daggers and hidden thorns. All three men had exchanged their tunics and cloaks for a simpler weave of local origin. The higher quality of their Har Shalem clothing and arms would instantly set them apart to a discerning eye. They were to scout the city due north of the Sea of Kinneret, the supposed seat of power of the nearby king. The rest of the party would skirt the city walls and wait for them nearby. Seth was concerned he or Adam would be recognized, and they had no time for distractions.

  Seth was afraid Lethan would quickly find an outlet for the anger kindled by the abuse of his relatives. Loran could be tempestuous as well but was blessed with more restraint than his twin. Mica could always be trusted to hold his emotions and focus on purpose. However, should trouble arise, Lethan was formidable in a fight, and Seth was reluctant to send only two men into the city.

  “Save your anger, Son,” Seth said, demanding Lethan’s full attention. “I’m confident it will find expression soon. Purpose is not served by losing your temper, causing a scene, and alerting the city guard.”

  Lethan’s sullen demeanor suddenly brightened, a small grin forming at the corners of his mouth.

  “If the city guard were alerted, do you know what I would tell them, Father?” Lethan asked with a hint of sarcasm.

  Seth realized his mistake. His countenance dropped as he prepared to endure the jesting.

  Loran’s sarcasm was as accurate as his archery skills. Never one to miss a target, he joined in his brother’s dramatic declaration.

  “I am a man after God’s purpose, and you will not lay your hands on me!” The twins resounded in unison, slowly and theatrically. They pointed with their fingers forcefully to emphasize the pronouncement.

  Both twins were now smiling and laughing. Mica, for whom recognizing humor was not usually a strength, instantly began laughing along with Loran and Lethan.

  “Well, at least I could provide something to brighten your mood. What lengths will fathers go for their sons’ well-being?” Seth responded, now smiling himself.

  Many years ago, before Har Shalem’s construction, Seth came home to his people after a hunting trip. Much to everyone’s surprise, Seth returned, carrying a young boy on his hip. In addition, two rather attractive young ladies were following behind him, each carrying a newborn child. To make matters worse, they were quite vocal in their admiration of Seth and told anyone who inquired that they would not object to sharing him as a husband.

  As expected, Eve and Ahavva wanted a very detailed explanation of every aspect of Seth’s trip. In short, Seth was exhausted from tracking a Fallen shapeshifter and sought food and rest at a small city unfamiliar to him. He watched in frustration as a merchant brutally beat his small child in the local market. The unfortunate child did nothing to deserve the abuse. When the child’s mother rushed to the boy’s defense, the man began brutishly striking her too. Seth uncharacteristically lost his temper and gave
the man a vicious thrashing, as well as a short lecture on fatherhood. Moments later, the man’s brother, a metalsmith, ran across the market to aid his sibling. The Smith, feared in the town as an ill-tempered bully, was soon bloody and face down in the street.

  Seth’s actions caused a quite stir in the market. Several city guards, drawn to the commotion, then got involved. Seth informed the guards it was not a good idea to lay their hands on him. The guards insisted otherwise and were subsequently disarmed and knocked unconscious. Seth left the township with the captain of the guard in a headlock, holding the man’s own dagger to his throat. When clear of the town walls, Seth returned the captain’s blade, informed the official what a horrible city he presided over, and resolved to leave.

  After Seth watched the humbled captain return to his town, he saw the city shun and exile the two young mothers and three small children. The beaten wife had now been joined by her cousin, the smith’s spouse. Seth’s actions had dishonored the men, and now their wives were, by custom, Seth’s property. Rejected by their husbands and people, Seth knew they had little chance of survival on the plains.

  Ahavva was simmering with quiet fury until she heard the entire story. Upon seeing the bruises on the woman and her child, compassion instantly supplanted her anger. She pulled Seth aside, kissed him passionately, and ordered him to go to their tents and wait for her. After attending to the young women’s needs, Ahavva returned home. Seth remembered that reunion with fondness.

  Within a few months, the girls found suitable husbands and became much-loved members of the community.

  Adam was the first to laugh openly about the whole affair, which gave tacit permission to the entire community for the story to be repeated. Seth was sure the story would go away at some point. But over three hundred years later, it continued to entertain.