Noah: Man of God

by Tim Chaffey

Laleel nodded. “I agree. And I’m sure the captain will have some strong drink on board to help clean out the wound until we get to Lamech’s place and find something better.”

  “Father, what do you think?”

  Lamech cringed and sucked in a breath through his teeth as he craned his head, trying to look at the arrow. “Do it.”

  “If it’s safe up there, I’ll ask the captain about the strong drink,” Garun said as he headed for the door.

  Noah glanced around. “Elam, get me a couple of cloths. Laleel, something for him to bite down on. Boys, you need to hold him steady.”

  Noah stepped around his father and sized up the wound from the back. After Laleel handed Lamech a folded cloth and he bit down on it, Noah gripped the arrow with his left hand where it entered Lamech’s shoulder. Holding it as still as possible, he snapped the shaft and dropped it onto the floor.

  Lamech grunted as the piece in his shoulder jiggled slightly.

  “That was the easy part.” Noah inspected the broken shaft sticking out of his father. Lightly gripping the point of the fracture, he twisted his hand around it several times to make sure no loose fragments remained that could break off as it was pulled through the other side.

  Elam returned with several cloths. “Ready when you are.”

  “Alright, let me have one of those.” Noah took a rag and returned to his spot in front of his father. After wrapping the cloth around his hand to protect it from the arrowhead, Noah managed to grasp the shaft behind the tip with his thumb and two fingers. “Boys, hold him steady.”

  “We are,” Ham said as a tear slid down his cheek.

  Noah stared into his father’s eyes. “This will probably hurt a lot. Are you ready?”

  Lamech clamped down on the cloth in his mouth and nodded.

  “On the count of three. Everyone ready?” Noah steadied his feet and tightened his grip on the arrow. “One—” He jerked so hard that he stumbled backward. Lamech screamed through clenched teeth as Noah regained his balance. He examined the shaft, which looked intact.

  Elam pushed cloths against the wound on the front and back to soak up the blood.

  Breathing heavily, Lamech spit the cloth out of his mouth. “You said you were going to pull on three.”

  Noah grinned. “I didn’t want you to tense up.”

  Garun reentered the room with a small container. He handed it to Laleel. “The strong drink.” He glanced at Lamech and then at Noah. “Did you get it?”

  “Yes.” Noah lifted his hand to show his friend the front half of the arrow. “Is it safe up there?”

  Garun nodded. “We outran them. The captain said that his men shot three of the raiders. He said it’s the first time he’s ever heard of someone being attacked on the water this close to the city. Usually they are far upriver. How’s your father?”

  “I’m glad it wasn’t closer to his heart. It just went through the shoulder.”

  Lamech moaned as Laleel poured some of the liquid into the front wound.

  Glancing at the arrow, Garun frowned and then looked at Lamech. He leaned close to Noah’s ear and whispered. “Captain also said that the arrowheads are often dipped in poison.”

  Chapter 27

  Iri Sana — Noah’s 595th year

  “Noah?”

  Noah opened his tired eyes and looked toward the door. “Meesh?” He stood and embraced her for the first time in over a century. “It’s been so long.”

  As his sister pulled away, she offered a half smile and then stared at the man lying on the bed in the center of the room. “Pivi told me what happened.”

  “I’m so sorry.” Noah sniffled.

  “Oh, it’s not your fault. That river’s been dangerous for years. How’s he doing?”

  “He’s resting right now. He’s been waking every so often and talking when he can, but the healer said it won’t be much longer.”

  “Misha,” Elina said as she entered from the kitchen. “A bunch of us are in here, waiting for father to wake up.”

  “I’ll be right there.” She paused and caught Noah’s eye. “Is it contagious?”

  Noah shook his head. “No, you can touch him.”

  Misha walked to her father’s side, bent down, and kissed his forehead. She gave Noah another sympathetic smile and touched his shoulder as she walked past him toward the kitchen. “Come and get me the moment he wakes.”

  Noah returned to his seat. Despite their best efforts to clean the wound with strong drink, herbs, and even fire, the damaged flesh refused to improve. The healer confirmed the captain’s suspicions about the arrow being poisoned. Just as she anticipated, red and purple sores had soon spread outward from the injury and now covered much of his upper body and neck. Four days ago, Lamech had lost the use of his left arm, and by the day after that, he no longer possessed the strength to stand.

  Garun and Laleel had come that morning to say goodbye to Lamech and then retired to a guest room in the barn to make room for Noah’s brothers and sisters in the house. Shem and Ham had also said their farewells at that time. Noah knew Lamech’s death would be especially difficult for them because they had never lost a loved one before. Currently, they led games with their younger cousins behind the house. Noah privately hoped one of the young women might catch Shem’s eye — by now he suspected Ham harbored feelings for Kezia, a fact his brother never missed an opportunity to exploit for his own entertainment. But even if Shem found someone here, Noah doubted her parents would permit her to travel to Eden with crazy Uncle Noah.

  His tiny smile faded as he focused again on his father. Squeezing his eyes shut, he replayed the incident in his mind. If only the arrow flew a handbreadth higher or to the left, then it would’ve missed him. Clenching his fists, Noah prayed. O King of Glory, please hear my prayer. Was it wrong for us to come here? Perhaps I should have persisted in trying to talk him out of it. Noah took several deep breaths and slammed his fist on his knee. I know You created all things and made Greatfather from the dust of the ground. I know You are capable of healing my father. Please do it, and show my brothers and sisters that You are more powerful than Nachash and any other god.

  “Noah,” a weak voice said.

  Noah lifted his head to see his father looking at him. He grabbed Lamech’s hand. “Father.”

  “Is Misha here yet?” His voice barely surpassed a whisper, but his eyes conveyed love and admiration.

  “Yes, I’ll go get her.”

  Lamech gently squeezed Noah’s hand and grimaced. “Bring all of your brothers and sisters in here.”

  Noah licked his lips as his eyes welled up. He nodded and slowly stood. “I’ll be right back.”

  Lamech refused to let go of his hand. “Thank you, Son.” After another labored breath, he released his grip. “For bringing me back home.”

  Noah lowered his head and walked into the kitchen, where 8 of his 11 brothers and sisters quietly talked and laughed, enjoying the rare opportunity to be together. The other three lived too far away to reach in time. A nervous silence settled over them as Noah entered. With a trembling lip, he said, “Father’s awake and wants to see everyone right away.”

  He turned and led them back into the sitting room. Being one of the tallest in the family, he stepped back against the wall and let the others take up the closer spots. Misha hurried to Lamech, knelt down, and hugged him around the neck. She drew back but remained on the floor next to him, gently stroking his head with her hand. Hetel, Noah’s second-youngest sister, sat beside Misha, holding Lamech’s hand.

  Lamech methodically moved his gaze around the room, beholding each of his children. “Thank you all for coming.” His words slowly crept through dry lips, but his countenance brightened a notch. “I planned to visit each of you in the coming days, but it looks like I found a way to bring everyone here.”

  Noah suppressed a laugh, thankful his father’s sense of humor remained intact. Two of his brothers chuckled, but Jerah folded his arms on his chest and frowned.

  “I
want you all to know that since Noah is my firstborn, it’s my wish to leave all of my property to him to do with as he sees fit.”

  Jerah scowled. “How could you? I’ve stayed here my whole life, and he—”

  “But he wanted me to pass it on to you, Jerah.”

  Jerah raised an eyebrow. “Really?”

  “Of course.” Noah nodded. “There are only a few things I need to get back home.”

  Jerah shrugged. “That works.” He leaned back against the wall and stared at their father.

  “I’ve spent much of the past century on an amazing project with your grandfather and Noah. He can tell you all about our work later, and when he does, I want all of you to listen carefully to what he says.” Lamech winced and sucked in a few deep breaths.

  “Your mother and I raised each of you to follow the Creator and His ways.” His pace increased a tiny bit. “I know that can be very difficult in our world, where there is so much evil and so many false ideas to distract you. But I have seen the truth of my beliefs with my own eyes. We found Greatfather’s house, and it was filled with the truths I passed on to you. The Most High has twice appeared to Noah to prepare him for a judgment that is coming on the whole world.”

  “He appeared to Noah?” Hetel asked. “What did He say?”

  Narrowing her eyes, Elina looked up at Noah and shook her head. “What judgment? What’s he talking about?”

  “I’ll explain all of it later. Let Father finish.”

  A tear formed in Lamech’s right eye as he struggled to look around the room. “My children, with my final breaths, the most important thing I can do is to remind you and encourage you to follow the Most High — no matter the cost. I love you.” He grunted and winced again, clenching his jaw and pulling his knees up closer to his stomach. After taking in several short, raspy breaths through his mouth, he finally relaxed and opened his eyes. Immediately, they locked on to something across the room, as if looking past Noah and his youngest brother, Moteh. A broad smile crossed his lips and peace washed over his face. “Now I can finally rest.” His facial features stilled and his head dropped onto the cushion beneath it. One last breath escaped his lungs, and Lamech’s life ended.

  Sobs filled the room, as Noah’s siblings hugged and consoled one another. Noah swallowed a lump in his throat and a bittersweet smile tugged at his lips as he thought about his father’s final words. The rest he had longed for since before Noah’s birth had finally arrived.

  * * *

  “Tell Emzara that we love her, and that we’re sorry we won’t see her again,” Laleel said.

  “I will. Please be safe.” Noah faced Garun as Laleel hugged Elam and then walked up a short ramp and boarded the boat on the edge of what had been his father’s property.

  “Old friend.” Garun embraced him. “Please believe me when I tell you that we truly intended to return to Eden with you. But your father inspired me to track down my children and tell them about the Creator before it’s too late.”

  “Do you think you can even find them?”

  Garun shrugged. “I have to try.” He gestured toward Shem and Ham. “If our situations were reversed, would you do the same for them?”

  “I would. It’s just . . .” Noah swallowed. “It just hurts, knowing that we’ll never see each other again.”

  “Well, if your ideas are correct about what happens after this life, then you’ll see us again. By the way, your words at the burial were exactly what your brothers and sisters needed to hear, and it’s what I plan to tell my children. Your father would be proud of you.”

  “I hope so.” Noah rested a hand on Garun’s shoulder. “May the Most High guide you. I pray that your children will listen, and that I’ll get to see them again when this life is over.”

  Garun cupped Noah’s shoulder. “Thank you.” He pointed toward Shem and Ham. “Hey, watch over your father for me.”

  “We will,” Ham said.

  “I hope you find your sons and daughters and that they listen to you,” Shem said.

  Elam hugged Garun. “I pray the Creator blesses you on your way.”

  “And you as well, dear friend.”

  Garun turned and joined his wife as she wiped away tears with one hand and waved with the other and the boat slowly drifted away from shore. “Farewell, Noah. You are the truest of friends.”

  Noah stood with his sons and Elam, watching the vessel sail downriver until it eventually moved out of sight.

  “I hate this trip,” Ham said. “First Grandfather and now Garun and Laleel.”

  “I know it’s hard, Son.” Noah put his arm around Ham’s shoulder as they walked back toward the house, where their loaded wagon awaited their imminent departure. Behind them, Elam explained to Shem what he had learned about the Zakari during his trip into Iri Sana earlier in the week.

  “I just wish none of this had ever happened.” Ham kicked at a rock on the ground but missed.

  “So do I. But I’m grateful for the opportunity to see my family one last time.”

  Jerah stepped out of the back door of the house as Noah’s group drew near. “Noah, do you still plan to leave right away?”

  “Yes, I need to get home as soon as possible. Besides, if anyone around here remembers that Havil put a price on my head, then I’m in danger, and I’m putting all of you in danger.”

  “Can I speak with you for a few moments alone?”

  “Of course.” Noah directed Ham to the wagon. “Make sure everything is ready to go.”

  After watching the others walk away, Noah faced his brother. “What did you want to talk about?”

  “The first thing is that I wanted to thank you for passing your inheritance on to me.”

  “You’re welcome. I have no use for it, but even if I did, you deserve it more. You’ve spent your whole life here, helping father with the farm.”

  Noah looked at the grassy field around them and chuckled. “I remember watching you chase Pivi around here when we were young. Sometimes I long for those innocent days.”

  “So do I.” Jerah folded his arms. “The second thing is not as easy to say. I’m frustrated and angry with you for talking father into your foolhardy plan to build your ark. If he never went with you, then he’d still be with us. And he gave his life for what? Preparing for a flood that will never happen.”

  Noah had anticipated Jerah’s complaints about the ark. He raised his eyebrows and nodded. “But it will happen. The Creator told me that it will.”

  Jerah shook his head. “And if that’s true, then things are even worse.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “Father raised us to follow the Creator. We were told that He is good and made everything beautiful. But now you show up and tell me and our brothers and sisters that He is going to destroy this world and kill everyone except for you, Zara, your sons, and their wives.” He glanced in the direction of Shem and Ham. “And they aren’t even married.” Jerah held his arms out wide. “How am I supposed to believe the Creator is good if He plans to kill everyone? The people in the city say that Nachash is the most high. His followers are certainly in charge of this world, so why shouldn’t I follow him?”

  Noah felt as if someone had punched him in the midsection. “You can’t really believe that. Nachash’s followers murder infants on their altars and kill anyone who stands in their way. The Creator doesn’t force us to follow Him. He made everything perfect, but Greatfather and Greatmother ruined it when they rebelled.”

  Jerah snorted. “And you believe those legends.”

  Noah cracked a wry smile. “Those legends are reality where we’ve been living. We found Greatfather’s house and grave, and Grandfather remembered visiting the place when he was a young child. Jerah, the old stories are true.”

  Jerah scratched his head. “Even if that’s the case, why would the Creator plan to kill everyone?”

  “I just mentioned that the old stories are true. The Most High warned Greatfather that the penalty for disobedience is death. W
e’ve all disobeyed. You know that. That’s why we offer sacrifices every year.”

  “But don’t you think this is too drastic?”

  Noah sighed. “I struggle with it, too. It’s not as if I want it to happen. But I know that the Creator will do what’s right.” He tilted his head. “You have to admit that our world is full of violence and unspeakable wickedness. You told me yesterday that it isn’t even safe to go into Iri Sana anymore. That would’ve been unthinkable when we were growing up.”

  “But it can’t be that bad everywhere.”

  “It’s far worse in most places.” Noah closed his eyes. “Brother, there are evils in this world beyond your imagination, and I’m sure it’s become even worse since I moved away. The Most High showed mercy to Greatfather and Greatmother by allowing them to live. But look around. This is what happens when our sin seems to have little consequence — murder, thefts, ritual prostitution, child sacrifice, and more. By judging the world, He will be eliminating so much vile behavior and giving man an opportunity to start over.”

  Jerah frowned and pointed toward the house. “Yes, some people are vile. But what about us? What about Pivi and our sons and daughters and our grandchildren? I know we aren’t perfect, but what makes you so special that the Creator is going to save you and kill us? Is it just because you’re a shipbuilder and that’s what it takes to survive a flood?”

  Noah swallowed the lump in his throat and shook his head, fighting the urge to justify himself. He knew Jerah and his siblings did not walk as closely with the Lord as he did, but he also knew that he had the same propensity to sin. “When did I ever say that I was better than any of you? What I know — and must believe because of His response when I wondered about all the people — is that the Most High will do what’s right.”

  Jerah stared off in the distance. Twice he opened his mouth to speak before stopping. Finally, he looked straight at Noah. “But why a flood? Don’t you think He could have chosen a less painful and terrifying way to do it? Why not just kill everyone in their sleep so they didn’t know any different?”

  Noah shifted his stance and adjusted his wrap. “I’ve thought about this for a long time, and I think there are a couple of possible reasons. But before I explain those, you need to know that the Creator has the right to flood the world if He wants to because He made it and all things in it. But He is also good, so He would only do it if it became necessary.”