by Tim Chaffey
Emzara kissed his hand that she still held tightly. “That is a plan I can’t argue with.”
Ara stood and held out his arms. “Then let us pray.”
Chapter 23
Their long morning shadows kept stride ahead of them as Noah and Ara strolled through Iri Geshem’s downtown. Two-story shops — many with residences on the top floor — lined the outside of the rectangular district. In the center of town, a small fountain featured a stone sculpture of a sea creature with a hole on the top of its head, which perpetually sprayed water a few cubits in all directions. Powered by an underground spring, the fountain produced the pleasant ambience of a light rainfall. The sunlight passing through the mist created a small color band. On the far end of the street, the recently completed three-story administrative building rose above the rest. Five stone steps led up to a large entryway highlighted by two wooden pillars stretching from the floor to the overhanging flat roof.
“Is this what Iri Sana looks like?” Ara asked.
Noah chuckled. “Not unless it’s had some major renovations in the past five years. There’s only a main street with about 20 small homes and shops. It looks much older than Iri Geshem.”
“How far out of town is your family farm?”
“It’s south, right on the Hiddekel, not too far.”
“I see.” Ara gestured to the large council building looming in front of them. “Zain told me the council was quite appreciative of your assistance with carving the pillars. They look very nice.”
“Let’s hope they’ll remember that as they consider our request this morning.” Noah draped the excess of his formal robe over his left arm.
They climbed the steps, and Ara stopped to examine Noah’s handiwork on the wooden pillar to their left. Chiseled filigree designs wrapped around the town’s name on the massive pole. “Emz described this to me, but it’s better than I imagined. You definitely have a gift.”
“She helped me figure out the design. She’s quite an artist.”
Ara nodded, still admiring the woodwork. “She’s an exceptional young woman and deserves an equally amazing man.” His eyes measured Noah, and then he shrugged and smiled. “But I guess you’ll do.”
Noah laughed then became serious. “I may not be her equal, but I love your daughter more than life itself.”
“I know. So do I.” Ara placed a hand on Noah’s shoulder before stepping toward the entrance. “Come on, let’s find out what the council thinks of our proposal.”
Inside the new town hall, stairways along the left and right walls of the foyer wound to the second and third floors. The small, polished white and gray stones which comprised the flooring recreated the designs in the pillars. Ahead, a wide double-door led to the main hall. Ara opened it and allowed Noah to proceed into the back of the main room.
Four long benches lined either side of the space, and only one of them was occupied. An elderly man sat in the second row. It’s nice to live in a town blessed by the Creator where troubles are so rare.
In the front, on a raised platform, five men sat behind a long curved desk. Noah recognized them all, but had only met three of the men, including Zain, who sat to the right of the center position. Zain had visited Ara’s house and shipyard several times, and Noah appreciated his straightforward manner.
An old woman stood near a podium on the left, listening. Ara stopped short of the first row of benches and Noah stood behind him.
“Yes, you and your husband will still be able to access the well near the tanner’s place when the improvements are made.” Akel, the chairperson, who sat in the middle, held out an arm toward the woman. “In fact, it’ll be even easier for you to get there. Did you have any other matters to raise today?”
“No. That’s all. Thank you.” The woman slowly turned, and using a walking stick, made her way back to her husband. She tapped his leg with her cane. “Let’s go home, dear.”
He stirred and then struggled to his feet. “What did they say about the well?”
Noah turned his attention to the matter at hand as Ara walked up to the podium and gripped the edges of its flat top. “Morning peace, honored councilmembers.” Noah stepped to his side.
Akel smiled. “Welcome, Ara. It’s good to see you.”
“Likewise. I believe you know my apprentice, Noah.”
“Indeed, he did great work on this building.” Akel grunted as he shifted his seven-hundred-year-old body in his seat. He had been on the council for over two hundred years and, according to Ara, he had gladly stepped aside for the required amount of time every decade. His wisdom helped guide Iri Geshem in peace and prosperity. Most importantly, his insistence on following the Creator’s ways had made the city safe, and every citizen was encouraged to worship the Most High. “And if I’m not mistaken, he’s not far from becoming your son-in-law.”
Noah couldn’t hold back a smile at the thought of Emzara being his bride.
“That’s true,” Ara said.
“Well, what business do you have with us today?” Akel asked.
Ara paused and looked at each member. “We seek your permission to travel to the land of Havilah following the harvest.”
Akel drew back and furrowed his brow. “Why would you need the council’s approval to travel to Havilah? You’re free to come and go as you please. Although, I didn’t expect that you would want to travel so far.”
“It’s true, I don’t intend to go. But my apprentice has offered to lead the trip.”
“I see.” Akel extended his arm with his palm up. “And that brings us back to my question. Why do you feel the need to ask for permission?”
Ara stood up straight. “We’ve recently learned that the people there have a technique to work with a metal much stronger than copper.”
Akel raised his eyebrows. “Surely, that could be of great benefit to us in many ways. But what interest do you have in such an innovation?”
“I’d like to try building a larger ship. One that carries more cargo up and down the river, and if it works, one that could maybe even survive the open sea.”
“You’re aware of our desire not to open up trade with Havil?” the man on the far left asked. Having met him only once, Noah could not recall his name, but he was the only one on the council who lacked facial hair. “They do not honor the Creator.”
“Yes. Hence my reason for coming today. I seek the council’s wisdom on this matter.” Ara pursed his lips. “Would it be a violation of the council’s desire if we acquire this knowledge from these people?”
Several moments passed as the councilmembers spoke quietly, yet animatedly, amongst themselves. Akel listened. Zain pointed to himself and spoke more than the rest. Ashur, the youngest member, sat on the end next to Zain and said very little. Akel held out his palms when he talked and the others sat silently.
“Thank you for your patience with us,” Akel finally said. “You’ve raised an interesting question. While we still don’t desire an official alliance with Havil, your proposed endeavor doesn’t violate our policy. Therefore, we’ll not forbid your apprentice from making the trip. We do have one request we’d like you to observe, however.”
“Of course,” Ara said. “Name it.”
Akel gestured to Zain, who cleared his throat. “I offer my assistance on this venture as a representative of Iri Geshem.”
“I’m sure we’d be happy to oblige.” Ara turned to Noah. “Isn’t that right?”
“You’d be most welcome.” Noah bit his lower lip and looked at the ceiling. Something was amiss, but he couldn’t put his finger on it.
“You have some reservations?” Akel asked.
Noah hesitated briefly and the issue became clear. “Just one, sir. I have no problem with Zain coming with us. I’d enjoy his company. But if he joins us as an official representative of the city, would that not give the Havilites the impression that we seek to establish official ties with them?”
Akel lifted his head in understanding. “Ara, your apprentice has so
me wisdom beyond his years. Indeed, it could be seen that way.”
“Then it’s not worth the risk,” the beardless man said.
“There’s an easy solution.” Akel looked at Zain. “You’re a merchant, so you can go in that capacity. You’ll be our eyes and ears, but the people of Havil don’t need to know that you’re an official representative of our city.”
“If it pleases the council.” Ashur glanced at the other men before he focused on Noah. “And if you’d permit it, I’d also like to make this journey.” He pointed to himself. “I’m curious to know how inns and dining halls operate in other places to see if I can gain any insights about my own business. While I do have a private interest here, I may be able to acquire knowledge that can benefit our city. Of course, I’d also go as my own agent instead of an official representative.”
Akel scratched the side of his head, where his thinning white hair was thickest. “And you’d submit to Zain’s leadership?”
“Certainly.”
“Do you have any qualms about this arrangement, Noah?” Akel asked.
After meeting Ashur a few times, Noah found him to be affable enough. “As long as these men are willing to help with the various tasks on the boat, then I welcome their company.”
Akel fixed his gaze on Ara. “Are these arrangements acceptable to you?”
Ara studied Noah for a moment. “Yes sir. Your conditions are acceptable.”
“Good, it’s decided,” Akel said. “After the harvest, Zain and Ashur will travel with Noah’s crew to the land of Havilah to find out how they make stronger metals. Did you have any other business with the council this morning?”
“Actually, I have one more question about the previous matter.” Ara spoke up. “If the people of the land require some form of payment in exchange for the knowledge we seek, would it be a violation of policy for Noah to offer fair compensation for their services?”
Akel glanced at his colleagues, but no one spoke and a few shook their heads. “As long as he uses your resources and makes it clear that he is acting on your behalf instead of the city’s, then there will be no infringement.”
Ara nodded. “That’s all. Thank you for your time and guidance.”
“Thank you, sirs,” Noah said. “I’d ask that Zain and Ashur would visit the shipyard sometime soon so that we can finalize plans and prepare for the voyage.”
“We’ll certainly do that,” Zain said.
“This concludes our matter today,” Akel said. “May the Creator guide your path, Noah. Thank you for seeking our counsel on these matters, Ara.”
Ara and Noah bowed slightly to the council, left the hall, and walked through the foyer before either of them spoke. Once outside, Noah said, “That went better than I anticipated.”
“It did. Yet two things concern me.”
“Two things?”
“Yes.” Ara spoke softly. “Something about Ashur’s request troubled me. I don’t know what it is, but please keep a close eye on him. I don’t wish to speak ill or imply something unbecoming of one of our town’s leaders, but be on your guard.”
“I will,” Noah said. “What’s the second one?”
Ara grinned. “I wonder if I’ll still have an apprentice after you tell my daughter that you’re really leaving for so long.”
Noah smiled again at the thought of Emzara and chuckled. “Guess there’s only one way to find out.”
Chapter 24
The gentle, steady rocking of the boat nearly lulled Noah to sleep as he leaned against the side of the cabin. The sail just behind and above his head stretched tight in the strong, warm breeze. To his left, the coast lay in the distance beneath the late afternoon sun. To ensure their safety if a storm rose up, they remained within eyesight of the shoreline, yet not close enough to risk running aground.
Stretching far beyond his sight in the direction of Iri Geshem, the undulating water sparkled, but the scenery had long since lost its appeal in the tedium of the voyage.
Noah yearned to see Emzara again, to talk to her and hear her laugh, and to feel the warmth of her embrace. Creator, please comfort Em during this time and keep her from harm. I give You praise for the safe travel afforded us so far and ask that You’d continue to watch over us and show us favor.
Raucous laughter shook Noah from his contemplation. He turned to see the others laughing at Zain, who playfully tossed his game pieces into the middle of the group. Zain pointed at Aterre. “You got lucky this time.”
Aterre smirked. “I think four games in a row is skill, not luck.”
“I’ll beat you one of these times, but not now.” Zain shook his head. “That’s enough for me.”
“You’re quitting?” Ashur asked.
“I don’t need any more humiliation today.”
Ashur held up both palms. “Come on. Just one more round.”
Farna reached for the pieces to set up the next game and glanced at Ashur. “You just don’t want us to gang up on you next.”
Thankful for Ara’s direction in hiring Farna to captain the voyage, Noah looked around at his crewmates. Farna’s men were handling his usual river run in his absence, and Noah had come to appreciate the depth of the man’s expertise in every aspect of sailing. Before setting out, Noah had been confident that he could captain the voyage himself, but after less than a day on board, he had discovered just how far in over his head he would have been. Humbled, he had set out to learn everything he could about sailing in open water, and Farna had readily accepted his role as teacher, even showing Noah how to use the stars to navigate.
With five people on board, the small ship felt nearly full, although they still had plenty of room below deck. Originally designed for a three-man crew and cargo, this particular model had undergone renovations before the voyage. Noah had expanded the small cabin to accommodate another double bunk, which had cut down on deck space, but simultaneously created more storage space above the sleeping quarters.
Zain joined Noah near the mast. “Still missing her?”
Noah nodded. “Sorry if I’m not much fun to be around.”
“You’re doing fine. I remember my first few solo trips after being married.” He crossed his arms and leaned against the mast, a nostalgic smile creasing his face. “I was a wreck. I couldn’t concentrate on my work because I missed Kmani so much. It got better as the decades passed. Now, although I love her more than ever and I still miss her, being away isn’t as difficult as it used to be.”
“I’m glad to hear it gets better.” Noah sighed and stretched his arms above his head. Anxious to change the subject he asked, “Have you always lived in Iri Geshem?”
“We both grew up in a small town east of the city — about a four-day journey. After we married, I wanted to find a more strategic place for my little textile business. At the time, Iri Geshem was barely bigger than my hometown, but I knew it could become so much more. It’s in a perfect location, right on the sea and at the mouth of a major river. So we packed up and moved there.” He shrugged. “It was difficult for a while. I spent much of the daytime farming and made clothes at night, with Kmani’s help, of course.”
“Your business does very well now,” Noah said.
“The Creator’s been good to us.” Zain rubbed his eyes. “Everything changed when Ara moved to town. Back then, his property was just a small farm. I still remember when I first heard about this newcomer building a boat by the sea. I wanted to meet him to see if he was crazy or if he could really do it. I knew if the rumors were true, we could buy and sell goods from all over the place. And there he was, this young man all by himself, building a craft about half this size.”
Noah stomped his foot on the ship’s deck. “Obviously, he wasn’t crazy.”
“No, he knew what he was doing. Emzara’s mother, Biremza, invited me to stay for evenfeast, which I happily accepted.” Zain pursed his lips and looked away. “You would’ve liked her. Emzara reminds me of her so much. She loved the Creator and was such a sweet woman. She
became my wife’s best friend and we spent a lot of time with them. It was such a tragedy to lose her.”
“I wish I could have met her.” Noah paused as the painful memory spread across Zain’s face. Although he enjoyed hearing about Emzara’s mother, he could see how difficult it was for Zain. “So did that first boat float?”
Zain raised his eyebrows. “It did. It tilted a little, but he compensated by putting more weight on the other side.” He chuckled. “It wasn’t much more than a rowboat, and it wasn’t long before it started springing leaks. But he learned from his mistakes and soon drew up plans for a larger one that would actually carry cargo. By then, I believed in him, so I helped finance the business. Best investment I ever made.”
“So that second model worked?”
“It floated perfectly, but it didn’t have any means of propulsion. And it was too big to row, so it just sat on the shore for about a year.” Zain tapped the bottom of the sail. “That’s when he added a sail for propulsion and a rudder for steering. Before long he was making boats to run the river or the coast. Of course, they were still small and couldn’t carry much.”
Noah gestured to the deck under their feet. “When did he start making them this size?”
“If I remember correctly, it was shortly before Emzara was born.” Zain pointed to the three men playing their game. “Farna was actually the first person to buy one.”
“Really? No wonder Ara told me they go way back.”
“Whoa!” Ashur suddenly jumped to his feet and pointed past the front of the boat. “Look at that.”
The other men stood and Noah and Zain quickly joined them. Noah could not believe his eyes. Several hundred cubits ahead, an enormous splash of water shot high into the air, the only remaining visible marker of the thing that caused it.
“What was that?” Zain asked.
