Noah

by Tim Chaffey

  For one fleeting moment, Noah rashly thought to give his life trying to exact revenge. He studied their faces, hoping, but neither was the man who had thrown Emzara. He deflated. The guard was right. There was no escape.

  “Put your hands above your head.”

  Noah slowly raised his hands and put them on his head as one guard placed the tip of his weapon under Noah’s chin and the other circled behind him. Out of the corner of his eye, he spotted the man raising his arm. Suddenly, a sharp pain struck the back of his head and Noah fell forward before all went black.

  * * * * *

  Groggily, Noah opened his eyes. His head throbbed and he felt himself being dragged along by his arms, which were tied together at the wrists. Blinking hard, he scanned his surroundings and recognized the city square, but it was surprisingly empty, given the huge ceremony scheduled for that night. Am I being taken to the palace? Noah briefly closed his eyes in an attempt to focus and block out the pain. At least I’d have a chance to explain myself and Naamah could set the record straight.

  Nivlac stepped into view. “Ah, you’re awake. Good.” His gaze flicked to someone beyond Noah’s head. “Put him down right there.”

  “Where’s Emzara?”

  His captors pulled him a few cubits farther and then dumped him on the ground.

  Nivlac grinned. “You should be worried about yourself. Not your pretty little wife. She’ll be taken care of.”

  Noah’s gut clenched. “Why are you doing this to us? You know I’m innocent of the charges.”

  “I know what I saw.” Nivlac crossed his arms and nodded to one of his men. “Put him in position.”

  One of the men flipped Noah around and pulled him to his knees. “Stay right there.”

  From his new position, Noah could see the large ceremonial platform, where several dancers practiced a routine. As his eyes darted to his right, he jolted when he realized exactly where he was. The lone skarep tree, the symbol of Sepha, stood just a few cubits away. His gaze traced the trunk upward and then caught on something amiss among the branches. Coiled around one of the lower limbs, an unmistakable sculpture of a serpent wound its way from the branch around the back of the trunk, ending with its hideous face looking directly at him.

  Noah shuddered as he realized the true root of Sepha’s evil. It was the same source that tempted Greatmother Eve at the beginning of the rebellion.

  Moving between Noah and the tree, Nivlac pulled out a large blade. “Hold him fast.” He turned his body and gestured to the serpent. “How does it feel, knowing you’ll be the first human sacrificed to the Great Serpent in Havil?”

  Fear’s tendrils started to worm their way into Noah’s mind, but quickly dissipated as a peace came over him. Noah held Nivlac’s gaze. “You worship the Great Deceiver. I serve the one true God, the Creator of heaven and earth.”

  Nivlac burst out in laughter. “You believe in ancient stories created by men of the past to control others through fear. But don’t worry, you won’t even feel this.” Nivlac nodded and one of his men slid a box under Noah’s upper chest while another looped a rope around his neck and pulled him forward across the crate.

  Creator, I’m Yours. Please protect Emzara. Images of his wedding day flashed through Noah’s mind. Seeing Emzara with his family behind her brought a smile to his face.

  “O Great Serpent,” Nivlac said. “We offer this man’s blood to you as we seek your favor. May all of your enemies share his fate.”

  “Stop!” A woman’s voice pierced the air. “Don’t move!” The familiar voice came from the direction of the ceremonial platform and echoed off the cavernous walls of the square.

  Noah twisted his head to see Nivlac standing near him with his blade held aloft, poised to strike. His heart rate skipped forward as the certainty of death came into question once more.

  “Stop!”

  Beyond his would-be executioner, a woman hurried toward them. Could it be?

  Nivlac turned and instantly knelt. “Princess?”

  Naamah.

  The princess stormed forward and stopped just before the kneeling soldier. “What are you doing, Nivlac?”

  “This man needs to be executed for a capital offense.”

  “And what has he done?” She looked past Nivlac and her eyes grew wide. “Noah?”

  “Naamah.” Noah’s voice cracked. Thank You, Creator.

  “Release him.” She folded her arms as Nivlac slowly climbed to his feet. “Now!”

  “Yes, Princess.” With a gesture, Nivlac ordered his men to comply.

  “And just what crime was he charged with?” Naamah asked.

  Nivlac looked toward the ground and spoke softly. “For assaulting you, of course.”

  She drew back in surprise, and Noah’s hope flared into confidence. “Assaulting me? Where did you hear such nonsense?”

  “On the voyage to Iri Geshem.” Nivlac glanced at Noah. “I saw the two of you alone on the ship one night, and then I heard you crying afterward. Anyone who hurts my king’s daughter like that deserves to die.”

  Naamah put a hand under Noah’s elbow and helped him stand. She touched the side of his face, her exquisite face twisting in sympathy as he winced. “Are you badly hurt?”

  “Just bruised. Thank you for saving my life.”

  “I’m very sorry about this.” She turned around, and her voice grew icy. “Nivlac, how dare you presume to execute someone without orders! You’ve disgraced yourself and our city. Go back to the palace and confine yourself to your quarters until I can speak to my father about what to do with you.”

  Nivlac hung his head. “I’m sorry, Princess. I was only concerned about your honor.”

  “Honor, maybe, but not truth.” Naamah took a deep breath. “Did you do anything to his wife or companions?”

  Nivlac shot a glance at Noah, who took a step forward, fists clenched. “What have you done with my wife?”

  Ignoring Noah, Nivlac focused on the princess. “One of his friends got violent, so we have him locked up. I posted a guard outside their quarters to make sure the others didn’t go anywhere until the ceremony. The woman is unharmed.”

  Noah closed his eyes and turned away. Thank You, Creator.

  Behind him, he heard Naamah giving orders to one of the other guards. “Go immediately and release his wife and friends, including the one you incarcerated. Reassure them that Noah will be reunited with them soon and that this was all a terrible misunderstanding. They’re free to go wherever they want in the city.”

  “Yes, Princess.”

  Noah collected himself in time to see the man turn and run toward the large opening to the north.

  “And you.” Naamah pointed to the remaining soldier. “Take Noah inside, get him cleaned up, and then let me know when he’s ready for the ceremony. I have a wedding gift for him before he goes back.”

  The soldier nodded and offered Noah a small bow as he gestured for Noah to accompany him toward the large doors at the front of the palace.

  Noah swallowed, relief warring with resentment in his heart. Focusing on the former, he looked at Naamah. “Thank you, Naamah. I owe you my life.”

  She winked at him. “Just remember that.”

  Chapter 34

  Be calm. Emzara repeated the words again and again, but still the waves of panic rose and threatened to strangle her. She placed a trembling hand over her heart. “Most High, I won’t make it. Guide me as You once walked with my father’s relative, Enoch. I can’t —” Tears flooded her deep brown eyes and overflowed down her cheeks. “I can’t make it on my own.” Attempting to wipe away the droplets, she realized it was in vain and sank to the floor, sobbing.

  Farna! Renewed hope rushed over her. Yes, I must find him. He’s been here before. Maybe he can help me find Noah. She stood and gasped at the pain from landing on the floor during Noah’s arrest. When the spasm passed, she slid on her shoes and rushed to the front door. Stopping short, she backed up and peered out of the window, scarcely daring to br
eathe lest she be heard through the opening. A guard stood out front. Now what?

  Walking past the two opulently decorated front rooms, she hastily pressed on until she reached the hallway adjacent to the kitchen. Her feet clapped against the ornate stonework of the floor. She had marveled at the designs upon arrival, but Emzara now wished for dirt surface so she could move more quietly. A large window at the end of the hallway provided light and fresh air to the kitchen. The aperture stretched from just above Emzara’s knees to nearly touch the ceiling. Privacy curtains made of layered lengths of a delicate cream fabric obscured all but faint lines of what lay outside while still allowing in light.

  Pulling back one layer, she barely made out the forms of the tall shrubs that lined the garden walk behind the house. She shifted another layer and more details emerged. There’s no guard back here. Removing the third and final layer, she timidly stepped onto the ledge, glancing both directions before jumping down to the lush grasses below.

  The lodging Farna shared with the rest of his crew lay next door. Danger awaited in the open space between the two buildings should the guard out front chance to look behind him. Reaching the corner of the house, she dropped to her knees and peered around the edge. All clear for now. Lowering herself even farther into the grass that reached mid-calf, she crawled forward slowly on her belly until she reached the back wall of the neighboring house. Shielded again, Emzara stood and quickly brushed her sore and scratched forearms.

  She hurried to a much smaller window than the one she just exited. She jumped and attempted to hoist herself over the chest-high sill, but slipped and fell back to the ground. Determined, Emzara kicked off her shoes and took a few steps back. This time, her momentum gave her the needed boost to hook her right elbow over the edge and grip it with her left hand. Grunting and kicking her feet, she slowly inched her upper body onto the sill. Emzara allowed her legs to dangle as she rested and glanced around the room. Several large pots sat in the far right corner. Immediately below where she clung, a shallow table housed several herbs growing in little containers. It’s the kitchen. And no one’s here.

  After a deep breath, Emzara slung one foot up. She heard footsteps coming from within and froze.

  Farna appeared in the doorway. “Emzara? What are you doing?”

  “Farna, you don’t know how glad I am to see you.”

  The man rushed to help her through the window. Back on her feet, she readjusted the top of her wrap and tightened the fold. Between Farna’s concerned look and the relief of seeing him, she felt the tears spring up once more. Be strong, for Noah’s sake.

  “What’s going on? Why in all the wide river didn’t you use the door?”

  Gathering her composure, she shook her head and tried to speak, but her sentences came out forced and fast. “Nivlac and some guards came. They tried to take Noah, but he ran, and I don’t know if he got away.”

  “What?” Farna gripped her upper arms and stared into her face as if he could read the history of the last hour in her eyes. “I don’t understand.”

  Her frustration mounted. “I think they’re going to kill him. They took Zain too, because he tried to stop them. They have guards out front now, and I need your help.”

  He started and released her. Moving quickly, he led her to the front of the house and peered out the window without showing himself to anyone who might be outside. He must have seen the guard because, when he returned to her, his face was grim. “Slow down. Start at the beginning.”

  She forced herself to take a deep breath, then recounted the main points of everything that had happened.

  “Did they say why?”

  It was the question she hadn’t wanted to consider. She swallowed. “Naamah. Nivlac accused Noah of trying to . . . I can’t even say it.” She sniffed, trying not to acknowledge the tinge of doubt that had crept into her mind. “Wait, you were there. Did Noah ever . . . act inappropriately with Naamah on the boat?”

  “What? No, not that I ever saw. He didn’t spend much time with her at all. I even thought at one point that he seemed to be avoiding her.” Farna shook his head. “Why would Nivlac say that?”

  Encouraged a little by his words, Emzara turned her frustration on herself for allowing a doubt about Noah to find its way into her thoughts.

  Farna took her arm and gently led her back toward the kitchen. “Do you know where they’re going to take him if they catch him?”

  “No. It — it all happened so fast.”

  “My first guess would be the palace. But if he escaped, he’ll probably try to work his way back to the boat.” He grunted. “None of this makes any sense. We just need to —”

  Loud knocks on the front door caused them both to freeze. “Hide in the sitting room.” Farna whispered, nudging her to his right.

  Emzara rushed behind a large grouping of indoor plants.

  Farna returned to the front and opened the left side of the gold-leafed double doors only a hand’s width. “What can I do for you, sir?” His gravelly voice came out completely composed.

  “We’re looking for Lady Noah. She’s not in her estate.”

  More guards. What have I gotten Farna into? Emzara shrank back and sank to the ground, clasping her legs tightly.

  “Why are you looking for her?”

  “We have important news for her.”

  Emzara’s stomach tightened into a knot during the speaker’s pause, the wait for his next words nearly unbearable. O Most High, please don’t let him be dead.

  “And?” Farna spoke with authority, like a man who was used to having people follow his orders.

  “There was a mix-up with her husband and a couple of our guards, but it’s all been straightened out. I was sent to find her and report that Noah is well and will be escorted to your specially reserved seats at the ceremony.”

  Emzara almost knocked over one of the taller plants in her hurry to get to the door. “My husband is fine?”

  “Lady Noah.” The lead guard’s face remained placid, unaffected by her sudden appearance. “Yes. And the palace offers its apologies for the misunderstanding.”

  “He’s alive?” Emzara gripped Farna’s forearm for support.

  “Yes, and he’s being well taken care of.”

  “And Zain?” Farna asked.

  “Your friend has been released and will also be escorted to the ceremony. Speaking of which.” He snapped his fingers and one of the three guards behind him rushed forward, holding folded garments. “Garments for your group to wear at the festival. Again, the palace offers its sincerest apologies. To see that no harm comes to you, we’ll wait here and personally escort you when you’re ready.”

  He’s alive. He’s alive. Emzara grabbed the colorful gown from the top and headed for the other guest home, trying to ignore the unsettling sense that she was still under guard in a foreign land. Home had never seemed so far away.

  Chapter 35

  Walking between two guards along the hallway on the top floor of the palace, Noah pointed ahead. “Is Tubal-Cain’s bedroom down there?”

  “You’ve been up here before?” Garun, the other guard who had accompanied Naamah to Iri Geshem, furrowed his brow.

  “Just once. I guess I have a pretty good sense of direction.”

  “Indeed.” Garun turned toward a large entryway set into the right wall. He stepped toward a massive wooden door decorated with elaborate metalwork. He rapped sharply three times and waited. When no response came, he cracked open the entrance and called into the room. “Princess?”

  So this is Naamah’s room. Creator, thank You for sending her at the right time today.

  Garun pushed the door open wide. “Follow me.”

  Like in Tubal-Cain’s quarters, a large window flooded the expansive bedroom with light, only Naamah’s view faced north, allowing her to see the city below and the sea beyond. Long strips of colorful cloths stretched across the ceiling, creating an interesting starburst pattern emanating from the center of the room. Expensive gowns hung
on the near wall next to two expertly painted landscapes, and beneath them stood a low desk with a couple of scrolls and several pieces of jewelry. Covered in cushions and exotic fabrics, Naamah’s large four-poster bed sat against the far wall next to a short latticework partition separating the corner from the rest of the room.

  “Wait right here,” Garun said as they reached the middle of the space. He nodded to the other guard who turned and left the room.

  Noah stared out the window at the crystalline waters of the Great Sea. Floating through the room, a light breeze pressed portions of his silk robe against his chest. Thankful for the long bath in the servants’ quarters to wash away the grime and stench from his earlier flight, Noah closed his eyes and breathed deeply. Even though they had just arrived two days ago and were to be honored at the ceremony that evening, Noah could barely wait to leave Havil for good.

  Remembering Naamah’s intervention in the scene beneath the Sepha tree, Noah shuddered as the image of the serpent jumped into his mind. Equally beautiful and grotesque, but all evil, the presence of the Deceiver meant that Havil had grown far more vile than he had imagined. O Most High, I pray that the people of this city would turn from their perverse religion and serve You alone.

  “Noah. You’re looking better.”

  Noah opened his eyes and turned in Naamah’s direction. She stepped out from behind the latticework and moved purposefully toward him. The hem of her long black gown hovered just above her feet as she walked.

  “I feel better. I know I said it earlier, but it’s worth repeating.” Noah bowed slightly. “Thank you for saving my life.”

  “It’s nice to have people indebted to me.” She tipped her chin at an angle and softened her gaze upon him. In this light, the green tints in her eyes gleamed strongly. She flicked her wrist in Garun’s direction. “Wait outside.”

  “Yes, Princess.” Garun pivoted and marched out.

  “I’m just glad I happened to be in the courtyard at the time. We were rehearsing when I saw you.”

  “Will you be part of the ceremony tonight?” Noah asked.