by Tim Chaffey
“Part of it?” A full smile spread across her face. “Father put me in charge. Ten thousand people will pack into that square down there, and I’ll be leading the singing and dancing.”
“I’m sure you’ll do an amazing job.” Noah rubbed his wrist, massaging the soreness caused by the rope bindings. “You have an extraordinary singing voice.”
“Thank you. It’s a very important night for our people.” She stood tall, raised her chin, and pulled her long dark hair behind her shoulders. “And for me.”
Glimmering on her chest, a golden pendant bore the familiar shape of the Sepha tree, but it was markedly larger than her previous necklace and, on this one, tiny reddish jewels formed the unmistakable shape of a serpent. Noah tried to hide his disgust. “I can see why. Sounds like a lot of responsibility.”
“It is. I’ve never performed before such a large audience.” Naamah walked to the window and looked down. “It’s filling up. See?”
Noah joined her and scanned the sprawling courtyard below. Droves of people spilled into the expanse through the huge northern and western gates. Several guards stood around the Sepha tree in the center. At the edge of the yard to their right, three stairways led up to the expansive stage for the ceremony. The middle of the platform housed a massive object, perhaps 15 cubits tall, shrouded by a large white cover. I wonder what —
Naamah pointed toward the base of the massive edifice. “Down there, that row of seats on the dais between the center and left stairways is where your group will be sitting.” Her eyes sparkled as she smiled at him, and she gently brushed his shoulder as she turned and moved away from the window. “We know how to treat our guests of honor.”
Noah snorted while searching the crowd for Emzara. “Other than that near fatal misunderstanding with your guards, I’d say that your family has hosted us graciously on both our trips.”
“Your people were kind to me. You know, I really enjoyed my stay in Iri Geshem.” She paused, and when she spoke again, she sounded a little closer. “It wasn’t everything I hoped it would be, but what is?”
Noah shrugged. Marriage to Emzara. Staring at the sea, he spotted the two vessels against the dock. “Hey, I can see your new ship from here.”
“Noah, about that conversation we had on the boat. I —”
Noah shook his head. “No need to apologize again. It was a misunderstanding.” He smiled to himself. “And although I was flattered that you were interested in me, I’m glad we were able to put it behind us.” Noah stepped back from the window and turned. “You know, the view from up here is awe —” As soon as he saw her, Noah averted his gaze, and stared at the floor to his left.
Naamah had removed her gown and stood fewer than ten cubits away, wearing only her far-too-revealing undergarments and that profane necklace. “I haven’t put it behind us, Noah.”
He sensed her moving closer and willed his eyes shut.
“In fact, I’d like to offer you a second chance.” She moved around to his right as she spoke. “You were going to say the view up here is awesome. Open your eyes and tell me about the view now.”
Stunned by her brazen indecency, Noah stood speechless. He wanted to run, but remembered the guard at her door.
Circling behind him, she ran a fingernail along his bare upper back causing him to flinch and turn his head to the right. “What’s wrong, Noah? I know you find me attractive.” She traced above his ear while speaking in almost a whisper. “I’m right here. Yours for the taking.”
Noah clenched his teeth and took a deep breath. Suddenly, an urge to open his eyes rose from deep inside the recesses of his mind. He shook his head. No! Creator, give me the strength, please. He trembled. “I’m already married.”
She chuckled softly. “Yes, I know. Emzara is lovely, and we got along so well. That’s why I’m willing to be your second wife.” Naamah slid the back of her hand along his cheek and then down the side of his neck. “I’ll admit, I’m envious that she found you first, but just think, Noah, you could be married to two beautiful women.”
“Naamah, please.”
She stopped directly in front of him and forcefully pulled his chin to face her, yet he kept his eyes shut. “My father has two wives. Why shouldn’t my husband?” She paused. “Look at me!”
Noah shook his head.
She put her finger on his lips and then ran it down his neck to his chest. Grabbing the back of his neck with her other hand, she pulled his head down.
Feeling warm breath on his face, he cracked open one eye ever so slightly and yanked his head back an instant before her kiss could land. “No.”
Naamah laughed. “You’re proving to be quite the challenge, Noah. That will only make our union that much sweeter.”
“I will never be unfaithful to Emzara.” Noah stood tall and exhaled. “And I will not sin against the Creator in this way.”
A sharp pain struck his cheek, and he realized she had slapped him. “The Creator? You believe those ancient myths? Don’t you know who you’re talking to?”
Noah cocked his head.
“That’s right. I am the high priestess of Nachash. Join me, Noah, and he will guide us into true wisdom and show us real power.”
Pity joined Noah’s range of emotions. How can Naamah believe these things? “I follow the Creator’s ways, and I will not turn from them. And if you were truly wise, you’d do the same, instead of following the Great Deceiver.”
Naamah’s laughter told him she had moved farther away. “Yes, your quaint little village follows the Creator, and what’s that done for you? Look at this great city, Noah. Why do you suppose we’re so much greater than any other in the world? Because our god is the true source of wisdom. And tonight, the high priestess of Nachash will be revealed.”
She stepped close to him and grabbed his hand, pulling it up to her cheek. “Do not deny me. Open your eyes.”
Noah steeled himself during a long, awkward silence.
“I’m sorry for hitting you.” Her words came out softly. “Seeing you again, here in my room — Noah, I need you.”
Keeping his head up, Noah shook it slightly.
Naamah sighed. “Why do you have to be so stubborn? Just imagine all that we can be together. And it can start right now.” She shifted her hold on his hand and pulled it toward her body.
Noah yanked his arm back. “Stop.”
Her voice turned sullen. “After all I did for you today, this is the thanks I get? You owe me. You said it yourself. If it weren’t for me, you’d be dead by now.”
“And for that I am thankful, but —”
“Don’t you realize I could order Nivlac to finish the job?”
This time the coldness in her tone made Noah shudder. He nodded. “I’d rather die than violate my vow to Emzara and my Creator.”
“Aaah!” She slapped him again, her long fingernails scratching the left side of his face.
“Garun, get in here.”
Immediately, the guard entered the room. “Yes, Princess?”
“Get him out of my sight and out of the palace.”
A strong hand gripped Noah’s arm. “Let’s go.”
* * * * *
Naamah stood still. Her chest rose and fell with her rhythmic, labored breathing. Closing behind Noah, the ornate door represented so much more than its ordinary function. Its bulk seemed insurmountable as it stood in the way of all her hopes for the future. Freely allowing Noah passage back to his life, it kept her trapped.
“Aaaah!” Her yell echoed through her chamber. She ran to the door and pounded it with the bottom of her fists, giving full vent to her anger, welcoming the throbbing pain from her blows. If only it could replace the pain in her heart. Finally tiring, she crumpled to the floor and leaned her back against the door. How dare he refuse me! She stared aimlessly at the rug. He won’t get away so easily. I can just have him brought to me after the ceremony.
Fixing her attention on the black gown that lay crinkled in a small pile in the middle of the
room, deep emotions welled within her. Hot tears emerged and descended her dark cheeks. You’re better than this. Don’t cry over him. She wiped back the moisture with her palms, then paused and stared at the site where the seer had pricked her hand. I haven’t lost only him. The oracle deceived me, gave me false hope. Now what? There’s no storm from the north to destroy my father. It’s all a lie.
Large sobs racked her body, and she mourned the loss of everything that she had clung to. She gave way to the torrent of tears. Finally worn out, Naamah sat with her head bowed against her knees. Slowly opening her eyes and drying her face, she gazed at the pendant from her father. Whatever I want? You couldn’t even give me Noah. Why should I serve you? Suddenly angry, she grabbed the chain, ripped it from her neck with a jerk, and hurled it across the room. I hope you break.
The adornment struck the narrow section of wall between the window and her bed. It ricocheted off the mud-brick and landed on the low table below. Naamah closed her eyes and leaned her head back, allowing it to hit the door with a soft thud. How am I supposed to lead the ceremony like this?
A bright light suddenly assailed her eyelids, causing her to squint hard. Shielding her eyes with a hand, she peeked out to see the brightness originating from the pendant.
Placing her palms on the floor, Naamah winced. “Ow.” Gingerly, she got up and walked over to investigate. A small ray of early evening sunlight shone through her window and reflected off the medallion. She picked it up and inspected it. “Hmm, not a scratch.”
Shaking her head, Naamah let the jewelry slip from her hand and fall back to the table. The piece landed on the sheet of parchment she had placed there after returning from the seer’s house.
A ray of sunlight pierces through it, lighting up your face. The words of the oracle jumped out at her.
She glanced out her window just as the sun disappeared behind a cloud low on the horizon. “Ray of sunlight, hmm.” Scrunching her eyebrows, she pondered the familiar words again. “A storm.” She picked up the document and held it in both hands. My little tempest. Her father’s voice echoed in her head. Why would he call me that? A tempest is. Her pulse raced as she turned her back to the window. She imagined her father’s room on the opposite end of the palace’s top floor. He’s on the south side, which would make my room — She spun and looked out of the opening toward the sea. “The north!”
Holding the page aloft, she softly read aloud. “A storm brews in the north, with thick, dark clouds, vexing your father. But a ray of sunshine pierces through it, lighting up your face.” She clasped her hands around the parchment. “It’s me. I’m the storm. I’m the one who’ll vex my father.”
She gazed at her discarded gown and then back at the spot Noah had recently vacated. She snorted in derision. “All this time I thought you were the answer. I don’t need you, N—” His name stuck in her throat. With a huff, she grabbed the necklace, retied it, and slipped it over her neck.
She clutched the pendant tightly in her hand and glanced back at the page. I am the storm in the north. Slowly she opened her palm and traced her finger along the jeweled serpent. A grin crept across her face. “And you are my light, Nachash.” Allowing her gaze to drift past the adornment, Naamah spotted the throngs of people below assembling for the ceremony.
“All-wise Nachash, I will follow you. I will perform my best this evening. And I’ll be yours.” She closed her long lashes and tilted her head toward the ceiling. “Make me great — even more powerful than my father, and I’ll devote my energy to you and show the people how to follow you.” Opening her eyes, she scowled at the reserved seating near the base of the stage. “And about the one who rejected me . . .” Naamah smiled.
Turning back, she removed the jade dress for the ceremony from the hook where it hung in readiness. As she dressed, she smiled and shook her head at the symbolism. In one evening, her very being had been transformed as starkly as the change from her discarded black gown to the outfit she now donned. Her shattered soul now reshaped itself into her new purpose and new self. She stared at her reflection in the shiny silver plate on the wall. Even though I might look the same, I hardly recognize myself. She laughed. “How fitting that this night of all nights, I have truly come of age.”
As she finished wrapping the fresh outfit around her torso, someone knocked on the door. Straightening the silk folds, she gathered herself. “What is it?”
The door cracked open slightly. “You have a visitor, Princess.”
“If it’s Noah, I don’t want to see him.”
“No, it isn’t Noah. He says he’s an old friend.”
An old friend? “Bring him in.”
The guard allowed a tall older man dressed in a dark robe to step past him. The man’s right hand held a gnarled wooden staff topped by a golden serpent. “You sent for me, Princess of Havil?”
Having only seen the man in his darkened house, she failed to recognize him until he spoke. The seer. She nodded. “Your timing couldn’t be more perfect.”
Chapter 36
In spite of the unsettling afternoon, Emzara smiled as she neared the large north gate. The sun hung low in the sky, casting long shadows to her left. The balmy summer air warmed her skin, but not nearly as much as the news of Noah’s safety warmed her soul. The burgeoning crowd scurried out of the way of the two guards escorting her and Farna.
Straight ahead, the lone tree in the courtyard stood defended by the king’s protectors. Beyond that, the palace rose high into the air. She studied the giant façade. I wonder if Noah is in there or already in his seat.
“This way, please.” The guard guided them to the left.
Emzara marveled at the dimensions of everything from the towering walls to the massive platform ahead and sprawling yard around her. An air of enticing mystery and celebration pervaded the atmosphere. As they passed groups of people, she noticed jewelry-clad women who had donned so many trinkets that their bare arms were almost covered in glittering objects. Feeling insignificant, she turned her attention to their guide. “How many people are you expecting tonight?”
The guard shrugged. “It’ll be packed.”
She raised her eyebrows and gestured to the entirety of the square. “This whole place will be full?”
“It should be. I suspect it won’t be large enough to let everyone in.”
Emzara looked around again, stunned at the thought of so many people in one place.
Several moments passed before they reached the reserved seating area. To her left, a grand stone staircase climbed up to the top of the massive stage above her. An equally impressive staircase to her right ran from the ground to the center of the stage.
“Right up here.” The guard pointed and stood aside to let her pass.
Five short wooden steps led to a decorated platform which held about 20 seats, most already filled. As she reached the top, she quickly scanned the chairs for the familiar form of her husband. “Noah’s not here.”
“I’m sure he will be soon,” the guard said. “In the meantime, I suggest you and your friend take your seats and enjoy the festivities. Help yourself to any of the food or beverages on the table.”
Raising her eyebrows, she looked back at Farna. At his reassuring nod, she proceeded to a chair near the waist-high railing. The view from this angle was spectacular. Once she was comfortable, she shifted to observe the people below. “Now that I know he’ll be here any moment, I might actually enjoy this.” She grinned at Farna.
“Too much fuss for my taste.”
As Emzara poured herself some water from the pitcher on the table, the scent of roasted nuts reached her nostrils. She quickly found the delicious items and grabbed a handful as she waited.
The crowd continued to swell. People began to pull out their own food items, and as they partook, laughter and conversation echoed. As time passed, she noticed several hand-sized jars being passed from group to group. Wisps of thin smoke curled up from the center of each. Every time a person accepted the jar, they
inhaled deeply before handing it off. Curious, Emzara continued to watch as a rotund man maintained possession of one of the jars and continued to contentedly breathe its contents.
People to the far left began shifting quickly and Emzara peered in their direction to try to understand what was causing such excitement. A muscled man led a beautifully clothed girl to the outskirts of the crowd where a cluster of men stood against the wall. The men yelled to the strong man, and a few tried to touch the woman while she averted her face. Emzara turned away, sickened. Those men are offering to buy the girl!
She focused again on the portly man but saw that he no longer had one of the jars. He merely stared in front of him at his outstretched hand and made no comments when a few around him looked as if they were initiating conversation. How strange. I wonder why he’s acting that way? A few feet away from him two people cavorted and at one point almost tripped over the man; still he didn’t budge. After the pair recovered their balance, their interactions became clear, and Emzara turned her head swiftly, feeling her cheeks warm. She focused on her lap for several moments and determined to restrict her people-watching to the more sedate people seated around her. Zain soon joined them, expression tight, but as the evening sky grew darker, there was still no sign of Noah. Twisting in her seat, Emzara looked every direction for him, doing her best not to recognize anything but the form of the man she knew so well.
A woman in front of her with long black hair turned and asked, “Are you alright, dear? You seem a bit restless.”
Emzara knew the woman must have been quite important. In addition to sitting in the reserved seats, she wore an expensive-looking gown and a thin gold tiara rested on her head. “I’m sorry. I’m just waiting for my husband. I thought he’d be here by now.”
“Oh, I see.” She twisted and patted Emzara’s knee. “I’m sure he’ll be along soon. He wouldn’t want to miss the ceremony.”
A loud clang of metal reverberated through the yard. Emzara turned as two large doors at the base of the palace opened, allowing a number of dancing girls to sashay their way toward the center of the square. The leader wore a beautiful jade-colored gown, while the performers trailing her were bedecked in white. Dozens of servants walked beside them, bearing torches to illuminate the scene. Emzara had grown accustomed to the noise of the crowd by now, but suddenly the melodic tones of a musical instrument captivated her. Drums joined, and their sound swelled, drawing everyone’s attention to the scantily clad figures weaving their way gracefully in and out of intricate formation.
