by Summer Lee
“It is all Methuselah will say on the subject. Discern the clues, and he swears you will discover the family secret.”
Jubal’s gray eyebrows knitted together, and then he sighed heavily, perhaps realizing there was no other option.
“What is the riddle?”
“It consists of three words: Generation. Degeneration. Regeneration.”
“Fine,” said Jubal, clearly displeased. Obviously, he was not a fan of riddles. “I will ponder these clues and see what I can make of them. Perhaps we can ponder them together when I am feeling better.”
“Yes, sire.”
He closed his eyes. “Asher has determined you’re still in danger from the Nephilim. I decided that Malluch, although competent, would not be able to afford you the necessary protection.”
“I have been safe in the meantime with my uncle, Methuselah.”
“Good, but for now, it is not safe for you to return to the palace in Adah, so you will travel with Asher and Tall to Egypt. There, they will find my doctor, and even sell my musical instruments. You will be safe with them, and that greatly pleases me. Sarah will be with you as well, to attend to you.”
Egypt! Kenana could hardly believe it. She had heard much of the fabled land, with its mysterious pyramids and stone carvings.
“As you wish, sire.”
Jubal suddenly gasped and clutched his chest. Kenana rushed out of the cart and called for Asher, who was by her side a moment later.
“What is wrong?” asked the head servant.
“It’s the prince. He’s in pain. I believe it is his heart.”
Asher disappeared into the tent, and returned shortly. “He is stable, and sleeping.”
“He should be in bed, not on a road,” said Kenana.
Asher nodded. “His brother, Jabal, lives close by. He’ll stay with him while we journey to Egypt.”
That night, she lay by her sick husband’s side. And sometime during the night, Jubal found the strength to make love to her. To truly make love. Although Kenana did not think herself a prophet, she was sure this was the last time she would see her husband on this earth, and she was saddened by this thought. She was certain that Jubal was aware of this as well, and they slept that final night in each other’s arms, finally as husband and wife.
Chapter Twenty-one
The ship was called the Addi, and it was the biggest vessel Kenana had ever seen. It towered over the other ships in the port, creaking gently at its moorings. Kenana could not stop staring at it.
“Come,” said Sarah, tugging at her sleeve. “We’re holding up the line.”
Kenana allowed herself to be pulled up a wobbly gangplank that stretched from the dock to the ship’s railing. There, two sailors helped her and Sarah down onto the ship’s deck.
Kenana asked, “Where’s Asher and Tall?”
“They’re overseeing the loading of our provisions.”
The passengers were herded to the central deck, where they were met by the burly captain. He spoke loudly with a heavy accent Kenana could not immediately place. “Welcome aboard the Addi. I am Captain Zadok, your ship commander. I am also your lord and master for the next month. And as your lord and master, you will do what I say.” He laughed jovially, and the passengers laughed nervously with him.
They soon left the port in Alalakh and headed steadily out into open waters, traveling a safe distance from the rocky shoreline. Kenana, dressed once again as a boy to conceal her identity, stood at the deck railing and watched the land retreat, excitement surging through her. Waves splashed below, slapping the wooden hull. And above, the single square sail picked up a gusty wind, and the ship plowed forward.
Nearby, Sarah was met by Tall, and Kenana was able to pick up a few snatches of their conversation on the wind: “I will catch a large fish for you,” he was saying. “Every day of this journey, I swear it. You will eat like a princess.”
Sarah, also dressed as a boy, blushed and murmured a response, but Kenana could not make out her servant’s words. Kenana smiled to herself, for she would be happy to see romance blossoming between the two servants.
When Tall moved away, Kenana took the seat beside her servant. “Tall is a good man,” she said.
“Yes,” said Sarah. She was still blushing.
“Good enough to keep?”
Sarah giggled, reddened furiously, and then, perhaps to change the subject, opened a reed basket and showed Kenana an arrangement of wild berries inside. “I picked these just before coming aboard.”
While the two friends snuggled in contentment, munching the fruit and surrounded by the tranquil sound of water lapping against the hull, Kenana had never felt such peace and excitement. After all, she was traveling the world with none other than her best friend.
Across the deck, some of the men huddled together, tossing something against the rough-hewn railing wall. After each toss, the men either cheered or moaned.
“What are the men doing?” asked Kenana.
“It’s a game of chance. I’ve seen it played at home with the soldiers. Some lose a month’s pay. They toss bones, carved from antlers, marked with symbols. Depending what symbols shows up, you win or lose. They seem to love it.”
The game looked fascinating to Kenana. She loved games of any sort. “Then perhaps we should play, for we are disguised as men, after all.”
She stood, but Sarah pulled her promptly down. “No, mistress. It is better for us to keep a low profile. Besides, I do not know how to play. I think it costs money.”
“We can ask,” said Kenana.
“And sound like women by asking?”
“True.” Kenana lowered her voice and expanded her chest. “Now, do I sound like a man?”
Sarah giggled. “No. You sound like a woman trying to be a man. We need to stay away from the men or they will find us out!”
Kenana exhaled. “You’re right, of course.” Then added. “Come, let’s explore the ship!”
“Good idea,” said Sarah in her own mock deep voice, and they both laughed.
Later that night, after a long first day at sea, Kenana and Sarah settled into their tiny bunks below decks. Instead of sleep, they whispered and giggled the night away. Only with daybreak, as the sky dissolved from black to purple, did the two girls finally collapse into sleep.
Chapter Twenty-two
The next day, Kenana and Sarah were both a little thick-headed from lack of sleep. To break their fast, they worked on Sarah’s basket of berries, sitting together on the starboard deck railing. The sun was high overhead, and Kenana noted that Sarah, with her light skin, was looking increasingly sunburned; her servant gave no indication of noticing or caring. Instead, Sarah said, “I overheard Captain Zadok tell his first mate that he expects a storm to be moving in.”
“But there’s hardly a cloud in the sky.”
“I know,” said Sarah. “That’s what his first mate said.”
“And how did Captain Zadok answer?”
“He just laughed and shook his head.”
Later that day, sure enough, towering storm clouds appeared on the horizon, obscuring the setting sun.
“We’re in for some rough weather,” said Asher, in the ship’s galley over the evening meal. He and Kenana were sitting together on one end of a long table.
“I knew that this morning,” said Kenana.
“This morning?”
Kenana nodded. “Sarah overheard Captain Zadok speak of a coming storm. I think the man might be a seer.”
Asher chuckled. “I doubt if he is a seer. More likely, his ability to predict the weather comes from years of experience.”
“Yeah, well, it was a little spooky to me.”
“Master Jubal,” said Asher, changing the subject, “was angry with your friend for leaving you alone in the desert, and rightly so. It was extremely dangerous for you. I should have been there. I would never desert you.”
Tall appeared with Sarah by his side. The servant cleared his throat. “It is good that yo
u are giving the lady comfort, Asher, for a wicked storm is brewing outside.”
Asher calmly released Kenana’s hand. Kenana understood what Tall had done. Asher had no business comforting another man’s wife, and so intimately.
To protect Asher’s dignity, Kenana said, “Indeed, the storm frightens me. And we haven’t seen land for days.”
Tall grinned. “Aye, it is good we haven’t seen land, for we are near the swamp. And it is best to steer well clear of the swamps.”
“But why?” asked Sarah. She and Tall took seats beside the other two.
“There be monsters in the swamps,” said Tall.
Kenana expected the tall servant to crack a smile or to wink—something to reveal he was joking, but his narrow face remained grim. She turned to Asher for answers. “Is that true, Asher?”
He shrugged. “Giants, they say.”
“Surely it’s just superstitious nonsense,” said Kenana.
“Perhaps,” said Asher, his voice grave. “The legend of the Nephilim originated in these swamps. And if you’ll recall the monstrous size of the man who’s been following you, you would not be so quick to dismiss such legends.”
An inexplicable sense of fear came over Kenana. “What, exactly, is the legend, Asher?”
As their group had begun to attract the attention of others in the galley, Asher lowered his voice. “Legend has it that the Nephilim are the result of a rebellion from a previous time period. Rebellious angels were cast out of heaven. They fell to earth and raped the daughters of man, who produced monsters for offspring. These monsters are called Nephilim.”
Kenana felt the blood drain from her face. Was Malluch such a fallen angel? However, he had not tried to rape her and his behavior had not been untoward. No, he couldn’t be evil!
Feeling sick to her stomach, she excused herself from the table.
Asher asked, “Are you ill? You are pale, my dear.”
“I just need a bit of fresh air. I want to be alone with my thoughts and the privacy to hang over the side of the ship when I need to.”
Asher nodded in understanding. He reached in his satchel. “I have mint leaves. Take some.”
She took a sprig and left the galley, chewing on it. It did make her feel a little better.
Kenana walked idly about the ship, watching sailors harness the sails and scrubbing decks, and finally settled on a tiny stool by the captain’s wheel. The captain glanced down at her curiously. He was chewing on something big enough to cause his right cheek to stick out like a packrat. Kenana, seated in a cramped position, watched the twin row of oarsmen. Drummers set the cadence of the rowing strokes. Across from the drummers, a trio of musicians played melodious pipes to entertain the oarsmen.
Kenana closed her eyes and let the music sweep over her, felt the wind in her face. Her hair was tucked up tightly into a boy’s cap.
Oddly, she missed her husband. They had made love on their last night together, and Kenana would hold that special memory forever. She was sorry that her marriage had gone sour, and wished there was someplace in her heart where she could love the old man.
The ship continued south at a respectable speed toward Anatolia. Nearby, some of the crew were involved in another game of dice and markers. Kenana watched them longingly, aching to join their fun, but aware that she must uphold her disguise.
I am a boy now, she thought. But hopefully, not for too much longer. Boys aren’t much fun. They don’t get near as much attention!
She stood and moved over to the rail, watching the rolling waves. She breathed deeply. She had never seen the ocean before, nor tasted its salty mist on her lips. The roar of the waters mesmerized her endlessly.
The ship continued forward. Waves crashed against the hull below. The spray of water nearly reached up to her face before cascading down in a fine mist, catching the last of the sun, exploding in a dozen colors of the rainbow.
“This is life as it should be,” she whispered.
Sarah came up behind her and wrapped a mantle around her shoulders. “It is getting chilly. You will catch cold.”
Kenana suddenly grabbed her hand. “Be my friend, Sarah.”
“I am your friend.”
“No. Not out of obligation, but as a true friend! I command you to no longer serve or pamper me. I’m young and quite capable of caring for myself.”
Sarah laughed. “What has the sea air done to your mind, Mistress Keni? I am bound as your servant. I would be thoroughly punished and reprimanded if I behaved in any other way. You would not wish to see harm befall me, would you?”
Kenana sighed, and put her arm around Sarah. “Then you shall be my secret best friend. And in secret, I shall wait on you hand and foot!”
Sarah giggled. “I would never allow it.”
“See, already you are telling me what to do.”
“Oh, stop it, Princess Keni!”
They both giggled.
“Look!” said Sarah, pointing.
A school of fish had appeared, rising majestically out of the ocean, their slender bodies catching the moonlight before slipping down below the waves. They were truly beautiful. “Fish that fly!”
Kenana allowed her gaze to travel up into the clear night sky, which was littered with countless stars, each one a little brighter than the other. She imagined one being Malluch’s star. Was he out there somewhere making sure she was safe? One star shone brighter than the others. It seemed to hover briefly, and then move through the heavens, following the progress of the ship.
Kenana said, “I think I see my angel’s star.”
“Or perhaps the salty air has made you delirious,” said Sarah. “It’s time for sleep, princess.”
Kenana acquiesced and the two climbed into their small bunks. Sarah was soon breathing heavily beside her, but Kenana could not sleep.
She gazed through her port window. Now, the moon and stars were blotted from the sky by the great expanse of swiftly-moving clouds. A deep blackness settled in as night came to the high seas. She knew she must make positive changes in her life, and Egypt was the place to do it. Deep within her soul, she believed El would give her guidance. She meditated on his love and peace until sleep came.
Halfway through the night, she awoke. She thought she had heard something. A sound from outside, perhaps? She eased out of her bunk and escaped up through the hatch and onto the empty deck.
It was raining now, and the seas were choppy. The ship rose and fell, groaning with dignity. Kenana shivered and wrapped her woolen blanket around her shoulders, and found a bench under the eaves of the galley. She did not mind the wind and rain, and enjoyed the taste of salt on her lips. All of this represented freedom to her. She tucked her hands under the cover to keep them warm, and felt so free she could cry.
But was she really free? Wasn’t she still an old man’s wife?
And through all of this, where was Malluch?
She once thought that traveling the world with her angel would fulfill all her needs, and provide her the intimacy she longed for, but now she had her doubts.
And that’s when she heard a man curse softly. She turned toward the sound, and to her surprise, a man climbed over the outer railing.
Followed by many more, all brandishing weapons.
She grabbed Sarah’s hand and woke her with a finger to her own lips.
Chapter Twenty-three
Somehow, Kenana ran one way and Sarah ran another.
The stench of sweat and grime preceded the men. Beyond, looming out of the darkness, rising and falling on the ocean swells, was the mast of a second ship.
Still more men were pouring over the sides, landing softly on padded feet. All were heavily armed.
Who were these men? What was happening?
And, as if in response, Captain Zadok’s voice boomed over the deck, “Pirates!”
And with a roar, the Addi sailors, who had apparently been lying in wait, surged up through the lower levels, wielding their own gleaming weapons.
Ke
nana was trapped in the maelstrom, standing between the two forces. She scrambled desperately out of harm’s way, tripping once, clawing to her feet, and finally ducking behind a heavy barrel.
Before her, pirates and sailors met in a fierce battle. Metal struck metal with a mighty clash, and the night exploded into hoarse shouts and death cries.
Grappling hooks arched out into the night, heaved by the Addi sailors seeking to overturn the pirate ship.
Somehow, the fighting grew in intensity. Men fought savagely, heaving their swords with all of their strength. Limbs were severed and bodies were opened. Blood splashed everywhere, running along the polished deck. Screams of agony and bellows of rage all merged into one long overwhelming drone that assaulted Kenana’s senses.
Before her, two pirates had pinned an older sailor against the bulkhead, raising their swords to deliver the final death blow. Kenana was about to avert her eyes when a man appeared behind the pirates, wielding a massive sword expertly. He quickly cut down both pirates and dashed off to join other battles. The older sailor, whose life had just been spared, barely had time to get a good look at his savior, but Kenana had.
It was Asher.
Just then, a heavy hand dropped to her shoulder, pinning her to the bench. She gasped and made to scream, but another hand covered her mouth.
“Don’t say a word, Princess Kenana,” said a harsh voice, spoken softly in her ear. The breath smelled of old grog and putrid fish. The tone was mocking.
Kenana bit her captor’s finger, sinking her teeth down to the bone. Her mouth filled with blood and then she was free. She spat out of the blood, and whirled to face her assailant.
It was the Nephilim soldier. He was unbelievably massive. Long blond hair streaming down over his bare shoulders. Arms endlessly muscular, camouflaged with black river mud. The corner of his mouth lifted in a sneer.
“We meet again,” he said.
She gasped and turned to run, but a hard slap across the face sent her reeling back to the deck. He picked her up by the throat. She gagged, kicking. The pain was unbearable. The Nephilim tightened his grip. She struggled for breath. The fighting and screams around her seemed to grind into slow motion. She had to breathe! The monstrous animal in front of her grinned wickedly.
