by Summer Lee
“I’ll try. Hold me tight, Sammael.” She looked down as they crossed the Euphrates River.
Sammael made a slight shift. The two were now descending. Below them was the city of Alalakh. To the left, the Mediterranean Sea was rapidly coming into view. She could see several vessels on the sea, both barges—like the one on which she would travel—and small fishing boats rising and falling on the surface.
*
Sammael set his feet down behind a building, so as not to be seen while his appearance changed from spiritual back to human. He sighed. “People are boarding now. We must hurry.”
He grabbed her hand and ran.
The word “Yarona” was tossed about by members of the crew. Rachael guessed that was the name the crew had given to the barge. It truly was the biggest vessel Rachael had ever seen. It towered over the other boats in the port, double the size. It rocked back and forth, creaking gently at its moorings.
Those who boarded ahead of them were mostly priests and royalty: husbands and wives. Traveling merchants had their wares in bags over their shoulders as they clambered aboard. A small group of infantry and sailors went aboard, as was the case of every boat that left the port. Mesopotamian victories and conquests were due largely to the superior quality of their weapons and ability to train soldiers. Boats were always well protected.
Rachael soon learned that the Yarona was the only vessel that the Egyptians had developed for use on the Nile River, only to learn that it could handle itself on the Mediterranean Sea even better. The single main sail was raised to connect with the wind. The Yarona eased out of the port in Alalakh and headed steadily out into open waters, traveling a safe distance from the rocky shoreline.
The Yarona was no small watercraft in size. It was ninety feet long and had the capacity to hold twelve tons. The captain was none other than Captain Buck Cruz. He made his announcements as to what he expected from the passengers.
Rachael was amused. She walked over to him and searched his face. “You are a gruff man on the outside, but kind on the inside. I like you.”
He managed to smile. “Such gentle words embarrass me, little doll,” he said.
“My apologies,” she said. “That was not my intention.”
“What is your intention?” He winked and as a new bride of only one day, she blushed.
She guessed that he could not control passengers on a larger ship. The few people on the Yarona would not be a problem for him. “I have none. I just wanted to see what kind of captain I was entrusting my life with.”
“We’ll talk later.”
Rachael returned to Sammael. “Thank you for doing this for me.”
“You are most welcome.”
She stood with her new husband on the deck and gazed at the retreating shoreline, excitement surging through her. Waves splashed below, slapping the wooden hull. Once the main square sail was up, it picked up a gust of wind. The tide bore the vessel forward out to sea. A prevailing north wind thrust them south, and the boat plowed forward.
Rachael peered at the solid square shelter in the center of the boat. A narrow stairway led to the cabin below where the wealthiest would be sleeping. Rachael and Sammael shared a small cot below, so they hesitated to go below too soon, as they enjoyed being together on the deck. Raising her face into the wind, she breathed deeply. Rachael was happy.
They sat down and Sammael took some dried beef and bread out of the bag that he had carried over his shoulder. He broke off a piece of beef and wrapped it in some bread. He turned and placed it in Rachael’s mouth. She, in turn, kissed his fingers. One of the crew members walked around, handing the passengers each a bunch of grapes. Rachael smiled her gratitude.
Time passed slowly while the two lovers ate and then snuggled in contentment on a wooden bench, munching dried meat and fruit. Surrounded by the tranquil sound of water lapping against the hull, Rachael was ecstatic. She had never felt such thrill or excitement. “I had no idea the water could be so wonderful.”
Sammael stood and clasped her elbow. “Come, my darling, let’s walk around the barge.”
“That shouldn’t take long,” she said, nudging him in the ribs.
He laughed and then, arm in arm, they walked to the barrier, next to the captain. “Be careful not to fall over,” the captain said, winking at Rachael.
Rachael laughed. He was flirting with her. It felt dangerous, but she was safe with her husband.
Listening to ocean sounds and looking for fish over the railing, they held hands. A light breeze was blowing the water about, and schools of fish were jumping in the sea below.
Love of life motivated the actions of the two honeymooning passengers. The two were determined to enjoy the few days they had at sea.
Although no one else seemed to have an angel for a partner, Rachael felt blessed that her angel-prince had married her. She also had Aurora, her guardian angel who watched over her all the time. Aurora had to be nearby, even now. Rachael felt blessed.
After they watched the sun go down, the sailors and poor people rolled up in blankets and lay down on the deck to sleep. The newly-married couple waited to be the last to go to their cot below deck. Once they had made love on the tiny bed, Rachael assumed that she would sleep, but she lay sleepless, her head spinning because of all the excitement.
*
She was lying awake when she felt him move away from her and slip off the cot. She saw him open the flap that gave them privacy and just disappear. She did not like the idea that he would feel it necessary to keep his other life such a secret from her. Yet, she assumed he would return by morning.
But he did not.
The captain found her walking around on the deck alone. “How is our most beautiful passenger this morning?”
“I’m not sure I am ready to answer that question right now.”
“Why, have you lost your lover boy?”
“Yes, I do believe I have.”
“You’re joking.”
“I wish I were.”
“He will return shortly.” Captain Cruz grinned broadly. “Perhaps you will join me in a mug of tea while you wait for him.”
“I would be honored.” She followed him to the captain’s quarters, which was just behind the pilothouse. “Interesting set-up you have here,” she said.
“It is a great ship,” said Captain Cruz. “The mate’s quarters are at the bow of the ship, and the crew’s quarters are aft, with unobstructed deck space between.”
“Sounds safe enough.”
Inside the captain’s cabin, the captain offered Rachael a wooden keg to sit on. There was another close by for him, with a taller one in the middle that was used as a table.
Two mugs sat on a lone shelf above a fired clay pot filled with hot tea. Buck took a relatively clean rag and swiped it around the mugs before filling them with the hot brew. Next, he took a cork from a clay bottle and topped off the hot drinks with the strong-smelling contents.
Rachael’s eyes went wide as she stared at the cup that was set before her. The captain already had his cup tipped up and half drunk. Rachael ran her finger around the rim of her cup, hesitating to taste it.
“Drink up,” he said.
She raised her cup to her mouth and took a sip. Surprised, she nodded and smiled. He smiled as well. “Good, huh?”
“Good.”
“Tell me about your job,” she said. “Why do you like the sea so much?”
He was most eager to tell her the tales of his merchant sea journeys. While he talked, she studied his appearance. He looked about forty and well-built. His hair was short, black and curly. His beard shadow hid most of his facial features. Yet, she thought him to be good-looking. He concluded his story without her hearing a word because she was busy staring at him.
“Who is steering this ship right now?” asked Rachael. “You don’t seem concerned that you have many lives depending on you.”
“An experienced seaman is at the helm. Don’t worry your pretty head. You are in good hands.
”
“I hope so.” Rachael nodded. While he gulped his hot brew, she sat and slowly sipped hers.
When she finished her drink, she felt a warm, sweet tinge travel down her throat and into her blood vessels.
He finished his drink and poured another. This time, he poured more of the strong drink in her mug than of tea. He held up the dipper. “More?”
“No, thank you. I must get going.”
“I will help you look for your man, if you like.”
“Not necessary. I’m sure I will find him.”
“If not, you just come to my cabin.” He chortled. “I’ll keep you entertained.”
I’ll bet you will. Rachael rolled her eyes. “I’ll remember that, Captain Cruz.”
“You can call me Buck if you like. No need to be formal.”
“All right, Buck.”
Two days and nights passed with similar activities. She was finding the captain to be most friendly and a funny companion. The third day at sea was most peaceful—as Sammael returned. Rachael was learning the habits and patterns of her husband and felt the need to confront him about his long absence, however, she was not sure when to do so.
The sunset was spectacular as they watched the sun go down. Nestled in Sammael’s arms, Rachael settled onto the tiny cot below deck, which was actually meant for one person. But they managed to have room. On this night, instead of sleeping, Rachael was cradled in her husband’s arms throughout the night. She was responsive to his moves, and his love seemed to complete her as a woman. Rachael found her husband to be irresistible and his love satisfying. It was not the time to confront him about his unexplained abandonment of her.
Only with daybreak, as the sky dissolved from black to purple to yellow, did the two finally pull their bodies apart and collapse into sleep.
Chapter Twelve
“We’re in for some rough weather,” Captain Cruz said to the travelers at the evening meal the next day. To the royalty seated on the top porch he said, “It would be best to clear the deck early.”
He then approached people individually to keep from scaring them. Couples were strolling around the edge of the barge. Singles were leaning over the railing, watching flying fish. The shipmates were playing a dice game that elicited much laughter and a smell of that same strong drink that the captain had poured into their tea. She would not be drinking it again, for it had given her a headache.
Sammael was talking to some of the crew, telling some wild stories. He was a good entertainer. He was talking and the men were laughing. Rachael was sitting alone on a side bench. After the captain made the announcement, he walked over and sat by Rachael. “I don’t think your man knows what he is missing right now. He is over there passing the time with some men while his lovely woman sits alone.”
“What do you propose I do?”
“Come to my quarters and I will show you.”
Rachael laughed nervously, hoping no one was listening to the conversation. “Buck,” she said, jokingly. “You can’t talk like that to a married woman.”
“This is the first that I’ve heard that you are married, little doll,” he said, winking. “Not that it would have mattered.”
“Oh my, what am I to do with you?” she said, as if jesting.
He squeezed her hand, with a playful look in his eyes. “We’ll figure that one out as well.”
She knew it was wrong, but she enjoyed being flirted with. She gave him a sideways look. “Oh, we will, will we?”
“Give me time.”
He stood and repeated his announcement to the passengers: “Storm coming. Clear the deck, folks, or you might just get washed out to sea.”
The little group that Sammael was talking to broke up and went to their assigned locations. The rich people obeyed the order and went below to the bunks. The poor found shelter on deck under tarps made of oiled black cloth.
Suddenly, Sammael was nowhere to be seen. It was all right; she was getting used to it. Rachael wanted to be alone to let her head clear anyhow. Just as she got settled in a safe corner, Sammael showed up.
“Where were you?” she asked.
“Down below,” he said. “I thought you were behind me.”
“Really? I lost track of you.”
“We lost track of each other.”
“That’s fine. I want to stay out here a little longer. I feel protected in this spot.”
“May I sit with you?” Sammael asked.
Rachael moved over to make room for him. “Of course. It could be fun.”
“Rachael, you have the strangest sense of fun of any girl I have known.”
“It’s probably why you like me so much.”
Sammael smiled.
Sure enough, lowering clouds moved in on the skyline, until they obscured the setting sun. They each held a corner of the tarp over their heads as the rain drops began to fall. The wind quickly moved in, blowing kegs and chairs about. The air was instantly chilled.
Before Sammael and Rachael could go below, the weather condition got worse, tall waves that crashed over the deck caused a slippery mess. “Can this boat rip in half?” Rachael nervously asked, as the wind roared.
Sammael shrugged his shoulders. “I don’t know the answer to that, but we must have faith.”
Rachael was terrified.
Suddenly, an inexplicable sense of fear captured her thoughts, worse than she could imagine. “What do you know about ships, Sammael?” she asked, “Can this boat capsize?”
“I said that I don’t know, but I don’t believe that it can.” She would have to ask Captain Cruz about that. He would know.
“Or worse yet, is this the beginning of the stormy tempest that my mother fears?” she asked, clasping his arm.
“I have heard nothing about such a tempest.”
“Surely you have heard of it. Prophecies and portents are everywhere.”
“I only know the things that God tells me and that you tell me. Men’s prophecies come and go. Portents that don’t originate from God are pure superstition.”
She smiled.
“Again, you must trust me to care for you.” He looked repulsed. “You can’t let your fear control you like this. You will make yourself ill from worry.”
She knew that in the course of time she would learn to trust him. Yet, something about him still made her feel unsure. “I want to trust you completely.” She shrugged her shoulders. ”But you are not always with me.”
“Are you saying that I am not trustworthy?”
“Maybe.”
The prince laughed. “What has the sea air done to your mind, my dear? I said that no harm shall come upon you. As my wife, I will provide you with protection—even if you do not see me. Do you understand what I am saying?”
“Just stay with me now, please. That is all I ask.”
“You cannot expect me to be with you day and night. I already told you so. You know there are times when I must serve my duty.”
“I guess I need time to grasp everything that is going on with you. I have always been somewhat fearful of an evil tempest, and I need someone to keep it away from me.”
“I know, darling.” He nodded. “But you have no worries.”
Sammael was part of her search for her true self. Now she would stretch out beyond her wildest dreams and search for her path. So far, Sammael had met most of her expectations for a man. With her sexual needs satisfied, Rachael was happy whenever she was in Sammael’s presence. The thought that he had a dark side was still frightening, but he had told her in advance.
She knew she needed him now. “Stay by me all night,” she begged, “please?”
“Come,” he said firmly. He led her below and closed the canvas sackcloth flap that gave them privacy. Lying on the cot in his arms, she relaxed. With her ear on his chest, she heard the beat of his heart. He waved his hand over her face, and soon she was once again asleep—asleep in his arms.
In a deep sleep, she did not feel him leave her side.
I
nterlude – The Watcher
Sammael left his bride again, hoping to return by morning. He had lied, because he thought she could not handle the truth.
Now, disappearing from the flat-bottomed sailing barge, rising to the starry skies, he went to his planet. To begin with, he had never wanted to have to be loyal to anyone, but this was different. There was just something about Rachael that caused him to want to be faithful to her.
He had celestial duties to perform with his angelic peers. His primary duty was to oversee mankind, and have sympathy for human sorrow. He, along with other Angelos, served as a guide for goodness. Devotion to this duty was essential to his good side.
Yet, he had functions above, where he was to check on those who patrolled the Earth. He told the small cherubs what their daily chores were, and later checked to see that they were executed properly. It was evil demonic spirits that were difficult to oversee. And then of course, there were his angel of death duties. His secret duties, to be carried out in a way that Rachael must never know.
Arriving in the heavenlies, he conducted a head check and inquired of trustworthy Angelos as to how things were going. All was well in the starry sky. Sammael could report to El that the cherubs had completed their duties. “I will need an assistant to do it, though,” he said. “I have a wife who needs my attention.”
Sammael sometimes felt excitement, and other times, he felt total despair. His personality was duplicitous. In his heavenly realm, he displayed both purity and arrogant pride. First, signs of light, and the next time, utter darkness. He would go from faith to fear in a moment. Such behavior was not acceptable for holy angels.
Thankfully, there was a great deal of hope for one who trusted El completely, as did Rachael. Like it or not, the two of them were as different as light and darkness. He was just overwhelmed that he had the darkest side. He wanted more. That was when his search of Earth had taken him to Mesopotamia and to the maiden princess, which had ended his long search for love.
Having cast a spell over the young princess, he had revealed himself to her as Prince Sammael, Prince of Babylon. He had convinced her to marry him immediately. “Babylon needs a lovely princess like you,” he had gently told her. She had believed him. He now needed time to replenish his love life and leave all the subjects on his planet behind. He needed a replacement. He would travel to other planets, looking for the right supernatural being to replace him as the angel of death. He knew it was really the only thing he had to hide from her. But that would be another time. If he was going to keep his wife, he had to return to her on Earth. After all, they were newlyweds.
