Noah: Man of Resolve

by Tim Chaffey

  Fury rose inside of Noah, and he fought to control his emotions. “But why Aterre? What did he ever do?”

  “Seems like he was just in the wrong place.” Ashur let out a breath and ran his fingers through his dark wavy hair. “Noah, you should know what Zain told me. When they cleaned up Ara’s house, it was apparent there was quite a struggle that night. Ara’s body only had a couple of wounds, but Aterre’s. . . .” Ashur looked away and swallowed hard. “But Aterre was slashed all over. It seems like he gave his life trying to protect Ara.”

  Noah slammed a fist on the table, causing some food to spring off his plate. Burying his head in his hands, he wept. The agony wrenched his body. “Why?”

  Ashur put a hand on Noah’s arm. “I’m very sorry.”

  After a few moments, Noah slowly lifted his head and glared at Ashur through tear-filled eyes. “Why didn’t anyone tell me this before?”

  “Because of the mourning period.” Ashur smiled sympathetically. “And because we knew how hard it’d be for you to hear it.”

  Noah tipped his head toward Navea. “And her. Why didn’t you say something sooner?”

  Ashur nodded and repentance showed in his eyes. “I know I should’ve. But for her safety, I didn’t want to say anything the day she showed up.” He scratched the back of his neck. “And then I didn’t want to interrupt your mourning. And then it became more difficult each day, since I should’ve said something right away. Trust me, I wasn’t trying to keep anything from you, but this morning, when I saw the mob going after Garun and Bedin, I didn’t want the same thing to happen to her.”

  “That would explain your attitude this morning,” Noah said.

  “Yes, I’m sorry for my rudeness. I knew that having them here would force me to say something before I was ready.”

  “Noah,” Navea said, “I’m very sorry if my presence here is adding to your grief.”

  Noah closed his eyes and took a few deep breaths. I need to speak with Garun and Tubal-Cain. He unclenched his fists and held her gaze. “No, it led to this information. If I think of anything else to ask, should I look for you here?”

  “I think so,” she said.

  “At least for now,” Ashur said, patting her hand. “Once things quiet down, I’d like to help her find a more permanent arrangement.”

  “I understand.” Noah stood. “Thank you for the meal and the information.”

  He strode purposefully across the floor and shoved the door open so hard that he nearly hit Zain with it. The council member jumped back, bumping into Bedin, who followed closely behind, his arms full of belongings. A little ways down the street came Garun, lugging a cart loaded with items.

  “Sorry,” Noah said.

  Zain smiled. “No harm done.”

  “I have to go right away, but you need to talk to Ashur. He’s just inside.” Noah pointed to Garun. “And I need him to come with me.”

  “Is everything in order?” Zain asked, suddenly serious.

  “Not yet.”

  “We’ll take Garun’s things in. Remember our agreement this morning. You’ll be responsible for him.”

  “Understood.” Noah put a hand on Zain’s shoulder. “Thank you.”

  Chapter 13

  Can’t you just tell us who was at Ashur’s?” Tubal-Cain asked as he walked with Noah and Garun past the shipyard.

  “Not yet. I don’t want to explain it more than once, so we’ll wait until I can tell Em too.” Noah smiled inwardly at the irony of his situation. His suppressed anger smoldered against Havil and their king, yet now the two people whose help he needed most were the Havilites walking with him.

  Typically, while staring across the sea to his left, he contemplated the adventures that lay beyond, but today was different. Today, the surf softly splashing the shore brought no delight and only reminded him of the long days working on the beach with Ara. He turned his eyes away from the water. The long road to Sarie’s Bakery steadily rose as it reached into town. Memories of his first jaunt down that hill flooded his mind. The excitement of taking in a new city, the satisfaction of reaching his destination, and the hope of soon becoming an apprentice shipbuilder caused a short-lived smile to appear on his lips. It quickly vanished when he remembered that Aterre had been at his side through it all. It seemed no place in Iri Geshem was safe from memories of Ara or Aterre. Will this hurt ever go away?

  “Noah?” Tubal-Cain nudged him with his elbow.

  Noah lifted his eyes. “What?”

  “Garun asked you something.”

  “Oh, sorry.” He looked at Garun. “What is it?”

  “I just wondered if you or Emzara would like me to help with anything — get food, do some chores, you name it.” Garun held out a palm. “I want to help.”

  “I can’t think of anything like that right now, but I’ll need you both to help me with something else soon enough.”

  They continued straight ahead as the main road turned north. The trail through the milknut grove led immediately in front of Ara’s house before reaching the small home he shared with Emzara. The home I built with Aterre. He gritted his teeth and stared at the sparse canopy above. I can’t escape them. Do I want to?

  Averting his eyes as they passed Ara’s dwelling, he cringed. Ashur’s words stung all over again. It seems like Aterre gave his life trying to protect Ara. “Why wasn’t I there to help?” The words came out louder than he intended.

  “You were where you should have been. In your home, with your wife. You can’t blame yourself for what happened,” Garun said.

  Tubal-Cain frowned. “And you probably would’ve been killed too. And where would that have left Zara? She needs you to be strong.”

  Noah forced a smile. “It’s just . . .” He froze. Laughter emanated from his home, which lay just ahead of them. His heart leapt at the sound of his wife’s joy. “That’s Em.” He spoke softly and put his arms out to halt his friends.

  “Adira too.” Tubal-Cain put a finger to his lips. “Let’s not spoil the moment.”

  As the group slowly crept forward, the discussion in the house became clearly discernable.

  “Remember that time when Aterre told Noah that he had developed a new kind of bean brew and Noah took a huge drink of it?” Adira’s voice carried beyond the delicate fabric coverings that hung over the square holes in the walls to allow light into the interior.

  “And it was really just bean brew made with seawater.” Emzara giggled. “He spit it out all over the table.”

  Laughter resounded from both women, and Noah gave a lopsided smile. “How was I supposed to know?” He spoke softly then shook his head at the memory of the taste. “It was like drinking brown salt.”

  Garun put a hand over his mouth to suppress the snicker that crinkled his eyes.

  “What about when Baba and Noah challenged Tubal-Cain and Aterre to a race in those two-man boats,” Emzara said. “And they gave them one that leaked.”

  “And they sank right in the middle of the bay.” Adira forced the words out in between giggles. “Tubal-Cain was embarrassed because it happened in front of the large crowd that had gathered for the Harvest Day celebration.”

  “And Aterre wouldn’t even talk to Noah until the next day.” Emzara chuckled and then sniffled. “And now it makes sense why — Jitzel was watching.”

  “Serves him right,” Adira said. “He always took every opportunity to embarrass us around the men or vice versa.”

  “Yeah.” Emzara dragged the word out. “I miss them so much.”

  “Oh, I do too. Come here.”

  Emzara’s muffled sobs barely reached Noah’s ears. He motioned toward the front door. “Let’s go.”

  As Noah approached, Emzara asked, “Remember when Aterre hid in the kitchen?”

  Noah swung open the door. “And he startled Adira.”

  Both women jolted.

  As Noah entered he said, “And she broke the tray over his head.”

  Smiling at her husband, Emzara hurried to him and
wrapped him in a tight embrace.

  “He deserved it,” Adira said with her hand over heart. “And so do you.” She winked.

  Noah pulled Emzara’s head against his chest and breathed in her familiar scent. He looked at Adira. “And what I wouldn’t give to have him here so you could do it again.”

  Adira smirked. She stood, placing her hands on her hips and tilting her head saucily. “I’d be more than happy to do it too.”

  Tubal-Cain crossed the floor and kissed his wife. “Sounds like you two are having a good time.”

  She sighed. “We’ve been trying to remember all the hilarious moments with them.”

  Noah released Emzara. “Any time with those two was a good time.”

  “It sure was.” Emzara turned to Adira. “I’m glad you came over. I really needed it. Oh, Garun. You’re here. I didn’t even see you. Welcome.”

  Noah held up a hand. “Adira, can you stay a while? I have some news to share with everyone.”

  “About what?” Adira asked, returning to her seat.

  Noah pointed to the few low benches that lined the walls. “Why don’t all of you have a seat.” He grabbed a chair from the table, as well as the basket delivered by Zain earlier that morning. Sitting down across from the group, he placed the food between him and the others. “Help yourselves.”

  Noah waited until each person had taken a snack. “What we discuss in here is private. I may want to bring Zain into it at some point, but for now, it stays among the five of us. Agreed?”

  “Sure,” Tubal-Cain said, and the others nodded.

  “Oh, and one more thing. We’ll need to talk about Havil, so Garun and Tubal-Cain, you two need to decide if everyone can speak freely about these matters without fear of repercussions.”

  “What do you mean?” Tubal-Cain squinted and shook his head. “This sounds serious.”

  “It is. Look, I trust both of you. But there are some sensitive things to discuss. Given your positions in Havil, a prince and an important palace guard, I want to be clear. If one of you says something that reflects poorly on your city or some of its residents, the other one won’t seek retaliation.”

  Garun glanced at Tubal-Cain and spread both hands out, palms up. “Say whatever needs to be said. As you mentioned, this is a private meeting.”

  Tubal-Cain nodded. “Same goes for me. But you need to tell us who was at Ashur’s.”

  “I will, but just not right away.” Noah searched for a place to start. “Garun, except for Adira, we’ve all seen how Tubal-Cain’s father acts in public. What’s he really like behind closed doors?”

  Garun stroked his chin with his thumb and index finger. “What specifically do you want to know?”

  “Do you trust him?”

  Biting his lip and sneaking a peek at Tubal-Cain, Garun slowly shook his head side to side. “Only to do what he thinks is in his best interest.”

  “And what if someone gets in his way?” Noah asked.

  “Then I wouldn’t want to be that person.”

  “What do you mean?” Noah worked to draw out his answers, noting that the guard understandably spoke much less freely in Tubal-Cain’s presence.

  “Well, they usually end up imprisoned.” Garun looked at the floor. “Or worse.”

  “Where are you going with this, Noah?” Tubal-Cain asked. “What does my father have to do with anything?”

  Noah turned and met Tubal-Cain’s stare. “We’ve been friends for about four years, and our wives are best friends. You know I wouldn’t ask these things if I didn’t believe I had good reasons for it.”

  “I know. I’m just confused.” He set aside his plate of food and drummed his fingers on his knee.

  “Fair enough. Just a couple more questions and then I’ll explain.” Noah leaned forward. “Do you believe your father would do almost anything to get his way?”

  “He’s very ambitious.” Tubal-Cain reclined and ran his fingers through his hair. “There are some pretty bad rumors about him. Some say that he’s killed a bunch of people. I’ve even heard someone say that he killed his own father, my grandfather, on the way to Havil.” He took Adira’s hand. “But I’ve never seen any of that.”

  “But do you think he is capable of doing it?” Noah asked.

  “Capable? Definitely.” Tubal-Cain shrugged. “But willing? I’m not sure. Maybe? If he were angry enough. Why are you asking about him? You said he left town early in the morning well before the murders.”

  “He did.” Noah glanced at Garun, “But what if he came back to go after someone that had gotten in his way?”

  “Are you insinuating that my father killed Ara and Aterre?”

  Noah took a deep breath. “After you left Ashur’s, he brought his secret guest to meet with me. I was very surprised to see her.”

  Tubal-Cain raised his eyebrows.

  Emzara’s eyes narrowed. “Her?”

  “Yes, one of the dancers from Havil. Her name is Navea.”

  “Yeah, I sort of know her,” Tubal-Cain said. “She’s a friend of Naamah’s. Or was.”

  “Didn’t she leave on the boat?” Garun asked.

  “She did.” Noah took a deep breath, then recounted Navea’s tale about the king and his guards swimming to shore and how she ended up at Ashur’s.

  When he finished, Tubal-Cain stood and began to pace. “Did she accuse my father of the murders?”

  Noah shook his head. “She said she never saw them again after they left the ship, but she did say that his whole demeanor changed after the council meeting.”

  “But that doesn’t prove anything,” Tubal-Cain said.

  “No, it doesn’t. But it raises some questions. Why did his attitude change from that point on? And why did he and three of his guards swim ashore and disappear for a long time?”

  “I don’t know. What possible motive could he have? What happened at the council meeting?”

  “Baba stood up to him.” Emzara sat up straight and her dark eyes snapped. “He questioned him about having two wives, eating animals, and the lack of wisdom in putting your sister in a position with so much authority.”

  Garun leaned forward. “I overheard him that night telling a fellow guard that the shipbuilder wrecked the opportunity for a trade agreement. He wasn’t happy.”

  Tubal-Cain’s wide eyes met Noah’s and then shifted to Emzara. “If my father did this” — he lowered his head — “I’m so sorry.”

  Adira put her arms around her husband.

  Noah paused to give them a moment. “If he did this . . .”

  “Then he alone is responsible for it.” With tears in her eyes, Emzara walked over and put a reassuring hand on Tubal-Cain’s shoulder. “We’d never hold this against you.”

  Tubal-Cain nodded his thanks, then his eyes narrowed. “We need to find out for sure.”

  “How do we do that?” Adira asked.

  Tubal-Cain sighed. “We go to Havil and ask around. I have several people I trust who would tell me if they’ve heard anything.”

  “I do too,” Garun said. “There are a couple of palace guards and many others in the city that do not approve of the king.”

  Tubal-Cain held out his hand. “You should stay with Bedin. If my father secretly brought guards to Iri Geshem then I say we go to Havil in secret.”

  “Is it safe for us?” Adira asked.

  Tubal-Cain pulled her close. “As much as I’d like you by my side, I’d prefer that you stay here. If my father hears that we’re in the city, he may demand to meet you. And if he’s the murderer, then I don’t want you near him.”

  “If you think I’m just going to let Noah walk around Havil after what happened last time —”

  “He wouldn’t have to.” Tubal-Cain held up a hand to interrupt Emzara. “We have a small beach home outside of the city. It doesn’t get used anymore, so we could stay there while I check around.”

  “And while you do that, Noah could find my family and help them pack up to move here.” Garun smiled at Emzara. “Don�
��t worry. My place is also outside of the city.”

  “Are you sure you still want to move here?” Noah asked. “After this morning?”

  Garun met Noah’s eyes. “Even more so. Those people were misguided, but they thirsted for justice and they listened to reason. And justice and reason should always go hand in hand. I want my family to live in a place like this, under leaders like you and Zain.”

  “It’s settled then. I’ll help with the packing too.” Emzara stepped to Noah and put an arm around his neck. “You aren’t going without me.”

  Noah pulled her down so that she rested on his lap. “Why do I get the feeling that I won’t be able to convince you otherwise?” Peering at Tubal-Cain, he asked, “When do we leave?”

  “Since we don’t want Bedin to know our plan and alert my father, we leave right after he finishes his work here. Garun, you’ll need to take him to the next town and return here when you can. We’ll be back with your family soon after.”

  Chapter 14

  Havil — Noah’s 49th year

  Looking upward and into the sunlight, Naamah inhaled deeply. She paused, allowing the warmth to cradle her darkened skin. She loved the seemingly slower trek the sun made during the warm season. Completely alone, she reveled in the center’s open-air design. Mmm, my House of Knowledge. Her fingers traced their way down one of the gilded stone columns. Three intricately carved intertwining serpents gracefully wound their way around the curvy forms of vinefruit. The light stone was smooth and cool to her touch. Brushing her cheek against it, she closed her eyes and enjoyed the contrast of the sun’s heat to the staunch pillar’s chill.

  The sound of a bird calling from outside disturbed her quiet enjoyment of simple things and she hastened on her errand. Her sandals slapped against the stone floor as she made her way from the center toward one of the adjacent rooms. The House of Knowledge stood two stories high, but the ceilings of each floor were tall enough that a man standing on another man’s shoulders would not be able to touch the brilliantly hued, frescoed top.

  Naamah loved the way this massive square structure made her feel so small. Fourteen rooms on each floor surrounded the atrium, and they acted as entryways to smaller nooks. Two large open entrances stood on either end. This place awed her. The sheer number of scrolls able to be carefully organized and stored in the 84 rooms tingled her sense of anticipation. After just a few years, nearly 4,000 documents filled a tiny fraction of the edifice, and they beckoned to her to not remain small and insignificant in her world.