by Tim Chaffey
Noah stared in wonder at the mighty creature, but remained calm. Almost too calm. With no fear at all, he wondered anew how the Creator might rescue him from his deadly foe.
Only about 40 cubits away, the beast stopped, lowered its head, and looked directly at Noah. Opening its mouth wide, it let loose the loudest roar imaginable, mingling with the cries of the audience.
Noah flinched at the sound before taking a step toward the daggertooth. The creature twisted its massive head one way and then the other. Without warning, it rose and faced the crowd opposite the king, eliciting screams from some of the people sitting in its view. Its nostrils flared and fury grew in its left eye. The grendec charged the audience, the ground seeming to shake at each step.
Noah drew back as he recognized the danger. The arena had not been built to exhibit such a large creature, so the wall only extended about six cubits up from the ground, putting the front two rows of onlookers within reach of the beast.
As people directly in front of the monster scattered, the grendec rushed in without slowing. Turning its head at the last moment, the animal blasted into the wall, using its massive neck and shoulder as a battering ram. Stone and brick shattered and a section of the barrier — some three cubits to either side of the impact — crumpled to the arena floor, dumping screaming citizens to the ground in the process. The monster snapped its powerful jaws around the body of a man as he fell, instantly silencing his horrific cry. The weakened wall continued to crumble and spill spectators into the arena.
A child shrieked behind Noah. He spun and saw the giant standing over Zedakal, holding the back of her head with one hand while his other hand gripped the handle of the massive spear he had run through Kal’s midsection with such force that it stuck into the ground beneath her.
Elam yelled and scooped Rayneh up as he ran with the other prisoners away from the titan toward Noah. Setting his daughter down, Elam directed her to Noah before he hurried to the fallen body of Tubal-Cain and picked up the sacrificial blade that lay beside him.
“Elam, No!” Noah picked up Rayneh and sprinted toward his friend. “There’s nothing you can do for her now.”
Adira arrived near her deceased husband and dropped to her knees beside him.
“Come on.” Noah motioned frantically for her to get moving.
She shook her head and waved for him to leave. “Farewell, Noah. Tell Emzara that I love her.” She grabbed Tubal-Cain’s hand and held it against her tear-stained face.
The giant withdrew his spear, and Kal’s lifeless body slumped to the ground. With blinding speed, the huge man spun and bounded toward them.
Elam finally turned and followed Noah toward the growing crowd of people attempting to flee through the double gate the grendec had entered through. Noah glanced over his shoulder and saw the giant pulling his weapon out of Adira’s back as she fell across her husband’s body.
Quickening his pace, Noah tried to force the horrific images from his mind. A moment later, a long, bloodied spear zipped between Noah and Elam and lodged itself in the ground. A spine-tingling shout rang out behind them.
Elam looked back and dropped to the ground just as the giant’s massive blade flashed over him, hitting nothing but air. In a seamless maneuver, Elam rolled to one knee and swung his own blade behind him, striking his attacker. The blow opened a gaping wound in the middle of the man’s large lower leg muscle.
The giant stopped and reached for his leg, allowing Noah, Rayneh, and Elam to decrease the gap between them and the exit. Turning to look back, Noah watched as the warrior looked up from the wound, grinned, and gave chase.
Noah tightened his grip on Rayneh and hurried into the midst of the crowd with Elam right beside them. The horned grendec continued its pursuit of the moving targets, pausing occasionally for a deep, thunderous call.
Without warning, Elam grunted as he fell to the ground, and his weapon bounced out of his hand, landing near Noah’s feet. A massive hand clamped around Elam’s ankle.
The giant stood upright, dangling Elam upside down by one leg and raising him so that their faces were even.
Rayneh screamed for her father.
Noah set the girl down, shielding her with his body, and picked up the long dagger by his feet, yelling to distract the murderous guard.
Ignoring Noah, the giant opened his mouth wide and leaned in as if planning to take a bite out of Elam’s neck. Just before his teeth met flesh, the grendec’s massive tail struck the colossus in the back, sending him sprawling forward toward Noah while Elam crashed to the ground.
Instinctively, Noah raised the dagger to protect himself just as the giant slammed into him, knocking him backward and forcing the air out of his lungs as he hit the ground.
Groaning loudly, the guard reached for Noah before yanking his hand back to his side as a howl bellowed from his lungs. The sacrificial blade stuck firmly to its hilt in the giant’s side.
Noah scrambled to his feet and then helped Elam stand. “Let’s go.”
The brute tried to get up, but upon reaching his knees, the large guard yelled and clutched at his side again as he dropped to the ground. He grasped the handle of the weapon as his own blood dribbled through his fingers. Wincing, he pulled the sword from his flesh and hurled it at Noah, missing his mark by less than a cubit. The weapon clanked harmlessly against the wall. Noah rejoined Elam and Rayneh as they blended with the crowd and hurried out of the arena.
Chapter 34
Emzara sat on the deck of the river runner, her back against the cabin. She turned to look for the late afternoon sun, but the thick fog still obscured it. Whenever it peeked through the mist, it looked more like the moon than the sun. As the craft made its way upriver, she barely glimpsed the ghostly tops of the tall trees along the shore as they moved slowly past.
Clutching the soft, handmade blanket from Adira in her lap, Emzara thought over the events since Noah had made it home up until the moving secret farewell two days ago. Her gaze shifted to the blanket, and tears pricked her eyes as she replayed her last moments with Adira. Following an emotional hug, her friend had handed her the intricately patterned weave. “It’s for your new little one. Take it with all the hope and love I’m giving you.”
“Zara?”
Emzara peered across the deck and barely discerned the outline of Laleel as the woman approached. Beyond her, Garun kept his back to them as he piloted the boat. Hastily wiping her eyes with her fingertips, she placed the blanket back down on the small wooden chest near her. “Yes?”
“What are you doing?”
“Just thinking, I guess. And enjoying the stillness.”
“This is a good place for that.” Laleel reached down and touched the spread. “What’s this?”
Emzara smiled. “Oh, it’s a gift from Adira for my baby.” She tucked it into the chest before standing. “I guess I’m being overly sentimental, but I’ve been going through some of my old keepsakes.”
“Will you tell me about some of them?”
Emzara read the care in Laleel’s questions and it warmed her. She nodded before kneeling and pulling out a few items from the chest. “Well, this is the eye wrap that Noah wore for our wedding. These are beads from our anniversaries. And this” — she held up an old scroll — “is a letter my father gave to me on my wedding day. It’s probably my favorite possession.” She sniffed and closed her eyes. “I’m sorry, I’m not usually like this.” Emzara tucked her head in embarrassment.
“There’s nothing to be sorry about. I’m glad you thought to bring those along.” Laleel walked to the railing. “I’m sure it helps. You’ve had huge changes in the last few days. And bringing something to remember those you love is a good idea.”
Emzara joined her. “I’m not the only one going through big changes. I’m grateful you and Garun came with me.”
“We wouldn’t have it any other way.” Laleel rubbed her hands together to warm up. “So how are you feeling?”
“With the baby?” Emzara let ou
t a short joyful laugh. “I’m sorry. It still sounds strange to speak about my own child.”
The wrinkles on Laleel’s forehead became more pronounced as she smiled warmly. “Yes, with your baby.”
“Better than I expected. Although, the motion of this ship is getting to me, and I feel sick in the morning.”
“I’m sure you know that’s to be expected. Your desire to look through those precious things is probably due in part to the baby too.”
Emzara smiled as a cherished memory popped into her mind. “That’s right. I remember during some of Adira’s pregnancies, she would cry while looking through the baby clothing their older kids had worn.”
“I was the same way.”
Emzara slowly lifted a finger to point at her. “You were the same way?”
Laleel winked. “I guess I just hid it better.”
Emzara stifled a laugh and then grew somber.
“What’s the matter?” Laleel asked.
“I miss Noah, and I’m worried about him. He should’ve left when we did.”
“He said he’d be on his way before the mourning period ended. They never stopped us at the bridge, so it doesn’t seem like there’s much to worry about.” Laleel gently rubbed Emzara’s shoulder.
“I know, but it’s more than just Noah. I’m worried about our baby. The circumstances are so similar to the last time I was pregnant.”
Laleel raised an eyebrow. “When were you pregnant? I’ve known you for over four hundred years.”
Emzara patted her wrap near her knee to straighten a wrinkle. “It was right before we met. We were sailing to Havil when I lost our child. I was grieving the sudden deaths of two of the people dearest to me.”
“Your father and Aterre?”
Emzara wiped a tear as she nodded. “And now things are so similar. Zain was just killed, and here I am on a boat worrying about losing Noah and our baby.”
Laleel took a deep breath and grabbed Emzara’s hand. “But this time is also very different. You told me yesterday that you have a promise from the Most High that you, Noah, and your children have yet to fulfill.” She softened her tone and pointed to Emzara’s midsection. “I know it’s not easy, but cling to that promise. The Creator is faithful.”
Emzara remained silent for a while, wrestling inside. Can I trust You to do what You’ve promised with all that’s going on? What am I saying? Of course, I can depend on You. She nodded slowly, but then a smile spread on her lips and her confidence rose. “You’re right. I may not know everything that’s going to happen, but I must believe that Noah will be well. The Creator will protect him.”
“Protect him and give you children,” Laleel said.
Emzara folded her arms tightly against her body as if hugging herself would keep the warm feelings from escaping. She let out a breath. “I’ve always referred to Him as the Most High. Well, since that title accurately describes Him, then I know He will make good on His promise.”
“And when He does, then you’ll tell me more about this promise?”
“When Noah decides the time is right.” Emzara yearned to tell her about the flood, but she had yet to grasp all the ramifications of the worrisome news. She forced her thoughts back to the promise of sons. “Oh, speaking of children. We should be pretty close to where Adira’s son lives.”
“That’s right.” Laleel turned toward the bow of the ship and called out to her husband. “Any sign of . . .” Her voice trailed off as her eyes followed something in the water.
“What is that?” Emzara leaned in and squinted as they floated past a large wet cloth that appeared to be wrapped around a box or barrel. Near one edge of the fabric, a dark round mass jutted out. As she turned to question Laleel, she glimpsed a human foot at the edge of the cloth on the water’s surface. Gasping, Emzara covered her mouth.
Laleel’s hand flew to her chest. “I see it. Garun!”
“You’d better come up here,” he said. “Something’s wrong.”
As Emzara and Laleel neared the steering control, Emzara rubbed her forehead. “Did you see that body?”
Garun nodded. “And there was one on the other side too.” He angled the boat toward the eastern shore and pointed ahead. “Look there.”
Through the patches of fog, blackened silhouettes jutted out from the land. The once proud buildings now depicted harsh angles and missing pieces. The overall landscape reminded Emzara of an animal’s lower jaw with jagged teeth, and she instinctively shuddered. Faint wisps of smoke trailed above the destruction.
“Am I seeing this right?” Laleel’s voice was a mere whisper. “Is that Iri Dekkel?”
Emzara’s heart sank. “Oh no, Purlek.”
Garun motioned for his wife to grab the steering arm. “Here, take this.” He cleared his throat, but his voice still came out raspy. “Keep it pointed toward the wharf. I’ve got to slow us down.” He hurried back to the mast and quickly dropped the large sail.
“Who could have done this?” Laleel asked as she held the control steady.
“I don’t know.” Emzara scanned the beach for any survivors.
“Do you know where Purlek lived?”
Emzara closed her eyes, trying to recall from her trip 14 years earlier. “I think I know where his forge is.”
“That’s right. He’s a blacksmith like his father.” Laleel peeked over her shoulder and called out. “Hurry up.” She smiled at Emzara and spoke quietly. “Or else you’d better find something to hang on to because I have no idea what I’m doing.”
Emzara chuckled before bending down and grabbing two pushpoles. She tossed one to Garun as he approached and then moved to the right side of the deck to help him guide the boat safely to the dock. Painted words on a post confirmed they had reached Iri Dekkel.
“Strange.” Garun tossed a rope around a mooring. “No other boats. Is that normal here?”
Emzara shook her head. “I don’t think so. Maybe they fled.”
“Or maybe whoever destroyed the town also stole the boats,” Laleel said. “Did you come across any other boats in the night?”
“Just a handful of fishermen,” Garun said. “Maybe they went upriver.
“Do you think it’s safe for us to be here?” Emzara asked.
Garun nodded. “My guess is that this all happened last night. Some of the wood is still smoldering, but I don’t see any flames. Plus, you’re with me.” He winked at Emzara as he took his wife’s hand.
The three stood looking at the burned and gutted remnants of the town. A shiver passed through Emzara’s frame. There was something eerie about seeing the remains of what had once been the home to hundreds of people. Will the whole world look like this after the flood that the Creator’s going to send?
“Where’s Purlek’s forge?” Laleel asked.
“This way.” Emzara led them down the road into town and turned left at the first cross street. A crashing sound to their right jolted them. “What was that?”
Garun nodded in the direction of the noise. “Part of that building just collapsed.”
“Do you see any people?” Laleel spun all the way around, scanning the village. “What’s happened to them?”
“I don’t know, but it can’t be good,” Garun said.
They continued walking toward the north end of town. Charred remains of homes and shops seemed to be all that was left of Iri Dekkel.
“Is it much farther?” Garun asked. “We shouldn’t leave the boat for long.”
“We’re almost there.” Emzara increased her pace and the others matched her. “If I remember correctly, it’s just at the end of this road.”
The street turned slightly before leading under a grove of large trees lining both sides. The houses stood farther apart in this section of town and appeared to have suffered less damage.
As they crested a small rise in the road before a steady downhill, Emzara pointed. “It’s right down — oh no.”
The small blacksmith shop she remembered lay in ruins. Three of the walls st
ill stood, but parts of the roof had collapsed. Emzara tried to sprint, but her legs refused to move as quickly as she wanted, no matter how much she urged them.
Garun sped past her and arrived at the forge first. “Purlek!” He pulled two stones away from where the door once stood and called out the blacksmith’s name again. He continued shifting the wreckage and calling out.
“Anything?” Emzara asked as she reached Garun.
“No.” He pressed on, clearing the entryway.
Laleel picked her way around some debris to the right. “I’m going to check around back.”
Emzara peered inside as Garun moved another block. With no sign of Purlek, she stepped back just as Laleel disappeared around the corner. “Wait, I’ll come with you.” Emzara trekked to the side of the shop and followed a small trail that wove through a copse of large-leafed trees. Keeping her eyes on the rubble, Emzara strained to find any sign of her friend’s son.
A cry from Laleel gave her a start. “Garun! Back here!”
Emzara dashed past the trees and found Laleel tugging on a large beam.
“Help me with this. I can’t move it.”
Tracing the timber from its nearest end to the opposite side, Emzara discovered the source of Laleel’s urgency. Under the plank, stones, and other debris, a man’s legs extended back toward the building. Purlek! An instantaneous sense of grief fled as a surge of energy flowed through her body. She joined her friend and the beam rocked slightly.
Garun soon rounded the back corner of the house. “What is it?”
“He’s under here.” Laleel leaned back, using all her weight to pull.
“Hold on.” Garun quickly examined the scene. “Zara, step back.”
Emzara tilted her head and narrowed her eyes, but she obeyed.
He quickly removed two large stones and slid a third one to the side. “Alright, now try.”
Together, the three lifted the beam and moved it toward the shop. Then they feverishly worked to clear debris off the man, Garun lifting the heaviest pieces while Emzara, because of her condition, only worked with lighter objects. Finally, the rest of the man came into view. Dried blood fastened some of his dark curly hair to his neck. Scrapes and cuts marred his muscular arms and back. His right leg contorted at an odd angle.
