Chapter 1

Havil — Noah’s 46th year

Emzara sprinted behind Noah, her eyes on the flap, flap of his robe as they fled the courtyard and the golden stare of the serpent idol Nachash. Her weary mind ran circles around the events of the day: the excitement and pleasure of exploring a new place with her new husband, his enjoyment at her delight when she picked out Tubal-Cain’s extravagant surprise gift. And later, the knock at the door, the guards grabbing Noah, the dread that he had been killed. And now this: Noah returned safely and the guards saying it was all a misunderstanding. So why the rush? As sickened as she was by what she had seen tonight, the sensuality and godlessness of the ceremony didn’t pose a serious threat to their lives, right? Why won’t he look me in the eye?

Without warning, Emzara crashed into Noah’s back as he halted in the middle of the street. She grabbed onto him to steady her balance. “Sorry.”

Unfazed, Noah reached out his arm and stopped Zain. Pointing to one of the guest homes, he whispered, “I sent Farna straight to the boat, so tell his crew to pack everything immediately and meet us there as soon as possible.”

“What happened?” Zain asked. “Why are we in such a hurry?”

“We have to leave before that ceremony ends. Naamah’s preoccupied for now, but Garun told me I’m not safe in this city. Be on alert for her guards.”

Zain gave a curt nod. “Is it something you’ve done?”

“No, quite the opposite actually.” Noah glanced back down the road. “I’ll explain later.”

“Let’s hope they’ve already resupplied the ship for the return trip,” Zain said.

“Indeed.”

Zain paused and looked back toward the city square. “One more problem. We have no idea where Ashur is.”

“Ashur.” Noah sucked in a breath through clenched teeth. “Now what?”

“You two grab our things,” Zain said. “I’ll tell the crew to get going, and then go look for Ashur.”

“With that crowd?” Emzara’s voice shook.

“What choice do we have?” Zain’s question hung in the air for a moment before he continued. “You get to the boat. The important thing is to have you leave safely. If I’m not back, go without me.”

Noah held up an arm. “But . . .”

“You’re the one in trouble, not me or Ashur. We’ll find our own way back, if necessary. Let’s go.”

Noah reached out and gripped the councilmember’s arm, delaying his momentum. “May the Creator guide and protect you.”

“And you, my friend. Now go.”

Grimly, they made their way to their luxurious quarters. Zain hustled to the house on the left, while Noah and Emzara entered their lodging. The room was completely dark and unguarded.

Emzara turned to light a wick, but Noah stopped her with a hand over hers.

“No, let’s work in the dark.”

She frowned, peering up into his face and wishing for the light just so she could read his expression. “Very well.”

Hurriedly, they grabbed their belongings. Emzara laid one of Noah’s tunics on the ground in a long rectangle and arranged their folded garments on top. Strands of piks and pikas, clothing, and a few toiletries gave shape to the growing mound.

In her haste, she bumped into Noah, and a bottle of ointment flew from her hand. It shattered in a far corner, filling the air with the sharp scent of herbs and spices. “Sorry.”

Already turning away to resume his work, Noah said, “Leave it. Are you hurt?”

“No, but look at me.” She put a hand on his arm, her eyes searching out his. “Please tell me what happened.”

For the first time since he had been returned to her, Noah held her gaze. “I promise I’ll tell you everything, but there’s no time right now.” He bent down and kissed her forehead, muffling his voice against her skin. “We need to hurry.”

* * *

Naamah twirled, her bare feet tracing the same intricate steps to the dance that she performed earlier in the evening. Tap, tap, tap-tap-tap. In the final steps of the choreography, her toe gracefully patted against the sandstone flooring that lined the gardens on top of the palace. She dipped her left shoulder and glanced over it to where the seer lagged slightly behind, his lanky frame dark against the backlighting of the torches. Laughing, she ran back toward him and swirled around several potted kalum trees, enjoying the spicy aroma their flowers gave off.

“How did I do tonight?” she asked, looking up at him and hoping he approved.

“Very well, my child.” The old man lightly patted her cheeks, as a father who was proud of his child would do.

“Did I?”

“Yes, your singing mesmerized the people. Hearing your talent in person was greater than I imagined.”

“I’m so glad.” Unable to keep still, she spun as they walked toward the waist-high parapet marking the edge of the expansive rooftop garden.

“You’re a natural leader, and tonight you received some of the recognition you deserve.”

Naamah glowed under his high praise and leaned against the low stone wall. “There were so many people. Look at all the lights below, even this late at night.”

They both peered out at the city, which still bustled. Pockets of people moved about the streets below, laughing with their companions and calling out good-naturedly to other groups that passed by. The sheer number of lit windows indicated that the celebratory atmosphere moved beyond the streets. Music and drumbeats sounded out from a variety of places.

She flung her hands wide. “Isn’t the city magnificent?”

“It’s quite a sight. And you are its only princess.”

“Yes, I am. Everyone got to watch me.”

“And as priestess.” He stroked the serpent image atop his staff. “Introducing them to Nachash was your greatest achievement tonight. Against the backdrop of your talents, the people saw the beauty in following him.”

Naamah pressed her hands together and trembled with excitement. “I can’t wait for next year’s celebration. I’ll dazzle them even more.”

The seer gave a patient chuckle. “I have no doubts, but listen to me.” He grabbed her hands. “Tonight was only a first step for you. With my guidance, you can achieve power you’ve never dreamed of. The success you now feel — and deserve — is only a glimpse of what is to come.”

“More?”

He swept his arm out. “All that you see here — the might of your father’s soldiers and the skill of your craftsmen.” He shook his head slowly. “It’s nothing compared to the power available through Nachash.”

Intrigued, Naamah looked up and rubbed her chin, pondering the implications.

“The first time we met I saw greatness and giftedness in you. And power — that few can possess and even fewer will be able to resist.”

Naamah leaned in closer. “Show me. Teach me everything.”

A crooked smile spread across his lips. “Patience. It takes time. I’ll guide you in the ways of Nachash, and as you learn, your power and wisdom will grow.”

Hearing the rustle of leaves, Naamah stepped back as she glanced around. “Who’s there? Speak.”

Nivlac stepped forward from the foliage into the well-lit patio area, accompanied by Tsek, a mountain of a man. Nivlac bowed. “Princess, the king’s captain has a message for you.” Nivlac retreated to his post a short distance away.

Tsek bowed. “Evening peace, Princess. I’m here on behalf of the king. He wishes to inform you that he’s pleased with your part in the festivities. Because of your efforts, the people learned how great a leader they have. Now they have a god worthy of the leader who has done much to build this city into what it is. And you, Naamah, played a part in that.”

Naamah stiffened as Tsek droned on. It’s just like Father to take what should’ve been a simple compliment and make it all about himself. Discouraged, she looked up at Tsek’s strong jaw line as she waited for him to finish. Power? Can I really be as powerful as the seer promised? Could I turn Tsek’s loyalty to me instead of my father? Imagine that. His own captain following me. She grinned.

“I’m glad that you’re pleased with your father’s report of the evening’s successes.”

Pulled suddenly from her reverie, Naamah blinked quickly, attempting to speed up her brain’s responses. “Of course. I’m happy as long as my father is happy.”

Tsek bobbed his head. “Do you have anything you want me to take to the king in reply?”

She looked at the seer, who had taken a seat a short distance away, while she searched for the right phrase. Stepping close to Tsek, she brushed an imaginary speck from his broad, tanned shoulder, being sure to let her hand linger longer than necessary. She cast him an alluring look as she backed away. “Tell the king that my victory rests in his vast accomplishments.”

Tsek searched her face before replying. “I shall relay that. And may I say that, personally, I thought you were the highlight of the evening.”

She flashed him a broad smile. “You are most kind, Tsek. Thank you for bringing words from my father.” She dismissed him with a small wave of her hand.

He bowed and looked back at her twice as he walked through the garden.

The seer rejoined Naamah, wearing a slight frown. “That was not the type of power I was alluding to.”

With a flip of her head, she tossed her hair over her shoulder. “Oh, I care nothing for him, but it wouldn’t hurt to have his complete loyalty.” She turned around to look at the city again. “There is, however, someone that I’d like to bring to his knees before me. Do you think you could help with that?”

“Perhaps. Tell me what’s on your mind.”

“A man slighted me twice. He dismissed me once a while ago and again just today.” She let tears gather at the corner of her eyes, playing the role skillfully and without hesitation.

“Would this be the man your guard mentioned this evening? Noah? The shipbuilder?”

She bit her lip and nodded.

“And just what do you want to do?” He gently touched her shoulder.

She wanted vengeance. But how? “I — I . . . never mind.”

“Capture this man’s wife so that he has to beg you for her life.”

Once hidden in the recesses of her mind, her darkest thoughts became clear. And yet, the seer spoke them calmly and with even tones, as if he were simply discussing what would be served for the next meal.

Naamah’s eyes widened. “How — how did you know?”

The seer looked steadily at her. “I’ve been trying to tell you that the power I can teach you is beyond anything you’ve imagined.”

Still awed by his ability, she stared into the wrinkled face before her.

“If you’re bent on making this man pay, then call your guards to go get his wife. But I must say, you’re setting your ambition too low.”

She shook her head, brushing off his disapproval. “Maybe I am. But if I put this behind me, then I can focus more fully on what you have to teach me.” She raised her voice so that the sentry stationed on the terrace might hear her. “Nivlac!”

Her most dependable guard hurried across the roof and stood before her. “Yes, Princess.”

“I have an urgent mission for you.”