Chapter 6

Noah and Emzara crossed the square toward the front of the council building. The air held a trace of coolness. The sun hung just above the horizon, causing the looming shadow of the building to stretch far across the grounds. He whistled lowly at the sight of the throng of citizens waiting to enter the structure. “I think we’re in for a long night.”

Emzara slipped her hand into his. “Looks that way.”

“I sure hope we can find a peaceful resolution to this situation.” Noah cleared his throat. “I really don’t want to be part of this.”

She pulled his hand up and kissed it. “You’ll do great, if they even ask you to speak. Whatever happens, I’ll be right there with you.”

“Then I have nothing to worry about.”

To avoid the cluster of people at the portico, Noah and Emzara turned left before the building and headed for the side door as Ara had instructed.

As they slipped into the hall, Noah glanced at the growing mass of people trying to enter through the main doors. “There’s no way everyone will fit in here.”

Extra benches and chairs occupied every available spot inside the hall, but they were filling up fast. Seated at the front of the room behind the large wooden desk, Iri Geshem’s elders conversed quietly among themselves. As chairman, Akel had settled in the middle seat. To his right were Ashur and Oban, a farmer from across the river who was well into his 500s. To Akel’s left sat Zain and Iri Geshem’s newest councilmember, Ara.

As Noah and Emzara found their reserved spots in the front left row, Emzara waved to Ara.

“I don’t see Aterre.” Noah bit a fingernail as he watched the room fill up, although the bench to their right remained empty, having been set aside for the contingent from Havil. The overflowing crowd pressed up against the back and side walls, and their hushed conversations indicated that Noah was not the only nervous citizen. The doors stayed open to allow people in the lobby to witness the meeting.

Akel stood slowly and stretched out his arms for silence. “Please, let us begin our meeting by seeking the Creator’s favor.” He lifted his hands up near his face. “O Most High, Maker of heaven and earth, we ask for Your guidance during this meeting. Give us the wisdom to follow and honor You.”

The old man eased himself back into his chair. “I know many of you are excited about our guests, while others are not too thrilled about their visit. Before we invite them into the hall, I’d like to ask that you treat them with respect, and please let us conduct this meeting in an orderly fashion. If you have questions for the Havilites, there may be an opportunity for you to ask them near the end of our time. Thank you.”

Akel signaled to two men standing at the main doors. Moments after exiting, they reappeared with Lamech and some guards. Gesturing for the Havilites to enter the hall, each attendant stepped to one side.

In his typical manner, Lamech strode into the room with head held high and shoulders pulled back. Unlike his public appearances in Havil, the king was not wearing his crown and royal robe, but his blue and red silk wrap still stood out from the linen garments worn by the locals. His eyes scanned his surroundings before focusing on the council members. He stopped at the front of the room. “Council members of Iri Geshem.” Holding out an arm, he turned toward the audience. “And citizens of Iri Geshem. Thank you for kindly hosting us in your fine city. I bring you greetings from the great city of Havil, the jewel of the sea.”

“Thank you for agreeing to meet with us in this setting.” Akel motioned to the empty front row. “Please, be seated.”

The king nodded and allowed two of his soldiers to enter the row before him. Two more followed him, including Garun, and they all sat down in unison.

Akel cleared his throat and spoke loudly. “We have called this special session of the council to discuss your arrival.” He looked at Lamech. “I know some of our citizens may have questions they’d like to ask. I’ve informed them that they may have the opportunity later, if you find that agreeable.”

The king stood again and smiled broadly while surveying the crowd. “Of course. I’d be happy to answer any question or address any concern you may have.”

“Thank you,” Akel said. “And I’d personally like to thank you for allowing Tubal-Cain to live with us. He’s a fine young man, and his skills have greatly benefited our people.”

Lamech nodded. “Nothing pleases a father more than knowing his children are such a help to others.”

Emzara squeezed Noah’s arm and whispered in his ear. “Too bad the same can’t be said about his daughter.”

Akel continued, “I know you spoke to several people yesterday in the city square, but would you mind explaining to the council your purpose for coming here?” Akel leaned back slightly. “I want to make sure everyone has the same information before we proceed.”

“Council members.” Lamech’s focus swept from the right side of the table to the left. “Once again I thank you for receiving us. I’m pleased to see that your hospitality has not waned since the last time I visited your lovely town.”

Akel scratched his cheek. “You’ve been here before?”

“Long before I was king of Havil, I passed through with my father. I believe we were here only for an evening. It was much smaller then, but delightful nonetheless.

“But let me speak about this trip. Our purpose is fivefold. First, I had a desire to try out our fine vessel made by your very own councilman, Ara.”

Lamech turned to the audience. “Second, I wished to visit my son.” He chuckled. “But my timing seems to be off for that.

“Third, I wanted to see more of the world. Meet new people, as well as visit old friends. With such a magnificent boat, I can discover the unknown wonders of the coast from Havil to Nod.”

He paused, steepling his fingers before his lips as if considering his next words. “Which leads me to my fourth reason for coming here — I started an initiative nearly four years ago — a House of Knowledge. It’s a massive building.” He scanned the walls and ceiling of the hall. “You could probably fit 50 of these rooms in it.”

Gasps and chuckles filled the air, while from somewhere behind him, Noah heard an accusation of exaggeration.

“You think I’m joking?” Lamech raised his voice over the general murmur. “It’s as large as my palace. Ashur, do you think 50 of these rooms could fit in my palace?”

Ashur laughed. “I wouldn’t be surprised if you could fit a hundred of these rooms in it.”

The king snorted. “You see, I am not jesting. Havil is a magnificent city, grander than anything you’ve ever seen. But I’m getting ahead of myself.” He looked up as if trying to recapture his previous thoughts. “This House of Knowledge — our goal is to fill it with the world’s combined wisdom and knowledge. I have sent scribes throughout Havilah and the surrounding lands to record what people have learned regarding medicine, agriculture, animals, religion, metallurgy, music, and technological advancements. Just think what we might be able to accomplish if we worked together and combined all our understanding.” He pointed to Ara. “Thanks to your ships, we can already travel farther and faster. Imagine being able to sell your wares to a distant land. What if we could find a cure for the sicknesses in our world? We might even witness men or women live for over a thousand years. The possibilities are endless.”

Akel raised an eyebrow when Lamech mentioned an extended lifespan. “Do you really believe that?”

Noah scratched above his ear. Several people have lived into their 900s. Why does a thousand years seem so strange to Akel?

Lamech shrugged. “I don’t know the limits of what’s possible. But I am willing to work hard to make this world a better place.” After an awkward silence, Lamech continued. “Our final reason for coming here is that we’d like to establish official trade relations between Havil and Iri Geshem. At this point, with so few ships, I doubt there would be much trade, but I’m looking toward the future when travel between our cities could take place regularly and perhaps be much quicker.”

Folding his arms over his chest, Lamech fell silent, though he continued to stand.

“Was there anything else you’d like to say before we deliberate?” Akel asked.

“No, but I’ll gladly clarify anything, if needed.”

“I’m sorry you missed your son. It is a pity, after you have come so far.” Akel put both hands on the desk in front of him, pausing as if to further convey his sympathy. “It seems to me that we really only need to discuss your last two reasons — our potential contributions to your House of Knowledge and the question about a trade agreement. I think it would be fair to let you know that before we sent our first group to Havil, we’d decided against establishing official trade relations with your city. We’d heard rumors about certain practices, and we would like to keep those influences out of Iri Geshem.” Akel glanced both ways down the table at his colleagues before fixing his sights on Lamech. “That was a few years ago, and today we have a better understanding of what your city and people are like. At this time, I’d like the other elders to share their concerns, now that you’re here to address them.”

Lamech’s stoic expression changed little during Akel’s discourse. When the elder finished speaking, Lamech bobbed his head once and then walked several paces toward the council. “Rumors you say? I find it strange that a wise and upstanding person like yourself would make a decision based on rumors.”

Glancing around, Noah saw several townspeople nodding their agreement as Lamech continued in an almost injured tone. “I confess I hadn’t dreamed you’d be so accusatory after everything I’ve done to show my goodwill toward you all.”

Ashur leaned forward and addressed Akel. “Well, since I’ve been to Havil twice now, perhaps I should speak. That way you’ll all know I’m speaking about truth and not rumors.”

Noah took a deep breath and squeezed Emzara’s hand. Please let this go well.

“Just a moment.” Akel held out a hand toward Ashur and then directed it at the king. “Would you have a seat and make yourself comfortable?” The words were more of a declaration than an invitation, and for the second time, Noah caught a glimpse of anger on Lamech’s face. It was slight — nothing more than a glint in the king’s eye — and it vanished in a heartbeat.

When Lamech had settled on his bench, Ashur addressed the crowd. “On our first voyage to Havil, we were concerned about the impact certain practices could have on Iri Geshem, particularly activities we had heard were prominent in Havil. It’s true that the Havilites, by and large, don’t follow the Creator, as most of us do, but I believe that the potential benefits of trading with them outweigh the risk.” He glanced at the king. “I’ve learned much from them during my two trips, and I hope they might learn from us as well, including, perhaps, the value of obedience to the Creator.”

Oban, the beardless elder whose name Noah forgot during his first visit to the council meeting four years ago, shifted in his seat to face Ashur. “I remind you that such an agreement would stand at odds with our previous decision, which was not based on pragmatic concerns about business opportunities but on a desire to remain true to the Creator.”

Zain set down his pen and pushed a small scroll to the side. “Like Ashur, I have also visited Havil twice.” He looked at Lamech. “And while I thank you for your hospitality toward us, I don’t believe it would be in our best interest to establish official relations. We certainly don’t wish to make enemies of anyone, particularly with those who have shown us kindness. Our desire is to live at peace with all of our brothers and sisters throughout the land. My concerns are primarily based on what we observed at the ceremony, which directly opposed our beliefs. Here, we worship the Most High, the Creator. But you openly encouraged your people to worship the Serpent, the Great Deceiver. I don’t believe such an action is something we can simply overlook.”

“I’m glad you mentioned that, Zain.” King Lamech brushed his robe, looking as comfortable as if he were ordering his next meal from a servant. “I’ve learned much in my time as king. When I started, I believed that I needed to use religious ideas to win the support of the people. That whole Serpent religion event was a mistake, a means to an end, if you will. I’ve since learned that the best way to lead my people is through setting a good example.”

“Are you saying that your people no longer worship the Serpent?” Zain asked.

The king shrugged. “There are probably some who still hold those beliefs, but it wasn’t too long after that ceremony that we stopped promoting them.”

Noah studied Garun’s face, but the guard sat perfectly still, his pose hiding any emotion.

“That would be a step in the right direction.” Zain leaned his elbows on the table.

Ara cleared his throat. “I have a question that pertains less to your ability to run your city and more about the way you run your family. As anyone here can testify, Tubal-Cain is a fine young man. Many of us had the opportunity to meet your daughter as well when she visited, and she seemed to get along well with folks. But I’ve heard many disturbing things about her since she’s returned to Havil.”

The king held up a hand. “If you’re referring to her role in the ceremony as priestess, I can assure you that this is another area where things have changed. You’re correct, Ara, my daughter should never have been involved in something like that.”

Ara took a deep breath and slowly let it out. “I was not referring to her role in the ceremony, but to her actions just prior to it.”

The king opened his mouth to speak and then tilted his head to one side. “What actions?”

“She used your guards to arrest Noah, and they even detained Zain for a time. When Noah was brought to her chambers, she attempted to seduce him, though she knew he was a married man. Why would your daughter act that way?”

“I have not heard of this until now.” The king slowly shook his head and looked at Zain. “You were really arrested by my guards? Did they mistreat you?”

Zain’s eyes narrowed slightly as he nodded. “After they stormed into the guest house, threw Emzara on the ground, and said they were going to execute Noah.”

“What?” Lamech turned toward Noah. “This is true?”

“It is.” Though he wasn’t thrilled about being brought into the conversation, Noah twisted halfway around so that both the council and audience could hear him. “I’d rather not discuss all the details in this setting, but it is true that Nivlac barged into our quarters, made false allegations, and threatened to execute me. After the soldiers dragged me to the courtyard, they acted like they were going to sacrifice me to the Great Deceiver. And that’s when Naamah stepped in. She stopped Nivlac, but I have reason to believe that was part of the setup to have me brought to her room.”

Lamech tilted his head back and closed his eyes as if coming to a realization. “I had no idea, but that explains much. When I found out that our dock had been damaged, I asked around and learned it was because she sent guards to detain you after the ceremony. She never gave me a straight answer about why she had done it, but now I understand.”

Lamech faced Noah. “If she really did all that you said, then I’m very sorry for her behavior. I’d have put a stop to it immediately, if you had let me know, but I will certainly deal with this upon my return.”

“I’m glad to hear it, sir.” Ara sat up straight. “However, the fact remains that her actions reflect negatively on your leadership. Since you’re the one who put her in a position of authority, which she abused, it calls into question the decisions you make as a leader. All the more reason for us to be reluctant to establish an arrangement with your city.”

“Holding one person responsible for the actions of another is a harsh standard, council members. However,” Lamech sighed, “I don’t believe in blaming others for what happens under my watch. What my daughter is accused of doing is clearly wrong, and as I said before, I’ll certainly deal with it upon my return. I’m afraid there is little else I can offer at the moment. If Noah had brought it to my attention at the time, we might have avoided this whole unpleasant conversation.”

Ara strummed his fingers on the desk, his scowl deepening. “Not to belabor the point, but your daughter said it would make sense for Noah to have two wives because you, her father, also have two wives. The Most High created marriage to be between one man and one woman. What makes you think it’s acceptable to violate the Creator’s standard for marriage?”

Lamech sighed. “I do have two wives, but I only took a second wife after her husband died. She needed someone to care for her. Before I was made king, there was considerable violence around Havil. I helped bring an end to that.” He rubbed his eye. “One of the many unfortunate consequences of such violence is that when married men are killed, many widows are left without a means of support. You may not agree with my decision, but I believe this was a way for me to care for a woman and her family.”

Ara stroked his beard and then leaned forward. “Intentions, no matter how good they may seem, do not justify disobedience to our Creator.” His face reddened slightly and his voice rose in volume.

“Oh, Baba, be careful,” Emzara said under her breath.

“Zain told me that you also eat the creatures of the sea.” Ara looked unflinchingly at the king. “Another direct violation of the Creator’s standards.”

Lamech held Ara’s gaze. “Who’s to say that those old stories about the first man and woman are even true? I’ve heard other myths about our origins that included no such prohibition. Are you really willing to negate what could become a very profitable trade agreement between us for the sake of your religious traditions? This would just be a business arrangement and has nothing to do with what the Creator may or may not have commanded us to eat.”

Ara hit the table with his fist, making more than one person in the hall jump. “These things are never just business!” He rubbed his eyes with the fingers of one hand, and said more quietly, “In any trade agreement, ideas are exchanged, and it’s precisely the types of ideas that you’ve admitted to that we don’t want in our city.”

Akel stood and held up both hands. “Please, everyone pause for a moment.” He glanced at Ara and then the king. “There’s no need to let our emotions, no matter how justified, get in the way of reaching a well-reasoned conclusion.”

“My sentiments exactly,” Lamech said.

Ara let out a deep breath. “Forgive me if I’ve allowed my feelings to color the council’s decision.”

Akel slowly shook his head. “There is nothing to forgive because there’s nothing wrong with being passionate about these matters.” Akel turned to address the crowd. “However, I question whether we’re right to require adherence to our rules from those who do not share our view of the Creator.” He shrugged. “Why should we expect someone to hold to our standards if they don’t believe in our God?”

During a prolonged silence, Noah’s insides twisted. We might not hold them to our rules, but I wonder if we should trade with them so that we can try to help them understand the Creator’s ways.

“Are there any more questions for the king?” Akel asked his colleagues. When no one spoke up, he continued. “The council has no further inquiries. However, I’ll now allow others to speak.”

Murmurs spread through the audience, but no one spoke up.

Akel rubbed his forehead. “If there are. . . .”

“I have a question.”

Noah and Emzara exchanged glances and turned to look toward the back of the room.

Aterre stood near the door, barely visible in the crowd standing behind the rows of benches. “I’m sorry it’s not directly on point. I was going to save it until later, but since he mentioned the violence from several years back, I decided I’d ask now.” Aterre stood on tiptoe so he could look at Lamech, but the king remained seated. “I’m from the land of Havilah, not very close to your city, but in the region.”

“Yes. I figured that out right away.” The king grinned but only turned his head enough to see Aterre from the corner of his eye. “It’s good to hear familiar speech. Well, almost. You sound like you’re from the western lands.”

“Indeed, my accent usually gives it away.” Aterre chuckled. “Anyway, my question has to do with my family. You see, about ten years ago, my village was raided in the night. My family was taken, and, from what I saw before fleeing, many people were killed. But I’ve never stopped wondering what happened to my mother and sisters. Do you know if there are slave traders in the region? And if so, would there be anyone you know who could help me find my family, if they are still alive?”

Lamech bowed his head. “I’m sorry to hear about this. What’s your name?”

“Aterre, sir.”

The king’s back rose as he inhaled deeply. “Aterre.” He said the name as if savoring the taste of a fine drink. “I know there’s been some slave trading, particularly in the west. We’ve been trying to put a stop to it. I will look into this matter for you.” He put a hand on the shoulder of the guard to his left. “Talk to Bachamel here and give him all the details you can. In fact, you’d be welcome to return with us to search for them.”

“Thank you, sir. Maybe I will be able to go soon.” His head popped up over the crowd again, and he smiled at Noah and Emzara. “But I have some important matters to take care of here first.”

Akel waited for a few moments before speaking. “Thank you, Aterre. I pray that your search will not be unfruitful.” He cleared his throat. “Regarding the matter of official relations with Havil, I suggest that we refrain from making a decision at this time until we can see for ourselves that the reforms Lamech mentioned are moving forward. Any objections from the council?”

The council members offered their agreement, although Ashur failed to hide his displeasure.

“Then it’s decided. King Lamech, I appreciate your willingness to endure our questioning.”

The king nodded. “I fully understand your decision. You show much wisdom in not rushing into these matters without all the necessary information. If you’d like to see Havil for yourself, you’re welcome anytime.”

“Thank you.” Akel sat up straight. “Now, regarding the other matter. I think there’s an easy solution. You say that you’ve sent scribes throughout your land to record information.”

“Yes.”

Akel put his palms together and pointed his hands at Lamech. “Then I assume that you’ve brought a scribe with you on this journey.”

“Yes, we did,” Lamech said. “Bedin is our most gifted scribe. I’m sure you could learn much from him, just as he could learn from your citizens.”

“For the sake of clarity, are you simply seeking to leave him in Iri Geshem for a certain amount of time to record what he learns from us?”

“That’s mostly correct. I’d like to leave one of my guards here as well.” Lamech looked at Garun, seated to his left at the end of the bench. “Garun would be perfect for the job. He was here before, and I believe many of your citizens already know and like him. And you won’t have to provide for them. They’ll cover their own expenses.”

“Please give us a few moments.” Akel stood and motioned for the other elders to gather around him.

Noah looked at Garun, still practically motionless, as if he were a statue. He leaned close to Emzara’s ear. “It’d be great to have Garun here again.”

She rested her head on his shoulder. “Do you think they’ll agree to it?”

“Not sure. Four of the five elders don’t like Havil, but this request doesn’t seem to be asking a whole lot. However, I’m not sure Lamech truly has the best intentions.”

“I was thinking the same thing.”

“May I have your attention.” Akel eased himself down in his chair. “The council has unanimously granted the request of the Havilites to leave Garun and a scribe in Iri Geshem until the scribe completes his work.”

Lamech stood and bowed slightly. “Thank you. It’s my sincere hope that you’ll soon see for yourselves the changes being made in Havil and that we might trade openly in the future.”

“We shall see.” Akel leaned over and spoke briefly to Oban.

Oban stood and raised his voice. “At our normal council meetings, we’d ask if anyone has any new business to bring up, but this was a special meeting to address the requests of the Havilites, so no further business will be discussed tonight. Evening peace to you all.”