Chapter 33

Iri Geshem — Noah’s 599th year

Peering at her reflection in the oval-shaped gold panel, Naamah took inventory of her face. The horizontal lines on her forehead appeared deeper than yesterday. Creases also jagged their way from her eyes and worn lips. Tugging at her skin, she tried in vain to coax the sagging areas to tighten. A scowl made the creases even more pronounced. She sighed and brushed on a colored powder to cover some of the blotches, then pulled out a container of kohl and applied it heavily, accentuating the almond shape of her eyes. That’s a little better. Working her way down her face, she used the kohl to create twisted shapes and patterns that met up with some of the serpent markings across her bare shoulders. I can still flaunt you, my beautiful friends.

Carefully lining her lips with a deep burgundy color, she hoped it drew enough attention away from the lines. Nothing could be done for the pinkness in her eyes or the dullness in her gaze. She donned her massive crown that angled back nearly a cubit, appreciating it not only for the power it conveyed but also for its effect of drawing attention away from her aging frame.

The embellishments let people see enough to remember her beauty without letting them see the cruel effects of time. While she masked a couple centuries, she never fully escaped the constant fear of growing old and dying. She looked at her weathered hands and instantly thought of the seer’s leathery skin before he died. She sighed and shook her head. But he was 982 and I’m not even 600. Nachash, when will you teach me how to live forever?

After two thumps on the door, Nivlac’s voice sounded from outside her room. “I’m here, my queen.”

“Come in.”

He entered her room and stared at her. Dressed in his finest ornate wrap instead of his typical armor, he would serve as both guard and consort tonight. He lowered his head. “My queen, as always, you look exquisite.”

The people of Iri Geshem had embraced Naamah’s decision to move the empire’s capital to their city, and during this initial celebration, they needed to see their queen in a more personable light. They feared and respected her, but her advisors insisted the citizens’ loyalty would significantly increase if they witnessed her enjoying a gala.

“Is everything ready?”

“Almost. The banquet hall is filling up. The last of the governors just arrived and will be seated soon.” He took several steps toward her until she felt his warm breath on her face. “You’ll enchant them with your beauty tonight, just as you always do.”

She kept silent and turned away from him.

“Is something troubling you?”

“I don’t know where to start.”

“Is it about this evening?”

“No.” She shook her head and faced him.

“Enemies?” He grabbed her hand and bowed slightly. “Tell me and I’ll take great pleasure in administering their torture.”

The corner of her lips moved upward in a half-smile before turning serious again. “It’s me.”

“Tell me what you want of me. You know I’ll do anything for you.”

Naamah pushed him back into a low cushioned bench until he sat.

She paced before him. “I’ve never spoken these words aloud.”

Nivlac rubbed his chin and waited.

“I’m still haunted by seeing my mentor’s death.”

“But he was so old. Why would that trouble you?”

She lifted her arms. “He gained strength for a while after my intercession, but then later that night, he was gone. Why didn’t Nachash spare his life like I asked him to?”

“Maybe he had nothing else to teach you. Maybe Nachash didn’t want to save him. What if you were depending too much on the old man instead of our god?”

“It shouldn’t matter. I’ve been a faithful servant all these years — he should’ve honored such a simple request. But it wasn’t so much that he died; it was how he died.” She shuddered, recalling the terrifying moments as if they occurred yesterday. “With his last breaths, he screamed about flames. Why would a man so devoted to Nachash be in such anguish?” Leaning in close to Nivlac, she kept her voice just above a whisper. “What if—” She looked around, even though no one else was in the room. “What if Nachash lied, and I’ve been deceived all these years?” She slumped to the floor.

“Those are disturbing thoughts, my queen.” He gently stroked her shoulder.

“And?”

“I can only judge what I see before me. The seer was ready to go and that was no one’s fault. If he was in pain, likely it was because of his illness, not Nachash’s inability to heal or some malevolent behavior. You’re assuming information you just don’t know and torturing yourself with it.”

She glared up at him. “You weren’t there. You didn’t see and hear his horror.”

“I’ve killed thousands of people. Most of them are terrified.”

“I know, but it wasn’t like that.” She shook her head. “His fear was far beyond anything I’ve seen before. I don’t want to die like that.” She looked down and rubbed her forehead. “I don’t want to die at all.”

“Why worry about that now? You’re healthy and have centuries to live.”

“It terrifies me every moment of the day and into the night. Nachash promised to give knowledge and understanding to make his people wise and powerful. You know the Sepha tree that is marked on your back? It isn’t just a symbol. It’s based on an actual tree that Nachash made. Those who eat of its fruit will live forever as gods. I must find that tree.” She shook with determination.

Nivlac pushed himself into a more upright position. “And the House of Knowledge doesn’t have anything about it?”

“Nothing. My scribes have covered most of the known world — and they have yet to come up with any news.”

“Let me help you. We have no more threats to the empire. I’ll pour all my energy into helping you achieve this goal.”

“Fine, but you must still serve as my chief protector.”

“There’s nothing I’d rather do.”

“Oh, you wouldn’t rather spend this evening with some of the younger, more beautiful women that will be here?”

Nivlac looked into her eyes. “My queen, no one in the world is more beautiful than you.”

She forced back a smile. “You’ve always been faithful to me.”

He stood and pulled her up, too. “Let your worries rest for tonight. Celebrate your accomplishments as queen of the world. Celebrate this new magnificent palace that was built to honor all that you’ve done both as ruler and priestess.”

Naamah shrugged and rechecked her appearance. A night of revelry would take her mind off her problems and delight her people. She took his arm and they marched out of the room. As they descended the wide, winding staircase, Nivlac guided her into the large throne room and to her chair on the raised dais.

A herald raced over and bowed before her. He stood and turned to face the audience. “People of Iri Geshem, of Havil, and of the world, I present to you the beautiful, the brilliant, the proud, the pious, the mistress of Nachash . . . Naamah of Havil, Queen of the World.”

As cheers erupted, Naamah inhaled deeply and raised her hands. Nivlac stood beside her, beckoning the people to exult her. The volume of praise increased as the frenzied crowd lauded their leader.

“Let us dedicate this night to Nachash!” She bowed her head and waited for the crowd to follow her lead. “O mighty Nachash, thank you for the gifts you have bestowed upon us. Help the people enjoy your festival.” And guide me to the tree of immortality, and you’ll receive praise like this from the whole world forever.

Lifting her head, she flashed a smile, and those in attendance broke into renewed cheers. With a flick of her wrist, her bangles clinked against each other, and the musicians, led by Jubal, played a tune to signal the start of the festivities.

Naamah made her way around the room, greeting each person as if they were her oldest friend. She sipped intoxicating beverages from golden goblets, savored the heavy smell of incense, and enjoyed the pulsating music. But none of that compared to the many praises she received about her beauty and accomplishments.

Eventually, longing for a slight reprieve from the gaiety, she sashayed to the tall colonnades, each crowned by half a dozen rows of scalloped carvings ornamenting the tops like a fine lace.

She rested her hands against the column behind her. The sea breeze dusted her cheeks with a light mist, and she held her face out appreciatively. She grinned as she thought about the two homes that had previously occupied this spot. Noah may have escaped her grasp in the arena, but she would wipe his name from the people’s memory as easily as she wiped his home from the land. After demolishing the buildings, she deliberately set the palace’s cornerstone on the three nearby graves.

Looking to the east, she spied the bustling shipyard and harbor that boasted her finest ships. An image of its previous owner appeared in her mind, and she glared into the distance. He was so sure that he’d survive the arena. How could he know? She shook her head and took comfort in the answer she had given herself many times. He’s delusional and was just very lucky. Her thoughts suddenly turned to the night she became queen. My father was so sure that he’d live beyond a thousand years, but he was wrong. She narrowed her eyes and pursed her lips. He was wrong about so much. Such a fool. So arrogant. To think that he cursed the person who dared to kill him that he’d be avenged seventy-seven-fold. As if he had such power. A short laugh escaped her lungs. “Empty words, nothing more.”

Uninvited, an image of the seer’s final moments pushed into her thoughts, causing a chill to run down her spine. Will I face death in fear like him or with confidence like Noah? She shook her head. I won’t face it at all after we find that tree. Being alone made it easy for her thoughts to attack her, so she reentered the great hall to enjoy the merriment. She returned to her throne and sat down, stroking the armrests and watching the barely clad dancers before her.

In a brief break between songs, Tsek approached her. “Pardon the interruption, my queen.”

“What is it?”

“I bring important news and a gift.” With a hand signal, he ordered a pair of guards to lead two bound prisoners toward them. The captives’ heads were covered with black cloth.

Naamah glanced about the giant hall. Most of the people continued in their revelry, although a handful stared at the prisoners. She tipped her head toward Tsek. “Speak.”

“The rumors about your half-brother Jabal and his mother, Adah, were true. We found them living among a group of people in the western frontier.”

Naamah sat up and looked closely at the prisoners. “And you’ve brought them here?”

“We followed your orders.” Tsek pointed toward the musicians. “Jubal is all that remains of your immediate family.”

A smile tugged at her lips. “Did they suffer?”

He shrugged. “Based on their screams, my guess is that they didn’t enjoy being burned alive in their tents.”

“Excellent.” She pointed toward the captives. “And my gift?”

“Before we torched the village, one of my men overhead these two discussing something you need to hear.”

She raised an eyebrow. “Now I’m curious.”

Prodded by the guards, the prisoners shuffled forward and knelt in front of her.

Tsek lifted the veil from the female first.

The woman’s disheveled black hair hung over her dark face. She breathed in shallow gasps as she glanced around with her wide eyes peering through her hair.

Naamah leaned back, enjoying the opportunity to watch the frightened woman. She turned her attention to the other prisoner, a broad-shouldered man with strong arms.

Tsek gripped the veil on the man’s head and yanked it off.

The abductee slowly lifted his head and looked directly at the queen.

Naamah’s hand flew to her mouth to cover her gasp. Could it be? Tu come back to life? She blinked rapidly, trying to understand the sight before her.

Tsek lifted his sword toward the captives. “State your name and lineage before Queen Naamah.”

The woman lowered her gaze to the floor. “I’m Evet, daughter of Bekel, son of Toman.”

The man dropped his eyes momentarily but then studied Naamah and spoke calmly. “And I’m Purlek, son of Tubal-Cain, son of Lamech.”

Naamah leaned forward. “You’re my brother’s son?” She kept her tone calm, but her hands gripped the chair tightly. “You bear a strong resemblance to him.”

“Thank you.”

“And is Evet your wife?” Naamah asked.

He hesitated before nodding. “She is.”

“Oh, what a delightful surprise! Commander Tsek, unbind them. After all, this man is my nephew.” She smiled at the couple before beckoning a servant with a snap of her fingers. “Fetch them some food and drink. They’ve come a long way. And bring them some cushions. When you return, I want you to clean them up a little so they can be in my presence.”

Before long, Purlek and Evet sat on the pillows. As they nibbled on the choice food, Naamah opened with small talk, telling them about the new palace and the extent of her empire. She asked Purlek about his career and was pleasantly surprised to learn that he was also a blacksmith. Thinking about Tubal-Cain sparked a tinge of nostalgia within her, but as the conversation extended, she decided to get to the true reason her nephew’s life had been spared.

Naamah handed her drink to a servant and stared at Purlek. “So Commander Tsek said that you spoke of something I need to hear.”

Purlek chewed a few times and swallowed before shrugging. “I’m not sure what he means.”

“My dear nephew, do not hide things from me. Not that I’d do this since we’re family, but you know that with a snap of my fingers, I could have your wife killed, right? Slowly, painfully, and I could make you watch all of it.” She chuckled but included enough of an edge to make it sound sinister.

He put a hand on Evet and narrowed his gaze at Naamah. “I’m sure you could, but I really don’t know what the commander is talking about.”

“Commander, perhaps you can remind him what your men overheard.”

Tsek nodded and nudged Purlek with his sword. “Before you were detained, you told your wife not to speak about a certain place.”

“What place would that be, Nephew?”

Purlek bit his lip and glanced at Evet, who shook her head in return. “I don’t remember.”

“Very well.” Naamah yawned and feigned disinterest. “Tsek, bite off one of her fingers, and then take her to Cele-Nach the priest. She can live out her remaining days serving Nachash as a temple prostitute.”

“No!” Purlek jumped up and positioned himself between Tsek and Evet. “I’ll tell you.”

“Then let’s hear it,” Naamah said. “And your wife can keep her finger and remain by your side.”

Purlek breathed deeply a couple of times with his head down. “I told her to make sure she doesn’t mention anything about the garden.”

Naamah rose to her feet and lifted Purlek’s chin. “And what garden would that be?”

“I don’t know its name.”

“Well, where is it?”

He pulled away from her and faced Evet. “It’s in the land of Eden.”

Naamah stared at Nivlac, stroking her chin. “Eden? The haunted land?”

“Yes.”

“And what’s so important about this garden that you didn’t want my soldiers to know?”

“I’m not sure. I—” Purlek rubbed the back of his neck. “I’ve never even gone to it.”

“And yet you know where it is. How?”

“We lived very close to it for a while.”

She returned to her throne. “But you never went there. Why?”

Purlek held her gaze. “Because it’s forbidden and guarded by . . . by—” He shrugged. “By creatures or beings that aren’t human.”

She cast a sideways glance at him. “And how would you know that if you never went there?”

“Because someone from our group did go there, and he warned us about it.”

Naamah drummed her fingers on the throne’s armrest. “Commander, were you in Eden when you found him?”

“No, my queen. We did not enter that land.”

She pounded her fist on the armrest. “You told me that you lived in Eden. No more lies, or else.”

Purlek shook his head. “We did. That wasn’t a lie. We lived there for a while, and about a decade ago, we moved to the plains where your men captured us.”

She narrowed her gaze at him. “And how far is Eden from where my men found you?”

“A few weeks journey to the west.” He dropped to his knees. “Please, I answered your questions. Please let us go.”

Naamah smiled at him. “Of course. Just a couple more. What were you doing in Eden?”

“Working.”

“Working? As a blacksmith? Who would need a blacksmith in that land? Does anyone even live there?”

“It was just a small group of people — not even a tiny village. We went there to help the leader build a boat. But we grew tired of the work and moved away.”

Naamah sat upright and her eyes drifted in the direction of the shipyard. “Last question. When exactly did you move there?”

Purlek scrunched his brow for a moment before his eyes shot open. “It was the year we were married — 99 years ago.”

Naamah leaned close to Nivlac and spoke softly. “Is that when we took control of this city?”

Her guard looked toward the ceiling as he seemed to be running the calculations in his head. “Yes, my queen.”

A smile spread wide on Naamah’s face. “Commander Tsek. Take these two to a guest room. Give them the best accommodations available, but post some guards to monitor them at all times. Then call every available soldier in the region to be ready to march by the end of the week.”

Tsek nodded. “Yes, my queen.” He ordered Purlek and Evet to stand and directed them toward the exit.

Naamah’s heartbeat quickened as she stood and took Nivlac’s arm, flashing him a seductive grin. “Would you escort me to my room?”

Nivlac’s face lit up. “Of course, my beautiful queen.” As they walked away from the throne, Nivlac asked, “Why are you gathering the army?”

“As soon as they are ready, we are marching on that garden, and I will eat from the tree of immortality.”

Nivlac’s smile faded and he scratched his head. “But what was all that about a man building a boat and the time when we took over Iri Geshem?”

Naamah rolled her eyes. “Sometimes you’re so foolish. After I eat from the tree, I’ll finally kill that shipbuilder.”

“Shipbuilder.” He spoke the word quietly to himself as he tried to put the pieces together. Suddenly, he stopped and his eyes danced as he beheld her. “Noah.”

“Noah couldn’t even enter the garden.” She lifted her chin. “But I will.”