The dark one moved toward Corey as more Nephilim came over the crest of the surrounding hills. The two giants who had been toppled by the rhinos had gotten back on their feet and trudged up on either side of Elizar.
Shem started running and Corey followed, but a row of giants blocked their path.
“It’s no use, son of Noah. If you really believe that your father is following directions from God, then you’ll listen to me. Carefully.”
More of the mighty Nephilim came forward and circled around Corey and Shem. There were no animals around to save them. Now they were completely at the mercy of the one called Elizar.
“I want a place on that thing you call an ark. I want my people to have a place, too. These wild things happening in the heavens are obvious signs from the gods.”
Corey looked at Shem, then at Elizar. Even the giants held his attention. There wasn’t any way out.
Shem looked at the one cloaked in black and, as he began to speak, pointed at the roiling sky. “The ark is there because my father believes in the one true God. You and everyone else laughed at him. Now that you see the end is near, you have a change of heart?”
Before Elizar could offer a reply, more movement came at the top of the hill. Now Corey saw a huge wave of people walk over it and come to stand behind Elizar. Ardad was part of the crowd. He came up and stood beside the dark one. His eyes locked onto Corey’s.
Elizar continued his speech. “I do not have to justify my words or actions to someone like you or your peasant family for that matter. You, however, have to do what I say or there will be a massive problem.”
Shem ignored the threat. “Come on, brother Corey.”
“TAKE HIM!”
One of the giants bent down and grabbed Corey.
“Shem, son of Noah, I will take the boy’s life if you disobey. Now walk ahead of us and tell that father of yours to let us board.”
Shem tossed the staff he’d been carrying up to Corey. Then he closed his eyes.
“Shem, go now or the boy won’t be alive to help anymore.”
Shem took off running across the valley toward the ark.
Corey hung suspended in the air and saw Elizar step closer. The world was about to flood, and Corey wouldn’t be on the ark.
At least he could see in the distance that Shem was almost to the boat. The last of the animals were walking up the huge wooden ramp.
Still hanging in the air, Corey tried to push away the reality that this was how he was going to die.
This was the end.