Chapter Six: Safe

 ~/*\~ Nomi ~/*\~

It had been less than a month since Nomi had married Kainan, and the change in her status was immediate. Nobody had hassled her at the market, even once. She wasn't approached by anyone with any kind of ill intention. Nomi had gotten so used to it that she barely noticed anymore; and yet now that it was gone, she felt the difference immediately.

She no longer had strangers demanding water as she came back from the river. She no longer felt any need to take the long way home in case she was being followed. She no longer had people calling out to her, except to wish her well.

Zerah's prized horses had not returned from the Ark, and his son had taken over their breeding, after Zerah's death. Nomi was given a fine horse and Kainan taught her to ride. It was her wedding gift. The first 'offering' of many from a town eager to win favors.

People stepped aside for her, nodded deferentially. When she attended the Market, people would give way to her, giving her the first choice of goods. If she asked for something, it was being offered as soon as she could ask the question.

It had only taken a few days, but Nomi could feel herself walking taller, prouder. There was confidence in her stride now, rather than fear. She felt immortal.

The worry she had felt with Kainan had vanished so completely that she wondered why she had ever hesitated. She was safer on his arm than she would ever be in any Ark.

Her status among the women had changed too. When they went to the River, they always waited for her to join them. In fact, when she ran a little late one day, Nomi realized they weren't just waiting for her to come along, they were waiting for her to lead the way.

Because I've got a degree of power now. Nomi thought, almost intoxicated. If they have to explain their absence, they can always say they were with me. Nobody would argue or tell them off for spending time with the wife of Kainan.

Kainan, however, frowned when she returned home that evening. "You've been gone for hours." He said, and his tone had just a hint of warning.

"I was washing at the River." She protested, but let her tone shift into a playful invitation, as any newlywed wife would. "Don't you want me to be nice and clean for you?"

Kainan chuckled, mollified, and tugged her close. "Mm. Leave it to me."

She wasn't sure what that meant, until the next day, when her husband had left her a note to join him at sunset at the hills behind the Chieftain's House. She had never been this direction before. The Chief's family had claimed everything around the northern half of the rocky plains. Since the Chief's home and lodge for the town meetings were at the northern edge of the village, there was really nothing further out. The positioning had given the Chief's residence a full view of his entire 'territory', and left everything behind it as his private property.

Nomi followed the note her husband had left, and saw several women, as well as a few men, walking back towards the village. All of them were carrying large earthenware pots, all of which were blackened with soot and scorch marks. Nomi had heated water over her pot many times; but had no idea what so much water would need to be heated for.

As the attendants passed her, she followed back the way they came, and found a row of torches leading into the rocks. There was a large fire, burning down to the embers, but clearly it had been burning a while. Nomi could feel the embers sear away the chilly wind as she passed it, and suddenly saw her destination.

In the rocky ground, there was a large cut in the earth, and she could see evidence of mining and hollowed out rock, all with the same fine white marble patterns. In one such hole in the ground was a pool of steaming water, large enough for five people. Her husband was already seated in the water, waving her over with a hungry smile.

Nomi felt her fingers tingle with pleasure. She'd never had a hot bath before, but knew she wanted it now.

Kainan laughed at her expression, a deep rumbling sound. "Come join me, wife."

~/*\~

Nomi had seen her aunts and cousins attend to their husbands in the springs before. It had been something intimate, and private. An act of love and devotion that Nomi had never shared. After soaking in the hot water for a while with her husband, she knew she'd never be happy with the waterfall again. Scrubbing in the cold running water with the others, one of them always on the watch? It had been a fact of her life, and now seemed like a punishment for the unfortunate women who were less than her.

Kainan had provided scrubbing sands and sweet, perfumed oils, pressed from fragrant plants. She took full advantage of them all.

"I'm sorry if I was harsh with you yesterday." He murmured as she scrubbed at his hair. "You never have to go back to that. You will always have servants, bringing you water and heating it for you. You will always have attendants, bringing you firewood to keep the cold away. Say the word and you'll have maids tending to your bath, tending to your clothing. You can have this every day, now that you're mine."

Nomi relaxed into him, still feeling tiny beside him. "I would like that." She admitted. "I would like that very much."

"Have you eaten?" He rumbled. She shook her head, and he shouted for food to be brought.

Almost instantly, the servants came, each carrying a platter. They'd been waiting to be summoned. Does he have this every day, or is he making an effort to impress me?

She hadn't had so much meat in her diet before. Not ever. Meat was worth triple its weight in grain. But the Chieftain's family had plenty of hunters. The Hunting Lodge was the only other building that had so much wealth and plenty as her new home with the Chieftain's family.

To be honest, Nomi had spent enough time with the animals around the Ark that she wasn't entirely comfortable eating so much meat, but the casual wealth was almost as intoxicating as the hot water, and she wasn't about to refuse either.

The row of servants came directly to them, bringing trays of food for them to enjoy. Even under present circumstances, Nomi noticed that the women were dressed to accentuate their beauty. One or two of them gave her jealous glances. Mother was right. Nomi thought distantly. None of these women have given up their chances of winning his attention.

The men were professional about it, bringing in trays. Kainan nudged her as they lowered the platters around the edge of the pool. "Try a little of everything. Choose your favorites. They will be available to you next time."

"Or if there's something that's not here, let me know." The Platter Bearer added. "I selected tonight's choices personally. If you have a preference, I can have it waiting for you every night." He bowed respectfully to them both, and turned to leave.

Nomi had instinctively sunk deeper into the water. Kainan had noticed her reaction, and sent her a questioning look. She explained quickly, not wanting to dwell on it too long. "Until this very evening, having men approach you when you were washing meant… well, nothing good."

"You think he would try? I could put his eyes out if it made you more comfortable." Kainan commented without hesitation. "It would be easy."

He means it, too. She thought. "No." She said swiftly. "I'm sure he wouldn't dare do anything." Nomi watched the attendants walk away, and suddenly recognized one of the younger women. "That girl. She's Anah's younger sister."

Kainan had his eyes closed, luxuriating. "If you say so."

Nomi suddenly felt absolutely certain of something. "Anah was one of your attendants, wasn't she? She never mentioned that to me." And I was her best friend.

He stilled, and she suddenly felt the raw strength of his muscles, as if he'd changed in density to become a carved stone image of himself. "She was. Is that a problem?"

"No." Nomi said immediately. "No problem." Did the water just get a little colder, or is it me?

For a time, they enjoyed the hot water, scrubbing each other with perfumed sands. She'd never had perfumes before. Pressing the oils and sweet-smelling flowers correctly was an art, and thus expensive. Enough that Nomi had never had the privilege, until now.

"Planting season is over. The farmers have finished their work." Kainan rumbled. "The day after tomorrow, when the moon is full, there will be a festival to the Creator. Offerings to ensure a good harvest. It'll be your first as my wife. We'll be leading the city in offerings. You'll need to look the part."

Nomi nodded, dunking her head underwater to wash her long hair. "I look forward to it. Will you be there? I've heard rumors that you're taking a raiding party east."

"Rumors only. It was discussed, but we decided against it." Kainan rumbled a bit. "The idea was that the sons of Cain are likely holding similar festivals. If their men were… occupied, then it would be a good time to attack."

Nomi smothered a laugh. "I may not have been leading the festivals until now, but I've seen the survivors. You say 'occupied', when you mean 'falling down drunk'."

Kainan laughed. "My brothers have been speaking with my father about taking advantage. His argument is that if we're thinking that, then other communities must surely be feeling the same. So if we send our people, and they send theirs, then our home is defenseless." He pulled her a little closer. "And, of course, the fewer people present at our festival, the less likely it is that The Creator will reward our harvests."

"You really think He cares?" Nomi asked cynically.

"Be careful with that talk." He poked her side gently. "My father believes more strongly than most anyone you'll meet. And if I'm to replace him when he 'goes home', then I have to be there."

"Your brothers will be there." Nomi commented, mostly for something to say. She was still getting used to being someone's wife, and the family she'd married into was nothing but power and authority. Nomi was fighting to feel like she was anything more than a family pet.

"My brothers would be happy to take my place at the Festival." Kainan scoffed. "But we can't let that happen."

It would be a while before Nomi would understand what that meant.

~/*\~

The Platter Bearer was summoned back to the baths later that night. He passed Nomi on his way. She was wrapped in a warm pelt, making her way to bed. She was thinking about something, not concerned with him. The servant kept his eyes forward deliberately until she passed him, but he couldn't help taking a lingering look back at her.

Kainan was still in his bath, and waved the man over. "She's beautiful, isn't she?" He asked jovially. "My wife? Certainly beautiful enough to always know when someone's looking."

The younger man froze. "Sir, I would never-"

"Of course you wouldn't. Your whole family have been in my service since you were a boy." Kainan smiled. "I called you back here because I have scraps from our meal. Take them to the dogs?"

The young man relaxed. "Of course, sir." He came over to collect the scraps… and the instant he got into reach, Kainan caught his arm and yanked him down, holding his head underwater. His newest victim thrashed desperately, fighting for his life. Kainan only needed one hand to hold him under, the other reached for his cup of wine.

"I know your family will be outraged. Probably demand revenge. Nomi will be… unhappy to hear about this, delicate thing that she is." Kainan commented once he stopped kicking. "So I'll have to make sure your family joins you before anyone notices you're gone."

~/*\~

It was the first Harvest Festival that Nomi had a hand in preparing. She'd never been part of organizing a public event before, and it was intimidating. She found herself looking for Kainan to help her, or at least support her choices in front of the merchants. For farmers, this was the biggest day of the year; trying to ensure a good harvest for the next season. For the animal tenders, it was the most profitable. With the next harvest just planted, any grain stores had to be rationed. Animals were a precious resource for a number of reasons. For a feast, and a sacrifice to the Creator combined, their worth was greater than at any other point.

Nomi found herself noticing a young woman in the small crowd of attendants who looked somewhat familiar, though Nomi had never met her. That alone was a surprise. They all knew there were other communities, but they rarely sent people to each other. Their growing brushes of contact with the City of Enoch had been unusual. A new face even more so.

Nomi couldn't find her husband anywhere, but she was crowded with people. Her opinion was sought on when to bring goods, what dishes to prepare, what music would be played. The distillers were eager for customers, as the Festival was surely to be a party, and Nomi was directing them where to store and where to sell their wares before the festivities. Here and there, even the Godsons came over, seeking her direction. It was mostly a formality, since they would do as they pleased.

Nomi noticed the stranger again afterwards, and had a swift moment of understanding. Whoever the stranger was, she'd been careful to stay near Nomi, and away from the Godsons.

Much like I did, before I married one. Nomi reflected, and waved the young woman closer. "Everyone, your help in preparation is much appreciated." She said loudly, and everyone fell silent. "But it's time to eat, and I'm sure you're all hungry. Let's get back to work in an hour."

The small crowd of people surrounding her nodded and went their ways. Her husband's attendants stayed, unwilling to leave her side. Nomi was already getting used to it; though she noticed one or two of them kept glancing from her to the Chieftain's Hut, barely visible at the other side of the community. They want me to go back, or to stay away? Nomi wondered to herself.

It made no difference, as they weren't speaking to her. The young woman came over as the rest of Nomi's audience dissolved. Nomi spoke first, unrolling a small meal of honey cakes that she'd brought with her to snack on. She offered one to the girl, who ate hungrily once Nomi had started on her own. "You're new here, aren't you?"

"Yes ma'am." The woman was smaller than Nomi, about her age, and her clothes said she'd been traveling for a while; or at least that she didn't have a newer, cleaner change of clothing. "My name is Shari, daughter of Rach."

"Your name is familiar." Nomi said suddenly, looking closer. "Have we met before?"

"We were very young then." Shari admitted. "Our fathers were friends."

Nomi's head tilted. "Yes! I remember! We used to play while they spoke of… whatever things they concerned themselves with while their daughters played."

Shari nodded, smiling sadly.

Nomi read the smile, and winced. "Your father. He is… no longer with us."

"He was… noticed, by the Chieftain, in a poor way."

Nomi set her jaw. "Explain that, please?"

"I was very young at the time." Shari admitted quietly. "But from what I've learned from others in the family, my father believed the world was on a very dangerous course. And your father agreed. They feared that being expelled from Eden was the start of something, and that the end of it might be worse."

Nomi hesitated. "I've… heard others say the same."

"My mother says that our fathers consulted with Methuselah, regarding the future." Shari said softly. "What they said to each other, I cannot say, but I've heard that Enoch, father of Methuselah? He would-"

"I know. I've heard of the stories." Nomi said quietly. "You believe the judgment message of Enoch, son of Jared?"

"I have no idea, but there are days I wish someone would hurry up and wipe out evil."

Nomi scoffed. "Why aren't you with the Ark, then?"

"I hadn't even heard of them until…" Shari dropped her head. "You understand the problems it might cause for me, if I was seen too much with Noah. My chances of making a home here again are fragile enough."

"Believe me, I know." Nomi agreed.

"Anyway, when we were young, my father believed that the world could be saved." Shari explained. "He went to challenge the Chieftain. Not for leadership. He wanted to challenge the way we do things, and call for an end to the Way of Dominion. He called for the strong to take responsibility for the protection of the weak…"

"And the strong disagreed?" Nomi sighed, when a new thought hit her. "Did my father help yours?"

"I don't know." Shari admitted. "I have no knowledge of anyone helping him. At least, not in public."

Nomi rubbed her eyes. "And your family?"

"After father was killed, my mother and I were exiled." Shari said shortly. "The Chieftain picked a number, and told us if we came back before that many years had passed, he'd feed us to his dogs."

"Where did you go?"

"East, to the land of Nod. We found the city of Enoch; and there was work there. But…" She shivered. "But we didn't want to stay there forever. The line of Cain was the founding family, and…"

"No, I understand." Nomi agreed. "You came back?"

Shari almost scoffed. "Our exile ended two years ago. But getting away from them is not as easy as you think."

"This I know." Nomi nodded. "Our Hunting Party ran into some farmers from the Eastern Cities a few months ago. We sent a few men to learn about their metalworking. They haven't returned."

"My mother told me to find a way to make a life there, but I couldn't. I was… compelled to return. I don't know what I was looking for, but I haven't found it yet." Shari nodded. "When I came back, nobody even remembered who we were. Not even the Godsons. Not even the Chieftain."

"Not even me." Nomi whispered. This would easily have been me. If her father and mine were friends, what were the odds that father was killed for the same reasons as hers? She shook her head. No, that's foolish. If my father was in opposition to the Chief in any way, Kainan would never have given me a second look.

"Shari, I wonder if you could help me with a problem I have." Nomi heard herself say. "My mother is a widow, and for whatever reason, she never employed someone to help her, even once I married. As much as I relish my new home, I do worry about her, mostly by herself now."

"I heard your mother was always at the Chieftain's Lodge."

"A little more than is comfortable." Nomi admitted. "And I don't really blame her. My mother is far from old or infirm, but she must surely want company." This was a calculated half-truth. "I would be able to pay you generously, if you were able to assist her. At least, whenever my own duties prevent me from spending time with her."

Shari nodded. "Of course." She sounded relieved. "I'm grateful to you, Nomi."

Nomi nodded, pleased with that. If it kept her mother out of the way, so much the better.

~/*\~ Eleanor ~/*\~

"What did you tell Del?"

"The truth." Eleanor admitted. "He figures I'll be back by lunchtime."

Eleanor had never been to a Convention before. Martine had offered to pick her up, but Eleanor had said 'no' to that. She wasn't sure she was willing to stay the full day, and wanted her car available. It seemed a fairly intense schedule, given that she was used to her own personal studies lasting no more than an hour at a time. Nonetheless, the two women had agreed to meet and sit together. Martine had suggested they get there early to find seats.

Eleanor had agreed, having never done this before, and Martine met her at the elevators in the parking structure with a big smile. "So, your first Convention. This is exciting."

Eleanor couldn't help but be buoyed by her cheer, but that faded instantly when she saw the size of the crowd. Eleanor had attended a few concerts and basketball games in her life, and for the most part, fighting her way through the crowds was the hardest part.

The convention was being held at a sports arena, rather than an official 'hall', so the staff on hand were not Witnesses themselves, but Stadium workers in visibility vests. Eleanor caught a glimpse of the man who unlocked the gates. He opened the door for the crowd, then ran away from them at top speed, expecting to be crushed by the press of people rushing in. A laugh bubbled out of Martine when they saw him glance back in surprise at the lack of a stampede.

Eleanor had to admit, she felt the same way. "Everyone's in formal clothing, but even with the suits and ties, I kind of expected to see people rushing."

"We are rushing, that's why we got here early." Martine said lightly, gesturing for a young woman with kids to go in front of her.

~/*\~

The stadium was big enough for tens of thousands; and it looked like more than half the seats were picked already. And more people kept threading in. Eleanor looked around the stadium. Most people were talking, or meeting up with old friends. It looked like a class reunion the size of a small town. Everyone was smiling. Nobody was pushing or rushing each other. A program had been put into her hands the second she walked in the door.

She had no idea what to say.

Martine watched her gaze around for several moments. "One advantage to a convention over a meeting, you get to people-watch a bit easier."

Eleanor shook her head. "I had no idea." She admitted. "I thought you were a little study group. This is just the Witnesses in this city?"

"Most of them. Some of them are like you; interested people who were invited."

"I didn't expect there to be so many people here." Eleanor confessed. "When you talked about your meetings, I was expecting… well…"

"A couple of dozen old women with Bibles?" Martine quipped. "You mentioned that our website broke the world record for pages available in many languages. Did you think that we were a small outfit to need that? We hold conventions like this every year, in hundreds of countries, in hundreds of languages. Millions of people."

There was a comfortable silence as they watched the crowd for a while.

"Everyone's smiling." Eleanor murmured finally.

"Yeah." Martine agreed happily. "There wouldn't be much point in being right with God and living a good, honest life; if you hated every second of it."

Eleanor took that in, and suddenly realized it made sense, though she had never thought of it that way. 'They will sit, each one under his vine and under his fig tree, and no one will make them afraid, for the mouth of Jehovah of armies has spoken.' She thought to herself. 'For all the peoples will walk, each in the name of its god, but we will walk in the name of Jehovah our God forever and ever.'

It actually made her a little teary to think of the words. What would it be like? Eleanor asked herself. To have the world be a relaxed, safe place, and live forever in it? She looked out over the convention. These people have the mindset for it, but the real world keeps getting in their way...

~/*\~ Nomi ~/*\~

"And the Maker decreed: 'Cursed is the ground on your account. In pain you will eat its produce all the days of your life. It will grow thorns and thistles for you, and you must eat the vegetation of the field'!"

The Chieftain opened the festival with those words, as he did every season. In the middle of the farmlands, with all the farmers in attendance, and the rest of the townsfolk gathered along the fenceline, able to hear and see everything, without trodding the precious growing land themselves.

"There was a garden, where things grew. There was a tree, and it was full of fruits that were beautiful and good to eat." Nomi intoned, praying she was saying it right. "But the Creator gave over humanity to the rocks and thistles. So every season, we honor the garden, and the tree. It was the last meal our ancestors ate from the table of the Creator. The Tree was God's bounty of generous food. It was his knowledge of good and evil, given form. It was his judgment incarnate, deciding our lives. The Tree Of Life is Our Maker!"

There were murmurs of agreement from the townsfolk. Nomi felt her heart thud louder. She'd been to these festivals her whole life, but she'd never been part of them before. Every eye was on her. It was terrifying. She embraced it, letting her racing heart make her voice louder and more passionate. "This is our maker! Dust we are, and to dust we return." Nomi declared. "In death, we go to ground. The ground that gives us life, by our sweat and blood. So we celebrate life!"

"LIFE!" The town cheered, and Nomi knew they didn't much care about her performance. She was an obstacle to the wine.

The torches were lit, and the 'tree' was presented to the farmers. It was a small tree, woven from the previous season's harvest. The cornhusks, the orchard blossoms, the dried vines, all woven into an elaborate icon. It was a symbol of the original Tree, still in the middle of the Garden, far to the north.

The farmers were lining up at the 'tree' to make their offerings. Some offered livestock, some offered wild animals, captured for the festival. Some had no offerings and sliced their palms open to offer their own blood. By the end of it, the ground was stained, and so were all of them. The 'tree' was soaked in it, and would be the start of a bonfire once the offerings were done. In the middle of the offerings, calling them up one by one; Nomi was fairly well painted in the tributes herself, her fine white dress soaked red.

Everyone who paid tribute to the festival was given drinks, and the feasting began. Somewhere during the offerings, the music started, and there was dancing around the bonfire. For one night, the differences and grudges of the town were deliberately forgotten. Everyone needed to eat. The harvest tributes were universal. Nobody would dare bring their annoyances to this. Anything that might make the next harvest yield less just wasn't an option.

The drinking kept going, and the music got louder, and the dancing more frantic. Nomi saw some of the more ardent farmers taking more animals out into the farmlands, slaughtering them and spreading their blood offering around the farms. Some of the women were already drunk enough to draw images of the 'tree' offering in blood and ashes…

Nomi had never stayed this late, but the festival had become a party, and people were already pairing up, unconcerned with their audience. Others were eating so much they had to go off and vomit it up, and then came back to resume feasting and drinking.

Nomi stayed at the Chieftain's table with her family, feeling pleasantly buzzed by the wine. Her husband and his brothers were painted with tree icons, showing their strength and size as they feasted and cheered to the night sky. "I wish we could have caught a bear." Kainan enthused, a little drunk himself. "The mightier the animals we sacrifice, the more generous He'll be!" He toasted the Tree, still barely visible in the heart of the fire, even as the devotees danced around it.

(Author's Note: The Bible makes it clear that the use of animals in sacrifices to Jehovah was permissible, long before the Flood, as in the days of Cain and Abel. Genesis 4:26 says 'At that time people began calling on the name of Jehovah.' But Enoch's prophecy warned of judgment against 'all the shocking things that ungodly sinners spoke against him'. So it stands to reason that God did not approve of the forms of worship humans offered in those days. False worship, without false gods.

The first clear indication of outright false gods in the Bible is Egypt. The Tower of Babel can also be considered a form of idolatry; but both these things were post-Deluge. This 'ritual' that I've described is mostly my own invention. Consider it an origin for early Pagan Rites.)

Nomi refilled Kainan's mug and settled against him happily, feeling the stresses of the week fade away; and her husband pressed hungry kisses against her skin. The party was enough that she could almost pretend everyone was on the same side. And at these festivals, they were. It was humanity against the spirits, negotiating their deal for another season of life.

The music turned powerful, deeper. The beat was deep and resonant and coming thick and fast, meant to invoke the whole earth, and the heavens alike. Between the liquor and the energy of the crowd, Nomi could feel the beat in her bones, even over the shouting...

Someone was shouting. There was always shouting, and Nomi ignored it, until someone was shouting back. Feeling the wine, her head lolled a bit, looking over, and she saw Noah storming up to the festival.

Trouble. Nomi thought vacantly through the warmth of the drink.

Noah strode to the edge of the party, and scanned the whole thing. The drunkenness, the people pairing up, the animals that lay strewn about, the blood offerings… Noah took it all in and went to the musicians, striking their instruments with his staff until they went silent. The action gained him some attention from those who were dancing. Nomi nearly slid off her seat as Kainan rose and made his way elsewhere.

"As the prophet Enoch, father of Methuselah warned, judgment has come against wickedness!" Noah shouted over all of them. Half the festival was ignoring him, or at the very least, out of earshot. "I bear witness now to the truth of that warning! The whole society of man has abandoned the right course, and taken part in lies! The Animals themselves serve notice that the Ark is authentic! Animals cannot lie to themselves, or to you!" He shouted over them all. "The proof is there for any who bother to see it! Come to the Ark while you still can!"

(Author's Note: 2 Peter 2:5 calls Noah a 'preacher of righteousness'. But what that message was, the Bible does not specify. Almost certainly, Noah repeated God's warning that a flood was coming. But more than that, we can only suppose. On the topic of 'Preaching', the Insight Book says: "Noah's preaching righteousness prior to the Flood evidently included a call for repentance and a warning of coming destruction, as is evidenced by Jesus' reference to the people's 'failing to take note.'"

Also, the October 2016 Study Watchtower says: "Also, Noah no doubt explained to the people the only means of escape, repeating God's command: You must go into the ark."

Not one single person beyond Noah's immediate family is described as having listened to this warning; so only eight people were aboard the Ark when the Flood came. Nonetheless, the warning was given. For purposes of this story, I made sure that the message included an invitation to enter the Ark and be saved. Whether or not people obeyed was already a matter of Bible Record.)

Thunk!

A spear that was taller than Noah slammed into the ground at his feet. Noah didn't flinch, but everyone whooped and laughed at the response. Nomi followed the spear back, and was unsurprised to see Kainan had thrown it.

"Noah." Kainan rumbled, and the crowd quietened instantly to hear him speak. "You know what we see? We see a small man hiding out past the trees with his family. We see a whole town of people pouring their energy into a celebration of our Maker, and you are the head of the only family not to contribute or take part. Tell me again how that makes you holier than us?"

Noah pointed at the icon, already in flames. "Jehovah God is not a tree, not an animal. You've heard the stories, Kainan. Surely your father has told them to you. In all those days when Adam spoke to God in the Garden, did you ever hear of Him taking the form of anything that flew, anything that swam, anything that grew? The only one in the Stories of Eden that ever took a recognizable physical form was the Serpent!"

"Oh, don't act like you know better than all of us." The Chieftain finally spoke. His voice carried like it was making the ground shake; and everyone who had been ignoring the confrontation was suddenly giving the matter their full attention. Nomi shuddered with it, feeling the thrill of power go through her. For a moment, she forgot that the Chieftain was flesh and blood, and she remembered just what it meant to sire Godsons. "You act as though you've walked in the presence of God. You haven't."

The implication was unspoken, but so clear everyone could practically hear him say it: 'I have. That's why I'm in charge.' Noah was condemning their Chieftain too. In fact, Nomi realized for the first time just how many people, from how many backgrounds, Noah was in opposition to. Every part of her world was being challenged, dismissed, condemned. Every Godson was being shamed, all their fathers being named as traitors to the Maker.

When she thought about that, Nomi was suddenly very relieved that her mother had prevented others from finding out about her friendship with Shem.

"You've made your little speech." Kainan boomed out finally. "If you're right, then you've interrupted a night where everyone makes it their business to feel joyful. If you're wrong, then you've put the harvest at risk by condemning everything we do to please the Maker. Either way… begone." It wasn't a request. It was a threat.

Noah nodded. "I have spoken all that I can." He declared. "But if I am right, then this night only serves to condemn you further. All of you, make that choice for yourselves." He pointed dramatically at the sky. "The Ark nears completion. Soon, there won't be a choice left."

Noah turned to leave, and the Chieftain bellowed for the musicians to play again, and the festival got back into full swing as soon as everyone drank a little more.

Kainan went to his spear, still sticking out of the ground, and pulled it free. He was studying it intently. Nomi went to Kainan, gently taking the spear from his hand. "It's over." She assured him. "You won. He is gone."

Kainan said nothing for a moment, still studying his own spear, and Nomi felt a sudden chill. He didn't throw a warning shot. He meant to kill Noah, and he can't figure out how he missed.

"Declaring himself and his wife Adam and Eve." Kainan scorned. "Noah's spent more than half a century telling us that the world will begin again, with himself and his wife as the new father and mother of the whole human race. Every bloodline, gone. Every family, gone. Every building and field and tree, gone. He's saying he's the new Adam, and his Ark is the new Eden."

Nomi said nothing to that. It was true, and she'd never thought of it that way. "How long do you think they'll stay in there once they're finished?"

"In his Ark? Until the rest of us are gone, or until he starves to death." Kainan scoffed. "He talks about the presumption of the Godsons, taking as we like, and doing as we please. But the arrogance of that man is a joke."

"I don't mind him thinking his family is better than us." Nomi said quietly. "As far as I can see, almost everyone thinks their own kin is more important than other people's. That's just human nature. His madness is in thinking that water will fall out of the sky. And enough of it to drown the entire map, edge to edge. Maybe even what's far beyond it."

"I've been to the edge of the map, Nomi." Kainan laughed. "You know what I saw? More land. More sky. The world goes on and on forever. There isn't enough dew in the mornings for a determined cat to slip on, there isn't enough water in the rivers to reach the edge, if there is one."

(Author's Note: On the topic of 'Deluge', the Insight Book says: "The Genesis account of creation tells how on the second "day" Jehovah made an expanse about the earth, and this expanse formed a division between the waters below it, that is, the oceans, and the waters above it. (Ge 1:6-8) The waters suspended above the expanse evidently remained there from the second "day" of creation until the Flood."

2nd Peter 3: 5, 6 agrees, says "For they deliberately ignore this fact, that long ago there were heavens and an earth standing firmly out of water and in the midst of water by the word of God; and that by those means the world of that time suffered destruction when it was flooded with water."

2nd Peter states that this 'canopy' of water vapors was the source of the Floodwaters. This would undoubtedly have had an effect on the Pre-Flood Climate of the world.

The publication 'Aid To Bible Understanding' points out: "Not until after the Flood does the Bible first mention the lightning and thunder. Not until after the Flood was a rainbow visible. (Genesis 9:13) Not until after the Flood does the Bible speak of "cold and heat, and summer and winter." (Genesis 8:22)." But there will be more information on this later.)

Nomi settled a bit. "I know. It's madness. But when I talk to them, they don't seem to be insane at all."

"Then don't talk to them." Kainan said, as though this was simplicity itself. "If you don't agree, and they won't be persuaded, then the only option left is to put a stop to them, or to leave them alone. Since they prefer to be left alone, as we're all 'too evil to live', it seems like a pretty simple solution, does it not?"

"I guess so." Nomi sighed. "The Ark has been under construction for so many years, we don't even remember a time without it. And every day, Noah's had the same answer. Soon."

"'Soon' can't last for a century." Kainan said simply.

~/*\~ Eleanor ~/*\~

"My problem is, all this talk about the 'last days'. I can't help but think it's… superstition." She held up her hands before Martine could speak. "Hey, everyone has superstitions; and most of them are harmless. But you've been declaring the end was near since 1914. 'Soon' can't last for a century."

"You have been doing your research, haven't you?" Martine grinned, despite herself. "It's not just about when the 'end' comes. It's about seeing it coming. It's about being ready for it. It's about the whole world having the chance to do that, even when the world is changing every week."

Eleanor blinked. "I don't follow."

"Well, if the Last Days began in 1914, consider how we faced the times that followed." Martine started counting on her fingers. "1910's to 1930's. The War, The Great Depression, Spanish Flu. Human Government's can't keep up with the chaos. Millions have died from war and pestilence, and our biggest campaign yet begins: 'Millions Now Living Will Never Die!'" She raised another finger. "1940's and 50's, Fascism in Europe, the Cold War. The world realizes that the borders can shift instantly, and our message focuses on our own Identity. We take the name 'Jehovah's Witnesses' in the late 30's and preach about Neutrality and brotherhood while the rest of the world started looking for spies under the bed."

"You're saying you're adaptable." Eleanor guessed.

"I'm saying we're drawing a comparison between following God, and following the world. Something other Churches can't say, because for the most part, they follow the world too. The last twenty years, the Information Age turns all the lights on, and for the first time in human history, the world has realized that nobody has a clue what they're doing. The last half-decade is nothing but fear and rage, and disaster." Martine summed up. "Fear and rage are covered in the 'Critical Times' prophecy. Jesus foretold a time of natural disasters. Earthquakes, hurricanes… How many times have you heard the phrase 'once a century event' on the news lately?"

"At least twice a year since I graduated high school." Eleanor admitted. "But that's climate change, not God."

"Jesus never said where the hurricanes or diseases would come from. Just that they'd be worse than ever." Martine countered. "Climate change has forced the world to notice how fragile the System is. We all know it can't last unless everything changes. And the Witnesses have been telling people that for almost a century. When science and the Bible agree on something? You can be pretty confident about it. There's nothing 'superstitious' about what's in the nightly news."

"Science doesn't say anything about Jesus returning and setting up a Paradise." Eleanor scoffed. "Y'know, I remember reading somewhere that more people are alive on earth right now than all the previous generations combined. Saying more people have been killed by war or famine in the last hundred years doesn't have to be an act of God. It's a simple percentage of population growth."

"The two aren't mutually exclusive." Marine countered. "So there's a lot more people than there were. It's still the bloodiest period in human history."

"Granted, but my point was that there are ways to kill the world that don't involve God."

Martine stared at her. "You say that like it reassures you somehow."

Eleanor blinked. "I did, didn't it?" She bit her lip. "Why would I do that?"

"Maybe because if the end of the world is inevitable, you don't have to do anything about it." Martine offered. "I've studied with a few people who agreed that what they were learning made sense, and fit the facts perfectly… But they still didn't want to change anything about themselves in response."

~/*\~ Nomi ~/*\~

It took Nomi a while to learn and accept her new routine. The day-to-day life of a Chieftain was very different from everything she'd known before. Fortunately, most of the village had known what was required of them; just as she had when Kainan's mother had been around. Months passed, and Nomi grew into it, becoming comfortable with her new social circle. Even the Chief was a friend to her now.

The other Godsons regarded her as something of a pet, but none of them were cruel to her. Of all the women of the village, she was more immune than most. She noticed that all of them had a group of people, eager to win their favor. Men were sycophantic, women were trying to please. The Godsons were power, and everyone wanted to ingratiate themselves before someone else got squished.

Nomi noticed that Kainan had sent most of his female attendants away after the wedding, but none of them further than the Hunter's Lodge. Every now and then, Nomi found she was a little busier than normal as more people were quick to approach her with matters, ask for her aid on various issues. It took a few months before Nomi figured out why some days were far busier than others.

When she realized, she turned to go towards her childhood home. Her mother didn't live in the Chieftain's home like she did. But Nomi's new status had improved her mother's living arrangements too. The dwelling had been improved, with some fur rugs, and new utensils, made of fine copper. Nuria's clothing had improved, and her hair was adorned with some simple precious stones. Things they never would have had a year before.

Nuria smiled broadly when she saw her daughter walk in, and Nomi spotted the biggest change. Nuria was happier than Nomi had ever seen her. The constant low-key worry that she'd always carried was gone for the first time.

Nomi made conversation for almost an hour, before she finally began working her way around to what was really on her mind. "How is Shari working out?" Nomi asked politely.

"The help is welcome, and it was a surprise to find out her mother was still alive." Nuria agreed. "She's a harder worker than you ever were."

She doesn't work harder, you're just less willing to be cruel to someone who's not your daughter. Nomi felt the casual barbs hit her, but ignored it. She'd feel them later. "I was surprised when she asked to walk with me for a while. She wasn't looking for work, just… someone to watch over her as she made her way through the markets again. But almost immediately after I sent her to you, Zephan came by to see me. He wanted to know how I would feel about digging a new well, and offered to take me on a tour of the area where they would dig."

Nuria's face changed. She understood.

Nomi almost couldn't believe it. How did my mother see it in seconds, when it took me months? "It took me a while to notice it, but there are people who save whatever business they have with me, or with my husband, for this time of week." Nomi said aloud shortly. "Every week."

"Well, I suppose that's how it happens." Nuria offered. "They might think you're more agreeable if they all ask for favors at once."

"Mother, you don't believe that any more than I do." Nomi said shortly. "There seems to be a mild agreement to keep me busy for one or two evenings a week. Shari doesn't want to be anywhere near the Hunter's Lodge during that time. Why do I think the two matters are connected? Why do I think I know why?"

Nuria gave her that typical look of mild judgment, before her eyes softened. "It's not anything you did, Nomi."

Nomi squeezed her eyes shut for a moment. "We've not been married even half a year." She whispered. "Why? If he wasn't going to… Why did he even want to get married if he had others…"

"It's never about love, Nomi. It's about power." Nuria said without expression. "The Godsons can do as they please, and we let them, because we can't really stop them. They do as they please, because they can. We would do as we pleased too, if we could."

Nomi suddenly realized something she should have seen months before. "Anah was one of his other women." She spoke the thought aloud. "That's why she tried to talk me out of marrying him. She knew that he wouldn't stop, and she was still my friend. That's why Shari didn't want to work at the Lodge. Her father and mine were both leery of the Godsons, and she didn't want to work closely with them, or she might be noticed when… When my husband is 'looking around'."

Nuria just looked at her evenly. "Nomi." She said seriously. "I know this life wasn't your first choice. But people change their mind all the time. It's called 'learning'. If you had even a little ambition, you'd own the whole marketplace now. But you're naive as a newborn lamb, so I had to push you: You've got a kind heart, but the world isn't a kind place. You've got the beauty of Eve herself, but that's as much a danger as a blessing. Kainan wanted you. And there was only so long he would wait. He kept asking because it pleased him to win you over. If you kept saying no, it wouldn't have changed anything. You did the right thing. You are set for life now, if you could just shed that… that naivety."

"Anah was one of his women, and when she died, he didn't even blink." Nomi said slowly. "She meant nothing to him."

"None of them do. You're the one he married." Nuria said, and Nomi was stunned to realize she was trying to be kind. "He could have a dozen wives if he wanted. He's only taken one."

(Author's Note: Genesis 4:19 says that Cain's son Lamech took two wives. Polygamy was practiced in the Pre-Flood world, but there were fewer examples given specifically. This is true of most things in the Pre-Flood world; but for purposes of plot, Nomi is the first and only wife. Seeing as Nomi, Kainan, Nuria, the Chieftain; and this entire community is my own invention, I'm not about to say if it's normal, or unusual for a prominent Pre-Flood family to follow either Monogamy or Polygamy. Scripture says only that both options were practiced at the time.)

Nomi nodded slowly. "That was the deal, wasn't it?" She said quietly. "When you arranged the marriage to Kainan, you knew he wouldn't stop with the others."

"Do you really need him to?" She challenged her daughter. "You're married to the Chieftain's son. He'll be in charge of things, in time. He could have as many consorts as he wants. But you'll be at his side. None of the others will sit at the head of that table. Even if he has… company, when you're busy, that will not change. Your children will be heirs to rule the whole world, and the only thing you have to do is ignore something that would happen with most any other husband anyway."

That caught Nomi off guard. "Father did it too?"

Nuria set her jaw. "Actually, no. Or if he did, he was far better at hiding it."

Nomi sighed, despite herself. "The more I learn about my father, the less he seemed to belong in this world."

"Your father wanted things to be… better." Nuria admitted. "It made him kind, but it made him weak. Things weren't better, they were what they are. Nothing will change that."

"I think my father tried to change things. I think Shari's father tried to help him." Nomi said quietly. "I think that's why they were both killed."

Nuria scowled. "I wasn't sure if you remembered Shari. I suppose that's why you sent her to me?"

"I remembered knowing her as a child, but not much more. She told me her father challenged the 'Dominion' ideal." Nomi glanced at the door. "It didn't occur to me until much later, but if my father agreed with hers, then the Chieftain probably killed them both, or at least ordered it done." She gave her mother a sideways look. "Did you suspect this? You tend to think of these things before I do. If you'd suspected, I wonder if you'd still push me to marry into the Chieftain's family."

Nuria finally met her eyes, and just for a second, the hardness wasn't there. The cold calculation was gone, and there was only deep pain. "We can't save anyone, Nomi." She said softly. "We have to save ourselves."

Nomi froze, stricken. She'd never seen her mother… weak.

Nuria shook her head. "But no. Your father wanted the world to be nicer, as do we all. But he never spoke out against anyone. Your father-in-law did not do anything to your late father. He was taken from us in an accident. This much I am sure of."

~/*\~ Eleanor ~/*\~

The day had brought up some heavy topics for Eleanor, and had been a more intensive study session than anything she'd been through since college. It had lasted most of the day… and yet.

And yet, she felt invigorated. She felt happier for it. Coming out of the stadium and suddenly facing traffic was like getting hit in the face. Back to reality? She thought curiously, intrigued by her own reaction. Is dealing with traffic chaos, or attending an all-day Bible study now 'the real world'?

She wasn't sure how she felt about that, but she knew it meant something.

Eventually, she made it home. Del was waiting for her. She had told him she was planning to attend the convention, but he hadn't believed she would give up a whole weekend for it. He'd believed she'd be back by lunchtime. To be honest, she'd wondered the same. Conversations with Martine were one thing, but this was beyond anything she'd done before.

When she came in, Del saw the way she was dressed, and followed her into the bedroom. They didn't say anything as she unpacked her handbag. Notebook, keys, tablet… and the Convention program, sticking out of her tablet case.

She changed out of her formal clothes, waiting for the fight to start, but he said nothing. She put her things away while he picked up the program. He picked it up, looked it over, and handed it back to her. His face was unreadable.

Come on, what are you waiting for? She thought, dreading it, but hating the silence even more.

He kept his eyes on her even as she changed clothes. Once she was dressed more comfortably, she turned to face him. He still said nothing. "I should get started on dinner." She said quietly.

"I ordered Chinese." He returned. "Figured you wouldn't want to cook after being out all day."

"Thank you." The conversation was stiff, formal. It suddenly struck her that he felt bad about the blow-up they'd had the last time this topic was 'discussed'. Once she realized that, she came over and hugged him tightly. He wasted no time returning it.

"They talked about the convention on the news." He said into her hair. "Tens of thousands. Apparently it's a big boost to the local economy, having people fly in from all over the state."

She nodded. "It's not why I went."

"I know." He sighed, pulling back. "I hate fighting with you, Elle. And I went way, way too far last time."

"Yes, you did." She said emphatically. "Something I loved about you was how you were so tranquil at the state of the world. Disgusted by injustice, sure; but never enraged. If I'd known your 'berserk button' was a Bible study-"

"I know." He pulled her in tightly. "I have my own issues with religions, but I never should have lashed out at you like that."

"I'm your wife. I don't want to hide things like this from you." Eleanor said gently. "I have questions, I'm getting answers, and they're making sense to me. Can I do that and still have a husband to come home to?"

Del let out a breath. "I don't want this to be something we fight about either… But I don't want you going back to those people."

Eleanor sank her face into his shoulder. "You think God is a fairy tale. But you've never been angry about fairy tales." She looked up at him. "Why is this different?"

"Nobody ever went to war, or lost their money, over Cinderella." He said gently, as though breaking it to her. "Ellie, whenever someone starts talking about elves, or space aliens, or Jesus Christ, I know to stop listening. That's not 'intolerance', that's called 'having a basic understanding of reality'."

"I thought that way once." Eleanor admitted. "I don't anymore. Can I show you some of-"

"No, you can't." He caught her, and again, his tone was so gentle. "Because I have common sense, and I don't need to be convinced to listen to it. Look at what is happening to the world. Millions of people are being convinced of such unbelievably obvious untruths. Millions of people, becoming certain that vaccines are dangerous, or that the holocaust never happened, or that actually having proof of things doesn't matter, depending on who you vote for." He pulled back to look her in the eyes. "There's a war going on out there, between believing facts and believing fiction; and somehow, millions of people are able to ignore proof of the most basic things. And religion was the heart of that war, long before any of us were here."

Eleanor felt tears growing in her eyes. "You think that God is just another kind of anti-vaxxer?"

"I think 'God' was the original 'loophole' of reality. The names have all changed, but nothing else has." Del said seriously. "Please, don't let them do that to you." He hugged her so tight, like he was trying to keep her from drowning. "Please. I love you so much, Ellie. You're right at the edge now. I know she's your friend. I think several of them are by now. And that's fine, but you don't have to become one of them. The world's a crazy place, and I just don't want any more crazy coming into the house. Religion is a lightning rod for crazy."

"Yes, it is." Eleanor couldn't deny that.

"And this particular religion more than most. Can you really see yourself going door to door with a Bible in your hand?"

"I admit, it wouldn't be in character." Eleanor couldn't deny that either.

"The world scares me, love." Del said gently. "Every time I look at the news, I see something else to be scared of. I know it gets to you too."

"It does." She nodded into his chest. "That's why I kept studying with the Witnesses, Del. None of the crazy scares them. They're so… certain. I wanted that. Or at the very least I wanted to know where it came from. If there was some kind of sense to it. And I'll admit, I wasn't expecting much. But the more I learned, the more-"

Del broke the hug and went over to the coffee table, leading her over by the hand. He picked up one of the books she had studied with Martine and started to read from a page he'd marked. "'Soon Jehovah will decide to stop the preaching of the good news, and then the end will come'." He quoted. "'What is the end? It is Armageddon, when God will remove all wickedness. Jehovah will use Jesus and his powerful angels to destroy anyone who refuses to obey him and his son'."

"Del…"

"There's a homeless guy in Times Square at least once a week, wearing a cardboard sign, proclaiming the end of the world. At least one fringe group a year declares it's judgment day. The news has a comic story about them every time; and we used to laugh at them." He looked her in the eye, and held up the book, like it was the proof he needed. "You and me? We used to point and laugh at people who thought this way."

"We did." She whispered.

"And it's not just the doomsday bit. You're telling me that they've convinced you of all the rest? A talking snake in a garden? Dust transforming into people? A burning bush? Water into wine. Do a google search for 'Jehovah Witness' right now, see what you find."

"They aren't what you think." She wavered. Why am I getting emotional?

"When we got married, I made a vow that I would stand with you through anything. Good times and bad. That will never change. I will never leave you. Not even for this." He said sincerely, and despite herself, Eleanor felt something relax inside her. But Del wasn't finished. "But I also made a promise to myself that our home would be a safe place. Our home? It's the one place where I can keep the crazy out." Del said seriously. "But if you keep going with this… I can't do that. Because if you actually believe that the end of the world is coming-"

Eleanor started to cry. Big, heavy tears. No sobs, no choking up, just a huge wave of emotion. A mild answer turns away wrath. Eleanor thought ironically. She wanted to argue the point, but he was being so gentle and respectful about it that she just didn't have anything to argue with. "I have to tell her in person." Eleanor heard herself say finally. "If I'm not going to study with her anymore, I need to tell her in person."

Del nodded. "If she's really your friend, it won't be the end of your friendship. Otherwise, she's just using you."

Eleanor nodded. "I know. But I have to admit, it felt like I was… I don't know. Martine showed me this verse once that quoted Jesus. He said 'Happy are those conscious of their spiritual need'. I never realized that I had one until then."

"Everyone does. And I can appreciate that, sure." Del nodded. "But you don't need a church to feed your soul. People do that with music, with art... Didn't you used to volunteer to help the homeless?"

"Well, yeah. But to be fair, those are Church-run too. You don't have a problem with that?"

"It's a homeless shelter, not a religion." Del wasn't concerned. "And the shelters don't try to change you when you show up to help poor people. If all the world's Churches turned into a charity right now, I'd be fine with it. Mercy knows lots of people need help."

"As I recall, you didn't want me going back to the Shelters when we got serious about starting a family."

"That wasn't about the Shelter itself, that was my fear for your safety." Del waved that off. "But if you need this, I can…" He trailed off, and looked down at her eyes, hugging her close again. "I just want you safe. I love you more than everything else in the world put together, Elle."

She couldn't help the smile, burrowing into her husband like her life depended on it. "Love you too."

~/*\~

Martine looked at Eleanor like she had a broken heart. "You're very sure about this?" She said slowly. "Maybe if I spoke to him myself…"

"No, I think he's pretty certain." Eleanor assured her.

"What about you?" Martine pushed lightly.

"I am interested to learn more." Eleanor said honestly. "But that's not the point. It's far more important that I keep the peace at home. At least for the next nine months or so."

Martine was about to answer when she registered the magic number and her face changed.

Eleanor rested a hand on her still-flat stomach, tears forming as she nodded.

Martine didn't say another word, jumping up to hug her tightly.

~/*\~

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