Fire and Flood Read online

  “I didn’t know people disappeared.” I didn’t know why I kept lying to him, but I wanted information.

  “Yeah, well, they did. Suddenly a big part of the population and economy was gone. People like my dad became Christians and expected some day of reckoning to happen. Many of those folks left the cities and went out to unpopulated areas like your parents did, waiting for the end of the world to come.”

  I thought about Dominic.

  “After the riots came the War.”

  I tried to piece together a timeline in my head.

  “After the Christians disappeared and the riots were raging across the United States, war broke out. Canada and South American countries attacked.”

  “But why would they attack when the world was already in chaos?” I asked.

  “The real reason? Because we once were a wealthy, nationalistic country that refused to join the globalist movement, and we had military technology they wanted to control. Violence and chaos reigned for almost five years. Money was worthless. Food was scarce. Family turned on family.”

  Tomas drew a breath before continuing with his mini-history lesson. I think he realized it was a lot for anyone to absorb. He continued explaining, “Finally, in an effort to establish peace and stability, the United States, Canada, Mexico, and Greenland—what was formerly known as simply “North America” joined together as the “United North America” and joined the Global Union as one of the ten regions. We lost our freedoms, and I my father, but at least we have security.”

  “What happened to your father?”

  “He was beheaded,” said Tomas quietly. “The Global Union brought peace and stability to the world, which is what people were looking for after the Vanishing. They outlawed Old Christianity. Those who wouldn’t denounce their faith were killed.”

  “How old were you?”

  “Twelve. In order to live in the city, I had to swear allegiance to the Global Union, or they would have killed me, too.” Tomas looked away from me, his eyes searching the floor as he spoke. My heart warmed a little as I realized he, too, was probably feeling vulnerable.

  “What’s “old” Christianity?” I asked, hoping to distract him from obviously painful memories.

  “The kind that is exclusive and judgmental. The kind that believes there’s only one way. Just as the countries and governments came together under the Global Union, His Excellency was able to persuade the Global Union to supervise uniting all the major world religions.”

  “Who’s His Excellency?” I asked.

  Tomas shook his head in amazement. “You really don’t know much, do you? When the disappearances happened, there were a lot of people left behind in various Christian churches. They had different groups and denominations. There was one denomination that was larger than the rest, and its leader spent a lot of time working to unify all the world religions into one.”

  “And that’s His Excellency?’”

  “Yes, his name is Angelo Cain. He’s worked hard to build unity among the different religious sects, bringing them together. He was able to bridge the gulf between the different religions by showing us that we all have some light. The Vanishing was a warning to the world to unite together. The Global Union made him the religious leader, His Excellency.”

  I tried to work out what Tomas was saying. It seemed to me like the world was a larger version of the Compound. At least I knew the rules back there.

  “So, we are in United North America?”

  “Yes, the cities and towns are closed off and controlled by the Global Union. For the most part, fringe groups, like the religious compound you escaped from, are left to themselves unless they cause trouble.”

  “Okay, so we are in United North America, which is a part of the Global Union. Who is in charge, Angelo Cain?” I tried to sort out what he was telling me.

  Tomas laughed, running his hand through his hair. “No, no. Angelo Cain is the religious leader. President Emanuel Bellomo is the leader of the Global Union; Angelo Cain works with him. When the Global Union formed, the leaders of the ten regions, called regents, vied to take control. There was a power struggle, and it seemed the pockets of localized violence would erupt into another world war—especially in the Middle East. One man did something no one else ever did in the middle of that chaos.”

  “What did he do?”

  “He got Israel to sign a peace treaty with the Palestinians. There’s been violence between them for . . . like forever, and he was able to get them both to sign a ceasefire agreement for seven years—to give real peace a chance.”

  “So by doing something that seemed impossible, he got to become the world leader?” I guessed.

  “It was more complicated than that, but I guess you could say that was the thing that got him such worldwide approval. He’s done wonders for the entire globe—an incredible man.”

  Tomas picked up his glass and took it to the sink. “Listen, it’s late. I need time to think about what to do with you.” He looked down at me, his eyes troubled. “I’m going to take a walk and think.”

  Fear made my stomach roil. I’m sure he could see it on my face.

  “Don’t worry, I’m not going to turn you in. I just have to figure out how to help you.” He nodded at me, trying to be reassuring. “I’ll be back in a little while.”

  He walked to the door, opened it, and left.

  I stayed in the chair by the table for a bit after Tomas left and stared at the door. There was so much I didn’t know. The United North America was one of ten regions controlled by the Global Union led by President Emmanuel Bellomo and his religious counterpart, Angelo Cain. I recited it all in my head, trying to memorize it.

  I saw a tablet on the dresser and grabbed it. Dominic had one of these in his house. I’d seen it in his study one of the times I’d been sent over to clean.

  There was a button at the bottom. I pressed it and was surprised when it lit up with a picture. A smiling woman and man held a baby between them, Tomas surely. I touched an icon and a video began playing. An attractive, nicely dressed woman was talking.

  There were reports of earthquakes and flooding in areas of the world I’d never heard of, along with stories about famine and battles. The screen shifted and images of starving people flitted across the small screen. I stared in horror. Was this real? Or a movie, like the ones we’d watched at the Compound?

  Then the screen shifted to an ancient-looking city; the words on the bottom of the screen said “Jerusalem.” The woman’s voice spoke about two men who were terrorizing the whole country.

  “As you know, it has not rained in the entire region for almost eight months, all because of these two men—the Witnesses—and their curse on the land.” The picture showed two men next to an ancient wall, speaking to a crowd. “For three and a half years they’ve been able to torment us, disturbing our peace. You’ve seen what happens to anyone who tries to approach them.” The screen changed back to the woman. “The Witnesses, as they call themselves, have supernatural powers. They aren’t just a menace to Israel. You know they have caused disasters and famine all over the Global Union. Each of the ten regions has also been tormented by these men. The Israeli Defense Force has attempted to arrest the two Witnesses . . .”

  I heard Tomas at the door and turned off the device. Tomas entered and closed the door softly, locking it. “It’s almost curfew, so we have to stay in here for the night.” Walking over, he took a seat again at the table and ran a hand through his dark hair. “I know someone who can help us, though.”

  “Us?”

  “I’m leaving too. I was planning on leaving anyway. I have a friend who can get us out of town safely.”

  I felt nauseous. Something seemed off with Tomas, but I didn’t know him well enough to be sure.

  “Where would we go?” I asked.

  “My friend can get us to Spokane. This is my chance. I talked it over with Frank. He has a good plan. I have to do what’s best for me.”

  Something was odd. I
t seemed like Tomas wasn’t talking to me anymore, but himself.

  “What will we do once we get there?” I asked.

  “Frank has a place there where we can stay. He’s got it all figured out. There’s no need to worry. There’s work in Spokane for both of us.” Tomas managed a half-smile. “I know you’ve gone through a lot, Dani. This is the best I could come up with. I’ll make us a cup of tea.”

  FLOOD

  Chapter 6

  A spirit glided past my face, and the hair on my body stood on end.

  Job 4:15

  My first night in Japheth’s home I slept for fifteen hours. I woke very early in the morning while it was still dark outside. Everything was strange and so different from my home. As I lay in bed, I kept thinking about my parents. The pain in my chest was so intense, I could hardly breathe. I rolled into a ball and sobbed until I fell back asleep.

  Later in the morning, I awakened to sunlight streaming through the window. I wandered into the kitchen and found Laelah washing dishes. She handed me a cup of tea already prepared. I took the tea from her hands and smiled gratefully. I was touched by her kindness.

  “Where is everyone?” I asked as Laelah turned back to her dishes.

  Laelah told me Japheth and his brothers went out early in the morning to build the wedding chamber, a tradition of the Old Ways. I had never heard of the tradition and had to ask Laelah to explain.

  “The groom and his friends and family will find a suitable, private place, and build a bridal bower. Tree boughs and flowering vines are woven together to make a lovely shelter for the wedding night.”

  Setting down my tea, I took a plate from her and dried it. “I’m very grateful, but . . . ” Unexpectedly, tears began to pour down my face again.

  Laelah pulled her hands out of the water, gently took the towel from my hands, and dried them. “I’m sure this is hard for you, Ariana. The other wives knew Ham and Shem from childhood. Taina and Nua were familiar with my sons and with us. Everyone, everything is new here for you, and you’re far from your home.”

  I wondered something. “Laelah, is it possible to talk to the Creator?”

  “Well, yes! I speak to Him all the time. Men have called to Him since the days of old. Fewer speak to Him now.”

  “But does He talk back to you?”

  “Yes, in different ways—sometimes through a thought or in a circumstance. Often Noah speaks with the Creator; he and his great-father, Methuselah, both hear from the Creator directly.”

  “Would it be right if I spoke to Him?” I asked.

  “Of course! Would you like me to help you?”

  “No, thank you, I just wondered if it was okay to do. Is there somewhere I should go to speak to Him?”

  Laelah smiled up at me and patted my shoulder. “You can speak to Him anywhere, anytime. It doesn’t even have to be out loud. He can hear your thoughts. The Creator is a kind Father, who longs to hear from His children.”

  I had learned a lot from my mother but not enough. My father disliked her teaching me about the Old Ways, so there were gaps in my understanding. I needed fresh air and time to myself, so I decided to take the path that led to the forest.

  I walked along the broad, even path. The further along into the forest I went, the larger the trees grew. As I ambled along, I noticed colorful birds flitting about. I stopped walking to watch a particularly striking one. It was a larger bird, pure white with a long, curling, yellow tail. Perched on a tree ahead of me, it stretched out its large wings in a gallant display, which made me smile. It seemed to be showing off.

  Slowly folding its wings back, the bird turned its head and caught my eye. Winking, it flitted down and landed on the path in front of me. It was so beautiful; I wanted to touch its shimmering feathers, so I tiptoed slowly toward it. As I got nearer, I realized the bird was larger than I’d thought. I was almost close enough to touch it when its body began to morph and take the form of a giant man. The Magistrate!

  Instead of the lovely white bird, there stood the Nephilim in all his dark and evil splendor. His obsidian eyes glinted with pleasure and desire.

  “I found you alone. What luck!”

  I gasped in horror and turned to run, but he grabbed my arm in a vice-like grip. “Let me go!” I screamed.

  “I don’t think so,” he whispered softly into my ear, his breath warmly disturbing. “That son of Noah should have taken more precautions for your safety. These are perilous times, my dear. I promised your mother I would make sure you were safe.”

  I froze.

  He relaxed his hold on my arm and began to caress me with his other hand, stroking my check before tracing my lips with his finger. Fear began to turn into something else, and I pulled in a shallow breath before asking him what he’d done with my mother.

  “Oh, nothing at all! She is a most welcome guest in my palace. Your father, unfortunately, met with a serious accident.” He leaned his head down and brushed my neck with his lips. “He lost his head!” I struggled against him in horror, unable to break his hold on me.

  I opened my mouth to scream for help, but he began to sing. They say that many human women have been won by the Nephilim’s music—deceived by the power of their siren song. Bewitched, I stayed even when he let go of me.

  Visions of us living together appeared all around me, laughing and loving, with children roaming in and out of the picture. I was enchanted. I stood before him in a hazy stupor, filled with longing for all he showed me.

  “You only have to choose, Ariana.” He breathed my name out, annunciating the last syllable of my name oddly as he bent his mouth to kiss me.

  Something inside me screamed to resist.

  “God. Help. Me.” I struggled to get the words out before his lips touched mine.

  The Magistrate vanished.

  But I was not alone. A man stood in his place, unlike any other man I’d seen. He radiated with kindly goodness and kingly majesty. He did not reproach me, yet I felt within myself such vileness that I fell to my knees before Him in shame.

  “I am unworthy,” I sobbed. I wanted to pour out all my fearful failings along with my heart-wrenching tears. In the light of His presence, I saw myself clearly for the first time in my life, and I felt undone.

  Then I felt His hand on my head. “Do not be afraid,” He reassured me.

  Comforting love enveloped me from the inside out. I felt the burden of my failures and misplaced desires fall away like the chaff does when we winnow the wheat. I felt peace.

  “I am with you always.”

  I looked up, but He was gone. I stood and looked around. The forest birds still flitted about, undisturbed by all that had occurred.

  “Ariana!”

  I smiled as I caught sight of Japheth at the end of the path and quickly walked toward him. His blonde hair was damp. “Have you been swimming?” I asked.

  His eyes crinkled as he smiled down at me, and I wondered how it was that in so short a time he meant so much to me.

  “Yes, it was hot working. I’m just heading back to the house. May I walk with you, or did you want to be alone? I know there’s always someone at home.”

  “That’s thoughtful, but I’d like to walk together.” As we walked along the dusty path, I told Japheth what I’d experienced in the woods, stumbling a bit when I spoke of the Magistrate.

  “I don’t want there to be any secrets between us,” I assured him.

  Japheth’s eyebrows drew together and shook his head. “Of course, no secrets. But you didn’t ask for him to appear like that, Ariana.”

  “I know, but in my indecision I think I left a way for him to . . . if that makes sense? I’ve always had misgivings about my mother’s faith. She was so judgmental and critical of others that I felt a bit repelled by it. But in just a short time, your family has shown me another side.”

  “Father says that some who follow the Creator are the enemy’s best argument against putting faith in Him, not to disrespect your mother in any way.” Japheth softly bea
t his fist against his chest. “I myself fall short in so many ways.”

  Thinking about the man I saw after the Magistrate vanished, I nodded my head in agreement. “I, too, fall short. I feel that I judged my mother too harshly. I hope I get the chance to apologize to her and tell her I love her. If the Magistrate was telling me the truth, she is still alive. But not my father . . . ” my voice trailed off. I could not bring myself to voice what the Magistrate had told me.

  Japheth took my hand in his and squeezed it, and we walked along in silence. I felt better just being with him. Words were not necessary.

  The next day, Noah returned to Sumeria to find out about my parents and gather supplies. I waited impatiently for his return, anxious for any news of my mother. On the evening of the third day, Japheth and I were sitting on the porch when I saw Noah riding up the road. I let go of Japheth’s hand and ran to meet him, hoping that by some miracle my parents still lived.

  He was dismounting the horse when I reached him. Japheth was just behind me. “Did you find out anything?”

  The expression on his face was somber. “Yes, I did. I am sorry, Ariana. Both of your parents were executed the day of the race.”

  “But the Magistrate, he said my mother was still alive! He said she was a welcome guest in his palace!”

  Noah grimaced. His lips drew into a thin line of disgust. “Indeed, I am so sorry, Ariana. He had her body hung over the entrance to his palace as a warning to any who would follow the Old Ways of worshipping the Creator.”

  I fell into Japheth’s arms and wept bitterly for my mother and father, even more devastated now that I knew for certain they were both gone. Japheth wrapped his arms around me and waited quietly as I mourned.

  “When will the Creator save us from this evil?” I cried. “I know He has the power. Why did my parents have to die?”

  “I am sorry for your loss, my dear, truly.” Tears filled Noah’s eyes. “The world has become increasingly violent and wicked. The Magistrate is no longer content to rule Sumeria. His soldiers have been hunting in the countryside. I passed by a few settlements where whole families hung dead from trees. It was horrific. The persecution has begun, but do not fear; God spoke to me long ago about this. He has a plan. We’ve been preparing.” He patted my shoulder.