“Yeah, I’m okay, but I’m getting really thirsty and this dust is making my hair feel like straw,” she complained.
Dramble’s concern was beginning to grow; he had to find water for her and quickly, but there just didn’t seem to be any indicators to give him confidence he would find anything soon. The only bright spot was the cool of the day while the big, impotent red sun seemed incapable of heating the scene above a chill.
A plan was beginning to form in his mind.
He could move a lot faster on his own and if he could find a safe shelter for Elly while he travelled on alone and found a water source, she could reserve what hydration she still retained by remaining inactive and hidden among the ruins.
Standing upon a large pile of rubble, Dramble scoured the scene looking for a possible fortress and then his eyes focused on a potential contender. Some distance away, a wall stood in defiance to the surrounding destruction, giving hope of finding the shelter he searched for.
Leaving Elly wouldn’t be an easy decision, but pushing her along beyond her capacity would only exhaust her remaining strength and subject her to increasing thirst and dangerous dehydration.
“There’s a ruin just ahead, Elly, and it looks to be a safe place for the night. I’m going to leave you there for a while and push on alone and see if I can find water.”
Elly’s deep blue eyes were big and round at Dramble’s intended plan, her piercing gaze making no attempt to hide her alarm and the fear plainly written across her face. “I can keep up with you!” she panicked, trying to convince herself as well as him.
“No, Elly, you need to conserve your strength and your fluids. I’ll travel a couple of hours over the horizon and then I’ll turn around and come back, saving you the need to expend your strength if there’s nothing out there and if I find something, I will come and get you.” Dramble tried to keep his countenance positive and encouraging, deliberately hiding the suspected outcome, but he knew they were probably wasting their time.
Although the possibility of being left alone in this hostile place frightened the young woman, deep down Elly knew Dramble’s plan was the only sensible avenue open to them. She swallowed hard, forcing a dry knot down into her parched throat, fully aware she was already exhausted.
Then with a consenting nod, she reluctantly accepted his strategy, confirming the wisdom in his proposal and realising their situation was becoming dire. “Okay, Dramble. I don’t like this one bit though,” Elly whispered, searching the boy’s grey eyes, “but I know I would only slow you down. Try to be quick, please!”
The desperate plea in Elly’s voice caused Dramble to momentarily reconsider his plan, but after reappraising his decision, he knew he had no other choice.
He took Elly’s hand once again and held it firmly, intent on instilling courage into her frightened blue eyes. “You know I wouldn’t leave you if there was another way,” Dramble admitted, once again exposing the depth of feelings he carried for the pretty, blonde young woman.
*~*~*~*
Chapter 12
Hakham pulled the hood over his head before leaving his modest chamber, a ritual he performed every time he entered into a public space, hiding his identity from even the closest of his many friends, the friends that over the years had become his family.
Some had seen the contours of his ancient face up close but the powerful, staring gaze from his black eyes soon deterred any attempt to familiarise observers with more than a stolen glance, turning their eyes away and averting his formidable burning glare that unintentionally bored painfully into their inner being.
As their leader, today more so than usual, he felt the responsibility pushing his ancient shoulders into a painful bow shape, adding pressure to his back while he sauntered along the dimly lit corridor and finally into the sanctuary. It was far too early for other family members to be active, assured he would be alone in the outer court of the sacred altar, leaving him on his face before God and pleading for understanding.
His antediluvian bones ached with regret. He suspected there was a traitor among the faithful and that could be catastrophic to their survival.
Disturbing word found its way into the family gathering from outside sources, usually carried by the grateful voices of traumatised but rescued resistance people, snatched from the atrocities of the murdering Alama Masu by Jehovah’s heroic Raiders.
The dreadful torture, demeaning abuse and barbaric atrocities laid against their own never ceased, bringing pain to the family but there was a growing, desperate number resisting the Alama Masu and the Assyrian.
A resistance that would ultimately cost them their lives and they needed immediate rescue.
New family members were constantly arriving as the raiding parties sought to free the resistance from the genocide on those who refused to become Alama Masu. With new members added to the family almost weekly, the gathering was expanding at an alarming rate, putting a strain on their meagre resources.
The humidity and sounds of dripping water began to increase as the old man pushed on through the maze of tunnels in their subterranean sanctuary and on towards the Lake of Purity. This large underground body was not only their water supply, but the place people came to worship and offer their sacrifices. In the many years since they had discovered the lake and their reliance on its life-giving water, the lake level had not altered. Neither had the level increased but more importantly, it hadn’t decreased either, assumedly being fed by another pure unknown source, deep within the family’s extensive underground home.
Even though Hakham was highly revered as the leader among the people, he didn’t pertain to be their priest and according to family law, he wasn’t allowed beyond the lake and into the direct presence of the God of the altar, hidden from view on the opposite shore and behind the separating rock curtain of the sacred sanctuary.
Hakham finally limped into the expansive cavern carrying the Book of Wisdom with him, the book he often read to the family gathering from, always lapping up his words like a dry thirsty sponge and asking many questions of the past and the future, apparently stretching his memories and his knowledge.
A lone flaming torch spilled flickering light across the clear waters of the Lake of Purity, while dancing shadows reflected off the water onto the jagged stone walls and painted crazy iridescent images on the cavern roof. The clear water was so pure the bottom seemed only inches away, but it was well known this was a deception and the bottom was far below the surface.
The old man stood at the diminutive rock doorway and peered around the cavernous antechamber, probing for signs he wasn’t alone. After many moments listening and searching, he convinced himself the scene was bereft of human occupation and he could confidently pour out his concerns to the God of the altar in absolute solitude and seek His counsel.
Hakham reverently entered the sanctuary and stiffly lowered himself to his knees on the opposite bank of the lake and faced the rocky curtain obscuring his view of the altar and then with more exertion, the elderly frame came to rest flat on his face. In a silent dialogue, the concerned petitions escaped the aged lips, earnestly seeking the counsel of his God. Hours seemed to pass as minutes and Hakham fell into a deep sleep while the antechamber bristled with electricity, illuminating the cavern with the white, dazzling light of the presence.
Reflections of Babylon flashed into his sleeping memory, disturbing him to his core while fleeting images of Yoni screaming in pain tortured his mind.
Just as quickly as the dazzling light of the presence had come, it left and the Lake of Purity fell into the dim light of the flaming torch once again.
Hakham awoke with a start, grappling with the terrifying simulacrum and wondered what significance the dream had on their situation and what the Mighty One was trying to say.
It was as if the potent message had been cut short and he wondered why.
A timid female voice close by broke into the deathly quiet and startled Hakham, causing him to quickly regain h
is composure.
“I... I’m so sorry, Hakham; I didn’t mean to disturb you,” she whispered reverently, backing away and realising she had interrupted something sacred.
Hakham took a moment to recognise the apologetic figure receding from the doorway to the antechamber. “It’s okay, Heather, come and sit with me and tell me what’s on your mind at this late hour,” the old man raised himself to a sitting position and made sure his hood was firmly covering his head, still trying to shake the disturbing dream from his mind.
Heather, comforted by Hakham’s soothing words, took strength from his calming and accepting voice and entered his presence in a fractured attempt to gain clarity on the load she was carrying. The young woman nervously lowered her petite frame onto a rocky ledge, her legs dangling over the edge just above the lake surface, to sit beside the elder.
Comfortably positioned, she tried to scan his dark eyes but the powerful stare diverted her gaze and she focused on the lake water instead. She had not intended on talking with a member of the gathering about her secret feelings and fears, let alone Hakham himself, but only to find solace in the sanctuary. She felt sure she would be alone at this time of night.
It took a few moments of soul searching before Heather came to a decision to speak and overcome her self-consciousness enough to unburden on the esteemed man. Perhaps this was God’s way to get some clarity on the perplexing situation and quell her troublesome emotions.
Heather’s voice cracked as it disturbed the turbid quiet and she heard her own echo bouncing off the sanctuary walls and back at her, as if it was mocking her.
The stammer told Hakham that Heather was struggling with a difficult scenario and he wondered whether she would be more comfortable discussing her plight with one of the older women of the gathering. He was just about to put an end to her discomfort when she managed to fill the air with an emotional statement.
“I... I have feelings for Finn, but he doesn’t even notice me. Am I really so disgusting to look upon, Hakham?!” The distraught statement followed with a waterfall of heaving grief as the young woman sobbed loudly, filling the silence with a tumult of emotion.
Hakham sighed; he was expecting it to be the troublesome concerns of the heart and he searched his ancient experience, looking for a way to comfort the distraught young woman.
Finn was a handsome prize sought by nearly all the women of the gathering: powerful in his physique and strikingly attractive; blonde wavy locks; finely contoured features and deep green eyes that mesmerised anyone foolish enough to contend with his gaze. To top it off, he was the esteemed champion of the raiding party and the stories of his impudent courage and valour followed him, tantalising every fair maiden’s heart with longing, desperate to be wooed by the apparition.
Hakham searched for an answer for the struggling woman and could only imagine what it would be like being captivated by someone like Finn. Heather’s beauty wasn’t to be scoffed at either; she was far beyond plain, but Hakham believed that all women were far beyond plain and that just being female entitled them to the great respect that their gender deserved.
“Heather, listen to me,” Hakham explained. “I am always respectful to the complex matters of the heart but there is no doubt, Heather; you are a beautiful young woman.”
Heather raised her head, trying to gaze into Hakham’s eyes and gauge the depths of his sincerity, managing to hold his pierce for a few seconds only, but his intensity drove her glower away again. She sniffed through her tears. “Do you really think so, Hakham?” she pressed, searching for another boost to her injured self esteem.
“The way to a noble man’s heart, Heather, is through wisdom, purity and Godliness; and an astute man will recognise these valuable attributes in the woman he seeks and pursue them with all the strength he can muster, without a woman needing to pursue him. When the time comes and if God wills, Finn will search out these fine qualities of which you have in great abundance; and if Finn does not have the wisdom to recognise such fine feminine quality, then your God will have another, who will. Don’t sell yourself short, Heather, on looks alone and the first man that comes along; for the bait you use will determine the fish you catch.”
Heather was speechless, replaying the deep words the elder had spoken and soaking in his encouragement and wisdom. The gathering didn’t call him Hakham for nothing.
“May I give you a hug?” she whispered, feeling revitalised and a new confidence in her womanhood.
Hakham stiffly stood and took the young woman into an embrace, careful not to expose his face.
“Thank you, Hakham; I feel much better.”
“You’re welcome, Heather,” the old man rasped.
Hakham settled back down onto the rock ledge as Heather’s footsteps disappeared into the darkened silence and wondered once again at the interrupted dream of Babylon and Yoni’s pain-filled screams, but it was too late to enquire of God again tonight; he could hear the sounds of the gathering waking and echoing into the vast cavern.
*~*~*~*
Chapter 13
It had taken the anxious figure a desperate hour, searching to find the well concealed path back into the underground shelter. Apprehension rose quickly and spiralled into panic, leaving the figure alarmed that they wouldn’t find the trail and perish horribly in the doomed, lifeless wastelands of the ruins.
But after a concentrated effort, the familiar hidden indicators once again appeared, pointing to the path and the safety of the shelter, alleviating their panic but leaving their heart pounding erratically in nervous relief. They had been so focused on their reward and driven on relentlessly by growling hunger pangs that the sheer arrogance of the thieves had broadsided their sense of fair play and crippled rational thought. With that, good judgement had been abandoned, momentarily losing their bearings in the confused and chaotic desolation.
Soon the heavy potency of choking sulphur and the darkened entrance loomed before them, still rankling and disturbed they’d been cheated out of their just compensation but thankful to have rediscovered the life supporting safety of the familiar underground family gathering place again.
There would be another opportunity to sell information and this time, the Alama Masu would pay for their treachery–and the price would double.
The figure burst into the entrance and then stopped abruptly by the pungent sulphurous Pool of Strange Fire, waiting for their eyes to readjust to the complete darkness once again before continuing on into the protected assembly. Covering their mouth and nose from the acerbic sulphur with one hand and resting the other upon the first guiding handrail, the impression felt good to their touch and brought immediate comfort to the figure’s uneasy countenance.
Gaining strength and shaking off the stunted guilt from their selfish mission, the figure listened intently for signs the covert operation had been discovered, but after satisfying themselves that their treachery had gone undetected, they grasped for the next hand grip and then slowly disappeared back into the refuge.
From a rock ledge completely drowned in darkness and gasping silently on sulphurous fumes, two calculating stern eyes watched the silhouette disappear into the maze of the asylum. Finn’s suspicions had been right and although no one wanted to believe someone from the family would be conspiring with the enemy, the evidence was overwhelming.
All the plans and timetables would have to be readjusted now, putting many lives of the resistance depending on the Raiders at risk, and making it necessary to implement the trap, bringing a spirit of bondage and distrust among the gathering.
*~*~*~*
Finn’s determined swagger, accentuated by his muscular physique and flowing wavy blonde locks, broke into Hakham’s chamber, his green eyes alight with indignation and intent on challenging the elder for dismissing his concerns.
Hakham, as usual, had his hood covering his head and the dark eyes bored into the young warrior with a patient intensity at the unannounced visit.
Finn held Hakham’s gaz
e for as long as he could before the probing glare overpowered the young man, settling the fire burning in his gut and averting the old man’s glower.
“I apologise, Hakham, for the interruption but we do have a mole in the family as I suspected and intent on selling out our lives too. They were seen by one of the Raiders, returning via the entrance to the Pool of Strange Fire.”
The old man’s gaze dropped away from the confident young warrior and his thoughts fleetingly returned to Heather’s tearful confession. The young man standing before him was indeed a pleasing figure to behold and the green eyes would melt any young maiden’s heart. Refocusing on the warrior’s speech, Hakham slumped into a nearby seat, turning over Finn’s chilling words and not wanting to believe the accusation levelled against one of the family. He was silent for a long time, making Finn feel uncomfortable and wondering what was passing through the esteemed leader’s mind.
Then finally the old man spoke in a disappointed and distressed monotone, “I will call a gathering of the family and then you can set the trap. What have we become that we must stoop to the ways of the Alama Masu?” Hakham whispered so softly that Finn had to step closer to tune into the old man’s answer.
*~*~*~*
Dramble lowered the load of tubes and Elly’s exhausted figure to a pile of rubble outside the anticipated shelter, allowing her to sit and regain her composure until he ventured inside to survey the ruined structure carefully and deciding whether to trust the edifice with his valuable charge.
She would have to be completely safe before he would even consider pushing on alone into the deserted confusion of ruins looking for an impossible miracle.
He checked the towering walls while Elly waited outside and thankfully, there weren’t any ghoul-like figures painted onto these blackened and dusty structures. If there had been and she noticed, he doubted whether he could convince her to stay there alone, regardless of how distressed and exhausted her body had become.