The Days of Noah

By Nancy Gooding

One man claims to hear from God…
another listens to the rumblings of the earth.

Four young women are challenged to believe…
three of them will become the mothers of nations.

In a land ruled by the demonic Nephilim…
how can any one of them make a difference?


In those days, and even afterward, Nephilim lived on the
earth for whenever the sons of God had intercourse with human
women, they gave birth to children who became the heroes
mentioned in legends of old. Genesis 6:4

• Language: English
• Publisher: BookBaby
• Release date: Jul 15, 2009
• ISBN: 9781483504216

Book preview

characters.

ONE

The shaking was followed by a deafening growl, but the tremor itself was one of the lighter ones.

Doctor Javin Tiras looked up and watched as a crack crawled its way across the ceiling toward the skylight.

It was near noon and the sun shone through the transom illuminating him, like a spotlight. He looked toward his audience seeing nothing. All but the stage was dark, but he knew they were out there, knew every dignitary present, if not by name, at least by reputation.

The tiered seating angled to give the spectators an unobstructed view of the speaker and today it was to be, Doctor Javin Tiras.

Most in the audience were called High Judges and they represented every spectrum of life on planet earth. The president of the High Judges, President Zasha, was officiating. Seated a few feet in front of the first row, he was surrounded by guards.

Zasha was a giant of a creature. You could hardly call him a man although he did have the attributes of a man. Standing well over nine feet tall he barely fit in the massive chair. Obviously one of the Sent-Ones, he was superior in both body and intellect. His given name was Thor Zasha. His official title was President of the World Reform Center.

Shaking in fear Doctor Tiras clumsily dropped his notes. Without looking, he could feel the President’s disdain.

When full, the room seated nine hundred and fifty. Today a scant fifty were seated toward the front testifying to the lack of interest and belief in the scientist’s view.

Doctor Tiras cleared his throat and started to speak. The first few words came out high pitched and squeaky. He lowered his voice, and tried again.

Thank you, gentlemen, for assembling on such short notice. He sighed deeply. I’ve not wanted to call this meeting, but I believe the danger we face is eminent. I’ll begin by explaining some of my findings.

Although he couldn’t see them he sensed an uncomfortable shifting of positions by those in the audience. He looked toward President Zasha before continuing and could barely make out his outline, but thought he received a slight nod.

As I said before, as far as my research can verify, the earth quaking is on the increase and shows no sign of going into remission. The tremors are getting stronger, more violent, and closer together. If you recall, last year when I first reported, he paused nervously, knowing his account was not well received.

I warned you the explosives you were using to destroy the militant uprising in the south were damaging the infrastructure of the subterranean bodies of water just beneath the crust of the earth.

He gulped and blinked trying to gather his thoughts as his explanation was welcomed with boo’s, cursing, and scornful laughter.

Determined, he continued. "Once the walls of the infrastructure are weakened I’m not sure what the result will be, but I fear the situation will be disastrous.

At the present, we see small fissures in the crust of the earth. In some places there are eruptions of liquid rock. Because the rock is beneath the surface of the water caverns… He coughed and cleared his throat. I must surmise we’re already experiencing breaks in the infrastructure. How this will affect our atmosphere, I’m not really sure. Turning his papers, he continued. The earth’s atmosphere is divided into five main layers. The lowest level, the troposphere, contains vast quantities of water. At the present we are protected by a canopy of water. It blocks out the harmful rays of the sun.

Without warning a second roar erupted from deep inside the earth. The building creaked, swayed and bits of ceiling filtered down.

Startled and fearful his audience all began to speak at once. One man stood shaking his fist in the air and cried out angrily. There is no way we can control the militants without the explosives. You must come up with another answer. You claim to be so brilliant! I demand you stop this shaking of the earth at once!

Another man joined in. How do we know you and your fellow scientists are not causing this problem to control us? How do we know what side you’re on? What proof do we have you’re innocent of producing these earth tremors? Why should we believe anything you say?

Javin shifted from one foot to the other waiting for the angry crowd to calm down, but as he waited they grew louder and more unruly.

President Zasha stood, faced the crowd and spoke in a booming voice; Please, restrain yourself. Doctor Tiras has requested a hearing. The least we can do is to allow this illustrious scientist to give us an explanation. We owe him this courtesy.

At one time or another, everyone present had experienced the wrath and vengeance of President Zasha. Gaining position of world leader through ruthless bloodshed and political manipulation he ruled with an iron hand. The murmuring crowd became quiet, fearing his disapproval

Javin began again, In the last three days, west of us toward Eden there have been large eruptions of gasses. Nothing of this magnitude has ever happened before. I don’t have all the answers, but I do have a team of scientists working day and night. One possibility is the water beneath the earth is about to erupt. If this happens there will definitely be flooding and I’m not sure what kind of warning we’ll have or exactly what the consequence will be. It’s possible …

Someone in the darkened room burst into raucous laughter. Next you’ll be telling us to build a big boat, he shouted. The rest of the crowd joined him in his hilarious outburst.

I thought scientists were supposed to use their minds, another voice mocked. You sound like the crazy prophet on the outskirts of town. He turned toward his cohort and whispered, What’s that crazy guy’s name?

Noah, came the reply.

Maybe we should just start calling you Noah! he jeered.

Javin raised his hands in a sign of surrender and tried to start again, as the entire crowd joined in the banter.

Please gentlemen, I’m not saying I have all the answers. I’m only asking you to please refrain from any more explosions until we have a better understanding of what’s happening to our planet. It’s possible we won’t see results for many years. It’s even possible the explosives have nothing to do with the earth tremors. Again I simply request temporary restraint until we have a better understanding of what’s happening.

A distinguished looking gentleman with long colorful robes, many large necklaces of silver and gold and an impressive ring in his nose stood and addressed the doctor.

"I understand your concern for our welfare, young man, but what are we to do? You’re not a military man. There’s no way you can possibly understand the position we face. The followers of Ahura-Mazda are determined to take over the Center. Without the Center we face total annihilation. Rockets are daily launched on our villages. We have faced nineteen years of continuous attack. If we don’t destroy them completely they’ll destroy us. If we stop the explosions they will advance and there will be nothing left of us!"

"Sir, I do understand your position. I’ve worked for the good of the Center all my adult life. You, on the other hand, do not seem to grasp the gravity and consequence of your actions. I’m trying to explain. If we continue, not only will the Center be gone, but this world as we know it. If my calculations are correct, the earth could very soon open in various places. If this happens, water, fire and liquid rock will shoot into the sky. These small cracks and minor shakings are mere warnings of what will happen all over the planet. If things progress as they appear…it will be in a much more exaggerated form. If any of us escape, every bit of our modern technology will be buried under tons of mud, water, and debris."

To his astonishment his passionate appeal was met with jeers, hoots and laughter. Someone in the second row hollered an obscenity and said, If, if, if…you know nothing! This was followed by more jeers and the accusation that he was a madman. Once again President Zasha stood and quieted the crowd. Turning toward Javin he bowed slightly. I believe that will be enough information for now. Make copies of your findings and we’ll review them.

He made another slight bow and then dismissed the crowd who was murmuring their disapproval as they made their exit through double doors at the back of the room.

As the doors were thrown open, a young girl who worked for the Center found herself plastered against the wall. Just as she was getting her bearings, she was knocked backward as the last of the disgruntled Judges made his exit. This time she dropped the cloth bag that held her lunch. It landed directly in front of him. Side-stepping it clumsily, he was temporarily thrown off balance. Instead of an apology he railed at her.

Why don’t you look where you’re going?

She blanched white as her eyes traveled to the weapon at his waist. His hand automatically found it. She had seen others annihilated for a lesser offence.

Please sir, I beg your forgiveness, she said, dropping to her knees.

He hesitated. What’s your name?

I’m called Elanah, she whispered.

Lifting her head just enough to see that his hand had not moved she whispered. Please sir, for a long moment it appeared her life was over. Making a final appeal in a barely audible voice she said, I beg your forgiveness…

One long glare and he was gone. With trembling legs, she stood, reached for her lunch bag, and rushed out of the building.

TWO

Kennan rubbed her temples trying to ignore the pounding in her head. The brilliant sun shining through the windows of the fabric shop added to her discomfort.

Oh, really, she said, trying to show interest in the sing-song narrative of her customer. Her mind wandered, but a lull in the conversation along with the curious look on her customer’s face brought Kennan back. She nodded in agreement hoping it was the correct response.

I’m glad you agree, the woman answered in a condescending tone. Actually, she sniffed, this merchandise is not what I’m used to. Of course I’ve moved here from a much more metropolitan area. Lifting her head she pointed her nose in the air punctuating her opinion. I realize…

Kennan, her patience at an end turned her back to the woman and began closing the store’s shutters. You’ll have to excuse me, she apologized coolly. I was unaware of the time and I’m late for an appointment.

The rude customer had monopolized much of her morning ending her monologue with an insult. Kennan ushered her out, locked the door and tried to ignore the angry stomping of the woman’s retreating footsteps.

Hurrying down the walkway, her red curls bounced as she rushed to the luncheon date with her cousin, Elanah.

Carrying a blanket, a loaf of bread and a wedge of cheese, she hurried, toward the City Park.

***

Still reeling from the danger of offending a chosen one, Elanah took a deep breath and tried to dismiss her recent brush with death. The Judges were known to be merciless and any misstep could be interpreted as a planned offense. Choosing to forget all thoughts of her recent encounter, she tried to focus on Kennan’s upcoming wedding.

Day dreaming as she walked, she wondered if Kennan would choose the blue dress. Clothes were her passion and she was anxious for Kennan to admire the new dress she wore today. The blue tunic came just above her knees, a compliment to the silver blue of her eyes and her lovely blonde hair.

Generally calm and happy, she quickly regained her usual nonchalance. Slipping off her shoes, she carried them in one hand and the cloth bag filled with food in the other. Leaving the path to enjoy the cool dew of the grass between her toes, she hoped she wasn’t late.

They arrived at the same time and greeted one another with laughter and enthusiasm. Kennan spread the blanket on the grass, chattering about her rude customer.

You just can’t believe the morning I’ve had. I showed this woman every bolt of material in the place and then she told me they were all below her standards of excellence.

Deciding not to mention her own hazardous morning, Elanah nodded as she unpacked her contribution to the picnic.

Can you believe it? She had the nerve to tell me she’d purchased fabric of high quality from another store, and asked if our seamstress would ruin it?

I hope you told her you’d be glad to ruin it if that’s what she wanted, Elanah remarked, in mock seriousness.

Kennan laughed. Okay, you’re right. As usual I’m overreacting. I just think if Father were here, she’d have shown more respect.

Not to change the subject, but I was hoping I could help you with your wedding plans. Have you made any more decisions? I love the blue dress for me. We both loved it, remember? And what about the fabric for your dress?

Actually Father and Seth should arrive some time this afternoon. He promised to bring me something unusual. They’ve been gone for over a week.

Elanah tore a small loaf of bread into pieces and handed part of it to Kennan, asking, And the problem of your future in-laws?

Truthfully, I’d like to move as far away from them as possible. I want to be married but… She sighed, Sometimes I wonder if the construction on that monstrosity his father calls a boat, will ever come to an end.

Do you really believe in his father’s doomsday prophecies? Maybe you should think about postponing the wedding until you know for sure what Shem’s going to do.

Elanah…I…

Startled by a woman wailing at the top of her voice, the girls stopped in mid sentence.

What…? Elanah stood on tip toe trying to see over the bushes blocking her view. At the same moment, a weeping woman broke through the shrubbery, tripped over the blanket and fell directly in front of them.

My child… she gasped. My baby, they’ve taken my baby Can someone help me?

Whispering the last words in anguish, she searched each face for an answer. Kennan and Elanah stared at her trying to comprehend what she was saying. Her face was blotched red with tears. Her clothes were stained with perspiration. Clumps of dirty hair, plastered the sides of her face.

Elanah dropped to the woman’s side touching her arm in compassion. Kennan scooted to the edge of the blanket and stood, frozen in fear.

Elanah questioned the woman kindly. Please, I want to help you, but you must calm down and tell me what happened?

The men, the men, from… she buried her face in her hands. Sobbing in torment, she was unable to finish the sentence.

"Do you mean the men from the Center? What about them?" Elanah prompted.

"Are you telling us the men from the Center took your child?" Kennan whispered, looking stricken. One hand covered her mouth. She had only heard rumors of such things.

The woman nodded and stopped crying as Elanah helped her stand.

Kennan stepped back but offered her condolence. I’m sorry they took your child, she whispered. Can we take you someplace? We’re on lunch break but we still have a little time. Do you have a husband or a friend we could contact? Perhaps we can take you to someone who…

She shook her head wiping her nose on the back of her hand. Quiet now, although obviously still dazed, she slowly walked away.

Kennan, tormented by what she saw, remained silent. Come back, Elanah called after her. We’ll try to help you!

The woman kept walking, stumbling, but determined. They watched until she disappeared into the crowd of a nearby market.

Kennan sat back down still shaking. This is terrible. I’m too upset to eat. Let’s get out of here. She began stuffing food back in her cloth bag. You know this can’t be right. Surely you see how wrong it is? She glared at Elanah meaningfully. They’ve destroyed her life!

Elanah closed her eyes, held her head in her hands and barely moved. Opening her eyes she took a deep breath. "I don’t know what to think. In the beginning it seemed a good thing. They only take children from the poor, or the insane. These children would have miserable lives without the Center."

You talk as if the poor have no feelings! Kennan’s eyes were blazing. She knew she was speaking too loudly. As for the insane, well, you and I both know you can be labeled insane for anything. For instance, not agreeing with the Council or… She hesitated a moment looking around and then continued. I know we don’t agree and I’m sorry. I’m so upset I can’t think. It seems those in authority expect us to act as if whatever decision they make is…

Lower your voice. There are ears… Elanah looked around nervously surveying her surroundings.

Kennan began to fold the blanket, her hands still shaking. Close to tears, she was doing everything in her power to keep her composure.

Touching Elanah on the arm, she whispered. I’m sorry; I know I’m being emotional. They said they came to make things better, but now everything is worse!

"Don’t you think I know that? Believe me the Center is trying to correct everything you’ve mentioned, she mouthed, in a barely audible voice. Would I be working for them if I didn’t believe they were trying to make our lives better?"

Trying to put on a brave front, Elanah continued. "Statistics prove the children of the poor grow up to rob, murder and rebel against the government. The Center simply removes them from this bad environment. It’s better for society."

Trembling, Kennan brushed the grass and twigs off the blanket. Keeping her voice low, she asked the question she had been skirting for weeks. Is it true, her voice broke as she spoke in a hoarse whisper. Is it true they take your children if they find you teaching them to believe in one God? Be honest with me Elanah.

Elanah stuttered evasively, Kennan…there are many things I don’t understand. I admit I don’t always know why they take the children. My department doesn’t make those decisions. For one thing we seldom run across anyone with such antiquated ideas.

Kennan glared at her meaningfully.

Oh, I’m sorry. I forgot you’re about to join a family…I mean, I’m sorry. She giggled nervously. You have to admit it’s a bit weird to believe in that…that one God creation fable.

It’s not so strange if you would just take the time to listen.

Sometimes I forget your future father-in-law actually believes he hears from some supreme being. She laughed nervously.

Is that so different from the creatures you work with? They say they’re gods?

"I know, I know, and actually a lot of people don’t take them seriously either. But, as I was saying, I’ve learned it’s better not to ask too many questions. If the feelings of some must be sacrificed for the good of all, then we just have to trust that those at the Center know what’s best for us. I personally don’t agree with removing children because of political or religious bias. As far as gods go, well the ones I work with…"

Kennan raised her hand to silence her and spit out the word, "stop! Stop parroting the propaganda of the Center! Can’t you think for yourself? You work for them and yet you admit you don’t agree with them. Don’t you see? By working for them you endorse what they’re doing!"

Elanah sighed, "I can’t believe how you’ve changed. You used to be so rational. Some children have to be removed because their parents won’t conform. Surely you see this? It’s for the good of everyone!"

"I’ll tell you what I see. I see those who refuses to agree with the Center disappearing, I see anarchy when we are promised peace, I see murder being called justice."

Kennan cried, no longer trying to hide her tears.

Please don’t cry. I asked you to meet me for lunch because I care about you. I’m sorry this has turned out to be a disaster. Let’s get out of here. You’ve been so stressed lately over this relationship, your in-laws, this wedding. I thought I could help you. Now I’ve only made things worse. Please forgive me.

Softened by Elanah’s gentle reply, Kennan wanted to make amends. As the girls prepared to leave the park she tried to smooth things over. It’s really not your fault. I guess there are some things we just shouldn’t talk about.

Especially religion and politics, Elanah said lightheartedly.

Forgive me for over reacting. You’re right. I’ve been so nervous lately. Shem is pulling me in one direction and my father in the other. Let’s just change the subject. We don’t need to talk about me. What are you doing after work? Do you need a ride home? Seth should be back by late afternoon. I’m sure we can give you a ride. Why don’t you come by the store and I’ll show you the new fabric?

No, I have a dance class. I’d love to see your fabric but it’ll have to wait. Someone from class will see me home.

I wish you wouldn’t dance before those temple priests. You know they’re all immoral deviants.

Elanah made a face, "Well, I haven’t been chosen yet. So far all I’ve done is practice. Just because I’m one of the temple dancers doesn’t mean I have to be a temple prostitute. Everyone tells me if you want to get into the theater you should get the attention of the promoters by dancing in the temple. Beside, I love to dance and right now the Center owns