Zita Son of Ephron and Shelometh: Ephron the Hittite, #5

By Michael J. Findley

Zita only wants to worship Adonai and see justice done for a wronged woman, but the sins of the Hittites of Hattus force him to endure heartache and unimaginable suffering, until finally he finds his place as peacemaker of the ancient world.

 

Zita, prince of Hebron, has grown up far from Hattusha, the sprawling capital of the Hittite Empire. The heritage of the Hittites of Hebron under his father Ephron is one of friendship with Abraham the Hebrew and Adonai their Elohim. When they take Zita's sister Basemath to Hattusha to arrange a marriage, Zita shoulders "the Pawley problem" and endures the taunts of women who may hold the key to keeping the peace amid international intrigues. Zita meets another Basemath and learns he can be more than just "a little tagalong." From overseeing the building of Hebron to defending the city of Hattusha to playing his own part in preserving the Hittites, Zita learns that an engineer, a warrior, a seeker of justice, and a survivor of devastating injury and tragedy can become a peacemaker. He just has to be willing to choose Adonai's way when he thinks he has no choice.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Findley Family Video
• Release date: Aug 16, 2015
• ISBN: 9781516309672

Book preview

Chapter One  M'rk

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Little tag-a-long, whatcha gonna do with all your time?

The taunts from the female prisoners hardly registered. Zita was so sore he had trouble holding the reigns. It required everything he had to concentrate on the steady stream of instructions from his trainer, M'rk. So when the flow of words stopped, Zita noticed immediately.

I've done what I could. M'rk took the reins, stopping the wagon. Camel, he called out.

Soldiers surrounded the wagon, bringing a saddled camel. Agus, the commander of the squad of Hittite soldiers, made the riderless camel kneel so Zita could mount it.

Sorry I had to be so hard on you, said M'rk. Your parents are the best Hittite teamsters I've ever seen. But they still have a ways to go. You're better. It's up to you now. If you want more training, talk to your Uncle Elon. I have a busy schedule trying to teach your charioteers, but you could join them, at least occasionally. It's up to you now.

Zita climbed down and mounted the camel. Thank you very much, he said as the camel stood. I believe that I might take you up on that.

Another barrage of taunts from the women followed him as Zita and the soldiers departed to join his parents at the head of the caravan, but Zita did not catch what they said.

Prince Zita, asked Agus, the commander of squad of Hittite soldiers, why do you allow the women to taunt you like that?

I was too tired to do more than notice they did it, smiled Zita. At first, I was listening because we need to learn from them. It is better than interrogation where they don't say anything.

Formation! came the cry down the line.

If we are not in place by the time we reach the Marashantiya River, the entire column will have to stop and wait for us. Agus made a clicking sound and the camels increased speed. This is the cliff where Sargon's forces were routed, he told Zita.

By this time the camels moved too fast for Zita to get a good look. He saw his parents with his sister between them. Another hilltop and they could see the bridge over the river in the distance. It was a wide stone bridge. The wooden bridge built by his aunt and uncle was long gone. The deer trail was now a smooth road that two caravans traveling in opposite directions could use at the same time. The camels had to break into a run to reach the head of the column before the main party arrived at the river. They barely made it.

Signal! called Agus, waving his arms. The tower on the top of mountain launched signal arrows to let Hattusha know that the caravan had arrived at the river.

The lead riders rearranged their formation to fit the camels of Zita and the soldiers into their proper positions. The camels slowed to match the pace of the column, permitting the camels some rest.

So did you learn anything from the prisoners? asked his mother, Shelometh.

Zita shook his head. No, but M'rk laughed at me.

Why? asked his father, Ephron.

He said that if we knew Mitanni law and the background of R'hal, we would know why the women are afraid to come to Hattusha, said Zita. I have no idea who R'hal is. I'll look into it. You have enough to do.

That is certainly true, replied his father. You have the complete responsibility for those prisoners, up to execution if necessary. We will not have time for them.

Sis, you look white as a ghost, said Zita.

You do understand, Basemath managed to say, that this entire procession is all about me, don’t you? Remember all the issues with R'ta – being examined and rejected? Everything is going to be about examining me. Bro, you have it easy. No one is expecting anything from you.

I understand that we have quite a few cousins waiting for us, said Zita.

Five men and four women, said Shelometh. Two men are married and two women are married. There are three eligible men.

"But you are not expected to marry anyone, said Basemath to Zita. You can go home to Hebron just like you came. There will be some disappointed people, but they will forget about it in a year or two. They expect me to stay here. This is supposed to make the Hittites a nation that lasts for centuries to come. I don't even know who these men are. I feel like a prize heifer."

More than a dozen men on horseback rode out to meet them. Zita vaguely noticed what appeared to be musical instruments but was too weary to see what kind. They surrounded Ephron's family, preparing to play as soon as Hattusha was in sight. They were all young men, so neither Ephron nor Shelometh knew them.

They will start playing as soon as we crest the next hill, said Ephron. This is the stream where your aunt, my sister Tawananna, shot a Mitanni soldier. She actually shot three soldiers, knocking them over, but two of them caught her arrows in their shields.

Everyone took a close look at the sixty-seven year old battle site.

So what did you do? asked Basemath.

I was the one who was attacked, said Ephron.

I watched, said Shelometh.

Like most skirmishes, it was over in seconds, said Ephron.

And like most skirmishes, said Agus, it did not go as planned.

Agus, asked Zita, do you know who R'hal is?

Agus laughed. Everyone in Hattusha knows R'hal.

Before he could say another word, the music started. It was not the quiet lyres Zita expected, but brass, woodwinds, and percussion. Until they reached Hattusha and the music stopped, conversation was impossible.

Hattusha was nothing like the village of Hattus Ephron and Shelometh left sixty-six years earlier. The old village was a small section of buildings on a mountain surrounded by hundreds of buildings inside another wall on a lower level. It dwarfed Hebron, with more than a dozen gates. Ephron and Shelometh looked at each other as they took in the changes before them.

Zita and Basemath had never seen the smaller village and noticed the throngs racing toward them before they took in anything else. The walls were filled with people. The buildings had people on the rooftops, leaning out the windows and sitting or standing on any piece of a wall that was available.

For a city that had no doubt had seen many dignitaries, Basemath was given a welcome that would make the Pharaoh of Egypt jealous. Cloth and leather banners and standards flapped everywhere. Trained hawks circled and swooped by the dozens. A thousand men and women sat on camels, horses, and donkeys by the road as they entered.

There were fires, waterfalls, twirling spears, acrobats, and displays which neither Zita nor Basemath could begin to comprehend. To top it all off, there were more musicians on the top of the walls playing the same music as those who rode beside them. Zita and Basemath sat in front, flanked by their parents. The main gate was large enough to allow them through four abreast as they rode their camels. In front of them were a half dozen steps the camels could climb. When they reached this platform, the camels knelt and the four of them dismounted and began climbing more stairs. They finally reached a platform with a number of thrones. The thrones for Elon and Tawananna were obvious, but the two empty thrones beside were just as impressive. In a semicircle behind them were many other thrones, all the same size. Two of these were empty for Zita and Basemath, who had never sat on a throne in their lives.

Tawananna came forward and embraced her brother and sister-in-law. She directed Zita, Ephron, and Shelometh to their seats while she stood with Basemath. She turned Basemath to face the crowd and Zita wondered if his sister would faint. He was glad that he was seated. There were thousands of people in front of them, and the only reason they were here was to welcome his sister.

While the crowds cheered, Elon rose, walked forward, and flanked Basemath, taking her other hand. Elon and Tawananna lifted Basemath's arms to more cheering. Realizing that his sister was fine, Zita began taking in details.

The platform allowed for a magnificent view, but he first noticed the prisoner wagon. Not the time to be concerned about the identity of R'hal, but that was his thought.

Elon and Tawananna asked Ephron and Shelometh to come and stand by his sister. The three of them bowed to the audience. Next everyone on the rear thrones stood and bowed. His sister might feel like a prize cow. Zita felt like a chief security officer watching for potential problems.

More cheers erupted and several times Zita had to stand, bow, and sit again. He spotted Hagar and Ishmael with the honored guests in front. The acoustics allowed him hear everything but they seemed to be overwhelmed because he understood nothing. After what seemed to be most of the day, the ceremony, whatever it was, broke up, and people began moving about.

Hello Zita, said a young woman who looked like a young version of Tawananna, complete with long blond hair. I have been assigned to you. Please ask Hagar and Ishmael to join us and follow me.

While she smiled, a very seasoned-looking Hittite soldier walked on stage and stood next to her.

And this is Tyros, said the young woman. His title is escort or bodyguard. However I think he is my personal chaperone. We will wait for you here.

Tyros reminded him of his mother Shelometh, short, muscular, dark, with long black hair. Not the kind man you wanted to tangle with.

People were streaming onto the stage so moving through the crowd was slow. Everyone was very deferential and stepping out of Zita’s way, so it was not too difficult. He waved to Ishmael, who waved back. Hagar and Ishmael remained in place, waiting for Zita to push his way through the crowd.

There is a young woman waiting for us on the stage, he told them. Please follow me.

Walking back was easier, as the crowds were dispersing.

Welcome to Hattusha, said the young woman. I would have introduced myself earlier, but you might find my name confusing.

Your name is 'confusing?' asked Ishmael, who was quite overwhelmed by all that he had experienced.

She laughed. My name is Basemath. I hope it’s not too hard to remember, at least. I am almost six years older than Zita's sister.

Oh, said Ishmael. So when do we eat?

Everyone laughed.

Just as soon as I explain a few things, said Basemath. She turned to Zita. "Ephron, Shelometh, and your Basemath have a very full schedule. You will have very little chance to speak with them privately during your visit. Hagar, you will be treated as Shelometh's personal servant. That is, your room will be next to hers and you will have as much freedom as she allows. You will attend the events she attends and that means no free time you can call your own.

"Ishmael, if this acceptable to your mother, we offer you the opportunity to train as a Hittite officer. You will learn to make your own weapons, including bows and arrows. PuduHepa and Athena will be your instructors. You will be assigned your own horse while you are here. You will be trained to drive a wagon and a chariot. It includes survival training and medical training. Does this sound like something you would like to do?

It sounds like something his mother would like him to do, said Hagar.

Yes, said Ishmael.

Since you are a guest, said Basemath, we will allow your mother or Zita to visit during your training any time they desire. The easiest way to contact them is to ask us to send a message. Everyone will be busy, so finding them might be difficult. By accepting this offer, this will be your only free day. So my sister Ta'har, her husband, and her guards will help you put your belongings away and give you a quick tour of the city.

Another tall blond woman came over them, and Hagar and Ishmael left with them.

I understand that you are tired, said Basemath. But I was asked to be with you as long as you are here.

I certainly do not want to be rude, said Zita. But I want to sleep. I am usually dressed and ready to go in the morning before the stars fade. Let us put in our necessary public appearance and get something to eat.

Basemath and Tyros led him to an enormous banquet hall where there was more food than Zita had ever seen in one place his entire life. Since he was not with his family in the receiving line, he was free to eat quickly. Tyros and Basemath showed him a private room in the wall of the old city of Hattus.

When you awaken and are ready, said Basemath, let the guard on duty know. He will awaken Tyros. Tyros, in turn, will get me.

Zita was too tired to say what he thought, that is the method of communication sounded complicated. His personal items were not only in the room, but unpacked and arranged.

Thank you for everything, said Zita. He bathed and collapsed.

Chapter Two  Tyros

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Zita had no idea of the time, but he was awake and ready for a new day when he became so sore from M'rk's training exercises that his muscles would not permit him to stay in bed any longer. He stepped out of his room and into the courtyard before there was any hint of dawn.

What watch is this? Zita called to the guard on the wall.

The final watch before dawn. Are you ready for Tyros? the guard called back.

Zita nodded before he realized that the guard probably could not see him in the darkness. Yes.

Please wait in the courtyard for him, said the guard, and left.

The courtyard was entirely stone pavement, not the grass his parents had described. There was no brick-kiln, smelter or forge anywhere inside the inner walls. A large cloak had been left in the room for his use, and he drew it tightly around him. If the sky had not been clear, Zita imagined that it would be snowing. He moved over to the ovens for warmth. Not even the cooks were up yet.

Good morning, Zita, said Basemath.

Zita whirled around with a smile on his face.

Do you sleep in your clothes? he asked.

Both Tyros and Basemath laughed. We were told that you were an early riser, said Basemath. We were prepared.

I spent my entire life building stone walls, said Zita. May we climb the tower?

Certainly, said Basemath as she led them over to the doorway from the courtyard to the tower. The thick stones supporting the base of the tower only allowed for single file up to the second floor.

Forgive me for my frequent stops, said Zita, But I am interested in the construction of this tower.

He studied the type of stone, the joints, and the probable methods of construction. Basemath and Tyros followed silently.

"Limestone. They must have an abundant source of limestone. Excellent joint work. I don't