Babylon's Tower

By L.A. Pattillo

Will a curse from God keep them from their happy ending?

The Tower of Babel had been in construction for nearly a hundred years by the time Eve, the daughter of Abiah the potter, was born. She's never known a time when her city wasn't obsessed with reaching the heavens, growing more wicked in their desires with every year that passes. As one of the few believers left, Eve clings to her family and other loved ones, finding peace and solace in their shared faith. But as she and her childhood friend, Mahah, become adults, Eve finds that her friendly feelings toward the now handsome man, have begun to shift and change. If only he had had the same revelation. Instead, Mahah continues to tease and play as if she were still a young child.

Mahah has watched his friend grow from a scrawny young girl into a beautiful, faithful woman. His heart no longer recognizes her as a sister, but as someone he would like to spend the rest of his life with. However, he cannot find the courage to risk their friendship for an emotion he is not sure she returns, no matter how much his family pushes him to settle down with a wife.

Just when Mahah and Eve come to an understanding, a plague from God brings Babylon to its knees. Mahah and Eve find themselves unable to communicate and their families in despair. Is there a way to receive God's forgiveness and cure the illness that has spread throughout the entire city? Or will the punishment of the wicked take down the righteous as well?

"Babylon's Tower" is the first book in the "Saga of Ether" Romance series, by Book of Mormon Fiction Author, L.A. Pattillo. It is based on the story of the Tower of Babel from the Book of Ether in the "Book of Mormon".

Other books by LA Pattillo

SAGA OF ETHER
Babylon's Tower
Journey Through the Deep

Land of Promise

WOMEN OF FAITH
The Faith of a Bride (FREE by signing up for my newsletter)
The Faith of a Wife
The Faith of a Queen
The Faith of a Servant

• Language: English
• Publisher: Laura Ann
• Release date: Jul 6, 2020
• ISBN: 9798201536213

Book preview

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

A HUGE thank you to April and Matthew.

I couldn’t have done this without you.

Also to Shaela for the stunning cover.

DEDICATION

To my oldest.

Keep making us laugh.

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CHAPTER 1

Eve giggled as she skipped down the dusty road. She was thrilled to be going to town with her mother today. The sun was high and the wildflowers were blooming, making each step through the countryside interesting and fun.

Eve! Her mother, Eunice, called out. Do not stray too far!

I will not, Eve called over her shoulder. Going to town was one of her favorite chores. She hated helping with the dishes or hanging laundry. Those jobs were hard and boring. It was never a good day when she had to help in the kitchen. However, trips to the market were the exact opposite. The city smelled of spices and baked goods. Great lengths of silk and other fine fabrics would be hanging in the breeze. Nuts and meats and cheeses would be on display, making Eve’s stomach grumble with anticipation.

She also adored stopping by her father’s shop. He was a potter, and walking through the aisles of his small place was always a fun experience. The shelves would be lined with his work, some plain and meant for everyday use, and others that were lavishly decorated with colors that were bright and the designs intricate. Seeing her father’s handiwork always gave Eve a sense of peace. She loved her father’s gentle smile and watching him work in his element made her happy.

She jerked to a stop as they came upon the city limits. The buildings were much closer together and Eve knew that she and her mother would have to walk next to each other from here on in. Mother always insisted it was too easy to get lost if they did not hold hands.

Thank you for waiting, Eunice said with a smile. She held out her hand. Now come. We will walk together.

Eve took her mother’s proffered hand and they walked toward the market. The closer they got, the more excited Eve became. She could not wait to see all the vendors and perhaps buy a special treat.

Eunice!

Eve frowned as her mother stopped. She looked around to see who had called to them.

Claudia! Eve’s mother smiled and waved to her friend.

It is good to see you, Claudia said, coming over and hugging Eunice. Is all well in your house?

Eunice nodded and as the two women began to speak, Eve tuned them out. The chatter of the grown-ups never interested her. Instead, she locked eyes with the bored looking boy who was standing just behind his mother.

Eve leaned sideways to better see him. She smiled. Hello, Mahah.

Mahah scowled and folded his arms. Instead of answering, he pinched his lips mutinously.

Eve frowned. Will you not say hello?

I do not speak to babies, he said harshly.

I am not a baby! Eve protested. She let go of her mother and put her hands on her hips. I am six years old. That is not even close to being a baby.

Well I am ten, he said smugly. That makes you still a baby.

You do not get to say that.

I just did, he responded with a tilt of his chin. Only a baby would be upset by those words.

Only a baby would call someone else a baby, Eve argued.

Mahah narrowed his eyes. I am not a baby.

Saying that makes you one, Eve said with a triumphant grin. You said so yourself.

Mahah scowled. I do not have to stand here and speak with you. You are a girl.

And you are a boy. Eve sniffed. I do not need your company. As if to prove her point, she began to march away from him.

Your mother will be upset you are gone, baby, Mahah taunted, walking beside her.

I already told you I am six, Eve said through gritted teeth. And I do not need my mother; only babies need their mothers. She eyed him sideways, annoyed at his high-handed manners. Why are you following me?

Someone has to make sure you are safe, Mahah said, puffing out his chest.

I am safe enough, she said primly.

Mahah scoffed.

Eve chewed her lip for a moment. She was glad for Mahah’s company, though she would not say as much out loud. The two children came to the end of an alleyway and stopped. Eve looked over her shoulder, but her mother was still talking animatedly to Mahah’s mother.

She turned back to the sight in front of her. Standing on tiptoe, Eve tried to find the man with the roasted nuts. Those were her favorite. She fingered the coin in her pocket, her mouth watering with the desire to eat the salty goodness.

What are you looking for? Mahah asked.

I shall not tell you, Eve snapped. You called me a baby.

Mahah made a face. You called me one as well.

Only after you called me one first! Eve protested.

Mahah growled. Just tell me where you are going, Eve, or I will tell your mother.

Eve sighed. I wish to buy some of the salted nuts. She pulled out her coin. My mother gave me money this morning.

Mahah’s eyes lit up. Those are my favorite.

Eve smiled back, their animosity toward each other gone. Mine as well. Do you want to share?

Mahah nodded eagerly. He reached out and took Eve’s hand and together they stepped into the flow of traffic. Eve held on tightly, as she was unable to see around the large bodies of the adults. Everything looked the same from her height, but she trusted that Mahah would take them where they wanted to go. He had always been good about fulfilling his word.

Mahah leaned this way and that, trying to see around the other people congregating, in order to spot the correct vendor. It had been a long time since he had accompanied his mother to the marketplace. Now that he was ten, he had started to spend more time with his father and brothers in the fields and among the flocks.

It was long, hard work, but Mahah did not mind it... most of the time. However, being with his mother today had been a welcome change. The weather was warm and the market usually held interesting people and things.

Now that Eve had tempted him with sharing some nuts, he had even more to look forward to. He kept a tight grasp on her hand and continued walking, knowing they would find the nut seller soon. It was hard to miss with an owner who shouted to the crowds.

There, Eve said softly, pulling Mahah to a stop and pointing to their right.

Good job, Mahah said with a smile. This young girl with the beautiful dark hair was not always bad company. Mahah often spoke and played with her when their families came together for dinner. Even though there were other boys his age, Eve was always full of energy and willing to do something fun. Her older brother, Abiah the younger, hated to break the rules, which made him an unenjoyable playmate. Elijah, the second oldest in Eve’s family was no better and he preferred to play with Mahah’s older brothers, Jacom and Gilgah.

Mahah guided them through the crowds until they stood directly in front of the cart bursting with nuts.

Sweet and salty! Roasted! Come buy a bag! the seller cried.

Eve bounced next to Mahah’s side and he scowled at her. You must stop that. Only babies cannot hold still.

She pinched her lips together and put her free hand on her hip. Stop calling me that. I have promised to share my snack. Babies do not do that. I am excited, and that means my feet like to dance. She put her nose in the air. You would not understand because you are a boy.

Mahah shook his head. Girls are worse than boys.

Do you want some nuts or not? she demanded.

Mahah sighed, thoroughly annoyed with her attitude, but he definitely wanted to share her treat. He looked up at the vendor and noticed that the man was watching the two children with an amused expression on his face.

Can I help you? the man asked.

Eve held up her coin. We would like some nuts! she shouted proudly.

Mahah wanted to groan. That was not how the grown-ups did it. Still, she was small and a girl. Mahah would have to be patient with her.

The seller smiled and reached out for the coin. My... you have a lot of money here. He turned it over in his hand. It will buy a large bag of nuts. Is that what you wish to spend all your money on?

Eve nodded eagerly, but Mahah kept a close watch. He was learning his numbers and he was determined that Eve would not be cheated.

The man chuckled. With salt or without?

Mahah looked down at Eve.

With, she said quickly.

That is my favorite too, the seller said with a wink. Quickly, with motions that showed he had done this a thousand times before, the man wrapped up a large scoop of hot nuts.

Mahah’s mouth water as they accepted the bag. He could smell the treat and was eager for a taste.

You are her brother? the man asked, eyeing Mahah.

Mahah made a face. No!

The seller’s eyebrows went up. Then why do you accompany her?

Mahah turned his head and gazed at the man sideways. Our mothers are friends. They are speaking and we wanted a snack. He was careful not to say more. It was not always wise to tell others about his family. Mahah’s father was Jared, a leader among the believers. In a time when the amount of believers was growing smaller and smaller, Mahah knew it was often a source of contention among the inhabitants of Babylon.

The man scratched his beard. I see. His eyes darted around and then he leaned close to Mahah. Take this, he whispered, glancing to make sure that Eve was occupied with her food. He slipped the coin into Mahah’s hand, then winked. You may treat the little one to something else as well.

Mahah looked at the coin, then at the man. When the man nodded and smiled again, Mahah finally smiled back. Surely the man would not give him back the coin if he did not mean it. The gesture was very kind and made Mahah feel a little better about them leaving their mothers. Thank you, he said politely.

The vendor nodded, then shooed them away. Now go. I have other customers to help.

Come on. Mahah tugged on Eve’s hand and began to drag her down the street.

What did he talk to you about? Eve asked, her mouth full of food.

Mahah made a face. Must you eat like that? Girls are supposed to have good manners.

Eve swallowed then spoke. So are boys, but you will not tell me what he said.

Mahah sighed dramatically. Let us go sit at your father’s and we can talk.

Eve squealed in delight and began tugging him hard toward the shopfront where her father worked.

Mahah could not help but smile at her exuberance. No matter how annoying she was, Eve could also be fun and Mahah liked that very much.

CHAPTER 2

As soon as her father’s shop came into view, Eve tugged on Mahah’s hand even harder. Hurry! Papa is close.

He is not my Papa, Mahah said dryly.

Eve flushed with embarrassment, having spoken before thinking properly.

Mahah laughed and poked at her pink cheek. Come on, he said, still smiling. I can see you are excited. He eyed the bag of nuts. And I am hungry.

Eve’s good humor returned and she quickened her steps again. At the door, she stopped to take in the smells. Earthy and clean, the scent would forever be ingrained in her memory as one to associate with her father. Papa? she called, stepping inside. Papa? Are you in here?

Is that my Eve? a deep voice came from behind a large shelf.

Eve cried out in delight and let go of Mahah, rushing through the shop until she found the man she sought. Papa! She threw her arms around him and squeezed his waist tight. Looking up, she smiled. "I am so glad