Voyage of the Ark: A Novel

By Karen Nelson

Jalila searched his face. What can one do?

There is only one way to be saved, Shem replied.

In a world corrupted by evil and destined for destruction, one family has the answer. One family has built a vessel able to withstand the coming flood. But will it be enough? How will they endure the death of an entire world? And what will become of them in the aftermath? Can the family remain united through the ordeal and survive the devastation?

Based on the account of Noahs ark in the Bible, Voyage of the Ark takes you into the heart and hardships of the journey on the ark. Step into the world before the flood and see the events unfold through the eyes of Jalila, daughter-in-law of Noah.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris AU
• Release date: Aug 18, 2016
• ISBN: 9781524516611

Book preview

Chapter 1

J alila stared out the small, wooden window into the dark night. The noise from the people jeering and throwing insults had only tapered off just over an hour ago. She had waited a full hour before she’d risked sneaking up the ladder to the top of the ark, where a row of small windows allowed air and light into the ark—and a limited view out from the inside. Breathing deeply the fresh night air, she let out a sigh. From up here, thirty-one cubits off the ground, things looked different. The trees all seemed smaller; even the large machines the family had constructed to help them build the ark seemed small from this distance. She longed to go outside, but the door had been closed five days ago—by the Lord. They could not open it now, even if they wante d to.

Her eyes scanned warily over the soft hills as she thought back over the events that had led her to where she was now. So much had happened. It was incredible that she was here when the beginning of her life had been so dark.

She remembered the first time she’d laid eyes on her husband, Shem, as an adult. They had met a few times as children in the marketplace and such, but Jalila had hardly noticed him. She’d been more interested in boys from rich families, those like her own. Her father owned and leased out prominent estates in a number of cities across the known lands and, thus, had amassed considerable wealth for their family. Being always hungry for more, he and his wife had taught their children to seek friendships only from certain families and forbidden interaction with others. Jalila knew now that her parents had intended to marry her to someone who would increase their wealth. She had thought as a child that they had her best interests at heart. She’d learned the truth the day she met Shem.

*     *     *

Jalila had been browsing at the markets, her burley chaperone following her a few steps behind (her father insisted she be accompanied always because I do not want her ruined, he so eloquently phrased it). She had found a jewellery seller and was enraptured by a necklace of gold, intricately handcrafted and set with sapphires and diamonds. She absolutely loved sapphires. The best of them came from Pishon, and Jalila knew she held in her hand just such sapphires. She asked the seller his price.

He looked her up and down with a leer. I am sure we can make an arrangement that would benefit us both.

Disgusted, Jalila dropped the necklace onto the table and took a step back. As she turned, she bumped into someone.

Sorry there, came a deep voice behind her.

Sorry? Jalila thought. People do not say sorry. People in these days only care for themselves, not one seemed to care if they trampled another on their way.

She looked to see who had spoken and found herself looking up into the deep blue eyes of Shem, son of Noah. Such a contrast to her own brown eyes, they seemed to draw her in.

I didn’t see you there, he said apologetically. His open kindness awakened something within her.

No …it was my fault, she admitted slowly, realising as she said it that this was the first time she had ever taken responsibility for fault. I was looking at a necklace, but the seller’s price was a proposition I am not willing to pay. I stepped away without looking.

In that case, apology accepted, he replied with a twinkle in his eye.

Jalila was instantly taken with him, though, she wondered how many of the rumours of his family actually held any truth in regard to his character. She’d eventually come to the conclusion that the rumours were all lies. There was something different about Shem, and she liked it. She and Shem had walked the rest of the markets together, and as they’d arrived at the end stall, a commotion had broken out down the street.

Jalila looked back to see a band of rough-looking men turning over tables and taking young women. Where was her chaperone? He had been following her a moment ago, but now the crowd was so thick she could not see him. Shem grabbed Jalila’s hand and pulled her behind a tent.

They’re taking all the girls! she gasped.

Shhh! Trust me, and do as I say, and I will get you home safe, Shem replied, his eyes imploring her to obey.

Jalila nodded. Shem peaked around the edge of the tent and then looked around behind them.

That wagon! he whispered, pointing, When I say, make a run for it. I will hide you under the straw.

Shem looked around the side of the tent again. Jalila could hear the ruffians getting closer.

Ready …now!

Jalila picked up her skirts and ran as fast as her legs would carry her. She got to the wagon and Shem helped her up. She lay down, and he covered her with straw. Jalila could hear the men calling to one another and did her best to keep from shaking in fear. Girls who were taken like this were rarely seen again. Jalila hated to think of the horrors they would endure. She heard footsteps coming towards her and held her breath. After a few moments the footsteps receded. She let her breath out slowly.

They’re leaving, she heard Shem whisper. Wait a bit longer.

After what seemed like eternity, Shem spoke again, his voice louder this time. It’s all right now. You can come out.

Jalila lifted her head and sat up. Shem helped her down off the wagon, and she dusted the straw off her dress.

The times are dangerous, she said, trying to keep her voice even.

They will only get worse, Shem said softly, gently pulling a piece of straw from her hair, Mankind’s thoughts are continually evil.

Jalila searched his face, What can one do?

There is only one way to be saved, Shem replied. Come, I will share my meal with you.

They found a quiet place away from the bustle of the market, and Shem shared his knapsack of food with her. It was the most delicious, savoury bread she had ever tasted, and Jalila decided that her mother’s cook needed immediate replacing. When she voiced her plans to dismiss the cook, Shem vowed his mother’s food was not like any other in the known world. She laughed at his declaration and agreed to leave her mother’s cook alone.

Jalila, aware of her chaperone a short distance away, pretended he was not there. He had not been any help to her. Where had he been when the raiders had invaded the marketplace? If it weren’t for Shem, she would have been carried off by the band of men. She would see to it that her father got rid of her protector.

Jalila turned back to Shem. The conversation flowed so freely between them that she hardly noticed the time go by. As the sun started its decent into the western hills, Jalila willed it to stop moving. She enjoyed Shem’s company and was sorry she had to say good-bye.

Her parents were not sorry she had said good-bye. Her delight was quickly tarnished at the first mention of Shem’s name.

Shem? her father spat, like it was a bad taste in his mouth, He’s the son of that madman, Noah!

Noah! her mother had mocked. The crazy old man building that big boat?

That’s the one, Jalila’s elder brother Zeck added, Everyone knows he’s out of his mind! He talks of repentance—like we have anything to be sorry for! And he’s convinced his god is going to destroy the earth with a flood! Absolutely ridiculous!

Jalila wisely held her tongue. What could she say anyway? Noah was eccentric. Building a huge boat so far from any large water source and preaching the end of the world did not do well for one’s reputation. Her family thought as everyone did—that Noah had lost his mind, and his family was encouraging his idiocy. However, Jalila had seen another side of the story today. Shem had spoken of his father’s convictions with such clarity that she knew there was something real in it—some deep truth. It had stirred her spirit, and she yearned to know more.

Stay away from that family. Her father had pointed at her sternly. I will not waste you on a mess like that! There’s no wealth in that family. I have my eye set on a family worth making an alliance with—men with wealth and power, men of renown!

Jalila shuddered inwardly. She knew of whom her father spoke. They were called the Nephilim. Those people were dark; they scared her. Giants among them, they were men of war, of death, destroying everything in their path. There were many stories of how they had come about, most dark and sinister. Every person alive was descended from Adam and Eve, of course. But somewhere along the line, people had mixed with something of a much nastier nature. Rumours abroad said dark angels had bred with human women. Jalila was inclined to believe them. These were the men of renown her father hoped to form a union with. Jalila wanted nothing to do with them. The thought of being married to one of them was terrifying.

From now on, you will take one of your brothers when you leave the estate, her father went on. Obviously that chaperone is useless. I will find a better use for him. The last thing I need is one of my assets being stolen or becoming worthless.

The look on his face said it all. Jalila was a possession, nothing more. From that moment she’d determined to find a way of escape before it was too late.

*     *     *

Jalila, came a soft, deep voice behind her, bringing her back to the present. What are you doing up there?

Jalila looked down to see her husband, Shem, at the bottom of the ladder she was standing on.

I was thinking about that day we met in the marketplace, she replied as she descended the ladder. He took her hand as she stepped off the last rung.

That was a good day, his eyes sparkled. You fell in love with me.

I admit I was taken with you, but love? No. That came later.

He nodded in acknowledgement but said nothing. The past was full of memories, some bittersweet. They walked along the upper deck towards the sleeping quarters.

Darling, Jalila ventured, It has been five days …

Shem gave her a questioning look.

She sighed. My faith is weak, she admitted. We have been here only five days. The flood has not even started, and already I feel strained. I believe your father hears from God. I know the Lord’s hand is in this—my own eyes have seen His wonders. I have seen Him protect this family from all the people out there and the way the animals came—as if they were led—and went into their stalls without trouble. And I saw the way the Lord Himself closed the door of this ark once we were all inside. These things cannot be denied.

But? Shem prodded gently.

The future is so uncertain now. What will the coming years hold for us? It’s silly really. I am a person who has seen the hand of God work in our lives with my own eyes, and still I struggle when my faith and endurance are tested. I am no better than the people out there.

Shem stopped her and held her by both shoulders. You are not like them, he said looking straight into her eyes. You made a choice and walked away from all you had ever known. You chose life—God. And then you took steps toward Him. You stood strong in the face of ridicule. You are not the same as them. Do not belittle the work the Lord has done in you.

I love you, she smiled, putting her arms around his neck. I am so blessed to have you.

I feel the same way, he replied, pulling her close.

Chapter 2

T ime, to wake up, sweeth eart.

Jalila opened her eyes. Shem was dressed and sitting on the bed next to her, his feet on the floor.

I slept in? she asked, sitting up.

I let you sleep a few extra minutes, he replied. But it is now time to rise and eat.

Jalila got up and dressed quickly. Together they walked to the family’s kitchen and dining room. Shem’s father, Noah, was sitting at the head of the table with Naamah, his wife on his right. On Noah’s left was Japheth, Shem’s older brother, and next to him, his wife, Tijal. Shem’s younger brother, Ham, was seated next to Tijal, and his wife, Damali, was nowhere to be seen. At Noah’s feet, as always, lay Adonis and Sakiza, the male and female dogs. Somewhere, the pair of cats were lying about, most likely sleeping in Japheth and Tijal’s room. Tijal loved and cared for the cats and they seemed to love her too.

Good morning, Naamah greeted as Shem sat down.

Good morning, Mother, Shem replied.

Good morning, Jalila said as she went over to the built-in cupboards and pulled out an earthen container. The women had made a mix using fruits and nuts grown from the house orchard and grains milled from the crops they had grown over the last couple of years. Jalila especially loved the oats—a food she had not tasted until coming to be part of Shem’s family. Within a few minutes, she had made a healthy morning meal for herself and Shem.

Does anyone need anything from over here? she asked those at the table.

Normally each wife organised the morning meal for her own husband and herself, whereas the noon and evening meals were prepared and eaten together as a family. This meant that everyone could start the day at a time that suited him or her.

No, thank you, each person replied, almost in unison.

Jalila carefully placed all the items away securely. Each shelf, cupboard, and container was designed and built to fit together so that, when the flood came, nothing would be knocked around or broken.

Once at the table, Jalila noticed that the others had almost finished their food. Her heart sank. She hated to sleep in. All through her upbringing, she had been spoilt and allowed to rise late in the morning. Now she felt the need to get up early and work hard. Like working all these years has somehow paid for my past, she thought. I can only do my best now.

I can wake you up before dawn tomorrow if it will make you feel better, Shem offered from beside her.

She looked over at him, surprised that he could read her so well. His eyes held that amused twinkle, characteristic of the men in his family. It made her smile in spite of herself.

Maybe that would be a good idea. She shrugged and put a spoonful of food into her