Splinters of Eternity

SPLINTERS OF ETERNITY

© 2011 Michal Ingraham

Smashwords Edition

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Thanks to all my NaNo buddies, who pushed me to finish and helped me make this good, and to my parents, who first encouraged the dream.

Chapter One- Sparks

My father came today, Enoch said to his lover, pushing his black hair back from his eyes. He had grown it long, in rebellion against his father as much as his liking of long hair. He ran his hand along his wife’s long brown braid and smiled, but his eyes were tight.

What did he want? Naamah asked, her face wan with the strain of carrying a child in her belly.

He wanted to talk to me about Elohim again. His face twisted at the name. I told him he might as well talk to the Serpent for all the good it would do him. Perhaps he will leave me alone.

He wants help with his herds too, beloved. Naamah’s brother Jabal was out with them now, watching over them and his own in a profit-sharing arrangement that was beneficial to both men.

Enoch waved a long brown hand carelessly. If Elohim is as powerful as he says, he can watch over the flocks without my help. Now let down your hair, my love, that I might love you. He looked at his bride, and she responded with ardor, loosening the thongs in her hair to let out a brown waterfall. She pulled her brown tunic over her head and her gray skirt to her ankles, then her wool-white under shift. After that, there was nothing left to be said.

Later, Enoch lay back on their mat, satisfied in his lover’s passion, her long arm lying over his chest. There were scars there, powerful reminders of the ceremony he had taken before Naamah’s father Lamech in order to seal himself into the line of Cain. He knew well the stories of the Serpent and the coming redeemer, stories told many times by his father Jared and his grandfather Mahaleel around the family campfire. They were stories he no longer cared for, now that he was a man. Naamah and the herds were all, not some strange man of fire and a serpent that could talk. Besides, everyone knew that serpents crawled on the ground and could not speak. Or so he said to himself. Restless, he pushed Naamah’s arm off his chest and rose. She turned in her sleep but did not open her eyes.

He pushed back the flap of his goatskin tent and walked out a few paces. Above him, thousands upon thousands of stars pulsed in the frosty air. He rubbed his arms and stood there, hoping that looking at the stars and the green hills around him would help him relax. It did, some, and he went back to bed, and to his restless sleep. So lost was he, he did not notice his lover leave or come back.

But he noticed, later, that she was bruised, and his breath caught. What happened? he said, trembling with rage as he held her biceps tightly with his hands. He was not a large man, but all knew his temper. His eyes demanded a response and got one.

No one, Naamah said. It was an accident, beloved.

Was it Lamech again? Tell me the truth, beloved. Naamah dropped her eyes and refused to look up. Enoch cupped her head, there in the light of the setting moon, and forced her to look up. Tell me. Are you not bone of my bone and flesh of my flesh?

It was him, but he will not bother me again. I know his mind now, and now how to keep him safe from me and our child, even if I must die to prevent it.

Enoch stroked her cheek and held her face against his chest. There will be no dying. Next time he comes, we will see how he treats you. It will be the last time, I promise that. Naamah rolled over into his arms, and Enoch held her close, quietly humming. She had been ravaged, and Enoch in that moment vowed death to anyone who dared harm his love again.

Naamah saw his expression. When my father comes, he will explain all. I promise you that, my love. Now, sleep. Sleep. She sighed and shut her eyes, falling against him. He wanted to sleep, but sleep did not come that night as he held her tightly. Added to his anger was his unease, for Lamech was a hard man, and Enoch was bound to him by ties stronger than steel.

He leaned back and looked at his lover, wondering for a moment whether it had been worth it. He thought yes, but part of him was beginning to wonder if he was truly part of the line of Cain, with their harsh, unfeeling ways. He would meet the whole family once more tomorrow, eight months since he had been branded. The scar had healed nicely, and now the brand was visible. He rubbed the ridges, tracing the shape with his sensitive fingertips. He felt Naamah stir under his hand and rub the mark lovingly.

Was it worth it? she asked sleepily. Was I worth it?

You are and always will be, Enoch said, wondering what was troubling his love as she rose and wrapped her robe around her. He watched her sleepily as she cooked a meal over their little fire and handed it to him. The sun was coming up, its light a line on the horizon.

Time to get up, husband, Naamah said. My family will be here soon.

Enoch yawned and stretched before rising. He went outside to use the waste pit, then came back to eat and get ready for the day. Naamah set out cheese, flatbread, olives and fruit in preparation for her family, and Enoch unrolled the mats on which they would sit.

They had no sooner finished then they saw Lamech’s family toiling up the road from the river, Lamech at their head. It was a hot day, and as soon as they approached, Enoch went out to meet them, bowing before them.

My tent is yours. Come and be refreshed.

We will stay for awhile, Lamech said. He and sons took the mats, leaving Adah and Zillah to stand. Naamah moved nervously to serve her family, and Enoch watched with apprehension. Tubal-Cain, with arms thick from metalworking, could kill him with one blow, and Jabal could outrun him easily. His apprehension grew as Naamah moved with more and more nervousness, her face growing pale. The men kept talking among themselves, boasting of their various projects, but Enoch watched his wife. Finally he stood.

My wife is tired. Can she not rest? Naamah turned to flee into the tent, but a single twisting motion from her father stopped her. Enoch turned slowly. All four men were standing now, their faces blank. All but Jabal, who wore a frown as he looked between the two groups.

I don’t understand, Enoch said, puzzled, even as Naamah tugged on his arm to draw him away. He disengaged and stood, facing the men. He realized he had no weapon, but his stubbornness and temper flared anyway.

Let my wife rest, he said softly, but with the authority inherent in his true line.

Ah, but before she was your wife, she belonged to another, Jubal said quietly.

The child is his, is it not? Lamech asked. Shall I take her to the cave for the birth?

It would be best, Tubal-Cain said, idly tapping a metal hammer against his huge palm.

Enoch felt himself shriveling inside with each word. That is a lie! I do not know what you have done, but she belongs to me. She has loved no one but me, nor will she ever.

That is true enough, Jabal said, surprising Enoch.

Then what…

Some mysteries are for those born into this line, Lamech said. Adah and Zillah, unnoticed to this point, nodded soberly and sadly. You have joined it by default, but you are blind yet to many things only I know.

She is my wife! Enoch said as the two other women, gently but firmly, grabbed hold of Naamah. She turned terrified eyes to her husband, who stood helpless, captured by the sight of the metal tools tucked into Tubal Cain’s belt, hooks and spikes and other things that he had not seen before. You cannot take her!

Your promise was to me, not to her, Lamech said. Do you remember? Enoch did, dimly, on that night when he had sold himself to his new master. He lunged, and ran into a wall that spun him backwards. Tubal-Cain had moved forward, silent as the night and just as large. His hammer was not tapping lightly anymore, but hung loosely in his hand.

I would not do that if I were you, little man, he said quietly. She must fulfill her destiny, as you must fulfill yours. Jabal had Naamah now. She did not look up, nor did she protest, and that hurt Enoch worst of all. Tubal-Cain saw where he was staring and laughed spitefully. You should wait for her. It was not a request.

Enoch nodded slowly. What shall I tell my mother and my brothers? They expected to see her today.

Tell her she ran off with another man because you were not strong enough to keep her, Tubal-Cain said. He smiled, but the smile was grim, and even a little sad. Tell her that she is not truly yours. Enoch spun backwards, feeling as though a knife had pierced his heart.

Are you done with the little man? Lamech called. Or is he proving too much of a problem for you, my son?

I am done, the smith said, moving out of the shade and back onto the road. I will carry her. She will struggle.

Enoch had an idea. Slipping into his house, he retrieved the knife Lamech had given him on his initiation into the clan. He walked out and started playing with it, quietly. All seven had moved away. Jabal looked back and shook his head slowly.

Naamah began to struggle, and he hit her sharply. She went limp, and Enoch moved into action. He followed them, keeping to the bushes on the side of the road and moving quickly enough to keep up with them. He saw red, but he was canny enough to know he could never defeat Jubal, let alone Tubal-Cain with his limbs like treetrunks.

His chance came when they reached the Pishon. Naamah’s unconscious body was lifted up on Jubal’s strong shoulders.

Easy, Lamech said. We cannot harm her…yet. His voice chilled Enoch, and he moved faster, his eyes scanning for any backwards movements. He reached them just as Tubal-Cain stepped foot in the Pishon. His knife flashed, and Tubal-Cain cried out in pain. Naamah landed on the ground and sprang to her feet, staring at Enoch. He motioned her into the bushes, and she slipped behind them as Lamech turned.

That was foolish. You think you can be a hero, do you? Little man from the line we hate.

You may get her, but not without a fight.

Ah, Lamech said. Then we will fight you. We must fight you. Too late Enoch realized he was opposed four to one. The two wives were nowhere to be seen, but footprints on the other side of the narrow river showed they had run across as fast as they could. He only hoped Naamah was doing the same in the other direction.

Enoch thought that one person was missing. He looked around and saw that Jabal was also gone. Where, he did not know, but it was one less enemy to fight. Jubal moved quickly to try and drive Enoch into the river, but he danced back, swirling around the three men and clubbing Jubal hard with the butt of his knife. He stumbled back, holding his head where blood was beginning to appear.

Tubal-Cain was now getting to his feet, holding his stomach with one hand. His hammer was still held in the other, though, and he moved now with ponderous strength, attempting to get behind Enoch to club him while Jubal danced back to cut him off, blood streaming from one eye.

Stop, Lamech commanded, and all three froze as though commanded by a Watcher. Why this foolish arguing? Do not you know that we are all of one line? Why should we kill each other? Enoch has sworn his oaths to us, and paid in blood. He merely forgets himself in the passion of youth. Let him go. He cannot harm us. Let him go.

Enoch saw a shadow behind him. He turned just in time to see Tubal-Cain’s fist coming toward him, then nothing but black.

Chapter Two- Warnings

When he woke, he was lying on his cot. Jabal was leaning over him, cloth in hand, and more people filled the little room. He rolled over and was met by a wave of pain.

Lay still, son, came the sweet voice of his mother Zerah. You were hit hard. She came toward him, a fair-haired, young woman at only two hundred. She smiled at him and held a clay goblet to his lips. He sucked down the wine and then rose slowly, wincing as he did so. Jared sat at the foot of his bed, looking at his son. Enoch’s two younger twin brothers, Eloi and Mashad, sat at the head, and helped him sit up.

Tell me what happened, Jared said with an authority that was only heightened by his gray eyes.

So Enoch did. Jared was clutching at the arms of his chair when he was finished. It was brave, but foolish, he said. Now you must stay in bed for the next week, so that there is no swelling of the brain. So my wife has said, and your mother.

Enoch sighed and slumped in his bed, the one he had carved himself. There was a lump where Naamah should lay, and he felt it softly. At least my wife has returned? he asked hopefully.

Jared shook his head. She never arrived. She is gone, and no one knows where. So is all of Lamech’s family, I guess to the cave they spoke of. None of us have seen them, or where they went, only that they crossed the Pishon.

Enoch leaned forward and put his head in his hands, unmindful of his pain. If I knew who was this other man, I could find them both. But why would a man ask his wife to give birth in a cave?

Jared shrugged. I do not know. Perhaps my father will know, but he lives far away from here. Remember, though, that Elohim knows.

Do not speak that name here, Enoch hissed. He is dead to me, and no god at all. Better we forge our own way, and I intend to forge mine.

What will you do? Remember that you have now set the whole house of Cain against you, but for your friend Jabal, he smiled at the young herder, and their reputation is well deserved. You should never have taken the mark, Enoch. It was foolish. Love is not worth your life. Not worth the pain you will feel. The house of Cain is tainted, and you will learn their evil.

They may be murderous, but I will be crafty. But for Tubal-Cain, I might have stopped them there on the shores of the Pishon.

Perhaps, but unless you rest, you will not take one step without pain. I will leave you now, and send a message to Mahaleel.

As you wish, Enoch said. It makes no difference to me. He lay back on the bed and waved with his hand. Well, if you want me to rest, go! I can take care of myself.

They swept out, including the twins, and Enoch was left alone. His knife was lying on the ground where he and Naamah used to eat. He reached out and grabbed it, looking at it. The blade was still wet with blood, and Enoch shuddered, wondering what he had been thinking. No one from the line of Seth had ever murdered another human being, and the rules against it went all the way back to Seth himself.

But I am not of Seth’s line anymore, am I? he muttered to himself as he looked at the blade. It would not be long enough to pierce all the way through to Tubal-Cain’s heart, but it was not Tubal-Cain he wanted. He wanted Lamech himself.

I will be the first of the seventy-seven if need be, he said, looking at his blade and thinking to himself. He needed a metalworker, one not associated with Cain. It was said that Alizama, one of the Watchers, was teaching a class on weapons just beyond the Hill of Seth. He decided he would go there, and perhaps learn a few things about the art of war if the angel was willing to teach him.

A sudden pain brought him back from his thoughts. He flopped back on the bed, rubbing his temples as Jabal came back in, pain in his eyes. Enoch was not in a mood to see his old friend, but the shepherd sat anyway.

Why are you here? Enoch hissed through his pain. Do you think you can make up for what your family has done?

I will separate from my family if you leave your foolish questing. I see what is in your eyes. Why should you die young? You are but sixty three, and merely a youth. I would live to see you see one thousand years.

I love my wife. Your family treats her as a servant. I will take her back, or die. He spoke harshly, for he had come through the pain into hot anger. He grabbed Jabal’s arm. This I swear, on whatever gods you worship. I will take her back.

The herder sighed, and the struggle was plain on his face. If you wish this course, I will help you. They do not speak of this cave, but it is somewhere in the mountains of Cain, on the borders of the land of Nod.

I have heard of those mountains. I will go there and see if perhaps I can discover this mystery. He smiled grimly and poked his brand. Am I not of the house of Cain also? Am I not privy to the secrets of the wise among you?

Some things are not worth knowing, Jabal said quietly.

Enoch raised his hand in dismissal. If they hurt the one I love, they are. Jabal went out quietly, leaving Enoch to rest. Restless as he was, he could not move, for his side and head throbbed. He felt behind him, where a bump showed Tubal-Cain’s strength.

But for your quickness, you would be dead, Zerah said, coming back in with a bowl of soup. She sat on the edge of the mat and put a wooden spoon in the bowl of beans and broth. I hope you are more wary now. I would hate to lose my eldest son.

Did my father send off his message to Mahaleel? That is all I want to know.

Yes. The twins will take it. It is time they began to move out from under our roof, and it will test their manhood.

Enoch smiled, then grimaced as a wave of pain swept over his scalp. Zerah soaked a cloth in a bowl full of crushed herbs and water and held it to his head. Slowly, the pain disappeared again, settling to a dull ache. After that was done, she fed him the soup, slowly and carefully. Enoch ate it all, though the aroma wanted to make him sick up.

Never before have our two lines been at odds, she said. "Never before have we married, either. All that aside, the house of Cain deserves its reputation. There have been no murders since their forefather killed