Nefarious Ones

Nefarious Ones

By Laney Rhodes

Published by Laney Rhodes at Smashwords

Copyright 2014 Laney Rhodes

Nefarious Ones

Chapter One

Gone

There was still light in the land, but darkness was coming. Not merely to be the end of the day, but the end of an era. People were lost and most didn’t want to be found. Life lasted hundreds of years and death seemed to be too distant to worry about. With so much time it seemed to only reinforce that life was to be lived by whatever seemed to feel good, no matter whom it hurt. There were those that laughed, and those that cried. The weak was pushed aside and thought of as fodder for the strong. Law was made by those who had no law.

There were fierce men that were the giant sons of the heavenly ones. They began to take control of most of the land, for there was only one land mass. The continents did not exist, only one huge land mass that stretched from one ocean to the other.

The heavenly ones taught the people how to make and build great cities. They knew how to read the stars, make weapons of metal, how to use them and what war was,— how to fight and kill. The heavenly ones showed the people of earth how to conjure and do the evil they called magic.

The people of the earth invited the heavenly ones to stay and live among them. The heavenly ones chose the daughters of earth, to become their wives. Their sons became giants, that ruled with viciousness and took all they wanted, they were men of renown. Having a unquenchable hunger for food, strong drinks and blood, the blood which they drunk from anything they might kill. Eating everything and anything, crawling insects, small birds and the largest beast, the great hairy mammoth.

No earthling could stand up to them, and live to tell of it. People began to understand, about things and feelings, human emotions took control of most. They made images of stones, prayed and sacrificed to these images, made gods of the sun and stars. There seemed to be no retaliation, punishment, or justice for crimes. Corruption seemed to be the norm and the passive were just in the way. As the corrupt took hold, the passive and those seeking good were pushed farther and with each passing day their numbers dwindled.

Most of the earthlings liked the things the heavenly ones taught them and left behind all that was good, along with their belief in the One God. There were those that still felt kindness and honesty was the right way. But their numbers were declining each and every day. There were some that had never heard of all the things taking place in other parts of the world. These lived away from the cities and kept to themselves, working hard, trying to raise a family.

Noah and his three sons lived on such a place, up in the mountain area where they raised sheep and grew their crops. They, along with a few others, lived peacefully with each other. Of late word had come to them about some of the things that were changing in the land.

Noah’s three sons which helped him and lived alongside of him, Shem, Ham and Japheth lived a good life, although for the young men it seemed boring at times. But they knew little else, except for the times they would go to the cities to trade. There they heard talk of distant places, of things, that was exciting and fearful.

Japheth was a shepherd, as were his two brothers. He loved being out in the openness, especially the mountain area where it was beautiful. Japheth, spent his days moving the sheep from place to place. Not today though, he was going to see Drusilla, the woman he hoped to wed soon, although he had to wait for his brother to marry Sheri first. Drusilla’s sister. Sheri, was the oldest daughter, and she had to marry first. It was the way of things.

Shem asked Japheth jokingly. Trying to look good for the sheep, are you?

Japheth knew that Shem knew where he was going. Very funny. I could tell Sheri that I seen you out with another woman.

You do and the big cat won’t be your only worry.

Japheth laughed. It did feel awkward, having to wait on his brother to marry before he could. Ham his other brother was married, and it was time for them all to start their family. It was what was expected of them. Their father believed that a good man needs a good woman to keep him good.

Japheth had a long walk in front of him, but he enjoyed the walk through the valley, although sometimes there were things he didn’t like. The big cat with the long tusk, sometimes liked to stay in the trees where it was cool, but today he had no trouble and he arrived at Drusilla’s home. Her father came out, looked Japheth over like he was a animal he was interested in buying.

Hello Heron. I hope you are doing well? Japheth asked.

Heron looked at him angrily, but he always looked as though he was angry about something. Sheep boy. Why always sheep boys? Why not a wealthy man? Someone who can give my daughters a better living than watching sheep?

Japheth didn’t know how to reply to such a remark. I’m sorry, he finally said.

Heron looked him over again. Well, come on in sheep boy and see the sheep girl. That seems to be her destiny.

Japheth waited, standing close inside the door of the stone house. Heron made him feel uneasy, even though Japheth knew he only wanted the best for his daughters. Japheth seen nothing wrong with taking care of sheep.

Then Drusilla walked out. She had long sandy blond hair and blue eyes, she smiled when she seen Japheth. Father we’re going outside, if that’s alright with you.

Heron smiled at her, then turned toward Japheth and gave him a mean stare. Go ahead. You might as well get accustomed to the outside if your going to live your life with a sheep boy.

The two walked out into a garden that had beautiful flowers blooming. The smell filled the air with a sweet smell.

I don’t think your father likes me very much, Japheth said.

Drusilla smiled at him I like you.

That was all that really mattered to him. The two walked in the garden, there was little talking, or anything else. Her father often looked out to check on them.

When is your brother going to marry my sister? Drusilla asked.

I don’t know. I ask him all the time and all he ever says is soon now, very soon now.

Maybe you should tell him that another man has been coming around here lately.

There is? Who is this other man?

His name is Yoder. He’s from a city and says he owns things there. He seems to have lots of money.

Japheth looks at her and wonders if she to might be taking a shine to this city man. And what do you think of this city man.?

Well, he has a charm about him, and father really likes him, even calls him son. She watches Japheth to see his reaction.

Son huh? Does he have more charm than me?

Well— different. He speaks with a accent, like he isn’t from here. Sheri seems to like hearing him talk. She knew Japheth was getting jealous, and that was what she wanted.

Japheth stared at her a long time, looking for some sign that she might like this city man herself. City life doesn’t seems so hot to me and city people know nothing of sheep or anything like that.

Yoder said they do things in the city, have parties, dance and have such beautiful music. It does sound interesting, don’t you think?

I think he should go back to the city and stay there.

She giggled. Yoder also said that the women have beautiful clothes of every color.

He walks away from her a few steps, seems he couldn’t think clearly. The picture of the city man holding Drusilla in his arms kept running through his head. Look I have to get back home, but I’ll come back in a few days.

She smiles at him, her work was done. She knew what he had to hurry home for, to hurry Shem to marry her sister and that was what she wanted.

Japheth didn’t remember the journey home, he tried to sleep under a tree, but the image of Drusilla with the man from the city kept running through his head. When he got home the first thing he did was to locate his brother.

Shem was out in the pasture watching the sheep, when Japheth came up to him. You got to marry Sheri soon.

His brother looked at him as though he was crazy. What are you talking about?

Did you know there was a city man trying to steal your future bride away?

Have you gone mad or something, Japheth?

Drusilla said some man from a city was coming there to see Sheri. Did you know that Shem?

I know there’s a man going there, but he’s looking for sheep to buy.

Sheep? Drusilla said he came to see Sheri. I don’t understand Shem? Scratching his head trying to figure out what was going on.

It’s called pressure. Drusilla’s trying to make you jealous so you will hurry me along to marry Sheri.

You might be right, but still I would like to get married to her soon.

Don’t worry brother. Sheri and I have plans. I promise you it won’t be much longer.

Japheth felt better, he loved Drusilla and it was going to be difficult to wait, but he would. Shem said it wouldn’t be too many more days he could wait.

The days went by slowly for Japheth. True to his word Shem set a time for the wedding. Now Japheth and Drusilla could set their wedding date. Noah was happy for both of his sons, after they got married all of his sons would be married.

Noah sent Japheth and Shem to the city. It was a few days journey to get there. There were things to get for the wedding and the city was the only place to get them. So they took sheep and goats to trade for the things needed. It had been a long time since they had been to the city. They were both excited about going. Living so far away from everything, it would be nice to hear what was going on in the rest of the world. Japheth had plans to bring Drusilla a present, something gold.

As they came closer to the city it seemed strange to hear so much noise, and it seemed that everyone was drunk, or just crazy. Taking their flock to the back of the city to some holding pens, they put them in a pen. The man said he would watch them for one goat. It seemed fair so the two went into the city. It had changed from the last time they were here, a lot of wildness going on. There seemed to be people fighting all over the place, they stayed away from it. The two got to the shop where they had done business before, but the man was gone and in his place was a younger man.

Where’s the man that use to be here? Shem asked.

The shop man looked them up and down. He’s gone. Left the city. You got something to trade?

We have some sheep and a few goats, Shem said.

How many sheep you got?

Twenty-four sheep and ten goats. We have them behind the city in the holding pens.

You told anyone else about this?

Shem thought it a strange question. You’re the first person we’ve talked to.

Tell you what I’m going to do for you, take anything here you need for the sheep and goats.

Shem looked at Japheth, he shrugged his shoulders. Let me talk it over with my friend, Shem said. He takes Japheth to the side, so the two can talk in private. Something isn’t right here. Shem whispered.

Why?

He didn’t even try to barter with us. I’ve never heard of anyone not bartering for a while.

Times just could be hard down here, that’s all. We take his offer, get our stuff, then we can take a look around before we go.

Alright, but I’m going to get some gold as well, so you can buy that present you wanted for Drusilla.

Not a problem, the shop man said, he counted out some gold pieces.

You want to look at the sheep first? Shem asked.

I’ll take your word for it.

The two packed all the things they needed, and left. Their two little donkeys were weighted down with things. Shem and Japheth then went farther into the city. It was like all the people had gone crazy. Drunks laid everywhere and naked people doing things right in the street. Shem wanted to leave then, but Japheth made him go on.

They found a little shop that sold rings and jewelry. Shem stood outside holding the mules while Japheth went into the shop. An older man was standing inside, but said nothing just stared at Japheth, it made him feel uncomfortable. Do you have necklaces? Japheth asked.

The man goes into the back room and returns with a goat skin. He unwrapped it, inside were five necklaces, and Japheth seen the one he wanted right away. It was a gold necklace in the shape of a leaf with a gold chain.

How much for that one? Japheth asked.

What do you have to trade?

Gold.

What else?

We had some sheep, but traded them all.

Don’t need gold, need something to eat, and he starts to fold up the skin.

Then Japheth remembered the food they had for the trip. Wait here, I’ll be back, and runs out to where Shem is holding the two mules. The man won’t take money, Shem. He said he wants food.

We don’t have any food, only what we have to eat on the way home.

We can make it back on a lot less than we have.

You’re going to take and trade our food, for what?

It’s a gold pendent of a leaf. I really want to give it to Drusilla.

Shem was about to say no, but when he looked at his brothers sad eyes, he melted. I better not hear you complain one time of being hungry.

Thanks, you’re the best brother ever. Yes and the hungriest too, Shem thought.

The man wanted more but after seeing that was all Japheth had he took the food and gave Japheth the leaf necklace.

Can we please go now. This city has gone too wild for me, Shem said.

They were going through the small streets and Japheth couldn’t believe his eyes, there coming out of a house was Drusilla. The two goes to where she is, but she didn’t see them right away and was walking away. When Japheth yelled her name, she stopped and turned to see who it was. Once she seen Japheth, a frown came across her face but was quickly replaced with a smile.

What are you two doing here, Japheth? Drusilla asked.

Getting ready for Shem’s wedding day. How come you’re here?

She studied a second then she said. I came with papa, he’s doing some trading.

Where is he?

Oh, he’s around. I have to find him in awhile.

We could help you, Japheth said.

She looked around, kind of nervous. No. . ., I have some woman stuff I got to do first. Why don’t you come by when you get home?

If you’re sure, but I don’t mind staying and helping you.

It’s so busy here Japheth, I just want to do what I came for and get home.

Well, if you say so. I’ll come by in a few days.

I’ll be counting the days, she said, and then she hurried off.

That was strange, Japheth said.

Welcome to the world of women. You never know what’s going on inside of their heads, Shem laughed.

The two brother left, and Japheth kept looking over his shoulders hoping to see Drusilla. When they did get home the first thing they did was head for the food. Japheth was happy he not only got her a present, but got to talk to her, if not but for a few seconds. Shem told his father about gold being worthless and how they only wanted food to trade.

The world is changing everyday it seems, Noah said.

It didn’t seem like there was a drought or anything, Shem said.

I’ve heard rumors about hunger in other parts of the world. I didn’t think it was this close.

Father, why don’t the people move out away from the city, where they can raise food?

The city life, is all they know Son, and it’s hard to leave such things behind. They always think that tomorrow it well get better.

What should we do about it, Father?

There is little we can do Shem, we just do raise enough for us, if I could I would help.

Shem knew his father would help, but he could never feed a city that size. Although they had food enough, it was only enough for them. He seen his father before help people around him, until it was hurting him. It would take hundreds of small farms like his to feed a city of that size. Sometimes his father would walk into the mountains and pray for them as he did for them all. Shem went with him once and it scared him, he seen a light form around Noah. His father was talking but Shem couldn’t hear anyone talk back.

They came from a long line of believers. One was said to have gone up to be with the One God, Enoch. But he didn’t know but what they told of him. Shem often thought he would have loved to have meant Enoch. Shem thought of Drusilla and wondered what she was really doing in the city. It may have been she was buying Japheth a gift.

Japheth sat on the side of a hill overlooking a small valley. It was his favorite place, he came here whenever he had problems. Today he came here to look at the beautiful necklace he got for Drusilla. He hoped she would like it and maybe she would kiss him, although that wasn’t proper to do in public. He could see nothing wrong with a little kiss. As he looked at the little golden leaf, he heard something and noticed something moving in the trees below him. He hoped it wasn’t the long tooth cat, he hated them, they would steal sheep away. Some had been known to turn on people and eat them as well. He had his staff, his sling, and a knife. They would do little to keep a big cat off a person, if the cat got behind him.

He made out what it was and it was a big cat. He watched as it crawled slowly toward his sheep. He had to stop the big cat, he picks up a large rock and throws it at the cat. He expected it to run off, instead it just stood there. The cat eyed him and started coming toward him, making huge leaps with every jump it made. Japheth had to do something fast. He takes the sling out and puts a stone inside it, then twirls it around and around, then lets the stone fly. The stone hit’s the big tooth cat in the head, it loses its stride and stumbles head first, then rolls a few times. Getting up the cat stares at Japheth, takes one step toward him, thinks better of it, and goes running back into the trees. Japheth knew the big cats never came to the mountains very much. They like to hunt the big buffalos down on the plains. Seemed as the cats got older they came looking for slower prey. There was people killed by them from time to time, so he knew to keep an eye open for them.

He looked in his hand for the necklace it was gone. I must have lost it he thought. Retraces his steps looking on the ground hoping to find the necklace. There it was shining like the gold it was. He carefully wrapped it and put it into his pouch he carried on his side. Tomorrow he thought he would walk over and give it to her. It would be a good surprise for her.

The next full moon Shem was to wed Sheri. Then he and Drusilla could plan their wedding. He wanted to show her where he planned to build their house, he was sure she would like it. There was water there, a place to grow things. It would be wonderful to have children and to live out his life here in the mountains with Drusilla, as his wife.

The next day he got Ham to watch the sheep while he walked over to see Drusilla. He was happy as he walked, he felt for the golden leaf, just to make sure. He didn’t know why but it seemed the birds had a prettier song to sing today. He could smell the beautiful scent of the flowers as he walked along.

As he neared her house, he seen another man there. So he hid and watched for awhile. The man was talking with Drusilla. He noticed the man seemed to smile a lot, but what bothered him was Drusilla was smiling back. He leaned over to get a better look.

Did you lose something, a voice behind him asked.

Japheth was startled, and jumped. It was only Miriam, a servant girl. What are you doing sneaking around like that?

Miriam smiled at him. Sorry sir, I just thought I could help you, bowing her head as she spoke to him

Don’t bow your head to me, and please don’t call me sir, my name is Japheth. Sir makes me feel old.

Yes sir. I mean, yes Japheth.

Japheth didn’t like the idea, of people owning people. She did nothing to deserve this. He knew it was her family that sold her, then moved away. Still it was what people did, and he knew better than to say anything.

That sounds better, Miriam. I was just making sure Drusilla was at home before I went there.

I am sorry to have frighten you, she said, then started to walk away.

Wait a minute please, he said, and she turned to face him. Who is that man Drusilla is with?

She looked toward the house and seen who it was. He’s from a city a long way off, he comes by a lot. I’m sorry I don’t know his name.

Why does he come here all the time?

To trade for sheep and foods, I think.

What does he talk about with Drusilla?

I really can’t say, they do all their talking in private.

Tell me what do you think he’s after with her?

She looked down to the ground, and Japheth could tell she got nervous over the question. I don’t know. Now, if you don’t mind I have work to do.

She walked away, Japheth thought she was a nice girl. He remembered her family, they had lost all they had because of some robbers. Her father only had girls, she his youngest and the only one not married. Japheth knew it had to break their hearts to have to give their daughter into slavery. She could have starved, and they thought it was better for her to live a servant then die.

Those were bad times for all, he was just a small boy then. They barely got by, it was such a horrible drought. He wondered what happened to her folks. So many had vanished from the mountain. Some said, Drusilla’s father did most of the stealing, although Japheth never believed it. Drusilla’s father didn’t like him but he seemed to be an honest man.

He looked back toward the house and seen the man leaving so he decided it was time to give her his surprise. He knocked on the door, Drusilla came to the door. Before she seen who it was, she came smiling out of the door. Did you forget something. . .? Then she seen it was Japheth. Oh, it’s you. A frown appear on her face, but quickly turned into a smile.

You told me to come by.

As he stood there she tried to look over his shoulder as though there was someone behind him. Japheth turned around to see what she was gazing at, there was nobody there.

I’m so glad you did, she said, now all perky, smiles and giddy.

Can I come inside?

She lets him in and stares out the door one last time, before closing it. Japheth goes in and has a seat and she joins him and yells for her mother. It wasn’t proper to have a man guest without supervision.

Her mother comes in wiping her hands on a rag. Oh, it’s just Japheth. You don’t need me, he’ll be a gentleman, won’t you?

Oh yes ma’am indeed I will be. She goes back to whatever she was doing. I got you something from the city, and he brings out the gold necklace, all wrapped up and gives it to her.

Oh, what is it?

He loved the way her blue eyes sparkled. Open it and see.

She slowly opens it and gasps with excitement. It’s so beautiful. She takes it, holds the little gold leaf out away from her to look at it some more. Then puts it around her neck, getting Japheth to help her.

I seen that man was here today, Japheth said.

She turns her attention to him and takes on a solemn look. He’s fathers friend. He’s been here a lot to buy sheep and things. Then she looks away from him, as though she’s looking somewhere else.

He’s not from around here is he?

No, I told you about him before, he’s from a city very far way. You should hear some of the places he’s visited. All the big cities, the way people dress and the things they do. I would love to see them myself someday. Then she looks at Japheth, and seen he was disappointed. Of course with you that is. It wouldn’t be any fun without you.

That made Japheth smile. He told her as soon as Shem and her sister were married he was going to ask her father to let them get married. He had concerns that her father didn’t seem to like him very much. She reassured him he would be glad for him to marry her. The two talked on until it was getting dark and Japheth knew he better leave before her father came home. He wouldn’t like seeing them together without him or her mother sitting there with them.

He didn’t mind sleeping in the woods, he did it all the time when out with the sheep. It did bother him some that Drusilla, didn’t try to get him to stay in their barn, or show some concern as to where he might sleep. She was just tired and was worried about her father that was all.

As he was leaving, going out toward the wooded area, he ran into Miriam again.. You still working, Miriam?

Miriam was picking up some straw for the animals. It’s got to get done, and it’s nice to be out in the cool of the evening.

It does feel good out here, doesn’t it?

Are you going back home tonight Japheth? Miriam avoided looking Japheth in the eyes by looking at the hay she picked up.

I could never reach home tonight. I’m going a little ways into the mountains and sleep for the night, then go home come morning.

You could sleep in here. I’ll get you some fresh straw to lay on.

No thanks Miriam. I like laying under the stars.

The stars are beautiful to look at, seems they’re so far away. Nobody to tell them what to do or where to go.

Japheth was about to say something when a yell came out from the house, it was Drusilla. Miriam, I need you now. Get in here in a hurry. Her scream seemed to travel over the mountains, and echoed back.

I better get going.

Japheth had never heard Drusilla yell before, one thing was for sure she had the voice for it. He felt sorry for Miriam, she seemed like a sweet girl, hard working. He wondered just how they treated her. When he married Drusilla she would be her hand maid. Then he would set her free, let her have her life back. He knew Drusilla wouldn’t like it much but he wasn’t going to own another human, it just didn’t seem right. If Miriam wanted to stay that would be just fine. His father had never owned anyone, and he didn’t like it either. Noah didn’t say anything to others, it only made enemies and there were enough enemies around without adding more.

Japheth went farther into the woods than he wanted to go. He found a clearing on top of a hill, built a fire, and ate the food he brought. He laid there looking into the heavens, there were so many stars. How he wished he could go out among them and see what they looked like close up. He wondered about Enoch, his father told him how the one God took him up into heaven. Where would Enoch be in heaven? Is the sky, or the stars heaven? There was many things he couldn’t understand. Like a lot of things his father taught, it seemed to go around in circles sometime. Although he never doubted in the one God, for something had to make all the stars and everything. There were people that believed in the stars and the suns as though they were alive, and the stars themselves were gods. Belief is a hard thing. A person can only hope he believes in the right thing. Japheth thought that if someone really looked hard enough, they would always find the truth. They may not like it after finding it, but the truth is and always will be the truth.

Japheth got back home the next day. He thanked Ham for watching the sheep while he was gone.

I’ll sure be glad when you finally marry that girl, Ham said.

I will to, Japheth said.

Ham smiled at his brother. Tell me that after a couple of years of marriage.

Japheth couldn’t understand why everyone complained about being married. He seen people lose their wife or husband and what do they do, go and marry someone else. People were strange he thought. But for now he was happy, it wouldn’t be long, a few more days and Shem would be married. Then he could talk to Drusilla’s father about them getting married. Still it felt like forever to him. It seemed the more he wanted it, the longer it seemed to be, like trying to watch a flower bloom.

He was perched upon a rock and he seen a figure coming toward him, it was his father. As he got closer he could tell his father was troubled. Japheth, we have to get the sheep home right away.

Why Father, is there a fire somewhere in the forest?

No, not a fire. There’s robbers out, Nucor’s sheep got took away. We’re going to try finding the one’s responsible and get his sheep back.

They drove the sheep back, and Japheth and his brothers got their swords. Then with Nucor they started for Nucor’s place. He told them how he was up in the mountains watching his sheep and he heard someone yell for help. So he ran to where he heard the yelling come from. And there dead was his hired help and all the sheep he was watching were gone. Japheth knew it would be impossible to ever find the thieves, but they would try.

As they got close to Nucor’s place they seen smoke coming from it. Hurrying down to his house, they could see someone had burned it. His wife and two hired hands were also dead.

No, please no, Nucor cried, as he rushed to where his wife laid dead. Why would anyone do such a thing, Shem? Why? She never hurt a soul in her life.

Japheth never felt so helpless, he didn’t know what to say, so he stood in silence as Nucor cried after his wife.

They told Nucor to stay there, and the three brothers went looking for the murderers. It was close to dark so they stopped, built a fire, sitting in silence for a long time. Each reflecting back on poor Nucor’s loss.

You think we can find those robbers? Japheth asked.

They took a lot of sheep, so they’re going to leave a big trail, Shem said.

This don’t make any sense to me, Ham said.

What do you mean? Shem asked as he placed more wood on the fire.

Suppose we do find them, there’s only three of us and you know as well as I do there’s going to be more of them, Ham answered.

I don’t care how many of them they are, Japheth said. They killed all those people and they shouldn’t get away with it.

Japheth is right. They should be taught they can’t get away with murder, Shem frowned.

Oh, I agree with both of you, but adding three more deaths to the list won’t help anything, Ham said.

It’s what father would do and you know that, Shem said.

And how is father and mother going to make it without us?

Shem seen Ham was right, but he couldn’t just let the murderers just walk away. Maybe you and Japheth should go back home.

Oh now, that is a really great plan Shem, Ham said. We go home and tell father we let you go on all alone.

I’m staying with you, Japheth replied.

Silence, as they pondered what should be done, for none of them could think of anyway out.

They got up early and found the trail, it was hard to tell how many men there were, but whoever it was had to be huge. The footprints were twice the size of theirs.

What do you make of the footprints, Shem asked Ham.

He bent down, looked them over carefully, and he stood up. I’ve heard of men such as these but didn’t believe it, Ham murmured.

Believe what? Who are they? Japheth asked.

Giants. I heard tell of them years ago, from a man who had ran into them he came from far away from here, Ham said.

Giants? Japheth asked. You’re just trying to scare me Ham.

You ever seen one yourself? Shem asked.

No, I thought it was just a story to tell children to scare them.

Maybe we should go back.

I’d like to see them, Ham shrugged.

Alright, we’ll take a look to see, but nothing else. If we feel we can take them then we will, Shem said.

The three took off running following the wide trail of the sheep. It was late afternoon when they seen them going down into a valley. They got as close as they could without being seen. There was three of them, but they weren’t giants, they looked no bigger than any other man.

Then from behind some rocks two huge men walked out. Japheth’s eyes got big, he swallowed hard. He couldn’t believe what he was seeing. They had to be eight feet tall, if not more. Big bulky bodies to go with those eight feet. They carried huge spears, and looked like they could throw them a mile. The three sat there, mouth opened, staring at the huge men.

Can you believe the size of those men? Japheth squinted to see better.

How are you going to fight a man that size? Ham asked.

From behind, Shem replied.

You’re not really thinking of going up against them are you?

If we can hit them from behind and sling stones at them, what can they do? We have all the high ground, Shem said.

They can kill us, is what they can do. High ground or low ground, Ham snarled.

Shem’s right, Japheth said. It’s like the big tooth cat, he has trouble coming up the hills.

"Alright we sling a few stones at them, but if they don’t run away, then we run.

Alright then, if they start getting to close we leave, Shem said.

Japheth didn’t know why all the worry was over them. So they are big, so is the big cat and he drove them off many times. Japheth had never fought another man, nor killed one. They positioned themselves behind some rocks and waited until they were all ready. Then all three at the same time started slinging stones at the big men.

At first they thought the men might run away, but the two giant men turned and started slinging their own stones at the brothers. It was like they were slinging boulders at them. Sparks would fly every time one of their rocks hit the rocks they hid behind. Then the giants started coming up the hill after them, they hit one but it didn’t slow him down. The big man seemed to get even faster. The other Giant had already drew his sword and was waving it as he came up the hill at the brothers. Shem motioned for them to run, but Japheth wasn’t going.

Shem yelled at him, Lets go, Japheth.

Ham got up to leave but then seen his brothers were staying so he kept slinging stones at the giant men coming at them. They were hitting them both, but the rocks just bounced off them. The giants just kept on coming closer and closer, until one was standing over Japheth. It was the one that had his sword drawn. The giant now raised his sword high over his head and was about to bring it down onto Japheth’s head.

Ham jumped in front of the giant, blocked the sword on its way down to kill Japheth. The giant turned his attention to Ham then. The giant started swinging his sword at Ham, every time his sword hit Hams sword, it made a loud crackle. Sparks came flying off the two swords as they clashed. The giant swung again and Ham’s sword broke in half. The giant was ready to kill Ham. As the giant lifted his sword to stab Ham, Japheth drove his blade into the giants back. The giant turned to face Japheth with the sword sticking in his back and was about to take the head off Japheth, but Ham took the broken half of his sword and drove it through the giants back.

The giant man fell down dead with two swords sticking out of him. Then the two turned to locate the other giant, he was going at Shem. The giant had beat Shem down to the ground, it looked like Shem was done for. Japheth grabbing his dagger ran and jumped onto the back on the giant. The giant was having trouble getting Japheth off his back. Japheth was sticking the dagger into the giants’ back trying to kill the big man, it was doing little good.

Finally, the giant managed to get a hold of Japheth and when he did he threw him like he was nothing. Japheth laid there on the ground motionless. The giant was weak now from losing so much blood. Ham and Shem came at the giant, one from the front, one from the back. After a few minutes the giant laid dead. The two brothers went to find Japheth, they found him but he wasn’t moving. Shem bent down beside him, turning him over.

Is he dead Shem?

No, he’s just got the wind knocked out of him.

Good! Now I can kill him.

The other men with the giants seeing the giants dead took flight and left the sheep. They looked at the dead giants, they had distorted faces, like someone put them together and didn‘t know how. Their nose and ears looked too small for their giant head, and their lips looked like they were swollen. They were so big. Their huge body was so massive, it took two of them just to turn them over. The smell was the worse, like something that had been dead a long time and was rotting. Their hands were four times as big as a normal man. Deep dark black eyes, that was sunk back into their massive head. They were a living nightmare, and now all the brothers wanted to do was get as far from them as possible.

They gathered all the sheep and got as far as they could before night fell on them. They gathered fire wood, made a fire and stayed that night.

The next morning Japheth woke sore and bruised. I guess we showed them big boys a thing or two, Japheth said.

If you wasn’t my brother, I’d kill you, Shem said.

What did I do?

You know what you did. If I say we leave, we leave you understand.

Japheth lowered his head feeling bad he let Shem down. I’m sorry, I just got caught up in it all.

Shem could see he felt bad about it. You did fight well, Japheth.

That brought a smile to his face. Ham just shook his head and laughed.

The three drove the sheep back to Nucor’s place. They yelled for Nucor but he was nowhere to be found. So they took his sheep home to see what their father wanted to do with them.

We took the sheep by Nucor’s place but we couldn’t find him, Shem said.

He’s gone, Nucor said he didn’t have nothing to stay for and if you should find the men who done this that we should keep his sheep.

The three brothers were sad Nucor had left. It seemed the mountain was losing people all the time anymore. Soon there would only be them. They told Noah about the giants, he didn’t seem surprised, but told his sons that he was proud of what they did for Nucor. That justice seemed to had almost disappeared .

The wedding day finally arrived and the celebration was on. First the marriage, Noah married them and then the party begin. There was food, music and dancing, even some wine. It was a glad time for all and Shem with all his nonchalant, was as happy as Japheth had ever seen him.

Japheth had helped Shem build his house not too far from them and Japheth was so happy because now he could ask Drusilla’s father to let him wed her. He wasn’t sure if he should wait until some other day or ask him now.

Drusilla’s father knew Japheth wanted to marry Drusilla, and he came up to him. There’s going to be another wedding soon I hear, Heron said.

Oh, Japheth said.

Well you and Drusilla are getting married soon, right Japheth?

Yes sir we are. That is if you say we can.

I would be proud to have you as a son.

Japheth shook his hand and shook his hand. Japheth seen he might have hurt him. I’m so sorry sir. I’m just so happy.

That’s alright son, you go right on and be happy, because it maybe your last happiness with that girl, Heron said, laughing.

Japheth couldn’t wait to tell Drusilla about her father giving permission to marry her. He seen her standing over with his mother. Can I speak with Drusilla a moment? he asked. They walked to a place away from the celebration.

I just talked to your father and he said he would give me his blessings to marry you,

Drusilla seemed emotionless about the news. I knew he would say yes, Drusilla said.

Japheth was taken back by her lack of joy over the news, but she was that way. She wasn’t the type to jump and get giddy over much. She did smile at him, and looked a little happy.

Next we have to plan our wedding, Japheth said.

She thought a second, looked down at the ground. Well there’s no hurry, I don’t mean I’m not glad to be marrying you. It’s just that two weddings close together would be so much. We should wait awhile, don’t you think?

Japheth didn’t know what to think, but he thought about it and she was right. It took a lot to give a wedding and it might be a good idea to wait until everyone recuperated from this one. This day belonged to Shem, he didn’t want to say or do anything to take away from his brothers happiest day.

You’re so right, Drusilla that’s why I love you so much. She smiles at him, and they walked back to the party.

Japheth said nothing about him and Drusilla’s plans. It would keep for awhile, until things settled down. Shem and his new wife, seemed so happy as the party went on into the night. The two newly weds were happy as they left for their new home. Drusilla and her father went home with Noah. Japheth would have to stay outside because it was unbecoming of a suitor to be sleeping in the same house as his betrothal. Japheth was happy to sleep outside, he could dream of him and Drusilla as man and wife.

The next day everyone left to go to their homes and things begin to get back to normal. Now with Nucor’s sheep it was going to be even harder than ever to watch them. Japheth was glad to get back out into the mountains. It was beautiful, flowers blooming, the big tall trees that seemed to go up into the sky forever. Time past by fast here and weeks went by. Japheth was happy out here, the silence with only the animals to make any noise. He seen his brother Shem coming up the mountain.

Hey brother, Japheth said.

Shem didn’t seemed very happy for some reason. Any troubles to day? Shem asked.

That seemed strange Japheth thought, to ask such a question. No, it’s been very quiet today.

Shem didn’t look at him much. You know I was thinking Japheth, are you sure about Drusilla being your wife?

Japheth thought that was really a stupid question. Yes, I’m sure Shem. I love her, isn’t that what matters?

She just seemed. . ., how do I put this?

You can put it no way, if you came out here to say something bad about Drusilla, I don’t want to hear it.

Shem could see there was no talking to him. You’re right Japheth, love over comes all. You know how I worry about you.

"I know Shem, that you’ve been around, I’ve been up here in the mountains with the sheep. I am the oldest, maybe when it comes to the world outside not exactly the smartest, but I do know what love is.

Well I came up here to fetch you home, not to talk you to death.

Home? Why? I just got up here.

Father said he wanted to talk to us all. That’s all I know.

You know how hard it is to get these sheep up the mountain.

I know, but when father wants you, you go.

Japheth knew he had to go, Noah was a good father, but he was the boss and that was it. It took them two days to get the sheep down the mountain. After they secured the sheep the three brothers gathered at their fathers’ house.

Noah seemed at a loss for words as all the family sat around waiting for him to talk. I’ve just returned from the mountains, Noah said. I was sacrificing and praying to the One God. While I was praying to God, He told me a thing, he stopped looked around. This is the thing he told me to do—. Go and build me an ark.

What’s a ark? Japheth asked.

It’s a boat, a very big boat, Noah said.

Why build a boat here, there’s not a river for miles, Ham said.

They all began to talk to each other asking questions.

We’re not going to build it here, Noah said. We’re going far into the mountains, and there we will build it.

Why build a boat up in the mountains? Shem asked.

So no one will know about it, Noah answered.

Are you sure God said a boat? Ham asked.

Then Noah spread a animal skin on the floor and on it was the plans, all drawn out.

But father, we don’t know anything about building a boat, Shem frowned.

We will learn as we go.

Look at the size of it. It’s going to take years to build something like that, Ham said.

It’s what God wants and it’s what I will do.

They all knew that was it. Once he said God wanted him to do something there was nothing in the world that would stop him now from trying to build the Ark. The three brothers looked at each other and shook their heads. They were going to build a boat, not just a boat but an ark, whatever that was.

This is very important, you mustn’t tell anyone about this, or what I’m about to tell you, keep it to yourself. There are people that would kill us all if they knew what we planed to do. Again the brothers were mystified and doubts were stirring in them about this ark.

Why so secretive. Nobody is going to believe it anyways, Ham said.

I’ll tell you why, the world is going to end with a flood that is going to destroy everything, Noah sighed.

The three brothers looked at each other as to say dad has gone over the deep end.

You’re saying that everyone we know, and every animal is going to die in a great flood? Shem asked.

I know what you are thinking, but I haven’t gone mad. There are not only humans out in the world anymore, the heavenly ones are taking over the world. People have sided with them and God will not give this world over to the children of those kind.

I’ve heard of these heavenly ones but I’ve never seen any, Ham said.

You have seen their children. Those giants you killed are their children. All they know is mischief and murder. They bring destruction wherever they go.

It was still hard to believe, the world was coming to an end, how could it possibly rain that much.

Father, I don’t mean no disrespect, but it’s hard to believe the world is going to end, Ham said.

Noah knew it was hard to understand the reasons and the whys. He also knew God was good at his word. Well boys this time you are going to just have to have faith in me. We’re leaving. We’re going to build the ark.

The three brothers didn’t like it, but they knew it was no use to fight about it. They knew they were going to build that ark.

Two of the brothers left and Japheth stayed behind to talk with his father. Father how can I leave now? You know me and Drusilla were suppose to be married soon. If I leave now she’s going to think I deserted her and found another wife. Then she will find another man. I love her and I want to spend my life with her.

Noah looked at his son. He knew how it was to fall in love and he never intended to see his son hurt. I know son. Once we get moved and settled, you and one of your brothers can come back and get her, and you two can marry.

Japheth felt better now, he would run over to her house and tell her, what he had plan. One thing, Noah said, you can’t mention this to her or anyone.

How is she going to know I’ll be back, if I can’t tell her?

Noah seen his son dilemma, and tried to think of a way. She’ll just think we have gone to the mountains with the sheep, there is no reason for her to come over here anyways.

Japheth thought it over, and seen it would be alright if he got back soon. When can I come back for her?

As soon as we find the place, there’s still a long while before you two are to get married.

Japheth felt better and thanked his father and walk out. Noah knew he loved Drusilla, and he was glad his son was going to wed someone he loved. He had spoken to Drusilla’s father about the wedding and told him they might have to go into the mountains for awhile. That he would send Japheth for his daughter and he agreed to let her go with Japheth when he came for her. He didn’t want to tell Japheth that because Noah didn’t trust her father so much. Heron might just give her to someone else, as not.

They took everything they could, Japheth’s mother was put on a mule to ride, although she complained about it saying she could walk as good as any. The three brothers drove the sheep ahead of them. Noah gave one last look at his old home.

It was hard getting up some of the hills they encountered, but Noah was determined to push on. Some days they could only make a few miles. Japheth pushed harder than Noah did. Japheth knew the faster they got there the faster he could return. It got cold up high in the mountains and snow was seen in patches. At night it was freezing, so they all huddled around the fire.

How much farther are we going up this mountain? Shem asked.

Noah looked at his son, all wrapped in sheep hide. Until we get there is all I know.

You don’t know where we’re going father?

I’ll know it when I see it.

In this flood you spoke of, what about the good people? Are they going to be killed? Shem asked.

Do you think God is so heartless? God is only doing what He has to do to save a remnant of humans from certain destruction.

But everyone father. Isn’t there some good people? What about Nucor and Drusilla? There has to be some, Ham said.

If there are, they will be here with us. You say people, there are only scattered earthlings left in this world. The rest are invaders, deserters from heaven, not wanting the former ways of good, but wanting to destroy all of humankind.

Shouldn’t we have the right to choose how we live and what we do? Shem asked.

It seems so simple and so innocent on the outside. Who are we hurting? Whose business is it? You are no better than I am. God formed the world and he only wanted the best for humans. But right from the beginning they wanted nothing to do with God. A person does nothing unto himself, you just said, is He going to destroy the good also. He doesn’t have to. Evil men have done it already. Humankind not only turned against God, but invited those heavenly ones to join in their folly.

We never asked to be put here in the first place. So why can’t we decide our on destiny? Ham asked.

Destiny—, of the strongest, the most viscous, the ones that can kill the most. Lead the weak down to the slaughter and eat their bones. God will not allow anything to come into his house and take what is His. Who’s going to stand up for the weak, give justice to those who has been murdered? Is this the destiny you think we want? He will not allow the heavenly ones to take earth over. God has a plan for humankind and the heavenly ones are not part of it.

Are they all bad, all the heavenly ones? Shem asked.

No there are many angels that stood up against those that opposed God, and they fought a great war, and still are fighting them. It was the good angels that kicked them out of heaven, and earth was the only place left to go. So now they have children and soon there will be no true humans left. Just the sons of those that wanted to take heaven from God. Now they want to take over the earth as well, and soon they alone will be the inhibitors of earth.

Everyone got quiet, and they all stared into the flames of the fire, with each their own thought as to what is right or what is wrong. Fear gripped them all, as they thought on the heavenly ones and what powers they must possess. What would they do if they found out what was coming? It was a sleepless night and all was glad when morning had come. They begun their search once again, although some of them had their doubts of a great flood coming to destroy the earth. They hoped they would stay awhile and then go back down the mountain and put this all behind them.

It was a long hard climb but they made it to the top. There was snow and it was very cold. Once on top they seen a place way down in a valley nestled between the high mountains. It took a long time to get there, but they had arrived at the place Noah was looking far. It was a beautiful place, it was warm, there was grass to feed the sheep and big tall trees that seemed to touch the sky. A river that made its way through the valley that looked like it went all the way through the mountains. The brothers were speechless and all they could do was to look around.

Father, knew what he was talking about after all, Shem said.

Yes and now we have to build that boat of his, Ham said.

Well, we have the stuff, with the trees straight and tall, Shem smiled.

Japheth was quiet, he also was impressed at the place. Although his thoughts was on Drusilla, if his father was right, then she was in danger and he wanted to go get her as soon as he could. After a week they were settled in and Noah was marking off the spot where he wanted the ark to be built.

Father, when can I go back for Drusilla?

Noah looked at his son, he didn’t want him to go back. Whenever you would like son. Take Shem with you, and please be careful. I’ll worry until you both come back.

Thank you father. I will be back, I promise.

Noah hugged him and gave him a kiss on his head. "I love you son, and remember tell nobody about what we are doing. If you do they will come