Before the Fall Read online

  Rachel looks at me like that, he thought.

  Now that his eyes and heart were open to what true love looked like, he ached for it.

  He looked around for Caleb and David. They should leave now before the night watch began their walks around the city.

  “Then meet me on our hill tomorrow night.” Lahash gave her a kiss. “Soon you will be with me. We shall leave this place and you, my love, will become my wife. No one will ever take you away from me.”

  “Wait, Lahash. Before you go, please do something for me,” Naomi said.

  “You know I will do anything you ask.” He kissed the palm of her hand.

  “Do not leave without saying goodbye to your mother.”

  Uriel could see Lahash's face grow sad. His Adam’s apple bobbed as he swallowed thickly.

  “She will keep our secret. I know she will.”

  “Yes. She will. It is just so hard to say goodbye to her. I don’t know when or if we shall ever return.”

  “I know it is painful but it is something we must do for those we love.” She gently touched his cheek. “My father told me that Jeremiel and your father will come to the inn to meet with him in the morning.”

  He looked at her and let out a breath. “Then that is when I will go to her.”

  “I have faith, Lahash, that someday we will all be together as one family. I can feel it.”

  “I wish my faith were as strong as yours.” Lahash threw a cloak over his head. “This I know for sure, you will be my wife tomorrow.”

  He gave her one final kiss.

  Uriel watched as Lahash ran down the alley toward the south of the city. When he disappeared, Naomi leaned back against the wall, her fingers touching her lips.

  “Lahash, my husband to be. The warmth of your lips lingers on mine and yet I still ache for you.”

  “Who goes there?” A voice yelled in the distance.

  No!

  Uriel jumped to attention, hoping Caleb and David had not been spotted. He had a sinking feeling that they had. He needed to get them out of the city. Now!

  Naomi turned in the direction of the voice. Her eyes widened at the sight of him.

  “Do not be frightened,” he said. “I’m Uriel, a friend to Lahash’s family.”

  Her face turned pale. “Then you know that I am betrothed to Jeremiel.”

  He nodded. “Yes, I was told of your betrothal.” He left out the part that it was Lucifer that told him.

  “How much did you hear?”

  “You have nothing to fear from me. I see the love between you and Lahash.”

  “Perhaps you can speak for us on our behalf.” Her face looked hopeful. “I cannot marry Jeremiel, for I only love him as a brother. If Raphael does not change his mind, neither will my father. We will have no choice but to leave.”

  He was about to answer her when there was a loud chorus of voices and one voice that cried out. “Spies in the city!”

  There was a sudden stomping of feet and clanging of swords. Then, from the distance, he saw Caleb and David fleeing in his direction.

  “Hurry!” He called out to them. “We must leave before the city gates are closed.”

  “What is wrong?” Naomi looked frantic. “Are you in danger?”

  “Yes,” he said as his heart pounded over the sound. “Baka’s army seeks us.”

  “Baka? What does he—”

  There was the loud sound of a ram’s horn.

  “What is that?” Caleb asked breathlessly when he and David reached them.

  “That is the alarm. It is too late. The gates are being closed now. They will be looking for you,” she said.

  “Is there another way out?” Uriel asked.

  “If you can leave from the south side of the city, you can run through the fields unseen.”

  “Are you sure?”

  “Lahash left in that direction,” Naomi’s cheeks turned pink.

  “We were at the south gate. There are a pair of soldiers there,” David said gruffly. “There are only two but I fear there is no way we can take them. They stand like giants with fierce black eyes. They do not look to be human.”

  “Jether and Joab,” Uriel muttered under his breath. It was as if Lucifer had known they would be there.

  The chorus of angry voices grew louder, heading in their direction.

  “Go to the inn,” Naomi said as she tugged on Uriel’s arm. “My father is at the governor’s home, and the rest of my family sleeps.”

  “They will search every building until they find us,” Caleb said breathlessly as they approached the inn.

  “Go to the rooftop,” she said as she opened the door. “There you can hide under the stalks of wheat.”

  “A bed of wheat won’t stop a soldier’s sword, woman,” David grumbled.

  “No, but I will,” she said, her chin jutting out.

  “I believe you will,” Uriel said, admiring her bravery.

  “If Uriel trusts you, then so shall I, but let me ask this of you. Why are you doing this for us?” David asked.

  “An enemy of Baka and his army is a friend of mine.”

  26

  Hidden underneath the bushels of wheat, Uriel listened as the soldiers went from building to building looking for them. He held his breath when the soldiers banged on the inn’s door.

  Naomi’s voice was calm as she invited the soldiers in and offered to serve them drinks. He was surprised by the sound of her flirtatious laughter and the lilt in her voice. Then he realized what she was doing when he heard the clatter of chairs moving and the thump of goblets hitting the table.

  Then the hairs on the back of his neck stood up when he heard the door open again and the voices of Baka and Gideon.

  “What is this?” Baka roared. “I sent you to hunt down the spies!”

  There was a loud crash and a begging of forgiveness.

  “On your feet! Search this place. Now!”

  This is it, Uriel thought. Any minute now the soldiers would storm up onto the roof and find their hiding place.

  “Naomi, raise your mother and sisters,” Gideon said. “You will see that we have no secrets here, oh Great Baka. All are loyal to the governor and Lucifer here.”

  “Father, I have seen the spies of which Baka speaks,” she said. “I-I was at the well when they rushed past. They spoke of escaping to the stream.”

  “What a fine daughter I have,” Gideon’s voice was filled with pride. “You see Baka, my family is devoted to you. Hand me my sword, daughter. I shall go and hunt down these spies with Baka.”

  There was a rustling of material. “Who are they, Father? Are we in any danger?”

  “There is word that a man by the name of Joshua has built an army in search of fallen angels that have come down to Earth,” he said. “He has spread lies so that others would follow him. He has even said that these angels have produced offspring . . . some as big as giants.”

  There was chorus of laughter.

  “I heard that Joshua was shunned by his own family for his madness,” said a soldier.

  “He even claims to speak to the most high of archangels, Michael,” said another. “And Joshua claims he was told to destroy our city because we harbor the wicked angels and their offspring.”

  There was another roar of laughter.

  “Who would believe such nonsense?” the voice continued.

  “There is nothing for you to worry about, daughter. Your wedding to Jeremiel will take place as planned. Baka will quash Joshua’s pitiful army, no doubt that it is small for I cannot imagine many would believe such falsehoods. Isn’t that right, Baka?”

  “Of course,” Baka’s voice was gruff. “Sound the alarm. We will capture the spies soon enough.”

  There was another sound of the ram’s horn followed by a chorus of yells. There was a loud pounding of feet that moved away from the inn.

  When the inn was silent, he heard the pattering of feet running up the stairs and onto the roof.

  “They’re gone,” Nao
mi whispered as she helped remove the stalks from over them. “There’s one soldier standing guard at the front entrance. Here, take this rope. You can climb down from the side.”

  David looked down at the rope for a moment and gave her a grunt. “You are brave to defy your kinsmen . . . and your father.”

  “I saw it in Baka’s face. He lies. My father, he...” she swallowed thickly. “He is blinded by their power and what they can give to him. Tell me, will there be battle soon?”

  Caleb and David looked to Uriel. He nodded. There was no danger in warning Naomi of what was to come. Maybe she could help make sure that Raphael and his family remained outside the city.

  “Joshua has received word that all in the city are to be destroyed,” David said. “Ai’s citizens harbor fallen angels and demons that spit on the face of The Most High.”

  Her face paled. “D-demons? I’ve heard rumors of such but I never thought it to be true.”

  “It is true, and those that know have turned a blind eye.”

  Uriel’s stomach churned at David’s words. He was one of those of whom David spoke.

  “But many here are innocent. Surely, they will not be harmed,” she said.

  “There is still time, Naomi,” Uriel said. “Warn others who you know to be innocent. Have them leave this place.”

  “I shall try. I fear no one will believe me.”

  Uriel shook his head. More than likely they wouldn’t.

  “When will they attack?”

  “We know not. Take great care, Naomi. Go with Lahash as soon as you can.”

  “No, wait! My family. I won’t be able to get them out of the city. My father will never let my mother and sisters leave. Please ask your leader to spare their lives.”

  “It is not in my hands to choose who lives or dies,” he said. “I’m sorry, Naomi. I can’t promise you that.”

  “I can.”

  He turned at the sound of the voice. Michael stood at the edge of the rooftop, his feet hovering over the surface. His majestic wings were spread open. His glorious face gazed down upon Naomi.

  She gasped at the sight of him then dropped to her knees, bowing her head. “My Lord.”

  Caleb and David looked at her in bewilderment.

  “What is she doing?” Caleb asked David.

  He shrugged.

  “You don’t see him?” Uriel asked them.

  “See who?” Caleb looked in the spot where Michael stood.

  “My appearance is for Naomi and her alone. The others cannot see,” Michael said in a deep voice. “Rise, Naomi.”

  She lifted her head. “Who are you?”

  “I am the Archangel Michael. Your pleas to save your family have been heard. For what you have done this night, for your faith in others, your pleas will not be forgotten.”

  “Anyone within these walls”—his arm swept over the inn’s rooftop—“shall be spared. They must stay within them for the chorus of the rams’ horns, or its third call shall be the last they hear.” He tilted his head to the side as if hearing something. “A young girl calls out for you.”

  “Lilia,” she said, looking behind her and then back to him with tears in her eyes.

  “Go to her, my child. And take care that you heed what I say.”

  “Yes. I shall. Thank you.”

  When Naomi was safe back inside the inn, Michael turned to Uriel. “You have done well, Uriel. One day, you will be rewarded for your work here. Now, you and the others must return to Joshua’s camp. Go quickly.”

  With a flap of his wings, Michael took off into the sky. He hovered for a moment as he gazed at Uriel with a sad expression on his face. Then, with another flap of his wings, he flew into the darkness.

  Uriel grabbed the rope and quickly secured it to the roof.

  “Caleb. Go quickly. David will follow,” he instructed.

  When David was safe on the ground, Uriel took hold of the rope. A dark shadow flew overhead blocking the moonlight. At first, he thought it was Michael returning. Then half way down the wall, he heard the flapping of wings. There were more than one pair.

  He watched David and Caleb run across the fields. In the distance, he saw Michael. It was as if David and Caleb were being drawn in Michael’s direction. Away from the dark shadow that loomed above him. Away from the wings that grew closer to him.

  He didn’t have to look up to know who it was. When he did, he knew it would be his end. He closed his eyes and thought of the one person who could calm his fears.

  “Rachel,” he whispered.

  When he opened them, the last thing he saw was Lucifer’s face as it swept down from the sky.

  27

  Naomi tugged the rope, lifting the bucket of water from the well. She sighed as she looked up into the cloudless sky. It was a beautiful day . . . a great day to be married. This was the day she was to leave with Lahash to be bound to him for the rest of her life. And now, when she met with him tonight, she had to tell him that she couldn’t.

  She looked around the city square. It was early but already there were a number of people at the well. The gates were open and a number of merchants lined the city streets readying their tents with goods to sell. Everywhere she looked, people wore smiles on their faces. If only she could take back last night and make it all disappear and erase the knowledge that soon Ai and all who lived within its walls would be destroyed.

  She couldn’t leave her family now. The Archangel Michael had promised to spare her family. All she had to do was make sure they stayed within the confines of their inn. She thought of Lahash’s family. They lived safe outside the city walls. But Rebecca, like all the other women in the city, came to the well for their daily water. What if the battle happened at that time? If she only knew when it was going to happen. She would have to tell Lahash. Maybe he could find a way to convince his mother to stay away until the danger passed.

  “Hold it steady, Leah,” she said as she poured the water into the jar.

  Lilia skipped around the well, singing to herself.

  “What’s wrong, Naomi? Why do you look so sad?” Leah held the spout with both her hands.

  “Oh, it’s nothing really,” she said, trying to keep her voice light. “Father came home very late last night and I had to tend to him. He is not in a good mood this morning.”

  “Does that mean we can’t go see Lahash?” Leah pouted.

  “Shh.” She glanced around to see if anyone overheard her. “You know Father won’t like it if he finds out.”

  “I want to see Lahash,” Lilia chirped. “He’s nice. He talks to me.”

  Naomi smiled. It was a wonderful feeling to know that her sisters liked him as much as she did.

  “I’m sure you will see him soon.”

  “Really?” Leah asked.

  “Yes. First, Father and I have to meet with Lahash’s father and brother. He’s always in a better mood after he has met with Jeremiel.”

  “Did someone mention me?”

  A beaming Jeremiel walked toward them. His smile gleamed under his tanned face.

  The bucket slipped from her hands at the sight of him.

  “Jeremiel. I . . . uh...”

  “Here, allow me.” He reached for the bucket. “I wouldn’t want your lovely hands injured.”

  He leaned into her as he spoke, his breath softly hitting against her lips.

  She felt that familiar pressure in her head. The same feeling she got whenever he got that close.

  “Ladies.” He winked at her sisters.

  Lilia hid behind her and Leah gawked at him. Even though they had seen Jeremiel a number of times at the inn, they still weren’t used to him. Lahash had a way of putting her sisters at ease. He always crouched down, making sure he was at eye level when he spoke to them. Jeremiel was kind, but he carried himself the way he did around others. It was as if he expected the admiration he got whenever his presence was made.

  She watched as his thick arms lifted the bucket of water with ease. His muscles bulged with ever
y movement he made. His beautiful face was relaxed, showing no signs of strain. It was as effortless to him as if it weighed no more than a feather.

  The women around the square watched her with envy. Word of her betrothal to Jeremiel had spread quickly throughout the city. Many congratulated her in passing. If only they knew to whom her heart really belonged.

  That was it! Jeremiel didn’t know how she felt about Lahash. Maybe if he did, he would call off the betrothal. She remembered how he had treated his brother during the games. He did care for Lahash. And Lahash had mentioned that they were extremely close growing up. Maybe this was what she had needed to do all along. Tell him that she loved Lahash.

  “Lilia, Leah, why don’t you go play while I speak with Jeremiel?” she said. “Don’t run off too far.”

  “We won’t,” they said in unison before they ran away.

  He placed the bucket on the ground. “Trying to get me alone?” He winked.

  “I-I-I hardly consider this alone when we are in the center of the square.” Her head started to pound and she rubbed her temples.

  “What’s wrong?” Sapphire blue eyes gazed at her with concern.

  “Nothing. Just a bit of a headache.”

  “So what is it that you want to talk about?” He picked up the water jar and then took a couple of steps away from her. Immediately, she felt the tension in her head lessen.

  “It’s about our marriage.”

  His face lit up. Words came out in a rush. “My father is in the inn right now talking with Gideon. I was hoping we could have the ceremony next week. Maybe we could go later this afternoon to see the home I purchased from Levi. I think you will like—”

  “I love Lahash,” she blurted.

  He paused. His face shocked. “I’m confused. What did you say?”

  She ran her hand along the stone of the well. She could feel his eyes on her.

  Be brave. Look him in the eyes. He’s a good man. He deserves to hear this from you.

  “I love Lahash and . . . I want to be bound to him.”

  His face fell. The shine in his eyes vanished. It was as if his heart was breaking right before her eyes. It scared her. She had never seen him like this before.