The Sounds of War (The Genesis Series Book 2) (27 page)

Without hesitation, Nimrod nodded in agreement, “
Yes that is what I shall do! You are wise, my lord.”

And it was in the night that Abram was born that all the ser
vants of Terah and all the wise men of Nimrod, and his conjurors came and ate and drank ... and they rejoiced with him on that night. Book of Jasher 8:1

T
erah went to the gathering at Shem’s home, but the meeting only irritated him and after a few tedious days, he wanted to return to Ur. He had found it enjoyable to meet and visit with extended family, but even so, his heart was with Amthelo and their soon to be born son. Throughout the long and tedious meetings, Noah and Shem kept insisting there were no other gods other than the one they called Yahweh, the El Elyon.

Terah, a man who hated violence of any kind found it difficult to argue his viewpoints, especially
to Noah or Shem. On the other hand, he quickly discovered Noah was a man of shalom and not one to seek or tolerate hateful confrontations. Noah’s kindness and gentleness astonished Terah, as well as Shem’s graciousness. Terah found neither man as they had been described. The problem however, Noah and Shem were not the only men present, many attending the gathering thrived on confrontation, especially Ham and Cush.

While Terah had never heard such teachings as Noah’s, after several heated discussions between Ham and Elam, Terah made the decision to leave the conclave and to return home. It took many days and many miles to cover the distance between Shem’s home and Babylonia
and as he traveled the distance, he could not distance himself from the words of Noah, “We have strayed from the teaching of truth, there is only one Creator. His proper name is Yahweh, and his name means the Eternal, Self-Existent One. He is the El Elyon who created the Shamayim and all who dwell there. Those who dwell in the Celestial are elohim because they come from the Eloah, the one God.”

The words of Noah haunted Terah’s every waking moment. Reflecting on the many discussions between Noah and the others, Terah could not help but wonder why Noah could not or perhaps would not, see the point that he and others had made several times
. To worship the many gods hurt no one and why not just return Yahweh to the pantheon, and restore peace. There were several, including his grandfather, Serug, who agreed with him. Surprisingly so did Elam. But Noah insisted that compromise could not establish shalom. He said compromise only masks the sounds of chaos, that statement led to more heated discussions. Ham being the most vocal.

Ham and his four sons
proclaimed Enmerkar as misguided and unduly influenced by Semiramis and her grandfather. Ham advocated that all of the issues his father wanted resolved could be fixed if someone would just approach Enmerkar and make him aware of the people’s feelings concerning child sacrifices. Cush suggested they present a formal request to Babylon demanding all human sacrifices cease. Then it would not matter which or even how many of the numerous gods the people worshipped. And again, Noah shook his head and quietly stated, “The sacrifices must stop, and the idols must fall, anything less is disrespectful to the Creator.”

That was when Terah decided to leave
. He agreed that the passing of children through the fires of Moloch as a form of worship needed to stop, but the bringing down of idols, this he would never agree to.

In spite of his impatience to return to Ur, Terah still found time to meet personally with Noah. The old man was fascinating and
Terah grew fond of him. In spite of everything, Terah felt the trip was a waste of his precious time and he resented the time apart from Amthelo and their soon to be born son. The closer he drew to Babylon the more anxious he grew to be home. Protocol demanded he report to Enmerkar before returning to Ur. He expeditiously made the detour to the city of Babylon and to the Great Palace to fulfill his obligations.

Seated before the Melek, Terah reported to Enmerkar
. “There was nothing but disagreement. Noah and Shem proclaimed El Elyon as the only God. The majority of those attending did not believe El Elyon alone should prayed to, or that there are no other gods. Yet Noah and Shem kept insisting it is important to worship only Yahweh as El Elyon. And they maintained that unless the people return to the worship of Yahweh exclusively, the world is in danger of another cataclysmic judgment. Noah laid out this long discourse of how the gods we worship aren’t really gods but fallen angels. I didn’t follow much of what he said, but when he began to lecture on the fallen angels and the pollution of our blood he lost me completely.” Terah threw his hands in the air, “Most everyone, except Shem of course, disagreed with him, but my lord, they are forming a committee to come to you and to demand the human sacrifices stop.”

Enmerkar thanked Terah for this insight and
said he would think on implementing something that would appease everyone, “I will speak with Enki, and I’m sure after obtaining his advice, I will know what to do. By the way, you should know that Semiramis sent for Amthelo last week.” Reluctant to be completely forthright with Terah, Enmerkar avoided mentioning that he had provoked Semiramis to send for Amthelo in hopes that the journey would induce labor and a possible early birth. “Amthelo is with the royal physicians in the private chambers of Semiramis, awaiting the advent of your child. I suggest you go to Semiramis but don’t speak of the conclave with her. She’s convinced that Ba’el and Moloch will send a disaster unless those sacrifices continue, it would be best to let me handle this.”

Terah quickly thanked Enmerkar and went in search of Amthe
lo. The timing of his return was near perfect for Amthelo had already gone into labor. Terah’s son was born that night, and given the name Abram because of the Kasdim’s prophecy. Abram means ‘exalted father.’

The next morning, under the pretense of wanting to offer congratulations, the
melek sent for Terah. “I have been told your son was born last night. You are to be congratulated, my friend. I want to honor you as you have honored me with twenty years of faithful service. I want to offer you the best I have. I shall adopt your son and raise him with Asshur. They will be brothers and inherit my kingdom from me upon my death.”

Surprised at the audacity, but not deceived by the
mask of generosity Terah bowed in deference, yet wavered not in resolve, “My Melek, I cannot give you my son.”

“I’ll give you a house, full of silver and gold for your son, Terah. You have two grown sons. As you know, Marduk is not
mine. Who is to say I shall ever have another son?” Fighting to control the surprise and resentment of being denied his desire, Nimrod belabored his reasoning, “You can see him as often as you like, this I promise you. He’ll receive every advantage of being raised in the king’s palace. And of this, you can be sure. Nothing will surpass the education he shall receive. You are a man of seventy, and I don’t say you are nearing your demise but remember, I’m not yet forty-two. I shall outlive you. What shall happen to him should you die? Would it not be better for him to be raised as my son?”

Pursing his lips, Terah dropped his head to his chin, and began to speak slowly and with great deliberation
. “Sir, I ask you to advise me about another matter, my answer to you about the matter of my son depends on your counsel to me.”

Nodding, Enmerkar sat back on his couch and agreed, “All right, I’ll do my best by you. Please continue.”

“Before I left for the journey to Shem’s home, Ayon, the son of Mored, came to my house, and asked of me to give him the horse that you gave to me. You know, the one sired from Ramah, which you gave me some years ago. Because Ramah sired my horse, Av, and because Av carries the valuable traits Ayon desired to add to his stables, he promised to pay me three times the value of Av if I would but sell Av to him. Should I do this, would it offend you if I sold to Ayon this great and valuable horse that you so generously bestowed on me?”

Instantly Nimrod was enraged, “Are you a fool Terah? You cannot sell such a valuable animal at any price. What is silver or gold to you that you would even consider selling such a fine and valuable horse? And because I gave you the animal, you should treasure it more, should you not? There is no other
such valuable horse on the whole of Earth!” Nimrod stood and flung his arms in fury, “Surely, Terah, you know this!”

“Sir, if the selling of my horse outrages you so,” Terah bowed
his head and added, “why would the idea of selling my son not likewise anger you? You have suggested I should give you my son for a house of silver and gold. That my lord is the selling of my son no matter how you look at it.”

Silenced by the logic Nimrod stood and walked away from Terah
. Unrelenting Terah pursued, “Sir, you are my melek, and all I have is in your power. Whatever you desire my lord that I give you. My young son and his two older brothers are yours, but without value in exchange.” Terah standing behind Nimrod whispered, “Sir, I pray you will not continue with this matter but if you must, give me three weeks to consult with the mother of my child. I’ll take Amthelo and my son, we shall return to Ur, as soon as possible.”

Nimrod nodded and silently left the chamber leaving Terah standing alone and saddened. A spirit of rejection and one of bitterness took root within Terah’s heart. Hastily he gathered his wife, their infant son, and with their entire entourage returned to Ur that evening. Once behind closed doors, Terah spoke privately to his wife and explained his plan. Upon hearing it, Amthelo agreed
. They would find a different infant to give to Nimrod.

Terah sent his most trusted servant to the streets of Ur
. The mission, to find an infant boy the same age as Abram. Two days later the servant presented Terah with such a baby and immediately Terah took the kidnapped child to Babylon. Nimrod received the kidnapped child believing the child to be Terah’s infant son.

The moment Nimrod heard Terah had left Babylon
to return to Ur, the kidnapped child was presented to the priests at the Temple of Marduk and he passed through the fires of Moloch that very same hour.

The day
Terah left Ur for Babylon with the kidnapped child, Amthelo, Abram, and a nurse set out in a caravan, disguised as the servants of a trusted servant of Terah. For days concealed from all eyes, Amthelo, the young infant, and as well the nurse, traveled west into the land of Noah. Upon reaching Noah’s home, Amthelo presented her son to Noah. Arrangements were made and agreed upon, making the infant Abram, a ward of Noah.

Terah made as many trips as possible to visit his son, and miraculously, he managed to keep from Nimrod the truth that Abram lived. For many years, the visits continued, and the truth remained hidden. Abram grew in age and stature, and he more than
most knew the benefits of possessing Noah’s tutelage. The education the young Abram received was far beyond that of Asshur or Marduk.

Noah educated Abram with the understanding of the Dok, Rakia, Moan, Zevul, Machon and Aravot
. Abram learned many things in the home of Noah, but most of all Abram learned of the only true God, and the name of his God, Yahweh.

Abram prayed for his father, and he prayed for his elder brothers and their families
. He prayed for his people, the tribes of Shem. The Malakhim visited the lad and imparted favor as they captured the incense of his praise. El Elyon was very pleased.

For from the time when the Flood came upon the men of old and destroyed that generation with many waters, the universal ruler himself furnished another race of restless men, who in opposition to heaven built a tower to an awful height. The Sibylline Oracles, Book 11

A
s the years passed, every autumn, Noah offered sacrificial rams and lambs upon the altar to El Elyon. As the smoke rose, he repented for the sins of the world and prayed for restoration of the plans of El Elyon’s purposes. Nevertheless, the reports of the blatant sins of Enmerkar, Semiramis, Cush, Canaan, and the other members of his immediate family grew more grave and disparaging. As the tower neared completion, Noah’s apprehension magnified and his heart became heavy with worry and concern. Nine hundred and thirty-seven years of age, Noah agonized as to whom the mantle of the priesthood would fall upon once he had departed from the land of the living.

Shem, by all rights should be the next Melek, but Noah knew that Enmerkar would never allow that to happen
, it would require Divine involvement to sustain the lineage of the Melek through Shem. To add to his agony, Noah knew none of Shem’s descendants qualified to assume the role of Melek, except Abram. However, there were nine generations from Shem to Abram.

Abram was a man, no longer a lad
. If Enmerkar suspected Abram someday might become Melek, Enmerkar would have Abram killed. Yet, it was not the authority of king, but the mantle of priest that concerned Noah the most, who would hold and sustain that office, once he was gone. The laws of El Elyon demanded not only a righteous Melek, but also a righteous priest. Noah was comfortable that Shem would maintain the priesthood, and he knew that Abram would, but who would follow?

The day came for the fall feast and as Noah approached the altar for the yearly sacrifice, he brought an extra lamb. After he worshipped and made the required sin sacrifices, he asked the Malakhim to wait while he prepared one additional sacrificial lamb. Then once th
e lamb’s blood ran over the edges of the altar, Noah fell to his knees and as the tears trekked down his cheeks, he prayed. “Oh gracious Melek of the Universe, the judges you placed to officiate over Earth have allowed the Melek of Darkness to possess my family and the territories that should belong to your Kingdom. As I near the end of my life, I have no one other than Shem and Abram to whom I may pass the robes of righteousness. The garments of Adam are in the hands of my enemies, and my enemies rule over my people. While I know that the time of the Promise Seed is not yet, for the seasons and signs in the stars have not yet aligned, nonetheless, the conditions as they exist cannot go on. I ask you to judge your judges, and afterwards raise up a man who will seek your ways and know your heart, to prepare the way of the Promised Seed.

“Creator of all, I beseech you
, choose Abram and his seed to remove the curses that have entered because of Enmerkar, Cush, and Ham and even Canaan. I pray that the tower, and all for which it stands will fall, the evil of the Dark Ones is great, but also is the evil of my sons…”

Noah prayed, the Malakhim recorded his prayers and then ascended to the throne. However, within the invisible another had also listened to Noah’s heart-felt cry. Michael walked from the portal with hands akimbo and head down
. Each step measured, and with each step, he mentally reiterated his frustrations that had increased as he had listened to Noah’s prayer.

So deep were Michael’s thoughts he didn’t perceive Gabriel until he felt a touch on his shoulder. Instinctively swinging around, he recognized Gabriel just in time to pull back on a reactive response.

Throwing both hands into the air, Gabriel smiled as he asked, “Michael, why so deep in thought?”

Slowly, a smile crossed Michael’s face, “I apologize
. I didn’t sense your presence. How long have you been here?”

“I just arrived
. You are troubled, why?”

“Oh, I get so angry at the conditions on Earth, I was just listening to Noah and it
’s déjà vu. You know, less than a day of our time and here again, Satan is mounting another campaign. I want so badly to annihilate Helel, but gotta bide my time, huh?”

“Yes, brother, you do, however remember it may only be a day here, but to Noah it has been a lifetime. Anyway…” Gabriel reached across the space be
tween them putting both hands on Michael’s shoulders, “I’m so sorry you have to witness what is happening there. You, more than most, see and know the cost. Come sit with me for a moment.”

Celestial and commanding, the two colossal beings
created and conferred with amazing abilities sat side by side, reflecting on the sounds coming up from Earth. “Michael, our greatest problem is not Helel or any of those who fell with him. It is the belief that people have in the deceptions and lies that Helel and his followers have spoken to their hearts and minds. Yet, short of abandoning our own posts and declaring a war, which we have not been granted permission to declare, what do you suggest we do?”

Michael shook his head and leaned forward to rest his elbows on his knees, “The wisdom of El Elyon is beyond my understanding
. But I know he will only tolerate unrighteousness for a short period. His grace and mercy toward men extends beyond my ability to comprehend.” Michael stood and took several steps before turning back, facing Gabriel, “Brother, I know of only three truly righteous men on Earth; Noah, Shem, and Abram. For the sake of these three, I’m ordered to ‘stay’ the hand of Helel. Meaning I’m ordered to keep the Adversary from annihilating men, but I’m not allowed to annihilate him. I don’t know how much longer I can keep a lid on the boiling pot of evil in Earth. We should go to Father with this. “

Gabriel stood slowly, “I will approach the throne
. Will you do two things for me?”

Michael nodded as Gabriel gave the request, “Protect Noah, Shem, Abram, and their households until justice is rendered
. You might assign a special task force of angels, yes?”

Michael nodded.

“And would you personally go down to the tower again, and see what they are up too?”

Again, Michael nodded.

                  
 
************

T
hick-heeled sandals slapped against the floor with the same fervor that had fueled the fulfillment of his self-determined destiny over the past five years. The continuous pounding of each step rebounded against the thick-walled corridor creating a fierce resonant echo that built upon itself. The repeating sound impregnated not only the darkness behind him, but seeded the murkiness that stretched before him. His strides thrust him forward turning blackness into grey shadows as the reverberation of his march hung in place and repeated itself again and again.

Abruptly he halted his stride as a sudden chill ran down his spine. Quickly turning on his heels, he looked behind
again. The fire bowl swung with the momentum of his movement causing multiple shadows to crisscross the floor and walls to diagram an eerie fresco that mixed with the bloodcurdling echoes of his footfalls that still bounced within the corridor. Not seeing anyone he gritted his teeth as the muscles in his jaw tighten and flexed. In spite of any apprehension, he was determined not to alter his resolve to accomplish his mission.

Tucking his chin into his chest, Asshur furrowed his brows and squinted his eyes desperate to penetrate the blackness that lurked beyond the fire he now held
high overhead. He searched the nebulous passage, but did not slow his pace instead increased it realizing how close he was to obtaining his dream.

Who would dare try to stop me?
As the son of Enmerkar the Melek, Asshur had accepted the reality it was his destiny not just to rule, but also to preside as high priest. While his father had never bound himself to the office of priest, but had allowed Semiramis to officiate in that capacity, Asshur had sworn he would enter the domain of the gods, even go beyond and enter to become a member of the ruling class of gods.

It had taken Asshur years of preparation but finally ev
erything had aligned and within a matter of hours, all that he had ever wanted or dreamed would become a reality. It had become imperative he practice the invocation privately one more time. He was determined nothing would interfere with his ascent into the dimension of the supernatural.

While he trusted and loved
his father, he had not spoken of the true purpose of the tower. His father knew much but he did not know the many subtle changes that had made their way into the interior design within the past few months. As chief architect, Asshur need not explain to anyone his intent and because he was the son of Enmerkar, no one questioned him, not even Semiramis, or his stepbrother, Marduk.

Asshur knew the circumstances of his birth and, because he was a priest, he knew the circumstances of Marduk’s birth. Enki’s visits to Asshur had been his secret, and no one knew, not even his father. He was not just any priest
. He was Prometheus, the light bringer. Men called him Asshur, but the gods had given the name of Prometheus because he was the first son of Enmerkar, the Mighty Hunter, Lord of lords, and King of kings, ruler of all of Babylonia and Emperor of Earth.

O
n the first anniversary of his birth, his father placed him in the arms of the High Priest of the Anu and all his life he had lived under the sanction of the gods of the Great Temple. As he grew into manhood, the undeclared war for the throne of Enmerkar intensified, but neither Marduk nor Semiramis understood it wasn’t the throne of Enmerkar he desired, but something
much more. As a youth, Asshur had not focused his attention on Marduk’s hatred of him. His passion was for knowledge. His training had consumed his life because he was destined to rule, but not from his father’s throne, instead the throne he would rule from was from the altar inside the tower. He would rule from the throne that lay beyond Earth’s dimensions.

The teachings of the Annuanki were the discipline of his studies, he was well versed in astrology, and all the mechanics of mathematics that were needed to calibrate the tower, and the altar that would vanish into the invisible world beyond the boundaries of Earth. He was well familiar with the sciences of geometry and design
and he understood the power of light and sound. He knew how to harness light and sound for the purposes of the gods. For thirty years, he studied with the best minds of Babylonia but the education that really mattered had not come from a human source, but the supernatural Enki, his father’s trusted god. Enki had always come at night when the priests were asleep. From Enki he learned the mysteries and magic of the stars. He had learned of their powers, and of their secrets. To men the stars were small points of light in the night sky. To him the stars were beings who knew how to transport him through the portals and to the gateways of the Celestial world.

W
hen Enki had declared him fit, his father decreed him the Architect Supreme. It was then he had taken the initial blueprint for the tower and reengineered the inner chambers to align with the apex of the tower. The geometric design was in perfect symmetry with certain stars. His father had a mountain within which he could hide the people, the greatest temple on Earth, but his design made the tower more than a structure of safety or worship, it was a gateway to places beyond the stars.

From its pinnacle, he
intended to rule the world and join with his gods to rule the Celestial. Marduk could have the city, what did he care. He had the tower and all that was above it. Marduk could even have Earth, he wanted the Heavens and all that was there.

A
s a mortal man, he had entered into a bargain with the gods. He had dedicated himself to following their specifications and had engineered the tower’s physical structure to a precise alignment. At the right moment, the portals of heaven would open over the tower, and the vessels of the Anu would have unrestricted entrance into Earth, all because he had followed their specific instructions. A portal inside the upper chamber would open and at that exact same moment, he would ascend to the parallel universe that existed beyond the dimensions of Earth. He would ascend to the beyond and bring back the knowledge of immortality.

He, only he, had found the way to connect to the heavens, allowing not just control of this tower, but every tower and temple upon the face of the earth. And the greatest secret he carried within him was the secret of his transformation to the status of god! The gods had given him more than knowledge, they had given him power, and now nothing could stop him! He, like his father, was one of them
but even more so for he was no longer a mere mortal man! All he lacked was immortality, but when his plans were accomplished that too would be his.

Reaching
the end of the passage, Asshur paused and looked back down the corridor he had just traversed.
No one is there, how could there be? The guards remained at the doors that opened to this level, and there’s no other way in.
He shook his head smiling to himself, “It’s only nerves.”

Turning to his right he paused, and then lifting the fire-bowl higher he hesitantly mounted the stairs upward into the waiting darkness. His stomach fluttered with each step
, he was advancing into his future.

When at last he stood on the landing before the massive door
s that opened into the golden chamber he innately knew the greatest fee was yet to be paid. Yet, any price was worth the paying if it made him the ruling immortal deity. Precipitously, a light flashed from behind him, he turned and looked back down the stairs. Frozen on the landing for several seconds, but seeing no one below, he released a deep sigh and whispered, “Steady, it’s only your imagination.”