Heaven's Rain by Jonathan Macnab

Author:Jonathan Macnab
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: biblical fiction, biblical fantasy, Christian historical fiction, noah's ark, bible flood story, angels and demons book, peretti, family friendly
Publisher: Story Reborn
Published: 2018-03-02T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 13

Dragons, Demi-gods, and Demons - Oh my!

AS THEY ENTERED THE CITY GATES, Methuselah and Boaz couldn’t help but gasp in awe at the spectacular architecture. Necks craning to see how high it went as they passed under it, their attention was first captured by a titanic stone archway that left room for even the most massive of dragons. Then, when their eyes moved ahead again, they were stunned still further by yet another gargantuan structure, taking up what looked like the entire center of the city. It was several stories high, a marvelous montage of columns and arches that together formed a sort of stadium that rose three levels. It must have seated thousands, a modern marvel if they’d ever seen one. Even from this distance, they could see myriads of people perpetually streaming in and out of it. What went on in there? They wondered, but weren’t sure if they really wanted to know. This city was a den of debauchery, according to their most reliable sources.

The duo had to dismount and lead their horses on foot in order to make their way through the crowded streets - it was that congested. In doing so, they subjected themselves to innumerable bumps and bruises as people rudely shoved their way past, sometimes carrying rather large or dangerous objects which the men had to hastily avoid. The press of people did not bring quite so much opportunity as they had hoped. It was more of a nuisance keeping them from connecting with anyone. Accordingly, they decided they ought to scout out a place of business where they could sit down and perhaps meet with better luck. Looking every which way for a semi-accessible eatery, the country carpenters couldn’t help but notice the turmoil that reigned in the taverns. Men were bursting out of them, fists flying as they bawled drunken epithets at one another. One or two were even bleeding from cuts about the head or abdomen, making it clear that weapons certainly weren’t against the law in this place. It seemed as if the city was in an ever-present state of upheaval, and the worst part was, no one seemed to mind. Truly, the city was well-named. Eshcol meant “cluster of grapes”, and evoked images of free flowing wine and carousal, a fitting moniker for the scene before them.

What’s more, behind all of the kerfuffle, the men could hear a faint but persistent melody serenading the masses in the midst of their commotion, even seemingly playing in concert with it. Every sort of instrument seemed to be working together in harmony, and - somehow - it was not unpleasant, but it was disturbing because lovely music did not pair well with such a scene of drunken revelry. Instead of comforting the conscientious travelers, it fueled their fast-growing dislike for the city. It was as if the conductor was actively arousing the desires of the populace and instigating indulgence. Methuselah exchanged a wary look with his son, eager to be out of the city already, but aware they needed to keep going.

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