How Dragons Survived the Flood

Chapter 8

The view was breathtaking. From his vantage point, Japheth could see the breadth and width of Uruk. Vessels anchoring along the shores of the Euphrates River flanked the city's southern portion. Sailors swarmed over the boats, each carrying baskets of treasure to shore.

Canals and roads traveled eastward in a neatly laid out grid from the Euphrates into the city. Several led directly to Yahweh's temple, which rose high, dominating the city's southern end. One road away from the temple, men and women in finely embroidered tunics and robes haggled with merchants selling from carts.

Several captive dragons and their riders circled near the river. Taken fresh from the egg, most of the dragons had bonded with their handlers as Ismi had done with Japheth. Those that did not bond, or were taken when they were older, were maimed or blinded just enough to make survival in the wilderness impossible. Some slowly starved themselves to death with such harsh treatment, but others adapted and became beasts of burden.

To the northeast was the walled complex that held the Temple of Inanna. Similar to the Temple of Yahweh and its outbuildings, the complex was on an elevated piece of land with roads leading to it from various canals. Reed marshes and groves of trees filled the ground between its outer wall and the canals. Japh could tell that Inanna's Temple was not as high as Yahweh's, but her sprawling complex was more spacious.

Unlike Yahweh's temple grounds, there were lines of women sitting along the road leading from the entry gate to the temple. Men milled around and wandered without apparent purpose. From his vantage point, Japh could see the barren tracks from the canals into the temple grove.

Japh quickly averted his gaze, looking back to the Temple of Yahweh. Look, Ismi. I think I can make out Ham. See? There by the wall, talking. He is wearing a dark brown robe.

Japh, there are several people in brown robes. Humans are dull that way.

By his stall. Right there. We brought in mourning doves and pigeons today. He is probably selling a white dove, showing a customer how flawless it is and how perfect it would be for the priests to sacrifice.

Ismi glanced over in the general direction. You do not believe in partaking of the life blood nor would you take a life to save your own.[ I think he becomes more aggressive it episode 3 and he has killed before, but not take a life to save your own can allow for that. Anna-Marie Barendt 12/24/17, 10:58 PM] Yet amongst yourselves you sell innocent creatures to satisfy your god's blood lust. I find that interesting.

Japh frowned. I cannot talk on the desires of Yahweh, Ismi. He stroked her side and ran his fingers through her tangled mane.

Both people are moving now. See the man shutting his shop? I think that is Ham.

Japh watched the man board a small gufa and row it to a rocky beach at the base of Inanna's towering walls. The man clambered out of the vessel and followed a well-worn path into a stand of trees.

Japheth squinted against the afternoon sun and shook his head. No, could not be Ham. A son of Noah would never give money to temple prostitutes. We were raised to know better. Japh, watching the small figure disappear into the shadows, patted Ismi as she snorted.

Ismi hovered a moment more, while they watched the branded dragons fly their riders over the city. It would be nightfall soon; the dragons were going to their cliffs. The cool wind helped clear the cobwebs from Japh's mind, although the Tree's effects would last a bit longer.

Japh relaxed his right leg. Ismi responded by wheeling to the right until they were following the Euphrates as it flowed past the city. Japh scanned the horizon once again. He noted the distant point where the Tigris joined the Euphrates and how the water from the two rivers interlaced, eventually becoming one.