A Collision In Time
Chapter 21 – The Ancient Games

When liars enter by the city gate, in front of them there is a finger pointing at them, behind them there is a finger pointing at them.

– Unknown, Sumerian proverb

Winter, 3203 BC (October 13th, Gregorian), Uruk, Sumeria

The daylight from Sandon transitioned into total darkness as the time travelers arrived, found themselves wrapped in a blanket of humidity and up to their waists in tall grass. Disoriented, Cara and Emerson collapsed, off balance and nauseous.

“Is that you, Emerson?” Cara’s voice was strained.

“I can’t see a damn thing, Cara,” he answered.

A flashlight illuminated their area. “This may help.” Cara stood and oriented herself using the light beam. “This is way worse than before.”

“I don’t feel well,” Dov said, brushing aside stalks of grass.

“It may be due to the significant amount of time we traveled,” Ariel stated from somewhere in the grass. “More than five thousand years, after all.”

Emerson turned to locate Cara. “This is incredible. I can’t believe it. Five thousand years?” Yet he did believe it. There was a strangeness to the surroundings, a drastic shift in context. Although he could not view it, he could taste it in the air; the unfamiliar scents of the environment and the strange, rhythmic buzzing of faraway insects. A collection of flickering orange lights danced in the trees in the distance. As his eyes adjusted to the dark, he marveled at the sky and the Milky Way galaxy above them. “Y’all, look at the stars! Have you ever seen anything like this?”

“Never in my life. Not even close,” Cara answered. “My MIT astronomy colleagues would be immensely jealous.”

“A pre-industrial sky,” said Emerson.

“A pre-modern sky,” Cara corrected.

“How are you two feeling?” Dov moved over to them.

“Shitty,” said Cara, “but I’ll be fine.”

“The same,” Emerson said. “And you?”

“The nano enhancements lessen the impact, but I’m a little disoriented. Probably more due to my anxiety than my body, however,” Dov scoffed.

“Our equipment and luggage have been accounted for.” Uriel joined them. “We are approximately three hundred meters from the Euphrates River, though its position has shifted considerably from where the algorithms had estimated it flowed. Also, if I calculated correctly, we are about two kilometers due north of Uruk.” Uriel sifted through the medical kit. “Ah, here you go.” He walked over to Emerson. “Some water and anti-nausea medicine.” Uriel did the same for Cara and Dov.

“Ariel and I will set up a small camp and make sure the general area is safe. In the meantime, here are some blankets. We will deploy a nano-drone to keep an eye on you and we’ll be right back.”

“Do you have night vision?” probed Cara.

“Indeed,” Uriel replied. “See you all in about thirty minutes.”

The three sat in silence for a few moments. Cicadas and fireflies played and sang around them, filling the air with energy.

“I still can’t believe it,” Emerson said.

“Time travel is magical,” Dov said. “Here we are at the beginning of documented history. Only now are humans learning to make records.”

Cara whispered, “I’ve never seen darkness like this. It looks like we’re in a new moon cycle as well. When I was a little girl back in South Dakota it was easy to escape the city lights, camping out in the backcountry. I remember being mesmerized by the stars. But nothing like this.”

“The constellations are so completely different on Earth,” said Dov. “Look, a meteorite, burning up in the—”

“I still really can’t believe it.” interrupted Emerson, followed by laughter. “Sorry for interrupting, Dov. I’m totally in shock.”

“This is my second time jump,” said Cara. “Yet this is quite shocking.”

“Y’all know, at the power plant, I was one hundred percent certain this wasn’t going to happen. I had no expectations. I can’t imagine the look on my mom and dad’s faces.” Emerson chuckled to himself. “Won’t they be surprised?”

“Yeah, in five thousand years,” remarked Dov.

Emerson laughed. “Yeah, I suppose so. How the hell did you do it?”

“It took five centuries after I discovered the theory of time travel for humanity to accomplish this, Em,” said Cara. “One day I’ll do my best to explain it to you.”

Silence returned. They pressed together, blankets covering them. Emerson yawned, prompting Cara and Dov to do the same. Mentally exhausted, they succumbed to a side effect of the medicine, and sleep crept upon them.

Dov awoke first. She dislodged herself from between Cara and Emerson, still asleep, and wandered away from the camp to browse the surroundings and orient herself. Brushes of pink and orange illuminated the sky, which helped Dov establish her directions. She studied the landscape, made easier by their location on a flat floodplain. Dense vegetation and bird activity in the east indicated where the river lay. Cedar trees peppered fields being cleared and prepared for farming. Distant birdsong provided a background harmony to the otherwise quiet and peaceful morning.

Dov noticed the two robots had already organized the camp for the morning departure. She approached them. “Good morning Uriel, Ariel.”

“Good morning, Dov. You slept well?” queried Uriel.

“Yes. Your medicine may have helped with that.”

Uriel winked at her. “There was little to do last night, so better to have slept off the effects of the time jump.”

“It was perfect. I appreciated the sleep. How long were we out for?”

“Ten hours. You needed it.”

“I expect Cara and Emerson will wake up soon.” Dov stretched and surveyed the terrain to the south, toward Uruk. She could not see the city. “Are we on target?”

Ariel responded. “Mostly on target. Today is October 14, 3203 BC. Though remember, the Sumerians don’t understand the notion of a calendar, let alone Earth’s Gregorian calendar. We are 1,720 meters from the outer wall of Uruk. There are several farms close by, along the banks of the river, but we are well enough hidden that I am comfortable with our position. We did well.”

“Good morning.” Beaming from ear to ear, Cara ambled toward them with Emerson trailing just behind her. She rubbed her hands together. “It’s a bit chilly.”

“Good morning, Cara and Emerson. How did you sleep? Have you recovered?” Uriel stopped his packing to ask.

“I slept like a log,” said Cara. “I feel much better.”

“I am well too, thanks,” said Emerson. He rummaged through his duffel bag and pulled out a sweater. “What time is it?”

“I estimate about six-thirty,” replied Ariel. He approached with three mugs. “Coffee, anyone? It may not be fresh ground, but should do the trick.”

Emerson grabbed a mug. “ So what’s the plan?”

Dov smiled. “We become Sumerian, of course.”

After a light breakfast of protein supplements and vitamins, the group of five left the encampment, now concealed with cloaking fields and monitored with sensors and nanobots. Dressed as ancient merchant traders wearing simple white and dyed brown wool tunics, they walked barefoot, traveling single file on the crude road toward Uruk. Ariel led the team, followed by Cara and Dov, then Emerson and finally, Uriel in the back.

Uriel said, lighthearted, “If once upon a time all roads led to Rome, here all paths lead to Uruk.”

“If you can call this a path.” Emerson limped, eyes scanning for rocks and debris. He grimaced each time his foot encountered pointed rocks. “Can you make invisible shoes or something with your technology?”

“I know,” agreed Cara, who skipped along the road to avoid the sharp stones. “And the sun hasn’t yet heated the ground. I’m not sure how we are going to do this.” Cara glanced at Dov. “You seem to be doing okay, Dov.”

“At home, I spent much of my time barefoot. This is quite normal for me.”

Uriel called from the rear, “Emerson, between your pale skin and inability to walk, we will need to explain where you come from. At least Cara has darker skin, still pale compared to the Sumerians, but more likely to be believable as Sumerian than you.”

“Speaking of being believable as a Sumerian,” Cara said, “how will we communicate? How does the translator chip work? My ear is already overpopulated with tech, between that and the subvocalizer.”

Ariel responded. “They are meant to work together. Each chip will listen to the speaking patterns and the learning algorithms will instantly translate. However, only myself, Dov, and Uriel will be able to speak the language. It may take Dov more time to assimilate the vocabulary.”

“This should be interesting,” said Emerson. “I can’t walk and I won’t talk.”

“Dov, you keep us in the loop, okay?” Cara smirked at Emerson. “Because my fellow earthling here is practically useless.”

The first sign of civilization was a white pyramid at the top of a ridge, reflecting the light from the sun like a beacon against the brilliant blue sky. Soon after, other edifices and ceremonial buildings came into view. They soon passed farmhouses and other utilitarian buildings made of brick, clay, and carved wood beams. An arched gate in the distance announced the boundary of the grand city. Nearer to Uruk, gardens replaced the trees that had been growing along the river bank farther back, and they could see sailing ships and oar-driven boats as well as a bridge crossing the Euphrates. The trail widened and joined several other pathways to become a road to the city. It soon became crowded with travelers heading into the city, most of whom kept to themselves.

“We are very plainly dressed,” Dov subvocalized to Uriel. “Everyone else’s clothing has more color and seemingly ceremonial aspects to it.”

“I noticed,” he silently responded. “It may be a special holiday today.”

They stopped meters from the arched gateway. The walls of Uruk spread into the distance on either side. Cara touched the wall delicately, as though afraid it would crumble beneath her fingertips. Her eyes darted from side to side, taking in her surroundings with an awed expression.

“I’ve decided to jump off the cliff,” Emerson muttered while eyeing the guards.

“To do what?” Dov whispered.

“It’s an expression. Like a leap of faith. I am going to approach this experience trusting that it will all work out. I am counting on y’all to keep me safe.”

“Interesting expression, Emerson.” Dov smirked at him. “But indeed, let’s jump the cliff. Uruk is waiting for us.”

They approached the gate to pass through, copying what others were doing. A small man in a black tunic stepped forward to block their passage. He held out his hand, his dark eyes open wide in anticipation. He spoke quickly.

“I have no idea what he just said,” Ariel said through the subvocalizers. “This is not a good sign.”

He gestured to the guard and pointed to his ear, indicating he didn’t understand. “Hello guard,” he said, using the Sumerian translator.

The guard glared and spoke angrily. He sounded like he was singing in minor keys.

“Uh-oh,” Dov whispered in Cara’s ear. “This may be an issue.”

Ariel tried again, using a different dialect. “Hello.”

The guard again talked, but once more the internal translators did not interpret.

Dov subvocalized, “Ariel, I imagine language at this time was not standardized and our algorithms messed up.” She approached the guard. “Kushim,” she said clearly. “Kushim.” She gestured at all five of them and pointed at her eye.

The guard nodded and said something inexplicable while again raising his hands.

“I think he wants us to stay,” subvocalized Dov. They stood motionless as other Sumerians nearby monitored them.

The short guard ran down the street and yelled at another sentry, who replaced him.

“The datasets for the translator must be wrong,” said Ariel. “They will need to be retrained. I suspect Dov is correct and there is a dialect issue.”

“Will this be a problem?” queried Dov.

“No, I hope not. The Sumerians don’t have a comprehensive vocabulary, so the training should not take long. He seems to speak in minor and major musical chords, which may be confusing the algorithms.”

“Excellent start,” Emerson said. “It will be a victory if the day ends and we aren’t roasted on a stick.” He chuckled to himself.

“Don’t forget your leap of faith, Em,” Cara responded, smiling at him.

It didn’t take long for the guard to return. He arrived out of breath and grabbed Dov’s hand, leading her through the gate into Uruk. The others, sensing no resistance, followed in single file.

Cara subvocalized, “I love the outfits, Dov—so elaborate.”

Most citizens wore brightly dyed wool tunics, intricately woven with decorative beads, shells, and other adornments. Others wore outfits that looked ready for athletics or dance challenges.

“I feel like I’m on a Hollywood set,” said Cara.

“What’s Hollywood?” asked Dov.

Before Cara had time to answer, a small man came running down a dusty road. He wore a plain undyed tunic, though his beard was woven with decorative gemstones. Drops of sweat fell from his forehead, and he appeared distracted, unsure.

He spoke to the guard, nodded, and turned to examine Dov, eyes narrowed and brows furrowed.

“Kushim?” said Dov to the man using the translator. “I am a friend.” Dov extended her hand.

Kushim remained still, waiting.

“He isn’t understanding me,” subvocalized Dov. Suddenly she had a thought and pointed at her eyes.

“Eyes,” she said, looking at Kushim.

He nodded and said, “Eyes,” in Sumerian.

Dov laughed, then pointed at her mouth. “Mouth,” she said.

Kushim repeated the word. Dov noticed a harmonic overtone with each word spoken, It may have been an oversight of the translator. Finally, she tried again. “Kushim, I am a friend. My name is Dov.”

He continued to stare at Dov, and finally spoke, but this time the translator interpreted immediately. “Welcome, Dov?”

“Yes, Dov.” She addressed her companions. “Well, introduce yourselves. Cara, why don’t you start?”

Cara stepped forward. “Cara Zitkala-Sa.” She extended her two hands, as a universal gesture of greeting. Kushim responded with a delicate inclination of his head.

“My turn,” said Emerson. He copied Cara and approached Kushim. “Emerson Wright.” He nodded and bowed his head.

Uriel and Ariel repeated the gesture.

Kushim spoke again, but this time the translator failed to interpret.

“Did you understand that?” Dov subvocalized to Ariel and Uriel.

“Not exactly, but he may have asked us to follow him,” said Ariel.

Kushim repeated what he said, but this time Dov showed her ear and her mouth while shaking her head and looking confused. Kushim seemed to understand the gesture. He waved to them and the time travelers followed.

They shortly arrived at an elaborate single-story rectangular brick and wood beam building. Kushim ushered them through a wide entranceway into a prototypical Romanesque courtyard overflowing with hanging plants and a pond populated with goldfish. Kushim bowed and hurried inside the largest of four interconnected buildings. He could be overheard calling out before he returned, followed by seven children and a woman. He introduced each of them, starting with his wife, Iamma, and then his children in order of age. Immediately the younger children launched into conversation, but the translators didn’t understand them.

“Uriel,” Dov said out loud, “I think this is going to become an increasingly greater problem.”

“I love how they talk,” remarked Cara. “Like they are singing.”

“That’s part of the issue,” Uriel said. “The translators didn’t expect the melodies.”

“It seems some of the family are wary of us.” Dov subvocalized to the group. “Be considerate that we must appear very strange to them.”

“Yes, I noticed Iamma in particular is nervous,” said Ariel. “Her vitals are showing elevated stress.”

“Let me see if I can help with the tension. We should address the language issue head-on. Let’s continue the translation process.” Dov wandered over to a goat, pointed to her ear, then the goat, and said, “Goat.” She waved at the children, hoping that one of them would interpret her intention to learn.

The middle daughter laughed, understanding the invitation, and petted the goat. She named the goat clearly in Sumerian. Then she picked up a pottery bowl and spoke its name, then again for flatbread, candles, fruit, woven baskets, and on and on. Before long Dov, Uriel, and Ariel were being led from object to object by Kushim’s entire family as Cara and Emerson looked on. Around the house, they overheard laughter and singing.

“The translator algorithms are starting to regenerate.”

Dov smiled. “Encouraging news.”

* * *

As the morning wore on, Emerson called Dov and Cara aside and led them to one corner of the courtyard. “What about Modi? Any sign of him?”

“Or an anomaly?” added Cara. “Em, there is a correlation between a time-wave anomaly and Modi.”

“We will need our equipment back at the camp to study an anomaly,” said Dov. “Once we can communicate with Kushim, we’ll ask him about helping us haul it here.”

Emerson glanced at Cara. “That might be challenging. Did you notice what was missing when we walked?”

Dov shook her head.

“No, Em. Tell us,” Cara urged.

“As scientists, you aren’t particularly observant.” Emerson rolled his eyes. “Modes of transportation. I saw no carts, buggies, or anything with wheels. The only wheel I have seen is this.” Emerson picked up a pottery wheel. “Our equipment and luggage are a long way away. We will have to carry it all by hand.” Emerson lifted his foot. “Also, I really need sandals. My feet are cut-up and raw. Otherwise, I won’t be useful.”

“Uriel and Ariel will be able to carry much more than you imagine,” said Dov. “But interesting observation, the things we take for granted.”

“Well the sooner the better,” said Cara. “Modi was two steps ahead of us all week.”

“I can’t disagree,” said Dov.

Uriel wandered into the courtyard and joined the conversation. “Now that we can communicate, Kushim has some questions for us. Naturally, he is curious about who we are, where we come from, and why we asked for him. I think he is equally fascinated and apprehensive about us. He would like to chat now, but doesn’t have much time.”

“He is watching us now,” Cara said. “Would it make the most sense for just you and Dov to chat with him, or all of us?”

“Just Uriel and I,” Dov replied. “Less intimidating for him. Come, Uriel.”

Kushim, Iamma, Dov, and Uriel sat within a grove of palm trees in a nearby garden. Flowers in full bloom perfumed the air with a sweet, fruity essence that attracted honey bees and songbirds.

Uriel subvocalized to Dov, “Why don’t you start, Dov; break the tension.”

Dov turned to face the Sumerians. “Kushim and Iamma, thank you for inviting us into your home. I know we were unexpected.”

“Are you not here for the harvest celebration?” Iamma asked, looking surprised at Dov’s statement.

“No, we were not aware of the games,” Dov said., “A happy coincidence.”

Kushim and Iamma exchanged a worried glance.

“I don’t think the translator knew the word ‘coincidence,’” subvocalized Uriel. “I am not sure what word it used instead.”

Dov nodded, smiled, and softened her voice. “The opportunity to attend the games brings us great joy. We thank you again for allowing us to observe them and see you.”

Kushim smiled. “The sun shines today.”

Dov nodded, “Yes, the gods are pleased.”

“Good idea to mention the god,” subvocalized Uriel

Dov continued. “Today is important beyond the harvest games. We come today to also help you. We have traveled a very long distance, from strange lands, in search of you. We are guided by events to assist you and your family.”

“Where did you walk from?” Iamma asked. “Your companion has sickly skin.”

“It has taken us long to get here. The lands we journey from are beyond where your people have traveled, a land where the skin is lighter.”

“I have heard rumors of that,” said Kushim. “From sailors who have ventured a long way to trade.”

“Fate has guided us here,” Dov said. “Kushim, there will be one who arrives who threatens you. Do not be frightened by that. Let us help guide you.”

Kushim nodded. “The gods are wise, Iamma. Assistance is welcome, but you must explain more. I am not understanding the threats. Later, however, as now the time grows short. Please join us for the games, and afterward you are welcome to stay the night. Finding accommodations will be impossible with so many visitors in Uruk and you will not find another house to sleep within. Let us head home, eat, and then travel to the games. Tomorrow we must discuss what it is that brings you to see me.”

* * *

Cara waited for Dov and Uriel to return. She watched Kushim’s middle daughter who had understood Dov’s intent to translate “goat” stare at her intently. She smiled at the curious young girl and approached her. Immediately the girl began communicating. “Amarenzu,” she said in a melodic tone and touched her head.

Cara had assumed that Sumerian would be similar to Arabic or perhaps Hebrew, but rather the language flowed in melodies and incorporated harmonics into the word meanings.

“Cara.” She pointed to herself.

Amarenzu talked quickly while laughing. Cara joined in her laughter, but understood absolutely nothing. Amarenzu ran off and returned moments later with a long pottery dish loaded with unleavened bread, honey, figs, and sliced apples. She offered the plate to Cara, then passed it to Emerson. They both helped themselves.

“This apple is remarkably sweet,” said Cara, then ripped off a handful of bread. She didn’t hide her grimace when she put it in her mouth. “Interesting. The bread is different from what I expected.”

Amarenzu chuckled, took the bread from Cara, and with a crude pottery spoon spread the honey on the bread before handing it back.

“Better,” she said to Amarenzu, who smiled and helped herself to more.

When Dov and Uriel rejoined them they ate together with Sumerians, then congregated with Kushim’s family at the front of the house to proceed to the games. The walk offered them the opportunity to sightsee and learn. They absorbed the spectacle—the people, their clothing, the musical language, and the entertainers and vendors that lined the main streets. It was as though Picasso himself had crafted an ancient canvas. The sheepskin tunics featured patterns in every color imaginable, from yellow, red, and blue to more conservative brown and white. Their design varied from plain and single-layered to complex slices resembling a bird’s wing. The range and richness of hats was just as interesting, from simple scarves to elaborate clay, bead, and cloth headwear.

The newly arrived time travelers weren’t the only one fascinated. The citizens of Uruk whispered and pointed at Emerson as he walked past them. “You are popular, Em,” said Cara. “I imagine there are rumors about you across all of Uruk by now.” She punched him on his shoulder.

“Ow,” Emerson said, looking down to avoid walking on sharp rocks. “Easy to see why I am being mentioned.”

“You should consider competing in the events. Imagine the discussion.” Cara laughed. “I wonder what you would be competitive in?”

“They will be disappointed.” Emerson grinned. “Look at me—I’m a mess.”

“I am sure Kushim could set you up to compete.” Dov added.

“Compete and lose, I would think. I can’t even walk properly, for damn sake.” He sighed. “I’ll compete for a pair of shoes.”

Kushim directed them to a bustling food market. Before entering, Dov gathered with Cara and Emerson and spoke through her subvocalizer. “We should probably avoid being overheard as much as possible, but Kushim said that we can help ourselves in the market. Uriel asked him how we are to pay or trade for what we take, but Kushim just shook his head. So, help yourself.”

Dov and Cara moved into an aisle of food vendors and viewed the offerings, many of them she’d never seen before. Cara leaned in and whispered, “Here goes. I hope Kushim is right.” She selected a dull red, prickly looking fruit that might be a cousin of a pomegranate, and some berries, perhaps native to the Mesopotamian valley.

Drinks were being offered in pottery mugs. Dov brought Cara a cup. “Try this.”

Cara took a sip. “This is tasty. It’s similar to white wine, I think.”

Dov smiled, then drank deeply. “Delicious, like wine sweetened with honey.” She swallowed the remaining wine and grinned. “I think I will have some more. It has a pleasant kick to it.”

Onward they walked through the now crowded streets, drinks in hand. They strolled by artists displaying pastel sketches on cedar bark and dancers accompanied by musicians performing on crude harps. When they arrived at a magnificent royal courtyard in front of the Anu Ziggurat in which blankets had been spread along the perimeter, Kushim directed them to one of the larger carpets at the base of the ziggurat. Generous quantities of meats, fruits, berries, wine and beer were placed beside the blanket. Emerson, Dov, and Cara sat together, poured the wine and beer, and settled in to enjoy what promised to be a pleasant and unique day.

Cara sat as close to Dov as she could, enjoying the effects of the wine and the awareness of Dov’s body pressed against hers. “I’m in love with this place. This is so cool.”

Dov leaned into Cara. “So long as there are no human or animal sacrifices or anything.”

“And no evidence of Modi so far,” said Emerson, who remained standing.

“God willing,” said Cara. She patted the ground beside her. “Emerson, don’t be shy.”

He shifted over and rested next to Cara. “The beer is going to my head.”

“This is cool, hey?” Cara whispered in Dov’s ear.

“It’s the most carefree I have been in a long time.” Dov pressed herself even closer to Cara.

A dozen men and women outfitted in colorful beaded outfits marched into the center of the courtyard carrying bows on their backs. Immediately, a handful of children, including Amarenzu, ran into the courtyard and waved their arms, directing the audience to move backward and be silent. Amarenzu smiled at Cara and Dov as she sprinted by. Targets were established and the games were set to begin.

“I find it interesting that the competitors are both men and women,” said Cara.

One of the taller competitors stood behind the furthest painted line, his posture straight and his concentration intense. He released an arrow and like a guided missile obliterated the pottery target. “Impressive,” Cara said.

Emerson sat relaxed. He stretched out and his muscles calmed. A sense of lightness wrapped itself around him. The alcohol provided the necessary bravery for him to shuffle his body closer to Cara and whisper, “Are you and Dov…?”

“Are we what?” asked Cara.

“You seem more than friends to me. Are you two together, as a couple?”

“No, we are just friends.” Not wanting to exclude Emerson in any way, she added, “But I like your company, Emerson. You don’t need to be shy.”

Emerson took that at face value. “I have to admit, Cara, I could use a friend now. Not that I don’t enjoy Uriel or Ariel, but…you know. And Dov is amazing, but I find it hard to relate to her.”

Cara softened her voice. “She is not from here. I get it, Em. Friends?”

“Friends,” Emerson said and edged a bit closer to Cara. “Cheers.” He raised his beer and drank generously.

Cara wasn’t sure what to make of Emerson’s awkward advance. On one hand, she felt intrigued by his solicitations, but perhaps it was time to address her growing relationship with Dov and better understand Dov’s cultural perspectives. Especially if their close relationship was being noticed. She drank a generous quantity of wine and leaned over Dov to refill her glass. As she did this, she kissed Dov.

Dov froze and let Cara kiss her. Her mind raced, weighing contradictory impulses. They were surrounded by people, including Emerson right next to them. What would he think? What would the Sumerians think? But she didn’t want the kiss to stop.

Cara slowly pulled away. Dov immediately turned to see people’s reaction, but nothing had changed. The festivities continued. Another archer aimed at her target. Even Emerson appeared not to react.

The afternoon proceeded in a pleasant blur. Events advanced from archery to wrestling and boxing and finally dancing. Food, wine, and beer continued to flow freely. As the afternoon drew to a close and the sun shrank on the horizon, Kushim approached Cara, Dov, and Emerson. “Have you had sufficient hospitality?” he said through the translators. Cara and Emerson waited for Dov to answer.

“You have been generous, Kushim,” Dov said in Sumerian. “Your city and your family are wonderful. We thank you for the food and wine and it was an honor to watch the games with you.”

“I witness you have enjoyed it.” Kushim laughed and glanced at Cara. “Amarenzu will take you home now.” Kushim touched his nose and his two ears. “May Ninurta wish you well.”

Cara used her hands to steady herself as she stood to leave, followed by Dov and Emerson, who looked equally unstable. Amarenzu ran toward them and waved from across the courtyard to follow.

A swift wave of darkness swept through Emerson and he paused. He shivered and felt goosebumps roll up and down his arms. He gazed skyward and observed the top balconies of the ziggurat. The pyramid was dazzling white except for a solitary form—a man, who stood concentrating on Emerson. Even at this distance, he was sure that they caught each other’s eyes.

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