The Dark Lord's Vessel

Chapter 15

Chapter 15

And Azazel taught men to make swords,

and daggers, and shields, and breastplates.

And he showed them the things after these,

And the art of making them…

And the world was changed.

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—Book of Enoch 8:1

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GITA

Built in flood plain near the juncture of the Hiddekel and Khasa rivers, the village of Akshak once belonged to the Ubaid until the warlike Uruk tribe invaded and pushed their people north. At the center of the village, a temple rose above the houses, its apex lit against the night by a raging bonfire at its summit. That was probably where the Uruk were keeping Ninsianna.

Gita stared down at her colorful Kemet robe, the mark of the traders who were welcomed to every village. Maybe she could walk right in and, if it was a false lead, continue on her way? But the Ke