Chapter 21
Aura arrived at the farm around lunchtime. She was pleasantly surprised to find the twins at home.
“I need to speak with you both, urgently,” she said. “Please come in. We were just about to make something for lunch, so you’ll have to excuse the smell. We don’t really have any culinary skills,” Dareus said.
“What are you making?” “We thought we might try our hand at pasta,” he replied, trying not to allow his embarrassment to show. “I might be able to help.” As she walked into the kitchen, she could see they weren’t exaggerating. Whole tomatoes were thrown into a pot of boiling water and cut-up vegetables were on the counter. What looked like a beef roast, was sitting on a platter.
“What brings you out here today?” Aureus asked. “Do you remember I told you the inscription on your plaque looked familiar to me? This may be the reason.” She reached inside of her jacket and removed the stick.
Thetwins were speechless. “Where did you get this?” Dareus asked. “I found it while I was walking in the park. I wasn’t familiar with the symbols, but it was so beautiful I took it home. It’s been sitting in my closet for a while now,” she said.
Dareus looked closely at the stick and then at his brother.
They quickly moved into the living room and compared the symbols with those written on the plaque. “It can’t be?” Dareus said. “What do you think it is? The markings are the same. Do you know what it is?” Aura asked with anticipation. “I think you have found the other half of Bodhi’s bow. We thought it was lost forever. Do you realize what this means?” Aureus asked.
“Are you telling me it’s one of the scared gifts?” she asked. “The markings are exactly the same. Does anyone else know you have this?”
“No – I’ve kept it hidden until I knew more about it. Do you really think it might be the other half of Bodhi’s bow?” “I’m almost certain of it. The inscription is written in the same language. Look atthe symbols, they’re the same. What should we do now?”
“Just because we have the bow, doesn’t mean we know how to return it to Heaven,” Aureus said. “It has to be restored to its original form before Bodhi will awaken.”
Aura took the stick back into her hands and when she did it brushed against her hair. The stick transformed. It had a shimmering glow and Aura could almost feel the power of it.
“What did you do?” Dareus asked.
“I wasn’t aware that I did anything.”
“Do exactly what you did, when you took it in your hands.”
Aura held the stick and turned it in every direction, but nothing happened. After trying several ways to hold it, for almost five minutes, she moved her braid away from her breast and when she did the stick brushed against her hair and transformed again.
“It’s your hair,” Dareus said. “Your hair is the key.” “How can that be?” she asked. Then she remembered what her mother told her, when the Almighty removed her veil. “I’m not sure if you’re aware, but I was born under the veil of God. He told my parents that my hair was never to be cut. Do you think he was sending them a message, that my hair could restore the sacred gifts?”
“There’s one way to be sure.” Dareus left the room and brought back a pair of scissors. “Take some strands from the back, so it won’t be noticed,” he suggested.
Aura removed her braid and did exactly as he asked. She bent her head forward and cut off a lock of her hair. Once it was in her hand she looked at the twins. “I hope this works.”
She placed the stick in one hand and the lock of her hair in the other. She joined them together and the stick transformed into a beautiful golden bow. The markings stood out in an iridescent display.
She couldn’t believe it. After all this time, Bodhi’s bow was found. “What should I do now?” she asked the brothers.
“You have to return it to Heaven immediately.”
“How do I do that?” They all looked at each other. They had no idea how to send the bow back to Heaven.
A new scene was coming into Aura’s vision. “Wait - I know what to do,” she said. She stood in the middle of the room and held the bow towards Heaven. “Father, I return this gift to you. Let Bodhi be awakened from his sleep, and once again take his place beside you.”
They all watched as the inscription on the bow started to glow and then it disappeared in front of them. “What happened?” Aura asked the priests. Another vision came to her. One of the glass tombs opened and Bodhi sat up and looked around. Aura felt her knees buckle. He was so beautiful. Aura noticed that his hair was a pale blonde and his eyes were the same beautiful blue hue as Tracy’s. One of the other angels quickly went to find Ariel.
Within minutes, they were all standing at the tombs, including Michael. Aura watched as Ariel helped her husband stand. Aura would never forget the look on her face. It was one of pure, unconditional love. Heaven would surely view this as a sign of hope.
She decided to share the vision with the twins. She looked until she found a blank wall, and then she projected the image of Bodhi’s wakening. Like Aura, they were both overwhelmed with joy.
Now, Aura had to find a way to return the other gifts. She had no idea how to accomplish that. But Lucifer would never have this sacred gift and she was now one step closer to bringing her family home.
As the vision disappeared, she stared at the brothers. “We can’t tell anyone about this. Lucifer mustn’t know one of the sacred gifts has been returned, or he will destroy the others. I have an idea, but it could put both of you in danger,” Aura said.
“What are you proposing?” Dareus asked.
“Mahlyssa is a powerful Enchantor. Can you re-create the bow, exactly as it looked before the transformation?”
“We can grant your request, but how would that benefit us?” “Mahlyssa can place a glamour on the forgery. We’ll make Jeziel believe I have the real bow in my possession. Lucifer will want the bow, believing he can restore the sacred gifts to power. If we use your hair to transform the forgery, Jeziel will notify Lucifer and he’ll send a courier to collect it.”
“Are you certain this will work?” Dareus asked. “The bow will change when it touches your hair. Jeziel will think that your hair will transform the sacred gifts. She will attempt to take your hair from you. It could cost you your life. I have no right to ask such a favor, but if we restore the gifts, we can awaken the Angels of the Tier and release my family from Hell.”
“Of course we’ll help you, but don’t worry about our deaths. Esra’s prophecy has warned if either of us should die by the hand of darkness; darkness will never again give birth to another child. I can assure you, it’s a line Lucifer himself won’t cross,” Dareus said.
“We aren’t just dealing with Lucifer. He may abide by the prophecy, but that doesn’t mean Natalie or Jeziel will.” Dareus smiled. “We’re not afraid of death, Aura. We will have everlasting life in the Kingdom of Heaven.”
“How long do you think it will take to make the forgery?” she asked.
“Not more than a day. We could deliver it to you before your sister’s wedding,” Dareus said.
“Oh, speaking of the wedding. I need an escort. Would either of you consider going with me?”
“Won’t you be attending the nuptials with Aidan?” Dareus asked. “ There is something that I have to tell you. Since you have agreed to help me, I think it only fair that I should tell you something that very few know. Aidan is not who he pretends to be. Maybe I’m not saying this right. The angel, who is pretending to be Aidan, is actually his twin brother, Dahnael. I’m not sure why he was sent, but he is becoming close to Jeziel. I have to keep my distance from him and allow them to become inseparable. I hope you understand why I can’t tell anyone else. I can’t risk bringing my family home,” Aura said.
“We understand the need for secrecy. We would be honored to act as your escorts,” Dareus said. “Wonderful. You can deliver the forgery to me tomorrow afternoon, before we leave for the rehearsal dinner.
I’ll have Mahlyssa add the glamour, so when it touches your hair, it will look like the sacred bow. I will need a small lock of your hair.”
“We’ll give it to you, when we see you tomorrow,” Dareus said. “I am indebted to you both. Why don’t I fix lunch for you? It seems like you have all the ingredients and it’s the least I can do. It won’t take very long.”
“That would be greatly appreciated,” the brothers said in unison. Aura ground the meat and found some tomato sauce in the pantry. She finished the pasta in less than an hour. “I wish I could stay, but I need to get ready for Anastasia’s memorial service. You’re welcome to stop by the house later. I’m not sure what we’re planning for dinner, but you’re welcome to join us.”
“Thank you. We may take you up on that offer.” Aura hugged both of the brothers, and smiled as she walked to her car. Perhaps today they would all have a little more hope. One down-four to go and then my little ones can come home,” she was almost singing the words out loud.
Aura was in a great mood, but she couldn’t let anyone know she returned the sacred bow. If Lucifer found out, he would destroy the other gifts and her little ones would remain in Hell for all eternity.
She was grateful that Aidan was still away with Jeziel. Aura desperately needed to meet with her father and tell him her news. She also needed to meet with Mahlyssa, and include her in the plans.
Adam and Joseph took the Devereaux’s to the sanctuary that was once the home of Elijah and Hespa. Eve filled the cupboards and refrigerator with food. Yvonne and Yvette would be useless in the kitchen, but Marie was a very good chef.
Adam warned them before he left, that they were not to leave, unless accompanied by a member of the Guild or their family. It was the only way they could guarantee their safety.
Everyone agreed they wanted Chinese food for dinner, so Aura made a list and called for the order to be delivered by five. The memorial service was planned for three o’clock, allowing them more than enough time to be home for dinner.
Aura called Dareus and Aureus and advised them of her plans. “Chinese food sounds great. What time should we arrive?” Dareus asked.
“Any time before five will work,” she said. The brothers agreed to arrive by four thirty. Everyone could see that Aura was in an exceptionally good mood, but no one was brave enough to ask her about it. They were just glad to have the old Aura back.
The Devereaux’s were invited to join them, but decided to have dinner at the sanctuary. Aura couldn’t prepare any of her family for what was coming their way, but at least they could relax for a day or two before all hell broke loose.
She kn ew Rita’s honeymoon would be cut short, but the chance to repay Natalie and Jeziel was an offer she couldn’t pass up. If all went well, they would have plenty of time to celebrate their marriage after the war.
Father Patrick kept the service short. They displayed pictures of Anastasia with the wives of the Guild. She had made all of their wedding dresses too. Most of them were sad to see her leave, but the truth was that her time was nearing the end. Of course, she shouldn’t have had to suffer. That wasn’t part of the plan.
Aura assured her family that she would eventually avenge the deaths of all of their friends. “It may take some time, but this is a promise I will keep,” she said.
They left the funeral hall and returned to Aura’s home a little after four. By the time dinner arrived, the original family and their closest friends were the only ones there.
Aura assumed that Aidan wouldn’t be returning until the next morning. That was fine with her. They would have the rehearsal dinner tomorrow and the following day, they would celebrate Rita and Jessica’s marriage.
Aura didn’t care if Aidan ever came back, but she didn’t want to hurt Michael’s feelings. Even he was beginning to question his son’s motives.
As they were about to say grace, there was a knock on the door. Alannah thinking it might be Aidan ran to answer it. When the rest of the family heard her squealing with laughter, they all ran into the living room.
“Father is it really you?” Adam asked.
“Yes son it’s me.” Bodhi couldn’t hide his joy at finally seeing his family again. “How is it possible? How were you awakened? We heard nothing about the gifts being returned,” Adam said, still not believing his father was there.
“You’ll have to ask Aura the answer to those questions,” he smiled. “She found the second half of my bow and returned it to Heaven just a short time ago. I’m sure I don’t know how it came to pass, but we are certainly grateful to her.”
Bodhi wasn’t alone. Ariel, Gabriel, Uriel, Esra, and Michael were with him. Bren and Tracy ran over to meet him. Tracy had little hope of ever meeting her grandfather. What a blessing it was, to see him standing before her. The first thing the girls noticed was his eyes. They were the same color as Tracy’s. But there he stood, in blue jeans and a plaid cotton shirt no less. It was hard to imagine how long he had been asleep.
“Let me introduce you to everyone,” Adam said. He started with his wife Angie and ended with his granddaughter Mia.
“You have no idea how good it is to finally meet all of you,” Bodhi said graciously.
Ariel was beaming. She hadn’t been able to touch or speak to her husband since Lucifer’s insurrection.
“Won’t you please join us for dinner?” Aura asked. “It’s not much. We ordered Chinese takeout.”
She led the Archangels into the dining room, where the boys quickly made spaces for them.
“I believe this is the first time we have all been together,” Uriel remarked.
“Not all of us are here,” Alannah said. “Tristan and Jasmine are on their honeymoon, and Da Aidan is out with Jeziel.” Michael noticed the hurt in his granddaughter’s voice when she mentioned Aidan. He was aware that she knew Dahnael was here in place of her father. Soon, Aidan would return, and the family would all be together.
“We can stay for dinner, but I’m afraid we’ll have to leave afterwards. We have a great many things to do,” Michael said. “Will you be coming to my wedding Grandfather?” Jessica asked. “That hasn’t yet been decided. It’s imperative you keep my awakening a secret.We don’t want Lucifer to discover Aura found the bow, for fear he may destroy the other gifts. Let’s just say if certain parties aren’t present, I will be there with bells on.”
Everyone knew he was speaking of Jeziel. Aura was certain the High Council filled him in on what was happening. “There will be other weddings. For now we’ll have to ask you not to tell anyone else that I’ve returned. Now what kind of goodies do you have before me?” Bodhi asked.
Bren and Tracy made Gabriel sit next to them. Michael sat on one side of Aura, Esra on the other. Alannah sat next to Esra, while the others sat in close proximity to their children.
Dinner was relaxing and not without humor. Mia tried to teach Bodhi how to use chop sticks, to everyone’s amusement. Aura was sure she would need a long bath when they finished eating.
After dinner, the Archangels excused themselves. “We have things to attend to, as I’m sure you know,” Michael said. Before he left, he pulled Aura aside. “So, my son is still keeping company with Jeziel?”
“He is free to do as he pleases.”
“Did Mortriel not make another appearance today and take the life of one of your friends?” he asked. “He did, but I can handle Mortriel. I would have taken him out today, if Alannah and the girls weren’t with me. Mortriel doesn’t know about Aidan.”
“I regret that we didn’t tell you about Dahnael. As you can imagine, Aidan is worried that his brother will follow Jeziel down the path to darkness,” Michael said.
“It doesn’t matter. I have Avriel’s ring and I won’t be returning it.” “About the ring, there is something else you need to know. That is not Avriel’s ring. Aidan never really trusted his brother to carry the real gift.” Michael took another ring out of his pocket and handed it to Aura.
“If this wasn’t Avriel’s ring,
how could I communicate with Alorrah?” Michael smiled. “You have never needed the ring to bind you to the eternal children. Just be careful, Aura. Dahnael is not without powers. I had hoped that he would stay true to Heaven, but now I have doubts. Aidan is waiting patiently for the time when you can be reunited with him, and the girls. You must never agree to marry Dahnael. You have mortal blood, and I’m afraid if you enter into a marriage, there will be little we can do to separate you from Dahnael.”
“There is no chance of that happening. I remember my life with Aidan. I may play this game, but I have no intention of binding myself to Dahnael; no offense to you.”
“None taken - you share the same heart and the same soul as Avriel. But there is another party that we must consider. Most of us believe that Mortriel is more dangerous than his father. There is no need to place yourself in unnecessary danger,” he said.
“I won’t do anything rash. I know what’s at stake. She took the forged ring off and put the real ring on her finger. Aura could feel the power as soon as it touched her hand. She looked at the forgery. “I’ll keep this if you don’t mind. I’ve just thought of a way that I can use it. I need Dahnael to find it at the same time Jeziel discovers the bow.”
Michael smiled again. “I think your plan is brilliant. Lucifer himself won’t recognize that the bow is a forgery until it’s too late. You never mentioned how you were able to return the bow to Heaven.”
“I trust you with my life, bu t I need to work out a few details before I can attempt to return the other gifts. I hope you will trust me until then,” Aura said.
“I have never doubted you. Take as long as you need, but remember Jeziel and Samhael are making plans too. When they strike, it will be with a vengeance,” Michael said.
“We’ll be ready. I’ve seen that Samhael is planning to marry Natalie. His wedding will buy me some much needed time to put my plan into play. I have a feeling that we may not know peace for some time. Regrettably, we may lose some of the other angelbloods, but I can’t protect them if they ignore my warnings.”
Esra's Prohpecy (Book 3 An Angel-blood Novel) Page 16