The Angels' Pride
Page 54
“I am very sorry about your father Victoria, I never thought he would be a target.”
Victoria stepped back studying Brigid’s eyes. Whatever she saw there satisfied her, and the fact it did troubled Brigid slightly. Mortals were not meant to be able to read Gods. Was it merely intuition or did she harbours skills to tell such things? “The only ones to blame are the Angels. We may have pushed their hand, but my father was a complete innocent. They will be made to pay for murdering him.”
It appeared she was firmly set on this path, for which Brigid was glad. But it also saddened her, she was to blame. Because of her, Victoria’s life and world had been turned upside down, and it was only the beginning. “We will make them pay, I swear to you, Victoria.” She didn’t care if feeling made her weak, she considered it a valuable trait. For she felt what other Gods could not, she lived the full emotional spectrum and understood the value of life. Each and every life was unique and precious though they were as common as grains of sand.
“Are those really Unicorns?” Victoria changed the subject unable to stem her delight any longer. There was a small herd of them, most of them were pure white as culture portrayed them but there were also some as black as night, grey as clouds and even two dazzling aquamarine ones. Their hooves and horns were gold, as was the hair of their manes and tails. They were truly breathtaking, their gold reflecting the scant light of the Scottish evening. She felt sure it would reflect moonlight and starlight. For all their beauty their horns were a deadly reminder they were dangerous, they were as long as her forearm.
“Beautiful are they not? I will never understand why they were hunted to extinction, they pose very little threat other than being impaled.”
“Did you create them?” she asked in wonder. She had seen magic, had managed a little of her own. But so far it had mostly been lights and fire, this was truly amazing. Being a horse rider she appraised the Unicorns, they were slightly taller than the ones she rode yet they were somehow more delicate. They were also more fleet of foot.
“Yes, with magic returning to the Surface and the Lifestream rising miracles become easier. There will come a time when miracles truly happen on their own. So much of what has been lost will be again. If Hera can create Phoenixes, Minotaurs and Gorgons then I need to be equally impressive.”
“Believe me, you are” she held out her hand to the nearest Unicorn, a black mare with silver eyes. The mare eyed her warily before stepping forward to sniff and lip her hand. “She is absolutely beautiful” she gushed over the mare, the mare looked at her with clear humour in her eyes before nudging her.
“She likes you, it a rare honour for a Unicorn to accept a rider.”
Victoria excitedly and ungracefully clambered up onto the bare back of the mare. She squealed with pure delight as the mare pranced about good-naturedly before running down the garden stairs onto the lawn beneath.
Brigid watched smiling as Victoria and Starflight raced around the ornamental gardens. When Victoria returned, she was flushed with excitement. She slid down off of Starflight beaming “That was amazing, she was so fast.”
“I’m glad you like her for she is yours.”
She gaped open mouthed until she felt a phantom hand close her mouth “For me?”
“Consider it an early coronation present. You will be one of the very few people to have your own herd of Unicorns and the only Human. Though that might change in time if they grant their blessing.”
“The others will go to the Fae?”
“Yes, it will be my mark of blessing, they are also better suited to their care than Humans. Unicorns despite their looks are not horses, they are as intelligent as any sentient race. They have their own powers, can understand our languages and can even speak telepathically. It is better to think of them as sentient beings.”
“Then how can I own her, that is slavery” Starflight neighed in approval.
It was interesting that she raised such concerns about slavery, clearly the British Empire would not be resurrecting its slavery filled past. She considered that a good thing and was glad that the world had moved well on. She was also proud of Victoria’s insight and logic. “Precisely you do not own her. Yes I gifted her to you, this herd was willing to live here, but she chose to accept you as her rider. You will look after the herd and in return they will grant you their loyalty. But never forget what they are, they are sentient beings. If they so choose, they will leave, and there is nothing you can do to keep them. Others may come and go, but Starflight will remain loyal to you as long as you treat her right.”
Victoria nodded her understanding as she patted the mare.
“She is only new to her powers, in time, your bond will deepen as both of you develop your powers.”
Victoria smiled in sudden understanding “Your gifting wouldn’t happen to coincide with my coronation’s carriage ride would it? Your plan is to show my reign will start with magic and what better way than with my own Unicorns.”
“The young queen is very perceptive,” Cathair remarked as he walked out onto the terrace “I also believe that it coincides with your formal presentation at the Seelie Court. What better way to be introduced to the Fae world than entering on a Unicorn.”
“I must remember how perceptive you both are,” Brigid joked though she was glad both had so easily worked it out. It would not do well for the royal couple to be stupid. Their insights continued to surprise her or was she just that out of touch with mortals.
“Wait, when am I being presented at the Seelie Court?” Victoria asked suddenly wary.
“Tomorrow. You need to serve your time at the Court before your coronation if the Fae are to swear loyalty to you. With your coronation looming we need to get it done now. It is the only time your presence can be excusable from your royal duties.”
“But I can’t even control my magic, all I’ve managed so far is some flashing lights. I will be the laughing stock at Court, they’ll never take me seriously.”
“Not when you arrive with Unicorns, believe me, the entire court will treat you with respect. Brigid has thought this through.”
“But I’m not ready, I can’t go. What will I wear? Cathair what will I wear?”
“You concern is amusing but needless.”
“Why?”
“We don’t wear clothing at the Seelie Court, clothes are a Human construction that we only wear for their sake. Why do you think there are so many tales of naked Fairies.”
“What?”
Brigid laughed “don’t listen to him, he’s pulling your leg” she raised an eyebrow at Cathair “well, well, well, a Fae with a sense of humour, you’ve certainly rubbed off on him Victoria. Don’t worry I will take care of your dress, remember I want you to shine in their eyes. And besides Cathair and Aisling will still be in your service at Court.”
Victoria smiled when she saw him jerk. But she was still worried, these were not her people, they weren’t even her own species, and yet she was meant to impress them enough that they would swear fealty to her. She jerked suddenly, startling the prince and Goddess when something brushed against her mind.
“Something just tried touching my mind.”
Starflight whickered, Brigid smiled again “It is Starflight, she’s still new to her powers, she will fumble as much as you do. Try and reach back to her, it is a rare honour indeed to have a Unicorn trying to communicate with you telepathically.
“Oh” Victoria leaned in close to the mare to speak in her ear “sorry and thank you” she gave her a pat.
She snorted and stamped her foot. Not quite sure what she meant Victoria patted her shoulder. She nudged her again. Victoria looked at her not understanding.
“She wants you to ride her again,” Brigid said.
Delighted Victoria scrambled back up onto Starflight, barely having time to grab onto her mane before she charged off down the stairs again.
Brigid watched her go “Beautiful isn’t she?” she could sense the prince’s attraction to her.
“No” she snapped “And you will not tell her. I saved their lives and gave them a new one.”
“Who were they?”
“Christians and Muslims from Pakistan. It is a war zone there, I can’t believe just how destructive Humans are in this age. The Buddhists and Hindu were turned into Naga, I’m sure you are aware there are a few attending the Seelie Court. India needs to be prepared to seize back Pakistan from the Angels. Those who refused to accept me could not be allowed to keep empowering the Angels, but I couldn’t just abandon them. They cry out in their suffering, and it is my fault.”
Cathair looked at her in surprise, hesitantly he placed his hand on her shoulder “Most would simply have killed them and not thought twice about it, or abandoned them to their fate. You gave them a kinder fate, a second life and their innocence back. You do not waste life.
Will they remember their time as Humans?”
“No, I wiped those painful memories from them. Most of them were but children, but what they had seen disturbs even me. Now their spirits will heal in peace.”
“You are truly not like the rest of your kind are you? You actually care about mortals, you consider our suffering. You’ve even eased the suffering of mortals who don’t belong to you.”
“No, I guess I’m not. Life is precious no matter who it belongs to. It was a point of mockery for me, but I never cared, my people loved and adored me.”
“I am glad you are not like the others for I agree with you.” She turned to look at him in surprise, his eyes were unmasked and glowing slightly. “That you are different sets you apart Brigid, it makes you better than them, and it makes me glad to serve you. You care about us. You touch our hearts instead of stealing our wits. If any God deserves to rule a quarter of the world, it is you because you will look after us and help all your lands flourish. All of it, not just parts.”
She made to speak, but he cut her off pointing to the Unicorns “your actions speak louder than anything else Brigid. You might be a powerful Goddess, but a heart beats within you. Yes, war will be waged in your name, but you have considered the costs to us. Your heart is what will serve you the best in the future, mortals cannot help but be drawn to you. You are a fitting heir to Avalon.”
She had a feeling he was right.
Chapter 37
The drop from the Seventh to the Eighth Level of Hell was far more significant than any prior. The only way down was by flying, or falling. Her senses alerted her of the winged, Demonic creatures that lived within the cliffs. It told her that they were the usual transport down the cliff, not that she had any intention of using them.
She stood in the dark looking down, all the power she had been channelling had been released. The strain had been too much, and she would certainly need it to defend herself.
Her power had also wreaked havoc on Hell’s already bizarre structure. What kind of crater was divided into nine different distinct Levels that had been further divided? And what moron had placed the exit at the very bottom? What she saw and had experienced was merely the strongest aspect of Hell, her presence brought out the strength of the Curse. She had seen within others minds somewhat calmer landscapes. Hell fluctuated.
What she saw was the strongest aspect of it, Dante’s imagining of Hell, heavily influenced by Christianity. But Hell was also the vessel for Muslims, Jews and their derivatives. All their beliefs shaped Hell as well. Between the three religions, Hell was a nightmare of flame and suffering. She could never have imagined such a place in her wildest and most disturbed nightmares.
What was truly sick was that the most disgusting people could not only share the same Level but the same classification as innocents. People whose only crimes had been love or being viewed by someone else as believing the wrong thing. What confused her was Hell’s structure, some of the Seven Deadly Sins were represented. Envy, Sloth, and Pride were absent from its structure, and yet it had Limbo, a place for unbaptised babies to linger. Why was such innocence punished?
The religions denounced the Gods of old, claiming the One True God and yet Gods had been condemned to Hell. Their presence strengthened the magic of Hell yet undermined its truth, such as it was told. It was a truth she had once accepted completely.
Hell was a truly wretched place, which made sense but it was the presence of innocents that made it truly abhorrent. Divine Beings twisted in experiments, old spirits ripped from their afterlives, babies and children...the list went on and on for those who did not deserve to be suffering within its confines.
Even belonging to other faiths or having no faith had not offered any protection. Hindus, Buddhists, Atheists, Agnostics and Neopagans had all been dragged into the accursed abyss. The Angels truly had no mercy.
Except herself.
But then she was no longer sure if she was just an Angel anymore or a Goddess. She had been told about Angels becoming Gods but had written it off as stories but what if it were true?
She cloaked herself within invisibility, masking her presence to all who would seek to find her. Then she jumped off the cliff. For perhaps the first time since she had entered Hell, she felt a mild amount of simple pleasure to be flying down the cliff face. Her hair whipped behind her, as did her dress, or what remained of it. It felt good to pump her wings, temporarily forgetting her troubles.
She landed gently at the bottom of the cliff, conscious of the dust her wings had stirred. She saw Demons turn their attention from the edge of a large ditch, their yellow eyes watching the sand and dust settle. They turned their attention and their whips back to the people within the ditch. Hell had all manner of strange occurrences, what was some unsettled sand?
She walked closer, looking at the two lines of people marching in opposite directions within the ditch. She felt sure that many were probably undeserving to be in here, but she spared them only a passing thought. There were far too many Demons to consider doing anything.
She walked over a primitive wooden bridge, surprised it hadn’t burned away long ago. Fire was the most common feature of Hell. Her skin crawled as nearby Demons turned to watch the bridge. It was as though they could tell she was walking over it despite her invisibility. They watched but did nothing, instead returning back to their duties once she was on the other side.
The short trek to the next ditch was across plain sand with little to make it stand out, except for the fires that danced across it. She was thankful for these, they scoured away her footprints. However the closer she got to the next ditch a horrible smell got stronger until it was horrendous.
She understood why when she was walking across its wooden bridge. The ditch was filled with excrement, the smell was utterly awful. She had to cast a filter spell to keep the stench out of her nose. Otherwise, she would be vomiting all over the place.
What was even more disgusting was that there were people within the excrement. She watched in appalled horror as a man crawled up onto the stony sides, coughing and puking up faeces before he was whipped back into the fluid. The Demon that had driven him back into the excrement laughed before urinating on the man.
Sariel had to close her eyes for a minute in order to keep moving.
She hurried across the bridge, covering her mouth in the vain hope it would stop her vomiting. Never had she seen something so disgusting.
She was glad when she reached the other side and hurried across the sand to put as much distance between her and the ditch. She didn’t pay attention to the sand she kicked up or to the Demons who had turned to watch the small disturbance.
Within the third ditch was more bizarre cruelty. People were buried upside down with only their feet sticking out. Fire burned on the soles of their feet, even as they jerked feebly. She paid them only passing attention as she hurried across the bridge.
They were soon gone from her mind when she came across the oddity of the fou
rth ditch. It was particularly wide, the wooden bridge disappearing into the gloom. The Damned confined within this ditch all had their heads turned around. In order to see where they were going, they had to walk backwards. The sheer creepiness of it made her curious as to what their apparent crime had been.
She discovered that the nearest woman had been a witch, well she had been branded as one. She barely had enough power to be classed as any form of mage. What simply would have been called psychic intuition in the Modern Age had had her burned at the stake as a witch. Another victim of being hated for who she was and could not change.
As much as she wanted to aid her plight, there were a disturbing number of Demons watching them. Her actions and battles in the higher levels had left her drained. Now was the time for stealth, she need to regain her strength and get out of Hell. She could feel its magic boring into her defences. If she weren't careful, she would become a Demon herself.
She hurried onto the next ditch, though it could hardly be called that. It was a vast lake of boiling pitch with an immense island in the distance, leading to the lower Levels. She really didn’t understand Hell or its structuring, but she had given up trying to.
There was no bridge over the lake, she had to take to the air once again. She was very careful to avoid the Demons flying about on their black wings. They flew back and forth cackling manically. Occasionally they skimmed the surface of the pitch, pulling up one of the Damned. Their tortured screams filled the air as the Demons tormented them before throwing them away. They landed on the pitch to slowly sink beneath its bubbling surface.
She allowed herself to sigh and shudder once she landed on the other side of the lake before hurrying onwards. She crested some small hills to find the sixth ditch which she was beginning to see as divisions. The ditches divided the different types of fraud.
The citizens of the sixth ditch walked aimlessly around, whipped into continual action by the Demons that watched them. They walked around wearing metal cloaks, there were traces of gold gilt that had long since worn away. There were scatterings of jewels and ornaments, all of which were fake. The new denizens were clearly the only ones that reached for them, only to have them crumble in their hands. It was probably one of the most scenic areas of Hell, fool’s gold covered the ground and walls of the ditch. Even the bridge was golden, though she wasn’t fooled. She could see the wears and cracks in the gilt, wood showed through.