by S S Bazinet
Before he could take any further action, he felt an unwanted warmth, a soothing wave of energy that spread across his body. It heated his cold flesh and went deep, driving out the forever chill in his bones. He tried to shield himself, but it took hold of him anyway. He felt like the sun was standing next to him.
* * * * *
Rolphe knew that the angel, Raphael, was keeping watch over William, but he was worried about Arel. The man had Michael for backup, but Arel could sometimes ignore angelic help. On the other hand, Rolphe could provide support of the human kind.
He paced the hallway outside William’s room, arguing with himself. He didn’t want to overstep his place again. Yet it would be so easy to check up on Arel. He only had to do a little astral traveling himself. If Arel needed help, Rolphe would do whatever he could.
After stretching out on the floor in the guest bedroom, he calmed himself. With a single-minded intention, he carried out his plan, happy at how easy it was to follow Michael and Arel’s energy trail. When he arrived at his destination, he found himself standing close to what looked like a small solar orb.
The glowing orb spoke to him. “Rolphe? What are you doing here?”
Rolphe couldn’t respond. His mouth hung open in awe. Arel had transformed, and his magnificent, luminous spirit was so beautiful Rolphe momentarily lost himself to his role as an artist. He imagined himself back at his easel, hoping to portray what he was witnessing. One dismal thought ran through his mind. “I’ll never be able to paint him and do him justice.”
The sun brightened even more at his words, sending out rays of transcendent, golden light in all directions. It was too bright for Rolphe to clearly see what effect was taking place, but he could feel what was happening. Arel’s solar expression was claiming everything in its path. It was driving out all limiting energy structures, reclaiming the entire landscape.
“Arel’s in beautiful form,” a voice whispered.
Rolphe had been so fascinated by Arel, he hadn’t noticed Michael standing close by. “Blessed One, I never saw anything like this before.” He stepped back reverently. “Except when I’ve observed you or one of the other angels.”
“The Divine’s energy is in all of us, Rolphe.”
Rolphe sucked in some of the newly changed atmosphere. It was filled with the scent of roses. “I wish William could be here to see Col’s world being restored to the light.” He hesitated when he thought about William’s plight. He hoped William was free of Col’s evil handiwork too, but he couldn’t take any chances. He had to find out.
Willing himself back into his body, it only took a few moments to integrate with the physical. After that he hurried to William’s bedroom. He stopped in the doorway and peeked in. William was still lying in bed, but his color was returning. Instead of looking like a candidate for the grim reaper, he was smiling up at a happy Annabel.
Rolphe’s knees went so weak with surprise and gratitude that he almost collapsed. When he recovered his balance, he looked upwards with clasped hands. “Thank the Creator for another miracle!”
Thirteen
WHEN COL’S VISION returned, he was appalled. It was all gone. His airless, isolated cell, the dank, decaying wetness, the icy temperature that sent the roaches into a huddle for warmth. His whole creative foray into ugliness and torment had disappeared.
His new accommodations were the exact opposite. He'd been relocated in a bright, parklike setting. When he looked down at himself, he realized he'd changed too. Dressed in loose, white robes, even his feet sported comfortable sandals. When he ran spotlessly clean fingers through his hair, there were no greasy tangles. But if he'd had a mirror handy, he knew one thing about him hadn't changed. He stared out at his new environment with blackened coals of hate.
Thankfully, he could put up his garment’s cowl to partially shade out the sunny skies. But he couldn’t escape the parade of people, heavenly folk, who passed the beautiful place where he cringed in shock and dismay. He'd tried to curse at them, to unleash his rage, but no one seemed to notice as they strolled by an invisible field of energy that kept him confined.
Still, he was far from finished. After taking stock of his surroundings, he made a decision. To endure the blissful gardens, to be subjected to angelic song and the smiles of strangers would be his greatest challenge. Yes, every hateful aspect of his new world would strengthen his resolve. And that would mean he’d have even more power.
He smiled with sudden delight. “With Arel’s interference, my plan is working out even better than I thought.”
There was also an advantage to be exploited. After studying Arel and William in great detail and recently interacting with them both, he’d been able to fine tune his connection to their energy signatures. If they lost focus for even the slightest moment, he’d be able to send a few thoughts their way. The thoughts would be aimed at their weaknesses. The two men wouldn’t know what was happening. They’d think the thoughts were their own.
Col’s laughter was sweet sounding, blending in with the masses of flowers and the sparkling water of the nearby pond. But in Col’s mind, all he heard was the sound of his ultimate triumph. He was going to take down two of God’s blessed ones, again. Two champions of goodness would fall . . . again! And then there was Rolphe, his precious Rolphe.
“My son, your death in that life we had together will not have been in vain. Not once, but twice it will be avenged. And this time, when I bring Arel and William to their knees, you can watch as I destroy them. What a perfect plan. I’m using the same ammunition that brought them down the first time.”
As he waited for his chance to strike out at the two men, Col would have to find another victim to torment. “But who? Whose mind can I play with next?”
After a few minutes of contemplation, a name and face surfaced. It was someone Col had visited a few times, but only in her dreams. She was someone who was near and dear to Arel. Col scoffed with delight. “Oh, what an easy mark this one is, almost too easy! But entertainment is entertainment. I’ll still have my fun!”
* * * * *
Peggy had her hands clasped tightly over her ears. She was in a waking nightmare. She slipped into it while she was cleaning up the kitchen. She was thinking about little Sara, wondering when she’d be waking up from her nap when a hellish storm of black thoughts hit with a fury.
It happened so quickly. In the space of a breath, her mind filled with thoughts of how horrible she was. The thoughts didn’t make any sense. They reminded her of the nightmares she’d been having. But she was awake now. She had to put the thoughts out of her mind and get on with her day. She had shopping to do, and the house needed vacuuming.
But the thoughts kept coming, one after another. Every time she tried to think about something else, she found her mind going back to the memories she wanted to forget. All the thoughts revolved around a little girl, a very bad, very selfish little girl. Peggy recognized the child in question. She was remembering herself.
What followed was even worse. Her memories suddenly came alive, as if someone had made movies of Peggy’s life and she was watching a film. She saw herself as a child, a skinny little kid, standing in the school yard. With her red hair in pig tails, she didn’t let her size stop her from having a big-mouth. Her favorite pastime was calling out bullies, reprimanding them until they wanted to deck her. But she knew she was safe from their reprisals. If they tried anything, she didn’t have to worry about it. She didn’t have to face those bullies herself. She had a big brother who fought her battles. Her parents tried to tell her to behave herself, but she didn’t listen. She never thought about what happened to Kevin.
How many times had he come home bloodied and beat up after those battles? Did she let his black eyes and split lips stop her? No, she went on doing what she wanted and letting Kevin suffer the consequences.
Peggy battled what she was seeing and feeling, trying to bring herself back to the present. “I might have been an ignorant kid, but that’s not who I am now.�
�� As soon as she made the statement, she heard someone let out a howl of laughter.
The chilling sound was inside her mind. She’d never experienced anything like that before. Terrified, her legs were instantly weak, and she had to grab for a kitchen chair. As she tried to stay upright, a voice chastised her.
“Face facts, you worthless woman,” the voice snarled. “No one’s ever been safe around you, not your brother in this life or your brother in another life. You’ve always saved your own skin and let others suffer for your sins.”
Peggy knew she should call Tim. She needed help, and her phone was only a few feet away, sitting on the counter. She started to reach out for it when she heard a scream that left her paralyzed. Someone was in agonizing pain. Listening to their suffering made every cell in her body quiver with dread.
The voice hissed smugly. “You’ve tried to ignore what they did to your brother, the brother you had long ago. But I’m going to make you remember and keep remembering!”
Peggy had never been so scared. She was having the worst nightmare she’d ever had, but how could she escape something that had taken over her mind? “Let me wake up, please,” she pleaded. Her cry was weak and barely audible compared to the domineering voice that continued to shout at her.
“Do you remember the inquisitors? Do you remember that past life when you handed your brother over to them? Do you remember what they did to him?”
Peggy did remember. In a previous life, Arel hadn’t just been a friend, he was her brother. They had both been accused of crimes, tortured and killed. She also remembered what Arel told her when they discussed that lifetime. Arel reminded her that she’d called out her brother’s name when she was being tortured. She’d never meant to harm him. It was a sister’s cry for help, and knowing that, Peggy needed to put that experience behind her.
As soon as she had the thought and began to feel a little better, the voice roared with scoffing laughter.
“Don’t think you can avoid the truth with an excuse! Don’t think you can forget what your brother suffered!”
Peggy tried to shut out the voice, but more deafening shrieks of pain shattered her resistance. She was helpless to stop what was happening. All the while the voice kept yelling at her. “You turned your own brother over to them! You’re responsible for his suffering!”
She didn’t want to believe the accusations, but the agonized cries that filled her mind robbed her of her strength. They became a relentless force that pulled her into the darkness where they lived. She tried to hold on to some shred of herself, but a brutal, violent past had hold of her. Her reality, everything she knew as Peggy, disappeared.
Fourteen
WILLIAM HAD BEEN through quite an ordeal. After suffering from Col’s treacherous attack, he was better, but he still had some recuperating to do. He was relieved to have survived at all. When he felt well enough, he forced himself out of bed and made his way to Arel’s room and let himself in.
The room was quiet, with Rolphe keeping watch by Arel’s bed.
Rolphe signaled to William. “Arel’s still sleeping and seems to be in a peaceful place.”
William had to agree with the peaceful part. He’d never seen Arel’s face so serene. “He looks like a choir boy,” he whispered back.
He took a seat in his favorite reading chair and glanced at Michael. The angel was seated in a matching chair and appeared as serene as Arel. But William could never tell with Michael. Except in extreme circumstances, Michael always had a look of composure.
William tried to wait patiently too, but after checking the time, he realized Arel had been sleeping for hours. He shifted in his chair. Something didn’t feel right. He looked to Michael for further clarification. “Shouldn’t Arel be back by now?”
Michael’s pale blue eyes flickered in William’s direction and then came to rest on Arel’s sleeping form. “He’s in a place that isn’t governed by the same concept of linear time that you experience here.”
“That’s a worrying bit of news. Could he stay there indefinitely?”
Before Michael could answer, William’s phone rang. He checked the caller ID. It was Carey. The angel had remained in Chicago and was keeping an eye on Elise and Arel’s friends while Arel was gone. “How is everything on your end, Carey?”
William pushed himself out of his chair when he heard Carey’s reply. “What did you say? Col’s done what? To Peggy?”
When he ended the call, William had to sit down again. Carey’s news added to his weakened condition. He thought about what they were facing and put a hand over his racing heart. Col was on the loose again, attacking Peggy this time. “Michael, we have to get Arel back immediately. If Carey’s right, there’s no time to lose.”
* * * * *
Arel had never felt so free. He was in a place that wasn’t like the beautiful garden where he’d met the serpent. He strolled along a sparkling path that wasn’t solid. He wasn’t solid either. He was more of a wispy version of himself. He was sure he must be in some heavenly dimension.
What a grand experience he was having. His mind, that part that usually fired off thoughts constantly, was as still and tranquil as a glassy pond. There was no need for thought where he was. There was no need or desire for anything. Everything around him might not have much substance, but it was perfect.
He didn’t know how his almost transparent body worked, but his senses were amazing. His vision was better than ever. He could see forever in all directions. He didn’t have a nose, but he was aware of a scented atmosphere. It was filled with a delicate, delightful fragrance that he couldn’t identify.
An element of perfection existed in everything he experienced. Arel felt perfect too. He had no ambitions, no agendas and no cares. After his encounter with Col and transforming Col’s environment, he’d undergone a transformation himself. He’d seen the power of love. He’d also understood Michael’s explanation that love made up everything. All that was needed was a higher, more expansive perspective.
Savoring the exquisite state he found himself in, he wanted to remain where he was forever. Why return to earth and his physical body? Earth was fraught with discord and fear. If he remained in a higher realm, he could remain in ecstasy.
A thought about Elise slipped in. It made him pause for only a brief moment, and then he smiled. Even the idea of being with the woman he loved with all his heart wasn’t enough to pull him back. From where he stood, he knew there was a perfect Divine plan in place for all of Creation. And that plan would triumph in the end. “Elise will be fine,” he whispered.
A second thought was more interesting. Maybe he’d simply intend himself to return to his true home. Instead of being a separate soul, he’d go to that place where the individual only knew itself as the Divine essence. There were no definitions in that experience. There was only the One, and as part of that One, he’d bask in everlasting delight. His smile broadened. “What a way to spend eternity.”
He continued strolling along, contemplating the idea like a kid contemplating the most wonderful Christmas ever. He glowed with a joy so bright, he felt himself getting even lighter. It was another perfect moment until something shook his world ever so slightly.
“Arel, wake up! We’re in trouble here! Get back in your body!”
The order came from far away. It was so far away that he could barely make himself pay it any attention. More shouting followed. This time it was much louder. “Arel, where are you? Are you listening? Come back now!”
The pleas broke through some invisible barrier around Arel and pinged that glassy, serene pond that had been his mind. His thoughts had drifted away after his encounter with Col. He existed in a state of peace.
“Whatever you’re doing, wherever you’re at, come back!”
This time Arel recognized William’s voice. “William, please,” he groaned. “I took care of Col. Now let me be.”
Another shout from William drowned out his plea. “Come back now, Arel! We need you!”
&n
bsp; After being so relaxed and at ease, Arel felt the first snatches of thought returning. Why couldn’t William let him have the peace he wanted so badly. “It’s not fair,” he wanted to shout back.
The idea was accompanied by a flash of anger. It was instantly followed by a most unsettling thought. He had no right to be angry. He was being selfish again, wanting to leave everyone behind while he enjoyed paradise. He’d been telling Michael how devoted he was to helping William. But was it true?
Col’s voice assaulted his glowing essence with an answer. “You’re more than selfish, Arel! I’ve been looking at your track record and guess what I found?”
Arel couldn’t believe he’d heard Col, but before he could deal with the idea of Col being able to communicate with him, Col continued spewing out his venom.
“How can you think you’re William’s friend? He had a chance at heaven too. It was after you blasted him with too much energy, and he died. He was at peace and ready for his great reward, but did you let him have it? No, you selfishly forced him to return to a hellish life. Do you know how much he’s suffered because of you? No wonder he doesn’t want to be your brother.”
Col’s missile of blame struck Arel at his core. He’d battled with guilt for most of his life. Now, it’s grappling fingers had hold of him again.
Col laughed. “Let’s face it, you’re responsible for a lot of people’s misery. You’ve always been an unwanted torment in the lives you touch. You try to deny the truth, but it’s always been there.”
Arel wanted to protest, but his mind was bombarded with thoughts of people who’d held him as the object of their hate. His mother. His father. His first love, Justina.
Col sneered happily. “You’ve been a curse to others since the day you were conceived!”
Col’s announcement was the final shove that sent Arel hurdling back to Earth. A sense of plummeting downward at an ever increasing rate took hold. All the while, more ugly thoughts replaced any sense of clarity he’d felt earlier. Guilt and shame fueled his return.