by S S Bazinet
Somewhat restored, he glanced around. He was standing in a garden. But this garden was more colorful and magnificent than any he’d known. It made him think of how much he’d loved being in the meadows and woodlands as a boy. But his appreciation of the setting was cut short by the sight of a strange creature walking towards him.
Its appearance was so unexpected William jumped. However, when he remembered Rolphe’s painting, he felt a little better. “What now? Am I visiting a version of what he painted?”
The creature didn’t seem interested in his questions. It stared back with an expression that let William know it wasn’t pleased to see him. “Oh not again!” it protested. “I cannot believe members of your group think they can just drop in like this. First there was Arel, now—”
“Arel?” Hearing the serpent mention Arel’s name, William was curious. Was he visiting one of Arel’s dreams? “Where am I?”
Instead of answering, the serpent looked heavenward. “Would anyone like to tell me what’s going on? Why are these people dropping in like this?”
In the next moment, Raphael appeared on the pathway too. He smiled at the serpent. “Sorry about the intrusions. But please don’t be impatient. This is a healing garden, remember?”
The serpent bowed to Raphael and fluttered his small iridescent wings. Their movement sent beautiful rainbows of color in all directions. When the serpent stood upright again, his voice was more conciliatory. “Very well, you know I’d never argue with an angel.”
Raphael bowed back. “You are the garden’s protector, and I appreciate your concern. But William and I need to remain here for a little while.”
“Fine, but that doesn’t mean I won’t be watchful,” the serpent said. He pointed at William. “This one has been very full of himself on a number of occasions.”
William found his temper returning and pointed a finger at the serpent. “Listen you, I didn’t ask to come here. I was rudely snatched up and deposited here.”
The serpent ignored him and looked at Raphael. “I don’t know why you bother with him at this stage of the game.”
William looked at Raphael too. “What does he mean? What stage of the game are we talking about?”
Raphael gave William a quick onceover and shrugged. “He’s referring to your energy level or what some would call your resonance.”
The serpent bent down to check on a slightly smaller daffodil. “That’s right, and yours is at an all-time low. You could affect the entire garden with your negativity.”
“Now, let’s not get carried away with dramatics,” Raphael chided.
William walked over to Raphael. “I’m tired of this creature’s attitude. Tell me why I’m here.”
Raphael waved to William as he started down the path. “Let’s talk while we’re walking.”
William caught up to Raphael. “Anything to get away from that sour-faced creature.”
The serpent protested from a distance. “Sour-faced? I’ll have you know the Creator made me beautiful. Isn’t that right, Raphael?”
The angel glanced back with a grin. “Indeed, you are!”
When they rounded a bend and were out of sight of the serpent, William felt a little better. “What an arrogant being.”
“Not arrogant from his standpoint,” Raphael corrected. “He’s simply proud of himself. He’s also very protective when it comes to the garden.”
William looked at the scenery they were passing. “I’ve known beautiful spots on Earth, but this place takes it to a whole new level. Every flower and tree looks perfect.”
“It’s a template of sorts. The Earth could look like this too, but we’re not here to discuss the garden or Earth.”
“Why are we here? Do you want to talk about my miserable failure as a soul?”
“William, no soul can fail.”
“Maybe not, but I have failed as a human being.”
“Why do you label yourself like that?”
“Because I have to face what I am.”
Raphael gave him a thoughtful look. “I see what you’re getting at.”
William frowned. “Thanks for agreeing with me. I had a fleeting idea you might argue and tell me I’m worthwhile in some way.”
“The word, worthwhile, is simply another label.”
“Label or not, being worthwhile is better than being a complete loser.”
“The ideas of being a loser or a winner are only concepts.”
William paused and felt his annoyance and his need to explain himself escalating. “Don’t you understand, Raphael? A person has to have certain standards, certain strengths of character. Otherwise they couldn’t look at themselves in the mirror. Now, I’ve discovered the respect I’ve had for myself is nothing but pride. I’m pathetic!”
The sharp sounds of his statement began to spread out like the rainbow of colors from the serpent’s wings. But William’s words didn’t make the flowers more vibrant. They had an opposite effect.
As the flowers wilted around William, a cry of alarm went up from some distance away. It came from the serpent who had hidden himself from sight. Hidden yes, but he was obviously secretly watching everything William did.
The serpent’s cry of distress made William realize the power of his words. He was immediately sorry and wished he could call them back. His wish was granted. The sounds reversed directions. When they returned to their sender, they hit William’s solar plexus like heavy clay missiles. Falling backwards, he wasn’t only nauseas again, but the garden disappeared and he woke up in his chair. He looked around and tried to get his bearings. His stomach lurched as the room steadied.
Exhausted or not, he had to make a dash to the bathroom. He didn’t get very far. Raphael was blocking his way. William held his stomach, trying to hold back the rising bile in his throat. “Move before I throw up on you!” he ordered.
Raphael remained where he was. “William, try to calm yourself a little. Your physical vessel needs you to help it before you damage it further. Let’s go back to the garden and talk there. You’ve always loved nature. It’ll help you balance out this downward turn you’ve taken.”
“Are you kidding me? Go back to a place where a cynical serpent can give me more reasons why I don’t belong?”
“But you do belong as long as you address the truth of who you are. It’s the lies that can’t be allowed there.”
“I was trying to be honest.”
“I’m sure you were, but your honesty is misguided.”
“Are you talking about my soul again?”
“I’m talking about the true essence of who you are right now, William. I’m talking about the person who’s standing in front of me.”
William swallowed hard. His stomach was settling a little, but his overall condition wasn’t good after all the blood he’d lost. He was barely standing. “Maybe we can talk later. I need to lie down for a while. And please, no unexpected astral trips while I’m trying to sleep.”
Raphael stared back. “Do you think I arranged what happened to you?”
William was about to climb into bed and stopped. “If it wasn’t you, who sent me to that garden?”
Raphael smiled, but he didn’t answer.
William knew it would be useless to try to prod the angel into answering. But where did that leave him? Who had the power to snatch up his astral body and send it to the garden? His answer was immediate. “Arel!”
He grabbed his phone with a trembling hand and called the man who sometimes took liberties with William’s life. He only had to wait a half ring before Arel picked up. As soon as William heard Arel’s voice, his anger was full blown again. “How dare you think you can do what you want, Arel!”
The other end of the line went silent. The pause lasted so long William wondered if Arel was still there. “Did you hear me, Arel?”
“Yes, I heard you, William. But I’m at a loss. What do you think I did now? I’ve been hoping to find some way to help you if you want, but I also respect your wishes. I would
n’t dare interfere at this point.”
William looked up at Raphael. “If not Arel, who? You have to tell me.”
“You, William. You’re doing all of this to yourself.”
Forty-Five
BEFORE ROLPHE DECIDED to take Arel’s place and stay with Col, he’d done a lot of meditating. The practice had always been easy for him. The gypsy, Chessa, said he was an exceptional student when it came to putting aside his thoughts. However, as he sat on the park bench, in the setting Arel created, he found it not only easy to meditate, he found it exhilarating.
He existed in an etheric body that was capable of enjoying the most pleasing fragrance that filled the space. He could also see other-worldly colors that were missing on Earth. However, there was no sense of heaviness. His vessel and mind felt buoyant and as free as the gentle breeze that sometimes caressed his face. He was at peace with himself and even with Col. As he drifted further and further into that serene state, all his cares dropped away.
The feeling of ease was so overpowering, he found he wasn’t capable of thinking about William in the way he intended. He’d wanted to help his dear friend because he knew the truth about William. Rolphe had had a flash of memory about a long ago meeting of souls. However, William’s version of the meeting and what Rolphe witnessed were completely different. William’s version was misguided, and he’d tangled himself up in a web of deceit. However, to untangle that web took wisdom. Rolphe knew he needed guidance if he was going to be there for William.
Thus, he began his prayer of petition. He put William into the hands of the Divine. He trusted he’d be told how he could help William to find the truth. That was Rolphe’s intention, but as he gave himself wholly to his Creator, he couldn’t hold on to any thoughts. And as his thoughts fell away, his only experience was a profound love that was both within him and all around him. And as he experienced that love, he didn’t have any need for answers. He simply gave himself over to that infinite source of joy.
* * * * *
Col positioned himself as close to Rolphe as possible. Leaning in, he cupped his hands towards Rolphe’s ear. “Wherever the hell you are, you mindless twit, I need to speak to you! Do you understand? There’s something crazy going on here, and you need to explain what’s happening! Rolphe! Rolphe! You can’t do this to me! Do you hear me?”
Col had first started taunting Rolphe out of frustration. He had to do something to endure the endless silence and confinement. Extreme boredom and frustration had set in. Gears were whizzing in his head, ready for action, ready to do something with all the power he’d accumulated. But there was no place to put that power. The wheels of need were spinning in one spot, burning into his mind like tires burning into asphalt.
However, while he was going mad with the monotony of his situation, while he was inwardly ranting and raving about injustice, he hadn’t been paying attention to his surroundings. He was a bit shocked when he opened his eyes. “What in the hell?”
When Arel had first confined Col, Col found his enclosed space to be a part of a much larger environment. Beyond the barrier that kept him jailed, he saw trees and gardens all around him. There were also lots of people strolling by. Now, that was all changing.
The phenomenon started after Rolphe went into a deep state of meditation. He became completely oblivious to Col’s efforts to reach him. Col didn’t know how much time passed since time didn’t exist where he was. He only knew the people in the outer park had disappeared. Col was happy about that. He also liked how the outer areas had become faded looking. Like old photos, they’d lost their color and definition. Col decided it was an improvement. After all, he was a master of darkness. Bright, pleasant scenery was grating and an affront to his needs.
But he began to get concerned as the conditions continued to deteriorate. As the trees and flowers lost more and more density, Col began to wonder what was going on. At one point, he shut his eyes for only the briefest blink, and in that brief blink of time, everything changed again. The outer landscape had been transformed into mere shadows. There was another cause for alarm. As the trees and gardens disappeared, a brilliant light was steadily advancing from every direction. It was below them and above.
Within the barrier, everything remained as it was, but Col felt deep down that it might be only a matter of time before that changed too. He didn’t know how, but he sensed the light could be a serious threat. He didn’t know what that threat entailed. Still he could feel its tremendous power. But it was a power he’d never dealt with before, and he had no idea about how to stop it.
He went back to Rolphe for answers and started shouting again. It had no effect on Rolphe. He remained a pillar of silent contemplation. He didn’t move or react. He sat there mutely, with a little smile defining his serene mood.
Col had a realization he hadn’t had in a very long time. He needed help. Turning away from Rolphe, he cupped his hands, hoping to reach someone else, a certain angel who’d visited him. “Hey you, Carey! I have to talk to you. Get your angelic ass here now!”
After his shout-out, he waited. As he did, he saw the light advancing even more. It was everywhere and went on forever. Soon it would be at the edges of the barrier. Col jumped back as another thought slipped in. What if the light breached the interior of his space? What if it gobbled him up and trapped him for eternity. Suddenly, he felt very small and vulnerable. When he called out this time, he decided it might be prudent to alter his previous orders. “Hey, Carey, forget my bad manners, okay? I need some help here. Do you think we could talk?”
* * * * *
Carey responded to Col’s second summons. The first had been rude and obnoxious. Being an angel, Carey didn’t take it personally, but he knew any fruitful interaction with Col would require a different attitude on Col’s part. The second request was much more conciliatory.
As soon as Carey appeared in the area where Col was confined, Col rushed over to him. Carey waited for Col to speak first, and Col wasted no time in conveying his wishes.
“You have to get me out of here!”
Carey smiled. “Are you ready to release your hold on darkness?”
Col’s black eyes lit up with anger. “No, of course not.”
“I see. Well, I guess I made this trip for nothing. But if some time in the future—”
Col made an attempt to grab hold of Carey, but Carey’s wispy form was unaffected.
Col’s face twisted with rage. “You don’t seem to understand what’s happening here. That maniac over there on the park bench is doing something that’s going to destroy us both.”
Carey glanced at Rolphe. “From what I’m observing, Rolphe seems fine. He doesn’t seem to be distressed about your situation.”
“How can he be distressed? He’s out of his mind! Now, I’m standing here, wherever here is, and I have no power to help myself.”
“My offer is always on the table, Col.”
“Never! I have free will. I won’t be bullied into your so-called offer!”
“I would never infringe on your free will, Col.”
“Well, Arel violated it! So did Rolphe. You have to do something about that.”
“Sorry, but you have to work that out with them,” Carey said as he faded from sight.
Forty-Six
AREL WOKE UP out of a sound sleep and glanced around the room. There was enough light to see a little, but it was still early. He rubbed his eyes thoughtfully. He’d been dreaming someone was yelling. On second thought, it was more like he’d heard someone screaming, not with pain, but with alarm. If he didn’t know better, he’d think he’d heard Col.
He immediately checked his shields. They were holding. The shields around Col were at full strength too. That meant Rolphe was doing his job. Next, he looked over at Elise. She seemed to be sleeping peacefully. He also connected with William, but he was careful to be quick and not alert William to his presence. The man’s shields weren’t as strong as they usually were, but they were in place. That was a reli
ef. William wasn’t completely incapacitated.
He glanced at the clock. It was nearly six. He could try to go back to sleep, or he could get up and meditate. He decided on the latter. It was a good way to start his day. He’d barely stepped into his slippers when Freddie sat up in his little bed. Obviously, the pup thought it was time to get up too. Arel immediately gave him the “lie down” signal. He’d been taking Freddie to obedience school and thankfully Freddie was an apt student. Elise still had some difficulty conveying her wishes when Freddie was excited, but for the most part, she and Arel were pleased with their little friend and how smart he was.
Arel was quietly leaving the room when he heard another cry for help. This time there was no doubt. Col was reaching out to him in a panic-stricken tone. He sent back an immediate response on a telepathic airway. “Whatever it is, Col, take it up with Rolphe.”
Col’s reply was immediate. “He’s not available, you dunce! He’s checked out!”
Arel was momentarily distressed. Was Rolphe doing his job or wasn’t he? After checking on Rolphe’s shields a second time, he was satisfied they were at full strength. In fact, the shields gave off a beautiful feeling of tranquility that Arel usually associated with Michael or Carey. Just checking on Rolphe’s handiwork left him feeling rather content. He sent Col another message. “I don’t know what you’re up to now, but I’m turning off this channel, Col. So you might as well give your lies a rest.”
Arel walked down the hall to the room that Rolphe had been using. His eyes swept over the space and remained on the closet’s half open doors. When he went over to close them, he noticed Rolphe’s clothes. They were neatly displayed on a number of the hangers. As Arel closed the doors, he felt a surge of appreciation for the artist. Rolphe had been there when it counted. Now, he was doing what Arel had planned to do and proving he was a true friend. If Arel hadn’t completely trusted Rolphe before, he trusted him now.