by Lucia Ashta
How could they, beings in a human body, assist the forces of light in a battle such as the one she’d just witnessed? What could they possibly do against creatures that were twice their size? Asara didn’t know the answer to these questions or to the many other questions clamoring for answers in her mind. But Archangel Michael had called them into service, so none of it mattered.
Archangel Michael wouldn’t have called on them unless they could contribute in some significant way. They would be able to defend themselves when faced with these intimidating dark giants. Asara had faith that Archangel Michael wouldn’t send them into battle without a purpose. Creator had placed Asara and Anak, and the rest of their group of light warriors, on the planet for a much greater purpose than slaughter. Asara affirmed her trust in Creator’s greater plan.
She wriggled her toes in the earth to make sure she was connected to the mother and not pulling out of her body. Although it was tempting to float above her body, experiencing the lightness and joy of spirit, Kaanra had long ago instilled within her the importance of grounding herself. He’d taught her that the point of incarnating in a human body was to be in that body, to accomplish those things that she’d come to accomplish on the earth plane. It made sense to Asara so she worked to counter her natural tendency to leave her body. She felt the rich soil slide and move around and between her toes, only mildly cool since it had absorbed so much heat from the day’s sun.
Asara thanked the mother that offered support of her worldly needs and turned to enter the cabin. Anak hadn’t moved since she left. Asara moved her sword within arm’s reach and crawled back into bed with him. She pressed up against his warm body, wanting to feel the comfort of him. Eventually, slumber took hold of her, and she drifted off once again into the land of dreams, unsure whether the use of her angel wings in this body and the battle she saw were real or the trick of a groggy mind.
Chapter 32
Over the next several days, Marian led the twins through the making and use of a bow. She was as skilled with the bow as she was with the staff. Although she held and aimed the bow in a traditional style, the speed and precision of her arrows were uncanny. They arrived at the intended target with seeming effortlessness and unerring accuracy.
Under the spell of unwavering belief in themselves, after Marian’s display with the staff, Lena and Paolo were able to replicate Marian’s archery skills. Repeatedly, they drew back their hands and released arrows to bull’s eyes. Neither Lena nor Paolo had ever touched a bow and arrow before that day, yet they didn’t miss their target. They’d become masters of illusion in their own right. Things in the three-dimensional world would occur if they held them steadfast in their minds. The twins had moved into a world that could only be seen by knowing minds.
Marian had anticipated several training sessions for Lena and Paolo with the bow, but by the end of the day, she told them they’d learned everything about archery that she could teach them. On the following day, Victor would show them how to use their swords to their greatest potential.
Marian kissed them in a way that left Lena with an odd sensation that it was one of the last times they would see her. Lena didn’t know exactly what made her feel this. She tried to shrug it off but the intuition lingered. Lena trusted herself enough after the last months of incontrovertible supernatural activity to know that what she saw and felt was important.
She knew then that their teacher would soon be leaving them. She hoped it would be after the battle that was drawing nearer to them with every waking minute. Lena sensed enough about this impending battle of light and dark to understand they would need as much help as possible. As Lena’s angel guides kept telling her in recurring messages, The time is now. The time would soon be upon them.
That night, Lena and Paolo made love with an ardor that could only be experienced by those who’d known each other many lives before and who’d longed for each other for decades in this lifetime.
While they looked in each other’s eyes, Lena saw Paolo change and take on the face of Anak again. And this time, Paolo also saw Lena’s face shift, and the essence of Lena’s eyes revealed Asara. As soon as they both saw the transformation, the lights in the bedroom flickered out. The power of the energy they shared had caused an electromagnetic surge, plunging them into sudden darkness.
But they could still see. They saw what was of true importance, and they’d be able to see it even with their eyes closed or in total darkness. They’d passed through the veils of other worlds and now only the magic they could sense with or without lights remained. Lena and Paolo were alive with the tingling sensations of life. It was true life at last.
Chapter 33
Anak roused early the next morning. Asara felt him move and woke up too. Memories of the night before came flooding back to her. When she looked into his eyes, she realized that he also knew of the battle that was raging less than a day’s walk from them. The twins shared a tender kiss before embarking on the day’s uncertainty. They got out of bed and dressed, strapping their swords to their sides, but leaving behind their satchels. They grabbed only their canteens.
Before leaving the cabin, they turned toward each other once more. Neither knew what the day would bring. They held each other, unmoving, for a very long time. They breathed together through many breaths of comfort and through many breaths of love in the warmth of their embrace.
When they finally exited the cabin, they found everyone else sitting around the dying embers of the night’s fire, cradling cups of hot water infused with the herbs the cousins had gathered. On first impression, everyone seemed relaxed, but an underlying readiness in everyone’s eyes revealed otherwise. They all knew they’d be engaged in battle later that day. Even within the protection of the bubble, everyone’s sword, staff, bow, or club was within arm’s reach. The energy had shifted. Nevertheless, despite the knowledge of impending battle, when the others saw Asara and Anak, they flashed them warm smiles.
Baldub brought out leftover deer meat and added the venison to their breakfasts. They all knew where they were going, and ate in silence, mentally preparing for what they might have to face. Assuming they’d be returning to the campsite, the warriors left everything set up as it was. They left all extraneous items behind as they secured and fastened weapons. Without further ado, they were ready and began walking toward the perimeter of the campsite.
As the light warriors passed through the protective bubble, they realized that Area and Arien remained behind. They stood, side by side, with their eyes closed. Their hands were raised, palms facing their departing companions. When Asara realized Area and Arien were placing protection around them, she, too, set the intention that they be concealed from the prying eyes of the dark forces until they chose to engage in battle. She hoped to be within plain view of the angels before any interaction with darkness occurred.
Asara sensed something take shape around her and could see that a faint blur now encircled her, as if she were standing in a bubble of water. Her surroundings were still clear, yet something had formed, something intangible. Asara telepathically thanked Area and Arien and, without turning around, knew they were bowing to her in response. She could see it in her mind.
For a moment, Asara pondered the specific skills their new friends might possess. Now that she’d begun to see some of them in action, she was intrigued.
Then her thoughts turned to what lay ahead. She realized they were approaching an intense battle that could bring light and dark back into balance and decide the well-being of the planet at large. Their lives were in the hands of their Creator.
They walked, leaving the comfort of the forest clearing behind. They advanced at a steady pace over the grasses, in silence, until Osarus and Mohan, the two young men, began singing marching songs. At first, they offered the songs in jest, as the group was a far cry from a band of marching soldiers. But it roused everyone to sing, and each of them took turns with their own native songs.
The more they sang, the more beautiful their s
ongs became. The jocular mood dissipated as their songs became increasingly more meaningful and heartfelt. By the time they tired, they’d raised their frequency to a very high vibration. They marched toward battle in uplifted union.
It took them more than half the day to reach the battle scene. The sun was strong overhead by the time they drew near, but they remained in high spirits. Before they got too close to the city, Asara pulled light down into her body. She was getting ready. She held that connection to Creator firmly; the bond was strong, and it would support her through anything they’d have to face that day. Anak was preparing in a similar way and Asara, connected to him as she was, could feel his inner light increasing without even turning to look at him.
Asara and Anak pulled more celestial light in, directing it to their heart centers. Then they sent the golden light that was streaming in to fill their cores straight through the central channels of their bodies. From there, they directed the light to expand out to every part of their beings—even the smallest—to every single strand of hair.
The golden light spread. When the twins were finished, they each had a golden glow around them that was in plain sight. Their light was strong and their hearts were bright. Asara continued forward without looking back, but she knew that similar changes were taking place in their companions.
Finally, they arrived at the city’s gate. There was nothing to do but cross through it and enter into conflict. Even from where they stood, the sounds of war were loud and abrasive. The next step they took would place them inside the city. Then, there would be no going back.
They convened and looked around at each other. They were beautiful specimens of human beings. The cousins had an unusual green glow around them. It was a very different glow than the one Asara saw around Anak, more like a coating that could actually be touched, reminding Asara of honey—glowing, green, thick honey all over the cousins. It covered them entirely, even their faces. They, too, were within the barely visible bubbles that Area and Arien had placed around them.
A spark of fire glinted in Carn’s eyes that convincingly gave the impression it could propel her through time and space. Baldub’s muscles were flexed and ready to engage. A pink and orange glow, the color of a brilliant sunset, spread across the area of his heart and emanated through the pelt that draped loosely around him. He was prepared to face whatever might come with love in his heart.
Thom was silent and still. There were no evident changes in his appearance other than Area and Arien’s protective shield, which surrounded him. Area and Arien weren’t within sight, and the group knew they might not have even left the campsite. They wouldn’t wait for them. All together, they drew a collective breath and entered the city.
Chapter 34
It was Victor’s turn to take on the chosen pupils. As dawn tinged the Sedona sky a breathtaking violet, he stood with his back to the creek, near a large and ancient juniper tree. Lena and Paolo, freshly showered with wet hair, stood before him. They were eager to learn whatever he’d teach them. After their experience with Marian, they knew that Victor also possessed amazing secrets.
Victor held Paolo’s sword for a demonstration. He stood relaxed, leaning gently against the tree’s trunk as if he weighed no more than a hummingbird. Victor’s grasp on the hilt was also slight, as if the sword only needed the touch of a feather. That everything was so subtle—Victor’s touch, his posture, his energy—somehow made it seem all the more powerful. A shiver ran through Lena’s body as she realized in a flash of insight how powerful Victor really was. She was filled with gratitude that such formidable and knowledgeable teachers had chosen to help her and Paolo.
Without warning or sound, Victor moved. In a flash, he was behind Lena and Paolo with the sword crossing both of their backs at the perpendicular. Had he wanted to, Victor could have killed them before they realized he’d left his perch against the tree. Of course, neither Lena nor Paolo had anticipated the attack, and they’d both been relaxed. Had they been aware of an impending attack, then perhaps they would have seen Victor move, but they still wouldn’t have had the time to defend against him. Victor’s skill wasn’t common to this world.
Lena and Paolo turned around to face their teacher and his sword. Their faces were agog with intrigue.
“To learn how to work with the sword, it’s most important to know inner peace. You must feel the calm of the soul. It’s only then that you’re able to move as a warrior of other worlds. To move the way I move, you can’t accept limitations. You must think instead that the impossible is possible. You both already know the truth of this.”
Yes, they did. Lena and Paolo nodded.
“Know that the seemingly impossible is not only possible, but easily accessible. Everything in this world is within our reach when we know we can have it. There’s nothing we can’t do. Especially both of you. You’re angels on this earth. If you believe that you can do something, then you can! It’s that easy. You both know this. Now, all you need to do is really know it. Believe. Know the sword to be a perfect extension of that magic, and it will be. That’s how I do what you saw me do,” Victor said.
Lena and Paolo nodded again in agreement.
“Now,” Victor said, “show me.” He handed the sword back to Paolo. Lena already held the one Marian had gifted her.
Lena closed her eyes and inhaled deeply. She steadied herself with the breath. She took in the godly essence. She filled herself with it, and, very quickly, she was ready. It was becoming easier to tap into the power that always hummed in the background.
Without even opening her eyes, Lena focused her intention. She saw herself in the eye of her mind standing beside Victor with her sword poised to strike. Because she was in a place of such peaceful belief that she was almost complacent, it happened instantly. She didn’t even need to ask. All Lena had to do was see it, and it happened. It was instant manifestation.
Lena even surprised Victor. Though he’d known that Lena and Paolo had the ability to learn to do what he did, he hadn’t anticipated that they would perform so quickly. Victor gave a surprised gasp as Lena and Paolo appeared on either side of him with their swords pointed at his torso. But the shock passed and Victor smiled broader and bigger than they’d seen him smile yet.
“Very good. Very good, indeed,” Victor’s mind was racing ahead to things in the future that only he could see. “This’ll do quite well. Your skills will serve the purpose.”
Lena and Paolo, still standing on either side of Victor, looked at each other. Their eyes locked and a burst of remembrance and power swept between them. They were the prophesied twins. In a flash, they disappeared to the creek. There, they practiced this supernatural swordplay until the sun crept low on the horizon. Victor was finished with his instruction for the time being.
Many hours passed, but the twins’ muscles weren’t tired. Their spirits soared and fueled them. The idea of an ongoing war between the light and the dark, though still overwhelming, was beginning to seem less so. Discovering these abilities within themselves gave the twins hope that they’d actually be able to make a difference in the world. Lena also knew they had no choice but to be optimistic. Either way, they were heading into battle. They may as well have faith; the alternative was much more ominous.
In the oncoming glow of sunset, Lena and Paolo leaned their swords against a juniper tree that beckoned them to come closer. They turned their backs on the swords—the harbingers of what was to come—and walked to the other side of the tree, where its extensive roots visibly ran under the creek bed in a gnarled web. They leaned a shoulder against the rough bark, facing each other. Paolo grasped Lena’s hand and drew her close. As always, they were drawn to each other with an irresistible force. They pressed their foreheads together and closed their eyes. The love they shared was the destiny of lifetimes.
The lone owl that looked down upon them that dusk as sun faded to moon saw a lion and a lioness, twins of the soul, and the owl closed his eyes in peace for a brief second before turning th
em to a scurrying mouse that would be his prey.
Chapter 35
The light warriors stared, transfixed. They’d all grown up hearing legends of magical beings, of angels and demons. It was part of everyone’s culture, the stories of light and dark, and the heroes that vanquished and restored peace. Now, they found themselves in the middle of one of these fairy tales. Even though every one there was accustomed to magic, it was still astounding to discover themselves in the middle of the fantasies of their childhoods.
Standing right before them as they crossed the city’s gates was a powerful, tall, and valiant angel. She kept her magnificent white wings pulled in tightly around her body to protect them from harm while she fought over the city’s uneven cobbled streets. She wore a short white tunic robe, belted in the middle, and white slippers tied at the ankles. Her face was perfectly beautiful; there was no way to improve upon her features. Her lips were the color of ripe peaches and her eyes were golden brown. Her hair shimmered and sparkled in the sun’s light giving the impression that it was made of strands of gold. Her body was strong and flawless as only Creator’s design could be.
The angel acknowledged them with a knowing look, but had no more time for them. Her focus back upon her opponent, she raised her sword high above her head; the bright, white light of the sword faded into the luminosity of the full sun. Swiftly, she brought the sword down at an angle. The movement was decisive and carried with it a sound of finality. The sword descended summarily upon a figure slightly taller and infinitely darker than she was.