by Linda Creel
Lucifer returned to his chair behind the desk, but refused to even look at his son. Mortriel knew his father was furious because there was no anger in his voice -- just calm -- dead calm. “You can get out of my sight now, you weak little fool,” he said.
Not wanting to incur any more of his father’s rage, Mortriel stumbled to the door, and ran out of the chambers.
“It was bad enough that Father punished me, but to do it in front of Samhael. How am I to have the respect of my subordinates if he continues to embarrass me?”
Mortriel slowed his pace, and then walked back towards the gate.
I’ll see how my new friend is doing in Purgatory. Father told me not to touch the child, but he said nothing about her little sister.
“Your son sometimes forgets himself,” Samhael said in defense of Mortriel.
“He has a lot to learn. I do not have the patience or desire to babysit my only male heir. Let him run back to Purgatory and act like a fool. Purgatory – a befitting name for his little island paradise; once there, no one ever escapes. I have no doubt that is where we will find the sister of my new friend. Mortriel can do as he pleases with her, as long as he doesn’t touch Hope.”
Lucifer sighed as he refilled his goblet, and then returned to his desk.
“Sometimes, I think I brought the wrong sibling with me. My daughter, Jeziel, was always obedient.”
“Perhaps, but she was only nine years of age when the war broke out. You had no choice but to leave her behind. It was the only way to guarantee her safety.”
“There are always choices, but I thought we would win the war. How safe can Jeziel be with the archangels? Do you think she has not been shunned because she is my daughter? I’m sure her life has not been an easy one.”
“According to our friends in the Elite Guard, she has not been punished.”
“Perhaps not, but I am certain they have not welcomed her with open arms either. I summoned you because I have good news to share. I’ve just returned from Aeden. It seems Bree and Tercia have been reincarnated as angel-blood, and are living in the valley with the Guild. Though I didn’t see Avriel, I’m certain she is there too.”
“Forgive me Father, but is it possible the children merely look like Bree and Tercia? I was there when Mortriel took their lives. I’ve never known of any angel who has returned from death.”
“There can be no mistake. One of the special guardians was keeping watch.” “What of the prisoners? Have you sensed any changes in their behavior?”
“My time with them is limited. They remain locked in their glass cage in the deepest, darkest caverns of Hell. We don’t want any more accidents.”
Samhael stared at his right hand. He had gotten off easy.
When the children realized they had been betrayed, they tried to escape. At least a dozen of Lucifer’s disciples were turned to ash when they touched the young seers.
One of the children, Alorrah, had burned him with angel-fire when he got too close to her. Like Lucifer, he now kept his distance from the small angel.
The dark lord had intended to keep the girls separated, but Alexis always found her way back to her cousin, Alorrah. Eventually, Lucifer realized there was no way to keep them apart, so he stopped trying.
“Mortriel captured a young girl of seven years today. I intend to allow her to befriend our prisoners. I have also instructed the guards to move their Uncle Fionn, into their room. My son has been warned not to torture him any longer. The girls have been reluctant to use their second sight to guide me to the location of the broken bow of Bodhi. Perhaps if I show them some kindness, they may reconsider their position,” Lucifer sighed.
“Shall I go to Aeden and capture the guardians?”
“No – they are part mortal now, allowing them free will. They have retained all of their powers and even have some new gifts. I want no mistakes. We will have to think this through,” Lucifer warned.
“Most of the Guild’s members reside in Savannah; only Paul and Adam live in Aeden. If Avriel is there, she will share Esra’s powers. Even if her visions are undeveloped, by the time she reaches her seventeenth birthday, her second sight will mature,” Samhael said.
“If my calculations are correct, we may still have a few weeks before Avriel’s powers return. Esra will not interfere; she is bound by her ridiculous covenant, but she will remain close to the girl because Avriel was her twin sister.”
A smug smile formed at the corners of Lucifer’s mouth. “I want you to meet with some of our human acquaintances. I need to know if Avriel is alive and who she associates with. Do not mention this to Mortriel. I have waited too long for the opportunity to possess Avriel’s ring. It may lead me to the bow, and then I can restore the whip and the dagger.”
“The Guild will keep a constant vigil over their offspring, but there are other angel-bloods who have turned their backs on their heritage. Mortriel and I have successfully captured a dozen of the half-mortal children after killing their parents. They had no idea they were born with the blood of the angels and lack the protection afforded the descendents of the archangels. The others are scattered, but we shouldn’t have any trouble finding them. Killing the weakest will send a clear message to the Guild.”
“I will think on this. Maybe it’s time to make more of my special pets. If we are going to attack the angel-bloods, the creatures will be invaluable to us. I’m sure you have some mortal acquaintances of questionable character.”
“In order to make a pair of the creatures, we may need to administer the hell-hounds blood to hundreds,” Samhael said. “It’s been a thousand years since we had any success with those experiments. It will be difficult to keep our activities a secret if the Guild happens upon the dead bodies.
“It’s time for a change in luck. I want you to go to Purgatory for a few days. Mortriel will likely remain in a foul mood. Perhaps your presence will calm him. Say nothing of our conversation,” Lucifer warned.
“You have my word, Father.”
“I can always count on you. You are more of a son to me than my own flesh and blood. One day, I will reward you for your loyalty.”
“Thank you, Father. It is my honor to serve you.” As Samhael stood, he heard the outer door open and close. “I think Mehri is back. I’ll take my leave while you entertain her.”
“Keep me informed of any problems,” Lucifer said as he walked him to the door.
Samhael began to chuckle. “Your son won’t give me any trouble. I’m one of the few friends he has.” He pulled one of the grapes from a silver tray and plopped it in his mouth before exiting the chambers.
I hope there won’t be any trouble. Mortriel can be pig-headed, but he is wise enough not to anger his father again. Lucifer may be seen as pure evil, but he does show compassion to those he cares about, even if they are servants. Mortriel would do well not to harm another of his father’s pets.
After maneuvering through the catacombs and passing the gatekeeper, Samhael used a portal to take him to Purgatory. Hopefully, Mortriel’s anger would be under control, and he wouldn’t kill any of their fallen friends before Samhael arrived.
Chapter 4
While Esra was meeting with their Father, Michael called a summit with the other members of the High Council to discuss Lucifer’s presence in Aeden. As head of the council, it was his responsibility to keep the archangels informed about issues involving the angel-bloods.
Constructed years ago, the assembly hall served as a place for the archangels to meet with their children who resided on earth.
Situated just beyond the fiery mountain of Etna, in Italy, many believed that was where Lucifer was cast into hell. It was one of the most active volcanoes on record, known as a popular mortal tourist spot.
Of course, Michael would neither agree, nor deny the notion. Some things were better left unsaid.
There were six members of the Council – Michael, who served as their leader, was joined by Uriel, Gabriel, Ariel, Raphael and Metatron. Though each had
an equal voice, they often relied on Michael’s guidance.
Since their sons served on the Guild, who watched over the angel-bloods, most of the meetings were informal. But Lucifer’s presence in Aeden was a problem which needed to be discussed, and a plan needed to be forthcoming in order to protect their half-mortal descendants.
Later, when the meeting adjourned, the Council would meet with their children, allowing them to openly voice any concerns.
Most knew that Avriel, Bree and Tercia were reincarnated, but they were also under the impression the girls had no knowledge of their past lives as angels. Bren was the exception, and the highest authority in Heaven, forbade Michael and Gabriel from telling Aura and Tracy who they once were.
As Michael took his seat in the center of the long, stone table, the others waited for him to begin. Once everyone was settled, the meeting began.
“There has been a new development,” he sighed. “Lucifer came to Aeden today. We suspect he was there to verify that Avriel has been reincarnated. He did not see Aura, but unfortunately, he knows Bren and Tracy are alive.”
“How could he know about their reincarnation?” Ariel asked. “We have taken great care to keep them a secret. Someone must have told him they were there.” Her eyes scanned those of her brothers.
Surely they would not endanger their grandchildren. Someone else must have betrayed them, but who would do such a thing?
Adam’s mother, Ariel, was the only female archangel to sit on the council. She had the ability to alter weather, and could also change darkness to light.
“Some of us believe Lucifer still has contacts in Heaven,” Michael replied. “There have been complaints about some of the members of the Elite Guard – Malakiel and Caeus in particular.”
“We should summon them immediately, and determine once and for all whose side they are on,” Ariel said. “If the rumors are true – Malakiel has been in contact with Mortriel. He has made it known he hates the angel-bloods. He feels they are a sin against Heaven, and will do everything in his power to exterminate them.”
“The Elite Guardians have no jurisdiction over the halflings. Perhaps they should be reminded of their vows,” Michael said.
“Ha – vows mean nothing to Malakiel and Caeus. How many innocents have perished by their hands? They have grown too powerful over the years. It is time we held them accountable for their actions,” Ariel argued.
“We have had this discussion before. Our father still believes the good they do outweighs the bad.”
Ariel slammed her fist into the table.
“Their methods are barbaric. Any loss of an innocent life, regardless of the excuse, is a direct violation of the very laws they are sworn to protect. Perhaps we should question Hespa. I’m certain she suspects they were involved in her mortal husband’s death.”
“There has never been any proof to those allegations. For now – they will continue to operate as they see fit. I agree with you, but unless we have hard evidence, there is nothing to be done. After we meet with the Guild, we will bring some of the guardians in for questioning. My son will share any concerns with us.”
“Dahnael was raised by Caeus and his wife. He is more loyal to him, than he is to you.”
Seeing the pained expression on Michael’s face, Ariel quickly apologized. “I mean no harm, Brother. I know it was not your choice to separate your twin sons.”
“No offense taken. Esra has gone to our father to ask for guidance. We will know more when she returns.”
“We should table this conversation for another time, and deal with the matter at hand,” Uriel said. “I am not afraid for Aura and the little ones, but they have mortal friends. My granddaughter is very close to a young priest named Ryan. He knows nothing about her heritage, and while Lucifer can’t touch her physically, there are other ways she can be hurt.”
Uriel, the judge and executioner of Heaven, was Paul’s father, and Aura’s grandfather. He was probably the most laidback of all the angels, speaking in a soft voice barely above a whisper.
Paul had his father’s never-aging good looks – the same honey-blonde hair, and pale blue eyes. They also shared the same disposition; rarely allowing their anger or frustration to show. Perhaps that was because they had been tasked with delivering death sentences to those angels who blatantly defied the laws of Heaven.
“I agree with Uriel,” Raphael said. “Lucifer will not jeopardize losing what he believes to be an advantage. He has as much to lose as we do, should any harm befall Aura, Bren or Tracy. The girls have been training since they learned to walk. Not only can they recognize the dark wings, they are prepared to deal with them. The bow is still lost, so Lucifer cannot restore the other weapons.”
“Esra believes Lucifer is growing impatient. Alorrah and Alexis have been imprisoned since he was banished; anyone who has attempted to rescue them has been killed, except Fionn. Even though Mortriel tortures their uncle routinely, they are still resistant to assist him by using their second sight,” Michael said.
“Are you forgetting that Aura also has second sight?” Uriel asked.
“Her visions are still erratic, but that is due partly to Esra blocking her sight. It may be time to stop interfering and allow Aura to realize her past,” Michael said. “We will speak to Paul, and ask his opinion. We may want to consider sending some guardians to earth. I know Alannah would like to see her mother again.”
Ariel’s brow furrowed. “Surely you aren’t going to send Alannah? We can’t risk Lucifer capturing her too. With the three girls together, he will intensify his search for the bow, and then he will declare war on Heaven again. I am opposed to this plan.”
“Nothing has been decided yet. The Guild will be here soon. By the time our meeting concludes, Esra should have news from Father. Regardless of our feelings; we will honor his decision.”
Each of the others nodded in agreement.
For now, there was nothing to do but wait for Esra to return with news from their Father.
Chapter 5
After Hope was bathed and changed, Lucifer had her brought back to his chambers.
Wearing a pale blue knee-length cotton dress with a wide white sash, her black patent leather shoes had been polished and she was donning clean white stockings.
Her hair, combed and washed, was secured in a single braid with a matching blue ribbon. Lucifer hoped the young girl would be good company for Mehri, who had just returned from the healers.
Lucifer introduced the child to his wife, and directed both of the girls to a round table in the main room.
A pair of stout elderly women, dressed in plain grey gowns, brought trays of chocolate truffles, cakes, candies, roasted vegetables, and whole baked chickens, and laid them out on a side-board along the back wall.
Still afraid, but not wanting to anger Lucifer, Hope didn’t hesitate when he pulled out one of the wooden chairs, and motioned for her to sit.
She could see a line of black thread woven into the woman’s right arm. She wondered what happened to her, but wouldn’t dare speak until she was spoken to. Instead, she bent her head, and clasped her hands in her lap.
“This is my wife, Mehri,” Lucifer said. “She will be your new mother and will take good care of you. When we have finished our dinner, I will introduce you to my young friends. I must warn you not to get too close to them; they prefer to keep to themselves, and rarely interact with strangers.”
“Are you Mortriel’s mother?” Hope asked Mehri.
“No – my son’s mother was killed during the war in Heaven,” Lucifer responded. “Mehri has only been with me for a short time.”
Hope turned her attention back to Mehri. “Do you have other children?”
“I have a son who lives in Europe. He is a baron.”
After Mehri came to Hell, she and Lucifer didn’t speak about the boy, who later married Lucifer’s sister, Loralei. They had one daughter, Meredith who later went on to marry the governor of Utopia, one of the angel-blood colonies.
Lucifer knew Byron had been dead for almost forty years, but Mehri wasn’t aware the Guild took her son’s life.
Lucifer also failed to reveal he had another child, but kept her birth a secret.
Nathali was well-hidden in Utopia. As far as her family knew, she was the daughter of the governor’s son, Richard, but it was Lucifer who impregnated Richard’s wife, Genevieve, wanting to strengthen his blood line.
The rest of Lucifer’s Nephylim children had been killed by the angels, but he was determined to keep Nathali alive. Though she wasn’t aware Lucifer was her father, he knew the girl, who was nearing her eighteenth birthday, was well cared for.
No one knew Lucifer’s secret; not even those closest to him.
When Genevieve discovered the truth, Lucifer arranged for a fatal accident. Richard inherited her sizeable estate, and then allowed his mother, Meredith, to raise the infant girl, while the fallen angel watched her mature from a distance.
Seeing the blood stains on her dress, Lucifer suggested Mehri put on a fresh gown. “You’ll both have plenty of time to talk. I suggest we eat before the food gets cold.”
Mehri excused herself, and a few moments later, she returned wearing a dark blue velvet gown; the sleeves covered the scar on her arm. Taking a seat next to Lucifer, she helped Hope place a napkin on her lap.
The servant women, who had been silent, prepared three large platters and placed them in front of the trio. A decanter of red wine and two goblets was set in the center of the table; a chocolate milkshake was prepared for the little girl.
Except for some small talk, the meal was relatively quiet. When they finished, the women cleared the table and placed the leftovers and trays of dirty dishes on a wheeled cart. Without addressing Lucifer, they rolled the cart out of his residence.
“Before we meet your new friends, I have a gift for you,” Lucifer told Hope. He handed her a package wrapped in gold with a red bow.
The gesture brought a smile to the little girl’s face. It was the first time she had felt comfortable since being taken by Mortriel.