by Linda Creel
Malakiel chuckled. “Why would you send her to them?”
“It was my Father’s decision. The brats swear their mother is coming for them. I made the offer to go to Aeden and capture Aura if she’s there, but my Father has refused my proposal. For some reason, he wants to leave her alone. He thinks she is more valuable alive than dead.”
“I’m certain Lucifer has thought this through. Unless you are prepared for an all-out war with Heaven, you should heed his instructions.”
“We’ve heard rumors that Aura is very close to a young mortal named Ryan. He is an unusual mortal; I believe they call his kind trans-genders. He has entered the priesthood. If you can gather any more information about him, it will be invaluable to us. We may not be able to touch Aura, or the little angel-bloods, but we can still do damage to her human friends. Your men will have to be discreet. We don’t want the Guild to know you are gathering information for me and my father.”
“There are still a handful of guardians who share our opinion about the angel-bloods. They can be trusted because they are loyal to Caeus and me. They can make some inquiries without being noticed. How should I contact you if we have new information?”
“You can send a message to Purgatory. Say nothing to the other guardians. It may be better to keep this arrangement between you and your brother for the time being. Josiah will have to be watched closely. If he makes any trips to Aeden, I want to know about it.”
“I’ll speak to my brother. Caeus will take whatever precautions are necessary to keep our involvement secret. Perhaps Josiah should be sent on a mission, so he’ll be out of the way.”
“Have there been any unexpected visitors or unusual activity in Savannah during the last few days?”
“The Guild doesn’t include us in their business, but if you’re searching for the children, I can attest none of them are here, including Josiah’s daughter.”
“If Gideon’s wife is buried on this plantation, I would think the angel-bloods would feel safer here.”
“The Guild won’t move their families because they are afraid of a conflict. They’ll remain in Aeden with their children. There is something that has been bothering me. If Purgatory is so well guarded, how did Bree and Tercia penetrate the protective barriers?”
“They must have been given other powers when they were reborn,” Mortriel said.
“Michael will likely summon his son Dahnael to Heaven. I’m not sure what his involvement will be, but Caeus can ask him to keep us informed of the Council’s plans.”
“Are you certain Dahnael can be trusted?”
“Caeus is the only father he has ever known. I have no doubt of his loyalty. If I hear anything newsworthy, I’ll attempt to contact you. Will you be returning to Hell, or will you remain in Purgatory?”
“Samhael has been sent on a mission. When he returns, we are supposed to meet with my father. Unless there is something significant to discuss, I’ll wait for your message.”
The two men shook hands, and then disappeared.
Joseph, who had been hiding behind a tall oak tree, listened intently to the conversation without making his presence known.
Fools – did they think we wouldn’t be watching? Now, we know Malakiel is no longer loyal to Heaven. I need to report this to the other members of the Guild and High Council. Our children are in more danger than we imagined, especially if the Elite Guard has sided with Lucifer. I pray there is no more killing, but knowing Mortriel and Samhael, this is just another game to them – a game they will eventually lose.
The angel hurried to his home and informed his brother Jack and their friend Martin of the conversation that transpired between Mortriel and Malakiel.
The men agreed they should notify the High Council as soon as possible.
Joseph sent Paul a silent message. The rings each of them wore allowed them to communicate with each other without being in the same location.
“We need to meet with the Council again. There has been a new development and we should seek guidance from our fathers. Jack, Martin, and I will meet you there.”
“Adam and I are on our way,” Paul responded.
The angels kissed their wives goodbye and left for the meeting hall. Eve had already seen the conversation between Mortriel and Malakiel in her visions, but she was forbidden to relay the news to her husband and children.
One of the downsides of being a seer was that you couldn’t alter fate. It was a rule she would never break, even if it meant losing someone she cared about, including her daughters. Hopefully, their powers would keep them safe.
Chapter 15
When Samhael entered the city of Utopia, he wasn’t concerned about being recognized by the residents. Wearing a black suit with a crisp red linen shirt and matching tie, he looked like a businessman.
The European colony was hidden in Cumbria, England and encompassed several miles of green pasture. Past the village were a dozen country estates, and beyond that -- dense woods.
Though the weather was colder there; the scenery was just as breathtaking. Unlike the Guild and their family, the residents did not interact with their human neighbors beyond the town’s border.
Henry Fairbourne was chosen by the Guild to serve as governor of the Utopian colony, succeeding his father, who ruled before him. Married to Meredith, they had four children – three sons and a daughter. Richard was the eldest, followed by Caspian, Analie and Joshua.
Richard was the eldest at thirty seven, followed by Caspian, who was thirty five, thirty three-year-old, Analie, and Joshua, who celebrated his seventeenth birthday a few weeks before.
Anyone who looked at the governor’s other children couldn’t believe they were related to Richard.
The two younger males and sister looked nothing like their older brother. While their hair was golden blonde, and always kept trimmed, Richard’s hair was black, greasy, and often unkempt.
Even though Richard dressed in expensive clothes, they were ill--fitted and did nothing to improve his slovenly appearance. It was his raven eyes that drew stares from most of the Utopians – cold, evil eyes, unlike the crystal blue eyes of his siblings.
There was no doubt in anyone’s mind Richard was Meredith’s pride and joy. Even though her other children could rot, and she wouldn’t shed a tear, she liked controlling them.
Seventeen-year-old Joshua was biding his time until he could leave home and make a life of his own. Sometimes, he wanted to be as far from Utopia as possible. The only thing keeping him at the colony was his best friend, Will Crestwell.
The city reminded Samhael of the village in Purgatory. People were scurrying about, tying satin bows around the lampposts. The scent of fresh flowers and homemade breads and cakes was in the air, and a make-shift altar was being decorated with white roses. The preparations were underway for Caspian’s wedding.
Many of the shops had their doors open, and some of the residents were seated at some of the outdoor cafes, talking excitedly about the nuptials.
Knowing he would find Richard at the governor’s mansion, Samhael stopped one of the passersby and asked for directions. They had no idea who he was, and assumed he was in town for the wedding.
The estate was not far from town, and after a brief walk, Samhael found himself in front of the home Richard shared with his parents and younger brothers.
Samhael knocked on the door and was met by a young servant girl. “Good afternoon – I’m looking for Richard. Can you tell me if he’s here?”
“Whom may I say is calling?”
“My name is Sam; I’m an old friend.”
“Wait here and I’ll call Master Richard.” She hurried away and when she returned, Richard was with her.
“You can return to your duties, Acadia – there is still a great deal to do before the wedding tomorrow,” Richard said.
The girl curtsied and hurried out of the room. “What are you doing here? What if someone recognizes you?” Richard whispered.
Samhael started to laugh.
“I doubt there is anyone here who knows me. We need to talk. I have a proposition for you. By the way, Lucifer sends his regards.”
“I’m rather busy – can’t this wait until tomorrow?”
“Is there somewhere we can speak in private?”
Richard’s eyes gazed around the room to make sure no one was listening in.
“There is an old cabin on the outskirts of town. My father-in-law used to go there to tinker with his inventions. It has been abandoned since his death. We can speak there.”
He then guided the fallen angel out the door, unaware that his brothers Caspian and Joshua were watching from one of the upstairs bedroom windows.
Richard and Samhael walked past the city limits, until they arrived at the woods. The old wooden shack appeared to be on its last leg. There were holes in the tin roof, the steps were half rotted away, and the glass windows were shattered.
Once inside, Samhael looked at the old furniture which consisted of a round wooden table, two chairs, and a cloth sofa that had seen better days; a small cot was folded in one of the corners.
There was a cracked porcelain sink and small refrigerator in the kitchen. The dust was so thick it was clear no one had used the cabin in quite some time.
Without regard to the filth, Richard sat in one of the chairs, while Samhael stood across from him. “You’ll forgive me if I don’t care to soil my suit.”
“What’s so important that it couldn’t wait until after my brother’s wedding?”
“Lucifer wants to try another experiment and needs some volunteers. We were hoping you might suggest some of your mortal acquaintances. It has been a thousand years since we last made a pair of Abyvirs, but he feels the timing is right if we are going to succeed in eliminating the Guild and taking control of the angel-bloods.”
Samhael stepped on a cockroach which was scampering across the floor. He searched for a piece of cloth on the counter and wiped the residue from his shoe.
Richard began to laugh, but seeing Samhael’s eyes squint in fury, his humor was short-lived. “I’ve never heard of an Abyvir in any of my lessons.”
Heaving the dirty towel across the room, Samhael went to the sink to wash his hands. Not wanting to touch another filthy rag, he allowed the air to dry them.
“I’m not surprised. It is the culmination of mixing the blood of a hell-hound with that of a human. They rarely survive, but those who do have enormous strength. When they aren’t attacking, they can pass for any other mortal, but they have no free will and are absolutely obedient. Lucifer thought you may be able to suggest a few friends who would be willing to take the risk. They will be well-compensated for their efforts.”
“I may know a pair of brothers who have done some work for me in the past. I’ll ask them if they have any associates. What are you prepared to offer if they agree to accept the hound’s blood?”
“If they survive, they will become part of Lucifer’s special guard.”
He looked around the cabin – with a good cleaning, it could serve the needs of the creatures. “We are on the brink of war, and the more weapons we can procure -- the better. I will send some servants to clean up this mess. I’m afraid it will have to do until more suitable arrangements can be made.”
“I’ll agree to this, but I have a few conditions. I want their first victims to be my sister and her family. They live in the country, so there shouldn’t be a problem with them returning to the woods after the deed is done. I am to be engaged to Renatta Carnegie, but she has refused my advances. They can attack her and scar her face, but I want the rest of her intact. Are you certain you can control these beasts?”
“We will manage them. Since you will be assisting me, they will be under your control. I am far too busy to deal directly with them – that will be your job. If you are still planning to take control of Utopia, you will find them an invaluable asset. I assume you intend to remove your father from his position as governor and do away with his council?”
“Yes – but first we’ll take care of my sister. If the beasts are successful, my brother, Caspian, will be their next target.”
Samhael began to chuckle again. “I take it you aren’t pleased about your brother’s marriage to Desiree?”
“Once I get Renatta’s money, she will have an unfortunate accident. Then, I’ll work on getting rid of Caspian so Desiree and I can be together. This marriage is nothing short of a charade; Desiree will always love me.”
“I don’t understand why you just don’t marry her now.”
“My mother insists that I wed Renatta. Her family is one of the richest in Utopia.”
“Surely you were made a wealthy man when you inherited your deceased wife’s estate.”
“That was eighteen years ago. I’m not destitute, but raising a teenage daughter costs money. I‘m accustomed to a certain standard of living. Marrying Renatta will secure my future and the future of my children. I have to get back to the house, but we can plan to meet the day after tomorrow. I’ll have an answer for you then. I’m certain Chester and Clarence will agree to your proposal if the price is right.”
Samhael doubled over in laughter. “Clarence and Chester – how priceless; they sound fearless already.”
“I’m sure we can change their names if they agree to your terms.”
“I’ll inform Lucifer you are on board with our plans; until we meet again.” Samhael snapped his fingers and disappeared leaving behind a thin cloud of black smoke.
Richard left the cabin and walked back to town. Seeing all of the wedding decorations made him angry.
Caspian doesn’t deserve Desiree. She should be mine. Then again, she will still be mine; we’ll just have to be a little more discreet about our meetings.
Richard continued his walk with a smile on his face until he reached his parents house. He found Desiree in the parlor reading a book. When he was certain no one was looking, he pulled her into an embrace.
“Nothing has to change. We can still be together,” he whispered in her ear.
Before they could break apart one of the young maids walked into the room carrying a tray with a pot of tea and two cups.
“A thousand pardons,” she said, her face turning a deep shade of scarlet.
“Don’t be silly,” Desiree responded, trying to diffuse the embarrassing situation. “Richard was just telling me a secret. You can take the tea back to the kitchen; we’ll be going to town for some refreshments.”
The girl kept her head down and scurried out of the room, taking the tray with her.
“Do you think she’ll tell the other girls what she saw?” Desiree asked.
“They know we’ve always been close. If I worried about every bit of gossip that came from one of our servants, I would never have a minute’s peace.”
Desiree stood back and looked at Richard – really looked at him. She didn’t have the faintest idea why she fell in love with him. His black hair was greasy and unkempt. His clothes, despite being expensive, were ill-fitting, and his eyes were the color of coal.
His brother, Caspian, on the other hand, was much more handsome. She could sometimes see the muscles bulging through the sleeves of his shirts.
Caspian’s long blonde hair flowed freely in the wind; she almost wished his mother hadn’t insisted that he have it cut for the wedding. It was his friendly smile which had captured the attention of every single girl in Utopia – all but hers.
Yes, Caspian was quite the catch. Most of the residents loved him, but despised his eldest brother. Still, Desiree couldn’t deny she was in love with Richard, and would rather be marrying him.
It’s too late to change plans now – Meredith would never forgive me. I wish I could refuse to marry Caspian, but Meredith would make my life miserable. She has to know how I feel about Richard, yet she doesn’t seem to care. He is marrying someone else too; maybe Richard doesn’t love me as much as he pretends.
‘Your mother is planning dinner tonight, but we can go into town and have a glass o
f wine,” Desiree said.
“Are you as sick of these wedding preparations as I am?”
She nodded and Richard led her out of the parlor through the front entrance. Walking arm in arm neither paid any attention to the whispered comments and stares from the villagers.
Caspian and Joshua waited for his brother and future wife to leave before they walked downstairs.
“Did you recognize the man Richard was speaking to?” Joshua whispered.
“No – but I don’t travel in the same circles as our older brother. Maybe Richard has purchased a special gift for Desiree and he wants to make sure it arrives in time for the wedding.”
“I don’t think so. There was something odd about him; his hair and clothes were too meticulous. Do you think he could be a fallen angel?”
“We have wards around the city; if he was one of Lucifer’s disciples, we would have been warned about his presence. I wouldn’t worry about any trouble; the Guild and their family will be here tomorrow. Eve and Aura are both seers. They’ll know if Richard has invited any of the dark wings to the wedding. Do you have a date? I think you may like Adam’s daughter, Jessica.”
“I’ve heard all about her and her best friend, Rita, from our sister. Did you know they can call for angel-fire? They say the light is so bright it can blind the fallen.”
Caspian started to chuckle. “Let’s hope Richard or Mother won’t give them a reason to use their weapons.”
“I’m sure they’ll be on their best behavior. Does Mother know the Guild is coming?”
“I have agreed to this farce with the understanding that my friends will be in attendance. I have no doubt my future bride will be occupied with our brother for most of the day. Everyone knows she would rather marry Richard.”
“There is still time to change your mind. I know Desiree won’t object.”
“I’ve given my word, and regardless of how miserable I’ll be, I won’t break my bond. I will tell you that I plan to spend as little time with my wife as I can. I’ve been thinking of enlisting in the Guard, and plan to speak to Paul and Adam about my decision tomorrow after the nuptials.”