War of Wings

by War of Wings (ARC) (epub)

  Michael approached, all business again. “Let’s go, Gabriel.”

  “I agree.”

  Michael and Gabriel led that army of angels all over the inner island of Heaven—from the Granite Falls above Paradise Canyon all the way around the Great Mountain through the White Woods, the Mountains of the Canyon Reef, the Rolling Hills of Peace, and past the Field of Tranquility—as they gathered even more angels to join in their campaign. Large groups of angels were at each popular site. Near the Field of Tranquility, Michael halted the army with the help of Gabriel, Thyaterra, and even Jasifer. He flew up to address the crowd once again.

  “We have found so many lost angels in a very short period of time! We will still be well outnumbered. We have a long way to go in order to stand up against the masses that now follow Lucifer, but it can and will be done!” Many in the crowd were unmoved and a large number looked worried, but Michael flapped his wings and spoke to them with such confidence that it was hard to say he was wrong.

  Gabriel had an idea and grabbed Michael’s shoulder. “I do not want to split up, but at this point, we need to cover as much land and gather as many angels as we can. We have two small groups that will be led to hunt for more. One will head east, and one will head south. We will all meet back here as soon as we have covered the second circle in each of our directions. What do you think?”

  “I think you are right.”

  Gabriel looked over at Jasifer. “Jasifer, you are a powerful leader, and many look up to you. I know you don’t think highly of me, but I ask you for your help in leading a team east. I believe there is no one better.”

  Jasifer’s stony expression finally softened. “I thought you would never ask. Mind if I take a few cherubim, sir?”

  Gabriel nodded and smiled. “Please don’t call me that.”

  “Sorry, sir.” He flipped around. “Let’s go!” Jasifer leaped into the air, and twelve other cherubim followed close at his heels.

  Gabriel noticed the crew was a little intimidating. Probably too intimidating. “Merithah, would you and the virtues join them?”

  She looked up at the cherubs taking off. “Of course. They may be a little rough around the edges, but it’s nothing a little virtue softness can’t fix.” She winked at Gabriel and turned to gather the others. The four angels agreed. When they flew off, Gabriel noticed how fast they were—faster than any angels he’d seen besides one. He remembered flying with Arrayah. It comforted him to know that if it came down to it, at least she could fly away from danger. It must be one of the many gifts of the virtues.

  Michael said, “Quick thinking. I’m not sure anyone would have talked to that rough bunch without the virtues along.”

  Gabriel left his thoughts of Arrayah and quickly came back to the conversation. “Sometimes a female’s touch is all you need.”

  Michael laughed. “Not what you need. Well, let’s go.”

  Thyaterra took it upon herself to lead some of the seraphim south toward the lower rainforests in search of more angels. She said the seraphim would have no problem attracting attention. It was the act of actually getting angels to follow them that she wasn’t sure of.

  “Meet back here after covering the second circle straight south, and we will do the same,” Gabriel called to Thyaterra as they left.

  “We will!”

  “I hope Rametheus doesn’t disappoint us,” Michael said, flying alongside Gabriel.

  “I know you are not beginning to doubt yourself. We are on the right side, remember?”

  “Yes, we are. That is why you are my brother, Gabriel. You keep my head straight.” He grabbed him by the shoulder and pulled him in for a quick hug. Michael lowered his tone to a whisper near Gabriel’s ear. “You are the backbone of this resistance. Don’t forget. These angels look up to you for strength and confidence. Without it, things could fall apart.”

  “I understand. Everything God told you has come true. You still believe that right?”

  “With all my heart. He also told me that you would be responsible for saving half of the angels. Remember that?”

  They continued east, skirting the base of the Great Mountain. To rest their wings, they walked across the fields. The air started to get cooler. A slight wind began that Heaven had never experienced before. Soft smoke rose in the sky and gathered together to form clouds. Many angels stopped walking and looked up. Something was coming soon; Gabriel could feel it.

  “We must keep on!” Michael shouted to him. “We are running out of time. We need to save as many as we can.”

  Gabriel jumped in the air and flew over the crowd. He shouted to everyone to keep moving. He told them God was coming back.

  They did keep moving. Only a few fell behind. After a little bit of walking, just south of the Great Mountain and before the Hanging Gardens, they reached the grounds of the Provender. It was as thick and lush as ever, the grass was damp with dew, and the far end was dense with fog. It made Gabriel think of the games.

  As they started across it, an angel fifty yards to Gabriel’s left was suddenly catapulted in the air with a spike driven through both wings. It happened so fast that for a moment they all just stared. Then Gabriel heard the spring of a mechanism in the ground next to him and the angel to his right was knocked to the grass, shrieking, a jagged jaw of metal clamped onto his leg and wing. Much of the army froze in place, others took to the skies, while a few went to free the injured. Gabriel stared into the fog, trying to tune out the cries of pain. He could see exactly what he hoped he wouldn’t. They were all out of time.

  Straight ahead beneath the fog, a massive, dense line of angels—over five miles wide and seemingly endless in depth—stood in opposition. They were about a mile away across the large field of grass where the sporting events had always taken place. It was ironic, Gabriel mused darkly, given the good nature of the games. They had taught angels to battle for fun.

  “Those aren’t the angels we’re looking for, are they?” said Gabriel, staring straight forward.

  “No, I don’t imagine they are,” replied Michael.

  The entire dark group in the distance carried weapons. Even the classes of angels that didn’t normally wear armor were outfitted with breastplates, shoulder guards, helmets, wrist guards, and leg guards. The few who didn’t have at least one black piece of armor wore a piece of dark-black cloth on some part of their bodies. Many were covered with the color.

  Heaven had never seen the pitch black that they wore because there had never been such a complete absence of light. It was like they had embraced the darkness with this color. They had somehow found a way to make it and lots of it.

  Gabriel noticed seraphim and cherubim hovering throughout the opposing army, acting as connection points for communication with the six angels in front who led them. At the helm was Lucifer, easily distinguishable even at this distance. He was relaying messages through his network to his entire army. The highest cherub was clearly not only powerful but frighteningly intelligent. Gabriel took to the skies to avoid the traps and snares, and Michael followed him.

  “Everyone must stay here!” Michael shouted. “Step carefully and tend to the wounded. We will confront them civilly if we can.” Gabriel’s intentions weren’t exactly the same, but he would try to stay calm for not only Michael but also for the rest of his followers as well. Being a leader had its downfalls—like maturity and responsibility.

  An angel broke from the crowd and flew up to him. It was Raphael. He had neatly groomed facial hair now, so Gabriel hardly recognized him.

  “Gabriel,” he said. “I want to apologize to you. I have made mistakes in my past and have still been quick to judge others. I want you to know that I am sorry.”

  Gabriel appreciated the apology, but it wasn’t the best time to say the least. “It is quite fine, Raphael. I apologize too. I never gave much effort to doing the right things.”

  “I fear something bad is going to happen, something terrible, and I think I may know why.” The angel’s skin seemed t
o have aged a thousand years. His face was lined with worry.

  “Let’s talk about this another time.” Gabriel tried to focus on the opposition ahead, which was slowly approaching.

  “No, Gabriel! I need to tell you now before it is too late. I told a horrible lie years ago about an archangel to tear him away from someone that loved him deeply. I was selfish because I wanted her for myself, and it worked. She never believed him again and left him to his seclusion.”

  “Amitiel?”

  “Yes. My closest angel knows nothing of my lie. She is the angel of truth and knows nothing of my lie! But he does, and I fear him now. Azrael is over there. I know it.”

  “It is fine, Raphael. I’m sure you were forgiven long ago.”

  “Not for this lie. I don’t think I can ever be forgiven for something like this.”

  Raphael might be right. Gabriel thought of the hatred burning in Azrael’s eyes when he spoke of Raphael. “We have all made mistakes.”

  “I haven’t told you what it is I did. I need to say it, and you’ll understand.”

  “I do understand. It doesn’t matter what you did or said. We have a forgiving God. If Azrael hasn’t forgiven you after all this time, he will be the one who suffers, not you. Now I need you to calm down and help us out right now.”

  Gabriel had to believe God would forgive anything because if Arrayah was to go through what Michael said, he needed to believe she would be forgiven. If not, he didn’t know what he could believe in. “I need you to fly as quickly as you can to find Thyaterra and Jasifer and the others. Lead them to us as soon as possible. Can you do that? Think of Amitiel; she is with us too. Do it for her and focus.”

  Raphael seemed to come to a decision and drew a deep breath. “Of course, Gabriel. Anything I can do to help.”

  Raphael was considered one of the friendliest angels in Heaven, and Gabriel knew his charming demeanor could possibly help make the meeting they needed to have with Lucifer civil. However, Raphael wasn’t himself, and it was important to make sure Thyaterra and Jasifer were brought back with their armies quickly. Michael could think whatever he wanted, but Gabriel had a feeling Lucifer’s army wasn’t looking for peace.

  “Are you and Raphael done?” asked Michael. “Lucifer and his leaders are walking our way. We should meet them peacefully.”

  Gabriel held his tongue. Lucifer didn’t want peace. As the six of them approached, they dodged certain spots in the field, and Gabriel realized how far the secret traps must stretch. No, this had been planned for a long time.

  “They sure are walking funny, aren’t they?” Gabriel said dryly. “Let’s go, but watch your step.”

  Michael instructed their followers to stay where they were, and he and Gabriel dropped down to the field and began walking to meet their counterparts. When they were almost halfway between armies, Gabriel noticed that the six were made up of Lucifer, Abbeus, Saraquel, Arrayah, Delia, and, surprisingly, Azrael. Lucifer and Arrayah were in the middle with the others flanking. Gabriel and Michael stopped and waited for them.

  His attention shifted from his fellow archangel to his favorite virtue. “Arrayah,” he murmured accidentally. Just the sight of her was a relief.

  “Keep your cool, Gabriel. I want this to stay as peaceful as possible. We need God right now,” said Michael.

  God isn’t coming, Gabriel thought. They needed Rametheus, Thyaterra, Jasifer, and every last angel they had gathered. Gabriel spared Michael his doubts. The six drew closer, and Lucifer led the way, nearing Gabriel. Gabriel felt energy pumping through every part of his body.

  “Gabriel,” Lucifer said, spreading open his arms. “It’s good to see you back on your feet.”

  They all laughed except Arrayah, who faked a smile uneasily when her companions looked at her. Gabriel cared more about her reaction than anyone else’s. She waited for them to turn away from her and mouthed, “I’m sorry.” Her apology was cheapened by the absurd number of jewels on her gown.

  Lucifer’s wings were missing feathers near their base. Gabriel had never seen one missing feather on an angel before, much less the entire base where the cherub’s wings met his back. The base was a pinkish hue with a scaly texture, and it looked painful. Something was terribly wrong with him. His hair had changed to a long, dark black, and his eyes were a deep, dark brown, like burnt wood.

  Lucifer gave three slow handclaps as he danced toward Gabriel. “So, where do we go from here, archangel? And here I thought Michael was going to be the biggest spike in my side. How did that angel enjoy the spike in his by the way?”

  “What do you want, Lucifer?”

  “I want something you can’t give me, Michael. You archangels are playing admirably big roles in this for both sides, but you are still insignificant. These two, however, won’t be for much longer.” He gestured to Saraquel and Azrael.

  Azrael stood shrouded in a massive dark cloak, yet even his hidden face couldn’t disguise the hatred in his eyes. What was Lucifer putting in their heads?

  “Azrael, I know you are angry,” Gabriel said. “I know you hold onto jealousy and hatred for Raphael because of her. You don’t have to do this, you know. He is sorry.” Azrael quivered with disgust. Gabriel focused back on Arrayah. “Every last one of you can be forgiven for this.”

  “It’s interesting you say that, Gabriel, because as you stare at Arrayah, we all know you are the jealous one. I can help you with that you know.”

  Gabriel strained to hold himself back. Lucifer only smiled.

  “End this, Lucifer,” Michael said.

  Lucifer slumped his arms and shoulders with exaggerated animation. “Ah, but it is such a fine day, and I would hate to spoil it. You know, I’m feeling benevolent. I will still allow you to join us before things get out of control. What do you two say?”

  Gabriel listened, but his thoughts about Arrayah tortured him. Why did she not leave this twisted creature’s side? “Arrayah, you don’t have to follow him. You owe him no allegiance. I love you and want the best for you. This is not it, and you know it.”

  Arrayah’s confusion and uncertainty had already been plainly written on her face. Now, as she looked at Gabriel and then over at Lucifer, he saw fear for the first time in her.

  “That is so touching,” Lucifer said. “Your feelings are such a priority of ours. Still, unfortunately for you, Arrayah has made her choice.” His voice changed from its pleasant silkiness to a scratchy hiss. “I will not tell you again that she is no longer your concern.”

  “I wasn’t talking to you,” Gabriel said. Michael gestured to him to calm down. He did, with difficulty. Arrayah wouldn’t even look at him again.

  “We have two sides with conflicting beliefs, Lucifer,” Michael said. “I think we should keep them separate until God returns.”

  “Where is your God, Michael? You seem to know Him so well. It seems He is scared to show up, even at this very late hour.” His voice was still noticeably different than Gabriel had ever heard. Even Abbeus and Arrayah turned in surprise at his scratchy inflections. Saraquel ducked a little toward Lucifer’s back.

  “You can’t see yourself, but everyone else can. You have no idea what you have become. God is allowing all this for a reason. You will soon see.”

  Abbeus fully outstretched his six wings. “We are replacing God’s throne with Lucifer’s. It is superior for a superior leader. The new heavenly order will take effect as of this day’s end. Lucifer is our new god. The old one will be dealt with upon His return, should He ever do so.”

  “Your dramatic gestures are unnecessary. Your six wings do not mean much to me except that they will burn longer. Nothing is happening until He returns,” said Michael.

  “I believe it is,” broke in Lucifer. “My angels are prepared. We have power and knowledge neither you nor anyone on your side comes even close to possessing. You leave us with no choice but to initiate the final resolution, which we are fully prepared for.” As he spoke, his face darkened further as he noticed another group o
f angels emerge in the distance. Gabriel turned to see that they were led by a seraph. There were many more angels than had been with them before, close to two hundred thousand. Although great, their numbers still paled in comparison to Lucifer’s.

  “It looks as if you have added another insignificant group to your tiny army. Congratulations,” said Saraquel. He was holding one of Lucifer’s wings. He seemed to have grown taller since their last meeting, yet he cowered behind Lucifer. He was surprisingly arrogant in his speech for an angel hiding behind his master.

  The new addition of angels moved to the front line of Gabriel’s and Michael’s army. Lucifer’s face harbored a frown when he realized who was leading the new addition of angels. Six feathers fell from Lucifer’s wings and landed softly behind his feet. Gabriel saw them drop and then followed Lucifer’s line of sight to Thyaterra. Right next to her were Bretabian and Raphael. They must have been close already. For a moment, a light almost like compassion shone in Lucifer’s eyes.

  Then Lucifer’s body shivered and his voice shrieked. “The time for talking is over! Bow down and give up your army! Your God is no longer in control here!”

  Lucifer grabbed Arrayah. Gabriel began to tense up. Lucifer threw her behind him a little too roughly, and she yelped. Gabriel stepped closer with clenched fists.

  “You are fine, Arrayah! Back up, archangel. We’ve been through this once already.” Lucifer drew his sword. “I know she has you all choked up inside because you are weak, but stand down or it will cost you your whole following.” He grabbed Arrayah by the wrist and jerked her back onto her feet. “Arrayah, come here and—”

  Gabriel rushed at Lucifer and tackled him by the legs, slamming him down to the ground on his back. Lucifer’s head hit the ground so hard it sounded like it had cracked open.

  “No, Gabriel!” cried Arrayah.

  When Lucifer hit the ground, it was the single move that triggered the start of the war. The entire front row of Lucifer’s millions of angels came tearing down the Provender, screaming. Their swords were drawn, armor clanking, dust and grass flying up under their feet. Some angels jumped in the air to travel faster while others ran and leaped over traps. A deafening roar rang throughout all of Heaven as they charged across the field, headed straight for Gabriel.