The Angel's Covenant (The Covenant series)

by Lynn Landes

  "I would be honored Papi. You will hug them for me, wont you," she asks wiping her tears.

  "Always, angel," hugging her tight he says, "I am ready."

  "Picture her in your mind; see the love she has shining for you in her eyes. She waits for you Papi, the boys are longing to feel your arms around them...A white light appears like a door, picture it opening and them running to you, and you are home again."

  Pure Joy explodes from his soul, and he starts toward the light pausing he turns to look at her one last time, he says "We will be watching for you daughter." Then he turns back just as the door opens and Elina is rewarded with the echoes of joy, and laughter as her Father runs to her Mother and Senaka. The light begins to fade and they all turn to Elina and wave. Laughing and crying Elina watches as they begin to fade and it is then she realizes that she does not see Hemana. Her eyes snap to her Mother's and she shakes her head yes at Elina. The door closes and the light fades, Elina drops to her knees, "He's Alive!" she whispers.

  Eight

  "He's Alive!" Elina had tried for the last ten years to not think about her brother, but she remembered everything. She remembers holding him in her arms, the way he smelled, what he wore, how he sucked his bottom lip when he was sleeping, everything.

  Sitting on her knees freezing, Elina feels ...hope. Laughing out loud she clutches the scroll to her chest and breathes a deep cleansing breath. "Thank you!" she says prayerfully, "I am not alone." Getting up from the floor she realizes the Ketuwah has moved away from her and now floats in front of her, waiting.

  "I suppose if I give you this scroll, it solidifies my role in this," she says out loud. Clutching it tightly against her chest, she thinks of all those who lost loved ones and of the destruction one fallen angel has brought, she can't imagine the evil a legion of angels would bring. Stepping forward she says, “I will do everything I can with the power you have given me to set this right."

  An explosion of hot, blue light ricochets off the silky walls and she reaches out toward the flame. Elina watches as the light wraps around her hand sucking the scroll and half her arm into its brilliance. A tentacle of light reaches out and forms a hand, which softly touches her temple with its fingertips.

  The vision hits her strong and hard, overhead a black night sky full of beautiful stars, shine and twinkle. A brilliant star begins shooting across the sky headed for Earth; it lands in an explosion of dust. Rising out of the earth is an Angel. Suddenly more stars follow, all of them landing just as the first did. After the dust settles the One leads the two hundred who followed and they set off on their chosen path. They ignore the lightening, and thunder, and the cries of the heavenly brothers who watch and weep; for they can hear them no longer. With every step they take the cries of humanity shake the heavenly sky.

  Four brilliant stars larger than the rest shoot across the sky and land in front of the fallen, making them tremble in fear. Rising from the dust are the four Archangels known as the Fist of God. Uriel the leader stands nine feet tall, his white blonde hair blows around his shoulders. His muscular chest is covered in golden armor, in his left hand he holds a seven foot broad sword blazing with the Light of Heaven. The beauty of his white wings is astonishing. They are snow white except for the arches which are traced in a golden path leading to the gilded feathers.

  To his right stands Gabriel the warrior angel, every inch of him is covered in silver armor. He wears a molded face mask that shows only his black eyes. His breast plate is molded and muscular, and the crevices trimmed in red. His wings are more weapons than ornament. Where the other Archangel wings are feathered his are made out of whips of molten red electricity. They move around him like snakes looking for a target.

  To the left of the one, stand Malach and Simeon. They are a striking contrast to each other. Malach is large as all archangels are, with long black hair and wings of cobalt blue and black. He wears armor hammered with the imprint of scales, alternating blue and black across the breastplate. His arms are bare and tattooed in a strange moving pattern that ripples and shifts. He stares at the Fallen with pity in his emerald eyes. Simeon stands a foot taller than Malach at just over eight feet. His head is shaved, and upon his beautiful chocolate skin he wears a golden chain mail shirt, a simple pair of black leather pants with a belt laden with weapons including a quiver of golden arrows. His muscular arms are free and in one hand he holds a golden cross bow. His gold wings are spread behind him, each feather a polished blade reflecting the eyes of the two hundred.

  The largest Uriel steps forward and asks in a deep voice, "Why have you forsaken Eden, you were Holy ones, Immortal and pure?"

  The leader of the fallen Samiel says "Tell me brothers,” he sneers “why should the Sons of Glory bow to the Sons of Filth!"

  A soft rain begins to fall as all of heavens stars weep. Uriel's eyes shoot shafts of golden light and he strikes the Earth with his mighty fist. Cracking it open as the followers of the One tumble screaming into its fiery depths. Only Samiel remains.

  "So he sent his dogs to earn their keep!” Samiel says sneering at the four. Malach strikes him across the face with his mighty fist and to Samiels shock he is knocked from his feet to the dust below. Wiping at his mouth his fingers come away tipped in ruby blood.

  The three step forward as the Earth is sealed shut, and grasping Samiel they force him to his knees. Stepping forward Uriel pulls the Sword of Judgment and with tears in his eyes sentences his brother. "You shall spend eternity walking the Earth as a tarnished angel." The three force his beautiful white wings open as Uriel slices them from his body! "From this day forward you shall be known as the Mocker, for you mocked the gifts of Heaven. Your name shall be struck from all the books of eternity, never to be spoken again." Tossing him into the dirt, Uriel calls upon the fire of heaven and the four watch, as his beautiful white wings are engulfed in holy fire and burnt to ash. Then turning they return to heaven, leaving him screaming with his hands full of ash.

  Elina stumbles as the Ketuwah leaves her and finds to her surprise that she still holds the scroll. "I don't understand." A loud cracking sound from behind has her whipping around. The water is up to her ankles now, and Elina says, "Okay then, time to go." The blue light of the Ketuwah flares brightly catching her attention, it moves towards her and wraps her completely in its protective embrace. From above they watch the caves walls crumble and she finds herself spinning through space and time. Dizzy she closes her eyes opening them when she stops moving. She finds she is standing near the barn, Elina trembles clutching the scroll and watches as the Ketuwah grows smaller and smaller, finally disappearing all together.

  "Amazing!" she whispers. "What is?" her Uncle Ronnie asks from behind her. Quickly turning around, Elina tries to calm her heart. "I can't stop shaking," she says in a strange voice. "You okay Lina?" he rushes forward realizing he startled her. "Sorry, I have been watching for you.” Grabbing her arm, he says "No wonder Girl you’re soaking wet and frozen. Let’s get you inside your Aunt Ruby has been worrying me to death, pacing the floors and not resting."

  Taking off his coat he wraps her in it and guides her to the side door, leading her into the kitchen.

  "Ron?" Ruby says walking into the kitchen ”Oh thank goodness!” Looking at her daughter she says "What’s wrong? Are you okay? Are you hurt?" Rushing over, she kneels down to take her hands but finds she is holding something. "Lina, what's going on?" she asks her. "No, no I am okay; I just need a few minutes,” she responds in a raspy voice. "I just need to change, and get warm then we will talk, okay." Standing up on weak knees she walks slowly to the door, before she leaves she turns to them and says, "It's going to be okay" and heads up to her room. Ronnie puts his arm around Ruby and asks, "Is she trying to convince us or herself?"

  Wiping steam from the mirror, Elina stares at her reflection. Her black hair is slicked back, highlighting the paleness of her skin. Her mother’s turquoise eyes stare back at her, older and wiser now with the burden they carry. Thinking about her fam
ily together at last, she smiles flashing a single dimple back at her. Her smile fades as she wonders about her brother. How is it possible that he is alive? Maybe Malach will have the answers.

  Thinking about Malach, Elina stares at the woman in the mirror and feels ashamed. He was right, she was broken, and he gave her a chance to put some of the pieces back together. It is time she accepted her destiny. "Malach" she whispers "forgive me; I am sorry I lashed out at you." Thinking of how she taunted him, her cheeks heat. Remembering the strength of his wings, surprisingly muscular more weapon that ornament she feels her heart race. "You have always been there for me." Turning from the mirror she quickly pulls on her sweatshirt and jeans. Braiding her hair, she wonders if he will forgive her. The connection they share has always been so strong that she could feel him in her heart and mind. Now she feels nothing. Either he is blocking or he is too far away.

  The smell of coffee drifts to her drawing her to her family. Walking into the living room she sees Aunt Ruby setting down a pot of coffee, with a warm loaf of cinnamon raisin bread waiting. Uncle Ronnie says something that has her blushing and smacking at his hands as he laughs. Tears fill her eyes as she realizes that she has been incredibly blessed to be loved by these people. Quietly she offers a quick prayer of gratitude.

  Turning at her sniffle, Ruby sees the tears and draws her into a hug. She says nothing, simply holding her offering comfort and love. It is enough. Ronnie walks over and wraps them both in a bear hug. Laughing from the circle of protection, Elina says "Okay, I am good now."

  Sitting close to the fire Elina stares at the flames, wondering where to start. "You know I spent so long trying not to think about my family and friends, that I forgot them. Today I saw them again. Looking at them she says “My Dad, Mom and brother Senaka." Wiping her tears away, she tells them how she helped him crossover. "This ability to be watchers is such a gift and I have taken that for granted. I can't hide from my destiny anymore."

  Ruby walks over and takes her hand "Elina what is it you are afraid to tell us?" Holding tight to her daughter she reaches for her husband’s hand saying “We are strongest when our family circle is connected. I can see if you will show me." Sharing her memories she waits for a response.

  They are visibly shaking when the connection is broken and staring at her. Elina sits on the couch waiting for a response. Uncle Ronnie says, "Well I didn't see that coming. Ruby, how about a drink?" Ruby brings three glasses and a bottle of brandy. Trying to pour their drinks she finds that she can't stop shaking. Ronnie covers her hand with his, and they stare at each other. "I'll do it."

  Shooting back his drink, he looks at his daughter and for a moment he wants to take his family and run. Feeling ashamed he can't bring himself to say anything. Ruby sips her drink and looks at her daughter asking in her quiet voice, "Did you really slap an archangel?"

  They all start laughing, and Elina responds "I know I should feel ashamed but he had it coming!"

  "The look on his face was priceless!" Aunt Ruby says laughing till tears spill out.

  "Blood thirsty heathens," Uncle Ronnie comments, and they all laugh harder.

  After the fire is burned, lower, and the laughter fades away, Elina looks at them and asks "Did you know my brother was alive?"

  Aunt Ruby says forcefully "No, we would have fought for him if we knew. Did they give you any clue as to how you should look for him?"

  "It all happened so fast, there was no time for questions." Frustrated, she drops her head to her hands. "I'm so tired. Maybe in the morning I will be able to sort it out." Watching her walk to her room, they both sit stunned by all they have leaned. Ronnie says "Let her sleep, we will tell her in the morning."

  Nine

  "Malach was here, he left this for you," Uncle Ronnie says dropping a package onto the kitchen table.

  "What, when. Why didn't he talk to me?" Elina says upset. "I can't believe this!"

  "Elina," Ruby says, "He came when you were gone, he told us you would be leaving soon and that everything you need is in this." Speaking softly she touches the envelope. "Let's get one thing straight before this goes any farther," Uncle Ronnie says "WE are your family and We will do whatever is needed to keep you safe. You will not cut us out of your life, We want to help you meet your destiny; will you let us?"

  Standing up and facing them she says "I am the Keeper of the Light. It is my duty to unite our people; will you help me no matter the cost?" Uncle Ronnie reaches for Ruby's hand and says to her "You shouldn't have to ask us that. We will help you, Elina. Let’s get started."

  Elina takes the small manila folder and opens it carefully shaking the contents out on the butcher block table. A set of keys with a business card and a small white envelope land on the table."Okay, a puzzle. I hate puzzles," Elina mutters picking up the keys. Dropping the keys in her pocket she reaches for the envelope and slices it open.

  Aunt Ruby looks at the business card and reads out loud, "Galena's Treasures, Handcrafted Jewelry specializing in custom vintage pieces and gemstone jewelry. Charleston, South Carolina. Odd."

  "Let's just do a quick search on this, I will be right back,” and she rushes off to her laptop in the living room. "What's in the envelope, Elina?" Uncle Ronnie asks sitting down with her. "It's just a note from Malach," she says quietly sliding it to him.

  "Saint Mary's Hospital. Room number 418, Charleston South Carolina. Guide Serena home. Well, not much of a talker is he?" he says cryptically. Laughing Elina says, "You said it, looks like I'm going to the beach. No mention of the keys either," she says frustrated. From the living room Aunt Ruby says, "You need to see this!"

  Hurrying to her side, Ruby lets Elina sit in front of the computer. "First I went to the website listed on the card, as I was reading some reviews; there was an odd one with a link to a YouTube video. You need to watch this!”

  Video 1

  “My name is Elsbeth, and I am making this video from my phone to document these events.” Leaning in closer to the camera Elsbeth tosses her long blond hair over her shoulder. Her blue eyes fill with tears and she says: “The shadows have returned, and I don’t know how much longer I will be able to run from them.”

  “My brother and I have always known they were around, though rarely did we feel threatened. The first attack came one stormy night, and I was afraid so I did what any sister would do, I went to my brother’s bedroom. We always kept each other safe. I didn’t wake him I just threw my pillow on bottom bunk bed and snuggled back down to sleep.”

  “I don’t remember much of the attack; Jake said it wasn’t the screaming that woke him. It was the silence, before the screaming. Everything went quiet and Jake woke with his heart pounding not sure why; but terrified. He was shaking and looked around the room and that’s when he heard it; A deep guttural growl. From the corner of his room large dark shapes appeared. They separated and he realized it was a pack of what looked like wolves, with glowing red eyes.” Elsbeth stood up pacing and continued speaking.

  “Advancing further into the room the Alpha watched as the pack members attacked me. They began snapping at me, grabbing my legs dragging me onto the floor. The other wolves joined in tearing at me with razor sharp teeth. I awoke to excruciating pain. I struggled to scream but the pressure was too much. One of the wolves had its jaws clamped around my throat. I couldn’t break free, or make a sound. All I could feel was the ripping of my flesh on my arms and legs. Terrified I watched as it all unfolded. Jake jumped screaming from the top bunk at the leader of the pack and they collided in mid air. He was screaming, and screaming. We could hear Mom and Dad beating on the door, trying to get it open.”

  Pausing in mid stride Elsbeth advanced on the camera and with tears flowing freely she said, “Jake grabbed him by the throat and the moment he touched him the alpha wolf exploded into gray mist. There was a screaming in the room and I could breathe again. The pack members ran to the corner of the wall and simply disappeared into it. Crying, Jake crawled to me on his hands and knees. That
is how they found us, after dad kicked the door in. I was coughing and crying but unharmed. There were no physical signs of trauma, not a scratch.”

  “Our parents didn’t believe us, who would.” Laughing a little Elsbeth said, “they thought it was just bad dreams from the storm. I do not know why they attacked me, but the wolves did not return. I guess Jake scared them off. The point is until then they only watched, never attacked. That’s all changed. I don’t know why? ” Looking into the camera again, she asks “Did I do something wrong? I don’t know. All I know is they feel evil, and I am scared.”

  “Leave a comment below if you know what or who they are.”

  Video 2

  “Before the wolf attack; I thought of them as angels, my shadow people. They seemed to be around the frail, weak or dying. Often in places like hospitals or nursing homes. God, we were babies, I was eight years old, and Jake was only five! We didn’t know what they were; we just wanted them to go away! I was never attacked again as a child. I could see them sometimes from the corner of my eye, or if I walked into a room. They did not want to be seen, any more than I wanted to see them.”

  “Something’s changed!” Elsbeth said talking faster “the attacks have returned. They started small at first, a push from behind, or tripping over unseen things.” Looking into the camera with blood shot eyes she continues, “I have been waking in the night, feeling like I am suffocating, choking. I am afraid to sleep. During the day doors open for no reason. Things are escalating; sometimes glasses fly across the room and shatter against the wall. Sunday after closing up my jewelry shop, I saw HIM.”

  Leaning in and whispering “I saw the shadow of a man, with a black hat watching me. He was leaning against a lamp post, staring at me with the same red glowing eyes of the wolf. I ran to my car and jumped in, locking my doors. I watched him from my mirrors as I drove away, he walked into the center of the street and stopped.”