Mark felt unsettled and thought about Sotare’s matter-of-fact explanations. “How could they rebel if they knew about God? I don’t get it.”
“Because that is what they wanted to do. Like you humans, we have the ability to make choices. And like you humans, some angels chose to do evil.”
Mark nodded. It made sense.
“But I need to add that the rebellion began with one great being. God’s first creation was the greatest of all in power and beauty. It was a magnificent being of light and always had a direct audience with the Almighty. It was this great being that first chose to rebel. Some say it was because of its exceedingly great beauty and power that it became prideful. It is said that this being took its eyes off of God and looked upon its own greatness and thought itself equal to the Almighty.”
Mark listened intently. “Is that the devil?”
“Yes,” said Sotare. “Because of his rebellion, a multitude of angels followed, seduced by clever words and that angel’s incredible, splendorous form.”
“They were all angels who rebelled?” asked Mark.
“Yes. They were angels of different kinds. When they rebelled, they were cast out of God’s presence forever. They also lost their light. They lost the purifying effect of God’s presence and so there was a kind of spiritual vacuum that resulted from being given over to their depraved souls. This vacuum was filled by everything that God is not: lies, selfishness, pride, arrogance, and rage. But there is something more. They are evil.”
Sotare looked at Mark with a stern expression. It seemed that Sotare was looking for the right words, almost frustrated at not being able to sufficiently convey what he knew. At least, that’s what Mark concluded.
“This evil is not a mere concept. It is an actual condition, a state of existence that permeates the very essence of these fallen creatures.” Sotare shifted forward in his seat slightly and moved his hands in front of him, emphasizing each syllable.
“Mark, you have no idea how incredibly deep their hatred is. It is as though evil itself was alive and could be sensed and experienced…something like when you humans feel a cold chill slice through your bones.”
Sotare sat back in his seat. His face seemed angular somehow. It was obvious that he had encountered this evil he was speaking about since he seemed to drift for a moment as though he were remembering something significant.
“They abide in darkness. They hate the light. They detest God. They abhor everything good. They despise what is right and honorable. They intensely loathe all humans, and they are completely given over to their own depraved filth.”
Sotare paused again for a moment before continuing.
“The light of God is purifying. When they rebelled, they changed. All goodness and beauty left them and they became evil.”
Mark was listening, hardly breathing.
“We were created in ranks. This means that there are different levels of angels and demons. Each kind possesses different strengths and abilities. The higher up in rank, the fewer there are. It is like an army. What you might call generals, we call principalities. Colonels would be somewhat equivalent to princes. The common foot soldiers, so to speak, are the most prevalent. We call them worker demons because they carry out the commands of the princes and principalities. It is these workers that are generally called demons by humans because it is they who manifest themselves the most.”
“Fascinating,” said Mark, finally speaking. He was trying to process it all and was momentarily distracted by a movement outside of the gazebo. There was a bird hopping along the path towards the house. As he focused on the little creature, he thought about what Sotare was saying. He hadn’t believed or disbelieved in all this spirit stuff but now he was faced with it head on. The bird stopped and pecked at something on the ground. Then it hopped out of sight behind a bush. Sotare was waiting for Mark to turn his attention back to him.
“There are demons that cause destruction of life. Others possess and oppress people, imitating the dead, whispering into the mind, authoring destructive and deceptive ideas, false religions, vain philosophies, and helping to motivate people to rebel against God.”
Sotare shifted in his seat again.
“The fallen ones have been given over to hatred, so their natures reflect their evil. They act on their hatred. They are vicious and vile creatures that take perverse pleasure in expressing their malevolence upon anything weaker than they. And humans are indeed weak.” Sotare paused before saying, “Perhaps that is why you humans are of great interest to the Almighty.”
Mark’s eyes narrowed.
“Spiritual battles occur all over the world in countless ways. Multitudes of wars have been started at the hands of demonic forces: murders, rapes, thefts, lying, and all sorts of evils are due, in part, to the manipulations of demonic forces upon mankind.”
“Are you saying that all the world’s problems are due to these things?”
“No. They only help accomplish what is already in the heart of mankind.”
Mark stiffened. “So I guess you are saying that we are evil, too?”
“Yes and no. It is a little difficult to explain. You are fallen. This means that your natures have been affected by sin, by rebellion. You’re not as bad as you could be. For the most part, you do okay. You’re not completely given over to it, but you’re affected by it in everything you are.”
“I don’t understand.”
“Your heart, mind, body, soul, will, emotions—everything that you are—have been touched by this evil. Every human I’ve ever encountered has displayed some sort of pride or selfishness, coveting, lying, or unrighteous anger. On the other hand, the great majority of you are pretty decent people—from a human perspective.”
Sotare shifted his position again, marking his words. “There are wars and rumors of wars. There are thefts and murders, rapes, deceptions, extortion, and so much more. They are in the heart of man, and demonic forces need only strengthen what is already there.” Sotare paused again to see how Mark was doing.
“You’re not very encouraging. I always thought that basically, down deep, people were good.”
“Yes, people believe that. And on the human level, most are good. But true goodness is not measured by man; it is measured by God. And compared to God, no one is good, not even one.”
Mark sighed. “I can’t argue that there are a lot of problems in the world, that’s for sure.”
Sotare continued, “Yes. Even now, there has been a battle over you.”
Mark cocked his head quizzically.
“Recall yesterday, when you almost committed suicide? Do you remember how it seemed that a voice was there?”
Mark nodded slowly, wondering how Sotare knew that, and feeling the sting of the memory.
“That was a worker demon. It was influencing you by whispering into your mind. It wanted your death. It had been sent to kill you.”
Sotare leaned forward slightly and said in a measured tone. “It is very fortunate for you that he did not succeed.”
Mark stared motionless and swallowed.
“If you had died, then you would have belonged to them.”
Mark felt a cold shudder slither up his spine. “Are you talking about hell?”
“Yes,” said Sotare.
“I always thought that hell was a fable, a myth used by religions to control people.”
“No. Truth does not control people. Lies do.”
Mark thought about the words and tried to shift the topic. “Okay, why doesn’t God destroy all the demons?”
“That is an excellent question, and one that we angels have discussed for millennia. But I don’t believe you are ready for the answer yet.”
Mark was obviously disappointed. “Are you saying you know why and won’t tell me?”
“I’m saying we think we know why and you aren’t ready for that answer yet. Perhaps I will tell you after you have learned more.”
Mark squinted again, annoyance evident in his expression.
>
Sotare continued. “The Almighty has given me instructions to answer your questions and also to grant you the ability to see the spiritual world.”
“Hold on,” interrupted Mark. “You mean that God himself told you to come to me?”
Sotare smiled and said, “Yes. Is that so hard to believe?”
“Well, I mean…God himself?”
“Yes. I receive my instructions from him.”
“How?”
With a smile Sotare said, “Let’s just say that we get a sensation, a knowledge that fills our minds. Nevertheless, you have been given a very rare privilege, even though you’re not one of ours.”
Mark flinched at the last few words. “What you mean by that, that I’m ‘not one of ours’?”
“We will answer that later as well. But for now, I must show you what is around you. Are you ready to see?”
“Hold on, this is a lot you’re throwing at me. I asked about Jacob and now you’re saying God sent you, you hear from God, that I’m not one of yours—whatever that means—and now you want me to see what’s around me. All this is a bit overwhelming. I’m not tracking you very well.”
Mark wanted Sotare to see his expression, which was clearly a mixture of irritation and confusion. Then, after a bit, he added, “What do you mean, see what is around me?”
“You are going to see the spiritual world, the world of demons and angels.”
Mark felt as though he’d somehow been caught bluffing. “You mean, actually see them?”
“Yes.”
Mark retreated into his seat. The concept of seeing another world where demons and angels existed and interacted had never crossed his mind. Science had not quantified or demonstrated the existence of anything other than the material world. It seemed incredible, but obviously it was true, since Sotare was right there. Mark was intrigued. “If you can show this to me, then I want to see it. I want to see it with my own eyes so I can believe it is real.”
Sotare approached Mark slowly. “In order for me to show you, I must touch you. In order for me to touch you, I must have your permission.”
“Touch me? What do you mean?”
“I need your permission to place my right hand over your eyes and my left hand behind your head. It takes only a moment and, when I remove my hands, you will see.”
Mark’s heart beat just a little harder. He looked into Sotare’s eyes, trying to read them. They seemed sincere and honest. Nevertheless, he was apprehensive, but after a few seconds, he decided.
“Yes, you have my permission.”
Sotare drew close to Mark and raised his right hand, placing it over Mark’s eyes. He placed his left hand behind his head. Mark felt slight warmth. Then Sotare stepped back.
Mark looked at him and was immediately shocked. Instead of a man with mixed features, he saw an angel in long white robes, bare feet, with white hair falling down to his shoulders. He had huge feathered wings that emerged behind powerfully muscled shoulders. And the light! There was so much light. It was beautiful as it emanated from the angel. Oddly, it seemed to be cut by the leaves and branches as it radiated outward. Mark was beyond amazed. Sotare smiled and extended his wings slowly to full breadth.
“This is what I truly look like,” he said as he slowly moved his wings up and down.
Mark swallowed hard. His mouth fell slightly open. Sotare was brilliant, majestic. Mark stood stock still, eyes wide open, hardly breathing. He studied the angel, his light, his features, his wings, everything. Then, after a short while, Sotare pointed off to the side. Mark followed and saw another angel.
“I am Nomos, your friend.”
Mark shifted his posture and tensed a bit. He saw the same angelic wings and frame. Nomos had black hair and was also clothed in a white robe. A soft light radiated from his body. He, too, flexed his wings, showing their breadth and strength.
Mark was absorbing everything as best he could. It wasn’t easy to assimilate this new reality. He took a deep, soothing breath.
Everything was unbelievably real, spectacular. He smiled as he glanced back and forth between the two angels, comparing them, attempting to commit them to memory. It was wonderful. Then he noticed that everything in his line of sight looked a little sharper and a bit clearer. He looked at the flowers and leaves and could see the details of their structure, almost as though he were looking at them through a magnifying glass; yet they were several feet away. He smiled. “This is amazing.”
Sotare took a step towards Mark. “My friend, when you are ready, walk out of the gazebo and look to the top of the trees. You will see a demon prince and its slave. But I warn you, they are truly vile creatures, so prepare yourself, and don’t be frightened.”
Mark took a deep deliberate breath and peered up through the gazebo roof to the trees but couldn’t see anything. Sotare walked out from under its roof. He followed. A few feet outside, he looked up and was instantly horrified. He involuntarily gasped as he stepped back, almost falling over a bush. Above him were two creatures that, to him, resembled a grotesque mix of deformed lizards and dogs. They had dark wings and canine-shaped heads with fangs protruding from their mouths. Their bodies looked as though sheets of leathery skin had been stretched over huge, bony frames. Mark’s heart hammered as unmistakable terror scraped across his mind, threatening to claim sole occupancy.
The prince realized that Mark was looking right at it, so it turned to face him and opened its wings slowly, casting a huge shadow upon the garden. The prince leaned forward, extended its neck and head, and opened its mouth as it dislodged its jaw, showing rows of sharp teeth. Mark could faintly hear popping sounds. With a sudden burst of noise the prince then growled. It sounded like a human scream mixed with a lion’s roar. It was so loud and horrifying that Mark stumbled backwards over a bush and fell to the ground. The prince looked at him as it leaned forward, still howling. Mark whimpered, frozen with fear.
The prince pointed a long talon at him and the slave demon leaped forward. Mark scrambled backwards over the ground. Both Sotare and Nomos threw open their wings and quickly moved to intercept. The demon abruptly stopped in midair, growled, spat at the angels, and immediately flew back up to the treetop.
Mark cowered on the ground. “I don’t want to see anymore. No more!” He threw the words at Sotare.
The prince slowly beat its wings and ascended a few feet above the treetops. It raised its hand, pointed a razor-tipped claw at Mark, and spoke loudly. “Human filth. Do you dare look upon me? I am Nabal, the great prince! Bow to me! Bow now or in hell! I claim your soul!”
Mark trembled as he crab-walked backward along the ground, moaning, almost crying. Sotare moved close to him, knelt down, and put his hands on Mark’s eyes.
The vile monster continued, “I will eat your flesh while you scream in agony. You will die by my hand! Your soul is…”
Sotare removed his hand from Mark’s eyes. The angelic vision was gone, as was the demonic voice. Mark looked and saw Sotare as a man again.
He could scarcely breathe. His chest hurt. He was clenching dirt in his fists as he sat on the ground. A branch from a bush poked his back, scratching his skin, the pain finally beginning to intrude into his consciousness. After a few seconds, he began to shake.
***
John and Kathy were talking about the surgery when a hospital worker brought in some food.
“Hi, Robert,” said John with a smile. “Kathy, this is Robert. He’s been bringing me food. He’s my favorite person here, except you, of course.”
“Just doing my job, John,” he said with a smile. “Here is some more delicious hospital food for you. You make sure you eat every last bit so that you can heal up and get out of here.”
“Delicious food? What? Have you been holding out on me?”
“You bet. If we give you the good stuff, you might want to stay. And from what I hear, the nurses really want to get rid of you.”
“Naw, that isn’t it. You just don’t like the competition.”
> Robert chuckled. “I guess you have me figured out.”
Kathy stepped aside while Robert helped John get in position to eat. When Robert wasn’t looking, John nodded towards the food and made a disgusted face at Kathy. She smiled.
“You eat all of it. It’s good for you,” said Robert as he walked back over to the door. “You stay away from those nurses now, you hear?” He vanished into the halls.
“I like him,” said John.
“He seems like a nice guy.”
“He is.” John looked at the food. “My side is hurting a lot less this morning.” He paused and surveyed the food. “Yuck… which bland concoction do I eat first?”
“That’s great. I knew you would heal fast. You always did.” Kathy looked around the room at the machines that were hooked up to her father. They seemed like a mysterious blend of technology and science fiction. She didn’t understand what they were doing or what half the numbers meant on the glowing screens. But it comforted her to know that there were those who did understand. She looked at her father, who was easily handling the meal.
“Are you hungry or are you forcing yourself to eat?” she asked.
“I’m starving. I’m so hungry, even this stuff tastes good.”
His voice was crisp and clear and so were his eyes. He winced slightly from the pain when he shifted in the bed, but ignored it.
Outside, two worker demons approached slowly. One of them was wounded slightly from the recent battle with Ramah. But it was still in good enough shape to be a dangerous threat. They moved effortlessly through the wall and landed on the floor of the hospital room. They hissed at John and Kathy, who were oblivious to their presence.
John was the one they wanted to kill, but if they could also injure Kathy it would be a great delight to them. But how could they do it? One demon walked over to her in the chair and placed its grotesque mouth within inches of Kathy’s face. While staring into her eyes, it took its left hand and placed it over her chest. After a moment, the demon smiled. “She’s safe.” It then extended its long tongue into Kathy’s head, just above her eyes. She sensed something very slight and shifted her position in her chair. She felt a little uneasy. The demon withdrew.
The Influence (Supernatural Thriller) Page 7