by Donovan Neal
The Lord then looked upon Yeshua, and Yeshua nodded. Immediately, He was gone and when Enoch looked, behold Yeshua was on Earth and stood as the Angel of the Lord before the people, and went before the camp of Israel. And He was as a pillar of fire by night, and a pillar of cloud by day And the pillar came between the camp of the Egyptians and the camp of Israel, and it was a cloud and darkness to them, but it gave light by night to the Hebrews, so that the one came not near the other all the night. Yeshua stood as guard to His people until His servant Moses saw to them.
Moses then stretched out his hand over the Red Sea, and the Lord caused the sea to go back by a strong east wind all that night, and made the sea dry land, and the waters were divided. And the children of Israel went into the midst of the sea upon the dry ground, and the waters were a wall unto them on their right hand, and on their left. And the Egyptians pursued and went in after them to the midst of the sea, even all Pharaoh's horses, his chariots, and his horsemen. And it came to pass, that in the morning watch the Lord looked unto the host of the Egyptians through the pillar of fire and of the cloud, and troubled the host of the Egyptians. And took off their chariot wheels, that they drove them heavily, so that the Egyptians said, "Let us flee from the face of Israel; for the LORD fighteth for them against us."
The Lord said unto Moses, "Stretch out thine hand over the sea that the waters may come again upon the Egyptians, upon their chariots, and upon their horsemen." Moses stretched forth his hand over the sea, and the sea returned to its strength when the morning appeared. And the Egyptians fled against it, and the LORD overthrew the Egyptians in the midst of the sea. And the waters returned, and covered the chariots, and the horsemen, and all the host of Pharaoh that came into the sea after them; there remained not so much as one of them. But the children of Israel had walked upon dry land in the midst of the sea, and the waters were a wall unto them on their right hand, and on their left. Thus, the Lord saved Israel that day out of the hand of the Egyptians; and Israel saw the Egyptians dead upon the seashore. And Israel saw that great work which the LORD did upon the Egyptians, and the people feared the Lord, and believed the Lord, and his servant Moses
The host of Heaven cheered and cries of adulation rang throughout Heaven, and Yeshua the Angel of the Lord returned to Heaven, and when He did, He did not come directly to the throne but walked among the people. When the angels of Heaven saw Yeshua walking among them, they threw manna leaf, and their royal robes they laid before His feet. Everyone in the city went out to meet Him for the wonders of God that He had done against the council of Lucifer, and all sang His praises and cried out, "Hosanna! Blessed is the King of Heaven that saves the children of men and doth wonders!" Angels reached out to touch Yeshua, and a few hoisted Him on their shoulders and the second person of the Trinity lifted His hands and blessed His people as they carried Him back to the mountain of God.
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Gabriel went to monitor Michael's charge and consulted with Argoth.
"Where is the maiden now?" asked Gabriel.
Argoth replied, "She abides within Salmon, one of the two spies who Moses has sent to spy out the land of Canaan. He hath taken unto himself the harlot Rahab in marriage. Gabriel, how is it that Shiloh will come from such a vile woman? The plague of sin is rife in her, and she is abhorrent to look upon."
Gabriel looked at Rahab and spoke. "Project her line one generation. What do you see?"
Argoth did as commanded, and a child showed on the walls. "The harlot shall give birth to a man. They shall name him Boaz."
Gabriel replied, "Is Boaz Shiloh?"
Argoth hunched his shoulders. "It seems unlikely. I cannot see past one generation. There is nothing that would seem that he would be the one to bring Lucifer down."
Gabriel frowned. "Then the maiden must be carried for still a time, and the time of Lucifer's reckoning is not yet nigh. Nor do I yet see a people who will commit execution as thou hast seen. Nevertheless, the Lord hath revealed to Michael a portent...
'Mary is the mother to Shiloh;
From the pit of sin shall He bring forth glory.
From the depths of misery shall spring forth joy.
Shiloh's kingdom will possess all kingdoms.
And upon His back shall Lucifer be destroyed.'
"Her sins are of no consequence to me," said Gabriel. "For the moment, her lips ushered that she knew the Lord hath given Israel the land and that their terror was fallen upon her people...the moment she confessed that, 'The Lord, your God, He is God in heaven above, and in earth beneath.' She sided herself with El's cause, and El hath made mention that she shall be honored. For it pleases the Lord to take the things that are not, to confound the things that are."
Argoth held his peace on the matter. Gabriel queried him further. "Doth the enemy know of our plans?"
"There is yet no indication that he is aware that Shiloh is within her blood. However, we both know that in time—Lucifer will discover him. He searches for any human who manifests the will of God in the Earth. His obsession with the image of God is madness. His reasoning has been corrupted and our brother has grown progressively insane."
Gabriel continued to gaze at the images that Argoth showed him as the Israelites destroyed nation after nation that Lucifer had set up to bring man into ruin.
"This people is surrounded by the enemy on all sides. El has tasked them to take a region occupied by the principalities of Lucifer himself. He asks the impossible, for they cannot withstand them unless they adhere to His command, and I pray that they will be up to the task. For in the corners of the east and west, Lucifer raises great nations that would revival Egypt in power. The angel Pangu in the east, and Quetzalcoatl in the west; it would appear that his plan is to raise kingdoms in his name. He and El spar for the souls of El's image and likeness."
Argoth nodded. "Yet the nation of El is tiny, born of slaves, they could not even obey God, and delayed the plan of our Lord for forty of their years. Surely, He cannot mean to take such a ragged people to bring low the Adversary?"
Gabriel watched the walls as they displayed the people battling another people riddled with the worship of Lucifer's angels. "El hast no other plan. For by the faith of men He chooses to insert His power, to partner with Him. His ways are unlike the enemy, for El would have the man willingly follow Him. Yet, Lucifer —," Gabriel paused and pointed to the cruelty that men had unleashed upon one another. "Lucifer will bludgeon the man to death if he does not worship him, even as he escorts their souls to the underworld."
At that moment, a Grigori attendant arrived to see his Lord. He floated silently and bowed to Gabriel, then to the Lord of his house. "Gabriel would you excuse me?" said Argoth "It would appear that matters of the house must I now attend. May we discuss the plans of war to address Pangu, and Quetzalcoatl within the hour?"
Gabriel nodded and turned to leave Argoth to his attendant. And when the two were alone, Argoth spoke, "Reveal what is written."
Silently the Grigori took its tome and its pages opened and floated above the ceiling, and images of Chronos’ meeting with the exiled Iblis exchanging conversation and information could be seen. But the Grigori was not within earshot to record all that was spoken.
"Why dost Chronos' own Grigori not give report?"
The Grigori attendant was silent in response.
Argoth rubbed his chin and his eyes stared at the image of Chronos and Iblis. "I would know what a member of the fallen and the Lord of Time would have to discuss. Thank you for this information, you have done well. You are released to return to your charge."
The attendant bowed and his tome returned to his side, whilst the image still played on the ceiling for Argoth to see. The attendant left while Argoth stared at the image, and noted the two making discussion in barren surroundings, and the lack of the need of Grigori to report on the happenings of the place. Thoughts and images raced through his mind, and he wondered if perhaps the duo might make plans to assault Heaven once more. Argot
h then became wroth as he thought on the prospect and waved his hand and the image disappeared, and he spoke to the room.
"Location of Redactors?"
The room in obedience showed the image of the three Grigoric bounty hunters, and they were in the midst of confiscating a tome from a fallen Grigori. Rorex, Turiel, and Isidor held the Grigori chained with fetters of iron, and they opened Tartarus and their fallen brother screamed for mercy. Yet none was forthcoming as he was dragged into the depths of the earth below. And when the task was complete, each bowed to Argoth who spoke to them from Heaven.
"Go to, and find the Lord of Time, Chronos, and apprehend his Grigori, for he doth not report. Something is amiss, for Chronos consults with the enemy and I would know why."
The three bowed in silent response and dispersed into black misty streaks for parts unknown in search of their quarry.
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Eladrin looked upon Michael and Enoch, and spoke, "Thou Michael of the house Kortai, standest for examination; because thou hast not judged thyself, another now stands in judgment over thee. El commands the trial of a new chief prince, and the will of El be done. We have respect towards the fallen prince. But you, we do not know. The ways of Kilnborn, we do not inquire. We move only on the call of the song, backward and forwards must the wheel of time travel, forward and rewound must the wheel of time turn. For on our backs do the Heavens ride, and on El's command we turn wither-so-ever He wills. We have seen thy turning, and you must be turned." Eladrin then moved his wheels, and flakes of light and shards of brilliance streamed from his body and all the faces of Eladrin looked at him and yelled, "Decide!"
Immediately, Michael was taken by a power of light and he watched as the goings on in the lower heavens displayed themselves before him. El Himself inserted Himself into the affairs of men, and nations rose and fell upon El's command. Floods swept them away and men began to multiply again on the face of the earth. And Lucifer could be seen seeking to sway the man, and by his command he, too, sought to raise great kingdoms, and Michael saw God show Himself strong through a man named Moses, who led his people to a place of rest. Then the Lord summoned Moses to reside with his fathers, and his body he placed away from the eyes of men. But Lucifer and the Grigori loyal to him saw the place of the body, and Lucifer searched for his grave and found it. And Michael was released from the giant whirlwind, and Eladrin placed him atop the tomb of Moses.
"Decide!" Roared Eladrin, and then the giant ophanim vanished from sight.
Lucifer was walking towards the grave, and he lifted his hands to open the sealed tomb of Moses only to see Michael materialize from nothing. He jumped back, surprised to see his brother, and then spoke. "It has been too long, my brother. Your presence can only mean that you have climbed the holy mount, for none but El or Eladrin can bring you here in such a manner."
"Why are you here?" asked Michael.
Lucifer looked upon his brother in dismay. "Was there not a cause? For this man hath made ruin of my will to raise Egypt on high. He hast dared to enter my court and defy me. I may not have his spirit, for he sleeps with his fathers. But his body...his body I shall animate again and he will even in death serve me." His flesh is riddled with sin. His flesh is mine. Stand aside that I may claim him."
Michael stood in Lucifer's path crossed his arms and replied. "All flesh is mine saith the Lord. None are yours to raise. Only El can rejoin spirit with the body. Your claim is denied. You cannot have him."
"You think that you will prevent me? That you would bar me even as thou stood as vanguard in defense of El? If it were not for you, even now, I would be God and we could rule together. But no...your petty devotion to the Father hast blinded you to His purpose to destroy us." Lucifer grew red, his face changed and the Angel of Light slowly turned a reddish black, and his scales turned red. His voice boomed and the rocks around him began to split and crack.
Michael stood unmoved. "If his body you desire, then know that through me must it be taken. You will withdraw.”
And when Lucifer saw that his brother would not surrender the body of Moses, he pulled from his side a red sword. The curved blade was forged in the furnace of Hell; its scabbard was made from the Elomic corpses of his enemies, their protruding, deformed faces frozen as trophies within the hilt. Lucifer slowly unsheathed it from its casing, and it sparkled and then burst into crimson flames.
Michael, too, withdrew from his side the sword of Ophanim. And he held it aloft, ready to respond if Lucifer dared engage him. Lucifer eyed the blade remembering that it was with that blade Michael that had disfigured him, and paused.
Michael spoke, "If you desire combat over the body of Moses, then know that you shall have it. And though it be possible that you may indeed strike me down. Know of a surety that you will not leave unscathed." The sword then roared and split into seven blades and gyroscopically whirled about Michael, ready to attack at his command.
Lucifer watched the blades levitate, then smiled and spoke. "I will leave you this day in peace, but know that there will come a day when we shall cross swords again and though my love for thee is strong. If again you stand between me and my purpose, know that on that day... you shall surely die."
Michael stood unmoved nor wavered in his reply. "The Lord rebuke thee."
Lucifer sheathed his sword, "Goodbye, brother." Then he turned to walk way.
Michael watched as Lucifer lifted into the sky, and concealed himself behind the wavelengths of invisible light, and disappeared from view.
Eladrin materialized from nothing his wheels and the gears thereof churning within him, and inside he carried Enoch, who shouted at Michael. "Well done Michael! Well done!"
Eladrin spoke. "You do not fear the Usurper, but fear of the enemy of El is not faith enough to lead. Yet know that I judge thee sufficient in this thing. But still you must be found faithful." Eladrin then moved closer and when he did, light encapsulated Michael and they were all taken away.
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Chronos flew over the Earth’s prime meridian. His travels took him to observe the rise and fall of kingdoms. Men of all hues were his subjects within the realm of time. His was the charge to keep the wheel of time turning. To spin the planet on its axis...to fulfill the word of El. The stars beyond beckoned him home to the realm of angels. To float within the third heaven, but Chronos was faithful to his God and to his Lord Jerahmeel, who specifically assigned him to monitor the activity of the fallen.
Flying over the great oceans, he admired how the tribes of men learned seafaring and navigated using the stars as a guide. While musing on his admiration of man, he was accosted.
"Halt, Time Lord!"
Rorex emerged in front of him and stood to bar his path, and Isidor flew to his left with Turiel to his right. Chronos stopped as requested and replied, "I have seen the work of thy stylus, what doth the Redactors seek that you would hinder the Lord of Time?"
Immediately Isidor and Turiel misted and were suddenly at his rear, and looking about him curiously. They said nothing but continued to encircle him. Chronos looked upon the sky and fidgeted as he glanced repeatedly at the sun’s travel across the sky.
"Time is of the essence, my brothers; I am on assignment from my Lord Jerahmeel. Why do you hinder my charge?"
Rorex looked at him and replied, "We seek examination of thee, and Argoth commands knowledge of your meetings with the Fallen. Yea, you meet with enemies of the crown, and we would know if you conspire to the hurt of the Kingdom. You will surrender this knowledge, or we will strip it from you."
Chrono was taken aback by such boldness, and replied, "Nay, you shall not. For my dealings are my own and are not subject to the orders of the Grigori. If your master seeks knowledge of my actions, then he as Lumazi should query Prince Jerahmeel. My dealings are my own. Why speak to me at all? Is not my Grigori able to account of my dealings?"
Isidor replied, "Assyrix is thy Grigori, yet he is not at thy side, nor does he report as required by ou
r kind. He has violated Grigoric law in this thing. We will seek him out, and he shall be redacted. We do not seek war with house Harrada, nor will we restrain a member of its order. We will do as thou hast suggested and leave the matter of Lumazi with Lumazi."
Chronos replied, "And what of you? What will you do?"
The three began to mist invisible, and Rorex spoke from over his shoulder. "We will find the renegade Assyrix, and he shall answer for his crimes."
Chronos watched as the last of the redactors became imperceptible and vanished from his sight.
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Eladrin spoke, and his voice made the ground to shake. "We have received word from El Elyon. You are here to find faith. Behold the race of men, and watch."
Eladrin moved forward in time, and he noted that on the planet Earth a man by the name of Joshua stood as head of his nation's armies, and fought nation after nation to claim land given to his people by God. Moreover, when Joshua watched as his forces went to battle, the Ophanim noted that the sun was going down and light would leave the battlefield. Then spake Joshua to the Lord and he said in the sight of all Israel, "Sun, stand thou still upon Gibeon; and thou, Moon, in the valley of Ajalon.” And God heeded the voice of a man, and immediately Eladrin knew the will of God in the matter and turned his massive wheels, and Ladders from his people enveloped the tiny planet of men and caused the Earth to stop in her race around the sun. Hundreds of the Ophanim heeded the call of El, and they encircled the planet and colored light shimmered over the blue skies, in waves of green, red, and yellowish hues. So the sun stood still, and the moon stayed her course until the people had avenged themselves upon their enemies. So the sun stood still in the midst of heaven and hasted not to go down about a whole day. And there was no day like that before it, or after it that the LORD hearkened unto the voice of a man in such a manner, for the LORD fought for Israel.