by Robin Helm
The dark ones had no intention of making Xander’s assignment easy. They all knew that the word had been passed down from Lucifer himself, through the ranks to Vega, the underprince. The legions of dark angels were to do everything in their power to prevent Elizabeth from ever reaching adulthood. They knew too well the price of failure. More than one demon had paid the ultimate cost and had been sent to the pit by the Dark Lord.
Lynne’s van picked up speed as she descended a steep hill. As she rounded a blind curve leading up to a bridge across Lynch’s River, she was horrified to see one semi-truck passing another on the bridge and heading towards her. She knew that the truck now occupying her lane did not have time to completely pass the other truck before it would collide head-on with her. Her heart rate accelerated and she silently screamed a quick prayer in her mind as her eyes widened in fear. Lord, help me!
Lynne had always been a defensive driver, carefully watching everything around her as she drove, but she well knew that this situation was beyond her driving skills. A light rain was falling, making the grass on the shoulders of the road slippery. She was traveling at least fifty-five miles per hour when she glanced behind her to see yet another semi-truck following her closely. I have no time to think! I can’t do this, Lord!
Quickly, Xander and Niall flew to the right of the minivan while Alexis took the left side.
Niall, help me hold the van! I’ll stay on the right; you get behind it. We must stop it from rolling down the embankment! Alexis, protect the left side from the semis. Xander barked out orders, telepathing to the other guardians. Alexis flattened herself against the driver’s side while Niall stabilized the rear. Xander took most of the weight on himself, muscles straining and rippling through his back and arms. As the van’s tires left the road on the right, he flew under the vehicle, pulling his membranous wings tightly to his back. He would not lose his charge to the river or a collision.
Lynne took the narrow shoulder on her right and tried not to lose control of her van when she realized that the two trucks and she were all three across the road at the same time. It was over in a matter of seconds. She was shaking and her heart was pounding as she glanced in the rearview mirror and saw the truck behind her jackknife. She then pulled completely off the road on the other side of the bridge to calm herself. When she turned and looked at where she’d just been, there were three semi-trucks, a couple of cars, and an Explorer lining the sides of the road, along with the semi that had jackknifed in the road rather than hit her when she had applied her brakes. She hadn’t even seen the other semi or the cars at the time of the near-accident. As she looked at the situation and began to think more clearly, Lynne realized that she needed to go back and give her statement to the police. She didn’t want the man who had risked his life and wrecked his truck rather than plow into the rear of her car to be in any trouble with the police or his employer.
“Is everyone all right?” she asked in a shaky voice. Janna nodded, unable to speak, her dark eyes huge. Lynne looked back at Elizabeth who smiled complacently at her. She prayed silently again, Thank you, Father, for protecting my family.
Carefully, she eased into a driveway and turned around to head back, unaware of her angelic escort. As she slowly passed the place where she and her daughters could have died, where her van was one of the three vehicles side-by-side on the road, she couldn’t understand how she had made it through without wrecking or plunging down the twenty foot embankment into the river. There was a road sign in the place that her van had occupied only a few minutes before, and there was the river that she should be in right now. She knew that both of her passenger side tires had left the road and found no traction on the wet grass of the shoulder. How had she partially left the road at such a speed, avoided the sign, missed going into the river, and corrected the path of the van back onto the road? As she passed the two semis that had been directly beside her, she saw that their trailers were scratched where they had rubbed against each other. They had been that close together. Lynne had always believed in angels, but now she was sure that her guardian angel must be working overtime.
Xander smiled grimly at her thought. Overtime, indeed. He, Alexis, and Niall had flown on either side of her van and behind it, keeping it balanced and steady through the ordeal. Xander was certainly strong, but he was thankful that he had two others helping him during the near disaster. He looked at the driver of the semi whose illegal passing had nearly caused the catastrophe and saw that those on his team were not the only ones “working overtime.” Perched on the seat beside the driver was a large, hulk of a demon, grinning evilly and snickering as he surveyed the wreckage. The dark one, Adrian, smirked at him with a promise – he and his cohorts wouldn’t be giving up anytime soon.
Humans are so easy to influence. Putting thoughts into people’s minds is child’s play for the dark ones, as long as they continue to reject the Master, thought Xander. He knew that the demon had used the truck driver for his wicked purpose, convincing the weak-minded man that he had plenty of time to pass safely.
~~~~~~~~~~
In the run down mill hill area of Bethel, Vega called his meeting to order in an empty strip mall that reeked with the smells of homeless drug addicts, runaways, and prostitutes.
“Silence!” Vega commanded in a voice that brooked no opposition.
Immediately, the motley group of demons was quiet and motionless.
“Adrian, come before me!” Vega shouted angrily, his expression one of disgust.
“Yes, Vega?” the tall, gangly fiend asked, as he grimaced at the underprince.
“How do you dare to stand before me after your stupid, bungling attempt to kill the girl? Do you not comprehend, idiot, the price for failure?” Vega fixed his angry green eyes on the object of his contempt as he slapped Adrian with all his considerable might across the face, sending him flying backwards at the assembled group.
Adrian scrambled upright and threw himself at Vega’s feet, groveling and begging. “Please, Prince Vega. Give me another chance. I have a better plan. I will not fail you again!” he cried piteously.
“No, you certainly will not!” Vega said emphatically, motioning to his captain. “Nyx, finish this,” he ordered, glancing down at the dark one sprawled at his feet.
In one well-practiced motion, Nyx unsheathed his sword with an evil smile.
“For you, Prince Vega,” Nyx murmured as he sliced Adrian in two neat halves, sending him screaming to the pit.
“Keiran,” Vega called to a childlike demon.
“Yes, Prince Vega?” asked the small, black Keiran with confidence.
“I have a job for you,” replied the underprince. “You will be allowed to use your special abilities for this mission. This is what I want you to do…”
Chapter 4
“See that you do not despise one of these little ones, for I say to you, that their angels in heaven continually behold the face of My Father who is in heaven.”
Matthew 18:10
Nearly four years later, 1994
In the older, two-story home of the Bennets, Lynne watched her daughters as Janna held Elizabeth in her lap and read a book to her, pointing at the words and the pictures. Elizabeth’s little hands rested on her sister’s arms as she listened to Janna, engrossed in the story.
The Bennet sisters had the same deep brown eyes, olive skin, and thick, dark brown hair as did their father, but the three of them were not as much alike in temperament. David was very laid-back and friendly, and there were few people who did not like him. He was well-suited to the ministry as he was industrious and considerate of others. David nearly always thought before he spoke; therefore, he rarely had to regret anything he said. He enjoyed his pastoral position and was a contented man. Janna was bright and happy, but her timidity made her a little more difficult to know than her father. Four-year-old Elizabeth’s actions, facial expressions, and surprisingly mature speech showed that she was curious, precocious, and outgoing. She shared her mother’s love of p
eople; neither Lynne nor Elizabeth ever seemed to meet a stranger. Elizabeth and her mother were also more emotional than David or Janna, though Lynne was more expressive of her emotions than were the other three. Lynne’s appearance differed from her husband and daughters’ with her fair skin, green eyes, and light brown hair. The family shared a keen intelligence, however, and enjoyed a similar dry sense of humor. And they were all musically inclined. Lynne played the piano, flute, and organ, and David had a beautiful baritone voice. Lynne, who had double-majored in music and English and had a MAT, was teaching Janna to play the piano, and Janna had already sung solos in her children’s choir and at school. Though they had similarities and differences, they were a unit. It was the way God had ordained families to be.
Because she received so much attention from her family, Elizabeth progressed rapidly. By the time she was three, she had learned to read by following the words her sister read to her. Her parents were also amazed at her ability to sing with clarity, amazingly accurate rhythm, and astonishing pitch control. She had been featured as an angel in the church’s preschool Christmas program, and had sung her solo perfectly.
As Elizabeth aged, she grew bolder, Xander was glad that she was not as fearful and timid as was her sister Janna, who was gentle, loving, and loyal, but also shy and tentative about new experiences and strangers. Elizabeth was headstrong and tended to rush into situations without thinking about her personal safety. Compared to the rest of her family, Elizabeth was quicker to speak out and quicker to make enemies, but also quicker to show affection and quicker to forgive those she loved. She was also fiercely independent. Her parents fought a constant battle to teach her obedience.
~~~~~~~~~~
Tabernacle, the Bennet family’s church, was located within walking distance of their house on a commercial corner in Bethel. There was a fast food restaurant across the road from the church; Lynne often took Janna and Elizabeth there before Wednesday night services as a treat. The younger girl especially enjoyed the playground and the children’s meals.
She disappeared after church services one Sunday morning just after she turned four, throwing her parents and the rest of the church members into a panic. Everyone had been looking all over the buildings and the grounds for her. Lynne was distraught. What if El has crossed the road to go to the restaurant? I’ve seen some really sketchy characters in there. What if someone has taken her? Dear Lord, please protect my baby.
Unknown to her parents, a small dark being had taken a human child’s form and stepped in front of Elizabeth. He had been waiting for years for this moment, appearing to Elizabeth in parks, playgrounds, and other public places to lay the groundwork.
“Elizabeth! Come and play with me!” Keiran called, running before her. “Catch me!” he called back over his shoulder as he ran to her house. Recognizing him, Elizabeth laughed and followed, eager to join the game.
“Let’s play hide and seek. You hide first,” he teased as he led her away from the church and her family, into an ambush. Elizabeth hid in the bushes, giggling with delight as she waited for the boy to find her, unaware of the demons flying in to surround the area. Out of her sight, Keiran changed back into demonic form.
Xander, who had been watching the small demon for several years, followed closely after Elizabeth and sprang into action, sword flashing. The huge angel was immediately surrounded, but he took advantage of his position as he spun in a circle of light with his sword extended, quickly dispatching Keiran and five more of the filthy beings with a single swipe of his weapon, slicing them into pieces. They barely had time to scream as they hurtled to the depths.
Elizabeth saw the wind suddenly rise in the trees, and felt the bushes move about her. The howling sound of it was eerie and frightening. She huddled with her arms wound tightly around her knees and her face pressed against her legs, feeling very small and afraid. I’m scared. I wish I had stayed at church.
Her mighty protector unfurled his translucent wings and took flight at blinding speed after the others who had fled, screeching upon seeing him in full battle mode. In a matter of seconds, it was over. He quickly scanned the area from above for any more of the hellish ones, and, satisfied that they were gone, he flew back to the Bennet house. Xander could not leave Elizabeth unprotected; she was his first priority. Furthermore, he was certain that he would have another chance to deal with the fiends later. Behind a tree, he took human form and returned to Elizabeth’s side.
“Hi, there,” Xander said playfully to Elizabeth, bending down to her eye level and being careful not to frighten her. He wore the casual garb of an earth male – khaki pants with a short-sleeved shirt and loafers. She lifted her head a little so that she could see him. Xander smiled and extended his hand to the child. He could hear her heart racing as she thought, I don’t know him. Mommy and Daddy said not to speak to people I don’t know.
Her fear touched him deeply. I will always protect you, Elizabeth.
“I’m not supposed to talk to strangers,” Elizabeth replied, her eyes round. She was unsure of the situation. Will he hurt me? The young man seemed to be very pleasant, and he made her feel safe.
“I am not a stranger, Elizabeth. See? That is your name. You should never trust people you do not know, but you feel like you know me, right?” Xander asked gently, his large hand still extended. “You can trust me.” Please.
Elizabeth deliberated a moment, her mouth puckered and her deep brown eyes squinted in concentration.
“What is my password?” Her mother and father had taught her never to go with anyone who did not know their secret code word.
Xander searched her mind and answered, “Music.” He held his breath as she considered his answer, careful to keep smiling at her.
“That’s right! I must know you.” Relieved, she smiled back at Xander and took his hand. Elizabeth tilted her head and thought, He is a pretty man. He is very tall and big. I like his blue eyes. She believed him.
Xander smiled again, more broadly, flashing his dimples and his straight, white teeth as he heard her thoughts.
Feeling safe, Elizabeth giggled as if her escapade were a great joke, but Xander knew that she would be in trouble with her parents, for he was well-acquainted with the premium David and Lynne placed on obedience from their children.
Xander led her back to her mother with her small hand clasped in his, but stepped in front of her when her mother saw them. As Lynne reached for her errant daughter, her face changed from abject fear to irritation in a second. Elizabeth peeked out from behind her champion’s legs. When she saw the expression on her mother’s face, she realized that her mother was not laughing, and that she would be punished. Elizabeth began to sniffle and hold on to Xander’s pants. I’m going to get a spanking.
“Promise me that you won’t spank her, or I might have to take her home with me,” Xander said, keeping his voice light. He managed to smile as he read Lynne’s thoughts. He would allow, and even welcome, correction. However, he thought, No one, not even her parents, will ever be allowed to strike Elizabeth in anger.
Niall, standing beside Lynne, looked up at Xander with sudden interest. There would surely be no need to protect Elizabeth from her loving parents. Neither Lynne nor David had ever struck either child in anger. On the few occasions they had spanked their children, they had never hurt them. It was always the discipline of last resort and in each instance had been discussed with the child beforehand.
“Thank you so much for finding her, young man, but she needs to be corrected.” Lynne replied.
“Yes, but she did not know that she was doing anything wrong. She was hiding in the bushes at your house, playing a game. Now she knows not to do it again. I will need your promise,” he said firmly.
“I really do appreciate what you’ve done for us, but exactly who are you?” Lynne asked the handsome young man.
Xander flashed her his best you can trust me smile, letting it reach his light blue eyes, and answered, “I have been visiting your church for q
uite a while now. You probably have not noticed me, but I have been there. Your husband is the minister, is he not?” I have been here every Sunday. You just could not see me.
Niall placed a hand on Lynne’s shoulder to calm her, and she took a slow, deep breath, thinking, How did I miss this tall, arresting young man? How did I not see Hercules in the congregation? I guess I’m always at the front playing the piano, and by the time I finish the postlude, most of the visitors are already gone.
Niall rolled his eyes. Hercules? Please.
Xander smiled even wider, showing his dimples. Watch and learn, Niall. Females trust the dimples.
Lynne looked at Xander, her head tilted to one side, considering her answer. “Yes, David is my husband. I’m sorry for being suspicious, but a mom has to be careful these days.” She smiled at him. “Okay, you win. I promise not to spank her. Come here, Elizabeth,” Lynne said, holding out her arms to her small delinquent.
As her daughter tentatively approached her, Lynne grabbed her up in her arms and hugged her tightly. Through her tears of gratitude, she pushed aside Elizabeth’s dark wavy hair and whispered in the little girl’s ear, “I love you so much, my El. Don’t ever frighten us like that again. You must always stay with me, Daddy, or Janna.” Thank you, Father.
Xander finally allowed his relief to flood through him. He smiled at Niall, and nodded his approval. All is well.
Suddenly Lynne remembered her manners. She had not even asked the young hero his name, and she really should invite him to their home to eat lunch. Lynne looked up, but he was nowhere to be found. She asked a few of the other church members if they had seen him, describing him to them, but no one had seen him except for her and Elizabeth.
Xander had quickly ducked into a nearby open doorway, and, in a flash of light, he had changed back into angelic form.