by S E Brower
“Read it, Jessie. Read it for the Rogue Souls. Read it for all of humanity. Read it, now.”
With tears streaming down her face, Jessie read the card.
“St. Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle.” As she read, Drummondax, still bound to the pillar, bowed his head, and recited the prayer with her. “Be our protection against the wickedness and snares of the Devil. May God rebuke him, we humbly pray, and do thou, O Prince of the heavenly hosts, by the power of God, thrust into hell Satan, and all the evil spirits, who prowl about the world seeking the ruin of souls. –Amen.”
The Library went silent. Without warning, a mighty clap of thunder preceded by a lightning bolt so bright it was blinding, flooded the space with light and sound, as St. Michael, the Archangel appeared in all his fierce magnificence.
The intense glow emanating from within him made it difficult for Jessie to see. From what she could make out, he was immense. His gigantic golden wings were outstretched making him appear even larger, and ever more intimidating. Gleaming armor graced his body, the details lost in the light. His hair matched his wings, long, flowing, and golden. His radiant violet eyes gave him a deep, penetrating gaze.
Even though Jessie knew he came to their rescue, her whole body shook. His power clear, overwhelming her with a strange mixture of fear, and relief. Still suspended above the floor by her fellow Rogue Souls, all she could do was wait, and watch.
Upon his arrival, St. Michael released Drummondax from the Lariat’s grip with a mere nod. He then, pointed one accusatory finger at The Author.
“You!” his voice boomed, shaking the whole of the Library, “cease, and be still!” The Author dropped to his knees in fear.
“You shall reveal where you have taken Evan Driscoll Alsop,” St. Michael commanded, “you shall occupy eternity in solitude, or return to Lucifer, whom shall do with you what he will for your incompetence. The Father will allow you this free will. Choose, Author!” St. Michael’s voice was deafening.
The Author shook, holding up his hands begging for mercy, not daring to look at St. Michael. But mercy was not the Angel’s to give. The Archangel tapped the point of his sword on the floor in front of The Author, creating an electrical charge, condensing him, forcing him into a carrying crystal. Suspended from the end of the sword, St. Michael dropped the crystal, now containing the disgraced Author into a satchel secured around his waist.
He turned his attention to the Rogue Souls. Clasping the enormous glistening sword with one hand, bowing his head in silence, he raised the blade towards the heavens. A bolt of light erupted from the tip, and the ceiling faded away clearing a path for the Rogue Souls to ascend.
Together, they returned Jessie gently to the floor. As they circled round her one last time before their ascent, she heard a chorus of voices calling to her.
“Thank you, we love you, God bless you, good-bye.” Through tears, a smile, sad and sweet stole across her lips, realizing she never got to meet any of them, and somehow, she loved them all.
The spirit essence of Aalonray and Jordondey sparkled together, ascending along with the Rogue Souls. Aalonray, blowing a kiss to Jessie, as she disappeared. Then, there was only Garret, circling Jessie.
“Hwyl Fawr Calon Lan,” he told her, which in Welsh means, “Good-bye Pure Heart,” as he ascended with the others.
Chapter 18
Revelation of Salvation
Jessie looked towards Travis, his body motionless in a pool of blood and she felt sick. She wanted to vomit, if just to expel the sadness she felt. “What was she supposed to do now? How would she go on without her mom, and brother both?” she thought when the calming hand of Drummondax, lightly touched her shoulder.
“All will be well, Jessica,” his voice was in her head, “you must have faith.” Though she had no words, it halted her tears.
Drained, she stood there staring at St. Michael for what seemed an eternity. When his eyes met hers, a thunderous reverberation, accompanied by a blinding light, flung her far from the realm of the Guardian Library, back to Earth.
St. Michael nodded once to Drummondax before he ascended, the swirling portal closing in his wake. The Guardian Library was quiet once more.
Drummondax stood alone in the silence. Even though losing friends saddened him, he knew they had gone on to a better place, and a part of him rejoiced.
It wasn’t long before a messenger arrived, summoning him to appear before The Father, to recount what transpired. When his audience with The Father was over, he had aged. His hair showed touches of silver at the temples, and there were lines upon his face that were not there earlier. He returned to the Library, to take the place of the now disgraced Author.
Drummondax knew Aalonray performed ‘Transference’ onto Garret, the new Librarian, and expected him to be reporting for duty soon. In the meantime, he set his office up in a tiny, unobtrusive space near to the Library’s back exit.
The Guardian Library’s number of books staggered the imagination and cataloging them was daunting. But to Drummondax, mortals were fascinating. As a Guardian, most of his contact with them involved only his charge, Faith. His position as Curator allowed him access to the whole of mankind. He now could learn every detail of humans from the beginning of time, and he delighted at the prospect.
The only thing that weighed on his mind, was how to save Garret’s brother from eternal damnation with Lucifer. The Author was forthcoming on Evan’s whereabouts when confronted with having to face Lucifer’s wrath. With this information, Drummondax smiled to himself, expecting the young Librarian’s arrival. He didn’t have long to wait.
Seated at his desk, Drummondax heard the familiar voice of Garret ask permission to enter. When he looked up, he saw before him, a handsome young man, wearing a hooded sweatshirt, black and imbued with an image of outer space.
He was also wearing blue jeans, strategically ripped and a pair of sneakers. His hair was thick and dark, falling about his face in soft waves. He had high cheekbones, an angular jaw, and not much to show for facial hair. His blue eyes twinkled when he spoke.
“Dude, I got my wings!” They were white, just as Aalonray’s had been, with one slight difference. If one scrutinized the underside of each feather, there was a curious thin line of crimson red.
“Wow, you’re looking old… er,” his new boss’s appearance took him by surprise.
Drummondax laughed at Garret’s comment, “Yes, standing before The Father sometimes has that affect.”
“Oh right, I forgot. Anyway, check out this hoodie.” Garret couldn’t contain his enthusiasm. Drummondax watched expressionless, as it changed colors. Garret was thrilled with the ability to transform the look.
The fact Drummondax was not amused, made Garret understand his place. He was now looking at his new boss. Things between them would differ from here on out. But they had been through so much together. “What’s the matter?” he blurted out, before he could stop himself. “I thought you’d be happier to see me, the real me, not a mist.”
“Forgive me, Garret. Yes, I am thrilled to see the real you, as you say,” Drummondax smiled at him, “you have earned those wings. May they serve you well.” Garret was all smiles, ecstatic to once again have an actual form. The wings were just a bonus.
It cut the celebratory mood short, with the new Curator’s desire to get down to business. “We have much to discuss. Please sit,” he motioned to a chair across from his desk.
Garret tensed. He had expected a more enthusiastic reception than he received. Not to mention, anytime an adult ever asked him to have a seat in their office, it was never a good thing. He sat down with a plop. “Am I in trouble or something? I haven’t even worked here, yet.”
“I suppose that depends on your definition of trouble,” Drummondax told him.
Garret’s eyes narrowed, “What’s that supposed to mean?”
“You are well aware of the fact your brother, Evan remains captive in Hell.”
“Yeah well, that’s a h
ard thing to forget.”
Drummondax just stared at him saying nothing, the look on his face questioning. Sarcasm was always lost on Drummondax. “We have the exact location where Evan is located,” he continued, and his voice softened, “Garret, please know you are not alone in your suffering. The whole of the heavens, ache to release Evan’s wrongfully taken soul.”
Garret could not believe what he heard, “Does this mean… are you saying… are we going to go get him back?”
“That is what it means,” Drummondax laughed. Garret jumped up, slamming both of his hands down on the desk.
“Great! When do we leave, Boss?” Drummondax took a hard look at his young underling.
“Garret, please sit down.”
Garret frowned, “Sure, … okay, here it comes,” he huffed, crossing his arms dropping back into the chair. “What?” he snapped, his voice was sullen. Drummondax over-looked the contentiousness, because he had endured so much. He needed Garret to understand the seriousness of what he was about to do.
“Even though we can now locate the place of your Evan’s confinement, the task will be no less dangerous.”
“I know that. Like I said, when do we leave?”
“WE do nothing. YOU, however, will need to recruit three Angels. Their mission: The retrieval of Evan’s soul. If I am to believe what I have heard, the forces of Evil are gathering as we speak, our numbers thinly spread.
However, I’m counting on just this situation as a distraction. While the powers of Hell concern themselves with the middle celestial realm, it should be that much easier to infiltrate Lucifer’s domain, returning Evan’s soul to safety.”
“So, where do I find these Angels?” Garret was skeptical, as Drummondax hesitated.
“There are three I have in mind. One can often find them at ‘Heaven’s Gate’.” Garret blinked, not sure he understood.
“You did say Heaven’s Gate, right? The brewery below the Library?”
“Yes, you are correct.” Garret was once again on his feet, rubbing the back of his neck as he paced, a worried look on his face.
“Look, I know I haven’t been here long, but from what I’ve heard, the only Angels who frequent that place are…”
“Yes, I know,” Drummondax answered.
“Are you kidding me? Angels like that… well, they don’t play well with others. They’re undisciplined.” Drummondax looked up giving him a kind of pot kettle look. Garret shrugged.
“Yeah ok, but still…”
“They are battle hardened, earning their reputations during the Dragon Wars many a millennium ago. Fierce were they, defeating a host of Lucifer’s hoards, and their loyalty is unwavering.”
Garret was still pacing, “Look, I meant no disrespect.”
“I understand your concern, Garret. They are… rough around the edges. As you continue to learn this new life The Father has given you, you will become ‘Aware’…” but Drummondax stopped mid-sentence, to correct himself, “as you are already ‘Aware’, not all Angels wear white, and play the harp. But enough talk, you have a most arduous task ahead, I suggest you begin.” Garret headed out when he paused looking back at Drummondax.
“When I fetch them up, should I bring them back here?”
“There is no need, Garret. You will deliver the message. Once they understand the assignment, and have accepted, together you will devise a plan to prepare you for the journey into Lucifer’s Realm.”
Once again, Garret was confused. “You’re not going with us, then?”
“I am not. There are tasks to which I must tend requiring my immediate attention. This task lies with you.”
Garret shook his head, “What makes you think three fierce, battle-hardened Warrior Angels, will let me tag along with them into the burning depths of Hell?”
Drummondax smiled at him with slight amusement. “Garret,” he said, “you will not be tagging along. You will be leading them.”
No one was more surprised by this than Garret. He stepped out of the office in pursuit of his assignment, relieved and eager, to finally bring Evan back where he belonged.
Drummondax was left deep in thought, uncertain if he should have told Garret the significance of extracting Evan’s soul from Hell. “Perhaps not. Now, is not the right time. He has all that he can handle.” he thought.
…
It took a second, but Jessie realized St. Michael transported her back to her brother’s office. She was shocked and elated to see Travis standing there unharmed. The office had also returned to normal, as if no time passed.
She slammed into him, hugging his neck and crying, “You’re alive, you’re alive! I can’t believe we are both alive! Did this really happen?” She looked up at him confused, grasping for some form of proof when Travis raised his right forearm. There, the Dragon Tattoo from Jordondey stared back at her, still glowing.
“Holy crap!” Jessie jumped up and down, as Travis felt his side where Dreck’s dagger slashed him. He was amazed to find he was uninjured. No gaping wound, no cut, not even a scratch. However, his Tee-shirt sported a gaping hole, ruined once again. Shaking his head, he pulled off the shirt, tossing it into the trash, retrieving yet another from his closet.
“That’s two, you owe me,” he told her.
“I’ll get you as many as you want,” she laughed.
Suddenly there was a shift in the atmosphere, and they both knew Drummondax was about to appear in the office.
“Dax!” Jessie exclaimed, elated to see him in the Earthly realm so soon. But she stepped back, shocked to see how much older he looked since she saw him in what she perceived as mere minutes ago. Drummondax answered her question without her asking.
“I have spoken with The Father. To be in the presence of his power would overwhelm a human, perhaps even be fatal. Celestial beings age the longer they are in his presence.” Travis said nothing, standing with his arms folded listening. Jessie wanted to ask what The Father was like, but could tell it wasn’t the right time, and changed the subject.
“So, now with The Author gone, who will take his place?” she asked, surprised by his response, although it made sense when she thought about it.
“The Father has asked me to over-see the Guardian Library.”
“That’s wonderful Dax. You said yes, right?” she stared at him.
“Yes, Jessica.”
“So, you are the new Author?”
“No, I did not wish the title of Author. I shall be the Curator only, of the Guardian Library.”
“Hmm, Curator, I like it,” she smiled, until she noticed the distressed look on his face.
“Is everything okay?”
“I believe it will be, dear Jessica, soon,” he answered.
“What does that mean? Has something happened to Garret? What’s happened to Garret? I saw the ‘Transference’. Isn’t he the Librarian now? Oh, and while we’re at it, what about Evan? Are we just going to forget him? Is someone going for him?”
She didn’t mean to hit him with a barrage of questions, but she had been through so much, and there were so many uncertainties she needed answered.
“Evan’s soul is being retrieved as we speak, Jessica.”
“By whom?” she demanded. He hesitated, knowing she would not be pleased.
“Garret.”
“No, no, no,” Jessie shook her head, panic welling up inside her. She began pacing, stopping short, turning to face him.
“No, why was Garret sent again? What will become of him if he is stuck in Hell?” She couldn’t believe Drummondax would even consider sending Garret back into Hell, knowing how horrible it was for him the last time he was there.
“He is not alone, Jessica. He is in good company. I assure you, they will succeed.” But he did not carry the conviction of his words.
“They’d better be.” At first, she glared at him. Then, she felt bad seeing the worry in his face. She would just have to trust that things would turn out fine.
“I shall return soon, Jessica. Whe
n I know something more.” Drummondax faded from view leaving Jessie with mixed emotions, as she dropped into the office chair exhausted, but happy to be alive. Lost in thought, she startled at the sound of Arista’s buzzer.
“You ARE in there,” the cheerful voice came over the intercom, “I thought I heard someone talking.”
Travis hit the button in reply, “Yep, we’re here. We are really here.”
“Um… okay,” she answered slowly, “I thought you would be at lunch.”
“You could say we had a change of plans.”
“Well, as long as you haven’t left, I need your signature on this document before you–” Travis swung open the office door.
“Oh!” a startled Arista dropped her pen on the floor, “okay, now’s good too, I suppose,” she said. Retrieving the pen, she handed it to him, her face a question mark.
While the office door was open, Jessie leaned forward in her chair, peering out at the beautiful bouquet still on Arista’s desk. Without knowing why, under her breath, she counted the roses, one by one. “Eleven,” she smiled to herself.
Chapter 19
Prelude to Hell
The mission Drummondax discussed with him, playing over in Garret’s mind, gave him plenty to think about. He wanted more than anything to free Evan, but the prospect of returning to Hell made him feel sick inside. He had been there. It was not a place he wished to return, but he would, if it meant getting his brother back.
After asking many questions, and some backtracking a few wrong turns, he found his way to ‘Heaven’s Gate’, which was only one level down, and yet the atmosphere there was different.
Everything seemed quicker, higher energy. He never thought about a place like this existing in the celestial realm and didn’t know if he was nervous or just excited. Either way, his heart raced, as he opened the thick wooden door to the tavern.
The smell of smoke, roasted meats and ale greeted him as he stood scanning the room in search of three, particular Angels. There were large tapestries gracing the walls, with stitched images of Angels battling demons, tranquil garden scenes featuring waterfalls and many other ornate designs. Enormous arched windows of leaded glass filtered the brilliant glow that shone through them.