Sons of God Daughters of Men

by Benjamin Reynolds

“Think of encouraging words or songs of praise and then whisper them to her.”

  “We can do that?” Lucius asked.

  “Indeed. If they discourage, we can encourage. Why do you think your teachers had you memorize so many of our songs?”

  Filled with excitement, Lucius turned to Dinah and thought of an uplifting song. “Praise the Lord, O my soul. I will praise the Lord all my life. I will sing praise to my God while I live,” Lucius said to Dinah.

  He waited for a response, but the words had no effect. The demon laughed sarcastically. Lucius turned to Caelan. “What did I do wrong?”

  “You have to do more than speak the words. Believe what you are saying. Open yourself to her mind so you can feel the pain and trauma. Only then, can her emotions to flood into your mind. Once the connection is made and you have become one with her emotions, concentrate and speak to the pain...allowing the words to flow from your heart. Making a connection with your mother should be easy.”

  Lucius closed his eyes and concentrated. He grabbed his head, his hands shaking as images from Dinah's mind entered his. He saw her in a room lying on a bed with blood spattered about her legs and stomach. She screamed, groaning and grasping the bed sheets as the elderly midwife pulled the baby from between her legs. Exhausted, breathing heavily, and sweating, Dinah looked into the somber eyes of the midwife. She stretched her arms out. “Bring me my baby,” Dinah whimpered.

  The elderly woman shook her head. Slowly, she wrapped the dead infant in a small brown blanket. Lucius' eyes widened as Dinah's deafening cry rang throughout his mind. The overwhelming sorrow that his mother carried for more than twenty-five years filled his eyes with tears. Lucius looked at Dinah with compassion, training his mind on her sadness and then closing his yes. He let the words flow from his heart, “Blessed is he whose help is God, whose hope is in the Lord, the maker of heaven and Earth, the Lord who remains faithful forever. He upholds the cause of the oppressed and gives food to the hungry. The Lord sustains the fatherless and the widow but frustrates the ways of the wicked. The Lord reigns forever, for all generations. Praise the Lord.”

  Dinah's eyes narrowed and she looked up. Her lips tightened and looked at the old man in front of her, “The Lord sustains me,” she whispered before walking away with an air of confidence. The angry demon straightened and scowled at Lucius. “Safe today, but maybe dead tomorrow. Will you help her then Watcher?” He jumped from the table and then scampered away. Dinah's Guardian angel smiled at Lucius briefly and nodded before he followed her away.

  “He is right. I cannot be there for her every day,” Lucius said, and hung his head. The burden of his mother having to wrestle alone against unseen and malicious forces troubled him. For the first time, he felt the pain of human loss and suffering. Being born as an angel in heaven had shielded him from these cruel emotions. His first memories were of opening his eyes in a large room in Heaven staffed by angels helping souls who had died as infants. He and other new angels were welcomed to Heaven and educated daily about the Earth, the universe, and their purpose for existing. Before, he viewed human beings with a certain fascination, even envy. Now, he saw a different, grittier side to humanity that was far different from what he had imagined.

  “You did well,” Caelan said. “My advice is that you do not spend too much time worrying about her. Pray that the Father watches over her life and that she finds her way in this world.”

  With a heavy heart, Lucius nodded in agreement.

  “We have to go,” Caelan said.

  As they walked toward the center of the marketplace, Caelan could sense that Lucius was agitated and distracted. Every few paces, he turned and looked at certain people moving about the busy marketplace. Caelan decided to use the opportunity to teach the young angel another lesson.

  “Lucius, are you paying attention to your surroundings?” Caelan asked.

  “Yes.” Lucius responded as he continued to walk.

  “Are you sure?” Caelan asked.

  “Yes,” Lucius replied.

  “So you are not looking at the young women in the market today?” Caelan asked.

  “I'm...WHOA!” Lucius said loudly before looking up. He stopped just before his throat met the edge of Caelan's glistening sword.

  Caelan gave him a stern look before sheathing his sword. “You need to pay better attention, especially in crowded areas with buildings and places demons can hide. That last demon surprised you before you could to react. You were fortunate that he was a weak, deceiving spirit. A warrior class demon might have struck you down.”

  “I'm sorry sir, it will not happen again,” Lucius said.

  “Make sure it doesn't," Caelan responded. "Be aware of enemies and try to anticipate where they may be hiding. They can leap through walls or surprise you from around a corner instantly.”

  “I understand," Lucius replied.

  “They are masters of deception," Caelan said. "For example, I bet you did not notice the three small demons on our left and two on the right that have been following us since we left the fig stand did you?”

  Lucius looked to his left, right, and caught glimpses of several small demons scurrying among the buildings, hiding and them poking their heads out. “No, I did not see them. What do they want, and why are they following us?”

  “They are watching us, wondering if we are here to watch a person of importance," Caelan said. "If they can report with important information to their superiors, they might be rewarded.”

  “I see” Lucius replied, still eying the small demons.

  “Some smaller ones may seem insignificant at first glance," Caelan said. "I made the mistake of believing that when I first came here and was ambushed. The will try that if they think that they have the upper hand. That is why it is important to know where they are and what they are doing.”

  “I understand sir,” Lucius said.

  “Good to know. One more thing to keep in mind: it is sometimes hard, at first, to concentrate and focus your thoughts when you are around groups of human beings. Our sensitivity to their strong emotions can disorient us at times. You seem especially sensitive to them.”

  Lucius nodded. “I have not felt powerful emotions like these until I arrived on Earth. Why are they so strong, and why am I feeling them now?”

  “Well, humanity is a troubled and strange species. Although we are similar, there are differences. While we are spiritual beings, they are bound to their flesh. They lack our strength of mind and discipline. Therefore, most of them wander aimlessly through life in search of meaningless things." Caelan shook his head. "They are creatures of emotion.”

  "Is that why you like them so much?" Lucius joked.

  Caelan returned an icy glare and started walking.

  After arriving close to the center of the market, Caelan looked around at the hundred or so people assembled at various vendors and walking in and out of shops.

  “Human beings are slaves to their feelings,” Caelan said with aversion. “Guard your thoughts while you are down here Lucius or your mind will be corrupted by their unholy ways.”

  “And what happens if I am corrupted?” Lucius asked.

  “Reeducation. Retraining. A lot of things that you do not want to know about, I assure you,” Caelan said.

  “Still, there are those who are just, right?" Lucius asked. "Aren't there those who are genuinely interested in spirituality?”

  Caelan furled his lips, indignant that the young angel had dared question him. “There are some, but generally—”

  “I mean, isn't that the reason we are here?" Lucius interrupted. "Are we not here to ensure that they follow the right path and get the aid and protection that they need?”

  Caelan looked into Lucius' eyes and then past him. The young angel had unintentionally reminded him of something he had all but forgotten over time; love and compassion for humanity. He thought back to a time, hundreds of years ago; when he had arrived on Earth as a Guardian and when humanity began to grow and rapidly expand.
Like Lucius, he was once full of hope and enthusiasm because of what he saw as humanity's potential for greatness. Where had his compassion and hope gone? Why was he now so cold and emotionless toward those he swore to protect?

  Caelan thought about the oath he took upon completing his Guardian training, “We serve, we protect, we uplift.” He asked himself how much he had done recently to uplift humanity.

  “Are you Okay, sir?” Lucius asked, interrupting his reflection.

  “Of course, you are right Lucius. We are here to help.” Caelan suddenly became distracted and looked into the distance.

  “What is it?” Lucius asked.

  “Why are those angels over there?" Caelan said. "I was not aware of any special assignments today. Did you hear anything about this before you left?”

  “You did not hear?” Lucius asked. He grinned, “On my way to the portal, I heard that more angels had been assigned to this man and his family because they were special. They have been assigned a protection detail. Each of them will have two permanent Guardian angels. Exciting, right?”

  “Yes,” Caelan mumbled, still staring at the angels. “What is the man’s name?”

  “Noah,” Lucius answered.

  3

  CLOSE ENCOUNTERS

  Sixteen angels stood guard around Noah and his three sons. A squad of ten, powerful warrior angels formed a circular perimeter fifty feet around the family. At ten feet tall, they towered above the seven-foot Guardian angels who stood guard directly behind each family member. The warrior angels wore silver, open-faced helmets adorned with red, blue, and white plumes, depending on their rank. Each carried knights' shields on their left arms. Six of them carried spears in their right hand while the others carried long broadswords. Bright silver breastplates embroidered with black straps covered their shortened robes and extended to their knees, just above extended sandals tied with long black straps. Half of the angels also carried long bows slung over their left shoulders.

  Caelan supposed that Noah and his family must have some important purpose for them to have garnered the protection of so many angels. Noah was a middle-aged man of about five hundred years with a thick, black beard speckled with gray. He seemed unaware of the angelic activity around him as he busily directed his sons and servants. The angels studied the area for any sign of danger as Noah and his servants unloaded large clay jars of wine from a donkey driven cart. The smaller Guardian angels seemed indifferent to the servants, choosing to pay closer attention to Noah and his sons.

  Caelan knew that he needed to hurry and relieve the angel watching over the human he was assigned to, but curiosity got the better of him. He approached the angels to get more information about Noah. As he stepped forward, a familiar presence of evil overcame him, suggesting the presence of powerful demons.

  Lucius perked up as well at the evil presence. He immediately looked to Caelan for direction.

  “Do not turn around Lucius. Keep walking as if nothing were wrong,” Caelan said calmly.

  Caelan sensed that Lucius was concerned. He knew that the young angel was wondering how many demons were behind them and if they could safely traverse the one-hundred foot distance to the other angels. He tried to reassure him. “Remember your training and follow my lead. What you do in the next five seconds will decide if you see this evening’s sunset.”

  Lucius nodded nervously as he and Caelan continued walking, doing his best to remain calm and not look backward.

  “When I give the signal, duck and roll left, then right. Let's hope that throws them off,” Caelan whispered.

  “Hope?” Lucius asked.

  Caelan watched the angels ahead slowly draw their weapons and move to defensive positions. He felt the presence of evil getting stronger, meaning the demons were drawing closer.

  One of the warrior angels, wearing a white plume on his helmet signifying that he was the leader of the group, stepped forward, and looked directly at him. He lowered his right hand and extended three fingers twice.

  “Thirty-three demons behind us,” Caelan whispered. He watched Lucius put his trembling right hand on his sword, knowing that his training would soon be put to the test. As they drew to fifty feet of the other angels, Caelan yelled, “Now!” and rolled forward onto the ground.

  Lucius followed and rolled to his left, then immediately to his right in unison with Caelan. A volley of arrows fired from the demons behind them flew past their left side just as they rolled up to their knees.

  Lucius tried instinctively to stand, but Caelan grabbed his arm and pulled him down just before the angels in front returned fire with a volley of arrows. The demons behind them screamed as they were struck. Instantly, they exploded into a mist of black smoke and ash.

  “Run!” Caelan yelled.

  Two demons wielding black maces tipped with spikes yelled curses and charged Lucius from behind. The closest demon, just several feet away, raised his mace and swung at Lucius' head. Lucius ducked quickly enough to avoid the blow. In one fluid movement, Lucius drew his sword, spun, and decapitated the demon. The lifeless body fell limp to its knees. The other demon looked down at the corpse as it fizzled and began turning to ash. Lucius raised his sword, let out a loud cry, and slashed the other demon across the chest. The demon's armor fell to the ground, followed by his contorting body. He fell forward and burst into ash. Lucius choked as smoke and ash filled his eyes, throat, and nostrils. Caelan grabbed the back of Lucius' robe and flew across the marketplace to the safety of the awaiting angels.

  Lucius fell to one knee and coughed several times. He rubbed his eyes and nose.

  The remaining demons withdrew to several hundred feet away and cursed the angels.

  When his vision returned to normal, Lucius saw the rest of the angels standing with weapons drawn waiting to see what the demons would try next.

  “Strike and then step away,” a voice said.

  Lucius looked up to see an angel standing next to him with a bow and arrow still drawn.

  Lucius coughed several times and then nodded. He rubbed his eyes trying to regain his vision.

  “I am Azazel," the angel standing above him said.

  “Lucius, Sir.”

  “You were fortunate to have been with Caelan today young angel. He is one of our bravest and most respected Guardians,” Azazel said.

  Lucius looked at Caelan, standing to his left with his sword drawn. Earlier, he had resented his mentor's stern approach and constant corrections, but he was now thankful that his experience had saved his life.

  Azazel knelt next to Lucius. “When the other five demons behind you recognized Caelan, they turned and ran. Not many angels can rout demons with a glare." Azazel patted Lucius on the shoulder and smiled. "There is greatness in him and you would be wise to take any advice he gives you. Your pairing could not have been mere coincidence. I am sure that the coming days will reveal a divine plan for you both.”

  4

  NABALNabal

  “Nabal you fool, turn and face me!” Carmish shouted from behind.

  Nabal ignored the man and took another swig.

  Carmish, standing in-between two men who had accompanied him, glared angrily from behind. “Look at me Nabal. I am not a dog!” he yelled.

  Nabal took a large gulp of wine, and then slammed the large wood cup on the table. He let out a loud belch and leaned to the man sitting on his right. “Why do dogs ask men if they are dogs?” Nabal asked and then laughed.

  The other three men at his table and most patrons in laughed hysterically. Carmish's eyes narrowed and his face reddened with anger.

  “This dog sleeps with my wife and laughs at me? Carmish said.

  A hush came over the crowd. Smiles began to disappear. Peoples sitting at the two tables between Nabal and Carmish grabbed their drinks and walked away. The tavern regulars knew that Nabal was a mean drunk. At six feet, six inches tall, he was larger and stronger than most. He had a fierce reputation and never backed down from a fight.

  As Nabal stood a
nd turned around, Carmish slowly took several steps forward until the two men stood nose to nose, each waiting for the other to make the first move. Although Nabal stood more than a foot taller, Carmish did not seem the least bit afraid.

  “Did you sleep with my wife?” Carmish shouted.

  “What if I did?” Nabal balked.

  Carmish lunged, only to be restrained by his two friends. Nabal laughed and raised his hands in the air, trying to rouse the crowd as Carmish wrestled to free himself. Nabal turned and faced the jeering crowd cheered. He shrugged and then loudly, said, “The poor woman said she needed a real a man. I was more than happy to oblige.”

  The tavern erupted with laughter. Carmish screamed and broke free, charging Nabal and driving him through a table. The two men struggled on the ground as the crowd cheered until Carmish managed to get on top and wrap his hands around Nabal’s throat. Nabal gouged Carmish's eyes, causing him to scream and loosen his grip. He rolled Carmish over, jumped on top, and then began savagely beating his foe's face with both fists. The more he pummeled Carmish, the louder the crowd cheered him on. After receiving nearly ten blows, Carmish was nearly unconscious and bleeding severely. Nabal looked down with pleasure at the damage he had done and smiled.

  “You’re finished,” Nabal said with satisfaction.

  Wheezing and choking, Carmish managed to open a swollen eye. In a final act of defiance, he spat blood into Nabal's face. Nabal wiped the blood from his face and then screamed. He pounded Carmish's face several more times with both fist, then grasped Carmish's neck and squeezed tightly. The small man's legs kicked wildly and his body twitched and turned in many directions as he struggled to no avail. After less than a minute, Carmish's limp body fell silent as the bloodthirsty crowd cheered on.

  Carmish opened his eyes and saw Nabal straddling his body with both hands clenched around his neck. Nabal stood and raised his arms to the crowd. The two men accompanying Carmish turned and fled. Confused, Carmish watched until it became ominously dark and quiet. A tall man in the corner of the bar caught his attention. The man was young, with handsome features. He had short black hair, bright blue eyes, a long white robe, and a gold sash around his waist. He glanced at Nabal, and then wrote in a small white book. After several seconds, he closed the book, tucked it under his right arm, and then nodded. Immediately, something grabbed Carmish by both arms and yanked him backward. He flailed his arms wildly and kicked until whatever was dragging him stopped. He turned over and looked up. Carmish sat, terrified by what he saw.