Caelan nodded. “Come closer my family. Let me see your faces.”
His wives, children, and grandchildren surrounded him. He took time to hug and look into the eyes of each person, wanting to be sure that he would never forget their faces.
Tirea, Thoros's youngest son of eight years, jumped into Caelan's lap. The boy wrapped his arms around Caelan's waist and held him tightly. Caelan laughed and stroked the boy's golden hair several times before kissing him on the head. Long ago I only dreamed of having children. Now, I have grandchildren, he thought. He turned his attention to the rest of the family. “Wives and children of Caelan, the end of all things is before us. Thoros knows of one who can save you. My last wish is that you go with him. He is your leader now. The Almighty has forsaken me, but perhaps he will have mercy on you.” Caelan looked up, “Father, have mercy on my family.”
Thoros looked at his father, puzzled as to whom he was speaking.
Caelan stood and looked at Thoros. "It is time for you to leave my son.”
Thoros nodded, then gathered the family and hurried them to the door. “Move quickly to the roof everyone. I will be right behind you.” Thoros hugged his father tightly again and wept.
Carissa walked over and hugged Thoros, then began crying. “Hurry and go,” she said, and then pushed Thoros away.
Thoros backed up slowly, watching his mother as tears welled in his eyes. As he reached the door, water spilled into the room. Caelan smiled, and then gave a final nod. Thoros returned the nod and ran through the door.
Still watching the door, Carissa grasped Caelan's hand. Both felt a warm presence and looked around the room. Standing at the bottom of the steps in front of the throne was Lucius. Suddenly, another angel in shining white garments appeared several feet behind Lucius. Then, another appeared, and another until the entire room filled with angels. A tear rolled down Caelan's right cheek. Levi, one of the palace musicians walked into the room. He could not see the angels, but could feel their presence from the way he looked around the room.
“What are you doing here Levi?” Caelan asked. “Leave and save yourself.”
“No my lord, I wish to remain. Shall I play a song?”
Caelan looked to Carissa.
Carissa smiled. “Play something . . . joyful,” she said.
Levi gave a somber smile and then took out a wooden flute. He played several notes, stopped to wipe his nose and eyes, and then resumed. Caelan had summoned him many times to play this melody to ease his frustrations and sorrows. The song could not have been more appropriate. Levi played as Carissa hugged Caelan and leaned into his chest. He held her close and kissed her forehead.
Lucius felt his lips begin to quiver. He had never cried, but sadness, regret . . . perhaps helplessness gripped him. He felt the same as he had that day in the market when he entered his mother’s thoughts. The way his heart sank…the pain . . . the sense of loss . . . he needed to do or say something. But what? He turned to the other angels. “Caelan, a man loved by men and angels!” Lucius shouted.
An angel next to him began singing, then another and another until all the angels joined in. The room was filled with an angelic chorus and feeling of peace. Caelan and Carissa closed their eyes to embrace the warm presence and tranquility sweeping over them.
Lucius spread his arms and said, “This is Caelan's song.”
Caelan turned to Carissa, placed both hands on her cheeks, and gently wiped away her tears. His smile prompted hers. He needed to remember Carissa’s eyes, her smile, and her love. He closed his eyes, slowly pulled her closer, and pressed his lips to hers. Both shivered as the floodwaters pooled around their ankles. Caelan held the small of her back and continued kissing until Carissa, with her hands around his neck pulled him closer, and held him tighter. It may have been the end of the world, but it was not the end of their love.
End of book one
Table of Contents
PROLOUGE
CHAPTER 1 – TRAINING
CHAPTER 2 – REUNION
CHAPTER 3 – CLOSE ENCOUNTERS
CHAPTER 4 – NABAL
CHAPTER 5 – CHOICES
CHAPTER 6 – NOW OR NEVER
CHAPTER 7 – THE DESCENT
CHAPTER 8 – GODS AND MEN
CHAPTER 9 – CITY OF THE WATCHERS
CHAPTER 10 – ADVERSARIES
CHAPTER 11 – THE CRIES OF WAR
CHAPTER 12 – THE DESTROYER
CHAPTER 13 – POSSESED
CHAPTER 14 – HEROES
CHAPTER 15 – ASSASSINS
CHAPTER 16 – WAR IS COMING
CHAPTER 17 – EXODUS
CHAPTER 18 – VENGEANCE
CHAPTER 19 – WAR
CHAPTER 20 – NOAH
CHAPTER 21 – CAELAN’S SONG
Sons of God Daughters of Men Page 14