Exile of Lucifer

by D. Brian Shafer

  "What are they searching for that they must go to Lucifer to find?" 75

  They stood up to leave and he and Michael began walking

  together. As they exited the massive gate on the south end of the

  square Michael stopped walking. Sangius turned to see what was

  happening. Michael, clearly troubled by the unfolding sinister

  story, looked deeply into Sangius' eyes, and asked, whispering,

  "Sangius...what do you believe they really want?"

  "That's easy," said Sangius. "Whatever he really wants."

  ----------------

  On the opposite side of the very wall where Michael and

  Sangius had been talking, a figure stealthily peeked out of the flow-

  ery shrubs. He made sure that he was quite alone, then stepped

  onto the stone path. He was almost giddy, armed with the knowl-

  edge of a conversation that would prove profitable to his future.

  Serus intended to tell Lucifer exactly what he had heard--when the

  time was right. This should prove his worth to his master once and

  for all.

  ----------------

  Chronicles of the Host

  Heaven's Anticipation

  The time for the Creation was fast approaching. All of Heaven

  was in a state of joyous anticipation, and waited anxiously to

  see their God in creative action. The scribes were preparing

  their scrolls to ensure that every detail would be recorded for

  the archives. The Elders announced that the angels would have

  a gallery from which they could watch the entire proceedings.

  But the questions that loomed on every mind, whether spoken

  or held in reserve, were these: What will the Most High do

  with the new world? Who will serve there? Who will rule in

  the Lord's name?

  77

  Chapter 6

  "All I need is a show of strength--

  something impressive!"

  Lucifer fulfilled his promise to Kara. He began work immedi-

  ately on his Creation music and the only angel who saw him was

  Serus--even the meetings were dispensed after a short time. Occa-

  sionally angels walking down the street would see glimpses of

  their worship minister at the window, or catch a brief glance at him

  on the balcony, but for the most part he stayed in his study and

  worked.

  As time went on, Serus continued his errands to and from the

  Temple, conferring with the Elders on the progress of the music.

  Angels would stop him in the streets and inquire about Lucifer, who

  had seemingly disappeared. He gave reports on how brilliantly

  "their" music was coming together and hurried on his way. The only

  other visitors who were admitted to the house were Pellecus and

  Rugio, who always arrived together, and only after being summoned.

  Soon, the Chief Elder felt that they needed a more direct com-

  munication with the minister of worship, so Kara suggested that a

  liaison be appointed to act on the Elders' behalf and volunteered to

  serve in that capacity. He was instructed to visit with Lucifer immedi-

  ately. Serus, who happened to be with the Elders when the liaison

  78 CHRONICLES of the Host: Exile of Lucifer

  was established, raced ahead of Kara to prepare his master for the

  visit. When he arrived and explained the situation, he was sur-

  prised to find that Lucifer was delighted to receive Kara, as if he

  was expecting him. Shortly thereafter Serus was ushering Kara into

  Lucifer's presence. He excused himself from the study and left

  Kara alone with Lucifer.

  "Good Kara," said Lucifer, "I'm glad you have come." They

  embraced each other. "I've been needing to talk with you. I trust

  the Chief Elder thought well of the idea of an embassy to me." He

  smiled and added, "The music I have created is stunning!"

  "I had hoped as much," said Kara. "The Elders are thrilled

  with what they have seen thus far." They sat down on two golden

  chairs with dark crimson cushions. Kara noticed a strong odor in

  the room. "Your idea to get myself made a liaison was brilliant.

  What is that fragrance?" he asked.

  "Surely you've heard of my love for lilacs," said Lucifer.

  "They're my only weakness, you might say. I keep them around me

  always. I plan to speak to the Lord about these beautiful flowers

  and make sure that He fills the earth with them." Lucifer looked at

  Kara, folding his hands in front of him. "Which brings up what I

  wanted to discuss with you. How go the plans for the Creation?

  Any mention of when this will actually happen?"

  "Nothing specific is known to any of us," said Kara. "Only the

  Lord knows the hour. But I understand that the Three-in-One will

  coordinate this effort together--Father, Son and Spirit are in com-

  plete accord on this."

  "Of course They are," said Lucifer. "They wouldn't have it

  any other way. As to the other matter...the question of stewardship.

  Any indication from the Elders on that?"

  "I have been discreetly but firmly urging your name to vari-

  ous members of the body. Some of them, Pratia and Belron for

  example, were talking about you before I ever even mentioned the

  possibility. I'd say you have fairly wide support among the group."

  "I need overwhelming support," said Lucifer. "You know the

  Lord will not select anyone to an office without agreement within

  the body. They must all be won over if possible."

  "All I need is a show of strength--something impressive!" 79

  "Your music will take care of that," said Kara. "There is one

  rather awkward development. You know Rega, the assistant to the

  Chief Elder?"

  "Oh yes," said Lucifer. "He and I have had some interesting

  talks from time to time."

  "Well, he remembers some of those `talks.' He told me that he

  will only support you if you pledge to appoint him to some office

  after you begin governing."

  "Rega always has had an appetite," said Lucifer. "But I need

  his support. Tell him that I will do what I can, but that I can do

  nothing until the appointment becomes official."

  "Very well. I will report back to the Elders that you are work-

  ing devotedly on the music and that you will have it completed

  within...how long shall I say?"

  "Actually I have been finished with the project for some

  time," said Lucifer.

  Kara looked at him in shock.

  "It's quite true," said Lucifer. "I have needed this time of iso-

  lation to garner support in other areas which may play an impor-

  tant part in the future of the Kingdom. You see, Kara, there are

  larger issues at risk than the appointment of earth's steward--

  much larger. I will tell you everything when the time is right. I

  wrote the music quite rapidly and have sent Serus out with bits and

  pieces to whet the Elders' appetite--you know, keep them interest-

  ed. Your appointment as liaison was critical at this point, though

  poor Serus was enjoying himself as go-between."

  "But what are these other issues?" asked Kara. "You can trust me."

  "I do trust you," said Lucifer, placing his hand upon Kara's

  shoulder. "And you are doing a splendid job. Keep up the excellent

  wo
rk and I promise you that your efforts will be rewarded. I am

  simply not at liberty to disclose these things right now. It is enough

  for you to know that as always I have the Kingdom's best interest

  at heart."

  ----------------

  Kara left Lucifer's house feeling encouraged. For the very first

  time he was beginning to believe that Lucifer would be appointed

  80 CHRONICLES of the Host: Exile of Lucifer

  steward and that together they would lead the new world. As he

  walked down the street he saw two angels coming toward him: Pel-

  lecus and Rugio.

  "Greetings, brothers," said Kara.

  "Greetings, Kara," said Pellecus, who had seen Kara just

  depart from Lucifer's house. "What takes you away from the

  Elders?"

  "Some rather urgent business with Lucifer," said Kara proud-

  ly. "We meet together occasionally. As do you."

  "Really?" said Pellecus. "That's quite interesting."

  "Yes," said Kara. "We're really quite close. I am the liaison

  between the Elders and Lucifer on the matter of the Creation music.

  Exciting times ahead, hmm?"

  "I'd say revolutionary," said Rugio.

  "I suppose they are," said Kara. "And where are you two hon-

  orable angels headed?"

  Rugio began to answer, "We're meeting with..."

  "Gabriel!" interrupted Pellecus. "And I believe we best be on our

  way. Never good to keep an archangel waiting. Farewell, brother."

  "My regards to Gabriel," said Kara as they parted company.

  Kara watched as the two continued down the street and slowed in

  front of Lucifer's house. He stood behind a large tree and watched

  them enter Lucifer's house, wondering why they had lied to him.

  Or perhaps they thought of some urgent business that they needed

  to conduct with Lucifer. It didn't really matter to Kara. He was on

  a mission for the greatest angel in the Kingdom and was now more

  determined than ever to win the Council of Elders over in the mat-

  ter of the recommendation of Lucifer as steward.

  ----------------

  Pellecus and Rugio were ushered into the council room where

  Lucifer was waiting for them. "What were you and Kara talking

  about?" asked Lucifer.

  "Nothing of substance, my lord," said Pellecus. (He had been

  addressing Lucifer as lord ever since Lucifer insisted that it was

  necessary for the unity of the group as well as the sake of decorum.)

  "All I need is a show of strength--something impressive!" 81

  "We merely came across him after meeting with you. I gather he is

  not yet intimate with the movement. Though Rugio very nearly

  brought him in--bantering such words as `revolutionary' and

  informing him of our meeting with you."

  Lucifer glared at Rugio. "We must be discreet, commander,"

  he said, "and cannot take chances with casual chatter--and espe-

  cially not to an elder whose final regards in this matter are still

  developing. There's no shame in it, Rugio. Pellecus has himself on

  occasion been given to carelessness." Pellecus looked grimly at

  Rugio.

  Lucifer invited the two to the conference area. "No, Kara is

  not yet intimate with us," he said. "But he will be very soon. And

  it is true that his devotion to the Lord is quite well known." Lucifer

  went to a gold inlaid cabinet and pulled an ornate key out of his

  cloak. "In fact, I would say that apart from Michael and one or two

  others, Kara is regarded as the most loyal and devoted angel in the

  Kingdom."

  Lucifer opened the cabinet and retrieved a brass tube that

  opened on one end. He then walked back to the table. "Kara has

  cultivated, with some prompting on my part, a very public image

  which inspires confidence and trust." Lucifer looked squarely at

  the two angels and went on in a hushed tone. "Privately, Kara is

  extremely loyal to me. I have not brought him in completely

  because I want to see which way the Elders are going to go with

  their recommendation to the Almighty on the stewardship selec-

  tion. If the vote should go against me, I want him to be able to con-

  tinue his association with the Elders without the appearance of

  being biased towards me. He is quite useful to me on the Eldership.

  How do you think I came by the information on the stewardship in

  the first place? But...Kara also happens to be extremely ambitious

  and cunning and must be handled cautiously."

  "So what happens if they recommend another angel?" asked

  Rugio. "Or what if the Lord decides on His own steward apart from

  the Council?"

  "That is highly unlikely in either case," said Lucifer, who

  motioned for everyone to take a seat. "The Most High will desire

  82 CHRONICLES of the Host: Exile of Lucifer

  the Elders to be involved because it is His nature to share such

  authority. He must give the Elders something to do. And He will

  consider their counsel quite seriously. He knows that to place in

  such a significant position an angel who is either unknown or

  untested would be inviting critical feelings from the Host--feelings

  which are steadily increasing among the various ranks, are they

  not? I'm ready for your reports. But first..."

  Lucifer opened the brass container and pulled out a scroll,

  which he unrolled all the way down the length of the conference

  table. On the scroll was inscribed various headings and categories,

  which were divided into three sections covering the three main

  ranks of angels: warrior/ministering angels, wisdom/proclaiming

  angels, and worship/praise angels.

  Under each category appeared the names of the most influen-

  tial angels in Heaven along with their positions, ranks, ministries.

  These were categorized under the following designations: Loyal,

  Likely, Probable, Possible, Unlikely, Impossible.

  The angels in the "Loyal" section were those Lucifer knew he

  could rely on completely, such as the angels on the Council, Kara,

  and other ranking angels who were sympathetic to change.

  The bottom portion of the scroll was headed with the desig-

  nations "Unlikely" and "Impossible," and underneath these titles

  appeared a list of angels as well. The names found here represent-

  ed those angels who were most loyal to the Lord, such as Michael

  and Gabriel, Crispin, and many others. A recently scrawled in

  "Sangius" appeared at the bottom of the list with a question mark

  next to it.

  "This is how I view the situation thus far," said Lucifer, por-

  ing over the scroll. "As you can see we have some work to do. But

  I'm happy to say that there is a definite trend in our direction ever

  since the news of the Creation was made known. It would seem

  that Kara is not the only ambitious angel in Heaven. In fact, there

  are quite a few angels who see my...our movement as an opportu-

  nity for greater achievement in a less strident kingdom."

  Rugio and Pellecus looked at the scroll, making an occasional

  comment about names that appeared on the list: "Oh, you may

  "All I need is a show of strength--something impressive!" 83

  move Sep to the `loyal' side. He is de
finitely with us," or "I'm not

  sure if Deter belongs in the `likely' category or not," or "Greka has

  moved from the `possible' to the `loyal' category in such a short

  time!" They examined the entire scroll and were quite encouraged.

  Lucifer rolled up the scroll, and asked for a briefing on the latest

  developments...

  "I am happy to tell you that almost my entire command is

  ready to follow me anywhere," said Rugio, beaming. "They are

  desirous of a change and feel that the new world promises a great

  adventure for them. I am also in contact with other commanders

  who are sympathetic and will join us when prudence allows. They

  have angels in their command whom we can count on."

  Lucifer looked over at Pellecus, who began talking. "Many of

  the teachers are with us," said Pellecus, "and therefore many of the

  current students. They think that they will be able to teach with

  fewer constraints in the academy that I told them I plan to create in

  the new world. Those at the Academy who are still tradition-bound

  are of no consequence as they are starting to lose students to the

  more vocal angels like Berenius, who I must say is doing a splen-

  did job."

  "Excellent!" said Lucifer. "I knew I was right in reading Bere-

  nius' character. But if we're not careful all of Heaven will join us on

  the new world and there will be no angel left to serve the Lord!"

  They laughed. "Except Michael and Gabriel...oh yes, and possibly

  that simpering Sangius."

  "Don't forget Crispin," said Pellecus. "He'll be needed to

  maintain the Academy!"

  "Enough of this, my friends," said Lucifer. "We must not cel-

  ebrate too early or too openly. If there is anything that must be

  stressed to all of our contacts it is the need for utmost secrecy. If our

  ultimate intentions are exposed prematurely everything we have

  worked for will be lost."