by Marcus Brown
“What do you mean?” Hilary quizzed.
“I can say nothing further right now, but when the time comes, there’ll be others waiting to fight at our side. Now, I must go. Take care of each other and don’t put yourselves in harm’s way if you can help it.”
Hilary and Jason nodded in agreement.
“Until we meet again,” David said. He shut his eyes and once again the orbs enveloped him and returned him home.
Chapter Thirty-Nine
Over a two-week period, twelve children had vanished in mysterious circumstances and the town’s parents were in a panic.
Abducted from their own homes under cover of darkness, there hadn’t been sight nor sound of them since.
Demonstrators stood outside the Town Hall.
Sobbing parents of the missing children begged the attending police officers to find their loved ones.
But, there were no answers to give to the baying crowd
The Chief of Police was trying but failing to ease the tension in the crowd as they surged forward, shouting and screaming, as the crowds pushed forward shouting.
The world’s media had descended on the town like vultures, seemingly reveling in the misery of the parents.
Juliet and Samantha surveyed the circus before them, pleased the connection between the missing children and Promised Land Lane seemed to have been overlooked.
Umbrellas shielded the sisters from the warm midday sun.
“This is perfectly delightful,” Juliet chuckled.
“They don’t have a clue what’s coming,” Samantha replied. “Ignorant humans. I despise them all, but soon they’ll be gone, and our kind will roam this Earth. We’re so close to achieving our dreams, and it’s all thanks to you.” She looked proudly at her sister.
“We’ll be rewarded beyond our imaginations. This time tomorrow, the piggies will cease to exist. Our master will finally be free to walk the Earth and lay waste to everything he designed.” Juliet raised her eyes to the skies and grinned.
“Don’t be too hasty. There's still more work to do. Neither of us have worked a spell as powerful as this before. It could still go wrong.”
“Hold your tongue,” Juliet insisted. “It will work, I’m certain of it. We’ve planned everything down to the finest detail and have the element of surprise on our side.”
“What if he knows what we’ve been doing all this time?” Samantha asked, looking fearful. “He created this,” she said, gesturing at what was around them. “We shouldn’t underestimate him, or his Army of Angels.”
“If he does know, why hasn’t he tried to stop us? Do not let it trouble your mind. We’ve hidden ourselves well, and nobody will interfere with, or stop what is destined to come to pass.”
“I hope you’re right, Juliet. Our Master won’t take kindly to failure.”
“I won’t let you down, now let’s savor the moment a little more. Tomorrow, we’ll feast on the remains of humanity.” She looked around at the gathering and smiled.
Chapter Forty
The huge golden doors flew open as the Council of Elders took their respective places.
Seconds later, the chamber filled with a blinding light as He occupied his golden throne.
“This is most irregular,” Gabriel lectured, as the remaining council members shuffled nervously in their seats. “What is the meaning of this? They aren’t permitted to pass through the doors…”
“Unless I expressly wish it.” He cut Gabriel off. “You forget it was I that wrote our sacred laws and I will bend them accordingly, if I so desire.”
“Forgive me, it wasn’t my intention to…”
“This isn’t the time for apologies, my friend.” He interrupted. “Time is regrettably against us and we must work swiftly.”
“What has happened?” Michael demanded. “Surely it doesn’t warrant this.”
“The time has come. Samantha and Juliet will act tonight, and we must do all we can to stop them. David is waiting on my word.”
“You sent David back?” Gabriel asked, looking shocked.
“Yes, I sent him back to prepare him for the battle ahead.”
“If Moloch is freed, he will lay waste to the world. How has it come to this?” Michael interjected.
“The cosmic balance must always be protected. Since ages past, good and evil has existed and neither one must be allowed to tip the balance in their own favor. I’m afraid we stand on a precipice and the outcome of this battle will be felt across future generations, unless we do something to stop it. Summon the children, Gabriel.”
“They’re just children,” Gabriel protested. “What good can they do?”
“Summon the children,” He ordered, his voice booming around the chamber.
The children led by the pretty blonde-haired girl in the white dress walked up the long corridor towards the chamber.
“Hello,” the little girl said, as the group assembled in front of the golden throne.
“My children. Thank you for coming. I’m sorry to ask this of you, but the time has come, and we need your help.”
“We’ll do all we can,” Maisie answered. “Luke will be with me, won’t you?” She turned to look up at her beloved brother. He nodded his head in agreement. His hand locked into hers.
“It will not be easy, my precious ones.”
“We have to stop them,” Luke added.
“There is a chance you won’t be able to return to us.”
“It’s a price we’re willing to pay,” Luke declared.
“They won’t be alone.” A voice called out from beyond the corridor that led to the chamber.
The council watched as a group of adults approached.
“What is this blasphemy?” Michael roared. He swooped down from his seat and hovered, blocking the entrance to the chamber. His wings were wide open and pulsating with light. “Do not enter this chamber.”
“They shall be allowed to enter,” He ordered.
Michael bowed his head and glided away from the doors.
“It’s not our intention to offend anyone within this sacred chamber. We are all aware it’s forbidden to enter, but we know what’s happening and the children cannot do it alone. We want to help them.”
“Thank you, Mark,” He said.
“Impossible,” Gabriel protested.
“Luke and Maisie are my children,” Mark responded, turning to face Gabriel. “It’s not right they should have to face their Mother and Aunt alone. I won’t allow it. I failed before and won’t do so again.”
“We know what is at stake.” A beautiful red-haired lady stepped forward through the crowd.
“Thank you, Dianne,” He said, acknowledging her presence.
Dianne placed her arm around a child, drawing him nearer to her. “Don’t be scared, Ashley. Together, we’re stronger than they’ll ever be.”
“I’m not scared,” Ashley replied. “I only want to be with my brother again.”
“And I want to be with my sister.” Sarah Brown pushed her way forward. “We all desire the same thing.”
He looked at them all, knowing it was wrong to stand in their way. After all, in one way or another, their lives had been ruined or lost because of Samantha and Juliet. “Then, I must make you all aware of the dangers you face.”
“Don’t you understand? We don’t care what dangers we face. If we don’t stop them, we’ll all suffer regardless, just like those we love that we had to leave behind.” Nathan pushed through the crowd. “My love for Sandra didn’t die they day I did, and even if it means the end of me, I’ll do everything within my power to free her.” Sarah walked towards her brother in law and hugged him.
“Send us back, please.” Rachel stepped forward and took hold of Maisie’s hand. “This has to end, now.”
“Such arrogance,” Michael hissed. “How dare you come into this sacred place and make demands? He is your creator.”
“Michael. I say this with the utmost respect, but every one of you in this chamber allowed t
heir evil to fester, and now, because of your inaction the entire world is at stake.” Dianne glared at Michael, then looked at the golden throne. “Let us help put it to an end.”
“Dianne. My child, I know your words come from a place of love, but you must understand, not everything is as black and white as it seems. When I created the universe, peace and harmony reigned until my children fell. I gave them autonomy to make their own decisions. Was I wrong to do so? I don’t know, but I vowed there and then, I would never again lift a finger to affect the balance between good and evil. It was a battle that should have been allowed to play out without interference. I stood by my promises. Now, evil has tipped the scales in its favor and I cannot stand by and do nothing. I must find a way to restore that balance, even if it means I am condemning you all to oblivion.”
“Then send us back and let us help or send your Angels to finish them. They sit on their perches casting their judgement on all of us,” Mark said bitterly. “What use is that?”
The council roared back in anger at his speech.
“Silence,” He bellowed, as the chamber shook once again. “We will not turn on one another. I have made my decision, and you will all go back and fight.”
“You cannot allow them to return,” Gabriel objected. “We cannot intervene. Whatever will be must come to pass.”
“I will listen to no more objections from you,” He declared, finally tired of being questioned. “Hold your tongue, my friend. This is the final warning I will extend you.”
Gabriel stood defiantly, arms crossed. “I cannot be part of this.” He looked around the chamber at his brothers. “We all swore never to interfere.”
“Sit down, Gabriel.” Michael instructed. “Do not try His patience any more than you already have.”
“I don’t take orders from you,” Gabriel yelled.
“Enough,” He roared as the chamber shook to its foundations, finally silencing Gabriel. “You think you know better than I do? Pride comes before every fall, my friend.”
Stunned silence filled the chamber.
“My objections have nothing to do with…”
An unseen force pulled Gabriel from his seat.
The council erupted in protest as he landed clumsily in front of the golden throne, falling to his knees.
“Silence,” He ordered, as the room quietened.
The others present within the chamber stood and observed, stunned to witness such a show of rebellion amongst the higher rank of Angels.
“What is the meaning of this?” Gabriel demanded, trying to scramble to his feet.
“It pains me to do this, but no longer will you question my judgement.” He raised his hand and Gabriel rose from the floor. “You will always remember the pain and humiliation,” He said, as Gabriel hovered in front of the throne, his wings extended.
Without warning, he began to scream in pain.
The Angels roared their disapproval, but with one wave of His hand, they were silenced.
The children and adults present didn’t interfere.
Gabriel’s once beautiful, glowing, ivory coloured feathers began to turn black and burn, dropping lifelessly onto the shining floor.
Horror was etched on the faces of the council, although none of them dared to protest further.
The children hid their faces as the adults stood and watched Gabriel’s sentence come to pass.
“Please. No!” Gabriel screamed in pain. What remained of his once glorious plumage dropped to the floor and turned to ash. “Please, Father. Anything but this.”
“You would not listen, and now, a further lesson I must teach you.” He waved his hand again and a slight wind lifted the ashen remains into the air. With another wave of his hand, He absorbed what was once Gabriel’s wings.
The once heavenly being was now reduced to human form, a shivering wreck and a shell of his former self.
“Please, I implore you,” Gabriel cried, crawling toward his creator. “Show mercy. I’ve been faithful since time began.”
“I cast you out, Gabriel,” He said, with finality. “For one thousand years, you will roam the Earth and live as a mortal.” Gasps rang out from around the chamber. “In your arrogance, you have forgotten how valuable human life is, and why I allowed it to flourish after your brothers and sisters fell. If you live as humans do, maybe you will see why we must do all we can to protect them.”
“Have mercy,” Gabriel begged. “Please.”
“My judgement is final, but one day…” He seemed to consider his next words. “…when I believe you have earned the right to return, I will allow you to take your place amongst us again.” He waved his hand and the door at the back of the chamber flew open. Another wave of his hand, Gabriel was pulled screaming through the door to begin life as a human. The door slammed shut, silencing his screams. He turned to face the children. “Now that is over and done with, are you ready to return and fight?”
They nodded in unison.
Waving his hand, the council of Elders disappeared.
He stood up and the door to the back of the chamber once again swung open. Embracing them individually, they passed through the door.
It was time for his Army of Angels to fight.
Chapter Forty-One
David was seated in the front pew, praying.
He couldn’t stop thinking about Sandra and wondered how much longer he would be expected to wait and do nothing to help her?
Suddenly, the church was filled with a heavenly brightness.
Looking toward the altar, he could see the golden throne blazing within the blinding light.
He stepped out of the light, but through the brightness, David still couldn’t see his face.
“The time has come.”
David got to his feet and walked towards Him. “Thank you.”
“You will not be alone,” He said. “I have sent others back to help in your hour of need.”
“Who?”
“Patience.” He smiled. “I believe you’ll be pleasantly surprised.”
“How do I get to where I need to be?” David asked.
“Simply wish it, and you’ll be there.”
“Will we win?”
“I can’t answer that, but you must do all you can to restore the balance, and only then will your beloved Sandra be welcomed into the light.”
“I’ll do everything within my power to stop them.”
“Then go now, and with my blessings.” He reached forward and clasped David’s face with his hand, then leaned in and kissed his forehead. “I’ll be waiting for you all to return.” The room pulsated with a blinding light as He took his seat on the throne and both returned to the heavens.
David closed his eyes. “I wish to be with Sandra.” He felt an instant pull and opened his eyes, stood in the familiar garden at Promised Land Lane.
He peered from behind the bushes as Samantha and Juliet stood around the roaring fire.
What was left of Sandra was tied to a makeshift table. He wanted to rush forward and free her, but an inner voice told him to hold back and wait. He looked upwards into the dark sky.
“Help me, please.” He touched the spot where the creator had kissed his forehead.
Chapter Forty-Two
“Are you ready to go?” Hilary asked.
“Not really,” Jason replied, “but we have to get Adam and Sandra away from those psycho bitches.”
“I’ll understand if you want to back out.”
“It’s too late for that. I’ve got nothing left, no Mum and no brothers and they’re not getting away with it. I’ve made up my mind. It ends today.”
Hilary pulled him into a hug. She hadn’t known Jason for long, but she worried for him. After this was over, she was determined to give him a home and look after him.
Tim would be wary at first, but he’d grow to love him, just like she did. “You’ve still got a life to live. It’s what your family would want.”
“I doubt that very much. I haven’t even finishe
d school yet and have a world of responsibility on my shoulders. I can’t even afford to feed myself.”
“I’ll look after you, Jase. You won’t be on your own.”
He pulled away from her. “You’ve got your own life to lead and don’t need me hanging around, reminding you of this mess.”
“Stop it! You’re a part of my life now and don’t forget it.” She flashed him a smile. “There’s plenty of room here for you when you’re ready.”
“Thanks, Hils. I don’t deserve you, but we’ll see what happens.”
“It doesn’t seem like it right now, but one day you’ll be happy again. I kind of love you, Jase, just like you were my own child, and before we go, I need you to know that.”
He grinned uncomfortably at her. “Enough of the lovey-dovey crap for now, yeah,” he said. “If we come through this, then who knows, I might just feel the same way.” His grin turned into a brief smile.
“Gotcha.” She knew how he felt. “Come on then, let’s get the torches and get going before I chicken out.”
Juliet paced the length and breadth of the garden, unable to settle.
“Calm down, Juliet.” Samantha shook her head. “We will begin soon.”
“After all these years, the time has come, and this world…” She surveyed the garden. “…will be ours.” Juliet closed her eyes, a menacing look crossing her beautiful face.
“We must be careful. Nothing can go wrong.” Samantha looked scared for the first time. “I won’t be forgiven a second time.”
“Nothing will happen to you, dear sister. I didn’t spend the last century gathering enough power to bring you back, only to fail at the last hurdle.” Juliet embraced her sister. She’d missed Samantha dreadfully over the years, regretting the day she allowed Mark Whitmore to walk away with her. She should have chased after them and slit his throat, then started a new life together.
“Did you bring the Grimoire down from the attic with you? We’ll need it to be close by. It holds the last of my power,” said Samantha.