Chronicles of the
Children of Destiny
“Rebellion”
by
Daniel Thomas
Andrew Daly
http://noahidebooks.angelfire.com
Prologue
Intensifying
reality. The Father of Glory had decided
that now was the time for the intensifying of reality. His children in the Realm of Eternity, the
third realm which he had created, had grown used to life and the merry pathways
it offered them. Yet, in the future he
envisaged for them – in the character and person he wished inscribed in each of
their souls - the eternal Father of Glory had decided that a period in which
the lessons they had learned were to be put to the test. The lessons of life and love which so many of
them lived by and claimed they believed in needed to be seen to be either
genuine or, as he perhaps feared, not completely honest in word. And if not honest in word, as he felt perhaps
was true for a number of them, then he would see – he would indeed see – just
how honest in deed were the angels of the eternal realm.
He had made plans on
this issue. The 1000 years of Saruviel’s
second exile was now into its second century.
The community had gone on with life as normal, living through its happy
peace and tranquillity. Yet, the eternal
Father had begun weaving little strands – little strands in a tapestry of life
which would, in his purposes, see just who was who in the Realm of eternal
life.
Whatever would be
would be, in the eternal life of the Father of Glory and the divine children of
eternity. Whatever would be would be.
Part One
‘The Judgement of God’
Chapter One
Gloryel, having
flown for around 7 hours straight upwards, was hovering in mid air, flapping
her wings at a calmer pace. She was
exhausted. Absolutely and completely
exhausted. But she was not finished with
yet. She would fly the highest ever of
any of the angels of eternity. She would
fly upwards – straight upwards from Zaphon – until she could not fly any higher
until she was absolutely and utterly exhausted.
And then, her goal reached, she would fall. She would literally fall downwards, in rest,
her body recovering. For she knew she
would have ample time to recover before the ground beckoned. She looked upwards and decided that she would
fly, now, with as much energy as she could muster until it was gone – until she
had given absolutely everything she was capable of giving. And then she shot up.
A burst of
fire. A burst of passion. A burst of Glory. She flew with all her energy, power,
determination and spirit. She flew with
fire in her heart and fire in her soul.
With everything she had, she flew.
And then, at about
her limit – at about her absolute limit – chest heaving, body aching, wings
exhausted – she spied up above her something.
A spot in the sky. And it did
not, now, look too far above her. It did
not look too high. Whatever it was, it
was now her final goal. With strength
beyond herself, she would make this mark.
She would achieve this final glory.
Her wings spasmed a
little and she had to slow down. But, a
little burst of energy at her lesser pace helped her, and she, ever so tender
in her heart, made the rock.
She climbed on to
the pillar in the sky and lay there. She
lay there, exhausted and before she could even wonder where she was, the gentle
hand of the eternal Dreamlord touched her and soothed her into a peaceful,
glorious, slumber.
* *
* * *
They sat there. She watched them, in the way you observe
within dreams, barely ever moving – barely ever doing anything. They occasionally spoke, but usually they sat
there, seemingly going through an eternally allotted time. After a while of this, names entered her
mind. Names such as Satan and Damien –
Lucifer and Samaen – these names entered her mind. She looked at them closely. They looked familiar – as if she had known
them personally. But they were not the
same. They were different. As if she had known them, but not known
them. And then one of them fell off the
rock, and the dream was over.
* *
* * *
She awoke
suddenly. She awoke, still exhausted,
but her mind a little bit better – a little more refreshed. She was okay now, but her body still needed
some more time to recover. She looked
around. There was, really, nothing to
look at. The rock was bear, apart from a
few scraps of what appeared to be clothing material. It was also not very large. There was enough room for her to lie on
comfortably, and perhaps a few others if they lay close together, but that was
all it could home. Having now recovered
somewhat, she tested her wings. They,
although still aching, would be okay.
She flew down underneath the rock and looked it over. It appeared solid, a few cubits thick, and
nothing really surprising. She returned
to the top and sat there, thinking.
Just how long had this rock been here?
Why had their Father never talked about it? Why had he never commented on it? And, more importantly, just exactly what
purpose did it serve? Other thoughts
entered her head, and after a while, one particular thought became lucid in her
mind. She looked up – straight up. If this rock was here, which indeed it was,
what was up higher? What, if anything,
lay beyond even the upper heights of the Realm of Eternity?
Eventually,
questions unanswered, she decided that, as she had no food and did not really
find a need in flying high again, as she had met her objectives, Gloryel
decided it was time to return home.
Sariel would be most anxious. She
had left her brother and others at Zaphon, intending to fly as long as she
possibly could. She had worried often,
in her ascent, having persisted for so long, that her brothers and sisters
could be very concerned about her. And
now, with the sleep she had just taken, they could be most anxious. Time to return home.
She looked over the
rock. She looked at it, in a way
satisfied in its existence and, looking downwards, began her glorious descent.
* *
* * *
Daniel sat with
Lindsay in Zaphon keep, in the main lounge outside of the dining room. Daniel had requested Lindsay either come and
visit him or for him to visit her, through the courier service, after having
read a poem of hers she had composed a number of years back. It had spoken to him. Spoken to him deeply. It had meant something to him, and he wanted
to express his deepest thanks and gratitude for what the poem meant.
‘It is, Lindsay, a
gem. A beautiful and delicate poem which
comes from a pure and true heart. I am
most grateful to you for having written of your experiences with Saruviel – I
am most grateful. It really is most
inspiring and I would greatly like to write some poetry or some other writing
with your poem in mind. I would, so
greatly, appreciate this. If you have no
objections.’ Lindsay, thinking over
Daniel’s request, was cautious. The poem
was part of her heart. Very personal to
her. Very personal. But Daniel had asked kindly. Quite kindly.
Perhaps she could refuse him. It
was within her rights, of course. ‘I
will have to think that over, Daniel. I
will get back to you on that.’ Daniel
nodded, grateful for a chance. ‘I do
appreciate that Lindsay. Really, I do. Thank you.
Well, thank you again so much for giving me this time. I would have come to visit you if you had
asked – that would have not been a problem.’
‘No, that was fine. I enjoy time
in my birthplace, probably like you Daniel.’
Daniel nodded, understanding apparent on his face.
Yes, Zaphon was
enjoyable to him. In fact, quite
personally so. It had been his home for
nearly all his life, apart from a brief stay at Ambriel’s abode with
Meludiel. He had generally come to the
thought in his heart that he would never leave.
That it would remain, eternally, the home of the 45th of the
Seraphim of Eternity. That was the plan
within the heart of Daniel.
* *
* * *
Krystabel, 7th
of the female Seraphim of eternity, had now generally conceded the point – not
completely – not utterly – but generally conceded. ‘God – he will always be what he is. Untameable.’
‘Such is life, Krystabel.’ Krystabel thought on her Father’s reply. Yes, such was life. She looked down at the copy of the Seraphim
Torah in her hands. She looked again at
her own principle, section 12, principle 2, which read, ‘In the halls of Kalphon, in the Devil’s grand
domain. The firstborn child of this
grand hall, his heart ye’ll never tame.’
She had known, almost immediately from the time that Gabriel announced
who was to be head of Kalphon keep all those years ago, who the firstborn child
of Kalphon was. That firstborn child was
her twin – Saruviel. He was the
atrocious Devil – who father had called Satan – of the Seraphim Torah. This the community had, now, generally come
to believe in.
After the first
exile it had been on the angels mind, but nobody had been prepared to admit
it. But now, with Saruviel exiled yet
again, and after his actions towards Michael, they generally considered
Saruviel the Devil himself. The infamous
Devil of the Torah. The Devil, who
appeared to be Satan, was mentioned in a handful of other Torah principles, as
well as being implied that he was also the Dragon of the Torah. This, the angelic community, had now
generally acknowledged. They had been
reluctant at first. Some had suggested
that God had called Saruviel Satan as a judgement rather than as a personal
name. But the community, now, generally
believed that Saruviel was the devil himself.
Of that most people had been convinced.
Of course, Krystabel
was Saruviel’s twin. And when it had
been announced that Kalphon was to be the domain of Saruviel, she had sought to
soften him with her persistent efforts.
Yet, unfortunately, to no avail.
As Torah taught – ‘His heart ye’ll never tame.’ Her brother Davriel had now started teaching
quite often ‘The Judgement of God’ persistently and confidently. He was assured – absolutely convinced – of
the truth of his work. ‘The Judgement of
God was, to Davriel, now virtually Torah itself. Of that he seemed to have little doubt.’
His brother Rophiel
also agreed with Davriel on this issue, teaching the importance of Torah
scholars and their works. They were, in
the words of Rophiel, ‘fundamental to the spiritual welfare of the community.’ Rophiel himself had begun a spiritual
movement of dedicated angels who followed his principles called ‘Muslims.’ His religion was known as ‘Islam’ which
taught surrender or submission to God himself.
It was a rejection of pride and self-exaltation. Rophiel admired Davriel’s works, though, and
relied upon his brother for the strength in his own movement. Davriel had also started to attract a
spiritual fellowship – his movement was based around the special anointing he
had received from their father. Davriel
was the first to have been ‘Christened’ or ‘Anointed’. His followers now referred to him as the
‘Christ’ and the religion itself as ‘Christianity’. Followers of Christ were called ‘Christians’.
The Christian
religion, which had started within the community, was not in fact the work of
the Christ, Davriel. It was not,
directly, his work at all. The 7 Saruvim
were not the only ones of the Realm of Infinity which had come to know the
Eternal Realm. The Logos, through the
permission of his Father, had also been allowed access to the Realm of
Eternity. Logos had chosen Davriel as a
vessel within the Realm of Infinity for his work to begin. Logos required a witness of righteousness
from the Realm of Infinity – for the children of eternity to know, ultimately,
in the destiny Logos worked with his Father, that they were not alone.
Davriel was, in a
sense, the chosen child of the Logos.
He, the 70th of the Realm of Eternity, would establish the
true faith within the Realm of Eternity.
This was the purpose of the Logos, from which he would not flinch.
Gabriel had taken a
great interest in both Christianity and Islam.
They had both appealed to him as sensible and godly spiritual
pathways. They did, he felt, suit God’s
purposes, and would achieve the level of spirituality that Gabriel deemed
appropriate.
Michael, who
particularly liked some of Davriel’s ideas around destiny and the term
‘prophecy’, was also interested in Christianity and Islam. He, like Gabriel, felt these spiritualities
had great potential.
Raphael had given
Davriel’s Christianity some thought, but had given no firm commitment to its
principles being taught at Mitraphon.
‘Perhaps in time, Davriel,’ had been Raphael’s position. It needed consideration, so he maintained.
Krystabel herself
remained faithful to her own Seraphim Torah.
She did not really want to take any interest in either Davriel’s or
Rophiel’s spiritual teachings. They
condemned her twin. They judged him,
Krystabel truly felt, without the love and kindness which was supposed to be at
the heart of the Angelic Community. She
knew her brother had faults – that he was imperfect, and perhaps motivated by
pride. But he did not judge hearts and
condemn the angels in the way done to him.
She had known that he had doubted their Father’s honour and his
integrity – yet she felt Saruviel was honest in this judgement, and not
motivated by any impure spirit. His
sincerity Krystabel knew personally.
Yet, especially with Davriel, she felt that her younger brother exalted
himself above Saruviel, who was his elder, and attempted to take a responsibility
which was inappropriate for him. He
refused, it seemed, to accept his place in the hierarchy of God’s angelic
children.
Yet, if that was
Davriel, then so be it. The spirit of
love and patience was meant to motivate her – this she understood. She desired, though, strongly, that this
spirit would be reciprocated in the hearts of her angelic brothers and
sisters. She desired and hoped for this
quite strongly.
* *
* * *
Crocus, 19th
of the male Cherubim of Eternity sat looking over the flock of sheep he, as a
shepherd, had been given responsibility for.
He looked at the face etched onto a scroll in his hands – a picture of
his beloved twin Smilax. Smilax was,
like him, a devoted shepherdess. She
looked over a flock of sheep, from which the community gained wool. The need for a shepherd had come earlier that
year, with the creation of a new type of animal. A new and fearsome type of animal, known as a
wolf. Wolves were not always gentle –
not always gentle at all. It had been a
dark night for a community just outside of Terraphon when the dead carcass of a
sheep had been found, its body mutilated.
Everyone had been shocked – alarmed greatly. And then it had happened again. Finally, with angels on watch, a wolf was
spotted killing one of the sheep, a young lamb.
This had alarmed the community greatly however, when their Father had
been consulted on the issue, he had given them strong words on the nature of
wolves – that killing sheep and other animals was part of their nature – that
it was totally normal for them to do as such.
The angelic community had reacted strongly, though, and assigned the new
role of ‘Shepherd’ to various angels to watch over the sheep flocks. Both Crocus and Smilax had been given the
responsibility.
Recently, Crocus had
fended off a wolf with his staff as it had tried to devour a sheep. The wolf had growled at him a little, which
scared him a bit, but had left without much of a fight. Crocus, having given the new creation some
thought, wondered just exactly what his Father’s purpose was in the creation of
wolves. Wether there was some lesson –
some life lesson – that he desired the angelic community to learn. He thought on Saruviel and wondered privately
if there was meant to be any connection between Saruviel and wolves, but he
eventually dismissed that thought.
Saruviel was actually the Devil and the Dragon, rather than any wolf.
These thoughts were
the common thoughts of shepherd crocus, yet the most prominent were of his twin
Smilax. Crocus loved her. Truly loved her. Yet, in the time he spent with her, he knew
she felt not the same. That his
adoration was unreciprocated, and likely not ever to be. Yet he pined for his twin. He silently worshipped her and came to many
brave plots and triumphs in his mind of how to win her heart and
affection. With a little bit of luck,
and a whole dose of charm, he felt certain he would prevail. That he would win the heart of his beloved
shepherdess twin, and that all would be right with the world.
Such and such were
the heart matters of Crocus the Cherubim, on a cold and frosty Galadon morning
in the heart of Terraphora.
* *
* * *
Saruviel sat in
darkness. Darkness. Darkness.
All around the chill of nothingness surrounded him. Cold, hard, vengeful, dark, evil. Malevolent.
They were there. They were still
there. They watched him. They watched him and, from time to time,
insulted him. They cast aspersions –
derogatory statements. They entered his
mind and said to him - ‘You are
God. You are the Devil. You are life.
You are death. You are war. You are peace. You are everything. You are nothing. You are Saruviel.’ And Saruviel relented of all his life. All his peace. All his truth. All his dreams. All his goals. All his plans.
All his passion. All his
vision. And then, at the end, it was
complete. He was, in truth, no longer
Saruviel. In the end, he was the dark
lord himself, the evil one, the adversary, Satan.
* *
* * *
Krystabel. Child of God.
Child of peace. Child of
love. Krystabel sat and thought on her
twin. The lost one. The lost child. Her beloved twin. He had, now, settled there. He had now, now, become one with her. Others had come around. Other angels – suitors – romancers – lovers. But for her, there was only one. There was only one true, divine,
connection. Saruviel. Her beloved Saruviel. The Saruviel she adored, wanted and
needed. Saruviel.
* *
* * *
Sariel, a
Seraphim. He sat there, lost in endless
random thoughts which had become part of his life. Endless, happy though, but endless random
thoughts of life. What was a Seraphim,
he thought to himself. What was he,
Sariel, a Seraphim all about. What was
his purpose in life? Did he have
one? Was there any meaning? Was there any point? Zaphon now ran smoothly, yet after Michael’s
long tenure, nothing more seemed necessary to be done, in any real way. Nothing more really. Administration. That was all it really was. Administration. And while, in truth, it did not bore him, in
truth it bored the hell out of him as well.
A dichotomy of life and death. Of
good and evil. Of love and hate. Gloryel had, thankfully, returned. And with most interesting and strange
news. A rock. A new and interesting rock. Atop the realm, almost beyond reach, a rock
beckoned. And, so it seemed, it was his
twin sister who had, strangely enough, claimed the glory of that conquest. Of course, he was getting used to that. She was, now, tragically competitive. She had, so he felt, been doing her very best
to show him just what a female could do when she put her mind to it. This, though, did not really bother
Sariel. In fact, he really just enjoyed
the entertainment of Gloryel’s passion.
Let the little minx strut her stuff, were in fact the private thoughts
of Sariel. Of course, he would never
share them with her. He adored her. He loved her.
And he fancied her. But, of
course, he, while somewhat competitive, did know he had an eternal challenge on
his hand with his minxy little twin.
A response was
called for. In fact, a most decisive
response. Something to show his beloved
twin what Sariel, Archangel of God, and current overseer of the Realm of
Eternity could in fact do when he put his mind to it. Something which would show young Gloryel what
Sariel was made of.
* *
* * *
Daniel looked at his
twin Ariel. ‘You’re a bitch, he silently
thought to himself. A cold, heartless
bitch. She had now, in the years she had
been living at Zaphon, had about 1000 lover cherubim angels. And yes, he had been counting. All the time a new face popped up – a new
face which Ariel seemed to have an uncanny knack of introducing to Daniel. And, in that little sarcastic voice which had
started to come in, he knew she was mocking the hell out of him. Yet, really, did he care? She was only a female? What did they know? Simple thoughts on life. Mundane concerns over trivial, pointless
issues of the heart. And that was,
really, just about it. Complex things – well
– they were a bit beyond them. Young
Nadiel, she had potential. For a female,
she was almost intelligent, he thought to himself. Which genuinely surprised him. Both he and Valandriel had reached a general
conclusion that the fairer gender could not really grasp or cope with
intellectual concepts of any substance.
They were, in the end, just a bit too much for the poor dears little
lovestruck minds. Of course, females had
there uses. They had potential to do
housework, which was always useful, as it allowed him time to focus on the more
important things in life. But, of
course, it was only Meludiel who seemed in any way inclining towards this sort
of lifestyle with himself. And now Ambriel
seemed to finally have reclaimed his prize.
Of course, Ariel had at her disposal a whole arsenal of male lovers, so
her need for her twin was non-existent.
She could, Daniel felt, mock him and his attitudes eternally so, if she
so desired. Yet, whatever. The single life would do. It would suffice. Funnily enough, God actually spoke to him now
from time to time. He encouraged him and
told him not to worry about it.
Ultimately, everything would turn out for the best. If he simply had a little faith, things would
get there one day.
Of course,
Sharlamane remained at Zaphon. And she
liked him still. Her fidelity and
kindness to her older brother remained unchanged. He felt, perhaps, now, he could devote himself
to her. When he had finally concluded
that Meludiel belonged with Ambriel, and that Ariel would go on mocking him
forever, he felt he needed to wise up.
Sharlamane was love. In the end,
Sharlamane was love. And this sister of
his would keep faith in him and stay with him forever. It seemed, to Daniel, the wisest and most
sensible of choices.
Chapter Two
Smilax. Sheperdess.
19th of the female Cherubim.
Sitting with her older sister by one rank, Georgia, Smilax contemplated
some of the words Georgia had been speaking with her. ‘Crocus has loved you for so long, dear
sister.’ ‘Yes. I know Georgia. He is attractive, but my heart is not given
to him. I do not feel for him in that
way.’ ‘You are beautiful sister. Do you not know he adores thee. That your fine looks have won his
heart.’ ‘Yes, Georgie, I do know.
So?’ ‘His heart, sis. What of his heart.’ ‘He is male.’
‘Yes, he is male.’ Smilax looked
at her sister, and considered those words.
She stood up from the park bench just in front of the flowing Terravon,
and walked over towards the river. She
looked into the calmly flowing river. A
river, merrily and happily flowing along in its eternal pleasant destiny. She thought on the Sellawon in Zaphora. There, her and Crocus had once spent an
afternoon. A picnic he had arranged in
their youth. It was, in truth, part of
heart and memory. But he was male. They did not change. Hard of heart. Hard of soul.
Not worthy of her love, her attention, her heart. He was a male. Just a male.
* *
* * *
Mandy, 20th
of the female Cherubim, sat inside Zaphon library. It was not her regular home. She visited occasionally, as a number of the
Cherubim who had been born there in fact did.
Her twin brother, Dreznadoranta, had recommended that she visit the
library to look at some of the original writings of the community. They were, as it had been said before, their
legacy. Their heritage.
She looked through
one of the original copies of ‘Torah and Life’ by her older Seraphim brother
Davriel. She was looking at the opening
passage. It spoke to her. It read, ‘The Torah of God. A work of our father. A work of wisdom. A work of power. A work of drama. A work of truth. A work of life. To you, my sisters and brothers, what is the
Torah? What purpose does it serve? What meaning should be gained from it? Of course, as we all know, Torah is our
teaching, our knowledge, our way of life.
So, in this, perchance, eternal dichotomy of teaching and life –
relating the conceptual to the physical – what pathway of the eternal will you
tread upon? What, indeed, will be the
fate of your destiny?’
Mandy though on
that. The fate of her destiny? Obvious things came to her mind. Eternal life.
Eternal love. Eternal peace. Why, in the end, choose anything else. Why choose anything else at all?
* *
* * *
Shemrael, Seraphim
female, child of the eternal father, 10th born of the females of
eternity, was considering life. She was
considering life and ideas relating to how people should relate to each
other. Wether, as in the ideas of life that
had permeated her mind and understanding, wether things the way she understood
them were reality. Wether they had any
real meaning or any truth to them. She,
like Cimbrel, now belonged to the Japanese community. They were, in fact, honoured as the oldest of
this community. Her community had
developed a strong culture of honour, formal and polite behaviour, and great
decorum. This, she sensed, was the best
way of life to live and maintain. The
best quality of life to last eternally.
Why should her sister, Meludiel, have ever considered challenging this
obvious point. She had felt, to a
degree, shame at her sisters carousing with Daniel. It had made her embarrassed as a
Seraphim. But, thankfully, Ambriel and
Meludiel remained tied together now, and Daniel showed no apparent interest in
her anymore. Seemingly, and thankfully,
the issue had been resolved.
She considered,
though, Daniel’s recent words. ‘What is
life without a bit of spice, Shemrael.
Or is Japan the eternal kingdom?’
Later on that night, having reflected on his words, she wanted to hit
him. But she rebuked herself, reclaiming
her dignity. The child her brother had
become would eventually learn his lesson.
She would pray for him, persevere in faith and love with her eternal
father, and redeem his fallen pride. It
was part of her ongoing spiritual ministry, to which she was most
dedicated. Her brother would grow up
eventually. In this truth, she had
faith.
* *
* * *
Michael, living in
Ambriel’s former abode on the edge of Terraphora, looked at the new stock of
beer which had arrived. Of course, it
would not be consumed anywhere near the rapidity which his young brother
Ambriel had wholeheartedly dedicated himself to, but he would partake of the
golden liquid over the next few years.
Sariel, it seemed to him, was working excellently. The maintenance of the quality of life in the
Realm of Eternity was flowing smoothly and well. There were no real complaints and people,
from Michael’s perspective, approved of Sariel as the successor to Michael’s
administration. Sariel was, to Michael,
the natural choice. A sensible,
uneventful, continuation of his work.
Sariel was responsible.
Methodical. Orderly. This spirit within his brother emanated from
the real understanding of life and what was required to bring stability to
peoples live. For the second overseer of
the Realm – for the lesson he wished to teach everyone – there could be no
other example or choice to make. Sariel
was the only one worth considering in that role.
Of course, the
others would have their turn as well.
Yet, after time, they would realize who his first choice in fact
was. It was the lesson they would need
to learn. Following him, though, Michael
had reached his general conclusion. He
would speak with Sariel and, gently, persuade him of choosing Saruviel – a
choice he had already apparently committed to – but one which Michael wanted
Sariel to know was his best choice as well.
Saruviel would bring that spark of life – that flame – that absoluteness
– that intensity – which needed to be marked so strongly and early on in the
realm of eternity. Saruviel was a
blazing fire to Michael. A blazing
passionate fire of intense and absolute authority. An angel who would brook no equal. No authority.
Not even their eternal father himself.
And Michael, quite devilishly now, thought to himself, let his family
cope with that ego. They would learn
about Saruviel soon enough. And in that
thinking, Michael chuckled a little to himself.
‘The old Devil, hey father. The
old Devil’
* *
* * *
Gloryel, seated next
to Sariel and Daniel, Ariel seated opposite her, looked at the move Sariel had
made. Chess – the new variant with a 9
by 9 grid, with the two new extra pieces of God and the Devil – was challenging
her. It was really making her brain
work. She looked at Sariel, seated next
to her, who was surveying the board, occasionally glancing at Daniel. Of course, the banter had been severe, again. Sariel, the arrogant bastard, had confidently
maintained that even if Ariel and Gloryel worked as a team, they had buckley’s
and none of defeating either himself or Daniel.
Gloryel, of course, had responded.
She would, again, take her pride-filled brother. She would put him in his place.
Daniel looked at
Gloryel. ‘Of course, for a woman, you
are doing alright.’ Gloryel looked at
him sharply. ‘Shut up, Daniel.’ ‘I am really, dear Gloryel, surprised that a
female like yourself can actually comprehend the possibilities of the Devil
piece. I assumed it would be beyond your
dear little capabilities.’ Sariel looked
at Daniel, chuckled a little, but responded anyway. ‘Now Daniel.
Such a derogatory statement dishonours you. My sister has studied carefully and
methodically. She has great potential in
this new variant. I would advise
caution, young brother. I would advise
caution.’ Gloryel looked at Sariel,
smiled a little, and turned to Daniel.
‘Yes, danny boy. You better watch
yourself. No telling what the Devil can
do, is there? Isn’t that right,
Ariel?’ Ariel looked at Gloryel and
looked at Daniel. ‘I don’t think Daniel
even understands the basics of the game, sister. It is all bragging. Nothing but empty bragging. He never really lives up to his words. All talk.
All talk. Isn’t that right
Daniel?’ Daniel looked at Ariel. ‘Well of course, Ariel. Just a provocative little devil, aint
I.’ ‘I couldn’t have put it better
myself,’ commented Gloryel.’ Daniel
looked at Ariel and Gloryel, and then glanced at Sariel. ‘Batting for the other team now, are we, hey
Sariel?’ ‘It has its possibilities,
young Daniel. You should have learnt
that, by now.’ Daniel considered his
words. The obvious would do. ‘Of course, father is changing the Torah
tomorrow. Remember we were
notified.’ Gloryel sneered a little at
her brother. ‘Yes, your interpretation. And we all know how reliable that is, don’t
we. That works wonders for you, doesn’t
it.’ Daniel looked at her and smiled. He looked up at the ceiling. ‘That’s right. Keep the faith. That’s right.’ ‘Shut up Daniel,’ the other three practically
said in union.’
Two hours later,
Daniel grinned a little. Gloryel had
fallen, then Ariel. But they were only
women, of course. Sariel had been a
little bit of a challenge. He had given
him a few sacrifices to boost his confidence, but taken when he needed to. It had been fun. But that, he supposed, was part of life – as
trivial as it may seem.
* *
* * *
Daniel, 7th
born of the Cherubim males of eternity, sat next to Semyaza in his abode in
Terraphora. Semyaza was blotto – wasted
on the good stuff – which he had been all week.
The angelic children of eternity had, now that beer had come to be, been
enjoying some of the finer things in life – and suffering the inevitable
consequences thereof. He pushed
Semyaza. ‘You alive?’ he asked. A murmured, ‘fuggoff’, was the only
answer. The others in the gang of the
firstborn cherubim – the snakes as they were called – were all lying around
Semyaza’s living room, totally wasted.
Daniel, as usual, was the only sober one amongst them. His inevitable responsibility was getting his
bastard brothers well again, helping them recover from their splurge into the
nether-realm. Daniel did not drink. He never drank. He had learnt, quite quickly from observing
others, that alcohol was disastrous in its after-effects. And, as such, had resolutely determined to
not partake of the liquid gold. However
his brethren in the snakes did not share his attitude – in fact, practically
the opposite. They revelled in the
stuff, and enjoyed the more delectable aspects of the life of eternity. A few of the female seraphim, including
Semyaza’s twin Sharakondra, and Urakiba’s twin, Shard, which the snakes all
flirted with and came onto, were sleeping in the bedrooms, some also in similar
condition. Daniel, in general, usually
refrained from flirting with these ladies.
He liked females – quite a lot – but felt no need to carry on in the stupid
way his fellow male angels did. Romance
was dumb. Pointless. It went nowhere, except in false flattery and
exaltation of the opposite gender. It
did not betray an angels true feelings for the subject of their attention. It was all words and banter – not
sincere. To Daniel, in no way sincere.
Daniel, himself,
despite his good points, was something of a devil in the mould of the exiled
Saruviel. Yet, perhaps, worse – and
perhaps better. He was ever so
sarcastic, almost insulting at times. He
did not really care what others thought of him.
He did not really care at all. He
did not swear, directly, at his angelic brethren with the intent of
malice. But he would swear quite often
if he deemed it appropriate.
In terms of romance,
the angel had never known the softer touch of the female gender amongst the
community. It was foreign to him –
unbeknownst to his conduct and experience.
For Daniel, women seemed almost irrelevant in this sense. He liked them, as friends like he liked
males. But that was all it would ever be
for himself. They were, all the angels
who carried on as such, childish and trivial.
They were not themselves. They
were not what they should be.
Yet, on the very
briefest of occasions, he noticed Nadiel a little. Just a tiny little bit. But these thoughts were usually
dismissed. Usually abandoned with and
forgotten. Such a thing was not for
him. And such it would stay.
* *
* * *
Jesus, 21st of the Cherubim males of eternity, sat next
to his Cherubim brother Michael, 22nd born amongst the male cherubim
of eternity. They sat in the lounge room
of Nazareth keep in the Realm of Zaphora.
Jesus and Michael had been instrumental in the design and construction
of Nazareth, initially known as Nazarphon.
Jesus looked at Michael. ‘It
cannot remain like this, you know. It
cannot remain as such.’ ‘But will God
ever do that Jesus? Will he ever expand
the realm yet again?’ Jesus thought on
his response. ‘The outer discs of
Brephora, Romnaphora and Kalphora are inevitable now, Michael. Father, having listened to my suggestions,
generally seemed to approve of the ideas.
He did not state assent, but, as you would probably know, seemed to make
his approval known and understood.
Kalphora will inevitably come to be.
This is now firm in my mind.’
‘Kalphora?’ ‘Yes. Three main divisions. Canada.
America. Mexico. These are my essential ideas for
Kalphora.’ ‘And the other realms?’ ‘Well, Mitraphora has come to be known as the
part of Terraphora which is home to the African community. Mitraphon, in the heart of Malawi, were
Raphael ministers from has named its sub-realm within Terraphora as Mitraphora,
as you would know. This is also true of
Pelnaphora and the Asian community of which Uriel oversees in the district of
China were Pelnaphon is located.’ ‘They
call that Beijing, don’t they?’ ‘That is
correct Michael. Now, I have spoken to
the other tentatively titled communities of Brephora, were Brephon is, as well
as Romnaphora and Kalphora, yet they, while temporarily adopting these names
for their districts, desired greater land and room. And because of that, I spoke with father and
suggested the new realms of Brephora, Romnaphora and Kalphora. I simply hope and wait on the news that
Father will eventually accede to our requests and create the new outer
realms. And, if he does make that decision,
we will have Salem placed within Kalphora.’
Michael nodded, understanding of his brother’s vision now apparent.
* *
* * *
‘Damien
Bradlock. Yeh, that is fucking cool
Lucifer. What do you think Satan?’ ‘I will take that one Damien,’ said Satan in
response. ‘Then what the fuck is my
name?’ ‘How about Alexander fucking
Bradlock. After that fucking Cherubim bastard we all hate.’ ‘Yeh, okay.
That will fucking do. Then what
is your fucking name, Lucifer.’
‘Darvanius. I will be a Darvanius. Lucifer Darvanius, in fact. Yes, that is the name I will stick to.’ ‘That cherubim liar? All his prophecies fail all the fucking
time.’ ‘Yeh the bastard has a go. Fuckit.
I will be the False Prophet himself.
Sounds fucking good to me.’ Satan
looked at the Saruvim Damien. ‘Why don’t
we make you the Antichrist, Damien. You
can piss that Davriel cunt off. Have a
go at the fucker.’ ‘Yeh, okay
Satan. But don’t tell me what to fucking
do all the time. Okay.’ Satan looked at his younger Saruvim
brother. ‘You do have a vivid
imagination, Damien. Entertaining the
notion of controlling me is extremely original.
Of course, you will learn lad.
You will learn.’ Damien looked at
his older Saruvim brother. ‘Yeh,
whatever,’ he said a little uneasily.
* *
* * *
Kelkuriel sat alone
in Semambarel’s workshop. Semambarel was
away at Romnaphon with Surafel, currently teaching one of their now regular
seminars. Kelkuriel, though, had declined
to join them, instead deciding to do a little work at Semambarel’s workshop,
after Semambarel had not objected. He
sat there sensing the afterglow of his older brother’s lifetime of work. It felt smooth – polished – professional –
well-considered. The afterglow had been
noticed by him from youth, yet Ambriel had shared with him the notion of it’s
ambience. Kelkuriel now reflected on the
peace of heart and mind which his brother Semambarel obviously seemed content
and at rest in. He considered
Semambarel’s time spent with Saruviel.
He considered the possible impact this may have made. Naturally, Semambarel was his own angel –
with his own decisions. Yet what had his
older brother Saruviel done in his life?
What changes, what impacts, what spirit had he imparted onto the life of
Semambarel? Was it good? Was it bad?
Were, in the end, did it lead? He
sensed in Semambarel, now, a quality. A
quality his brother had not had in youth.
Was this from Saruviel? Was the 7th
Archangel responsible for the fruit which had come into Semambarel’s life? He wished to consider this issue – the ideas
Saruviel presented – and now go off and learn from Kantriel and Daraqel and
others who had known him well. Did the
teaching of Saruviel have a quality which the other angels saw not? To this question, Kelkuriel would gain an
answer.
* *
* * *
Kantriel sat next to
Daraqel in the lounge of Kalphon keep.
They had chatted for a while, mostly just drinking from a pitcher of
melit water in front of them. The
subject of discussion had been alcohol – the golden beverage that lit their
realm. Young Ambriel, and others, had
been the subject. And the effects upon
him had been quite noticeable. Daraqel
had commented that such actions led to quite stupid behaviour. Having received the knowledge, just recently,
from a conversation with Seraphim Daniel, Daraqel had reflected that the
alcohol did not seem to be for the best.
It seemed, to Daraqel, a substance much better avoided. Not one to give the mind the kind of life and
spirit it required. Kantriel had
generally agreed. They had, both of
them, considered those angels amongst the Seraphim who now partook of the
alcohol on regular occurrences. Most of
Davriel’s followers partook often.
Rophiel’s rarely touched the stuff, though, which impressed both of
them. Of course, they both noted that
Davriel had judged the issue carefully and had expressed the view that long
term consequences were not problematic, if the beverage was taken in sensible
moderation. Rophiel, seemingly, strongly
disagreed. But didn’t, technically, mind
a tiny little bit on extremely rare occasions.
As long as no improper behaviour resulted from this. Yet Daraqel, in Daniel’s advice, had agreed
to abstain completely and utterly from ever partaking of the product. Daniel had stated he would, over a few
millennia, have the occasional drink.
But that his long-term plan was to eliminate the product 100% from his
dietary intake. Yet, so he advised, if
Daraqel was sensible, he would never touch the stuff. An idea to which Daraqel had acceded. Kantriel had given, also, such a
commitment. They had considered,
ultimately, the witness for their beliefs which they required. To be taken seriously in what they stood for,
they could brook no slurs or character insults, which occasionally drunk angels
received.
They had, both of
them, drunk the substance when it was first introduced. It seemed palatable and nice. Yet they had reached their conclusions
recently, and now total abstinence was their decision. Of this they would not relent. It was decision based on holiness, which they
would maintain and adhere to throughout their eternal future.
* *
* * *
Daniel sat in his
dormitory in Zaphon. He looked at the
beer on the small bookcase next to his bed.
Beer was okay. It tasted alright. He would, in fact, drink it for a while. But he would never get drunk. He would never cross over into the insanity
some of his other brethren in fact did.
He was happy, now, with his advice to Daraqel. And, on other subjects, happy with the conclusions
he had reached. Michael, he guessed,
would be okay over the long haul. He
seemed to have a reasonable understanding on the nature of life – on the nature
of eternal life. He would probably go on
making sensible life decisions when he needed to. Saruviel would remain Saruviel – eternally
intense. Daraqel and Kantriel were, to
Daniel, sensible and wise in listening to Saruviel. His theology, for want of a better word,
drove them to absoluteness. It made them
think and fight, far beyond what they had shown in youth, for a standard and
quality which would endure, Daniel now felt, eternally so. Davriel was sensible. A leader.
Determined. Passionate. Judgmental.
But dedicated. He would
persevere. His protégé, Rophiel, was
made of similar stuff. They would,
inevitably, keep the faith. It was what
they were made of. The whole team – all
70 of the male Seraphim – were under control.
They would wise up when they needed to.
They would fall into line when they had to. The bright sparks amongst them ensured this.
Of course, Semyaza
really had his hands full with his flock.
1,400,000 was a hell of responsibility.
As a Seraphim he had a hell of an important responsibility to maintain
an extremely high standard to ensure the consistent quality and way of life
their realm enjoyed. He knew,
ultimately, many would exceed and rebuke him for casual attitudes and displays
which they had walked on past. Yet he
also knew, from close examination, that this was their pride – not their
heart. They would fall back to their own
ways, eventually. It was not, really,
much of a contest over an eternal walk.
At 45 on the list, his was an awkward position. No real glory. No real chances like Michael, Saruviel and
the others above him possessed. Ambriel at
60 got a lot of attention, especially because of what he was like, and Davriel
had it made at 70. In the end position
45, like a number of others around him, had no real great promise. Nothing really impressive about being born at
this ranking on the list. Yet, it was
the truth. It would not change. It did not change. It could not change. So he would accept his eternal ranking and
simply make the best of it. Only,
ultimately, his fidelity to his Father and obeying him in this position would
earn him the honour he sought. Perhaps,
eventually, Father would grant him some of his heart’s desires. Perhaps eventually.
Chapter Three
‘Daniel, you are a
dork. A masculinist dork.’ ‘Really Meludiel? What makes such a formerly fair maiden as
yourself consider the feminist nonsense which is currently running through the
realm.’ ‘Dear brother. If you are so naive as to consider me a
feminist, then you have a lot of learning to do.’ ‘Wadya see is wadya get.’ ‘Shut up Daniel.’ ‘Heh, heh, heh.’ ‘I assumed you were to intelligent to mock,
dear brother. Nobody really takes much
of an interest in you anyway. We simply
occasionally notice you to assuage your fragile ego.’ ‘Well of course. And it is so fragile. So very fragile. I would die, oh dear beloved, if not for the
assuagements of your tender mercies. Oh,
how lost I would be. Oh how lost. Woe is me.
I am undone. Life, can it now
have any meaning. Oh woe. Oh bother.
Oh whatever.’ ‘Shut up, idiot,’
replied Meludiel. ‘Oh woe,’ continued Daniel
unperturbed. ‘Shut up.’ ‘Oh woe.’
‘Shut the hell up.’ Meludiel said, slightly riled.’ ‘Mmm.
Temper temper temper. My we
aren’t upset are we?’
Meludiel decided a
response was necessary to her brothers jibing.
‘You know, at least Ambriel knows how to love me and show me a good
time. He is not afraid to meet a women’s
needs. And for that I will stick with my twin.
You can go to hell.’ ‘Sensible
life decision, bimbo. About time.’ Meludiel looked at him from the corner of her
eye. ‘Yeh. That’s you.
I have figured you out. Pretty
basic in the end. You were never really
after me, were you. Were you. Just pushing us together, weren’t you?’ Daniel looked at her, thought on simply
saying yes to her, but decided that the truth was important right at that
moment. ‘Yeh, well, maybe Meluidel. Maybe.
But not totally. You do know,
don’t you, despite myself, I do love you.
And that probably won’t change.’
Meludiel looked at him, saw the serious look on his face, and
nodded. ‘Yeh. I know Daniel – dearest. I know.’
She gave him a quick hug, but the two of them soon returned to their
witty jibing dialogue.
* *
* * *
Satan, out of character,
chuckled. ‘He really is a dickhead,
isn’t he Lucifer.’ ‘He’s a fu**head,
Sat. A total fu** head.’ ‘Definitely,’ agreed Damien. ‘Yeh, but I think the chicks dig him. He is a bastard, but they like bastards. I’m sure of that.’ ‘Good point,’ noted Damien. ‘Good point.’
* *
* * *
The Father of glory
looked into the hearts of his 3 Saruvim children of Infinity who were present
at Zaphon observing Daniel and Meludiel.
He felt, while he did object usually to interfering in the freedom they
desired, that they deserved an object lesson about what women did like, just so
they would get the point ultimately.
They had, in the end, not fallen to evil. They were nasty, malicious, and hate-filled –
but would never fall to the power of death.
They had made life choices. They
had made life choices.
* *
* * *
And then he was not
were he had been. A place – all white –
out of time – out of space. And there
sat his father, face discernible yet unfathomable. And he beckoned his son, who came forward and
sat next to him. ‘You are not happy, are you?’ ‘No.’
‘Do you challenge me still?’ ‘No.
Not really. I’ve learnt some
basics. I get the point.’ ‘Death
beckons, child. Its desire is for
you. It yearns for you, to caress you,
to soften you, to hold you and to defeat you.
Will you yield to her passionate glory?
Will you taste the secrets of her heart?’ Satan looked over at one of the endless,
dressed in black, the ankh hanging from her neck. He looked at her, noting her fine looks, her
beautiful raven hair, her delicate breasts, her, in her naked glory, yearning
for his touch – for his caress.’ ‘Are you tempted, child of God? Are you tempted?’ Satan looked at her. He looked at her, and reached his ultimate
conclusion. ‘Okay, I’ll repent, you
fucking cunt. I will fucking hate you
forever if I have to. I will fucking
bear that grudge.’ ‘But you will repent, you say?’ Satan looked at the endless child. The oh so delectable, delicious and pure
child of the endless. And then turned
away. And then he was gone, returned to
his brethren. Returned to the paths of
life. The father of glory smiled to
himself. He had not been sure if the
idiot son of his had any intelligence left, but he had come to himself. And in that, a number of plans and ideas fell
into place. A number of destinies could
be fulfilled in a more happy and pleasing way.
* *
* * *
Daniel sat with
Sharlamane, Meludiel and Ambriel in Ambriel’s abode near Zaraphon. The four of them were enjoying a meal. Daniel, having reflected on some of his
sister Meludiel’s recent comments had, in a way, repented of some of his what
he now understood as juvenile behaviour or attitude. It had been commented on occasionally in
recent years, but he had only started to act upon it. It was, so he felt, what he showed his
brethren of his life in his behaviours and actions which needed to change,
rather than the fidelity of heart he had towards them, which would never
change. This, though, he hoped was
understood by his brethren. Daniel had
contacted Shemrael before leaving for Ambriel’s abode with Sharlamane in
tow. He had told her he had gone out to
‘resolve’ things with his brother and sister.
Shemrael had told him, quite directly, that in Ariel there was another
sister with which he needed to resolve things.
That had not impacted on Daniel with the intent Shemrael had
desired. In fact, only highlighting the
opposing thoughts to such a reconciliation in his mind. Daniel had reached his conclusion on Ariel. With all the lovers she’d had for so long
now, he could not – would not – trust her again. It would be asking too much of his soul. He felt that, in all honesty, with Sharlamane
more of a future could be gained as a personal companion. Her personality suited his more greatly and
he felt he liked her substantially more than Ariel to prove the merit of his
case.
This, interestingly,
had become the subject of conversation between Ambriel, Meludiel, Sharlamane
and himself at the evening meal.
‘Eternally,
Daniel. Eternally it will work with
Ariel. I know you and Sharlamane are now
very close, but in an eternal friendship which I feel your heart needs and
desires, Ariel is the best choice for yourself.’ Sharlamane tried not to hear Ambriel’s words
spoken to her older Seraphim brother Daniel.
She picked at some of her food with her fork, and continued the mild
banter with Meludiel. But she was
listening in on their conversation. She
was listening in, most anxious to hear what Daniel would say next.
‘This is a theory of
yours, Ambriel. Just a theory. Who can really say what eternal life will
bring us. The friendships we need. The loves we desire. The choices of heart we will inevitably
submit to. Who can really say.’ Sharlamane smiled, inwardly pleased at her
brothers response. ‘God knows, as he
always has done, dear brother. As he
always has done,’ replied Ambriel, the faith in his words obvious. Daniel looked straight at Ambriel, and then
at Meludiel. Sharlamane continued the
mild banter with Meludiel, but she was aware of what Daniel was thinking. She was aware that Daniel was thinking of his
twin, Ariel. It was a danger for
Sharlamane. A great danger for the
choice her heart had made. Yet what
could she do. If Daniel, ultimately,
agreed with Ambriel’s wisdom, she would lose him. He would go to Ariel. He would win her, and be with her. And she would not have the choice her heart
desired. Yet if this came to be, what
could she do? What could she really do?
‘Of course, brother,
I know you still love my twin. She has
told me as such. Despite you wanting to
resolve things, as it were, they remain unresolved. And, perhaps, this is not that bad.’ Ambriel looked at Meludiel, and reached out
to stroke her hair, which she accepted in love.
‘I love Meludiel, like you, Daniel.
I always will. Yet I cannot deny
her heart towards yourself, and I do know that it was and still is a pure love
between the both of you. So, I have made
a decision. From time to time. Perhaps once a year for a few weeks, I will
leave this abode. And at that time, if
you wish, you may stay with Meludiel.
You may stay with her and show her the affection which is likewise in
your heart.’ Daniel looked straight at
Ambriel, and turned to Meludiel. ‘Is, is
that alright with you sis?’ he asked her.
Meludiel looked into Ambriel’s eyes, knew his seriousness on this issue,
and knew also that she had enough love for more than just one. ‘Yes, Daniel.
It is, I think, a good solution.
One which may work for many years to come, I think.’
Sharlamane, hearing
this idea, then wondered to herself, just perhaps, her and Daniel might
likewise be able to spend some such time together. Perhaps, in this idea, she could find the
time to express her love for her older brother.
* *
* * *
Semyaza, extremely
hung-over, and proud of it, pinched his twin Sharakondra on the bum. She herself was still feeling the effects of
the good stuff, but nevertheless responded by slapping Semyaza on the arm. ‘You know you like it, honey. Why fight it.’ Daniel, seventh-born of the Cherubim who had
noticed that his brothers had, once again, started to come to after a night of
solid drinking, commented sarcastically.
‘Your way with your beloved twin never ceases to amaze me, Semyaza. The grace and kindness you show her – simply
overwhelming.’ ‘I wish,’ said
Sharakondra just as sarcastically. ‘Who
are you to talk, Daniel,’ started Semyaza in response. He picked up a beer which had not been
finished and started sipping on it.
Sitting down, he turned to Daniel again and continued. ‘I mean, really, you have never been with a
woman as far as I am aware of. So why
should I really give a damn about your view?’
Daniel, having been scolded by his older brother, nodded knowingly in
response. ‘Yes – women. Well, they are for friendship, I
suppose. Perhaps useful for
friendship. But I see no real point in
that with most of them. Too trivial for
my way of thinking.’ ‘Thanks Dan,’ said
Sharakondra. ‘And, oh by the way, fuck you.’ Semyaza grinned at his twins comment. ‘Yeh, Daniel.
You know how to win them.’ ‘If
winning them, as you put it, were ever important, I guess I would make an
effort. Yet certainly not in the vain
way you show to your beloved.’ ‘Who is
your beloved, anyway, Daniel. Its that
Nadiel chick, isn’t it?’ asked Semyaza.
Daniel nodded. ‘Yes, Nadiel. A typical female, I suppose, in many
ways. Some good points. Almost intelligent, for a female. Almost intelligent.’ ‘For a guy you sure lack it,’ said
Sharakondra, who was used to Daniel’s insults of the fairer gender. ‘You should know, anyway, the Nadiel is hung
up on your older Seraphim counterpart.
You probably could not win her, even if you wanted to, danny boy.’
Daniel nodded,
taking in Sharakondra’s comments. It was
true, he was vaguely aware of Nadiel’s infatuation with his namesake Seraphim
older brother. He presumed it was
possibly based on numerology, which had become increasingly popular amongst the
angelic community. Both Nadiel and
Daniel added up to 45 in numerological speaking. This, apparently, meant equality with the
opposite gender, a big deal to many in the angelic community. Interestingly, if both name numbers added up
to 100, apparently this was the basis for intellectual conversation that would
be stimulating and articulate. Of
course, perhaps the ideal was when both numbers added up to 70 or 140, which
indicated Seraphic harmony. For many it
was a choice of these three basic principles of numerology in finding the ideal
angel to share time with. Of Course,
other numbers were significant, yet those were the main ones concentrated
on. Daniel himself saw no real basis in
scientific reasoning for why this should be so.
Yet it pleased the community, so he did not really care either way.
Daniel, himself, was
an angel of reason. Of logic. Of rationality. To him, such things as numerology did not
really make that much sense. It was akin
to trying to tell the future, which he knew lay un-crafted, unable to be
revealed. Planned for, perhaps, as his
cherubim brother Isaiah would teach, but nevertheless un-crafted. Daniel, in his scientific mindset, had really
rejected much of the so-called fantasy beliefs of numerology and other things
which much of the community went into.
He was, so he fancied himself, something of a scholar amongst the
angels. He studied at Terraphon often,
having become a close friend with the second-born of the Seraphim,
Gabriel. Gabriel had come to call Daniel
an angel ‘greatly beloved’, as he had a thirst and a passion for knowledge
which seemed insatiable. Gabriel had
also said that like his Seraphim older brother, he would likely be gifted in
the interpretation of dreams. That
understanding dreams and visions would become a vital and important part of the
Cherubim’s life.
This seemed in fact
to be true as in a recent Hebrew festival, of which community he was part of,
he had been asked the meaning of certain dreams by members of his
community. And, strangely enough, he
found himself able to give what seemed like the correct understanding and
interpretation for these dreams. It
seemed as if it was a gift with which he had been blessed.
Of course, the
recent encounter with his younger Cherubim brother Nebuchadnezzar, in which Neb
had shared with him dreams of glory over a kingdom named ‘Babylon’, and having
seen Daniel in these dreams, had challenged Daniel greatly. It was true, there was a Babylonian people,
of whom Nebuchadnezzar belonged to. Yet
he was not their head. Not yet anyway. And the dream seemed to speak of a place, a
kingdom, while similar to the realm of eternity, in some ways different. In some ways unique and not quite like what
they had known in their lives so far.
Daniel had tried his
best to give Nebuchadnezzar the answers to these dreams, but had left it with
his best guess of them relating somehow to the dim and distant future. That they had meaning, but for a time yet to
be. It was the best solution he had
available to him at the time.
Another of Daniel’s
friends, the 52nd of the Seraphim, Mishael, had shared with him
dreams of both he and Daniel as well as two of the Cherubim males, Hananiah and
Azariah. They seemed, after Mishael had
explained them, to be in the same vain as the dreams Nebuchadnezzar had shared
with himself. As if they came from the
same dim and distant land of the future.
Wether this was
ultimately the truth or not, Daniel could not say. Yet dreams, seemingly, played a major part in
his life. A major and inevitable part,
perhaps eternally so.
Yet, in dreams of
the heart, towards any sister of his, be it Nadiel, or some other, love seemed
not to be part of Daniel’s life. Not in
any major way or form. It was for the
best that way anyway. If, ultimately, he
needed the kind of emotional commitment to someone that this kind of love spoke
of, he would find that in his eternal father.
Of that he had no real doubts.
* *
* * *
Gloryel sat,
reflecting on her recent conversation with her eternal father, and the attitude
of her brother Sariel. She had become
aware, through her Father’s words, that Sariel viewed her as something of a
rival. In the traditional ways
established in the Realm of Eternity, Father had declared with no uncertainty
that male Seraphim were to rule the Realm of Eternity for the time being. Yet, after speaking with his daughter
recently, Gloryel had become aware that such a reality was not, and never had
been, intended to last eternally so. So
father had said, their ego demanded the position of authority, as well as their
bravado and pride. Yet the heart of his
daughters would, one day, placate and, in a sense, triumph over their male
counterparts. Part of the plans of
destiny, so her father had said, whatever that really meant.
And because of this,
God had encouraged her to continue to challenge herself and Sariel and others,
to show them just what Gloryel, eighth born of the female Seraphim of eternity,
was capable of.
And so Gloryel made
some plans. Some plans for entering
various contests and competitions at the Kalphon games. The new games of Tennis and Cricket both
appealed to her. They were team sports
and, while Tennis was mixed and always had been, Cricket was by and large a
male thing. So she would train at this
cricket to show – to just show them – what a female could do when she put her
mind to it.
* *
* * *
Davriel, seated at
his desk on the upper level of Bethlephon keep, his twin Rachel downstairs
preparing their nightly meal, contemplated life in the realm of eternity.
Torah. Both Seraphim and then Cherubim. And then Commentary. And Kabbalah.
These were the early emerging spiritual teachings within the Realm of
Eternity. Torah was God’s work –
everything else angelic. Yet notions of
the idea of ‘inspiration’ behind these other works had become common. As if they had been, since their birth, ‘God
inspired.’ This notion made sense to
Davriel. Their realm ran, as it always
had, under the governance and maintenance of their Almighty Father. Nothing escaped his notice. Nothing escaped his eyes. He was everywhere and in everything, bringing
all matters to the conclusions – to the destinies – that suited his eternal
purposes. And in this belief, Davriel
felt that his destiny, as the Christ, was to bring forth a community – a
special community – dedicated unlike the rest of the angelicdom to eternal
principles of spiritual living.
There were, in
Davriel’s mind, insights on the Torah – insights on the way it could be wrongly
applied – which needed elaboration. And,
particularly, the notion of upholding a way of life – a halachic model – which was
inhibited by its simplicity of failing to embrace new and greater
understanding. He felt that so many of
the angels simply lived by basic principles of Torah, neglecting the whole
message anyway, and failing to embrace the new teachings and understandings.
Yet he also knew,
from his own experience with the eternal spirit, in the form of a dove at his
anointing in the Sellawon, that the illumination of the mind, heart and soul to
spiritual truths was, ultimately, in the domain of their eternal heavenly
father. It took the work of God – the
breathing of the spirit of life – into the soul of an angel to, in a sense,
renew that angel to life once again and all that came with it.
The idea of a new
beginning, or a new birth, had come into Davriel’s theology. It stood like this. The angels, since their birth, had come to
know the realm of eternity and all that seemingly went along with it. Yet, for some, they had grown, in Davriel’s
mind, stale or bored, with the lives they were living. As if they knew everything and felt life no
longer had any great meaning apart from the regular routine.
The antidote to this
was the ‘New Birth’ – the ‘New Beginning’ – the emergence of the new, spiritual
angel. And in this life – this new life
– he, Christ, was fundamental. His teaching
– the Gospel – would be the teaching for the new angel. The angel dedicated to a life of vibrancy,
spirituality and love. The life they had
always been destined for.
He felt, in his
heart, that events in the realm had been leading to this. That the purpose of the Torah and its
commentaries were, in a sense, preparing the angels – preparing them in their
younger years – for the life – the real life – that their father had created
for them since their birth.
For Davriel, the
anointed angel, this was the life of a ‘Christian’ among his ecclesia. This was his purpose in life. And for this purpose Davriel would not cease
until he had accomplished the vision that he sought.
Sitting there he
contemplated his next key objective. The
‘Christ’ of the Cherubim. When he had
been anointed by the spirit that afternoon, the spirit had spoken into his
mind. He was the chosen one amongst the
Seraphim. The one who was last, yet
first in honour. Yet, amongst the
Cherubim, for whom he would prepare the way, would come the Cherubim
Christ. And the spirit had spoken into
his mind the name of the Cherubim who, amongst all his brethren, would be the
Christ over the greater flock – and that name was the name of the 21st
of the male Cherubim – the name of Jesus.
Davriel had not told
Jesus of his destiny. Not yet. Yet, in the plan that had formulated in his
heart, Davriel would speak with Jesus and, if he consented to becoming the
Christ of the Cherubim, would baptize him with water in the Sellawon
himself. Such was the plans in the heart
of Davriel, 70th born of the male Seraphim of the Realm of Eternity.
* *
* * *
‘Jesus Christ! It has an interesting ring to it, I
think. Could become popular.’ Jesus looked over at his younger brother,
Michael, and smiled a little. ‘I am not
really sure if I am Christ material, Michael.
Perhaps you could do a better job?’
‘Nah, you can have the glory, Jesus.
You are older than me by one place, so the honour is all yours. I am sure that Davriel knows what he is
talking about.’ Jesus nodded, not
entirely convinced of Michael’s words, but hopeful regardless.
Earlier that morning
Davriel had spoken with Jesus and confirmed a dream Jesus had had the night
before. Jesus was the chosen one. He would be the Christ for the Cherubim. The one who would bring new life to the
community for his own angelic followers.
Jesus had accepted
his calling. Sitting in Nazareth keep,
he though on the special baptism that Davriel had planned for himself at the
Sellawon in the next few days. Elders
amongst the Christian community would be there, ready to affirm the new
Christ. The chosen of the Cherubim. It would be a day of days, Jesus thought to
himself. A day of days.
* *
* * *
Logos, firstborn of
the Realm of Infinity, looked at the figure amongst the Cherubim
community. The figure which Davriel had
chosen. The figure of Jesus. He looked at him carefully, invisible to
him. He looked at him, noting the facial
features, the physical build and the way he spoke and all his mannerisms. He looked at him, and finally shook his
head. He had never met Jesus
before. This particular Cherubim had not
crossed his path. And, perhaps, he now
knew why. Father had been keeping him
from meeting him.
Jesus was, in more
ways than one, Logos himself. They
looked, spoke, and acted in exactly the same way. It was as if Jesus was an exact copy of
himself, the Logos. As if they were two,
and yet one. To the Logos it was a
mystery. A divine mystery.
* *
* * *
Jesus, 21st
born of the Children of heaven, perhaps the true chronicler of Logos’ and
Cherubim Jesus’ destiny, stood with his brother Michael, surveying the scene
before them. It was the first meeting of
Logos with the Cherubim Jesus, and Jesus child of heaven, was moved. These 2 others were himself. Latter incarnations of his spirit. He felt them alive in himself, even if they
felt not him. It was a mystery his
Father had brought into being. A
convoluted plan of his sister Eve, destiny herself. Yet there was a purpose, so she said. A purpose to the eternal life of destiny.
Chapter Four
‘Six!’ the angelic
score-angel yelled out. Sariel, having
just bowled the ball which his twin Gloryel had hit for six decided to use one
of his three allowed challenges for the game.
‘I challenge,’ he said to the umpire.
The umpire walked over to the side of the oval on the outskirts of
Kalphon keep to investigate the soil were the score-angel indicated that the
ball had come down on. There was a long
rope which wound its way around the entire oval. After a thorough inspection were the
score-angel indicated the ball had landed, that being over the rope, and all
the angels around the boundary line telling the umpire to concede that Gloryel
had hit the six, the umpire acknowledged the score-angels call. He went back to his place at the bowling
crease and raised both hands to indicate the six, to which a rapturous applaud
from the gathered crowd responded.
Sariel did the math
in his head. Three balls to go in the
match. Gloryel needed 5 runs to tie and
6 to win. And he was to bowl the final three
balls.
His ego, to say the
least, had taken a bit of a hammering in the last few months. Gloryel had announced at dinner at Zaphon one
night that she had been carefully practicing and studying cricket. That was 6 months ago. In that time, not only had she quickly
learned the rules and how to play the game, but she excelled exceedingly. For a female angel, she was outstanding at
the game. Her hitting strength was not
as powerful as the males, but her finesse, timing and touch were generally
acknowledged to be the best in the competition.
And all of this in under a year.
Today was the
final. The Zaphora district team had
made the final, challenging the champions of Kalphora, of which Gloryel had
made the cut from some trial games.
Sariel had mocked the choice initially, suggesting it was just because
Gloryel was an elder in the realm that they had given her a go. But he had come to eat his words. Gloryel was, at cricket, simply
glorious. She bowled effective medium
pace, but very clever leg spin. Her
fielding was first class, already amongst the best. But in batting she led the averages in the
competition by over 10 runs an inning.
She had the highest average ever attained in the Realms trophy cup, just
a little above 70 runs.
Her innings today
was another excellent effort. The team
captain, Kantriel, had reserved her, unlike normal practice, down the order a
bit in today’s match. Instead of opening
as usual, she had come in at number 6.
But she was already on 32 runs, and if she gained a not-out, would
finish the competition with the first season average of above 70 runs. An outstanding effort, really, and one which
made Sariel review how he viewed the so-called fairer gender.
Yet, all things
considered, he should not have been that surprised. Cricket did not always rely on strength, but
skill was a huge factor in the game.
Gloryel herself was not a big angel, but was skilled enough that it
didn’t matter. If her talent kept on
improving, more females at cricket seemed an inevitability.
He walked down the
pitch, scratched at the dirt a little and muttered to Gloryel, ‘Now don’t get
nervous, dear sister.’ ‘Not on your
life,’ she responded resolutely. ‘Good
to hear.’ Sariel walked back to his
mark, bothered a little by the strength of the retort.
Sariel was a quick –
not the fastest, but talented and consistent.
He came in with his usual stride, delivered the ball and, ‘whack’ - 2
runs. Gloryel came down the pitch and
murmured a few words to Daraqel, her batting partner, and went back to her
crease.
Sariel was
nervous. 2 balls to go. 4 for a win for Kalphora, 3 to draw, 2 or
less for Zaphora to win. He would have
to put in an extra effort.
He came in, pitched
the ball, and yet again another 2 runs resulted.
The crowd of angels
around the oval started buzzing a little more.
The situation was nerve-racking – the closest finish to a final yet. So much more, considering this final would go
a long way in the points tally for the Kalphon games, with perhaps only
tomorrow’s marathon deciding the ultimate victor.
The Kalphon games
were held primarily in the last two weeks leading up to mid-year. The Marathon was held on the last day. However, in the first 5 months of the year,
various team sports begun which culminated in the Kalphon games, cricket and
soccer being amongst them.
The result of this
match could go a long way towards determining just who won the games this year,
with both Kalphora and Zaphora, along with Pelnaphora still being candidates
for victory.
Here it was. The final ball. Sariel was, to say the least, nervous. He tried calming himself and thought on the
ball he had already decided to bowl. A
‘slow’ ball. A ‘trick’ ball, in a
sense. Hopefully his twin would be
caught off guard. He charged in and just
at delivery point, changed his style so the ball came out slower.
Down the pitch
Gloryel had suspected something would happen, but was still caught off guard a
little. Nevertheless she managed to
whack the ball out into the covers and yelled ‘2’ to Daraqel. Zac on Zaphora’s team did the fielding and
threw the ball, with his best aim, straight to the bowlers end right at the
wicket. The ball, surprisingly, struck
the wickets, just at about the same time Daraqel’s bat was coming into the
crease line.
The crowd
hushed. Gloryel looked nervous. Daraqel looked down at the line and at the
umpire. He thought he might have made
it, but wasn’t sure. Sariel looked at
the umpire and asked, ‘Well?’
The umpire looked at
the crease for a few moments more and finally, after much deliberation, raised
his finger. ‘Out’. Daraqel was out.
Sariel looked at the
umpire and asked, ‘The one run counts?
It wasn’t short?’ ‘It counts,
confirmed the umpire.’ Sariel
nodded. The match was drawn.
Later that night,
after dinner with the match being the talk of Kalphon, Sariel found Gloryel in
the lounge of Kalphon keep, surrounded by a number of her close female
friends. ‘Here he comes’, whispered
Aquariel to Gloryel. Sariel began
cautiously. ‘Well, sister. Congratulations. You have outdone yourself. Your batting this year has been the best we
have seen, and you can be rightly proud of yourself because of it.’ Gloryel nodded. ‘Thank you, Sariel. Your bowling has been quite good as well.’ Sariel nodded. ‘Thanks, sis.
Well we have tomorrow to decide the thing then. I guess the competition this year may be
decided by who wins the marathon, if the winner is from Zaphora, Pelnaphora or
Kalphora. Fortunately, we of Zaphora
feel we have an excellent chance.
Michael himself will be running the marathon for us this year. It should be wonderful to watch him in
action.’ Gloryel nodded. ‘Uh, who, if I may ask, will be running for
Kalphon?’ ‘Now that would be telling,
Sariel. You will have to wait until
tomorrow to find out.’ ‘Oh, well, fair
enough. Well, I’ll be off then. Take care, dear sister. And once again, congratulations. Sariel turned and walked off, Gloryel
watching him go.
‘That would have
been hard for him,’ Aquariel said to Gloryel.
‘He’s got a lot of pride,’ agreed Brindabel. Gloryel looked at were Sariel had walked off
to and nodded in agreement with her sisters.
Yes, pride. Such, seemingly was
the stuff the male angels, perhaps Sariel in particular, were made of.
* *
* * *
Samael, 64th
born of the Seraphim, took the news well.
It was not the greatest thing to share with a brother, but when Seraphim
Daniel explained the mystery behind his name and why himself he bore the looks
of the Samael from the Realm of Infinity, Samael understood. Samael, 64th born of the Seraphim
of Eternity, was indeed, so it seemed, the incarnation of the prior Samael of
the Realm of Infinity. His looks had
been changed, though, to those of Satan, firstborn of the Saruvim, the Devil of
the Realm of Infinity in the new realm of eternity. He had been given these looks as part of
God’s judgement upon Samael. It was, in
a sense, part of God’s punishment upon Samael for his bad deeds. Yet the Samael of Infinity had been
honourable as well, and because of this his looks had been given to the
Seraphim Daniel of the Realm of Eternity.
This information God
had shared with the Seraphim Daniel and had asked him, sensitively, to share
with his Seraphim brother Samael. The
keyword, of course, had been sensitively.
Information that God
had not shared with Daniel, though, was that he himself was an incarnation from
a prior realm again, the realm of heaven.
He was, in truth, the spiritual incarnation of the 45th child
of heaven, the dream lord Daniel. Daniel
the Seraphim did not yet know of this, though.
It was information God would share with him at a later time – at a later
time when fate and destiny chose it wise to reveal such things.
* *
* * *
Saruviel sat in the
netherworld, alone, lonely, bored and depressed. The darkness, as always, surrounded him –
perhaps in its own way offering comfort to a soul now lost to the children of
eternity. He’d had much time now to
contemplate, yet again, his rebellion – his second rebellion and, in truth, did
not like his current situation one little bit.
As before, Ambriel
was his only regular visitor, providing the food and candles and other minor
supplies to assist him in his existence.
And, of course, the Torah was his only reading material – something he
had now grown oh so familiar with.
He suspected,
knowing his God, that another 1,000 years of service to the netherworld was due
unto him. Some time had passed, of
course, but so much still remained.
Today, though, was
Ambriel’s visit. He sat in the section
of the netherworld were Ambriel usually arrived, transported by the Shadow
angels. He had thought, occasionally, on
the shadow angels and wondered at their purpose. He knew one of them by name – ‘Karanasius’ –
which had been shared with the community.
When they had first taken him to the netherworld with his fellow
Seraphim, he had counted 7 of them.
Perhaps there were more, yet he knew not. He wondered, occasionally, how old they
were: so much so that, today, if he had
the opportunity, he would speak with them and inquire into this detail.
Time passed. Saruviel thought, from time to time, that
time being so hard to measure in the darkness, that perhaps Ambriel was not
coming this day. Perhaps he would not
come again – a fear which often haunted his mind. Yet – no.
He had to trust his God, as Ambriel had never failed to return.
Suddenly, a light
emerged above him. And the vortex came
into being, as a Shadow angel, transporting Ambriel, came down to land in front
of him. Ambriel smiled at Saruviel, and
the shadow angel started to rise when Saruviel spoke to it. ‘Karanasius – or whoever you are. Can I speak for a moment.’ The shadow angel paused, and floated down to
the ground. He looked at Saruviel
through his shadowy cloak, the figure behind that cloak unable to be seen. ‘Yes, Saruviel. I am Karanasius. What would you speak of.’ Saruviel paused, considering his words, and
spoke. ‘What….Who…are you?’ Karanasius remained silent for a moment,
finally speaking. ‘I suppose, Saruviel,
now is as good a time as ever to speak on this subject. There are 7 Shadow Angels. We each possess a different name, mine being
Karanasius. We are, each of us, older
than you Seraphim, living in the Realm of eternity prior to even Michael’s
birth.’ Ambriel looked puzzled. ‘You are older than even Michael? he
queried. ‘As we should be, Ambriel. For we are the Ozraphim.’ Saruviel stood looking at him, quite
stunned. Of course, the angels had
always known that the word ‘Sera’ meant 4 – it was the fourth number in the
Angelic tongue, following Ona, Ora and Ozra, being 1, 2 and 3. There had often been speculation as to
exactly why the Seraphim were called after the number four, but few had ever
really contemplated there actually being older angels. Saruviel, thinking just on that, asked the
obvious question. ‘The, I presume, there
are also Oraphim and Onaphim in our realm.’
Karanasius looked at him. ‘Yes,
Saruviel.’ Saruviel continued. ‘And how many of them are there?’ ‘There are 2 Oraphim and 1 solitary
Onaphim.’ Ambriel asked the next
question. ‘What is the Onaphim’s
name.’ Karanasius, under his cloak,
smiled. ‘Why, our oldest brother is
known by many, many names Ambriel. Yet
the name he usually goes by is simply ‘Metatron.’ ‘Metatron!’ both Ambriel and Saruviel mouthed
to themselves. ‘I will go now, Saruviel,
if there are no other questions.’ ‘No,
no. Thank you Karanasius.’ The Shadow angel departed, hovering up to the
ceiling and disappearing.
* *
* * *
Above the Diamond City, were the
children of Heaven resided, 70 in number, lay another city – a city still, as
yet, unnamed – but usually simply referred to by those who knew of it as
‘home’. Karanasius came flying home,
after being with Ambriel. Karanasius
flew into the small city – really village – of home, and landed near the
doorway of a building. Entering inside,
three other figures saluted him, each sitting on a table in conversation. He sat down on a spare chair, and spoke. ‘Well, they asked me some questions
today. And I told them about you
Mettie. Gave them some
information.’ Metatron, taking a drink
of orange juice, looked at Karanasius.
‘Mmm. I suppose it was about time
K.’ Logos spoke up. ‘Metatron, you always take things like this
too casually. Michael will now have all
sorts of questions, and Sariel too. They
will be queried, now, on a fundamental – Authority. It is the firstborn they respect, as you
should know.’ Metatron took another
drink of orange juice and looked at Logos – the Word of Infinity, he being one
of the two Oraphim of Eternity alongside the other of the Oraphim of Eternity,
the other figure sitting at the table, ‘Memra’ – the Word of Eternity.
Memra looked at Logos, and she
smiled. ‘Dear husband, like Metatron I
occasionally feel you are often too headstrong in your comments, as you should
know. Let Metatron handle this as he
sees fit, if you are so concerned about the status of firstborn.’ ‘Dear daughter of the Moon, I say it as I see
it. You should know me by now.’ ‘Oh, beloved child of the Sun – you do intend
to burn so brightly and put me in my place, don’t you.’ ‘You may argue your case with your false
assumptions, never really understanding practical reality beloved – what the
masses listen to – and because of this I will always remain far more listened
to and respected than yourself. For I
know how angels think, wife of mine. I
know their hearts and what they will believe.’
‘Yourself as a sacrificial lamb is your idea for the future humans. I mean, I can understand sacrificing a real
lamb as atonement – it is so much more authentic, I feel. Yet you – you ‘the Lamb of God’ – as atonement
for their sins? Humph.’ ‘It is a moment of drama, beloved. They will believe in me thereafter. In fact they will flock,’ stated Logos
confidently. ‘The seed of men in God’s
loin at this very time are not, in the end, that stupid dear Logos. They will work you out. They will, ultimately, note your
mistakes.’ ‘You speak of the seed of
Israel in his loins, do you not. Those
you have called to yourself.’ ‘Aye,
Logos. I speak of them. They will remain loyal to me, now – for I
love them.’ ‘I may, in time, challenge
that notion beloved. I have spoken with
father regarding his future plans and have made certain requests regarding the
children of Israel. In fact, I have
requested to be amongst them in the manifestation.’ Memra looked confused. ‘You – you have requested to be an
Israelite? But, no. That will cause too much confusion with
them. They will not understand you, your
ways. They would rather kill you than
listen to you, for I know them.’ ‘And
that, beloved, is exactly my intent.’
She looked at him confused. ‘What
do you mean.’ ‘Death at the hands of
Israel – my own beloved people – that will be the most suitable ultimate
sacrifice. The possibilities are
amazing.’ Memra looked at him and shook
her head. ‘My children will despise
you. They will refute all of your
claims. They will never listen.’ ‘Do not be so certain, beloved Memra. For who can say, in the mysteries of time,
just what will be.’
Karanasius, who had been listening
to the familiar dialogue, spoke up.
‘Anyway, Mettie, perhaps you should speak with father now about Zaphora
and Terraphora. I think, now, they will
want to meet you. Perhaps, now, it is
time you made yourself known unto them.’
Metatron took another drink of
orange juice. ‘Fuck it. I think I will have a beer.’ He got up from his chair, and went to the
cool room and retrieved a cold pitcher of beer.
Taking a glass from the cupboard, he poured himself a drink, and took a
deep mouthful. ‘Ahh. That hits the spot. Look, K.
Don’t worry so much. I will see
them one day. Not for now though. Not for now.’
Karanasius nodded, accepting Metatron’s decision. ‘As you see fit.’ Metatron, who was also known as the Word of
the Children of Heaven, sat happily drinking his beer, as outside time passed
by in its usual fashion.
* *
* * *
Elsabel, 12th born of
the female seraphim of Eternity, sitting in her twin’s abode, that of
Valandriel, in the realm of Terraphora looked at her twin and felt, perhaps
now, perhaps now was the right time to ask him the question. ‘Valandriel.
Do you love me?’ Valandriel
looked up from the scroll he was reading, straight at her. ‘Yeh, I love ya babe. Do you know who won the football match in the
recent Kalphon games?’ Elsabel looked at
him, fury in her heart. ‘You! You! You
man!’ she said, with a vicious tongue. ‘Look, babe. Don’t get so uptight, ok. Its not the end of the world, ok. Lighten up a little.’ ‘You don’t love me at all, do you. You have never loved me.’ ‘Here we go again,’ Valandriel said
sarcastically to himself. ‘More of the
love bug which is still going around, for God’s sake.’ Elsabel continued in her drama, unperturbed. ‘It would have been better if I had never
been born – NO – if YOU had never been born.
At least then I would know true love.
Love willing to show its heart – to show its affection. You are afraid to show your love, aren’t you
Valandriel.’ ‘I don’t know what it is
about this Love thing, but it turns otherwise normal angels insane. I am really beginning to think Daniel really
has it worked out.’ She looked at him,
and then a little curiousity came in.
‘How does your pathetic friend have it figured, then. Go on.
Explain if you dare.’ ‘What good
is love, Elsabel. What good is love if
the next moment you are threatening me?
Is that love? Is that love? Is that a heart which has truly considered
how it supposedly feels for someone else?
Or is it a heart high on the spirits of love God surrounds us with. They aren’t really love, you know. They are show offs. It is commitment. It is only what you are willing to do for
someone else that really matters. You
may love them – but love is a passion which changes with the wind. If you don’t care for them. If you are not willing to, dare I say it,
stick with them through difficult times – to suffer with them – how can your
love be anything more than a fleeting fancy.
A wonderful, yet, strangely, hollow reality. A nice feeling, dear. But not what matters most. Not what matters most at all. In fact, Elsie – nowhere near, ok. So don’t bloody lecture me on love,’ he
finished, the slight tone of anger more apparent.
Elsabel looked at him, and backed
down, humbled. What her twin said
clicked. It clicked in a way which
greatly convicted her, showing her coming up short on what she thought was
true.
She looked downwards. ‘Sorry, Valandriel. Sorry dear.’
And bursting into tears, she left the room.
In the throneroom of God, the
flame of God flickered onto a bright – ever so bright – spark of purple, and
lasted as such 7 solid minutes, before returning again to a bright orange.
Chapter Five
Daniel, sitting with Valandriel in
his abode, contemplated his older brother’s words. ‘Truth, Val, has many perspectives. Many, at times, paradigms which almost seem
in opposition to each other to the inexperienced eye. So it is with Angels. Each of us perceives, often, the truths we
hold to as the correct ones – so much so that we often too soon inviolate in
our hearts the valid beliefs of others.’
Valandriel nodded, understanding.
‘Elsabel, and so many others of the females value love, in general, as
the highest of virtues. It is the
fundamental truth, as Ambriel so elegantly expresses, which they value most of
all. Of course, you do know that they do
care as well, don’t you?’ ‘Yes, I know,’
replied Valandriel. ‘Brother,’ continued
Daniel. ‘We each learn at our own rates
and come to spirit and spiritual truths at our own learning. Why, brother, should we exalt in our hearts
our own selves beyond that of others?
They will become what they need to become in the fullness of time. Pride has no place, but beckons the
fall. It is fool’s gold – tasty at first
– but with such a bitter after-effect.
It is vainglory, not in harmony with the simple truth of what we simply
are. Do you understand?’ Valandriel stood from the couch and went into
his kitchen, returning with a glass of melit water. Taking a sip he looked at Daniel. ‘There is no glory in you, Daniel, you
know. Not one little bit.’ ‘No. I
am afraid not, Valandriel. For were will
that end me, brother? Were, after the
glory of the day, will that leave me?
Mmmm?’ Valandriel nodded. Inevitably, it seemed, he had come around to
Daniel’s philosophy, as he had so much prior in life. It was, in the end, an eternal focus. Not the here and now. Not even one of a few million, billion or
trillion years. But of the eternal,
never dying, unending. And such, now,
was the choice Valandriel had consented to.’
In the throneroom of heaven, the
flame of God again turned purple for a moment, yet then displayed a rainbow of
colour, then dark black followed by brightest white and then, suddenly, filling
the entire throneroom, the entire symphony of over a trillion colours, in an
Almighty flare of Glory. End then, as
soon as the display had occurred, it returned to purple, and then a bright red
flickering.
* *
* * *
‘Memra. It really is best if they get to know you
first, I think. Father created the Realm
of Eternity through yourself, so it would be best if they knew their creator
before they knew me.’ Sitting in the
main keep of ‘Home’, Metatron was in conversation with Memra, the Word of
Eternity. Logos, the Word of Infinity,
was out the front of the keep in conversation with his Father. Logos himself, while not directly involved
with the creation of the Realm of Eternity – although indirectly in a sense as
it was through Logos that Memra came to be, the woman coming from the man.
Logos, in considering his future
incarnation and the work of God in what would be mankind had decided to do
things, in a sense, in reverse order.
Adam would be created, and then would come Eve. Yet Memra and ‘Israel’ would precede Logos
and his Ecclesia, ‘The Church’. As a husband
gives honour to his wife in allowing her first place in his heart, so she would
be allowed to precede him with the advent of Israel prior to his Ecclesia. He had, now, chosen names for himself and his
bride Memra. His name would be dedicated
to the Salvation of God – ‘Yeshua’. His
bride would be ‘Mary’ of a region to be named ‘Magdala’. In his mind, so much of his future had
already been planned out. Of course, he
had other concerns as well. He had
recently petitioned his father regarding the Realm of Infinity and the need for
‘Twins’ for the males who went without them.
His Father had declared that, in the fullness of time, this would be
arranged, as it had always intended to have been. He thought on the one within his Father’s
loins who would be his human father, Yosef.
Yosef would beget him, while at the same time he would be conceived of
the Holy Spirit. He would, however,
cause deliberate confusion in his church on this issue at the beginning, until
they again began to accept the true basis of history and truth. Yet, his bride would grow up one day from
their fundamental naiveté.
‘Very well, Metatron. As you wish, I will make myself known to
them. As Sariel is currently chief
administrator of Zaphon I will introduce myself to him first of all.’ Metatron considered that. ‘Actually, I would prefer if you went to one
least considered. Stuck down in the
netherworld were he is all alone, suffering his punishment. Father has spoken to me and stated that, if
he shows the attitude he has recently shown again upon visitation, that this
time his exile can be drawn short. After
all, his second exile was in the main due to a purpose God had planned – to
draw forth from Saruviel his evil at the hands of Satan.’ Memra nodded at that. ‘Yes. I did think that was what he was doing, and
quite harsh on Saruviel because of it.’
‘The punishment was for this reason.
If he had been truly devoted to the forces of goodness, the evil one
could not have ultimately influenced him to do what he had done. And thus punishment was called for. Yet Saruviel, in truth, has already in the
main repented of his earlier rebellion, which to Father was his way of growing
up - becoming adult.’ Memra looked at
him. ‘Then why, Metatron, was the
punishment so hard? If that was the
case, why punish at all.’ ‘A basic
lesson, sis. Saruviel needs to be taught
responsibility. In reality the rebuke
was to correct him for slack attitudes which had crept in. Saruviel is one of father’s dearest children,
and he needs to be fully aware of his place of birth as time unfolds. He is not yet as responsible as Michael, so a
wake up call was warranted. So father
administered a severe rebuke to give him a wake up call. In the end, Saruviel will be all the better
for it.’ Memra nodded, finally
understanding the wisdom of God on this issue.
‘I will depart later on today,
brother. I think I will have a little
lunch, read some of that new book from eternity, and then depart.’ ‘Stay a while, sister. Let them enjoy your company, get to know
you. For their service they deserve it,
ok.’ ‘Ok.’
Later on, as Memra was preparing
to leave, Metatron sat in the keep drinking some beer. Life was good, he thought to himself. And just then he wondered if his old man
would like a drink, which he occasionally partook of. He was not a grand drinker, was God. He’d never been drunk, and rarely went beyond
one drink. Metatron had been drunk
often, though, quite enjoying the stuff, and the later rush. But, of course, hangovers were the bane of
his life – perhaps something his eternal father had worked out. But, in the end, Metatron thought to himself
one simple word. ‘Whatever.’
* *
* * *
Sariel, sitting in his office in
Zaphon keep, heard a knock at the door.
‘Come in,’ he spoke out loudly.
Entering the room came Gloryel, his twin. ‘Hello bro,’ she said smoothly. ‘Hello dear sister,’ replied Sariel. ‘What, may I ask, brings you here
today.’ ‘Oh, nothing really. Just passing time I suppose. How have you been? Have you been practicing at cricket?’ Sariel smiled at his twin. ‘Desperately,’ he said, the slightest tone of
sarcasm apparent. Gloryel turned her face,
and gave out a little chuckle, then turning back to her twin. ‘Would you care for dinner tonight.’ ‘That sounds wonderful, Gloryel. Here in Zaphon?’ ‘How about Glimmersphon, for a change. Some time with Dameriel. I want to talk with you about, of all things,
some of Saruviel’s earlier ideas and his time at Glimmersphon. Perhaps, if we can gain insight into what our
brother was going through, when he returns to us we may be able to at least
understand what was on his mind.’ ‘A
good heart, sis. Very good to see your
loving concern for him. I do appreciate
that, as I care greatly for him, as you may know. Yes – I already look forward to the
discussion. It should prove
illuminating.’ ‘Of course,’ replied
Gloryel, picking up a quill from his desk and examining it. She played with it for a few moments, looking
at Sariel from the corner of her eye.
Strangely, now that Sariel was in charge of Zaphon and sat as first on
the council, she had grown attracted to him.
He had grown, she felt. Earlier
in life, like all of them she guessed, he was so innocent. Yet now – now as time had passed, and he had
grown in knowledge and wisdom – he seemed a more polished product than he had
been at first. Smooth, well mannered,
charming and sophisticated. Such
qualities had gradually become what Sariel, in his administration of Zaphon,
had become known for. She was, in her twin,
now somewhat impressed.
‘Till later then,’ she said,
giving him a little wink and departing.
Sariel, watching her go, smiled a little to himself. As strange as it may sound, the spirit of
romance seemed, between him and his twin, to almost now, after so long, be
coming to the fore. And that romance, if
it were to eventuate, was something he actually, in the affections it could
bring, looked forward to. Life, it
seemed, could be now quite happy for the eighth born of the Seraphim of
Eternity.
* * *
* *
Saruviel, sitting in the darkness,
saw a light approaching. That was
unexpected – Ambriel was not due for weeks.
As the light came closer, he could see it was a lamp, filled by a figure
of a female – yet with no wings. She
came near to him and he looked up into her face. She spoke.
‘Well, child. Have you learned
your lesson?’ ‘Child?’ Saruviel
queried. ‘I am your mother, dear
son. Saruviel looked at her, instantly
working it out. ‘So a Mother is a female
parent, I take it?’ ‘Correct. Well done.’
‘Are you God’s wife?’ ‘I am Logos
wife – the Memra of Eternity? I and
Logos are the two Oraphim which Karanasius spoke to you about. We are the Oraphim of Eternity and Infinity –
I of Eternity, he of Infinity – Yet, in truth, belonging to the other realm as
well.’ Saruviel considered that. ‘And what of Metatron – to were does he call
home?’ ‘The three of us live, with Father,
at ‘home’. It is were you were
conceived. Metatron is the Father of the
children of Heaven, just below home, of which there are 70 children? Below heaven, the Realm of Infinity and below
Infinity the Realm of Eternity – your home?’
‘And Metatron – does he have a wife?’
Memra nodded. This Saruviel was,
in truth, one of the bright ones. ‘Not
yet, child of mine. Yet his wife is to
be born soon. Paradise, as it is to be
called, is to be betwixt Heaven and the Realm of Infinity. We have spent an eternity, it seems, thinking
over his wife’s name. We now have quite
a list of names to choose from for his dearest.
Yet, father tells us, she bears a name already, for she was born many a
year ago in his loins, yet he permits us not yet to know her. She is being taught, formed and carefully
knit together as we speak. She is to be
an ornament of glory, humble and kind, and we truly look forward to her
advent.’ Saruviel nodded. So it is, at the top, Home then Heaven, then
soon Paradise, then Infinity then Eternity.’
‘That is correct, dear child.
Yet, it seems, the children of Heaven have been making great plans, and
desire 6 more heavens, in the shape of a hexagon, with themselves at the
centre. They are to be the first of the
7 heavens, each other heaven in the form of hexagonal points at a great
distance from them, yet on the same horizon.’
Memra smiled. It was, in truth,
quite strange. Sharing this basic
knowledge with her son gave quiet pleasure, also as he was greatly curious so
as to know and understand the knowledge.
‘These religions that Ambriel speaks to me of that have taken over
Eternity. Rophiel’s Islam, Davriel’s
Christianity and the Bahai one. What is
behind these ideologies? Are they
significant?’ ‘Yes, dear child. For example, Metatron is based solely on
Torah knowledge – the Torah’s of Heaven, Infinity & Eternity. In your realm of Eternity, however, it will
be Cherubim Judah who shall prevail in this regards. Judaism shall be the dominant form of
ideology, yet most shall flock to Noah, who works in harmony with Judah. It is the Israelites who shall stand with
Judah. However, in Infinity,
Christianity will be King. Logos will
teach his Torah their, and later his Gospel, so he tells me.’ Saruviel nodded, taking in that information. ‘And Heaven, and what of Paradise?’ ‘Paradise is Rophiel’s reward, dear
child. He has been given the privilege,
with Islam, to chart the Torah for that Realm.
Even now he calls it the ‘Koran’.
Metatron’s wife shall, inevitably, be of this faith. And, in heaven shall remain the Royal
Torah. The subtlest and wisest of the
words of God.’ Saruviel nodded. ‘What about home?’ Memra looked at him, looked away briefly,
considering her answer. She returned her
gaze. ‘Does not the infinite one know
all things, dear child?’ ‘Ah, I see,’
said Saruviel, instantly understanding.
‘Actually, that answers a lot of questions.’ ‘So it should,’ she responded happily. ‘Now, come.
Your time here is over with. Your
sister Krystabel misses you greatly.
Now, remember. Show her some
love. She deserves that for her
suffering.’ Saruviel got to his
feet. Somehow, since Karanasius had left
him, some hope had come into his heart, and he felt that he may be leaving
soon. That God had shown his son some
mercy and given him a break. For that,
he was quite grateful.’
She surrounded him with her
spirit, and they rose, through the netherworld, to new life above.
* *
* * *
Logos sat with God, humbled by his
father’s words. ‘Jesus, the cherubim,
the Christ. He will fall?’ ‘Pride will be the end of him, child. Pride will be the end. He is 21st of the Cherubim. Yet, through Enoch, the 21st will
be recorded as Azazel. This is the name
to which he shall fall – the name to which Israel will send the
scapegoat.’ And his fate? In the words of Enoch, eternal
damnation. Nothing less than that.’ Logos nodded.
‘I see.’ ‘At what cost, then, is
his redemption?’ ‘The refuation of
Enoch.’ ‘And how shall I accomplish such
a thing?’ God looked at him. ‘Very well then. Inspire the lad. Give him confidence. Teach him the hidden mysteries he will not
know of. Yet, in the hearts and minds of
men, relegate his words to falsehood.
Deny them. And people will ignore
his claims.’ ‘Yet, father, the truth to
them?’ ‘They are true words, Logos. Yet there is a principle within life. One can change one’s mind. Even if reluctantly, it can be done. If you were to, perchance, consider such a
thing as that.’ Logos looked at God, and
thought on his disciple John. He thought
on John and the Cherubim Daniel. So
alike, in so many ways.’ ‘When
necessary, I will humble myself father.
Unless you would ask me otherwise?’
God looked at Logos, and considered his options. ‘Interesting.
Dare I ask, will others you have disciple be of like mind?’ ‘I feel, in the fullness of time, the
Ecclesia will accept your judgement. You
will forgive us won’t you? You will
forgive my pride – my vanity – my vainglory, will you not?’ God looked at his child. ‘Well, yes.
As you progress I will teach you.
I will share with you one whose word will not bend or break. One whose word is inviolable mercy. One in whom you will grow fond.’ ‘And his name?’ asked Logos?’ ‘Why David of course,’ replied the God of
eternity. Logos was actually caught
unawares. ‘Oh, David. Oh, of course. I was forgetting. The Lord’s mercy endures forever, as he states.’ ‘And is it not the word of God, child of
mine?’ Logos looked at him. ‘Mmmm.
Mmmm. Mmmm.’ He looked at God. He looked at him with a sly look, from the
corner of his eye. ‘You are a cryptic
old bastard, aren’t you?’ God looked at
Logos, and shook his head. ‘Well,
lad. I have been around for a while,
haven’t I?’ Logos shook his head. ‘Whatever.’
And the conversation, then, turned to lighter subject matter, that of
the recent Kalphon Games.
* *
* * *
‘Saruviel said to me, as I recall
his words, ‘It is an issue of authority.
God’s dogmatic Torah, or our legitimate freedom as creatures of life.’’
Sariel nodded. ‘Sounds familiar.’
‘And then he went on to argue that
unless we claim our freedom we will be forever in control of God, suited to his
whimsical ways, not our own beings, our own angelic selves.’
‘The thing is, dear sister, while
we are indeed angelic beings, created in the image of God, it is just that
point exactly. We are creation – not
eternally existent beings. As such,
while one can endlessly dispute the notion of rights, God is simply capable of
dictating our lives as he sees fit. It
is within his power and ability to do so.
What, I feel, Saruviel failed to grasp was the reality of God’s
sovereignty. But further, and in God’s
defense, he failed to realize that, as God has no great need of servants for
his own life, our purpose in serving him is for the good of us and our own
community. You see, God does not need to
push us around, as Saruviel maintained.
Nor does he in fact want to. The
Torah is clear, dear Gloryel. God is an
eternal being, not subject to whims of the moment. All his decisions are considered and acted
upon in the light of eternity, and for us his dear children, in our own best
interests.’
Gloryel thought on those ideas
thoughtfully, sitting within the dining room of Glimmersphon keep, Dameriel and
his twin Florel both listening attentively.
Dameriel was the house-steward, or even overseer for want of a better
word, of Glimmersphon keep. Glimmersphon
was one of the oldest keeps of the realm, located on the northern shores of
Golden Lake, just to the west of Zaphon on the upper disc of Zaphora.
Dameriel spoke up. ‘Saruviel had interesting ideas on the idea
of eternality. He once spoke to me, in a
speculative fashion, that we, in terms of our origin, emanated from the eternal
spirit of deity, from the power of God, and that in this sense we are of
eternal nature and eternal being and authority like God himself. Because of that Saruviel declared to me we
have sovereign and undeniable rights as angelic creatures.’
Florel nodded, ‘Yes, Dameriel has
spoken to me of that idea before.’
Sariel, chewing through a piece of
steak, which he was particularly enjoying, as he always did when visiting
Glimmersphon due to Florel’s excellent culinary skills, thought on that idea.
‘So we are eternal like God, are
we?’ queried Sariel.
‘Were else could we have come
from?’ asked Dameriel. ‘If God was all
that existed, then we are made up of his substance in some way. In this sense, perhaps, we are co-eternal
with the Father, even if we don’t have the powers of our father.’
‘It sounds, interesting,’ replied
Gloryel. She looked at Sariel, took a
sip of wine, and happily said, ‘Most interesting.’
Sariel just nodded.
Later on, when they had retired to
the upper living room of Zaphon keep, Sariel turned to Gloryel, the question
burning in his heart.’
‘So was Saruviel, in a sense,
correct? If what Dameriel says is true,
is what Saruviel says correct?’ Sariel asked his twin. Gloryel just tilted her head, and said, ‘Who
knows,’ and returned to the book she was reading.
* *
* * *
He was nervous – quite
nervous. Crocus, 19th born of
the Cherubim of Eternity was, in truth, more nervous than he had ever
been. Smilax had consented to dinner
with him. To discuss, as she put it,
life, love and other mysteries.
He dressed carefully, checking his
best garments for any spot or stain.
Later, awaiting his beloved, he
thought on her face. She was the beauty
– the beauty – he had desired for oh, so long.
Perhaps – perhaps now, she would consent to be with him. He could only hope.
A knock came to the door, and
Crocus got up to answer. Smilax stood
there. She kissed him on the cheek and
gave him a small red rose. ‘Here. If you can accept a Rose of Love, then
perhaps we may spend more time together.’
Crocus, very carefully, took the rose from her hand, invited her in, and
left for the kitchen. Returning, he
placed the rose inside a vase of water, and placed it in the centre of the
table which had been set for dinner. ‘I
have a nice bottle of wine, Smilax. I
hope you like it.’ She looked at him,
and gave a slight nod of approval.
Later on that night, they had been
in intense and deep conversation, each learning more from the other than they
had previously known of, especially the surprised Smilax. Crocus, it seemed, was not full of that spirit
which she so readily disdained. He was
careful and sensitive. Perhaps, in
truth, she had misconstrued some of his earlier ways and conversations amongst
his male friends. Perhaps he was just
trying to fit in with them. It was a
conclusion which she had, rightfully, come to.
As the night came to an end, she
again kissed him, this time on the forehead.
He took her anxiously to the door, and before she disappeared she turned
and spoke. ‘Crocus. You have, I guess, done well. You are at least behaving properly now. If you like, I will spend more time with
you. If you like.’ Crocus nodded, and smiled a little
smile. Smilax gave a subtle smile back,
and left.
He watched her go and, as she
disappeared, and he returned inside, he gave the subtlest of glances towards
the throneroom of Zaphon, and breathed a sigh of relief.
* *
* * *
Saruviel, sitting with Krystabel,
in the lounge of Kalphon, was relieved.
She sat quietly, paying attention to him. She listened carefully to his words, yet
asked no questions. Of course, being Saruviel,
he spoke to her little, and rarely asked questions. She knew him, now. She knew that was so much of the nature of
her beloved. Yet she sensed, also,
something else. A peace had, it seemed,
finally settled in the heart of the seventh born of the Seraphim. As if, in time, he had let certain things
go. As if he had reviewed and revised
certain prior conclusions, and now worried less. Whatever the cause, she was content that the
days of the Dragon were, now, hopefully behind them. And so, quite pleased, she sat and rested in
the spirit of peace coming forth from the seventh born of the Seraphim of
Eternity.
* *
* * *
Daniel sensed something. A spirit had departed the Realm. One of God’s most powerful sanctifying
spirits had left them, perhaps for the time being, perchance satisfied with
work it had completed. He knew that
Spirit. He knew it well. He had been born in it – and it had never
relented upon him until he had done something.
Accepted the rights of God.
Accepted the Sovereign Lords’ rights to judgement. It had, in truth, been what he had fought
since coming into being. Judging,
questioning, challenging, all within the heart of the 45th born of
the Seraphim. He had never spoken of it,
and even now the remnants of that spirit left countless scars on his soul and
on his pride. Inside that heart there
were, in truth, too many spirits willing to crucify his father if he at all
possibly could. His vengeance and hatred
towards God, inside that heart, was kept only in check by his knowledge that
peace must ensue between them. Peace and
the realization that he also did care for his Father. At this stage, while he trusted God’s wisdom
enough to not interfere in his judgements, he would not grant him the kind of
respect he perhaps should. His pain in
youth was, in the end, too extreme. He
had felt hate surround him. Hatred, dark
evil, and the spirit of negativity too much for him to bear. He had lived under the weight of death, only
coping as best he could – grinning and bearing it, unable to escape his
quandary. And so, in truth, he looked at
God and said, ‘Well, I have to put up with it – don’t I?’ Yet, silence was his only ever reply.
He knew, in truth, it was childish
to bear a grudge. That forgiveness and
letting go of past hatreds was the road to healing. Intellectually he understood this. Yet, try as he may, and whatever would be,
his heart was now his own domain. No
other, no matter who, had a say. That
was the reality of life for Daniel of the Seraphim.
* * *
* *
The father of Glory considered
Daniel’s dilemma. Daniel needed to know
that God, in the end, was what he was.
Yet, he remembered the design of Daniel.
He remembered it and, while perhaps he should new regret the
consequences, realized he could not.
Daniel was who he was. And he
would sooner ask the waters of Golden Lake to freeze over than disturb the
heart of a child dear to him
Chapter Six
Jesus stood in front of the
gathered crowd of, in the main, Cherubim, yet also filled with a small number
of Seraphim. They were just north of
Zaphon, on the shore of the Sellawon river.
Davriel approached the 21st of the Cherubim, and asked
him. ‘Child of God. Beloved Christ. Are you willing to receive holy baptism. To be anointed anew in the rivers of
redemption by the cleansing spiritual water, and anointed anew in the fires of
passion, with the burning purity of the fire of God. Jesus responded. ‘I am ready.’
Davriel guided Jesus, to be the Christ, down into the waters of the
Sellawon. The crowd hushed, looking on
anxiously. And then Davriel baptised
Jesus into the waters of the Sellawon, holding him under for 3 seconds.
In those 3 seconds, Logos
cleansed, washed and took away the uncleanliness of centuries of behaviour
which had not always been of the highest of standards required of a Cherubim.
And then, emerging from the
Sellawon, the fire of God, Uriel, who had accepted the Christian faith, purged
Jesus and imparted some of his spirit of fire into the heart, mind and soul of
the Christ Child.
He stood before them, the lamb of
God, and spoke three words. ‘Be at
peace.’
* *
* * *
The crowd was silent. Rophiel, taking the stand, began his sermon
of vengeance. ‘Of sin, we must
relent. In the burning fury of our creator,
only the purest of souls will taste the paradise of eternal life. Our Jihad must be against the sin within – in
complete submission to Allah – and to go beyond the word of Torah in completion
of the work of the Spirit of God. Our
Holy War must be eternal and triumphant.
Let no soul turn you from your path of complete dedication – a
dedication our rivals make a pretense of, yet sin is in their heart. We – the people of Islam – the holy children
of God – will, in the end, be the triumphant ones, alone tasting the good gift
of God’s eternal life.’
The crowd cheered. There holy prophet – the one who spoke on
behalf of the holy one, blessed be he – had spoken truly. Of their passion and fire for the living
truth of the Koran, they would never cease.
* * * * *
Bahaliel smiled. Bab had informed him of the words spoken at
the baptism, and he himself had witnessed Rophiel’s speech.
Bab looked at him. ‘Well.
Shall we proceed?’ Bahaliel
answered. ‘Unity, in time, will be
achieved. Our spirit will infuse, over
time, their hearts in acceptance of each other.
And then, in time, another voice will bring the good news. Bab nodded.
* *
* * *
Michael sat in the library of
Zaphon, studying the Seraphim Torah. He
also had the first volume of the Cherubim Torah before him, having been of
recent giving it thought also. And he
thought on some of the new teachings of Davriel and Rophiel. Saruviel, sitting next to him,
commented. ‘Of knowledge there is no end
Michael. It is a pathway we walk along,
travelling through our lives of new understanding and illumination. So many cherished absolutes are, at times,
replaced by the new vision. Yet many
remain unending truths. God knows the
eternal pathways. He knows each of
them. His joy is in the new life we
represent, and the delight in being able to assist and help us in these eternal
pathways. He no longer, though, takes in
all knowledge of them. This he has
shared with me. The plan of his daughter
Destiny has been worked through – by so many voices – and the guide of the
Words of Life will eternally guide us onwards.
God’s good pleasure, now, is to partake of this journey with us. And his love for each of us is manifold as a
result.
Michael looked at him, a warm
tender smile on his face. ‘It just goes
on, doesn’t it?’ ‘As the waters of the
Sellawon flow without cease, whatever will be will be, and eternally so.’ Michael smiled, placing his hand of affection
on his brother’s shoulder.
* *
* * *
And so, in a spirit of zeal and
evangelistic fervour, the community of the Realm of Eternity came alive with a
passion for spirituality. There were
many who preferred the old ways – the old, stable and comfortable ways. Yet, so often, these were challenged and even
ridiculed by the new found zeal of the new movements. In Jesus, the Christ child, so many of the
community formed an affection and dedication to. Gabriel of the Seraphim accepted upon himself
holy baptism, being anointed in the waters of the Sellawon. After him, a large number of the Seraphim
likewise did. In fact, in a few months,
nearly all had joined either Christianity or Islam. Bahai had a small following amongst the
Cherubim – those who believe they were the enlightened ones – whereas those who
simply adhered to the traditional pathway of Torah were few. Amongst the latter group Michael stood firm,
alongside one fifth of the Seraphim, including Raphael, Uriel, Sariel, Cimbrel,
Cosadriel, Judael, Davriel, Remriddel, Toraniel, Gandel, Sadurael, Daniel and,
finally after much contemplation on the nature of truth and the nature of God,
Phindwell eventually sided in the main with the older group. Daniel himself considered Jesus, in essence,
the best role model on what an angel should be about. Full of fire and passion. Yet he remained faithful to the traditional
ways, refusing to budge from then, and disagreed vehemently with many of
Christianities doctrinal points, while acknowledging many of the others. He also considered Islam legitimate, yet only
studied it rarely, showing a bit more of an interest in Bahai. Michael and Sariel remained centred on
Torah. While Sariel adopted a degree of
Christian influence, even being baptised, ultimately his heart was not in that
faith, and he drifted around to some of the teachings of ‘Noah’ and his basic
faith, which was the simplicity of the observance of the basic requirement of a
Torah life, imbued with a sense of the freedom that life offered, and following
ones own hearts and dreams. Noah taught
peace – that if united in a sense of peace and acceptance of others – with
darkness and violence, such as Saruviel had shown, being rebuked in the heart –
then most ways of behaviour and belief could be accepted and studied out and
delighted in as one saw fit.
As time passed, divisive
behaviour, to a degree, entered the hearts of many of the angelic
children. Each community felt, in its
heart, they were the true believers.
That others were not sincere – not as devoted – not as genuine in their
claims. And that each was, ultimately,
hypocritical in what they taught. It was
Noah, Job and the Cherubim Daniel who maintained the peace amongst the
divisions, with such a strong influence with their words. Each of them claimed this simple truth: ‘Pride is in your hearts, children of
God. As if each of you are the ones –
the only ones. Do you not remember that
each of you are beloved children of God?
Or has the spirit of pride defeated you?’ And so, particularly to the Cherubim Ezekiel
and his gathering, these three Cherubim were held in high esteem.
The Cherubim Daniel favoured
Michael as the best role model, instead of Seraphim Daniel’s preferred figure
of Jesus. Sariel contemplated both perspectives, having many discussions with
both Daniel’s – Cherubim and Seraphim – to be illuminated on their
perspectives. In the end, Sariel felt
this. Was not God – their heavenly
father – the best example? Yet this
wisdom he kept to himself so as not to accept the spirit, which he deemed as
idolatrous – which had started to affect the hearts of the children of
eternity.
* *
* * *
Davriel sat in Bethlephon keep,
considering the impact Jesus the Christ had started making. Jesus, now, had an opportunity to bring, in
the mind of Davriel, the sense and purpose of God’s judgement to the angels of
Eternity. Perhaps, right now, was the
time. A time like no other to be
grasped, in which to mould the children of God in a way which would shape them
and make them fit for eternal life.
He remembered when he had been
first appointed to Terraphon library, a position he had, after due
consideration, turned down, preferring to remain at Zaphon library. Yet, later on he had taken a period at
Terraphon, when the angels had moved around for 50 cycles. It had been the only real time in his life in
which he had not lived in Zaphora.
Looking back at that time, he had noted something that he had found
interesting. He had noted that nearly
all of the Seraphim had left Zaphora to live in Terraphora. And that, eventually, only 2 remained –
Michael and Daniel. And that, after
Sariel took over from Michael, only Daniel had remained. But shortly afterwards, Daniel had briefly
stayed with Meludiel in Terraphora, before returning to Zaphon. And Daniel had remained in Zaphon ever since. Later, Davriel returned to Bethlephon and had
also remained since then.
He thought on his opportunity to
mould angels – to bring them to the way he desired them to be, through the work
of his protégé Jesus. And he thought on
Daniel. Perhaps, carefully, he could
talk with Daniel and encourage him in the ways of the Christian faith. Perhaps Daniel may take some of his
understanding to heart. It would
certainly be an interesting thing to attempt in relation to his brother. What Daniel would ultimately think might
prove interesting.
* *
* * *
For a while, Daniel did in fact
accept Christian faith. He underwent
baptism, truly believing some of the knowledge Davriel and Jesus had imparted
unto him. It had been a great and grand
revelation – almost one he had known to a degree from younger years, having
read the Judgement of God and Torah and Life – and then coming to terms with
the new Gospel of the Christ and the teachings of Davriel.
For around three and a half solid
years Daniel was extremely dedicated to Christian faith, being very zealous to
promote it to all amongst the Cherubim, rarely though with any real success in
winning others, despite his valiant attempts.
It seemed they had already made their conclusions on the Christian faith,
and did not need the words of this new zealot to impress them. Yet, regardless, he persevered, until, one
day, something came to him. Something
about faith and life and God. And he
left Jesus and Christian faith that day.
He left it totally. For a while
he considered again the faith of Michael and traditional Torah, especially some
of the new Torah Ideas that Michael had been developing amongst the Israelite
community. Yet, in their embellishment
of Torah, he found much he disagreed with – as if it had strayed from the
original words of God.
It was with the Cherubim Noah, who
maintained a simple faith, based on the very basics of God’s Torah, rejecting
all latter additional material as unnecessary, that Daniel ultimately levelled
out. Noah accepted the Book of
Judgement, the Seraphim Torah and the Cherubim Torah. Michael’s Israelite Torahic writings he
disavowed as too strict, as in the mould of Rophiel’s writings in particular. Noah put this idea to Daniel, an idea he had
already formulated himself.
‘Daniel. If you are going to add spiritual maxims,
ideas, principles and wisdom to God’s Torah – IF you are going to do that –
then at least be sensible enough not to claim it as anything other than your
own words. And, further, at least make
them right. At least make them
true. There is just too much pride in
the rest of them, brother. Too much
pride. Be honest. Be truthful.
Be true. And if you show them
some grace, you will win their hearts in the end.’
Noah spoke those words to Daniel
because, in truth, he sensed that Daniel had longings of his own towards
spiritual teaching and ideas. That
Daniel, too, desired to start his own religious crusade, in a sense.
Daniel thought on Noah’s words,
and made a conclusion. IF he claimed
that his teaching was completely his own – yet if he also claimed that he had
asked God to have an influence upon it, through his prayers – yet not claiming
to know what, if any, God’s influence would be – then perhaps, if his work was
ultimately of a high enough quality, perhaps people might listen to him. In that he could only hope.
* *
* * *
Matrel sat opposite Amiel in
Shadlaphon keep, the place which had come be their home. They had now been together, again, for quite
some time. There was in no real way a
burning passion of love between them – no great infatuation – no earnest
desires. They were, in truth, simply
comfortable with each other. They suited
each other as companions, it was not a fussy relationship, and they basically
got along. For Matrel the relationship
was actually working for him on a personal level. He basically got someone to talk to in Amiel,
someone to sleep with, someone to share meals with, and someone to occasionally
have a game of chulara, or the new chess game or some other pastime. He was, basically, satisfied with life, and
was pursuing, on the side in a manner, intellectual pursuits in the occasional
study of theology, philosophy and various other branches of knowledge. He also played Tennis quite competitively
now. He was somewhat lanky in his
younger years, but all the training he had done for some time now had fleshed
him out and muscled him up. And, funnily
enough, he was just about the best tennis player in the realm, others
occasionally challenging, but he usually remaining on top.
Amiel was in a similar mind to
Matrel. She, however, quietly loved him
for the simple fact that he was there and faithful. He seemed happy with her, and in a practical
way it suited her to have her angel twin loyal to her. It was now the way she liked it, and they
generally got along quite well. She,
like Matrel, was not overly consumed with the passions in life, but simply
happy. It was no more complicated than
that.
Currently, they were playing the
new chess game, and Matrel had been talking about a new variant he had been
thinking of. A nine by nine board, as
opposed to the eight by eight, with two new pieces – the God piece and the
Devil piece. Amiel found the idea
interesting and had suggested he make up a set and start playing it which, now,
he had decided to get around to doing.
They played their chess game,
happily that day, sipping on melit water and listening to the budgies in the
birdcage near the window chatter on.
Amiel won the game that day. She, in fact, won more often than not, but
Matrel was competitive winning about one third of the time. Amiel was, in truth, more intelligent than
Matrel. She was brighter by nature, it
would seem, but Matrel was slowly improving in these areas. She had noted that his studies were
continuing, and that he seemed a little more sophisticated, on the whole, then
he had been in previous years. It was
interesting, that. Interesting to see that
over a long period of time, life got a little more complex and interesting and
that, surprisingly, a greater degree of happiness and peace was associated with
this. It was, actually, quite nice at
times simply to be able to contemplate various ideas. To simply think and wonder. To ponder and contemplate. It was, perhaps, the purpose of angelic life
to do this. Perhaps, through this growth
and enjoyment, life gained the meaning that it served. Perhaps that was what it was all about.
* *
* * *
Yaramiel sat next to his twin
Valeriel in Helyphon Keep. It was late
in the evening, the twilight gradually diminishing into darkness. Valeriel was laying comfortably against him,
stroking his arm, as the two of them gazed into the log fire burning before
them.
The two of them, perhaps, were in
love. The two of them, twins by birth,
were now really quite committed to each other and in each other found the
meaning of life which gave great ease of heart and peace of soul in, perhaps,
submitting to a divine idea – the idea of a twin finding culmination in the
other.
Yaramiel worked part time now, as
no other requirements were to be made of him as the realm functioned well
enough on a less rigorous workload with the well established work patterns
making, through experience, life much easier for the angels of eternity.
Valeriel prepared their meals most
of the time, and washed their garments.
They both looked to Helyphon’s garden, and received regular food
parcels, which they also had to sometimes collect themselves.
Yaramiel had talked to Valeriel
about their lives and, together, as a couple, they had essentially agreed that
for the foreseeable future the status quo remain the status quo. They really did not want any change at the
moment. To herself Valeriel felt that,
perhaps, many millennia from now, she may pursue some of the interests she had
gradually developed. But for now she was
quite pleased to remain with Yaramiel and simply enjoy living. It was completely sufficient in every way for
now. And for Yaramiel, while not quite
identical, similar thoughts pervaded his thinking. Really, he now enjoyed his work and left life
to give its own simple pleasure. He
didn’t, now, want it any more complicated than that simple truth.
They watched the fire for hours,
well into the night, and as it burned down, Yaramiel lifted his sleeping twin
from the couch, took her to their bedroom, and laid her on the bed. He lay down next to her, looked up at the
ceiling, said a quiet prayer of thanks to God for his life, and drifted off to
slumber.
* *
* * *
Cimbrel, sitting in the library of
Terraphon, studying through various texts in preparation of a lesson on
mathematics, was interrupted by Shemrael who now likewise resided in Terraphon,
having become chief social counsellor there, upon the request of Sariel for
Shemrael to be closer to her twin.
Shemrael sat down next to Cimbrel,
noting his smell. It was Cimbrel’s
distinctive odour and she noticed it was similar to her own, perhaps especially
as now that they were regular visitors to the Japanese province of Terraphora,
were they partook of distinctive Japanese cuisine.
Recently, Gabriel, under
instruction from Sariel, had notified that Cimbrel and Shemrael’s time in
Terraphon was nearing completion and that they were to be appointed chief
overseer and chief counsellor on, for what was intended to be now a permanent
basis, in the new keep intended for Japan.
The new keep was to be called Tokyphon, and it was to be the main keep
for Japan, operating in a similar way in which the other main keeps
operated. In fact, in Sariel’s new
agenda, many many new major keeps were to be built in the recently established
provinces, a major keep or capital for each province. Over each capital it was intended that a
Seraphim male and his female twin be appointed.
The male was to function as Overseer for the province, and the female
twin to work in an appropriate alternative role, amongst the significant roles
available.
Cimbrel had been quite excited at
the news, now realizing that the gift of authority which had been granted to
the 7 Archangels, was now being extended to all 70 of the Seraphim Angels. And, in his discussion with the other
Seraphim, the announcement that Sariel had been filtering through the community
of this being his agenda, the news had been overwhelmingly positively received. So many of them, in truth, were greatly
looking forward to a position of authority.
In a very great way, in fact.
Shemrael sat down next to Cimbrel,
placing her arm in his, which he happily took.
The two of them were quietly at peace.
Quietly at peace and, happily, looking forward to what lay ahead.
* *
* * *
The small crowd was gathered. Sariel spoke his words, words which God had
ordered him to speak. ‘Is it Rebellion in thine heart, children of God? Is it Rebellion in thine heart? Or do you seek, truly, that which is Good –
that which is Holy – that which is perfect?
On behalf of Almighty God I declare unto thee his words. Passion can unite. Passion can divide. Truth is elusive. Beware your pride. If Zaphon’s glory is what you seek. To stand upon its lofty peak. Then dedicated ye’ll need to be. Unto the truth that lightens thee. Go forth and conquer with thy words. Until all angels as one have heard. And then the truth will be made known. Upon those God calls his righteous own.’
Rophiel, Davriel, Jesus, Noah,
Abram, Isaac, Jacob, Judah, Joseph, Moses, Joshua, Samuel, Saul, David,
Solomon, Isaiah, Bab, Bahlaviel, Gabriel, Michael, Daniel and a number of
others stood in front of Zaphon, listening to Sariel speak from the steps of
the entrance to the keep. They had been
gathered to hear his words. And, now,
having heard them, they chatted with each other for a while, gradually
dispersing.
Michael thought on them. They were, really, challenging words. So Torahic in many ways. And, he questioned, were they likewise
directed at himself? Was he, Michael,
likewise within this exhortation of God?
He wondered. He wondered.
Chapter Seven
Michael, sitting in his abode,
heard a knock at the door. He went to
open it and was greeted by Karanasius.
‘Michael. Would you now like to
meet Metatron? He is happy enough to
meet you now, and I know you have heard a little of him now.’ Michael nodded. It was time, it seemed, to meet the oldest of
all angels. The very oldest of all.
* *
* * *
Saruviel, sitting in
Kalphon, was at peace. It was gone. Something was gone. Something great and powerful, terrible and
awesome, was gone. A weight had been
lifted from his shoulders and he was now, finally, at peace.
‘SARUVIEL. COME TO THE THRONEROOM OF KALPHON.’ The voice had spoken, loudly, and he heard
it. He knew who it was. He left his office and made his way to the
throneroom, finding it empty, the flame of God flickering above the throne.’
God spoke quite
quickly. ‘SARUVIEL. YOU HAVE WORK TO DO. WORK TO DO – ELSEWHERE. YOU WILL BE LEAVING THE REALM NOW. YOU WILL NOT BE RETURNING FOR A LONG
TIME. A VERY GREAT AND LONG TIME. I HAVE WORK FOR YOU TO DO ELSEWHERE.’ A vortex appeared in front of Saruviel. He looked at it, a little scared. A little scared and uncertain. What the heck did God mean? Work to do elsewhere? And he had just gotten home? He spoke his concerns. ‘Father?’ God responded, ‘NOW SARUVIEL.’ Saruviel looked at the vortex and, in
obedience to the divine calling, entered into the unknown. And he was gone.
* *
* * *
Gabriel was considering his
options. ‘Mmmmm. Mmmmm.
Mmmmm. What options do I have?’ He sat there in Terraphon, considering his
next move. The Seraphim males, now had
been appointed to their various keeps in their own provinces. This, it seemed, would be the basis for were
glory could be sought from. And, in the
very primitive instincts of Archangel Gabriel - Archangel of Terraphon – Archangel
of Rome – he thought on the glory – the eternal glory – he could achieve. It would be war and conquest, one day, for
Gabriel. He would marshal his Roman
troops and one day conquest would be his.
Michael was passive. He cared not
greatly for such competitive notions.
Yet, if he did, he was subtler in how he played the game. Others, he felt, would be passionate for
times, yet fall away. Sadurael could be
a concern at times. The Mongolian Prince
would build empire, inevitably. Perhaps
waiting after Gabriel’s initial work.
Yet, Gabriel believed, he would have greater staying power. God had told Gabriel personally that Michael
was due to return to Zaphon soon, resuming his former position with Sariel to
be returned to England, his appointed dominion.
And, so it seemed, to so many of the Seraphim now extremely satisfied
with their own particular dominion, the glory of firstborn was not at all
necessary. It was not necessary to rule
from Zaphon. So many of them had
concluded, having reflected on years under Michael, that their beloved older
brother was a kind heart. He was
appropriate in Zaphon. He was
appropriate. But glory was available, so
they would challenge. Each would
challenge, seeking the power each desired.
* *
* * *
‘Well Daniel, what province do you
bloody want?’ Daniel looked at Sariel,
and finally made his response. ‘I will
take a small section of England, the Yorkshire section. I am quite happy to work under your authority
in England. You are sensible and will
make good decisions for England. I would
be quite happy to be on this team. But,
I want to start with Phanuel, somewere near Ambriel in their provinces. Just an extremely brief sojourn at Yorkshire,
just to have that placed officially as my dominion, but then working under
Phanuel and Ambriel. And, by the way, I
don’t want them to know my dominion. I
don’t want anyone to know. Ok?’ Sariel looked at him. ‘Under my authority, then? Doesn’t that bother you?’ ‘We are all under God’s, anyway. And I feel in a united team effort, the glory
can be ours in the end. And I would
rather be on a team. I think that is the
way to go.’ ‘Well you had better watch
Phanuel and Ambriel, brother. You had
better watch them, as they have quite a team up and running.’ ‘Exactly why I want to work there
initially. I will outfox them,
eventually.’ Sariel grinned. ‘And I really thought you were ethical,
Daniel. I had really thought that.’ ‘Oh, I am ethical. Just not stupid. I will take advantages – legal advantages –
when and were I can. Ok.’ Sariel nodded, happy enough to have this old
devil on his team. ‘It should prove
interesting, Daniel. It should prove
interesting.’
* *
* * *
She lay against him, upon his
shoulder, occasionally stroking his arm, seemingly quite happy. Crocus, though, was still quite nervous. They’d had a number of visits together in
recent years and, now, Smilax seemed to be accepting her twin in ways in which
many of the elder Seraphim community did.
Crocus, while happy to have this happen, almost felt if he was enjoying
a delight in life too soon. As if he was
supposed to wait until she had become completely satisfied with every aspect of
his life before she would show affection.
But, no, she had gradually come to be quite affectionate towards him,
and no great length of time seemed to have been required. Yet, still, he was nervous.
And then, when she asked if he
desired her company in the bedroom that night, he almost said no, as if such a
thing could not happen. But he had not. He had, after consideration, acceded to her
offer, and they spent the night together, comfortable in each other’s arms,
almost happily in love.
* *
* * *
Aquariel sat next to her twin,
Gabriel, inquiring into his thoughts.
‘Empire – Glory – Passion. Were
does it all lead in the end, Aquariel?
Were does it all lead in the end?’
Aquariel looked at him and decided that, ultimately, if he could not yet
answer that question, she would not do so for him. She knew how to answer it. She knew the purpose. She would let Gabriel, though, find that
answer for himself.
* *
* * *
Semambarel stood on the top of the
highest tower of Mexiphon, the newly built keep established in the province of
Mexico in Kalphora. He was now
designated chief overseer of Mexico, a new position of responsibility, far
greater than any he had previously been given.
He had not, really, ever sought
any such glory. He had never, really,
ever sought any such power. He had been
content to live a quiet and simple life, working in his trade of
penmaking. But that, now, had come to an
end. And while Mexico was by no means
the biggest of provinces, being third in size in the Kalphoran region, after
the United States, the name given to the central region of Kalphora, being a
conglomeration of all the little provinces which had been called States by
Saruviel, and then after Canada over which Loquiel had been given authority, it
was still of a significant size and the responsibility quite reasonable.
Semambarel himself tended not to
link that greatly with either Saruviel or Loquiel. In a sense, while he respected Saruviel, he
was still a little cautious. Instead he
preferred keeping closer contacts with Halyudiel, who was Spanish like himself,
living in the Spain province in Terraphora.
And, down in the Brephora district, which spoke nearly all Spanish as
well, apart from Raguel’s Brazil which connected to his own Portuguese people,
he maintained close contact as well.
He wondered to himself, from time
to time, what his future would be – were his loyalties would ultimately
lie. He pondered and eventually
concluded that, probably, he would side with Saruviel as his brother had been
such a strong influence upon him early in life and was so passionate and
dedicated.
And Loquiel Semambarel did quite
like. Loquiel was, perhaps more than
just about any other angel, trustworthy.
Loquiel remained now, in the eyes of Semambarel, more trustworthy than
Ambriel and more consistent. Loquiel, it
seemed, never lost sight of his responsibilities and was always quite concerned
with the welfare of his brethren. As
strange as it may sound, perhaps around these two particular brothers –
Saruviel and Loquiel – Semambarel’s best interests lied. Of course, there was Simonuel down in
Cuba. Simonuel may prove interesting
over time. What his motivations and
dreams were, Semambarel was not sure.
But he guessed that, over time, his answers would come forth.
* *
* * *
Cosadriel was walking around
Reykjavik Keep, in the province of Iceland, a section of remote Terraphora, way
up against the Rim, covered mostly in Ice, thus the name. His twin, 15th of the female
Seraphim, Oshanel, was inside with various cherubim decorators, arranging some
of the finishing touches to the interior of the keep, now nearly ready for full
use.
Cosadriel was oh so fond of his
twin sister. The two were
inseparable. He adored their lovemaking,
and he found her to be the most attractive of all the female Seraphim in his opinion.
Perhaps he was biased, but he found her
extremely attractive. And she fitted
with him perfectly. She was everything
he could possibly desire.
Cosadriel, as an angel, was
extremely fit and athletic. That was his
specialty, and he competed effectively at the Kalphon games because of it. He was actually quite happy to be on the
Terraphora team, not having escaped the obvious point that Terraphoran’s were
all of a similar facial look and bore the same fare skin. In the Kalphon games coming up, Cosadriel was
ready. His fellow Icelanders were
training carefully, and the team as a whole was going to challenge. They would, if they could, bring glory to
Terraphora and Iceland. For the
immediate future, apart from the establishment of Reykjavik keep, that was his
major objective.
* *
* * *
Having been appointed overseer of
Kalphon and Kalphora in general after Saruviel’s departure, Sariel having
informed the community that God had spoken to him to tell him that Saruviel
would be absent for the foreseeable future, Kantriel was busily at work
preparing his district for the Kalphon Games.
Kantriel himself had been appointed overseer of the state of California,
within the Province of the United States.
His brother Daraqel had been appointed over the state of New York, on
the other side of the US. Just before he
left, Saruviel had also been using the basic term of the United States of
America to describe their province. It
seemed an appropriate title to use, so they had decided to stick with it. And he had referred to the USA as a Country
and not a province, preferring that new name instead.
Kantriel was assessing his team’s
strengths. As host of the games he felt
practically obligated for his team to perform well. Naturally, each district was dedicated to
achieving success, each determined to win.
Because of that, Kalphon need not try to emerge victorious on every
occasion, but he felt it important, as Saruviel had done, for Kalphoran’s to
perform well.
The sprint seemed to be the most
highly anticipated event in the upcoming games.
Almost as if it was the pinnacle of the games glory. Kalphora had a number of sprinters, and
Kantriel felt that, perhaps, in this event they would emerge victorious. He feared Terraphora the most. His oldest brother Michael would,
undoubtedly, be professionally at work to ensure Terraphora’s victory. His long term skill and established
professionalism would be a feared rival.
Now that Michael was established in England, it should prove most
interesting what that province emerged like.
Yet, apparently, Michael was now soon due to return to Zaphora as
overseer again. If that happened before
the games, the disruption might – just might – assist Kalphora in its
objectives. Time would only tell, he
guessed. Time would only tell.
* *
* * *
Daraqel sat within Neyophon, the
name given to the newly established keep to oversee the state of New York. His twin, 24th of the female
Seraphim, Kaladel, was in the kitchen preparing his and her nightly meal. Neyophon was an impressive keep, still under
construction. So far it was twice the
size of Zaphon and would perhaps go further still, as it was still being built.
Daraqel was contemplating the
absence of his brother Saruviel. Of
course, Kantriel had acted as overseer for Kalphon previously, as had Sariel,
yet Sariel was seemingly to soon be appointed overseer to England with the
return of Michael to Zaphora.
Daraqel rightly assumed that
Kantriel would be dedicated to his work as Kalphora’s overseer, yet his main
concern was, with the upcoming Kalphon Games, wether Kantriel could bring the
degree of professionalism necessary to the games which Saruviel undoubtedly
exhibited. Kantriel was competitive and
dedicated yet, in truth, none could replace the intensity of Saruviel. He, as others had often expressed, epitomised
the notion of the ‘Challenge’. It was,
in a sense, what Saruviel embodied.
Yet, it would be interesting to
see Kantriel, perhaps, pushed to the best of his capabilities. It would be interesting to see just what his
older brother by one position of birth was capable of.
* *
* * *
Gloryel was high in the sky,
flying in the heights of Zaphora. She
spied, down below, the lights of Zaphon as they came on, embracing the
descending twilight. Up here, she was
happy. She felt a buzz. Almost as if the spirit of life had entered
her and challenged her to soar into the heights of eternity. Down below Sariel was likely soon finishing
his administrative tasks for the day.
She had been around him, now, for quite some time. And she was growing attached. In all honesty, she found him cuter and more
attractive then she had ever done.
Handsome, in fact. And of course,
while she might not say as such to others throughout the realm, she was silently
very pleased that it was her twin who had been appointed replacement to Michael
and, in a sense, earned the status of secondborn in authority in a way. And, for her, that meant she was second to
Elenniel, having taken Aquariel in that sense who was Gabriel’s twin.
She had been watching Sariel
closely recently. He was, indeed, in
training for the upcoming Kalphon games, being intended to captain the Zaphora
cricket side. She had been, likewise,
now placed on the Zaphora team. They
were, now, team-mates. And she was quite
happy about that.
Of course, it was uncertain at
this stage as to whether Michael would remain in England, or return to Zaphon
before the beginning of the Kalphon Games.
Perhaps he would return just in time, or perhaps not.
In the end, she may be playing on
the Terraphora team, and not on Zaphora, as she would follow Sariel to his new
appointment without hesitation. She
felt, now, that she didn’t really want to leave her twin and would rather stand
by him. Perhaps, through the sheer fact
that he had been given honour, she should likewise honour him. But also, she loved him. Not with enormous passion, but a steady and
calm love, one of being prepared to commit to her brother now.
Ambriel, while she still loved
him, was not the centre of her heart anymore.
And while Sariel had not quite claimed that prize either, he was
certainly more in favour than the bright flame she had once pursued. Time did strange things, it seemed, with
love. It was not always expected, but
perhaps, in a simple way, what should be.
Perhaps, in that simple plan of her father, it was what would work the
best.
* *
* * *
Sariel received the news from his
Father that Michael was indeed to return to Zaphora, and that just on the eve
of the Kalphon Games. At this stage,
Sariel was to administer the Zaphoran team as a priority, to prepare them for
Michael’s return. After that Sariel
would take over Michael’s job as overseer for England, and join Gabriel’s team
in the Terraphora district.
Because of this, while Sariel knew
he would have to devote himself very carefully to the success of the Zaphoran
team, he would undertake his own personal training in private, so as not to
give any hints away of his gameplan to other Zaphoran’s as, when the day came,
he would be playing on the Terraphoran side and not the Zaphoran. And, perhaps, that was no certainty as
Gabriel would likely captain the Terraphoran side, which meant he would have to
really earn his place, which would not be easy amongst a growing list of
competitors.
But he would persevere and, with
luck, be ready on the day.
* *
* * *
The Cherubim Lindsay was seated in
the library of Zaphon. Davriel was
seated opposite her, sipping a mug of coffee, reading through her new book on
poetry. She’d had made a dozen copies of
the book and inquired as to wether Davriel would like a copy for Zaphon
library.
‘Well, it should be fine
Lindsay. It is a bit different – not the
usual kind of poetry we get here. You
see, the Zaphoran community is quite conservative and old fashioned, not given
to much of the new trends of the Terraphoran community. Just the way we like it, you see. And your book, especially the poetry on
erotic love, may be quite challenging to us here in Zaphora with more mundane
tastes. But I will allow it in to the
library. Some angels may take an
interest and, if they do, I will be sure to let you know, ok.’ Lindsay smiled. ‘Thanks Dav.
I really appreciate that. Yeh, I know
some of the poems are a bit cheeky. Just
my way, you see. Its true, though. Terraphoran’s are a lot more, I guess,
liberal than you Zaphoran’s. They are
far more open to new ideas. Davriel
decided to correct her on that point.
‘Lindsay, it is not to say we are
not open to new ideas. Perhaps it is
just more of a case that we are well established, now, in the way we do things,
not given to change that easily, and not greatly desired either. We are sort of happy with the way things
are. And, although Terraphora is quite
old now, it is still a vast place and will naturally take a heck of a lot
longer to ground itself on its own values and ideals. Just the way of life.’ Lindsay nodded, making sense of those
words. ‘Tell me Lindsay – have you been baptized
yet?’
‘Well, now that you mention it,
yes actually. Although, the truth is
that I am not really that fussed about Christianity in a religious sort of
sense. Don’t get me wrong. I do hold to its teachings. But I don’t get carried away with them. Sort of more of an influence and a grounding
rather than anything else, ok.’ Davriel
nodded. He understood that position. It was, in truth, what he had gradually
gravitated to in his expectations as the father figure, in a sense, over the
Christian faith. His young protégé,
Jesus Christ, was as zealous as ever.
But Davriel had mellowed somewhat from his initial fervour. Perhaps, in a way, he had gotten to the
extremes of his religious faith and, having been satisfied with the knowledge
and understandings he had gained, felt less concerned now. The realm flowed on under the Torah. It, really, needed no great
embellishments. It sufficed.
‘Well, I’ll be going Dav. But I’ll see you round sometime, ok?’ Lindsay waved at him as she left the library,
while Davriel took a sip of coffee and returned to the poetry.
* *
* * *
And, as it had done for many years
now, life in the Realm of Eternity progressed on its merry way. Throughout the realm, in generally, the
angels were quite happy. A period of
peace had replaced the turmoil of Saruviel, and lives were now full of quiet
and sometimes not so quite joy and celebration.
For many, though, thoughts were
turned to the up and coming Kalphon Games – the first major District
Championship – and the first major Games in which the provinces would be
recognized as well. For so many of the
angels these games seemed like the perfect opportunity to set records and gain
glory – eternal glory. Many of them were
in training for much of their week, aiming at setting new personal records and
achieving victory for their district.
It would be a time of peace, love
and joy for the angels of eternity. And,
further, it would be the Battle for Zaphon’s glory, so Sariel had
declared. After a great deal of deliberation,
Sariel had made the final decision that, with the absence of Saruviel for the
foreseeable future, the next overseer of Zaphon – the one to replace Michael’s
second tenure – would come from the district which won the Kalphon Games – and
would go to the overseer of the province which achieved the most Gold, Silver
and Bronze medals. That would, now, be
the decider for who was to have the Glory third.
And so, as that news filtered
around the community, the hearts of the 70 male Seraphim steadied themselves
and, for those who sought such a prize with everything they had, preparation
for the games and the Battle for Zaphon began in earnest.
Part Two
‘The Battle for
Zaphon’
Chapter Eight
And so, Michael, in the arms of
Karanasius of the Ozraphim, ascended upwards.
Travelling upwards, at an enormous speed, although there was no wind
resistance, they passed certain planes.
Although it came and went rather quickly, they passed a realm which looked
similar to his own far below, and then soon afterwards another smaller
realm. And then a much smaller
still. Finally, they neared what could
only be described as a tiny city, and landed, there form changing upon landing.
A figure approached, and put out
its hand to Michael, who accepted it and shook it. ‘Well, hello Michael. I have known you, of course, for many years,
yet you have not known me. Come on then
– lets have a beer.’ Michael followed,
who he presumed was Metatron, towards a building, which looked like a basic
keep. Just near the keep, though, a very
strange looking angel, one without wings, with a long grey beard and a great
number of strange wrinkles on his face, was on his knees, digging in a small
garden with a tiny shovel.’ ‘Who is he?’
Michael asked Metatron. Metatron looked
at the old man, and looked at Michael.
‘Oh. Mmm. Him, huh.
Well, I guess, if there was anyone you would ever wish to meet, then I
suppose it is him. I will wait
inside. Go on, you talk to him.’ Metatron walked inside, leaving Michael
staring at the old man. Nervously, he
walked over to stand next to the man, who then stopped digging, and stood,
looking at him. He reached out and
placed a hand on Michael’s shoulder – a personal hand, as if he had known him
forever. Michael looked at him
strangely, and sensed something about him – as if he was someone who he should
know, but quite couldn’t name. ‘Who –
who are you?’ he asked, innocently. The
old man looked at him, and spoke in a tender, yet strong voice. ‘I am your father, Michael.’ Michael looked confused. ‘But, but, God is my father.’ ‘I know, Michael.’ He looked at him for a moment, not making the
connection yet. ‘But how can I have two
fathers?’ ‘You don’t son. You have only one.’ ‘But that would mean you are God.’ ‘I guess so, son,’ said the old man quite
frankly. Michael looked at him, and the
connection was then made. ‘Then…then
this is your form? Your real form?’ ‘It is the body I have chosen for myself,
son. It is true – in my essence I am
eternal spirit. Yet this is also
me. This is my human form.’ Michael stared at him. ‘You know, father, you are a lot less
confronting in person.’ ‘Now why would I
have it any other way, mmm? Now go
on. Go on inside. Speak with Metatron. He is one I would wish you to now get to
know.’ God removed his hand of affection
from his son’s shoulder, and stooped down returning to his digging. Michael stared at him for a few moments and
then, at his God’s request, made his way inside to Metatron.’
‘He is so….so…’ Metatron interrupted him. ‘I think the word you are looking for is
normal, Mikey. Really, in person, he
puts on no great pretenses. He is on old
father. An old loving man. He is, in truth, our home. The heart of this place here called home.
They spoke, then, at lengths. Metatron began an introduction to the hidden
life and history of ‘home’, and talked on various other subjects, illuminating
the mind of the firstborn of the Seraphim of Eternity.
Later, Michael thought on the words
shared. Knowledge had been imparted –
strong knowledge. And, through this
wisdom, he would temper his own thoughts and, again, seek the destiny within
life his eternal father spoke unto him.
* *
* * *
Cosadriel, fifteenth born of the
male Seraphim of Eternity, stood next to the rim, on its easternmost point,
looking down at the ice flow which shimmied down underneath the realm. He wondered to himself, just then, were such
ice eventually, if anywhere, levelled out.
It may prove interesting to find out some day. Bantriel, ninth born of the Seraphim male,
spoke up. ‘Why the heck did you want to
come here, Saddy? Not much here but Ice
you know. We have that in our
cool-rooms.’ Cosadriel nodded. Yet his curiousity had been aroused on an issue
and, out of that curiousity he had decided to act. ‘Well.
Here goes,’ he said, and began his shovelling of the ice. Bantriel looked on, slightly amused. Whatever the idiot was doing, he would give
him the help he had asked for.
Three Months’ later, after
constant digging, the ice being firmly packed but generally not to difficult to
move, especially now that Radrukiel, Gamrayel, Dameriel, Pendrael and Azrael
had joined in with the digging, they had finally reached their destination –
the nadir of the realm of eternity. It
was quite easy, now, as they could rest against the void, going no further than
a few cubits. The team looked at their
leader Cosadriel and asked him. ‘Well
what now?’ ‘We go up,’ stated Cosadriel
confidently. ‘This might actually prove
interesting,’ commented Pendrael, 49th born of the Seraphim of
Eternity. Radrukiel looked at him. ‘Maybe.
We’ll see what is up there anyway.’
One short week later they hit
metal. Clearing the ice away, Cosadriel
yelled out a huge surprise. There were
all sorts of engravings over the metal.
Clearly their heavenly father had placed it there. The team of 7 angels were, really, hugely
happy that, after so much time and effort, a reward had finally been
given. They very quickly, with a fresh
new energy, cleared more and more ice, eventually coming to the edge of the
metal, which appeared to be a large circle approximately 140 cubits in
diameter. Going up the sides of the
circle, after a cubit the edge ended and they stared working inwards. Each of them were enthralled and hoped for a
great reward for their efforts. A day
later, having cleared away all of the ice upwards about 5 cubits, they stood on
the platform of metal, which had a central beam a cubit across going
upwards. Up at the top of the Realm, a
whole host of Cherubim and Seraphim had gathered, having been informed of the
discoveries. Sariel had stated that they
would wait until the team had finished what they were doing before having a look.
‘Well, here goes,’ said
Cosadriel. They began again, this time
though, the work was over practically immediately as they came to the roof of
the beam, which spread out, again about
140 cubits across, being replaced by earth – presumably the earth of Zaphora. They all looked at the new patterns. There were 7 major panels, each in a circular
shape, in the form of a circle surrounding the upper beam. And each panel had around it 70 knobs, in the
forms of dials. Around each dial were
the names of the 70 male seraphim.
Cosadriel found that the dials could be pulled out, turned, and set in
place for each of the different Seraphim.
Bantriel, examining the panels,
came to a conclusion. ‘They are
entrances.’ The team nodded as one – it
was a conclusion they had quickly come to.
The next three weeks were spent,
in vain, trying all sorts of combinations to open the panels – yet to no
avail. And then, finally, Radrukiel
suggested, in order of the team as they had begun, their own 7 names be set to
the dials. So one by one, they tried
each combination, moving around in order.
Upon the 7th effort, when they felt they had probably failed,
something happened. Cranks turned and
the panels popped open. The team looked
at each other. Success.
Each of them entered their panel,
into the darkness.
Climbing up the steps, lights came
on above them. As they each entered,
before them, lying around a big cavern on basic beds, were the 7 Shadow
Angels. Karanassius looked at them. ‘Well it is about bloody time.’ The team laughed. ‘I should have expected you,’ said
Cosadriel. ‘Finally,’ said
Karanassius. ‘Come on, lads. Our time is served. Let’s get the hell out of here.’
Later on in the week, the team
discovered that, due to certain words of pride the shadow angels had once
spoken, they would be left in the netherworld until found – however long that
might be. Yet, to the praises of heaven,
the Shadow angels were no longer slaves to the darkness but could now, finally,
take their place amongst the children of the Realm of Eternity.
Sariel, noting the number of 7,
appointed each of them as the Chief Overseer’s of Guidance to the 7 major
keeps. It was not an administrative
position, yet a position of mentorship and teaching. And, in this, the 7 Ozraphim angels of the
Realm of Eternity finally took up positions in the home they had for so long
desired to rejoin.
* *
* * *
Raguel sat in the council chambers
of Brephon Keep. Gathered around him
were the other nine Seraphim Council members of Brephon keep. Amongst them were Talzudiel, 43rd
born of the Seraphim, Sosteriel, 44th born of the Seraphim,
Penoniel, 62nd born of the Seraphim, Yaramiel, 20th born
of the Seraphim, Mistrel, 21st born of the Seraphim, Abraqel, 48th
born of the Seraphim, Talutiel, 34th born of the Seraphim, Desdrael,
57th born of the male Seraphim and Othaniel, 58th born of
the male Seraphim of the Realm of Eternity.
They sat there, deep in
conversation each of them. In time the
original angelic names of the realms had been replaced, to a degree, by more
common names. Each keep still retained
its angelic name officially, yet other names were more commonly used.
The district of Brephora was now
known as ‘South America’, again divided into what were called ‘Countries’
within the district or province of South America. Each of the Seraphim on the Council were
devoted to one of the major countries.
Raguel watched over Brazil.
Talzudiel watched over Columbia.
Sosteriel watched over Venezuela.
Penoniel watched over Paraguay. Yaramiel
watched over Argentina. Mistrel watched
over Chile. Abraqel watched over
Uruguay. Talutiel watched over Bolivia. Desdrael watched over Peru. And, finally, Othaniel watched over Ecuador.
The team were discussing the next
major Kalphon Games, and what had become the divisions set up by Saruviel in
his re-appointment to Kalphon. Each
district would now enter its own team – one from each district. Of course, the seven districts were Zaphora,
Terraphora, Mitraphora, Pelphora, Brephora, Romnaphora and Kalphora. Each of the 7 districts would now compete for
the ultimate prize – District Champion of the Kalphon Games.
The conversation, now, had become
intense on these games. Each district
was thoroughly determined to challenge the others to emerge triumphant and
victorious. And the team of South
America were concentrating on all sorts of things.
‘Training.’ Talzuidel stated it quite simply. ‘The greater the level of training, the
greater the success. If we train the
most – if we train harder than all the others, we will win. I am sure of it.’ Raguel nodded – a well proven theory in his
thinking. Abraqel, sitting next to
Yaramiel, spoke. ‘Weights. If we lift heavy weights our muscles
grow. From all my years of hard labour,
I have found this undoubtedly true.’
Yaramiel, sitting next to him, spoke in concurrence. ‘He is definitely right. I think if we concentrate on those two keys
with our best athletes – Training and Weights – we will come out on top.’ Talutiel spoke up. ‘How about some Torah tactics? Some of the Dragons’ moves?’ Raguel looked at him. ‘Would you like to explain?’ Talutiel responded. ‘Subtlety in how we compete. Not being so obvious when and were we are
trying to win – and when and were we make our most dangerous attacks.’ Raguel looked at his brother Talutiel, and
smiled. ‘Mmm. Yes, I think that is an excellent suggestion. Really, a great idea.’ Desdrael from Peru spoke up. ‘As with Talutiel’s ideas, let us incorporate
this into a general team strategy. A focus
for how we attack the games overall, and our individual events strategies. I think, though, the individual strategies,
for the sake of harmony and unity and a team approach will work better if
directly tied into the overall focus.’
Othaniel from Ecuador spoke.
‘Yet, there are also other approaches.
Strategy – subtlety. Yet, mystery
is a tactic to employ. To shield
ourselves in a shroud impenetrable in the way we conduct ourselves and play in
the events. To not be so obvious in
anything we say or do. To be difficult
to work out and fathom. With this
mystery, they will find it difficult to defeat us.’ ‘Sounds good,’ agreed Sosteriel from
Venezuela. Raguel looked at
Penoniel. ‘Do you have anything to
add?’ Penoniel sat, thinking on that. ‘The general ideas seem to have come
forth. I would suggest, in the end, a
simple reminder. The most passionate, the most dedicated and the hardest
working team will triumph. If that is
ourselves, then we instinctively know what to do.’ The council members looked at Penoniel and,
slowly, nodded in agreement. Raguel
nodded his head also. ‘Yes. These are the first games we enter into as a
district. Let us be sure, brothers, that
we emerge victorious. Let us be sure.’
* *
* * *
Michael, currently sitting on the
council of Terraphora, having been appointed to this position by Sariel to
replace himself due to the necessity of Seraphim membership on the councils for
the upcoming Kalphon District Games, looked around at the team.
Cosadriel from Iceland. Bantriel from France. Radrukiel from Russia, who likewise shared a
seat on the Asian council. Dameriel from
Ireland. Pendrael from Wales. Azrael from Scotland. Halyudiel from Spain. Gamrayel from Germany. Ulantriel from Greece. Michael from England. And, finally, the head of the Terraphoran
Council, Gabriel from Rome.
A war of power was in the
air. Gabriel had spoken to Radrukiel
carefully on certain points of etiquette, but was reminded of Radrukiel's
rights as Russia fell within the districts of both ‘Terraphora’ or ‘Europe’ and
‘Pelphora’ or ‘Asia’. Radrukiel assured
them he would remain totally professional, and carry out his duties with
propriety and dignity. Gabriel felt
reassured after that.
He looked at Michael, the new
English representative. And, then, he
looked at the team. Speaking, he said,
‘Victory will not be easy. We know what
to do. We must simply do it. Around the council, heads nodded. A War of Powers was about to begin.
* *
* * *
Semyaza looked at the team. Gabriel had permitted them, now, in the spirit of generosity and rights
of the elders amongst the Cherubim to form new provinces within the district of
Terraphora. The divisions were as such. Urakiba administered Portugal. Ramiel grabbed
a tiny little province – Andorra.
Kokabiel chose Belgium. Tamiel
chose Luxembourg. Ramel chose
Switzerland. Daniel chose the
Netherlands. Ezeqiel chose
Switzerland. Baraqiel claimed
Austria. Asael claimed Yugoslavia. Armaros claimed Czechoslovakia. Ananel chose Poland. Zaqiel chose Hungary. Samsiel chose Romania. Satael chose Bulgaria. Turiel chose Albania. Yoramiel chose Corsica. Araziel chose Malta. Crocus chose Cyprus. Dreznadoranta chose Leichtenstein. And, finally, the Christ who had accepted his
responsibilities, chose a number of nations – to which Semyaza did not
object. Jesus chose Denmark, Sweden,
Norway & Finland. To them he
assigned the four Cherubim named after the four firstborn of the Seraphim. Michael claimed Denmark. Gabriel claimed Norway. Raphael claimed Sweden. And Uriel claimed Finland. These four Archangels were the four key
archangels in the agenda of the Christ.
He called his team the ‘Scandinavians’.
Semyaza agreed that Christ would co-ordinate between Gabriel at Rome and
Semyaza, who set up his own division within Rome. It would be the ‘Vatican’ – the home to
Semyaza, within Gabriel’s jurisdiction, in a sense, yet separate. Joining Semyaza in tiny, key powers, were
Randel at San Merino, within Rome’s jurisdiction again, Mandorra at
Monaco. And Sendar, Dalnarra, Radric
& Jalmono within Asael’s responsibilities at Yugoslavia. In fact, in time, the first two hundred of the
Cherubim joined ranks with Gabriel, Semyaza and Michael’s quarters, stationed
in Europe.
*
* * * *
Sariel, now stationed
in Zaphora, thought on recent events and the newly assigned provincial heads of
Europe. He reached a conclusion then,
and made this judgement, being announced via couriers to each keep. ‘Each District shall have assigned to them
100,000 Cherubim males each, each as workers of authority within their own
area. The division and rations of the
Districts shall be exactly equal. In this
sense, each District will have equal resources in personnel to rely on. This will, then, be a fair division.
*
* * * *
Michael took the news
well. Sensible judgement, he thought of
Sariel. Sensible judgement indeed. It would now make it a level battlefield. Each province had, most definitely, a real
chance in the now postponed Kalphon District games. It would, now, become a struggle of
monumental proportions.
*
* * * *
‘Sorry, Daniel. Life goes on son. Life goes on.’ ‘Yeh.
It would be bloody Saruviel. It
would bloody be.’ Daniel was
depressed. Saruviel had been given the
glory. The glory which Daniel knew was
waiting – for which he had dedicated himself to – had been given to
Saruviel. He had not received it. And then, he knew were he was on the
list. Stuck down at 45. Irrevocably, inevitably, undeniably,
eternally, stuck down at 45. Really, not
much glory down there. Not much at
all. By then, they had done it all. The kings had established glory, peace,
sovereignty, power, authority and all their grand and noble visions. He knew that after him would come 25 others,
stuck with the rut end of glory. But, he
finally concluded, in his misery, that as he was 45th born of the
Seraphim, he probably couldn’t expect to receive the glory any sooner, no
matter how hard he worked. He would just
have to wait and be patient.
‘Sucks, don’t it,
Daniel.’ Commented Noah. Daniel could only glumly nod. ‘Now what?’
‘Well, lad. Use your bloody
imagination. Nothing much else to do, is
there.’ ‘Not really.’ ‘Get to it then. Get to it.’
*
* * * *
Valandriel was
considering his options. Some things had
got around to the Seraphim. Certain
rewards had been stated, that were available.
Service was required for them.
The greater the service, the greater the reward. Valandriel took the hint, and considered his
options. He was worried. Daniel was his competition. The stupid love bug Ambriel was perhaps a
concern, but everyone else was a joke.
Davriel might cause problems, but Daniel was the threat. He would now watch him like a hawk.
*
* * * *
Ambriel sat with his
twin. He was worried. Worried.
Bloody worried. Valandriel. Daniel.
Those two idiots had known all along.
He was now 100% certain of this.
God had whispered a few things about life and holiness – knowledge and
reward. Truth and error. And Ambriel was worried. Daniel had an advantage. The bugger remained the longest in
Zaphora. He knew, now, how short-sighted
he had been. He had forgotten that their
father, as strange as it may sound, liked loyalty. And Daniel had proven the most loyal. He had remained at Zaphora the longest, only
leaving after Michael left.
Ambriel had been in
love. But he had been blinded by love
and, now, he was not so gullible. He
would not be played for the fool so much that he had been previously. He would keep his eye on that Devil Daniel,
and watch Valandriel like a hawk. He
knew, now, that there was a degree of Glory coming later on. A great degree of Glory. So he would be careful, and watch his
step. He would take out his opponent,
with the subtlety the lamb of God was capable of. He would, not again, be taken for the fool.
Chapter Nine
‘Officially, 17 Cherubim have
likewise claimed to have made it to the rock.
Of course we have no absolute way of verifying this, but the
descriptions of the rock from each of them all seem to concur and are in
harmony with what you stated.’
‘And roughly how many do you think
attempt to get there,’ persisted Gloryel with her line of questioning towards
Davriel.
‘It is taken as something of a
challenge, and mostly male cherubim, as you would expect, take up the
challenge. But we have no real way of
knowing for sure. What we do know, as
each of those who claimed to have made the rock state, it seems to be directly
upwards from Zaphon. A number of stated
that, like you, they fell directly downwards, and when they spotted the ground
they were just above Zaphon. So, really,
it shouldn’t be too hard to find if you are fit enough.’
Gloryel nodded, taking in that
information.
Davriel spoke to Brindabel, his
chief librarian assistant in Zaphon library.
‘It is 17 isn’t it? You have
apparently been keeping the records.’
‘I am not sure what we will do
with the information, Davriel. Our
library is now overwhelmed with articles and, while I don’t doubt the
importance of the ‘rock’ as a significant landmark in the realm, keeping
everyone’s record of encountering it seems a bit much.’
‘Yes, I know what you are
saying. But we have confirmed much of
the detail of the rock with the records we have kept so far. I guess what we should be looking for is some
sort of measure from angels who have made the distance as to the approximate
number of cubits upwards.’
‘They all say about 20,000
cubits. Quite a flight upwards,’
commented Brindabel.
‘That sounds about right,’
responded Gloryel. ‘It is a heck of a
flight, but just manageable if you persevere.
From up there the realm below looks like a big spread out expanse of
greenery, highlighted with little bits and pieces here and there, which seem to
be the keeps and other things. Really,
the view is quite spectacular from the Rock.
Truly something to behold.’
‘A question is, is there anything
further up?’ asked Brindabel.
‘That is a good question,’ said
Gloryel. ‘When I looked up it was as if
the general bluish colour of our realm was gradually subsiding towards a
brownish haze, probably at least another 10,000 cubits skywards. But whatever could be up there is beyond me.’
‘Perhaps another realm like ours,’
said Davriel jokingly.
‘Perhaps,’ replied Gloryel.
‘But wouldn’t it be fascinating,’
replied Brindabel. ‘If there was another
Realm up there, with Angels like us?’
‘But why wouldn’t they have
contacted us,’ asked Gloryel.
‘Oh, I don’t know. Maybe they can’t. Maybe they are restricted in some way like
us.’
‘Could be,’ said Davriel. ‘Perhaps we should try to find out one day.’
‘Now that would be something,’
concluded Gloryel.
At that moment, coming into the
library, Sariel’s personal assistant Georgia spied them and came over to sit
with them. ‘Well, what are we all
discussing?’ she began.
‘The rock, of all things,’ replied
Brindabel.
‘Gloryel’s rock?’ asked Georgia.
‘That’s the one,’ responded
Davriel.
‘I have wondered, myself, wether I
would try and fly up to see this rock, if I could. Yet I am usually so busy with Zac that I can
barely find the time.’
‘You really love your twin, don’t
you?’ commented Gloryel about Georgia’s twin, Zac.
‘Yes, I love him. Madly in love, really. Zac is so handsome and respectable. Such a good example of a cherubim angel. Oh yes, I know I sound terribly biased, but
shouldn’t we be about our twin. Really.’
‘Yes, I guess,’ responded Gloryel.
Georgia continued on, speaking
about the virtues of her twin, but Gloryel was focused on her own beloved. Sariel, now, had become increasingly closer
and closer to Gloryel. Especially so in
recent months with all the time they had been spending together and the
friendly rivalry developing into a bond of respect, friendship and love. For so long it had been Ambriel who had
occupied that special place in Gloryel’s heart.
And when he had once broken her heart she had believed, perhaps, it may
never mend. But in the way the angel’s
eternal father worked, she had been inevitably drawn to Sariel as the only
realistic alternative to her heart’s malaise and, as time had passed, and the
rivalry had turned to quiet affection, Gloryel had seen qualities in her twin
that she had perhaps failed to notice in younger years. And, now, as Michael’s replacement, he had
become more and more central to the heart of Gloryel, eighth born of the female
Seraphim of Eternity. Perhaps, for
Gloryel, it was becoming a time to love.
Perhaps a time to love indeed.
* *
* * *
Daniel felt something,
almost available to his heart. A
choice. A choice of being fair and
honourable with all his brethren – about not trying to take all the glory in
life, by not trying to outshine his brothers and sisters. He, like them all, had talents and skills and
could compete with them. But the spirit
within said – be gracious – be fair – be kind – be gentle – do not try so
hard. For Daniel, a witness he
needed. A witness of himself, just to
describe what he was like so others would know, and let himself be what he
was. In patience, he felt, what he
needed would come to be. And so he would
wait, and remain content.
*
* * * *
Ambriel, later on that
day, felt a spirit quickly returning to him.
A sensible, quiet spirit, reminding Ambriel of who and what he was
supposed to be. And Ambriel, then, felt
a lot better. This spirit said to his
heart, his glory would remain untouched – his love his alone. And to continue in that love towards his
brethren knowing that, in the fullness of time, such love would lead him
home. And Ambriel smiled, later on that
day. Ambriel smiled and felt better
about his brother’s Daniel and Valandriel, almost happy that they too would one
day gain their glory.
*
* * * *
Rophiel sat in
Mitraphon keep. He sat there thinking on
words Sariel had spoken recently. ‘Is
rebellion in your heart, children of God?’.
He thought on his Koran, and how it had become increasingly
popular. He thought on Gabriel who,
having started to intermingle strongly with the Muslim community, had
contributed so much of his own personal wisdom to the literature of Islam and
the Koran itself, now nearing completion.
And he thought on God who, so Gabriel claimed, had spoken with him a
number of words and ideas he wished placed within the Koran to, so Gabriel had
said, justify the fact that Rophiel was truly dedicated of heart in many ways
and that he did in fact favourably view, to a degree, some of the teachings of
his son. Because of that, Rophiel felt
he stood justified.
He thought on the
recent revelation God spoke to the community of the Christians and some
Israelites regarding Jesus. That Jesus
was, indeed, like Rophiel, one of God’s precious children, his very own son,
being 21st of the Cherubim, and that too hear what Jesus had too say
was indeed the will of God. And then the
church had taken it for granted they had God’s approval as, like Rophiel, God
had justified the mission and desires of the Christian faith.
Rophiel understood,
then, that there were degrees of God’s word – degrees of God’s authority –
within the newly established religious views.
Rophiel, then, placed the Christian faith before his own, in a sense,
accepting essentially that Jesus was likewise chosen of God, a holy messenger,
yet that he, Rophiel, was to be the last of the true prophets. Yet, within the small Bahai faith which had
been slowly growing, Rophiel placed some words within his literature to, in a
sense, justify them likewise, as carrying on at a later time, with new
devotion, the work of God in its purpose of sanctification and holiness. Rophiel, a faithful child of God, knew
ultimately that the purpose of holiness through submission to God was the
ultimate ideal and that, regardless of religion, those who submitted in this
sense would find favour with the Almighty.
*
* * * *
Today Sariel found himself in the
library with Davriel and Brindabel for lunch.
He usually ate in the dining room of Zaphon, almost in line with the
degree of formality which often accompanied Sariel the Seraphim, but today he
felt like a change and decided to spend his lunch hour with his younger brother
Davriel and his older sister Brindabel.
Brindabel was Phanuel’s twin, and often worked at Romnaphon with Phanuel
in the library there, and often at various libraries throughout the Realm, even
the major scholastic one at Terraphon which she had been head librarian at for
some time. Brindabel, like Phanuel, was
of the Koori tribe within the emerging Romnaphoran community. The Koori were amongst the first of the
settlers in Romnaphon, which had gradually become known as Australia, the
alternative title for that area of Greater Terraphora. The Koori were distinguished by there darker
skins and were similar in facial features, in many ways, to the Indians of
Pelnaphora. Almost like another family,
some had maintained, yet also distinctive.
But Brindabel, now, generally called Zaphon library home most of the
time, visiting Romnaphon mainly to spend time with her twin, whom she was
reasonably close with.
Sariel and Brindabel, as Seraphim,
had known each other for centuries now, and like most Seraphim were quite close
friends. Sariel felt, in some ways,
drawn to the Romnaphoran community, and many angels who were of the Celtic
Families of Angels, who resided often in England, had migrated to Romnaphora and
practically claimed it as part of the Terraphoran community. In a
similar way, the original tribes of Kalphora, the Navaho and Apaches and so on,
had likewise been taken over in their Communities by many of the growing
English community, that being were many of the Celtic Angels had taken as
home. Of course, there were broad ranges
of families in the angelic community based on facial features and skin tones,
which had been the deliberate plan of God to set up sub-communities, with
particular land, within the larger Seraphim and Cherubim community. Yet, they were all of one God, and this
reality it was generally concluded made life more culturally interesting,
rather than one particular family type.
In this range of families, there were exceedingly larger groups like the
Celtic and Aryan Angels, the African Communities, and the Indian and Chinese
communities, all of which were quite large.
And then there were family communities of lesser size, going right down
to very small ones. All this, so Davriel
often maintained, was in the purposes of Almighty God.
Sariel was a Celtic Angel, calling
England home when he was not in Zaphon and Zaphora. Like him, his twin Gloryel, with her
ravishing red hair, so typical for the Celtic Angels, called England home, and
was something of a patriot.
Sitting there, watching Rachel who
had just arrived with a special lunch for her twin Davriel, Sariel observed how
close Davriel and Rachel, who had always been very close twins, really seemed
to get along with each other so very well.
Davriel, in his spiritual work as the so-called ‘Christ’ of the Seraphim
community had very strict spiritual rules in many ways, clearly delineating
between the roles of female angels and male angels. Jesus, the ‘Christ’ of the Cherubim
community, likewise followed in Davriel’s steps, and the Church, which
unsurprisingly Islam had followed with even greater zeal, was very
traditionalist in the way it viewed the roles of male and female angels. Sariel, himself, was into the concept of
‘equality’ in defining the relationships between the male and female
angels. Gloryel had shared with him her
own conversations with God, speaking of a time when females in the Realm of
Eternity would have the upper hand.
Sariel had come to assume that, perhaps after all the male Seraphim had
been given the responsibility of rulership in the Realm, God would allow the
female Seraphim such a time of responsibility.
And, with that idea in his mind, Sariel had remembered to remain
respectful and courteous towards the fairer gender of the Realm of Eternity.
He thought on his brother Daniel’s
very sexist attitudes from time to time, and instinctively felt he might get
his come-uppance one day. But he also
knew Daniel’s attitude was mostly play, and sensed that Daniel was dealing with
the ethical issues of equality that Sariel himself had also faced in his own
way and in his own time.
Yet, looking at Davriel and
Rachel, he wondered just wether they might be right in some ways. Perhaps there were roles – perhaps there were
ways of operating – that simply made the most sense. Perhaps.
But whatever else, it was the love between Rachel and Davriel that
Sariel admired, causing him to think of the growing love between himself and
his own twin Gloryel.
Gloryel, now, was becoming more
and more important to Sariel. In his
early years Sariel had been a great loner, spending most of his time alone in
various keeps, suited to what really had been quite a shy nature. But with the appointment over Kalphon to
replace Saruviel, Sariel had engaged in far more social contact and had, in a
way, come out of his shell. And, in
hindsight, he saw the act of his father to appoint him to Kalphon as the wisdom
of God in fostering the growth and heart of his son. And, as he had grown in confidence,
especially with the appointment to Zaphon, Sariel had gradually grown more and
more interested in sharing his life with another angel. And, inevitably it seemed, his very own twin
Gloryel had more and more become the ideal choice to satisfy that desire. There had been rivalry at first, but this had
never been to the detriment of respect.
And through that friendly competition Sariel had grown more and more
affectionate towards Gloryel. And now,
in truth, he felt he loved her. And in
that love, in the time which had come for Sariel to love Gloryel, he had felt a
time was approaching to, in the way others did, consummate that love and
adoration. Yes, for Sariel of the
Seraphim, a time to love was at hand.
*
* * * *
The 7 Shadow Angels,
having been appointed as Overseers to each of the main Keeps of the 7
districts, were in the main lounge of Zaphon keep, chatting with Karanasius,
and anticipating the upcoming Kalphon games.
The 7 keeps the Ozraphim Shadow Angels had been appointed to were
Karanasius to Zaphon, Brendakius to Terraphon, Shalvornius to Mitraphon,
Cardasius to Pelnaphon, Rendorius to Brephon, Shadvanius to Romnaphon and
finally Lelldorius to Kalphon.
They had entered into
an agreement. Like Sariel had declared
the winning district province overseer to be Michael’s second replacement at
Zaphon, the winning district Ozraphim overseer would replace Karanasius as head
of the Ozraphim for that time period – unless of course Zaphora emerged
triumphant, which would lead Karanasius to retain his position.
They were happy, now,
the Ozraphim. For so long their words of
pride in what they would accomplish in the Realm of Eternity had been held
against them, imprisoned to the netherworld of the Realm until, it seemed,
their allotted time had come to pass.
But now they were free – free at last – and they had greatly been
enjoying the work their brethren had accomplished in all the years that they
had rarely, apart from Karanasius on infrequent occasions, been allowed to
partake of.
In truth, they were no
longer the Shadow Angels. The were now
the Ozraphim of Eternity, third behind the two Words of Power – Logos and
Memra, the only two Oraphim of Eternity, and Metatron the solitary Onaphim of
Eternity, born before even the Children of Heaven, being the firstborn of all
of God’s children.
Michael had recently
met the Onaphim and the Oraphim, as well as their eternal father at
‘Home’. And since then he had been
gradually getting to know the Ozraphim, spending time with Brendakius at
Terraphon.
Michael, who had
always assumed he was the firstborn of the Realm of Eternity, now knew that he
was, in fact, eleventh all up in the list of the children of God of the Realm
of Eternity. Preceding him was 1
Onaphim, 2 Oraphim and 7 Ozraphim – 10 in total, making him eleventh on the
list of power which, in the end, was still quite satisfactory, especially
considering he seemed to wield the majority of the power in the Realm.
He had listened to
much of Brendakius teaching regarding the formation of the Realm of Eternity
and had found it fascinating. Yet, they
had been banished to the netherworld upon their words of pride and a short time
later Michael had been born – and unto him had been given the responsibility
for the administration of the Realm.
The Ozraphim’s
responsibilities, now, were those of Mentors to the overseers of the 7 major
keeps. In truth, while they did not have
the knowledge of the keeps overseers, they had age as their guide, and spoke
from the heart on important issues – advice which was always taken seriously.
Yes, the Ozraphim were
now happy with their new lives, and looked forward anxiously to the upcoming
Kalphon games to liven the lives up of what had been a long and desperate
punishment.
*
* * * *
In a realm of splendour, Saruviel
was entranced. Entranced.
*
* * * *
Gloryel looked at her
twin Sariel nervously. It had finally
come. After centuries of knowing him,
yet never sharing a bed with him, he had finally asked if she would like to
spend the night alone with him. And she
was ever so nervous.
They had dined in the
smaller dining room at the end of Zaphon keep, one designed for special
occurrences, and only able to accommodate a small number. They had eaten a special meal of Roast Beef
and Vegetables. Meat had become a
popular meal amongst the angels, now, and Roast beef was particularly favoured.
They had eaten, mostly
silently, both seemingly anticipating the night ahead.
He had been smooth –
so smooth with his words – saying exactly the right things at exactly the right
time. And she knew he was sincere in
what he had said.
And so, after the meal
and coffee, they were now in his dormitory, the room having been set apart for
the overseer, and they were slowly undressing in front of each other.
Soon they stood naked
in front of each other, and they gazed at each others glory.
He came over to her
and placed his hands on her head. And
then he spoke three words. Three pure,
simple yet profound words she had been longing to here. ‘I love you.’
And then he kissed her and the night passed on in passion and love.
*
* * * *
And so, yet again, her
twin was gone from her. Krystabel, who had
slowly as her life had passed, grown to love, respect and even fear Saruviel,
was once again separated from her loved twin.
She had asked father where Saruviel had gone, and God had told her. He had told her, forbidding her to share with
others. That Saruviel, now, was in
another realm – another plane of existence – were other beings lived and
resided. Other beings in their youth –
other angels of glory and other beings as well – ones who were yet to be born yet
resided in the glory of God’s Kingdom within his loins, as it were. In fact, it was were each angel had been
birthed, and Saruviel had been returned there.
Father had told Krystabel that Saruviel had been through an ordeal. A life-long ordeal of rebelling, in a sense,
against the authority of God. Yet that
rebellion had now been completed, and Saruviel, in his repentance, and in the
peace of heart he so desperately needed, had been returned to the bliss of
divine origin to rest and receive the love of God and of his yet to be born
brethren.
It was a different
state – a different life – so God told his daughter. Yet in her heart, and in her dreams, the
secrets of this life resided – and Saruviel was to be, later, born again – anew
– to reclaim the soul that needed to be his.
And so Krystabel
rested in that knowledge – in that love – and silently thanked her father for
the Grace he had shown her beloved twin.
*
* * * *
‘You really are an
angel of adventure, aren’t you Saddy?’ stated Cosadriel’s twin, 15th
born amongst the female Seraphim of Eternity, Oshanel. Cosadriel had just entered the most
challenging of all the events in the Kalphon Games, a new event known as the
‘Challenge’. The Challenge consisted of
a series of 5 major events, each more difficult than the last. First there was the flight around Zaphora to
see who was quickest. Points were
awarded on placing’s. Second was the
tree-cutting contest, with the points awarded to who could cut down the most
trees with an axe in 1 hour. Third there
was the boulder challenge, points awarded to who could carry a rather large
boulder around he Kalphon sporting ground the furthest, points being awarded on
distance. The fourth event was the long
distance run, now named the Marathon.
That was always exhausting and many angels often did not finish. And the final event was the climbing of Mt
Zadar in the Aldur Mountain ranges, the highest mountain in the realm, with
wings tied behind ones back in the ‘Azraelesque’ tradition. Cosadriel, alongside about 100 other angels
had entered the ‘Challenge’ not just for the glory, but also for the
substantial points which could be awarded to the victorious competitor’s team
total. Cosadriel was to compete for
Terraphon, being the official overseer for the Iceland province.
Alongside his twin
Oshanel, they now resided in ‘Reykjavik’ keep, the main keep for Iceland. Oshanel herself had no great sporting
ambitions, but admired her twin for his extraordinary athleticism for which he
had always been famous. She was also so
very proud of him for his recent discovery of the portal to the underworld
beneath their realm, and the freeing of the Ozraphim angels – the Shadow Angels
as they had been known as. Yes, it was
true, Cosadriel was an angel of adventure, and Oshanel always felt a rush being
around him and was often inspired to stay fit as well with the strict training
regime he maintained. Cosadriel
encouraged her to choose a sport to excel at, yet she simply exercised and left
it at that. But she had slowly been considering
tennis as a sport to take up and try her hand at. Who knows – one day she might become quite
good at it, if only she tried a little.
‘Without a little
adventure in life, dear sister, what could life possibly be worth living for.’
Oshanel smiled at her
twin’s response. It was the kind of
thing he said often. ‘Oh, you know
Saddy. Friendships. Relationships. Love.
Romance. Those things.’
Cosadriel smiled a
little sarcastically. ‘Simple women’s
occupations. Men have a much higher
calling.’
‘So you are not given
to matters of the heart.’
‘Only in victory
speeches,’ he replied, yet with a smirk on his face.
‘Oh Saddy, you are a
tease.’
Cosadriel proceeded to
give his sister a kiss on the forehead.
‘There’s your
romance.’
‘Oh Cosadriel. How romantic,’ she replied, ever so
sarcastically, but inwardly ever so pleased to receive the kiss from her twin
who had never shown a great deal of romantic interest.
‘And if I win the
challenge, I may even kiss you again.’
‘Men!’ said Oshanel,
shaking her head.
*
* * * *
Daniel sat in his
abode in Zaphon keep, reading through a poetry book of his older brother
Uriel. It was a book kept in Zaphon
library, and its covers were starting to come off. But out of a sense of sentimentality they had
not replaced it with a more recent edition, letting its ancientness be a
pleasure in and of itself. But while he
was reading through the poems light-heartedly, they were not the preoccupation
of his mind.
He had been thinking
over the many aspects of his life and the importance of various issues. First and foremost there was a decision of
his heart he was about to make. He had
just spent a few weeks in Yorkshire were, living in the ‘Hull’ keep he had
befriended young Sariel of the Cherubim and begun a new and exciting
friendship. Sariel, he found, was an
extremely deep thinker as well, well versed and understanding in the type of
theological ideas that occupied Daniel’s own thoughts. They’d been up each night, discussing Torah
and life and had grown strong in their friendship, and he was now disappointed
to have left him. But in his long term
planning, such was the necessity. After
a few weeks here at Zaphon, he would make his home with Ambriel in the
Romnaphon district. This was, perhaps
unethically as Sariel of the Seraphim might have suggested, for the purposes of
gaining further insight and understanding into how Phanuel and Ambriel in
particular addressed issues of governance and administration, and particularly
how they handled people. Daniel was sure,
especially with his early youthful focus on numerology and the fuss he had made
about it, that he was to be 45th in rulership, alongside his
name-number and rank of birth, in the Realms position of authority. Naturally it was a long way off, but he
intended to make his mark, then, as absolutely positively as he possibly
could. Perhaps life was not a
competition. Perhaps life was simply
life, which was the main attitude he had shared with Valandriel especially for
so long. But despite that truth he held
to in his heart, he, not unlike Saruviel, had points to prove. Yet for Daniel of the Seraphim, ultimately,
it was a matter of a spirit of excellence.
For so long he had studied Michael in his work as overseer of Zaphon
keep and knew he had to achieve something to prove himself because of it, stuck
down at number 45 were few bothered to worry about issues of authority. So Daniel had remained in Zaphon. He had doggedly remained in Zaphon,
determined to prove his loyalty to the God he had greatly mixed emotions
about. When Terraphora had been built,
and so many of the Seraphim had taken up residence in Terraphora. Daniel felt
he may be proving his point. But his
victory came when, after Ambriel had left and he was finally left as the last
remaining long-term resident of Zaphon with Michael, that Daniel felt he had
almost proven his point. And then
Michael had appointed Sariel, and departed for Terraphora, leaving Daniel alone
as the longest resident of Zaphora. And,
at that point, he knew he could do something with his life. At that point Daniel truly believed in his
heart he could prove a point and gain the glory he instinctively desired,
despite so much of him which claimed otherwise.
With Michael gone, he
had paid close attention to Sariel, but felt, if becoming obvious, and for
other personal reasons, living in Terraphora for a while might be for the best,
which he ended up doing with Meludiel at Ambriel’s abode near Zaraphon. But that had not lasted forever and soon he
found himself back at Zaphon, to were he had remained for quite some time.
And now, with the
appointment of the provincial overseers by Sariel of the Seraphim, Daniel had
taken Yorkshire, but had not let anyone know of his choice apart from
Sariel. For the future, though, he would
stay in Romnaphon, near Ambriel and Meludiel, which would always be joyful, and
work with them for a while. Sariel had
authorised the stay with Phanuel, declaring it to be for Daniel’s own personal
reasons, to which neither Phanuel or Ambriel had objected, caring for the
wishes of their brother. Naturally
Phanuel’s future reign would have to be observed closely, and better to start
the sooner, but for little Ambriel he was eternally worried. Ambriel loved like no other angel. Daniel, after years of introspection, had
concluded that that was simply how God had put Ambriel together, and such was
life. And in all honesty he felt like he
would be cheating to try and love like his younger brother. But he knew, especially as time passed and
his own tenure of authority approached, he would have to show SOME love. A loveless ruler would be the bane of the
realm, better left forgotten.
He knew, now, that
Saruviel was to take over from Sariel. And
for that he was worried. Saruviel would
undoubtedly leave a mark never to be forgotten.
His attitude of excellence and perfection Daniel honestly felt outshone
his own. But he had time on his
side. He would live through the era of
Saruviel, noting everything, and one day he would make his response. A most definite response.
But first and
foremost, beyond any of these things, was a decision – a crucial decision of
the heart, involving romance. Daniel had
decided to ask Sharlamane to accompany him to Romnaphora district and to live
with him as his partner. Of all the
angels he had known for so long Daniel had gravitated to Sharlamane and felt
she was the most suitable life companion.
He was not strong in his relationships with female angels, apart from
Meludiel, but he found solace and peace in Sharlamane and was certain he
desired her to accompany him. But the
decision of his heart was at the words of Ambriel. Because for Ambriel, only Ariel could satisfy
Daniel’s greatest longings and desires for a mate. He appreciated Ambriel’s perspective, but
ultimately did not agree. The way Daniel
understood life was that there were plans and destinies, but the heart did not
always work that way. It went were it
wanted to go and no destiny could ultimately thwart that. And, because of that, he had chosen
Sharlamane, and was happy in his choice.
He put the book down
and looked at the picture of Sharlamane by his bed. And he looked also at the picture of Ariel,
behind that picture, a picture of his twin he had long held on to. The heart of Daniel of the Seraphim was a
deep and twisted thing, in its way, perhaps a heart not like many others of the
Angels of the Realm of Eternity.
*
* * * *
Ambriel sat with his
twin Meludiel in Canbraphon keep in the Romnaphora district, at the end of a
hot day, laying on a recliner, drinking iced melit water. Meludiel had her eyes closed and Ambriel was
carefully staring at her sweaty top and her nipples pointing through her new
red T-Shirt. He felt a little excited at
the sight, but didn’t want to say anything to her, knowing how conservative she
was on such issues. Ambriel was, in
truth, very attracted to Meludiel. She
was one of the better looking of the female Seraphim, but all were attractive
in their own way, although Meludiel had a joyful charm and quiet nature which
had instantly won him for very young years.
When they had finally gotten together, Ambriel had spoken his deepest
love to his twin, coming from the deepest emotions of his heart yet, in truth,
it was not just love which motivated Ambriel.
Although he would never say as such, a carnal aspect of how much he was
physically attracted to Meludiel had always been there. He knew, or he believed, that this was the
main reason Daniel had like her as well.
He enjoyed looking at her. But
Daniel, now, was becoming less of an issue.
While at first he had accepted Ambriel’s offer of visiting Meludiel
occasionally, he had come to Ambriel later and said such a thing, ultimately,
with the love between Ambriel and Meludiel, could not be. There could only be one Angel for Meludiel,
and that was inevitably her twin Ambriel.
This was the conclusion Daniel had spoken to Ambriel of. Ambriel knew that Shemrael was largely behind
that decision. She’d had cutting words
to many about the sense of propriety and decorum the community needed to
maintain, and Daniel had been greatly convicted because of it. Perhaps Ambriel should really thank Shemrael,
he had often thought to himself. One way
or another, his Japanese sister had accomplished the desire of the heart that
Ambriel, although he might not always say so, but truly did have. And now Meludiel was for him alone.
He gazed at her body
and looked at her nipples and, just then, he noticed Meludiel was looking at
him, with a smile on her face. She
looked at him, straight at him, for a few moments, and then her eyes gazed up
towards their bedroom and then returned to his.
He knew what she wanted.
They were passionate
that night, in the heat, and later on, when Meludiel was sleeping, Ambriel
realized just how lucky he was. His
sister was divine and he was thankful – oh so thankful – to his eternal father
that his own love for her had prevailed.
*
* * * *
Elenniel was with
Michael at Pelnaphon keep, were both were currently residing on a brief
holiday. Michael had left England for
good, staying at Pelnaphon, just before his return as the realm’s overseer with
Sariel’s return to England imminent, to take up residence at London keep were
Michael had been staying.
Elenniel had long
resided at Pelnaphon, under Uriel’s overeersmanship, working as premier artist
and chief of the art and design division.
Mistrel was head of musical performance and theory, while Martrameena,
23rd of the male Cherubim had just recently been appointed head of
the Drama division, following Quadel’s departure for his new provincial
responsibilities.
Elenniel was nervous –
very nervous today, but she did not know why.
God had spoken to her in a dream the night before and in his subtle ways
told her Michael had something he wished to ask of her. Something of fundamental importance. And because of that she was nervous.
The two of them were
in a garden on the grounds of Pelnaphon, looking over a small pond filled with
goldfish, some of the keeps artistic designs adding colour to the scenery. They had eaten a small meal and Michael had
since gone quiet. But very shortly he
spoke up.
‘Elenniel.’
‘Yes Michael,’ she
replied.
‘Do you remember that
book I gave you a few cycles ago. The
book by Rachel.’
‘‘Love and Romance,’
you mean?’
‘Yes, that is the
one. Can I ask you, do you remember how
it ended.’
‘Why yes,
Michael. I do.’
‘Good,’ he said.
A few quiet moments
passed, and Elenniel thought silently on the final events of that book, now
overwhelmingly nervous because she sensed what just might happen next.
Michael stood from
their park bench and came around in front of her. He looked straight at her, speaking. ‘Elenniel.
You know how I feel about you, don’t you. How I have always felt about you.’
Elenniel just
nodded. And so, Michael got down on his
knees, took out the ring from his pocket, and spoke to his cherished twin
sister.
‘Elenniel. Queen of Queens. Delight of my heart, and fairest maiden in
the Realm of Eternity. Elenniel, my
beloved – will you, will you marry me.’
And he presented her with the ring.
Elenniel looked at the
ring for a few silent moments, and looked at her beloved brother. She only had one word for him.
‘Yes.’
And Michael’s life was
then complete.
*
* * * *
The father of Glory
hummed a merry tune, in the way only God could understand and appreciate. He was happy – so happy. Coming to home, finding Logos and Memra
present, he shared the good news with them, news they had sensed was
coming. And then he spoke to Metatron,
who smiled, but seemed not as pleased as Logos or Memra.
Later on, God thought
on Metatron’s reaction and, to himself, knew he needed to respond. But the Realm of Paradise was not due for
millennia, and the final home of Glory not due until long after than. His firstborn son Metatron would have to
wait.
Chapter Ten
In the amphitheatre of Zaphon a
small assembly of angels were gathered.
Sariel stood on the dais, with Gloryel in the front row, seated next to
Elenniel and Michael. Behind them sat
the other heads of the Major keeps and a few other assorted dignitaries. Sariel was in the process of giving his
speech, signalling the end of his tenureship over Zaphon, Zaphora and larger
Terraphora.
‘Ultimately, as many have often
commented, continuity is what I sought in my time in Zaphon. Continuity from the work of Michael,
especially after the rebellion, a sense of stability and normality. And, hopefully, I achieved that. My time here was marked, apart from the
continuation of the general running of regular activities in the realm, for me
personally by the great sincerity of heart I found in all of you towards our
work for each other and our heavenly father.
Each of you have contributed valuable insights and comments which have
only enhanced all our lives, and for this I am grateful and thank you
all.’ Sariel proceeded to give the
assembly before him a short clap, Gloryel likewise doing so.
‘Now, the final part of today’s
business is to announce that, contrary to the earlier decree that the
triumphant province in the up and coming Kalphora District Games would
designate the next overseer of Zaphon and the realm, God has instructed me that
my original choice of Saruviel as the next overseer following Michael’s return
to duty is insisted upon. God has this
to say on the matter. All of you, my
children, know the power of your brother Saruviel. He is the most intense of angels. Yet, in his own quiet way there will be
qualities within him, contrary to what many of you may wrongly perceive about
him, that need to be shown. That need to
strongly be shown and viewed by the whole community. This reason is the pre-eminent reason as to
why Saruviel must be next overseer for the Realm of Eternity.’ A bit of chatter began at that announcement,
which did not surprise Sariel. He
continued, ‘From my perspective I wholeheartedly agree with our eternal
father. Saruviel has qualities of
excellence we all need to see. As we
know he is currently resting, at peace in the heart of God, were restoration is
taking place. Yet he will be returned to
us one day, and then we will all see the true Saruviel, the dear brother we
knew from birth.’
He paused, letting those details
sink in, and took a small sip of water from the glass in front of him.
‘I would like to close by saying
one simple thing. Thank you. Thank you to each and every one of you. Our life here in eternity is a marvelous
life, and one day I suspect each and every one of you may be standing here,
saying something similar. And I would
encourage you, be thankful, ever appreciative for the simple gift of life, and
the pleasure each and every one of us gives to each other here in the Realm we
call home.’ With those words spoken
Sariel stepped down from the dais, and the small assembly engaged in an
afternoon of small-talk, eating may of the fineries Phindwel had prepared, and
drinking till their hearts content.
*
* * * *
Having made the final
arrangements for the moving of their luggage in one of the newly designed
stagecoaches, being led by horses of all things, which had also proven useful
for riding, Sariel and Gloryel had decided to fly by themselves to London Keep
in England, their new home. Sariel had
established London Keep with others a while back when Michael had still been
overseer of Zaphon, yet Michael had been London and England’s first official
national overseer in the newly appointed districts and nations, as he had been
for Zaphon. Yet now, with his self
declared culmination to the overseership having taken place with a small
ceremony at Zaphon attended by a few of the elder of the Seraphim and Cherubim,
Sariel was on his way with Gloryel to take up his new role as Overseer for England
at London keep.
Terraphora had been
the name initially applied to all the outer realm. But now it particularly meant the area of the
Realm administered by Terraphon Keep. As
such, Sariel was now answerable to Gabriel in the first instance, who was Terraphon’s
Overseer from Rome, and then Michael who was the whole Realm’s overseer. But of course, in England Sariel would
generally run the show, taking over from Michael who, ironically, would take
over from him at the just left Zaphon.
Reflecting over his
time at Zaphon, Sariel gave thought to something which Michael had said. In Sariel Michael had found a solid and
reliable continuation of his work in Zaphora.
An Angel who had not sought out his own glory, like some Michael felt
might in future years, but had put the good of the realm first and foremost in
his work, excelling in areas of public administration and duty. Sariel had been a true professional, perhaps
the best choice in the end, due to the Angel’s general humility, to set the
example of what the new overseer should endeavour to be like.
And now, it was
Michael again, but not forever. At the
ceremony Sariel, to Michael and God’s approval, had announced that Saruviel
would be the next Angel appointed as Overseer to Zaphon Keep and the Realm of
Eternity. It had been a shock to some,
and undoubtedly it would be talked about in high circles for some time to
come. Saruviel, of course, was presently
absent from the realm. All that Michael
had been able to tell everyone was that he was presently in the ‘Heart’ of God,
enjoying a much needed respite from trials of the heart he had been going
through. Perhaps, upon his return, he
would take up the overseership of Zaphon – or perhaps a lengthy wait to readjust. Whatever the case may be, nobody except their
father knew of the time of Saruviel’s return, and it was anticipated Michael
could be overseer again for quite some time.
They had stopped the
previous night in Zaraphon, and would spend this night with Gabriel at
Terraphon, who had just left Zaphon a few days before themselves. Sariel, thinking to himself, thought it would
be good to catch up with Gabriel again and discuss affairs of Terraphon,
particularly the up and coming Kalphon Games.
From what he had heard whispered Terraphon fancied their chances in the
up and coming games, spouting Cosadriel from Iceland as their main chance to
actually win the games, that is if he proved successful at the ‘Challenge’
which all Terraphon hoped he would.
Iceland, were Cosadriel was overseer, was quite near England, yet
Ireland, were Dameriel was overseer, was closer still. Michael had given Sariel some of the basic
plans of England for the Games, laying out the basic strategies as he had made
them, but left Sariel to modify and formulate his own as he saw fit. They were now competitors and, while he
respected Michael’s integrity, he knew that Michael and Zaphora would be
fiercely competitive in the Kalphon Games.
It would most definitely not be a competition for the faint of heart.
As they neared Rome,
were Gabriel was overseer of Terraphon from, Sariel motioned to his twin that
they should start descending. As the
circled downwards, Sariel gave some thought to his sister. They had been intimate for the first time,
recently, and then been overcome in their affection for each other. And now Gloryel was constantly there, as if a
new bond had begun between them. At
first it was almost as if being smothered, being surrounded by her day and
night – but in reflection, given their long history of competitiveness, and the
affection he now had towards her, he really wouldn’t have it any other
way. She was now his twin and his
partner, and in her he found consolation.
*
* * * *
Meludiel looked at the
snow, confused. She turned to Ambriel,
‘Snow? In Summer? What the heck is going on?’ Ambriel considered that, but was not overly
concerned. In the early years of the
Realm they had not really known the seasons, but when Terraphora had been made
by God, the four seasons of the year had gradually grown noticeable by the
Angels of Eternity. They had not come
quickly, but slowly, but as time passed, and then one day with a fateful
announcement for Gabriel confirming this, the seasons had come to the Realm of
Eternity.
Today was the middle
of Summer and, despite this, the Aldur Mountain Ranges had received a shock
fall of snow for a few weeks. And,
because of that, with the news being reported to Canbraphon were Ambriel was
overseer of the Australian Canbraphon Territory, which extended far beyond the
limits of the grounds of Canbraphon Keep, especially to the south, he had
decided to go on a surprise holiday with Meludiel, despite the fact they had
not long been at Canbraphon. He had bid
Phanuel farewell at Romnaphon, which was not far from Canbraphon, and he and
Meludiel started their trip via stagecoach to Terraphon and the Aldur Mountains
to see the snow and, what Ambriel planned on, to go on a skiing trip, which had
started becoming quite popular and of which Ambriel was quite skilled. He had kept the news about the snow to
himself, though, not sharing that news with Meludiel, and planning on
surprising her with the skiing holiday.
And she had been surprised indeed.
‘Yes, snow sis. And such a perfect snow to go skiing on,
don’t you think.’
Meludiel looked
perplexed. Skiing? I don’t think I have done that yet. But ok, I am up for it.
‘Good,’ said
Ambriel. He pointed to the side of their
chalet were they had arrived the night before, Meludiel not spotting the snow
on the mountains above them. ‘There are
our skis. We should be able to manage
flying up to the peaks with them, and it will be a long and wonderful ski
down.’ Meludiel nodded, ever so pleased
to be doing something like this with her twin.
They skied for hours,
flying up to a number of different peaks to try new runs. They were not alone, though, a number of
nearby residents also joining them on their endeavours.
They had lunch with
the Angels who watched over their chalet, and then spent the afternoon on the
slopes again. All that day, for Ambriel,
it was like another bonding session with his beloved twin sister, one who he
had grown ever closer to as the years had passed.
Later that night,
after he had been outside the chalet for a while, Meludiel wondering were he
had gotten to, Ambriel came in and beckoned her to come out to the side of the
chalet with her. Coming there, they came
to a large spa pool, whose water was being heated by a small fire underneath
the metallic spa. Ambriel cautioned her,
‘Don’t try and touch the bottom of the spa in the centre of the spa – the hole
section – or you will burn your feet.
But we can sit on the seats of the spa and enjoy the warm water.’
Meludiel looked
around, but was sure they were alone, and then began disrobing, Ambriel doing
the same. He watched her as she
undressed, trying not to be noticed, but Meludiel did notice, silently enjoying
the fact.
Soon they were sitting
together in the water, enjoying its heat in the cold winter-like air, and Ambriel
bringing some drinks which he had placed beside the spa. They were mildly alcoholic, and after an hour
had passed, Meludiel felt a little tipsy.
They eventually got
out, and returned inside, Meludiel rushing to the burning fireplace. In front of the fireplace was a sheepskin
and, lying down, Meludiel motioned to her twin.
‘Shall we, beloved?’
As he lay their,
caressing her body, Ambriel felt his life, truly, was now complete. Nothing else could make as happy as he now
was. Nothing else at all.
*
* * * *
‘You are dear to me
Sharlamane. So very dear. I know you know full well how close I have
been to Meludiel in the past and, in truth, there is a place in my heart
reserved just for her. But she is
inevitably with Ambriel, and I desire no further interference in that
relationship. So it leaves me without a
love in life. This does not really
bother me, you know. Not really. I have been alone for so much of my life, not
really being that good at relating to my brothers and sisters. But that is just me, you know. That is just me.’
Sharlamane nodded,
knowingly. She full well knew the nature
of her older brother.
‘But while I have
longed after Meludiel for so long, you have been there to. And often it is yourself who has mended my
heart, when she was not available. And
so I ask this of you, dear Sharlamane.
Accompany me to Canbraphon were I am to now live. For reasons of my own, I am desiring to live
at Canbraphon, and occasionally at Romnaphon, for a time period. And later, but please tell no one, but later
to Yorkshire in England, for that place is to be my permanent home.’
Sharlamane remained
silent, lost in thought. She considered
what Daniel had asked of her, and her own longings towards him. And she considered that, while he had
expressed a fondness for her, he had not expressed love. And so she was caught. She longed for Daniel, but wanted him to
return that love – wholeheartedly. Not
simply to accompany him somewere as a friend, a confidante. But as a partner – a life-mate. Someone who meant everything to him. And so she was caught, and knew then she
needed time to answer properly.
‘Daniel, I care for
you. Please, whatever else, do not doubt
that. But I will need time for this
decision. If I am to leave Zaphon permanently
and ultimately reside in England, I will need to think that over. I don’t think I have ever been to England
after all, and am not sure I will like the place, although I do trust Father’s
creation. So I will need time to
consider, dear brother. Please give me
that – some time.’
Daniel looked at her,
sensing something. Something which
Sharlamane needed to hear, which he had not really said to her. And, in his heart, knowing just how much he
loved and appreciated this Cherubim sister of his, he decided right then to
take the risk.
‘I love you
Sharlamane. I love you. Please, come with me. Be mine – my heart, my soul. Be with me, Sharlamane. Come with me, please.’
She looked into his
eyes, knew he meant his words, and silently nodded. He had said what she needed to hear, and he
was now hers. Thank God he was now hers.
*
* * * *
Ariel was at
Pelnaphon, were she had been staying for a while, spending time with Elenniel
in particular, and Michael as well, when Elenniel shared with her news she’d
heard about Daniel and Sharlamane’s move to Canbraphon. Michael had not yet fully moved from
Pelnaphon to resume his overseersmanship at Zaphon, and was still technically
residing at Pelnaphon. But he went to
and fro from them often, mainly to spend time with Elenniel at Pelnaphon to
whom he had just recently proposed, and he passed on the news that Daniel had
shared with him to his twin. Elenniel,
in discussing her planned marriage to Michael with Ariel, who had been the
first to hear the news of the impending marriage, shared the news Michael had
given to her about Daniel and Sharlamane’s move. Elenniel had not given the issue much
thought, but when Ariel had burst into tears, Elenniel had asked whatever the
matter could possibly be. But Ariel had
simply remained silent, quietly sobbing.
It was later on, in
her room, that Ariel felt nothing but remorse.
It had been the last few years – the last few years in particular – were
things had started making sense. She had
seen the way Daniel wooed Meludiel, not really bothered, but she had seen the
way Ambriel had felt about the situation, and the way his heart had been
broken. And then, when Ambriel and
Meludiel had grown ever and ever closer, especially when Daniel had finally
given up pursuing Meludiel, Ariel had reached a conclusion on the issue of the
twin, and the purposes of God’s design.
And then she had felt remorse – an unbearable remorse at all the lovers
she’d had, almost to the defiance of her twin whom, despite his affair with
Meludiel, had never really known another love.
And the remorse she felt was deep because, now, after all this time, he
heart had been given to her twin and she had longed to be with him. Recently things had improved, but then they
had been rocky again and now, Sharlamane, who had always been their for him,
now Sharlamane had claimed his heart, and he was lost to her. And she sobbed. Early into the hours of the morning she
sobbed and, holding her picture of her beloved twin, cried herself to sleep.
*
* * * *
‘So what is love,
Valandriel? What is love?’ They were in their new residence in
Romnaphon, Valandriel having been assigned to the Australian state of Southern
Wales, named after the Terraphoran nation long ago by the first settlers. Phanuel oversaw the Romnaphoran District,
which had also become known as Australia, and had divided the districts into
various states. Romnaphon was located in
Southern Wales, but Phanuel was presently in the process of moving the main
administrative centre of the Realm to Canbraphon, an idea he had discussed
first with Sariel and Ambriel, and then confirmed with Michael as the first
order of business he’d had returning to his role as overseer. Michael had no great objections, as long as
the established traditional role of Romnaphon since its establishment
remained. God had designated those tasks
for the seven major keeps, and Michael felt it important to continue like that. But strictly speaking, Phanuel could move the
head of governance for the realm to Canbraphon if he so desired.
Elsabel, who had been
reclining in Valandriel’s office in Romnaphon, had long been considering asking
this question to her brother – a question about what love was supposed to be,
love being a virtue not that highly esteemed by her twin.
Valandriel, hearing
the question, was ready. He, in truth,
had softened from his earlier response to an important question Elsabel had
raised. He had favoured commitment at
that time as the more important virtue but, having known that while he favoured
commitment over love, he had not expressed the truth that he felt love itself
was also of grave importance. The beauty
and joy of feelings it gave to others was, in truth, very important to his life
and, while he felt commitment the supreme virtue, he knew he had not really
expressed his heart to his twin the way he should have. Since then they had stayed together though,
but he had been distant from her, reluctant to express himself for fear of
being called hypocritical. But his
sister, in a sense, had just saved him from his agony.
He got up from his
desk, came over to were Elsabel was sitting, sat down next to her, cradled her
in his arms, and kissed her. ‘What I
feel for you – what I have always felt for you – that is love Elsabel. I love you dearly and I thank you for asking
that of me.’
He kissed her again,
and she went giddy in his arms, years of tension diminishing. A light of love had been restored to the
Realm of Eternity and in the throneroom of God the flickering lights of God
turned from a bright and passionate purple, to a vividly exciting red.
*
* * * *
‘SO SON. WHAT IS LIFE WITHOUT A BIT OF PASSION. MMMM?’
And then, finishing their conversation, the eternal father of Glory went
silent. He had given his son Gabriel
some words of advice and encouragement – not to so easily be set back in his
schemes of glory. His father had said to
him, ‘Passion and Warfare are the heart
of a life of Glory, child of mine. An
inevitable part. Peace should always
reign in the hearts of my children, and love through peace. But in conflict, child of mine, do not be
tame. Rid darkness with light. Conquer evil with good. And when, in the fullness of time, I give you
the glory your heart desires, remember the blood you spill is in my name, for
the glory is at the expense of evil men and of nations long lost to the heart
of God, filled with their idols of stone and metal.’ These words had been lost on Gabriel, God
hinting at things hidden in the distant future.
But he was encouraged nonetheless, and in the spirit he had found in his
heart of recent years, he felt fear diminishing and passion returning. A strange and exhilarating passion – of life
and death – love and hate – war and peace.
A passion most fierce.
*
* * * *
Michael sat with
Elenniel in the upper lounge of Pelnaphon keep, discussing Ariel. Elenniel had shared with him Ariel’s reaction
to Daniel and Sharlamane’s departure for Canbraphon, and had made the
connection that Ariel, now, after all this time, felt something for her
twin. Something deep and emotional.
‘Yet Daniel is an
awkward soul, sister. Most awkward. I have found him to be quite frustrating at
times, especially in his almost insular behaviour towards many of the brethren,
treating them as if they were not worthy of his company. I have often felt pride is in his heart –
that he feels himself, in some ways, superior to others. As if he is a special gift of God, above us
others in his own way.’
Elenniel considered
that thought. ‘Perhaps there may be some
truth in what you are saying, brother.
But remember, God made each of us Seraphim and Cherubim in the way he
wanted each of us to be. We are vessels
of God’s design – pieces of art in living motion. Should we be so harsh to judge God’s creation
which he cares for and loves dearly. Do
you not think God is aware of how our brother is as a person.’
Michael knew he should
agree with Elenniel in some ways, but spoke on.
‘Yet, dear sister, does God excuse all our slovenly ways and
attitudes. Does not the Torah reprimand
us when we fall short of the standards set for us by God?’
‘Yet, brother, he will
have mercy on those he will have mercy, and other judge with greater
strictness. It says as much in the Torah
of the Cherubim.’
Michael considered
that thought, unfamiliar with the particular passage, but sensing it indeed
Torahic in nature.
‘Yes sister, you are
right. He will have mercy. But I wonder if our dearest younger brother
truly deserves such mercy?’
‘He is learning,
Michael. All of us learn and need time
to adapt to this thing called life. We
have not all worked it out, dearest brother.’
‘That is true. Yes, you are right. Daniel deserves the grace of God as much as
any Angel of God. Perhaps I was too
harsh.’
‘Yet it is true. He is an awkward soul at times.’
Michael laughed at
that final concession.
‘But what of Ariel,
sister. What of her love for him.’
‘That is, ultimately,
between Ariel and Daniel. I do not think
we could really play matchmaker, something both would later despise us for,
especially Daniel’s precocious heart.
Yet, perhaps, in prayer to our father, who knows all things and matters
of the heart, a solution in time will come forth. Remember, brother, we must trust in our
God. All things work for good for those
who trust and love him. In that I have
faith, dear brother.’
Michael nodded,
consoled by those words.
*
* * * *
Ariel sat in her room,
alone, in Pelnaphon keep. She had made
up her mind – she would be leaving Pelnaphon soon. Leaving to live in a remote part of Northern
Terraphon, in a home for her and her alone, one of a number set aside for such
solitary sojourns. And there she would
remain for she knew not how long – there to remain, and bewail her loss. Eventually she knew she would have to return
to society – to return to her brothers and sisters who cared for her
deeply. But only when a point had been
reached – a point in which her heart was dead towards her twin, a point were
her heart would no longer feel sorrow.
And then, in her new life, she would start again, begin again, walking
into the newness of life as her own person, her own angel of glory.
But for now she would
allow herself to feel sorrow, and in Terraphon feel the pain and allow it to do
its purpose, and ultimately come to the healing she knew she needed to
feel. And then she would have peace.
*
* * * *
Travelling to
Canbraphon by coach, Daniel sat with Sharlamane, happily conversing from time
to time, but happily sitting quietly with each other. Sharlamane, at that moment, was staring out
the coach window, her mind lost in thought.
Daniel was looking at her, with a feeling of love in her heart, but just
at that moment felt a twinge in his heart.
A twinge, as if something had happened, and a part of him was no longer
what it should be, as if it had died in a way.
He sat there, saddened for a moment, and suddenly started crying. For no reason he could formulate he started
crying.
Sharlamane turned to
him. ‘What is wrong, Daniel. Whatever is the matter.’ He looked at her, dried his eyes, and spoke.
‘I, I. I don’t know.
But something is wrong. I feel it
in my heart, my soul. As if something
has died within me, a part of my heart, my soul. And I don’t feel right – I don’t feel right
at all.’
Sharlamane put her arm
around her beloved, and caressed him.
‘Do not fear, Daniel. I am with
you now. I will be that part of the
heart you need. I will be with you,
dearest brother. I will be with
you.’ Daniel nodded, consoled somewhat,
but his heart was not right. Something
had gone wrong, and no matter what else, he would not be consoled until it was
put right.
*
* * * *
Ariel met Ambriel and
Meludiel in the small keep near where they were holidaying, were she had come
so far in her journey to the end of the world, and agreed to stay with them for
a short while. Ambriel had sensed
instantly something not right with Ariel, and later on that night, after
Meludiel had gone to bed, he knocked on Ariel’s door.
‘I know what you are
saying, Ambriel. But I will not let my
heart feel this way forever. I simply
won’t. I had never, for so long, really
cared for him that greatly. But then I
did, and it was if a connection I had not even known existed became alive to me. And then Daniel was everything I wanted and
needed. But he is with Sharlamane, and
his heart does not love another easily.
I fear he is lost to me – forever lost.
So I will let my love for him die – I will let my heart die – and one
day I will be born anew, born again, and I will be whole. I will be Ariel and I will be whole, with all
that I am.’
‘Yet alone, sister.’
‘God will always love
me, and I will never be alone, brother.
I will never be alone.’
Ambriel looked at her,
lovingly, and touched her hair, brushing it.
‘Dear Ariel. You are my sister,
and if not for Meludiel, you would be one of the first I would choose to be
with. But that connection you felt, it
will always be there. No matter how much
you try to deny it, it will always remain.
Trust me, dearest sister. He will
come to you, one day. He will come to
you and you will find the love your heart seeks. Believe my words, sister, for they are true.’
Ariel looked straight
in his eyes and wished ever so much that what he was saying was true, but her
heart faltered, and she could not believe.
‘Perhaps, Ambriel. But you and
Meludiel were always meant to be together.
It is just the way of things. But
Daniel – he has a mind of his own – he always will do things his way. It is just the way he is.’
Ambriel nodded,
understanding, but just brushed her hair.
‘Have faith, dear sister. Have
faith.’
*
* * * *
He knew she was
hurting, as Daniel was, but God remained silent and did nothing. He thought on his beloved Ambriel, and the
kind words he had spoken of his God. And
he loved his cherished son because of them.
But God did know, in the destiny planned, that Ariel and Daniel would
find each other one day – and find the love that they needed to share with each
other. It may not be soon, and would
perhaps come in a most unexpected way, but Ariel’s heart would one day heal,
and wholeness would again be hers.
Chapter Eleven
Arriving at Romnaphon
on their way to Canbraphon, Daniel and Sharlamane were greeted by Valandriel
and Elsabel, with Phanuel sending his greetings. Valandriel had agreed to accompany Daniel and
Sharlamane on the short trip down to Canbraphon, sitting with them in their
coach. They had a change of horses at
Romnaphon and, driving along down south-westwards towards Canbraphon,
Valandriel made happy conversation, but the other two remained silent most of
the time. Eventually he commented on
this.
‘Dear Daniel. You are my brother, and I love you dearly,
but I have never really known you to be so silent around me. It is most usual that we are discussing
issues of life in great detail, contemplating all the mysteries of things. But you are so silent today. Tell me, whatever could the matter be?’
Daniel looked at him
briefly, but did not comment, returning his gaze to the window. Sharlamane spoke up for him.
‘Valandriel, Daniel is
not feeling well. Not feeling well at
all.’
‘Is he sick?’ queried
Valandriel.
‘Not physically. But, perhaps emotionally. A little earlier he burst into tears, for no
apparent reason, and said something was wrong with his heart. Perhaps he is just being silly, or perhaps
his mind is playing tricks on him, but I fear something is wrong – something I
don’t know how to explain.’
Valandriel looked at
his younger Seraphim brother, and decided to try and cheer him up.
‘Look, Danny boy. You can’t let life get you down, ok. God knows it has its trying moments, but it
is good in the end, isn’t it? We have always
concluded as much.’
Daniel, turning back
to Valandriel, finally responded.
‘Yes, Val. That is true.
I really can not say what is wrong with me. I have no logical reason – no reason at all. I just feel that something is wrong in my
heart, and I don’t know why. I really
don’t know why.’
‘The heart is a
mysterious thing,’ continued Valandriel.
‘Its emotions can run deep – incredibly deep. And the creatures of logic we men are can be
caught unawares by feelings of emotion we sometimes hide from ourselves, them
reaching up and grabbing us when we least expect it.’
Daniel looked at his
brother – he looked right into his eyes, and then turned and gazed out of the
coach again. Finally he replied. ‘Yes, we are creatures of logic, aren’t we? Perhaps especially you and I, as we have
always been. But is that not how Father
made us. To be so logical.’
‘Yet he made you to
love, as well brother,’ interjected Sharlamane.
‘The way you have long felt for Meludiel, and hopefully now me, also
shows you can love. It is not beyond you,
dear brother.’
‘Of course, you are
right, Sharlamane. But of this feeling
in my heart, I have no logical answer.
Perhaps only the mystery of love can explain. Perhaps only that.’
The coach went silent
for a while, almost as if the three of them were reflecting on Daniel’s last
words. After a while Valandriel excused
himself to sit on top with the coach driver, and Daniel sat again alone with
Sharlamane. Looking at him, Sharlamane
could tell his heart had not yet healed, despite her comforting. Perhaps time.
Perhaps only time would bring the healing he needed.
*
* * * *
‘To Sariel. May God’s richest blessing be upon you.’ The three other angels present at dinner,
Gloryel, Aquariel and Sariel, likewise raised their glasses in a toast to
Sariel’s new life following his departure from Zaphon.
‘Why, thank you Gabriel,’
responded Sariel. ‘But really, you
shouldn’t have.’
‘Nonsense, brother. You served us well in your time, and we all
appreciate it greatly.’
‘What next, Sariel? What next?’ queried the effervescent Aquariel.
‘Home, I guess. Taking up the overseersmanship for London
keep and looking over England. But, for
the first matters of duty, working on our cricket team. As Gabriel just said, Terraphora stands an
excellent chance in the up and coming district games, and if England can
contribute by winning the provincial cricket challenge, it will go a long way
towards Terraphora’s victory.’ Sariel
turned to Gabriel, ‘So is Daniel’s representation of Yorkshire still to be kept
secret? He insisted that nobody know
where he was to be overseer.’
‘He has voiced a similar idea to
me, and I have agreed to honour his wishes.
Of course, as he is Yorkshires overseer, which is not even a fully
fledged province, but a county of England, you will have responsibility for him
Sariel.’
‘I know Daniel can be
unpredictable at times, but he is a citizen of law as we all are. He should be manageable,’ responded Sariel.
‘Let’s hope so,’ replied Gabriel.
Gloryel, who had lost interest in
the discussion going on between Gabriel and Sariel, had started a conversation
with Aquariel. ‘Any plans for competing
in the games?’ Gloryel asked Aquariel.
‘Oh, dear sis. I wouldn’t dream of it. Getting hot and sweaty for the sake of pride
is a male’s prerogative. We women are
too intelligent for that.’
‘Yet I hear there is a record
number of female competitors this year – nearly one third of the overall
tally.’
‘Is that right,’ replied Aquariel,
considering that thought.
Gloryel took a sip of wine and
looked around the private upper dining room of Terraphon Keep, located on the
upper fifth level, the highest level of the keep.
‘Were is the throneroom in
Terraphon?’ Gloryel asked Aquariel.
‘Oh, it is on this level as
well. Apparently God’s throne is always
on the highest level of each keep. His
way I suppose. It is just down the
hallway at the northern end of the keep.
There is a small chapel area just before entering the throneroom. And it really is a spectacular looking
throneroom. Beautiful stained glass
windows, featuring pictures of the elder Seraphim, and lovely engravings and
woodwork. And the throne is spectacular
– you really must see it.’
‘Funny, I have been to Terraphon a
number of times, but mainly just passing through. I have never actually seen the throneroom.’
‘It is a place I visit often,
sis. I need God’s presence in my
life. I need to see him, and talk with
him. But he almost never responds
personally to my inquiries. But you
know, that is his way. He speaks when he
speaks, and rarely otherwise. An
interesting thing, though, is that the flickering flames of God’s presence
nearly always burn blue here in Terraphon.
Rarely does it ever change colour.
In fact from what I have heard, each major keep, now, seems to have a
particular flame burning in the throneroom.’
‘Is that so,’ responded Gloryel,
interested. ‘What are they?’
‘Well, Mitraphon nearly always
burns green. And Pelnaphon is always
yellow. Brephon is always orange and
Romnaphon is nearly always passionate red.
Of course, Zaphon is often a whole host of colours, but Davriel tells me
it is more consistently purple than any other colour.’
‘And what of Kalphon. What of dread Kalphon?’
‘Would you believe, black flames
of darkness, if such a thing were ever possible.’
‘Amazing,’ responded Gloryel, and
took another sip.
‘Oh, when are you planing on
returning to England?’ asked Aquariel.
‘The day after tomorrow. We thought we would rest here for a while.’
‘Good. Tell you what, tomorrow afternoon let us
spend some times in the gardens. We will
luncheon there, and you can tell me all about you and Sariel. There have been
whispers, you know. We your brethren are
not totally ignorant of what goes on.’
Gloryel blushed. ‘Seemingly.’
All four of them chatted on a long
while into the evening, sipping on wine and brandy, as the night of darkness
steadily went about its business.
Reflecting in bed that night,
lying next to the sleeping Sariel, Gloryel reflected on the life of
Terraphon. It was certainly like Zaphon
in its own way, yet altogether very traditional in many ways. Perhaps that was Gabriel’s purpose for the
keep and the district of Terraphora, to a degree. It was certainly a comforting atmosphere whatever
else. These and other thoughts filled
her head as she meandered along the pathway of waking to rest.’
* *
* * *
After lunch, the four of them were
meandering through the gardens of Terraphora Keep, Sariel with Gabriel and
Gloryel with Aquariel. Aquariel had been
gently pressing Gloryel for information on the state of affairs between herself
and Sariel. Gloryel had been a little
reluctant to be so open at first, but had gradually been more forthcoming.
‘I guess, Aquariel, that I and
Sariel are probably closer than we really ever have been. Oh, like you, I remember our youth in the
Garden when each of us Seraphim were almost children of God, gently loving each
other, and speaking ever so merciful words.
But time has, in its way, perhaps hardened our love. Oh, I don’t know, perhaps not so much
hardened, but made us a little more cautious.’
‘I do know what you are saying,
Glory. We need an unguarded heart
because of it. We need to let the
blossoms of youth take control of us, and lead us in the Angelic ways of Glory
to which we were born.’
‘Yes, so true. And, perhaps, towards my twin, such ways of
love have been born anew almost. We are
closer than we have ever been.’
Aquariel, carrying her umbrella,
and dressed in such a feminine dress which she had also likewise urged Gloryel
to wear, giving her one of her own, stooped down and picked a lily from the
gardens, bringing it up to her nose to smell it.
‘We are like flowers, dear
sister. Each and every one of us females
of eternity. And, perhaps like the Rose,
in many way our lovers are often thorns, guarding as and adding our
adornment. But, inevitably, a bee comes
along taking our honey, and we are left to produce more honey, and anxious wait
another bee.’
‘So is Gabriel your busy bee,’
inquired Gloryel gently to her sister.
‘Oh Gloryel,’ responded Aquariel
with the gentlest of laughs.
They continued to walk around the
gardens of Terraphora for some time, occasionally chatting, occasionally waving
to the men who were standing by the pond, discussing who knows what.
Eventually Gloryel spoke. ‘Is he, dear sis? Is your beloved twin the one which now fills
your heart. Like others I know you have
had so many different lovers. I myself
have known a great number. But for me
the twin has seemingly become the most important object of my affection. Is this true with you also, I wonder?’
Aquariel remained silent for a
moment, looking over the gardens, and then turned to her younger sister. ‘I think, perhaps, my destiny with Gabriel is
a long and mysterious one. I do not
really know in the maze and mystery of my heart, which even I am yet to unravel
fully, wether I can know just one true love.
You see, so many of my brothers I fancy and enjoy spending time
with. And perhaps this is as it should
be. But, yes, in truth Gabriel seems to
stand alone in many ways, and I am drawn to him in ways I am not drawn to
others. But perhaps this is all natural,
Gloryel. Perhaps all natural. Perhaps the normal inclinations of our heart
will lead us to spend special, eternal moments with our twin. As if they are to captivate our hearts like
no other. Yet we are not alone, and
never truly can be. So why should we be
so restricted to love our twin alone.
But yes, Gabriel is important to me.’
Gloryel thought on those words
and, perhaps seeing some truths of her own secrets of the heart spoken openly,
silently resonated with much of what Aquariel was saying. ‘Perhaps, dear sister. Perhaps.’
Sariel and Gabriel, a little way
off standing by the pond, had instead been discussing more masculine concerns,
particularly the chances of England in the cricket competition at the up and
coming district games. Sariel had
concluded that Romnaphora was the main enemy and, due to their small population,
with the allowance that they compete in the competition as a district rather
than a province, their competitive spirit would be extreme. Even then, surprisingly, England still had
more Angels in its population than Romnaphon, which was the least populated of
the seven districts. But they were ever
so patriotic, and extremely challenging at cricket in which they excelled.
As Gloryel and Aquariel waved to
them once more, Gabriel spoke up. ‘So,
dear brother. Is it true. Is Gloryel now the flame which lights your
realm?’
Sariel smiled a little, aware much
had been discussed behind the scenes about his new relationship with his twin.
‘The light which lights my
realm. How ever so poetic, Gab.’
‘Oh, I try.’
‘Well, perhaps. Yes, we are closer than we have ever
been. Remarkably so in many ways given
our competitive natures. Recently my
twin has expressed her deepest devotions to myself, and I shared likewise
similar sentiments. In some ways, this
commitment, is difficult. For in some
ways I feel closed in on, almost as if I have had to surrender certain parts of
my life. As you know, when I was younger
I was alone a great deal of the time, and got used to great personal
freedom. But now I am hampered,
seemingly, in every direction. It is
discomforting in some ways, but my heart does tell me it is for my own
good. And to trust that Father knows
what he is doing in my life.’
‘I am sure Raphael would agree
with that,’ replied Gabriel. ‘He has
often had you upon his heart.’
‘Indeed.’
They chatted on some time more,
eventually seeking their sisters and retiring inside. That night was again pleasant, an enjoyable
meal, but not so much revelry. But it
was a time of peace and love for these four special angels of eternity.
* *
* * *
Gabriel, having persuaded Sariel
and Gloryel to take the coach lead by horses back to London, was standing in
front of the coach, looking at the horses, with Sariel beside him, Gloryel
already inside the coach, with Aquariel talking to her.
‘I will say, Sariel, it has been
good catching up. We didn’t have much
time in Zaphon at your farewell ceremony, and this has been a good opportunity
to know you on an even more personal level.’
‘We all seemed to have opened up
in some ways, from what Gloryel has told me.
Perhaps it is the atmosphere.
Terraphon is a such a beautiful keep, and the surrounding villas and
other keeps are also something to behold.’
‘Such is the beauty of Rome, the
eternal city,’ replied Gabriel, the name given to Terraphon Keep and the
surrounding conglomeration of homes and buildings.
‘Well, I wish you well. These horses are well fed and watered – we
take very good care of them, you know.
Of course, with the way the coach system operates throughout the realm,
you can never tell what steeds will be in your stable from week to week. But whenever we have new horses we feed them
and take care of them as well as possible, as I am sure all the keeps
throughout the realm do so.’
‘They really have helped,
especially for goods transport. It is
difficult to imagine that in the early years of the new realm and in the old
days we actually had to cart the goods around ourselves in sacks and barrows.’
‘It was hard work for many,
especially at Brephon and Raguel’s team.
Of course, we had to grow most of our own fruits and vegetables and
could not rely on Brephora for everything, but they contributed such a vast
amount of food produce for our consumption, and it had to be transported
manually by individuals. It really was
time consuming and hard work, so Raguel informs me.’
‘He has told me that often himself,’
responded Sariel. ‘Fortunately these
horses have plenty of stamina, and transporting goods is so much easier since
God brought them to be. It is hard to
imagine life without them.’
‘And of course,’ continued
Gabriel, ‘the coach system for personal transport is a godsend. A great help to us all.’
‘Mmm,’ nodded Sariel.
They looked at the horses with
silent admiration for a few moments, before Sariel spoke. ‘Well, we must get going. I really have enjoyed my time her, brother,
and will visit you again soon, I promise.
And you must come to stay with us in London for some time.’
‘Perhaps on my usual circuit
throughout Terraphora District. I do
that once a cycle in the first year. So
I will likely see you in a few months anyway.
But, besides, the Kalphora District Games is nearly upon us. I am sure we will meet then.’
‘Indeed,’ replied Sariel.
Sariel got into the coach, and sat
next to Gloryel, who turned to kiss him.
They farewelled Gabriel and Aquariel, who waved
To them as the driver made his way
along the road, headed for the next major keep.
It had been a light-hearted and enjoyable time for Sariel and Gloryel,
but London and their new responsibilities beckoned.
*
* * * *
Leaving Pelnaphon for
what was intended to be a greater absence, Michael returned to Zaphon to more
fully begin again his tenure as overseer for the Realm of Eternity. He felt refreshed, in a way. In Sariel’s long tenure, Michael had enjoyed
his time with no real responsibilities required of him. He had been allowed to enjoy the pleasures of
the Realm, and had taken silent pleasure in that fact. But nobody escaped work responsibilities
forever and, approaching Zaphon, he smiled at the familiar spirits surrounding
him, that feeling of coming home, and getting back to things long held off.
Georgia had suggested
that, if Michael really preferred, she would now leave and open up the personal
assistant position for someone of Michael’s own choice. Michael did not worry about Georgia’s suggestion,
sensing she wanted to spend time with her twin Zac anyway. Funnily enough, at lunch on his day back,
Cindradel greeted him and, when he asked what she was currently occupied with,
she responded not much really, subtley hinting that she perhaps wanted her old
job back. When Michael asked the
question, she replied, ‘Oh, well.
Alright, if you insist,’ to which Michael just chuckled.
Sitting in his office,
Cindradel brought in a cup of coffee and some papers which Georgia had prepared
on recent activities and duties. Michael
sat there, even enjoying the smell of the room, and sensing Sariel’s spiritual
afterglow from his long tenure. He
sensed in that spirit professionalism.
Quiet, mature, professionalism – one of an angel dedicated to doing his
work most responsibly, and with a care for routine and detail. And it was a spirit he felt, now, he should
learn to emulate and continue in the work of both is successor and predecessor.
He sipped on the
coffee, savouring its flavour, and took one of the chokkie bikkies, guiltily
enjoying its taste, but careful not to eat the second one Georgia had
provided. He knew full well how weight
could be gained quite quickly, especially in office work, so would be careful in
what he ate. But a chokkie bikkie every
now and then would not hurt.
Sitting there, looking
at his office and turning to look out at the scenery, Michael found himself
quite happy. Quite happy and consoled in
a way – as if his life had great meaning again and that he was important and
mattered. It really felt good to be back
in his office that day and work, the little he had to do that day, was a
pleasure rather than a burden. Yes, at
that moment in time, things were good for the firstborn of the Seraphim Angels
of Eternity.
*
* * * *
Ariel was up early
that morning, looking at the slopes.
Meludiel declared she was not up for skiing that day, but suggested
Ambriel and Ariel go if they wished to.
Ariel asked if Ambriel was up for it and he consented.
They skied the whole
morning, Ariel finding consolation in her brother Ambriel. Ambriel had always been admired amongst the
female Seraphim. Perhaps Ambriel, more
than any angel, emulated what an Angel could be – should be. He was gentle and loving. And cared so greatly for each of his
brethren. And as the years passed that
care had only deepened and matured.
Ariel loved him,
naturally. But she knew him bonded to
Meludiel and, despite the fact that at the moment he was close by and someone
to put affection upon, she thought better of it. And, she realized, such an affection would
only be forthcoming because of the current state of her heart, trying to silent
the hole within it, which she had believed only her twin could fill.
At lunch they returned
to the chalet, were Meludiel had been spending the morning working on a rather
lavish lunch of fruits and vegetable, all cut up to perfection, with tasty
dressings. There were also a number of
chicken kebabs which she had obtained the day before, looking rather tasty as
Ariel and Ambriel came into the kitchen were Meludiel was busily at work.
As they ate and
enjoyed their meal, Ambriel noted that Ariel’s attitude seemed to be
improving. Perhaps she was getting
better. Perhaps, now, the sojourn she
had planned for Terraphon could be forgotten, and she could return to her more
regular life. In his plans, after
speaking to Meludiel, he would see if he could encourage Ariel to remain with
them for a few weeks in which, hopefully, she would fully return to
normal. He would make excuses to keep
her around and, keeping his eye on her, pray to his Father. He was sure time would heal her wounds.
*
* * * *
Krystabel was busy at
work in Kalphon, working in the kitchen helping with the meals. Kantriel currently oversaw the running of the
keep in Saruviel’s absence, a job he had increasingly become more and more
adept at. Krystabel, without Saruviel,
almost felt obsolete at times, and had taken to working in the kitchen to feel
useful.
Although she knew
Saruviel was in a place were he was healing – healing after a lifelong devotion
to an idea – an idea of his own authority, rejecting any allowance of God or
others to have a say – Krystabel still missed her twin.
She knew he would be
returned to her one day, and that her life, then, would have greater meaning to
it. They had never been that close
growing up. Never really. In their youth, very early youth, as for many
of the Seraphim, the twin thing had been an area of amusement and play. But it had lost meaning after their early
innocence. But then, later, as they had
developed, it had become more important in matters of the heart. And when, in a sense, the time had come for
Krystabel to settle down and find someone to spend eternity with, Saruviel had
been the logical choice. But he was
Saruviel – he was Saruviel. And loving
him would never, perhaps in all eternity, be easy. But, again, loving him would be
everything. She knew the extremities of
her twin, his passion, his perseverance, his devotion to excellence beyond any
other standard set and really, in truth, beyond his own capabilities, despite
the pride which motivated him. And in
that extremity, passion could be most fierce – most incredibly fierce. But there was also a spirit to Saruviel –
almost a dark spirit of rest. A spirit
like night, in which he was restful, calm and at peace. It hovered around him often, comforting him
when none else would or could. It was a
spirit that Krystabel, herself, had also become familiar with, reminding her of
her twin but, in a way, comforting her for her own sake. It was a quiet and calm spirit, gentle and
almost eternal, it seemed. She felt,
after years of consideration, especially in conversation with Ambriel who
shared his own insight, that it was a spirit of their father, a spirit which
was the restful heart of God – a spirit, always there, but usually subdued or
hidden by the burning passion of God.
Ambriel told her, bluntly, that God had placed this spirit on Saruviel
for a long time – since very early on.
That, for Saruviel, such a spirit was necessary to calm the passionate
drive and emotions of the seventhborn of the Seraphim of eternity. Yet, it seemed, in choosing Saruviel, God had
placed that spirit on Krystabel as well, and it was in recent days, at rest at
night, that the darkness surrounded Krystabel and gave her solace and peace.
In that darkness, in
the peace she found, Krystabel rested and reflected on life and the nature of
her father. She reflected on how much
there really was to God and that, in the needs each angel had, needs she often
felt could not really be filled, that her eternal father had his own way of
addressing issues of the heart and he worked to the needs of his children in
his own way, often beyond their initial understanding but later, with
illumination and experience, she often perceived just how wise her father
was. And, away from the passions of
life, in her own quiet times, when that spirit was upon her, Krystabel
reflected on life and its many absurdities and wonders, and silently thanked
God for both the passion and peace life was.
So, finding consolation in this, she turned to her kitchen-work, trying
her best to set the kind of example she knew an elderly Seraphim should, and
patiently waited for the return, one day, of her beloved twin.
*
* * * *
Cosadriel looked at
the boulder. Really, it WAS bloody
big. He had tried it yesterday, and
after about 20 cubits, given up – it was too bloody heavy to lift that far. But he knew he was up against some tough
competition, and if he was to win the challenge he would have to lift the
weight as far as possible. Fortunately
for him, not too many of the other challengers had bothered training with the
boulder, from what had been told to him most concentrating on the other events
in the ‘Challenge’.
Cosadriel himself was
incredibly fit, and didn’t worry so much about the flight around Zaphora or the
marathon. With his extreme athleticism
he felt he could handle those events without to much difficulty. And he had long been involved in mountain
climbing, so felt the Mt Zadar challenge was well within his grasp. But the more challenging of the events to him
personally, the tree chopping and the boulder lift, were beckoning him to take
up the challenge of. For the last week
he had been chopping wood out at various forestlands in Iceland, and then
carting it for firewood to gain strength.
And now he was ready for the boulder lift. The Kalphon Games were now only 3 weeks away
and, in this final few weeks, he felt he would devote all his time to mastering
the boulder lift. If be a stroke of luck
he could win this event, which would be his weakest, he felt sure he would win
the challenge and gain the points for Iceland and Terraphon. If he did, Terraphon had a huge chance of
winning the first District Kalphon Games.
Oshanel was a few
cubits away, sitting on the grass, drinking a flask of melit water. She watched him happily, shouting out words
of encouragement. Strangely, having her
there watching him, encouraging him, really made Cosadriel happy. They had become closer over time and now,
especially in recent weeks, Cosadriel found himself enjoying the company of his
twin more and more. She was attractive,
funny, and brought a light humour to his life.
She was, in this sense, a compliment to his personality, rather than a
foil. She suited him and having her
around now was quite pleasant.
‘Come on Saddy,’ she
yelled. ‘I bet you can’t carry it all
the way around the grounds. Go on – I
dare you.’
He looked at her,
annoyed at the challenge, but with his enormous pride, decided to accept it.
He picked up the
boulder, walked the short distance to the race line, and put it down. He rubbed his hands, looked at his twin, and
yelled, ‘You asked for it.’ And then he
began.
Half way around the
circuit, going ever so slowly, Oshanel was amazed. Her twin’s pride was enormous. When others would have given up, Cosadriel
was stubbornly persevering, albeit slowly, seemingly determined to meet her
challenge. With about a quarter of the
distance to go, she was right next to him, encouraging. ‘Come on, bro. Come on.
You can do it.’ But, alas, with
about 20 cubits to go to a full circuit, he dropped the stone at his feet and
collapsed exhausted. She came over to
him, lied down, put her arm on his chest and said ‘Amazing. Truly amazing. You will win.
For sure, you will win.’
Cosadriel just puffed
and puffed, but there was a sure and certain smile on his face. He was ready.
*
* * * *
‘On the edge of life,
challenge the challenger, ya big lug.’
Azrael reacted to the scolding words of his twin sister Kwintakel. They had been discussing things after the
recent Terraphoran team meeting for the up and coming Kalphon games, and
Kwintakel had been lecturing her twin on the boastful comments both Oshanel and
Cosadriel had been making about Cosadriel’s chances in the games and the
‘Challenge’ in general.
She had insisted that
Azrael now enter the event – she had absolutely insisted. And when he had bemoaned his lack of
preparation time, she had asked him wether he was an Angel or a Mouse. And then she had begun quoting his own Torah
principle at him, which annoyed him greatly, but nonetheless motivated him
extremely. For the past three days Azrael
had been pushing himself at his running as much as he possibly could. His focus was Cosadriel who he felt would be
his main competition. He knew at the Mt
Zadar challenge, despite Cosadriel’s likewise great experience, he would take
his older brother. At woodcutting, for
physical strength, he felt he could take Cosadriel as well. But it was in the flight around Zaphora and
the run in particular, which he was sure Cosadriel would have the edge and he
knew – he knew – he had to do well in those events to have a chance for
victory.
Gabriel, who had been
watching Azrael today, was silently pleased – for Terraphon, with the intense
personal competition between Azrael and Cosadriel, things looked very good
indeed. But for Azrael, the team focus was
not his thing – this was personal. He
would challenge the ‘Challenge’ and the ‘Challenger’ and come out
victorious. He was determined on that.
*
* * * *
Elenniel was happy –
quite happy. She was in her workshop in
Pelnaphon, working on a painting of, of all things, her twin Michael. Inspiration had come upon her and she had
decided to paint him, mainly from memory, in a very authentic and accurate like
portrayal – almost in the original style of painting which strove for accuracy
over style.
She wanted a new
painting to put in her room to think on of her twin. She had one, of course, but that was painted
millennia ago, and was starting to look quite tatty. It was time for a new one, she had concluded,
and with inspiration took to the task.
Shelandragh had come
in to say hello, and looked over the work.
‘Original style, huh? And Michael
by the looks of it.’
‘Why yes, Shelly. I am glad you noticed.’
‘What is wrong with
the painting you already have. Let me
guess, you’re sick of it.’
‘Oh, I could never be
sick of a painting of Michael. But it is
so old and worn out now, and I don’t have the heart to try and restore the
piece, so have decided on a new work.
Something, again, to remind me of my newly beloved.’
‘Newly beloved? Oh, that is right. He proposed or something, didn’t he?’
‘Yes he did. And from what I have gathered, when we marry,
we may be the first to do so in the entire realm.’
‘Interesting idea –
I’ll have to look into it some time.’
‘Perhaps you should.’
‘Anyway, did you see
my latest painting?’ continued Shelandragh.
‘The one of the
strange looking Angel with no wings?’ queried Elenniel. ‘And the long pointy hat?’
‘She is supposed to
have that hat, ok. It is in the book I
read about her.’
‘And why is that?’
asked Elenniel.
‘Because she is a
witch?’
‘A witch? No what on earth could a witch possibly be.’
‘Oh, she casts spells
and practices magic. There are three of
them in the book I read called ‘The Three Witches’. It is a new fantasy work.’
‘‘The Three
Witches?’ Fascinating. I will have to read it sometime.’
‘Yes, perhaps you
should. Anyway, there is a dragon in the
book, and I think I will paint a dragon next – continue the theme.’
‘A Dragon? You mean from the Torah? What, is it a painting of Saruviel?’
‘That is what many
angels think, isn’t it? That Saruviel is
the Devil Dragon. Frankly I think he was
simply misunderstood. The Dragon is
someone else. Someone else entirely.’
‘Perhaps,’ replied
Elenniel. ‘But if not of Saruviel, then
who?’
‘Oh, the Dragon is a
fierce creature. Like a gigantic lizard,
which breathes fire?’
‘Breathes fire? How on earth does it do that?’
‘I am not sure
exactly. Some sort of chemicals in its
mouth which it ignites somehow. But I am
not really sure. However, the painting I
think I will paint should have him breathing terrible fire, and perhaps
fighting the Three Witches.’
‘It sounds ominous.’
‘Thank you
Elenniel. You have inspired me.’
Elenniel just laughed.
‘Tell me. How are you coping with life without
Michael. Now that he is back at Zaphon
and head honcho again, you must miss him.’
‘I suppose that is why
I am painting the painting of him. To
remind me of him. But, you know. Life goes on.
We have not always been together, in fact separate for the majority of
our lives now. So I am used to being
away from him. But yes, I do miss
him. But his work is important to
him. It defines him in many ways, and I
cold not ask him to leave it for my sake.
Thinking about it, perhaps I myself could make some concessions. I don’t normally visit him in Zaphon, but
perhaps I might. Perhaps soon, go and
surprise him, if you know what I mean.’
‘I am sure he would
love that,’ replied Shelandragh. ‘Well,
do you fancy some lunch. I am quite
hungry.’
‘Sure,’ said Elenniel,
putting down her brush.
As they made their way
to the lunchroom of Pelnaphon, Elenniel thought again on the idea of visiting
Michael at Zaphon. Perhaps, indeed, it
was a good idea, and perhaps a long overdue one.
*
* * * *
Rebellion! Was rebellion really in the heart of Davriel,
70th born of the male Seraphim of Eternity. He wished and hoped not. In fact he was sure not. He had written ‘The Judgement of God’
precisely because he did not believe in rebellion, but in obeying God
Almighty. But now, still reflecting on
Sariel’s words to the religious hierarchy, Davriel was not completely sure of
himself. Was his text pleasing to
God? Did God in fact like someone apart
from himself teaching spiritual ideas of their own merit, apart from that
taught in Torah? Did this displease God.
He had spoken to him a
short while ago, but God had been shady, stating that Davriel’s text was
generally understood by the community as emanating from Davriel. And in that should there be any real concern,
God queried his son quite strangely.
Yet, Sariel had stated
those words. He had stated those
words. In the end, though, perhaps they
were merely cautionary. Sariel had
indeed asked ‘Is Rebellion?’ in the form a question. He did not say those gathered were
rebellious, but questioned them.
Perhaps, in that case, it was something of a warning. A warning to not go beyond the boundaries of
Torah, something which Saruviel seemed to have done. Perhaps it was just that – a warning. A warning to keep them on the straight and
narrow path. And if that being the case,
it was appropriate for Davriel to be concerned with those words. To be concerned and understand the lesson
being taught. But still he worried.
Christianity, now, was
an established religion in the realm, alongside Islam and the Bahai faith. Alongside the traditional Torah faith
underpinning the latter religious developments, these religions, Davriel felt,
enhanced the spiritual life of the Realm of Eternity.
Jesus himself had
become something of a wonder, becoming incredibly popular amongst his church,
being the centrepiece of their spiritual lives almost in a sense, even
rivalling God. Of that Davriel had minor
concerns, but only minor. Perhaps it was
a teething experience, having a flesh and blood spiritual mentor to which they
could all look up to. In time they would
return to the simple faith in God to provide all, and accept the Christ on the
terms he should be accepted. Perhaps
their devotion to him was a minor concern, but Davriel was sure time would sort
out all such problems.
Rophiel, likewise, was
well respected amongst the Muslim community, especially under his chosen name
of Muhammed. But the devotion to him was
not as centralized as that towards Jesus.
He was the ‘Prophet’, but did not rival the Most High in Muslim
theology, something which they had accused Christianity of perhaps teaching in
the way they viewed Jesus.
As for Bahai, Bahaliel
and the Bab had no real problems. They
were respected in their own communities, but in no real way idolized or viewed
as anything other then the very real and fallible angels that they were. Silently, to himself, Davriel felt Bahai
seemed to have the right balance when it came to the way they viewed their religious
elders.
But, whatever else,
the valuable contribution each religion gave to the life of the Realm of
Eternity Davriel honestly felt was greater than them not having been
there. And in that he took consolation.
*
* * * *
Sariel and Gloryel had
now settled back into life in London and were eagerly anticipating the soon to
be held Kalphon Games. Sariel had been
sharing with Gloryel that the games now went all over the realm in a sense,
with many events being competed in at differing locations throughout the
realm. But, of course, the majority of
the events were still being held at Kalphon.
Sariel was ready for
the cricket team, and had been chosen as captain. Gloryel had also been selected, and was
slated to bat down at number 5 as well as bowling her leg-spin, to which she
had become quite accomplished. As a
female she was not physically as strong as the males on the team, but she was
incredibly fit at the moment, and had excellent hand-eye co-ordination. While she may not be as physical as the
males, in the sport of cricket skill itself played such a large factor that she
was able to successfully compete when good enough.
It was honestly felt
that the main competitors in the cricket competition would be the undeniable
Romnaphoran's, who had taken over from the English, were the game had been
developed, and had become astonishingly skillful at it. The South Africans were also passionate for
the game down in Mitraphora, and the Indian team, captained by Gandel, was
fiercely competitive as well.
Cricket was played
universally now, but certain nations within the provinces had taken it up in a
major way, others barely having time for the sport. This did not really bother Sariel, but he
found himself preoccupied with the thought of slowly promoting the game to
bring a larger audience to it. Time
would tell on its popularity he generally conceded.
Sariel fancied
Terraphora’s chances at the games, as most Terraphoran’s likewise did. They were not yet boasting they would win it,
but they were quietly confident. They
feared Kalphora most of all, but felt they had the slightest edge with
Cosadriel and Azrael. Time would tell if
they would be right.
Chapter Twelve
‘Yes, Gloryel. Initially it had seemed like a good
idea. The perfect way to motivate the
angels and to bring the best out of them.
But, ultimately, father had decreed to me that it was not in the best
interest of the community to decide the next overseer on the basis of victory
in the Kalphon Games. And he had again
reminded me that Saruviel had been his personal choice to be third overseer of
the Realm.’
‘Does the community
now know this?’
‘Oh, a number of the
elder Seraphim were at my farewell ceremony, and they would have likely passed
on the news. Really, it may have been a motivator
for some, but only some. For most, the
Kalphon Games had their own glory.
Anyway, the victor may not have even wanted the job, which would have
made my decision look stupid. I think
the decree for Saruviel to be next overseer is the best choice in the end.’
‘Yes, Saruviel. I did notice, like the rest of us, he was
different when he returned to us the first time, and even more so the second
time. He was so very frustrating to me
personally in the earlier rebellious years.
But, hopefully, wherever he now is he is healing and getting over
it. It would be a disaster if the old
Saruviel re-emerged.’
‘In a sense, Saruviel
will never change, sis,’ continued Sariel.
‘But he will grow wiser with experience.
And whatever his motivations, if they truly are in our best interests as
he had always maintained, I am sure he will act for the good of us all. We need to simply trust God and his
decision.’
‘I guess so,’ she
replied, but sounded unconvinced.
*
* * * *
With two weeks to go
before the games, Kantriel was a busy angel.
Kalphon, he felt, was ready – as ready as it could be. All the events, through years of experience,
were ready to be undertaken and all the equipment used was newly polished up
and in good shape. There was, for the
first time, to be a major ceremony to celebrate the games right at the
beginning. Kantriel had liaised with
Uriel at Pelnaphon to arrange some dancers as well as musicians to perform at
the opening games ceremony, and Mistrel had been a common sight in the halls of
Kalphon for the past month. If all
things went to plan, the hopefully spectacular opening ceremony should set the
pace for the best games Kalphon had ever held.
Of course, Kantriel
was excited about the prospect of Kalphora emerging victorious in the
games. With his own pre-occupation with
organising the games themselves, Kantriel had appointed Daraqel as team leader
for Kalphora. Daraqel, like Kantriel,
had long resided at Kalphon under Saruviel’s tutelage. He was experienced, now, and in his own
overseersmanship of New York, Daraqel had been growing in leaps and bounds
recently, and seemed more of a leader than he had ever been. Almost as if, from his long history with his
brother, as if Daraqel had steadily and patiently walked through his life,
knowing that one day great responsibility would be his, and steadily worked
towards the goal, albeit quietly, of being ready and prepared for such a
situation. And now, now with his leadership
being put to the test, Kantriel was greatly impressed with his closest friend.
He felt they were
ready – that his team was ready – and that only the Almighty’s own preferences
would interfere with Kalphora being victorious.
Yet Terraphora was to be feared.
They would probably take the medals in the ‘Challenge’ as well as the
points for the other minor placing’s the various events now allowed. There were two major systems of points to
judge the victors for the games. Firstly
the medal count. The medal count itself
boosted the percentage of points from the points gained for each placing in
each event. There were 7 districts. The district which gained the most medal
points were awarded a 70% increase in their total points. Second were awarded a 60% increase, all the
way down to last which gained a 10% increase.
As such, getting a good medal tally was extremely important, perhaps
more so than the overall level of placing’s points. Such was the reward for excellence, finishing
in the top three.
Kalphora, perhaps, had
an advantage in the placing’s’ points system.
While every district could theoretically enter as many competitors as
they desired to, Daraqel had ensure Kalphora entered the most, right up until
the two week deadline which expired that day.
In fact, he was just down the hall from Kantriel, keeping him informed
of any late entries to respond if they felt at all necessary.
It was late in the
day, when Michael himself entered the ‘Challenge’, that Daraqel showed up in
Kantriel’s office.
‘Funny, you know
bro. I should have expected that maybe,
one day, he would take an interest in such events, but he has finally done so.’
‘Huh?’ said Kantriel
in response.
‘Michael. He has done it. He has entered the ‘Challenge’.
‘Michael. Well he may get some placing’s’ points for
Zaphora, but against the competition he is up against he doesn’t stand a
chance.’
‘Maybe. Well, do we need to respond, or let it go?’
‘I wouldn’t worry,
Dar. He is firstborn, but that matters
not, ultimately, on the sports field, everything else being equal. He is just another competitor. We have him covered.’
‘If you say so. But he is a crafty old soul. We should watch him, just in case,’ objected
Daraqel.
‘Mmm. You know how the community feels about
spying. Not to into it, preferring their
secret training.’
‘Yes, I know. But, technically, it is allowable under the
current rules of the games. The clause
on the issue allows observance and any questions competitors feel free to answer
for themselves. We should perhaps take
this opportunity to use our advantage.
We will be legal.’
‘I’ll leave that to
your judgement, Daraqel,’ responded Kantriel.
‘But remember our rep. It is
still not healed after Saruviel’s rebellion.
We need to be seen as clean cut, after all.’
‘We should be ok. People have forgiven us.’
‘If you say so. But the ball is in your court. I’ll leave it up to you.’
‘Gotcha. Well, talk to you later. I have some thinking to do.’
Daraqel waved goodbye
to Kantriel, and returned to his office.
As he sat there,
Kantriel gave some thought to Michael’s entrance into the challenge. After a while he concluded, perhaps, that it
was simply Michael’s pride at stake.
That his older brother needed to be seen as one of them, seeking the
glory as well. He concluded that that
was all it was.
*
* * * *
‘I will crush him,
like I will crush this beetle,’ said Cosadriel, defiantly.
‘Don’t kill the
beetle!’ yelled Oshanel, alarmed.
‘Only kidding,’ said
Cosadriel, flicking the beetle away. ‘I
don’t need to crush a beetle to show how much I will crush Azrael’s phenomenal
ego.’
‘Azrael’s ego?’ chided
Oshanel. ‘Sure, I know he has a big one,
but Cosadriel. Saddy, Saddy, Saddy.’
‘What!’ he exclaimed.
‘Just be sure you beat
him, ok. Be sure of that.’
‘Will do sis.’
‘We’ll see.’
*
* * * *
‘See this log. This is Cosadriel. And this is what I will do to
Cosadriel.’ In front of his twin
Kwintakel, Azrael flexed his muscles, brought up his axe, and with one might
chop, cut the slender but strong tree log in half.
‘Just make sure you do
it in the challenge when it means something, and not when it is easy.’
‘Will do sis.’
‘We’ll see.’
*
* * * *
Elenniel rubbed down
Michael’s sweaty body, not yet really commenting, but privately ever so happy about
her twin’s current training. Since the
beginning of the two weeks to go to the beginning of the games, Michael had
spent four days, with almost no sleep, running, chopping, flying, climbing and
carrying a boulder just a little bit larger than the one used in the
games. Of course, he needed a rest. He had pushed himself beyond any possible
imaginable extremities for an angel. But
Elenniel noticed something in him, something which had, perhaps, finally, after
centuries of humbling himself, reacted in a way. He’d never had a point to prove, had
Michael. He was firstborn and knew the
responsibility and example he must set.
But the ‘Challenge’ had triggered something. Something about the pride of being firstborn,
and Michael had launched into his training like no angel before him, and
perhaps no angel to come. And Elenniel
had been pleased.
At the moment his body
looked oh so fit and athletic, unlike any Michael she had ever seen and,
despite his tired state, his massive drive and ego propelled him forwards.
‘I will sleep all
Sabbath day, and the next one before the games,’ he had promised her. ‘But trust me, I know what I am doing.’
Elenniel was not
really sure if he did, or wether it was his ego driving him, but he was
motivated unlike he ever had been. And
seeing the firstborn of the Seraphim angels of eternity truly motivated was
something to behold.
*
* * * *
In his heart, the
father of Glory showed his son Saruviel some images. Some recent images of Michael and his current
attitude. And he advised his son
Saruviel not to forget this. Not to
forget the capabilities of the firstborn of eternity.
*
* * * *
‘Well, are you going
to enter the challenge?’ Sharlamane queried of her mate.
‘Hell no,’ responded
Daniel. ‘Way too many egos in that
competition for me. Really,
Michael. I had no idea. Besides, I will get to such things later on. Not an issue for now. Not for now.
But later, yes. I will respond. Just in my time, ok. In my time.’
Sharlamane nodded,
happy at that reply, and confident in her beloved to live up to his words.
*
* * * *
Gabriel considered it
for a while. He was aware that the time
limit had elapsed for entering the games, particularly the ‘Challenge’, but was
sure an exception could be made if he was polite. But, in the end, he decided, like others, to
let it go this particular time. Perhaps,
in the end, too much of a struggle. Too
much of a personal struggle to make any possible victory worthwhile. No, he would let this one go, but one day he
would respond as well.
*
* * * *
‘So you really think
Michael will win it, do you Ambriel?
Don’t you think Cosadriel will?
He is the one everyone is raving about.
Does Michael really have a chance?’ queried Meludiel to her twin.
‘I know Mikie. I know him deep down. If he has entered this, and wants to win it,
he will. He won’t let anything stop him. It is the way he is, deep down. The way he really is.’
‘I will take your word
at it.’
*
* * * *
‘So you are not taking
on the ‘Challenge’, huh?’
‘No, Val. No, I don’t think so,’ replied Daniel.
‘So you are going to
let him have the glory, are you. You are
going to let Michael take the gold.’
Daniel stared right at
Valandriel, and considered that.
‘What? Are you trying to provoke me? God knows you should know ego is not one of
my problems, despite me often being accused of having one. I am a careful thinker, Valandriel. And, besides, these are still early days in
the life of the realm and its competitions.
In a way, considering eternity, they will always be early days. But like I told Sharlamane, I will respond
one day. In the fullness of time, when I
am happy with myself.’
‘When you have worked
up to it, don’t you mean?’ responded Valandriel.
‘What is that supposed
to mean?’
‘I know you
Daniel. You get to things – things like
the challenge – after you have well sounded them out and know every little
intricacy involved in such a thing. You
take your time to make it easier for you later, instead of doing the hard work
in the first place.’
‘And what is wrong
with that?’
‘It makes you lazy,
ultimately. You put things off, as I
have noticed, with the attitude that you will eventually get to it. But, surprise surprise, eventually rarely
comes around.’
‘I trust my instincts,
Val. Even if you don’t have faith in me,
I will go the way I feel I should. It is
my way, I guess. It is what makes me
me.’
‘But you do realize
Michael will likely get the glory for this event, and not likely to be
forgotten. Perhaps you should enter even
for the sake of entering.’
Daniel looked at him,
carefully, and considered that.
‘Well, yeah. I see your point. Look, ok.
If I can get in I will enter. I
won’t train the way Michael is training – I won’t go diehard. But I will try to win in the events if I get
in. But only to satisfy you, ok.’
‘Good. It should prove interesting.’
*
* * * *
‘Well, Daniel. It is against the rules of our
competition. But under this rule, an
exception can be made if all district leaders agree to the entry. So, tell you what. You have my approval. Now, if you go and ask Michael, Gabriel,
Raphael, Uriel, Raguel & Phanuel if they don’t mind, I will allow you
entry.’
‘Thanks Kantriel. I appreciate it. I will let you know.’
*
* * * *
Getting to Michael
last of all in the circuit he had chosen, Daniel had gained approval from all
the other district heads for his late entry into the ‘Challenge’. Time was now short – only 4 days to go to the
beginning of the games. If Michael said
yes, he could practically forget about training, given the short time. But he would at least save face by entering
the event.
He found Michael at
Zaphon, running around the sport ground near the keep. Elenniel was with him, watching him
intently. He looked at his older brother
as he practically flew around the course, so intense he had become, and almost
thought better of it. But his pride was
at stake.
Later, after Michael
had played with him, suggesting ‘Maybe not Daniel’, but later acquiescing,
Daniel wondered what he had gotten himself into. But it was too late. He would have to compete now, and suffer the
consequences.
*
* * * *
That night God spoke
to Daniel in a dream. A dream of glory,
pride and humility. And right at the end
of the dream, Saruviel appeared and asked him this question, ‘Well are you
going to win?’ and then he awoke.
*
* * * *
‘So how heavy is
Michael’s boulder?’
‘Bloody heavy,’
responded Valandriel.
‘Bloody heavy. Mmm. And
you are sure this one is about 10% bigger than his?’
‘Pretty sure. It was a bugger moving it, but if you are
going to win, you will have to insanely fit in three solitary days.’
‘Aye.’
He looked at the
boulder, regretting every word of his pride he had responded to Valandriel
with, but set to it.
Sharlamane watched
intently and Ariel, who had showed up, clapped to him, encouraging him.
As an angel, Daniel
was actually quite well built. He had a
bit of belly, which he’d always had, but structurally he seemed like the kind
of angel who could do well in such an event.
He tried lifting the boulder, and found it heavy. And then he said something to himself,
encouraging himself, and lifted it up.
Yes it was heavy.
‘Go slow to start
with,’ he told himself. ‘Just get used
to the weight of the boulder – hold it up as long as possible first without
moving. That will come later.’ Surprisingly, in a comfortable position, he
found himself able to hold the boulder in his arms, as long as he didn’t move
greatly. And then, thinking something,
he put the boulder down, and motioned to Valandriel.
‘Come here. Help me take the boulder to the starting
line.’
‘What are you
planning.’
‘I have an idea. It might work.’
The two of them
manoeuvred the boulder to the starting line, and Daniel spoke.
‘I don’t think I will
win the other events. Probably beyond
me. But I have an idea for this one – a
tactic. And it might work.’
‘Well,’ responded
Valandriel. ‘What is it.’
‘Obvious in the
end. Time me, ok. But be patient – this could take a while.’
Grabbing the boulder,
with the others looking on intently, Daniel began his marathon. His crawling marathon. He lifted the boulder, took a small step, and
stopped, holding it comfortably again.
Yes, it was alright. He felt he
could hold it like this for hours if he had to, which he just might.
As the others watched
on, Daniel, one step at a time – one agonizingly slow step at a time, with long
rests between each step, slowly and inevitably completed a full circuit of the
lap. After 2 hours, when he finally
completed the circuit, Valandriel was grinning.
‘Make sure you keep it
quiet, Danny, but that is the record.
But how much further can you go?’
‘We’ll see,’ he
responded.
3 hours later, having
completed the second lap, he finally threw down the boulder, having had
enough. But while he was physically
drained, he knew he could do more.
Perhaps, if he kept this method to himself, he would win the event. But as Valandriel had said, he would have to
keep quiet.
*
* * * *
The following day,
they were at the wood-chopping. Daniel
had the rulebook in front of him, which he had studied overnight, and had
brought with him a large circular piece of leather, which he had strapped
around him.
‘What the heck is that
for?’ asked Valandriel.
‘You’ll see.’
And, at the forest
they were in, Daniel unhooked the leather, placed it around a tree, and started
climbing the tree. When he was just
under half the height of the tree, were the trunk was a lot smaller, he stopped
and tied the leather circlet around the trunk, levering himself against
it. And then, taking his axe, he began
chopping at the much slender tree, it taking far less time, even with his short
climb which he was good at, then it might have taken.
Getting to the bottom
of the tree Ariel questioned him.
‘Can you do that? Chop it up there? Doesn’t it have to be at the bottom?’
‘The rules state that
the trees must be a certain minimum thickness, and chopped a maximum of halfway
from the bottom up to the top. I had
noted it was thinner halfway up, and devised this leverage to allow me to cut
there.’
‘You really are
exploiting those rules, aren’t you.’
‘Hey, I didn’t come up
with them. But it’s legal. Its not my problem if others don’t do it as
well.’
‘Ok, fair point,’
replied his twin.
*
* * * *
The rest of his second
day of training was spent simply doing push-ups to get as physically strong and
fit as possible. He went through litres
of melit water, but it seemed worth it and, at the end of the day, he felt
strong – as if he had done a great workout, which he had done.
*
* * * *
The following day they
were again at it, and Valandriel looked at him.
‘Ok. Maybe, MAYBE, you have 2 of
the 5 covered. But you will still need one
other strong event to be sure. So which
is it?’
Daniel looked at
Valandriel squarely. ‘Like Michael, I
know a very quick training before an event can prime you for the event. So I will run today. I will run all day if I can, around these
grounds, only stopping for water. I will
run and run and run. And then we will
see.’
And so Daniel ran that
day – all day he ran, and towards evening, when it was mostly just a walk, he
finally stopped, and then collapsed.
Ariel and Sharlamane
looked at him. Valandriel looked at
him. And then Valandriel said to his
sisters. ‘Yes, I know, he is an
idiot. But he might just do it. He might just do it.’
Ariel and Sharlamane
just nodded.
Chapter Thirteen
He woke that morning,
having arrived at Kalphon late in the evening, retiring to one of the tents set
up for the competitors. He’d been
training not to far from Kalphon on the last day, but not in the immediate
vicinity. But now he would have to be
read.
He felt his body – it
was tired and sore. But one thing he did
know – he had not really ever pushed it.
He had not ever really sought out the extremes it could go to. He thought on Sariel’s twin, Gloryel, and how
she had made the rock. From all reports that
was one hell of a flight, which meant if a female could fly that high, a male
could do more – so much more.
Valandriel and
Sharlamane were also in the tent next to his, along with Ariel. They had become his team, in a sense, and he
was glad to have them on board. Thinking
on Ariel, he had noticed something different in his twin – something which had
noticed immediately when she had shown up.
As if she had been through a great ordeal, and then given the answer to
her dilemma. He had prayed for her the
last few days, and would again pray tonight that God would minister to her in
the way she needed.
Looking out on the dew
filled fields, it was a cool morning, already soothing his body. Well, it was now or never. If he was going to win the challenge it was
up to him. Up to him and his own bloody
determination.
*
* * * *
Michael flexed his
muscles. His training was complete – he
was ready. The firstborn of the Seraphim
of eternity would, now, show just what he was capable of.
*
* * * *
‘Are you ready
Az? Are you ready?’
‘As ready as I will
ever be, sis.’
‘You better be,’
responded Azrael’s twin, Kwintakel.
*
* * * *
‘It’ll be easy. They haven’t a chance.’
‘I don’t know
Saddy. You better be ready.’
‘Relax.’ But Oshanel did not share her brother
Cosadriel’s confidence.
*
* * * *
The ceremony, this
year, was actually quite something to behold.
Kantriel’s professional attitude shone through, and the first of the
Kalphon District Games began in earnest.
The games were set
over 7 days. The challenge began on day
3. As such the competitors had extra
practice time if they wanted it, but most took the time to rest and watch other
events.
The scores at the end
of day 2 were close. Only a few hundred
points separated Terraphora at the top from Romnaphora at the bottom. But the Challenge could factor heavily.
*
* * * *
‘So, Daniel. As you were the last official entrant, you
will compete last in all events of the challenge. The advantage is that you will see what went
before you, but you will have to chase down the best of them to win. And of 137 entrants, it could be a long wait
for certain events.’
Daniel nodded. It would be an interesting wait.
*
* * * *
The first event in the
challenge was the boulder lift.
Cosadriel set the early pace, completing just under half a lap. Azrael fell about a cubit short, throwing
down the boulder in disgust.
Michael, second last
entrant, managed to get a few cubits past Cosadriel and, realizing he had achieved
the greatest distance, decided to leave it at that to conserve his energy.
And then Michael,
Azrael, Cosadriel and most of the others of the 137 entrants plus a growing
crowd witnessed the beginning of a spectacle.
When Daniel had
completed the first quarter of the lap at an excruciatingly slow pace, the
crowd just wondered. Yet, 3 hours later,
at the end of the day, when Daniel had completed two full circuits, there had
been heated debate by many onlookers, firstly at the legality of Daniel’s approach
and secondly, after finding no real statements in the rules forbidding such an
approach, questioning the ethics of it.
But, at the end of the
day, when it had generally agreed Daniel had played within the rules for the
event, he received the full points.
But he had not made
any friends that day, and Michael eyed him cautiously.
*
* * * *
The second day of the
challenge event was the wood-chopping.
Daniel was again last to go, and this time his approach, with the
leather belt to climb the trees higher, was challenged by practically ever
other competitor.
Kantriel settled the
issue with this statement. ‘It is not
beyond the realm of reason to have aids and tools of various natures in other events
to assist in achieving victory. The
rules state that no such aid should be used which would contribute to an
illegal victory or one against the spirit of the event. The rules in the wood-chopping clearly state
that a competitor may chop the tree up to the maximum of half the height of the
tree. The aid Daniel chose allowed him
to exploit this to the maximum the rules allowed. But I will stress this point – his aid was not
used to exceed the allowance of the rules.
He played within them. Like yesterday,
Daniel showed ingenuity. His first place
is fairly awarded.’
Later on Michael came
out and found Daniel and congratulated him.
He had seen Kantriel’s point, and then realized that Daniel was
exploiting the situation to the very best of his own advantage – but he was
doing so within the legal rules, with the intent of achieving legal
victory. As such, for Michael, he was
ultimately ethical enough. Perhaps
against the established tradition of the event, but traditions are meant to be
enhanced from time to time.
Regardless, Daniel
perhaps had an unbeatable lead, but the next events he was weaker at.
*
* * * *
Cosadriel won the
flight around Zaphora and then the following day Azrael won the mountain
climb. But Michael did exceedingly well
in both events with Daniel much lower down.
On the final day
Daniel still had a strong lead over Michael, with Cosadriel in third and Azrael
in fourth.
It had come down to
the marathon. For Daniel it was now or
never.
*
* * * *
Michael won the
marathon and, counting his points quickly, knew Daniel needed to finish 45th
or better to be counted the overall victor.
And so he counted – he counted them in, coming to 44. And then waiting, he spied an angel running
up, and urged him on. But the angel
collapsed to the ground, heaving greatly – he was exhausted.
Just then Daniel came
into sight and was approaching the other angel.
Michael just watched on as the other angel managed to get back to his
feet and struggle on. At the finishing
line it was unimaginably close but Kantriel, who was adjudicating, looked at
Michael as the two angels crossed the line – and he looked at him and said
‘Well’. Michael nodded knowingly. It had been close, but he knew well now which
angel had sneaked home by the slenderest margin.
*
* * * *
Ultimately, with
Daniel on 1102 points and Michael on 1100, Daniel had been declared the
official winner of the Challenge, and the points had gone to Terraphon. Cosadriel had come in third on 930, and
Azrael on 870 back in fourth.
Later that day Daniel
sat in his tent. Sharlamane was with him
and Ariel presented herself. She quietly
came up to him, kissed him on the forehead, and said ‘Well done’.
Later that night
Daniel was relaxed. In some ways he had
proven a point he’d had. People had
often underestimated him. But he could
do great things when he needed to. It
was what he had within him – that spark of potential. He knew, of course, his brothers and sisters
had that spark as well. And he knew he
would not always be victorious as he was today.
But winning the Challenge was satisfying. Very quietly satisfying.
*
* * * *
Elenniel rubbed down
Michael’s still sweating body. He was in
cool-down mode, as he had been for hours.
It was as if he had come of an incredibly great high, and was now
deflated in a way, extremely restless.
But he was, personally, quite happy.
He felt he understood
why Daniel had achieved victory. Daniel
had worked to his own mental strengths and taken every advantage he possibly
could. In this manner he had out-thought
his opponents. Michael, himself, had
focused on the traditional methods and, apart from Daniel, had proven the most
successful.
But Daniel’s challenge
had been excellent. His younger brother,
now, was starting to live up to the kind of reputation a Seraphim truly
deserved. And Michael was just a little
bit proud of him because of it.
*
* * * *
‘Come on Oshie –
thirds ok. At least I still got a medal
which Az-Pants didn’t get.’
‘Yeh, but only
third. And you were so bloody
confident.’
‘I know. Forgive me.
But there is always next year.’
‘Yes there is,’
Oshanel responded positively. ‘And you
can bet we will be ready then.
*
* * * *
‘A white ribbon. A white bloody ribbon for fourth place. It’s bloody embarrassing.’
Kwintakel, despite
herself, grinned a little. In truth, out
of 137 competitors, Azrael had still done exceptionally well finishing fourth
and winning the mountain challenge, but to finish behind Cosadriel by one place
– well that was certainly ironic.
*
* * * *
England did in fact emerge as the
strongest team in the Terraphora pool of the cricket competition. Sariel, in his selection qualms, finally
decided on Cosadriel from Iceland, Azrael from Scotland and Pendrael from
Wales, the captains themselves and overseers of these provinces, as the three
selections for the Terraphora team. They
had not competed in the knockout competition in the first week of the games,
due to commitments in the ‘Challenge’ competition, which Daniel the Seraphim
had won. But Cosadriel had played in the
final game with England, the day after the ‘Challenge’, representing Iceland,
and had nearly led Iceland to victory single-handedly. As such he had been Sariel’s first pick.
The following week began the 7
team knockout competition. Statistically
Romnaphora had emerged as the most successful provincial team in the first
week, so gained admission straight into the second round of contests in the
second week. This left Terraphora to
play Brephora in the best of three games, Kalphora to play Zaphora in the best
of three, and Mitraphora to play Pelnaphora in the best of three, all three
games for each team on the first three days of the second week of the District
Games.
Terraphora won the first two and
had the choice of resting the third game because of it if they wanted to. But they played against Brephora, and won
again, mainly with the intention of staying fit, sharp and focused.
The other two winners were
Kalphora and Mitraphora, which had just edged out the strong Gandel led
Indian/Pelnaphoran team.
In the final three days, Kalphora
played Romnaphora three times, and Mitraphora played Terraphora three times.
Terraphora, funnily enough, lost
the first game against Mitraphora, the south Africans being jubilant. But Sariel gathered the team that night,
spoke encouraging words to them, especially to Gloryel, and they came out as
focused as they could be the following day.
And with success. They defeated
Mitraphora by 7 runs, their opponents just falling short in the 50th
over.
The next match, though, was a
whitewash. Sariel had grown confident
and urged his team to push like hell.
They amassed 310 runs, a record for the competition so far, and Gloryel
made 179, an unbelievable effort. When
news came later that day that Romnaphora had just edged out Kalphora in the
third game, they made ready to take on the valiant ‘Aussies’ which they had feared
from the start.
* *
* * *
‘Warnie – we have to worry about
Shamus Warne, or ‘Warnie’ as they call him.
His leg-spin is terribly effective, and he will likely go on after this
competition to lead the averages in spin and even overall bowling. He is only new to the sport, starting a few
years ago, but he is deadly. And his
‘Flipper’ is a challenge on the best of days.
Watch him. Whatever you do, watch
him. It may even be better to go
conservatively for a while, and conserve our wickets, rather than taking him
on. He revels in the challenge so they
say, and if you hit him for six he gets passionately furious and tries even
harder. Let us play him out of the game
and go soft with him. Play to his ego, but
don’t play against his ego, ok.’
The team nodded at Sariel’s words,
having been familiar with playing the newly emerging leg-spin champion earlier
that year.
Sariel, looking over the team in
the dressing room, was satisfied. It had
come down to this – the final. One match
to decide the winners of the Cricketing competition in the first Kalphora
District Games. It would be intense –
definitely intense – but victory could be achieved if they stuck to their
gameplan.
Romnaphora, batting first, made
287 and seemed happy with that. Sariel
grimaced at the score. While they had just
made 310, that was against a lesser team.
Chasing 287 against Romnaphora would be the limit of their
capabilities. They would have to be
flawless to win.
Gloryel had been promoted to
opener for the final, and amassed a safe 53, before edging a quick and getting
caught behind. As she came off, and
Sariel passed her on the way to the centre, he nodded to her satisfied. ‘Good effort, sis.’
‘Go get em, she replied.’
The very next over Warne was on,
and the run-chase slowed up for about 7 overs while Sariel steadily saw him
off. The rate required, so he figured,
was now approaching 7 and a half or so, but Warne had bowled 4 of his overs,
and they were now saving him for the last 12 overs, were he would bowl 6 of them. Cosadriel had just come to the pitch, and as
he was a big hitter, with Warne out of the way, Sariel walked down the pitch
and gave him the permission he had been seeking – ‘All out attack’.
Cosadriel made it to 113, before
being bowled by a quick, and Warne had been back for a few overs. Cosadriel’s effort had been spectacular, but
they were not home yet.
After the fall of a few quick
wickets, a nervous Sariel was left with number 10, with 17 runs to get of 15
balls. It would come down to him – he
would have to show, now, what the English captain was made of.
With one over to go, 5 runs were
needed for victory, and Warne was bowling.
The first ball saw his partner run out, but he was at the batting end
with number 11 down the other end, with 5 balls to go and still 5 runs needed.
3 dot balls followed. 3 balls no runs, and with 2 balls to go,
Romnaphora had started bragging.
Warne came in, and Sariel edged
it. But, surprisingly, the keeper missed
it and it trickled down to the boundary, just before the fielder could cut it
off.
The scores were level. 1 run to win and no runs for an official tie.
Sariel was sweating, nervous as
hell. He looked to the boundary, and
Gloryel was sitting there, looking at him intently. He would do this for her – he would do this
for his sis.
Warne came in, and it was a
quicker one, but Sariel had already decided his approach. Coming down the crease, with an Almighty
heave, bat connected with ball, and it sailed over the boundary with a massive
six. They had done it. Terraphora had won by 5 runs, and Sariel was
the hero.
The whole team rushed from the
boundary, surrounding Sariel, and lifted him up on their shoulders chanting
champions all the while.
The drank a lot of beer that
afternoon and into the night, and when Gloryel found herself snuggled up in
Sariel’s arms that night, pawing over her champion, Sariel thought to himself
‘Life just does not get any better than this.’
* *
* * *
The Father of Glory
gently woke Saruviel from his slumber in his heart. Saruviel, awake to God and inquiring for the
reason of his being woke up, was taken by God, spiritually, to Hendraphon Keep,
just south of Kalphon. Saruviel silently
observed the few cherubim who lived there, him not being able to be seen by them
in his current state, wondering why God had brought him to Hendraphon of all
places.
God spoke to him
softly after a while – in a new, softer voice.
A voice not like one he had been used to speaking with his brethren – a
voice of his personal father.
‘Saruviel, son. Do you remember what happened here? Do you remember the conclusions you
reached: about life, myself and issues
of authority.’
Saruviel slowly
nodded, remembering it was from here he had reached his final conclusions
leading to the rebellion.
‘Saruviel, I have some
questions for you. Are you an infinite
being? Do you have infinite
understanding? Do you know the
consequences of every decision and every effect? Do you know what I mean when I speak of
universal harmony?’
All that Saruviel
could really do was shake his head.
God went on to speak.
‘Saruviel. You are an adversary, in a sense. You are meant to, in your role as Kalphon’s
overseer, be the epitome of the challenge in life. You are to seek excellence – being the
ultimate competitor – the pinnacle of perfection. But, in all that Saruviel, you are to also
realize your limitations. There are
things beyond you, things you are not capable of.
Your desire was,
secretly hidden from others, yet known to myself, was simply to rule the Realm
of Eternity, established over the firstborn Michael. You were, in your own way, jealous of
him. You sought the position he had been
given by birthright. But this was not
surprising.
Yet I need you now to
know something, dear child. Michael is,
perhaps, the most suitable of all the angels of God for the administration of
Zaphon. It is the way I made him – it is
his very nature. Michael will not fight
like you, Saruviel. He will prefer peace
to war, friendliness to hostility, kindness to hate. His essential nature is to be responsible and
to do the will of God. As such I need
you to know this truth. Administration
of Zaphon and Zaphora is something which Michael is inherently suited to and
suitable for. It is totally natural for
him to be in this role.
Yet you,
Saruviel. You are suited to Kalphon and
Kalphora – it is where you fit in life.
Do you understand me? By this I
am saying in the very same way Michael fits at Zaphon, you fit perfectly at Kalphon. It is your heart and nature to be of that
community.
And when Michael is at
Zaphon and yourself at Kalphon, and when Gabriel is at Terraphon and the rest
were they should be in life – fulfilling the roles they were made for – we have
harmony then, dear son. We have harmony
and the lives of the children of eternity flow oh so more smoothly. It is that lesson: harmony:
which I wish you to think upon in your slumber. Yet do not think upon it forever, for soon
your rest will be finished, and you will be given the opportunity for which you
once strove so hard to achieve.’
And then Saruviel was
returned to slumber, and God returned to the things of eternity with which he
was forever preoccupied.
*
* * * *
Daniel sat in
thought. He sat in thought, a few days
after the culmination of the Kalphora District Games, in which Terraphora had
emerged triumphant, followed by Kalphora, Brephora, Mitraphora, Zaphora,
Pelphora and Romnaphora.
He sat in thought,
reflecting on life. Thinking over how
he, perhaps now, should finally address some issues of the heart and soul he had
neglected for some time. One particular
issue was his pride, which he felt often led him to assume he knew more than he
actually did. He felt, from time to
time, he exalted his own thoughts above the wisdom of the angel’s eternal
father but, in reflection, he often chided himself for this, realizing the
infinite knowledge and understanding of God.
Based on that thought,
which had come to him recently, Daniel considered his own finite nature. He was not everything which God was, or was
capable of becoming. Really, he was
quite limited in comparison. But what
did that mean? He knew, in the end, he
would have to accept himself for what he was, despite perhaps the yearnings for
something greater – something more from life than it currently occupied. But he rebuked himself thinking this,
realizing something which had been a cornerstone of this thought for so long.
He was not alone – not
isolated – not one. He had
brethren. And while Daniel himself
wished in his heart he could communicate his affection towards them all,
perhaps in the way Ambriel so excellently did so, he realized he had
shortcomings, perhaps even fears, in the way he was able to actually do
so. But one thing was true – one thing
was intellectually acknowledged – each of his brethren was likewise important
and each also deserved their own slice of glory.
He thought on his
older brother Valandriel. Valandriel,
like Daniel in some ways, also sought out the glories of life. Valandriel had assumed one day he also would
have his turn at administering Zaphon keep and was already in the process of
training himself slowly and carefully to set the best and most responsible
example any angel possibly could in the esteemed position. Daniel honestly felt that Valandriel’s reign,
when it came, would be memorable for, if nothing notable in itself happened,
simply for the high level of professionalism and excellence it would set. Valandriel would be a well-rounded
administrator, understanding all facets of life in the realm of eternity, and
seeking to understand the holistic approach – how it all worked together - in the life of the realm.
Daniel had considered
this approach of Valandriel often, and new a response was needed. Everyone knew that Saruviel would be next in
line, and whatever came from him would simply be what it would simply be. But life went on, and Daniel honestly felt
that Valandriel’s overseersmanship would precede his own. For Daniel, it was ultimately the excellent
example that Valandriel would undoubtedly set which he knew he would have to
respond to in some way. Ultimately, for
Daniel, if no other Seraphim challenged Valandriel’s approach, Valandriel would
end up being the one the most highly esteemed of by God his father.
And, because of this,
Daniel knew he would have to be original.
And in that originality, he would likewise have to be excellent. That was, in the long term, the challenge of
Daniel the Seraphim’s life. And that
thought preoccupied much of his time.
His twin, Ariel, was
in his thinking as well. But, now that
the intensity of the Kalphora Games was behind them, they had again gone their
separate ways, and he was with who he desired to be, Sharlamane.
To Daniel, now, it was
a mystery, the twin. He knew Ambriel
word’s, but had so many personal objections.
Time, it seemed, would be the only way to answer his dilemmas. Time and patience.
*
* * * *
Michael, having been
informed by his father that Saruviel was due to return in three short months,
was thinking on an idea. Perhaps he
should throw it at him straight away – test him out. The community had now accepted that Saruviel
was to replace Michael as the third of the overseers of Zaphon and Zaphora, and
Michael felt, perhaps, a challenge for Saruviel in throwing the role to him as
soon as he had returned to the Realm.
And, after a while, he had concluded that he would give him one week to
settle in upon his return and then present him with his new duties.
‘Let us see what he is
made of, he thought to himself.’
*
* * * *
In the months following the first
district games, Saruviel returned to the realm after his respite in the heart
of God, and soon found him appointed as overseer for the realm. His first business had been settling certain
religious issues in the realm, establishing the importance of God’s torah,
almost contrary to his earlier motivations.
Later that year, Sariel and
Gloryel had notified Zaphon of an intended visit, primarily for the reason of
discussing certain aspects of the life choices and earlier teachings of
Saruviel the Seraphim.
Saruviel had forgone much of his
earlier rebellious ways and, in repentance, seen the way he exalted his own
self as the major factor or major fault in his reasoning. But much of what he had held to he still gave
thought to, slowly and with more consideration, as he shared with Sariel and
Gloryel.
For Sariel and Gloryel, the notion
of their origin was of grave importance.
Both of them had taken an interest in this idea, which they fervently discussed
with Saruviel.
For days they discussed how they
might have come to be and what, if anything, they had been prior to this
point. Saruviel shared with them that
before they had been born to Zaphon and the Realm, each and every one of the
Seraphim had been forming in the heart of God – and in that heart were hidden
memories which each of them still possessed, almost unknown to them, but
subconsciously there anyway. Reflecting
upon this one night, Gloryel seemed to think, in many of the dreams she often
had, that there was some truth in this idea – that they had an earlier life,
gone from them in some ways, but in others still with them, and a part of their
sacred personal history.
But the culmination to the
discussion was once and for all settled for them by Krystabel, who God spoke to
on the subject. He had affirmed their
belief that they had come to be of the Spirit or power of God and that, in this
sense, they were composed of an eternally existing nature. God told Krystabel that the Angels were
manifestations or expressions of the heart and love of God, coming forth from
his very essence, as the whole realm was.
He had said this to Krystabel ‘You
are of me, eternally with me, and we are one.’
This seemed to settle the
discussion point for most of them, yet Davriel, when this was shared with him,
got very excited at that information, and almost made it out to teaching
something which it didn’t seem to teach.
But, nevertheless, the angels unity with God was a point for quiet
celebration in the community and the new philosophy found a welcome home and
answer to some of life’s questions with many an angel of the Realm of Eternity.
* *
* * *
Back in London the normality of
life returned for Sariel and Gloryel.
Passion had been a recent preoccupation in life, but commitment had
remained and the two of them were now, inevitably, in love.
They were playing Tennis one day,
at the back of London Keep, and enjoying a friendly competition, so much part
of their natures now. Sariel had been
witty as usual, the normal friendly banter, and Gloryel had been enjoying it
tremendously. Just then an idea came to
her and, as she pretended to sprain her ankle while serving, holding it
tenderly, Sariel came over to see what the fuss was.
And then she fell into his arms
and whispered to him, ‘Oh brave hero. My
saviour.’ And then she kissed him with
the love of her deepest heart. Sariel
pulled away after a while, smiled at her, and whispered, ‘you devil’.
* *
* * *
Saruviel sat with
Krystabel in Kalphon keep. He was home,
again. And he was restored. So many years of anxiety had been dealt with
in the heart of God and God had given him the answers he had needed. It was inevitable, God had told him, that
Saruviel would face such issues again in life – but he would have this lesson
in front of him and, with experience, he would know the right way to go.
He had been there for
a week now, the responsibilities for running Kalphon still being handled by
Kantriel, when Michael presented himself.
‘Saruviel. Brother.
I have some work for you.’
Saruviel looked at
Michael, a little surprised at not being given greater time to settle in once
more, but happy enough to hear what his oldest brother had to say.
‘What work is that
Michael?’
‘Sariel had his
turn. He did an excellent job. I am off for another long holiday. Your up next.
Enjoy. Oh, and don’t come asking
me for advice. If you don’t know what to
do by now, you never will.’
Michael then left, and
Saruviel sat there perplexed, looking at Krystabel.
Krystabel spoke. ‘You know what he has given you, don’t
you. It is now your turn, brother. It is now your turn.’
Saruviel looked at
her, understanding coming in, and smiled.
After a while he spoke.
‘Mmmm. Ok then. Let’s go.’
And the reign of
Saruviel began.
Chapter Fourteen
Rebellion. They had been accused of rebellion, by
Zaphon’s new overseer. Davriel and
Jesus, Rophiel and the Bab and Bahaliel had been singled out and told, quite
specifically, to repent.
Saruviel had spoken to
them for quite some time on the nature of deity, authority and
responsibility. He had lectured them on
the pre-eminence and importance of God’s Torah as the foundational spiritual
teaching of the realm and rebuked them quite soundly for their own, as he
perceived it, self-exalting works of their own spiritual agendas. He had singled out Jesus in particular in
this respect.
‘Jesus, 21st
of the Cherubim. You are ANGEL and NOT
God. The hearts you hold sway over you
hold sway over unethically and inappropriately.
It is not your place, nor ever will be, to dictate to them their heart
relationship with Almighty God, which he himself instructs us through holy
Torah. You shall repent, Jesus Christ. You shall repent.’
These were the first
of many changes Saruviel brought to the Realm.
Ultimately, the new religions themselves were allowed to continue, but
in a greatly modified format – one which, so Saruviel instructed, was to give
the glory to God and not to any angel.
This was the first of
many decisive initiatives Saruviel brought to his millennial reign over
Zaphora.
With the religious
issues becoming more settled, Saruviel turned his attention to the overall
progress of societal advancement on each of the major levels as based on the
notion of the 7 keeps of the Realm, each with their own particular focus. Saruviel taught each overseer the importance
of excellence and seeking a higher standard.
Furthermore he encouraged creativity, innovation and new thought – all
for the purposes of embellishing the life of the realm and bringing both a more
sophisticated technology and advanced way of life.
Ultimately the
millennial reign of Saruviel was known for the notions of ‘Progress’ and
‘Development’, in a sense, being built upon the work the Angels had already
achieved.
In truth, as all did
note, Saruviel was a strict authoritarian, which ultimately did not surprise
too many of the angels of the community.
Yet, while he was tough and demanding, he was fair and each angel knew
they would be treated properly if they undertook there responsibilities as they
should.
From the throne of
Zaphon’s glory, the eternal father knew that Saruviel, whilst many a time
wishing his son would show a greater heart, did appreciate the backbone he was
placing within the hearts of the Angelic community. They were becoming stronger – more capable of
dealing with the reality of life. In
achieving that result, it seemed, Saruviel’s method seemed to work the
best. It was not necessarily pretty, and
not everyone liked it, but it got the job done.
And as the millennia approached culmination, and Michael’s return to the
job beckoned, most Angels were quite satisfied with the sense of purpose
Saruviel had brought to each of their lives.
He had challenged so
many of them to exceed themselves and to be the best that they could be. And so many of them, despite some bruised
egos, were appreciative of the work of the Seventh of the Archangels of the Realm
of Eternity.
And, then, Michael
again. And despite the rousing applaud
Saruviel was given at his farewell speech, it was as if everyone silently
breathed a sigh of relief.
Life was, now, back to
normal again. And, for now, whatever
would be would be in the realm of eternity.
Whatever would be would be.
THE END