Enmity

by Paul J Fowler

  “May I execute the judgment, my Prince?” Raguel asked.

  “Proceed,” Michael replied.

  Raguel took the sword from the air. The angel’s body suddenly pulsed with glowing energy. When the light diminished, Seth observed Raguel’s wounds and armor were whole. Then the enforcer looked towards the ten angelic soldiers at the edge of the platform. Eyes afire with purpose, Raguel pointed to the remaining Watchers with the sword of judgment.

  Chaos ensued.

  What followed was not a battle, it more closely resembled an execution. The outcome was never in question.

  The Watchers screamed in agony and rage, rising to defend their thrones against the onslaught of the Host. Adam and Seth found it challenging to keep up with every action that was occurring. Holy angels charged the dais, following their leader Raguel. The angels remained in two groups, each unit attacking from Raguel’s right or left. Seth observed one angel in each group carried chains and fought barehanded or used the chains themselves to devastating effect. One winged angel from each group, equipped with the curious gloves and pouches, took flight.

  Raguel charged Batraal’s throne. A Watcher attempted to block him and was savagely cut in half, shoulder to groin. Grotesquely, each half continued attacking other angels until the halves were further torn apart in the fighting.

  Seth marveled at the savagery of the angelic warriors, who fought with precision and resolve. Though determined to absorb every aspect of the combat he could, the pace of the angelic conflict was challenging for Seth to fully detail. Some angels charged forward on foot, some flew low and fast. Some angels employed their weapons, some fought with their bare hands.

  The two angels aloft, after surveying the contest, opened their pouches. The first reached into the bag at his belt, producing massive, frigid hailstones, which he began hurling from his gloved hands. The second angel’s bag produced fiery globs of burning brimstone, which were used to pummel obsidian thrones or the Watchers themselves. Even in the protective field around Gabriel, Seth and Adam could feel the waves of both heat and cold as the angelic projectiles exploded in the throne room.

  Adam laughed as flaming brimstone ricocheted against Gabriel’s protective presence.

  “Angels!” Adam exclaimed, amused. “Ha! Curious creatures indeed!”

  Gabriel did not respond, at least not vocally. Though Seth thought he smiled, amused by Adam.

  Batraal rose to defend his throne. Seth was convinced, based on his final battle with the winged Fallen, that the Watchers drew power from their profaned ground. Batraal was quite diminished after Michael’s handling of him, though now he seemed somewhat energized. Seth knew the Watcher was nowhere near the level of strength he exuded when they entered the throne room. As expected, Seth observed Raguel make short work of the Watcher Prince.

  Raguel dropped low and cut forcefully as he stepped to one side of Batraal’s attempt to overwhelm him. Seth could not help but admire Batraal’s tenacity – it was clear he was fighting to the very end. Bleeding, Batraal fiercely countered, slashing with a short curved sword and clawed hand. Raguel defended his flurry of attacks, and after parrying with his sword, drove his helmeted forehead into Batraal’s face. When Batraal stepped back stunned, Raguel powerfully drove his right heel into the Watcher’s abdomen. Batraal crumpled on the platform floor.

  Seth admired Raguel’s full use of his body in combat. Inexperienced warriors often fixate on their weapons, limiting other available options. Seth perceived a kindred spirit to his own in Raguel, and for a moment, even longed to join the combat. Curiously, Raguel ignored Batraal and began striking his disheveled throne with the sword of judgment

  “Raguel destroys his false seat of authority,” Adam observed.

  “Much the same way we destroy a high place before we attack an Earthbound nest,” Seth enjoined. Adam nodded in agreement.

  “Indeed, a similar dynamic, we sever all connections to any source of spiritual energy. Unfortunately, many thrones and high places remain,” Gabriel explained.

  Michael himself did not participate. He looked at the various activities of his soldiers with interest. Tall and unmoving, he stood at the center of the platform, still radiating power and authority.

  Raguel struck the throne a final time. A subdued boom sounded, which released a wave of energy both tangible and audible. Batraal cried in anger and wept when his throne was finally destroyed. The gleaming black frame was now a gray pile of a smoking material Seth could not identify. The ornate wings that swept outward from the throne were now twisted and deformed. Batraal grabbed Raguel’s leg and clung to him, weeping bitterly.

  The angelic enforcer dropped his shield and transferred his sword to his left hand. His right hand closed into a fist. Raguel’s mighty arm rose and fell three times, each blow released visible waves of energy, and the impact echoed throughout the throne room. Batraal finally released his grip on the enforcer. Michael’s champion scooped up a handful of charred throne remains and forced them into Batraal’s mouth, and firmly held his mouth shut. Raguel then grasped the prostrate Watcher and threw him onto the heap of rubble that moments before had been a dark throne.

  Raguel raised his sword and looked back to his commander. Michael nodded in reply.

  Raguel drove the sword through Batraal into the remains of the throne itself. A winged soldier flew to Raguel and handed him a length of silver chain. As Raguel bound Batraal to his throne, the winged angel flew to Michael. The Archangel produced a weighty, silver lock from his belt, which he handed to Raguel’s attendant. Swiftly, the angel rejoined Raguel and completed binding the Prince with him, securing the bundle with Michael’s lock.

  The remaining Watchers were dispatched in a variety of ways. Some were pummeled into submission with hail or brimstone. Others were forcefully torn into pieces by the bare hands of the fierce angelic host, their physical forms destroyed, leaving a black astral shape which angels then bound with silver chains. When their respective thrones were devastated, an angel would disappear at high speed with the bound Watcher. Seconds later, the angel would reappear to continue the fight. Some Watchers fought bravely, others were craven cowards shrieking like spoiled children as they were bound, still screaming as their former kindred took them away.

  The final three Watchers fought back to back against the host. They fought with sword and spears against angels similarly equipped. Adam and Seth were fascinated by the last combat. As Raguel pointed towards the group, the airborne angels directed their icy and flaming projectiles against the Watchers. A holy angel engaged with the three Watchers suddenly rolled away as the bombardment arrived, clearing a path for the destructive fire. The Watchers stumbled beneath the explosive volley. As the Watchers fell, the remaining holy angels converged and overcame them, stabbing them with spears and swords. Flashes of electricity were released from the angel’s weapons as they overwhelmed their final adversaries.

  Aerial bombardment demolished the remaining thrones, reducing them to dust. The final three Watchers were wrapped with silver chains and removed. Only Batraal remained, still bound to his throne.

  A new commanding figure flew into view, joining Michael at the center of the platform. This was another high-ranking angel; powerful, ancient, and wise. His face was joyous, and his clothes, like Gabriel’s, seemed to pulse with an energy of their own. He was lightly armored and carried a staff made of dull gray metal, with small gold accents. Unlike his fellow Covering Angels, Uriel was adorned with a beautiful purple cloth draped over his white tunic and armor. Even at a distance, Seth knew the garment was exquisitely woven, seamless, and indicated Uriel had priestly duties before the Throne of the Eternal God. He was attended by two winged angels, also armed with metal rods. There was a sword sheathed at his waist, wisps of flame occasionally flickered where the hilt of the weapon met the scabbard’s top.

  “This is Uriel, one of the Four,” Gabriel instructed Seth. “
He presides over the internment of the Watchers.”

  “I have long known him,” Adam commented.

  Raguel and one of his soldiers carried Batraal, bound to his throne, from the dais, and dropped him at Michael and Uriel’s feet.

  “THIS IS A GOOD DAY!” Uriel shouted to his fellow angels. His voice was loud and joyous, echoing across the dark cavernous chamber. “Faith is found among men! And the judgment against the Watchers begins.”

  Even the resolute Michael smiled in agreement.

  “It is done, Captain!” Raguel said, smiling. “What is your next assignment?”

  Michael looked at Seth, then Adam. He smiled, such that his stoic nature allowed, and nodded to Gabriel.

  “Be still,” Gabriel stated to Adam and Seth. “We are soon to depart. This dwelling is about to be destroyed by Michael.”

  A silver spear materialized Michaels’s right hand. The weapon, entirely composed of an otherworldly metal, pulsed with energy and light. Michael nodded to Uriel.

  Uriel directed his two angel attendants to take Batraal. The winged warriors grabbed the bundle and flew away in a blur of light. Uriel smiled at Gabriel, then to Raguel and Michael.

  “I will rejoin you at the Throne soon, brothers. The celebration has already begun there!” Uriel said happily, pausing to look at the throne room one more time. “I go to secure the Pit of Deepest Darkness to contain these defilers, until such time as the Eternal Word chooses to address them. Farewell!”

  Uriel had no wings but floated majestically without them. He levitated before Adam and Seth and bowed slightly to them.

  “Adam,” Uriel said with a smile. The angel dropped to the floor and walked toward the two men. Adam’s head lowered as the angel approached him.

  Seth could sense his father on the verge of weeping as the angel embraced Adam. Uriel touched his forehead against Adam’s as they parted.

  “It was long ago,” Uriel implored, sympathetically. “A day we will never see again. Be strong, first Priest-King of the Earth.”

  Adam, somber but no longer downcast, nodded in agreement.

  Uriel, his face still joyous, waved to his fellow angels then disappeared in a blur of light.

  “Angels - they honor us, why?” Seth wondered aloud.

  “We will judge them one day,” Adam said cryptically. Seth looked at Gabriel, expecting a verbal response but got none. However, the angel nodded affirmatively.

  Raguel had waved goodbye to Uriel then stood at attention, facing his leader.

  “Meet me at the entrance to this portal,” Michael directed. Raguel nodded to Michael and walked toward the disc where Gabriel stood with Adam and his son. Two winged angels, equipped with pouches, fell in behind the enforcer.

  Raguel and his attendants stepped onto the disc and stopped at its center where Gabriel stood with the humans.

  “Adam, Son of God, I am honored to meet you,” Raguel stated after he had bowed deeply. “Seth, son of Adam, I am honored to serve with you.”

  Seth was surprised at his words and began to ask for clarification. But Raguel was gone in a blur of light, followed by his companions. Adam’s head turned slightly, intrigued by the enforcer’s words.

  Michael was levitating at the center of the large rectangular platform. He was now emitting power at an even higher intensity than when he spoke the words of God’s judgment against the Watchers. The light radiating from his body and spear, increasing by the second, was illuminating the entire room to near blinding brightness. Seth could see the whole chamber now. The dais of the rectangular platform stood at one end of the chamber, the disc on which they stood was at the opposite end of the room.

  A massive repository of human skulls and bones made up the floor, which was quite a distance beneath the platform, all encompassed by the immense dome. There was some order to their arrangement, but Seth refused to look there for more than a moment. Seth could not determine how the disc and rectangular platforms were suspended. The walls around the circular room were adorned by carved and painted forms of mighty warriors, lascivious images of mortal women, and scenes of disturbing cruelty inflicted on humanity.

  The magical, moving images on the dome had ceased, and the entire throne room was vibrating. Both Seth and Adam perceived Michael had enlarged in size again, and the power and light he exuded would soon make him brighter than either man could behold. The vibrations had increased into deep rumblings, and now the entire place was shaking.

  “We go now,” Gabriel stated. He placed one hand on each man’s shoulder.

  Both men felt a rush of darkness and cold air. When the sensation of movement was over, they were standing within the courtyard of the Watcher stronghold. Raguel stood within the yard as well, but his winged attendants were not seen.

  Adam and Seth turned to see the door frame that was located on the rock wall; the inky black darkness still lingered there. Both men turned to question Gabriel about the Watchers’ throne room. The heavenly messenger anticipated their inquiries.

  “The room is not beneath the mountain,” Gabriel offered. “As you suspect, the door is a portal to another realm. The Watcher’s throne room was a dark and hidden place between the spiritual world and the physical realm. Long ago, these realms were in harmony – now they are not. The Fallen Princes, as well as the Watchers, exploit these recesses.”

  “The portal was opened by the shedding of human blood,” Gabriel continued. “Michael will ensure it does not open again.”

  Adam and Seth both heard vibrations, now coming from within the mountain stronghold itself. They began moving away from the cliff face. As in the throne room, the vibrations soon increased into deep rumblings. The earth beneath their feet shook mightily for a moment, then there was silence.

  Epilogue

  Soldiers under Command

  Gabriel stood next to Adam near the shattered gate of the stronghold. Across the courtyard, his son Seth was conversing with Michael and Raguel near the remains of the stone crown. In contrast to the fantastic events of the day, the angels now looked entirely like human men. Their garments did not shine, nor did they radiate power.

  “Your sons are undisturbed,” Gabriel stated. “They await you, but some matters must be discussed. Our actions against the Watchers are not complete.”

  Adam’s gaze did not leave Seth, Raguel, and Michael as they conversed.

  “Adam, when you incited the two Nephilim drones to destroy each other,” Gabriel stated. “Batraal watched from afar but could not move against you for we had contained him. In doing so, you prophesied the Lord’s final judgment against the Watchers. The Throne has decreed; the Watchers will be forced to watch their unholy children face judgment.”

  Adam turned his head towards Gabriel, surprised.

  “There is yet faith in the earth,” Gabriel explained to Adam. “God does nothing save He first reveals it to His prophets. The Watchers will be forced to watch their children slay each other, be slain by men, or by the deluge. God has willed it, but Adam has prophesied it in the earth.”

  “I was moved by God’s Spirit, you know I have no fear of the Nephilim,” Adam replied.

  “Yes, but the Nephilim fear you,” Gabriel observed. “As if by instinct, they recoil, surely our Father’s image remains in you.”

  “Cowards all! But what is being asked of my son, Gabriel?” Adam inquired.

  “Your son has a profound, abiding, faith,” Gabriel observed as they watched the three warriors converse. “He carries a deep love for his people. You and Eve are duly proud of him.”

  “I failed my greatest test, my first...” Adam sighed. “But in a small way, I have succeeded as a father. Truly, Seth does honor us.”

  “Grieve no more Adam,” Gabriel encouraged as he placed his hand on Adam’s shoulder. “You have passed more tests than you have failed. A remnant still seeks The One God, even in a world defiled b
y the Serpent and the Watchers.”

  “Your words are kind, Gabriel,” Adam said as he watched Seth. “Yet we both know His greatest concerns were not tests or works. He creates so that he may share His love. Yet even when His creation falters, his redemptive nature is revealed. It has always been about His love. His relentless love lavished even on those who don’t deserve it. His love...”

  “Which endures forever! ” Gabriel finished Adam’s sentence smiling. “His mercy towards man is unyielding. As angels, we marvel at His love for His image in the earth.”

  Adam smiled and closed his eyes, his thoughts going to a world he once knew long ago.

  “Do you remember how beautiful it was?” Adam asked, his countenance revealing both pain and joy.

  “Of course!” Gabriel replied confidently. “And will be again, renewed and even more magnificent.”

  Gabriel watched Adam’s gaze fixated on Seth across the courtyard.

  “Like our Father, you can create life in your image. And that which is born in your image, you love deeply,” Gabriel pondered aloud, his brow furrowed in thought. “This love defines you, consumes you, makes you sacrificial even to the point of death. In this, angels marvel at humanity.”

  “Seth saved us both, Gabriel,” Adam stated. He turned to face the angel. “Both Eve and I. If God had not appointed him to us, we might have lost our way. But he has carried a costly burden.”

  “You trust him deeply, and yet Seth does not know all the truth about your origin,” Gabriel stated. “What curious creatures our Father has made. When not attending the throne, it is a topic of great discussion amongst the angels.”

  Adam laughed at Gabriel’s statement. Adam closed his eyes and took a deep breath. When he opened his eyes, he saw the three soldiers finish their conversation and begin walking towards them.