“Until we meet again, friend,” Gabriel said warmly.
Adam and Gabriel embraced. The divine messenger touched his forehead to Adam’s brow in affection as their contact ended.
As the three soldiers joined them. Seth’s countenance was heavy; Adam knew that their battle against the Watchers was not over.
“This final judgment against the Watchers will be fulfilled in days to come,” Michael stated to the group. “The young prophet, Enoch, will be involved in their judgment, and so everything you have witnessed must be shared with him.”
“More Watcher Princes have exceeded their boundaries in conjunction with Batraal,” Michael stated to Adam. “For this reason, I have assigned Raguel to your cause.”
“I must go to Eridu and confront my brother Cain,” Seth relayed with a deep sigh. “The three kings spoke some truth, there is a false Seth who raises an army to march against Har Shalem.”
Adam grumbled, angry at the mention of Cain’s name. Eridu was another name for the City of Enok, founded by Cain over five hundred seasons ago. It was now the capital of a cluster of cities east of Eden. Cain named the city after his firstborn son, Enok.
“You must return home, Father; more city-states have taken Nephilim champions and mercenaries. Both men and giants move against us,” Seth stated. “The twins will go with me. Our people need you, Father.”
Adam stood silent for a few moments. After a deep sigh, he turned and addressed Michael.
“Long have you watched over God’s people,” Adam said solemnly. “Thank you, Michael.”
“Faith remains in the earth,” Michael replied warmly. “Man is a curious and resourceful creation. Be strong, Adam.”
“We are soldiers,” Adam said soberly. “Under His command, we do as we must.”
Michael was taken by Adam’s statement. The Archangel’s handsome countenance now revealed his concerns.
“You speak truth, Adam,” Michael replied, weariness and concern now evident on his face. “My forces are engaged on many fronts. Soldiers, Adam...in this, we are alike. My closest brother, the most powerful among our kind, has become the bitter adversary of both man and angel. Many of my people have also suffered greatly because of his ambitions.”
The angelic soldiers clasped hands with Seth and Adam in farewell.
“I will see you in Eridu, do not move against the false Seth until we meet,” Raguel warned Seth. “Have courage.”
“We take our leave,” Gabriel spoke for the three.
The three angels bowed slightly in deference to Adam and Seth. Then the angels lifted off the ground, hovering for a moment as Raguel pointed to the stronghold. The remaining walls and construction on the fortress rumbled for a moment then collapsed. Raguel’s attendants, Seth surmised, were unseen but nearby.
Adam and Seth walked out of the fortress. After they were a few paces away, the exterior wall collapsed silently.
“Doubtless, it will be rebuilt someday,” Adam stated. “At least the earth here can rest, for now.”
Seth paused before they continued towards their companions. His expression was pained as he struggled for words. After a moment, he spoke.
“I am weary of killing, Father,” Seth relayed with great effort. “I want to go home...”
Adam stopped and faced his son. Neither man spoke nor wept. Adam touched his forehead to Seth’s and placed his hand on his shoulder.
“We have lived too long in a world corrupt, you and I,” Adam lamented, speaking softly to his son. “A greater city will be our home someday – one that needs no defense.”
“Tell Ahavva I long for her...” Seth said with pained emotion. “that I will keep her sons under my eye, and that I will move heaven and earth to hold her again...” Seth struggled to find more words but could not.
After a few moments, Seth dropped his head against his father’s shoulder. Adam embraced him. Seth, only for a moment, allowed his soul to rest in the strength of his brother, his friend, and his father.
Adam sighed and groaned from deep within himself, grieving inwardly for his himself and his son. Adam himself struggled to find words. He longed to keep his son and grandsons with him.
Father and son broke their embrace. Seth steeled his soul and took his full height, his demeanor stoic and purposed. Adam placed his hand on his son’s shoulder, and together they walked to rejoin their kinsman.
Seth and Adam relayed the events of the courtyard and the Throne Room to the hunters. Their expressions of wonder quickly transformed into sadness as Seth informed them they would now take separate paths.
“There is a final matter that must be addressed,” Seth stated sternly.
The hunting party looked at Seth, perplexed.
“Kneel,” Seth commanded Jathan.
Wide-eyed and apprehensive, Jathan dropped to his knees. Jathan looked to Adam for an explanation, but Adam remained silent.
“You disobeyed a direct order from your commander in battle,” Seth stated forcefully. “I should have you beaten for insubordination.”
Jathan dropped his gaze to the ground. He knew he should remain silent unless asked a direct question. Jathan was overwhelmed by the events of the day. He also grieved the news of their group breaking fellowship. Jathan knelt in stunned silence.
“We also prize bravery and sacrifice. You saved your champion’s life today,” Seth explained. “For that act alone, I can offer you a place among the Lions.”
Jathan was stunned. He lifted his eyes to see the approval on the faces of his fellow hunters.
“He has earned his place among us, Chieftain,” Dinak offered humbly. “He has faced Fallen, Nephilim, and human enemies – and prevailed. All three of our foes in as many days. For one so young - there is no record of this among the deeds of the Lions.”
Adam smiled at Dinak’s observation. As Mahalalel’s son, Dinak had been around weapons and soldiers before he could walk. Adam also knew of Dinak’s extensive study of the chronicles of Seth and his Mighty Men.
“Is there one amongst our pride who objects?” Seth asked.
Jathan was humbled that Dinak had spoken for him without hesitation.
The twins both smiled and nodded in approval.
“He has proved himself,” Lethan said confidently. “How could we object?”
“You do not have to accept a field promotion,” Seth explained to Jathan. “Your guard obligation remains if you do not accept. You could begin your apprenticeship in another vocation.”
“I would intercede for my people, beyond its walls if needed,” Jathan said soberly. “And I fear it will be needed soon.”
“When you rise, you join Adam’s Lions and your life is not your own,” Seth explained. “You join the Tribe of Dead Men. Men whose lives are already counted as lost to defend the One God’s Remnant.”
Jathan nodded his head slightly. He carried a somber expression as he made his feet and looked at his companions. Adam’s last son knew the requirements of being a Lion, he had no illusions what was being asked of him.
Dinak placed his hand on Jathan’s shoulder, as did Loran and Lethan. Seth laid his hand on his brother’s head.
“Rise a Lion. Rise a Dead Man,” Seth prayed. “Rise an intercessor. May His Spirit be with you in life and death. May your enemies be crushed before you, and may God’s angels contend beside you.”
Adam glanced upward, suddenly curious.
“The Spirit of God has rested upon you, Seth,” Adam said. “Speak as He moves you.”
Seth nodded in agreement, closing his eyes and listening intently.
“Have Dinak stand beside Jathan,” Seth stated.
Seth laid one hand on each of them as Dinak stepped forward with Jathan.
“You two...” Seth said with pride before he began to relay his vision.
Good soldiers. Mahalalel would be pro
ud of Dinak. I am honored to be their Chieftain.
“I see darkness increasing around Har Shalem, and I see God’s Shining Ones moving against it. As darkness rises, the One God says that He will open storehouses of might, to lend strength to His people. Much will be asked of you in the coming days, and great will be your testing.” Seth spoke intensely, eyes closed. “The Serpent seeks to poison the heart of the city. Guard the resolve of our people, lend them your strength. Keep the place of courage, and your deeds will be spoken of among God’s people for generations.”
Seth blessed them. After he finished, Mica went to the horse to replenish shoulder bags for the three hunters. The mood of the hunters was subdued as they prepared to leave the valley. While they had victories to celebrate, all felt the sting of their coming separation. Given the strength of the enemies they had faced, Seth was relieved they were not digging graves for their kinsman as Adam had done long ago at the springs.
Lethan, despite his throbbing pain, tried to lighten the mood. He attempted to jest, ribbing both Dinak and Jathan. But Dinak, usually guarded with his emotions, broke his former mentor’s composure. Dinak, usually guarded with his emotions, embraced Lethan and thanked him for all that he had taught him, assuring him that he would be praying for their safe return. Lethan was speechless as Jathan said much the same to him.
“Dinak, Uncle...” Lethan spoke as they embraced and said goodbye. Though uncharacteristically at a loss for words, his pride in both young men was undeniable.
Loran said his goodbyes to Mica and the young men. The twins embraced their grandfather Adam. With a look and a nod, Loran conveyed to Adam they would take of each other, and Seth. Adam touched his forehead to theirs, kissed their cheeks, and blessed them.
Seth smiled at Mica, who then looked at Adam.
“I’ll watch over him,” Mica whispered under his breath.
“Thank you,” Seth replied softly as they clasped hands.
Jathan wore a pained expression as he embraced his older brother.
“I should be beside you...” Jathan spoke brokenly. “I should bear your shield...”
“You have earned your place,” Seth replied with pride, brushing back Jathan’s hair. “Soon, a young man will bear your shield. The angels have spoken, it must be this way. Father needs you. Our city needs you. Give them courage.”
Jathan, unashamed of his tears, nodded and took his place with Dinak and Mica.
Adam and Seth were the last to speak before they parted. Adam’s group would retrace their steps, go south along the river valley and regroup with Beza and the children. Then they would go west, avoiding Khazin, and go to the coast of the Salt Sea. From there, they would go south and return to Har Shalem. Seth and the twins would head due east through the mountains of Bashan, cross the plains, and follow the Euphrates to Eridu, the capital of Cain’s cities. Though Seth had determined to revisit the borders of Eden first.
“In Har Shalem or the New City,” Seth said, mustering a smile as he embraced his father.
“Indeed, preferably Har Shalem,” Adam replied, returning his smile.
Adam kissed his son on both cheeks. Their foreheads touched for a moment, and Adam brushed back Seth’s hair with his palm. They clasped each other’s shoulders, turned and departed.
Without a pack animal to slow them, Seth and the twins quickly disappeared into the hills. Seth knew Lethan would be in more significant discomfort tomorrow and desired to swiftly move from the heart of Nephilim territory and find a safer place for them to rest.
Mica led the horse south through the valley, Jathan beside him. Dinak took the point, pacing several steps ahead, armed with a spear. Adam took the rear guard. No one spoke, for no words could be found. Silently they left the valley of false gods and the broken bodies of their monstrous offspring.
Dedication
This book is dedicated to my daughter, Hannah. Thank you for reminding me that the world needs the redemptive power of creative expression. The written word, visuals, and dance can all tell a powerful story. You are my muse, fellow crime-fighter, and my pal.
Acknowledgements
The author would like to thank his Eve, Julie, for her patience and support. Like Adam, her husband is often lost in “the faraway place”. Many thanks to Suzanne Gose and the entire Gose family for the priceless encouragement and coaching throughout the writing process. This project would not have happened without you.
What is the soundtrack while Seth and his brothers hunt the Fallen across the plains? Metal - Yellow & Black of course. Come on, I left plenty of clues.
The song of praise sung by the Sethites in Chapter Eight was adapted from a song written by John Pound during his exceptional tenure as worship leader at Redeemed Fellowship, Austin. Godspeed John.
About the Author
Paul J Fowler resides in College Station, Texas. Life is complete when his wife, grown daughter, and German Shepherd are all under the same roof. He has two of the greatest brothers a guy could ask for and loves to hunt and camp with them. He serves as lead pastor of a great church in Bryan, Texas. His love of books and reading was encouraged by his parents.
A sword in a stone, a magic wardrobe, and a Civil War captain who travels to Mars were the stories that fueled his young imagination. The mysteries of the book of Genesis and the world before the Flood recaptured his early love of adventure stories.
Visit Paul at www.thronesofthewatchers.com to learn more about the Story of the Watchers, the Nephilim, and the biblical prophetic narrative.
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