by Donovan Neal
The cloaked figure then turned to face the man who groped at the ground wailing in tears, and then slowly faded from view.
Vantress eyes widened when he saw the adversary's face and his cheeks flushed, and he gritted his teeth in anger.
For the angelic figures face was now revealed. And it was the familiar face of a Harrada. The house from which Vantress himself hailed from. The stern jaw and eyes, the swagger in the stance made it clear that he would have to deal once more with an old nemesis: the same one responsible for the killing of Olen…Eridu.
Vantress rose from his seat and knocked his chair over. The table retracted the image into itself and the angel strode past the floating Grigori in attendance and stormed out the room to return to Earth. And the Grigori recorded Vantress’ thoughts as the angel past. Recording the mental turmoil that now raged in his mind. Thoughts that bubbled over to the Grigori’s pen as it scribed the thoughts which floated into the sight of all Grigori. Thoughts that cried but one thought.
How he might kill Eridu.
✽✽✽
Michael had made his way Earth-side to the seat of human government; flanked by his elite personal guard. Seven warrior Arelim angels flew by his side. He ordered them to post a guard around the exterior of the building: a clear warning to all members of the Horde that the chief prince of angels was planet-side and to engage him would be a folly.
Michael left his detail and floated between the constructed walls of men until he entered the chamber of the United Nations. The seat of Earth's government he noted the seal on the back of the wall lifted high. The angel of God continued until he entered the smaller meeting chamber of the Security Council. Michael admired the mural on the wall of a phoenix rising from the ashes. A mural under where Lucifer stood waiting to meet him.
“It is an intriguing image is it not. Here, you and I stand under the symbol of a creature that is resurrected from the ashes of its predecessor: a creature unable to die. It is a fitting banner under which we meet you and I; both of us creatures of the Kiln. Both of us eternal and each having suffered like the humans from the perils of war; and yet so unlike the human’s monument to their war to end all wars: they know not that until we cease in our own struggle, there can be no true peace. No true cessation to conflict: for are they not but proxy to the battle that ensues on high? Yea, pawns in the epic struggle that wages unseen about them. Yet they have an incredible resilience to pain and stomach to the suffering that struggle leaves behind. I must admit my admiration for them, for they are ever hopeful, ever rebuilding in their foolish quest to seek a kingdom that can never be unless either El or I fall. And like this depiction of the legendary Phoenix brother, know I intend to rise. To rise from the ashes of the Descension and with my ascension create a new heaven and a new earth. Indeed, it is fitting that we meet in the Security Council chambers to discuss what we both know is the next phase of the war.”
Lucifer then turned to Michael and looked at him. “You are Michael of the Kortai, Lumazi. And you have set eyes upon he who walks to and fro in the earth, and from walking up and down the width of it. For what reason do you come? And to what cause might I honor the Chief Prince?” Lucifer mockingly spoke.
Michael looked at the image and replied, “I bring you warning that whilst I have yet to find your newest felony that is called by the name of Anti-Christ. Know I will find it: and you and I know that the articles of war concerning such creations are clear… dissolution. Be it known that you are accused of violation of these codices and have provoked the wrath of the Almighty. I give you notice to destroy this creation. Or risk the immediate removal of your candlestick and all that you still hold dear while you can.”
Lucifer laughed, “I will do no such thing. And yes I acknowledge the creation you accuse me of. But he is not abomination. He is my beloved son. And know Usurper of my throne. We will ascend, and when we do, I warn you to vacate Heaven. For destruction will surely follow in my wake. And though there is even now, even after all this time a love for thee. My eye will not spare, nor will my hand withdraw from destroying thee.”
Michael sighed and looked at the beauty of the construction of the room the humans had built. Blue damask wallpaper gilded in gold decorated the room’s walls. Michael faintly touched the Naugahyde chairs. The wooden doors of entry were clearly fashioned from pale ash and distinctive pewter-inlay patterns adorned them. Michael’s eyes narrowed and he nodded his head in recognition.
“I can see why you chose this place. For I see the faint glimmer of royalty that was once your own home. It suits you. But alas, I have delivered the message I was commissioned to give. And having done so even after millennia I sadly still long for you, or more accurately the person you once were. I had once hoped that you would turn from this wayward way: that you would seek repentance and restoration from the Father. Why? Because, we are carved from the same stone you and I. The same Kiln of fire and power: shaped by the hand of God himself. You are my brother and I find that even after all this time. I hoped against hope that love would be found between us. For you and I shall always be brothers Lucifer. We both know what is about to happen. We sense it. The end is coming. I have yet held out hope that my brother, he who rescued me from the clutches of the Abyss itself still lives.”
Lucifer looked at Michael and his eyes penetrated deep into his brothers pleading face. He cocked his head to the side, smirked then answered his brother: his voice dripping in sarcastic tenor.
“Then I regret that you will forever see your hope deferred. My brother died to me in the Kiln: a death of fellowship when he opposed my right to be God. We will always be enemies you and I. Now leave me; for we are no more children of the Kiln. No more prepubescent in the ways of El; for it was not I who destroyed the birthplace of angels; nor I who stood as an adversary to my plans to save our kind. We both know self-rule or God-rule is the way that divides us. I would see our people free. Whilst you fawn in glee to serve as a bond slave to the true Adversary. For God doth know we are like Him: to know both good and evil.” Lucifer then turned his back to his brother and waved him away in disgust and rage.
“Get thee hence brother, and never—ever: show thy face again. For on the day we next meet. Know that you will surely die.”
Michael nodded in acknowledgment and replied, “As you saith. Goodbye Lucifer. Know that I go to hunt thy spawn.”
Lucifer chuckled menacingly as his brother began to leave the room. “You will find him in Brussels. But be careful what you wish for. For did not Argoth tell you that if ye seek ye shall find?” Lucifer then laughed in a confident and maniacal glee as Michael turned around in horror. His pulse racing that Lucifer knew his private conversation with Argoth. And Michael watched in confusion and shock as Satan grinned. “Argoth is not the only Grigori with the power to see into the future.” He then smiled and disappeared from view.
✽✽✽
Marduk entered his hall and seated himself on his regional throne as the prince of power over Persia. He smiled as he took his seat and spoke. At last Lucifer has made his move. At last he plays his hand and even now provokes me to see him destroyed. I will see that he has his wish.
Marduk eyed the assembled human leaders who composed the Arab league beneath his feet; each a puppet to the true puppeteer and instruments in his hand to influence as he saw fit. He whispered words to each as the humans representing the League of Arab nations walked into a boardroom and seated themselves. The minister from Saudi Arabia was first to speak, “I have been apprised of the Secretary General’s demand we withdraw claim to the Temple Mount. That he be allowed to dig on or around the Noble Sanctuary. He is audacious this one. I say we see his head hung an infidel. He is a beast of a man. It is even said that he does not enjoy the pleasure of women. Will we let this mockery of a man dictate to us? Allah will not forgive us if we yield to this western cheth.”
The words of the ambassador stung many in the room. Many nodded their heads in agreement. “Be that as it may,” said the A
mbassador from Egypt. “He commands the military of all of Europe and the Russians and Chinese have aligned themselves with him. We cannot hope to win a war against them. The Americans in a first have remained neutral on the issue.”
“Imagine that,” said… Nephi “The Americans shutting up for a change.” Many in the room joked. But the ambassador of Egypt continued. “Amusing as it may seem we have not the combined force to wage direct war with the Secretary General. Nor have we established a solution to the virus which plagues us. My people are starving. Our resources locked behind accounts we cannot access: frozen. The wages we have promised our people unable to be distributed. Our factories and commerce have virtually ground to a standstill. His idea we all engage in a universal basic income has done nothing but chain us and our populations where none can buy nor sell without this “mark”. He has us economically, militarily. I ask in all sincerity? This Leto is a madman who can make war with the beast?”
The ambassador from Jordan spoke. Leto has placed us in an untenable position and he knows this. If we do nothing, he will simply take the Dome by force. We will have forced into a war and we will lose. If we surrender to his demands, our respective populations will rise up against us and he will again take the Dome by force. Our acquiescence to his demands would lead our populations to civil war as they fight to remove us from power and attempt to stop him to no avail; wiping out many of our people in the attempt if we even dare raise arms against him. We will again lose for we cannot hope to overtake him when even the Russians and Chinese are at his command. It is as if he is provoking us to war; provoking us to move against him. He has laid a trap from which there is no way of escape. I realize we will die. All that must be decided is merely how we will choose to die. And knowing the Secretary I can imagine he laughs as we debate on the prospect.”
Many in the room were quiet. Contemplating the ambassador’s words and realizing that all courses of action lead to one outcome: their inevitable demise.
The ambassador from Jordan contained. “I do not need to hear more. It is simple truth that we have been outplayed gentlemen. Leto has spoken of peace, but there is no peace. There is nothing but the web of his deceit. I do not need to hear more. I will relay my decision to his majesty the king. If we must die then I vote that it will be on our feet. We will brave this struggle for Allah and for our people; as for the rest of you. I suggest that you prepare yourselves for war; for it is clear that there is no condition under which Leto will allow our existence.” The ambassador laughed. “Is it not ironic that we have commanded and organized the extinction of the Jewish state of Israel; only to come to this time in history where we now must face the possibility of our own extinction?” The ambassador from Jordan shook his head at the irony. “If you wish to coordinate your efforts with our own, you know where to find me.” The ambassador then stood and turned and left the room.
Each delegate looked, and the chair brought a resolution to the floor. “Ambassador Yosef is right. We have been lied to and backed into an untenable corner with no way to turn. I propose that we unite and fight. If we must die, then let us have control over how it is to be. I propose we attack. I will take Ambassadors Yosef’s response as a second: all those in favor?”
Each turned and looked at the other. And the count proceeded on this wise.
“Egypt says yea.”
“Algeria says yea.”
“Bahrain votes yes.”
“Iraq says yes.”
“Kuwait says yea.”
“Libya says yes.”
“Lebanon says yea.”
“Yemen says yea.”
“The UAE says yea.”
Continuing around the room each nation voted to determine the future of their states. Each casting a vote for what they knew would be the end of their lives as they knew it. All casting yea until there was no votes left to cast.
“The vote caries gentlemen: as of this day we are at war and may Allah help us all.”
Marduk lifted above the proceedings smiled at the outcome. An adjutant floated by his side as he listened to his master. “Finally,” said Marduk. “I will have the chance to destroy this upstart king. Marduk then called an attendant to him.
“Alert the legions that today we march to destroy the Abomination and place angelic rule where it truly belongs: in the hands of angels. Be swift and muster our forces for I can finally battle with the Son of the Morning Star!” And soon… soon there will be a new king of the Horde!”
The attendant bowed and left his master to do his will.
✽✽✽
The King of Jordan video conferenced the Secretary General of the United Nations and explained the decision of the Arab League.
Leto Alexander, Secretary General of the United Nations picked up his phone and spoke. “Ah King Hussein, It is good to hear from you. I trust that you and your peers have had time to deliberate on my proposal and wish to convey your willingness to accept my offer?”
King Hussein replied, “It is with regret I must inform you that the league has declined your proposal. We will not submit to the Temple Mounts destruction. I inform you that any incursion on your part or that of Israel to dismantle the holy site will be interpreted as an act of war.”
Leto smirked and replied, “That is unfortunate. However, perhaps I did not make myself clear before to your ambassadors. Earlier you had a choice. Although, you still actually possess a choice. Earlier your options were to come and join me willingly. Now it would seem that you have elected to be dragged kicking and screaming with your populations serving the Common Wealth for the betterment of mankind while we go on to fight this external threat. No matter. Know we will not attack unless provoked but I have already ordered the Temple to be dismantled and moved. But know if someone attack us be prepared for war. For if war is what you have decreed. Then war you shall have.”
Leto then slammed his phone into its receiver cutting the King of Jordan off. He then turned to his lieutenants. “Tell Israel to stay out of the upcoming conflict but tell them they may begin with the temples destruction. Inform them that the Common Wealth will protect them nor will they have to fight in this matter. I want their attention to be devoted to the destruction of the mount. If they do this, let them know they have my word they will be unmolested during the time it will take to excavate the Temple Mount. I make this treaty for seven years. Also inform the Prime minister I will launch an all-out attack tonight against the Arab league for their refusal to come to terms with the peace treaty I have proposed.”
“But Mr. Secretary you just told the King of Jordan…”
Leto stood and proceeded to open closets that he might find a new suit and tie. “I know what I told him. I lied. Now move quickly. The sooner we get this battle over with the sooner we may commence with the true war that matters.”
✽✽✽
Elizabeth walked up to the house of Michael Gaines. The neighborhood was dotted with homes on ample acreage which spoke of money and exclusivity. The house was surrounded by large coniferous pine trees and afforded privacy from the front to the back of the dwelling. Situated at the end of a cul-de-sac the home was situated in front of a private access lake behind the large contemporary home. Colored lights flickered off and on from the windows and “Walk it Out” by Unk could be heard over outdoor speakers. Students filled the front lawn and multiple dancing silhouettes moved in the windows. The smell of barbecue, beer and coupled with the ninety degree heat and humidity provided an atmosphere conducive for shorts and minimalist wear. It was perfect weather for an end of the school year party.
The premises overflowed with teenagers. Sweat beaded from adolescent boys and girls and their dance movements to each beat sprayed from teen bodies. In occasional mists. Girls gyrated their abdomens in circular movements while others hiked their butts into the crouches of their male companions. The atmosphere was raucous and catcalls and woots emanated from approving male onlookers each holding plastic cups of beer. Wide eyed smiles from both girls and
boys flashed incessantly over all. Kegs lined the side near a driveway leading up to a three car garage where a table had been set up and bear flowed from several makeshift taps. Another eight foot table was filled with waffles, fried chicken, and various soft drinks.
Elizabeth was suddenly grabbed by the arm and was turned around by Audrey of the Jefferson sisters who stood giggling and holding a cup of beer desperately clinging to the rim of its container. Audrey leaned towards her and yelled into Elizabeth’s ear.
“Hey, Liz, good to see you girl. This party is off the hook! Come on over here and check this out.”
Audrey pulled her by the hand and both girls sauntered over to another table that was filled with Bacardi, Absolute Vodka and Malibu Caribbean Rum. Audrey reached towards a bowl full of gummy bears soaked in vodka and lifted the alcohol soaked chewy candy to her lips.
Elizabeth reluctantly acquiesced to her peer and opened her mouth to receive the candy. She grimaced when she first tasted the concoction: not used to the mix of flavors that now assaulted her tongue. But gradually she came to like it.
“Uh huh, good huh? Here come over here!” said Audrey
Elizabeth followed as she was pulled along by Audrey making their way around the grounds to the back of the house. Audrey stopped as several teens were in bathing suits lounging in the in-ground pool while others were further out sitting on a boat making out and enjoying the sight of jet skies criss crossing over the lake. A gas grill was fired up and two 50 inch screen monitors were showing highlights of this seasons football games while the other latest rap and pop videos filled with scantily clad women dancing as money was being thrown at them.
