Esra's Prohpecy (Book 3 An Angel-blood Novel)

by Linda L. Creel

  Chapter 18

  The meeting place of the High Council never changed, though Mt. Sinai was still a secret to the mortals. High above the earth, the Archangels would gather to meet with their sons and keep abreast of the activities of the angelbloods. Though most of the “news,” really wasn’t news to them, they were always willing to listen and offer guidance.

  Michael sat in the center of the long table. A white linen cloth covered the top. On both sides of the table, a dozen high backed chairs were arranged. The ornate pattern, boasted a gold finish and the cushions were woven with gold threads throughout the brocade tapestry. The other Archangels took their seats on either side of him, while the Guild sat across from the Council members.

  Most of the time, the meetings would only last for half an hour, but lately, with the presence of Samhael and Mortriel in the picture, there was much more to discuss. There was no need for formalities; all present were family. Paul started the conversation by telling the Council about Phillipe Devereaux’s involvement with Richard.

  “Richard is the least of your worries,” Michael said. “Jeziel is still keeping company with Samhael, and they are plotting to attack Utopia.”

  “The sanctuary should keep the children safe. Aura’s visions have matured now. I don’t agree that we should allow Jeziel and Natalie their freedom, when we know they are guilty of murder,” Paul said.

  “They will soon atone for their sins,” Uriel assured his son. “We know that Jeziel has met with her father. Are you not concerned about Aidan’s involvement with her? Today she was bitten by a horse, and her bloodwas black,” Adam said.

  “I have no doubt that Jeziel has fallen, but I am forbidden from interfering at this time. My son is not immune to the temptations of darkness. In his defense, he remembers Jeziel as a frightened child,” Michael said.

  “Jeziel is certainly not a frightened child now,” Adam argued. A scathing look from Uriel, made him lighten his tone. “Forgive me, but are we to do nothing while Jeziel and Natalie conspire to kill our children?”

  “Your children are perfectly safe,” Michael said. “Each of them has been given the powers of Heaven to protect them. Rita and Jessica are comfortable with the angelfire. Even the youngest have been trained well, and are more than prepared for war, and lest you forget that Aura has more strength than all of Lucifer’s army.”

  Michael knew that Aura had remembered her past, but he wasn’t willing to share that information with the Guild, just yet. He was guarding a secret entrusted only to him and a few others. He would share his news with the other Archangels of the Council after the departure of the Guild.

  He was given permission to inform them of his secret. But an oath he made to his Father would keep him from sharing his news with the members of the Guild. Not that they weren’t trustworthy. Each of them had proven their faithfulness to Heaven countless times before.

  But Michael would not dare disobey a directive, given to him by the Almighty himself. To do so, might have an impact on the future of the angelbloods. If Aura failed, all hopes of waking the other angel of the tiers would be lost. Michael’s wife Kaelariel was one of the five put to sleep in a glass tomb when Lucifer was exiled.

  For now, Michael would have to trust Aura. He hoped that his son would not be lost to Heaven forever, but he would be a fool not to consider that he may follow the path of the other fallen.

  “I hope that Aidan won’t give up Aura and Alannah. But I am concerned that as he becomes more involved with Jeziel, he may turn his back on his family,” Paul said.

  “Jeziel cares nothing about the children, and therein lays the

  problem. Aura loves all the children as her own. When Jeziel called Bren a brat, Aidan did nothing to defend her. I’m afraid his lack of a response may have pushed Aura further away,” Adam said.

  “My Bren is certainly no brat,” Gabriel said heatedly. “Of course she isn’t, but Aidan was more concerned about Jeziel, than he was about Bren or the others,” Adam said. “There was a time when Aidan would have chastised anyone who hurt those girls. Now, he doesn’t seem to care.”

  “Are we to do nothing?” Paul asked.

  Michael spoke candidly. “Until my son sees the truth, there is nothing we can do.”

  “I have to believe Aura and Aidan will work through their difficulties, for Alannah’s sake, if for no other reason,” Uriel said. “I hope that you’re right. I’m afraid my son is being tested. I have been forbidden from interfering on his behalf,” Michael said. “Only time will tell if he will walk the path to darkness,” Uriel said. “Though we cannot interfere, we may be able to offer council to him, if he asks for it.”

  “Aidan will talk to Eve. He trusts her. Perhaps she can offer him some guidance,” Paul said. “Do not speak of this to the others. We cannot interfere with fate. I can only hope my son will come to his senses and realize that Jeziel is not a true friend. She may care for Aidan, but Jeziel cares more about Avriel’s ring. She intends to control the eternal children. Aura has assured me she will never remove the ring from her finger,” Michael said. Michael knew something about the ring too, but that was another secret he was forbidden to discuss. Even Aura didn’t yet know that truth.

  “Eventually, Jeziel will discover that Aura has the ring. Her life will be in more danger then,” Paul said. “I wouldn’t be concerned about Aura’s safety. Her shield is more powerful than any of us realize. There is little chance of anything happening to her or the little ones, but I caution you just the same. Jeziel is reckless and impulsive, much like her cousin Natalie. She will not take kindly to the news that Aura has the ring,” Michael said.

  “You will have to trust your daughter, now more than ever,” Michael told Paul. “We’ll meet again soon.” Michael stood and the Guild knew that the meeting was over.

  “Let us adjourn for now. We will watch them more closely. We have a wedding to look forward to in a few days. Let’s not allow anything to interrupt the nuptials,” Gabriel said.

  As soon everyone was gone and Michael was alone, Esra appeared with another male angel.

  “They are growing restless,” Esra said. “Not nearly as restless as I am,” the male angel said. “My brother is going to ruin everything. I don’t know why you don’t call him back now,” he said to Michael.”

  “It wasn’t my decision to send him there. We knew there was a chance that Dahnael would succumb to the temptations of Jeziel.” “I care nothing of Jeziel, but I have waited an eternity to be reunited with my wife and children,” Aidan said. “You must be patient, Aidan. Aura knows the truth. She knows that Dahnael is pretending to be you. You must allow her to complete her tasks, if you want to see Alorrah again. It’s imperative that Dahnael doesn’t realize that Aura knows his true identity. It could cost the lives of Alorrah and Alexis,” Michael said.

  “Aura will not forget her bond with you. She is wiser than you think,” Esra said. “Before the week is over, we will know if Dahnael will remain true to Heaven. For now, you must allow her to handle the situation with Jeziel. I am forbidden from sharing my visions with you, but you will not be disappointed. You will all be together again. I swear it.” Esra patted Aidan’s arm affectionately. “You have waited this long, surely you can wait a few more days.”

  “You have seen this Esra?” Aidan asked. Esra laughed. “I hav e seen a great many things. Aura was chosen for a reason. Do not forget that she was touched by our Lord Father, and has unimaginable gifts. You must learn to trust her as I do.”

  Aidan nodded. Esra was the eyes of Heaven. She would not deceive him. He held out hope that her visions were true, and soon he would hold his beloved wife in his arms once again.

  Aidan wasn’t happy about sending his twin brother to earth with Jeziel. None of the other Archangels knew that Dahnael even existed. Michael told Aidan that on the day they were born, the Almighty commanded Esra to take his twin brother away. He remembered that his wife, Kaelariel had cried for days, but Michael assured her, it was for the
best.

  Esra returned with Dahnael just before Aidan and Jeziel were summoned as guardians. Aidan, Michael, Esra and Dahnael were the only angels who knew that Aidan would remain in Heaven. Even Alannah thought Dahnael was her father; the brothers looked so much alike. Later, Esra told Aidan that Dahnael was being tested. That was all that she said. Aidan had to watch his brother drive Aura away, not knowing if she would ever forgive him when the truth was told.

  Esra assured him that Aura would never forget the life they once shared, but Aidan was doubtful. He had seen Dahnael getting closer to Jeziel and wondered if he didn’t want Aura for himself. He would be able to control Alannah and Alorrah with Avriel’s ring. He wanted to be wrong, but there was a chance that Dahnael had plans to rule the earth, and would bring war to the angelbloods.

  “I suggest we leave now. There is much to do,” Michael said. “I need to tell the other Council about Dahnael. Together with Aidan and Esra, Michael left the mountain. One week was nothing more than the blink of an eye. Aidan remainedquiet. “I will be with you soon my love. And we will right this terrible wrong,” he whispered to himself.

  The Guild left the High Council feeling unsettled. They thought Aura’s memory would return, so that she and Aidan could renew their own marriage vows. Michael had issued a warning that they could not interfere. For now, they would watch, wait, and hope that there wouldn’t be any other deaths before Jeziel and Natalie were brought to justice.

  After she was dressed, Jeziel met Natalie in the kitchen . “It’s almost noon there now. I’m sure they’ve had enough time to collect their daughter,” Jeziel said.

  “Would you like me to accompany you?” Meredith asked. “That won’t be necessary. Natalie and I can handle this. Why don’t you relax and enjoy the day. We won’t be gone long.” “Perhaps I’ll try to find out where Charisse and Desiree are. I’m sure some of their servants are still in Paris. I may go for a visit,” Meredith said.

  “If you have any trouble, come back here, immediately. When we return, we can try to locate Phillipe as well. I’m just as certain he left his own servants behind to take care of his estate in New York,” Jeziel said.

  “Remember, if you have any trouble come straight back here,” Jeziel reminded her, before she disappeared with Natalie. “I don’t think I’ll have any problems. I just want to check on Desiree,” Meredith said.

  The three of them agreed to meet back at the house, in the afternoon. Meredith decided to wait for an hour, before going to New York. The sun wasn’t even up yet. She warmed some of the food Oliver sent home with them the day before. “I should thank him again, the next time we see him, she murmured,” as she poured a second cup of tea.

  When Jeziel and Natalie arrived at the Cavanaugh’s home in London, they found Claudia waiting for them. “Why didn’t you come yesterday?” she asked.

  “We were having a bit of a holiday. Did you have any difficulty getting custody of the child?” Jeziel asked. Claudia’s hands were shaking. She held them together trying to hide her fear, but she was unable to keep her voice from trembling. “We were threatened by the Guild. They said the child is now angelblood and she will remain with them. Mahlyssa is also an angelblood and they had paperwork filed, allowing her to adopt Shannon.”

  “We told you what would happen if you betrayed us,” Jeziel said. “Where is the book?”

  “There is no book. Aura turned the book to ashes before we returned home.”

  Natalie was furious. “How could she burn the book? Did you let her into your home?”

  “No it’s a conundrum. She knew exactly where the book was and when I returned, there was nothing left but ashes.”

  “Are you telling us, she was able to burn the book, without setting foot in your house?” Jeziel asked.

  “Yes I don’t understand how it happened either, but I can assure you that Aura destroyed the book.”

  Claudia opened the sideboard and showed them the ashes. Natalie and Jeziel looked at each other. They had never heard of such power before.

  “We are going to excuse ourselves for a moment and then we will return with our decision. Where is your husband?”

  “He left yesterday. He said we had no right to go after the child. She was no longer ours, and he wanted no parts of this plot.” Jeziel laughed; a derisive laugh. “Did he? Well as I’ve said, we need to have a private discussion and then we will let you know what our next move is.”

  Jeziel took Natalie outside of the house, and called for Samhael. “What can I do for you two lovely ladies today?” he asked. Without hesitation, Jeziel looked at him. “Burn it! Burn the house, and everyone inside. I will teach this Enchantor a lesson. We are not to be trifled with,” she said to Natalie.

  Samhael locked all the doors, making sure no one could escape. He called for the hellfire and within seconds, the entire house was ablaze.

  Natalie and Jeziel could hear the screams as Claudia and her servants were burned alive. They felt no remorse. Smiling, they stood, and waited for the screams to stop.

  “I trust you are satisfied with the outcome?” Samhael asked. “Very pleased - we need to send a message to the others, warning them of the consequences if they betray us,” Jeziel said. “I suggest we leave immediately. It won’t be long before the fire department shows up,” Samhael said.

  “We are supposed to meet my grandmother back at the house. Perhaps you could drop by later today,” Natalie suggested. Samhael smiled. “It would be my pleasure.” He took Natalie’s hand in his, and once more placed a kiss upon it, much to the amusement of Jeziel. When they heard the sirens, Samhael disappeared, and the girls fled back to Jeziel’s cottage, never giving a second thought to Claudia or her servants.

  Meredith went to the Devereaux’s estate in New York, and was not surprised to find Phillipe gone.

  “Did he leave a forwarding address or telephone where he might be reached?” she asked.

  “No Madame, he did not. Would you like me to leave a message for him, if he happens to call or stop by?”

  “Tell him Richard’s mother was here. It is very important I speak to him, as soon as possible. Can you remember that?” “I’ll see to it immediately, but as I’ve already told you, he didn’t leave an address or phone number where he can be reached.” “I’m sure he will be checking in from time to time. Just remember to deliver my message,” she said.

  “Of course Madame, is there anything else I can assist you with?”

  “No, that’s all. I’ll take my leave now.” Meredith walked out the front door. She returned to Jeziels house and waited for Natalie. She could use some peace and quiet. She felt like she had been on a roller coaster the last couple of days. She did wish she knew how to prepare the tea Richard used to make for her. She would ask Natalie about it when she came home.

  Aura had a restless sleep that night. Her slumber was constantly being interrupted by new visions. She would speak to her father and the Guild in the morning. The girls were still sleeping when she went downstairs. She decided not to wake them until breakfast was ready.

  She was surprised to find Aidan already waiting at the kitchen table. She hoped they weren’t going to continue their previous discussion. She had too much to do today, considering they only had a few days until her sister’s wedding.

  She did her best to ignore him, but he wasn’t about to keep silent. “I understand you are still angry with me Aura, but you certainly need to take some responsibility.”

  As she began to cook, Aura kept her back to him. “I take full responsibility for myself, my daughter and my family. But I’m afraid I will have to leave the responsibility of Jeziel to you.”

  “How can you still be angry? This was your idea.” “Are we going to have this same debate again? I thought by spending time with her you might be able to uncover some truths, but truth doesn’t appear to be something Jeziel is familiar with.”

  “Jeziel has never lied to me about anything,” Aidan said, defending his friend.

  “
We’ve already had this discussion. Why can’t you just let it go?”

  “If you know something, why won’t you tell me?” “Maybe it’s because you won’t believe me. For some reason you trust Jeziel. I’m afraid I’m not as trusting as you. Perhaps that’s one of my greatest faults.”

  “You used to trust me completely,” Aidan said.

  “And Lucifer was once loved by all of Heaven,” Aura said. She was sorry for it as soon as the words left her mouth.

  Aidan pushed his chair away from the table and stood. “Are you comparing me to Lucifer?”

  “I doubt anyone could compare with him, except perhaps his own children.”

  “You have no right to judge Jeziel. She has done nothing to you.” “She calls my little ones brats. You may have a short memory, but I can clearly recall her pushing my girls to the ground just because you wouldn’t dance with her,” Aura shouted.

  “She was drinking and she apologized for her actions,” Aidan said. “Who did she apologize to? I don’t recall her having a conversation with the girls. Perhaps she told you to pass on the message, which I might add they never got. When are you going to stop making excuses for her?”

  “She doesn’t need me to make excuses for her when she has done nothing wrong.” “I hope you’ll remember this one day Aidan; I really do,” Aura said. The girls came downstairs, and walked into the kitchen. Aura turned around, and smiled when she saw them. All three were wearing matching red plaid nightgowns. Not wanting to argue with Aidan in front of them, Aura quickly took the milk out of the fridge, and set it on the table. “Good morning sleepy heads. Do you want to get the chocolate syrup out of the pantry, and start making the chocolate milk?”

  Without saying a word, Bren got the syrup, while Tracy and Alannah grabbed cups from the cupboard. Aura poured the milk into the cups, and watched as the girls took turns pouring the syrup and then stirring the milk. When it was finished, Aura picked up the cups, and the girls followed her into the dining room.