The Angelic Wars I - Heaven

by Andrew Gille

  Mulciber stared at Moloch with a still irritated look.

  “The proclamation of Machenrauch as The Enrauch was certainly a revelation.”

  Mulciber finally spoke but now looked more irritated than previously, “Sometimes I act with haste because of my excitement about certain things I find in the letters, this may be one of those times. Machariel is certainly a powerful angel, and he guides us to victory, I do not wish to take away what he brings to our cause. However, it is of utmost importance that my interpretations of the letters be sound and clear. I made this proclamation, I was certain about it when I did. But others have cast doubts, and more research is necessary. I am not the only expert, and many are seeing things within the texts that point to The Enrauch being a cherub.”

  “I do not have the knowledge or wisdom that you do Mulciber, but I do not see how this can be the case, your insight and intelligence is so much greater than any other. Those who cast doubt upon your findings are merely jealous of your authority on this subject. It was when you made this proclamation that I began a deep belief in The Letters. No amount of prostelyzation or debate could have brought me to such a profound realization that these letters speak the truth.”

  “What? Why did this proclamation of mine spark such a deep belief in the veracity of the letters? I was brought to a profound belief in them from a similar revelation, but it was the discovery of the writings of Metatron and their indisputable authenticity which caused my deep seeded belief in the truth brought forth by the letters.”

  “Because Brother, Machenrauch is clearly the being of whom the letters speak, many others have been swayed by your teachings as well. Your proclamation of Machenrauch as “The Enrauch” spoke of in the letters has drawn countless believers to the words of the Anatalian Letters. I know many that did not see the truth within until you discovered and dared to proclaim the truth.”

  “Really?” Mulciber raised his eyebrows, “To bring other angels into this circle of belief has been one of my greatest desires and one of the greatest motivators I’ve had for doing the research I do. If this is true then I am very proud, the heavens would be a greater place were all angels to see the truth of the Anatalian Letters.”

  “Indeed my brother, and you’ve made this happen. I know many that regard Machenrauch with the highest respect. Might there be anything more that refers to The Enrauch? The few paragraphs written do not quench the thirst for knowledge many have."

  “Well, no, unfortunately, nothing else is mentioned about The Enrauch, I have searched every archive in heaven, and I find much evidence pointing to the things mentioned in the letters but nothing more than the single chapter written about him. This has been a center of my research of late. So many disagreed with my sentiments regarding Machenrauch that I poured the entirety of my research into proving my theory.” Mulciber cringed a bit while taking credit for his coerced theory, however, if it was bringing so many to believe the words of the letters it could not be entirely wrong to have allowed himself to be intimidated into issuing this edict.

  “It needs no further proof, the only thing I would wish to verify is if The Enrauch could actually be the rightful heir to the throne of Heaven.”

  “No, that’s preposterous, the letters clearly state that Lucifer is the rightful heir, I would allow suggestions of many things regarding The Enrauch, but not this.”

  “Interesting, Lucifer has so many enemies in Heaven, I would think that this discovery would bring a landfall of followers to our beliefs.”

  “It is not to be, anything to suggest it would be contrary to the letters.”

  “Would you have said this about a lowly angel being proclaimed The Enrauch long ago?”

  “Well, yes, but…”

  “Consider it then in the realm of possibility, perhaps one such as yourself could craft a document that hinted at this possibility?”

  “I could not do this, it would be blasphemy, it would be a contradiction of my personal beliefs. It would call into question everything I’ve written and proclaimed about the Letters. This would not be possible. Even if every angel in heaven were to accept the Letters because of this information, I could not do this. The proclamation of Machenrauch as The Enrauch was in fact perhaps coerced prematurely from my lips, I had great difficulties with the way that I was asked to present that information. But this, let me ensure that I am hearing you Moloch. You are suggesting that I create a forged chapter that states that Machenrauch should be the king of Heaven?”

  “That is exactly what we are suggesting you do Mulicber,” Machenrauch suddenly stepped from the stacks of scrolls and stood behind Moloch staring at the scholar. Mulciber’s face suddenly ran white with fear, fear of what he was going to be forced to go against his beliefs and once again against his interpretation of the documents he held so dear.

  ###

  “And where is Beelzebub?” Asmodeus shouted as Lucifer stood in front of a globe depicting Kalos, including a reasonably detailed attempt to catalog the rings.

  “Beelzebub is currently on an important mission by my own orders,” Lucifer explained to his irate ally.

  “Your inept invasion of Oziel has not only made you look like a fool, but it has also made Machenrauch appear more competent and powerful than you. It was clear he who took the city from Sadiel and the rumor is that you would have been defeated long ago without him. How long do you think it will be before the rumors I have heard whispered that he should replace you reach his ears and give him the impious ambition to your seat?”

  “Machenrauch is loyal only to me, I created him, and he knows he needs me, the Anatalian Letters ensure that he will never be able to attain legitimate power. Should he attempt a coup of my power, angels from far and wide would strike him down. He is powerful, perhaps equalling my power. However he knows his place, and he is loyal. He will not be a problem.”

  “You have such faith in a lowly angel Lucifer. Do you see the ferocity with which he fights? Every snub and every slight he’s experienced in his existence is now avenged each time he brings down a high angel. He slaughters them with extreme prejudice and takes glee in the bloodbath. How would you not see that the ultimate prize for an angel who has been made to feel inferior would be the head of the arch-seraph and the throne of Heaven?”

  “He does not aspire to this Asmodeus, you worry about the wrong things. We should be celebrating our victory here on Kalos and setting our sights on Virgos. With it, we will control everything we need to take this planet.”

  “I think you put too much faith in the loyalty of the lowly angel, had he the chance, I think he would strike off your head and use it as an ornament for his scepter. How exactly did you give that much power to a lowly angel? Does your confidence stem from the fact that since you gave him the power, you can take it away?”

  “Certainly, I know how to control his power, and I could take them away if I chose to,” Lucifer lied, “He is a valuable and loyal ally, and you fear him because of ancient beliefs set up by Os and the apocryphal Anatalian Letters.”

  “You know not what is said about you Lucifer, right now many question your leadership. Many propose putting the lowly angel in your place. Do not think that with enough encouragement any angel could not be corrupted against you. The promise of power, the lure of the admiration of the hosts of Heaven, to a lowly angel? It would be too much to resist. No, you must take leadership of the battle for Virgos, if the plan for war comes from Machenrauch then even if you are victorious, it will be said that you were victorious because of Machenrauch’s strategy. If he puts you in harm’s way, your military skills will be questioned. No, you must be credited with the strategy and be victorious. Steal his battle plan before he can present it, then present it as your own and take credit for the strategy that took Virgos.”

  “Yes, I see merit in this plan Asmodeus, perhaps I have given him the spotlight and counted on his status to keep him from outshining my star. Perhaps the masses need to be reminded who their texts are referring to as the k
ing. Perhaps it is time to knock our protege off of his pedestal, a lesson in humility is never bad to learn from time to time. How can we obtain his battle plan without his awareness?”

  “That is of no consequence, we’ll get his plan to you before the council meeting.”

  Unbeknownst to Lucifer and Asmodeus, a figure lurked in the darkness during their conversation. Moloch himself had spied on their conversation and now took his information back to Machenrauch.

  ###

  “He intends on taking credit for my battle plan? He feels that this will lessen the tide of negativity against him? He is dafter than I suspected. Fine, we’ll give him what he wants. I will ensure that I verbally outline each aspect of the plan to you Moloch as I lay down the strategy. I will tell you that I am attempting to help you understand this so that you too may become a military strategist in the interest of redundancy in case I am captured. Expressing humility should convince that lecherous Asmodeus that I don’t realize my true strength and potential. I’ll throw in some sycophantic puffery about Lucifer as well. Virgos is surrounded by a wall to keep the plentiful wildlife in that area from wandering through the city. There is a trench built around the inside perimeter of the wall which acts as an aquifer. However, at its deepest, it is no more than a two feet deep, and it offers the fastest way to march an army into the city plaza and assault the Virgos Citadel which is no doubt where Michael will station the majority of his forces. We’ll send Lucifer right through the Main street of town, which leads directly to the Citadel but has an issue. The City was built long ago and improperly planned, the street is too narrow for a city its size and Lucifer’s forces will choke as they are crammed into the narrow passage. It is an asinine plan to march up that road, but Lucifer is so dim-witted on these matters that he will not know the difference. Michael has archers now, they should be able to pick him off from their posts in the City Plaza, and we’ll march right in behind them using his forces which will be piling up into a dying angelic wall as a distraction where we will ambush them and assault the Citadel.”

  “Excellent, let us go to the war room.”

  ###

  Machenrauch stood before a large scale model of the city of Virgos, it was a walled city and a broad path led around the inside perimeter of the walls, at the top of the model was the spire of the Virgos Citadel, the seat of all government in Kalos.

  “I want to show you how to plan these battles and the tactics which we use to win this war. As a lowly angel, I could be defeated at any time leaving our great leader and Lord Lucifer without a military tactician. Surely he could plan these assaults himself, but he has greater work to do and should be free to concentrate on the more important aspects of this campaign. Do you understand Moloch?”

  “Yes Machenrauch, I appreciate that you feel I am up to this task, I too swear allegiance to Lord Lucifer and realize the immense responsibility he takes in leading this rebellion. To be able to plan the assaults on his victorious forces would be an honor.”

  “Indeed it is Moloch, we must be cautious. However, my plans for the previous battle were poorly thought out. Luckily, Lord Lucifer was able to hold a line until I arrived in Oziel City and rectified my mistake, I realized my mistake only when I heard that the battle was disastrous and that although Lucifer would have eventually been victorious, that I could help stop the bloodshed of our angelic brothers if I arrived in Oziel City on time. I got there not a moment too soon as Sadiel the Trickster had with underhanded means put himself in a position to be problematic to Lord Lucifer. Any other general would have been defeated, and I praised his abilities in combat as I fixed my errors and tipped the odds back in our favor.”

  “Great lesson to be learned there Machenrauch, I will plan carefully and cautiously should I be entrusted with this supreme responsibility.”

  “Very good, as you see here the wall of Virgos surrounds an aquifer. My forces will be moving through the aquifer, which should only be about two feet deep and reaching The Citadel in time to back up Lucifer who will march straight into town on the Main road. This should put him at The Citadel before us and just in time for our legions to back him up as he takes the glory of assaulting The Citadel. His incredible battle prowess will defeat our enemies, and we will see him victorious.”

  “This is an incredible plan, your reputation is well deserved. Lucifer’s courage and abilities in battle will see us to victory.”

  “Amen,” Machenrauch said, wondering if their ruse had gone too far. The obsequiousness of the statements actually made him a bit ill to say, and he now felt that whoever was eavesdropping on their conversation would see through the fakery in their plot. This was not to be, however.

  ###

  Lucifer stood before the council, the scale model of Virgos now on the table before the 12 members. Machenrauch had been informed that Lucifer would be creating the battle plan for this mission. He sat seemingly perplexed at this situation. He questioned it appropriately, but ultimately, relented.

  “I look forward to hearing and executing Lord Lucifer’s plan,” Machenrauch said full well knowing what plan he was going to hear.

  Lucifer walked to the model accurate in nearly every way but monochromatically white and pointed to the representation of the gate of the city.

  “Machenrauch will group an elite force of soldiers from the garrison stationed in Azura, and I shall do the same with my troops here in Oziel City. We shall warp to the gate of Virgos, Michael has placed defenses similar to those we have seen in Oziel City in Virgos. The enemy is getting smart to our tactics, so we must adjust. Machenrauch’s forces will travel through the ditch surrounding the city, and my legion shall do the difficult job and march straight up the main road leading to The Citadel of Virgos. Our troops will, of course, arrive first, taking the brunt of the fighting and lulling Michael’s forces into thinking that we are smaller than we are, we will turn Michael’s forces within the plaza and Machenrauch will attack their flank as we back them into the northern wall.”

  “Magnificent plan my Lord,” Machenrauch stated, this time being truthful, he could not have thought of a better plan himself he thought sarcastically.

  “Pardon me, Lord,” Baal interrupted, “Is it wise to march troops up the main thoroughfare of Virgos? The road is narrow and often clogged by pedestrian traffic during the busy hours. I’ve spent much time in this city and know this to be true. Would an alternative route not be a better plan?”

  Lucifer stood not answering before Moloch broke the silence, “This is, of course, a good plan arch-angel, know your place! How dare you question the arch-seraph.”

  “I understand how Michael’s defenses prevent us from landing in the city square as usual but is a march up this road the best idea? Could we not fly in using just our wings or use a different path? Why not the opposite aqueduct?” Baal asked.

  “Many pardons archangel,” Machenrauch began, “But the answer is no, flying through this city is out of the question, the enemy has developed and deployed bows and arrows which make flying a hazard, best to stay on the ground. Are you aware of what we’ve done to Michael’s angels who have attempted to use their wings during battle? They are met with a rain of arrows which pierce them and cause them to fall to the ground. Flying is an ineffective strategy. Lord Lucifer’s strategy is sound, and I must say I am quite astounded at the brilliance of this plan. My only question is how we will enter the city walls? The gate will no doubt be heavily guarded, and they may narrow it with the same caltrops, and other refuse they learned caused us trouble in Oziel City?”

  Lucifer stood mute, he had not thought of this and did not have a solution.

  “I will handle this Lucifer, no one need to worry, the path into the city will be clear.”

  Lucifer sighed in relief, scanning the room, no one seemed to be overly impressed with Machenrauch’s answer.

  “Yes, so…this is the best way for us to take the city,” this was all Lucifer could think to say and he hoped that there would be no more dissent
or questions from the council.

  To his delight, everyone remained silent, and the council seemed to unanimously agree that this was a good plan. He noted the strange mood of Machenrauch, and he knew that he recognized the idea as his own. Hopefully, he just thought this was a case of great minds thinking alike. However, Lucifer surmised that he might have a suspicion that an eavesdropper had listened to his planning session and that this was indeed his own plan repeated by Lucifer as his own.

  CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO

  A New Chapter

  Chapter IX.

  My brother, Lo, I saw that I had made a mistake. Yes, I got it wrong, because while Metatron was off doing something important, I think he was having a dinner with Os, or maybe he had a meeting of the Heavenly Council. I opened up his box with the strap I fixed a while ago and thumbed through a bunch of the documents. I was eating some honey prior to this, I know I never mentioned that I like to snack while reading the documents, but I peer into the document box during the time I tell Metatron I am having lunch and I noticed that it had made my fingers sticky and two pages were stuck together. I peeled them apart and I saw this thing that I had forgotten to notice when I’d written you before. It said that Lucifer wasn’t really the heir to the throne, it was Machenrauch. And when you find this Machenrauch, he’s actually going to be a lowly angel, not a cherub-like everyone else thinks. I’m not sure whose handwriting this document was in, it wasn’t Metatron’s like before, I think it might have actually been Temerian himself who wrote that. -V

  Machenrauch looked down silently at the parchment that Mulciber had provided him, he had anticipated this document for days now. Mulciber had been tucked away in his study, the ruse had been that he was on the verge of an incredible breakthrough with the letters and that he needed time to pour through the wealth of documents that they’d sent a courier to The Biblioteca Anatalia itself to retrieve. The courier had requested several of the original texts of The Anatalian Letters as Mulciber’s behest using Mulciber’s official seal. Mulciber, being Heaven’s expert on these documents had access to them, and it was not rare for him to request copies for which Baal’s scribes has made perfect duplicates, rarely had he asked for the originals, however. On the two previous occasions, they had been delivered to his palace in Anatalia itself, not taken off world to a recently captured battlefield. The librarians had protested, but they relented after the courier presented them a letter in Mulciber’s handwriting and bearing his seal. Reading this note reminded them of the solemnity with which Mulciber viewed these documents that were very sacred to him.