by Andrew Gille
Mulciber was the only one allowed to touch the actual documents, he had the Heavenly Council pass a law to this effect after he had fully accepted them as truth and began secretly worshipping the Colossals. The librarians had to transfer the documents to a leather portfolio using special gloves, and the collection was pressed with the seal of the Biblioteca Anatalia to ensure that even the courier did not handle these sacred texts.
When Mulciber had begun his research on the documents that had been discovered, his initial duty was to prove them fake. Instead, he had somehow become enraptured with them, emerging from his study many months later proclaiming them true and proselytizing about them throughout the heavens, gaining adherents and converting those who had previously been skeptical, like him into devout followers of their message. Now, these hallowed pages sat protected in the portfolio before him. The previous night, he’d broken the seal of the Biblioteca Anatalia, removed them and read them to comfort himself, then said a prayer of forgiveness to Temerian before attempting the forgery of chapter nine which Machenrauch now read.
Machenrauch passed the document to Moloch without saying a word, Moloch eagerly scanned the document which Mulciber had produced. His enthusiasm soon dampened as a quizzical look took over his face. He ruffled the paper in his hand, rereading it.
“It doesn’t get better the second time,” Machenrauch stated stoically.
“What is this?” Moloch questioned.
“Chapter nine, it proclaims Machenrauch rightful heir to the throne,” Mulciber stated in a manner that alleged that he was proud of the document.
“‘Ineptly, like one of those lowly angels who sings the background music you hear in the streets wrote it. This sounds so little like the author of the Anatalian Letters. First off, ‘The Enrauch,’ would be the proper terminology, the writer wouldn’t know his full name as ‘Machenrauch!’ We’re to believe that he lost his ability as a wordsmith and became a sloppy snacker?” Moloch questioned.
“The original documents have a stain that has been identified as honey! I did this to give it validity to those intimately familiar with the documents! I did what you asked, I have, to the best of my ability, written a new chapter proclaiming what you want, despite my disgust at doing so,” Mulciber said now defensively.
“Mulciber, I have read your writings on the Anatalian letters, they are well investigated, eloquent and competently written. Metatron doesn’t have dinners with Os, I know mana has been scarce since the beginning of the war, but it seems you were hungry during the writing of this, with all of the food references which have never before appeared in the Anatalian Letters. The author has completely abandoned his previous tone. He’s dropped the formality of his previous writings and is now using angelic colloquialisms. Then we are to believe that he carelessly eats over the documents? Don’t you think it is more likely that Elysian honey was stored with the parchment on which the original documents were written or perhaps it got there from the tree in which they were hidden for whoever was the original intended reader? You actually think that is how this stain got on the parchment? No one is going to believe this chapter to be authentic. As an authority on The Anatalian Letters, if this were brought to you would you proclaim it genuine? Where is the muse who helped you write the originals, channel it and rewrite this chapter,” Moloch demanded.
“I did not write the originals Moloch,” Mulciber angrily protested, “I am not a creative writer, this is the document you asked me to write to the best of my ability. Get another angel with better skills in this area to blaspheme the sacred text about which I painfully lie for you. I did not proclaim you Machenrauch of my own volition if you remember right, I do believe that angel is a cherub and he will arrive with Temerian our father to crush you once the murderer Os has been vanquished! I hope he only forgives me the disgrace I have committed to saving myself so that I may be able to continue to promote these holy words,” Muciber’s speech got louder as he continued to speak.
Now Machenrauch rose from the table, he menacingly approached Mulciber, “You purposefully mock us with this ridiculous text Mulicber, for that you will pay!”
“Yes, come, do what you will Machenrauch, I would rather be destroyed than continue to tell false tales about my beloved father, Temerian. When he returns, you will be crushed out with his other enemies, and you will burn in the eternal pit with Os, Shalos, and Entera! Moloch the same fate will befall you!” It was clear now that Mulicber was willing to be destroyed for his beliefs where previously he had taken an attitude of self-preservation that he justified by telling himself that he wouldn’t be able to promote the Anatalian beliefs if he were trapped in an Azurian Crystal. He said to himself that he would one day recant the lies he’d been forced to speak. He had written chapter 9 in earnest, it was his best effort if Machenrauch was going to destroy him for it, so be it. No longer would he have to suffer these indignities and watch a lowly angel pervert the sacred document which he held so dear.
Moloch attempted to calm the situation, “Alright, alright, Machenrauch, no need to destroy the one angel who can give credibility our narrative,” Moloch was cutoff.
“I will no longer lie for you infidels!” Mulciber shouted as Machenrauch, who had paused on Moloch’s words now again advanced.
“Silence Mulciber! Machenrauch, be seated!” Moloch attempted to regain control of the two infuriated emotional angels.
But it was too late, Machenrauch plucked Mulciber from his seat and slammed him against the wall repeatedly. Blood sprayed from Mulciber’s nose, mouth and ears as he recited parts of the Anatalian Letters as he was being beaten.
“We will not continue to live in this false kingdom. Rise up glorious angels and take back what is yours. Do not disregard these words for should you engage the forces of your enemies and forget what you have learned here, Temerian will curse you, The Colossals will pour out into heaven again and destroy you and your armies!”
Finally, Machenrauch, disappointed that he could not silence the insubordinate angel, and heaving from exertion, paused.
“My father Temerian will avenge me, lowly angel! You will be defeated!”
Moloch who had his face in his hands now looked up again. Mulciber was laying in a bloody heap with Machenrauch standing over him intimidatingly.
“Fine, if that does not convince you to write a proper addition to your sacred letters, then I will burn these scraps of parchment you hold so dear!”
Mulciber summoned every ounce of strength he had left to crawl toward his portfolio and scream, “NO!”
Machenrauch had the portfolio in his hand when Moloch shouted, “Machenrauch, please, you’ll only turn the Anatalian devotees against us and make Mulciber a martyr, Os knows we need no more potential kings. Sit down! I beg of you!”
Machenrauch put down the portfolio and sat back in his chair, Mulciber was just beginning to heal enough to scrape himself off the ground.
“We won’t be able to proclaim you as the rightful heir before the battle of Virgos, Machenrauch. We’ll have to rely on our strategy there to develop that story to our benefit. Mulciber is going to be of no help here,” Moloch explained.
Mulciber now beginning to heal, painfully picked himself off the floor, “I have done what you asked! Why is that not enough? Do not make an enemy of me when my adherents make up nearly half of your armies. We have a common goal, there is no reason to treat me as you did. Victory will be ours, through the defeat of Os or the return of Temerian. Believe the Letters, there is no need for conflict between us. There is a place at Termerian’s table for every angel willing to fully proclaim the truth of these documents. They need no false additions or proclamations. Convert now and gain everlasting protection from the true creator of the Heavens!”
“If your enemy should throw you to the ground, teach these words to him from the ground,” Moloch remembered the words in the Anatalian letters, he sat, shaking his head in disbelief while watching Mulciber painfully pick himself up, “He really does believe it a
ll Machenrauch.”
Machenrauch realized that more than ever, he needed to produce a competent 9th chapter that proclaimed his fitness for the throne. It was unclear if Mulciber’s hackneyed attempt was made out of incompetence or a passive-aggressive effort to thwart Machenrauch’s efforts. All signs seemed to indicate that Mulciber really had done his best on the document, his expressions, his speech and his words never indicated that he was being anything but truthful. What was clear was that because of either the ineptitude of his creative writing or his great faith or perhaps a combination of both, they were not going to get a credible ninth chapter from Mulciber.
CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE
Michael Arrives in Virgos
Virgos, the capital of Kalos, was a duality of a city, situated about 20 degrees north of Kalos’ equator, the capital city had a breathtaking view of the planet’s rings, it sat on the coast of the Kalassian Ocean and had nearly perpetual warm and beautiful weather. The Virgos area was a popular destination for angels who wished to view the rings. The city also hosted many of the administrative functions of the crystal mining operations which were only a few hours outside of the from Azura.
Amoxiel, the angel in charge of both the crystal and diamond mines lived in Virgos and was now missing after the battles in Azura and Oziel. The Principality of Virgos Auriel was a supporter of Os and sat upon his throne very dismayed about the events happening close to his home. He welcomed Michael to his palace and with warmth and concern.
The two sat in a private room brightly lit by Azurian crystals and glimmering with Oziel Diamonds inset into the walls and furniture.
Auriel began, “You have concerns about our security Michael? I agreed to meet you here, but I can assure you that my court has nothing but loyalty for Os and disdain for Lucifer and the rebellion. Lucifer himself has been here many times and certainly laid the work for his takeover of our mines months ago. Being an arch-seraph, I allowed him full access to our archives, had I known that he would use that information this way I can assure you my actions would have been much different.”
“I understand that it is insulting to your court to have us meet in private in this manner, but there have been so many defections, angels I would have never thought would stand against Os. Balam, Nabierius, Marchosias, and many others have joined him. I take full responsibility for this, the tide will turn shall he attack Virgos. I pray that Os provides me with the martial knowledge and skills in battle to defeat Lucifer before he sets foot in your fair city Auriel.”
Michael had traveled via Conveyance from Paradisio directly to Virgos. He had brought a legion of 50,000 angels with him, 10,000 of them carried the new weapons of their enemies, now these soldiers were called archers and were armed with the bow and arrow. This gave them the same tactical advantages as their enemies. Auriel spoke to Michael, he was faithful to Os but wary of his choice of general. He loved Kalos, and it hurt him to hear that two of the most important cities in his home world was now controlled by Lucifer’s rebel forces.
“Michael, what is the strategy for defending our beloved Virgos from the evil of this rebellion?” Auriel asked directly.
“I have brought 50,000 soldiers, and with the 50,000 contributed by your city, we have a defending force of over 100,000 soldiers,” Michael stated.
“Yes, but with his recent adherents, I understand that he will bring a force of more than twice that,” Auriel explained.
“That may well be true, but we have a full contingent of 5,000 archers.”
“Lucifer will bring 20,000 archers, I am well versed in the numbers, I want to know the strategy, what will we use to our advantage to ensure that their superior numbers and superior firepower do not overwhelm the city.”
“First we will use the strategies that nearly defeated them in Oziel City, covering every open space in the city with caltrops and wreckage that will prevent them from landing recklessly in the city squares or parks, they will be forced to land outside of the walls then mount their assault from the city gate.”
“Our city gate does not close, it has never had to, our sentries keep animals from roaming into the city at night.”
“Yes, we are prepared for them to enter the city but we will narrow their route into the gate with more caltrops and wreckage. Our archers will attempt to keep them from entering the city as they attempt to advance through this choke point. We believe we can build a wall with their bodies as they stack from our archer fire. Should they still breach the gate, we will have our armies posted in the aqueduct, it is the most direct route to the city square and the Citadel, which they will attempt to take.”
“The most direct route to The Citadel is through the city’s main thoroughfare, how will we defend it?”
“We needn’t defend it, Machenrauch is a gifted strategist, and only an idiot would send his army through the city’s main road it is one long narrow choke point, and an army would be trapped with the slightest resistance.”
“So we’ll offer no resistance?”
“The full force of our army will be needed to defend against Machenrauch’s forces, I guarantee he will take this path, I guarantee our troops will meet Machenrauch in the aqueduct.”
“And Lucifer?”
“He’ll be hiding behind Machenrauch, he’s learned by now that he’s nothing without him and we’ve seen this in our battles with him.”
“So we’ll win, and my city is not going to fall to Lucifer. The rebel angel’s path to Paradisio stops here?”
“I will do my best to prevail and ensure that Virgos stays within our hands Auriel, you have my word on it. However, I would suggest that you travel to Paradisio now,” Michael cautioned.
“To leave the defense of my city to you alone?” Auriel protested, “I could not, we will fight together, it seems that every angel will be needed today. May Os shine upon us. Since we have no advantage other than fighting here in our beautiful home of Virgos, may I offer at least one thing that may not tip the scales in our favor but could give these rebels a taste of Kalos’ ingenuity?” Auriel said.
“Of course, we’ll need anything we can to have any kind of chance against the rebels,” Michael explained.
The walls parted where no seam or crack could be seen, and there before them stood two suits of armor, gleaming black with glinting flecks that sparkled in the light.
“Our craftsmen worked diligently on this, we’d hope that we’d be able to complete more of them before we were overrun. However, these two were all they had time to complete before the mines were taken,” Auriel’s words seemed like a biting criticism of Michael but were only intended to convey his apologies for the quantity of this unique equipment his craftsman had been able to produce.
“An Ozielian Steel sword and a complete set of Ozielian Steel armor. You will not find stronger, more durable equipment in all of Heaven.
Michael stared at the suits of armor and swords which stood at their side. The gleam from the helmets was like jewelry, they sparkled in the light of the Azurian Crystals as he moved around the room. The breastplates of the armor were etched with the symbol of Os on the left pectoral. How they’d etched into Ozielian Steel was beyond Michael’s understanding.
“The magical properties of our diamonds ensure that the suit will fit your body perfectly Michael,” The Principality stated, he handed the breastplate and pauldrons to Michael who fit them over his head. They indeed seemed to fit perfectly.
The sword was well balanced, the blade sharp, it’s blackish hue sparkled with brilliance as Michael turned it in the light. He had never been eager for battle, yet now he yearned to test this new blade and armor against Machenrauch, Lucifer, and the rebel angels.
CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR
The Siege of Virgos
100,000 angels were positioned in the streets of Virgos, concentrated in the aquifer surrounding the city and in groups amongst the obstacles placed in the open spaces of the city. Legions of archers waited to take out rebel angels who dared to fly and a select gr
oup of the most accurate trained their bows on the entrance to the gate.
Michael and Auriel were positioned in the plaza, blackened armor, glimmering Ozielian Steel swords readied for the coming battle. On the steps, they stood before the doors of The Citadel of Virgos, if the rebel angels got this far, Virgos would be lost. Michael commanded his troops from the plaza not out of fear or cowardice, but from a desire to ensure that if the rebel angels reached the square that they would face fierce warriors, not tertiary squadrons who would merely act like a doormat to their seizure of the city.
Michael saw them in the distance, the now familiar smoke trails of their descent through the stratosphere at hypersonic speeds. Explosions were heard as they thundered down through the sky. The rebel angels had arrived.
Anticipation was felt throughout the city, the near complete silence at ground level was broken only by the distant roar in the air. Now they came nearer, the glowing orbs containing the netherrealm in which they traveled burned white hot with black smoke and red fire trailing them. The first of them landed outside the city with a crackling blast.
All readied their weapons now, standing in formation, archers trained on the gate, they awaited the first angelic warriors to breach the entrance to the city.
