Rise of the Fallen

by Chuck Black

  After searching for thirty minutes, Validus found himself looking for his own confidant. He found Persimus near the Library of Celsus, sitting on the stones beneath its beautiful columned architecture. Validus sat opposite his friend and leaned against one of the columns.

  “Reminds me of home,” Persimus said with a gentle smile.

  Validus nodded as he looked up at the towering structure above them. “How are you doing, my old friend?”

  Persimus looked at Validus with eyes that yearned for another place. “Do you remember that feeling you had when you looked down through the portals and watched the warriors fight for humanity on earth?”

  Validus remembered. He also knew that Persimus had felt the ache for heaven the first day they passed through the Fringe and came to the Middle Realm.

  “You’ve done well, Persimus. Our day to return is coming, and what a day that will be.”

  Persimus flashed a quick smile, acknowledging Validus’s attempt to cheer him. “I hear there is tension among the commanders. How are you doing?”

  Validus translated a small stone that was lying next to him. He picked up the stone and threw it. It flew a few feet, then dissolved away and reappeared in the earthly stone next to him, tethered once more to the original.

  “I’m not sure what to think. General Danick’s strategy protected the lineage of the Messiah for over twenty-six hundred years. When no one else believed him, it was his strategy that guided us, and in the end he was right.”

  Persimus listened carefully. “But …”

  Validus hung his head. “But now that there is a new covenant and the outspreading of the saints … I just don’t know. We are still tracking and protecting lineages, but I’m just not sure how important it is.”

  Persimus nodded. “There is much to say about the Jewish people in the prophecies yet unfulfilled.”

  “Yes, but with Ruach Elohim now working in the hearts of anyone who accepts Him, even the meekest of humans could become the next Daniel, Isaiah, or David.”

  Persimus smiled at Validus. “Or Validus?”

  Validus furrowed his brow and shook his head.

  Persimus reached over and grabbed Validus’s arm. “You are one of the finest warriors the Middle Realm has ever seen. General Danick saw that right away. He needs you just to continue to be that for him.”

  Validus stared back at Persimus, a friend filled with wisdom. “You are a great friend, Persimus. Thank you for helping me see clearly once again.”

  Encouraged, Validus left Persimus and searched for Danick, but his efforts were fruitless.

  The next day, Validus entered the command room at the appointed time. All the primus commanders were there, including Brandt, who looked as determined as he did the day before, perhaps more so. They all hushed to silence, fully expecting General Danick, since Validus always accompanied him at every meeting.

  “Where is the general?” Brandt asked.

  “I don’t know, sir. I haven’t seen him since we adjourned yesterday.”

  Brandt frowned. “Validus, you have influence with him. Surely you can see the need for a different strategy.”

  Validus looked at the faces of the twelve commanders—mighty men of renown, and yet they were looking to him for support. It was an awkward position. “My support has been and always will be for any decision General Danick makes.”

  Some of the other commanders looked frustrated, even angry.

  Brandt’s eyes narrowed, then softened. “I should expect nothing less from you.”

  “Nor would I,” Danick said as he materialized through the doorway of the chamber. “Rallying the troops for a defection, Commander Brandt?” He glared at his ancient fellow warrior. The tension from the day before immediately returned as if there had been no recess from proceedings.

  “Of course not, General.” Brandt’s cheeks flushed slightly.

  “Good, for I would expect nothing less from you as well.”

  Brandt opened his mouth to reply, but Danick held up his hand to stop him. He took a moment to look into the eyes of every one of his commanders. Then he lowered his head. “I have carefully considered the petition of Commander Brandt, and I know that most of you are in agreement with him. Let me make one thing perfectly clear to each of you: What I am about to do has nothing to do with a majority vote. That is not how command works. And should any of you be tempted to circumnavigate any of my orders whether you agree with them or not, you would be immediately relieved of your command. Is that clear?”

  Danick didn’t continue until he received an affirmation from every commander, including Brandt. At that, Danick took a deep breath.

  “Very well. I have come to the conclusion that Commander Brandt is correct. We must shift strategies and dedicate our full support to the expansion of the churches and the saints.”

  There was an audible release of tension from the men around the table. Danick continued. “Furthermore, I have come to the conclusion that I am not the one most suited to execute this new strategy.”

  At that, the men tensed again, and Brandt slowly shook his head. Validus looked at Danick. What was he doing?

  “Effective immediately, General Brandt will assume command of thirty-two of the remaining thirty-three legions. I will assume command of the last legion comprised of volunteers as a legion dedicated to continuing to track and protect the lineages of the Jewish people that I see Elohim working through.”

  “General Danick,” Brandt protested, “this is not necessary. I am—”

  “This is not open for discussion or debate,” Danick interrupted. “The decision has been made and approved by Michael.”

  Validus was stunned, and it was clear that everyone else was too. This was unprecedented.

  Danick walked around the table and approached Brandt. “Commander Danick at your service.”

  He saluted, and Brandt slowly saluted back. The brief exchange was a testimony of ultimate respect between the two warriors; it was deep and personal.

  Danick gestured toward the head of the table with his hand, offering the command of all warrior forces to Brandt.

  Brandt walked to the head of the table and looked at each of the commanders, shock still lingering on their faces. “As commander of the angel forces of the Middle Realm, my first act will be to reinstate Commander Danick to the rank of general, and all will address him as such.”

  “Hear, hear,” Commander Porthan shouted. All remaining commanders and their executive officers immediately echoed him.

  Brandt turned to Danick. “General Danick, for your legion you will have access to any personnel you deem necessary to accomplish your mission.”

  “Thank you, General Brandt. Captain Validus, you are free to serve in whatever capacity General Brandt allows. You have no obligation to serve in my legion.”

  Validus realized that he had not moved and was now standing next to General Brandt.

  Brandt turned to him. “The choice is yours, Captain.”

  Validus considered his options, but regardless of any logical analysis he might have made, his heart chose for him. He walked to Danick.

  “I would be honored to continue serving as your executive officer, General, if you would so desire.”

  Danick nodded, and Validus took his place beside him.

  Brandt took a deep breath. He looked at the map on the table and swiped his hand across the paper until it displayed the locations and strengths of both their legions and the Fallen’s.

  “Commanders Guilden and Porthan, you will redeploy to Carthage and the surrounding region. Commander Rafinni, your three divisions will need to cover Caesarea and Cordova. Commander Kelandar …”

  The first meeting under General Brandt went long into the day as they discussed redeployments, threats, and new strategies.

  Validus wondered if Danick felt the pain. In fact, he was sure he did. This great warrior could not free himself from the people of Israel. It was where his heart was and always would be. Validus felt it too. H
e would immerse himself into the mission with the general to whatever corner of the world it would lead.

  After the meeting, Validus walked beside Danick toward the great Theater of Ephesus. Evening was nearly on them.

  “Validus, your first task will be to gather five thousand warriors from all the other legions. I want volunteers only, so if we have a legion of only five hundred men, so be it. Explain to them that our mission will be difficult and long.”

  “And what if we have ten thousand or twenty thousand volunteers?” Validus asked, fully expecting such a response.

  “Although I highly doubt that to be the case, then you will handpick the men to keep our number at five thousand. I will not diminish the strength of Brandt’s forces for the sake of our legion.”

  “Yes sir. I will see to it beginning tomorrow.”

  They approached the theater and took a moment to appreciate the creative work of its designers and builders.

  “Sir, forgive me, but how do you want me to explain the mission of our legion to the warriors?”

  “It’s a fair question, Validus. Tell me, what was the mission of the prophets before the Messiah came?”

  “To guide the people, to remind them of the will of God, to deliver the words of future hope, ultimately to speak truth to the people who were living in a world of deception.”

  “Exactly—to speak truth to the people who were living in a world of deception.” Danick looked deep into Validus’s eyes. “God is still calling prophets to proclaim truth. ‘And it shall come to pass in the last days, says God, that I will pour out of My Spirit on all flesh; your sons and your daughters shall prophesy.’ God has been pouring out His Spirit since Pentecost, and I am convinced there will be an even greater outpouring before the End of Days. That’s the lineage we are looking for. Not a lineage of Messiah, but a lineage of those who proclaim Messiah from within the nation of Israel. Someone with the blood of Elohim’s chosen people. Someone to preach to the Gentiles and to turn the hearts of Israel to Ben Elohim.”

  “In the lineages we’ve been tracking,” Validus began, “many aren’t even believers. It will be difficult to know.”

  Danick nodded. “With only one legion, we must be careful and we must be sure. Which lineage is the most promising?”

  Validus didn’t hesitate. “The lineage of Simeon.”

  Danick nodded. “Yes, I agree.” He smiled. “I chose you, Validus, because you see much like I see. If something should happen to me, you must carry on the work.”

  Validus didn’t even want to think about that.

  Danick looked at the stars above. “Michael told me you would stay with me.” He turned and looked at Validus. “And I’m glad you did.”

  Michael? All along Validus thought that Michael might not approve of what Danick was doing.

  “So the archangel is okay with this Lineage Legion we are creating?” Validus felt as though his surprise was a little too evident in his voice.

  Danick smiled. “It was his idea.”

  33

  WARRIORS OF VALOR

  Present Day

  “I need forty warriors, Malak, and I need them in Chicago at a moment’s notice.”

  Validus was as forceful as he dared be without causing offense. Malak had completed his transition to commander of the North American continent over the past months and done well. Validus saw the creases of responsibility across his brow.

  “Validus, you of all people ought to know how difficult it will be to make that happen. You were commander … you remember.”

  “Yes, I was, and all the more reason you should make it happen. You know I wouldn’t ask this unless it was absolutely necessary, and I’m telling you—it’s absolutely necessary.”

  “Why don’t you see what Captain Linari can give you?”

  “I have. He’s got twenty-two warriors for the entire city of Chicago. You know how thin he’s spread. He said he’ll help when he can, but that was all.”

  Malak walked away, running his hand through his hair.

  “Commander, this is escalating quickly. I’ve already lost Ral to Durgank’s sword. Durgank has taken over the operation for the Fallen. That should tell you how serious this is.”

  Malak returned to look over the map. He slid Durgank’s name from Wichita, Kansas, up to Chicago.

  “I have no mandate from Brandt to pull warriors off current operations. Things are falling apart from coast to coast.” He glared at Validus. “When things get desperate, let me know, and I’ll see what I can do. That’s all I can tell you for—”

  “Sir,” Hulan called to Malak. “Commander Validus has a visitor.”

  Malak nodded, and a moment later Tren came toward Validus with a hurried gait.

  “The Dragons have kidnapped Sydney Carlyle and the Bransons’ two children, Durgank has brought in reinforcements, and the FBI are at the church along with the police. It’s a trap for Carter three different ways.”

  Validus glared at Malak. “Desperate enough for you?”

  Malak ran a hand from his forehead to his chin. His eyes narrowed and his lips curled downward. “I have no one to spare, Validus. You’re going to have to handle it yourself.”

  Validus glared at Malak, standing toe to toe with him. Anger seethed within him. He tried to control his voice, but his frustration boiled out through the tone of his words. “Just a few months ago you told me that if I ever needed anything, you would be there. Well, I need warriors and I need them now!”

  Malak’s countenance remained stoic and unchanged. After a few seconds of inaction, Validus could take it no more. He huffed, turned, and stormed off with Tren in tow.

  They morphed their wings as they walked, not waiting to be dismissed by Malak. As soon as the four pearl wings reached full spread, the angels launched into the air, flying up through the roof of Living Waters Fellowship Church. They kept low to the terrain so as not to become an easy target. It took a few seconds to build their speed, but soon the hills and trees were flying by in a blur.

  “Durgank came to the church in force; there was nothing Teriel, Micah’s guardian, and I could do,” Tren said as the city of Omaha whizzed by to their left.

  “Does Captain Linari know?” Validus asked.

  “I don’t know. As soon as the attack was over, I came straight for you. I knew it wouldn’t be long before Carter would be involved and we would need Malak’s reinforcements immediately.”

  Validus snorted. “Looks like we may be on our own. Where’s Carter now?”

  “I’m sure he’s on his way to the church. Seems the whole world is after him.”

  Validus glanced at Tren. “Actually, two worlds are after him.” He shook his head.

  “What is it?” Tren asked.

  “I’m not sure whether to help him or stop him. If our mission is to keep him alive, then the FBI is the best place for him, but he’s by far our best chance at getting Carlyle and the children back safely.”

  Tren thought for a moment. “I doubt Elohim allowed Carter to have these abilities so he could sit in the safety of an FBI holding cell.”

  Tren was right, but it didn’t make the decision any easier. Validus would be sending Carter straight into Durgank’s trap. Without the support he had requested from Malak, Carter wouldn’t stand a chance and neither would Carlyle or the children.

  They arrived in Chicago and landed a few blocks away from the church. They demorphed, covering the last few hundred yards on foot.

  The scene at Emmanuel Church was a mess. Reverend Ray Branson had been shot and was lying on the sidewalk with medical personnel tending him. Validus scanned his body. The injury was severe.

  Validus found Teriel standing in the doorway of the church, sword drawn and vengeance on his face. He was bleeding from his left shoulder, but there was still a lot of fight left in him.

  “Your charge has brought violence to my church and injured my pastor!” Teriel’s eyes flashed with anger.

  Validus turned and saw Carter walking towar
d the church. Frustration and anger gnawed at him. This was a disaster in the making. He turned back to Tren and Teriel. “And I’m sorry to say that it’s not over. I’m going to need you against Durgank, Teriel.”

  Teriel gripped his sword as he looked at Reverend Branson lying in a pool of blood on the sidewalk. “Lead me to him!”

  “Where’s Micah’s guardian?” Validus asked.

  Teriel scowled. “He went with the boy. He doesn’t stand a chance alone.”

  Validus nodded. “Tren, you need to get eyes on Carlyle and the children, if possible, and get us an idea of what we’ll be facing. Teriel, I need you to get to Captain Linari and tell him what’s happened. Tell him I need as many men as possible.” He flashed another glance at Carter. “Tell him we’re minutes away from taking on Durgank and his forces. Once Carter finds out what’s going on, there’ll be no stopping him. Bring any warriors you can, and meet us two blocks west of the gang’s warehouse.”

  Both angels nodded and bolted in separate directions.

  Validus scanned the area. Two federal agents waited near the ambulance. He translated their handguns, then did a quick perimeter sweep to make sure he wasn’t missing anything. Farther up the street was another occupied car, sitting in the shadows. Validus was sure it was the same man they’d seen during Benjamin Berg’s rescue.

  By the time he got back, the agents had Carter in handcuffs and were hauling him toward their car. Validus followed beside them on the sidewalk, calculating the risks and potential outcomes. He hated not having a plan. As a commander he knew that the odds of success and victory were directly related to preparation and planning the execution of a well-thought-out, calculated plan. His frustration peaked.

  “You guys know that gangs don’t abduct people; they kill. If I don’t help them, they’re going to die. SWAT team or no SWAT team,” Carter pleaded with the agents.

  “Shut up, Carter.”

  “The Dragons are armed to the teeth, and they own that area. They want me, and if I don’t show, there isn’t going to be anything the police can do.”