The Third Heaven: The Rise of Fallen Stars

by Donovan Neal

  “We have enough for two more creation events at the current rate of consumption. However, we increase each day in the need for Elohim as El expands this planet's attributes. There are countless Elohim monitoring from the east wind to every tree.”

  Dagon continued his assessment. "Those within the planet itself report that this world has oceans of magna upon which the land floats. It is assuredly unique from Heaven, for we have nothing like it at home. The land breathes fire in some sections. We have dispatched per El’s command and your word Elohim throughout the planet.”

  Lucifer could not help but meditate on what Dagon had told him; “…as if El has not designed this world with the Elohim in mind…”

  It occurred to him that Ashtaroth stared at him and sought to anticipate his master's will.

  Ashtaroth was slim in build. His skin was solid white, and his wings were feathery and shimmered with a yellow tint when the light from the sun touched them. Necklaces from the translucent gold mines of Heaven draped his neck, which was as long as his arm and each collar glowed and moved around his neck of their own accord, never touching his skin. He looked with concern at his lord.

  “My Lord Prince,” he said.

  Lucifer replied, “I am fine, Ashtaroth, thank you. Tell me how fares your coordination with Breagun’s attachment?”

  “My Lord, we have received word why the flare from Sol was unleashed upon our world. Thus, we are swift to ask why you have brought this simpleton to our door. Should he not be brought before Prince Talus for inquiry?”

  “Save your interrogation for one who tolerates it Astarte, for I will not. I possess a word from El to Apollyon; the will of El be done.”

  “My apologies, Chief Prince, but by now all of Heaven knows of his failure. How can it be that an error of such magnitude is not dealt with?”

  “Astarte, you have my leave. Coordinate with Breagun’s new overseer of the moon. I do not want its proximity to disrupt our work here. You are both dismissed to see to your matters”

  “Aye, Lord Prince. El’s will be done,” said Astarte.

  “El’s will be done,” Lucifer replied.

  El’s will be done–curious.

  ********************

  Gabriel, Prince Lord of all Malakim, carried within his arms the body of Saesheal. He walked reverently past the gate of Heaven, through the city streets, and solemnly toward the Mount of God. All of Jerusalem emptied as angel after angel vacated Gabriel’s path that he might pass. Angels bowed to the prince in accordance with royal protocol. On this day, the lifeless body of an Elohim existed in Heaven. With a look of steel, Gabriel made his way through the center of the city; the Towers of Praise stood quiet in their annunciations of God's glory as all Elohim looked on in stunned silence. The only sounds heard were the footsteps of Gabriel and the flap of wings that held each angel aloft.

  Gabriel made his way towards Michael and his brethren. Talus stood next to Michael while Raphael was away occupied on official business, but with the exception of both Raphael and Lucifer, all were present and accounted for: Talus, Jerahmeel, Sariel, Gabriel, and Michael. Talus, who was Prince Lord of all Arelim: and no one — save the Lord himself — grieved this loss more. Saesheal was of his race, and all of Heaven grieved for the Arelim, an experience to which none were accustomed.

  Michael looked upon the multitudes and was moved with compassion. He, like so many who now looked upon the empty shell of their friend, contemplated the enormity of such loss in Heaven. Michael saw the confused looks on his brethrens’ faces. Each struggled with the thought that an immortal could die, that an error of judgment could lead their hurt. The reality of the concept was affirmed by the testimony of the voiceless body carried by Gabriel through the street. Michael noted that he would remember this day for all time: the day when everyone acquired this new awareness, the day when grief and fear entered their collective consciousness.

  Gabriel drew closer, and Sariel and Jerahmeel fell in behind him as he made his way up the flight of glass steps. Gabriel stopped where the brass altar lay. Talus stood prone, and Gabriel handed the body of Saesheal to his fellow prince. Talus gently took Saesheal's body and placed it on the Altar of Sacrifice.

  The Altar of Sacrifice, all had wondered why El had named it thus, but the reason of its identification was now evident for all to see. Never had the altar been set aflame before, never until now. The great doors of the palace opened, and the Spirit of God flew out from within. All of Heaven bowed in reverence as the Holy Spirit lighted on the altar. The Holy Spirit was impressive to behold. His flaming wings outstretched and dwarfed the altar itself, the length of which was 100 cubits long. His eyes blazed with fire, and his pupils were as balls of lightning, and like a bird of prey, he flew and a trail of fire and the colors of the rainbow followed him.

  To look upon the Holy Spirit of God was as if to look upon a dove and an eagle simultaneously. Yet the similitude of a man appeared within the image of the raptor-like image. The Spirit lighted upon the altar, and fire immediately raged both under and on either side. A woof sound sparked as it ignited, and Saesheal’s body illuminated within the blaze. Then the air filled with the aroma––a scent, a smell not of ash or charred remains––but sweet and cinnamon like. Then the aroma changed, and almond filled the air, and again the nostrils of all became enthralled as frankincense wafted across the emporium. Michael could tell that he was not alone in his curiosity and surprise as he looked to see that all Elohim present seemed enraptured as the aromatic mist filled the mountain and spread outward in every direction.

  A vial was set towards the altar's front side again, but for what purpose none were privy. El ever directed them to build, to maintain, and to create; later they learned for what purpose.

  Higher the flames climbed, but the body of Saesheal was not consumed. Smoke filled the area, which neither stifled nor hindered breathing, yet all around, the smell was sweet and saturated the air. All of Heaven was bowed down in reverence to the Holy Spirit of God and basked in the midst of the potpourri. The third person of the Trinity spoke and waves of visible sound ushered from his outstretched wings.

  “Sons of God arise and let your eyes look upon the sacrifice. Behold the great Saesheal, Keeper of the Word of God. He was to be chief overseer: Archon of the lesser light of the moon. His bravery that my will not be thwarted placed him in harm’s way. Thus, shall all of Heaven now honor him.”

  The mountain itself quaked as the Spirit of God spoke and seven thunders thundered. Lightning and smoke filled the mountain of God, and all stood captivated as the Spirit arose from the altar. Sparks of flame leapt from his wings and torched the body, which did not burn; instead, it smoldered while lying in state atop the altar at the foot of the Spirit.

  Every eye looked to the person of the Holy Spirit, and all of Heaven either stood or was in flight, huddled like anxious participants to a great coliseum match; each struggled to see the spectacle before them. An innumerable company of angels filled the emporium and surrounded the mountain, ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands. Michael watched astonished as mouth after mouth opened in response to the scene before their eyes. He, too, found himself overcome with wonder, his eyes fixated on the Altar of Sacrifice, and all of Heaven looked on with fascination, transfixed as Saesheal’s body began to move.

  ********************

  “Is the manna to your liking, Apollyon?”

  “Indeed, Lord Prince, this particular flavor is of exceptional taste and refreshes me. Your hospitality is much welcomed.”

  Lucifer took a cup of ale to drink and held a sapphire chalice to his lips. Decorated with some of the planets flora, the banquet table impressed Apollyon. Tapestries imported from Heaven draped the walls and ornate ceiling, ready for the day that El himself might seek to fill this temple. The floors were made from the finest ores of gold, silver, topaz, jasper, beryl, and onyx. Diamonds and emeralds adorned the walls like grout all ready to reflect the temple's steward Lucifer. />
  Lucifer sat, covered himself, and pulled his robes tighter over his person so that his beauty did not distract. He was careful to stay covered when outside of the presence of God; therefore, he wore coverings that he might never draw attention to himself. Lucifer knew that were he to uncloak or otherwise reveal his appearance, the reflection from his mirror and diamond like skin would overwhelm the whole palace in light, for the place was crafted that he might reflect God’s glory.

  “Think naught, my friend. El has commanded me to share with you his word. It is my intent to carry out my master's will. However, before I speak his word, I’d like to ask you a question if I may?”

  “Of course, Lord Prince, please.”

  “El heard your cry and dispatched me to respond to thee. I will of course, share with you El’s words, yet I find myself with desire to hear yours. I hold particular interest of your account of this event.”

  “It is very simple Lord Prince. Master Breagun received and gave me orders from Prince Talus to serve as Archon for this system's star and Saesheal for the moon. Each one of us was to appoint seven attendants to our cause. After receipt of said orders, Saesheal and I determined to go and scout our posts and personally see to them. I relieved Ra who was temporarily assigned at the time.”

  “I see, and once fitted within Sol’s core what then?” asked Lucifer.

  Apollyon looked down, his eyes closed and his head in his hands, his voice cracked with sadness as he replied.

  “I saw the beauty of Earth, Lord Prince. I saw the lushness that inhabited the planet. I saw the whole of the system seated in the center of Sol, and when I looked upon each world, I was moved with compassion. So I reached out to bring warmth to the fourth planet. I failed to remember that my thoughts themselves bound me to the star and that it would obey my will. The flare was an oversight, an impulse of my mind reaching out for what I saw. When I realized the magnitude of my actions, the flare had already approached your watch. I could neither pursue nor recall it once unleashed. Saesheal also knew this and sacrificed himself to save Earth.”

  “Am I to understand Apollyon that you let your will slip? Did I hear you correctly, or did you just inform me that you exerted your desires and will over El’s?”

  “Nay, Lord Prince, I am truly submitted to my master and king. I would never defy Him,” said Apollyon.

  “Your words leave me little comfort, Archon. You were assigned to my sector of space, and your actions have endangered the success of my watch. This temple an edifice in which I have invested much toil. All that I have created here over the course of these past five days would have come to ruin, all because you determined that one planet out of the countless specks in this cosmos should support life.

  Let me ask you, Archon, would your desires have extended warmth to the gas giant in this system, and what of the nether planets on its outskirts? Did it not occur to you that each one is set in its course by El himself? Or did you think yourself omniscient to know how and which planets should support life?”

  Silence engulfed the room.

  Apollyon visibly shook and covered his ears as the volume of Lucifer’s words made his ears pound. Although Lucifer could conceal his visage so as not to blind, his voice boomed so that others could hear. His interrogation drew the notice of the attendants outside his chambers. Belial, a servant of Lucifer, poked his head inside the chamber door.

  “Lord Prince, is all well?”

  “Nay, Belial––nay, it is not. You may take your leave nonetheless.”

  “As you command, Lord Prince,” said Belial.

  Belial departed and shut the door behind him, leaving the two Elohim alone to continue.

  Lucifer stood to his feet and removed his royal robes; each wing slowly unfurled, six to his right and six to his left. He opened the pores of his flesh to reveal his true form, and light raced to his body as iron fillings to magnetic ore, and colors projected from his skin like spotlights on the room walls.

  The walls themselves absorbed and amplified the light. Each beam bounced off the glass of the temple. Brighter and brighter, the temple glowed, sparkling as a lamp within the darkness. The building radiated a hum, and everyone within the city knew that Lucifer had become uncovered, and each bowed to shield his eyes.

  Apollyon kneeled in front of such a display, and although his strength in a physical altercation would equal or even surpass Lucifer, his mind was quickly overwhelmed by the brightness of his glory.

  Lucifer spoke. “I am Chief Prince Lucifer Draco, Lightbringer and Son of the Morning Star. I walk within the midst of the Stones of Fire. Hear the word of the Lord!

  Oh Son of the Dawn, thou who is the blossom of the Morning Star, be still and let your soul be at ease, for this thing was done that others might be made manifest. For you shall twice be tested and have once been vexed, the flame, which thou, hast controlled, shall indeed mirror your own as it doth consume; let not your own flame thus burn. But be thou warned that if sorrow persists, then on your shoulders shall indeed a new dawn come, the breaking of a new day. And he to whom you would seek solace shall be your King, and your infamy shall indeed be known even unto the end of days.

  Lucifer shuttered the pores of his flesh and covered himself with his robes; the light from his person vanished, and the room grew dim.

  Apollyon rose to his feet, the drumming from Lucifer’s voice still echoing in his ears. “This is the word from El: a riddle? But what does it mean?”

  Lucifer motioned towards Apollyon and placed his hands on his shoulder as a gesture of comfort.

  “I know not the meaning of his words. I only carry them per his will.”

  “Ugh, I do not wish to meditate on riddles,” snapped Apollyon.

  “I think, Son of the Dawn, that your heart was in the right place: you simply wanted to see life where none existed. It is evident that you have been misunderstood. Where others might see failure or a simpleton, I see before me an Arelim who merely wanted to be as his Creator. A sentiment all who behold El: would understandably aspire. You made a mistake. I do not profess to know El’s mind in this matter, but He is right that judgest, and surely He can see that your heart is sound.”

  “Thank you, Lord Prince. I shall return to Heaven and solicit from Him myself the meaning of these words. I wish to see my friend's body once more and determine my status as Archon with Talus.”

  “Then return, my friend, and may El grant you audience to understand His word, but, Apollyon, tell me —”

  “Yes, Lord Prince?”

  “How fares your consolation,” said Lucifer.

  “My consolation Lord Prince? My consolation would improve if my brethren, such as your attendant Ashtaroth, did not whisper injury behind my back. For I am neither deaf nor without feeling. I am sure he would not like me to reciprocate. It is not with honor I bear this failure.”

  “I will speak with him,” said Lucifer.

  “May I take my leave, Lord Prince?”

  “Of course. May El’s presence give you comfort Apollyon.”

  “Not today, Lord Prince, not today.”

  Lucifer looked upon this angel and noted that his manner was so different from all he had seen, his spirit so similar to his own. Lucifer perceived movement to his rear as light waves changed, and he turned to face his now visible Grigori.

  Lilith stood as all of his kind, cloaked in black, non-descript in appearance save he possessed no eyes or ears. A golden sash lined his waist, and a silver pen ever writing in a tome hovered slightly above him to his rear whilst an inkhorn hovered opposite him. His folded hands were covered in his dark cloak.

  “I have yet to record what I have witnessed.”

  “And?” said Lucifer.

  “And, you have not dispersed the entirety of El’s word,” said Lilith.

  “Indeed,” was Lucifer’s reply as he warily observed his ‘Watcher’.

  “El’s command regarding His word is clear Lucifer. “Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you, neither s
hall ye diminish ought from it, that ye may keep the commandments of the Lord your God which I command you.”

  “That Grigori is your command. I walk within the Stones of Fire. El grants me great autonomy to function in his name. I have exercised said privilege now.”

  “Take care, Lightbringer, as to diminish El’s word is to trifle with reality itself.”

  Lucifer walked towards his Grigori, and his eyes narrowed as he inspected him. "And you, Lilith, why warn me at all? Are you not in violation of your own oath to speak with me? You are my watcher; since when would you be my counselor?” said Lucifer.

  “Ah, but my liege…” Lilith bowed mockingly, “I acquire enormous benefit from watching you. Your thoughts are most shall we say – intriguing: to be sure. Therefore, I record your journals that I might continue to watch your thoughts and deeds. I am sure if I fully recorded what I see, then those within the royal court would be as equally distressed as when Apollyon’s own thoughts were revealed.”

  “Indeed,” said Lucifer. “However, I am curious, Lilith.”

  “Yes, Lord Prince?”

  “Who watches the watchers?”

  Lilith grinned, and his form began to fade and slowly disappear to its non-corporeal state until all that remained visible to the eye was an angelic yet impish grin.

  ********************

  Apollyon walked through the halls of Athor: its corridors gleamed in light, and tapestries adorned its walls. His large frame made each Elohim that he encountered make way for him to pass. Each one eyed him. He noticed the sneers as he stepped toward the outer court; however, none of them understood. He could tell that their eyes followed him when they thought that he was not looking. Who among their kind had ever lost a brother? How could they know his pain he wondered? Apollyon thought to himself, what could have been El’s plan but to watch Saesheal’s ruin? I know that El heard my cry. If he had but been there, my brother would still be alive. I must return home. El must answer me.