by Donovan Neal
Lucifer smiled, looked upon his brethren, and spoke.
“I will brave Hell's maw, release Apollyon, and convey him safe before you. If I return with him, you will alter your sigil in thy flesh, bear my seal, and shall serve me. You will then be my people, and I will be your God.”
Tiamat looked around the room, and the other elders nodded.
“We will do as thou hast said. Yet Chief Prince…what if you fail?”
Lucifer looked upon them all and spoke with fire in his eyes.
“Then if I perish—I perish.”
********************
Ashtaroth waited for his master near the waypoint of Argoth. Lucifer’s Ladder materialized, and he strutted off the platform. Ashtaroth took note that his master’s countenance was serious even for him.
“My Lord Prince, welcome home.”
“Thank you Astarte. You are my most trusted servant, and in the days of ahead, I will lean on your faithfulness to accomplish a task of great importance.”
I am at your service my Prince,” he said.
Lucifer and Ashtaroth made their way to his home.
“Astarte how go the repairs to my estate?”
“I expect them to be complete upon our return my Prince.”
“Well done my friend, well done. When all this is over, I will see that you are greatly rewarded.”
“I am ever grateful, Chief Prince. You honor me.”
Lucifer entered his home through the great doors and made his way upstairs while Ashtaroth saw to matters elsewhere in the mansion.
Lucifer stood outside his bedroom door and looked at the two angels sent by Michael to repair his palatial bedroom.
“How are you coming with the repairs?" Lucifer inquired.
One of the two Arelim builders turned to the Chief Prince to respond.
“Well we are almost done, Lord Prince. We should be off the premises shortly. If I may be so bold sire, it grieves me that an Issi would be the cause of such destruction. It never fails that an Arelim must clean up their mess.”
Lucifer looked curiously at the worker. “Elaborate.”
“Well sire, it’s not that we don’t appreciate and respect the Issi. We just know that one such as yourself should have builders around you, not swift tongued angels who don’t know their place.”
Lucifer stroked his small beard. “So you disapprove of Ashtaroth an Issi, as my attendant?”
“I pray that my Lord would not be angry with me. It is not our place to judge. However, all one need do is look at thine wall my Prince. In the very repairs that we make, your answer lies therein.”
Lucifer chuckled. “My understanding of events is that Apollyon was bested by Ashtaroth.”
Both workers stopped, looked at each other and one walked slowly towards Lucifer. “Chief Prince, an Issi: even one who serves within thine house — can never best an Arelim. If Apollyon was bested, it was through guile, not strength of arms.”
Lucifer stood unmoved. The Arelim was strong and imposing in demeanor and like all his kind possessed muscular arms, cloven feet, and a bull's head.
Just like all his ilk, Lucifer thought.
Lucifer was not intimidated. He was the Chief Prince, and he walked on the Stones of Fire. He moved forward, but the Arelim stood his ground.
“Elohim do not harm other Elohim, and on the day such were to occur, my wrath would most assuredly ensue on the angel who would lift up his hand against another. Am I understood?”
The Arelim stepped back, “My apologies Chief Prince. I meant no disrespect…”
Ashtaroth entered the chamber and spoke, “My Lord your presence is requested by the court. El plans a repast for the council and…”
Both Arelim workers spread their wings, and the hair on their backs raised as their bodies prepared themselves for battle.
Ashtaroth’s stance became poised for defense, and the two angelic species warily eyed one another. The Arelim looked with loathing at Ashtaroth; each dropped their tools and clenched their fists, their wings unfurled and grew tense ready to leap.
Lucifer spoke, “Ashtaroth, you will accompany me to the mount. As for the two of you, your work here is complete. Know that your Chief Prince is pleased. You may leave my presence now.”
Lucifer sat down at his desk and began to write within his journal and without looking at the two workers or Ashtaroth, spoke.
“And my wrath would assuredly ensue on the angel who lifted up his hand against another.”
The two workers relaxed, bowed to the Chief Prince and stepped out the room, scowling at Ashtaroth as they left. Lucifer and Ashtaroth heard them make their way downstairs and out the front door.
Ashtaroth relaxed and his color returned to him.
“My apologies Chief Prince, the Arelim are a most brutish lot. They know not the subtleties of protocol. I fear that tensions have risen since the altercation between Apollyon and myself. There is a growing division amongst the Issi and Arelim. Our exchange, I am afraid, has only inflamed contention over his person and his sentence. Some believe that I too should have been thrown into Hell for my participation with Apollyon. I fear that our altercation is a sore point between our two races. My mere presence incites tension in Heaven's midst.”
Lucifer stroked his chin then spoke. “Indeed, but this may be used to my profit.” Lucifer said.
“My Lord?” said Ashtaroth confused.
“Ashtaroth, I have changed my mind. I will go alone to the mount. You will assemble the most trusted and loyal of my household, and thou and thy company shall leave for Earth. Await me in the palace, and I shall give you understanding of my will.”
“As you command my prince.” Ashtaroth turned to leave but then paused and turned to speak. “Thank you my Lord.”
Lucifer turned around to face his servant: curious for the expression of gratitude.
“Thank you Chief Prince for calling me by my name,” explained Ashtaroth.
Lucifer smiled. “I have always loved you my friend. You have faithfully served me.”
Ashtaroth bowed, turned then left the room. Lucifer closed the bedroom door behind him and looked out the window on the city of angels beneath him. His brow wrinkled, for the path that he was about to take weighed heavily upon him.
Lilith uncloaked behind him and spoke. “He really is quite slow isn’t he?”
Lucifer grinned then replied. “He is, yet he is faithful. His obedience is all that is necessary for my purpose.” Lucifer continued to look upon the throng of Heaven's populace as they scurried to duties unknown.
“He will serve as will all the rest. But Grigori this would I know…” Lucifer turned to face his watcher. “Are you with me or for mine adversaries?”
Lilith bowed to the Chief Prince.
“You have been a charge most intriguing, Lucifer Draco. Thou sealest up the sum, full of wisdom, and perfect in beauty. If thou cans’t indeed walk through hell fire and steal Apollyon away to defy El’s prison, to walk within the maw and come out again —I would sit watch over thee to see what the end shall be.
"By now Raphael hast learned of my entries, for your actions have become more difficult to document without a level of bias on my part.” “Aye," said Lilith, “I shall be he which chronicles thy work.”
“Thou art wise Lilith.” Lucifer said.
“Nay, Chief Prince. My wisdom hast yet to be found in this decision. What I am is an angel who hast violated Grigoric law. Your complicity hast become my own. I simply rise and fall on thy doings, but I must admit, to cease to be under the heel of Raphael’s dictums — that I will most enjoy.”
“Then I bequeath to you Lilith his position upon my ascension to the throne. All Grigori then shall call thee Lord Prince.”
Lilith bowed. “I am thine to command.”
“Then let us go; El and my brethren await me. Let us not tarry for there is much to do. A kingdom overthrown I must begin.”
Chapter Six
Choose ye this day whom ye shall serve
End of day Six.
The Lumazi had gathered for fellowship over a meal. El desired to celebrate the working of the past six days and to share the company of his sons. It was not often that all seven princes gathered with El. The work of creation had taxed them all, and El was now prepared to take his rest, a day when the Holy One of the universe would cease from all his labors.
Raphael had asked the Lord God about his resting. El replied, “There is a pattern that must be set, my son.” El would not elaborate more.
The banquet hall was immense, with a long circular table set in the midst of the room. Servers attended to every need as an Elohim of a different race waited on each prince. Michael often grew extremely conscientious when others doted upon him. He was Archon of Heaven and constantly looking to see how he might best benefit El and all Heaven. He was a servant and not accustomed to pampering. Gabriel loved to engage in conversation. It took constant reproofs from El to keep him seated and not to assist the attendants in the preparation rooms. Both Talus and Sariel salivated over the incoming meal, yet when Talus eyed Sariel served by an Arelim, he frowned, but both Talus and Sariel managed to do nothing to provoke El to speak disapprovingly to them.
Jerahmeel was, of course, at home. He loved fellowship, and he loved the brethren. His unprovoked laughs were contagious, and he could infect others with his joviality. For no apparent reason, one would find himself spontaneously laughing uncontrollably. Jerahmeel was a praiser. He loved to sing, whether Heaven wanted to hear him or not, and sing Jerahmeel did, especially a song to honor El’s designing of creation.
Soon the banquet hall was festive with laughter and song.
Finally, Jerahmeel settled down enough to realize that his plate was empty.
“Are you going to eat that?” he asked Lucifer.
Lucifer shook his head and slid his plate to his brother.
Jerahmeel happily took the plate and gleefully filled his mouth, an orifice that never seemed to close.
Talus was quick to remind him that his own plate of manna seemed mysteriously diminished by one loaf.
El sat quietly at the table.
Michael noticed that both Lucifer and El had not eaten, and that each was eerily hushed. El had his hands folded and his eyes closed; he seemed to be listening to each of his sons with a smile was on his face.
El exhaled, opened his eyes, and spoke.
“I will miss these meals.”
Everyone around the table looked at him perplexed.
Gabriel asked him, “Lord, what do you mean?”
El somberly looked at each of his seven sons, these beings of power and light. Longingly, he gazed upon them and smiled, but his demeanor changed as a look of seriousness appeared as he glanced down and spoke.
“One of you will betray us all.”
Silence engulfed the room
Lucifer shifted nervously in his seat.
Once again, El had introduced a new word to everyone. With blank stares and shrugged shoulders, each looked at one another for answers. When they all looked at Michael, he realized that the group had quietly drafted him to speak the question that they all were too timid to ask.
“What is ‘betrayal’ Lord?” asked Michael.
El looked at them and said. “I have many things to say to you, but you are not able to bear them right now. In time, all will be revealed. Although you do not know what I do now, you will know later. The one with whom I share the sop of my cup, he will betray us.”
El slowly dipped his bread into his cup and passed it to Lucifer.
Lucifer stared quietly at it and then stared at El.
Each prince in the room watched as El and the Chief Prince, looked upon each other. Silence stood between them. El looked at Lucifer, smiled lovingly and seemed to communicate instructions to the Chief Prince as he had done so many times before.
Lucifer looked away from El and rose from the table. He quickly headed towards the door. Michael ran to catch up to his brother.
“Lucifer, where are you going?”
Lucifer took Michael by the hand, hugged him, and whispered into his ear. “Where I go you cannot follow.” And a tear ran down Lucifer’s eye.
“Lucifer…,” said El.
Lucifer turned to gaze upon his Lord before leaving.
“What thou doest,” El paused. “Do quickly.”
Lucifer nodded in acknowledgement and glanced at his brothers. He stared at each one's face, released Michael and turned to walk away.
“Lucifer?” Michael cried.
Lucifer paused momentarily; clenched his fists, closed his eyes and contorted his tear stricken face, but he did not turn. He gritted his teeth and continued with a quickened pace down the marble corridor.
“Lucifer please…,” begged Michael. But his brother continued to ignore him. He lifted himself into the air and quickly flew away.
Michael stared at his brother and watched him disappear; confusion gripped him. He spun around to look at El, his eyes pleading for explanation.
El stood with none.
All immediately stood as well, and El spoke.
“Come ye have much to do.”
“Lord, the meal is not yet finished,” said Jerahmeel.
“Aye, but unless we depart, he who is revealed will not reveal himself, and so that all might be made known. I must leave you for a season. Fear not; I will not leave you comfortless. Michael has charge during our Sabbath for war will be unleashed upon you soon.”
“Lord?”
“Yes, Michael?”
“What is ‘war’?”
“You shall find out soon my son.”
********************
Lucifer walked with a hurried pace and quickly left the banquet room. Attendants of the temple bowed in respect as he passed a corridor and went into the throne room. He gazed at the ceiling of onyx, which showed stars, galaxies, and all the planets of the celestial universe.
When next I enter this chamber, this shall all be mine.
He walked towards the right side of the throne and to the latticed gold doors of the Kiln. He could feel the heat emanating from inside. Lucifer turned the diamond handle to the large vault and entered the Kiln.
Dry air rushed towards his face and the temperature changed immediately from room temperature to boiling as Lucifer made his way into the chamber. He walked down a small corridor that erupted in flames. He had been this way before. Only those empowered by El to walk this hall could survive it. As he entered the chamber the stones stood before him and laid spread out at his feet.
Once more Lucifer walked amidst the Stones of Fire. They called to him, each beckoning to be. He had been here countless times before. The sentient stones knew him. They welcomed him, calling out to him. They made a hum against the backdrop of the roar of the great furnace. White-hot flames jetted in front of him. The heat of the whole universe trapped in one room: the source of Hell’s fire.
Lucifer, however, was not here this day to assist El in the creation of another Elohim. No, he was here for one purpose only: to cross the long umbilical cord of fire and brimstone that stretched from the Kiln to the living mountain of Hell.
Lucifer stood to hear the songs and opened the pores of his flesh. The flame soothed him, and he sang with the stones as he basked in the heat of the fire. Smiling, he looked at the stone in the center of the room, a gemstone of much larger substance; he listened. For its song was different from all others. Temptation gripped him to touch it, but he had not come here to partake in the stone’s song—not yet.
Soon, he said to himself.
He saw the wall still fresh with the imprint of Charon’s frame. Lucifer looked down at the steaming floor and saw the manacled tendrils of Charon’s footsteps.
A trail, Lucifer thought.
To find Apollyon would require him to walk a path of heat and flame, to follow the path of Charon and to traverse a path through Hell.
Determined, Lucifer looked on. The entry to Hell opened and clos
ed, pulsating like the beating of a human heart. The sulfuric air scorched lung and eye. Lucifer hardened into his Draconian form and closed the pores in his flesh.
Hell was a living prison designed to feed off the flesh of Elohim. A thought that caused Lucifer to take pause. He stared at the orifice and realized how his task would reverberate throughout Heaven.
The opening widened and Lucifer steeled himself and stepped through.
Lucifer ducked his head and followed the footsteps left by Charon through the moist heated bile of Hell’s umbilical. The hotness of the channel grew more intense as he walked. The umbilical itself served as an exhaust or as a flume with roasting wave after wave of intense heat.
Lucifer began to grow increasingly uncomfortable: he had walked in the Kiln with God and had survived. Now he stood within the twisted veins and arteries of Hell's furnace. Gooey liquid slowly oozed from the ceiling as Lucifer trekked ever deeper towards the creature’s belly.
Finally, he thought. Lucifer saw at last the entrance to the mountain. He was horrified. “What abomination is this?” he said to himself.
At the end of the channel, he could see rows of razor sharp teeth. Flames licked ever higher, for the room beyond the teeth was vast. Geysers of sulfuric acid ejected from the walls and floors. Eyes were sprawled on the mountain’s floor. Moreover, many mouths lined the walls, each filled with rows of razor sharp teeth. The openings salivated and waited for any morsel, any opportunity to engorge on Elomic flesh. Lucifer quickly realized that the umbilical was simply one mouth, a mouth that he attempted to exit.
Where does each opening lead? He wondered.
Heated streams of lava coiled a membranous skin of ash and smoke. It became increasingly evident that within the craggy outer crust of the mount, Hell was a creature of flesh.
Lucifer cautiously walked towards the opening, and the fluid of the chamber became more thick and sticky as he approached. He walked towards the razor sharp teeth and slid his serpentine body through the various rows. Pain immediately befell him; the teeth sliced into his diamond flesh as a razor would slice through paper.
