The Fall of Lilith

by Vashti Quiroz-Vega

  Chapter 11

  Gadreel’s Secret

  After several hours of sleep, they awoke looking well rested. “We should eat what remains of the carcass before we leave the cave.” Lilith stretched and yawned.

  Samael blinked owlishly and bobbed his head. “Gadreel, will you eat?”

  Gadreel frowned and held up a palm. “I refuse to eat animal flesh.” Her voice was weak and her legs shook from lack of nourishment.

  The large camel got to its feet. It glanced at Gadreel, and then peeked at Samael and Lilith as they strolled away toward the small carcass to have their day’s first meal.

  Gadreel tried to move the beast along to follow them, but the camel would not budge.

  She looked at the camel sideways. “Do you wish to remain in this ice cave by yourself?”

  The camel nudged her on the back of the neck, almost knocking her to the ground. She was startled, but unexpectedly, unafraid. She rested a hand on her hip and squinted at the camel. The animal shoved her again and this time she fell to her knees.

  Gadreel remained crouched on the ground. “Is this what you wish?” She blew out her cheeks and waited. The camel positioned herself perpendicular to her and exposed her udder. Gadreel chortled. “Ah, I now realize your purpose.” She straightened and tucked her curls behind her ears, placed her mouth around one of the teats and began to pull.

  Before long, warm, sweet milk poured into her mouth. She was so hungry, her mouth quivered as she slurped.

  After feeding to her heart’s content, she got to her feet, and wiped her mouth. “This shall be our little secret,” she whispered to the camel. The camel bobbed its head and followed her as she proceeded to find the others. She found them as they finished the last of the carcass. Lilith scooped snow off the ground to cleanse her face and hands. Samael mimicked her every move. Gadreel glowered at them.

  “It is time we leave this icy cavern,” Lilith said. “We shall need our strength today, for I intend to make it to the coast before we rest again.”

  “We have plenty of strength for that and more.” Samael beamed and raked his fingers through his hair.

  “We do, but Gadreel has not fed yet.” Lilith scowled at her.

  “Do not worry about me. I shall not linger.” Gadreel raised her chin.

  Lilith frowned and walked to her. “You look in good form and restored.” She ambled around her. “Yet, you have not fed in quite a while.” Was she growing stronger?

  Gadreel inspected her fingernails. “Perhaps the rest did me well. I shall not dawdle, I promise.”

  “Perhaps you shall not delay us, but that large animal would certainly slow us.” Lilith pointed to the camel that had not moved from Gadreel’s side.

  “No! The beast shall not lag behind either.” She put her arm around the camel’s neck.

  Lilith pulled back, eyebrows lifted high. “I do not understand your attachment to this animal. You do remember that it nearly tore your hand in half?” She smiled the kind of smile that feels like a threat. “If the animal hinders us at any point, we shall leave it where it stands.” The animal could still be of some use to them and perhaps serve as sustenance at some point. She would allow her to bring it with them. Besides, it would keep Gadreel busy and away from Samael.

  “I agree,” Samael said. “The beast is of no use to us anymore, since it does not allow us to drink of its nutritious fluid.”

  “Very well, if the animal slows us, I shall leave it.” Gadreel crossed her arms.

  Lilith proceeded to the skins she left lying on the ice overnight. She lifted one of the narrow sections, and wrapped it around her upper body. She tied the soft hide into a knot at the center, concealing her breasts. She then grabbed one of the larger pieces of the skin material, and secured it around her waist, creating a garment. The others watched with confused expressions. Afterward, she glanced at Gadreel and pointed to the remaining pieces of skin.

  “Do as I did.”

  “I shall not!” Gadreel turned away, lips primed.

  “In Floraison, we wore garments to cover our bodies. Those garments were removed from us when we were exiled. Do either of you know why?” Lilith raised an eyebrow and waited for a response.

  Gadreel hung her head. Samael shrugged.

  “The reason they stripped us bare before exiling us to this planet is because they expected us to live here like animals.” Lilith peered into Samael’s luminous amber eyes.

  “That cannot be true,” Samael said in a gruff voice. “We are superior to the animals.”

  “Not in God’s eyes! Not anymore.” Lilith pointed skyward. “That is why we must conceal our bodies––to defy Him who thinks so little of us.”

  Gadreel wrapped her arms around herself. “I understand now why we should cover our bodies, but I still cannot wear the small animal’s skin. I shall find something else to use for garments soon enough.”

  “Very well, do what you must.” Lilith marched toward the cave’s exit.

  Samael took the larger piece of camel skin and created a garment, which hung from his waist and hid his genitals. They strolled away from the ice cave with renewed vigor and strength. Outside the sun shone on the mountain, and for once its glaring, fiery light was welcomed.

  The fallen angels and the camel moved on foot until they saw the ocean. Gadreel beamed as she watched the sun’s rays frolic across the turquoise waters.

  “We are close to Satan now. I can sense his presence.” Lilith closed her eyes.

  Samael sulked. She speaks of reuniting with Satan while he stood by her side, as if he were insignificant.

  “We can fly to shore from here!” Lilith’s eyes gleamed with enthusiasm.

  “You must leave the mammal behind. Leave it and fly to shore,” Samael said with a contemptuous toss of his head toward the edge of the mountain.

  “No, I shall not leave it.” Gadreel held on to the camel’s neck. “What is wrong, Samael? Lilith’s ebullience to join Satan put you in a foul mood?”

  Lilith cocked her head and guffawed.

  He threw his hands in the air. “Fine! I would like to see how you plan to fly to the coast carrying the beast.”

  “Lilith was able to carry the animal in flight to the mountaintop. Why would I not be able to do the same?” Gadreel climbed upon the camel, wrapped her arms around it, and began to flap her wings with vigor. She lifted the camel off the ground and proceeded to fly toward the coast.

  Samael laughed and slapped a hand on his forehead. “She did it!”

  The smile on Lilith’s face did not change. It did not fade in the least. But the smile in her eyes, the authentic part of a smile, vanished.

  Gadreel flew to the rim of the ocean. The temperature rose as she swooped to a red, rocky cliff, which gave way to a flat shoreline with beaches. She placed the camel on the rock and leapt down.

  She gazed at the beautiful seashore and the vast, shimmering ocean. She caught sight of a large bird in the cloudless sky. It was elegant and agile in flight and she admired its full-feathered legs, large talons, powerful beak, and brown plumage combined with lustrous golden feathers on top of its head and neck. The bird was unlike any creature she had seen in Floraison.

  Gadreel beckoned it. “Come to me, my feathered friend, so that I may take a better look at you.” To her amazement the bird flew to her and perched on her left shoulder.

  She laughed with excitement. She extended her left arm across her body, offering her limb as a perch. The large bird hopped onto her forearm, and she carried its weight. She bent her arm closer to her body. “Despite your size you are but a young raptor.”

  The eaglet stared into her eyes for a while and then it squealed and chirped. It seemed to be conversing with her, but the conversation was one-sided, since she did not understand its meaning. The eaglet screamed one more time and flew away. She followed the bird with her eyes as it soared across the sky until it was far beyond her sight. She was about to lower her eyes when she spotted Lilith and Samael in midair.<
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  She watched them land on a great cliff across the beach from her. She placed her hand on the camel. “We must go meet them.”

  The camel sat on its hind legs. Gadreel pulled on her but the animal would not budge. Gadreel held the camel’s face between her hands. “Please come with me.”

  The camel groaned and did not move.

  “Come with me, I implore you. Do not leave me alone with Lilith and her minion.” With a downward gaze, the camel stood on its hind legs and made a rumbling growl.

  “I appreciate what you are doing for me.” She smiled. It seemed she had been given a great gift. She could communicate with most animals, and they were responsive to her wishes and suggestions. However, a few species were hostile toward her. She must develop her talent further.

  She caressed the beast’s thick, woolly fur. Together, they made their way to the long strip of sand lapped by ocean waves.

  On her way off the rocky surface, Gadreel came across many sizeable plants with large leaves. She collected long, wide leaves and vines, which she used to make a frock to cover her lower half, and a second garment to conceal her bosom.

  The sun rose higher in the sky, creating a palette of hues on the water. She squinted at the sun. “Midday approaches, and the sun’s powerful rays shall be sweltering and dangerous. My feet are red and painful, for the sand beneath them is hot. I thought the sun’s warmth would have been a welcomed change from the ice and snow, but it is merely another form of torture.” She glanced at the camel and smiled. “I wish I was as well provided as you are to cope with the sun’s rays.”

  In the distance, she saw a tree with sizable shade beneath it. She hurried to rest on the shady patch of soft white sand. She gazed upward. The tree’s crown of feather-shaped leaves held large clusters of round, nutty fruit. She reclined against the palm tree with the camel at her side.

  She gazed at the camel and buried her hand in the curls on top of its head. “Lilith is set on retaliation against God for all that has gone wrong in Floraison and on Earth. She becomes more and more dangerous as thoughts of vengeance consume her.” She pressed her lips together and stretched out her legs in front of her. The camel moaned softly. “What can I do? I am trapped. Lilith resents me more each day because I do not share her lust for revenge. I am terrified of what is to come. I must win over Samael, but how? I need him as an ally, but how could I compete with Lilith for his affections?” She rubbed her chin and tapped the air with her feet. “I am in constant fear for my life, but I must become brave or I shall not survive.”

  Chapter 12

  Sweet Nutty Sustenance

  Lilith and Samael dove to the fine white sands surrounded by mountains. They moved on foot toward Gadreel and met her under the coconut tree. The day grew hotter but they experienced some degree of comfort in the shade.

  As they relaxed under the tree, the sound they followed became stronger in their minds.

  “We must move closer to the ocean,” Lilith told the others. “We are being summoned to the waters. Do you not hear it?”

  “Yes, I hear it.” Samael’s tone was sarcastic and his lips pursed like he had been chewing on something sour.

  Gadreel rose to her feet and stared at the water.

  They drew closer to the ocean and spotted another coconut tree near the shoreline. Lilith and Samael sat in the shade. Gadreel stepped into the water and smiled. “The sensation of the water splashing against my legs is delightful.” She slowly waded out farther and immersed herself in the salty ocean water. The gentle waves cradled her and swayed her to and fro. Soft sand swirled between her toes. She chortled and then inhaled and submerged herself.

  There were many small fish underwater. The minute fish swam to her and softly pecked her on the nose, cheeks, forehead and chin, as if delivering little kisses. She watched them for a while, but realized she needed to come up for air. She surfaced and drew in a long, deep breath.

  She sashayed toward the shoreline, water dripping from her hair and body. Her wet skin glistened in the sunlight. She glanced at Samael and smiled. He ogled her.

  Lilith looked at Gadreel and then at him and scowled. “Do you desire her?”

  He raised his eyebrows and shrugged. “She is fetching in a peculiar way, but you are beautiful beyond compare.”

  She grabbed his face and turned it toward her. When his eyes were fixed on hers, she kissed him.

  Gadreel stopped and stared openmouthed. “What do we do now?” There was some bite in her tone.

  “We wait,” Lilith told her with a satisfied smile.

  They lingered on the beach, staring out to sea. The coconut palm near the shoreline was smaller than the previous one and provided less shade. Meanwhile, the sun’s rays beat on them. The camel helped block the sun for a little while, but it was not enough. Once more they began to lose strength and vigor.

  The camel squirmed, shifted positions, and moaned. Gadreel observed the animal and stroked its fur. The camel stood and shuffled away behind the tree. The animal continued to move away from the others. Gadreel trailed behind it.

  “Where are you and the beast going?” Lilith peered at her, having caught her slipping away.

  “I believe the animal is hungry. It is trying to search for food.” Gadreel bounced on her toes.

  “Food? Maybe we should all follow the beast. It has been a long time since we last fed. We need sustenance as well.”

  “No!” Gadreel held up her palms. “I mean––do not expend your energy. If the beast finds food, I shall bring some for you both, or come get you and take you to the source. In the meantime, relax under the tree and conserve your energy.” Gadreel hid her trembling hands behind her.

  Lilith stared at her askance. There was a long, awkward silence. She appeared to be trying to read her intentions. “Splendid, go and follow your beast.” She gave a dismissive wave of her hand. “We shall wait here for the food you shall provide for us.” She glanced at Samael, who snickered with her.

  “Gadreel the provider!” Samael mocked, resting his body against the tree.

  Gadreel stormed away, following the camel to a small thicket of trees between immense rocks bordering the beach. Her face lost color as she stared at the small woodland. “This is not one of the forbidden forests in Floraison.” She exhaled a rush of air and tiptoed amongst the trees. The camel ate plants and bushes, while she paced to and fro, wide eyes flitting in every direction, as she waited for the animal to get its fill of vegetation.

  When the camel was done, it gestured for Gadreel to feed from it again. She scanned for signs of a threat. The camel nudged her once more, pushing her toward her hind legs. Once Gadreel’s belly was full, she faced the camel. “Thank you for your generosity.” She caressed the animal’s face with the hand it had injured. The camel whimpered and licked her wound.

  “Do not fret. My hand shall soon be healed. Lilith’s bizarre methods do yield results. Besides, I know you were grief stricken and not yourself when you bit me. You were also frightened by Samael’s brutish ways. I understand, and I am sorry for your loss.”

  Gadreel laughed as the camel caressed her head with its muzzle.

  “We better return before those two come looking for us. It displeases me that I shan’t be taking them food. They shall mock me for it.”

  On their way back, they passed several coconut palm trees. The camel stopped and kicked the trunk of one tree hard several times, and coconuts came crashing to the ground. One of the coconuts split open when it landed on a jagged rock, splashing Gadreel’s face with its dulcet liquid.

  She picked up one of the halves of the hard-shelled fruit and drank the rest of the opaque fluid. Her eyes opened wide. “It is delightful with a sweet and satisfying taste.”

  The camel began to tear the hard shell off the other coconut half, exposing a meaty white substance, and proceeded to eat it. Gadreel stared openmouthed. The beast tore off a piece of the coconut’s white flesh and offered it to her.

  “Oh! This is delicious!�
�� Gadreel’s mouth was full of coconut. “We can take some back to the others. I am sure they shan’t think me useless after they have tasted this fruit.”

  She gathered several coconuts and walked in an uncoordinated way, heels raised, trying to balance them in her arms. The camel carried one in its mouth.

  Samael and Lilith slept together, her head on his shoulder. Gadreel clenched her teeth and dropped the coconuts at their feet, giving them both a start.

  “What is this?” Lilith gasped, jolted upright and pushed back against the tree in a startled motion and bumped her back and head.

  Gadreel bit her lower lip to conceal a smile. “Here is the food I promised.” She raised her chin, and stood taller.

  Lilith glanced at the coconuts and then looked at her with disdain. “What are these things?”

  “They are fruit. You can puncture a hole on the top, and drink its sweet nectar. The liquid shall quench your thirst. When you are done drinking, you can crack them open to expose the white flesh. Eat and satisfy your hunger.” Gadreel’s eyes glimmered with pride.

  Samael lifted one of the coconuts and turned it in his hand. Gadreel found a jagged rock, placed it before him, and repeated her instructions in a singsong voice. He placed the coconut on the ground, lifted the sharp rock and struck the top of the fruit, puncturing a hole, spilling some of the liquid on the sand.

  He sniffed the opening and grinned. “The fragrance resembles a mix of tropical flowers, with a hint of sweetness.” He brought the fruit to his mouth and drank nearly all of the liquid. Lilith watched him, salivating. He then split the coconut into halves and handed her one. Together they sipped the remaining watery substance. He licked his lips. Lilith beamed.

  Gadreel pried a piece of the white flesh off the outer brown shell and minced her way to him. She placed it in Samael’s mouth in a coquettish manner. He chewed it slowly. “The taste is dulcet and has a flavor like that of nuts.” He nodded and smiled.

  They opened the remaining coconuts, drank the water and ate the meaty parts inside the shells. Soon, they lay satiated on the sand. They closed their eyes again.