by Linda Creel
Besides Esra, her mother, and Tracy, no one else knew about Bren’s gifts.
“Look, I’ll understand if you don’t want to come with me, but I have to go,” Bren said. “Most of those kids don’t even know they are angel-bloods. I’m sure some of them have powers they aren’t aware of. Isn’t it better for us to find out about their powers, rather than put them in Mortriel’s possession? We’ll never have another opportunity like this. We can’t bring back our friends, but we can make sure their deaths weren’t in vain.”
“I wish Irizah was here with us,” Tracy sighed. “When do you want to go?”
“Our dads are leaving for their meeting with the Council now. We’ll wait a few minutes, and then we’ll leave. We aren’t going to tell Aura, but don’t worry – we’ll be fine. My grandfather’s shield will protect us. We’ll be back in Aeden before dinner is on the table.”
“What are we going to do with Gracie once we rescue her?”
“She’ll stay with us. Alorrah says Gracie’s father, Josiah, is one of the Elite Guardians. Gracie isn’t aware of her powers; her parents have kept them hidden. We’ll keep her here until we can get a message to her father. She’ll be safer with us than with anywhere else. Especially once Mortriel finds out we’ve taken her.”
Tracy had made up her mind to go, but that didn’t mean she wasn’t afraid. Mortriel was Lucifer’s son. She wanted to avenge her friends too, but worried about the punishment Mortriel would inflict on the other angel-bloods who were left behind.
“Do you think we can use Gideon’s shield to protect the rest of them?”
Bren put her arm around Tracy’s shoulder. Most of the time the girls were fearless, but going off without the protection of their fathers was a big step for two angel-bloods who, despite being angels in a past life, were only five-years-old by mortal standards.
“We can try. If my mother can protect Aeden, we should be able to safeguard that small house.”
After hearing the front door open and close, Bren clasped Tracy’s hand. A portal would take them to Purgatory. “Are you ready?”
Tracy reluctantly nodded.
Bren smiled, and then lifted her head to Heaven. “Please show us the way, Father, and keep us within your holy light.” A second later, the girls were gone, leaving behind a shadowy silhouette of their small frames.
Chapter 7
There were three other members of the Guild, also sons of the archangels, who lived in Savannah. Joseph and Jack were Raphael’s twin sons; Martin, was the son of Metatron.
By the time they assembled with Paul and Adam, Esra had returned. She rarely took part in their business, but had permission from her Father to inform them about Bren and Tracy’s rescue mission.
After taking a seat next to Paul, she waited for Michael to address the group.
“Most of us are aware Lucifer made a trip to Aeden earlier today. We suspect he is still searching for the bow of Bodhi, but unfortunately, he knows about Bren and Tracy, and may return to confirm Aura is alive too. I have discussed this matter with the council, and we are convinced there is no danger to them at this time. We will be monitoring the situation, but cannot be directly involved.”
“Ha – my husband’s bow will never touch that traitor’s hands,” Ariel spat.
The rest of the Guild turned to look at Gabriel, who had a scowl on his face. It was hard to believe he would agree to keep his distance, knowing how much he cared for Bren and Tracy. They had never known him to break the laws of Heaven, but he wouldn’t sit idly by if they were in trouble.
“My daughter may not remember her past life, but I’m certain Aura’s powers are no longer dormant,” Paul insisted. “We have been training her since birth. She is more than prepared for Lucifer’s minions.”
“If Lucifer becomes aware of her presence, it will only be a matter of time before Mortriel knows Avriel is alive,” Uriel said.
Paul smiled at his father. “Aura’s visions may not have matured, but Eve will not let any harm come to our children.”
“Eve is bound by an oath. She will not break it, not even to save her daughters lives. Perhaps it would be better to keep the girls in Aeden until this is sorted out.”
“Aura will never agree to that. She may be thoughtful and soft-spoken, but she will not allow the fallen to dictate how she lives her life.”
“I agree – you try placing restrictions on Bren and Tracy,” Adam said. “They may be small, but they are forceful.”
More forceful than you know,” Esra thought. I hope we can restrain Gabriel when he learns what they have done. They will need their powers to rescue the children. I was hoping to keep them hidden, but the other fallen will recognize them as Bree and Tercia. Mortriel will inform his father, but Lucifer already knows they live.
Esra started chuckling, and when the others stared at her, she cleared her throat, and then apologized. Yes – I look forward to seeing that conversation again, especially when Mortriel realizes Lucifer confided in Samhael instead of him.
“Should we plan to go to Aeden?” Joseph asked.
“No – you may be needed in Savannah,” Esra said. “I have spoken to Father, and want to inform you about a new development.”
Before she could continue, Josiah walked into the room.
Normally composed, his blonde hair was disheveled, and his clothes were caked with mud. The angels were concerned about his appearance, but more worried about the urgency in his voice.
“Forgive me for interrupting, but something has happened to my wife and daughters. I spoke to Violet earlier and she told me she was taking the children to visit her parents. I found her car in a ditch on one of the Georgian back roads; there was blood on the cracked windshield.”
Esra walked over to him and spoke quietly.
“Sit down, Brother; I was just about to tell everyone what happened to Violet and the girls.”
Josiah took an open seat next to Raphael, who cast a pitiful gaze upon the guardian.
The seer then addressed the group. “I have been aware for some time that Mortriel and Samhael have been killing angel-bloods and capturing their children.”
Esra turned her focus to Josiah. “I’m afraid Violet is their latest victim. She has already ascended, and you will be able to speak with her soon.”
The color left Josiah’s face. “What about my daughters?”
“They are both safe, for now. Mortriel took Hope to Hell, but Lucifer has insisted she not be touched. Apparently, she reminds him of Laelah as a young angel. The child has been sent to the glass cell where Lucifer imprisons Alorrah and Alexis. They can now use their powers to protect her.”
“Why would he send her to them?” Michael asked.
Esra smiled. “Lucifer planned to use Hope to gather information by allowing her to befriend our little ones. He didn’t realize once she was with them, he could not get her back. As far as the other child – Samhael took Gracie to a hidden island for the fallen called Purgatory. It’s where they take all of the angel-blood girls. To my knowledge, they have captured at least a dozen as young as three years of age.”
“My Gracie is only four earth years; what value could someone so young be to them?”
“They threaten harm to the little ones in order to make the others obedient. A rescue mission is underway as we speak.”
“I mean no disrespect to you, Sister, but who would be foolish enough to venture into an encampment full of fallen angels? Surely, they will be outnumbered,” Gabriel said.
Esra hesitated before telling him Bren and Tracy had gone after the child.
“I want you to know they are completely safe,” she said. “For reasons which I am forbidden to discuss, they can’t free all of the girls yet, but they will bring Gracie to Aeden.”
“Aeden – why would they bring her there? Considering that Lucifer can avoid the shield, wouldn’t the child be safer somewhere else?” Paul asked.
“Most of the Elite Guardians are not aware of Josiah’s family. F
or obvious reasons, he has had to keep them hidden from Malakiel and Caeus. The girls think it will be better if the child stays with them and I am inclined to agree.”
“What are you saying, Esra? Has Aura gone after the child?”
“No – Aura knows nothing about the kidnapping. Bren and Tracy will explain everything when they return.”
Gabriel stood so fast, his chair over-turned, breaking one of the legs. Raphael placed his hand on his brother’s shoulder in an attempt to calm him.
“How could you allow them to go without help? They are brave, but have not had dealings with Lucifer’s disciples. Have you considered what will happen to my little ones if the fallen realize who they are?”
“Bren and Tracy were willing to risk capture in order to bring the children home. Do not condemn them. Father has given you permission to return to Aeden with Paul and Adam. You will see firsthand the children are safe.”
“We should leave now,” Gabriel said.
“Bren and Tracy haven’t returned yet, but they will arrive within the hour. I suggest you calm yourself before you speak to them.”
Esra quieted her tone.
“Bren and Tracy were born under your veil. Their powers mimic those of your own. Trust them; they are stronger than you realize. Bren is a seer; she will show you everything that happened. My only regret is that she will be disappointed because she will have to leave some of the others behind. She will take as many of the little ones as she can, but the older girls will have to remain. I promise they will all be rescued in good time.”
“Bren is a seer?” Paul asked.
“She has my blood, so yes – she is a very powerful seer. Bren has been communicating with Alorrah for some time now. Aura doesn’t know, and I’m asking you not to speak to anyone else of this. Bren wants to keep her gift hidden, and I agree – there is no reason to make the others aware of her powers,” Esra warned.
No one dared argue with her. News of Bren’s gift would not leave the room until Bren told them.
Esra’s visions never lied, and if she insisted the two young angel-bloods were fine – then they were. At least Gabriel would be able to see the children again, which would ease his mind. This was another way of showing their Father’s love for the warrior’s loyalty to Heaven.
There was pity in Esra’s voice when she spoke to Josiah.
“Your daughter barely remembers you. I know you want to see her, but you can’t risk being followed by Malakiel, or Caeus. I will try to arrange a meeting soon. Know that she will be well cared for in Aeden, and Samhael will not take her a second time. For now, Father wants you to remain with the guard. It’s imperative no one knows about your family, especially Malakiel.”
Esra then turned to Joseph. “You, Jack and Martin will remain in Savannah. We suspect Mortriel may attempt to see if the child has returned to her home. He may also try to contact someone in the Elite Guard.”
The three angels nodded.
Josiah’s family lived in the house in Savannah owned by Paul’s wife, Eve. Since Eve’s mother, Alice, was buried there; it was rumored the ground was hallowed. Mortriel must have somehow tricked Violet into leaving.
Joseph felt terrible that something had happened to Violet when they lived so close, but he agreed -- it wouldn’t be safe to bring the child back to Savannah. She would be out of harm’s way under the protection of Eve’s shield.
“We’ll keep an eye out for Mortriel,” Joseph promised. “If anyone from the guard meets with him, we’ll inform the council.”
Esra thanked him and returned to the others.
“You do not need to tell Caeus and his brother why you were gone, but make them aware of Lucifer’s presence in Aeden. I am curious to see how they will respond,” Michael said to Josiah.
One of Michael’s sons was an Elite Guardian. Never one to question the Almighty Father, Michael allowed Dahnael to be taken shortly after he was born.
Dahnael was raised by Caeus, while his twin brother, Aidan, remained with the archangel and his wife. It wasn’t until a few years ago the twins were told the truth. While they respected each other, they weren’t close like brothers should be.
Aidan had lost most of his family in the war.
It was rumored Caeus once considered following Lucifer, but when he remained in Heaven instead; his reward was to become one of the first Elite Guardians -- those sworn to protect the laws.
When the group became so powerful they no longer regarded those same laws, Michael began to question his Father’s decision.
Soon, Heaven would know if Caeus and his brother were still faithful.
The meeting ended, and Gabriel hurried out the door, with Paul and Adam following. A few seconds later, the three angels were in front of Aura’s home.
Chapter 8
When Bren and Tracy arrived in Purgatory, they were impressed by the beauty and enormity of the island oasis.
White sand beaches and crystal blue water added to the island’s charm. It was hard to imagine this being home to the fallen angels, but then again, some of them always did have champagne taste.
In the distance was a quaint village, the brick buildings reminiscent of the early nineteenth century.
Groups of fallen angels gathered at the outdoor cafes, consuming trays of food and pitchers of drinks which were arranged on small wrought-iron tables. Vendors lined the cobblestone streets offering a hodgepodge of jewels, clothing, and trinkets for sale.
A large rock kept the girls hidden, but Bren sealed her grandfather’s shield around her and Tracy just in case.
“I don’t think all of them are angels,” Tracy whispered. “If Mortriel and Samhael have been taking angel-bloods, they probably captured mortals too. If you look closely at some of the merchants, they have scars on their arms. Why don’t they try to hide them?”
It was true – the men wore faded blue jeans and t-shirts with sleeves haphazardly cut away, while the women donned sleeveless dresses. Bren had to admit they displayed their scars proudly.
“We don’t know what their circumstances are. Some of them may have chosen to be here because it may have been a better life than they were used to.”
“They’ve been burned. How can this be a better life?”
Bren shrugged her shoulders. “It doesn’t seem to bother them.”
Her eyes scouted the area until she saw a dilapidated building in the distance. “There’s the dormitory where the girls stay. It’s about a mile from the village. We should find Gracie and get out of here before the dark wings spot us.”
“Why didn’t we just go there in the first place?”
“I needed to get my bearings, plus some of Mortriel’s guards are watching the girls. We’ll have to take care of them before we can get inside the house. Alorrah says we can silence the dark wings, and my shield should prevent them from running for help from their friends. The shield should also keep us hidden.”
“Are you sure? Nobody knows what powers the dark wings have. What if they see us?”
“Alorrah has already seen all of this in her visions. She assures me that we’ll be safe. Now, it’s time to test some of those powers Uncle Gabe gave to us.”
“Are we going to use his swords?”
“Not unless we have to. Remember when he showed us how to take someone’s breath away?”
Tracy nodded.
“Let’s see if that pendant works.”
Tracy clutched the blue stone. She needed to think of something without actually speaking the words.
“Can you hear me?”
A second later she heard Bren giggling, and knew the charm was functioning.
The two girls made their way past the rocks until they were close to the old wooden building, but still concealed.
Half a dozen guards were seated on lawn chairs and stone benches outside the entrance. Bren planned to strengthen the shield first, and then make their presence known.
“Shouldn’t we warn the girls that we’re coming?”
> Bren shook her head.
“We won’t have to. When they see the dark wings falling on the ground, they’ll know we’re here. We’ll each pick out one of the biggest guards, and then start squeezing them, just like Uncle Gabe showed us. Are you ready?”
“Yep -- I choose the one with curly brown hair who’s dressed like Elvis Presley.”
Bren wrinkled her brow, and Tracy explained, “What -- I’ve never been a fan; who wears polyester sequined jumpsuits anymore? I’m more of a Beatles girl. They had style.”
“That’s because your father thinks he’s Paul McCartney.”
“No he doesn’t; he thinks he’s George Harrison. Which one did you pick?”
“I’m taking the bleached-blonde with the punked-up hair.”
Tracy shook her head in disgust. “It should be a sin to wear leather pants, especially if you’re that ugly. Maybe he thinks he’s a rock star too.
Both of the girls started snickering again. It was hard to believe in a few minutes, they would be battling the guards. Uncle Gabe would be proud.
Before they could approach the fallen angels, a young woman came out of the shack.
“Go get our lunch,” the Elvis impersonator yelled, “and be quick about it.”
Without answering, she hurried through the yard, winking at Bren and Tracy as she rushed past them.
Tracy became nervous.
“She looked right at us. Do you think those dark wings can see us too?”
“No – don’t you remember Verah? She’s married to Alistair, the governor of the Australian colony. She has special abilities and can see through the shield. The older girls are working in the village, but the youngest are still inside. It will be better for Verah not to be there when you rescue the children. That way, none of the fallen angels can blame her.”
Tracy stared at Bren and gulped. She didn’t recognize this new voice. “Who’s there?”
“I’m Alorrah. Since you wear the pendant, you can hear me now too.”
