Angel Incarnate: Second Sight

by Linda Creel

  “Whoever freed those brats avoided the village and only went after the smallest. Perhaps I will make an example of the others.”

  As he walked towards the girls, Samhael grabbed Mortriel’s arm and spun him around.

  “We must keep a level head. If these servants were in town, I doubt they even know the other children are missing. Who will do their work, if you kill them?”

  “Fine, but I want them guarded at all times. We’ll move them into the carriage house, and when they have finished their chores, they’ll be chained to the walls. I’ll ration their food and two guards will sleep in the building with them. They will be treated like the animals they are.”

  “Don’t be a fool. Beat them if you must, but rest assured, if you starve them -- they will die, and their souls will ascend to Heaven. Most of them would prefer death rather than remain our servants for the rest of their lives. I’m still convinced some of them may be hiding special powers. We may be able to use them to our advantage.”

  Mortriel stared at his best friend; deep down he knew Samhael was right. Though he had never witnessed any powers, the guards rarely went into the house while the girls slept. They could have practiced without anyone knowing.

  Killing the angel-bloods wasn’t an option either because it would hurt their comrades more than it would hurt the girls. If he kept them alive, they would suffer, knowing the others had been rescued, while they had been forgotten. The thought made him smile.

  “Get up,” he said to the fallen angel. “I want to see what’s left of our brothers.”

  Without speaking, the dark wing scrambled to his feet, and ran towards the wooden shack.

  Mortriel turned to the fallen who were still seated at one of the tables. “Pick up your friend, and follow me with the prisoners.”

  As an afterthought he added, “And make sure none of them get away.”

  The men rushed from the table and surrounded the angel-bloods who shuffled behind them without making a sound. The guards were already angry, and so far, the children had miraculously escaped punishment today; there was no cause to tempt fate.

  Samhael and Mortriel strolled at a leisurely pace. There was no nothing they could do for the dead now.

  When they arrived at the scene, all that remained of their brethren were piles of black ash -- some smaller than others -- where their heads had been detached from their bodies. Mortriel contemplated leaving the remains as a reminder that the fallen were not untouchable.

  Treading carefully around the ashes, Samhael was more concerned about protecting his expensive Italian shoes, than he was about the dead. “We have to inform your father about what’s happened.”

  “Yes, but first, I’ll speak with the half-breeds.”

  Mortriel walked over to the half dozen girls who were still captive.

  “Someone has rescued the others, but they didn’t care enough to take you with them. I never make the same mistake twice. If your friends come back, they will join you as my prisoners.”

  A smug smile appeared at the corners of his mouth.

  “In case you’re considering leaving… don’t. No one is coming for you. You’ll get brooms and sweep these ashes into trash cans. When you’re finished, you’ll go back to your regular duties. Afterwards, you will be kept in town where my guards will be with you even when you sleep. Since you were not a part of this plot, you will be spared punishment.”

  Some of the guards started to grumble, but stopped when they saw Mortriel’s face grow taut. While the girls scattered to find brooms, he walked over to the remaining fallen.

  “We have lost some of our own, but in time, their deaths will be avenged. For those of you who do not reside here permanently, I caution you -- the angels may seek you out. I’ll speak to Father and we’ll decide on a course of action. These other girls are not to be touched. Anyone who violates my orders will be punished.”

  “These half-breeds should die for what they did,” one of them answered. “Do you think the angels won’t return and try to free them too?”

  Mortriel walked up and slapped the guard across the face so hard, he tumbled over backwards. “Does anyone else want to question my authority?”

  No one said a word.

  “Good – then we won’t have any problems.”

  He and Samhael turned and walked back towards the village.

  Mortriel would have liked to see the girls punished, but knew the guards wouldn’t have stopped torturing them until they were dead. If they had any hidden powers, he wanted to have access to them.

  When he returned to the outside café, he called for a carafe of wine. “Let’s have some refreshments, and then we’ll meet with Father.”

  Samhael nodded and filled one of the glasses. That should be an interesting discussion.

  Chapter 11

  When Mortriel arrived in Hell, he intended to barge through the doors, but Samhael grabbed his arm again.

  “Remember what happened before you left; Father may still be angry.”

  Rather than kick the door open, Mortriel knocked instead. Mehri answered, and as soon as she saw Lucifer’s son, she cowered behind the wooden entryway.

  “Your father is in the library,” she whispered.

  Seeing her fear humored Mortriel. He pulled her from behind the door by the hand and inspected the damage he made to her arm. “I see the healers were able to stitch you up,” he joked.

  Hearing his son’s voice, Lucifer came out of the study. “You must be tired, Mehri. Why don’t you go into the bedroom and change? I see no reason for you to endure Mortriel’s disrespect a second time today.”

  Lucifer walked over and kissed his wife on the forehead. His gesture was to show his son that he cared deeply for this woman, and he would do well to remember it.

  After saying goodnight to her husband, Mehri nodded towards Mortriel and Samhael, and then quietly exited the room.

  “I thought you would still be sulking in Purgatory,” Lucifer said. “Why have you returned so soon?”

  “Perhaps we should sit before we tell you our news,” Samhael suggested.

  They were an odd looking trio.

  Lucifer had changed clothes, and like Samhael, was now wearing a Brioni suit, with a matching black linen shirt, red tie and expensive Italian shoes.

  Mortriel, on the other hand, was comfortable in his faded jeans and red pullover. Traces of ash still dusted his Doc Martin boots.

  After plopping on the leather couch, Mortriel stretched out his legs, leaving the ash of his fallen brethren on one of the cushions. Samhael took a seat in a high-backed mahogany chair opposite the sofa.

  Before Lucifer joined him in an adjoining chair, he walked over to his son and grabbed his legs, forcing them to the floor.

  “Your constant disrespect for my belongings holds no bounds,” he said.

  “It’s just furniture, Father. You can easily have it replaced.”

  “This is made from the finest Italian leather available. Why should I be inconvenienced because you have no manners? Now, what is so urgent that it couldn’t wait until morning?”

  Mortriel sat up straight. “There has been an incident in Purgatory. My best guards are dead, and the youngest angel-blood prisoners have been rescued.”

  Lucifer began to laugh. “I was under the impression your island was well protected. How could someone penetrate your barriers?”

  “It wasn’t just someone – it was Bree and Tercia.”

  Lucifer glared at Samhael. “Did you break your promise and tell him?”

  “No, Father – the angels were seen by one of the guards.”

  Mortriel stood up and shuffled over to his best friend. “Tell him – you mean you knew Bree and Tercia were alive?”

  Samhael bent his head. “Your father asked me not to discuss it with you.”

  Mortriel whipped around to face his father. Though he was angry, he was also hurt by his father’s lack of trust. “I’m your flesh and blood. Why wasn’t I informed first?”


  “You fly off the handle too easily. When you can get your emotions under control; I will confide in you more.”

  Lucifer then told him about his visit to Aeden, including seeing Bree, and Tercia. He also mentioned the confrontation with Gabriel and Michael.

  “So it’s true -- they have returned, but how is that possible? I killed them with my own hands.”

  “I have no idea how they were reborn, but they are angel-blood now. The brats must have used Gideon’s shield to enter the island and prevent the guards from calling for reinforcements.”

  Mortriel shook his head. “Gideon’s shield should not have restricted my soldiers. There had to be greater forces at work. These are no ordinary angel-bloods. One of them must have the second sight. How else could they even find our island?”

  “Eve has Esra’s blood; some say she is a powerful seer too. The gift must have been passed on to her daughter, Bren. We don’t know what powers the girls received when they were reincarnated, but if they were able to kill your guards and capture the children without help, we need to respect their abilities.”

  “At least they didn’t get the rest of the half-breeds. I am having them moved to the village, where they will be guarded at all times.”

  “You need to stop focusing on your prisoners, and concentrate on those who have started this trouble. I have no doubt the children were taken to Aeden since their parents are dead, but I’ll send you to Savannah just to make sure. You have been foolish. Did you realize the last woman you killed was Josiah’s wife? It was his daughters you captured. As a member of the Elite Guard, he will not be as forgiving as your friend, Malakiel.”

  “I wasn’t aware Josiah had a family,” Mortriel admitted. “Malakiel and his brother are in charge; they will run interference for us because they despise the angel-bloods as much as we do.”

  “If Bree and Tercia have been reincarnated; there is a reason they were brought back now,” Lucifer said.

  “What about Avriel? Is she alive too?”

  “I didn’t see her during my visit to Aeden, but I suspect she is with the others. The Guild will never allow you to get close to her, so we’ll find another way to get the ring.”

  Lucifer turned to Samhael. “You have maintained contact with my sister’s grandson. It’s time to find out how loyal he is to our cause. I want you to meet with him, and find some mortals who can accept the blood of the hounds. If any survive, we will need to keep them just outside Utopia, so they can be watched.”

  Samhael nodded. “Richard is preparing for his brother’s wedding the day after tomorrow. I’m sure he can spare a few moments to meet with me.”

  “While he is there, you’ll go to Savannah to see if Josiah’s daughter has been placed in the care of the other Guild families,” Lucifer told Mortriel. “You should contact Malakiel and inform him of what happened in Purgatory. When you return, I want to learn everything about Aura. If my suspicions are correct, she is friendly with a young mortal priest.”

  Mortriel chuckled. “I wonder how Aidan feels about that.”

  “It’s not what you think. The human is a bit of an anomaly – being half male and half female. I suppose that’s why he decided to devote his life to the church. My sources tell me this young priest is involved with a group of troubled teenagers. If Mehri pretends to be one of them; she can get close to him. Then, she should have sufficient time to gather intimate details of Aura’s life.”

  “Do you trust Mehri enough to allow her to leave?” Samhael asked.

  “When she learns that Paul killed her son, she will be only too happy to avenge his death. I don’t care what happens to Aura, but we must have possession of Avriel’s ring before she dies.”

  “I don’t want her dead. I will take her as my bride and mother of my children,” Mortriel said. “Think of the powers they will have.”

  Samhael chuckled. “What makes you think she will have you?”

  “Two reasons – and they are both downstairs.”

  “I think it’s time to retrieve Hope from the glass cell. While I thought she might be useful in gathering information, I’m no longer feeling charitable. You can do with her as you please. I’ll say goodnight to Mehri, and then we’ll meet with the prisoners.”

  Lucifer left the room, returning a few minutes later. The three fallen angels then exited his private chambers and maneuvered through the catacombs until they were in front of the glass prison.

  The broken porcelain doll lay at Lucifer’s feet.

  The three children were sleeping on one bed; Fionn on the other. Not wanting to get too close, Lucifer flung the broken doll against one of the glass walls, shattering what was left of it, and awakening all of them.

  “Is this how you treat a gift from your father?” he asked Hope.

  “You are not my father. Your son killed my mother, and took my sister to Purgatory.”

  Lucifer chuckled. “I’m impressed that you have learned so much in such a short time. I’m afraid your visit is over. Say goodbye, and I’ll take you to your room. Remember what happened to the sentry. Don’t make me use force.”

  “She’s not going anywhere with you, and neither is Fionn,” Alorrah said. “Now, if you’re smart, you’ll move away from the glass, unless you want to have an accident.”

  She held out her hands, and Lucifer could see the light already illuminating from her fingers.

  Mortriel attempted to grab the child, but Samhael pulled him back, holding up his own hand to show the burn made with angel-fire that would never heal.

  “You may think you have the advantage, but you’re wrong,” Lucifer said. “Unlike you, and Alexis, Hope and Fionn will need sustenance in order to survive. How long do you think your food and water will last?”

  “It will last until Mommy comes for us,” Alorrah vowed.

  “I hope your mother does come,” Mortriel yelled. “I promise, once she’s here, she will never leave.”

  “I’ll give you one last chance to change your mind,” Lucifer said to Hope.

  “No – I’ve made my decision.”

  “Very well – have it your way, butt don’t think your friend will be leaving this room.”

  Lucifer called for Pytha, and the four prisoners watched as a huge snake slithered across the floor.

  “This is what’s left of Kaelariel’s whip. The angels won’t destroy it, because if they do, there is no chance of their return to Heaven. If Alexis attempts to leave for food, or water, Pytha will contain her.”

  “You can’t kill Alexis either,” Alorrah reminded him. “If you do, you’ll have no chance of restoring the sacred gifts.”

  “Oh – Pytha won’t kill her; she’ll just keep her restrained.”

  He turned to Mortriel and Samhael. “We’re finished here. You both have a lot of work to do.”

  As they were walking away, Lucifer stopped and turned towards the girls.

  “I trust you will heed my warning; it is the only one you will receive.” With that, the three fallen angels disappeared through the dark tunnel.

  “Don’t worry – Alexis will be careful,” Alorrah promised. “We aren’t afraid of Lucifer or his pets. Let’s go back to sleep. He won’t come again for awhile.”

  Fionn, who had remained silent during the conversation, looked at the girls. He would rather starve than to see any of them hurt, but knew Alexis would risk her life to keep the others alive.

  Hopefully, Alorrah was right and they would be rescued, but he wasn’t going to hold his breath. Though he never lost faith, after one hundred and fifty years; he began to lose hope of ever leaving Hell.

  Chapter 12

  Esra and the Archangels were still assembled when Gabriel returned to the meeting hall.

  While the others were dressed in long, white ceremonial robes with purple trim around the sleeves and neckline, Gabriel remained attired in blue jeans and a white pullover.

  Suspecting Mortriel would search for the angel-bloods who were rescued, Gabriel promised to watch
the activity of Lucifer’s son, ensuring he didn’t go to Aeden, and threaten Bren, or Tracy.

  “Things went well?” Michael asked.

  “Bren and Tracy were able to rescue seven of the angel-bloods, but the other six girls were too far away in the village. They had to kill several of Mortriel’s guards. I know my little ones are warriors at heart, but the reminder of taking another’s life, even though justified, will be embedded in their minds forever. I hope they will forgive themselves. Sometimes we forget how young they are,” Gabriel sighed.

  “They may be young, but they have your strength and tenacity. The torture those angel-blood children endured by Mortriel, and his followers, was unforgivable. Bren and Tracy will remember that above everything else.”

  Gabriel shrugged his shoulders. After spending so much time with them, he was beginning to mimic some of the behaviors of Bren and Tracy.

  “Since your departure, we have been discussing which two guardians should be selected to go to Aeden. It has been decided Alannah will accompany my son, who will be assigned to watch over Aura. Jeziel will be assigned to guard Hespa’s son, Elijah,” Michael said.

  Gabriel’s jaw dropped.

  “Jeziel – do you believe Hespa will allow Lucifer’s daughter anywhere near her son? With Lucifer threatening a second war, the last person we should consider is his daughter.”

  “Hespa is a huntress. Her son is often left to fend for himself. Jeziel has been faithful since her father was banished. I’m afraid this comes from a higher power; we cannot disobey Father.”

  “Jeziel has been faithful because we have monitored her closely,” Gabriel argued. “She will be ill-prepared for the temptations of the mortal world, especially when Lucifer discovers she is in Aeden. We should speak to Father and make him aware of our concerns. There must be someone else who can go.”

  “It has already been decided,” Esra said. “Since Michael is sending his son, he can keep an eye on Jeziel. If there is any indication that she is turning towards the dark path, she will be summoned back to Heaven.”

  “Humph -- if she follows her father’s path, there will be little chance of her answering that summons,” Gabriel scoffed. “I look forward to that conversation with Hespa. She has made no secret of her distrust for Lucifer’s daughter. What will you do if she refuses the guardian?”