Angel Incarnate: Second Sight

by Linda Creel

  Joshua hesitated with his next question. “Do you think Andromeda will come?”

  “I’ve heard Gregory has made arrangements to take her to Australia for the weekend.”

  Joshua shook his head. “She’s been married for ten years, and has a nine-year-old son, but Gregory is still jealous of her friendship with you.”

  Caspian’s voice quieted. “Do you think he treats her well? She has never been one to complain, but the last time I saw her, she looked unhappy.”

  Joshua couldn’t help pity his brother. Caspian was away training when he heard news of Andromeda’s wedding. “Maybe she has regrets about marrying Gregory; I think she cared more for his parents. His disposition changed when they died. He was never overly friendly, but I’ve heard rumors that his temper often reduces her to tears.”

  “It’s already late afternoon,” Caspian sighed. “We should get to the tailors and pick up our suits in case they need alterations.”

  He ran his hands through his shortened blonde hair which barely covered his ears now. Gone were his long trademark locks; another concession he made to please his mother.

  As they made their way down the staircase towards the door, Meredith called to them. Ignoring her, they continued down the walk towards the tailor’s shop. Whatever she had to complain about could wait until they returned.

  The brothers walked in silence, waving occasionally to the well-wishers who were busy with last minute preparations for the wedding.

  Caspian’s eyes scanned the yard outside his parent’s estate. His gaze fell upon the stone statues and large fountains made in the image of the archangels. Their wings were expanded as their eyes turned to Heaven.

  He shook his head and started to laugh. If my mother had her way, none of you would be here.

  In the center of the courtyard, the trellis where Caspian would stand with Desiree and recite his vows was woven with vines of fresh flowers. Hundreds of chairs and tables covered with gold linens were arranged around the lawn.

  Caspian closed his eyes and allowed his mind to wander.

  Adam had kept his promise; the weather was already unseasonably warm – ideal for the wedding tomorrow.

  Ideal weather; pity, it won’t be an ideal marriage. Desiree doesn’t love me anymore than I love her. We should never have allowed my mother to persuade us to go through with this ruse. Is there still time to change our mind? Would my father forgive me if I called it off? Probably not – he reminded me the Devereaux’s are one of the richest families in Paris and I could do much worse. I’m not my brother, Richard; I care nothing about wealth. I just want… Well, there is no reason to dwell on her; tomorrow I’ll be a married man.

  The tailor seemed more excited about the wedding than Caspian. His mother had chosen a cutaway and waistcoat, but Caspian had overruled Meredith’s decision. Instead, he decided on a basic black silk suit, white cotton shirt, no vest, and an azure tie to match his eyes. Joshua would be dressed similarly.

  Thankfully, no alterations were needed, so they decided to have lunch at one of the outdoor cafés. Richard and Desiree didn’t notice Caspian and Joshua until a waiter seated them at a nearby table.

  Joshua glared at his eldest brother. “You would think they would be more discreet with their relationship considering your wedding is tomorrow.”

  “I doubt their arrangement will change after we’re married.”

  “If you don’t consummate the marriage, does it still count?”

  “I guess we’ll find out soon enough.”

  As soon as she spotted him, Desiree rose from her chair and walked over to greet Caspian. “I thought you were still at the tailors. If I had known you’d be finished so soon, I would have waited to have lunch with you.”

  “I’m sure my brother didn’t mind my absence.”

  Richard left some bills on the table and joined his brothers. “Desiree has some last minute purchases to make, so I guess we’ll see you at dinner this evening.”

  “I’m having dinner with Joshua and Will this evening. I’m sure Mother will understand.”

  “The whole family is expected to be at the house tonight. She’s gone to a lot of trouble; I don’t think you should disappoint her.”

  “I doubt it will be the last time I disappoint her.”

  Richard began to chuckle. “As you please; it’s your funeral.”

  Desiree gave Caspian a light peck on the cheek before walking towards one of the dress shops with Richard.

  “I know what you’re going to say – so please – don’t,” Caspian warned his younger brother.

  “I was just going to ask where we’re having dinner tonight,” Joshua responded.

  “I don’t really care, as long as it’s not with Richard. Maybe Will can talk some sense into me.”

  “Nah – if I haven’t done it, he won’t stand a chance.”

  The brothers lifted their water glasses. “To new beginnings,” Caspian said.

  “I hear you, Brother.”

  Chapter 16

  It was late evening when Aura’s older sister returned from New York with her best friend, Jessica, and goddaughter. Willow was Raphael’s granddaughter, and even though she was only nine years old, she was already a proficient healer.

  Looking at her sisters, Aura couldn’t help seeing how dissimilar they were. Most of the Guild and their families had blonde hair and blue eyes. The exceptions were Eve and Bren – who shared dark hair, Rita – whose eyes were the color of emeralds, and long tresses were a pale strawberry-blonde, and Aura -- whose eyes were violet.

  Aura always thought Rita was the most beautiful of all the angel-bloods, looking identical to their paternal grandmother, Helena. Of course, Rita didn’t agree – she hated being different. Maybe that explained why she kept a wall around herself; to protect her fragile heart. Those who she allowed to get close to her -- saw the caring and compassionate person she was; others – thought she was cold and sometimes cruel.

  Rita and Jessica were born on the Fall Equinox, and like Bren and Tracy, had been best friends since birth. They were past the age of maturity, turning eighteen just a few weeks ago.

  Neither seemed to be in a hurry to find husbands and start a family. Like Bren, Rita thought of herself as a protector of mankind, and Jessica shadowed her every move.

  After placing the bags of wedding gifts they had purchased from Tiffany’s on one of the chairs, Jessica took notice of all the small children playing in the family room.

  “We go away for two days, and Aura has opened an orphanage,” she joked.

  Rita, on the other hand, sensed something wasn’t right with the little ones. They were huddled close to Bren and Tracy as if they were afraid. Aura explained how the young angel-bloods came to be in her home.

  Rita’s face reddened and she started shaking her finger in Aura’s face. Some of the girls started to cry, and they moved to hide behind Bren. “You allowed them to go to a strange place and face the fallen angels alone?” Rita shouted.

  Bren walked over and calmly pulled her sister’s hand down. “You need to lower your voice; you’re scaring them.”

  Rita stared at the little ones who were still huddled behind Tracy. Some of them were trembling. Feeling terrible for making them afraid, her anger dissipated instantly.

  “Me and Tracy are the same age; we were able to blend in,” Bren said.

  After hearing the rest of the story, Rita had a whole new respect for her little sister. The expression on Bren’s face told her she wasn’t happy about killing the fallen angels, even though it was justified.

  Rita smiled and ruffled Bren’s hair affectionately. When she spoke, it was barely above a whisper.

  “I wish I could have been there. I’m sure you were both amazing. Next time -- Jess and I will go with you. Not that you can’t handle yourself,” she added. “So, you wielded Gabriel’s sword; that was no small feat?”

  “We did what needed to be done,” Bren said. “Mortriel won’t be happy about the loss of his
guards. There will be more deaths.”

  “What does the Guild say about this? We can’t allow Mortriel and Samhael to keep killing angel-bloods without consequences.”

  “Gather everyone together. We have a great deal to discuss,” Paul said as he came through the front door with Adam.

  Eve and Angie came in from the kitchen. Bren and Tracy sat on the living room floor with the other little ones, while the rest of the family found seats on the leather sofas and chairs.

  The children looked apprehensive, until Bren told them it was just a family meeting, and since they were family now, they needed to be included. This seemed to set their minds at ease.

  “Some of us will be going to Utopia tomorrow morning for Caspian’s wedding,” Paul said. “Aura and the children will remain here. We will inform the governor about the deaths of the angel-bloods, and caution him to keep a closer watch over their young.”

  “I don’t think those children are in any danger. From what I’ve learned, the fallen are going after the angel-bloods who live with the mortals. Those are the families we have to warn. I see no reason why we can’t all go to the wedding,” Aura said. “Let them see first-hand what happened to these little ones.”

  “I disagree,” Rita argued. “The governor’s son, Richard, shares Lucifer’s blood. I don’t trust him. The children could be in more danger there.”

  “Richard wouldn’t be foolish enough to do anything at his brother’s wedding, especially if the Guild is there. We’ll have the use of Gideon’s shield and the sacred swords should there be any problems.”

  “We promised Caspian we would be there,” Paul said. “I’m sure he won’t mind if we bring a few more guests.”

  Paul allowed his mind to wonder.

  I need to speak with him, anyway. I hope he won’t mind that I’ll be interrupting his honeymoon. He may be grateful for the timing of my request. Aura’s right; we need to start warning the other angel-blood families. They are so scattered; it will be a full-time job to convince them to come to the valley. Caspian and his brother-in-law, Axel, will make fine additions to the guard. After the ceremony, I’ll make my proposal to them.

  Rita slammed her hand onto the glass table, almost knocking over a vase of flowers, and causing the little ones to huddle closer together.

  “Sorry,” she apologized with a weak smile. I have to stop doing that; they’re all afraid of me. “Dad – were you listening to me?”

  Paul smiled apologetically. “Sorry -- I was daydreaming. What were you saying?”

  “Caspian invited all the members of the Guild. Do you know if the others are planning to attend the wedding?”

  “They have business in Savannah, but I’ll deliver their regrets to the bride and groom. I suggest we all get a good night’s rest. We’ll be leaving early in the morning.”

  Rita looked at the young girls; many were orphans now. She gathered the packages. “Who wants to help wrap these wedding gifts?”

  Some of the four-year-old children followed her and Jessica to one of the spare rooms they used for gift wrapping; the others stayed with Aura.

  They’re still afraid. I have to find a way to convince them I would never hurt them. I can’t imagine what they’ve endured, but then, Lucifer and his kind always did enjoy torturing the youngest. I pray I get to meet Lucifer’s son – I’ll show him what pain is.”

  Aura could hear her sister’s thoughts, and gave a slight nod of her head. She too wanted the opportunity to hurt Mortriel too. From what she heard, he was far worse than his father.

  One day, there will be a reckoning, and you will pay for your sins against Heaven -- one day soon -- I swear it.

  Eve and Angie went to gather dresses for the children; Paul and Adam excused themselves to update the Council. There was still talk of sending a pair of guardians to Aeden -- one of them, Lucifer’s daughter.

  Allowing Jeziel to leave Heaven would cause concern for a great number of angels. Lucifer’s daughter may have been loyal since her father’s exile, but not everyone trusted her. There were too many temptations on earth, and her father wouldn’t hesitate to influence her.

  Still, once the decision was made, the Guild couldn’t refuse. The memory of those who lost their lives in the war would remain with them for all eternity. Hopefully, this would not be another mistake Heaven would later regret.

  Chapter 17

  Early the next morning, Paul brought his two-year-old daughter, Reaghan back from Savannah. After Lucifer’s visit, he wanted her home where Gideon’s shield was strongest.

  The rest of the Guild’s children remained in Georgia with their parents, except Willow, who insisted on going to Caspian’s wedding with Rita.

  Reaghan had no problem fitting in with the new additions to the family. Her lovable personality was infectious, and her sweet, sing-song voice made the little ones feel at ease.

  As long as chocolate was around, Reaghan was happy. Poor kid believed each day had to begin and end with chocolate, and if someone forgot to stock up, she would wail like a banshee.

  Aura learned a long time ago to keep plenty of sweets on hand, in case her little sister showed up unannounced. In the valley, the children could come and go as they pleased, but after Lucifer’s visit, Aura wondered if that would change.

  Like the other kids, Reaghan looked up to Bren and Tracy, especially when she learned what happened in Purgatory. Though they tried to downplay their heroics, Aura could tell the girls stood a little taller since the rescue.

  After breakfast Eve and Angie dressed the girls in white, sleeveless, tea-length dresses made of taffeta with silk underskirts, and a large gold organza bow that tied at the waist. White stockings and gold ballerina slippers adorned their feet, and a crown of fresh flowers covered their hair, which was woven into intricate braids.

  When Aura first saw the little ones, she teared up. They looked like cherubs, not orphans who had just been rescued from the clutches of Lucifer’s son and his disciples.

  Because of the time difference, it would be two o’clock when they arrived in Utopia. The ceremony was scheduled for three, so Paul and Adam would have time to speak to the governor about the deaths of the angel-bloods and capture of their children. Those in the colony should be protected by the barriers, but there was no reason to be careless.

  The rest of the family arrived at Aura’s just before ten.

  Rita and Jessica, whose normal attire was jeans and combat boots, were dressed in long, taupe-colored gauze gowns with nude stockings and matching open--toed sandals. Their hair was cascaded in loose curls down their back.

  Tracy checked to make sure the special pendant Bren gave her was still around her neck. The gift allowed her to communicate silently with Bren and Alorrah without anyone else listening.

  “Wonder who they’re trying to impress,” Bren said.

  “Maybe it’s Caspian’s younger brother, and his friend Will.”

  “Nah – I can’t see either of them with boyfriends.”

  Both of the girls started giggling, but stopped when they saw the scowl on Rita’s face.

  Bren opened the living room closet and started throwing coats and sweaters across the floor, muttering something that only Tracy, who was still snickering, understood.

  As quickly as she was pulling them off the hanger, Eve was trying to put them back.

  Crossing her tiny arms over her chest, Bren’s eyes squinted and her nose wrinkled as she gave her mother a scornful look.

  “It’s cold in Utopia; the kids need something warm to cover their dresses.”

  Eve smiled at her daughter’s protectiveness. “Adam has assured us the weather will be comfortable with plenty of sunshine.”

  Bren’s arms dropped to her side, and her face softened into a grin. Without any regards for the mess she made, she stepped over the pile of coats, and joined the little ones in the middle of the room.

  Aura leaned down and scooped up the jackets and wraps, and then helped her mother organize them on hanger
s while apologizing for her little sister.

  “Don’t be angry with her; she just wants to take care of them.”

  “I know – she and Tracy are like little mother hens now. Hopefully, they will have a good time in Utopia. It will be an interesting afternoon.”

  “Have you seen something in your visions?”

  Eve smiled, but didn’t elaborate.

  I’ve seen a great many things, but there is no reason to spoil the surprise. This will be a wedding to remember.

  She grabbed her purse off the coffee table and waited for everyone to go outside before she closed the door. When they were all huddled in a circle in the middle of the street, Paul instructed them to hold hands and instantly, they disappeared in a cloud of white smoke.

  Even though the Utopians had indoor plumbing and electricity, most of the older women still cooked on wood-burning stoves. Inside the village, there were no asphalt roads or concrete pavements, and no automobiles.

  For those who lived outside the city limits, their primary means of transportation were horses and carriages. In town, the sidewalks and streets were paved with cobblestone. Occasionally, a bicycle was seen leaning against one of the brick townhomes in the square, but they were used by the older children.

  The servants had been up since the crack of dawn readying the governor’s yard for the wedding.

  Bakers and chefs proudly displayed silver trays of delicacies, pastries and unique culinary creations on long tables near the entrance to the house. Whole pigs and sides of beef were roasting, and bottles of champagne were being iced in glass buckets.

  Fresh flowers were used as centerpieces for each of the tables. Hand-carved wooden doves were painted white and arranged with satin ribbons on all of the trees.

  A wooden dance floor was installed to the right side of the yard behind a stage large enough for a small orchestra.

  If it weren’t his wedding, Caspian may have appreciated all the details that went into the preparations. No expense was spared for the marriage of the governor’s middle son.