Angel Incarnate: Second Sight

by Linda Creel

  Elijah brought out a broom and dustpan from the closet, but before he could sweep up the shards of glass, Hespa took it from his hands. “You sit down. This is my mess; I’ll clean it up after Paul leaves.”

  She placed the broom in the corner and motioned for Elijah to take his seat at the table. He slumped into his chair and kept his head down, embarrassed by his mother’s disrespect to their friend.

  “Why would Michael risk sending Alannah to Aeden? Does Aura know about her past?” Hespa asked.

  “No, but Esra thinks if she sees Alannah her memories will return, and with them, her powers.”

  “This will not end well. Lucifer has promised to reunite the Eternal Children, and then use them to destroy us. He may threaten your daughter into revealing the whereabouts of Bodhi’s bow.”

  “He may find the bow, but Avriel’s ring will never grace his finger.”

  Hespa laughed, but it was a derisive laugh. “He won’t need the ring to restore the sacred weapons. Mark my words, this will end badly. I won’t refuse our Father’s command, but it should ultimately be my son’s decision.”

  Elijah clasped his mother’s hands. “I recall you telling me Lucifer’s sister, Loralei, stayed true to Heaven -- so blood shouldn’t matter. You’ve always preached that no child should be punished for the sins of their father. We should at least give Jeziel a chance. If it doesn’t work out, Paul can send her home.”

  Paul could hear the love in Hespa’s voice. Cupping Elijah’s chin in her hands, she smiled and planted a soft kiss on his forehead. “Alright – I’ll agree to this, but if Jeziel shows any signs of following her father’s path, I want your promise she will be summoned back to Heaven.”

  “You have my word. My daughters will keep an eye on Elijah too. You know Rita isn’t one to shy away from trouble.”

  Elijah chuckled. “I think that’s an understatement. Don’t worry, Mother; I’ll be fine.”

  “I’ll inform my father of your consent.” Paul shook Elijah’s hand and hugged Hespa. “You’ll be hearing from me in a day or two.” They watched him walk out the back door and when he was in the center of the yard, Paul vanished in a blur of white smoke.

  Hespa picked up the broom and swept the broken dishes into a dustpan, and then ladled the stew. She listened to her son giving blessings for the meal, while she added her own silent prayer.

  Please keep him safe; he isn’t strong like the Guild’s children. I would be a fool not to be afraid. My poor innocent son is so much like his father – kind, but too trusting.

  Chapter 23

  Michael sent word with Josiah that Dahnael had been summoned. While Esra was telling Alannah about the decision to send her to Aeden, he decided to meet with his son, Aidan.

  He chose one of the hollows close to the valley of tombs. In the distance, the sun cast a shadow of light over the dell, while the song of mockingbirds filled the air with a festive ease.

  Though the other Angels of the Tier were resting in glass coffins, Avriel’s body was notably absent. Aidan knew she had been reborn seventeen years ago, but he wasn’t permitted to make contact with her.

  “Alannah is with Esra, so I wanted to take this opportunity to speak with you before your brother arrives,” Michael said. “We are depending on you and Dahnael to make this mission successful. The lives of Aura and the children may depend on it,” he warned. “I know it has been a long journey, but the end is in sight.”

  “I hardly know Dahnael; he was raised by Caeus and Malakiel. We’ve all heard rumors they may be in league with Mortriel. I think they should be stripped of their staffs and brought back to Heaven to be held accountable for their actions.”

  “We do not have the power to make that decision. I realize their methods may be crude, but they are also effective. They have brought a great many to justice.”

  “You believe the end justifies the means, but surely, there is a better way to accomplish the same goal. Why doesn’t Josiah take control of the Guard? There were no complaints when he was in charge?”

  “Josiah stepped down when he married the mortal woman and she bore his children. If the others discover his secret, he could be in danger. You may not agree with this decision, but I’ve often learned if you give someone enough rope, they will eventually hang themselves.”

  “How many innocents will lose their lives while we wait? Should they not be held to the same standards as the rest of us? How can you trust Dahnael with such an important mission?”

  “This comes from a higher power. As long as he knows you are watching -- your brother will not stray from his path.”

  “You are too trusting. I have never questioned your judgment before, but I want it on record that I am opposed to this arrangement. Lucifer is planning a second war. He will destroy the angel-bloods first, and then he will challenge Heaven again.”

  “I know you fear for your family’s safety, but they are more powerful than you realize. Even the youngest are fearless. You must be patient. Bren and Tracy are already aware of their past lives; in time, Aura’s memories will return too.”

  “Do you think she will ever love me as she once did?”

  Michael patted his son’s back. “I doubt she ever stopped loving you. She must come to the truth in her own way; we are forbidden from speaking to her about her past.”

  Aidan nodded. It would kill him to be close to Aura and not share their memories. Still, he would never disobey his father. When he looked up, a pair of purple cloaks cast a shadow over the valley. His brother had arrived.

  The tension in the air was so thick; Josiah could have cut it with a knife. He knew Dahnael was taken from Michael and Kaelariel on the day he was born, but being raised by Caeus and Malakiel did nothing to help the angel’s disposition.

  “Well, I wasn’t expecting to have the whole family here,” Dahnael sneered. “Oh that’s right, your wife and daughters are still missing. At least your mother is resting in her tomb. Tell me, Brother -- to what do I owe this pleasure?”

  She is your mother too, or have you forgotten? “It was not my decision to summon you,” Aidan responded curtly. “If you’ll excuse me, I want to have a word with Josiah while you and Father talk.”

  Aidan respected Josiah’s decision not to inform the Elite Guard about his family. Knowing he wanted information about his daughter’s well-being, he grabbed the guardian by the arm, and headed towards the tombs. There, they would be out of sight and earshot of Dahnael.

  Taking a seat on the stone bench, the two angels spoke quietly. “When can I take Gracie home?” Josiah asked.

  “I’m afraid it will be some time before it is safe for her to leave Aeden. There, she has the protection of Gideon’s shield. If you move her, and Mortriel finds out where she is, he will go after her again. She has no value to him alive. He will make an example of her in front of the other angel-bloods, hoping to keep them in line. I fear she will suffer an agonizing death.”

  Aidan could identify with the sadness in Josiah’s heart. Josiah had not seen his daughters in a few days; Aidan had not seen his daughter in thousands of years. Still, he had to trust that one day they would be united with their mother, and would resume their once happy life.

  “I would be willing to challenge Lucifer, if it means I could free my daughter from his prison,” Josiah said.

  Aidan laid his hand on Josiah’s arm trying to offer as much comfort as he could to his friend. His voice was even and quiet.

  “Many others have tried and failed. Hope is with Alorrah and Alexis. They will not allow any harm to come to her. For now, we must wait until Lucifer makes another move. It’s been eons, but we can never give up hope. In my heart, I know I will see my daughter again, and you will see Hope too.”

  Josiah stood and began pacing. “Why do we sit back and do nothing? Surely we could attack Purgatory and deplete Lucifer’s army.”

  “We can’t risk him destroying the sacred gifts. Lucifer is cunning, and while he may believe he will one day restore the dagg
er and whip, he would take them out of our reach, if it meant the angels of the tier could never awaken. I do not profess to know the Almighty’s plans, but he would not have given us a way to right this wrong, if there was no hope.”

  Josiah looked at Aidan – really looked at him. “You are so much like your father. You and Dahnael look so much alike, yet you are so different.”

  It was true -- Aidan and Dahnael looked identical, but the similarities between the two brothers ended there. Aidan was composed and respectful of the other angels; Dahnael was arrogant and cocky; two traits that did not impress the archangels.

  “Rest assured – my father has a plan. I can’t tell you everything, but I’m asking you to trust him.”

  “I have always trusted Michael. Do you think it might be possible for me to at least see my daughter? She barely knows me; I haven’t really been involved in her life.”

  Aidan smiled. ‘I’m sure that can be arranged. From what my father tells me, she looks like you. Aura is always having a party to celebrate something or the other; perhaps, you can be invited to one of her gatherings. No one needs to know you’re Gracie’s father.”

  “Paul and Adam know the truth.”

  “They can introduce you as one of their friends. You’ll love their family. Though I haven’t met them personally, I know they welcome all who are loyal to Heaven. My father should be finished talking to Dahnael. We should get back before they wonder if we are plotting against them.”

  Aidan was right, by the time they joined Michael and Dahnael their conversation was about over.

  ‘Tell me, Brother. Why aren’t you taking on this task? I would think you would be more suited than I.”

  “Aidan has another mission we’re sending him on,” Michael said. “He will still be close if you need any help. Are you agreeable to my offer?”

  “Of course – it will give me a chance to prove my worth to you,” Dahnael replied.

  “There is one thing. No one else can know about this. I’ll have to ask for your staff and your cloak. We don’t want Caeus and Malakiel to interfere.”

  “I agree the cloak and staff must be hidden, but I would prefer to keep it with me as long as it’s out of sight. If there is a problem, I would rather not be without my weapon.”

  Michael thought about it for a second. “Fine – as long as you promise they will be kept out of sight at all times. You may return to the Guard and tell Caeus and Malakiel you have been chosen for a special assignment. You are not to divulge any of the particulars to them.”

  “You have my word. If they pressure me for more information, Josiah can back me up. How long do you think I’ll be gone?”

  “That will depend on the other parties involved. I’ll give you time to say goodbye to your friends, and then you’ll meet me here. There will be clothing waiting for you.”

  Dahnael was about to leave when Michael stopped him. “I can’t stress this enough. No one is to know about your mission. If all goes well, you can return to the Guard in a few months. If there is any problem, we will remove you before then.”

  Dahnael was enjoying the worried look on Aidan’s face. For once, he was the chosen one and would milk it as long as possible. “I’ll try in earnest not to disappoint you. Perhaps it’s time I proved myself to my brother. You aren’t worried, are you Aidan?”

  “Why should I be? I’ll be near enough to keep an eye on you. As long as you stick to the plan, everything will work out.”

  “Maybe this will bring us closer together.” Aidan knew his brother was being sarcastic, and he wasn’t the least bit impressed.

  I doubt that. We were raised by different fathers. Michael’s loyalty has never been questioned. I wish I could say the same for Caeus or Malakiel. Still, if Father trusts you, I will give you the benefit of the doubt. But I swear if you hurt anyone I care about, you and I will fight to the death.

  “Now that we’re all on board, when do I leave?” Dahnael asked.

  “A few hours should be sufficient time to say goodbye to your friends. Afterwards, I’ll expect you to return so we can go over any last minute details. Remember, Caeus and Malakiel are not to be aware of this conversation.”

  “My lips are sealed. Besides, the Guard has been pretty busy following the recent deaths of some angel-bloods. They think it may be a rogue angel, and they are hot on his trail. Shall we go?” he asked Josiah. “The sooner we gather my things, the sooner we can get started. I’m looking forward to this assignment. It will certainly be more challenging than anything else I’ve done.”

  Michael hugged Josiah, but Dahnael settled on a handshake. He considered Caeus his real father, even though they shared different blood. He would try to keep his promise, but if his friends were in jeopardy, Dahnael would defend them first, and offer an explanation to the Council later.

  As soon as they departed, Aidan questioned his father’s judgment. “I don’t trust him. He could destroy everyone I care about. I pray you know what you’re doing.”

  “You should go find Alannah. She needs to prepare for her journey.”

  Michael turned and walked back to the valley of tombs. He stood next to his wife’s glass coffin. Even though she couldn’t respond, he always felt better after talking to Kaelariel.

  I know Aidan disagrees with this plan, but what am I to do? I have to follow orders like everyone else. He will never forgive me if this goes south. This wouldn’t be the first mistake I’ve made. Not protecting the Eternal children is something I will always have to live with. I pray this won’t cost the lives of any of the other little ones; I don’t think I could bare the guilt.

  When Michael spoke, he thought he saw Kaelariel’s finger move. Maybe she was telling him in her own way everything would work out, and soon, they would all be together again.

  As much as he missed his wife, Michael tried to push the thought of his grandchildren, still imprisoned in Hell, out of his mind. Maybe Aura will find a way to rescue them, and Aidan will have his wife and daughters home again.

  It was too late to save the others who had died by the hands of Lucifer and his followers; their names had been permanently etched into his brain.

  Michael wasn’t a seer or visionary, but it was hard to erase the sight of so many tiny angels lying dead after Lucifer’s attack. Their golden blood cast a stain over the land that even the rain could not wash away.

  One day we will avenge you – I swear it.

  Chapter 24

  While the girls took an afternoon nap, Aura began to prepare dinner. They had eaten so much food at the wedding reception, she decided on a light fare for supper. Soup and salad would be sufficient, and the chefs had sent a ton of leftovers home with them. There must have been enough food to feed an army. She decided anything not eaten, would be sent to the needy.

  As Aura was chopping the tomatoes, the telephone rang; it was Ryan. Though he wouldn’t officially take his vows for a few more days, the service was merely a formality. Aura and her family had already started to call her friend, Father Ryan.

  “How’s my favorite girl?” Ryan asked when she answered the phone.

  Aura started giggling. “Oh, so now I’m you favorite girl? What do you need this time?”

  “You know me so well. The truth is I’ve taken my vows early, so now I am officially, Father Ryan.”

  “When did all this happen?” Aura couldn’t hide the disappointment in her voice.

  “It happened this morning. I know you wanted to be there, but you had a wedding to attend. I didn’t want you to have to make a choice, so I decided to wait and tell you. I hope you’re not angry with me.”

  “I could never stay angry with you, but I planned your party for the day after you took your vows.”

  “We can still have the party on Halloween.” Ryan cleared his throat and Aura knew he was about to ask a favor.

  “Speaking of parties, we’re having a small gathering tomorrow afternoon with some of the kids in my support group. There is a new girl who wants to join.
Stella recommended her. I was wondering if you could prepare a light fare. You know most of the kids are runaways and would rather starve than ask for anything from their families. I hate to ask on such short notice, but I can’t even boil water, and there isn’t enough money in the petty cash account to order take-out.”

  “Actually, some of the chefs sent some leftovers home with us from the wedding. I’m sure there will be enough to feed them. When do you want me to bring the food over?”

  “We’re meeting at noon, so any time before that will be fine. You’re welcome to stay if you’d like. I know the girls wouldn’t mind seeing you again.”

  “I appreciate the invitation, but I’m a little busy here. Bren and Tracy have some of their friends staying with us, and I have to keep an eye on them.”

  Ryan laughed. “Always the little mother – I can’t wait until you have your own children; not that they would be spoiled or anything.”

  Aura sighed. “I don’t see a wedding in my near future; most of the boys here are like brothers to me.”

  Ryan’s tone became sad. “You won’t have any trouble finding a husband. If things had been different, I probably would have proposed myself.”

  “Do you regret your decision to become a priest?”

  “Not at all; I love the work I’m doing. Nobody seems to care that I’m a transgender; they accept me for who I am.”

  Aura wondered if Ryan was being honest. “I’ll drop off the food tomorrow morning around eleven, and we can heat it up before the girls arrive.”

  “That sounds like a plan. By the way, would you mind if I invited some of the kids to the Halloween party?”

  “Any friend of yours is always welcome at my house. Just let me know how many to expect. Oh, and don’t forget to tell them it’s a costume party. We won’t expect you to dress up. You’ll be getting used to your collar.”

  “Great – well, I have to go. Father Patrick wants me to deliver the sermon on Sunday and I haven’t even begun to write it. I’ll see you tomorrow?”