In the Beginning (Archangel Jarahmael and the War to Conquer Heaven, Book I)

by John J Higgins

  "Michael is arranging for an army to destroy the dinosaurs," Sammuael continued. "I think we should assemble the Auxilium and a legion of Potentates to magnify our energy. That way we can develop more of our individual powers to destroy the creatures."

  Luciferael nodded in agreement. "Yes, exactly what I was thinking. Perhaps you can get Mephistophael and Beelzebael to assist develop some tools or weapons to cause destruction."

  Sammuael shook his head. "I don't think that developing weapons would be of much interest to either one of them, my lord. But Suriel has expressed an interest in developing new instruments for music and for building things. He probably would know what would work on destroying things as well."

  Luciferael looked off in the distance as if he was envisioning the destruction before it happened. "That's an excellent idea, Sammuael. See if he can develop some weapons. Remind him that we will also need some weapons made out of the Earth too. I can see where they can come in handy. Of course, those weapons should not be made to the exclusion of our weapons of light and sound waves."

  "Certainly my lord," Sammuael stated as he began to get ready to meet with his other closest Archangel brethren and spread the news.

  Sammuael was surprised that Luciferael would give up his dinosaurs so easily. Perhaps this was just another way that Luciferael showed that his love for the Almighty was even stronger than before. Maybe despite growing in his own powers, Luciferael still wanted to remain obedient to his own creator, the Almighty. Besides this could all be an exciting adventure. To be able to destroy, for some reason gave Sammuael a sense of pleasure. And they would be doing this under the orders of the Almighty.

  Chapter 16

  LUCIFERAEL TAKES COMMAND

  The day had come for the destruction of the dinosaurs. The Archangels were accustomed to creating and maintaining life. Not destroying it.

  At the morning ceremony the Almighty spoke about what was to happen to the dinosaurs.

  "This day we will remove Luciferael's creations, the dinosaurs, from the Earth. These creatures were a noble effort by Luciferael, and caused major progress in the creation of life on that planet. His creativity has led us to where we are today." The Almighty paused a moment to allow Luciferael to take a bow as the assembled Angels applauded.

  "The time has come to create new Beings, not limited by the flesh made of the earth and the minds contained by the dinosaurs. As you know, I have created and placed the Simians upon the Earth. But I have also created a place, called the Garden of Eden, where I have developed those creatures even further. These newest Beings are much like you and I hope will one day inhabit the planet. I will continue to have the Earth as a paradise. And these new Beings will have a direct part of me, just like you have, and in them it shall be known as a soul."

  All of the Assembly of Angels all looked upon the Almighty with love when he said those words, except for Luciferael and his Auxilium, who shifted in their positions almost unnoticeably, not wanting to reveal their true feelings about new creatures.

  "But these dinosaurs are incapable of such things, and must now pass into the ages. Luciferael, their creator, has volunteered to be in command of the mission and I have agreed to place him above Michael for this task."

  Luciferael and Michael exchanged glances as Luciferael once again claimed dominance over all the Angels, depriving Michael of the lead role and keeping him subservient. To reinforce his position as First Born, Luciferael took a moment to look over the full assembly of Angels, silently acknowledging the honor.

  The Almighty continued, "Only those creatures that were created as dinosaurs are to be destroyed. Smaller versions known as reptiles and the serpents are to be left alive and unharmed.

  I leave you now with that purpose and I will return to you after the destruction has been accomplished." The Almighty then sent out a surge of energy to the assembled Angels of all of the Orders, and departed with his Seraphim and Thrones up through the skylight in the Throne Room of Heaven.

  Luciferael stepped forward as soon as the Almighty had left and proceeded to divide all of the Angels who would assist in the effort into two groups. One group to follow Sammuael and the other group to follow Michael. With his hand he indicated where the two halves would be split.

  "This half is to follow Sammuael," indicating his left side, "and this half is to follow Michael," he said, indicating his right side. "The Almighty had the Cherubim forge weapons for all of you, and they shall be distributed as you leave here this morning."

  The Angels looked among themselves with trepidation and excitement. The split had separated some friends within the Orders of Angels and many of them waved to their brethren assigned to the other half.

  Luciferael continued, "Each of the Orders of Angels shall be assigned specific weapons for their use -- the Pilum Luxlucis, the Mucro Luxlucis, Exitosus Harp, the Cornu Bellum, the Mucro Luxlucis, the Ruina Securis, and the Levitas Telum. You will all be given time to become familiar with the weapons, with the Cherubim Angels demonstrating the use and effectiveness of each of the weapons to the various Angel groups. I want to acknowledge the great work of the Cherubim under their leader Cerebriel for designing and making these weapons and armor for all of us on short notice."

  As each group left the Throne Room and assembled on the surrounding grounds, they were given weapons and training by various Cherubim Angels. The Archangels were assigned the spears of light, the Pilum Luxlucis, and the swords of light, the Mucro Luxlucis. The Cherubim were assigned swords of light and axes of destruction, the Mucro Luxlucis and the Ruina Securis. The Virtues were assigned the harps of destruction, the Exitosus Harps, while the Dominions were assigned the horns of destruction, the Cornu Bellum. The Principals and the Angelus were assigned the spears of light, the Pilum Luxlucis. Lastly, the Potentates were not armed in this manner as they possessed within themselves the Incendia Exertus also known as the fireballs of destruction. By forenoon all had weapons assigned and all the Orders of Angels had been trained in their uses.

  With this part accomplished, Sammuael and Michael came to Luciferael who had been spinning a globe of the Earth, a smaller version that accurately depicted the land masses of the planet, as he decided how the attack would proceed.

  "We are ready, lord Luciferael!" they said in unison.

  All three were now standing in battle garb. Shields slung over their necks, silver for Michael and Sammuael and gold for Luciferael. Swords hung off belts across their waists and the Pilum Luxlucis were slung over their backs, a seven foot spear made of condensed light with a large grip at the base of the handle that could be grasped by the Angel to thrust or throw.

  Luciferael was excited at the prospect of destroying these earthen creatures, even though he had been their creator. He was in charge of the attack. All of the Angels would answer to him, a position he always enjoyed. He had some concern when Sammuael told him that Michael would be in charge, despite Michael's lack of enthusiasm to destroy any part of the Creation. He knew that the Almighty would allow him to be in charge, all he had to do was to ask. Michael appeared relieved when he had returned his glance as the Almighty announced that he, Luciferael, would be in charge. Many of the Angels whose loyalties were with Luciferael were much more comfortable knowing that Luciferael was in charge.

  Luciferael then looked up from the globe of the Earth that rotated slowly before him and he gave the assignments. "Michael, I want you take your Angels and split them. One half to attack from the North Pole, the other half from the South Pole. You will push the creatures towards the equator."

  Luciferael then turned to Sammuael and said, "You are to keep your Angels together and will attack in the center areas once Michael has pushed the dinosaurs towards the middle. This way we are sure to get them all while leaving the majority of the carnage in the center of the planet. It's a bit warmer there and the decomposition of the dinosaurs back into the earth will be accelerated."

  Michael and Sammuael nodded in agreement to the plan. Michael
still appeared to be uncomfortable, even though according to Luciferael's plan, the majority of the destruction would be done by Sammuael and his legions. His trusted Auxilium would obey him without question, and he was sure that the dinosaurs would be destroyed and none would escape. Michael could very easily miss some, as his heart was not in the task.

  For a brief second, Luciferael thought about how magnificent his creatures, the dinosaurs, were and how they were able to quickly dominate the planet. But if the Almighty wanted the creatures destroyed, he trusted that the Almighty had a better plan for the overall Creation and development of life on the planet. As long as he and the other Beings of Light were the most beloved of the Almighty, all was well in the Universe. He would have no remorse.

  Sammuael appeared excited about his role in destroying these creatures too. Luciferael was a bit concerned that this excitement could be detected by Michael. But his thoughts were broken when he saw Michael adjust his battle gear as he spoke.

  "My lord Luciferael, what should we do about the dinosaurs that do not move towards the equator?"

  "They leave you no choice then, lord Michael. You are to destroy them on the spot, those that do not move. The Almighty is clear that all of them are to be destroyed without exception."

  "As you wish, my lord," Michael said, taking a slight bow before Luciferael. "I will take my leave, my lord Luciferael, and will do as you command. I will split my legions up to battle from the north and from the south. We shall push the creatures towards the center of the planet where Sammuael will be in position to attack and destroy them. And we shall destroy any that do not move. Where will you be, my lord, in case there are problems?"

  "I will be in the middle of it with Sammuael, of course," Luciferael responded, perhaps a bit too quickly and gleefully.

  "Understood, my lord," Michael answered as he took off in flight and headed towards his assigned legions, leaving Luciferael and Sammuael standing there outside the Throne Room.

  Luciferael and Sammuael looked at one another and grinned broadly.

  "This day shall be a good day, lord Luciferael," Sammuael said in a congratulatory tone.

  "Yes, it will be. Despite the destruction of these creatures I made, this will expand my influence in the Universe!" Luciferael responded. "Learn as much as you can with the use of the weapons and the methods of attack. We may need those skills again one day. Do not rely much on those legions who are not under your direct control," warned Luciferael. "We do not want the other Angels as proficient in attack methods as we are."

  "Is that why you assigned Michael and his legions to the fringes of the battle?" Sammuael asked.

  "In part, yes. But also to be kind to Michael. As you can see, his heart is not into such things. No point in forcing him to gain much experience in either the use of weapons or the major strategies to overcome and conquer if his heart is not in it."

  "Do you think he will be able to carry out his part?" asked Sammuael.

  "Yes. But only because it's very limited. Michael is like his six other colleagues. They move slower and more cautiously towards anything they do. Their allegiance and loyalty is strictly focused on the Almighty and His wishes. I am unsure that Michael would follow me if it was not for the Almighty's commands."

  Sammuael nodded in agreement.

  Luciferael paused a moment as he caught a glimpse of himself in one of his mirrors carried by one of his lesser Angels. He was even more magnificent all dressed in his battle gear, and he smiled lovingly at himself.

  Luciferael drew his focus back to Sammuael and continued, "It's time to go gather your legions. Let us make sure they are all assembled and ready!"

  "As you wish, my lord. They are awaiting your command."

  "Good. Just one other thing," Luciferael said as he adjusted a strap on Sammuael's battle dress where a fold of tunic had shifted over his shoulder. "That's better. Now you look like the second in command of Luciferael's legions."

  "Thank you, my lord. Let us go find and lead your troops," Sammuael said as the two of them took off in flight.

  Chapter 17

  SLAUGHTER

  The attack began a little after noon. Michael had split his legions up between Jarahmael and Gabriel. Jarahmael took his legion and began to drive the dinosaurs down from the north while Gabriel took his legions and began the drive upwards towards the equator from the south. There were a hundred thousand Angels under each of their commands. Luciferael, too, split his legions and placed the eastern legion under the command of Sammuael and the western legion under the command of Beelzebael.

  Luciferael had both Sammuael and Beelzebael hold their legions back. He wanted to wait until most of the dinosaurs from the north and south were driven into the equator area where they could be destroyed.

  As much as he did not like to destroy these creatures, Michael was relieved. The Almighty had agreed it was the right choice to kill the band of dinosaurs that had attacked Guline of the Simians near Aegyptus. Now, he was even more appreciative that the Almighty had agreed to remove these creatures from the Earth, because deep inside he knew that without the Almighty's approval of his actions Luciferael would not have taken the news well.

  Michael remained high above the Earth as the legions under Jarahmael and Gabriel's command moved down from the poles, driving many of the dinosaurs before them. The Virtues with the harps and Dominions with the horns were able to drive the beasts by using sound waves that targeted the hearing of the larger dinosaurs. The stragglers that remained behind were of the fiercest types and fought back and had to be destroyed by other Angels armed with light swords and spears. Although this was a smaller number than the main herds, it was large enough that both Michael and Jarahmael considered it a slaughter.

  Large clouds of dust began to fill the atmosphere as the dinosaurs were driven from the north and the south towards the equator. It was becoming more and more difficult to see individual dinosaurs in motion. But it was clear that the majority were being driven into the center.

  Michael's legions acted for the most part as noise makers and although there were some battles between his Angels and the dinosaurs, they were not involved in much of the actual killing of the beasts. It was as Michael would describe later: a widespread slaughter once the dinosaurs moved into the range where the legions of Sammuael and Beelzebael were waiting. After they were within range there was nothing the creatures could do to save themselves. Fighting back against an Angel of Light was futile for these creatures.

  When the bulk of the dinosaurs were in the areas controlled by Luciferael and Sammuael, Michael and Jarahmael kept back and observed the massacre from a distance away.

  Jarahmael had noticed that there were a few straggling dinosaurs going through the mountains near Aegyptus and decided to fly over to make sure that they would not survive. Raphael and Ariel accompanied him. In fact, Raphael insisted that he come along to make sure the local Simians were not affected.

  "We should go over there," Raphael said as they began to descend out of the clouds towards the open caves nestled at the base of the mountains.

  "Interesting creatures," Jarahmael said. "Have you seen the Simians before, Ariel?"

  Ariel responded, "No, I only heard about them from the Almighty's speech."

  "Look over there!" Raphael said as he pointed to a band of about twenty of the ferocious dinosaurs running into the valley near the mountains. "Quickly, quickly, we better get over there!" Raphael exclaimed.

  "It looks like a band of the Simians are being cut off by the dinosaurs!" said Jarahmael.

  "Yes. It looks like there's really no way out for them!" said Ariel.

  "Hurry, hurry!" said Raphael as he headed to cut off the closest dinosaur.

  Jarahmael saw one of the Simians standing before the dinosaur with a wooden spear trying to keep the dinosaurs back from his small group. Then he saw a group of Cherubim drop out of the clouds aiming at the dinosaurs from above, with Mammonael of Luciferael's Auxilium following closely behind.r />
  "Pull up, Raphael!" Jarahmael called out as he flew beneath him and pushed Raphael skyward, so they avoided hitting the rapidly descending Cherubim.

  As Jarahmael's eyes went skyward, he saw Mammonael throw his Pilum at the group of dinosaurs and watched as one of the leading Cherubim flew right into its path, the light spear severing the Cherubim's arm as he flew into it.

  Mammonael paid no attention to the wounded Cherubim and continued down, his light sword drawn and aimed at one of the dinosaurs. The remaining Cherubim had not noticed their comrade and they too descended upon the group of dinosaurs as the wounded Cherubim fell towards the ground.

  Jarahmael pulled back on Raphael and aimed the two of them towards the wounded Cherubim, intent on catching him before he struck the Earth.

  Ariel's attention was still on the Simians standing before the dinosaurs holding the creatures back, as he was swooping in to protect the Simians.

  Jarahmael was closer and he aimed for the Simians as Raphael split upwards and succeeded in catching the wounded Cherubim before he struck the ground. Safely in Raphael's grasp, the Cherubim was set down on a small patch of grass.

  Jarahmael swept the lead Simian up and away from the danger of both the dinosaurs and attacking Angels, who were now fully engaged battling one another. Ariel, for his part, was able to fly into the melee and chase the rest of the confused Simians away.

  Raphael tended to the Cherubim's wound caused by Mammonael's carelessness. Fortunately for the Cherubim, Raphael was able to repair the damage to the limb, although it would take a while before it fully healed.

  Jarahmael noticed that the Simian he had saved had an older injury to his arm, but nothing freshly inflicted. The Simian was very grateful and started to speak, but all he heard the creature say was the word Guline. Jarahmael did not wait to listen; he was furious at Mammonael for not being more careful, and he flew directly up to him to confront him.