by Lynn Landes
Malach grins and draws his sword swinging the pure blade, leaving trails of light bleeding off of it as it passes through the air.
Elina hears the words in her mind, and she knows what she has to do. She wraps her wings around Alex protecting him, and trusts Malach to protect her.
He leaps toward the Mocker, the long blade of his sword stabbing towards his throat.
The Mocker meets the blade with a thunderous crash of the mace head. Hot embers explode outward in a shower as the molten rock impacts the steel. Stepping forward the Mocker drives the black handle of the weapon into Malach’s exposed side with a crunch of armor crumpling.
Malach flares his wings and leaps over the Mocker drawing him away from Elina and Alex. He watches as the burned angel turns and advances again, swinging the mace in slow circles around himself.
“It’s time to clip your wings birdie. Your head will look good hanging as a trophy!”
Elina pushes the book into Alex’s hands, “Alex, take the book! Write his name inside of it!” She pulls her wings back and calls to the army of Keepers and Angels around them.
“Keepers, Angels, hear my voice, join with me,” she prays, “Father, strengthen us with your shield and deliver us from the fires of darkness here!” She raises her hands heavenward pushing more power into the barrier holding the demons at bay. More of the hell spawn burn as the walls energy intensifies.
Elina’s voice fades into the background as Alex drops to the ground and flips through the pages of the book. Shock shows on his face.
“NO! This can’t be right!” he flips through the dry, empty pages of the book. “Nothing! Elina!”
She turns and smiles at him, “Faith, Alex, Trust me.” She whispers, “You don’t need ink. Now Alex!” she yells.
“Elina, I don’t know his name!” he yells.
“Say my name!” The Mocker screams and Elina hears Malach say, “Never to be spoken again.” So she shares the name in his mind.
“NO! Say my name, Keeper!” he rages turning to destroy the young Keeper and the book that has cursed him since the beginning of time.
Alex pulls the wooden pen from his pocket and imagines the light flowing through his arm and into the pen. He scrawls the name, Samiel, into the ancient pages. The book absorbs the light and the name glints on the pages.
The mocker screams as the light explodes from the page, and he is pierced by the light of God.
Elina runs to Malach. Together they tap the earth and watch as a fiery red crack opens. Heat and flame pouring forth billowing their hair and wings back from the force of it.
Samiel is lifted into the air, screaming in rage as the fallen watch. Silence falls as steam from the earth surrounds him as he screams, “Say my name! Say my name!” The steam turns to ice and he is frozen with a permanent scream to his face.
Elina turns to the Fallen, surrounded now by the Keepers and leaps into the sky drawing her sword. It glows blue with the light of judgment and she swoops down striking the Mocker shattering the frozen form leaving only dust drifting down to be burned by the eternal fire held below.
Elina lands by Malach and they seal the doorway forever with a grinding growling crack of the earth as it closes.
Slowly the archangels; Malach, Simeon, Uriel, Gabriel, Michael, Gideon and Elina turn lifting the shield holding back the demon horde.
Elina looks at the cowering creatures, seeing them for the pitiful corrupted souls that they have become.
“The Mocker was right, there is nothing I could do to you that you haven’t already experienced, but I can offer you something you have never been offered before. Forgiveness.”
“Our Father is offering a chance to those of you who so choose to return to purgatory where you will serve out your time on Earth in whatever form he deems fit for you. You will be offered a chance at life, but with that comes death. What do you say?”
Surprise ripples across the Fallen as they struggle with the possibility. Hope. It flutters on the night air like a gentle breeze. They fall to the ground in a wave. On their knees, they accept this final gift, Elina spreads her wings and lifts her hands to heaven.
Now glowing with the power of the One, she pushes a wave of power towards them. As it passes through the gathered followers and demons, it disintegrates those that choose to continue fighting. Those remaining dare not look up at the sound of screams echoing across the land as it passes.
Uriel and Michael step forward when the sound of a trumpet sounds out.
Alex blinks, and that quickly, they are gone. All the Keepers and Archangels are gone, leaving only the scorched earth and destroyed smoking remains of the village. Only Malach, Elina, and Alex remain.
Alex is on the ground holding the book and pen staring open mouthed at the sudden silence around them. “Is it truly over, Elina?” he asks, looking up at her as she lands beside him.
Elina pulls her wings in tightly to her body and sinks to her knees. With tears in her turquoise eyes, she meets the eyes of her brother and laughs.
“You did it, Alex!” She cups his cheek in her hand and leans forward to speak to him.
“I’m so proud of you, and so are Mom and Dad!” Alex covers her hand with his and looks at her with tears streaming down his cheeks he whispers to her.
“How can you say that to me, I failed you?”
“NO, Alex. You saved us all!” Elina shakes her head at him. “I made the mistake of thinking I knew better than our Father, but in truth this was his plan all along. For the first time, Alex, I am at peace.” She looks at Malach and he smiles at her.
“But the book is empty, Elina. I don’t understand any of this.” Alex tells her. Frustrated, he tosses the book onto the ground and leaps to his feet. Elina slowly stands and takes a deep breath.
‘Malach he’s so young!’
“No younger than you were. He is ready and he will not be alone, Elina.”
“Alex I know you don’t understand right now and I will not pretend to have all the answers for you. But I do know that our Father does not make mistakes. You are the Keeper now.”
“The Keeper of what, Death? It seems that everyone I love is dead and it’s because of this… this gift.” He says holding up the pen in fury. He looks at his sister and rage fills his heart. “Alone again! Mom, Dad, our brother, Nameed and now you!”
She steps towards him, but he yells at her holding up the ancient pen, “NO! Stop Elina! Don’t try to tell me everything will be okay…” with a scream of rage he snaps the pen in half and throws the pieces away turning around looking at anything but her. His body shakes as he tries to stem the feelings of resentment. Elina steps closer, resting a hand on his shoulder.
“Alex, you will never be alone, you know that. Look at me, brother!” Alex turns slowly and wipes the tears from his face with the back of his hand.
“It was never about the pen, Alex. The book in its remade form is powerful, but it is nothing compared to the power that lives inside of you. The power to add or take away from the book. The pen was a vessel, just as our bodies are.”
“Malach help me, please,” she calls to him.
“Alex, Elina’s role in this is complete. She was a distraction from the true Keeper, you.” Malach explains quietly. Stepping close to her, Malach flares his wings over Elina and it’s stunning to see the blue against the shimmery white of her wings.
Elina leans back into him, drawing on his strength, and looks at Alex. “I know what we are telling you is confusing, but understand this, there will always be light to illuminate the darkness. You are the light for those on this planet. The book will need to be protected and the light will as well. There are keepers who need to be trained and taught the lessons of the past. You will not be alone in this. Jake and Elsbeth will help you. You have Hunter and Varena too.”
“For now,” Malach says, “Rest and heal, Alex. Be with your family. When you need us, we will come.”
Alex looks away again and knows they are right.
; “I’m sorry, Elina. I wish I could have done more.”
Elina steps away from the shelter of Malach’s wings and wraps her brother in her arms.
“I love you, Alex. That will never change. I am happy and at peace, and if at any time you need me you only have to call. It will take all the angels in heaven to keep me from coming to you!” she snaps protectively.
Alex looks up at her and laughs, “I guess this could have its perks. An angel for a sister, I could get used to it.”
“Not just an angel, Alex. An Archangel.” Malach says with pride.
Elina smiles at them both and laughs, “Let’s get you home, Alex. We still have a lot of explaining to do.”
Alex walks over to the ground and picks up the book and fear runs through him. It feels heavy as though the weight of the world has just been placed in his hands. Elina places a hand on top of his and the burden lightens.
“Never alone, brother. You will never be alone,” she promises.
Chapter 36
Simeon carries Loe’s body, and returns, Jake, with Makaio to the Lua. They are waiting on the beach with Makaio’s family. The angel can taste the sorrow on the air and he can feel it in the earth. Today lives were lost as they are in every war, but he will have a hero’s journey home.
Leilani weeps sorrow filled tears held in the arms of her husband. The drums of sorrow for the loss of their brother fill the night. Seth, Keahi, and Kale follow their Father as he takes the body of his son in his arms and carries him to the beach followed by the rest of the family. Jake follows along and feels their pain in his soul.
His body is wrapped in a red cloth and placed inside an outrigger boat. They are preparing to say their final goodbyes when Elina and Malach arrive. The sight of the two archangels arriving causes all to gasp. Elina walks silently across the beach in a white dress. Her beautiful wings reflect the moon, causing light to dance across the beach.
“I’m truly sorry for your loss, Lua. If you would allow it, I will give him a burial worthy of the hero he is?” Elina asks.
Makaio looks at Leilani and they nod yes. Malach shares with Elina the image in his mind, showing her the steps to take.
Elina nods and Simeon steps forward. They fan out in a circle around Loe’s body with their wing tips touching. They lift their faces to the moon and begin to pray.
A brilliant beam of light shoots from the angels causing all to avert their faces at the sudden heat. The body erupts in flames, red first before turning to a beautiful blue.
When the family turns back to watch, they see his spirit inside the blue flame. The angels step back, allowing the family to see Loe. He blows his mother a kiss before turning away and disappearing into the celestial sky. A soft breeze blows and Loe’s ashes lift up and blow out to sea.
“Thank you,” Makaio says in a hoarse voice. Leilani turns a tear stained face to Elina and smiles at her. No words are needed, they understand that death is just a journey to a new path. The pain will still be with them until it fades into memory, replaced by hope. The hope of seeing each other again. The boys lead her away, leaving Jake to face Elina and the Angels.
Elina wipes a tear and faces Jake. Malach steps forward offering Elina the support she may need.
“Jake?”
“Elina, I don’t know what to say. Do I ask for forgiveness, or do I ask is this what you had planned all along?” he asks glaring at Malach.
“Jake, you did exactly what I asked you to do. You kept the Covenant and in doing so you saved us all.” Elina replies softly. “I am sorry if that hurts you.”
“If it hurts me? You are dead, Elina. Of course it hurts me.” He runs his hands through his hair and turns away from them, unable to stand the sight of her exquisite beauty. As a human she was beautiful, but it can’t compare to the joy radiating from her now.
Jealousy, rage, and envy all rear their ugly heads and he struggles to fight them down.
Malach watches and he sees the battle raging inside Jake, he feels it because he fought that same battle for years watching Elina as a human.
“Jake, all of Heaven is grateful for your sacrifice they will whisper your name for generations to come. Thank you brother.”
Jake smiles and turns back to Malach finding him walking away to talk to Simeon.
“What now?” he asks her. “What am I supposed to do now, Elina? I have carried you in my heart since I was a child, what now?”
“Now you fill that space with hopes and dreams that are your own.” She steps towards him needing to touch him and takes his hands. “Jake, how do I thank you for giving me hope when I had none? For walking with me in the shadows and making me feel as though I wasn’t alone. I selfishly took from you, because I needed you. I promise that you will be happy. Go home, be with your sister and your family.”
“Will I ever see you again?” He asks, looking at her with tears in his eyes.
“I don’t know, but Jake I am going to ask something of you. Will you watch over Alex for me? He will have Hunter, but I would feel better knowing you were there for him. His part in this is not yet done. He will need training, the kind only a soldier who has been in battle can give him. I know I am asking too much...”
Jake interrupts her with a hand to her mouth.
“I would do anything for you, Elina.”
He glances over at Malach and finds his reptilian eyes watching them. He leans forward and kisses Elina on the mouth, knowing it will infuriate the angel. Laughter bubbles up and Elina sends a soft shock through Jake.
“You are so mean. Careful if you poke a dragon he may take a bite?” she warns him.
“I know it, but he’s just so easy.” Jake says laughing with her.
Simeon stares at Malach as he watches Elina with Jake and he has to laugh.
“Easy dragon, you have won. Malach, what does this mean for the Angels? She is the first female Archangel will there be more?”
Malach hears the question and he turns back to his friend.
“Not just Archangel Simeon, but wife. Our Father gifted us, we are to be together for eternity,” he tells him in awe of such a gift.
“I don’t understand, we have fought against it for so long, why now?” Simeon asks thinking of Elsbeth.
“You told me never to question our Father, and now I tell you the same thing. Go to Elsbeth, Simeon. You are being offered a choice, as I was. Choose carefully, brother.”
Simeon turns to him in shock, “Truly?”
Malach smiles at him, “Go, now.”
Simeon’s roar of joy can’t be contained. He leaps into the air on golden wings and soars off to meet his destiny.
Elina and Jake turn to watch Simeon fly away, and her eyes meet Malach’s.
Jake sighs as she steps toward him without even knowing she’s doing it. She turns back one last time, “I love you, Jake,” she whispers before running to Malach.
All of heaven watches as she leaps into his arms. “Time to go, Wife,” he says with a smile of wonder.
“Wife? Is that what you called me? Can it be real?” she asks tracing his face with her fingertips.
His smile of joy turns to one filled with hunger.
“Say it again!” she demands.
“Wife,” he growls in a husky voice. “Will you fly with me?”
“I don’t know, you know what happens when we fly together, Husband?” she says with a shy smile.
“I am counting on it!” he spreads his large blue wings and tugs her close, again asking “Will you fly with me, Elina?”
“I thought you’d never ask.” She says and tucks her wings in tight against her body and wraps her arms around his neck. He leaps into the air holding his prize close.
Jake stays on the beach and he could swear he hears cheering in the heavens.
Chapter 37
On an east coast beach, Elsbeth walks and waits for the sunrise. Sleep eludes her again, as it has since the demon kidnapped her. She knows that it will take time and hopefully good memories will
replace the bad ones. Until then, she walks.
Simeon lands behind her with a rush of wings and hears the whispers of his Father. This gift has never been presented before and he is humbled by the offering. Will she agree? What if she doesn’t love him? What if she does not feel the same?
Elsbeth feels him before she turns. Afraid to hope she waits until she sees movement out of the corner of her eye, a golden glint that catches the just crowning sun.
She whirls around and shock flicks across her face, quickly replaced by delight. “Simeon!” she says running towards him. In that moment all fear is washed away. She skids to a stop when he holds up one hand.
“Elsbeth?” He says in a deep voice, “I need to talk to you.”
She scans his body quickly looking for injuries when she finds none she steps closer. Her golden blonde hair blows in the wind and fear fills her eyes.
“What’s wrong? Is it Jake? Is my brother okay?”
“No, Jake is fine,” he says, looking at her. The sun slips higher into the sky and Elsbeth stares at him. Relieved, she steps closer desperate to touch him.
“Elsbeth, I...” when did she get so close? Her fingers trace his mouth.
His wings flare out behind him shocking her and she drops her hand and steps away. “I’m sorry, Simeon.” She knows better than to touch him.
“No, Elsbeth look at me. I was gifted by our Father with a choice, Please tell me I made the right one?”
His beautiful golden wings are translucent and his dark eyes are staring at her with hope?
“I love you Elsbeth, I want to be with you, for however long we are given.”
An ocean breeze blows her long blonde hair around her face and his wings begin to sift away like sand on the breeze.
“What are you saying, Simeon? You gave up your wings?” she asks, watching his wings blow away to nothing.
“Elsbeth, I stand before you merely a man, if you don’t love me, I und…”
Elsbeth leaps into his arms, sobbing uncontrollably. Simeon lifts her and holds her close. Laughing and crying with her.
