Tail of the Dragon

by Timothy Reihm

  Chapter 16

  A trumpet sounded and the line began moving into the doorway, single file.

  ‘Wow, made it just in time.’ Gadreel whispered.

  They walked down a long corridor, finally halting near the end. From an adjacent room a voice proclaimed, ‘I now welcome in the graduating first year class to the match ceremony,' followed by a loud rumble of applause.

  Ariel was nervous, not because of the thousands of eyes that peered upon them as they marched into the auditorium, but because his foreseeable future was about to be decided for him. What if he'd been wrong about Azazel? What qualities had he exhibited that would dictate his placement? Would he match with his closest friend?

  They took their place in a row near the back of the auditorium, having been one of the last groups to assemble and meet their escort. Upon taking their seats, the anthem stopped playing. A trainer that Ariel didn't know was the first to speak. Ariel listened to him congratulate them on their accomplishments, and looked around the huge building while he spoke. From behind the speaker sat the Kings in all of their majesty, surrounded by the escorting members of the choir of Cherubim.

  'Listen, Ariel,' Gadreel whispered. ‘If we don't place together we will still remain the best of friends. Our placements will not affect our friendship. Nothing will.'

  Ariel's stomach was a knot and he had a lump in his throat. He answered hoarsely, 'Agreed. Besides I have yet to beat you in bocket and that is completely unacceptable.'

  Gadreel put his arm around Ariel's shoulders, who leaned against him. The gesture made his throat tighten even more. He believed in his heart that they would be friends, no matter what happened.

  A different trainer took the stage and began talking about the classes that they had all completed during the previous year. He announced that each trainer would be selecting one student who had particularly excelled in their studies.

  Various instructors took the stage and introduced their nominees, giving their reasons for the selections. To the surprise of no one, Trainer Pravuli selected Raphael and listed their friend's accomplishments throughout the year. He accepted his award graciously, shyly acknowledged the congratulations of his housemates and looked genuinely relieved as he took his seat.

  Trainer Azazel took the stage next and Ariel stole a quick look over at Helel and Gabriel, wondering which one would be selected.

  Azazel spent several minutes extolling the virtues of this year's class and detailing the difficulty that he had in selecting just one student. As the instructor spoke, he scanned the crowd before him intently. His eyes met Ariel's and held them.

  'I have selected Ariel as this year's top performer,' Azazel announced.

  Ariel sat stunned, not moving for a long moment. He looked down the row at his housemates and saw the surprise on their faces. He glanced at Helel whose eyes flashed shock and anger. Gabriel looked surprised, but happy. He gave a hand salute as their eyes met. Gadreel elbowed his ribs and he rose automatically. As he started forward, Gadreel whispered, 'Someday you have to tell me what you said to him.'

  Azazel did not whisper any quiet threats or give him any dangerous looks. He merely grasped Ariel's arm and handed him the award. Ariel numbly accepted it and muttered a few words of thanks. He returned to his seat, amid the applause, totally baffled. What was Azazel's game?

  Throughout the remainder of the ceremony, Ariel sat in a completely befuddled state, attempting to make sense of this turn of events. However, when all the awards were distributed, Adonai stood and all thoughts of the award disappeared.

  The gentle voice filled the auditorium explaining the significance of the pendant, as well as the articles of armor that they would be presented in subsequent years:

  The pendant that you are about to receive is a reminder of those characteristics, which make you unique and special. It symbolizes your importance as our representative and the reasons why you have been selected for your respective choirs. Next, you will earn the breastplate of righteousness. This is a sign that you have guarded the loyalties of your heart. The belt of truth will follow. Deception leads to division, but the truth holds all things together. The crown of salvation will come in your fourth anum. This is a defense against temptation. The shield of faith will protect you from the arrows of doubt. Finally, you will receive the sword of the spirit, against which nothing can prevail.

  Adonai returned to his seat and a different trainer stood, holding an ornate scroll. He began to read in a booming voice.

  ‘Naamah, for a spirit of Love and acts of Mercy, matched into the choir of Hashmalim.

  ‘Iaoth, for a spirit of Patience and acts of Teaching, matched into the choir of Seraphim.

  ‘Mephistopheles, for a spirit of Charity and acts of Grace, matched into the choir of Elohim.’

  Name after name was called and matched, and for those whom Ariel knew, the assigned choirs seemed a perfect fit. He saw that as a good sign. Finally, their turn came and they walked into position. Ariel was last in line, preceded by the six that he had lived with for the past year. An arella stood at the side of the stage directing them.

  ‘Pharzel’, the angel ushered him ahead. ‘For a spirit of love and acts of mercy, matched into the choir of Hashmalim.’ A trainer placed a red ruby, hung on a platinum chain, around his neck. A smile blossomed on Pharzel’s face at those words. He had often mentioned his hope at placing into that choir.

  ‘Gabriel.’ As the ushering arella directed him ahead, he looked back at the others with a grin. ‘For a spirit of humility and acts of strength, matched into the choir of Cherubim.’ He too could not suppress a smile as he received the blue aquamarine.

  ‘Helel, for a spirit of humility and acts of strength, matched into the choir of Cherubim.’

  Ariel saw, despite his resolute face, that Helel was thrilled at being matched with Gabriel. He was even a bit envious that they had been put together. What if they separated he and Gadreel?

  ‘Harah, for a spirit of diligence and acts of recording, matched into the choir of Ophanim.’

  ‘Raphael, for a spirit of temperance and acts of healing, matched into the choir of Malakim.’

  And then it was their turn to find out where they had matched. He knew that he could fit in to any choir as long as his best friend was with him.

  ‘Don't trip,’ he whispered as his Gadreel stepped forward.

  ‘Gadreel, for a spirit of kindness and acts of bravery, matched into the choir of Aralim.’ As the green emerald settled around his neck, Gadreel looked over at Ariel and winked.

  ‘Ariel.’ He began walking across stage. His insides were rubbery, and his mouth was so dry his lips stuck to his teeth when he attempted to smile. ‘For a spirit of…’ Please, please… ‘kindness and acts of bravery,’ Yes, yes… ‘matched into the choir of Aralim.’ In an instant the fear and worry melted away. It had happened. He and Gadreel matched into the same choir. He broke into a huge smile, one unencumbered by nerves, as he looked down at the deep green glow emitting from the emerald hanging around his neck.

  Although the ceremony continued for some time, Ariel barely noticed the proceedings. Finally, the service was over and he was able to talk to his now choir mate.

  ‘Yes! We both got Aralim, Gadreel!’

  ‘I was so nervous that we would get two different houses.’

  ‘Me too. My mouth was so dry on stage I could barely smile.’

  ‘This stone is gorgeous, isn’t it?’

  ‘Hey you two lions of Aralim!’

  ‘Raphael! Congratulations on matching in Malakim! From the size of your smile I assume that was what you were hoping for?’

  ‘Right you are Gadreel. Ever since I read The History of Arellian Choirs I believed it to be my best match, and I must have guessed right. I am so happy for the both of you that you matched together, and for these two as well,’ he motioned towards Gabriel and Helel, who joined them.

  ‘Thanks Raphy!’ Gabriel gripped his forearm tightly. ‘I just want to thank y
ou for all you did for us this past year. For the wonderful meals and all your help. Maybe we can get you to stop by the Cherubim Estate from time to time if you ever need some test subjects for a new recipe?’

  ‘Certainly Gabriel. Just because we are in different choirs doesn’t mean we aren’t friends.’

  ‘And the twins. Just like Helel and I matching together, it is very fitting that you two did as well. I am happy for the both of you.’

  ‘Thanks Gabe. Helel, congratulations. I wish you success in your future endeavors.’ He extended his arm, not quite sure what response he would get.

  ‘Thank you Ariel. I wish you the best as well.’ Helel took his forearm firmly and shook it.

  Pharzel and Harah found them and congratulations continued around the circle. Ariel enjoyed the feeling of shared accomplishment and camaraderie. Despite the tensions they had experienced during their first year, this had been his family; his first family, and he would always hold each one of them dear.