The Third Heaven Series Boxed Set: Books (1-3)

by Donovan Neal

  Today there were now two, and both stood next to him.

  This new horror of an Elohim stood erect before him, 20 feet tall. El then spoke to the creature.

  “Thou art ferrous in nature. Thou art the wall and none may pass. Stand between the darkness and the light. Thou art Archon of Hell, the ferryman of doom. Charon shalt thou be.

  "Now go to and stand thou at Hell's mouth and watch. Journey thou through the umbilical to Hell’s womb and exact mine fury on all that lay therein.”

  From the fires of the Kiln and flesh of Charon, the Lord then fashioned two glowing keys. One to control Death, and the other Hell, and gave them to Charon that he might bind and loose the forces of Hell.

  The Godstones shook as the heavy weighted creature turned to march away; its manacled legs, somehow able to bear its weight. Charon trudged and dragged his dangling chains behind him. Unmoved by the heat and seething flame: Charon plodded slowly towards the Kiln’s fiery exit.

  Blistering heat engulfed the creature as black acrid smoke swirled from around it. Where others of Michael’s kind, might flee such a blaze; Michael realized that here within the furnace of both the Kiln and Hell. Charon was home.

  He watched as this myrmidon of El slowly marched across the umbilical of Hell, this newly formed tunnel of fire, a passageway that connected the Kiln with the new prison of fire and brimstone El had named ‘Hell’.

  Fated to crawl through volcanic intestines only to exit from its sulfuric throat, Charon dragged his charcoal staff with its anvil like arms to journey through the bowels of the mountain. Forever a guardian to Hell’s infernal maw, Charon became a sentinel that none within could ever hope to pass.

  Michael discerned that Charon, this warden of Hell sent to execute the vengeance of God and Abaddon would meet somewhere inside.

  Michael thought about that encounter and shuddered.

  The Lord stood in the midst of the Stones of Fire and flame draped around his form as one might wear a shawl. He looked back on the members of the court that were present and who peered through the doorway of the Kiln and spoke in authoritative finality.

  “Vengeance is mine,” said the Lord. “I will repay.”

  No one dared to speak a word.

  Chapter Four

  New Additions

  Day Six

  Receiving word that his master was Heaven bound, Ashtaroth stood at the waypoint near the cliffs of Argoth anxiously awaiting his Lord's arrival. His wait was not long as the familiar boom of a Ladder and the concussive wave of spectral light penetrated the realms.

  “Welcome back Chief Prince,” said Ashtaroth. “I trust that your time on Earth was fruitful?”

  “Indeed,” said Lucifer. “I have completed my task as assigned by El and am returned to acquire the Lord’s next assignment. Report of thy stewardship.”

  Ashtaroth lowered his gaze and ceased to look his master in the eye.

  “My stewardship Lord Prince?”

  Ashtaroth gulped and staggered backward, his eyes darted feverishly as the wheels of his mind turned to develop an explanation of all that had transpired in his master’s absence.

  The second floor of your residence is in ruins, and I am responsible.

  Lucifer looked upon his attendant with irritation. “Ashtaroth, I await a report.”

  Michael and a few members of the royal court left from meeting with El and upon their exit crossed paths with their brother.

  Michael spoke first. “Lucifer, I am glad to have you home. I missed you brother. I surely could have used your wisdom.”

  Michael turned his head and looked at Talus and Sariel, who both looked away and pretended to neither hear nor see him.

  Michael extended his arms wide and walked to Lucifer; they embraced and kissed each other on the cheek.

  “It is good to breathe Heaven's air once more, but I must admit that I am becoming ever fonder of Earth,” said Lucifer.

  “Well, much has transpired here in your absence.”

  Michael pointed behind to the section of the city near Lucifer’s palatial estate. Lucifer turned and followed the direction of Michael’s finger. The neighborhood and market were riddled with debris. What was more intriguing was the dark and fiery peak that now towered behind the city. A mountain of fire that spewed out black smoke and flared heated plumes of scorching magma.

  Taking in the totality of what he saw, Lucifer stood dumbstruck. His mouth partially open, he turned to Michael to speak, but Michael raised his hand to prevent him.

  “El has charged that Jerahmeel informs you of the events of today.”

  “Indeed?” Lucifer sighed. “A conversation I am most eager to have.”

  Jerahmeel took a couple of steps forwarded and gave Lucifer a large firm smack on the back with his hand. “I can’t wait to see your house.” Jerahmeel snickered. “I heard it got banged up pretty good!”

  Lucifer looked pleadingly at Michael. Michael leaned forward to whisper in his ear. “This too shall pass. Just listen and it will go quicker.” Michael chuckled and continued to walk down the stairs towards the emporium.

  “I must see to the ward's damage and its repair, but after my assessment I will see you shortly,” said Michael.

  Lucifer nodded, and Jerahmeel hugged Lucifer one more time on the shoulder and scrunched him up like a doll.

  “Just means I gotcha all to myself is all!” said Jerahmeel.

  “Oh, the joy,” Lucifer replied sarcastically.

  Lucifer glared at Ashtaroth. “I will expect a full account of my estate Astarte.”

  Ashtaroth bowed. “Yes, my Prince.”

  “Oh leave him alone Lucy,” said Jerahmeel. “Let’s go.”

  Jerahmeel and Lucifer walked down the steps from the Cliffs of Argoth to the emporium. Jerahmeel explained to Lucifer all that had transpired in his absence as they went. Ashtaroth trailed several paces behind them.

  “So am I to understand that Apollyon wrought this destruction without cause? Surely there must have been something to have sparked such grave action on his part?”

  Jerahmeel looked at Lucifer as if to study him.

  Lucifer noticed Jerahmeel’s gaze and became uncomfortable from his stare, “What is it?” he asked.

  “He is Abaddon now, and quite frankly I am trying to figure out what you think could justify this destruction?”

  “Nothing justifies it Jerahmeel, yet there is a cause for it. What has your investigation determined?”

  Jerahmeel stopped to look at Lucifer in disbelief.

  “Investigation? Lucy, Michael, and Talus saw Abaddon rip the Heartstone from Corlus’ own chest. I figure there was not much to investigate myself. Of course, if you think you need a trial, I suggest you take it up with El. Abaddon was brought before El in chains for judgment. You see that mountain over there? I suspect Lucifer, that the mountain expelling ash over there will be El’s answer to your question of a trial. On the other hand, do you not see that Abaddon destroyed an Elohim? Abaddon set himself on a path to destroy and injure. My apologies Chief Prince: if I’m not inclined to know his motives in this act.”

  “Do you think me a fool brother?” Lucifer said. “I indeed understand what has transpired; however, without understanding why we risk similar behavior in the future. How have the other Elohim reacted to this—this Hell construct?” Lucifer said.

  Jerahmeel stopped and turned to face his brother. “You know something, Lucy? You’ve become a little different since you started your assignment as Archon of Earth. You seem — I don't know — more aloof to me. Well, more aloof than usual let’s just say that. But since when do we seek an opinion about El’s actions?”

  The two angels had reached the entrance to Lucifer’s home and Ashtaroth stood a respectable distance as to be within earshot to attend to his master if needed.

  “If you wish to know the origin of Abaddon’s act, then look no further than your own servant,” Jerahmeel said. “For Ashtaroth held his own when Abaddon raised himself against him.”<
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  Lucifer looked confused. “Why, do you cite Ashtaroth?” Lucifer asked.

  Jerahmeel grinned and pointed to the damaged upper level of Lucifer’s abode.

  “Behold the hole in the upper level of your palace and be it known that Ashtaroth had a hand in its making.” Jerahmeel patted Lucifer on the back again, started to whistle, and walked away. He chuckled as he looked at Ashtaroth as he passed by.

  “Boy, are you in trouble.”

  ********************

  Raphael managed to locate Michael before he left the palace grounds and saw that he was ready to leave.

  “Michael, are you headed out?” asked Raphael.

  “Yes, I am. I need to see about the damage to the city,” said Michael.

  “Before you go I’d like to show you something.”

  “Of course.” Michael turned to walk with Raphael back up into the temple.

  Raphael darted back and forth as if he was in thought.

  “Is something the matter?” Michael said.

  “I am not sure. I only know that in all my days I have not seen anything like this. I would like you to bear witness to my conclusions just to make sure.”

  Michael looked at Raphael curiously, “Conclusions?”

  “I know. I know. I’ll explain when we reach the Hall of Annals.”

  Michael followed his brother; curiosity now fully gripped him.

  “You are scaring me, brother,” said Michael.

  Raphael paused before he replied, “I am scared myself, Michael.”

  They entered back into the great hall and walked down a corridor into one of the many rooms of the temple mountain. They approached two wooden arched doors; each overlaid in transparent gold. Etched in their frames was the angelic symbol for the word Light. The door's hinges were of silver and adorned with ruby handles.

  They entered the room, and barrenness was all Michael saw. The room was completely empty.

  Raphael spoke an Elomic command upon their entry, "Sh-un-to” which means to “Seal.”

  Michael looked at him curiously, “Raphael, why have you sealed the door?”

  “Follow me and move exactly as I move,” He replied.

  Michael watched Raphael, “Uh, Raphael the room is empty are we in the…”

  “Quickly, take four steps forward.” Raphael had already started to move.

  Raphael immediately made a move to his left towards the north wall. “Michael, move or the Zoa will fall upon you!” Raphael then pointed slowly to the ceiling.

  Michael looked above his head and realized that barely perceptible to the eye was a ceiling full of creatures with eyes. Their jaws were in their belly and they walked with tentacles on the roof ready to drop on the unsuspecting. They quietly hissed and slithered. Michael hastened his gait and mimicked Raphael’s steps exactly.

  “Hurry, Michael: touch the wall quickly.”

  Several of the Zoa dropped to the floor. Their jaws opened wide to reveal a series of razors. Each tentacle held stingers with barbs.

  One slowly inched towards him, and its eyes sized up its prey. As a coil, it wound up and stood poised ready to pounce and devour the Prince of Heaven.

  Michael quickly moved to touch the wall at the spot that Raphael indicated and stumbled forward, tumbling through the wall.

  The tentacled creature with a mouth of razors for teeth swooped down to follow; its jaw open, ready to devour.

  As Michael slid back and raised his forearm to shield himself, a twinge of fear crept through him. Inches from his body, the creature was repelled backwards as if deflected by some invisible force. Its body hit the floor, but it still eyed its prey and launched itself to attack again.

  Michael did not wait for the creature to land and immediately scooted farther back, but the result was the same. Once more, the creature was repelled. It growled in frustration and leaped back unto the ceiling, its presence disguised to pounce upon any who might enter the room unawares.

  “You are safe Michael. Come I must show you something,” said Raphael.

  “Like I haven’t seen enough already, and exactly why is there a creature like that in the temple?”

  “Michael, within this room contains all the recorded knowledge of the universe. Therefore, only those who are invited may traverse the room without incident.”

  Michael guffawed. “Incident? You call what happened back there ‘without incident'?”

  Raphael laughed, “Well let’s just say that it would not be wise for you to enter without my presence. Come.”

  Raphael motioned for Michael to follow him as they walked down a corridor. It winded for about 20 cubits and ended in a hallway, which was black and filled with stars.

  Michael observed that the room had no perceptible ceiling, floors, or walls. Only the opening from which they came offered any bearing that there was a room at all. He entered the chamber and with each step; his feet caused tiny ripples to move across the floor as if he walked on pools of water in the night sky.

  Stars filled the ceiling, the floors, and the walls. There was a central sun, and all things revolved around it. All the stars had tendrils that ran from them to the star. The central stars heat and light radiated to the others, and each received its life from the one.

  “Welcome to the Hall of Annals, Michael. This is where I do my work.”

  Michael stood speechless.

  “This is a representation of the second heaven, the area devoted to the wondrous cosmos that El hast created. This room contains all records that I may see all. If there is a Grigori assigned to a portion of creation, I am able to see what they see. The room itself is a partial expression of the mind of God. In it, one may observe all that is current or has happened within the realms. By it, the creature within may understand what the creator sees, but there is a level of sight beyond what even I may behold within these halls. Of course, El has no need of such contrivances, for He sees all things. But it is only one level to this room.”

  “What can’t you see?” said Michael.

  Raphael looked at his friend and said, “Those things which shall come to be are denied me. Only El has knowledge of the future. Feel privileged for you are one of a select few who has seen this room. Only Gabriel and Jerahmeel have seen the wonders inside. Even Lucifer has not stepped foot into this hall.”

  “Why is that?” Michael asked.

  “El has denied the Chief Prince access. His words to Lucifer when petitioned were ‘Abide in thy calling, wherewith thou hast been called.’

  “Lucifer expressed his preference, but El would no longer speak on the matter. Lucifer dropped the issue after that. However, when he found out that Jerahmeel could enter, and he could not. He looked incensed to me. I know he will not admit however how he feels.”

  Michael laughed. “Jerahmeel could do something that Lucifer could not? Oh yes, I am sure our brother was most displeased, but you did not bring me here to discuss Lucifer. What did you want me to see?”

  “Actually Michael, Lucifer is exactly the subject that I wanted to discuss with you.” Raphael waved his hand and spoke.

  “Rescind to Third Heaven. Seek Lucifer Draco.”

  The room immediately moved in the same fashion that El had transported the royal court when He had blessed the fowl of the Earth. Michael beheld the expanse of the Third Heaven and slowly was able to determine his location. They were inside the mountain of God. Of that, he was sure, yet the orientation of the room was such as if they looked from the very top of Mt Zion. The view was breathtaking.

  Michael surveyed the topography of Heaven and saw The Three Mountains: Mt Zion, the Kiln, and Hell, the great city Jerusalem, the Elysian Fields, the Cliffs of Argoth, the River of Life the Valley of El, and the gates of Heaven. All were within his field of view.

  Immediately the room zoomed in and Lucifer was kneeling before the Lord. The room’s picture of El was so different from Michael's own eyes, for El was so bright; the light washed his visage from view. Both looked as lights. However,
Lucifer’s light was so much dimmer as to be almost imperceptible. Michael covered his eyes slightly in order to partially block out the light.

  Raphael spoke. “Regress”

  Immediately Lucifer left the throne but walked backward from his meeting with Michael and Jerahmeel. His speech became unintelligible, and various scenes rewound in their order from his landing near the cliff waypoint to his ascent from Earth. His walk through the Garden of Eden, meetings with attendants — on and on it went until Raphael stopped at one point.

  “Proceed from here.” said Raphael.

  Lucifer’s image stood in front of the duo and his glory was fully revealed. Apollyon was on bended knee, as Lucifer communicated the word of God to Apollyon.

  “I am Chief Lord Prince Lucifer Draco, Lightbringer, and Son of the Morning Star. I walk within the midst of the Stones of Fire. Hear ye the word of the Lord!

  ‘Oh Son of the Dawn, thou who is the blossom of the Morning Star, be still and let your soul be at ease. For this thing was done, that others might be made manifest. For twice, you shall be tested and once have been vexed. The flame, which thou hast controlled shall indeed mirror your own as it doth consume, let not your own flame thus burn. For be thou warned that if sorrow persists, then on your shoulders shall indeed a new dawn come, the breaking of a new day. And he to whom you would seek solace shall be your King. And your infamy shall indeed be known even unto the end of days.”

  Michael stood for a moment speechless. Thoughts swirled within him and he spoke. “Ok? I am not quite sure what I’m supposed to understand from this.”

  Raphael nodded in acknowledgment. “Watch more. Regress.” Raphael commanded.

  Immediately, the images marched backward in time. Slipping further and further until they stopped at the day when the council knew of Apollyon’s thoughts. Michael watched as El looked at Lucifer and imparted to him the message he was to deliver to Apollyon.