"And where are those demons now?" Zeriel asked.
"The ones without bodies? I have no idea. I lost all communication with them as soon as Xair died. As for the ones he had leashed normally? They are back where they belong, like me. I'm here and I'm so thrilled to be back. So tell me, angel. If I help you, what kind of payment do you have for me?"
Zeriel stood up then spread out his wings. He gritted his teeth as his pried a long ebony pinion feather free and held it out to the demon. "One angel feather."
Krivel leaned back in his chair and tapped his claws on his lips. "Tempting. It really is a tempting offer, but why would I stop there when I know I hold the power in this transaction? You need this information much more than I want an angel feather."
Zeriel sighed. "So? What do you want?"
"What I want cannot be given to me today. But it can once a certain beloved ex-paladin loses his battle against the war raging inside his sensitive little mind. I want part of Jaylen's soul."
"Absolutely not."
Krivel raised an eyebrow as he silently studied the angel. "Interesting. That was not the response I was expecting, to be honest. I had heard a rumor that you only wanted the boy for his soul. What's the harm in sharing it with me? I only want a small bit, say ten percent?"
"Never. I don't know where you heard that rumor, but it's not true. If Jaylen dies, I won't get anything. I'll be dead as well. We are still bonded."
"Truly? Well, that is disappointing. Three feathers, then. Give me two of those soft little ones."
Zeriel rolled his eyes then grunted in pain as he ripped out two tiny feathers from the base of his left wing. He dropped the feathers in front of the grinning demon then turned towards the door. "I will go pack my belongings then meet you at the rift."
Krivel set his rum down. "Wait. You're taking your stuff? Why?"
"You didn't think this was a rescue mission, did you?"
"I . . . it's not?"
"No. We're not going to Carvael's palace to get Jaylen back. We will speak more about it later."
"Zeriel, wait. I don't-" Krivel's voice was cut off as Zeriel slammed the door behind him.
* * *
It was night before Zeriel made his way back to the camp and the rain continued to batter the tents relentlessly. Sandbags had been filled and lined up along the streets to prevent the new lakes and rivers from flooding the tents and common areas, but they did not appear to be doing their jobs. Aside from the few soldiers digging trenches to redirect the flow of the water, everyone was inside their tents. The camp was empty. For that, Zeriel was grateful. The last thing he wanted was for some nosy angels to come asking him questions that he had no way of answering.
The tent he had shared with Jaylen was empty and dark. Just so he could see what he was doing, Zeriel held up his hand to summon a tiny ball of shadowy mage-glow. It drifted up to the top of the tent and hovered there, cascading its light over the messy bed where Jaylen's clothes were haphazardly strewn. The sight made Zeriel smile. Telling that boy to pick up his mess was more difficult than a demon having breakfast in Heaven.
He did not have long to stay there reminiscing, however. There was far too much work to be done. Zeriel found his canvas backpack then began stuffing his clothes and various papers inside it. When he had packed his belongings, he made one last scan of the room to ensure he hadn't missed anything. That's when he spotted it. The thick silver bracelet covered in glittering Ka'taylin runes peeking out from under Jaylen's pillow. He picked it up and turned it in the mage-glow. Zeriel had seen this before. It was the bracelet that Xair and Amari had given Jaylen during the voyage to Ka'tayl. The royal runes of the sultanate seemed to capture the light in the room and glowed with that energy. Why would Jaylen leave something so precious behind? Zeriel stuffed it into the bag as well. It was no use wasting time to figure it out.
Pulling his black wool coat tightly around him, he slung the bag over his shoulder then stepped out into the rain. It was going to be a long flight in less than optimal weather, but he had to do it. Just as he spread out his wings to take off into the air, a familiar voice stopped him.
"Zeriel, where are you going?"
He turned around to see Jeremiah standing there with a lantern in his hand. "I'm leaving."
"With all of your belongings? Where are you going?"
"I have my own vows to uphold. I may be a traitor."
"You're not saying . . . what?" Jeremiah asked. "You're going to join Eternal Eclipse? You're siding with Carvael?"
"Yes." Zeriel shifted the weight of the bag on his shoulder and looked down at the mud in the lantern light. "I made a promise many years ago when I first took Jaylen as my paladin. I swore to him that I would always be there to defend, protect, and serve him. No matter what. I cannot fulfill that vow here. My first and only allegiance lies with my Master. I will follow him to Heaven, Hell, and anywhere in between, even if I do not agree with his choices. Those choices are not mine to make."
Jeremiah stared at him without saying a word.
Zeriel held out his arms and looked into his friend's eyes. "You can kill me now if you need to do so. I won't stop you. Death is the punishment for treason."
Jeremiah was quiet for a few minutes as the sheets of rain blew between them. He finally turned his back to him. "Go. Go do what you need to do. But know something, Zeriel. When we meet on the battlefield, I will not let you live."
"Of course. Good luck, Jeremiah."
"You too."
"Farewell."
Jeremiah started back towards his tent as his lantern began to die in the rain. "Farewell, my friend."
Chapter 7
Four Thousand Seven Hundred and Eight Years Earlier
The streets of Heaven were alive with male and female angels who were walking hand in hand down the main plaza, eating outside at one of the many cafes where ambrosia and mana were served, or throwing leather balls for their small cherubs who giggled and chased after them. Angel families chatted about daily life and what their favorite humans were doing down in Aldexa or how well the vineyards were progressing during the current season. Everyone was happy, with smiles on their faces and love for each other.
The white marble and golden buildings shimmered in the eternal glow that forever lit the sky except for when it faded down during the night when all the angels would relax. Most of them would retire to their mansions to spend time with their families, work on their research, or to prepare gifts for the humans they were caring for down in the human world. The air was warm, but not too hot, and a very light breeze sent the colored feathers of all the angels rustling. It was a perfect day, like any other day.
"Daddy, Daddy! Pick me up. Let me ride on your shoulders!" The tiny angel jumped up and down as he pulled on Oviel's white lace robe, his little immature golden wings covered in downy feathers were fluttering rapidly in his childish excitement.
"Okay, okay." Oviel lifted the cherub onto his shoulders. "You're growing up to be such a big boy, Carvael. You're nearly a fledgling."
Carvael stretched his arms out to pretend that he was flying. "Yay! Then after that, I get to learn to fly."
"Indeed. But today is another special step in your path to being an adult angel. Today, you get to meet with Sola for the first time."
The cherub's pale eyes grew wide as he held onto Oviel's neck tighter. "Really? Do you think she'll like me?"
"I know she will. I mean look at you. Those little puffy cheeks and pink lips. You're adorable."
"I know." Carvael twisted his tiny fists in his adoptive father's long white hair and held onto it like reins. "Go, go! Faster, Daddy."
"You had far too much mana for breakfast, didn't you? No more sugar today, little one. Here we are. You're going to go in there and speak with Holy Sola who will tell you what awesome things you will be doing in the future as an adult angel. Isn't that exciting?"
Carvael shook his head and whimpered. "Not really."
"Oh, come on now." Oviel lifted the
cherub from his shoulders then set him down in front of the marble steps. "Go on. It's okay. There's nothing to be scared of. I promise."
Carvael nervously twisted the ends of his green tunic in his hands as he walked up the steps towards the grapevine-covered columns and two giant braziers filled with heatless flames. His heart was racing when he reached the top where two Guardian Angels opened the tall golden doors for him. The young boy walked inside then jumped as the doors were closed behind him. Inside, there was only darkness. "Hello? Holy Goddess Sola? It's me, Carvael."
A flicker of light sparked in the corner, its yellow glow revealing a thin pale face with long fangs, orange eyes behind a white mask, and messy red hair. "Hello, Carvael."
The cherub screamed then ran back towards the entrance. "Let me out! Let me out of here! There's a demon in here!" He nearly tripped as the doors were pulled open. He wasted no time in dashing down the steps to his father, still screaming at the top of his lungs. "Ah! Demon!"
Oviel caught the screaming cherub then shook his shoulders violently. "What is wrong with you?"
"Demon! There's a demon in there!"
"How dare you? That is our holy goddess you are speaking of."
"No. There was a demon with red hair and long claws. He smiled at me. I know it was a demon. He had orange eyes and sharp teeth. You have to believe me!"
"Blasphemy. Our goddess is a beautiful, graceful woman. You will learn what demons truly look like." Oviel dragged Carvael over to a small group of Guardian Angels in their shining white plate armor and threw the boy at them. "You all saw what happened and heard what this insolent brat said about Sola. Take him down to Hell. I want him locked in a cage for the demons to have him for tonight. He will learn never to speak of our goddess like this. Carvael, you have shamed me beyond repair. Tonight, you learn what true demons are. Take him away."
"Daddy! Daddy, no. I'm sorry. I'm sorry! Don't let the demons get me. I don't want to go to Hell!"
* * *
Carvael sat alone in his darkened bedroom, sweating from his recollection of his childhood. It was so real, the memory of that night and all he had endured because of Oviel's punishment. He sat in the chair at his empty desk and watched the melted wax dripping down the side of the solitary white candle that flickered softly. His white robes sat in a puddle of silken fabric on the hard wooden floor near his chair. Dressed only in his thin underwear, Carvael dragged his fingers over the gashes, scars, and burn marks that covered his legs, torso, and arms. The demons had left little untouched. Even after nearly five thousand years, those demonic wounds had not fully healed. They still throbbed with a deep continuous pain that would not fade, no matter how much healing salve he massaged into his body.
Carvael heard the floorboards creek softly behind him in the doorway. "Jaylen, is that you?"
The boy's soft voice responded timidly. "Yes. I'm sorry. I heard you groaning, so I came to check on you."
"It's okay. I'm sorry for waking you."
"Do those wounds hurt you?"
"Very much so. But don't worry about me, Jay. You should go back to bed. You did well today in front of the troops. They seem to have a lot of faith in you. You've certainly grown up well, still a bit on the small side, but nothing a little food and some training won't fix. Zeriel has done quite a good job raising you after everything with your father. I owe you an apology. Actually, I owe you numerous apologies. The things I've done to you are unforgivable, but I want you to know that I never wanted to do those things to you. I felt that I had to do them, that it would make you stronger. But I was angry and confused. Locking you away in that isolation cell was barbaric. It reminded me of what happened to me."
"What happened to you?" Jaylen asked. "Forgive me if I'm out of line, but I sense a lot of pain in you. Sadness."
Carvael rubbed his scarred arms. "When I was boy, a little cherub in Heaven, my angel father punished me."
Jaylen's face contorted into a shocked frown. "Oviel? Oviel did that to you?"
"It was the day that every cherub looked forward to, the day when we would meet Sola face to face. Back then, Sola was more involved and she would talk with her angels, eat with them, and play games. Heaven was so different back then than it is now. Anyway, Oviel took me to Sola's inner chamber and left me there, as was customary. I was supposed to speak with Sola and see what she needed me to do as an adult angel. But instead of Sola, there was a demon there. I later learned that the demon was in fact Gavin. He was just trying to say hi to me. He scared me. I ran out of the building, screaming about a demon. Oviel thought I meant Sola, so he called me a blasphemer. He handed me over to the Guardian Angels and told them to take me down to Hell where I would be given to demons for the night. I was ten years old."
"I'm so sorry."
"I don't need your sympathy." Carvael turned back to the desk to watch the flame of the candle dancing in the draft from the open door. "You weren't supposed to know."
"You don't have to talk about it anymore if you don't want to."
"But I do. No one else knows. Anyway, the angels took me down to The Veil where they were met by fallen angels. The fallen angels then dragged me, kicking and screaming, to Hell. And not just the outer parts of Hell, but the horrible inner parts, underneath the ones that don't seem so bad. Down there, everything is on fire. Screams fill the air. You can't think. You can't breathe. The fallen angels put me in a cage with my arms and legs chained tightly to the bars. Then they let the demons in. They ripped me apart with their claws and fangs. They violated me, humiliated me, did terrible things to me. There were only two rules. They couldn't kill me and they couldn't tear my wings. And believe me, they took advantage of every part of me. I begged them to kill me. I cried out to Sola, praying and begging her for forgiveness. She didn't answer. My beloved goddess abandoned me, one of her baby angels. She left me there to be abused and tortured all night long by demons. That's not the kind of goddess I want to serve."
Jaylen's lips quivered as he stepped closer then wrapped his arms around Carvael. "It's okay now. We'll make it better. We will make a new Heaven where no one else gets hurt. You can be the new Sola."
"That's what all this is about. It's what it has always been about. I don't want anyone else to go through what I had to go through. Everything I've done has been to keep baby angels safe and to spread the truth about Sola."
"Forgive my bluntness, but I don't see how banishing female angels from Heaven accomplished any of that."
"I was stupid." Carvael said. "I thought any females would be like Sola and abandon their babies. I didn't trust them at all. After the fallen angels came to get me out of the cage, they thought I was dead because of how much blood was on the floor of that cage. Oviel was waiting for me in The Veil. When he saw me, he apologized, but I saw his face. He smiled. He smiled! I never trusted him again. I stayed as far away from him as I could. I devoted myself to my studies and to trying to figure out a way to stop Sola. That's when I developed this entire plan. I read over the scriptures like a mad man, analyzing everything. I found books, scrolls, and ancient tomes in the library dealing with prophecy and the end of the world. That's what set this plan into action. Now we are so close to finishing this, Finalis."
Jaylen took Carvael's hand. "And we will finish it. We will finish it together. We will create a better Heaven."
"Thank you for understanding, Jaylen. I know there are a lot of necessary repairs that must be made to our relationship. I get that. I am not worthy of forgiveness or sympathy. But it means a lot to me that you've seen the truth in all of this. I only wish that my son was here so I could apologize to him as well."
The thudding of boots stopped in the doorway as a soaking wet Zeriel dropped his backpack to the floor. "Then why don't you tell him now? I'm back, Father. I'm here now."
Chapter 8
The long mahogany table stretched far across the brightly decorated dining room where Carvael sat between Jaylen and Zeriel. The servants left plates of various hors d'oeuvre
s on golden trays as others refilled the crystal chalices with sparkling white wine and orange juice. The long red velvet curtains were pulled open to allow the mage-glow to send various colors into the room through the stained glass windows lining the far wall.
Zeriel was laughing as he set his chalice down and continued the story he was telling. "So then Carvael turned to the priest and handed him a bar of soap. The priest asked what it was for, completely oblivious to his own noxious smell. Carvael only shook his head and patted the man on the back."
Jaylen gasped. "He didn't!"
"He did. The next day, the priest had three women on his arm and was beaming like he had discovered the secret to the universe. Who knew that taking a bath could solve so many problems?"
Carvael chuckled and picked up a cucumber sandwich. "That's true. I'm surprised you remember that, son. I would tell you that story every night to get you to take a bath. Jaylen, your angel here was never one for personal hygiene, especially when he was a cherub. Holy Angels never smell or anything, but when he was covered in sticky ambrosia, it was a necessary thing."
"Yes, and then when I was a fledgling, I took five baths a day just so I could make sure I was as beautiful as I could be." Zeriel ran his hand through his spiky black hair. "You wouldn't have recognized me, Jay. I wore makeup and had long flowing hair with flowers in it. I refused to wear anything other than high heels and the finest tights, lace, and bows I could find."
Jaylen took a bite out of a sweet plum and wiped his lips on the back of his sleeve. "Now that is a sight I would pay to see."
Carvael smiled as he sipped his wine. "I'm so glad to have both of you here with me. Thank you for this, son. It reminds me of how we would have breakfast together every morning in my mansion in Heaven."
Angel of Darkness Books 6-10 Page 45
