Exile of Lucifer

by D. Brian Shafer

  me to question whose authority they are under."

  "Speaking as an Elder I must admit that recent events have

  become intolerable and I shall take them up with the Council to be

  sure," Kara responded. "Perhaps we should discuss this with an

  even higher authority..."

  Michael and Gabriel exchanged discreet glances. Gabriel read

  in Michael a cautionary expression.

  "After all," Kara continued, "the Most High did create certain

  chains of authority and resource for us to access. Perhaps we

  should make this a Temple matter now. But of course..." He looked

  at Gabriel as if recalling something. "Gabriel! You were recently at

  the Temple and without summons. Was it possibly in connection

  with any of this?"

  "What are you suggesting, Kara?" asked Gabriel, wondering

  what Kara might or might not know about his recent visit to the Zoa.

  "I simply am suggesting that you were seen at the Temple on

  your own authority," answered Kara, "and if it was in connection

  with our little dilemma then I must congratulate your wisdom and

  your discretion--even if you did supercede official decorum by

  skirting established authority."

  Gabriel wasn't sure how to answer Kara. "As a matter of fact

  I did visit the Temple, Kara, but the business is of such an urgent

  nature that I am not at liberty to discuss it except with the appro-

  priate parties."

  "I see," said Kara, trying to contain the offense welling up

  inside of him. "Ah, Kingdom business. One never knows where it

  will take an angel, hmm? I suppose then that in visiting the Temple

  you spoke with the Zoa?"

  "Was it really from this position all of Heaven was to quake?" 191

  "Yes, Kara," said Gabriel, "as you know it is one of my func-

  tions periodically as Messenger to have an audience with them."

  "Quite," said Kara, perturbed at Gabriel's pointed discretion.

  "Nevertheless, as you went unannounced and uninvited my pre-

  sumption is that this was our business rather than theirs. And if

  ours, then perhaps it would not break your trust to share what was

  discussed. I am after all an Elder of the Kingdom, second in rank in

  Council."

  "I respect that of course," said Gabriel, "but..."

  "Kara, we cannot expect Gabriel to violate this confidence,"

  said Michael in a subdued manner. He did not want Gabriel to

  reveal any intelligence to Kara until they had determined Kara's

  allegiance. He also determined not to allow Kara to know that he

  was aware of Kara's alleged alliance with Lucifer. "I was wanting

  him to tell me as well but realized that this too was as inappropri-

  ate request."

  "Hmm. I admire your integrity, Gabriel. It speaks well of

  you," Kara finally responded. "As long as you realize that some-

  times it is in the best interest of the Kingdom to know where dis-

  cretion ends and wisdom begins."

  "Thank you, Kara," said Gabriel. "I will remember that."

  Kara looked at the two angels, knowing he was finished here.

  "Well, I must be off to Council. Please make me aware of any

  developments. I'm sure we will take up the behavior of the Host at

  the debate. Should prove interesting. Farewell!"

  Michael and Gabriel watched as Kara's wings suddenly burst

  forth and he took flight. They watched him disappear toward the

  center of the City.

  "How did he know you were at the Temple?" Michael asked.

  "There are no secrets in Heaven these days, it seems," Gabriel

  responded. "I'm not sure who to trust now. But why would Kara be

  keeping watch on us? Isn't he with us in this matter?" He looked at

  Michael. "Or is he?"

  "Let's go to a more private place," said Michael, looking

  around. "As you said, there are many eyes around Heaven these

  192 CHRONICLES of the Host: Exile of Lucifer

  days. And there is much to tell about my visit with Serus. He

  proved quite revealing."

  "Yes," said Gabriel. "So did the Zoa."

  ----------------

  "Well that disaster could only have been encouraging to

  Lucifer," Crispin said with disappointment as the group was dis-

  cussing the debate. "Not that I did poorly. I believe I rendered a fair

  and accurate presentation of the viewpoint of the Academy--but

  the outcome was an embarrassment."

  Michael, Gabriel and Sangius looked with sympathy at their

  teacher as he sat behind his large table in his office deep within the

  heart of the Academy of the Host. They had gathered to discuss the

  visits with Serus and the Zoa, as well as the outbreak of conflict at

  the Academy between the two emerging factions.

  "You're right about it encouraging Lucifer," said Sangius.

  "But he must be equally disturbed by the fact that Michael so easi-

  ly stopped the brawl."

  "Perhaps," agreed Michael. "But that was a complete surprise.

  If it ever comes to a real contest he will be ready. Still, I was gratified."

  "Yes, and I'm sure he is preparing for it even now," agreed

  Crispin. "But as to a future contest, I believe that we will know very

  soon the outcome of this entire episode--what with the Day Six

  upon us."

  "Day Six. How many more days until the Most High con-

  cludes this Creation?" asked Sangius. "Surely He must be nearing

  the end!"

  "Never underestimate our Lord's ability to create," said

  Crispin. "If He so desired I suppose He could create indefinitely.

  However, I believe you are essentially correct. The order of Cre-

  ation has progressed to a point of complexity wherein the final and

  crowning achievement must soon occur." He leaned back dreamily.

  "Day Six is proving itself most interesting. The Lord has designed

  the most wonderful beasts and other animals to inhabit the land."

  Crispin looked at Gabriel. "Only one creature remains--the great-

  est of all. The Zoa referred to it as man?"

  "Was it really from this position all of Heaven was to quake?" 193

  "Yes," agreed Gabriel, looking at the others. "According to the

  Zoa, the Most High has determined that man will have dominion

  over the entire world--and without the assistance of or need for

  angelic involvement."

  "No angels involved in the stewardship?" said Sangius,

  unable to contain his amusement. "What a very different world

  Lucifer is envisioning! How disappointing."

  "Really makes all of this a moot point, does it not?" posed

  Michael. "Perhaps once Lucifer sees there never was an angel to be

  named he will realize that he has behaved foolishly and bring

  Heaven back into order."

  "A reasonable observation," admitted Crispin, "were we deal-

  ing with a reasonable creature. But Lucifer? I know that you will

  call my judgment prejudiced but I cannot foresee him and Pellecus

  and that swaggering Rugio coming to terms so easily."

  "Nor I," agreed Gabriel, "and the Zoa intimated as much.

  However, the Lord will prevail whatever the development. On that

  they were quite deliberate."

  "Should it come to that," said Michael, "I will of course fight.

  But my hope is that
Lucifer will see the foolishness in this and end

  it before it is too late."

  "Angel against angel in Heaven," mused Sangius. "May it

  never be!"

  "I'm afraid that it already is," said Crispin.

  The conversation shifted focus as Michael related his discus-

  sion with Serus, Lucifer's chief steward. From time to time

  throughout the report, Sangius shook his head in disbelief. When

  Michael was finished recounting the meeting Sangius spoke up.

  "So Serus has had a change of heart?" he asked incredulously.

  "I must tell you, Michael, that as much credence as I hold for an

  angel being able to change, I am truly at a loss here. Serus seems the

  most unlikely angel in Heaven to turn from Lucifer--with the

  exception of Lucifer himself perhaps." He laughed.

  "All I can tell you, brothers, is that Serus seemed sincere,"

  repeated Michael. He looked at Sangius. "Perhaps you're right. He

  was never able to make the final break with Lucifer. I'm not sure he

  194 CHRONICLES of the Host: Exile of Lucifer

  ever will. Lucifer has a hold over him that defies his ability to leave

  him--even should he so desire. Fantastic!"

  "Not so fantastic," interjected Crispin. "Think of Lucifer's

  ministry here. His ability to lead us into rapturous praise in which

  we are completely intoxicated indicates his ability to capture an

  audience." He looked up from his desk at the others. "Such aston-

  ishing power for one angel to exert over another!"

  "I can only imagine the influence he could exert over earth,"

  said Sangius, almost muttering to himself. Crispin, Michael and

  Gabriel looked at each other grimly as they thought of so powerful

  a being ruling the new world.

  "Don't give Lucifer too much credit," warned Crispin. "True,

  he exerts a certain appeal and influence over others--but it is only

  that--an influence! Angel or man--if one succumbs to Lucifer it is

  by one's own choice."

  "Man?" wondered Sangius. "You propose that man will have

  such freedom?"

  "If, according to the Zoa, man is to rule in the Lord's authori-

  ty on earth," Crispin responded, "it follows that he will be an

  exceptional creature and completely unlike the beasts now being

  created. So I say again, angel or man--one who succumbs to

  Lucifer does so on his own volition."

  "What is it then to which Lucifer has succumbed?" asked

  Sangius.

  "Lucifer has succumbed to Lucifer," observed Crispin. "And

  that is the reason I see little hope for an easy end to this matter.

  Apparently the others have succumbed to him as well: Pellecus,

  Rugio, Berenius..."

  "Kara was certainly bent upon learning what the Zoa had to

  say," remarked Gabriel, still disturbed by the awkward intrusion in

  the garden. "I know he and Lucifer have always had a strong

  friendship but..."

  "A friendship of convenience I would say," said Sangius.

  "Come now, Sangius," protested Gabriel. "Surely an Elder

  like Kara would not allow the ambitions of an angel to compromise

  his position? Would he?"

  "Was it really from this position all of Heaven was to quake?" 195

  "You don't know these angels, Gabriel," replied Sangius.

  "They are driven. Something possesses them to push on and on--

  closer and closer to the edge of complete madness." Sangius looked

  sympathetically at Gabriel who always wanted to believe the best

  about any angel. "Dear Gabriel, I wouldn't talk carelessly about

  these matters. I want to believe otherwise but I cannot. I have seen

  him for who he really is. If anyone could corrupt an Elder--even an

  impeccable angel like Kara--it is Lucifer."

  Gabriel did not like the direction the conversation was going.

  He wanted desperately to believe that Lucifer had not compro-

  mised the Elders. Could one angel hold such sway among the

  Host? The Lord forbid it!

  For the next few moments Michael and Crispin began outlin-

  ing the reasons they felt that Kara could not be trusted further--or

  at least must be approached with extreme caution. Gabriel listened

  to the arguments made by both. He could tell they were trying to

  soften the blow in deference to his own misgivings about it all, but

  nevertheless they made their cases.

  "It was Kara who led the delegation from the Council to

  Lucifer's house when they told him of their decision to name him

  steward," Michael said.

  "And it was he who spoke to me of Lucifer, making excuses

  for his erratic behavior," added Crispin.

  "Naturally Lucifer acted completely surprised the day the

  Council came to his house, but Kara was in shock to see me there

  as well," Michael continued. "That was when Serus began signal-

  ing me that he wanted to speak." The archangel began detailing his

  conversation with Serus as to Kara's alliance of convenience with

  Lucifer. He then summed it up: "If Serus is correct, then Kara is at

  the very least motivated to further Lucifer's ambitions in order to

  strengthen himself."

  "Yes," remarked Crispin. "And you say he came to you imme-

  diately after the debate to discover what was said to the Zoa--on

  Lucifer's orders perhaps?"

  "We are now accusing an Elder of something very dark," said

  Gabriel, quite disturbed. "Lucifer is one thing--he has always

  196 CHRONICLES of the Host: Exile of Lucifer

  seemed prone to such possibilities; always an independent spirit. I

  am willing to believe that he is capable of these things. Pellecus we

  know has been poisoned by this perverse doctrine and seems bent

  on wreaking havoc in the Academy. Rugio is a bitter warrior who

  never received the rank and promotion he sought and is now seek-

  ing it elsewhere. These I can accept. But Kara? One who sits with

  the other Elders in attendance to the Most High God? I realize the

  evidence points to the possibility. But if this is true then who in the

  Kingdom is above suspicion?" He looked the group over.

  "I would say no angel is above suspicion," said Crispin,

  standing up. "If Lucifer, who is called the Anointed Cherub; who

  walks in the paths of holy fire; who has access to the holy places;

  who leads the Host in praises to the Most High...if such a one can

  turn away from the true Light, then I would say any angel might

  turn to darkness."

  ----------------

  Lucifer enjoyed his excursions to earth. Now that Creation

  appeared to be nearing an end, he was anxious as ever to get on

  with the task of stewarding the new world. He glanced up and

  could see the Heavenly Kingdom looming in celestial splendor,

  wondering when at last his freedom would come. Two strange

  looking beasts wandered by Lucifer, casually looking up at him as

  they passed. Lucifer watched as they disappeared into the woods.

  He marveled at the Lord's creative ability.

  "There you are, my lord," came a voice. It was Pellecus, who

  was accompanied by Tinius. "I thought we would find you here.

  This seems to be your favorite place on earth."

  "Yes," said Lucifer, "I love this spot. I hav
e decided that it is

  from here I will govern. It is quite lovely and gives vantage of the

  Heavens and this beautiful world all at once. A medium between

  two worlds, so to speak. This is where I shall place my throne." He

  looked at Pellecus. "What developments have occurred?"

  "Well, dear prince," said Pellecus, "the rather noisy climax of

  the debate has created much stir in Heaven. You did well to retire

  here for a season."

  "Was it really from this position all of Heaven was to quake?" 197

  "Discretion is part of the game too, dear Pellecus," said

  Lucifer. "I bade my ministers farewell and told them that I was off

  to meditate on the coming greatness of the Kingdom--which in fact

  I am!" He smiled. "And where is Kara? I specifically requested his

  presence."

  "An official matter has come up," said Tinius. "He was called

  to Council." He looked hopefully at Lucifer. "Perhaps news of your

  appointment?"

  "Perhaps," said Lucifer cautiously, thinking it over. "Yet that

  would be of such enormous importance that myself and the

  archangels would be summoned as well. No, I'm sure this has to do

  with the outrageous behavior of Crispin's supporters at the debate.

  They will deliberate and it will be soon forgotten. Kara is good at

  making them forget."

  "Rather an extended day this time," said Pellecus, looking at

  the teeming wildlife. A loud bark of some animal sounded in the

  distance. "If not a noisy one."

  "Extended, how so?" asked Tinius.

  "Well it is evident that the Lord has finished creating the

  beasts--he must now create the lord of the beasts." He shot a

  glance at a perturbed Lucifer and quickly added, "By that I mean

  him whom you will steward, my prince. Surely the Lord will not

  send an angel down to earth to keep his animals. No, there is

  greater work to be done here. He will create one who will manage

  affairs--under your careful hand, of course."

  "You do well to remember that I shall govern this planet and

  not some earth creature--be he beast, bird or fish," said Lucifer,