* * *
"What is it Hidimba?" Og asked. He was watching the demon fidget around on the rock dais. "You look as if you're going to burst, and you've looked like that for some time now."
"I've seen this Armaros that you speak of," the demon answered, "he almost destroyed me not long ago." Og's menacing gaze softened at once. The little demon could tell that the giant wanted to know more by the expression that he wore.
"Do you remember earlier when I told you that lord Kokabiel and my master had been busy?"
Og nodded.
"Well, the last time that I was summoned I was sent along with many others of my kind to kill a boy who lived among men, you know . . . in the outer world. We failed. At least I think we failed, but I can't be sure. It was a big warrior type who suddenly appeared and stopped us. He was terrifying. Beautiful, but scary and powerful when seen through my eyes. He, along with a priest, destroyed many of my kind and bound me with magic. When I returned here to report to lord Kokabiel and master, they knew who the big angel was and they called him by name. I specifically remember master saying something about Armaros using his magic again."
It had been hard for little Hidimba to keep all of that information penned up inside of himself for as long as he did. It actually caused him physical pain-like his chest was going to explode. But Og had told him not to interrupt, and so he did not, even though he had figured out that this Armaros character was a significant player in whatever drama was unfolding. Hidimba had aspirations himself. He hoped to increase his own role in the production. Fate continued to cooperate.
"This is a first," Og said, "a demon gives me some good news." He reached out and lifted Hidimba off of the rock and sat him down gently. The giant's mood had lightened. "We must get moving. I'll tell you what's left of my story, at least the relevant parts, while we walk."
"You are anxious to see your mentor?" Hidimba asked.
"Perhaps I'll see him again," Og countered, "or perhaps not. That's of little consequence in the grand scheme here Hidimba. What does matter is that Armaros is aware of what's going on. Or at least he knows that something is going on. And if that priest you saw is who I think he is . . . well, that's another plus. It's all still unclear, but I'm sure that it's related to the writings of Enoch."
"This Armaros . . . he will oppose my master?" Hidimba asked.
"Of that I am certain little demon," Og said. "Unless of course your master is not planning something diabolical and his intentions are good. But that's about as unlikely as you growing wings and flying off to live happily ever after with Raphael and the rest of the seraphim. No offense of course."
"None taken. Who's Raphael?" the demon asked as he scurried to catch up with Og. The giant was already half way to the tunnel where earlier Hidimba had inadvertently separated from his master.
"He's an angel Hidimba," Og answered incredulously. "I see that I've got a lot to teach you. What I don't have is enough time to do it in. So listen closely because it's just the facts from here on out. One question first though. How can you have heard of me and not know who Raphael is? I thought you told me that your kind tells stories. Surely one of your elders must have mentioned something about the archangels."
"Our stories are of this world and the world of men. I know who the archangels are, but the only one I know by name is Mikhael. And I had never heard them called seraphim before. You know what I am Og. You call me demon just as much as you call me by my name. We demons don't tell stories of angels."
"Fair enough Hidimba," Og said. The giant stressed each syllable in the demon's name. He seemed to like teasing his companion. It bothered Hidimba a little, but if it was amusing to Og then he wouldn't protest. He had been good entertainment right from the start, and Og had grown fond of him. The giant stopped and turned when he got back to the fork in the tunnel. The determined little demon was right behind him.
"Stay close," Og said.
Hidimba nodded. His feelings were still a little hurt. The giant continued into the left tunnel and he followed.
"As we continued to the battlefield, a most unexpected thing happened," Og said. He was continuing his story as promised. Hidimba, despite being a little angry with Og, drew even closer to the giant. He did not want to miss any of this.
"We ran into a bit of trouble, and were taken captive by-"
Og froze. Hidimba walked into the giant's buttock and fell backwards onto his own bony rump. From his seat on the stone floor, Hidimba peered through Og's massive legs and focused on the tunnel beyond. There, less than a stone's throw away, stood the reason why the giant had stopped. They were not alone in the tunnel.
The Peacock Angel: Rise of the Decarchs Page 41
