War of Wings (17 page)

“He is in there. Only one of you can go in,” the power stated in a nonnegotiable tone.

Michael turned around to face Grandathos, Anistar, and the others. “I will go speak with him on our behalf if no one objects.”

“
Nuntias Dei
,” said the power. Gabriel’s mouth fell open, and Michael pivoted back around. After a short silence, the power pointed at Gabriel.

Gabriel’s head felt half its weight. “I think it would be better for Michael to go in. He’ll be better with words for your leader.”

“You are the one he wants to see.” He pointed directly at the words on Gabriel’s chest plate. Gabriel had never heard so much about this silly inscription in all his life. It was becoming annoying.

“It must be you,” continued the sturdy power.

Gabriel glanced over at Michael, who looked just as perplexed.

“Michael?”

Michael evaluated the angel, but the power’s eyes stayed on Gabriel. He wasn’t budging. Ever. “Well, if that’s what he wants,” Michael said. “Just be yourself, and let Rametheus know we need them to join us. Badly. No pressure.”

“No pressure at all,” returned Gabriel. He walked up at least fifty wooden steps that never creaked until he came to a door with a ten-foot carving of a lion. He started to knock, but he was apparently expected; it was ajar. He pushed it open.

Gabriel was taken immediately by the sheer presence of the power at the end of the large room. His mystical wings exuded light and had some of the largest feathers Gabriel had ever seen. They were the color of aged ivory, spattered with touches of grey. Of course, Gabriel thought, he expected no less of a spectacular angel for someone who could get him almost over two hundred thousand followers with one conversation.

The honored power stood behind a table that had two carved cups and a wooden pitcher between them. His beard, hair, and eyes were all brown, and he wore large shards of metal on his shoulders. He was muscular and stood with perfect posture and an air of confidence even greater than most powers.

Gabriel noticed a large stack of armor piled neatly on the floor beside him. Anistar had said that Rametheus was the oldest of all the powers though he didn’t look it; he was undoubtedly the most respected. He was soft-spoken considering the influence he had on the powers; however, when he spoke, it was of great importance, and they listened intensely.

“Are you just going to stand there, or are you going to say something?” Rametheus said in a low, husky voice.

Gabriel hoped he hadn’t already messed this up from his awkward stare. “Hello. I was just admiring your wings.”

“Thank you. They were once all white, but few angels were here back then. Welcome. I am Rametheus. Join me for a drink.”

“Thank you.” Gabriel walked over to the table and pulled out a chair. “Were you one of the first?”

“Lucifer was first. I was the seventh.”

“Did you know him well?”

“We called each other brothers back then, but that was long ago. We are no longer brothers.”

“Good. I am Gabriel. I am an archangel. I have come to speak with you about the dissent among us.” The chair was borderline uncomfortable, but he had remembered the only line Michael told him to say, so now he felt better.

“Heaven is no longer as it once was.”

“No, it is not. Few have stayed loyal, and we have come for your help.”

“What can I do for you?” Rametheus grabbed the pitcher and poured green liquid into Gabriel’s cup. Steam rose from the spout of the pitcher. He then handed the pitcher toward Gabriel instead of the cup. Gabriel didn’t know what to do with it. Rametheus was looking at him like Michael did when he was about to scold him, and Gabriel realized he was supposed to pour him a glass as well. Gabriel willed his shaking hand to relax for a smooth pour.

“Thank you,” said Rametheus, pleased.

“It is you who should be thanked. I have heard from our following that none of your class has succumbed to Lucifer’s lies. Is it true?”

“I cannot be certain if that is true, but we have not had the misfortune of losing anyone’s loyalty to him. Each and every power is still with us.”

“I have heard you have been the driving force behind the loyalty of your angels. I have come to ask for your aid in rallying more throughout Heaven in order to build our own army to oppose Lucifer.”

“I cannot take credit for the powers. These angels are strong, and I am proud to lead them. I am bound to stay with my order and keep them protected.” He took a slow sip from his cup.

“I understand your desire to keep them strong, but from what I have heard, you have done your part. I ask that you join me in sharing your strength with others. Help us save them from the path of destruction Lucifer is leading them down,” Gabriel said.

“Lucifer is cunning. Always has been. I know the soft angel that hides behind those enchanting eyes.” For a moment, Rametheus smiled thoughtfully, but it disappeared. “However, he is still cunning, more so each day. Do you not care for your nectar? It is good for strength.”

Gabriel looked down. He had forgotten it was there. “I am single-minded. I am sorry for being rude.”

“Go on with your plea,” Rametheus said.

Gabriel sipped his drink. “The hour is late, and Lucifer is gaining power extremely fast. Too fast. We need to gather angels and let them know they have a choice. I have a small group of first-tier angels with me already waiting outside. We would like you to join us.”

“Are these hierarchs following you?”

“We are all in this together. Angels have questions, and I give answers to the best of my ability,” replied Gabriel. “But no, they follow Michael. He is the real leader here.”

Rametheus studied Gabriel for a solid minute without saying a word but simply sipping his nectar. Gabriel waited. Finally, Rametheus said, “Do you know why you were sent in here instead of this Michael?”

“I was actually wondering quite a bit about that.”

“Brattack saw what your followers see.”

“He pointed at my inscription.” Gabriel gestured at the engraved words without looking. “
Miles Gloriosus et Nuntias
—”

“He was pointing to your heart,” Rametheus interrupted. “These angels follow you for a reason. I see it in your presence as Brattack did. You know who you are, and others see more strength in you than you can even fathom. If I go, the powers will come with me. We stay together. Our power is in numbers.”

This angel was contagious. Gabriel could feel it. No wonder his class stayed loyal. He made angels feel secure in themselves within the first few minutes of meeting him. Of course, Lucifer was also adept at that. “Thank you. I would have it no other way. I’m curious—how have you kept your kind so loyal?”

“We have had some of our brightest and most faithful angels amongst the powers sit in on Lucifer’s meetings from the beginning. They brought back the information to discuss its validity within our class before Lucifer had a chance to send one of his followers to approach any of us. We make decisions together as a family, and we stick to them together as a family. We are for God and God alone.”

“I wish I could say the same for the archangels. We only have seven archangels, and we are split. It’s incredible what you have done.”

“It is not what I have done. We listen and look through each other’s perspectives first. Then we consider with our own eyes and hearts. It is easy to see through our own perspectives. Wise angels see through the eyes of others. Communication is our answer to disagreement. When a decision is made, we believe it is the right one, and we stick to it.”

Gabriel could see how easy it was for angels to follow him. He wished what this angel had described held true for all the classes. “I respect that. When will you vote on whether you will join us?”

“We already have. We’ve been waiting for you. It was decided two days ago.”

L
ucifer had gained so much power in Heaven and influenced so many angels that God’s original Heaven no longer existed. Lucifer was determined to keep it from ever being restored. He was ready to confront God with the new message embodied within his army.

Azrael approached Lucifer on Terra draped in a long, black hooded cloak. His eyes were dark with one of Lucifer’s favorite antivirtues, wrath. The angel dragged a wooden cart behind him filled with black garments and on top lay his long scythe. Following him were at least fifty other angels with similar carts; these angels all bore pieces of black cloth on their armor.

“They are ready, Lucifer.”

“Good. Pass them out, and let everyone know this color symbolizes the absence of God’s light and the lies he has told. The weapons?”

“Saraquel is leading hundreds of worker angels in Abbeus’s cave as we speak. The dominions designed weapons according to our specific need. They are being mass produced now.”

“How long?”

“It should not be long now. A day at the most.”

“And Azazel?”

“He is with the principalities as you instructed. The Provender will be more than ready.”

“You’ve done well. You will have your revenge with Raphael.”

Beneath the shadow of his hood, a white smile formed.

“We will all gather in Abbeus’s cave before we head to the Provender. Any angel who is not there will now be our enemy. Make sure the word is out.”

“There will be few against us, Lucifer. I will.”

Azrael led his wagons south to the cave of Abbeus. It was an ominous place protected by a body of water with vast fields beyond. The massive mountain’s face had been hurriedly carved to feature the likeness of an enormous Abbeus leaning on his seraphim sword. The entrance was through the black hole of one of his eyes, reached by flight or a winding path up the cliff side. Once through, it opened to a near-endless gathering room surrounded by fire and ash. Even farther in, tunnels into the rock provided raw materials. Lucifer knew it was the perfect place to produce quickly the number of weapons he needed.

He awaited his groups at the cave, which had already amassed the majority of angels in Heaven. He had separated his angels into three groups. Delia led one that was close to five hundred thousand, and she had three of the thrones working for her to keep order and help with communications.

Abbeus’s group contained the seraphim and the working-class angels of the bottom tier. He led over six hundred thousand with the help of two seraphim and two dominions appointed by Lucifer. The seraphim at the front struck fear into the lower-class angels; none had their eyes covered, and they had all six wings outstretched, which made them appear far larger than any other angels in Heaven. Lucifer had instructed them on this. The seraphim hovered smoothly over the body of water in front of the many thousands behind them, as endless as the mist that covered the distant fields.

Lucifer’s group was, of course, the largest of them all. He had over two million angels by this time, made up of every class of angel other than the powers. Saraquel stayed by his side, and Lucifer had six of his closest cherubim angels helping lead the large force. Others were passing out weapons. Each angel who entered took one. After every last angel entered, he turned around on the raised platform to address his army.

“You are the overwhelming majority of our population! The angels have spoken! The new heavenly order will take what is rightfully ours from God and banish Him for all of His lies. This is now our Heaven! The throne is now our throne, and I am proud to be your leader in this grand time of change. Who hears what I am saying?”

The crowd erupted. As he peered over the crowd, blazing fires around them lighting up their features in dancing reds and yellows, he could feel the energy build. When he raised both arms, the cheers grew still louder. Unlike his concerts, he knew this praise was for him alone, and he basked in it. The crowd slowly quieted as Lucifer lowered his arms.

“We will show no mercy to those who oppose us. God has shown no mercy in His relentless onslaught of rules and regulations for our entire existence. We have our own rules now!” Lucifer looked out across the upturned faces and saw anger, resentment, and most of all utter determination to overthrow God and claim the new order by force. Perhaps it was the sheer heat in this enclosed space, but his blood felt ready to boil. “Use your weapons with the zeal that I have brought up in you. This is our new family now! We must protect it by any means necessary. God is not ready for what is to come. To the Provender!”

G
abriel, Michael, and their seventeen followers stood waiting in the middle of the amphitheater with Rametheus. They were completely encircled by thousands of powers, who looked like perfect soldiers as they waited quietly for Rametheus to speak. They were in lines formed by rank with precisely two feet between them on all sides. The higher the rank, the more armor they wore. Each ordered row waited with an air of ready tension, like a finely tuned instrument about to be played.

“Well done,” Michael whispered as he leaned back toward Gabriel’s ear.

“It was already decided. It had nothing to do with me.”

“Well, whatever happened, I am glad we have these guys. Look at them.”

Gabriel peered over the impressive class and almost wished he were one of them. “Pretty incredible group.”

The front angels were festooned with shards of metal while the powers in the very back had little of their bodies covered. All of the attention was directed at Rametheus. Gabriel again noticed the gazebo in the corner. On a chair inside it sat a small, old female angel. She was definitely a power from the look of her outfit and strong presence, but she was by far the frailest and oldest he’d seen. Her hair was solid white. Her body was completely covered.

“Fellow powers! The time has come. We will gather the weak and give them strength as we have always done. Gabriel the archangel will show us the way. He is strong and just. We will face this revolution with discipline and humility. Where do you stand?” shouted Rametheus.

Gabriel felt awkward and unworthy and quickly shouted, “With Gabriel and Michael!” Michael smiled at his response and almost laughed, but Gabriel could see that he was also humbled by it. He would have made a joke about it otherwise.

Rametheus either didn’t hear him or ignored him. It didn’t matter, really. Gabriel would still follow Michael. The crowd answered with a crashing thunderclap as the handles of their huge axes struck the wooden floor in perfect unison. It shook the entire city in a single beat. Gabriel peeked over at their followers, and Anistar, the throne who had joined first, turned to meet his gaze. He grinned and nodded his head in approval. Rametheus turned his attention to the group of nineteen, and just then the mysterious seraph Grandathos, who stood high above the others, uncovered his eyes from beneath his crossed middle wings. The white light from his face illuminated God’s new army in a blaze of light. Brilliant sparkles bounced off the shards of metal worn proudly by their new companions. Gabriel felt a rush of excitement course through him and shook it out through his wings. It felt amazing.

Their army begun, Gabriel and Michael soon departed the hillside retreat of the powers. They continued traveling throughout Heaven, recruiting everyone they could. Friendships had been ripped apart by the division, and many loyal to God blamed angels on the other side—particularly Lucifer, Abbeus, and Delia since they were causing most of the conversions. Gabriel and Michael used this to their advantage when they could. To others, though, those three were the most inspiring of the revolutionaries, and then words of loyalty to God fell on deaf ears.

Gabriel’s method of recruiting was different from Michael’s. He was naturally loud and at times intimidating even when trying not to be. He started out by speaking boldly around the streets of the inner city. He wasn’t far from his own home when he yelled, “If you have loved ones who are turning away from God to follow the cherub Lucifer, then join me and let’s bring them back! Before it’s too late!”

A female angel stormed across the golden pavement to him and fell sobbing onto his shoulder. She soaked it with tears, and Gabriel let her finish and catch her breath. He invited her into his home, listened to her story, and comforted her. A group of passing angels saw this happen, and they came in as well. That was how he won angels over: he showed them there was still something they could do to help their lost loved ones, and he shared his passion and determination with them. He knew he would never give up on Arrayah. He would reach every angel he could, and they would take a stand for their loved ones. It was really all they had left.

Heaven’s order was no more. It was complete chaos. It was darker than Heaven had ever been and only getting darker although Gabriel felt his spark of hope inside was getting brighter. Soon every angel around had been recruited by one side or the other. Both sides had a variety of groups, some more radical than others. Neither side really knew who had more followers because there was such a division among such vast numbers and confusion ran amok. At least that was what Gabriel told himself. Deep down, he knew how outnumbered they probably were at this point.

Gabriel’s group was mostly made up of angels who were upset that their loved ones had turned to Lucifer’s revolution. Radical groups for God, which had been marching around like rogue armies lacking unity or leadership, joined them quickly. They spread the message that God would soon return and the angels of the new heavenly order, as Lucifer’s side called it, would reap the punishment they were bringing upon themselves for their betrayal of God.

The group Gabriel met near the Blue Crystal Geyser of the south corridor was the most radical of all. When Gabriel and the others approached, the group was aggressive, threatening, ready to fight. Rametheus flew up in the air with his powerful wings, catapulting his large frame into everyone’s vision.

“Join us in our loyalty for God! Gabriel,” Rametheus said, peering down and pointing at Gabriel before he fixed his penetrating eyes back on his audience, “and Michael are true leaders. Together, we can stop Lucifer and his army from destroying Heaven and the angels we care about! Nothing is more important than taking a stand for the ones we love in this fight against Lucifer.”

Gabriel couldn’t have said it better himself. Rametheus had heard him about Michael after all. All eyes shifted to him and Michael and assessed them. Gabriel finally felt like a leader. Like someone angels could follow. Arrayah had provided him with the universal inspiration that all angels could relate to—love. Rametheus knew it too. Even if she didn’t ever give it back, he was forever changed. The dramatic display of strength and sympathy worked, and the group of radicals joined their cause.

Michael spread the message among those loyal to God that they should not have animosity in their hearts, for that is not what God would want, but some didn’t listen. They were fueled by anger and feelings of betrayal. Michael hoped to bring those on Lucifer’s side back over to the loyal followers—as did Gabriel, starting with Arrayah—but Gabriel knew the influence Lucifer held over others. He was beyond charismatic and should not be underestimated.

“It’s time to put an end to this,” Gabriel said to Michael. He was looking over their accumulated ranks of angels, which numbered in the hundreds of thousands.

“Many more groups like these have amassed outside of the city. We must bring everyone together and confront Lucifer because I have heard rumors he may be escorting his entire following back to Heaven.”

“If he hasn’t already,” interrupted Rametheus.

Gabriel’s stomach dropped, but he tried to hide his worry. He knew they needed so many more angels than they had. “We will be fine,” he said.

“You are not worried are you, Gabriel?” Rametheus was smiling.

“Of course not. You know, you are a great speaker, but I must say when I heard all you had accomplished, I thought you would be taller.” Gabriel smiled back. As usual, Michael didn’t seem to know how to react when Gabriel didn’t hold his tongue.

Rametheus just smiled more broadly though. “I’ll take that as a compliment. Thank you, Gabriel.”

Michael looked relieved. “I think we should divide the group in half. Rametheus, will you lead an army northeast? Gabriel and I will go northwest.”

Rametheus looked to Gabriel, waiting for confirmation. It still caught him off guard. He nodded when he realized what Rametheus was waiting for.

“I will,” Rametheus said.

“We will meet south of the city after covering our sides of the inner island. We will run into each other eventually. Is that all right with you, Gabriel?”

Gabriel had no trouble hearing Michael’s sarcasm, but Rametheus thankfully didn’t catch it and waited for Gabriel’s approval again. After the confirmation, Rametheus said, “We will see you there. God speed.”

Michael waited for him to step away. “Seems you have a fan, Gabriel.” Then he flew out over the large army and hovered in their midst as he spoke. “Half of you will follow Rametheus and the powers northeast. The other half will come with me northwest. We will bring Heaven back to our Father!” He swooped down and flew directly through the crowd, driving a line between the masses of angels. “This side will join Gabriel and me. This side will go with Rametheus.”

Rametheus led his group east through the streets and then north. It was made up mostly of the powers. In fact, even the few powers who were supposed to go with Michael followed Rametheus instead.

Michael and Gabriel led their thousands of angels around by the West Pearl Gate, picking up stragglers and small groups of angels along the way. They had heard rumors of groups of angels outside the city gates looking for guidance and hope amid the chaos. Others were in prayer together, beseeching God to once again share His presence. Gabriel heard of other groups who were taking advantage of the lack of duties by entertaining themselves at popular places of leisure. He knew exactly where he would go—the Canyon Reef.

They would fly over the fields beyond the gate first and look for prayer groups gathered there. Gabriel would definitely let Michael do the talking on this one. The thousands of angels led by Michael and Gabriel poured through the gate like ants from their mound and spread wide, waiting for their leader to issue orders. Michael worked his way to the front of the crowd and addressed them.

“We will march to find every angel in need of support until this ends. God answers our prayers, and I thank you prayer warriors for staying strong.” After he spoke, he leaped off the edge of the mountain and soared down with the elegance of an eagle. Immediately behind him came an awesome avalanche of angels that covered the sky as they poured over the cliff. They landed on the ground with such force that it shook. From there, they headed west and very soon found a prayer group in the grasslands just west of the White Woods.

The prayer group covered almost every blade of grass. It seemed as if every angel who left the city through the north side went there if he or she didn’t know what to do. Gabriel knew it was imperative they get to the four corners outside of the heavenly city before Lucifer did. God’s light was so dim that angels yearned for God’s glory back and missed Him dearly. Even Gabriel realized he did, and his relationship with Him was miniscule. A small part of Gabriel still felt liberated by the feeling of freedom unconstrained by rules, but he fought that urge. He knew other angels wouldn’t.

To Gabriel’s surprise, Michael waved him forward. “It’s time I follow you for once. Get up there and make them believe in you as I do.”

Those were the best words Gabriel had ever heard. He flew up over the angels in prayer and called out. “I know many of you are scared and miss God very much right now. God is testing our faith and loyalty. There is another who is trying to raise himself above the living God, and he is the reason for all of this chaos. God will soon return to put him in his place. I can see by your actions that most of you have made the choice to stay loyal.”

The majority of angels had their heads raised and were listening intently. Gabriel continued. “It makes me proud to see how strong all of you angels have been through this dark time. We need each other to stay strong. Without my brother Michael, I would have fallen for Lucifer’s lies. It makes me proud to see my brothers and sisters standing up for good. I invite you to join us as we march in these last hours for God! Let’s give Him a reason to come back to us!”

Nearly every angel got up off his or her knees and shouted. Many of them raced over and joined the massive crowd behind Michael. Others came a little slower. Very few stayed in their spots. Gabriel looked down at Michael and gave him a wave forward, inviting him to lead the mob. Michael looked up at Gabriel with a smile and then marched ahead.

Gabriel and Michael led the angels west to the Great Canyon Reef. They neared the estates of the Canyon Wall, where angels were diving from the wall down into the reef below. Thousands of other angels were in or around the reef, lounging on the sand or playing in the surf. Many who had not joined a side were using God’s absence as an excuse for leisure. Gabriel had to admit there was no better spot for this in Heaven than the reef. Some angels wanted to pretend nothing was happening as Gabriel so often did. If things had happened differently, perhaps at this moment he would be swimming in the water or sleeping under an orange tree. How could he judge?

Michael instructed some of their followers to spread out and round up as many like-minded others as they could as quickly as possible. As Gabriel watched Michael talking, a sudden urge took hold of him to go into the nearby White Woods. He had no idea why. It made no sense. He walked closer to the beach, trying to ignore the feeling, but it only sank deeper, lodging in the pit of his stomach. He needed to go there. The woods were calling him. He knew he had already questioned too many things before this. It was time to make a change and start believing.