Category: When an Angel Calls Your Name (Page 1 of 2)

Chapter Twenty

Zechariah slipped out of his priestly robes and into his tunic. His feet welcomed a pair of sandals after having spent the day barefoot in the Temple. His old feet were felt the weight of the day much more now than in his younger days.

The evening sacrifices were completed and the evening meal lie ahead. The priests would gather for a while between them to relax and rest after having been on their feet all day. From the time they entered the Temple until they left, they could not sit down. They must stand before the Lord as they served.

Bukki, Jerimoth and Abishua joined him as he exited the changing room and headed back to the bed chambers.

“Well Jerimoth, how was your first day of service unto the Lord.”

“I don’t know how to describe it. This morning while I was waiting for instructions about what to do, a man named David and his wife Ruth came in and called me priest. They kept saying, ‘Priest, come here. Priest, priest.’ I did not realize at first they were speaking to me. I almost told them to wait while I went and fetched a priest for them.”

Zechariah, Bukki, and Abishua laughed at him.

“My first day I experienced the very same thing,” Bukki said. “Only I did go and get them a priest. When I returned with one they looked at me very strangely. I think they were glad I had gotten them a real priest rather than fumbled my way through.”

Abishua smiled and slapped his hand upon Bukki’s back.

“I can see them now. Oh priest, oh priest,” he laughed.

Zechariah made his way to a bedding platform. He fluffed the straw mattress a bit and excused himself for a nap.

As he lay down Jerimoth came over and sat next to him.

“How did I do Zechariah?”

“You did just fine Jerimoth. Just fine my son.”

“I did not realize just how many animals we sacrifice everyday.”

“You want to talk about sacrifices? Wait until Passover week. There you will see some sacrifices.”

“Am I allowed to serve during Passover?” Jerimoth said.

“Only the division selected for Passover week may serve then.”

“I would love to serve that week.”

“I doubt you would feel the same way at the end of Passover week. But who knows, you may get your chance someday,” Zechariah replied.

Zechariah lay down on the mattress and looked up at Jerimoth. The two sat in silence and enjoyed one another’s company.

Pashur and Berechiah entered the bed chambers discussing Samson’s plight.

“I tell you, the Lord was with him to the end. He just did not do any miracles through him while he was in prison. Until Samson’s heart became right.”

“So, his power wasn’t in his hair?” Berechiah said.

“Of course not. The Lord’s power was never dependent upon the length of his hair but the quality and intent of his heart.”

Jerimoth and Zechariah smiled at the two of them. Neither was happy if he wasn’t arguing the finer points of the Lord’s word.

“Seems to me that he wasted the Lord’s blessings,” Zechariah said.

“Yes, yes he did,” Berechiah said.

“Never the less, the Lord’s hand was on him his whole life,” Pashur said.

“Did he only have power while he believed he had power?” Jerimoth said.

“Not at all,” Berechiah said. “Tell him Zechariah. He still thought he had power when he awoke from his sleep after Delilah had cut his hair off. The guards easily subdued him. Then they blinded him and took him to prison.”

Samuel and his sons entered the bed chambers. Zechariah sat up and made room for them beside him and Jerimoth.

“Can’t an old man take a nap around this place?” He asked.

The rest laughed.

“Of course, just not in the middle of the day,” Ithamar said. What do you think this is?  An inn?”

“Speak with respect to your elders Ithamar,” Samuel said.

“Hey Jerimoth, I think it is time for you to prove you know the Torah. No priest is fit to srve if he does not know the Torah.” Micah said.

“Yes,” said Phineha.

The priests gather round to grill young Jeremy.

“First, the Lord’s commandments,” said Pashur his father.

“Yes,” said Zechariah. He sat up and prepared to listened.

“Ok,” said Jerimoth.

“Exodus 20 says, And God spoke all these words, saying: ‘I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage. You shall have no other gods before Me. You shall not make for yourself a carved image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth, you shall not bow down to them nor serve them. For I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children to the third and fourth generations of those who hate Me, but showing mercy to thousands, to those who love Me and keep My commandments.’”

Jerimoth looked around at the other priests sitting and listening.

“Not bad for the new guy,” Jahzerah said.

Jerimoth continued.

“You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain, for the Lord will not hold him guiltless who takes His name in vain. Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord your God. In it you shall do no work: you, nor your son, nor your daughter, nor your male servant, nor your female servant, nor your cattle, nor your stranger who is within your gates. For in six days the Lord made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, and rested the seventh day. Therefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and hallowed it. Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long upon the land which the Lord your God is giving you. You shall not murder. You shall not commit adultery. You shall not steal. You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor. You shall not covet your neighbor’s house; you shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, nor his male servant, nor his female servant, nor his ox, nor his donkey, nor anything that is your neighbor’s.”

He stopped for a moment, then continued.

“Now all the people witnessed the thunderings, the lightning flashes, the sound of the trumpet, and the mountain smoking; and when the people saw it, they trembled and stood afar off. Then they said to Moses, ‘You speak with us, and we will hear; but let not God speak with us, lest we die.’ And Moses said to the people, “Do not fear; for God has come to test you, and that His fear may be before you, so that you may not sin.’ So the people stood afar off, but Moses drew near the thick darkness where God was. “

“Far enough son, Samuel said.

“Psalm 119,” Obadiah said.

“Now, Obadiah,” Samuel said. “We do not wish to be here listening to him so long that we miss the evening meal.”

“Let him begin it and you tell him when to stop.”

“I can quote the whole thing,” Jerimoth said. “And, will that not please our Lord?”

“Ok son. Psalm 119 it is then,” Pashur said.

“We’ll wake you when he is done Zechariah,” Berechiah said.

“Wake me when he is done. I’ll show you young ones how it is done. I will quote it with you Jerimoth. You take a passage, then I will, then you, then me. What do you say?”

Jerimoth smiled and began quoting.

“Blessed are the undefiled in the way, Who walk in the law of the Lord!
Blessed are those who keep His testimonies, Who seek Him with the whole heart!
They also do no iniquity; They walk in His ways.
You have commanded us To keep Your precepts diligently.
Oh, that my ways were directed To keep Your statutes!
Then I would not be ashamed, When I look into all Your commandments.
I will praise You with uprightness of heart, When I learn Your righteous judgments.
I will keep Your statutes; Oh, do not forsake me utterly!”

Zechariah took over.

“How can a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed according to Your word.
With my whole heart I have sought You; Oh, let me not wander from Your commandments!
Your word I have hidden in my heart, That I might not sin against You!
Blessed are You, O Lord! Teach me Your statutes!
With my lips I have declared All the judgments of Your mouth.
I have rejoiced in the way of Your testimonies, As much as in all riches.
I will meditate on Your precepts, And contemplate Your ways.
I will delight myself in Your statutes; I will not forget Your word.”

Jerimoth continued.

“Deal bountifully with Your servant, That I may live and keep Your word.
Open my eyes, that I may see Wondrous things from Your law.
I am a stranger in the earth; Do not hide Your commandments from me.
My soul breaks with longing For Your judgments at all times.
You rebuke the proud-the cursed, Who stray from Your commandments.
Remove from me reproach and contempt, For I have kept Your testimonies.
Princes also sit and speak against me, But Your servant meditates on Your statutes.
Your testimonies also are my delight And my counselors.”

Zechariah continued.

“My soul clings to the dust; Revive me according to Your word.
I have declared my ways, and You answered me; Teach me Your statutes.
Make me understand the way of Your precepts; So shall I meditate on Your wondrous works.
My soul melts from heaviness; Strengthen me according to Your word.
Remove from me the way of lying, And grant me Your law graciously.
I have chosen the way of truth; Your judgments I have laid before me.
I cling to Your testimonies; O Lord, do not put me to shame!
I will run the course of Your commandments, For You shall enlarge my heart.”

Jerimoth continued.

“Teach me, O Lord, the way of Your statutes, And I shall keep it to the end.
Give me understanding, and I shall keep Your law; Indeed, I shall observe it with my whole heart.
Make me walk in the path of Your commandments, For I delight in it.
Incline my heart to Your testimonies, And not to covetousness.
Turn away my eyes from looking at worthless things, And revive me in Your way.
Establish Your word to Your servant, Who is devoted to fearing You.
Turn away my reproach which I dread, For Your judgments are good.
Behold, I long for Your precepts; Revive me in Your righteousness.”

Zechariah rubbed his chin and looked around the chamber.

“What is an old man to do? Should his memory betray him in his old age? Listen to the word of the Lord my friends.”

Zechariah elbowed Jerimoth and fired off the next section of the Psalm.

“Let Your mercies come also to me, O Lord-Your salvation according to Your word.
So shall I have an answer for him who reproaches me, For I trust in Your word.
And take not the word of truth utterly out of my mouth, For I have hoped in Your ordinances.
So shall I keep Your law continually, Forever and ever.
And I will walk at liberty, For I seek Your precepts.
I will speak of Your testimonies also before kings, And will not be ashamed.
And I will delight myself in Your commandments, Which I love.
My hands also I will lift up to Your commandments, Which I love, And I will meditate on Your statutes.”

Jerimoth continued.

“Remember the word to Your servant, Upon which You have caused me to hope.
This is my comfort in my affliction, For Your word has given me life.
The proud have me in great derision, Yet I do not turn aside from Your law.
I remembered Your judgments of old, O Lord, And have comforted myself.
Indignation has taken hold of me Because of the wicked, who forsake Your law.
Your statutes have been my songs In the house of my pilgrimage.
I remember Your name in the night, O Lord, And I keep Your law.
This has become mine, Because I kept Your precepts.”

Zechariah spoke up.

“You are my portion, O Lord; I have said that I would keep Your words.
I entreated Your favor with my whole heart; Be merciful to me according to Your word.
I thought about my ways, And turned my feet to Your testimonies.
I made haste, and did not delay To keep Your commandments.
The cords of the wicked have bound me, But I have not forgotten Your law.
At midnight I will rise to give thanks to You, Because of Your righteous judgments.
I am a companion of all who fear You, And of those who keep Your precepts.
The earth, O Lord, is full of Your mercy; Teach me Your statutes.”

Samuel spoke up, “Allow me gentlemen.”

Zechariah and Jerimoth motioned for him to take the next session.

“You have dealt well with Your servant, O Lord, according to Your word.
Teach me good judgment and knowledge, For I believe Your commandments.
Before I was afflicted I went astray, But now I keep Your word.
You are good, and do good; Teach me Your statutes.
The proud have forged a lie against me, But I will keep Your precepts with my whole heart.
Their heart is as fat as grease, But I delight in Your law.
It is good for me that I have been afflicted, That I may learn Your statutes.
The law of Your mouth is better to me Than thousands of coins of gold and silver.”

Jerimoth spoke again.

“Your hands have made me and fashioned me; Give me understanding, that I may learn Your commandments.
Those who fear You will be glad when they see me, Because I have hoped in Your word.
I know, O Lord, that Your judgments are right, And that in faithfulness You have afflicted me.
Let, I pray, Your merciful kindness be for my comfort, According to Your word to Your servant.
Let Your tender mercies come to me, that I may live; For Your law is my delight.
Let the proud be ashamed, For they treated me wrongfully with falsehood; But I will meditate on Your precepts.
Let those who fear You turn to me, Those who know Your testimonies.
Let my heart be blameless regarding Your statutes, That I may not be ashamed.”

Zechariah continued.
“My soul faints for Your salvation, But I hope in Your word.
My eyes fail from searching Your word, Saying, “When will You comfort me?”
For I have become like a wineskin in smoke, Yet I do not forget Your statutes.
How many are the days of Your servant? When will You execute judgment on those who persecute me?
The proud have dug pits for me, Which is not according to Your law.
All Your commandments are faithful; They persecute me wrongfully; Help me!
They almost made an end of me on earth, But I did not forsake Your precepts.
Revive me according to Your lovingkindness, So that I may keep the testimony of Your mouth.”

“Let me take the next passage,” Abishua said.

“Forever, O Lord, Your word is settled in heaven.
Your faithfulness endures to all generations; You established the earth, and it abides.
They continue this day according to Your ordinances, For all are Your servants.
Unless Your law had been my delight, I would then have perished in my affliction.
I will never forget Your precepts, For by them You have given me life.
I am Yours, save me; For I have sought Your precepts.
The wicked wait for me to destroy me, But I will consider Your testimonies.
I have seen the consummation of all perfection, But Your commandment is exceedingly broad.”

“Oh, how I love Your law! It is my meditation all the day.
You, through Your commandments, make me wiser than my enemies; For they are ever with me.
I have more understanding than all my teachers, For Your testimonies are my meditation.
I understand more than the ancients, Because I keep Your precepts.
I have restrained my feet from every evil way, That I may keep Your word.
I have not departed from Your judgments, For You Yourself have taught me.
How sweet are Your words to my taste, Sweeter than honey to my mouth!
Through Your precepts I get understanding; Therefore I hate every false way,” Zechariah quoted.

Jerimoth took the next section.

“Your word is a lamp to my feet And a light to my path.
I have sworn and confirmed That I will keep Your righteous judgments.
I am afflicted very much; Revive me, O Lord, according to Your word.
Accept, I pray, the freewill offerings of my mouth, O Lord, And teach me Your judgments.
My life is continually in my hand, Yet I do not forget Your law.
The wicked have laid a snare for me, Yet I have not strayed from Your precepts.
Your testimonies I have taken as a heritage forever, For they are the rejoicing of my heart.
I have inclined my heart to perform Your statutes Forever, to the very end.”

Zechariah stood and quoted the next section.

“I hate the double-minded, But I love Your law.
You are my hiding place and my shield; I hope in Your word.
Depart from me, you evildoers, For I will keep the commandments of my God!
Uphold me according to Your word, that I may live; And do not let me be ashamed of my hope.
Hold me up, and I shall be safe, And I shall observe Your statutes continually.
You reject all those who stray from Your statutes, For their deceit is falsehood.
You put away all the wicked of the earth like dross; Therefore I love Your testimonies.
My flesh trembles for fear of You, And I am afraid of Your judgments.”

Jerimoth stood beside him and quoted the next section.

“I have done justice and righteousness; Do not leave me to my oppressors.
Be surety for Your servant for good; Do not let the proud oppress me.
My eyes fail from seeking Your salvation And Your righteous word.
Deal with Your servant according to Your mercy, And teach me Your statutes.
I am Your servant; Give me understanding, That I may know Your testimonies.
It is time for You to act, O Lord, For they have regarded Your law as void.
Therefore I love Your commandments More than gold, yes, than fine gold!
Therefore all Your precepts concerning all things I consider to be right; I hate every false way.”

Zechariah took the ext section.

“Your testimonies are wonderful; Therefore my soul keeps them.
The entrance of Your words gives light; It gives understanding to the simple.
I opened my mouth and panted, For I longed for Your commandments.
Look upon me and be merciful to me, As Your custom is toward those who love Your name.
Direct my steps by Your word, And let no iniquity have dominion over me.
Redeem me from the oppression of man, That I may keep Your precepts.
Make Your face shine upon Your servant, And teach me Your statutes.
Rivers of water run down from my eyes, Because men do not keep Your law.”

“Righteous are You, O Lord, And upright are Your judgments.
Your testimonies, which You have commanded, Are righteous and very faithful.
My zeal has consumed me, Because my enemies have forgotten Your words.
Your word is very pure; Therefore Your servant loves it.
I am small and despised, Yet I do not forget Your precepts.
Your righteousness is an everlasting righteousness, And Your law is truth.
Trouble and anguish have overtaken me, Yet Your commandments are my delights.
The righteousness of Your testimonies is everlasting; Give me understanding, and I shall live,” said Jerimoth.

Zechariah continue with the next section.

“I cry out with my whole heart; Hear me, O Lord! I will keep Your statutes.
I cry out to You; Save me, and I will keep Your testimonies.
I rise before the dawning of the morning, And cry for help; I hope in Your word.
My eyes are awake through the night watches, That I may meditate on Your word.
Hear my voice according to Your lovingkindness; O Lord, revive me according to Your justice.
They draw near who follow after wickedness; They are far from Your law.
You are near, O Lord, And all Your commandments are truth.
Concerning Your testimonies, I have known of old that You have founded them forever.”

Jerimoth continued.

“Consider my affliction and deliver me, For I do not forget Your law.
Plead my cause and redeem me; Revive me according to Your word.
Salvation is far from the wicked, For they do not seek Your statutes.
Great are Your tender mercies, O Lord; Revive me according to Your judgments.
Many are my persecutors and my enemies, Yet I do not turn from Your testimonies.
I see the treacherous, and am disgusted, Because they do not keep Your word.
Consider how I love Your precepts; Revive me, O Lord, according to Your lovingkindness.
The entirety of Your word is truth, And every one of Your righteous judgments endures forever.”

Pashur stood and took the next section.

“Princes persecute me without a cause, But my heart stands in awe of Your word.
I rejoice at Your word As one who finds great treasure.
I hate and abhor lying, But I love Your law.
Seven times a day I praise You, Because of Your righteous judgments.
Great peace have those who love Your law, And nothing causes them to stumble.
Lord, I hope for Your salvation, And I do Your commandments.
My soul keeps Your testimonies, And I love them exceedingly.
I keep Your precepts and Your testimonies, For all my ways are before You.”
Zechariah said the next verse.

“Let my cry come before You, O Lord; Give me understanding according to Your word.”

Then Jerimoth.

“Let my supplication come before You; Deliver me according to Your word.”

Then Zechariah.

“My lips shall utter praise, For You teach me Your statutes.”

Then Pashur.

“My tongue shall speak of Your word, For all Your commandments are righteousness.”

Then Jerimoth.

“Let Your hand become my help, For I have chosen Your precepts.”

Then Zechariah.

“I long for Your salvation, O Lord, And Your law is my delight.”

Then Pashur.

“Let my soul live, and it shall praise You; And let Your judgments help me.”

Then all the men said together, “I have gone astray like a lost sheep; Seek Your servant, For I do not forget Your commandments.”

“Amen,” said Zechariah.

“Amen,” said the rest of the priests.

A priest passing by poked his head in and said,” You are about to miss the evening meal priests. Hurry up.”

They all quickly followed him to the food hall.

© 2011 John Pearson All Rights Reserved.

Chapter Nineteen

Jeremy looked around him as he, Gabriel and Michael sped forward. As far as he could see in front and behind himself there was a tunnel of light. The angels who formed the corridor were burning brighter than he had aver seen angels glow. He could see the individual angels along the wall of the corridor. From side to side he judged it to be about 400 feet.

He could feel their light as well as see it. And it smelled sweet like a bowl of fruit. Flying trough this light was like having the wind at his back, effortless, like sliding on ice. The lightest flick of his wings propelled him along with ease.

“Gabriel,” Jeremy said. “Have you ever done this before.?”

“A couple of times. Wild isn’t it. Like sliding through space and time on a sheet of ice.”

Jeremy started to speed up. He wanted to test the limits of what they could do.

“Jeremy,” Michael said. “Slow down. You will outrun the corridor. This is as much for conserving energy as it is for speed. But the angels along the corridor have to keep moving to the front edge after we pass them so they can keep the corridor in front of us.”

Jeremy slowed a little. He looked along the edge of the corridor and noticed angels zipping past them along the outside. Streaks of pure light. Streaks with trails forty or fifty feet behind them. He watched as they disappeared into the light of the tunnel ahead of them.

“Yee Haw,” Jeremy shouted at the top of his lungs.

Michael and Gabriel just laughed and kept flying.
***
Krendal could see the tunnel of light off in the distance. He watched it slowly move towards the earth. He had several thousand demons with him. He was awaiting the arrival of Berazel, commander of the horde from the north, a particularly nasty army of demons. They usually numbered between ten to twelve legions.

Dweena floated next to him. The light of the tunnel highlighted her beauty in an unusual way. A beauty Krendal had learned to distrust a millennia ago.

“Krendal,” Dweena said and pointed towards the north.

Berazel had arrived.

“Come,” he said to her.

Together they flew quickly to meet Berazel. He surveyed the horde as the grew closer. He smiled. Their numbers were higher than normal. He and Dweena slowed to a stop and waited for Berazel to reach them.

“Krendal,” Berazel said when he finally arrived.

“Berazel,” Krendal said.

“Meet Dweena,” He said as he pulled her forward.

“Berazel,” she said.

“So, Krendal, what do we have over there. Is that a corridor of light?”

“Yes.”

“Been a while since they pulled that trick out of the hat. What’s the occasion?”

“Gabriel and Michael with a message for some priest. The Eternal One is bringing forth a child, the prophet who heralds the coming of his puny Messiah.”

Berazel looked at the corridor, then at his horde.

“Wait here Krendal, we’ll be right back after we bust that corridor to shreds.”

“Not so quick my Berazel. Gabriel, Michael and a new Archangel name Jeremy are traveling in the center. I need to test this young one, see what he is made of.”

“What do you propose?”

“We need to disrupt them and keep the angels on the corridor busy so I can attack the three.”

“I say we just take em all out.”

“Gabriel will outrun us for sure, and probably Michael as well. I assume this Jeremy can keep up with them also. No, we need to make the three of them stop and fight. Take half your horde and fly to the front of the corridor. Make them stop. When the first half of your horde is engaged them bring the other half to bear on the rear of the corridor. While you stop them at the front, My legion will fly directly into the rear of the corridor. We should be able to reach the three before they realize what is happening. Their attention will be on us when your other half attacks the rear of the corridor.”

“Sounds like a plan.”

“Go now, be swift,” Krendal said.
***
Nathaniel had coordinated a corridor of light several times. He flew along the out edge watching for any hint of demons. There were usually a few that tried to disrupt the flow of angels moving from the rear to the front. More of a nuisance than anything else. He just barely caught sight of the band of demons that crashed into him before they knocked him through the wall of the corridor.

He quickly pulled his sword and took out tow of them. The others tried to flee back out of the corridor. One of them got away but the rest were handled easily by the warriors on the inner wall. That’s when he noticed it. The front of the corridor was collapsing.

Nathaniel raced to the front of the corridor. He could see the horde of demons coming from three directions. He charged to the front and began shouting orders but the battle quickly descended into a mass of beings fighting by their instincts.

Nathaniel turned around to have a look behind and saw Krendal’s legion bearing down on Gabriel, Michael and Jeremy. He pulled his sword and held it directly in front of him. He brought his right boot up swiftly and kicked his sword just below the halfway point on the blade. It rang out vibrating with angelic force. The vibration spread and he saw the exterior of the corridor move towards Krendal’s legion. He looked past Krendal’s legion and could see the other half of Berazel’s horde attacking from the rear.

“Gabriel,” he said then burst forward towards the battle in the center.
***

Gabriel, Michael and Jeremy all stopped as they watched the front of the corridor collapsing.

“Jeremy, stay close. Michael, can you feel his presence?”

“Yes, both of them.”

“Both of them?”

“Krendal and Berazel.”

“Krendal will come for us. Organize the legion.”

Michael quickly moved through the disoriented angels, giving directions and positioning them to protect the center where Gabriel and Jeremy watched the battle unfold.

“Jeremy,” Gabriel said. “Krendal has come for you. He will try to turn your heart. Do you understand? This is not a battle to be won with you sword, but with your heart, with your will. Resist, with everything inside you, resist.”

Michael returned to Gabriel and Jeremy.

Together they looked through the angels surrounding them and watched Krendal’s forces drawing near. The demons formed a single line as they reached the angels. The bore into the center of the angelic line. The angels were slashing and beating the demons as they came at them. Two other legions flanked the angels and forced some to divert their energies away from the single file.

Gabriel watched and waited. He had seen this strategy before. He knew that Krendal was waiting for the opportune moment to burst through the line into the center where it would just be the three of them.

“Jeremy, do you see how the center of the line is slowly being divided? Do you see the hole beginning to emerge?”

“Yeah, I do. What are they doing?”

“They are opening up a doorway in the line for Krendal to come through. He will have several rather nasty demons with him. Then a whole legion will come in behind him. Be ready to act quick. Use your instincts. No mercy. Hold back nothing.”

Jeremy felt helpless just waiting for the inevitable to happen. The hole continued to grow a little larger. The single file was no longer coming direct at the center. As the demons reached the line they veered slightly away from the center trying to push the angels away from it. It was working. It was just a matter of time before they would flood the space around them.

Michael and Gabriel closed ranks.

“Jeremy, they will come directly at us when they break through then they will surround us. When they do immediately turn your back to Michael and I. Follow our lead. We’re about to teach you a trick or two.”

Gabriel smiled a big melon eating grin at Jeremy.

“You will prevail Jeremy, you will prevail.”

The first demon to get his torso into the hoe in the line screamed curses at the three of them. A sword quickly cut him in half. A second pressed through and was cut in half. A third, a forth, a fifth, then three demons shot through the line and screeching as they came at them. Michael waited, sword drawn and held out in front of him, then suddenly, with a flick of the wrist he cut the first demon in half. Gabriel got the second.

The wall broke apart in front of them and demons began pouring forth racing to reach them first. Behind them came Krendal and his hand picked assassins.

He three Archangels easily handled the front line of the horde attacking them. It did not take long before the demons began swirling around them. Jeremy could feel his wings being clipped slightly and his legs and arms being cut.

“Jeremy, turn outward and put your back towards me and Michael.”

Jeremy turned around and felt Gabriel and Michael press their wings back against his. Then Gabriel and Michael rose up above Jeremy and quickly descended hooking their wings together in the process. The wings locked together and the three Archangels began to revolve counter clockwise. Jeremy slashed at the demons swirling around them. He hit one square in the chest and the demon screeched then exploded into a puff of rancid brown powder. He slashed another and the same thing happened to it. Puffs of brown powder surrounded them as they continued to battle.

Then, everything cleared out in front of Jeremy. The demos still swirled around them but they seemed to disappear from in front of him as they came around. As the space in front of him cleared Krendal began to descend in front of him.

Slowly like he just had all day to float around on a cloud or something, Krendal descended. He stayed out of range of Jeremy’s sword, but was close enough for Jeremy to smell the stench.

“Jeremy, How are you?” Krendal said. “Want to dance?”

Jeremy stared at Krendal.

“Let’s see, you, Jeremy are an Archangel on a mission for the Eternal One. Yes?”

Jeremy slowly shook his head. He held his sword out in front of him daring Krendal to come closer.

“What a pity. You could be doing something significant with your power, your strength.”

Jeremy’s head began to fill with thoughts about reigning over kingdoms, huge kingdoms. His will began to desire to serve Satan.

“There is sooo much more than what you have been offered Jeremy. Sooo much more. Don’t resist what your heart really wants. An you feel it? Can you feel the true nature of your heart coming to the surface. Have you not wanted to do more than what Michael doles out to you. To fly like the wind when you want to, wherever you want to. Just think, you could go to the earth, where you would be so much more powerful than any of the pithy humans. In fact Jeremy, you could materialize a body for yourself, a body you could use to enjoy any, no, all the pleasures deprived you now.”

Jeremy felt his will for the Lord fading and an overwhelming desire to abandon Gabriel and Michael and strike out on his own. He gazed into the nothingness around him as they swirled.

Suddenly his sword was snatched from his grip by Krendal. He back off a few feet and admired it. Jermy stared in disbelief.

“No, not the sword Gabriel gave me.”

Jeremy tried to reach out to grab it back but was too locked in with Gabriel and Michael to reach Krendal.

“So, Gabriel gave you this sword did he. Tell you where he stole it from?”

“He didn’t steal it,” Jeremy said.

“Well of course he did Jeremy. Where would he get a sword like this? And then just give it away.”

Krendal held the sword up and stroked the blade with his finger.

“No,” Jeremy said. “You’re a liar Krendal. A Liar.”

“Stick and stones Jeremy, sticks and stones. And swords too.”

Krendal moved in closer to Jeremy. The stench began to choke Jeremy. He gasped for air. Krendal slowly twirled the sword to his side.

“He stole it Jeremy, and then he lied to you about where he got it.”

“He said he would tell me later where he got it. He said then it would make sense.”

“Yes. Give you the stolen goods, send you into battle with it. And tell you later that he made a thief out of you too. Isn’t that just like Gabriel though. He has always been a liar Jeremy, always. I have know him for thousands of years. He never changes. He is just a liar and a thief. And you want to fight with him? Tsk, tsk, Jeremy.”

Jeremy felt his will draining away. He felt like he was just hanging on the wings of his friends. His mind was swirling in thoughts, out of control. A fog of confusion.

“Come Jeremy, come. Have everything your little angelic heart desires,” Krendal whispered to him as he continued to twirl Jeremy’s sword.

A cold sweat was dripped off Jeremy’s face as his eyes grew heavy. Krendal lifted Jeremy’s chin up with the tip of his sword.

“Hmmm, what do you say Jeremy. Want to taste real freedom? Do what thou will?”

Jeremy leaned back into his two friends. He could feel their bodies moving about as they continued to fight off the demons.

“As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord,” Jeremy said.

“What?” said Krendal.

Jeremy straightened up a bit.

“As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”

Jeremy felt a his will grow stronger.

He focused his attention fully on Krendal.

“As for ME and MY HOUSE, we ― will ― serve ― the ― LORD. As for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.”

Jeremy snatched his sword back from Krendal and quickly slashed it at him.

“As for me and my house, we will serve the LORD,” Jeremy said.

Krendal backed off from Jeremy and started laughing.

“As for me and my house, we will serve the LORD,” Jeremy said.

Each time he said it, Jeremy could feel his will growing stronger.

“Hey Krendal, ya know what? As for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.”

Krendal smiled at Jeremy and looked him in the eye.

“Almost had ya boy. Almost had ya. You will be mine some day. I’ll wrap you up and put you in my pocket like a watch.”

“As for me and my house, we will serve the LORD,” Jeremy said.

Krendal rose above Jeremy and gave him one last look. He screeched and shot off into the darkness. All the demons quickly followed till they were all gone.

Michael and Gabriel unhooked their wings from his.

“You ok Jeremy?” Michael.

“Yes, I am just fine. Krendal better hope I never see him again though. The nerve of that demon.”

Gabriel looked at him.

“Good. You have prevailed.”

He and Michael tapped their swords together.

“Let’s regroup everyone and resume our journey,” Gabriel said.

Michael began rounding up the angels.

Gabriel looked at Jeremy.

“You have prevailed. Now he knows he cannot have you.”

The two Archangels tapped their swords and joined Michael and the rest of the angels.

© 2011 John Pearson All Rights Reserved.

Chapter Eighteen

Michael walked into the guard tower on the east wall of the fortress. Tow guards immediately stood and faced him.

“Where are Nathan, DeRick and Jameson?” Michael asked.

The first guard picked up a duty log.

“Nathan and Jameson are in the armory. DeRick is…”

The guard turned a few pages reviewing the log.

“Ahh, yes. He is at the Barnlum out post.”

“Send someone to Barnlum and have DeRick report to the Captains immediately. I will be pulling all three for a special mission. Assign some others to cover for them. They may be gone for a few weeks.”

“Yes sir,” the guard said as he put the log back on the desk.

The guard went to the door and called for a messenger and sent him the Barnlum with the message for DeRick.

“Sound a level five alert. It is time for Gabriel and Jeremy to leave for Jerusalem,” Michael said.

“Yes sir,” both guards said at the same time.

Michael left and headed for the armory.

***

Jeremy entered the bunk house to collect his armor. Jabon, sitting in the courtyard playing clouster with some friends, watched him enter.

“Hey guys, I’ll be back in a bit,” Jabon said.

“You always leave when you are just about to lose,” Denbare said.

“Sorry, I think Jeremy is getting ready to leave for Jerusalem.”

“That’s what they were saying over at the gates a little while ago,” Denbare replied.

The sound of a level five alert sounded throughout the fortress.

“Here we go,” said Denbare.

Jabon quickly crossed the courtyard and enetered the bunk house. He briskly walked to Jeremy’s bunk and found his friend putting on his armor.

“So, this is it,” Jabon said.

“This is it,” Jeremy said.

“New armor Elizabeth,” Jabon said.

“Yeah. After I got anointed, nothing fit anymore.”

“Can I look at your sword? I have never handled an Archangels sword before.”

“Sure,” Jeremy replied.

He pulled his sword out of its scabbard and handed it to Jabon.

Jabon grasped it with both hands. He nearly dropped it when Jeremy released it into his grip.

“Heavy,” Jabon said.

Jeremy smiled at his friend. “Not really. Feels just right to me.”

Jabon stepped over to an open spot and hoisted the sword above his head. He slashed the air in front of him a couple of times.

“Awesome. This is the most balanced sword I have ever handled.”

“Gabriel gave it to me. I don’t know where he got it, said he would tell me when the time was right, when knowing it’s history would mean something. He did say that it affects demons very differently than the swords I have been used to.”

Jabon handed the sword back to Jeremy. He looked at his friend. His heart weighed heavy in his chest.

“This is the real McCoy isn’t it?”

Jeremy paused and looked at Jabon.

“Yeah. From what Gabriel and Michael have been saying, there won’t be any fooling around with this stuff. I guess we’ll be dealing with some pretty nasty demons.”

“Ya know Jeremy, there’s something I been meaning to say to you.”

“Yeah?”

“Yeah. You being my best friend and all, well, you know. Matters what happens to you. Wish I was going to be there to watch your back for you.”

Jeremy put his sword back in its scabbard and lay it on his bunk. He pulled Jabon close and hugged his friend.

“Matters to me too Jabon. We’ve been buds since we got here. Isn’t gonna be the same being on a patrol without you.”

***

Michael entered the armory. Nathan and Jameson were polishing some swords. They stood as soon as they saw him.

Warriors, I have work for you. Get your armor on and come to the Captains barracks as soon as you can.

“What’s up Michael?” Nathan asked.

“Gabriel needs you. There is going to be a demonic attack on one of God’s chosen. I’ll tell you more when DeRick joins us at the Captains barracks.”

“Yes sir,” Nathan said.

Michael turned to leave then stopped.

“Be sure to put on your whole armor gentlemen. A great battle is about to be fought. You will be in a hornets nest.”

“Yes sir,” they said together.

Michael quickly left and hurried to get his armor.

***

Jeremy entered the Captains barracks and poured himself a chalice of wine. He went to the map and began studying it. He pushed it around surveying the activity. Red lights were moving in all directions. There was still a large red mass coming from the north. He took a drink of wine and set his chalice down.

He placed both hands on the table and leaned over the map. He closed his eyes and concentrated. He reached out with his right hand and placed it on the map. He could feel them. The vileness of their presence. Their hatred, their defiance. He opened his eyes. There were many more colors moving about now besides the red and green he saw the last time he had observed the map.

“He is filling his minions with jealously, with lust, with fear, bigotry. Everything evil and perverted,” Gabriel said.

“Why do they even try? They know they cannot defeat us, or the Lord. What is the matter with them?”

“It is who they are Jeremy. Once they gave their hearts over to it, it become them. Everything that The Lord is not, they have become.”

“Nathan and Jameson are getting their armor on and will be here shortly. DeRick is being called back from Barnlum. I may have to brief him on the run,” Michael said.

Gabriel turned to the map.

“It is time, Jeremy, what we are about to enter into I cannot prepare you for. But I trust you and I trust that you will prevail. Know this Jeremy, you, and I mean you, will prevail.”

“I know, I believe I will too. But why do I feel a sick dread in my spirit?”

“Because you should. It will become a source of strength for you when the battle begins,” Michael said.

“When a battle begins Jeremy, hold back nothing. There is to be no mercy. These are fallen angels, demons, who will have absolutely no mercy upon you. Not a drop of mercy. Either you will prevail or they will. There is no middle ground with this battle,” Gabriel said.

“I understand.”

Nathan and Jameson knocked on the door to the Captains barracks.

“Come in,” Michael said.

Gabriel turned to them.

“Nathan, Jameson, Have you heard of Qwantar?”

Jameson shook his head no but Nathan gasped and held his hand to his mouth.

“I have encountered him twice now,” Nathan said.

“Well, you are about to encounter him again,” Michael said.

“We don’t have much to go on, but what we do know is this. Qwantar has been sent by Satan himself to attack, to torment and afflict Elizabeth, the wife of Zechariah, the priest I am to speak with. The Lord is about to give them a son who will be a great prophet. He will be the prophet that goes before the Messiah to prepare the hearts of everyone in Israel,” Gabriel said.

“You two and DeRick are being sent to her. We know that Qwantar and a handful of demons are being sent there by Satan. Their goal is to destroy Elizabeth. There can be no child without her,” Michael said.

“They live in the village, Ein Kerem, about 5 miles from Jerusalem. We have sent others to watch over Zechariah. You are to go to Elizabeth and watch over her. Be aware the Qwantar will most certainly attempt to stir up all the other women in the village to afflict Elizabeth,” Gabriel said.

“Elizabeth has a young friend, Miriam. I am sure that Qwantar will try to isolate Elizabeth from her. Don’t let that happen. Elizabeth must not be allowed to believe she is alone in her struggle,” Michael said.

“Any questions?” Michael said.

“None,” Nathan said.

‘None here,” Jameson said.

“Good, then be on your way. We will send DeRick to catch up with you later,” Gabriel said.

Gabriel grasped the forearm of Jameson and looked him in the eye.

“For the Kingdom,” he said.

“For the Kingdom,” said Jameson.

Michael and Nathan locked forearms and did likewise. Then both angels did the same with Jeremy.

The two left to go to Elizabeth.

“Michael, are the legions ready to form the corridor?”

“They await you command.”

“It is time, Send them forth.”

Michael left for the guard tower to sound the alarm.

***

Jeremy and Gabriel met Michael at the gates. Jeremy watch in amazement as angels sped away from the fortress and began forming a corridor for them to travel through.

“Denbare,” Gabriel shouted over the noise of the legions moving out.

“Over here Gabe,” he replied.

Gabriel quickly approached him.

“Denbare, Berazel is sure to send a significant number of demons here to attack the fortress while we are gone. Be sure to secure the gates and the canopy. They and the walls will hold. Do not open them unless your someone asks you to wear the purple sash.”

“Got it covered Gabriel. God’s speed to ya.”

Gabriel rushed back to Jeremy and Michael.

“Ok Jeremy, this is it. Somewhere along the first part of our journey Krendal will attack. His purpose is to test us, to gather info to strategize with. You are his biggest unknown. After the attack we will regroup and assess the situation. But until Michael or myself tells you to hold up, fight with everything you’ve got. No mercy. Hold back nothing. Got it?”

“Got it,” Jeremy said.

“For the Kingdom,” he shouted and flicked his wings. He rose about ten feet above the watch platform. Michael and Gabriel flicked their wings and rose up beside him.

Together the three shot forward towards Jerusalem.
© 2011 John Pearson All Rights Reserved.

Chapter Seventeen

“Qwantar escaped!” Krendal shouted. “Escaped? How in Satan’s name did he escape. Huh. Tell me Penzreel. Explain this to me. Perhaps I have such a small mind that I simply cannot understand your superior intellect.”

Penzreel shook from head to foot. He tried to lift his eyes to address Krendal but they stayed glued at his feet.

Krendal’s right arm violently shot out to his right and caught Roger square in the side of his jaw. The massive fist spun his head till Roger was looking over his right shoulder at the cell behind him.

Penzreel began to whimper. His brown trousers became darker where his legs came together. He tried to cover himself with his hands but the stain was too large to hide.

“Oh for crying out loud,” Krendal said. Shaking his head from left to right in disbelief he planted his fists on his hips and glared at Dweena. “What kind of dungeon are you running here my dear? Crawl back into your cell you worthless waste of life. Dweena, go get me Frandeleran.”

She stood frozen, staring at Roger crumpled on the floor.

“Now!,” he shouted.

Dweena immediately bolted from the cell chamber and disappeared down the corridor.

“Hectar!,” Krendal fumed.

Hectar slowly edged his way out of the safety of his cell.

“Yes master Krendal.”

“Master? You dare call me your master?”

Krendal quickly crossed the chamber and grabbed Krendal by his left ear. He picked him up several feet off the floor. Hectar screamed in pain as the flesh of his ear began tearing between Krendal’s long sharp fingernails. Krendal shook him like a rag doll.

“Please master, please. I thought he was here to bring you harm. We only acted on your behalf.”

Krendal threw him to the floor. Hectar covered his ear and scampered several feet away from him. He pulled his blood soaked hand away from his ear and wiped it on his shirt. He watched Dweena enter the cell chamber followed by Frandeleran.

“Ah, Frandeleran,” Krendal said. How are ya? Want to have a little fun? Hmm? Perhaps Dweena has filled you in on our little predicament here. It appears that this little dweeb Hectar attacked Qwantar as he came here to meet with me. Yes, he came here on Satan’s orders. Put him here in Penzreel’s little cell chamber he calls a dungeon.”

Krendal paced around Hectar.

“Claims he attacked them. Refused to identify himself.”

With one swift kick, Krendal catapulted Hectar through the door of his cell. He crashed into the wall at the rear and slumped to the floor quietly crying.

“I don’t want to die,” Hectar whimpered.

“Then,” Krendal said, “Penzreel, who was given charge over the “PRISONERS” here in this little dump somehow allowed him to escape. Can you believe it.  And Dweena, oh dear, dear Dweena. Even she cannot explain to me how my head of security could allow such incompetence to persist in my realm. All she wants is to  blame him for allowing Qwantar to escape. Can you believe it.”

Krendal slammed the door of Penzreel’s cell closed.

“And Roger. Hmph.  Roger here, poor little Roger. He would have me to believe everyone is conspiring against him. They all hate him, despise him, loathe him. And I would have to agree. But what they should have done Roger, is to fear you. To tremble in your presence. To wet their little trousers with their own urine at the mere thought of displeasing you.”

“So Frandeleran, did you bring some toys to share with your ― new friends? Hm. Want to make my day? Help me smile again?”

Krendal bent over to his left and peered directly into Roger’s eyes.

“Want to remind the minions in my realm why they should shake in their boots and wet themselves?”

A grin slowly emerged upon Frandeleran’s face. Not a sound disturbed the silence engulfing the cell chamber. Krendal paced the chamber, slowing at each demon to stare them down. Each knelt in front of him as he stared at them.

“Frandeleran, remind my realm why they should fear me.”

“Yes master,” Frandeleran said.

“Dweena my dear. You are still useful to me. Come.”

Krendal spun around and swiftly exited the cell chamber. Dweena quickly followed him through the door and down the corridor. Frandeleran slammed the door behind them, slipped the key into the lock and sealed the fate of those around him.

***

Once Qwantar and Wahsail got past the demon in the door room, there was little chance that anyone would bother them. The constant flow of visitors through DeKaylm made it easy to blend in. They meandered their way through the fortress looking for Roger’s office.

Qwantar had not been to DeKaylm before. He mentally catalog everything around him as they passed through. Where the guards were, how many, their size. He watched to see where the high traffic areas for visitors led them.

“I assume Roger has several offices here,” Qwantar said.

“Which one will Krendal return to?” Wahsail answered.

“He may not return to any once he discovers we are no longer Roger’s prisoners. He may assume we have left and gone deeper into his realm. He may figure I am so angry with him that I just won’t care. Keep an eye on the corridor for me.”

Qwantar slipped into a small alcove. Wahsail stood just outside it. He folded his arms and leaned against the wall with his left shoulder.

Qwantar closed his eyes and searched for Krendal’s presence. He concentrated his attention in a tight circle at first and them slowly enlarged that area he scanned with his mind. He could sense their thoughts, their emotions, their attitudes. There was a general sense of unrest with Krendal present in the fortress.

Then… Qwantar locked onto Krendal’s presence. He immediate felt Krendal lock back on his presence. Qwantar felt Krendal force a thought into his mind.

“Qwantar, where are you?”

Their bond grew and Qwantar pushed a thought back to Krendal.

“I am here. Where are you? I have awaiting our meeting, though I must say I have been less than impressed with your hospitality.”

“My guards will escort you to me. Follow them.”

“Qwantar,” Wahsail said. “This don’t look good. There is a squadron of guards heading right for us.”

Qwantar stepped back into the corridor.

“It is alright my friend. The guards come courtesy of Krendal. It appears he has been sufficiently engaged with our presence here.”

The guards surrounded the two of them.

“Qwantar, we are honored by your presence. Please, follow us. We will escort you to Krendal.”

“Now this is how you treat a guest Wahsail.”

The guards quickly led Qwantar and Wahsail to one of Roger’s offices. Well, one of th offices that used to be Roger’s.

The lead guard opened the door to the spacious office. He motioned for Qwantar and Wahsail to enter. The two stepped inside and the guard pulled the door closed behind them.

The room was empty. More of a lounge than an office, though it did have a rather large desk near a window overlooking the main gates. There was a large conference table and an assortment of sofas and lush chairs. Behind the desk was a wet bar, well stocked with bottles and assorted snacks. Qwantar smile and motioned towards the bar.

“After you my friend.”

Wahsail led the way behind the desk.

The two poured themselves a drink. Qwantar pushed a couple of chairs back against a wall and the two sat down facing the door.

Krendal and Dweena watched Qwantar and Wahsail through the two way mirror behind the bar.

“Dweena, what do you know about this Wahsail? How did he end up in my dungeon?”

“The usual. He came, he saw, he got drunk, loud, and took a swing at a guard. Several actually. He knocked out about four of em before he got blindsided by Hectar believe it or not. He has been a difficult one to keep in the dungeon. Very crafty and powerful.”

Krendal stepped closer to the glass and took a sip of his drink.

“Dweena, I have a little job for you,” he said. “I need you to loosen these two up a bit, get them talking before I come in.”

“Yes my Lord.”

“And Dweena.”

“Yes?”

“Please be mindful that while I have spared you because you are useful to me, well, just be mindful.”

Dweena adjusted her uniform to expose a little more of her assets before she left Krendal staring through the mirror.

She entered the corridor and motioned for the guards to open the door for her. She entered the office and sauntered over to the mirror. She leaned over slightly for Krendal’s pleasure and poured herself a drink.

Qwantar watched her closely and took a sip on his drink. She strutted over to the chair between them and the doors and sat down. Her twelve foot frame barely fit the chair. She lifted her right leg up and over her left know and dangled her shoe on her toes.

“Evening boys,” she said.

“Evening,” Qwantar replied.

“I am Dweena. Krendal asked me to attend to your needs while he is delayed.”

“Qwantar,” Qwantar said.

“Wahsail,” Wahsail said.

“What brings you to DeKaylm?”

“The lovely beaches,” Qwantar said.

“Any beach in particular?” she replied.

“A beach is a beach,” Qwantar said.

“Do you always let him do all the talking Wahsail?”

He shrugged his shoulders and finished off his drink. He rose and went to pour himself another.

“Rumor has it that Satan himself sent you on a little mission here.”

“Rumors can be very misleading,” Qwantar said.

“Rumors can tell a demon more than the truth most of the time.”

“I wouldn’t know anything about the truth myself. Don’t believe there is any such thing.”

“I trust Penzreel wasn’t much of a challenge for you.”

“He was of great assistance.”

“Well, he won’t be of much assistance any more.”

“What business do you have here in the realm of Krendal?”

“Just passing through. Thought I would visit a couple of friends while I am in the neighborhood. I was sooo looking forward to finally meeting Roger. Haven’t seen him around have you?”

Dweena sat her drink down and placed both of her hands on the arms of her chair. She took a deep breath and watched Qwantar’s eyes drink in her beauty. She watched Wahsail sit down in the his chair. He placed his feet together and sat down slowly, deliberately, never taking his eyes off her.

“I am no threat you Wahsail.”

“Everyone is a threat to me.”

The door of the office opened and Krendal burst into the room. He strode up directly behind Dweena and placed his hands on her shoulders.

“Qwantar,” he said. “At last we cross paths. Freshen your drink for you?”

He nudged Dweena to get up and get Qwantar another drink.

She got up and headed for the bar. Krendal sat down and looked Qwantar directly in the eye. The two sat quietly, staring one another down, waiting for the other to blink.

“So, Satan has sent you here to do some dirty work for him has he?” Krendal said.

Qwantar smiled. “Confidential.”

“Then confide. This is my realm and you do not cross my path lightly here. No one does. And you Wahsail, you will not be leaving here alive,” Krendal said.

Dweena held out Qwantar’s drink and waited for him to take it from her hand. He motioned her to set it on the table and leaned forward towards Krendal.

“Confidential. Not everyone has a need to know.”

“Dweena darling, please pull up a chair so Qwantar can speak a little more privately. The walls have such large ears you know.”

She pulled a chair up alongside Krendal’s.

“I need Jordan, Hadral and Dorcas.”

“Why,” Krendal asked.

“Confidential,” Qwantar replied. “And I need Wahsail here also. Took me a while to find him tucked away in your petty little dungeon. How’s Penzreel?”

“Where exactly do you need to go within my realm?”

“Wherever.”

“Well, this is a big realm, I would hate for you to get lost.”

“I know my way around,” Qwantar said.

“Never the less, it is my realm. This is as far as you will travel unless things become a little less ― confidential. Anselrio was a little more forthcoming with his request to visit my realm.”

“Anselrio,” Qwantar said. “That hot dog. Did he do a little grandstanding for your hired help?”

“Oh yes, always the showman isn’t he.”

“Always.”

“He did a most wonderful job entertaining us with his recent exploits to the Temple of the Eternal One. Seems he has gone on the offensive,” Krendal said.

“Not to worry.”

“Not to worry. He has sent Gabriel, Qwantar. Gabriel. You know how he disrupted your little world the last time he paid us a little visit. How I wish he would just stay in his place like the good little dog of heaven that he is. He has no business here.”

“Not to worry,” Qwantar said. “It is all for naught.”

“Yes, how they like to amuse themselves.”

“I will need Jordan, Hadral and Dorcas. They, Wahsail and I need to leave immediately,” Qwantar said. He smiled at Krendal and continued. “Gabriel is coming Krendal. Don’t you have somewhere to be? Tick, tock, tick, tock,” he said cocking his head left then right, left then right.
 
Krendal leaned in a little further.

“You’ll have no passage here lest I know where and why.”

“And you’ll have a difficult time explaining to Satan why you prevented me from taking care of business for him.”

“I have others fully capable of taking care of this business for him. You won’t even get close to her without my help. Without my permission.”

Qwantar leaned closer to Krendal. The two demons inched their faces closer together till they sucked in one another’s breath.

“Jordan, Hadral and Dorcas.”

“Where, why?”

Wahsail placed his hand on Qwantar’s arm.

“It appears that Anselrio has already informed him of your business here Qwantar. One can only puff out his chest when he has filled himself with hot air.”

Qwantar started laughing.

“You have a point my friend.”

“Oh, I am you friend now. A little while ago you had no friends, only enemies.”

Qwantar turned and looked at Wahsail. He shrugged his shoulders and then said to Krendal.

“Jordan, Hadral and Dorcas.”

“Where, why?” replied Krendal.

“You know where and you know why.”

“But I just want to hear it from you. You know how Anselrio can embellish event the slightest detail. I would hate for you to get to your destination only to have to face Michael by yourself. You know how pesky he can be.”

Qwantar looked at Dweena then back at Krendal.

“That little wench of a wife to Zechariah. She… she needs me.”

“Well I am sure she will be delighted to have you visit for a few days. Dweena, go fetch Jordan, Hadral and Dorcas for Qwantar. Then bring me Guffring.”

She rose and quickly left.

“Guffring knows better than most how the angels in her town will attempt to defeat you.”

“Don’t need him. Don’t want him,” Qwantar said.

“This is still my realm Qwantar, and make no mistake, if you push your luck with me, our sweet and loving master himself will deal with you in a most unfortunate way.”

The two demons rose. Qwantar bumped himself into Krendal in one last show of defiance of Krendal’s authority.

“Would you like a drink for the road?” Krendal said smiling at his two guests.

© 2011 John Pearson All Rights Reserved.

Chapter Sixteen

Becca approached Ellendon Fortress, her first visit to the bastion of angels. Gabriel had sent her to spy on DeKaylm and she had discovered that Qwantar was there to meet with Krendal.

She had been able to find out little but knew that Qwantar needing to speak with Krendal could only mean he was on his way to Jerusalem.

She came to the closed gates and landed on the platform outside them. She smiled and pondered which song she would sing to gain entrance. She was also a herald as well as a spy and never spoke when she communicated, only sang her words. She decided to sing a new song to the guards.

“Hello my friends,
Hello my fellow
Servants of the Lord.

Hello my friends,
Hello my fellow
Servants of the Lord.

May you praise Him
Praise Him with holy lips,
May you praise Him,
Praise Him with all your gifts.

Hello my friends,
Hello my fellow
Servants of the Lord.”

A guard looked over the side of the wall.

“Agatha, come here,” Jacob said. “There is a herald here.”

Agatha looked over the side of the wall next to Jacob.

“May it please you friend
To open the gates for me.

May it please you friend,
To open the gates for me.

For Gabriel,
Has sent me on a quest.

Yes Gabriel, Gabriel,
He sent me on a quest.

Which brings me,
Brings me to Ellendon Fortress.

Which brings me,
Brings me to Ellendon Fortress.”

The sound of Becca’s voice easily carried over the wall and echoed throughout the fortress. One by one, angels gathered on the wall to witness this wondrous sight. Some tried to sing along but the rest shushed them. The sound of Becca’s voice was so lovely and pure. The angels did not listen with their ears, but with their spirit. The sound of Becca’s voice resonating within each, causing their very souls to vibrate with love.

“Do you love Him?
Do you love Him as I do?

Do you love Him?
Do you love Him as I do?

Do you love Him?
Do you love Him as I do?

Do you love Him?
Do you love Him as I do?

He is merciful and gracious, and longsuffering
He’s abundant in goodness and in truth

He keeps mercy for thousands,
He forgives iniquity
He forgives all transgressions and all sin.

Do you love Him?
Do you love Him as I do?

Do you love Him?
Do you love Him as I do?

Do you love Him?
Do you love Him as I do?

Do you love Him?
Do you love Him as I do?

He is merciful and gracious, and longsuffering
He’s abundant in goodness and in truth

He keeps mercy for thousands,
He forgives iniquity
He forgives all transgressions and all sin.

Do you love Him?
Do you love Him as I do?

Do you love Him?
Do you love Him as I do?

Do you love Him?
Do you love Him as I do?

Do you love Him?
Do you love Him as I do?”

Becca started dancing as she sang. She twirled around and spun her robe. One by one, angels descended from the wall and joined her. As she repeated herself they learned the melody and some sang with her. Some danced and some did both.

Jeremy and Jabon noticed that all the angels were heading for the wall near the front gates. They stood still and listened as the chorus of angels grew and the song of Becca drifted over the wall.

“What is going on,” Jeremy said.

“Not sure,” said Jabon, “But I like it. It makes me feel, well, I just feel love.”

Gabriel leaned in between the two and quietly said, “It is Becca. The Herald of Praise and Truth.”

Jeremy looked at Gabriel. “I have never, I mean never heard anything as beautiful as that.”

“I have never felt a song so powerful. It fills me with love Gabriel. How does it do that.”

“Becca is the Herald of Praise and Truth. Come, let us go and invite our guest in.”

The three flew slowly towards the wall. Only the angels on duty remained at their posts. The rest joined in the song and dance. They flew gently over the wall and peered down at the gathering of angels below them. Becca weaved in and out between them as the others gathered into groups of four to six and danced among each other. Jeremy watched as the seemingly random dance moved with precision. Every angel in perfect synchronization with all the rest. And Becca weaving in and out.

Becca looked up and smiled at Gabriel. She weaved a few more times then glided up to the three watching from above. The song and dance continued as her eyes met Gabriel’s. He reached out and took her hand and began dancing with her as they drifted over the wall. Jeremy and Gabon followed, mesmerized by what they were witnessing.

Jeremy watched angels rise and descend around Gabriel and Becca as they danced their way to the ground. Once their feet touched down Gabriel wrapped his arms around her and held her close for quite a while.

Jeremy and Gabon landed next to them and waited for the embrace to end. Gabriel stepped back and still holding her hand it turned towards his two fellow warriors.

“Becca, allow me to introduce you to Jeremy and Jabon.”

She smiled and began singing again.

“Is this Jeremy?
The one true Jeremy?
The one the Lord has chosen for Himself?”

Jeremy melted in his boots. His mouth moved but no words escaped his lips. Becca giggled at him.

“Yes, yes. This is the one the Lord has sent with me to deliver the message to Zechariah.”

She curtsied to Jeremy. Turning to Gabon she sang soft and slow as she bowed before him.

“Hello Gabon,
Your spirit is righteous,
Your spirit is true.

The Lord delights,
The Lord delights in you.

You honor those,
You honor those,
Who stand with you.

I am honored,
To stand with you.

Hello Gabon,
Your spirit is righteous,
Your spirit is true.

The Lord delights,
The Lord delights in you.

You honor those,
You honor those,
Who stand with you.

I am honored,
To stand with you.”

Young Gabon simply fell to his knees before her.

“I am the one who is honored. I have never met a herald before. You words, your voice, it is too wonderful. How – how is one to take all this in?”

Gabriel looked at Becca. He motioned with his head for her to follow him.

“Come Jeremy, you need to hear her report. Gabon, please find Michael and ask him to join us.”

Gabon rose to his feet. He looked at his friend Jeremy. The sense of oneness and camaraderie was greater than he had ever felt before.

“You go Jeremy, you go. You the angel,” Gabon said. He smiled and punched him in the arm.

“Uh, yeah Gabon, right. Save it for another time bro. See you in a bit.”

Jeremy, Gabriel and Becca headed for the Captains barracks. Gabon went in search of Michael.

Becca gazed around the fortress. This was her first visit to Ellendon though she had been in many of the kingdom’s fortresses. This one was different. It held a sense of royalty the others did not. The walls were not merely for protection. The artwork which adorned them declared, no commanded a sense of allegiance to the Lord. This was the home of Archangels. Not mere warriors, they were the captains of captains of captains. Their strength was infused in every panel, every notch, every bolt that held the walls in place. This was no ordinary fortress.

The walls glowed with a rainbow of colors unlike any she had seen, yet purple and white still seemed to effuse from everything. It was as if she could feel the color reaching out and touching her heart and soul. This fortress, it calls me to a higher place. Becca’s heart swelled with song and she burst aloud and started skipping to a beat only she heard.

Jeremy watched as Becca sang and skipped and danced. Her words and voice once again filling him with love and joy.

“Oh how the kingdom,
Calls forth itself.

Oh how the kingdom,
Calls forth itself.

It’s beauty is everywhere.

Oh how the kingdom,
Calls forth itself.

Oh how the kingdom,
Calls forth itself.

It’s beauty is everywhere.

The walls they call me forth,
To sing unto my Lord.

The colors reach inside me,
They stir a song within me,
A song unto my Lord.

The kingdom is beauty,
It’s beauty yes I feel,
I will sing of it’s beauty,
And to it’s beauty kneel.

My Lord is the kingdom,
The kingdom, yes is He,
And I am one, who delights,
To sing of His beauty.

Oh how the kingdom,
Calls forth itself.

Oh how the kingdom,
Calls forth itself.

It’s beauty is everywhere,
It’s beauty is everywhere,
It’s beauty is everywhere,
It’s beauty is ev-ry-where.”

The three arrived at the Captains barracks and entered. The other angels present quietly gathered their things and left.

“Would you like something to drink Becca? Something to eat?”

She smiled and nodded her head. Gabriel led her to the lounge chairs and sofas to await Michael.

Jeremy set some food and drink on the table between them and said a quick blessing over it. Becca popped a piece of fruit into her mouth and leaned over to Jeremy. She reached out and stroked his wing gently tugging on some of the feathers as she drew her hand downward. She reached the bottom tip and raised her hand back to the top of the wing. She closed her eyes and grasped the top edge of the wing. She squeezed the muscle along the ridge. She smiled and let go.

Jeremy looked on her, puzzled as to who she was. Something about her was different than any other angel he had ever met. He just wanted to remain in her presence. To drink it in. Her presence was pure peace. Not peaceful, but peace, the very essence of it. Just like the Lord’s presence. In fact, he realized, her presence reminded him more of the Lord’s presence than any other being he had ever met.

“This one is strong,
He is strong in our Lord.

A trial is coming,
A trial without swords.

The Lord He is mercy,
In your trial you will know,

The Lord He is mercy,
Unto you He will show.

You will protect His people,
Protect them well my friend.

You will protect His people,
Right to the bitter end.

For His loving kindness,
Unto you has been revealed.

For His loving kindness,
Within you it has been sealed.”

She stopped singing and layed her head upon his shoulder. Becca started crying softly, wiping her eyes with the sleeve of his uniform.

Jeremy looked at Gabriel. He silently mouthed his confusion to him.

“Just who is this?”

“Jeremy, this is Becca. She stands in the presence of the Lord. Continually. She is never not in His presence. This is different than what you or I experience. He is with us continually, but we do not continually stand in His presence. Becca does. Her heart is so inexplicably intertwined with His that she cannot not stand in His presence.”

“Why is she crying?”

“Because she knows.”

“Knows what.”

“She knows the trial that awaits you. She knows the trust the Father has in you and what He is going to allow in order that all creation will see.”

“See what,” Jeremy asked.

Becca placed her hand on Jeremy’s chest, right over his heart and softly sang again.

“This one is strong,
He is strong in our Lord.

A trial is coming,
A trial without swords.

The Lord He is mercy,
In your trial you will know,

The Lord He is mercy,
Unto you,
Mercy He will show.

You will protect His people,
Protect them well my friend.

You will protect His people,
Right to the bitter end.

For His loving kindness,
Unto you has been revealed.

For His loving kindness,
Within you it has been sealed.”

Jeremy felt his heart become very warm and he was filled with grief and tears. He felt a deep, deep, sobbing well up within him. He suddenly feared he would betray his Lord. He felt his weakness to stand firm for his Lord.

“I don’t want to fail,” He cried out sobbing uncontrollably. His whole body shook with grief and sadness and fear. “Nooo, please Lord, don’t let me fail you. I don’t want to fail you. Ever, ever. I can’t do this, I just can’t. I don’t know how to serve you in this. I just don’t.”

Gabriel leaned forward and stared to reach for his friend, but held back. He searched Becca’s eyes for some sense of what his friend needed. He dropped to one knee between the sofas. Everything, everything in him wanted to spare his friend this grief. But he understood. The Lord must test everyone. He must test them so they will know. So they will know their weakness and His power.

Michael entered the Captains barracks and joined his companions. He sat next to Jeremy and slid his arm around him.

“You are not alone my friend. You are never alone.”

Becca pulled a cloth from her sash and handed it to Jeremy. He dried his eyes and started sobbing again.

“All I have ever wanted was to serve my Lord. That’s all. I just want to bring Him glory and watch over His people. They need so much help. Everything is against them. The world, Satan, his demons. They are soooo fragile.”

Jeremy burst into tears again. He squeezed the cloth against both of his eyes and wept bitterly.

Becca sat back. She reached out and pulled his chin up so he could look her in the eye. Then she sang to him. Sang to him alone.

“This one is strong,
He is strong in our Lord.”

She waited then continued.

“A trial is coming,
A trial without swords.”

She waited again. Jeremy felt something changing within him.

“The Lord He is mercy,
He is mercy unto you,

The Lord He is mercy,
In your trial you will know.”

She sat patiently and waited again. Jeremy felt his grief changing. As though he soul and spirit were being cleansed, as though something had just been washed away.

Becca turned his gaze back upon her eyes.

“You will protect His people,
Protect them well my friend.

You will protect His people,
Right to the bitter end.”

Jeremy groaned in his soul and began grieving again. The grieving went deeper, deeper than he had ever known.

“This is the Lord’s grief Jeremy. This is not your own. You are feeling his grief over His people. Over each and everyone of them.” 

Jeremy groaned again and again and again. He wept till he felt their was no more grief within him. But each time he stopped, Becca gently blew upon his heart and he would be filled once again with the Lord’s grief. Finally it subsided, then stopped altogether.

The Becca stood. She reached under Jeremy’s chin and drew him up off the sofa. She brushed his chest and smoothed his uniform then looked him directly in the eye.

“This one is strong,
He is strong in our Lord.”

She placed her hand over his heart and sang some more.

“For His loving kindness,
Unto you has been revealed.

For His loving kindness,
Within you has been sealed.”

Jeremy felt the completeness of the moment. Whatever Becca and the Lord were doing, it was finished, it was complete. She smiled and tugged on his sash drawing him closer. She slipped her arms around him and held him. He slipped his arms around her neck and pulled her close. He cupped the back of her head with the palm of his left hand and just held her. He held her a long time, longer than he had ever held anyone before.

She released her hold and stepped back. She turned to Gabriel and pulled out a small scroll.

“The report?” has asked.

She shook her head yes and curtsied. She twirled around and danced toward the door a few steps.

“Now I must be going,
My work here is done.

I can sense His presence,
Dawning over us.

Another He is calling,
For the battle must be won.

And I must be going,
For my work here is done.”

She bowed bending her right arm under her abdomen. She pulled her gown up from her left thigh making a wide arc from the floor up as high as she could reach. She stood and smiled and sang one last word.

“Toodaloo.”

With that she quickly turned and headed out the door of the barracks leaving the three angels to process her report.

“Well,” Jeremy said. “Didn’t see that coming.”

Michael laughed, “We never do.”

Gabriel walked over to the table and spread the scroll out along the map. He took a couple of paper weights and placed them on each end. Michael stood beside him and the two read silently together.

Jeremy poured a chalice of wine for each of them and carried them back to the map table. He set down the two for Jeremy and Michael and then eased into a lounge chair.

He felt drained. Not in a bad way, just drained. He closed his eyes and let his mind drift. He listened as Gabriel and Michael began discussing Becca’s news.

“Qwantar,” Gabriel said.

“Yes. I haven’t heard that name in quite some time.”

“And I don’t like hearing it now.”

“So he went to DeKaylm to meet with Krendal. That can only mean that he is planning to enter Krendal’s realm of authority,” Michael said.

“Did they really throw him in a dungeon? He’s gonna be pretty ticked off when he leaves DeKaylm.”

“He’ll get over it. So, the question is, where exactly is he headed.”

Gabriel studied the report some more.

“What are we missing,” Gabriel said. “Satan is sending Qwantar into Krendal’s realm. I am sure that he wants Krendal’s full attention upon us, so what is Qwantar planning to do?”

Jeremy opened his eyes.

“He is not going where we expect him to go and he is not going to who we expect him to go to,” Jeremy said. “Think about it. What does Satan really know? What does he suspect based on what he knows?”

Michael and Gabriel took seats with Jeremy.

“He has to know that the Lord is preparing to reveal the Messiah. And that means He is sending one before him to prepare Israel,” Gabriel said.

“So what would you do?” Jeremy asked.

“He doesn’t need to stop a message, he needs to stop a birth,” Michael said.

“Two births,” said Jeremy.

“We have got to protect Zechariah,” Michael said.

“Maybe,” Gabriel said.

“Maybe,” said Michael.

“Maybe,” said Gabriel.

“Elizabeth,” said Jeremy. “She is the key. Without a woman, there will be no child. If Satan knows you are being sent to Zechariah, then he will have Krendal deal with that. But Elizabeth. Who is Qwantar? What does he do that would move Satan to send him to Krendal’s realm?”

“A tormentor,” said Gabriel.

“A pretty good one at that.” Said Michael.

Gabriel looked at the other two angels.

“He always tries to bend a will, be it an angel or a human.”

“Or a demon,” said Michael.

“Exactly,” said Gabriel.

“And, he always tries to find your pain and twist it,” said Michael.

“Elizabeth is seventy three and barren. I think I know what pain she carries. Michael, who do you have that can go toe to toe with Qwantar?” Gabriel said.

“What do you mean?”

“Who can counter his moves well and not be manipulated by him themselves?”

“Hmm, Nathan, DeRick, Jameson.”

“Qwantar will not be alone. I am sure Elizabeth will not be his only target. He always gets a kick out of watching humans do his bidding. I am sure he will try to involve the other women,” Gabriel said.

“I had Ashton scout out Zechariah and Elizabeth before you arrived here and Elizabeth has a young friend Miriam. She is like a daughter to her. If Elizabeth is going to be tormented, then her young friend will be invaluable to counter anything Qwantar does.”

“Ok Michael, let’s send the three of them. Debrief them and send them quietly. Send them in a different direction and send a few to guard their trail and turn back any would be spies.”

“I’m on it,” Michael said.

“Jeremy, it’s time to prepare for our journey. You’ve got an hour before we leave for the Temple in Jerusalem. Meet me at the front gates. If I am right, we are going to have a little fun about one quarter of the way there.”

The two angels smiled at one another and grasped one another’s forearms.

“For the kingdom,” Jeremy said.

“For the kingdom,” Gabriel said.

© 2011 John Pearson All Rights Reserved.

Chapter Fifteen

It was the first day in the Temple Week. As usual, Zechariah awoke before the sun began to rise. Darkness still rested peacefully in their bed chambers. He listened to the rhythmic breathing of the other priests.

“You awake Zechariah?” Berechiah whispered.

“Good morning friend,” he replied.

Zechariah listened to Berechiah rise and go to relieve himself. He shuffled softly out of their chambers and out of range of hearing. Out of the range that Zechariah could still hear anyway. Sometimes that was a blessing at home. Elizabeth could be very talkative at times, and very bossy when she got in a mood. He smiled. Gone less than a day and who do I think of? My wife.

He slid his legs over the edge of his bed. The sleep chambers had beds hewn of stone carved ages ago. They rose about two feet off the floor. Each had become worn in it’s own curious way. No two were alike. Most of the younger priests allowed the elders, such as Zechariah, to select their beds first. Then they claimed one for themselves until there were none left.

The Ophel, the part of the city on the southeastern side of the Temple, was a mixture of permanent and temporary housing for priests in service to the Temple. Some priests lived their and the rest lived there during their Week of Service. Zechariah had lived here once a year for a full week since he was old enough to serve in the Temple. More than one year of his life had been spent serving in the Temple.

The Ophel sat at the foot of the staircase leading up to the Southern wall of the Temple. The steps were arranged in a pattern of broad-narrow step, intentionally meant to force the climbing visitor to the temple to look down in order to follow the steps – thus reminding them to bow to the holiness of the great temple.

The Hulda gates were located in the left and center sides of the Temple wall. On the bottom right side of the staircase lay some of the ritual baths and cisterns, part of the installations that were used by the visitors to the temple.

Zechariah watched as Berechiah came and sat down next to him. The straw mattress helped cushion the stone little.

“Perhaps this is the year you will be chosen by oots to enter the Holy Place my friend,” Berechiah said.

“We shall see. Whatever the Lord wills is fine with me. Maybe Jerimoth will be chosen”

“In his first week of service. Hardly.”

“It has happened before,” Zechariah said.

“Yes, but I feel this is the year of Zechariah,” Berechiah replied.

“That service is for one with younger legs for climbing the stairs to the Holy Place.”

Berechiah chuckled and said, “Maybe you are right, but we shall see.”

 The other priests began to stir.

Jerimoth rose and sat next to Zechariah on the stone and mattress.

“I can’t wait to see what we get to do. We are serving in the Temple. Can you believe it. Finally I get to serve in the Temple,” Jerimoth said.

Jahzerah rolled over and poked his head out from under his covers.

“Yes, yes, we all get to serve. You’ll be worn out by the end of the morning sacrifices,” he said. “Perhaps you will get to shovel the ashes from the altar. Or clean up the animals dung.”

“Jahzerah,” Zechariah scolded. “Do not mock your fellow priest. I remember your first morning. Do you remember Berechiah?”

Berechiah shook his head and laughed hard.

“Do I remember. No one will forget his first morning. He looked like a little lost sheep looking for its mother so it could sup on a nipple.”

“Yes. Jerimoth, you should have been here. He got so confused and frightened that he backed up to the altar by a little bitty goat and…”

“Little,” Jahzerah cried. It was the biggest goat I had ever seen. And, it was trying to eat my priestly robe right off of me. I had no choice but to back up.”

Zechariah continued, “Yes, you backed up so quickly that everyone around the altar thought you were going to offer yourself unto the Lord.”

“And he almost did,” Berechiah said slapping his knee.

“His father Samuel was nearby and quickly came over and subdued the wild beast attacking him,” Zechariah continued.

“Then,” Berechiah said, “Everyone stood, staring speechless at him.  You see, in his haste to backup, he backed up so far that the hem of his priestly robe lay upon the hot coals under the altar.”

“Next thing you know, my son is dancing before the altar like David before the Ark of the Covenant,” Samuel added. “No one quite knew what to do. We had never seen a burning priest dancing before the altar. Benjamin went running to fetch the High Priest. We didn’t know if a burning priest dancing before the altar was permissible by the law.”

“We did not know if we needed to stone him for his sin, put out the fire, or, just let him burn,” Zechariah said nearly falling off the stone bed.

“Very funny Zechariah. You are an elder. You,” Jahzerah said and pointed a finger at him, “You should be setting a holy example for your fellow priests this morning.”

“I am, I am,” Zechariah cried still barely able to speak. “Does not the scriptures say that laughter is medicine for the soul? I bring healing unto the House of God today. No, wait a minute, allow me to correct myself. Your story once again brings healing to the House of God this day.”

“Pay no heed to these old men Jerimoth,” Pashur said. “It would not be Temple week without a little story telling. Come, we must prepare for the day.”

Zechariah observed the puzzled look on Jerimoth’s face.

“What troubles you my young friend?”

Jerimoth looked at him and smiled.

“Does this mean that Jahzerah was on fire for the Lord?”

The chamber erupted in more laughter.

“He was burning with zeal for the Lord,” Ithamar shouted.

“Ohh, ohh” said Jahzerah’s younger brother Micah, “I believe it means he was consumed with a holy fire.”

Jerimoth threw a pillow at Micah and dove on him. The two wrestled around for a few minutes until their father Samuel called for them to stop.

“Come along boys,” Samuel said as he picked them up off the floor. “It is time to go to the Temple.”

The four of them exited followed by Pashur and Jerimoth.

Zechariah and Berechiah continued to laugh quietly as the priests left the bed chambers and headed for the bath to cleanse their bodies before entering the Temple.

“Well old friend, boys will be boys,” Zechariah said. “How the Lord must be smiling this morning. What a wonderful gift He has given to mankind. Laughter. I am very glad He thought that one up when He made all things. Come, let us go serve our Lord and His people.”

The two old friends shuffled out to join the other priests.

© 2011 John Pearson All Rights Reserved.

Chapter Fourteen

Qwantar quickly approached the outpost DeKaylm. He needed to speak with Krendal, the prince of demons assigned to Israel. The high gates emerged before him, along with the guard towers along the wall on either side of the gates. One way in, one way out. Whether angels or demons, not all who entered survived their visit. And of those who did survive, not all found an escape from the hand of Roger, the outpost commander.

Roger, what a stupid name for a demon. And to think that he chose it for himself.

Suddenly several demons began attacking Qwantar from all sides at the same time. One demon struck the back of his knees with the blunt side of a sword and another struck him in the chest. The impact of both caused him to begin tumbling head over heels backwards as he continued to move forward at a considerable rate. Swords slashed at all parts of his body, ripping his skin.

Qwantar stopped himself immediately and watched the small band of demons continue forward struggling to stop themselves and turn back towards him.

He examined his two arms then stared at the demons in rage. He shook his head from side to side and growled at them.

“Have you no brains you imbeciles? I am Qwantar. I have been sent by Satan himself to Jerusalem on a mission of the utmost importance. Now get out of my way.”

The demons quickly surrounded Qwantar.

“Nobody told us about this little mission of yours,” Hectar said. “You have no business here. Now leave or we will kill you.”

Qwantar stared at them in disbelief. Shaking his head he pulled out his sword.

“Now you listen to me you pip squeak. I am going to enter DeKaylm and speak to Krendal. If you wish to live you will get out of my way now.”

Two of the demons slowly slid the blades of their swords along their edges. The ended with a quick flick of the tips. The swords rang out filling the atmosphere with their vibrations.

Hectar cautiously approached Qwantar. He eyed him with curiosity.

“You’re an ignorant fool if you really expect me to believe that. Besides, no one gets into DeKaylm unless I allow it. No one.”

Qwantar leapt forward and slashed his sword at Hectar.

Hectar raised his sword and blocked Qwantar’s attack. He then whipped his sword around n a circle and attempted to dislodge Qwantar’s sword from his grip. Qwantar flowed with Hectar’s actions and attempted to dislodge his sword. The two demons locked their swords at the base of the handles and moved closer. With their noses nearly touching they stared into one another’s eyes.

The other three demons pressed the points of their swords into Qwantar’s back and sides. They each nudged him to get their point across. Hectar grasped Qwantar’s sword and plucked it from his grip. Qwantar let go and moved back a couple of feet.

“I have business with Krendal. I will see him with or without your permission.”

“Seeing as I have your sword, how do you propose to pass by me?” Hectar replied.

Qwantar looked at the demon on his left. He locked eyes wit him. He took control of the demon’s soul and pulled his sword back. Qwantar then pointed the sword at Hectar. He then took control of the other two demons and pointed their swords at Hectar.

Hectar laughed at Qwantar and regained control of the three demons and pointed their swords back at Qwantar. The two demons battled for control of the other three, neither able to maintain control of all three at the same time for very long.

The five of them slowly began to spin counter clockwise. The swords of the three demons began moving in random patterns as Qwantar and Hectar fought for control. As they spun the three demons formed a circle around the two of them. Swords slashed at both of them but made no contact.

The two of them grasped one another and began wrestling. The tumbled head over heels as the other three demons continued to spin around them.

“You cannot defeat me,” Qwantar said.

“It is only a matter of time till you will be in the dungeons of DeKaylm at the mercy of our torturers,” Hectar replied.

“Never,” Qwantar said.

Hectar pulled Qwantar’s arm closer and sunk his teeth into it as deep as possible.

“Damn you,” Qwantar shouted as he attempted to bite Hectar’s neck.

Hectar managed to keep Qwantar’s face away from his neck as he twisted his teeth deeper into Qwantar’s arm. Qwantar lost all control he had over the three demons and each quickly stabbed him in his torso.  The three subdued him and Hectar released his arm and moved away from him.

Qwantar stared at him. And attempted to break free from the three demons. The wounds had immobilized him and he hung limp in their grasp.

Hectar spit out Qwantar’s blood and drug his mouth along his sleeve.

“Take him to the dungeons. Tell the torturers to await instructions regarding his stay with us,” Hectar said.

“You going to regret this you idiot,” Qwantar said.

***

 
The three demons slammed Qwantar down upon the rock floor of his cell.  The three stepped out and Penzreel, the captain of the guard, slammed the gate closed and locked it.

One of the demons, Jitson, looked at Penzreel.

“Do NOT underestimate this one.”

Penzreel eyes Qwantar who was struggling to pull himself up on a flat rock.

“He’s not going anywhere. Hurry up and decide when I can have a little fun with him.”

“Roger is on his way. He’ll be here shortly. Till then, this one is off limits,” Jitson said.

“Good ole jolly Roger. Well, isn’t that sweet,” Penzreel replied. “Maybe we’ll give this one a bath first. What do you think Qwantar? Want to wash off that stench before you meet your demise?”

Penzreel banged on the cell door with a hammer. The other prisoners started shouting and screaming at Penzreel.

“Quiet down,” he shouted.

The three demons left to return to their posts guarding the entrance to DeKaylm. Penzreel quenched the torches lighting the dungeon. He stepped out of the dungeon and slammed the iron door shut. He locked it and grabbed the torch lighting the door and headed back to his quarters. The dungeon fell into darkness.

Qwantar leaned back against the wall. He felt around his torso to assess the extent of his injuries. He could heal himself faster than most demons, but these wounds would still take a while.

He could sense seven other prisoners in various states of health. He could draw some life energy from them but not much. He could feel something in the dungeon blocking his power.

“Qwantar,” a voice whispered. “Is that really you?”

“Who speaks to me?” he replied.

“An old friend.”

“I have no friends.”

“Well, an old ally then.”

“What is your name?”

“Lucky.”

Qwantar chuckled. “Lucky, eh. How do you figure that?”

“My old ally Qwantar is here isn’t he.”

“I am not your ally,” Qwantar replied.

“Sure you are. Don’t you remember? Egypt and Babylon were at war, bout five hundred years ago? Good old Neb thought he was a God, wandering around in the wilderness eating grass like the beasts of the field.”

“Go on,” Qwantar said.

“The Eternal One sent Gabriel to Daniel. We resisted him together. That is till Michael showed up with some of his idiots.”

The demon speaking to Qwantar coughed a few times.

Qwantar searched his memories. Any battle that old was bound to be fuzzy.

“And,” Qwantar said.

“You saved me from destruction. Then I saved you. We did not stop Gabriel, but we did live to fight another day. We did lay to waste a couple of the idiots Michael brought with him. Managed to turn one of them who got a good shot in on Michael. Not a mortal wound, but enough of a wound to make him retreat a bit.”

“Wahsail? Are you Wahsail?”

“Yessss.”

Qwantar willed himself to his feet and made his way closer to the bars. He grasped a bar with his right hand and leaned his body against the wall.

“What are you doing here?” Qwantar asked.

“A bit of misfortune came my way,” Wahsail replied. “I was nosing around trying to figure out what this place is when that same little Hectar that you encountered ambushed me and here I am. They really don’t like visitors here, ya know what I mean.”

“How long you been here?”

“Who knows. Long enough to know I don’t want to be here any longer than I have to.”

“There has to be a way out of here.”

“So I am told.”

Qwantar tried to straighten up some to breathe easier but the pain fought his efforts. He desperately needed to focus his attention on stealing some life energy and healing his body.

“Listen, how often do the guards come around here?” Qwantar said.

“Depends.”

“On what?”

“Just depends. I figure they are going to be back soon to find out more about why you are here. They don’t like hearing the name Satan around this place. Gets em all nervous. And the fact that you said you need to speak to Krendal, well, let’s just say you have their attention. Not a good thing in this place.”

“Let’s hope they don’t drag their feet too long. I have work to get done, and Satan is watching my progress.”

***

 
“Get Hectar in here right now,” Roger bellowed. “I can’t believe we have Qwantar in my dungeon.”

Roger’s aid, Dweena, immediately left his office to retrieve Hectar.

Dweena walked down the corridor towards the main gates of DeKaylm. She effused a cloud of sulfur which trailed behind her. As she approached the gates she began to trot then broke into an all out run. Demon’s scurried for the huge gates and began tugging on the chains attached to the gates handles. The Gates slowly began to open.

“Get over here you slime and help,” one of the demons cried out.

Demons rushed to the gates and grabbed the remaining chains dangling from the gates. Together they pulled with all their might. The space between the gates began to widen. First a few inches, then a foot, then a yard.

Dweena dived forward and flapped her wings a couple of times. She easily doubled her speed and flew out the gates. The rush of wind behind her pulled a cloud of dust along obscuring the demons opening the gates leaving them all coughing and whining. A second cloud, a cloud of burnt sulfur, slowly enveloped them and assaulted their nostrils with the rotten stench from one called Dweena.

Dweena shot across the expanse between DeKaylm and the guard post where Hectar was stationed. Demons nearer to DeKaylm scattered to get out of her way. Their ranks thinned the further she moved further away. Eventually there were no more left between her and the out post.

She slowed as she neared the out post then cupped her wings behind herself to slow her speed. She dropped her legs and feet below herself and landed on the watch platform surrounding the out post. She tucked her wings in tight behind herself and hit the platform running. After a few moments she slowed to a trot then a brisk walk. She headed straight for Hectar’s office.

***

 
Qwantar made his way back to the stone bench. He sat down and managed to position himself in a meditative position with his legs crossed like a Hindu guru. He leaned back against the stone wall and began to focus.

He let his soul drift from his body and began examining the other prisoners. He found one in near perfect health. It was an angel. He latched onto the prisoner and began to draw upon it’s life energy. He could feel himself grow stronger as the life energy began to collect within him. He took a deep breath and then increased his focus. The rate of transfer speeded up.

Qwantar had taken life energy from angels before, but this one seemed especially pure and powerful. He would be able to heal himself much quicker than he had previously supposed.

He began to work on his wounds. The swords had been thrust in to his torso pretty deep and had cause damage to some of his vitals, though not enough to kill him quickly. He felt the deeper wounds beginning to close.

The angel tried to resist him but it was no match for his soul. A young one, he mused.

“Lucky,” Qwantar said.

“Yes.”

“Interested in getting out of here?”

“Always.”

***

 
Dweena burst into Hectar’s empty office. She could faintly sense his presence.

“Hectar, where are you?” she said to herself.

She looked out the window into the expanse around the out post. Closing her eyes she searched for him. After several minutes she found his presence three levels beneath her. He seemed unaware of her presence in the out post. That was about to change.

She quickly exited the office and looked for a staircase. Several demons between her and the staircase froze in their tracks when they spotted her. She flicked her wings and flew over them and into the stairwell. She landed and quickly descended two levels.

The air became warmer as she exited the stairwell and looked around. The room was full of demons feasting on, well she wasn’t quite sure what they were feasting upon.

She scanned the room looking for Hectar. She saw him as he saw her and headed right for him.

The crowd of demons began to part as she made her way across the room. Every sound dried up like water in a white hot furnace. A quick evaporation then nothing.

“Hectar,” she shouted as she approached him. “Am I delusional or do I have Qwantar in my dungeon back at DeKaylm?”

“Qwantar? You mean that demon who was trying to break through our ranks so he could assault Krendal?”

“You idiot. We have been waiting for him to arrive. Now, we must follow protocol and await Krendal’s arrival before we retrieve him from the dungeon. Only Krendal can release someone from there.”

 Dweena slapped Hectar as hard as she could. He fell over backwards off his chair and scrambled to get on his feet. Dweena towered over him. She was a full twelve feet tall, she usually toward over everyone. Prior to the rebellion she had been an Archangel. One of Satan’s assistants. She was still one of Satan’s assistants. Well, sort of. She was now Krendal’s chief of security for the region. A position Satan felt she was most suitable for.

She grasped Hectar’s throat and pulled him up to her eye level, his legs dangling in the air.

“Listen you little dweeb. Krendal is on his way. Qwantar summoned him to DeKaylm two days ago. He is on a mission, sent here by Satan himself. Did you not listen to him?”

“He is not the first spy to claim to be here on Satan’s orders. He refused to halt and attacked me before we could confirm his presence. I did nothing wrong.”

“We’ll see what Krendal has to say about that. Mean time, you’re coming with me.”

She dropped him to the floor and grabbed him by his hair and dragged him towards the door. She picked up her pace until she was running full speed then leapt forward and flapped her wings a couple of times. She pulled Hectar under her and grasped him with one arm beneath her. She slipped her arm around his chest and hooked her claw into his exposed armpit. He immediately squirmed but stopped when she squeezed him harder.

They streaked across the expanse back to DeKaylm.

***
 

Qwantar release his grip on the angel’s soul. No need to drain him completely. He may be questioned if he drained the angel some, but he would be executed if he drained him completely. Angels can be a very useful bargaining chip with the Eternal One.

“Wahsail,” Qwantar said.

“Yes.”

“Are you strong enough to come with me?”

“Come with you? Where?”

“Out of here. I have to meet with Krendal. He is to meet me here today.”

“I would say your already on the list to meet him.”

“Yes. But I don’t plan to meet him hiding behind these bars. It would insult his intelligence.”

“What do you propose?”

“The guard will let me out when we are ready.”

“Just like that,” Wahsail said.

“Just like that. Satan does not ask for my services for ordinary things. And he doesn’t consider failure an option. Do you need life energy?”

“I never turn it down, but I am in pretty good shape. They have left me alone for a few days and I have been able to drain the others a bit.”

“Good. I will summon the guard.”

***

Dweena slowed her pace as she approached the gates. The closed gates. She stared in disbelief at the closed gates. Gone for a mere 10 minutes and they close the freaking gates?

Over the centuries she had found that working with demons can be a very frustrating process. She landed on the watch platform and banged on the door. A small door, about the height of her navel, opened and a squeaky voice cried out.

“Who is it?”

“Why did you close these gates? I told you I would be right back and to leave them open. Not get them open!”

“Dweena! Oh my, I didn’t know, no one told me you were coming right back. Just a moment.”

The sound of chains being drug across the stone floor echoed through the small opening. Demon footsteps pounded the rock as they rushed to pull the chains.

The gates slowly began to move and an small opening appeared between them.

“Hectar, push!” Dweena shout at him.

Hectar picked a door and began pushing it with all his might. The door swung open and Dweena quickly grabbed Hectar by the back of his collar and entered DeKaylm.

Glaring at the door guards she screamed at them, “Close them, Now!”

She briskly drug Hectar down the long corridor. She threw him through the door into Roger’s office when they finally arrived.

“Here, every office needs a village idiot. Here’s yours,”  Dweena gave Hectar a swift kick as she walked passed him. She eased her tall frame into a chair next to Roger’s desk.

Roger drop kicked Hectar across his office. An air borne Hectar hit the wall about six feet off the floor, bounced off the wall and crashed to the floor. Roger pounced on him and pummeled his head into the floor.

“You idiot,” He screamed at Hector. Qwantar! You have Qwantar locked up in my dungeon. With Krendal on his way here to meet with him on business for Satan himself. Are you nuts! Are you trying to get us all killed?”

He drop kicked him again. Hector bounced off the wall one more time. He rolled over on his side just in time to see Roger’s foot crash into his belly.

“Get the fool out of here. Put him down in the dungeon. I’ll let Krendal decide what to do with him.”

***

 
Qwantar focused his will on Penzreel slowly gaining control. Penzreel got up from the bed in his chambers and grabbed his set of keys. He headed down to the dungeon. He was well aware that he was going to the dungeon but did not know why.

He unlocked the outer door and closed it behind him. He started to walk towards the cells when he turned around and looked at the door. He went back and unlocked the door and pushed it all the way open. He turned and headed for the cells.

He entered the cell chamber and went to Qwantar’s cell and unlocked his door. He then went to Wahsail’s cell and unlocked his door. He returned to Qwantar’s cell and handed Qwantar the key ring. He entered the cell Qwantar had just occupied and close the door behind him. Qwantar locked the door and he and Wahsail quickly headed out of the cell chamber to look for a way out of the dungeon.

***

 
“I can’t believe this imbecile had the audacity to lock up Qwantar. Qwantar. Damn.” Roger said and slammed his fist into the top of his desk. He looked at Dweena and continued, “Krendal will have a field day with this. I’ll be surprised if he doesn’t throw us all into the dungeon. Go and wait for him on the watch deck at the front gates. Be sure he has no delays entering the out post. Bring him here immediately and do not, I repeat do not tell him about where Qwantar is. I’ll explain that one to him.”

Dweena left Roger’s office. She began musing on how to spin all this to her advantage. She had desired Roger’s position since the day she arrived. Now, it may have been handed to her on a silver platter. Hector had been Roger’s decision, over her objections. She had never trusted him to get it right. Krendal wasn’t one to reward incompetence. But, Hector had been her responsibility and she was by no means safe from his wrath. But, she did get the first shot at filling him in on the situation.

Demons quickly headed for the gates as she approached. The pulled on the chains until they were open enough for her to exit.

“Open these gates all the way. Krendal is coming and has his usual company of demons with him,” she said.

The demons pushed the gates open as wide as possible and awaited their master.

Dweena paced on the platform as she processed the situation. Krendal had always liked both her and Roger but had grown wary of Roger’s personnel decisions. Roger had discussed Hector with Roger before he was given the guard post he commanded. Only twenty demons and the first line of contact with any intruders from the west. Who couldn’t handle that. Obviously Hector.

Almost from the start here had been issues with his judgment. That and the fact that he did not check communications very often had led to this embarrassment. She had forwarded Krendal’s instructions to Hector as soon as she and Roger received them. Hector had no excuse. He was history. Roger on the other hand may be able to place all the blame on Hector and still retain his position.

“Visitors approaching,” one of the demons shouted from the top of the tower.

Dweena stopped pacing and adjusted her attire. She had chosen to wear Krendal’s favorite color. She needed every advantage right now.

Krendal and seven guards descended to the watch platform as one unit. Two guards landed first, then Krendal flanked by guards on either side, then three guards followed.

“Dweena, you look lovely,” Krendal said as he approached her.

“Just for you my Lord,”

Krendal smiled.

“Has Qwantar arrived yet? He seemed most anxious to speak with me.”

“Yes, here has been here for several hours.”

“Good. Where is he, I want to speak with him immediately.”

“There has been a slight problem with his accommodations,” Dweena said.

“A problem. Explain.”

Dweena pull Krendal into one of the guards towers by the gates.

“I only tell you this myself because of the gravity of the situation. Normally, I would let Roger handle this with you.”

Dweena let her words sink in a little before she continued.

“There has been another incident with Hector. It seems he did not heed my communication regarding Qwantar and arrested him.”

“Arrested him!”

Krendal backed Dweena up to the wall and snarled in her face.

“There better be a good explanation for this,” he said.

Dweena slid herself sideways and off the wall until Krendal released his grip on her throat.

“There is no good explanation Krendal. He is Hector. I opposed his appointment and have done everything within my power short of camping out on his little out post to ensure compliance with your expectations. He simply needs to be gone. He is in the dungeon awaiting your decision regarding his fate.”

“Is Qwantar in the dungeon also?”

“Unfortunately, yes. We have awaited your arrival to release him at your command.”

“Take me to him. Now!”

Stepping out of the guard tower she grabbed one of the demons by their ear. She picked him up and placed his ear near her face.

“Inform Roger that Krendal needs him in the dungeon,” she said.

Then she motioned for Krendal and the seven guards to follow her to the dungeon.

***

 
Qwantar closed the door to the dungeon behind them and locked it. Wahsail grabbed the torch beside the door and the two headed down the corridor. The came across the door to Penzreel’s quarters and stepped inside. Qwantar placed the dungeon keys on the hook next to the door.

The two stepped out of the quarters and listened to the silence. The only thing they heard was the sound of their breathing. Qwantar closed his eyes and focused on detecting the presence of anyone else.

Satisfied that they were alone, they continued down the corridor looking for an exit.

The walls were stone, cut square and smooth. Their polished surfaces reflected the torch light with ease, lighting the corridor at least twenty feet in front of them.

They came to fork in the passage, which diverged into three passages. Qwantar looked at Wahsail.

“Three ways out?” Qwantar said.

“I doubt it. More likely to find more dungeons down at least one of them. And more dungeon masters.”

“Hmm. Well, any clues which way to go?”

“Do you feel that?” Wahsail asked.

“Feel what?”

Wahsail held his torch into the first passage. The flame burned straight up. He held it into the second passage and it burned straight up again. He held it into the third passage and the fame flicked and leaned into the passage.

Qwantar quickly headed into the third passage. He went about twenty feet and stopped.

“Hear that?” he asked Wahsail.

“Someone is coming.”

“Sounds like Krendal.”

The two quickly retreated. Wahsail returned the torch to Penzreel’s quarters. He quickly joined Qwantar in the first passage at the fork and waited in the darkness.

The sound of many footsteps became louder as they waited. They group of demons walked in silence as they approached the fork.

“This way,” Dweena said.

Qwantar and Wahsail watched Dweena, Krendal and two of his guards head towards Penzreel’s quarters.

“Penzreel,” Dweena said as the arrived at the door of his quarters. She stepped inside to retrieve him.

She stepped out into the corridor.

“He is not here but his keys are.”

“Curious,” said Krendal.

He looked back up the passage to the fork. He slowly walked back towards it and peered into the first two. Qwantar and Wahsail covered their eyes to hide their red glow. Krendal stood still and listened. He looked back at Dweena, then back down the corridor.

He turned and went back to Penzreel’s office.

“Most curious. Has Penzreel ever neglected his post before?”

“No,” Dweena replied.

Voices down the third corridor drew Krendal’s attention away for a moment.

“Which dungeon is he in?” Roger said.

“Penzreel’s,” a small demon with him said.

They emerged from the first corridor and stood in the fork of the corridor. Roger glanced in the other two corridors and then headed towards Penzreel’s quarters. He took several steps in that direction then stopped dead still. His eyes met Krendal’s.

“Roger,” Krendal said. “Explain to me why I am standing in front of Penzreel’s quarters.”

“Qwantar attacked our guards in front of DeKaylm earlier today. Hector subdued him and brought him here. He did not identify himself, just attacked without warning or provocation,” he replied.

“Hmm, didn’t you inform your guards that Satan sent me a visitor?”

“Apparently Hector did not receive any communication. I can only surmise that Dweena has demonstrated her incompetence again.”

Dweena stepped out from behind Krendal.

“Oh that message got sent to Hectar, your little favorite guard. Once again, he ignored his orders and took things into his own hands,” she said.

“Come,” Krendal said. “Take me to Qwantar.

Roger stepped past Krendal. He snatched the key ring from Dweena and headed for the cell chamber.

Qwantar and Wahsail watched the light from their torch fade as they headed away from them. The two quickly headed out of the dungeon.

They came to an iron door at the end of the corridor. They stepped through and emerged into a large round chamber with a collection of doors in the walls. Some doors were short, just a few feet tall and some were over twenty feet high. Some were iron and some were wooden. A small demon sat on a small stool in the center of a round table made of stone.

The demon looked at them and rose up off the stool. Qwantar quickly took control of it and began probing it’s mind to determine which door led to Roger’s office.

The demon held out a key ring for him and pointed him towards an iron door with a green fuzz on it’s surface.

Qwantar snatched the keys from him and unlocked the door. He and Wahsail stepped through the door. He turned to the demon and tossed him the key ring and they headed for Roger’s office to await Krendal.

© 2011 John Pearson All Rights Reserved.

Chapter Thirteen

Zechariah looked up at the southeast wall of the Temple and the steps leading up to it’s gates. He stopped the donkey he was riding and sat still, savoring the moment. His eyes moistened slightly as he took in the moment. Since his twentieth year he had repeated this journey every year. And every year he had stopped in this very spot to prepare his heart for service unto the God.

He looked at the priests surrounding him. Pashur’s son Jerimoth would serve alongside his father for the first time in the House of the God.

“Jerimoth,” Zechariah said. “Come here my young friend.”

Jerimoth approached Zechariah. Zechariah reached out and placed his hand on Jerimoth’s shoulder.

“Help an old man get off his donkey.”

Jerimoth steadied Zechariah as he dismounted. Once he was on his feet he pulled Jerimoth in close. He slipped his arm around the young man’s shoulders and stood silently looking up at the Temple. He could feels Jerimoth’s steady breathing as the two stood side by side. A tear slipped from Zechariah’s eye and slowly made it’s way down his check and disappeared into his thick grey beard. After his time of silence he spoke to Jerimoth.

“Your father and I have often talked of this moment. Your first hour of service unto the God. Your father is very, very proud of you.”

Zechariah pulled Jerimoth’s head closer and kissed him on the cheek.

“For fifty six years I have come and stood on this spot and prepared my heart to serve my God. Your father has joined me here for the last forty years. Together we have stood here and reminded ourselves who we have come to serve.”

Zechariah could not hold back the smile erupting from his heart. He squeezed Jerimoth’s shoulder. He felt the young man quiver as he continued to share his heart with him.

“For the next seven days you are not your own. For the next seven days you are not Jerimoth. To the people of Israel who come here to offer sacrifices unto their God, you are His servant, His priest, His mediator unto His people. They, every single one of them, will look unto you to comfort their hearts, to assure them that our God has accepted their sacrifice and that they have been absolved of their sin. You do not speak on your own accord. You speak for the Lord your God.”

Zechariah shook Jerimoth’s shoulder’s. He looked at the young man so eager to join his father in service unto God. He admired any man who worked as hard as he had to prepare himself for this moment.

“Today you will enter into a week of service with those who have come before you. You honor them with your presence. You, like Levi and Aaron, have been chosen by your God to serve as His priest. Every moment I have stood in the Temple and preformed my duties, I have done so with all my heart. And now, Jerimoth, I am honored to have you serve at my side.”

Zechariah could feel the young man fighting back tears as they stood side by side. Zechariah felt Pashur’s arm embrace his own around Jerimoth’s shoulders.

Zechariah listened to Pashur speak his heart to his son. He listened to a father express his joy and pride in his son. He listened to him affirm his love for his son.

Lord. As I listen to my old friend I cannot bear my grief at my own lack of a son to serve you with. Why, why have you not given me a son to serve you with. A son who would make my heart dance with joy? I know that you have provided all things for me, whatever I have needed, yet I lack this one thing, a son to serve You with.

Zechariah listened as Pashur finished his words and the three men stood in silence before the steps leading up to the Temple.

“Well,” Zechariah said. “Let us go to our quarters and prepare for the evening meal.”

Together they entered into Ophel to settle into their home for the next week.

© 2011 John Pearson All Rights Reserved.

 

Chapter Twelve

Gabriel and Michael studied the map displayed on the table. Jeremy listened and watched as they moved it around and examined each region of the heavenlies. He was surprised at the shear number of demons, scattered strategically in each region.

“I assume Satan will have many diversions planned. He needs to lure the angels away from their normal stations,” Michael said.

“That does not concern me as much as where they are planning to attack,” Gabriel said.

“Or who,” Jeremy said.

“Exactly,” said Gabriel.

“Or who he will send,” said Michael.

“I am sure Anselrio will be involved in some way. Who do you think he will send to torment Zechariah?” Gabriel said.

“Are you sure it is Zechariah he plans to torment?”, Michael replied. “Let’s step back for a moment and give this some thought. His goal is to prevent the Lord from accomplishing His will. So, what does he really know about what the Lord is doing?”

“We have to assume he was at the Temple when the Lord commissioned Jeremy and myself,” Gabriel said.

“Yes,” Michael replied. “And we really don’t know what the Lord allowed him to hear or see.”

“Then we must assume that he saw and heard everything,” Jeremy said.

“Go on,” Gabriel said.

“We have to assume he knows that we are being sent to Zechariah, that his wife Elizabeth will bear him a son, and that his son will prepare the way for the Messiah. He will either have to stop the message or prevent the child from being born,” Jeremy said.

“And what does that tell you my friend?”

“This is much more than one battle. Until the child is born, the plan is at risk,” Jeremy said. “Isn’t Zechariah serving at the Temple this week? The first thing I would try to do is to prevent him from getting back home.”

“Zechariah does not have to travel far between the Temple and his town, but there is still the possibility for him to be attacked. He normally travels with ten to fifteen other priests, but still, he is old and cannot fend off attackers very easily,” Michael said.

“Then there is always the possibility of disease, a wild animal, some freak accident like falling off a spooked donkey or mule,” Gabriel said.

“Do you think he will even believe you Gabriel?” Jeremy asked.

“Ah, well Jeremy. People do respond in some very surprising ways when I reveal myself to them. I have not decided how to inform him yet. You did not hear this when the Lord spoke to me but I am to speak to Zechariah while he is at the Temple. He will be chosen when they cast lots to determine who will burn incense in the Holy Place during the prayers on Tuesday this week. He and his friends have just arrived at Jerusalem and are headed for the Temple as we speak. I have sent Amzi and Toah to protect him until I arrive.”

“Destroy the priest, destroy the child,” Michael said.

“Satan may know who I am to speak to, but he does not know when,” Gabriel said.

“I am sure he knows you are here at Ellendon Fortress and will have more than enough demons waiting between us and Jerusalem,” Michael said.

“So where would you attack me?”

“You are going to have to take a direct route from here most of the way to get there in time. I would think the first attack would be in the Region of Glendon,” Michael said.

“First attack?” Jeremy said.

Gabriel and Michael exchanged glances. Gabriel chuckled and smiled at Jeremy.

“I am expecting at least three attacks. The first, just to slow me down. A small band of demons, not too powerful, but enough of an attack that I will be delayed and that the second and third groups of demons will have time to get in place,” Gabriel said.

Then Michael spoke up, “The second attack will be intended to completely prevent him from reaching Zechariah at all. Satan knows that is unlikely so he will stage a third attack for the same purpose.”

“Finally, we will have to get past Krendal and his minions afflicting Israel,” Gabriel said. “How many angels should we pull together Michael?”

“I have already put out a call for one hundred Legions,” Michael said.

“Five hundred thousand angels?” Jeremy said.

“I intend for them to form a corridor for you and Gabriel to pass through. One that will allow you to travel unhindered all the way to Jerusalem. Myself and my warriors will be travelling with you to fend off any that get through the outer corridor. I believe that at least ten legions can be a moving force that also guards the inner edge of the corridor.”

Gabriel pushed the map around a little.

“Satan will expect something like that. And, he will try to attack us on the way and we will need the corridor. But we need to anticipate every move he could make. Look at the map Michael. He is already beginning to attack from the north,” Gabriel said.

“Berazel,” Michael replied. “A diversion?”

“Yes, and no.”

“Gabriel, what are the green dots?” Jeremy asked.

“You noticed that did you,” He replied. “Envy. He fills his demons with a temptation. Those are envy. They, mind you, will not fight with swords, but with their wills. They shall attempt to make our angels envious of Satan’s fallen angels. Try to get them to defect,” Gabriel replied.

“He most surely will send demons filled with pride for you my young friend. It is always his first temptation for new Archangels,” Michael said. “And for you, I am sure he will not just send one. How have you seen me resist pride Jeremy?”

“With humility and praise.”

“And the word of God,” Michael added.

“What do you mean?”

Michael looked at Gabriel and walked around the table caressing the edge with his hand.

“We have sheltered you from much Jeremy. Fighting with swords is much easier than fighting with your will. You cannot defeat you enemy, only the Lord can defeat them. He gave you an anointing, he filled your spirit with power, power to resist, but also, power to inflict. We have a very short time to train you to use it effectively,” Gabriel said.

Michael stopped directly across the table from Jeremy and looked him right in the eye.

“You’re in the big leagues now Jeremy. The kid gloves are coming off and you are going to have to take some abuse in the battle you have not encountered before. The Lord has great confidence in you, but, never forget that the nature of everything has changed for you.

“It is imperative that you stay humble and mindful of the enemies strength,” Gabriel said.

“I know he can be a strong adversary.”

“No, it is not the presence of strength you need to be mindful of. It is the nature of his strength,” Michael said.

“How do you think he really got all the fallen angels to join forces with him?” Gabriel said.

“I’m not sure,” Jeremy replied.

Michael continued to round the table and came up alongside Jeremy. Gabriel pressed in close from the other side.

“He is a liar and a deceiver,” Gabriel said.

“He targeted specific angels to begin with. Those in positions of influence,” Michael said.

“Then, once he had them, he convinced them to enlist others,” Gabriel said.

“Every single angel was approached. Every single angel heard the same deceptions,” Michael said.

“But that is not what turned their hearts against the Lord,” Gabriel said.

“It was a battle for their wills not their minds,” Michael said.

“Satan new if he could get a hook into their will, then he would have their minds also,” Gabriel said.

“He imposed his will upon them. He twisted them and subdued them with the sheer force of his will against theirs,” Michael said.

“And once he had them, he then taught them to do the same,” Gabriel said.

“This is why the Lord filled you with His strength,” Michael said.

“Only His power can overcome,” Gabriel said.

“The moment you attempt to defeat Satan with your own strength, he has you. It will only be a matter of time,” Michael said.

“He is tenacious, he just does not give up until he knows you cannot be turned,” Gabriel said.

“That is why the Word of the Lord is so important Jeremy,” Michael said.

“He simply cannot stand for long against someone speaking the truth with faith,” Gabriel said.

“But he will try to twist it, to pervert it, to impose his own interpretation upon it’s meaning,” Michael said.

“To create doubt,” Gabriel said.

“And once he has created a sense of doubt,” Michael said.

“Then he will try to bend your will, to turn your heart against the Lord,” Gabriel said.

“But you must not resist him with your own words or your own strength,” Michael said.

“You must affirm your faith in the Lord. Affirm that you are His servant. That you worship Him and Him alone,” Gabriel said.

“He cannot resist that. And the strength of the Lord will grow inside you with each affirmation,” Michael said.

“You will overcome any attack Jeremy, but never forget who is God and who is not,” Gabriel said.

“And who will try to deceive you into believing that the Lord is the deceiver,” Michael said.

Gabriel turned around and leaned back on the table. Michael crossed the room and poured himself a glass of wine.

Jeremy put a finger on the map and moved it around a little, watching the lights move in a circular pattern.

“The Lord really thinks I am ready for this,”

Gabriel leaned towards Jeremy and looked him in the face, “Without a doubt. And so do I.”

“Here, here,” said Michael.

Jeremy looked up into Gabriel’s eyes. The confidence he saw there made his heart skip a beat. He quickly embraced his new friend.

Michael beamed with pride. He had trained Jeremy for quite some time. He took another drink of wine and set the goblet on the wine cart.

“I’ll be back. I need to check on a few things.” Michael said. “Jeremy, why don’t you go visit with Jabon for a while. I think he would enjoy a few more stories about how you can out fly the mighty Gabriel.”

Laughter filled the air as the three of them exited the Captains Quarters.

© 2011 John Pearson All Rights Reserved.

Chapter Eleven

The small troupe of priests arrived at the market in the late afternoon. It was still several hours before dusk and they had plenty of time to barter for goods.

The priests were forced to proceed in a single file as they entered the market place. Zechariah and Berechiah led the way in between the shops and customers crowding the street.

The city was organized in part by the trade guilds which each tradesman belonged to. Then there were the inhabitants who supported themselves in other ways. The market place was an area of the city where goods could be bought and sold to travelers not wishing to visit each guild, though they could also trade directly with the guilds, usually at lower prices.

“Zechariah,” Bukki said. “Pashur, Jerimoth and I are going to go visit the silversmith guild. We need some new tools. We will see you at the Temple.”

“See you there,” Zechariah replied.

Bukki, Pashur and Jerimoth huddled for a moment to decide on a route out of the market and hurried on their way.

“I am going to go ahead to the Temple,”  Abiathar said.

“My sons and I will join you,” Berechiah said.

“Me too,” Libni said.

“See you there,” Zechariah replied.

Zechariah climbed off the donkey he had been riding on. He, along with along with Abishua, Ithamar, Phinehas, Jahzerah, Micah and Samuel, all shepherds by trade, led their pack animals towards the shops that traded wool and linen.

The sound and smell of animals filled the air. Goats, sheep, cattle, pheasants, doves, pretty much any animal needed for Temple worship or food was on display.

The men worked their way slowly, examining many of the goods for sale. Visits to Jerusalem usually only happened during their priestly weeks. The goods offered did not change much between visits, but one never know what was to be found.

“Abishua,” Ithamar called out to his friend.

Abishua stopped and waited for Ithamar to catch up with him. He watched him work his way past the pack animals and other shoppers who filled the narrow street.

“So, Naomi decided not to visit her parents this trip,” he said when he reached Abishua.

“Yes, she did not want to explain why they lack grand children again,” he replied.

“Sooo, she has left that small detail up to you did she,” he said and playfully punched his friend on the arm.

“Something like that,” he replied.

“How do you think Anna and Gershom will respond?”

“How do you think?”

“You know you have to visit them today and tell them. They know it is your week to be here.”

“Hmm, maybe I’ll go see them.”

“Maybe. You must be a glutton for punishment,” Ithamar said.

“Not really. If I delay telling them, I may be able to avoid the daily tongue lashings. I normally visit them once a day while I am here.”

“I do not envy you my friend. I am glad my in-laws live near my home.”

“I suspect they will visit within a few weeks after I head home,” Abishua replied.

Zechariah led them around a corner and headed for the wool and cloth shops just down the street.

“Priests, come here,” a merchant cried out to Abishua and Ithamar. “Come here and see these silk prayer shawls. They were made right here in Jerusalem. Made from the finest imported silk from Asia.”

“You can keep them for the tourists, I have all the prayer shawls I need.” Abishua replied.

The fragrant smell of spices drifted in their direction.

“Naomi always likes to see what spices are available when we visit,” Abishua said.

The two men entered into the small shop selling incense and embalming spices and began examining the variety on display. An old toothless man smiled at them. He motioned for them to remove the lids to get a better smell. He set a small incense burner on the table for them. He took a pair of tongs and extracted a hot coal from an oven next to him and set it in the burner. Abishua took a pinch of incense and sprinkled it on the hot coal. Leaning over he guided the smoke with his hand towards his nose.

“She would love this fragrance,” he said. He took a pinch from another canister and sprinkled it on the coal. He let the smoke drift up into his face.

“I would like some of these two,” he told the shopkeeper.

The shopkeeper packaged the incense for him. Abishua paid him and the two priests exited the shop. They quickly caught up with Zechariah who had two donkeys with wool, thread and cloth tied to them. Working the animals through the crowd was a slow process.

Zechariah turned another corner and stopped dead in his tracks. Blocking their path were four Roman soldiers. They were examining some wooden and silver trinkets when Cassian noticed the priests behind them.

“Well, well. What do we have here?” Cassian said.

Zechariah looked at them and cast his eyes towards the cobblestones.

“Just a few priests passing by you,” he said.

Cassian elbowed Felix. The two men smiled at one another.

“Priests? Shouldn’t you be at the Temple? What are you doing wandering the streets?” Felix said.

Octavius and Rufinus, the other two soldiers also turned their attention upon the priests. All traffic on the street stopped. Shopkeepers sat frozen while they watched. Their customers quickly backed away from the soldiers and priests.

The four of them surrounded the priests and began examining Zechariah’s loaded donkeys.

“What have we here priest?” Octavius said. “Taxes for Caesar?”

“Just a few promised goods I am delivering to a merchant.”

“Which merchant?” Octavius said.

“Eleazar,” Zechariah replied.

“Who is this Eleazar?” Octavius said.

“Just a humble wool and cloth merchant.”

“Have you paid you taxes for these goods?” Octavius said. He smiled at the other three soldiers and moved closer to Zechariah. “Well, priest. Have you paid your taxes for these goods?”

“I have just arrived in Jerusalem with them. I always pay my taxes on my goods,” Zechariah said.

“Hmmm, really. And do you always go to your merchant first to sell your goods before they can be taxed?”

“There is a publican next to Eleazar’s shop. He always accepts my taxes for Caesar.”

“Perhaps I can save him the trouble today. What do you have here?”

“Just some wool, some thread and some cloth,” Zechariah replied.

Abishua picked at a stray thread in the hem of his sleeve. He had never been this close to a Roman soldier before. He had heard stories of them extorting taxes. They seemed intent on troubling Zechariah.

He studied their dress as he listened. Only one of them, Octavius, wore a helmet. The dull greenish brown metal looked like unpolished brass. It had metal face guards, about two inches wide, that extended down from the cap in front of the ears then followed along the jaw bone. The back of the helmet had a flange that covered the back of the neck. He did not recognize the symbol cast on the side of the helmet.

All of them had tunics which extended below the other armor they wore. It reached about to their knees. Over the tunic from their shoulders to their waists they wore something made from metal but Abishua wasn’t sure what it was, small rings of metal fastened together by metal threads. Octavius also wore a scarf around his neck that hung down in front.

They each wore sandals which nearly completely covered their feet and ankles. The strips of leather were tied with leather strips that circled their ankles.

“Do you have any coins priest?” Octavius said.

“No,” Zechariah replied.

“What about you?” Octavius asked Abishua.

“Just a few denarius,” he responded.

“And the rest of you,” he demanded.

“I carry a few coins for my sons and I,” Samuel said.

The soldier nearest to Abishua gripped the handle of his sword. He pulled it out slightly and looked Abishua in the eye. Abishua quickly looked down at the cobblestones.

Octavius loosened the straps holding the cloth on one of the donkeys. The bundle fell to the ground and he ordered Zechariah to untie the bundle.

Zechariah knelt down and untied the bundle of cloth letting it lay flat on the street.

“Lay the cloth over the back of your donkey here so I may see it better,” Octavius said.

“I’ll get that for you Zechariah,” Abishua said.

He quickly picked up the cloth and placed it on the donkey’s back.

Octavius examined the various panels of cloth one layer at a time.

“What do you think Felix. Can a Hebrew weave cloth as well as an Egyptian or a Roman?”

Felix thumbed through the stack of linen.

“Worthless. I would never wear anything as poorly weaved as this,” Felix said. He tossed the stack of linen off the donkey back to the ground.

“These priests have taken enough of my time. Give me a coin,” he said to Abishua.

Abishua opened his small leather coin pouch and handed a coin to Felix.

“Now, one more for each of my friends.”

Abishua quickly handed him three more coins.

“Tell Eleazar we said hello,” Octavius said. “Tell the publican you have paid your taxes.”

The four soldiers pressed their way past the priests and onlookers and disappeared around the corner.

Ithamar and Phinehas gathered the cloth and bundled it back up for Zechariah. They tied it back on the donkey while the shopkeepers and onlookers resumed trading. Once the bundle was securely fastened back on the donkey the priests headed towards Eleazar’s shop.

“Have you ever had a run in with Roman soldiers before,” Abishua asked Zechariah.

“Not for a few years. It is always the same. They have no respect for God’s people. They take what they want then laugh at you. God will repay them.”

“I had to deal with them once,” Samuel commented. ”They just took my donkey’s reigns out of my hand and told me to keep walking. I started to resist and they drew swords. Even when I threatened to go to the Governor they just laughed. Unless you are a Roman citizen there is not much you can do.”

“I have seen it go in cycles,” Zechariah said. “Every ten years or so the we get so fed up we threaten to revolt and the Governor fears he will get in trouble with Rome so he puts a few soldiers in jail for a week or two until we calm down. The soldiers back off for a while. After a few months they ease back into the same old crap they were dong before.”

“Yes,” Samuel said. “We are just cattle to them, no less than cattle.”

They neared the edge of the city where the linen merchants housed their sheep and goats. Their shops had small corrals in between the buildings wherever they could fit them in. Several were shearing their sheep in a small corral used for animal auctions.

“Zechariah,” Eleazar shouted. “My old friend. How are you?”

“Eleazar, my friend,” Zechariah said.

The two men embraced one another.

“Samuel,” Eleazar said and embraced him also.

“You have brought your sons again.”

He embraced each and then looked at Abishua.

“You have brought a new friend for me to meet. How wonderful. I am Eleazar, and you are?”

“My name is Abishua,” he said.

“Welcome my friend. Here let me take your donkeys for you.”

Eleazar grabbed the reigns of the donkeys and led the animals to a small corral next to his shop. Ithamar and Phinehas helped him to untie the bundles of linen and wool. After the animals were unburdened he opened the gate to the corral. Ithamar and Phinehas led the animals in and poured some fresh water in the trough for them. The donkeys quietly quenched their thirst.

They closed up the corral and carried the bundles inside the shop.

“Here, please sit,” Eleazar said.

He grabbed a bowel and stepped outside to get some water for them to wash their feet. He brought it back in and set it in front of Zechariah and handed him a towel. He filled another bowl with water for them to wash their hands, then he poured some wine for the priests as they washed their feet and hands.

“It is good to see you again my friend. How is Elizabeth? I trust she is as feisty as ever.”

Zechariah laughed. “You know how she is. Sometimes I think that woman wants to drive me crazy.”

“Yes, I think they all do,” Samuel said.

Eleazar handed out goblets of wine to the priests. Each took a long drink.

“We have been on the road all afternoon it seems,” said Jahzerah. “Some Roman soldiers just down the street made us pay them one coin for each of them. Taxes for our goods they claimed. We should drive them from our land, get rid of the dogs!”

“Be careful how loud you talk my friend. They have ears in more places than you would imagine,” Eleazar said. “We would drive them out if we were strong enough. I have seen just how large the Roman army is, at least some parts of it. They would squash us like bugs, kill us all off if we rose up against them.”

“They are the dogs,” Micah said.

Samuel laughed quietly. “Oh the ignorance of youth, eh, Zechariah? We were once full of ideas and bravery. We can drive them out. Oh, how we dreamed for independence in those days. But, the Romans, they are just too many, too strong. Suicide is what revolt would bring, suicide. And the women and children, they would use them to disgrace us more. Rape, slavery, death. That is all we would get if we tried to drive them out.”

“Aren’t we already slaves! With God’s help we could drive them out, drive them all the way back to Rome,” Micah said.

He took another drink of wine and eyed everyone, “I hear there are those who believe it is time. Even where we live, there is talk amongst the travelers coming and going.”

“Talk is cheap my young friend,” Eleazar said. “Enough, enough. Tell me Abishua, have you a wife?”

Yes, her name is Naomi. She normally comes with me. We usually go straight to her parents home but she did not come this trip.”

“Well, I should like to meet her sometime. And my Sarah would like to meet her also. Are you a shepherd?”

“Yes, I have around seventy sheep. I usually sell all my wool to merchants who come through my town. I get a fair price and I do not have to bring it here to Jerusalem. We do not spin or weave the wool. We just shear the sheep and sell it.”

“Shepherding is a good life. I was a shepherd when I was younger. I lived not too far from Zechariah. We used to shear our sheep together. Elizabeth would spin my wool for me. Those were days,” he said and slapped Zechariah on the leg.”

Sarah came in the door carrying a small sack of food.

“Zechariah, Samuel, oh my. I forgot it was your week. How is Elizabeth?” she said as she navigated around the men to a table where she could sit her groceries down.

“Oh, don’t get up. You must be famished. Let me get you some broth and bread.”

“Elizabeth said she wants you and Eleazar to come visit. It has been so long,” Zechariah said.

“Yes. Did you bring some cloth, some of her rugs?”

“It is all there in the bundles. She has out done herself this time,” Zechariah said as he pointed to the bundles.

“Here, eat,” Sarah said as she set the bread and broth on the table.

Eleazar said a quick blessing and tore the pieces of flatbread into halves and passed them to the priests. Each tore off a piece and passed it along. They began dipping the bread in the broth and eating. Sarah sat a bowl with some grapes and dates in it on the table beside the broth.

“Eleazar, who has a good cow for sale at a fair price?” Zechariah asked.

“Hm, a good cow at a fair price? You are in Jerusalem Zechariah. Not even I can get a good cow for a fair price. I am not even sure you could find a good cow in Jerusalem these days. Maybe at the Temple, but you know how those merchants inflate the price of everything.”

“Perhaps he get a bad cow for a fair price?” Jahzerah said.

The men laughed.

“Of course, you would have to look very, very close to ensure it is a cow after all. Maybe it would just be a donkey in a cowhide,” Micah said.

“Anything is possible here in Jerusalem. Ever since the Romans have come things have changed, and not for the better. The Sanhedrin still govern for the most part, but Caesar still has the final say,” Eleazar said.

Yes,” said Samuel. “And those he appoints as governors.”

Never the less, I am looking for a cow to purchase or trade for. Can you ask around for me Eleazar?”

“Consider it done.”

“We had better go to the Temple now,” Samuel said. “We need to be there before sundown. Eleazar, your hospitality is always a pleasure.”

“The pleasure is mine old friend.”

The priests rose and filed out the door into the busy street. Abishua and Ithamar retrieved the donkeys from the corral as Zechariah and Eleazar hugged goodbye. Eleazar then hugged each of the priests and spoke a short blessing over each.

Sarah came out of the house and handed each priest a small cake wrapped in linen.

“Sarah, you didn’t have to,” Zechariah said.

“Eleazar has grown tired of my cakes. He doesn’t appreciate them anymore, unlike our friends from afar.”

“Your cakes are good, but it is your goat stew that really hits the spot for me,” Eleazar said.

“Goodbye friends,” Sarah said then slipped back into the house.

“Eleazar, I will see you at the end of the week to collect my cow. I trust the cloth and wool will be a fair trade.”

“In Jerusalem. A fair trade,” Eleazar said as he waved his friends onward to the temple. “We shall see. Good to see you.”

“Likewise,” said Zechariah.

The priests headed into the throng of customers still crowding the street and disappeared from Eleazar’s sight.

© 2011 John Pearson All Rights Reserved.