Resolve clear in Michael’s head, he turned his attention to the unsettling feeling that wouldn’t go away. Since making love with Emma didn’t seem to dampen it, he knew better than to disregard it any longer and figured it had something to do with Agremon. He hadn’t shown his face for a long while, and that bothered him. What was he up to? There had been no sign of him around the property, no threaded signature to give him away. Michael was confident that the Brethren guarding the property would be able to smoke him out with the smallest of indicators of his existence.He got up from bed, and she immediately reached out in her sleep. Instantly deprived of what had become so essential, her, he grimaced, tucked his wings away, and got dressed. He had a job to do that he mustn’t forget; protect the Great Savior Mother and the Great Warrior Child.So, he skulked around the house, scanning for anything unusual. Maybe cruising about would help hi
Hannah stood stone still. She was finally face to face with Mr. Namirha. “Come to me, child. Don’t be afraid. I am to be your father come your birthday. Oh, and what a birthday it will be, my dear! We’ll have ourselves such a party to end all parties.” He clasped his hands together and smiled. “Would you like that? I’m sure you would. Come, give your father a hug.” He entreated with all the adulation and warmth a parent would bestow on his only child. He reached his arms out to her and waited.The child that was Hannah froze with fear, and the soul that was the Ancient Warrior took over, gently pushing the terrified child back into a safe little corner of her mind.The Ancient Warrior soul knew exactly what to do and began to weave a story to save the little girl’s life. She spoke in a thin, wavering voice.“I’ve always missed having a father. My mother has kept me away from him against both of our wish
Raphael put a gentle hand on Emma’s back. Her pain was so acute, that even with his mighty strength, he had to fight to keep his hand upon her. “Emma, it’s Raphael. Let me help you.” He placed his other hand on her head and stroked her hair, all the while releasing his own healing energy. He gave her all he could without jeopardizing his own safety. But she needed more. She had released all of her energies with that blast and was completely tapped out.“Emma, can you hear me?” Raphael urged.“Yes,” she whispered back weakly.“You need more than I can give. And your protections are blown to bits. You are vulnerable. Cassiel can complete the healing, but you will need Michael to repair your protection.”She slowly turned her face up, her bloodshot eyes still swimming with tears. Soft as a whisper, yet strong with conviction she ordered, “Get someone else.”“You don’t
Michael sat down and gripped her arms harshly. She grimaced and he loosened his hold.“Emma, there is nothing for me to forgive. You have every right not to trust me. What have I done to gain your trust? Huh? I’ve told you a crazy story about who you are and brought you into this otherworldly realm of angels and immortals. I’ve let Agremon get to you not once but three times now. I’m the failure here. E.L. never should have picked me for the Trinity. I’m too ashamed to even ask for your forgiveness.” He tore away from her and stood by the small window facing the mountains, pounding a fist against the window frame. She was shocked. He didn’t despise her? He feels ashamed? And he’s asked for my forgiveness? This isn’t right. She rose to stand beside him and leaned her head against his shoulder.“Your guilt complex seems to be as immovable as those damn mountains.” She pointed out the window.&
Namirha was in his temporary office, a glorified tent at Headquarters, putting the finishing touches on his sermon for this morning’s service and could feel the masses lining up at the registration desks in front of the enormous tent-like sanctuary. It could easily seat about a thousand people, and by the looks of it, would wind up being standing room only for this, the first of three separate services: one for morning, one for the afternoon, and one for the evening. By then, he figured he’d have all the followers he needed to press forward with his plans to destroy his enemies and rule the world. Yes, his people were coming. He knew they would. How weak of faith these mortals were to their Gods.Last night, surprisingly, Agremon had come through and given him Hannah. Just how he had escaped to do Namirha’s bidding still gnawed at him. He obviously had powers he’d kept hidden. Namirha would be wise to keep a closer eye on him.And there Hannah s
The other Brethren spaced themselves inconspicuously amongst the other lines that had formed to speed up registration. Slowly but surely they all made their way to the same campsite where Michael and Emma had been brought, and were placed ‘coincidentally’ near each other. Everyone was busily setting up their tents and stowing their gear when a voice suddenly could be heard emanating from the surrounding trees. It was Agremon!“Services will begin in ten minutes. All followers are to make their way to the prayer tent. Again, services will be in ten minutes. All followers are to make their way to the prayer tent.”“Okay, that was creepy.” Emma shivered. Michael walked over to give her a reassuring hug.“Yeah, hearing Agremon’s voice all around us definitely ranks up there with all that is creepy. Looking around, I can tell they’ve got not only speakers in the trees, but security cameras, too. It’s not a p
The coast was clear. Michael waved Emma to come forward as he watched for any signs of Agremon or other henchmen that Namirha probably had nearby. But the place seemed deserted. He listened by the tent’s opening as she scurried next to him. He heard voices. One was definitely Hannah’s, the other a woman’s.He put his finger to his lips to make sure she stayed silent and motioned that he was going in, alone. She nodded. His Brethren speed assured a quick and silent entrance. He immediately put the woman to sleep with the touch of his hand to her forehead. Hannah remained quiet while he whispered for Emma to come in.She rushed inside and scooped Hannah up into her arms before Michael could even blink. Hannah clung to her mother. Her smile reached her contented eyes, and she showered Emma with kisses, receiving just as many back.“Oh, my dear angel, I’m so glad you’re okay. I’ve been worried sick about you. We had no idea
Namirha jumped back up on stage and spoke to the group of people sitting on the stage with him. They all got up at the same time, took bags from under their chairs, and began to circulate around the audience. Emma leaned side to side, standing on her tiptoes, trying to see what they were passing out, but she was too short. She looked over at Michael, who was having no problem looking over the heads of the congregants.“They’re passing out hundred dollar bills, along with medallion necklaces; just like the one he gave to Hannah.”“No wonder these people are going crazy.” She shook her head. “Emma, their minds are being controlled by wearing those amulets of his making. So he’s not as strong as he was the last time we clashed. Very interesting. No wonder he wants Hannah so desperately. He’s losing his powers.”“Hmmm. Mr. All-Powerful is not so much, eh?” she quipped.More of his followers cam