Chronicles of the

Children of Destiny

Anthology III

By

Daniel Thomas Andrew Daly

http://noahidebooks.angelfire.com

Stories

The Birth of Meludiel

The Heart of Eternity

Gabriel 2

The Walls of Eternity

Screaming Negative

Sharakondra’s Lost Pennies

Blood Red Moon

Gabriel 3

Lost in the Dralikon

Ambriel’s Day Off

Michael 2

The Birth of Meludiel

God mused. The heart of the Messiah was a complex and difficult thing to fathom, such being his yearning towards love and infinity. Such being his yearning towards God and eternity. Yet, one heart, one love, filled a void in him, which nothing else could fill – his blessed twin, Meludiel.

Ambriel – the Messiah to be – would be twin and heart of Meludiel, as she would be his – and yet, there would be one other to claim her soul as well – charming old Daniel. He was ever so incorrigible.

Meludiel took form in the heart of God for months, if not years, such being the devotion he was placing into her being, the sheer commitment to those she loved, and those she was concerned about. He ministered grace into her innermost being, patience, and virtue. And he would place Jesus in her heart, as her King, for a time period as well. And in those things she would find her completion as an angel of God.

He worked on her, and continued to work on her, birthing her spirit in his heart, and whispering dreams to her mind, and adventures of passion and glory to her soul, and telling her he loved her, and she would forever be in her father’s hands. He whispered songs of melody to her heart, and songs of harmony, and the song of creation, the song of eternity, was implanted into her very soul, the very fibre of her being. And he loved her, dearly. He loved her.

Meludiel sat, those early days, on the pre-school floor, sitting there, looking beautiful, with Ambriel running all over the place, chasing Daniel, and playing games, and watching, occasionally, his twin, to make sure she was ok. And Ariel came inside from time to time, away from hunting the wolf who bothered her, and sat with Meludiel, and they sang songs, and they played games, and they loved each other, and God was happy. Watching them, there, in the nursery of his heart, in the nursery of his soul – in the nursery of Infinity, in the nursery of Eternity.

The End

The Heart of Eternity

God was the heart of Eternity. Ambriel believed this. Ambriel knew this. That would never change.

Ambriel had a philosophy on life. Love God. That was, generally, his main philosophy. God would respond in love to him and direct him, constantly, in the way he needed to go, as long as Ambriel trusted God and showed him love. The heart of eternity – connecting to the heart of eternity – putting the heart of eternity first and foremost. This was Ambriel’s solution on life. It was Ambriel’s focus.

* * * * *

‘Daniel. What is your focus? What do you live for?’ queried Ariel.

Daniel frowned. What was that question supposed to mean. ‘Why, you of course, dear Ariel.’

She smiled, but the look on her face suggested to him he hadn’t answered as he ought.

‘Oh, you know. The general things. The ‘American Dream’ as they put it. Life, love and the pursuit of happiness. Those sorts of things.’

‘But is there a focus. A key, fundamental focus, which underlies everything.’

‘The truth, I suppose.’

‘Yes, you say that, don’t you? The truth. What about God, though. What about him?’

He looked at her. He didn’t really know what he could say on that issue. He had challenged those ideas from time to time himself. What could he really say?

‘Do you love God, Danny? Is he the centre of your life?’

‘No,’ responded the Seraphim resolutely.

‘He is Ambriel’s centre. That much I know to be true.’

‘Yes, you probably would,’ said Daniel under his breath. Ariel said nothing, although she did hear him.

‘Perhaps you need to love God more, Danny. Perhaps he needs to be your focus. Perhaps you need to ground on the most high.’

Daniel defended himself. ‘I get by. I love God enough as any angel. More than a lot I would surmise, honestly. We get along.’

‘And that is good enough? Getting along?’

‘What are you driving at, Ariel?’

She stared at him. ‘Do you ever wonder why God chose Ambriel for glory for the role of Messiah? Why he overlooked you?’

‘I wasn’t Jewish.’

She thought on that. ‘He could still have given you glory.’

‘Tell that to King David, sweetie. Noahides have only so much say with Jehovah. He does love us, I know that to be true, but he is Israel centred. That is not for me. That is not my way.’

‘Why not?’ she asked.

‘Just because. Ok. Just because.’

She went silent. She wouldn’t prod him any further.

* * * * *

God was sitting at home, looking at Metatron. Daniel was on his mind. His Seraphim son Daniel. What could God do to show Daniel that he loved Daniel for just being him, and that didn’t rely on his love for Israel. How could he show him that he cared for Daniel as Daniel. How could he.

* * * * *

Ariel snuggled up to Daniel in bed. She placed her arm on his chest, and started singing a hymn. One of Haven Noahide Fellowship’s love hymns to God. Daniel rested there, looking at the ceiling, drifting away to a quiet and pleasant slumber.

In dream world God was there. And he was giving Daniel an arm wrestle, which Daniel won. And God looked at his son. ‘The world is your’s Danny. Take whatever you want. I love your forever and always.’ And Daniel nodded.

Later that year, Daniel had been going through the motions in prayer, and suddenly felt like he needed, really, to get out of a malaise he had been going through for so long.

He sat back down in the prayer room, whispered to the computer to play some classical, and with the sound of Mozart, he started singing from the centre of his heart to God. It was quiet, a song of pure love. And as he sang, years of frustrations and jealousies seemed to disappear and, suddenly, Daniel was at peace with the one who was. And, suddenly, everything was once again right in the world. Innocence restored. And Daniel found an old love re-emerging and peace was once again there.

The days which followed Daniel connected to the heart of eternity. He connected in a way he had never really thought on much before, and finding peace and new meaning he consoled himself to let the past go and walk on into the future. Let the water under the bridge be forgotten and move onwards and forwards into the loving heart of his eternal father.

The End

Gabriel 2

Gabriel looked at the shopping trolley. Full of junk. Really, his current girlfriend Fiona had no idea. No blinking idea whatsoever. But she didn’t care. Money was to be spent. May as well spend it. Nothing better to do than buy some new shoes and a handbag.

An old acquaintance, Madragor, just happened to walk past in the shopping mall of Terraphon complex, just a short distance from Terraphon itself. Madragor looked at the helpless fool. ‘Shopping, huh bro? I bet you are really having the time of your life.’

‘Yeh. Tell me about it.’

Madragor picked through the contents of the trolley. ‘So who is your current fling? Aquariel still not interested, huh?’

‘No, Aquariel is no longer interested. I am not to her taste, so she informs me. Anyway, she is a Cherubim named Fiona. Comes from a strongly religious cherubim family, but has no such great passions herself.’

‘Yeh. And that suits you?’

‘She is about right for me at the moment. I am reflective, currently. On a hundred year sabbatical from Zaphon to relax for a while. 20,000 years in the job left me in need with a change.’

‘I’ll bet it would. Still, you were doing a first rate job, bro. Everyone likes your style. Similar to Michael’s, traditional and all that, but with your unique perspective.’

‘Yeh, I guess.’

‘Hey, buy a porno. Girls like that.’

‘Very funny, Madragor. Father does not approve of that for the Overseer. Strict protocols to be observed. I have to be practically celibate unless married, and regular fasting is required.’

‘Cripes. Glad it’s not me.’

‘You never know. It could be one day.’

‘Yeh, at the end of eternity.’

‘Perhaps. But that beast called time simply marches on, so best beware my cherubim brother.’

Madragor laughed at that.

‘Well, is this Fiona chick cute.’

‘Oh, she’s alright. Average to above looks I guess. What appealed to me about her was her normality. Nothing special, and doesn’t really pretend to be. But she said she liked me for me, and not my birth rank. I think she is telling me the truth. She’s a good kid. We might be together for a while.’

‘I wish you luck dear brother. Well, gotta go. See you around some time.’

‘Seeya Madragor.’

Madragor buzzed off, back to his life, and Gabriel stood there, in front of the trolley, waiting on the return of his current squeeze.

Half an hour later she finally showed, two more plastic bags in her arms.

‘You really do like to shop, don’t you Fiona.’

‘Hey, what’s a girl to do? Besides, your rich, you like me, so I may as well enjoy your hospitality.’

Gabriel smiled. At least she was honest.

‘Can we go now?’

‘Ooh, you have been good Gabby. Ok. Just this once. But let’s get some Pizza.’

‘I’ll order. What do you want?’

‘Pepperoni. And some Sprite.’

‘Cool.’

Later on they were vegged out in front of the television, watching Home and Away, eating pizza and drinking soft drink. She slept with him that night, giving him a good time. A happy time. A time of life in what he enjoyed most of all anyway.

And things were pretty much good at the moment for Gabriel the Seraphim. Pretty much fine and dandy, all things considered.

The End

The Walls of Eternity

‘The walls of eternity cover us from things that should not be known. That should never be known.’

Saruviel was still barely recovering from the fit he had gone through, and nobody had ever really considered him an epileptic before, but when he uttered those words Daniel and Ambriel, looking at their brother breathe heavily on the bed, Ariel wiping his head with a cool rag, a concerned Krystabel and Meludiel looking on, did not really know what to think.

‘Sure, Saruviel. Whatever you say,’ consoled Ambriel. ‘Whatever you say.’

Daniel looked at Ambriel and looked at the nervous Krystabel, who seemed to have a look on her face as if this had happened before.

Later on, Saruviel asleep, resting, the little group were gathered in the main living room of Danielphon, sharing a meal, discussing their brother. Daniel turned to Krystabel and asked his question. ‘This has happened before? Hasn’t it, Kryssie.’

Krystabel looked at her brother solemnly, perhaps unwilling to speak, but shortly began.

‘Yes. Once, a few years ago. He had a fit and came out of it, and spoke with me a while later, in quiet horror, of what he had seen in brief visions.’

The group said nothing, and Daniel looked at Ambriel who shrugged his shoulders as if to say ‘I don’t know what to say.’ He turned back to Krystabel and asked again. ‘What. What kind of things.’

‘Horrible things, Daniel. Horrible things. He spoke of faces of demons, of tortures, of violence and rapes and murders and things unspoken of. Of pure evil.’

‘And why did he see these things?’ asked Meludiel.

The group waited on Krystabel’s words, but she did not speak. A chilling foreboding of horror seemed to come over the group, but suddenly God’s spirit was upon them, consoling them, telling them not to worry, that he had everything in hand.

The weeks passed, and so did the months and, finally, Daniel unable to resist, came to Saruviel and queried him. And the dark lord spoke of his visions.

‘These things, Daniel… These things are what can not and never will be. They are of horrors of life which could be, should God allow them, but he never will. But, through his wisdom, he strengthens us in turn to know of such horror so that we can disavow and resist the temptations of evil, in whatever form they may be known.’

Daniel nodded. He had surmised such an idea himself.

And so, life going on, in its merry and gentle hum and strum, Daniel gave careful thought to the walls of eternity which protected him and his own from the horror of life which could potentially be. And known, and trusting his God, he was grateful for the eternal goodness and love and grace of his holy and infallible eternal father.

The End

Screaming Negative

Ambriel looked at his watch. He was nervous.

* * * * *

Daniel looked at his watch. He was nervous.

* * * * *

‘It’s a boy, Ambriel. Meludiel has borne you a baby boy. Isn’t he adorable,’ said the nurse. Ambriel gazed at his new boy, and smiled warmly with the golden rays of love. ‘A son. Another son. A joy to the heart.’

* * * * *

‘I’m sorry, Daniel. I am so sorry. The girl is dead. She didn’t survive the birthing. Ariel is ok, though. I am so very sorry.’

Daniel looked at the nurse, his mouth agape. What could he say? What could he think.

* * * * *

The months passed, slowly, and Ariel didn’t say much. Oh, she claimed everything was well, everything was good, everything was sweet. But it wasn’t. And then, when Ambriel and Meludiel came over with their new child, Meludiel tried consoling them, but even his most beloved sister couldn’t change the dark stain on his heart. This child had been special to him and Ariel. A child of love. A child of promise. But now, supposedly, it rested in a limbo – in a Sheol of sorts – beyond their care.

And he shouted at himself in the mirror those days, screaming negatives about life, even about God, the one he loved. He screamed negatives, and Ariel just looked at him, with a blank face, unable to comment. The darkness was there between them, in a way it had never really been before, and new life seemed impossible to find. It seemed that way.

It was later in the year, when Daniel had almost considered getting drugged or getting wasted on grog, when he was watching dark movies in his basement of Danielphon, alone, full of sorrow. It was then, a little angel wandered in, one of God’s special angels he did not speak of, which whispered to Daniel’s heart. ‘Inevitably, Daniel, life still goes on. Through all the tribulations of the heart and trials of the soul, in eternity’s realm such fire is gold. Keep the faith – better days will come.’

And so Daniel, somewhat consoled, roused himself out of his malaise, went upstairs, hugged Ariel, and the two of them lay on their bed, staring out the window at the rustling leaves of the trees, getting over it.

The End

Sharakondra’s Lost Pennies

(Warning: Gay Humour)

‘You are an idiot, Semmy. What the hell are you going on about?’

‘Shut up, bitch. I’m busy. Heh, heh, heh.’

But Sharakondra persisted anyway. ‘Semmy,’ she whined. ‘What are you doing? Let me see.’

‘Fuck off. Go hang with your girlfriends.’

She persisted, but no matter how much she bothered him, he wouldn’t let her see what he was typing on the PC. So, taking his advice, she fucked off to her girlfriends, and spent the afternoon drinking booze, smoking dope, and watching gay porn.

‘Heh, heh, heh,’ said Semyaza to himself. ‘This will get the cunt.’

And he clicked ‘SEND’.

4 Hours later Jesus was looking through his new email, and just noticed a new account. It was from email address: jesusisahomosexual@heavenspace.com. ‘What the fuck is this,’ thought the Christ Child to himself.

He opened the email and began reading.

‘Dear lord of the homosexuals. The Father of Glory has duly informed me that you will bang any boy for a buck, so if you are willing, my holy lord and messiah, I would dearly love to go down on you and give you true satisfaction. Please, Lord Jesus Christ, king of evil in bed, be my lover. Your true devoted servant. Ambriel the Seraphim.’

Jesus looked at the email, shocked. ‘Ambriel was gay?’ he queried to himself. Ambriel wanted to suck his cock? Well, mmmm. While he had many gay Catholic priests in his church, he really had not quite yet committed to that lifestyle. But for dear old Ambriel, perhaps he could make an exception.

He responded.

‘Meet me here at home. The address is,’ and he provided all the details, and was looking forward to his first erotic encounter with the Messiah.

Later on that week, Sharakondra was going through her coin collection, and noticed some pennies missing. She went into the loungeroom to speak with Semyaza. ‘Semmy. Have you borrowed any of my pennies?’

‘Uh, yeh. I sold them. I was short of cash.’

‘What did you buy?’

‘Never mind, Shara. Never mind. Heh heh heh.’

It was two weeks later, and Semyaza was visiting Jesus at his home. With his pennies he had travelled to the outer rims and purchased some gay pornography, which technically was not supposed to be allowed in the inner rims, but Semmy didn’t care.

‘So, do you want this stuff?’ asked Semyaza, looking over his shoulder to see if anyone was looking. ‘I am sure David will appreciate it.’

Jesus nodded, took the said gay material, and after Semyaza left, headed for the bedroom to do his business.

It was a little while later and Semyaza had contacted David to suggest they spend an afternoon with Jesus. ‘Time to catch up, don’t you think, hey Amby.’

Ambriel, full of love, happily obliged.

All that afternoon, Jesus stared at David, who smiled lovingly back, and had a quizzical look on his face. Semyaza just grinned and grinned and grinned.

Later on, when they were leaving, Semyaza whispered in David’s ear. ‘I think he likes you, you know Davy.’

David was confused. ‘What do you mean?’

‘Uh, you know,’ said Semyaza. ‘He REALLY likes you. Could be a good time. You should consider it.’

David suddenly caught on. ‘Oh,’ he responded. ‘I see.’ He looked back at the cottage, were Jesus was at the window, waving to both of them.

When David went to bed that night, Meludiel beside him, he made extra passionate love to her, and kept on telling himself over and over again, ‘I like women. I like women. I like women.’

And, in another section of the Realm of Eternity, a little demon called Semyaza, taking another sip of beer, while watching the cricket, grinned and said to himself ‘Thank God for Sharakondra’s coins.’

THE END

Blood Red Moon

‘Jesus. I predict that there shall be a blood red moon tomorrow. And all the world shall fear and turn to God and weep and be at sorrow.’

Jesus, finishing off his sandwich, smiled. ‘Very funny Daniel. I get the point.’

Daniel smiled to himself.

‘Oh. I have another prophecy. Cows shall talk, and sheep shall stand upright, and kittens shall fly in rocket ships.’

Jesus said nothing.

‘And Japanese men will speak English fluently.’

‘Some of them do,’ said Jesus.

‘Ah, So I am a prophet,’ responded Daniel, which made Ariel grin.

‘Oh, wise prophet. Teach us,’ said Jesus, with a grin on his face.

The group of 3 angels, with Jenna still at the counter, ordering her drink and meal, were happy. Little were they to know what the morrow would bring.

* * * * *

Getting up early, Daniel was having breakfast with Ariel, reading the paper, eating his bacon and eggs, when suddenly a whizzing and a crash into the kitchen window by an object. Shortly two young angels appeared at the window, looking nervous. Ariel went outside to see what was happening, but Daniel just continued on with her meal.

When she came back in she had a puzzled look on her face.

‘Who was that?’ asked Daniel, not looking up.

‘The neighbour’s kids. Uh, you might find this ironic.’

‘What,’ he said, still not looking up.

‘They were flying rocket ships they had made. Small model ones. This one which crashed into the window. Well….’

He looked straight at her. ‘Well what?’

‘Well, they looked worried for a reason.’

‘Which was?’ said Daniel, impatiently.

‘Well, the rocket had an occupant. Their pet.’

‘Oh lovely,’ said Daniel. ‘And what was it.’

‘This is the ironic bit. It was a little kitten.’

Daniel stared at her. That was ironic.

* * * * *

Later that afternoon, another quite strange encounter. A professor of some animal science had been working with cows and, now, a breakthrough. Through the implementation of a special speaking device attached to the cow, it was able to decipher the language of the cows and translate the moos into human talk. A particular cow went ‘Moo’ and the device spoke ‘food.’ Daniel and Ariel looked on amazed. Another fulfilled prophecy.

* * * * *

That evening, just before sundown, they had gone out to a farming event to watch a friend of Daniel’s round up some sheep. Ariel had suggested they may as well go with the flow. Daniel stared for half an hour, satisfied that nothing bizarre would happen three times, when the bloke who was with them said ‘I can dance with sheep you know,’ and proceeded to grab a young ewe, lift it up by its front feet and danced with it. And, suddenly letting go, the sheep took a few more steps, walking around upright, before falling back down on all fours. Daniel just shook his head as Ariel tried to console him. He knew someone had prayed about this.

* * * * *

And, suddenly, an announcement over TV that night at 9. God was going to bring a special celebration. A moon was to be made visible, at the special request of a particular son of his, a red moon, to be a special occasion of repentance for past sins.

As Daniel reluctantly watched on Jesus showed up on the screen, pointed the cameraman to the sky and said to the camera ‘And let us fear God and show him due respect for all his miracles. And I do mean everyone. Oh, one last thing. Cimbrel is going to read from an old and ancient tome of English prose on this beautiful happening.’

And, that said, the Japanese Angel Cimbrel, tenth-born of the Seraphim males of Eternity, opened a prose book and read:

‘Blood red moon. Woe to you oh earth, for ye must surely repent. The time of judgement has come, and let us fear our lord. Blood red moon. Sign of the ages. Blood red moon. Sign of Judgement. Blood red moon. Portent of doom. Blood red moon. Blood red moon,’ he finished, in a very polished English accent.

Daniel stared in horror as Jesus again came back on the television. ‘A lovely poem, audience. Read in such fine English style by a true Japanese son.’ And his smile said it all.

* * * * *

At the next little gathering Jesus spoke up. ‘You know. Perhaps I should make a prophecy. You know, Blood Red Moons and the like. Perhaps I fancy myself a prophet. What do you think Daniel?’

The two ladies turned to look at him but all Daniel would say was ‘Shaddup.’

The End

Gabriel 3

Gabriel sat by the Terravon River. His sabbatical was nearing its end, and he would have to return to Zaphon as overseer again soon. But he could enjoy his final few months of freedom.

He looked out as some angels fished the river, hoping to catch some fish. That was what they were for, supposed Gabriel. Fishes. To be fished. Of course, they had their own lives as well. He wondered to himself what it would be like to be a fish. Swimming around in water all day long. No real cares or worries, except about bigger fishes. And possibly crocodiles. Just getting your food and doing nothing. Sleeping. Eating. Swimming. A simple life.

He decided he would be a fish. He walked over to the river, took off his t-shirt, and dived in. As onlookers watched on he swum around, making a fish face with his mouth, pretending to be a fish. A young angel laughed and said Gabriel was being silly to his mother, who reminded him to respect the Realm’s overseer. If he wanted to be silly that was his own business.

Eventually, sick of being a fish, he climbed out and laid on the beach. Time to be a crocodile. He clambered around on the beach and gaped his jaws at the little angel, who screeched joy at being chased by Gabriel the crocodile. ‘I am going to eat you,’ said Gabriel the crocodile, and the little angel was in heaven, running around from the chasing Gabriel.

After a while, he grabbed his t shirt, smiled at the little angel, and returned to his bench. And sitting there, he took out a bottle of juice, took a sip, and let the day continue to unravel.

Life came and went that day. All sorts of angels visiting the Terravon. Doing their thing. Living their lives. It was a constant source of amusement to Gabriel, the regular humdrum of angelic life. Really, in the end, what was it all about apart from going through all the humdrum of things. Theological highs, romantic escapades, glorious heights of rulership of Zaphon. But even that was humdrum, in its own way. Still that was life. May as well get used to it.

Later on, as the afternoon passed and twilight descended, life seemed to be ebbing away and it was getting cool. He picked up his bag, returned to his car, and began the drive back to Terraphon.

Fiona was in a good mood that night. She cooked him fish cakes and potato fritters. Gabriel smelled the fish, the lovely aroma and had a sarcastic thought. Glad I’m not a fish after all. Otherwise some bloody angel called Gabriel would come and eat me. And he laughed to himself.

It was a pleasant end to his sabbatical and, as he finally made his way back to Zaphon, fully rested, he was starting to find certain thoughts finding a familiar home in his heart. The humdrum of life. The regularity of it all. That was essentially what it was all about. Simple. Basic. Uncomplicated. Peaceful. And, perhaps in such wisdom, he could continue his time as overseer of the Realm of Eternity. Perhaps such wisdom was all that the job really required anyway. He liked to think so as he returned to the life of the highest office in the Realm of God’s eternal angels.

The End

Lost in the Dralikon

‘The Dralikon. An empire, a conglomeration, a unity. A difficult and most challenging diverse array of star systems, bound by blood, bound by secrecy, apparently at odds with the remainder of mankind. Arthur Drake, founder of the blood empire of the Dralik’s, swore, apparently, in his youth amongst the children of the resurrection that he would go his separate way and seek his own destiny. Seek his own empire. Seek his own glory. What has bound mankind together so far has been our common ancestry and linkage to Almighty God and his holy ways. We all know the truth of God, even though some do challenge, and it was generally assumed by those greater powers that mankind would rest in these truths divine, accept God, law and order, and the ways of holiness – and the great blessings in store for them over their heavenly future. But Arthur Drake did not see it that way. He did not see it that way at all. The Dralikon span 787 stellar systems, all interconnected, apparently thriving economically, all serving Arthur Drake who sits as Emporer Supreme on ‘Dralik’, the head planetary body and system of his empire. And, for 99% of them, they are all connected by direct lineage to Arthur Drake himself, through procreation, apart from a few males who had been brought in for DNA diversification purposes.’ The speaker left off speaking and looked at those assembled before her.

‘The Dralikon maintain they are not our enemy. They have maintained that for a very long time. It is their official stance, their official position. They release data to us, occasionally, which they say is on a need to know basis only. But, supposedly, the majority of their way of life we really do not need to know. You 7 angels have been brought here, commissioned by Archangel Gabriel, for a specific purpose. You are to infiltrate the Dralikon Empire, seek positions of authority through your own experiences, and 100 years from now you are to report back and inform us of the ways of the Dralikon and wether, truly, we have anything to fear. Arthur Drake has procreated with several angels in his time, and angelicdom in various forms makes up 20% of the population of the Dralikon. From our own investigations we are sure that our identification material we will provide you with will stand the deepest scrutiny. We are sure of that. But, after that, the rest is up to you. You must investigate this empire, this Dralikon, and report back to us at the appointed time. We are relying upon you. Thank you.’

The female speaker stood down from the lectern, and disappeared through the wooden doors. Samael, sitting next to Aphrayel, finally spoke. ‘This is an interesting assignment you have volunteered us for, Aphy. The Dralikon? Should I really be concerned?’

‘They need our skills. Our experience, Sammy. We are the elders of the community, after all. They need to rely on us. This Arthur Drake is an unpredictable soul. He has his own mind – his own agenda. It is left to us to ensure that he is not planning anything untoward towards the rest of us. Who else are they going to call on anyway?’

‘Perhaps the Ghostbusters,’ said Samael, with a slight smirk on his face.

‘Very funny,’ responded Aphrayel.

And so, 7 angels of God, receiving their century long commission, began the training program to infiltrate the Dralikon to ensure the continued peace and prosperity of the world as they knew it.

The End

Ambriel’s Day Off

Ambriel had lost a wager with Daniel, and was agreeing to work at one of Daniel’s fast food outlets for free for a few years. Of course, Danny came in regularly, said his work, despite Ambriel’s majestic efforts at cleanliness, routine, and procedure, was always substandard and only fit for the devil. And, thus, rebuked Ambriel in front of the whole staff constantly, saying, with a large smirk on his face, whatever you do, staff, don’t end up like this Schmuk. Ambriel took it on the chin.

Ambriel, having worked 17 weeks without a break, had qualified for leave after completing his 15^th week, and had applied to the manager for a day off, which his manager, who actually acknowledged Ambriel’s superlative work, agreed to.

And so Ambriel, happy with his day off, came into work anyway, sat on one of the seats of the fast food franchise, drinking coke and eating fries for most of the morning, very happy when Daniel finally showed up for a regular inspection.

‘Who’s the Schmuk?’ Daniel asked the manager, in reference to Ambriel who was sitting there pleasantly, eating his fries, smiling at everyone.

‘Uh. He’s a customer I guess,’ responded the manager.

‘Right,’ said Daniel.

He came over, sat down on a seat opposite Ambriel and spoke up. ‘We always value good customers, here at ‘Golden Fries and Burgers.’ Have you heard about our loyalty scheme?’

‘Nope,’ said Ambriel, munching on his fries.

‘Well, you are issued with a keycard, and you use it every time you shop with us. There are greater and greater rewards for the more items you purchase. You could even afford a holiday to New Terra – eventually – if you shop with us long enough.’

‘Sounds interesting,’ said Ambriel, continuing with his fries.

‘Mmm.’ Said Daniel. ‘I like the cut of your jib, fella. Tell me, are you employed anywhere? Golden fries and burgers could use a man like you.’

‘I get by,’ responded Ambriel, who was starting to laugh a little.

‘Right. Well, if you ever need some work, remember, ‘Golden Fries and Burger’s’. We are always looking for competent staff like you seem to be capable of being.’

‘I’ll remember that,’ said Ambriel, a big grin on his face.

Later on that day, Daniel having given Ambriel a number of free meals during the day, Ambriel finally made his way home, full, and burping a lot. It had been a good day off.

The following day at work, Daniel showed up unexpectedly, and there was a staff meeting. He looked at Ambriel. ‘There’s the Schmuk,’ he said. ‘Now who on earth would give a fella like you a job? Hey staff.’ They all said nothing. ‘I mean, you would have to be a complete idiot to offer this kind of fella a job. I mean, probably makes fowl smelling fries, and the burgers he cooks you would probably puke on.’ All the time Daniel was shaking his head while smiling, looking at Ambriel.

At the end of the day, when his shift was over, Daniel came over to Ambriel and smiled. ‘Good work today, Amby Wamby,’ he said. ‘You really are a fine employee.’

Ambriel finally cracked. ‘You know, Daniel. Your… Your…. Your…’

‘Yes,’ said Daniel, with a big grin on his face.’

‘Your despicable,’ said Ambriel, and Daniel only grinned the more.

The End

Michael 2

Chapter One

The dark lord Saruviel redressed the crowd, with powerful words.

‘No, friends. Michael is not thick. He is not stupid. He is not dumb. No matter how many times my friend Satan suggests as such, I defend my older brother’s honour. Michael is a decent and holy angel.’

The crowd of devil worshippers were smirking – some were laughing – dioesque devil symbols with the hands were being made. Saruviel was in heaven – literally.

‘Of course, he is far from bright, either. I suppose, in truth, of adequate intellect. Perhaps.’

Satan came on, and the clapping was intense as the lord of darkness took centre stage.

Down the back sat Archangel Michael, who had slipped in unobserved to the forum on ‘Michael the Seraphim of Eternity – Is he really an idiot?’ sponsored by the darkest of Lord’s, Satan himself. He had caught most of Saruviel’s sermon, and was now ready for Satan’s exposition of dark wisdom.

Satan glared at the audience, who only clapped the more.

‘Michael, despite my dear brother Saruviel’s obvious affection for his older brother, is an idiot.’

The crowd cheered.

‘He is thick!’ exclaimed Satan.

The crowd cheered more.

‘He is stupid!’ exclaimed Satan once more.

The crowd cheered again.

And for the next 15 minutes Satan let off insult after insult describing the absolute abysmal character of one of God’s dearest children. And then someone in the crowd spotted Michael. Boos were quite horrible, but Michael took it.

Satan glared at him. ‘Dear, dear Michael. Come, let us hear you speak. Defend your honour, oh child of the Most High God.’

The boos were intense.

Michael, unafraid, came forward, and looked at the audience who, after much booing, finally calmed down.

‘I am sure those who love the dark have always opposed those who represent the truth. It is there nature. Yet the truth shines, as does the love and mercy of God. And no force, no matter how dismal, can ultimately prevail against it. Thank you.’

The boos started up again, and Satan took the stand.

‘An, how shall I put it. An ADEQUATE speech, dear Michael. Dear, dear Michael,’ he said with a glare of pure mockery.

Michael disappeared after that, back to Zaphora, far enough away from the mockery of the evil ones.

Chapter Two

‘Thanks Saruviel. You are all heart,’ commented Michael sarcastically.

‘Did you notice Kantriel and Daraqel over the other side of the audience. And the usual entourage.’

Michael nodded.

‘So don’t say we weren’t there to protect you, ok brother. I knew you were coming. The theophany told me. I arranged it with Kantriel and Daraqel and a few others to make sure nothing silly happened.

Michael softened. ‘Really, Saruviel? Really?’

‘Ask God.’

* * * * *

In the throneroom of Zaphon Michael was waiting. He had been there for about an hour and had asked God if Saruviel was really there, at the Assembly of Evil, to watch over himself.

Finally God spoke.

‘YES.’

And Michael let some of his agro against Saruviel go from that point onwards.

Chapter Three

Samael of heaven, thoughtfully listened to Michael’s objections.

‘You started it Sammy. Your promised repentance is supposed to mean something, isn’t it.’

Samael of heaven, putting the bird seed for his canary down, sat down next to Michael.

‘You misunderstand Satan, dear Michael. You always have done. He is supremely proud and arrogant, but that is all. He will mock you, and deride you, and have a go at you if he has the powerbase. But it is not really, any more, just for the heck of being a bad boy. He just doesn’t like God that much. He never really appreciated his casting away from the Realm of Infinity. But, despite the evil machinations he puts on, there is a heart inside there, there is a truth, which will ultimately relent and acknowledge points of fact – points of truth, that you claim embellish morality as well. If you prove your case, he will slowly listen. But don’t expect miracles.’

‘And you, Sammy? Your motivations.’

‘I was never, really, understood. I did then, and still do, love quite a bit. I have a sarcastic side, one which I do know can get well out of hand, but nothing more. I keep it in check in this sentence of repentance. You need not worry about me for some time – I am a man of honour.’

Michael nodded. That much was proving the case so far.

‘Satan doesn’t intend to destroy you forever, Michael. Who would he oppose – for kicks – in the end. Do you understand? He is just, how shall I put it, still in a youthful rebellious phase. Even he will acknowledge to you, in the end, he will eventually get over it. Eventually.’

Michael looked at Samael of heaven, not really sure if he should believe his words, but thanked him and left. He’d heard enough.

Chapter Four

‘So I shouldn’t be patient, son? You have known the mercies of God, haven’t you?’

Michael said nothing.

The theophany looked at him softly, and made a move in the game of chess. They were at home, and Michael felt better.

‘Don’t fear, Michael. Satan can’t conquer you. He is not strong enough. Besides, I grant eternity to those good of heart, regardless. The testing is never more than they can bear, if they continue to choose goodness.’

‘It isn’t?’ exclaimed Michael.

‘No,’ responded God. And that was the end of the matter.

The End