Exile of Lucifer (26 page)

200          CHRONICLES of the Host: Exile            of Lucifer
hand upon the chairs that seated the more prominent members of
the group. As he did so he thought of those angels and how their
destinies were bound to Lucifer's.
Here sits the wisdom angel Tinius: reserved, careful, often
doubtful. But quite clever. He smiled as he thought of Tinius' ever-
present misgivings which Lucifer always artfully dealt with. Tinius
was always prepared to raise questions though backed off defend-
ing the issues he raised. However, his ambitious nature tied him
closely to Lucifer.
Next to Tinius, opposite Lucifer at the head of the table sits the
esteemed Pellecus. The brilliant and bitter Pellecus had helped
Lucifer fashion a philosophical impetus for their movement. He
was shrewd, ambitious and, where the Academy was concerned,
vengeful. Serus moved behind the chair and looked down the table
to Lucifer's chair. The chair seemed filled with Lucifer's com-
manding presence. These two were skilled at manipulating the dis-
cussion between them to a desired outcome.
The next seat was reserved for Lenaes, the Keeper of the Light,
a symbolic office granted him by the Most High. Lenaes was
shrewd, reserved and calculating. Lenaes rarely spoke up in Coun-
cil, but was probably one of the more dedicated angels in the move-
ment. It was Lenaes who would become Lucifer's liaison to the
court of Heaven one day--the embassy from earth.
The final wisdom angel was Belor, whose title Angel of Light
bore with it the responsibility to teach accurately the truths of the
Most High. Belor had long since departed from teaching and, like
Pellecus, dreamed of the time when he could put to rest the notions
of Crispin and the other arrogant angels, whose preferred teaching
had driven him and Pellecus out of the Academy.
The next four chairs were reserved for the worship angels
Drachon, Fineo, Sar and the recently chaired Berenius, who took
over Sangius' position. Of the four, Berenius was by far the most
cunning. Alert, daring and articulate, Berenius was a rising star in
Lucifer's world and his future in the new regime was assured. Dra-
chon and Fineo were bound to Lucifer for their love of praise and
saw themselves in exalted roles on earth as leaders in the worship

"Was it really from this position all of Heaven was to quake?"   201
there. Sar was something of an outsider whose desire for promi-
nence in Heaven found refuge in Lucifer's world.
Serus moved to the final four chairs which hosted the warring
branch of the Council: Rugio, Vel, Prian and Nathan. Led by Rugio,
who commanded the Legion of the Fiery Host, these angels repre-
sented Lucifer's strength in terms of the ability to wage war. Rugio
was brutal, strong and loyal, but also tended to be headstrong and
impetuous. His warrior charges Vel, Prian and Nathan blindly took
their orders from him and together they represented a large num-
ber of warrior angels who were drifting to this adventurous cause.
Finally Serus came to Lucifer's chair. Slightly larger than the
others, it was from this seat that the lord of a few opposed the Lord
of all. Serus suddenly found the entire idea amusing. Was it really
from this position that all Heaven was to quake? He felt both proud
and ashamed of his master: proud, because of the boldness and
brashness which seemed to be carrying Lucifer to a sure steward-
ship of earth; ashamed because in his heart he knew Lucifer was
wrong.
He thought of the many conversations which had taken place
in this very room; of things seditious and secretive; of things per-
verse and presumptuous; of things arrogant and abasing. He could
see Lucifer, self-assured as ever, discussing disturbing issues in
such a manner that by the time he was finished any angel might
hold with him.
He could envision Pellecus affirming Lucifer's dialog with
philosophical jargon and nonsensical angelic logic which, by the
conclusion of the meeting, seemed to make perfect sense.
He also thought of poor Sangius, who had opposed Lucifer,
and was disgraced by being removed from the Council and having
his name besmirched at the Temple by angels acting on Lucifer's
orders.
As these thoughts flooded his mind, Serus also thought of the
words which Michael had spoken to him: how the Lord was always
ready to receive one who was truly prepared to turn to Him. Hadn't
Sangius recently recovered his joy? If Sangius could recover his
name and fellowship among the Host, could not Serus? Yet there

202          CHRONICLES of the Host: Exile           of Lucifer
was a hesitation, a doubt which gnawed at Serus, and which ham-
mered away at him accusing him of his unworthiness to serve the
Most High. He was in too deeply with Lucifer and must now see it
through to the end--not because he wanted to, but because he felt
he deserved the same fate as Lucifer.
Serus had already secretly taken the position that Lucifer
could not possibly prevail. At best he would be completely over-
whelmed by Michael; at worst he would be completely destroyed.
He glanced again at the chairs and thought of how each of these
prominent angels might one day become a byword for rebellion.
He tossed his own name in the mix as well. Serus was certainly not
prominent, but he was as guilty as the rest.
He walked over to the large window from which Lucifer often
brooded. The Temple looked glorious as usual, sparkling in the dis-
tance. If there were only a way that led back to that place of fel-
lowship with the Most High he would certainly take it. His eyes fell
casually to a chart on a side table that was a map of the Kingdom.
He picked it up and lost himself for a moment as he surveyed the
layout of Heaven.
All the paths lead to the Temple eventually, should one desire to
make the journey, came a thought. He lay the map down and started
to walk away when suddenly something deep inside him repeated
the phrase. This time he looked around certain that someone in the
room had spoken the words, but realized that the voice he was
hearing was from within. A sensation suddenly stirred with him--
something ancient, something sacred, something that he had not
felt in a very long time. He could barely recognize it, yet it was
quite distinct. It hearkened back to a different time, a happier time,
a joyful time. It was the unmistakable presence of the Holy One.
----------------
"Serus!" boomed Lucifer. "Serus!"
No answer.
Lucifer glared at Pellecus and Tinius who had followed him
back to Heaven after their discussion on earth. They looked at each
other and said nothing.

"Was it really from this position all of Heaven was to quake?"   203
"I am astonished that he is not here!" Lucifer growled. His
aura was so bright that the room was filled with bluish light, cast-
ing an icy pallor on everything. "I will see him serve in the remotest
part of this universe!" he bellowed. "SERUS!"
"Perhaps he is simply at worship," offered Tinius.
"Serus? At worship?" Lucifer laughed. "He worships here.
No, I believe he is with Michael. Serus is the one angel in Heaven
who could damage me. And now he is with the one angel in Heav-
en who could disrupt all of my plans? I have been betrayed!"
"My lord, until you speak with Serus you cannot possibly
make that assumption," said Pellecus. "If he did speak with
Michael, better to court him than punish him."
Lucifer thought about Pellecus's words for a moment. The
blue aura began to subside as Lucifer calmed down. "I quite agree,"
he finally said. "I'll deal with him in my own way." Lucifer paced
the room thinking. "Serus is easily swayed. Better to hold him close
and offer him something than put him out where he cannot be
trusted."
As he spoke those words the door opened and Serus ambled
in. Pellecus and Tinius stepped out of the room and met Serus com-
ing in. He carried with him a large scroll. When he saw Pellecus
and Tinius he knew immediately that Lucifer was in the house and
his casual attitude deserted him. Pellecus motioned in the next
rooms and said, "He's in there." Tinius simply smirked at him.
Lucifer had by now completely regained his composure, real-
izing that in dealing with Serus a soft answer would yield much
greater benefit. He asked Serus to sit down--a first in their rela-
tionship. Serus began to sit in a side chair but Lucifer motioned him
to the table.
"No, no, Serus," said Lucifer. "Here, at the table."
"The Council table?" asked Serus meekly.
"Of course," said Lucifer. "After all, you aspire to sit on this
Council one day, do you not?"
"I have always thought about that," admitted Serus.
"Excellent," said Lucifer. "What have you there?"

204          CHRONICLES of the Host: Exile           of Lucifer
Serus held out the scroll he was carrying. "I borrowed this
from the Academy library. Polias recommended it as a good source
on the creation of the angels."
"Well," said Lucifer in an impressed tone, "you are certainly
ambitious, Serus."
"I simply wish to be informed," Serus said guardedly. He was
not at all accustomed to being treated with such cordiality.
"Don't we all?" said Lucifer, concealing his contempt for
Serus. "Pellecus! Tinius! Come in here, please!"
Pellecus immediately recognized the scroll as he came into the
room and took his place at the table. "Ah, the Creation Chronicles,"
he said. "Quite an interesting summation of the creation of Heav-
en's citizens, Serus. Wouldn't you agree?"
"I haven't read them yet," Serus answered. "But, yes, the cre-
ation of the angels is quite fascinating to me." He watched Tinius
take his usual position. They all looked at Lucifer, his hands folded
in front of him.
"There is, as you are aware, another creation occurring,"
Lucifer began. "Perhaps you will read about it one day as well. We
just returned from earth, Serus." He indicated the other two angels.
"Pellecus, Tinius and myself have come to a vital conclusion: The
Lord will soon finish His marvelous work there. Afterwards, things
should become very interesting in Heaven and on earth."
"Yes indeed," Serus concurred. He looked at Pellecus and
Tinius who remained impassive. Serus remained quite wary.
"Indeed," repeated Lucifer, looking with compassionate eyes
at Serus. "I'm sure you are aware, Serus, that great events are about
to take place in the Kingdom. Wonderful events which are much
bigger than you or I. Some of the Host are prepared for them, and
some are not. But in either case there are set in motion plans which
cannot be altered--either by an angel or archangel." He looked into
Serus deeply. "Plans which include you, dear Serus."
Serus looked at Lucifer. For the first time Lucifer was address-
ing him as something of an equal--not on his own level to be
sure--but as an insider; as one who is close to the situation. It felt

"Was it really from this position all of Heaven was to quake?"   205
good. Serus looked at Pellecus, who nodded in agreement with
Lucifer's statement.
"That is wonderful, lord," said Serus. "I would of course be
honored."
"I will naturally have need of a capable angel who will help
me in certain administrations on the earth," Lucifer continued.
"But it cannot be simply any angel. No, this position requires a dis-
creet and trustworthy angel who can assume a position of authori-
ty and honor and serve well." He clasped Serus' hand. "I mean for
you to have this exalted place, Serus."
Serus' mind was reeling. All of his ministry to Lucifer had led
to this point. Every desire to serve in a place of honor had been
dashed previously. Now Lucifer, soon governor of the new world,
was requesting his services in an official capacity. He suddenly felt
needed...wanted...respected. It felt intoxicating.
"Of course I expect the utmost in loyalty from those whom I
appoint to such high office," Lucifer went on. "Both now and in the
future." He looked at Serus. "You understand, of course?"
"Of course," said Serus, still overwhelmed by Lucifer's offer.
Lucifer shot a glance at Pellecus.
"You must understand, Serus," Pellecus began, "that what
some might discern as sordid or malevolent is in reality a very sim-
ple progression of angelic destiny. By assuming the stewardship
Lucifer is merely following a course long laid out for him. Great-
ness finds a way, you see?"
"I'm not sure I follow you," Serus answered.
"I believe what Pellecus is saying is that destiny cannot be
denied," Tinius interjected. "Is that correct, Pellecus?"
"Quite right," he agreed. "But of course some angels do deny
their destinies and thus we have the potential for conflict and for
misunderstanding among the Host."
"Which brings me back to my point," interrupted Lucifer.
"Loyalty, Serus, is extremely important now. You yourself know
that there is a group of angels who are bent on destroying my des-
tiny. Because they themselves have chosen to stay within their
own boundaries they feel all of us must. I disagree. The Lord has

206          CHRONICLES of the Host: Exile           of Lucifer
designed us so that we might walk in fullness and freedom. I find
that to be liberating. There are those who find it disturbing. Of
course you know all of this."
"Well intentioned angels to be sure," added Pellecus. "And
some of our greatest...Gabriel, Crispin, Michael..."
Lucifer watched Serus closely. He noticed the uncomfortable
look upon his face as the net was beginning to draw up around him.
"Now," said Lucifer, "we must clear up a matter regarding
some of these angels. Serus, know first of all that my love for even
those who oppose me out of their ignorance remains firm. But
know also that in their ignorance these angels have stirred up a
great confusion surrounding me. Fear does that, you know. I am the
most misunderstood angel in this Kingdom. Yet I press on--my
destiny holds me captive."
The bluish aura began manifesting around Lucifer as his eyes
bore into Serus' very person. Serus had never before experienced
this intense feeling...alluring and comforting and yet unnerving.
The dots of Lucifer's steel-grey eyes became a glowing blue as Serus
saw the reflection of his own face staring back at him. He wanted to
look away and break the intense feeling, but found himself more
and more compelled to listen to Lucifer's reassuring words.
"Serus, your destiny is bound with mine. Just as the others in
this room have sworn an oath of allegiance to their destinies, so
you, Serus, are part of my destiny. It is inescapable, dear friend. We
are bound together to rise or fall as one." He stood up and contin-
ued, the room filling with bluish haze. "You, Serus, are intertwined
with me, just as these are. We are one in this. We cannot escape our
destinies..."
Serus was feeling completely drawn in by Lucifer's dreamy
words. He glanced at Tinius and Pellecus, who simply nodded in
affirmation to Lucifer's words. But there was something vastly
appealing going on. Here was one so great, paying homage to one
so small. Serus felt woozy as Lucifer spoke, as if his mind was else-
where and yet able to take in every word. So the price of destiny
assured was submission given. He had been submitting for a very
long time. The price did not seem too high.