The Journey (20 page)

I snickered. “You don’t consider Uriel a
real
man?”

“He’s an Angel. It’s not the same.” He sighed. “Still… I don’t really like it.”

“No need to worry, my love. There’s no chance of me falling for anyone save you. Got it?”

“Got it.”

“But I better never see a ring, a manacle, or even a tattoo on
your
finger. You got that, too?”

He lightly tapped the tip of my nose and smiled. “Got it, Pooh. So, how’s your job as Witness going?”

“Well, I’m not really sure, Drell.” I looked up into his beautiful eyes. “I’m not even sure why I was given this task to start with. I’m not complaining, mind you.” I squeezed him a little tighter. “Anything that will let me spend even
one
evening cuddled up with you like this, is a chance I wouldn’t pass up for the world.”

He tenderly kissed my forehead and began gently playing with my hair. “What’s the problem, Pooh?”

“It’s not really a
problem
. It’s just… I haven’t really
done
anything—not myself. I’m just merely recording what all the amazingly knowledgeable scholars who came before me have already figured out.”

“Well then, perhaps
that’s
your purpose—writing all those revelations down in one place.”

“I guess… but at this rate, I’ll be done before you know it.”

“And how is
that
a problem?”

“If I’m no longer needed as a Witness, then I won’t get to spend time like this with
you
.”

He smiled. Dang… I
love
it when he does that.

“Now that your eyes have been opened, Pooh, now that you can actually
see
me… I won’t be leaving you alone. Witness or no.”

“You mean… I’ll still be able to see all those things I couldn’t see before?”

“Once you are given the sight, you keep it. Gift or curse—you are forever changed.”

I didn’t speak for a few silent heartbeats. “That kind of makes my tummy hurt. In a good way,
and
a bad way.”

“Yes… I’m certain it does.” He snuggled me closer to him. “Tell me how far you have come with the prophesy.”

“I’m nearly at the end. The seven seals were all opened during the reign of the Roman Empire. When the seventh seal was opened, seven Angels came before God and were each given a trumpet. Each trumpet represented a particular thing that would happen upon Earth when the horn was blown.”

“And
have
those trumpets been blown?”

“Yeah. You see… there’s a design to the prophesy.”

“Meaning?”

“Meaning… first there are seven seals, then seven trumpets, then seven vials. The first four of
each
of these things worked in correlation with each other. The first four seals were the Four Horsemen. The first four trumpets were the four Angels loosed upon the Earth—destroying one-third of the then-known world. Also, within the
seventh
of each of these things… there was the next thing. Within the seventh seal were the seven trumpets, and within the seventh trumpet were the seven vials.”

“Yeah… I see what you mean by
design
. Tell me. What did the first four Angels do that destroyed a third of the world?”

“
Tons
of stuff. When the first Angel sounded, fire and hail—mingled with blood—was cast down upon the Earth and burned up everything green. Second Angel—great mountains were caught on fire and cast into the sea, turning a third of it to blood, destroying a third of the sea creatures and ships. Then the
third
Angel came along and caused a great star to fall from the heavens, burning. It fell upon the rivers and springs. The star bloodied a third of the waters and made them bitter, killing people.”

“And the fourth Angel’s trumpet?”

“It caused a third of the sun, the moon, and the stars to go dark.”

“What’s all that even mean?”

“Well, just like in the previous parts of the prophesy… every time great things—like the sun and the moon and whatnot—are affected, it’s refers to the powers that be, here on Earth. Like the established government, rulers, leaders, the systematic hierarchy—rocking them, destroying them, shaking the very foundation of
civilization
.”

“And that’s what you believe it refers to here as well?”

I nodded. “The four trumpets, the four Angels… following along with the design, they will be interrelated. I believe these were the four barbarian invasions that happened in Rome. First the Goths, then the Vandals, the Huns, and finally Ostrogoth—from whom all historians date the beginning of the Dark Ages. This was when the first third of the Roman Empire fell.”

“…Wow…”

“I know, right? The Dark Ages.” I shivered. “When Rome fell, all
real
culture and religion and education… it was destroyed.”

“I remember reading about the invasion of the Goths back in Ancient History class. The… Battle of Adrianople?”

“Wow… A plus, Babe.”

When I quickly kissed his cheek, he blushed.

“Yeah, well,
I
didn’t play videogames and bail on schoolwork.”

“Hey, watch it now.”

He tickled me then. When my giggles slowly died away, I sighed happily and just kept smiling.

“Ahhh… Where were we now? Oh yeah… the Battle of Adrianople—
or
Hadrianopolis, as some might say.”

Drella rolled his eyes. I giggled again.

“
That
was one of those pivotal battles that altered the course of history for the entire planet. It was the very first time the Roman Army had been decisively and completely defeated
inside
the boundaries of the Roman Empire.”

“And… wasn’t the Emperor killed as well?”

“Yep—Valens. Ding. Ding. Ding. Gold star for the gorgeous man with the breathtakingly blue eyes.”

He yanked on my hair, then kissed the side of my head.

“When Valens was killed in battle, Gratian succeeded him. Gratian immediately gathered up an army to go out and meet the Goths… and
try
to rescue any remaining troops.”

“He drew up a peace treaty with the Goths, right?”

I smiled. “Wow…
More
top marks for the handsome head of the class.”

“I’m gonna bite you if you don’t stop teasing me.” He playfully growled out his words against my neck as his tickling began anew.

It took a little while for me to catch my breath that time. “Whew… Ahhh… Okay, then. Back to today’s lecture.” I snuggled against him again. “The Goths… their big thing was to burn orchards and vineyards on their way through—fill up garden plots with stones, and pretty much destroy all agriculture.”

“Like the first trumpet… everything green was burned up.”

“Yeah… So sad.”

“And stupid. Why would you want to conquer a land you had just destroyed? Where’s the good in that? If you’re gonna
take
something that belongs to someone else, wouldn’t you want to see gain from it?”

“I know, right? I always thought the same thing. Why burn a perfectly good castle to the ground? If you’re the stronger man, just kick the current occupants out and live there yourself.”

“True… but, we aren’t barbarians.”

“Yeah… Only uneducated, pagan superstitions could defile
civilization
and help bring on the Dark Ages.”

“You were right, Pooh… it
is
sad.”

I nodded. “The Vandals attacked by sea—sacking and pillaging Rome, before loading up their boats and carrying all their recently-claimed booty away with them.”

“The second trumpet.”

“That’s right. And the third trumpet… the third invasion—Attila the Hun. All of
his
major battles were fought on the rivers. His war strategy was to attack, then feign retreat across the river—tricking the Roman armies into crossing as well.”

“And then attack them while they were at their weakest.”

“Exactly.”

“What was that thing about Attila’s horse getting bloodied?”

“Oh, that’s one of my
favorite
stories.”

Drella chuckled when my eyes lit up.

“That’s how Attila claimed to be the son of Mars. His horse injured its foot—poor thing. When Attila retraced his steps, he found the point of a sword sticking out of the ground. He dug it up and declared it was the sword of Mars—cast down from the heavens.
Then
he claimed to be the son of Mars.”

“Just like the star that fell with the third trumpet. Attila warring on the rivers… bloodying them and making them bitter.”

I giggled. “No wonder I love you so much. You’re the smartest person I know.”

“Is that… sarcasm?”

“No, Drell. I meant it. Really.”

He smiled and hugged me closer. “What eventually happened to Attila, smarty pants?”

“A supremely ironic ending. He marched into the city of Rome, kidnapped a princess, and took her back to his mountain palace to marry her. But… he died on his wedding night before he could consummate their union. Then… the Huns just sort of disappeared from history.”

“How did he die?”

“A nosebleed.”

“Oh yeah, I remember now… He feasted so hard after his marriage to the beautiful Goth princess that he choked to death in his drunken stupor. His warriors mourned him by cutting themselves with their own swords.”

“Because they thought the greatest of all warriors shouldn’t be mourned with something as feminine as
tears
.”

“Yep. Only the blood of men could suffice for mourning Attila. And if I remember correctly… he was buried in a three-layer casket made of gold, silver, and iron. Then his entire funeral party was killed so that no one would know where he was buried.”

“And you do—remember correctly, that is. So… with no one to blame for Attila’s death, there was no one to take revenge out on. They just… disappeared.”

“Then what of the fourth trumpet?”

“The sun and the moon and the stars were darkened—the leaders. Pan the spotlight over to stage left and you have…
dun
da
da
dun
… Odoacer the Ostrogoth. In 476 he marched into the city and claimed the Imperial Throne. An illiterate barbarian was now the King of Rome.”

“And thus the Dark Ages.”

“So true. The great Roman Empire fell… never to rise again. Thus the end of civilization in the West. That was
it
. No more schools, no more roads, no more banks or centralized commerce. The light of culture was completely snuffed out. And gone with it… was all progress and systematic learning—not to be rediscovered until the Renaissance Era.”

“Over a thousand years later.”

“It never ceases to amaze me, and it’s just sooo hard to believe…
one
man can alter the entire fate of humanity to such a degree.”

“As was prophesied.”

“Yes… as was prophesied.”

Chapter

7

“Everything going well with you, little one?”

“Yes, Uriel. Thank you. I’m doing fine. How about you? Any major problems on the Angel front?”

“Nothing we are not used to… and nothing you should worry your tender heart over.”

“I’ve been surprised—you showing up every single time I call you. Wait… No,” I quickly added. “I didn’t mean that like it sounded. I mean… I
knew
you would come when I called you. You said you would. I just never thought you’d
escort
me everywhere I needed to go.”

“I said I would if I had the time. You have caused me no unnecessary hardships thus far.”

“Hmm… Is it
that
?” I smiled to myself. “Or is the truth really that you’re just afraid for me to stick you?”

“Do you believe that I
fear
you?”

I glanced up at his flawless face, checking to see if he was being serious. When he narrowed his heavenly eyes, mine went impossibly wide. I quickly ducked my head, scrunched up my shoulders, and looked the opposite way.

“Tell me, Witness. Do you truly think I come to you out of
fear
?”

My head started hurting then—like my brain was desperately hammering against both sides of my skull—and suddenly it was a struggle just to breathe properly.

When I thought for certain my eyes were going to pop right out of their sockets, I forced myself to glance back up at the infuriated Angel.

His golden gaze went wide, matching my own. Then, the world began to fade.

Uriel scooped me up just as I swooned.

*****

“Apologies, little one.”

The Angel was gently wiping my nose with a blood-stained rag when I finally regained consciousness.

“I was… I was only teasing,” I barely rasped.

“Yes… I gathered that. Once again, apologies. I am not used to mortals. Well, not ones quite as fragile as
you
.”

I tried to smile. “You calling me a weakling?”

“Not at all. You are strong of will—of that there is no doubt. Yet, the only human girl I have ever been associated with… she handles my anger, my
essence
, much better than I realized.”

“What human girl?”

“She is human no more.” He carefully tucked my hair back behind my ear. “When first we spoke, Naga was no longer mortal.”

“Naga?”

He nodded.

“What kind of name is
Naga
?”

“An angelic one—Kagi Naga.”

“I thought all Angels ended with el… meaning you were from God.”

He smiled softly. “There are many kinds of Angels. Naga’s job… it is a bloody one.”

“Oh… well… okay then. But thankfully, Uriel, I still
am
mortal. And other than the Angel-sticking part, my job’s anything
but
bloody.”

“Yes, it is as you say, little one.”

“Sorry I was messing with you before, Uriel. Drella
warned
me not to play around like that.”

“Drella… The Seeker who was once the human you loved?”

I nodded and tried to sit up. “He told me you weren’t the type to be trifled with. I forgot. You’ve just always been so pleasant with me up until now… I guess I got too relaxed. Seriously sorry, Uriel. It
won’t
happen again. Promise.”

I gratefully took the cup of water he offered me.

“You were teasing me… because you felt
comfortable
with me?”

I nodded again. “Yeah. I just thought it was funny—having to run get my stone filled every few days, seemed like. But since I met you, that hasn’t happened even
once
.” I lifted my pendant. “See? Still filled to the brim with
tainted
blood.” I snorted softly. “I’d been thinking about that lately. That’s all. Guess that’s why it just sort of
popped
out of my mouth like that.”

“Oh… I see.” He took the empty cup from my still-trembling hands. “I do not mind if you feel comfortable around me, Witness Jem. If you would like to tease me again in the future, that will be fine. Please warn me in advance of your intent, and I will not become angry with you.”

“That’s okay. Don’t worry about it. Besides, it’s not really fun to tease someone if you give them a heads-up that you’re teasing them.”

“…I see.”

I took a deep breath. “Well… I can
almost
focus again… and my lungs seem to still be able to fill to capacity—I was kind of worried about that.”

“Apologies, little one.”

“Please don’t apologize anymore, Angel.
I
was the one in the wrong. I know that. And… I learned my lesson.”

He helped me to stand, and then gently held my arm until I was steady on my feet once more.

“I must be going now,” he said softly.

“Yeah. Sure. No problem. Don’t worry about it. I’m good to go now. Thanks.”

“I can change his blood out for mine, if that would please you.”

I furrowed my brow as I looked at the Angel, and then followed his gaze down to my pendant.

“Azazel—if you wish it, I can remove
his
tainted blood and let you replace it with my own.”

“What? No. No. Azazel’s blood is fine. Really. It’s just fuel, right? The Angel doesn’t matter.”

“…If that is how you feel.”

We both looked away and stood there for a silent, awkward moment.

“I truly
must
be going,” he said quietly.

“No. Sure. No problem. Go on. Don’t let
me
keep you. I’ll holler when it’s time to move on.”

When Uriel suddenly disappeared without another word, I released a long breath and slowly sat back down.

“Holy jeez…”
Note to self… Never. Do. That. Again.

*****

I found what I needed in Austria with little problem. By evening of the second day, I was ready to go on with the next leg of my journey. Yet, I wasn’t quite ready to face Uriel again so soon. I decided instead to rent a lovely little cottage in the mountains and catch up on my writing.

I spent the first day curled up on the couch enjoying the fireplace. I spent the next
three
days reading, two and a half days writing, and the last half of my final day in the mountains snuggled up under a blanket in front of that roaring fire. That whole wonderful week was a much-needed escape from the world…
and
from the creatures I was never meant to see.

When I returned the keys to the caretaker, I decided to travel to Spain via the Nether.

I mean… I’m just supposed to call Uriel when my fuel actually runs out, right? Instead, I whisper his name every time I determine where it is I am to go next.
“No wonder his nerves are on edge. Jeez… He said I hadn’t caused him any problems, yeah, but I haven’t made things
easy
for him, either.”

I finished my coffee and took a deep breath.

Time to find a quiet spot and start meditating.

When I opened my eyes, Paltiel was there… but he wasn’t paying me any attention. He was taking
and
passing out orders with a large group of what I assumed to be other Angels.

They were deep into their strategic discussion when I timidly stepped up behind the raven-haired Angel and whispered, “I need to go to Brazil, Paltiel.”

He didn’t even turn to face me, only waved his hand toward the blurry spot on the opposite wall. I stepped through like usual and beheld the rare beauty that is Rio de Janeiro.

After I changed the book I had for the one I was needing, I spent the next couple of days taking in the sights and enjoying the lively city.

When I was done with the touristy bit, I settled into my rented room and began reading. It was rather enjoyable, actually.
This
particular tome was fascinating—held my interest from cover to cover. I finished the entire thing before putting it down even once.

I closed the book, sighing and exhausted, then stumbled toward the bed and collapsed atop the covers. I was fast asleep in no time—dreaming about ancient things and long-forgotten epic battles—when I
sorta
felt someone playing with my hair. I squirmed a little and then curled up on my side.

In my dreams… Attila the Hun was weaving a broken arrow through my curls—his nose bleeding down into his mouth, teeth covered in blood. I sucked in a sharp breath as I sat straight up in bed.

“Hello, little one.”

“U-Uriel? Wha… What are you doing here?”

“I heard you passed through the Nether on your own. I came to check on you. Are you well?”

“Y-yes. I’m fine. Paltiel told on me again, huh? He truly
is
a little traitor,” I mumbled under my breath. “I guess that guy really
does
have a loose tongue.”

“He simply mentioned the fact in passing. That is all. Who called him traitorous and told you he had a loose tongue? Those do not seem to be the particular words you would have chosen, had the idea been formed solely by you.”

“Oh. Umm… Yeah. Well, I
might
have heard Azazel mention something along those lines… maybe.”

“Is that so?”

“Are you mad at me?”

“Of course not.” He sighed and looked away. “You now fear me. You fear being honest with me… and you fear calling out my name.”

It wasn’t actually a question, so I just stayed silent.

“You have no need to fear me, Jem. Your Drella was right. I can be a bit… straight-laced… no nonsense.”

“Harsh and unreasonable.”

He met my gaze then. “Yes… perhaps I
can
be all of those things.” He paused, staring directly into my eyes. “I spoke to my brothers concerning what transpired between you and I.”

“Your…
brothers
?”

“Jophiel told me to
loosen
up
.” He glanced down. “This I cannot do. Yet, Gabriel explained that if I were more observant concerning you… I would soon be able to tell by the tone of your voice and the look in your eyes, if you were
playing
with me…
teasing
me.”

“Yeah… most times, I guess you can.”

“Do not fear me, tiny Jem.” He gently took my hand. “I will not hurt you unnecessarily, ever again.”

“Unnecessarily?”

He didn’t respond to my question, only smiled softly and released my hand. “I sought you out for a
few
reasons this day.”

“So, how did you find me?”

He furrowed his brow. “I am an Angel, child.”

I just stared at him.

“I wanted you to know I have an important summons coming up. There may be a small span of time where you cannot reach me. If you call to me and I do not come, that does not mean I did not hear you. Stay where you are and I will come to you when I can.”

“Ooo… kaay… But, can’t I just use the Nether while you’re busy?”

“Such a thing may not be possible. The summons I speak of… it will affect the portals to
all
realms—the Nether included.”

“Oh… I see. Okay then. No worries. I’ll just wait for you, alright?”

He smiled. “That is my wish, yes.”

“Okie dokie. I’ll hang tight until you come rescue me.”

“Yes… Well… Are you all finished here?”

“Yeah.”

“Where do you need to go next?”

“Paris. But I’m too tired right now. I thought I would get some rest and then head out again after breakfast in the morning.”

“Very well. You sleep now. I will wait for you.”

“Excuse me?”

“I will be here when you wake. I will take you to Paris.”

“What about
you
?”

“What about me?”

“Aren’t you gonna sleep?”

“Angels do not sleep.”

“Oh, yeah… I guess you’re right. Well, never mind then.” I scooted to the edge of the bed. “I’m not gonna make you sit here all night—not that I could actually sleep with you watching me—we’ll just go on to Paris now.”

“No. It will take time for you to find other accommodations. Sleep here. If it bothers you, I will leave.”

“I don’t know how
knowing
someone was watching while I slept
wouldn’t
bother me.”