Rise of the Fallen Read online

  Three winged angels, one of them Cadriel, fought in the air above the ark against an ever-increasing onslaught of winged demons. Validus had never seen Cadriel so fierce in his visage. Rain-soaked strands of hair flung from side to side as his muscled arms wielded a sword of judgment against the Fallen. Hazel-green eyes gave no hint of defeat. Validus flashed a glance at Persimus beside him. Sorrow and angst mingled in the creases of his face, and Validus felt his concern for their friend.

  Danick joined Cadriel and the other two warriors in their perilous fight. Sheets of water poured down from above, obscuring the vision of warriors and the Fallen alike, but the battle continued. The Fallen knew their only hope lay in conquering the ark, for they could not fly forever over a water-covered earth. Within days they would all falter and sink to a painful, tormented dissolution in the waters of the deep.

  They screamed in anger and pain as the rain continued to burn them and the swords of the angel warriors cut through them. The people below screamed in vain for salvation from the waters that rose up around them until they were no more. The beauty of the sky’s pink firmament was gone forever, and the waters from above continued to fall from thick, darkened skies.

  Water now encompassed the ark, and the last two hundred demons all took flight. Danick commanded the final stand.

  Validus pulled the portal’s vision up and away to see the entire ark, and that was when he saw Cadriel falter.

  General Tarsis flew toward Commander Danick’s back, and Cadriel intercepted him. Tarsis executed a powerful crosscut that blew through Cadriel’s blade, cutting across his shoulder. Danick turned and tried to cover him, but Tarsis was too quick. Another slice cut across Cadriel’s sword arm. Cadriel screamed as his sword fell to the deck below.

  Danick engaged Tarsis.

  “Fall back, Cadriel!” Danick ordered, but it was not to be.

  Another demon seized the moment and plunged his blade into Cadriel’s chest. He dissolved away to a vapor that was lost in the heaviness of the rain.

  “No!” Persimus cried out.

  Validus’s heart sank. The vision paused as a distant trumpet sounded. There were now but a dozen of the Fallen fighting against six remaining angel warriors.

  “Validus!” The distinct and powerful voice of Archangel Michael echoed across the Hall of Vision.

  Validus looked upward and cringed. The fierce countenance of the archangel frightened him, for he held two chains.

  “Come with me!”

  Validus stepped away from the portal. Had the questions he voiced earlier condemned him? He looked at Persimus and saw that his friend was afraid too … afraid for him. His eyes, wet with sorrow for Cadriel, now filled with worry for Validus.

  Validus cowered below the mighty hand of God’s holy first. He could hardly make his wings function, but he lifted himself up toward the waiting judge. Another angel moved to the portal controls and brought the vision to life once more. The purging of earth was nearly complete, but Validus would never see it, for he looked destined for a prison of his own.

  As he neared Michael, the archangel turned toward the doors of the hall. “Come quickly,” he commanded over his wings.

  Validus followed him out of the Hall of Vision where two other mighty angels waited, both holding chains of their own. All were of the One Hundred. Validus wondered at his punishment to cause three of the One Hundred to administer it.

  Michael turned toward Validus and handed him one of his chains.

  “You have been chosen to be Elohim’s hand of judgment. Follow us and do as we do.”

  Validus took the chain in his hands, feeling the weight of it pull him downward. What was happening?

  Stunned, he watched the three angels fly toward the gate of Zion. He shook himself and hurried to catch them.

  Michael led them past the gates of Zion to the Mesopotamian Stairway. Validus struggled to keep up with the angels whose wings were broader and more powerful than his own. Perhaps Persimus was right that he should have exercised them more. The angels arced upward, then dived through the stairway.

  Validus followed and hit the Fringe for the first time in his life. Chills ripped through him from head to toe, and a moment later he was flying in the thickness of the second heaven. Rain pelted his face, making it even harder to fly. Water seemed to exist in both realms unlike every other element of the Middle Realm.

  Something was very different here. He felt the substance of the Middle Realm push on him and his senses. It was so vivid and so gritty at the same time. The earth licked at his spiritual body, as if to taste him. It was nothing like he expected.

  He pushed harder to keep up with Michael and the other two angels. He knew exactly where they were going, for he had flown the vision of the portal here a thousand times. Within seconds they were descending into what once was the Valley of Tamak. Groups of men and women huddled near the tops of the surrounding hills, crying out to their gods to save them.

  Michael drew his sword as they descended to the ark, where the battle for humanity still raged. Validus and the other two did the same.

  Four gallant warriors remained—Commanders Danick and Brandt, Captain Rafinni, and warrior Tronan. They were all wounded and bleeding but still holding fast to their swords. Six Fallen fought on, led by General Tarsis. Danick still faced Tarsis, but he was nearly gone. Validus could see the droop in his sword with each blow that Tarsis made.

  How would it end? What if the angel warriors could not endure and one Fallen remained left to plunder the ark? Validus wanted to join in the fight, but Michael held up his arm to halt their approach. Would they just watch the demise of their brothers … the last righteous man … the fate of humanity?

  Validus could hardly watch the duel of Danick, for he was done. Tarsis was relentless in his attack, crashing blow after blow onto Danick’s golden sword. Danick fell to the roof of the ark. One more cut blasted Danick’s sword from his hand, and Tarsis lifted his blade for a final death plunge.

  Off to the side, Validus saw two of the Fallen dissolve as the sword of Tarsis plunged downward.

  Faster than lightning, the archangel streaked toward Tarsis, colliding and crushing him to the deck of the ark. Tarsis’s grisly sword flew from his hand and fell beyond the deck into the waters below. Michael held Tarsis by the neck and placed the chain on his chest. Blue flames shot down from heaven onto the chain, and it wrapped around Tarsis, binding him completely.

  “Come!” one of the other angels called to Validus. They exploded toward two of the remaining Fallen, leaving the last one for Validus.

  Tronan was badly injured, and the last demon was attempting to make one final thrust. Validus would not make it in time, he was sure. The chain in his hand glowed blue as he threw it the last five feet at the attacking demon. It crushed the demon’s arm to his chest just as his sword was about to reach Tronan. The demon fell harmlessly to the deck.

  The Battle of the Purge was over.

  Michael gathered the four Fallen near the bow of the deck. Their curses were putrid to hear.

  “Silence!” Michael commanded.

  Validus flew up to the roof of the ark and knelt beside Commander Danick. “Can I help you, sir?”

  Danick looked up at Validus. Sweat, blood, and rain streaked down his war-torn face. The rain poured down, and thick clouds thundered their new cry to the earth. Where Danick’s arm was bleeding, the rain seared the wound and brought healing.

  “Help me down,” he said. “I want to see the archangel.”

  Validus gave him an arm up and helped him to the deck next to Michael.

  “Archangel. What does this mean? Why did you come? I didn’t think this was allowed.”

  Michael looked at Danick. “It is the word of Elohim to Apollyon. Four men, four women, four angels, and four Fallen to survive the Purge.” He placed a hand on Danick’s shoulder. “It is finished. You will lead the second generation of warriors in the new earth.” He gazed into the eyes of Commander Danick much like a fathe
r would a son. “Well done, General Danick. Now rest.”

  Danick took a deep breath and nodded.

  Michael turned to the captives, grabbed Tarsis by the chain around his neck, and lifted him up. Validus and the other two angels did the same with the three remaining Fallen.

  “To the Euphrates.” Michael glared at Tarsis. “A fitting end to your reign of evil.”

  Tarsis cursed. “I will come back, and I will terrorize the souls of earth more than I have these past sixteen hundred years. I swear it!”

  “And Elohim will cast you into the lake of fire forever and ever.”

  Before Tarsis could rebut, Michael yanked him into the air, tightening the chain around his throat. Validus followed with his captive, and they flew southeast toward the great Euphrates.

  12

  A NEW ENEMY

  Present Day

  Validus fell through the roof of the church to materialize in the large sanctuary. Though peaceful and empty in the world of humans, it was anything but in the world of angels. Over thirty warriors were busy with the duties of administrating a continental war room. Validus landed near the back of the sanctuary platform.

  “Attention!” Hulan called out.

  Every warrior immediately snapped to attention as they realized their commander had returned. Validus walked to the side of the platform where Malak had been evaluating the continental strategy map. He glanced briefly at the map and could tell in an instant that only minor adjustments had been made. He had studied every level of the map in excruciating detail, memorizing every location, force’s numbers, church, pastor, and current regional and city operation taking place.

  “As you were. Any updates, Commander Malak?” Validus asked.

  Malak hesitated.

  Validus turned to face him. “Well?”

  “Yes sir. We just received word that Apollyon has assigned a new commander for his forces of the North American continent.”

  Validus’s eyes narrowed. He had studied Commander Bavot for the last six decades. He was a master of deception, and it was all Validus could do to keep from losing ground each day. The strategies and tactics of the demon were extremely effective. So effective that Validus had wondered if that was why he was being replaced—he felt like he was losing the war for the continent. Prayer was at an all-time low; abortion, sexual perversion, drug addiction, and teen suicide were at an all-time high; and apathy within the hearts of believers had atrophied many of the once-vibrant churches of America. Why would Apollyon change his command structure now?

  “Bavot was reassigned to command the European forces of the Fallen,” Malak continued.

  “And who is the new commander of this continent?”

  Malak pursed his lips. “Niturni.”

  Validus’s stomach churned, anger seethed, and he felt his cheeks flush. Sadness and pain surged within Validus’s soul, rekindling all the emotions of his past. He turned back to the map, mostly just to have something to stare at so his men wouldn’t misinterpret his reaction.

  He lifted his hand to the center of the map and swiped across Bavot’s name, causing it to vanish. As his finger traced each letter, the darkened name of Niturni appeared. Apollyon had changed the names of many of his angels, but the name of Niturni he let remain, for it meant “heart of fire.”

  Validus stared at the name on the map. He didn’t need to analyze the demon’s abilities—he knew them all too well. Niturni was brilliant, and Malak was no match for him. This was the worst of times for Validus to abandon his post as commander of the North American continent. He clenched his fist.

  “I know this makes your command even more difficult, sir,” Malak said, “but—”

  “No, Malak.” Validus turned abruptly to face his second in command. “This makes your command more difficult.”

  Malak tilted his head and squinted at Validus.

  “Hulan,” Validus called, “I want the regional commanders and the entire staff assembled for a briefing ASAP.”

  “Yes sir.”

  Hulan disappeared with two other warriors through the western wall of the church sanctuary.

  “What’s going on, Commander?” Malak’s concern showed in his countenance, but his voice was steady and sure.

  Validus looked at him, measuring him against the adversary he would soon be facing. “You’ll find out soon enough. Come, I want to bring you up to speed on a few things before the other commanders arrive.”

  Thirty minutes later Validus stood before his regional commanders, twelve powerful warriors, each a veteran of four thousand years and charged to protect and preserve the saints of Elohim in their mission to disciple and preach the gospel of Jesus Christ on the North American continent. They had gathered in the large conference room of the church where there was room for only thirteen chairs. The rest of the command staff stood along the far wall.

  Validus looked into the eyes of each of his commanders, knowing that the days ahead would be difficult. The prophecies were nearly all fulfilled. The days were drawing to an end, but before they did, there would be many battles for the souls of humanity. He searched for the right words.

  “Fellow warriors, effective immediately, Commander Malak is the commander of all North American continental forces.”

  “What?” one of the commanders exclaimed. Others expressed astonishment too, but Validus held up his hand.

  “I have been reassigned.”

  “Why, Commander? Have you been transferred to Europe to fight Bavot?” one of the regional commanders asked. “Doesn’t General Brandt know that we need you here no matter what is happening in Europe?”

  Validus stared at his men until they all fell silent. He didn’t know how to respond. They would all eventually find out and, to a man, would suspect demotion. He couldn’t remember anything he had ever experienced being more humiliating than this moment right now.

  He had won the respect of all of his commanders, but there were three who would not be upset at his departure. In command there were always some who disagreed with policy and tactics. In spite of that, however, every commander followed orders once his petitions were heard.

  Validus chose to ignore the question about why he was leaving.

  “I have the utmost confidence in Commander Malak and his ability to lead our forces here. You will afford him the same respect and support that you gave me.” He paused and scanned the room. “The days ahead will be extremely challenging, and the new commander of the Fallen is as cunning and intelligent as I have ever encountered.”

  He leaned forward, placing his hands on the dark-cherry-stained table. “Men … if ever we needed to be confident in the ways of Elohim, it is now. The valiant shall fight and the courageous not fear, for great is our God!”

  “Great is our God!” thirty deep voices echoed.

  Validus lifted himself up and stood straight, his face as stolid as flint. “I will help transition command for the next few weeks, but your orders will come from Commander Malak. Any questions?”

  “What is your new command, sir?” Commander Ruchart from region nine asked.

  Validus considered his conversation with the guardian, Tren, and decided that the fewer who knew, the better. “For now I’m not at liberty to say, but if any of you have knowledge of unusual Fallen activity, especially in the central regions, I need to know immediately.” He scanned the chiseled faces of his handpicked commanders. Each one had unique abilities and skills, well suited to the challenge that lay in the years to come.

  “It’s been an honor serving with you.” Validus turned and nodded to Malak, and it was done.

  Four thousand years of battle and command experience pushed aside for one man. Validus thought of General Danick and wondered if it would be different if he were still in command.

  13

  THE SECOND GENERATION

  2348 BC

  “We saw you through the portal!” Persimus’s eyes were wide with excitement. “Explain.”

  Validus shook his head. “I d
on’t know what to say. I thought I was to be rebuked or worse, and then …” He looked at Persimus, then lowered his head. “I felt … foolish and out of place, like it should have been an angel mightier than I.” He glanced up at his friend.

  Persimus was smiling from ear to ear. He wrapped an arm around Validus’s shoulders and pulled him into a walk toward the gardens. “You didn’t look foolish. You looked valiant! And you encouraged us all.”

  Validus smiled sheepishly. He had never been chosen for such a noble task.

  “We weren’t allowed to see the judgment of the Fallen. Where did you take them?” Persimus asked.

  “They are chained to the bottom of the Euphrates … or what will be the Euphrates when the waters recede.”

  “But how can they survive? Water burns and kills them.” Persimus looked perplexed.

  Validus cringed as he remembered the demons’ screams when he and the other angels plunged them into the waters. “Michael said that dissolution was taken from them, that they are being reserved for the judgment of the End of Days.” Validus stopped. Persimus looked at his friend. “Can you imagine the rage of General Tarsis on the earth after such torment?” Validus shook his head as he thought of the evil Tarsis would unleash on the unprotected.

  “Yes, I don’t think I need to see that.” Persimus urged them into the garden where their thoughts could be turned to something less gruesome.

  As they walked, both became solemn. Validus saw Persimus look toward Mount Simcha, and he put an arm around Persimus’s shoulder.

  “I’m sorry.”

  Persimus stopped and faced Validus, his eyes wet with sorrow. “It’s been so long since we’ve seen him.” Persimus tried to smile. “Who knows how long it will be now.”

  Validus nodded and didn’t know how to console him.

  “One of us has become an enemy, another dissolved to Mount Simcha,” Persimus said. “What will become of us, Validus?”