This was written around two years ago...and i remember waking up from a dream. I don't remember the actaully dream, however i remembered the plot and thus i wrote this story as a result. Enjoy
Fallen Angel!
For you to understand the end you must first hear the beginning. To understand why, you must first learn how. For you to experience, you must first feel. I was an angel, made from the very creation of our Lord, God, Master of the Universe, who rules past, present and future. My job is rather unique then your first thought of an angel’s job. I and many thousands of others like myself are trained and prepared for missions. We go through much preparation and intense training before we get sent. My station was on the far outer edge of the galaxy, much like an exploring colony or trading base. There, many other sprits, angels, or supernatural beings, both good and bad, are living on the planet. You may think that it’s strange for angelic beings to be mingling with the forces of Satan. But our Creator in his vast ocean of mercy and love allowed it, to give others a chance to join the right side, whether it be for good or evil, and for those who have chosen the dark side to return to the light, and also to give us all the experience of free choice. Yes, angels also have this right to choose whom they want to serve, whether Beelzebub, the false god of the earth, or our Lord and King, Jesus Christ. Our job was to go down to other planets that are not of spiritual dimension and mingle with the life forms of those planets, such as Earth. We would often be assigned a certain person of that planet and be their Guardian Angel in the flesh instead of spirit. There have been many stories that you may have heard of tall, strong strangers helping and protecting those who ask for our help. For the most part you cannot see your Guardian Angel as they work from the spirit realm. But many times you will meet a man, or a woman who helps you in the most incredible way, and only afterwards you realize that it was an angel. Not all though, are sent from God, many times you meet or see actually devils in the flesh, who copy us and materialize in the flesh for their own guardians.
Now one day of friend of mine, Lel was assigned for his first trip as a physical guardian down to earth. He asked me to walk with him down to the de-spiritualizing center. I was not his best friend, but I knew him well enough to give my consent. It is not unusual for a request like this, because even though we are angels, it’s your first job you would what you call apprehension, wanting to make the best of your job. We chattered very little, his mind was focused on his new mission, and yet behind his nervousness I could sense something else, what it was I really couldn’t put my finger on it. I had never felt it before, but I passed it off thinking that it was part due to his assignment. We arrived at the center and were greeted by two powerful spirit beings. They were protectors and keepers of the de-spiritualizing location. At the entrance the head organizer came to us, Tausiq his name was. He began to fill in Lel on all the details of the operation. Lel responded only by slight nods of his head. We came to the heart of the building, inside this room was dark, like that of the emptiness of space. I then noticed that we were no longer walking on solid surface but we were gliding through nothing. As we continued to travel in this space-less environment a large cube of light appeared directly in front of us. Its walls were made of transparent light, there were four walls of light and the on top of the walls was a covering, made of thousands of tiny little lights, this cube though had no bottom. This place was very calm and peaceful, a deep kind of serenity. Tausiq then took Lel by the hand and led him directly underneath this bottomless cube. I watched as Lel slowly floated to the center and then, from below me I could see a large sheet of light, exactly like that of cube moving up to seal it closed. It was beautiful to watch, and I was also glad for this opportunity so that it could prepare me for when my time comes.
It was then during the closing of the box, I felt another tremor run through my body. Why? I asked myself; why I am feeling this hidden…Fear! I glanced at Tausiq, but he was occupied, controlling the cube. The bottom closed and a wonderful wave of energy shot through my body, erasing all traces except that of love and peace. As I watched, the cube began to spin, forwards, backwards, sideways, diagonally, in every which direction, yet Lel remained standing upright. As it spun faster and faster the small lights at the top started to glow brightly, almost like fireflies but a thousand times more powerful. It was fascinating to watch. Then my eyes locked with Lel’s, he gazed deep into mine, through the spinning light. It was then that I saw it, his eyes flashed, darkness crept across his face, I heard Tausiq yell out a warn warning but it was too late. I felt Lel’s spirit reached for me and in a flash I was sucked inside the spinning cube. A brilliant flash of light surround both of us, I felt my body being drained of all its energy, I felt my very breath being drawn and sucked out of my spirit, my body began to plummet thousands of feet a second, I struggled to conquer this fear that was welling up inside. Then all when white!
Chapter Two
When I opened my eyes, I found that all I could see was blue. It was a light shade of blue, but blue nevertheless. I looked up and it was blue, I looked to the right and to the left and all I could see was blue. I was slightly perplexed at this, when I raised my head slightly only to find that I was staring into the face of an old man. Then I realized that I was actually lying on my back. I jolted into a sitting position so fast that the old man jumped back with alarm. I laughed at this, and rose to my feet. A look of awe crept over the old man’s face and he reverently stepped back a couple of paces. Surprised at this sudden act of respect I asked him kindly. “Friend, what planet is this?” A bemused smile stole across the old man, “Ho-ho my son, I think that thou must have hit thine head harder then you know. I think the correct question you should ask is, where am I?” I looked around and all I could see were green hills and trees. It was pretty, but not even come close to the beauty of from where I came from. Then it dawned on me, this must be Earth. Lel must have sucked me down with him. I looked around again, but I couldn’t see Lel, he must have had a different mission. I wasn’t particularly worried, things like this have happened before to other angels and although it wasn’t a regular occurrence, it wasn’t that foreign. Seeing my lost look, the old man took pity on me, and said, “Come, you look like you have traveled far and must be tired. If follow me and I will give you some victuals and then, you can tell me your story.” I agreed and motioned for the aged man to lead. He untied his horse and wagon from a tree and slowly walked down the hill. He didn’t talk for a few minutes, letting me absorb my surroundings, at last he spoke. “We are just outside the city of Salem, Massachusetts. It is the sixth month of the year 1692.” “Are we nearing the city?” “Yes, have you been before?” answering my question with a question. “No, I can just hear the sounds of a large crowd of people.” The old man gave me an odd look. “We are five miles from town; you must have keen ears, stranger.” But then he shook his head, “My body is not as young as it used to be,” and that ending that part of our conversation. Our walk was slow yet I learned a great deal about the people of my unknown destination. I was glad that I had studied the language of men, otherwise I would not have been able to learn much.
The grass soon formed into a dirt road and widened large enough for two carts to pass each other freely. The road slowly climbed at an incline and for the first time I noticed a strange substance on my body. My face and arms were wet, and I felt a strange feeling in the pit of my stomach. I marveled at how this water formed on my body with out it raining. The old man, whose name was Jacob found my actions to be comical, “That is what happens when you walk under the midday sun,” he said. Soon the sounds of men working, children crying, and women gossiping reached Jacob’s ears, “Aha, here we are, the city of Salem.” I looked down the hill across the large, crowded, dirty, village. Jacob noticing my distain looked kindly at me and said, “Yes, I too don’t like it down there. Too many people talking and running other people’s lives; that is why I live outside, away from all…that!” He then quickly added, “I can tell that you are a good, Godly man,” I smiled at that, and he continued. “And I don’t like strangers, but there is something special about you that I really can’t put my finger on. If you have no place to stay, you are most welcome to lodge with me.” “Sir, you are most kind, how can I ever repay you for your kindness?” “Oh, what nonsense, what nonsense, I’m just a old man, with not much to offer, except a roof over your head and food in the belly, cooked by my lovely daughter.” “You have a daughter?” “Oh, yes, I have a daughter, she is fourteen years of age and the only thing I have ever loved, besides her mother of course, God rest her soul.”
Jacob then led the horse off the dirt path and up over another small hill till we came to a clearing. It had taken us good while to arrive and this intense feeling I had in my stomach was beginning to pain me. I had never felt pain before and this was all new to me. Jacob tied the horse to a post and walked inside; I followed but had to duck a great deal to fit inside. “Papa, your back, you must be famished, food is already on the table…..who is that?” she asked, respectfully casting her eyes down to the floor. “This is my daughter Elaine, and Elaine this is…this is…” His voice trailed off, realizing that he hadn’t gotten my name. I looked around the bare room, I hadn’t thought of a name yet, “My name in my language is most difficult to pronounce,” I stuttered. “…Perhaps you might know of a name that is best suited for this area.” “You are most wise young man, most wise. People don’t take kindly to strangers, and to find a name that people like and respect will help quiet some of the gossip. What about Thomas, Thomas Brackett?” I smiled at him, “Thomas Brackett I will be!” “Good then come, let us eat, and you will tell me your tale.” It felt so good the moment I swallowed that soup, the more I ate, the less pain I felt. Until I felt that I could not eat anymore. This was the first time that food had actually been so enjoyable. Before, on the planet where I came from, food was more of a social event, and you invited friends for fun and fellowship. One did not eat by himself. It was just one of those things I didn’t give much thought to. “So, you found the food to your liking?” “Very much so, this is the best food I have ever tasted….around this part of the country.” Smiling again at how truthful that statement was. “Ahh, now I must rest, and an old man like me must sleep. When I awake I will be happy to assist you in what ever way I can.” “Sir, please don’t trouble yourself, you have done quite enough already, helping a stranger like me. But while you rest I will see what awaits me and if I can find work.” “Oh what nonsense…what nonsense,” he muttered as he arose from the table and was helped to his room by his daughter.
I left their hut and walked a little ways into the nearby forest. Actually it wasn’t really a forest; it was more like a fruit orchard on the edge of a forest. I wondered around the large trees, and a gentle, refreshing breeze blew in the air, playing with my long dark hair and dancing with the trees. As I walked I noticed an apple tree that was ripe and ready to harvest, I spied a large red apple towards the top of the tree. I jumped expecting to float right up to the top. I landed right back where I was standing; I jumped again and again, each time expecting to be able to fly when a voice broke my exercises. “You’ll never get the fruit like that, why not try the ladder that is already leaning against yonder tree there.” It was Elaine and she had the most amused expression on her face like she had been watching me for some time. I felt my checks flush with heat for the first time as I slowly got the ladder. I climbed up the tree and grabbed two of the best apples. When I climbed back down she still had the same look on her face. I handed her one apple and we sat on the soft grass, under the shade of a large fern tree.
“Can I ask you a question Mr. Thomas?” “Yes, you may.” “What were you…..I mean, what part of the country did you come from?” she asked catching herself. “No need to feel embarrassed, I was trying to fly, but I don’t think I can.” “Yes, none of us can,” she said matter-of-factly. “Where is your home? Is it far from here?” “Yes, my country is very far from here.” Her eyes widened with excitement of hearing of this new place so I continued. “It is very different not like this at all, but it’s a place that you’ll feel right at home the minute you arrive. Everything seems more alive, like trees look like they can talk to you; the animals call your name as you pass them by. It truly is a magnificent place.” “Then how does one get there?” “Well it is not that easy, you have to be….invited, or if you have a friend there you can ask him to send you an invitation.” “Oh, I sure do hope we can become good friends Mr. Thomas,” “I’m sure we will, and if you get permission from your father when you’re old enough I just might send you an invitation.” Her mouth fell open in shock as if she couldn’t believe what I had just said, and then she ran off in the direction of the house leaving me again by myself. As I sat there I mused over my situation. Here I was, an angel that got sent down to earth before my time, I was not prepared, nor was I given an assignment. I wondered why Lel had pulled me down with him. And now I am stuck on Earth, with out any powers. For the first time in my life I didn’t know how wrong that statement was.
Chapter 3
After my encounter with Jacob’s daughter, Elaine, I headed out for the town of Salem, wondering what the townspeople are like. I easily found the dirt road that lead to the city. Along the way a horse carriage passed my by. The rider and all the people on the carriage stared at me awe. I shrugged thinking that it was just because I was a stranger, and gave little thought to it. The moment I set foot inside the city I could tell that something was wrong. People were in panic, running and screaming everywhere, stalls of fruit and vegetables were overturned, chickens clucked and ran into walls or tables and dogs barked and chased anything that moved. I soon found out why, I could feel the ground tremble under me, and before long a beautiful chestnut stallion came charging through the narrow streets of the market, followed by a large crowed of people trying to catch it. I let the crowd pass me in their measly attempt to catch such a powerful creature, when screams and cries of pain penetrated my ears. The stallion made an abrupt turn and galloped right through the host of people, trampling on over some of them. I immediately ran after the horse, I passed the throngs of people, I passed the market, and soon I caught up to the horse. As I jogged along side of it I began to talk to the horse, and soon he respond back. I managed to get him to calm down to a canter, then a trot, and finally a halt. I grabbed his bridle and took it off of him, and he shook his head in appreciation. I stroked his sweaty forehead and whispered words of encouragement that would quiet him down. I treated him as if he was one of the splendid horses on my planet, like my friend and equal. Together we both walked back into town. There a large crowd gathered together as they saw me, a total stranger walking with the horse that had caused so much destruction and panic into the town square. The horse walked next to me as if it was the most normal thing to do. Soon the owner came out from the crowd yelling and cursing at me. He grabbed the bridle and reins violently from me and turned to the stallion, abusing him with his words. “Sir, if you would not whip your horse so, he would obey you better. Not only that but he would obey you out of love instead of fear and hate.” “Oh and how do you know kind stranger?” he said with distain and contempt that someone else, and a mere stranger at that would scold him about he treated his animal. “Because he told me.” The crowd burst out into laughter, “I do believe this man may have been drinking,” the crowd laughed again. “Talking to animals, indeed,” he then started to roughly put the bridle back on the horse, causing the horse to get nervous and upset. I put my hand on the side of the horse, and began whispered soft words to him, when the owner struck my hand off the horse. “Don’t touch my horse, he is mine and I can do what I like with him.” He said his eyes burning with anger, and then he dragged the horse off down the street.
The crowd parted as I walked amongst them, and only then did I figure our why Jacob and the passengers of the wagon had looked at me in wonder. I stood a whole six inches above the tallest man. I could feel the thoughts that were going through the hearts of the villagers; some looked at me with awe and respect, other’s with friendship and love, and other’s yet with fear, anger and hate. It was only the start of the beginning. It was after that experience with the run-away horse that I realized I still had most of my angelic power. My strength was like that of no man, and speed and agility could be matched against no one, but besides these physical attributes, my senses were highly acute. Not as powerful when I was an angel, but a hundred times more so then that of any human. I could also hear and discern the thoughts and intents of mankind. And so I lived from day to day with Jacob and his daughter, while helping out the best I could in the town of Salem. I still expected to be returned to my former angelic state as it was not my time to be on Earth. I was given no mission, went through no training or preparation whatsoever and so I merely waited in the shadows, hoping and expecting that I would soon leave. This however was my second mistake.
It had been a little more over a week since Jacob and Elaine kindly took me in. Since it was harvest time I made myself available for hire, my sheer size and strength could do the work of ten men. Sometimes I got paid with a few silver coins, others would give me a chicken, a turkey, or a basket of eggs, even a few pounds of tobacco. Most of the payment I received held little value to me, so I would gladly turn my profits in to Jacob. He would allow me to give him as many food items that I got, but he always refused when I tried to give him money, as he said that it was my money. And so, as the harvest continued I soon developed for myself a small fortune, but what are a few silver and gold coins to one who has seen the mighty riches of the Lord of the universe. So I waited for an opportunity to use them for good. It was on a Sunday that Jacob and Elaine invited me to go with them to church, I had no real desire to go, for I worship my God everywhere, with every breath that is within me I glorify his Name. But while on Earth I had to show some type of physical appearance that I was a churchperson and loved the Holy Bible. So Jacob got dressed in his best suit, and Elaine was wearing her prettiest dress with her best bonnet. I combed my hair straight back, letting it flow freely down my back, and had washed my clothes the night before so that they would be dry by the morning. That morning I arose early and took a bath in the nearby stream. So that by the time Jacob and Elaine awoke I was looking my best, and after a light breakfast we headed off to church.
As we neared the church building, the bells began to peal out and call everyone to gather. We sat in closer to the back, being that Jacob and his daughter were more like outcasts of the society. Once the pews had been full, everyone was led into a dry hymn led by the choir teacher of the school. I scanned the faces of the audience; most of them were trying to out sing their neighbor, hoping that they would be noticed as being more religious then the next one. It was then that my eyes fell upon the loveliest, nay the most angelic sight I have ever seen since arriving at earth. She was sitting on a side pew quite close to the pulpit. I strained my ears to focus on her voice; it was soft and melodic, as gentle as the morning dew. Her white bonnet covered her hair save a lone, blond curl that fell down her fair face. Her eyes were tranquil and her spirit pure. Somehow she must have felt my intense stare for she turned and looked at me out of the hundreds of singing people. It was then that I felt something that I had never felt before. As her light-green eyes gazed into mine, I felt a lump rise to my throat and a shiver run down my spine, yet despite the seeming nervousness I held my gaze. When the song ended, she gave me a slight nod and a beautiful smile that caused me to sit down quicker then I would have. Once everyone sat down she then arose and opened a small door and out walked the pastor. She closed the door behind him and went back to her seat. The pastor walked proudly up to the pulpit, looking over his congregation with distain and contempt. He was tall, thin man, yet powerfully built. His narrow eyes looked down on everyone else that was not as good as him, and his long hawkish added to his look of terror. His boney hands gripped the sides of the pulpit and continued to stare across the audience, causing many to fidget in apprehension.
He then cleared his throat and began his thunderous sermon. It was based off of Malachi 3:8-11. “Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me? But ye say, wherein have we robbed thee?? In tithes and offerings. Ye are cursed with a curse, for ye have robbed me, even the whole nation.” He bellowed for a good deal over an hour, and yet he never let up, never ran of energy. I again looked over the crowed, their faces were scared stiff, petrified, just the word ‘curse’ and being ‘cursed’ caused many of them to break out into a cold sweat. At last he finished, and when a hymn was being sung the offering baskets were passed around. By the time it came to the back of the church it was full and over flowing. The basket was passed to me, but I gave it to Jacob without placing a single coin. Many others looked at me menacingly, and Jacob also gave me a questioning look, but I smiled slightly at him signaling that I knew what I was doing. Before long, the service was over and people left the church shaking in fear, praying that their contributions will save them from hell. Jacob grabbed my hand and said that he must introduce me to the preacher, whose name was Silas Harrow. We walked up to the pulpit where most of the congregation was shaking the pastor’s hand. Jacob walked arm in arm with his daughter Elaine, I walked slightly behind them till we came directly in front of the pulpit, where the pastor was standing and next to him was the girl that I gazed upon earlier. “Ah, Jacob, are you still living far away from the watchful eyes of the church?” “I find that it’s more peaceful and quiet then in the city. And that I have a closer link with God,” he said nervously. “Also when you are outside the protection of the church you can occupy yourself with deviltry and entertain folks that would not belong under our holy church,” he thundered turning his eyes on me. “Pastor Silas, this is Brother Thomas Brackett,” Jacob managed to stutter. Silas looked me over and even though he was standing three stairs above me I was at eyelevel with him. “Who are you, and why didn’t you contribute to the Lord’s work. Do you want to bring the anger of the Lord upon us?” he voice rising in apparent anger. “Sir,” I said keeping my voice calm, “When the offering got passed to me I could see that it was quite full, it seemed that the Lord’s work would prosper for quite some time. When in the Holy Book does it not say that those who minister spiritual things should they not be ministered unto in physical things. So I wanted to make my contribution to you and your family, if you have one, sir.” I could see Silas’s beady eyes get filled with greed as I handed him five pieces of silver. “So you know the Lord, out God?” “Quite well,” I smiled back considering the truth behind what I said. “Then you are most welcome to our church Brother…” “Thomas” “Ah, yes, Brother Thomas, allow me to introduce you to my daughter, Annabel.” I bowed my head and she gave a little curtsy, all the while keeping her head facing the floor. “The name Annabel, is French, meaning grace and beauty, but I did not fully understand what they were, until now,” I said, causing her to giggle and look up into my face. “We’ll be seeing you next week Brother Thomas,” said Silas, giving me my cue to move one. I walked out of the church with Jacob and Elaine, “Yes,” I thought to myself. “I would come again next week.”
Chapter 4
I didn’t have to wait an entire week before I was to see Annabel, quite contrary it was the next day when we met. I had been working in the field, and had cleared half an acre before the sun was at its highest peak. I was hot and sweaty from my grimy labor and sought a way to cool myself. I found myself a cool stream, stripped off my clothes and swam to my hearts content. After I bathed, I dressed and collected my wages for the morning, for I had no desire to work that day. As I walked around town, I noticed that it was fairly calm and quiet. I figured that most of the men were out in the fields or hunting, leaving the women to do the cooking and housework. It was then that I saw Annabel, struggling with two pails of water. I held my breath for even as she was bent over with great effort she still looked every bit like a queen. I walked over to her, “Could I be of any use?” I must have scared her, for she let out a gasp and dropped the pails of water. My reflexes were quick and I caught them before they spilt all over the ground. “Why, Brother Thomas, it ain’t right for you to be startling me like that.” She then noticed that instead of spilt water, I held both pails without even loosing a drop. She blushed and looked down, “Why how silly of me. You must forgive my anger, I was just scared. I had no idea that you were right behind me. Thank you for your kind help.” “Please don’t mention it.” We headed back to her house, and as she walked in the front gate, I was hesitant of whether she would let me in. She noticed it and held the gate open for me to follow her. “Oh do come in, papa’s not here. At least allow me to give you a cup of milk and something to eat for being so kind a gentleman to carry that water for me.” I entered the garden and she closed the gate behind me. I followed her and placed the two pails in the kitchen. She called out in a merry voice, “Sisters we have company for our midday meal.” No sooner had she said that when the entire house became alive with action. I was then pleasantly surprised to find that she had three sisters, all younger then her, and they all seemed only to happy to pay extra attention to no doubt, their first male guest. “Where’s Pastor Silas?” I asked slightly worried that he would come and interrupt our pleas tries. “Oh, he went out to meet the chief of the Indians to sign some sort of peace treaty with them, he won’t be back to late at night,” squealed the reply. And so for the rest of the afternoon I was happily entertained and entertaining. When dusk fell, I realized that I shouldn’t stay after dark, as it might cause some unnecessary questions. Annabel offered to walk me to the edge of town, so with a chorus of “Goodbyes”, and “Come back soon,” we left.
We walked in silence for a few minuets. The sun was setting, casting its brilliance shades of colors across the sky. She let out a sigh and I turned to her. “What’s wrong?” I asked in a gentle whisper. “When you look at the evening sky, what does it tell you?” I thought pensively for moment, then answered. “It’s a constant reminder that God loves us, and is a sign that he careth for his own.” “But we are meant to fear him, if we do not fear him, he will judge us.” “Yes, that it true, if we forget God, and turn away from him he will judge us. But if we serve him with all our whole hearts, and love him with all our might, he will also do the same for us. He made everything for us to enjoy and have pleasure in doing it. If he didn’t then why would he color the sky so? Why would he make such a beautiful world for us to live in? Why is the lamb and kitten enjoyable to hold and cuddle? The laugh of a baby, the embrace of a mother, are all signs that he loves us.” “I never thought of that before, papa always teaches that if do not obey we will be judged. I like the idea of a God who loves us.” I then told her the story of Elijah, when he was in the wilderness, and how God sent an Earthquake, but he was not in the Earthquake. And then God sent a fire, but was not in the Fire. And God spoke in a still small voice. Annabel listened intently to everything I had to say. If was if this concept of God was entirely new to her. When we came to the edge of town, she turned and spoke to me. “Brother Thomas, you wisdom astounds me. I have never heard any man, quote the Holy Scriptures in the manner you have, yet simple enough to understand. I hope we can talk more in the near future.” “So do I,” “Well, have a good evening, then,” she said as she lightly touched my hand before heading back her own way. I watched her, until she rounded the corner then walked back in joyous bliss. I could barely describe this feeling that was building inside of me, I felt I could fly. I felt raw energy exploding through my nervous system, a feeling of absolute power, yet extremely helpless at the same time. I could not quite express what I felt, yet I knew that if I didn’t channel this energy I would explode. I started to walk back to Jacob’s cottage, the walk turned into a light jog, and before I knew it, I was running full speed down the dirt road. I passed Jacob’s house, I passed the clearing where we first met. For hours I ran over hill or valley, way into the darkness of the night, until I felt that I could not run any further. I collapsed on the soft, gentle earth and fell asleep, the first pleasant sleep I had slept since coming down to earth.
I awoke to the soft gentle glow of the rising sun warming my face. This morning something was different. The colors were more alive, the air seemed sweater, the grass softer. It was as if a whole new world had risen with me. I could still feel the energy flowing through me, but it was not as explosive. The ranging torrent had changed into a vast ocean. I observed the flowers, the way the bent and flowed with the wind. The dragon-flies wings seemed to beat to my heart, the pleasant chirping of the birds sang the song of my soul. I could not help but burst out into a joyous song of praise that could only be sung in the tongue of the angels. My praiseful outburst was suddenly interrupted by the thunderous gallop of horses charging over the plains. I looked behind me to see a young Indian riding bare-back on a chestnut colored mare, being hounded by three men of the local militia. Gunshots rang out over the plain, hitting the dirt inches from the Indian’s horse. Before the Indian had a chance to pass me, a musket ball penetrated the hide of his beast. It fell to floor with a cry; the Indian with lightning reflexes leapt of the horse and rolled a few feet on the green grass, before leaping to his feet, and running for his life. The gunshots quieted and the mounted men, seeing their prey handicapped spurred their horses on, and quickly surround him. The Indian only had a long thin knife while the three men held the swords firmly in the hands. As I looked closer, I saw that it was only a kid, merely a lad of fourteen or fifteen years of age. I could not stand and watch three grown men mutilate and kill a child. One of the men, with an evil glint in his raised his sword to strike, but a blow from my fist sent him reeling forwards into the side of his companions. I shoved the kid quickly behind me and turned to face my foes. Little did they know that the unknown stranger that stood before them was trained in the armory of the halls of Heaven. My task was to protect, and I was built every inch for defense. They were taken back by the sight of a tall, strong stranger that had seemingly appeared out of nowhere. The realized that I was a white man, and growled out a warning, “He is nothing more than a savage, and he stole one of our horses, he is only an animal and deservers death.” “Come then, and try to catch you animal,” I challenged them.
The three charged at me with their swords, I ducked the first blow and side-stepped the second, my actions were smooth and graceful, yet quick as lightning. The entire time I did not lay a finger on them, I just kept moving out of reach of their blades, causing them to stumble and fall over each other. Now they were getting annoyed and began to strike in anger. One of them men lifted his sword high, while another slashed across low towards my midsection. I ducked and dove through the air at the same time, sliding right in between their blades. Since they were expecting me to be stuck in the middle, the force from their blow, yet me not being there, caused one of them to trip and pierce himself on his henchmen’s sword. He let out a yell as the blade sank into his stomach, before falling to the ground. Now I had only two men to face, but they were enraged and fuming that one of their comrades was wounded if not dead, and yet I never struck them. Fast and furious came the blows, as I led them to believe that I was tiring. They were on my right side and on my left, piecing, jabbing, slashing, cutting, yet they were never quite swift enough to touch me. I saw it before they did; they both pulled their arms all the way back, and as hard as they could drove the points of their swords towards me. I leapt high over their heads, did a back flip directly over them, pushing against one of their heads as I cleared the distance. The two men saw that I wasn’t there anymore, but it was too late to change and sank their swords into the flesh of each other’s chests.
I stood there for a moment to catch my breath, when I felt someone move behind me, I spun around quickly and found the Indian boy staring wide eyed at me. Once he realized that I was the victor, he then charged around like a madman screaming and raising a tremendous ruckus with his war-hoop. I checked the wounds of the three men, and found that they just had flesh-wounds, none of them life-threatening. While I was examining them the sound of galloping horses again reached my ears. They were swift and fast and almost immediately I was surrounded by fifty Indian braves dressed with war-paint and armed with tomahawks, lances and bows. The small boy rushed in the midst of the circle and as fast as his tongue could let him, retold all of what just happened. Although I could quite understand everything that the boy had said I could tell what he was talking about because he was mimicking my actions and repeatedly pointed to the three unconscious men. Once he finished his tale, one of the men dismounted, he was older, perhaps in his early fifties. His long grey hair was tied up behind his head with a bright piece of cloth. His noble face was covered with paint, making him look terrifying. He walked up to me and placed both hands on my shoulders and spoke in broken English. “Today, white man hunt great chief’s son! Today I see white man protect chief’s son. It was brave deed for white man to win three evil men with big sticks that breathe fire. The great God in the sky must have given you powerful medicine. Today you are welcome to chief’s home.” With that said he then mounted his stead and bade me to do the same. I grabbed one of the horses that the militia had, undid the saddle, and took of the bridle and reins. I then leapt lightly on the horse’s back and rode bareback just like the Indians.
We rode some distance before the Indian village came into sight. It was set on a hill, with around two hundred tents and wigwams that dotted the side of the gassy slope. As we entered the village we were greeted by loud hoops and whistles and many people cheering. The chief dismounted and spoke in the local language; everyone listened as he was no doubt re-telling the boy’s story. At the end, everyone began whistling and dancing again, and the chief then turned to me and said, “Now I will take you to meet big Chief.” I followed him up a small path until a large tent stood set up in the middle of the camp. Outside the tent sat five or six older men, one of them having a long headdress of eagle feathers. My guide walked respectfully up to the chief and again retold my story. The Chief listened carefully and when he came to the conclusion of the story the chief broke out into a large smile, and the others did likewise. He rose with some difficulty and walked upped to me. I bowed low in respect, and to my shock he took off his headdress and placed it upon my head. He then sat me down next to him and offered me his pipe, which I respectfully took a few puffs of it and then passed it on. We hadn’t sat for more than five minutes when the other Indian who acted as an official interpreter, guide and host then led me away from chief and back down to the village. He then explained to me, “Big Chief very happy with you. He like you a lot. Tonight there will be big feast and Chief will speak to everybody. Now you can walk and run with Indian, if you like.” “I am very grateful for you friendship, my name is Thomas.” “My name is Elsu, it means, flying flacon,” he said with a proud smile. “Elsu, you are a brave, good man,” “Come, some of the braves want to meet you, and find out what medicine you have that helped you defeat three white devils with out stick of fire or tomahawk.” He took me to a group of braves who were sharpening their knives and lances. When they saw me they all got excited and before long I was challenged to compete against many of them. I wrestled against them, and shot at targets with bows and lances. “They have never met a white man that possessed as much strength and courage as you have,” Elsu explained the reason for their excited chatter, after their best brave beat me in a wrestling match. They were a proud race of people, and I thought it wise to have fun, and gain their friendship, but not through means of conquest.
After a few hours the braves then set of hunting, and I was left to wonder through the camp. The small children hung by the tents but the older ones had enough courage to challenge me with their sticks and wooden swords. Once the children were bored with me I was soon again left to wonder the camp by myself. I was amazed at how simply their lifestyle was, and yet they were skilled in many, many things. I admired their tents, their beads, their weapons, their horses, their cattle. I was quite surprised at how much at home I felt here in the village of the Indians, then back in the crowded city of Salem Massachusetts. As I wondered along the outskirts of the village I noticed a movement from one of the tents. I stopped walking and a figure appeared at the entrance of the tent that was directly in front of me. Out stepped a beautiful Indian woman, wrapped only in a bright red shawl. Her eyes were fiery and enticing as her spirit. As I gazed into her eyes I could feel her pulling me inside…asking me…wanting me…begging me. She did not say a word but her eyes told me everything. She then let the shawl drop to the floor, exposing her naked body underneath. She was definitely a sight to behold. She turned and slowly walked inside the tent, but not before she let out a fleeting look. My human body urged to follow, but I felt another presence, watching my every move. My body fought against it but my mind held firm and I walked passed the tent and back towards the center of the village. I had not gone very far when Elsu came walking to meet me. “Now I know that you are an honest man, for I saw your lust burn inside of you, but you fought it and kept your honor, and now you have my friendship and my trust. For if you had walked inside that tent I would have killed you before you got to the other side.” I was stunned, how could he have been watching me, and then come from the opposite direction? I would have to ask him about that later. As we walked as asked him, “Elsu, how come you speak English? Where did you learn?” He explained, “Many years ago, a white man and his daughter sought refuge in our village. He was an honest man like you, and his daughter was pure like the mountain streams. One day I ask him to learn me English and he did. So now I speak white man’s language.” Then more sounds of yelling and cheering could be heard. “Come they have caught great deer, tonight we will feast and dance.”
Chapter 5
That night I was royally entertained by the Chief Ahanu, Elsu and the entire tribe. I was officially adopted into the tribe and became one with their people. I was given the name Kachina, meaning sacred dancer, because after so many renditions of how I defeated the three white men it became more like a dance then anything else. We feasted long into the night, with many dances being danced, stories being told, and a greater bonding of the tribe. The next morning I made my way back to Salem, people greeted me with an icy stare. Jacob made little or no mention to where I had been the last day and a half. And things went back to the way they had been prior to my meeting with Indians. Word though had gotten around that there was a highway man aloof, as the three wounded men made their way back to Salem, they reported their tale to their commander, and when asked for a description of what he looked like, they said that they had never seen him before, and yet that could not remember what he looked like. Thus it gave room for rumor that a spirit devil is stalking the country side at night and nary a man or women went after dark unless in large groups and fully armed.
During the next while I spent a lot of time with Annabel, we talked of many things and while we talked I learned that many of her fears and doubts were centered around her fear. Her fear of not obeying her father, fear of not keeping the Ten Commandments and many other things, the more we talked the more I found that most everything returned back to her father, yet when I would bring things up, she would always carry the conversation in a different direction. Yet despite all of that, I felt myself being drawn towards her, I felt that if I didn’t see her, my heart would burst. Her heart was pure and simple; her smile lighted up the atmosphere more then a thousand lanterns could ever have done.
That Sunday, Pastor Silas berated the frightened audience of “Entertaining idle spirits, for an idle mind is the Devil’s workshop.” They were so helplessly frightened of the Devil and evil, that they would do about anything that Silas told them to do, just so that they could hear him say that they would have the protection of the Lord’s angels. About half-way through the sermon the church became alive with activity. A black raven flew through the open window, and immediately people began to shout and scream, that it was the Devil or an evil spirit coming to plague them for all their sins. Some women in the church even fainted at the sight, but the rest of the congregation fled behind the pulpit, behind Silas, expecting him to be able to protect them for such evil. I could tell that the look in Silas’s eyes that he was just a frightened as the man behind him, as the raven flipped and flopped about trying to escape. It would have been comical if they weren’t so serious in their suppositious beliefs. By now half the church was empty, and the rest of the people were flocked behind the pulpit, clutching their Bibles and Rosaries. “Brother Thomas, separate thyself from the foul demon and come join us and together we will be stronger then this angel of darkness,” Silas cried after me as I stood their and watch the poor bird trying to fly. Many other cried something to that extent and urged me to protect myself. I said nothing but calmly walked to the helpless raven. As I got closer I could tell that its wing was broken, and not only that it was just a fledging to. It wasn’t too difficult to catch the bird, and as I scooped it up in my hands, many of the people gasped in horror. I laughed at them and spoke loudly, “There’s no need to be afraid, this is no demon, or evil spirit. It is only a fledgling, whose wing is broken and can’t fly. Come see for yourself.” No one budged and a few whispers carried the sound of witchcraft and devil worshiper. “Come hither and see, is there not one of you who is brave enough to stand up against these old wives tells and see that it is only a bird that I hold in my hand, nothing more, nothing less.”
There was a slight movement in the crowd, finally a single person stepped forward, it was Annabel. She slowly walked up to me, I held my cupped hands out to her and she peered inside. The frightened bird let out a squawk and Annabel jumped back in alarm. “Don’t be afraid, it is only a bird, don’t you trust me.” She gazed deep into my eyes and somehow gained the courage to look again. This time the bird did not squeak, and as I opened my hands her face changed from a frightened and fearful look, to a face filled with compassion and pity. She scooped the bird out of my hand and rushed to show the rest of the crowd. “Look, Brother Thomas is right, it is only a bird, a baby bird.” Soon a chuckle sounded from the back of the congregation, the chuckle changed into a laugh, and before long the bird was passed from hand to hand, and the entire church was in an uproar, laughing at themselves for being so frightened over a silly little bird. One person however wasn’t laughing, that was the pastor, Pastor Silas. All too soon he had enough of the merrymaking and grabbed the helpless bird out of the hands of an old lady. He rung the neck with his bare hands until he cracked it, and threw the lifeless form on the ground. “I will have none of this in my church, in my house of God. It was evil, evil I tell you. Beware lest the Devil take you by surprise, he walketh about as a hungry lion, seeking whom he may devour. The Devil is sly and cunning, and has many, MANY helpers to do his work for him.” The same fearful hush settled on the mass of people again, some agreed with Silas, some with me, and many others undecided. Silas stormed out of the church building, his followers with him, the rest seeing that many were leaving also went, so only a handful of people were left with me, one of them being Annabel. She looked at me, her eyes filled with hurt and longing, tears whelming up her in eyes, and she to left the church, causing what few people were left, to leave also. I was alone in the empty church, I sat down on the empty wooden pew, wondering why people choose to let fear run their lives, other then love, joy and peace. I had not remained long when I heard shouts, and screaming again. I rushed out side only to see people screaming and running in every direction. I looked for the cause of the panic, when I heard a young girl scream, “Look, it’s over there, the Devil bird is coming again!” I looked and saw that it was another black raven that flew around the church, sometimes falling to the ground, only to flop back up to the sky again. It was then that they noticed that there was nest of ravens in the nearby Birch tree. Some men grabbed a long stick and knocked the nest out of the tree while others lighted it on fire, burning all the little baby birds that couldn’t fly. Just as I thought that I couldn’t get any worse, Pastor Silas came running out of the church, screaming that the body of the dead bird was gone. This time hysteria broke loose and many clambered over each other to the safety of the church, only to come out screaming again about witchcraft and Devil Worshipers, when the saw that the carcess of the bird was gone. I should have expected such foul play.
Somehow Pastor Silas got them under control and they all stood behind him again, making Silas their appointed spokesperson. “Brother Thomas, what have you done? Why have you sinned against the Lord and brought this calamity upon us?” “I have not sinned, nor brought any curse upon you. It is nothing except for your extreme superstition, and fear. For you have let the words of man crowd out the Words of the Lord, I have brought nothing but good and peace, but you have twisted the Scriptures into causing man to fear you and not Lord. ” “Blasphemer, heretic, heathen! How do you know the Words of the Lord, did he appoint you over one that was ordained by the church? Are you above the church? No, I think not Brother Thomas, I think you are head over a church, but not ours, you are leader of the house of Beelzebub!” at this the crowd gasped in terror, and Silas gaining courage from the fear of others continued to lie and slander. “Until you confess, and repent of you deviltry, you will be cast out of our church forever, and those who help you will be tried for witchcraft.” “I will not confess for I have done nothing but worship the Lord my God,” I said calmly. “Then, in the presence of the believers who stand with me this day, I hereby excommunicate you from our church, from our beliefs, and from our village. If you step foot inside Salem again, you life will be forfeited.” With that he turned to the rest of the congregation and said loudly. “Brethren let’s pray for God’s mercy and for God’s judgment on this unrighteous believer. Let’s pray that he will turn from his pageantry and idol worship and once again find the salvation of the Lord.” With that the entire crowd turned their back on me, all except one. Annabel stood in the doorway of the church, with tears streaming down her face. I thought my heart would burst into a million pieces. To see her cry was the worst thing I have ever felt during my duration on earth. So it was with a heavy heart that I turned and walked away, out of the courtyard, out of the market place, out of Salem.
Chapter 6
Somehow I made it back to the cottage of Jacob and Elaine. They stood at the door as if they were waiting for me. Before I had a chance to speak Jacob began hastily. “Thomas, I have heard all that has transpired at the church today, and I know that they are falsities, and cruel lies. I know that you a good man and I would have no harm come to you. But we were told that if we continue to give you shelter we would face heavy punishment, excommunication and maybe even death. I am not worried for my sake, but for the sake of my daughter, I am forced against my will to refuse you entry into our abode.” I looked at him and smiled “Jacob, you are a saint of God, I couldn’t live with myself if I brought harm to your family. Do not fret; I will not hold this against you, for you have been too kind to me.” “Where will you stay, Thomas?” cried Elaine, her eyes filling with tears. “I think I will stay with the Indians,” “The Indians, aren’t they savages?” “No, of course not, there are people just like you and me. Don’t fear I will be safe.”
And so ended my stay with Jacob and his family. They were kind enough to fill a bag of provisions for my travels and fed my horse and watered him so that he would be ready for journey at once. “I jumped atop my horse, and rode out of their home, only to turn my horse and trot back to them. “If things get to difficult, send word to me and I will do all I can to keep you from harm.” And then I galloped away, my destination, the Indian village. And so I stayed with Indians, and it was good, but my heart longed to see Annabel again. So it was that one summer’s night I heard footsteps approach my tent. The flap opened and to my great joy and astonishment, Annabel was standing at the entrance, playing nervously with her hair. “Brother Thomas, are you in here?” she called out in the darkness. I quickly lit a candle and its soft glow fell across the tent. “I just wanted to say that I’m so sorry for causing all this trouble. I meant to help you, honest but I guessed I felled you and now I’ll never see you again after tonight.” I arose and tied the flap of the tent open trying to calm her fears. I motioned her to sit on some blankets and she did, hesitantly. “Papa is acting so strange, he won’t let a single candle burn on certain nights, saying that it will direct demons and evil spirits to our house, and then the next night he’ll light hundreds of candles and stay up all night chanting. I’m really scared Thomas, I don’t know what to do. He says things that scare me, he says that it’s because of my beauty and that the spirits can see how beautiful I am and want to give me their seed, so that I will bare a devil child. He makes me do…he makes me do things to try and stop the evil spirits from controlling my body. I don’t want to do them but he gets so angry and…he gets angry if I don’t do what he says.”
For hours I held Annabel close, comforting her and trying to calm her down. She was really frightened, and the mere passing of a cloud in front of the moon caused her to shiver in dread. I quoted scriptures and prayed over her, I sang some hymns, and some songs in the tongue of the angels. It was a while before, she relaxed as the terror and fear left her body. Now the clouds had passed and the full moon was shining brightly in the midnight sky. A gentle breeze rushed through the tent, bringing the heavenly scents of jasmine and other night flowers. She looked at me, her eyes soft and shining as if a great burden had been lifted from her body and spirit. “I understand now! I understand why when I’m with you I feel at peace. For you are not of this earth, no, you are too good to be part of this life. I must have it! I must have the love that you have, when I’m with you all I can think about is love…and this love is something that I have not felt from anyone I know…I…I love you Thomas Brackett!” Slowly she raised her lips to mine, and we kissed for the first time. Her soft velvet lips trembled as I grazed across her neck with my mouth. “I’ve been…I’ve been waiting for this moment…ever since we first met,” she said breathlessly as my hands roamed up her legs. “Let me feel the love you possess…I want it…I want everything you have to offer.” She blew out the candle and stood up to disrobe. The moonlight flooded the tent, making her body glisten with a soft glow. She lay down beside me and I ran my hands lightly over her naked body. Her breasts heaved as the sensations of pleasure tingled and shot across her skin. The heat from my breath penetrated every fiber of her being. For my love was not that of a human trying to satisfy flesh. I was an angelic being of God satisfying the heart, soul and spirit. Her voice cried out in ecstasy as we melted together on the soft blankets of the tent floor. The love that we shared was perfect, as God our heavenly father created love to be. As we loved each other I could feel every last drop of fright and terror drain from her body, and the love that was sent from on high, come in unto her and fill her to overflowing as she exploded with divine bliss that felt as if heaven had entered her and taken control.
It was a new Annabel that awoke the following morning and as we lay in each other’s arm watching the sunrise it seemed to perfect to even describe in words. The only way to fully absorb the beauty of the moment was back in the bed love. By midday Annabel arose and dressed, she had to get back to Salem before questions and rumors began to float around town. I took her on my horse and rode to where she could walk back to the city. We dismounted and she wrapped my arms around her and kissed me long and passionately. “I will love thee for as long as I live, and although I can’t in the flesh, I will be yours and only yours in my mind and heart.” She kissed me again and then turned and walked back, towards the city.
During the next few weeks I saw little of Annabel, as her father was getting more possessive and control-crazy as the days past. He held the entire town of Salem in fear with his sermons and talk of evil. Once or twice though she did manage to escape and we spent every spare moment we could loving each other as if we could never get enough. Two months had passed and I had not seen or heard from Annabel. I prayed daily that she would have the grace to live each day with her mad father. One day I was out hunting with a few braves when I heard that voice of Elaine screaming my name. I sped my steed in her direction and I saw Elaine running in no certain direction screaming for my help. I soon as I got near her I could tell that something was wrong. I dismounted my horse and Elaine fell into my arms weeping. “Oh, Thomas, I glad I found you. It’s Annabel,” she wailed. “What of her?” I demanded. “They…they found out!” “They found out what?” “That she pregnant….” She burst into tears again and I had to calm her down before I could anymore information out of her. “It was Pastor Silas who discovered it, they tied her up in the courtyard and did…and did…” “And did what?” “They did horrible things to her. I wish I had never seen it. But they forced us all to watch what happened when a member of the congregation gave themselves to the devil.” “To the Devil?” I whispered in astonishment at the extremities they went to be righteous. “They did many things that I can’t even begin to describe; they wanted to get her to tell who it was that did it to her. She held out for a long time but then…but then that devil Silas forced himself….forced himself….to get her speak, it was then that she mentioned your name. Thomas I’m so scared, I had to find you.”
I felt a rush of emotions explode through me, something that I had never felt. It was anger…and hate. But then I saw Elaine crying her eyes out, I had to suppress it…for the time being. I then comforted her as best as I could, until she calmed down enough to allow me to take her home. By the time we arrived at her cottage she was exhausted from mental stress and anxiety. I laid her down in her bed and she fell asleep. I sat outside wondering what course of action to take, when I heard footsteps approach me, it was Jacob. “I must do something, Jacob, I don’t know what to do, but I have to something. How can a father do something to his own child?” I asked myself. “He is not her father!” I turned to look at him in surprise. “He married Annabel’s mother when she was just a child. She later died in childbirth, leaving Silas with three daughters. He treated them like a father until Annabel grew into a fine young woman. When other young men started to notice and take up an interest in her beauty. It was then that he began to be covetous over his daughter, and forbade her to marry. He then thought that her beauty was a curse and made her work far too hard then he should have, hoping that she would somehow loose her beauty. I know that this is hard to bear, but you must leave justice unto the Lord, do not measure evil with evil.” My face had turned to stone, “I cannot, I will not!” I said forcibly. “Young man, I beseech you, do not give in to hate, for it will be of no use.” “And how won’t it be of any use,” I snapped back at him. “For she is dead!”
Those words hit me like heavier then anything I have ever felt. It an instance my mind was made up. I leapt on my horse and galloped as fast as the horse would go. Jacob ran after me screaming as loud as he could, “Do not measure evil with evil!” But it was too late; I closed my ears and heart to his words. I rode with anger in my heart for the first time; I cared little for the people that screamed and dove out of the way of my speeding horse. I stopped at nothing until I got to the town center. Nothing in the world could have prepared me for what I was to see. They had stretch and tied Annabel naked in an upright position. They had cut and sliced at her beautiful body with their knives, and then poured burning tar into her open wounds. Her screams of tortured agony pierced my heart and I had to cover my ears, but I could do little do block out the sounds that stabbed at the very center of my body. It was then that I saw Silas laugh a demonic cackle, I ran up to where they had tied Annabel, and with superhuman strength, I broke the chains that bound her. I placed her across my horse and flew out of town. Swift and fast I traveled till we came to the Indian village. There, there was a stream that came from the mountains. I placed her lifeless body in the water and cleaned her of her hideous wounds. She was unconscious because of the pain and that made it easier for to wash out the tar. Once I finished I took her to my tent. I laid her down on clean blankets and sat over her. Elsu, walked up and handed me a small cup of a mixture he made from some plant roots. He respectfully left me, and I gently poured the precious drops down her throat. As she gained consciousness her face contorted with pain, until she gazed into my tearful eyes. “I’m…I’m so sorry.” She said haltingly because of the immense pain. “Shhh, don’t talk, you need your strength to recover.” “Don’t lie to me, I can see by the look in your eye that I won’t live much longer. I lost our baby, I’m sorry… I wanted to have your baby….I couldn’t take the pain anymore…they wanted me to confess… and I tried not to tell them… but they hurt me too bad…. I’m so sorry.” Tears streamed down my face, my beautiful Annabel was dying, right before my very eyes. Her words came in a whisper now and I had to put my ear close to her ear to listen. “Thomas, don’t regret that our time was short…I loved you from the time I first saw you…and I will love you forever…I thanked God daily for sending you to me…I feel like my life is now complete…now that I have loved you…so please…please kiss me one last time.”
I gently kissed her, and then she let a sigh and her spirit left her body. Tears poured down my face, I sobbed loudly, “Why, God? Why did you have to take her? She was perfect?” I cried and my whole body racked with pain. I cried and cried, I cried and no sound broke out of my mouth. Then abruptly the tears stopped. My whole body numbed, as ridged as stone. I walked out of then tent, leaving her lifeless body resting on the blankets. I had one thing in mind…revenge.
Chapter 7
I strode out of the tent, Elsu, nearby saw the dead less expression in my eye and knew what I was going to do. He tossed me his tomahawk but I ignored it, letting it fall to the side of me. I walked on, out of the Indian camp, and in the direction of Salem. Around half way I could see a lone horseman riding to meet me. It was Silas. He was armed with two muskets and his sword. He pulled his horse to a halt, took aim and fired. I could see the musket ball flying towards, and I leapt out of the way, he dropped the gun and grabbed the other. His second shot missed hitting the dirt by my feet. He quickly began to load his muskets but I was too fast. I ran towards him and dragged him and the horse down with me. I got back to my feet and waited for him to do the same. Silas rose quickly and pulled out his sword. He was an expert swordsman, but I was still too fast for him. He swung his sword down on my arm but I swerved to the side, he acted fast but I struck the sword with my fist, causing it to splinter into pieces. He threw the broken handle at me underhanded catching me off my guard and the fractured blade stuck into my forearm. His eyes glinted with evil, as he drew the first blood. I let out a roar and flew at him, punching him again and again and again. I desecrated his face, blood poured as my fist broke his nose and skin. I pounded him over and over again, as I beat his face into the earth. Instead of pleading for his life he taunted me with every blow I gave him. Then my eyes caught sight of a nearby tree with a low branch. I picked him up and shoved his body against the branch. It was sharp and it pieced his skin as I pinned him all the way through until he was stuck up against the tree, the branch sticking out of his torn body. I took a few steps back and turned to walk away, it was a nasty sight to behold. I thought that I had finished what I had intended to do, but a gurgling sound emitted from the tree. I faced my dying enemy; he looked at me with his bloodshot eyes of hate and fear. “You…you will never get her back…” he taunted. “You should have…seen what I did to her…and how she screamed for me to stop…” I heard enough, and with a powerful blow, I snapped the branch off the tree, letting it fall to the ground with it still sticking out of Silas.
As I walked back to the Indian camp, a wave of emptiness washed over me. I couldn’t help but pity Silas, I wanted to hate him, but I couldn’t. Now I killed him, with my bare hands. Yet it would not bring back Annabel. I stumbled by the lake and saw my reflection, I was covered with blood. As I washed I broke into tears, here I was an angel. I was in human form, but I was an angel nevertheless. Why had I been so blind, and let my feeling and emotions overtake me? In my sorrow I cried out to God for forgiveness. I prayed and prayed, until darkness fell. It was then that I felt a type of peace overcome me. The answer, it was right there the entire time. Why didn’t I see it before? I arrived back at my tent, and saw Annabel’s lifeless body. Stoked her beautiful hair, and kissed her lips. I stretched my body over her body, placed my hands over her hands, my mouth over her mouth. Every angel on earth has this once choice, and only one. They have the power to give their angelic strength and power into whoever they choose. This can happen only once, and once they do, they will remain forever on earth. In other words they have the choice to give up their status as angels, and remain as humans for the rest of their lives until they die. That is what I was doing. From the pit of my stomach, I summoned every ounce of strength, every drop of emotion, every molecule of power. I summoned them into one place, and let it build. The feelings grew and grew until I thought that I couldn’t control it any longer. I then released it into Annabel. A ray of light shot from my mouth into her, I felt my energy being drained from every pore and rush into her. The light increased and grew stronger, I saw her wounds close and heal, color return back to her face. Then my light began to fade, Annabel’s eyes fluttered and opened, but I kept giving. I drained every drop I had in me, until the light became paler and paler and then diminish into oblivion. I rolled off her body, I felt weak, really weak. When Annabel spoke it sounded like the choir of heaven had broken out into chorus. “I saw you…” she said slowly. “I was looking down at you…you were bent over me…I was…dead…yet I was happy. Then I saw two magnificent wings appear out of your back. It was the most beautiful thing I have ever seen. And then…and then I was back in my body. Now I can understand… you are my angel. You are my personal angel sent from God just for me. You thought that you had no purpose, but you did. Your mission was to show me the love of God.” “Now you must tell others….” I said weakly. “You must tell others about the love of God. Tell him that we must love him, like a man loves a woman. Promise me that you’ll tell others.” “I promise.” She said as she realized that I was dying. “Annabel…I love you!” with that said I closed my eyes and died.
Chapter 8
Annabel did go on to tell other’s about the love of God. We should fear him yes, but we ought to love him with everything that we have. Do not let your fear of God rob you of your love for him. As for me, when I returned back to my spiritual state, I found that God’s love is bigger and far greater then I had ever imagined. Because of my sacrificial giving, with no thought for personal gain,( for I had no idea that I would die because it took all of my power to heal Annabel) that when I returned to my heavenly home, he gave me back my position as an angel. Now I am more powerful then I ever was, because now I have a new assignment. That is, to show Jesus’ love to you, our Endtime soldiers. So when the battle gets tough and you feel alone and forsaken, call and me and I will personally channel to you an extra dose of encouragement, peace, strength, and above all Love, For God is LOVE!
The End!
