"Ecclesia - Part One" - A Chronicles of the Children of Destiny Novel (NOTE: Samael in this story bears similarity to Samael from 'Lucifer' in Vertigo Comics)

[daniel]

See http://noahidebooks.angelfire.com for the rest of the story

Chronicles of the

Children of Destiny

Realm of Infinity

Volume One

‘Ecclesia’

by Daniel Thomas Andrew Daly

www.noahidebooks.com

© 2009 Noahide Books

Prologue

Future and past – past and future. And in between, the great now of
eternal existence. The centrepoint. God contemplated this thought.
At the beginning, with the first thoughts of creation, God had
developed some interesting possibilities. He had conceived of the
notions of ‘Realms of existence.’ Differing realms, ultimately
intertwining, each serving a purpose.

The first all-encompassing realm would be known as heaven. In heaven
would dwell his 70 beloved children. They would dwell together in
Azaphon – the Diamond City. These 70, birthed at exactly the same
time, were his personal children – children dear to him. They would
be the ‘bene elohim’ – children of God. And they would be
instrumental to the creation of the later realms. After this realm
would come forth the Realm of Infinity, beginning with Akalon, the
Platinum city, in which Logos would dwell. And then Azion – the
Golden city, in which the first of his angelic children, also 70 in
number initially, would be born.

Following that, the Realm of Eternity. A realm in which the 140
Seraphim would be born. The realm far below Azion. The place in
which Zaphon would come to be.

And finally, the physical realm. The realm in which planet Earth
would come to be, and his beloved Zion find home. The realm in which
all his beloved children would one day meet and follow the pathway of
destiny unique to each and every one of them.

Part One

‘Logos and Samael’

The Logos sat in quiet contemplation. His Father – his creator – his
God – had created for him a realm, a domain. A place he called the
realm of Infinity.

His first memories were awareness. Simply being aware of his own
existence. After that had come light. And then his Father’s peace –
power – and infinite love. The Son feared his Father then. He knew
his infinite power. His complete sovereignty.

After he had existed for a time he knew not how to measure, his Father
had spoken to him. Somehow he understood what the Father was – and
what he, as his son, also was.

The Father shared with him his plan. A great and marvellous plan. A
plan involving what he called planes of existence. Firstly ‘Home’ –
the place he dwelt alongside Metatron the firstborn, and Memra, Logos’
own twin. And then the building of ‘Heaven’ where the 70 children of
God resided. After that, Akalon, his own private domain, was built,
to watch over the Realm of Infinity - a place where the Logos, and
then others – the first of the angels - would dwell. And then after
that would come the Realm of Eternity – a place were other angels of
God would also come to be. And then the physical universe - an
infinite space filled with planets, stars and other oddities. A place
which would be the meeting place for the three very special
communities. A place were the eternal plan of God would unfold. And,
finally, off in the distant future, the final realm of ‘Paradise’.

‘Logos. Are you busy?’ The Son of God turned to the voice. It was
Samael. ‘Samael. You are a very unique being. You have an uncanny
sense of turning up at the most extraordinary of times.’ Samael
laughed. ‘Very funny, Logos. Anyway, I repeat. Are you busy? Can
you talk?’ Logos looked at his younger brother and decided that what
he was working on could wait, so agreed in his heart to spend some
time with his brother. ‘Yes I can talk with you, if you need to ask
me something.’ ‘Thanks,’ replied Samael. ‘As you know, I am turning
2000 soon. And I have begun to question things. Things about life.
About why we are here. The meaning of it all. I would like to ask
you some questions on this subject.’ ‘Please ask,’ said the Logos.
‘Well, firstly, you have never told me your age. Exactly how old are
you?’ ‘Samael – I am as old as eternity.’ ‘What does that mean? Are
you saying you are eternal like Father?’ ‘Well, seeing as you asked,
I will respond. In a sense I am ancient. My Spirit is begotten of
God’s spirit. The essence of it has eternally existed. That is the
nature of the Holy Spirit. But my unique identity – my persona – was
begotten of the Father. It came into being. I have eternal memories
in a sense, but they are understandings of the life of the Father
which he has shared with me. I have thought on these memories often.
And Father says I will contemplate them eternally so. Do you have any
further questions, Samael?’ ‘No, not really. I was just curious
about that issue. I know you were born like me, but you have often
said things which indicated an ancient age. I guess I understand
now.’ ‘Glad I could be of help,’ responded the Logos. ‘Yeh, thanks.
Anyway, talk to you later, Logos.’ Samael then left his older
brother’s room, heading for the home of his sister Aphrayel.

* * * * *

Aphrayel hung the just painted picture up on the wall of her abode, an
abode which was near the top of one of the central towers of the
golden city – the home to the angels of Infinity. Samael looked at
it. ‘How original, Aphrayel. An angel.’ Aphrayel disregarded the
slight tone of sarcasm in her brother’s voice. ‘Does the angel have a
name? asked Samael, although not really out of any sense of curiousity
but, as befitted his nature, more of a gesture of kindness to his
female friend. Aphrayel looked at him and then looked at the
picture. She spoke slowly, ‘well, no. I haven’t given it a name
yet. But does it need one? It’s just an angel, Samael.’ Samael
nodded. He sat down on Aphrayel’s couch and took a sip of melit water
from his glass. Melit water, of all the beverages of the Realm of
Infinity, satisfied Samael most of all. He looked again at the
picture of the angel and then at his sister. ‘Why paint a picture,
Aphrayel? I have never really known yourself to take an interest in
such trivial pastimes.’ Aphrayel looked at him strictly, then
softened. ‘Well, such is life Samael. Something to do, I suppose,
rather than being eternally bored.’ Samael gave a little grin. ‘Are
you bored, Aphrayel. Does life displease you?’ ‘Can I have a drink
of your melit water, dear brother?’ Samael handed her his glass. She
drank the remainder and placed the glass on the table. ‘No, not
really. Not really. I, when I was younger, found life a little
mundane at times, but now there is a quiet peace in my heart. A
smouldering fire of our father. It tells me this – walk serenely,
sedately, gently and slowly. Do not be concerned for in the quietness
and simplicity you will find your souls rest.’ Samael nodded at his
sister’s wisdom. ‘Sister – God is a rampaging fire of emotion. This
I know well. You serve him in this life you live. You are a solace
to his still burning passion for life.’ ‘Is that problematic,
brother.’ ‘No. Not at all Aphrayel. Like yourself, I love and
respect our father. I would likewise wish to serve him in a manner he
so desired, yet he asks not for my presence or company. I often
wonder, because of that, wether he cares for me muchly. I care for
him and wish him to find what he needs in our existence as his
children. Perhaps, in our father’s plans, my destiny may become known
later. Perhaps then.’ Aphrayel nodded.

‘Do you have any more melit water, dear sister?’ Aphrayel stood to
her feet and went into the kitchen, returning with a large jar of iced
melit water.’ Samael smiled happily at the ice. It was always nice
to drink the melit water quite cold. It was soothing to the body.
Refreshing and joyful. For such a simple thing as melit water, Samael
appreciated his father’s creation. It showed wisdom and insight to
care for his children in such a manner so as to provide things which
they actually derived great pleasure and happiness from. It was, to
Samael, a sign that his father cared greatly for his children. And,
in that thought which Samael considered often, he had concluded that
the simple fact that father created Samael to enjoy life in such a
calm, soothing and pleasant environment clearly indicated that he
cared for him, even if not explicitly stated.

‘How is Sandalphon, Samael?’ asked Aphrayel. ‘The same, I suppose. I
have not spoken to him for about a week. I have been in the library
most days recently, studying Torah. Haven’t seen Sandalphon around.’
‘Oh. Why were you studying the Torah? Not really any of us do that
anymore. I don’t think I have read it so far this century, which is
now nearly over with.’ ‘I was curious on an issue. An issue
regarding Logos and our father.’ ‘Did you find the answer you were
looking for?’ ‘Yes. But not in the torah itself. I asked the
Logos.’ Aphrayel nodded. ‘That is good she said.’

At the door of Aphrayel’s abode came a knock. Aphrayel stood and
walked to the door to answer it. Sandalphon stood there. Aphrayel
motioned for him to come inside. Sandalphon looked at his brother
Samael and gave a nod. Samael smiled. Sandalphon looked at the iced
melit water. ‘May I have some, Aphrayel?’ Aphrayel went to the
kitchen, returned with a glass and poured a glass of melit water for
her brother, handing it to him. He drank half the glass and sat down
next to Samael.

‘So how is life, Samael?’ Samael motioned towards the picture on the
wall. ‘Ask the Angel, Sandalphon. Perhaps he understands such
mysteries.’ Sandalphon looked at the angel. ‘Hey, that’s me isn’t
it?’ Aphrayel looked alarmed. ‘Nooo. It’s not you. How could you
suggest such a thing. It is of a brother who actually is dear to my
heart.’ Sandalphon laughed at the jibe. ‘Aphrayel. You are so
sweet. My heart it flutters.’ Samael, sitting next to Sandalphon,
grinned a little at his brother’s not so subtle sarcasm.

‘Well,’ began Sandalphon. ‘She should be here shortly. Aphrayel
looked at him curiously. ‘Who is coming?’ ‘Oh, why not keep it a
surprise.’ Samael stood up and walked over to the door. He opened it
and walked out into the hall. Looking about he did not see one of his
sister’s, so decided to go in search. He had hoped it would be
Lovrayel, as he wished to speak with her. Coming to the stairway, he
heard footfalls from below, and after a few moments Lovrayel did in
fact come into sight. She looked up to Samael. ‘Hello brother.’
‘Hello Lovrayel.’ Lovrayel climbed the rest of the steps and,
following Samael, they came to Aphrayel’s room.

A little later on, the game was becoming quite absorbing. Chess was
fascinating to Samael, now. The new variant which had been invented
recently was becoming hugely popular. The traditional 8 by 8 grid had
become a 9 by 9. And now, six extra pieces. Right in the centre, at
the first row for each opponent, had been added one new piece. The
‘God’ piece. It stood between the King and the Queen. The ‘God’
piece had an advantage over the queen in as much as it could make all
the moves of the queen, but with an extra advantage. It could also
move like the knight. Capturing the God piece was not easy. It
required to be captured twice. The first time the piece capturing was
automatically sacrificed. The second time the God piece could be
killed.

Alongside the God piece, though, was another new piece. A piece which
extended the number of players in the game from 2 to 4. It was the
Devil piece. The Devil piece stood on either end of the middle row –
the fifth row. The Devil piece could make all the same moves of the
God piece, except it required 2 sacrifices and 1 final capture to
kill. 2 new players each could move their Devil pieces. Under the
rules of the game, each Devil piece was a ‘wild’ piece. It had no
objectives. Whatever the player wished to do with Devil they could
do. If they wished to, they could attack whoever they so desired to.
They were, in a sense, uncontrollable entities.

However, the advantage to killing the Devil piece was great. If a
player, apart from the other Devil, sacrificed two pieces on the Devil
and then killed it with the third attack, it was allowed to reclaim
all its lost pieces. In most cases, killing a Devil nearly always led
to victory. Interestingly, if the other Devil made the killing blow,
it gained control of both Devil’s. Much mayhem and maliciousness had
ensued in a great number of contests due to the new additional
variant.

The Devil’s moves were identical with the God pieces moves – with one
advantage. If the Devil’s killed both the God pieces, when the second
God piece was killed, the Devil’s gained control of the God pieces as
well, which were then returned to the board wherever they chose.

Lovrayel smiled. She now had control of both Devil’s. Aphrayel, who
was still learning the game, had been attacked by Sandalphon, and
Lovrayel decided to move in for the kill. Of course, victory for the
Devil’s was very difficult to achieve so, which was most unlike
Lovrayel, but taking delight in the unwritten rules of the game in
which she luxuriated, Lovrayel tried the most cunning of tactics.

‘Sandalphon,’ began Lovrayel. ‘Samael suggested to me in conversation
in the stairwell that if he and I worked as a team, we should try to
defeat yourself and Aphrayel.’ Sandalphon looked at Lovrayel, and
then looked with a little fire in his eyes at his brother Samael. It
was a lie, of course, but Lovrayel didn’t mind a few white ones.
Samael looked at Lovrayel and gave the subtlest of grins. ‘Oh, yes,
that is right Sandalphon. Now that our dear sister Aphrayel has
fallen, our objective may become quite easier.’ Sandalphon got to his
feet, and walked over to the window, looking out over the Golden
city. ‘A most interesting tactic, brother. I think a response his
needed.’ He returned to his seat and looked at his two opponents.
‘Oh, Lovrayel, did I ever mention that Samael his pictures of you he
has painted without any clothing. He looks at them quite often.’
Lovrayel looked at Samael, who gave her a little shrug. ‘Samael,’ she
queried. ‘Is this true?’ Samael decided to honour his brother’s
attack. ‘Well, yes, of course, dearest Lovrayel. I mean, of all my
sisters who I else could I possibly desire to see naked.’ Lovrayel
gave Samael a cold look. When her next move came, she attacked
Samael. Samael saw the pawn disappear and wondered if he would
respond. He looked at Sandalphon, who seemed pleased. A different
tactic, he thought to himself. He moved forward a piece which
Lovrayel would be able to take with no danger. Sandalphon looked at
the move, a little confused. This tactic he did not understand.
Lovrayel, likewise, considered the move and then decided to move back
out of danger. He could have in the prior move taken her piece, but
had instead offered an easy sacrifice. This move, this most strange
move, confused Lovrayel greatly. She looked at Sandalphon and Samael
and thought on how she would achieve victory. Perhaps the standard
tactic – stay out of harm’s reach.

Later on, Samael had been attacking Sandalphon ruthlessly. He had
employed many of his standard attacking strategies, with a fair degree
of success. His opponent was playing a tactical game of his own – a
range of sacrificial delusions, with his eye on Lovrayel who had been
warming up to a response of her own.

That night, lying on her bed, Lovrayel considered her victory. Samael
had slain Sandalphon, and then Lovrayel had outfoxed her opponent.
She had remained calm and consistent, and her older brother had fallen
at the end. It was a nice victory. A pleasant response to the many
jibes Samael had occasionally shot at her. He was a challenge, but a
successful and well thought out strategy usually defeated him.

* * * * *

The peace of darkness surrounded Satan of the Saruvim. The first of
the 7 Saruvim angels rested, yet awake, lying down on the grass near
the pond of Rageeta garden, on the northern edge of the golden city.
Satan had been considering the nature of spirit. The nature of the
power of the spirit he had been born with. In this spirit, darkness
dwelt. And in that darkness, a magic. A magic relentless in
authority, almost eternal in power, and sovereign in savagery. And in
the darkest part of his hidden heart, Satan now contemplated this dark
magic and decided to allow it to claim his soul – to claim his life.
It could serve him. It could assist him. He could accomplish goals –
accomplish objectives – it could grant him eternal victory and defeat
every opponent. It was darkness, evil and insanity – and he delighted
in it, determined and persuaded to let it dominate his heart, his
mind, the very centre of his being. The power of the magic of
darkness would guide his soul to the heart of destruction. And in the
pursuit of this truth, Satan would not relent.

* * * * *

The Father of Eternity burned brightly in the throneroom of the Golden
City, Azion, the heart of the Realm of Infinity. His son Samael had
been upon his heart. His Son had said words which were not true,
although perhaps true as well. Yet, in his decision for this child of
his, the eternal Father had decided to let Samael be. To find his own
way. To seek the destiny he chose for himself. Samael, so God
sensed, seemed to understand enough of the basic lessons of the nature
of eternal life that he really needed no teacher – no guide – no grand
and great God – to tell him how he should behave and what he could and
could not do. The power of death, his son Samael had rejected quite
early in life. Quite early and consistently rebuked this dark devil,
insisting on goodness, peace and gentleness. Samael had continually
chosen these virtues and had gravitated to them – fixed them in his
inward parts – and decided them to be the building blocks of his
eternal existence. And his Father saw the great and wise wisdom in
the heart and spirit of his child Samael. Of course, Samael would,
from his observations, one day develop dark streaks, cunning and
malicious spiritual attacks, even relentlessly so. But, strange as it
may seem, these characteristics only enhanced the charm and beauty of
one of the most sensible of the Onaphim.

* * * * *

Samael was sitting next to Aphrayel in her abode upon the couch. That
morning they had been passionate in their love-making. An intense and
most satisfying experience – a delight for the heart, body, mind and
spirit.

Samael was thinking on Torah. Aphrayel was sitting next to him
quietly, playing solitaire on the table in front of her. She sensed
her brother was in serious thought, so decided to question on a range
of interesting Torah subjects – to bring forth his knowledge for both
of their pleasures.

‘Samael – If Love be what Love be – And Compassion be what Compassion
be – what is the heart of Kindness?’

Samael looked at Aphrayel. ‘Kindness?’ ‘Yes, dear Samael.
Kindness.’ ‘Well,’ began Samael, ‘If these virtues flow from the
heart, from the spirit within us, perhaps they are unique to each of
us in how they are shown, practiced and perceived. Kindness, for
myself, begins with an attitude of the heart. An attitude based on a
decision to chose this virtue and apply its principles and spirit. It
would seem that every virtue, coming from the spiritual beings we are,
can be shown and come forth in this manner. Kindness shows kindness
to other virtues of the heart chosen in our life decisions. In
harmony they should walk, in charity they should talk, united they
should be, in eternal destiny.’ Aphrayel looked at her brother on
that last word. ‘Is that a poem? ‘Yes, I guess it could be called as
such. May I ask, do you have any such thoughts on this question? Is
it illumination you seek, or was it a kind gesture to bring happy
conversation.’ ‘Both, and perhaps more, brother. Perhaps more.’

A knock came to the door. Aphrayel got up and answered it. Their
brother Shadray stood there. Aphrayel welcomed him in and he came and
sat down next to Samael. ‘Would you like to something to eat or
drink, Shadray?’ asked Aphrayel. ‘Do you have any lemon and orange
juice?’ Aphrayel walked into the kitchen and a few moments later
returned with a jug of lemon and orange juice, with ice contained
therein. She returned to the kitchen and reappeared with three
glasses. Quietly she poured out three glassfuls of Lemon and Orange
juice. She offered them to both Shadray and Samael who happily took
them.

Samael turned to Shadray. ‘What dreams entered your head last night,
brother.’ Shadray gave that a little thought. ‘I dreamt of Satan.
He was sitting by the pond in Rageeta garden. Although, the dream was
most strange. Not quite like any I had previously experienced.’

‘How so?’ asked Aphrayel. ‘It – It – was vibrantly alive. In some
ways as if I was really actually there in a physical way. Although,
in the back of my mind I did know I was still dreaming.’ Aphrayel
nodded knowingly. ‘I have dreamt like that. Every now and again such
passion overcomes my slumber, and the light of my heart and mind
succumb to most unique experiences. Sometimes quite distressing.
Sometimes quite calming and entertaining. But often, most
passionate.’

Shadray drank a little more juice. ‘Sandalphon was commenting on your
chess game. It is most unusual for Samael to lose to Lovrayel. I
wonder, what could have caused such an event?’ Both Samael and
Aphrayel, although the question seemed to be directed at neither
particularly, thought on answering. ‘Lovrayel has capabilities,
Shadray,’ stated Samael. ‘Perhaps I failed to attack opportunities
presented to me, but defeat is not the end of life. I feel, it
teaches care for the opponent. It directs respect towards them. It
gives your heart a sense of proportion.’ Shadray nodded. ‘But why,
if victory is attainable, not chose to pursue it with a passion.’
Aphrayel looked at Samael and answered. ‘New experience, Shadray.
New understanding. Not limiting ones life to predictable methods but,
when it costs nothing, broadening your knowledge of the other aspects
of life.’ Samael nodded knowingly at his sister’s wisdom. Shadray
gave those words a little thought. ‘So, if I see what you are
saying..’ Samael put his hand up to stop Shadray continuing.
‘Brother, reflect on this in your own mind.’ Aphrayel nodded. ‘The
reason for Samael advising you to do this dear brother is that private
reflection, not always seeking confirmation, will help you to develop
your own ideas more soundly. You will have greater ability, having
reached your own conclusions on a matter, to make your own life
decisions.’ ‘I suppose, in a sense, know what you believe and why you
believe it,’ replied Shadray. ‘Yes, Shadray. I see the wisdom in
such a statement.’ ‘It gives a greater inner strength, Shadray. A
greater inner strength.’

The angels of infinity within the abode of Aphrayel chatted and went
throughout many things which such angels undertook in their happy
lives. It was a day most happy the angel Aphrayel thought later on
that night, resting upon her bed, reflecting of the life of Infinity.

Chapter Two

Logos. Son of God. Firstborn – eternal child – begotten of the
infinite. His mind, beyond comprehension, in many ways. Even,
strangely enough, beyond his own understanding. Yet, in faith, his
eternal father understood him and in that peace of mind he rested,
comforted and complete.

They did not, in truth, think too far ahead carefully enough. They
did not, in truth, contemplate seriously enough the long term
consequences of their actions. They did not consider that.

The intimate. The encounter. The passion. The longing. The
desire. The intensity. There were, in truth, prices to pay. Great
and heavy prices. And so, after careful and considered contemplation
– contemplation of his fathers experience within him, although
(apparently) theoretical – Logos concluded that the position of the
community on the stance of sexual conduct needed remedying. A new
direction was required. A more sensible approach to the issues of
romance, love, the heart and sexuality.

They, in the end, used their sisters for their own carnal
gratifications. They did not really, in truth, care for their
hearts. Their minds. Their souls. They were users and abusers.
Nothing more. Nothing more.

And so, he would choose the Seraphim – the fourth seven of angels –
and he would separate these seven. They would be forbidden,
completely forbidden, from touching their sisters. From entering any
type of romantic, emotional or physical contact with them. They would
be separate. Only, in the strictest of formal settings, would inter-
relationship between the Seraphim and the Celestyel’s be accepted.
Michael, Gabriel, Raphael, Uriel, Raguel, Phanuel and Saruviel would
be separated – taken apart – purified and made holy. These 7 angels
of the Seraphim of Infinity would be separate from the 7 Celestyel
angels. They would not know them again. And, in this purpose, purity
of love could, finally, be reclaimed in the Realm of Infinity.

* * * * *

Michael was the first of the seven Seraphim of the Realm of Infinity.
The Seraphim were the fourth group of seven angels, after the Onaphim,
the Oraphim and the Ozraphim. As firstborn, in a sense, he felt he
had responsibility to maintain a decent standard of behaviour. To set
an example of goodness, kindness and holiness. These things, were,
the stuff of a good and pure life. A sensible balanced approach to a
good life.

He had, for the last few hours, been considering Logos request. He
had stated he would accept Logos judgement. He was firstborn, and had
considered the issue, so Michael assumed, in sufficient detail to
understand the purpose behind the decision. Of course, as Michael did
know, Logos was motivated by holiness. This did not really change in
how the Logos related to everyone.

Later on he would find the others in his group, the 7 Seraphim, and as
Logos had requested, the ecclesia would be formed. Letting go of his
sexual relationships would be difficult. He did enjoy them. Logos
had not stated the duration for this agenda of his. That was
disappointing. It was always useful to have information like that.
It helped formulate good decision making skills. Yet, he would trust
his oldest brother. Logos, whatever else, was motivated in goodness
towards himself and his Seraphim brothers. That much had always been
obvious to Michael

* * * * *

‘Three months. Three bloody months of this abstinence. I can’t
bloody take it any more.’ Samael looked over at Sandalphon who stood
next to the window of Samael’s abode. ‘It was his request, brother.’
‘I know. 7 months of abstinence for our Seraphim brothers. 7
months. But why should we, really, Samael? Why should we have to
accede to this? Is it not, really, an infringement upon the life we
have grown accustomed to? Is it really fair?’ Samael considered
Sandalphon’s words. ‘Logos, as firstborn has birthrights. It is his
right, as you know, to make these decisions. We can not challenge
this obvious truth. Thus we accept it.’ Sandalphon looked at him
briefly, and returned his gaze to the scenery outside the window.
After a moment he turned, walked over to the cabinet at the side of
the room, poured out a glass of iced Melit water from the pitcher, and
slowly drank it. He turned to Samael. He looked at him sharply.
‘Well. Why the hell not? Why can’t we challenge him? Why can’t
we?’ Samael looked at him, thinking over that. He picked up one of
the wooden figurines splayed over the table in front of his chair, and
turned it over in his hands. ‘It is an established system, brother.
What purpose would there be in challenging it?’ Sandalphon considered
that. ‘Well, I guess, we could do what we want then. I mean, stuff
him. Live life as we see fit.’ Samael put down the figurine, and
looked straight at Sandalphon. ‘Well. Okay.’ Sandalphon nodded,
satisfied a little, and took another drink from his glass. He gave
Samael a cautious look, but thought better of it. And then a grin
came on his face. He might go off for a shag tonight. Suddenly,
shagging, of all of the pleasurable activities life offered him,
sounded quite good. Quite good indeed.

* * * * *

Gemrayel looked at Sandalphon. ‘Randy, are we?’ Sandalphon nodded.
‘Aye.’ ‘But the rules, brother. The rules.’ ‘I didn’t think you
really cared that much, Gem. I really have assumed you didn’t in
fact, give the slightest damn.’ Gemrayel looked at the pleasure
before her eyes. The wicked pleasure. ‘Come in, then. I’ll get you
something to eat. Feed you, ya big brute.’ As he walked past her,
Gemrayel glanced down at his behind. He did look fine, she thought to
herself. He did look fine.

* * * * *

He sensed it quickly. Almost instantly. A violation. A
disturbance. A rebellion. He thought, quickly, and identified within
the spiritual auras around him the likely offenders. Sandalphon and
Gemrayel. The most likely couple. He looked over at the calendar.
Three months and one day completed. And now, on this second day of
the three months, a violation. The period had not been completed.
The sanctification – the necessary sanctification – had failed. Logos
was, in truth, not pleased. It would now be necessary to set an
example. To show his authority.

* * * * *

Samael sat in the room. The dim room, lit only by the faint light
which shone through the windows which had been covered from the
outside. Again he tried the door. Yet to no avail. It was locked
tight. He would not be able to leave. He looked at the supply of
food and water he had been given. The toilet had been quickly
connected to the room as well as a pump with running water. And now,
he would complete the term. Nearly four months were in front of him
to ensure, completely, Samael’s compliance with his older brother’s
directive. And so, because of that, Samael sat on his bed, and
thought. He thought on this issue and wether he need to, in some way,
respond to the authority that the Logos had presented.

* * * * *

Sandalphon, still smarting from the blow of the cain on his back, was
mildly upset. Logos had taken a cain, turned him around, and belted
him on the back. And it did hurt. He knew it was his punishment. He
knew, for the act of sexuality he had partaken of with his sister
against his oldest brothers wishes, that Logos had been greatly upset
and had acted in accordance with his wrath. And Sandalphon, along
with Samael, had been the main recipients of the punishment.

He considered his oldest brother, then. He considered him and his
position of authority in the realm. The power available and at his
disposal, should he ever wish to utilise it. As the Son of God Logos
could, if he so desired, control much of their mind and thoughts.
This, so he had stated, he had occasionally done. To maintain the
peace and order, in his defense. Yet Sandalphon did not like this
reality. He did not like this situation. And, due to that very
simple reason, Sandalphon had reached a conclusion. He would have
words with Samael. Words with an intent at, in Sandalphon’s mind,
establishing a way of life in the Realm of Infinity more amenable to
Sandalphon and his other brothers and sisters.

* * * * *

Dolphyel was the secondborn of the Onaphim angels, second to Samael.
Dolphyel was a gentle and kind angel. Not given to the passionate
attitudes and ways of life of his other brothers and sisters.
Dolphyel liked studying the Torah and growing in Knowledge. He felt,
in life, accurate and sound knowledge would help him to be a better
angel. An angel which his brethren would like and get along with.
Self-improvement seemed, to Dolphyel, the best way to approach life.

The Torah of Infinity was, amongst the other sacred texts, fundamental
to the lives of the Angels of Infinity. The eternal father of Glory,
in crafting the Torah of Infinity had taken a slightly different
approach than he had for the Torah of heaven, always bearing in mind
the later Torah he planned for the Realm of Eternity. The Torah of
Infinity was, for God, meant to be plain, understandable, easy to
approach and easy to make sense of. It was meant to be communicatable
and simple in its basic messages. The Torah of Infinity was housed in
the Temple of the Golden city, right in the centre of the city. At
the top of the Temple, in its upper region, was the throneroom of the
Golden city, were the angels gathered to spend time with their God and
Father.

Each angel amongst the 10 groups of 7 angels, who were all
collectively known as the Onaphim, had a divine principle of Torah
associated with them. Thus there were 70 basic Torah principles. 70
basic principles of life which operated through their realm to provide
the foundation for the lives of God’s angelic children.

Logos did not have a principle. He was treated separately by God.
Samael’s principle, the first, read as such:

God is the Lord of eternal life. He can eternally grant you this
gift.

Dolphyel took this basic lesson and understood that in his eternal
father eternal life could be maintained and eternally given.

The Second principle, his own, read:

Virtue is the moniker of a sensible mind.

Dolphyel felt that his father, in crafting the Torah, had exhibited
wisdom. The principles made sense to himself. They worked for
himself, and remained generally consistent. He noted some of Samael’s
objections as to the deliberateness of taking Torah for granted, and
acknowledged his point. Yet he did understand that Torah did reflect
decency in its principles. A mind which accepted these principles,
based on pure motivation of accepting decency and kindness in the
heart, could not really be faulted, felt Dolphyel. Naturally, he
agreed with Samael’s objections that the Torah did not define complete
truth – or the knowledge which Dolphyel could attain by his own
merits. Yet Dolphyel was humble enough to acknowledge the basic sense
his father made. Why argue with goodness, Dolphyel thought to
himself. And, in a final response to some of Samael’s arguments,
Dolphyel declared the rights of his father to be acknowledged for good
ideas as well. God, likewise, deserved his own glory.

And, thus, Dolphyel would continue in his study of Torah and his way
of life. This lifestyle suited him and he felt, quite honestly,
eternal benefits would flow because of them. In that idea he had
confidence.

* * * * *

Sandalphon, Atros, Belzavier and Shadray – male Onaphim of infinity –
sat on the lounges within Shadray’s abode. ‘Well, Shadray. What do
you think?’ Shadray, firstborn of the Noahphim, ninth born of the
groups of 10 sets of 7 angels, looked at Sandalphon. He considered
the subject of the conversation which had been taking place, and the
conclusions his mind had been steadily arriving at. He thought on his
own divine Torah principle – ‘Know what you believe and why you
believe it’. He, in his thinking, in the analytical process which had
been going through his mind, considered the issue.

‘Sandalphon. It is rebelling.’ Sandalphon looked at Shadray, stood
to his feet, and walked over to the cabinet at the side of the room.
He took a glass and filled it with scotch. He placed some ice in it,
and slowly started drinking. The oh so familiar burning soothed him,
chasing away the shadows of his mind. ‘So why not rebel, brother?
Why not rebel?’ Atros looked at Shadray, the same idea in his mind.
‘Yeh, Shadray. Fuck it. Why don’t we party hard. Have a hell of a
life. Do whatever the fuck we want. I mean, why the hell should we
give a damn about Logos and his crap rules. I have never really liked
them. I am sure you don’t really. Do you.’ Shadray turned his gaze
from Sandalphon to Atros. He did not comment, but looked at him.
Sandalphon continued. ‘You realize, Shadray, that in this dedication
of ours a far greater quality of life can be gained. That is the
inevitable truth, is it not.’ Belzavier spoke up. ‘I think,
Sandalphon, that Shadray has legalistic concerns. Torah principles he
has in mind. Not ready to live a little.’ Sandalphon directed his
gaze towards Belzavier, and nodded slightly, returning his gaze to
Shadray. ‘Is that it, then, Shadray. Worries on Torah. Worries
about Father’s rules, are we. Rules. Remember, they were made to
control us. Of course, sensible in many places. But are they,
really, perfection dear brother? Are they really?’ Shadray looked at
the three of them. He looked at them and made his decision. ‘Be it
as it will to you Sandalphon. As well as yourself Belzavier, and you
to Atros. Yet I will abstain from this fair adventure you have
plotted out. I will, I think, rather tread the established pathways
of life. I think,’ he said, mildly dramatically, looking upwards
briefly, before returning his gaze to Sandalphon. ‘I think that is
what I will do.’ Sandalphon nodded. ‘As you see fit, dear brother.
As you see fit.’

* * * * *

‘He’s a bastard.’ Lovrayel looked at Gemrayel, understanding quite
clear on her face. ‘Yes, Gem. He was just using you for sex. It is
basically all that motivates them most of the time.’ ‘He’s a
bastard.’ ‘You said that sis. But remember, your wicked little
pleasures that he gives you. That’s the trade-off sis. You put out,
as they like. They give you a bit in return. They do, usually, pay
their debts.’ ‘He’s still a bastard.’ ‘Yeh, yeh. Well, they are
simple men, sister. They rarely understand how we feel. Rarely
bother to even make the slightest effort. But, god bless em, that is
how he made them. And I do see the wisdom in that. Very easy, if we
have to, to put the braggarts in their place.’ Gemrayel looked at
Lovrayel, comforted by those words. ‘Yes, that is true. We can show
them how it is done whenever we have to. Heartless bastards.’ ‘Yes,
that’s right. That’s right,’ nodded Gemrayel. ‘That’s right’, she
again said.

* * * * *

‘Well, Dolphyel? Are you with us?’ Dolphyel, having taken the time
to consider Sandalphon’s offer, had generally come to his conclusion.
‘Thank you, Sandalphon. But no. Rebelling against God is not in my
way of life. In fact, I would rather you did not discuss this subject
at all. I find it quite disturbing.’ ‘As you wish, brother. The
offer remains, though, should you choose to consider it. I will bid
you good day.’ Sandalphon exited Dolphyel’s abode, Dolphyel watching
him depart, and then returned to his reading of Lovrayel’s book on
poetry.

Sandalphon’s offer was interesting. He didn’t really like to consider
the idea, but it was interesting. He was not quite sure, though, what
they were suggesting. But, at face value, it was simply about
ignoring God’s rules and doing whatever they hell they wanted to. He
thought on this. He considered this idea. And, having decided to let
the idea develop, he would think of it over the next few hours to
reach some sort of conclusion that night.

Later on, having completed Lovrayel’s book on poems about Love,
Dolphyel got up from his couch and, putting on a new jacket, left his
abode for the nightly meal at the main dining hall. In the centre of
the Golden city were the main buildings related to social activity in
the Realm of Infinity. In the dead centre of the city was the temple,
with the throneroom at the top. In the temple on the lower level
numerous copies of the torah were housed, which could be studied
seated at desks. The Torah was the only text permitted in the temple.

Near the temple, just to the north, was the library were other texts
created by the angels were housed. To the west of the temple was the
main dining hall, were the angels usually ate their nightly meals. To
the south the main recreation hall, filled with lounges, various
tables with chess-sets on them, and other items of amusement. To the
east the central garden of the city, with the amphitheatre were
dramatic performances and song occasionally took place. And around
these buildings were 10 quite high towers. Each tower had 7 abodes,
one on top of each other. Each group of angels had a tower devoted to
themselves. The angels in rank of birth lived in the towers from the
ground upwards. Samael lived in the northernmost tower, on the ground
level. In the abodes above him the other 6 of the Onaphim resided.
In the next tower, just north-east of the temple, the 7 Oraphim were
housed. And, in chronological order of birth, each tower housed each
of the abodes of the angels around the temple.

Logos resided above the ground level of the temple, on the second
floor. His was the largest abode of any angel, but this had never
caused any problems. They all had plenty of room and spent most of
their time at other abodes. Above the abode of the Logos was the
throneroom of God. This was on the third and final level of the
temple. While the temple was quite large in size, and the rooms quite
high, they did not tower as high as the abodes of the angels. The
temple was, though, larger in its foundation than that of the angelic
abodes. This, though, was necessary for when the gatherings took
place.

This was not, though, the limits of the city. A great deal of
grassland surrounded the city, going out to the edge of the city,
which was sometimes called the ‘Rim’. The grasslands were,
essentially, all flat, with a few very minor hills scattered here and
there. There were gardens for fruits and vegetables out in the
grasslands, which were harvested regularly. Around the edge of the
angels towers were also a number of various ponds and other decorative
features.

On the northern edge of the main abodes of the city, just to the north
of Samael’s tower, was Rageeta pond. This was generally considered
the most idyllic of the ponds in the realm. Dolphyel liked to visit
this pond on regular occasions to soothe his soul in watching the
still and quiet water. Occasionally, when she was available, Lovrayel
would accompany him there and they would make love. She was, as
always, in demand for such affections. There were only 7 female
angels, the Celestyel’s, in comparison to the 63 male angels. Because
of this reality, the demand for time with the females had been very
great in their younger years. But the males had gradually gotten used
to the way things worked. Love affairs, as they had been called, had
been in the minds of many male angels for many years – many trying to
prove their most earnest devotion. Yet, when they had been, as it
were, satiated on their desires to a large degree, a more normal
lifestyle had resumed.

Sexual relations were still quite passionate amongst some angels, but
a number of quieter souls were less concerned with the issue. Too
much pressure. Too much passion to gain time with the women at
times. Of course, if you waited, one of the ladies would seek you out
to remind you of her love. For Dolphyel, Lovrayel in particular
visited him often, showing him her heart and affection towards his
goodness. And, because of that reality, Dolphyel had become less
concerned with the issue of sexuality. It was available from time to
time, and if he was ever desperate it could be arranged. Yet, with
the kind of angel he had become, a less sexually passionate lifestyle
generally suited him. It was, in many ways, less problematic. And,
in general, he had concluded that it suited him

Reaching the dinner hall Dolphyel entered and came into the main
room. Most of the angels were there, sitting around the tables,
engaged in the usual chatter. The fireplace was burning today, as it
did from time to time. Meals were prepared on a roster basis by the
whole community. Nobody, including the Logos, was excepted.

He came over to Garanel, his younger brother by one birth position,
and sat down next to him. Garanel looked at him. ‘Oy. What’s up.’
‘Same old thing, Gar. Same old thing. What are we eating tonight?’
‘Soup, probably. Logos is actually cooking the meals tonight, and
will naturally use his excessive imagination,’ said Garanel, the
sarcasm obvious. Dolphyel nodded knowingly. ‘I am sure he has his
reasons, Garanel.’ ‘Too bloody lazy to cook a proper meal. That’s
all it really is.’ ‘Maybe. What have you been doing today.’ ‘Aw,
the same old bullshit. You know. Crapping around. Had a wank this
afternoon. That was a rush.’ ‘Yes. They usually are.’ ‘That’s
right. But, well, life bloody goes on – don’t it. I guess I am
getting used to it now. Not really that boring anymore, not like when
I was younger.’ ‘I think it is because you toughen up after a while.
The boredom goes away eventually and even doing mundane things can be
quite interesting.’ ‘Yeh. Maybe. Not quite sure I see it like that,
but I guess I can relate. Still, this thing life is okay, I think.
Gotten used to it now. Think I will stick with it.’ ‘Yes, you
usually say things like that. Have you considered spiritual issues
yet? Or are they still irrelevant to you.’ Garanel looked at him
cautiously. ‘You haven’t really asked me those questions for a few
years, Dolphyel. Why the sudden interest?’ ‘I have been reading
Torah recently. Thinking over it. Thinking things through. It is
interesting what it teaches. Deep, I think. Deeper than we had
perhaps appreciated in our youth.’ ‘If you say so. But, if you want
my philosophy, this is it. Learn the basics. If you can stick to
them. If you can master yourself, then it don’t really fucking matter
after that. Fuck it. Take forever to develop spiritually if you want
to. Time never ends so why the fucking rush, huh?’ ‘Good point,
Gar. Very good point. I think I will think about that. It actually
has possibilities.’ ‘Yeh. You’ll learn.’

Having returned to his abode, Dolphyel thought more heavily on
Sandalphon’s offer. What Garanel had said had changed his views a
little on the nature of life. Dolphyel felt that he now had a strong
spiritual foundation. Perhaps, on this foundation, liberty – the
ability to make his own way through life – could be a sensible
choice. It could allow him the freedom and ability, as it were, to
chart his own destiny. It could, in the end, be a most interesting
and satisfying life experience. It could, perhaps, be the making of
him.

Chapter Three

‘So we are free now are we?’ Sandalphon noted the slight edge in
Samael’s comment, yet wisely chose to ignore it. They were in
Aphrayel’s abode, Samael and Aphrayel lying on her couch, while
Sandalphon was by the side counter, enjoying his favourite
intoxication of late, the devilish scotch. ‘Freedom is a matter of
perspective, Samael. We can never, I suppose, escape the reach of our
Almighty Father. I do not deceive myself in thinking that he cannot
reach us wherever we may be. Yet, I do sense, that he does allow us a
degree of liberty, a degree of freedom, and that he will not interfere
beyond a certain point in how we choose to exercise our liberties.
Yet I fear, his lackey Logos in fact will. That one cares not for our
rights, as I put it. Control. Order. Obedience. This is the stuff
of the mind of Logos. Yet, perhaps. Perhaps we can escape this
rulership. This divine dictatorship. Perhaps there is a way to
outsmart our older brother in this game of life.’

Samael took a sip of melit water and looked at his sister Aphrayel who
was, while apparently listening, more interested in the game of
solitaire she was currently occupied with. ‘Shall we escape him then,
dear sister? Shall we be free forever?’

Aphrayel made her next move, paused considering Samael’s words, then
continued on with her game. Shortly, though, she spoke. ‘This
ideology – this freedom – that you and Sandalphon and others now speak
of. I see no great reward in it. Do we not know our heavenly father
well enough by now to understand his wisdom? To understand that the
rules and judgements which come from him are in our best interests?’

Samael looked at Aphrayel and turned to Sandalphon. ‘An interesting
statement from our sister, don’t you think dear brother.?’ ‘Baah.
She is a simple woman. What would they know.’ Aphrayel looked over
to Sandalphon, ‘You know Sandy. While that comment is not unlike you
in many ways, it still does you no great merit.’ ‘Be that as it may,
Aphy, I do not think that you have ever given the thought needed to
understand the restrictive lifestyle our eternal father has placed
upon us. You are a servant – nothing more – nothing less.’ Aphrayel
thought on those words. She thought on them for a few moments, as if
considering wether there was actually any real truth in them. The
life she lived in Infinity did not really seem, in any great way, a
life of servant-hood. Yet the words bothered her heart, for some
reason. As if they spoke of an Aphrayel who was not really her own
person. Not really her own identity. But rather, perhaps, a pawn in
a game of chess, played by an eternal deity. She looked at
Sandalphon, seriously, and asked the question that had been
formulating. ‘I know that, in this decision to ignore God and Logos,
that you have found your new so-called freedom. But if you were
serious, dear brother. If you were serious, you would have an
argument. An intelligent, formulated and logical argument to defend
yourself with. Something a bit more than ‘I don’t like the rules –
let’s forget about them.’

Sandalphon looked at her. He looked at her, turned away, and gave the
ever so slightest grin. The opportunity had come, so he would take
it. ‘But, dear sister, I do. In great detail, I in fact do. And I
would greatly love to share this with both you and my older brother.’

Aphrayel looked at Sandalphon and then Samael. Then she returned to
her game, making another move. Sandalphon took a sip of scotch and
walked over to the window, looking out over the city. Samael,
intrigued by Sandalphon’s words spoke eventually. ‘Well, Sandalphon.
What is this argument. What is this great ideology.’ Aphrayel paused
from her game of solitaire, finally enticed. ‘Yes, brother dearest.
What is it then? What exactly do you have in mind?’

Sandalphon smiled at them, ever so happy. ‘A simple concept, brother
and sister. A simple concept. Democracy.’

‘Democracy?’ stated Aphrayel? ‘Yes, sister dearest,’ responded
Sandalphon. ‘Democracy’.

* * * * *

Yet, despite the desires of his heart. Despite the very wishes of his
soul, the dark power – the dark magic – would not befriend him. Each
night he yearned for its caress. He yearned to taste, once again,
that dark soothing which had taken his heart for a number of days, yet
left. It had left him, seemingly rejecting him, as if he were not
worthy of its presence. Of its majesty. Of its glory. As if there
was something within him that was not right with the power of the dark
– not yet conforming to its most malicious ways. Yet Satan, first of
the Seven Saruvim of Infinity, did not give up. He did not and would
not deny the treasure his heart sought. The dark power, the dark
light, the dark side, which had entered and befriended him, teaching
him the power it both possessed and could give to him if, if and only
if, he would yield his heart and accept the way in complete
surrender. To surrender to the power of darkness. To the power of
evil.

Satan knew that, within him, goodness lingered. And, seemingly, it
was this goodness the darkness rejected. As if they were incompatible
– as if they could not and would not be joined – would not go
together, due to irreconcilable differences.

Yet, so he had decided, this would not deter him. He would not give
up – he would persevere. The power of the dark would become his
intimate acquaintance. Even if, even if, there was something he had
to do to gain such friendship. Something, an idea, which had been
placed in his mind, perhaps by the darkness, which would, when obeyed,
give him the peace and power he sought. The power of the dark which
he both yearned and craved for.

* * * * *

Dolphyel, secondborn of the Onaphim after Samael, sat thinking on the
words Logos had shared with him that afternoon. He thought on them,
carefully. They had been strict. Very strict. And they had made
demands of him. Demands to completely and utterly forego that which
his mind had been contemplating and, instead, to surrender to God. To
allow the sovereign of the universe dictate his life, away from the
temptations of Sandalphon.

Logos had become aware, to a degree, of some of the ideas that
Sandalphon had been slowly propagating. Ideas of ignoring the Torah –
of ignoring God – and of ignoring Logos. And Logos, seemingly to
Dolphyel, felt threatened in this reality.

Sandalphon had brushed aside the rebuke of Logos on the issue of
sexuality and now did things his way. As for the ecclesia, apparently
to Sandalphon that was Logos business and he could not care less. Yet
Logos had not stood by idly, yet sought out Dolphyel to reaffirm to
him that which he should already know in his heart, and to ask him to
continue the sexual abstinence for his ecclesia brothers.

That request Dolphyel had acceded to. It was the least he could do.
Yet, in regards to the other desires of his oldest brother, he was not
yet sure what his response, ultimately, would be.

* * * * *

‘Democracy! Democracy, you say. Mmmmmmmm.’ Aphrayel continued her
next move in her game of solitaire, but that word was also on her
mind. ‘Well, what is it, Sandalphon? What is democracy?’ asked
Samael, the interest in his tone of voice quite obvious.

Sandalphon considered his words. Best to try and win them to the
concept by elaborating its strengths, he thought to himself.

‘No angel, dear brother, lives alone. No angel is isolated, left to
fend for themselves. Left to make all their own decisions. Yet, our
heavenly father, it would seem, had been alone eternally before we
came to be. And because of that – because of that reality – he is
used to and comfortable with the idea of absolute authority. Because
of his eternal existence alone he feels as if it his right to make the
rules for everyone, and that none dare question or ask wether they be
right or not.’ Aphrayel, hearing that idea, quickly responded. ‘Yet
he made us, Sandalphon. We are after his image. Surely he would know
the rules suitable for us.’ Sandalphon took another sip from his
scotch. ‘Perhaps, Aphy. But, dare I say it, perhaps not. Could it
not be that wisdom lies in a multitude of counsellors. That, in
truth, the more voices who speak on a subject or issue, the more
understanding is gained and the truth will, inevitably, come to the
fore.’ ‘What is your point?’ asked Aphrayel. ‘My point is this. If
we angels were to form a council. A divine council in which every
voice of the community could be heard. And that subjects, when
brought up to the council, were discussed, surely, amongst the great
multitude of counsellors, the truth of the subject must inevitably
come to the fore.’ Samael, thinking on this idea, suddenly gravitated
to it. It spoke to him of collective wisdom, rather than the eternal
struggle of the individual. And in that idea he found instant merit.
Something which spoke to his heart.’ ‘Yet, how do we decide on these
issues, Sandalphon?’ asked Aphrayel. ‘How do we reach agreement?
With such a vast array of voices, surely there will be strong
disagreement.’

Sandalphon sipped on his scotch. He sipped on it, happy with how the
conversation had progressed so far. ‘It is simple, Aphrayel. We
vote.’ Aphrayel looked at him, understanding dawning. ‘We vote?’ she
asked innocently. ‘We vote,’ confirmed Sandalphon.

Samael sat there thinking on these ideas. Democracy. Collective
wisdom. Voting. It made sense. And suddenly, if not won already,
Samael had come around to Sandalphon’s way of view. And in his grand
vision, Sandalphon had a new and great ally.

Aphrayel returned to her game of solitaire. ‘We vote,’ she thought to
herself. As simple as that. Yet could all things really be that
simple, she thought to herself. Could all things really be that
simple.

* * * * *

‘Father. Things are not as they should be. There is a disturbance in
the Realm. A disturbance that needs to be addressed.’

Logos, standing before the flame in the throneroom of Azion, awaited
the response of his eternal father. A response he usually received.

The flame portrayed a steady green, yet suddenly, as it often did,
changed to a bright red with sparks emanating off. And suddenly to
orange, back to red, and finally back to the steady green. Logos was
used to the change in the colours of the flame, as all the angels
were. It was oft wondered the cause for this display. Wether it
reflected the thoughts of God, the work he undertook in the realm, or
simply a dramatic display. Regardless, the flame of God had burned
brightly in the throneroom of Azion, keep of Infinity, for as long as
Logos could ever remember.

Eventually a voice spoke.

‘Son. In this matter your experience and wisdom must be displayed.
In this matter I extend to you responsibility. Both in how you judge
the issue and, dear child, in how you are judged.’

The voice of the eternal left of speaking. Logos waited patiently to
see if his eternal father would speak further, yet silence answered
him, the flame of God undertaking its eternal duty being the only
other sign of activity.

He looked at the flame and thought on those words. His
responsibility, then. It was up to himself to judge the issue.
Father, it seemed, would not interfere. This neither upset him, or
made him happy. He accepted his father’s judgements, and would
eternally yield to them. If the God of Infinity had left the matter
in his own hands, then he would simply accept that fact.

He walked over to the side of the throneroom, and looked out at the
city. He looked, in particular, at the abodes of Samael and Aphrayel,
right next to each other. It could be problematic. In fact, it
inevitably would be. Bringing them into line with the requirements of
holiness he needed to see. They had failed once, and the sanctity of
the ecclesia had perhaps suffered. And now, with Sandalphon’s new
agenda to do away with the authority of God and Torah, Logos had in
front of him a matter to which he had coined a word. ‘Rebellion’. A
gathering of some of the Angels of Infinity, it seemed, were acting in
Rebellion. He was not, though, yet completely sure of their
position. It could be that the voices he had sensed and the things
uttered in privacy which his spirit had discerned were simply
complaints about the restriction on sexual activity. Perhaps it was
really nothing more than that. And if such, perhaps an understanding
could be gained with Sandalphon, Samael and the others.

Words of his wisdom. Words of his experience. Words crafted in
eternity. If he spoke in his knowledge, he felt he could allay any
great future problem – any great future rebellion. Mediancy would, in
the hopes of Logos Son of God, solve his current dilemma.

* * * * *

Samael, sitting next to Aphrayel in her abode, asked the question
again. ‘Well, sister, are you in the mood for lovemaking or not?’

Aphrayel, using a fork to skewer a piece of apple in the fruit salad
in front of her, and taking it to her mouth to eat, enjoying the
taste, thought again on Samael’s request. Since the last incident
they had abstained for a month, to try and fulfil the remaining four
months for the ecclesia. Yet Sandalphon, having left them just
earlier, had stated that his sister Gemrayel would be enjoying his
visitation again tonight as he had, again, had enough. And this time
he did not care what the Logos thought. And, those words in both of
their minds, the familiar sexual tension had entered the room.

She chewed on the apple and thought on the issue. What purpose,
really, could Logos be trying to achieve in having the angelic host
abstain for the sake of their ecclesia brethren. She did understand
through her own experience that abstinence often brought a feeling of
freshness or cleanness after a while. Yet that, really, could be
enjoyed whenever she desired to. It was, in truth, the pleasure of
sexual activity which led her to rarely practice abstinence for any
great period of time. And, more than that, the demands of her
brothers for her attentions.

She remembered the early days, when she would have an encounter every
single night, and often two or three times a day. Such were the
desires of her brothers at those times. Yet passions had softened,
and demand had come to a more sedate or practicable reality. But for
Aphrayel, who like her sisters did in fact quite enjoy the attention
they received, a strong sexual appetite had inevitably resulted.

And so, she rarely abstained for any great time, preferring the
pleasure of the encounter and the passion it brought.

‘Well, yes Samael. Alright. I do not like acting against Logos’
wishes, but I have heard all you and Sandalphon have spoken, and
perhaps a degree of our own views might be acceptable for a while.
Perhaps if Logos can learn to accept that not everyone always agrees
with him, a more hospitable climate can permeate our home.’

Samael nodded, although after she had said yes, he had not listened to
carefully to the remainder of her words, focusing rather on the soon
to be gained pleasure.

They retired to her bedroom and, in the way only angels can, caressed
each other and sought that climax of unity which brought pleasure to
their hearts, souls and bodies.

* * * * *

Sandalphon had once again had words with his older Onaphim brother
Dolphyel. Dolphyel seated in his abode, having just returned from his
nightly meal, reflected on them.

Shadray, firstborn of the Noahphim, the ninth set of seven, had also
spoken to him. He had known Sandalphon had had words with many
angels, especially Atros, firstborn of the Ozraphim, the third seven
and Belzavier, firstborn of the Ketravim, the sixth seven. They
seemed well ensconced in Sandalphon’s and apparently Samael’s new
agenda. Shadray, though, remained dutiful to Logos. In the words
that he spoke with Dolphyel it became clear that Shadray really did
not want anything to do with what Sandalphon was about. This was not
surprising.

Shadray, firstborn of the ninth seven, was a gentle and humble angel.
He was not arrogant, but yielding. He would learn slowly by asking
questions, and, when taking that information in, slowly incorporate it
into his lifestyle and mannerisms. Yet while he was in deed meek, he
was not naive. He did understand the way life worked in the realm of
Infinity, and Dolphyel assumed that his younger Noahphim brother did,
essentially, understand the plans that Sandalphon seemed intent upon
bringing to pass.

And, because of that, he listened to what Shadray had to say,
especially the warning to be careful about Sandalphon.

Shadray did not want anything to do with Sandalphon’s agenda. Nor, it
seemed, did any of the other Noahphim. The ninth of the seven, from
what Shadray had shared with Dolphyel, were dedicated to God and
Torah, and in fact were very much in prayer and fasting for their
Seraphim Ecclesia brothers to achieve Logos goals on the issue of
sexual purity.

Dolphyel had fasted one day, but not bothered after that. While he
was still abstaining from sexual practice, and likely would until the
7 months were complete, he had slowly been coming around to
Sandalphon’s ideology.

He desired, he had generally concluded, less interference – less
ordering around – less subjecting himself to another authority – in
his life now. He realized that this was the way it had been for
centuries, but he now questioned, with the impetus given by
Sandalphon’s ideas, wether such should be the way it continue.

Perhaps the Noahphim had already asked this question, and come to
their conclusion – a choice of retaining the status quo. His older
brother by one rank, Samael, had seemingly sided with Sandalphon. And
it would seem that, now, this was were his inclinations were also
leading him.

He knew there would be trouble yet, he felt, if they remained sincere
and passionate in their objections, a new lifestyle could result. A
new lifestyle more amenable to every one concerned.

* * * * *

Aphrayel was embarrassed. Logos had called her a new name. A
harlot. And he had briefly explained what he meant by the name, and
thus Aphrayel was embarrassed.

Samael sitting next to her had tried comforting her, but she had
objected saying it was all his, Samael’s, fault in the first place as
to why Logos had called her such a name. And so she had refused to be
comforted.

On this second rebuke, Logos had acted less resolutely. He’d had
words – strong words with Sandalphon and Samael and Aphrayel – but
he’d acted no further. In fact, the last thing he had said was ‘If
this is how you act, then this is how you act. It is your lives. You
will have to live with the consequences.’

Samael had thought on Logos words, and saw, perhaps, the wisdom in his
older brother. Logos desired harmony for the realm. He did not like
certain things that happened in Azion, and had acted with the work in
ecclesia because of this. Yet, it seemed, while he did not accept
Sandalphon’s objections, he would allow, to a degree, the liberty they
desired. Samael thought on this and felt that, perhaps, Sandalphon’s
talk of democracy and a divine council need not go any further.
Perhaps it would now be a simple matter of letting the status quo
resume and life in the Realm of Infinity return to normal. Perhaps
the issue had, in the end, been dealt with. Samael liked to think so,
anyway.’

* * * * *

Sandalphon sat thinking. For the last week he had been doing as such,
contemplating Logos response and the fact that his oldest brother had
relented from his pressure and that the liberty they desired had been
granted. At first he had welcomed this. It was what they wanted. It
was what they needed. Yet Sandalphon was, perhaps suspicious, and
also pondered the future. Yes, in this instance, Logos had relented.
But would he do so every time. Would every time they had objections
to protocol, Logos be so relenting and amenable. Sandalphon, knowing
his older brother, did not think so. In fact he did not think so at
all. And because of that he had made a decision.

For the time being he would relent of his plans for democracy. He
would relent and let the status quo remain. Yet, in the future, and
perhaps through slow and careful persuasion, he would bring his agenda
forth once more. If he could, ultimately, achieve his goal – his
objective of democratic freedom. Then they would truly be free. And
the ever-present threat of his oldest brother Logos would be, perhaps,
eternally diminished.

Chapter Four

‘Yes, Satan. The Dark Magic is an elusive power. Sovereign in its
authority – relentless in its objectives. I believe, personally, it
is the darkness – and that it is the side of our father that he does
not share with us. It is the hidden element of evil which God will
not speak of or let each of us know, for our own sakes, that resides
within him. It is the stuff of nightmares, Satan. The stuff of
nightmares.’ Satan nodded at Sandalphon’s comments, pleased with the
new information. ‘Yet, how can we gain access to this power,
Sandalphon. How can we use it to achieve our own desires.’
Sandalphon looked at Satan, understanding coming to his face. ‘So it
has approached you as well, has it. Mmm. Not unsurprising. Both
Samael and myself have felt the approach of the darkness. The hidden
evil of our lives. I let it talk to me, when it wishes. Yet that is
all. Yet, I see in your eyes, Saruvim brother, that you desire more
than this, don’t you? You desire its intimate caress?’

Satan, standing next to Sandalphon in Sandalphon’s abode, took another
sip from the Scotch Sandalphon had offered him, thinking on its
response. ‘It is new life to me, Sandalphon. The dark power is new
life. This world – this realm – is so boring now. So predictably
boring. The same old same old. Nothing new. Nothing unique.
Nothing interesting. But this power. It can offer me things. New
and great things. And I must know how to use this power.’ Sandalphon
looked at his brother, understanding were he was coming from and
thinking his brother simply needed to adjust to the realities of the
angelic condition and what went with that. Turning to the darkness,
for peace, he did not think would ultimately satisfy the soul of his
Saruvim brother.

‘Unless you yield entirely, it will not give you what you desire.
This much I know is true. Yet, it can be bargained with, brother. If
you complete tasks for it, it will give you what you desire. But
beware the cost, Satan. Beware the cost.’ ‘There shall be no cost.
And I shall rule triumphantly. That will be the cost. Nay, that will
be my reward.’ Sandalphon looked at his younger brother thinking, in
truth, Satan had yet so much to learn. He seemed, almost, naïve in
his thirst for power. To gain it in the way Satan sought would be so
obvious that, inevitably, it would be doomed to failure. ‘Logos will
watch you, Satan. He will watch you. On that have no doubts.’
‘Logos is of no consequence to me. The power of the darkness is more
than a match for him, I am sure of it.’ Sandalphon thought, then,
that he could say so many things. Yet, in Satan, saw an early
opportunity, one he would instantly make use of. ‘Then go, brother.
Do what you will.’ Satan nodded, drank from his glass until empty,
and left Sandalphon’s abode. The Devil’s business was on Satan’s
mind. The Devil’s business.

* * * * *

The darkness, this time, sensing that its new student would yield and
do its will, if not in complete submission, yet partial, decided to
employ the firstborn of the Saruvim for a particular task. Satan,
then acceding to its request, gathered two other of the Saruvim who he
had been speaking to about the darkness, and persuaded them to join
him in a harmless prank.

* * * * *

Logos looked at the graffiti splayed over the wall of the temple.
‘Beware the Darkness’. It puzzled him. It puzzled him greatly. Who
could possibly have done such a thing. And what exactly was the
darkness he was supposed to ‘Beware’ of. It was truly enigmatic.

He raised the issue at dinner, after he had spent the afternoon
cleaning off the paint, to try and fathom which angel or angels could
have done such a thing, and what could possibly have motivated them.
Yet, despite his numerous questions to everyone in the community,
nobody it seemed had any idea of how the words had gotten there.
Shadray had suggested to Logos that, perhaps, one of his brothers may
simply be playing a joke on him – a prank. Logos considered this and
concluded, after much speculation, that maybe that was all it was.
Just a silly prank. And because of that, he let the incident go.

* * * * *

‘Well, what next?’ asked Damien, to his older Saruvim brother Satan.
‘Yeh, what next,’ echoed Lucifer. ‘I will admit,’ began Lucifer, ‘it
was kind of cool fooling Logos. He looked straight at me and asked me
if I was involved, and I denied it right to his face and he never
questioned me after that. Perhaps he is more gullible than I had ever
thought.’

Satan, sitting in his abode, looking at a piece of parchment in front
of him, thought on Damien’s request. ‘What next, indeed Damien.
What, I think, is to be done next is for yourself and Lucifer to meet
the darkness. And then the other 4 of the Saruvim as well. Each of
us, I am sure, can be thrilled and entertained by the power it will
give us – the inevitable joy that darkness permits.’ Both Damien and
Lucifer, Saruvim Angels, nodded. They had both began the path of
submission, in Satan’s mind. A path which would, inevitably, lead to
the result he desired.

* * * * *

Over the next few months, one by one, the Saruvim each joined in with
Satan’s fascination with the darkness. After Damien and Lucifer came,
first Saruvien, and then Samaen. Then Abaddon fell into line and,
finally, Semyazen joined in their purposes. They took then, as a
group, to wearing black. And for some strange reason, each of them
wore a metallic pentacle from their necks – a symbol which seemed to
now symbolize the Saruvim and their new found vocations.

Satan, having developed a long lasting marker pen, drew tattoos all
over each of the Saruvim’s bodies. They would last for a few weeks,
before fading, but they could be replaced at any time. And, of
course, so much of their time was spent in the far north of the realm,
right near the rim, at a secluded fireplace, were they drank beer and
whiskey and got drunk at nights, singing crude songs.

Eventually, the community gradually coming to grips with their Saruvim
brother’s new fascination, simply followed Logos attitude and called
them, mockingly, ‘Bad Boys’. And that, in every sense, was what the
Saruvim of Infinity had become. The ‘Bad Boy’s’ of Azion.

* * * * *

‘You know, Sandalphon. Your almost a bad boy yourself.’ Sandalphon
grinned a little at the subtle jibe that his older brother Samael had
just said. The three of them, as usual, were in Aphrayel’s apartment,
Sandalphon by the side as ever, enjoying his scotch. ‘A bit juvenile,
for me, Samael. The Saruvim are a bit juvenile for me. Perhaps, in
my younger years, such a thing may have attracted me. Being a ‘bad
boy’, as it were. Living on the edge. But, like yourself, I have
grown, and such petty juvenile behaviour is not were the true lust for
power lies, anyway. They are children, at this stage. Rebellious
children.’ ‘Yet what will they become?’ asked Aphrayel, pausing from
her game of solitaire. ‘That, dear sister, is an interesting
question. A very interesting question.’ Aphrayel nodded and returned
to her game.

* * * * *

And, as time passed, and the bad boys continued their reckless
behaviour, the darkness spoke to Satan, firstborn of the Saruvim. It
spoke to him in words which Satan delighted in. ‘You are power. You
are might. You are strength. You are everything. You are nothing.
You are what has been, and what will be. You are all. You are the
darkness, you are the life of evil. You are God and, yet, you are
greater than God. You are the adversary. You are the devil.’

And Satan delighted in the words which the dark magic spoke into his
mind and soul. He delighted in them, deceived oh so easily by the
power it offered him, the riches it promised, the life of Sovereignty
it claimed would be his only if, yes, only if he would yield and serve
the dark might completely. Yield his very soul and submit to the
power of the dark. And as time passed by, and as Satan grew in
knowledge of evil, such a reality became closer and closer to
eventuating.

* * * * *

In truth, and despite what he knew to be the attitude he should have,
Shadray, firstborn of the Noahphim, no longer felt a great and strong
love for his Saruvim brother, Satan. In fact, if truth be told, he
feared him. In the last few months Satan had grown more and more
arrogant, consumed with the dark things his Saruvim brothers and
himself involved themselves with. He had followed them, once, to see
were they went at nights. He had followed them to the far north of
Azion, right near the rim, were they fed wood to the embers of a
fireplace to re-start it. And they sat there, for hours, drinking
beer and whiskey, singing crude songs and talking of their
accomplishments. Oh, how they had changed from the angelic brothers
he once knew. When they had fallen off to sleep, he slipped away from
his hiding place, and flew back to Azion. Over the next few days,
having shared with Logos what he had seen, Shadray prayed to God often
for the sake of his Saruvim brothers. He prayed that God would
intercede and Command Satan to relent of the lifestyle he was
inflicting upon his fellow Saruvim and the remainder of the angels of
Infinity. Yet, God would not answer him on this prayer. He went to
the throneroom once to speak with his Father, and two solitary words
were spoken. ‘Be patient.’

And so, with no other option, Shadray would be patient. He would
wait, patiently watch, and eventually see just what would be the fate
for his fallen Saruvim brothers.

* * * * *

Dolphyel, sitting next to Garanel at dinner, thought on the words
Garanel had just said. They were quite true, he thought. Quite
true. Garanel had been discussing the Saruvim and had commented that
he himself was, in truth, quite a crude angel. Yet, also in truth, he
was kind-hearted in his intentions and had a good will for other
people. He did not honestly feel, in comparing himself to the ways of
the Saruvim, that he was quite like them in behaviour. And Dolphyel,
secondborn of the Onaphim after Samael, found himself agreeing.
Garanel was, in deed, quite crude. He would speak with brazen
language, and rarely hide what he was thinking or feeling. He burped
and farted a great deal, and was drunk regularly. He enjoyed
masturbation and sex with his sisters and loved a good meal and eating
too much, which showed in his overweight belly. Garanel, in truth,
enjoyed the good things in life and did not try and hide this fact.
Yet, despite all his apparent flaws, Garanel was kind-hearted and you
always felt comfortable in his presence. Crude, yet loveable, his
sisters had often said. And Dolphyel felt such a statement to be ever
so true.

Yet, to say the same for his Saruvim brothers, he could not. Not only
had their recent behaviour spiralled into something of a display of
lawlessness, but they had become feared, to a degree, due to the
constant pushing and shoving they maintained towards their Angelic
brothers and sisters. They had never been as such previously, which
was why it was now becoming a great concern to the Angels of
eternity. Shadray had spoken to him and shared God’s words of being
patient. It was a mindset which Dolphyel had likewise adopted and
hoped and prayed that his Saruvim brothers would, eventually, come
back to themselves and return to their previous more accommodating
behaviour.

* * * * *

The Realm of Infinity is a great circular plain. There are very few
hills, and no mountains. In the centre of the Realm lies Azion, the
Golden city. The edge of the Realm, known as the Rim, folds down to
the netherworld beneath. There are numerous plants which are
scattered throughout the Realm of Infinity. The Angels of Infinity
eat these plants, and also make various juices, which are quite
popular, from the various fruits which grow throughout the realm. The
angels began life in the Garden of Azion, were each of them came to be
born. The remnants of the garden can still be seen around the temple
and the various towers in the centre of Azion. There are numerous
basic factories scattered throughout the Realm were the angels produce
their various goods which they use. There is a regular workforce for
gathering the food items and making juice, and semi-regular workers
for clothes, furniture, utensils, book-making and the various other
items which take up their day. On the outskirts of Azion are the
toilets, were the angels would usually fly to, to relieve themselves.
Angelic metabolism processed foods slowly, so getting to the toilet
when needed was never problematic. Each angel, as usually assigned by
Logos, had work duties to comply with. Work, though, was never too
stressful or too demanding. Once the various factories had been
completed and Azion was standing, much of the hard labour for the
angelic community had been accomplished. Maintaining there quality of
life was, now, quite manageable and most of the angelic community were
quite pleased in the life and the realm their father had created for
them to enjoy.

There were 70 Angels who lived in the Realm of Infinity. These were
divided into 10 groups of 7 angels each. Each group of 7 angels had a
particular title, based on the angelic number system, for their
group. The first group of 7 angels were the Onaphim. The 7 in order
of birth were: Samael, Dolphyel, Garanel, Kalel, Donel, Abrel and
Damienyel. After the Onaphim came the Oraphim. The 7 Oraphim were,
in order of birth: Sandalphon, Shamrenaphon, Kaleriaphon, Bastraphon,
Zanaphon, Ternaphon and Divraphon. After the Oraphim, came the 7
Ozraphim. In order of birth they were: Atros, Badarios, Shalamios,
Brentonios, Kadros, Davros and Eros. The 7 Seraphim angels – Logos’
Ecclesia, followed. They were: Michael, Gabriel, Raphael, Uriel,
Raguel, Phanuel & Saruviel. Then came the 7 Cherubim. They were, in
order of birth: Semyaza, Urakiba, Ramiel, Kokabiel, Mallintor, Kalan
and Xaddadaxx. The sixth group of seven angels were the Ketravim.
They were, in order of birth: Belzavier, Daravier, Shanavier,
Kalavier, Maravier, Toravier and Xadavier. Following them were the 7
Saruvim, consisting of: Satan, Abaddon, Damien, Semyazen, Samaen,
Saruvien and Lucifer. The 7 Abraphim, the eighth group of angels,
followed. They were, in order of birth: Raznadore, Barradore,
Kelladore, Shabradore, Valladore, Hadradore and Pieradore. The ninth
group of seven angels, and the last of the males, were the Noahphim.
They were, in order of birth: Shadray, Beldray, Koray, Shendray,
Hudderay, Toranay and Mistray. And, finally, the 7 Celestyel Angels,
the only female angels. In order of birth, they were: Gemrayel,
Lovrayel, Aphrayel, Desrayel, Qadrayel, Zelophrayel and the last of
the Angels of Infinity, Elendayel. These were the 70 angels which
made up the Angels of the Realm of Infinity.

* * * * *

‘He is Light, yet I am dark. He is Good, yet I am Evil. He is God,
and I am his Adversary.’ ‘And Logos?’ asked Lucifer to Satan, his new
lord. ‘A pawn in God’s plans. A pawn we can defeat.’ ‘What is your
bidding, master?’ Lucifer asked the one who had usurped divine
authority over the Saruvim. Satan looked at Lucifer. Our sister,
Gemrayel. There is something, something which the power I serve,
decrees we must do to her. A lesson it will teach our fellow
brethren. A lesson it will teach God, and his lackey, Logos,’ Satan
said, sneering. ‘As you will, master,’ replied his new servant
Lucifer.

* * * * *

The darkness hovered in the realm of Infinity. It hovered throughout
the realm, surveying its handiwork. The eternal father of Glory was
aware of the presence of the particular spirit which, emanating from
his earlier realm, now hovered in the Realm of Infinity, delighting in
the work it had achieved so far.

In truth, God had little concern over the spirit of darkness in the
Realm. He knew exactly what it was, and the agenda it had previously
formulated. In a sense, it served God’s purpose to allow the darkness
seek what it would. If he needed, he could defeat and remove its
presence, yet, for the corruption it sought to sow amongst the
children of Infinity, God desired to see if such corruption could be
achieved. In truth, he had faith in his children. His allowing the
darkness to have its will accomplished was for the purpose of bringing
truth and honesty to the hearts of the angels of Infinity. If they
were untested, how could they ever be truly known to be true. If they
were never broken, how could they ever be restored.

And so God allowed the darkness to go were it would. To seek its own
glory. He could, when needed, address it on its own terms. For now
it served his purposes to allow the darkness entrance into the Realm
of Infinity.

* * * * *

Aphrayel was the third-born of the Celestyel Angels, the 10th grouping
of seven angels of Infinity. She often felt her two older sisters,
Gemrayel and Lovrayel, were a bit simplistic. They were not, really,
that hard to understand. They liked food, sex and trivial things.
And not much else really occupied their thoughts or conversation. It
was true, they were not stupid, and did seem to have a reasonable
intellect in relation to analytical skills and problem solving. Yet,
it was a definite truth, that in the thirst for intelligent
conversation amongst the children of Infinity, it was mostly in
Sandalphon, Samael and, from time to time, Logos, which Aphrayel found
the most stimulation.

She, in no way, underestimated Samael. He was the closest of her
brothers, and he spent most of their days in her abode, apart from
occasional work responsibilities under the work roster Logos
maintained. He was, she felt, a quiet genius who did not show himself
too greatly. It was as if he understood most things about life and
their realm and that which he did not understand, if he needed to, he
could study and gain insight into at will. It was, at times, hard to
say wether he was truly motivated by goodness at all. Almost as if he
found pleasure simply in being alive, and gaining the emotional
treasures that such existence brought with it, rather than having made
a heartfelt commitment to goodness, God and Torah. This, if anything,
was perhaps the only real fault she could find in Samael. Yet, she
did know that Samael contemplated such issues, quite deeply in fact,
and she felt, or perhaps in her heart hoped, that Samael was in an age-
long process of coming to the true understanding on that nature of God
and goodness. She hoped he would, eventually, come to understand that
God did in fact love him, Samael, and that the hidden agenda Samael
perhaps perceived in their eternal Father was, in fact, not the truth.

She prayed for him, from time to time. She prayed that God would give
him the insight she felt he needed to more fully appreciate both God
and his fellow brethren. And, she liked to hope, felt she saw some
glimpse from time to time of a more enlightened attitude in her
beloved brother. Yet, perhaps, she often told herself, she only saw
what she wanted to see. Only saw what she wanted, rather than what
was really there.

Yet, all things considered, and with an eternal future before them,
Aphrayel was quite happy with the one her Father had brought around
most often to entertain her days.

The other brother she delighted in, although she often teased him
otherwise, was blessed Sandalphon. Sandalphon was a big angel, quite
tall and broad shouldered, and physically quite strong. He was
handsome, she guessed, in a brutish sort of way. Not exactly refined
in looks, yet certainly masculine and dominant, and she in truth did
enjoy the variety of looks amongst her brothers, Sandalphon being
included on that list.

Sandalphon was solidly reliable to be there, like Samael, and discuss,
with some intensity, the various affairs of life. Especially, it
would seem, over recent months with the issues of the Ecclesia,
Sexuality, democracy and the Saruvim. Sandalphon did not hide his
perspectives on these things from Aphrayel, an honesty he was perhaps
not as forthcoming with to others of the angels, barring Samael. She
guessed that he confided in her, trusting her implicitly.

The three of them, Samael, Sandalphon and Aphrayel, were almost a
little clique amongst the angels of Infinity. A little group which
had its own lifestyle and identity. And, in truth, she greatly
enjoyed being in that little group. Samael and Sandalphon were, for
want of a better word, quite intense at times. Life was, really,
never boring around the two of them. Wether discussing work, food, or
the game of chess they often played, a vibrant spirit would enter
their conversation, one which Aphrayel had grown greatly fond of, and
which brought life and pleasure to her happy existence.

The other figure in her life which entertained her the most was
Logos. Logos was, like Samael and Sandalphon, intense. He was
strongly focused on authority and responsibility. Although she
assumed he was capable of it, Logos had never had a sexual
relationship with either herself or the other Celestyel angels.
Eventually, she had decided that, like God, Logos was set apart and,
perhaps, such things may not be in any way desired by themselves, or
not even at all possible. That had been the thought she had
eventually reached, one common amongst her sisters.

She did spend time with her sisters, from time to time. They met,
usually once a week as a group, to play cards and discuss the affairs
of life. A little woman’s gathering, as it had come to be known.
They were, though, for Aphrayel, light-hearted flimsy affairs. But,
while it was definitely true she found the most entertainment amongst
Sandalphon and Samael, she did appreciate the lighter side of life
which her sisters brought her.

Of course, like all the brethren, Aphrayel also had work to do.
Everyone had a turn in kitchen duties but, apart from that, the female
angels were mainly responsible for making clothing and repairing
clothes. That was the main task which Logos had entrusted to them.
This was not really surprising, though, as it seemed each group of
seven often had particular tasks which they undertook as a group. The
Celestyel’s also, occasionally, picked fruit and made fruit juice.
And other food preparation duties from time to time.

Aphrayel was, all things considered, happy with God and life. She had
good friends, whom she loved. A nice abode to live in. An
entertaining enough lifestyle. And a heavenly father she could turn
to for comfort when and were she needed. All things considered, it
was a good life for the third-born of the Celestyel Angels of
Infinity.

* * * * *

Samael looked at the Principle of Torah in front of him. It was the
66th principle of the Torah, corresponding to his loved sister
Aphrayel. It read:

Walk serenely, sedately, gently and slowly. Do not be concerned for
in the quietness and simplicity you will find your souls rest

Samael had considered these words often, as he had much of the Torah.
The Torah was, to Samael, quite easy to understand and follow. He
generally understood each point God was trying to make in each
principle and the simple quality of life he desired for his children.

His older brother, Logos, had written what he had called a Commentary
on the Torah. It was an exposition and elucidation on each Torah
principle – an in-depth examination. Logos words were, to Samael who
had studied them often, almost as familiar as those of Torah. Looking
at Aphrayel’s principle and thinking on Logos’ commentary, an idea in
Samael’s mind finally, perhaps after centuries of quiet nurture, come
forth. Perhaps, he Samael, could likewise write or compose a
commentary on the Torah. Perhaps, he too, could share his hearts
views on the wisdom of their creator.

In spite of what Aphrayel had recently commented to him, Samael was in
fact motivated by a sense of goodness and holiness. It was, in truth,
rarely discussed by himself, preferring to keep such aspects of his
heart and life private. Yet Samael, firstborn of the Onaphim, while
not greatly pre-occupied with the life of virtue which others of his
brothers seemed at times motivated by, did likewise appreciate the
inner qualities of beauty and goodness, especially appreciated by
himself in the beauty of character displayed by his sister Aphrayel.
She, as an angel, reminded Samael from time to time that God was, in
fact, motivated by goodness and love – something which he had perhaps
occasionally questioned from time to time.

Perhaps, in this Torah commentary which he could start in his
contemplations, he could express these feelings on God, his brethren
and life in general. Not just a commentary on Torah, but a greater
view into the life and heart of the firstborn angel of Infinity.

Chapter Five

Logos was the firstborn son of God, according to the best of his
understanding. He had witnessed, firsthand, the birthing of all his
angelic brethren. Each of them was unique and worthy of love and
respect as befitted a child of God. Logos, though, was different from
the Angels. Each of them had wings. He had none. However, with his
spiritual power, he could fly if he so chose, yet forewent this
ability. But differences were far great than outward superficiality.
Logos was, in a sense, deity. He realized, so he thought, that the
spirit of God dwelt in him in an unlimited sense. Over time, though,
this view had been refined to one of ‘unlimited’ in relation to his
own unique psyche and personality. In other words, the spirit was
unlimited in the way it needed to be for Logos to go about his
duties. Once, at dinner, in acceding to a request, he turned water
into wine. Samael and Sandalphon, and others, steadily consumed that
keg of wine that night, most appreciative to Logos for the feat,
Sandalphon stating it the best wine he had partaken of.

Yet, these feats, for want of a better word, were simply to
demonstrate his ability and the subsequent divine authority God had
granted him.

Logos did not mate. He was not really sure if his current physical
structure could achieve this act, as he had never gotten any urge to
try and do so. Yet, technically, according to what God had suggested
to him once in conversation, he was in fact capable of doing this if
he so chose. Because of this, it perhaps had been his unstated desire
to remain celibate, which had influenced him to be as such, rather
than any physiological reason.

Aphrayel, once, had caressed him and touched his manhood. They had
been alone, in private, in his abode. She had asked him, bluntly, if
he cared to see what all the fuss was about. He had considered then,
looking at her with, perhaps, the faintest of tingling’s in loins,
wether his celibacy was in truth really that necessary a decision.
But he had, gently, pushed her away saying such a thing was not
fitting for the Son of God. And since then it had remained that way.

In fact, his purpose with the Ecclesia was, in truth, to bring more of
his brethren into line with the code of behaviour he felt most fitting
for angels of God. He felt that angels, the majority of the time,
should be abstaining from sexual promiscuity. It was, in the mind of
Logos, an intimacy – an encounter – a passion – only to be partaken of
on the rarest and most appropriate of situations. However, the truth
it seemed for the angels of Infinity was that, like a good drop of
wine, or the first cigarette, once a taste had been developed for
sexual behaviour it was not soon relented of.

In two weeks from today the year 2100 would turn over. This would be
Logos 2100th

birthday, and Samael’s 2000th. In those 2100 years Logos, so he felt,
had gotten a fair grip on how his brethren lived their lives. He felt
that each of them, while dedicated to God, were not as passionate in
that devotion as he himself was. In this reality he both faulted them
and faulted them not. In a true sense he judged them for not being as
devoted to their Father as they could be, yet he likewise judged them
not, by showing mercy and compassion. These two qualities – judgement
and mercy – were two of the fundamental ideas he used in how to relate
to his brethren.

In relation, though, to the issue of sexual purity, Logos had come to
the strong and fixed conclusion that a standard of behaviour needed to
be set. From a certain perspective, 2100 years was a long time.
Yet, from another perspective, that being of the eternal, it was no
time at all. Because of this, Logos believed that in their youth,
each of the angels needed to be taught to respect and love their
opposite sex – not using them for the mere pleasure of sexual
gratification. In fact, the term he had used upon Aphrayel, that
being of ‘Harlot’ was intended to describe someone who had an
unbridled lust for sexual activity, without any self restraint, as
befitted a child of God. They needed, so he believed, to have a
greater respect for the opposite gender, and the purity of their own
bodies. The intermingling of flesh on a nightly basis – the
unstrained wantonness of lust – should not and could not continue. It
would inevitably, in the future before them, make each sex ultimately
loathe and despise the other in its desire for sexual fulfilment due
to its early abuse. This was an idea which Logos was, now, quite
certain of.

And so he had separated the ecclesia. He had separated the Seraphim –
the fourth group of seven angels – away from sexual conduct for a good
and long period. He had asked them if they could commit to a decade
of abstinence. After a minor complaint from the seventh, Saruviel,
that time was reduced to seven years which the Seraphim agreed to.
They would not touch one of their Celestyel sisters in all this time
in the hopes of setting an example of sexual purity both for
themselves and their fellow brethren.

In turn, he had asked the other angels to abstain from seven months,
being greatly disappointed when that was not achieved. Yet three
months for all of them, with the seven months having been fulfilled
for most of them, had generally seen Logos objectives met. On this
issue Logos now had confidence that, in the future before them, it
would not grow out of hand and turn into something it was never
intended to be.

Apart from the issue of the Ecclesia and Sexual purity, the other main
concern in Logos life was the Saruvim, and Satan’s new lust after dark
magic. He had reached out, one night, while the Saruvim were at their
fireplace north of Azion. He had reached out and felt them for a
number of hours, feeling Satan communicate with a dark spirit. A
dark, evil spirit. The darkness, the dark magic, scared Logos
somewhat. He was not really sure exactly what it was. He had spoken
to his Father many times on the subject who had simply stated that in
the goodness of time things would be revealed which he needed to
know. That was, really, not much consolation. But he trusted that
whatever it was, it would come within the power of his eternal father
to control.

One other reality entertained Logos thoughts at that time as well.
Samael’s recent conversation with himself of perhaps writing a similar
commentary on the Torah to his own. It would be, he felt, most
interesting to gain insight from his younger brother by one birth
position. Samael was, in truth, a most intelligent and thoughtful
angel. Quite unlike others in most respects, so elusive and
mysterious in ways, as if he was hiding his true being or thoughts
from you behind a haze of mystery. Yet, that was Samael. He had
always been like that. And, thus, the opportunity to read firsthand
his brothers deepest thoughts was an opportunity he greatly wanted to
partake of, he supposed, in the goodness of time.

* * * * *

Samael sat with Aphrayel on wooden park benches on the edge of Rageeta
Pond, on the northern side of Azion, the Golden City. Around lunch-
time they had eaten a meal, drunk some wine and were now relaxing on
the bench, Aphrayel laying her head on Samael’s lap. A stiff wind was
blowing through the pond, as it had done off and on all morning, which
had made them question wether it was the best of days for a picnic.
Yet they had persevered, and the wind had calmed down somewhat.

Aphrayel, staring into the pond, was totally relaxed and at peace.
Samael, who was reading a copy of the Torah, just sat there, gently
stroking her hair.

‘So, brother, have you given any more thought as to what you might say
in such a commentary.’ Samael considered his sister’s inquiry,
thinking how he might respond. He spoke after a while. ‘I guess,
original should really be my intent. There is little point in Echoing
Logos’ words. We already know them. So, above all else, original.
And in that originality, something unique to me.’ Aphrayel took that
information in, continuing to stare out at the pond. It would be
good, she felt, to have a deeper insight into the mind of her
brother. To unearth just what was going on in that mind of his.

She stared into the waters, her mind going over recent events. The 7
months of abstinence had been achieved by most, yet she was not
included on that list. Though, in truth, it bothered her little. She
perhaps, to be fair to Logos, had not taken the time she really should
have to properly understand his perspective on the issue of sexuality
and the separating of the Ecclesia. Yet, one day, not now though, but
one day she would. She knew that Logos would not raise such an issue
lightly, so would ponder the issue at length some time in the future.

Sandalphon’s Democracy, while seemingly now a non-issue, had also been
on her mind. It was an interesting idea, and she contemplated the
issues involved at nights on her bed. It would be good, she felt, to
have an opportunity to discuss the issue in more detail.

Yet, while most things were right and good in the world of Celestyel
angel Aphrayel, one thing was out of place. Perhaps deeply out of
place. The Saruvim.

Satan was, in truth, not the angel he had once been. Samael had
taught her recently that Satan and the Saruvim had become engrossed
with ‘Dark Magic’ – a power which he and Sandalphon had previously
been familiar with. This Dark Magic worried Aphrayel – it worried her
immensely. She knew she was, in the end, an Angel of God dedicated to
light, goodness and the Torah. While Sandalphon’s ideas of democracy
enticed her somewhat, they could not, would not, change the underlying
dedication to her father and the ways of goodness. Yet her brother,
Satan, while seemingly just as dedicated to such principles once
himself, was no longer as such. In fact, he had almost become the
opposite.

‘Samael. Do you think. Do you think Satan, could, well……..’ she left
off speaking. Samael, though, picked up the thread. ‘Could what,
Aph?’ She blurted it out. ‘Could hurt someone.’

Samael went silent for a while, as if contemplating the thought, but
in time responded. ‘Aphrayel. It is a worry, yes. The Dark Magic is
elusive and, by its very nature, seductive. If it has claimed Satan’s
soul in the way it desires, and perhaps apparently may have done so,
Satan and the Saruvim may indeed try to cause harm. But at this stage
I would not worry myself to greatly if I was you. God will, if such a
thing becomes a reality, take necessary measures. I trust him on this
issue.’

Aphrayel nodded, seemingly satisfied with that answer. ‘I do hope so,
brother. I do hope so.’

* * * * *

And in service to the darkness, in the name of the power of the night,
the way of evil, Satan indeed acted. With the Saruvim accompanying
him, late in the evening, they came upon Gemrayel in her abode. She
welcomed them, perhaps naively, and offered them drinks, in her
hospitable manner. Yet when Satan tied a rope around her head,
covering her mouth and proceeded to undress her, with little
resistance, Gemrayel queried just what her brothers wanted.

And then, Satan, and in turn each of the Saruvim, forcefully and
violently, belting her head until she was finally unconscious, raped
their Celestyel sister.

They hung her up, upside down, tied with a rope to her ankles, from
the tower of Logos abode. They watched her, Satan chuckling a little,
and left. The coldest, darkest hour of Infinity had come to pass.

* * * * *

Michael looked up at the site of something dangling from the temple.
The firstborn of the Seraphim, first of the ecclesia, had had his
curiousity aroused, so flew up to see what it was. Uncovering the
brown fabric covering the object, he gasped to find his sister
Gemrayel, unconscious, tied by the ankles.

Carefully, yelling out ‘Logos’, he released his sister from the ankles
and lowered her to the ground.

His persistent yelling had brought quite a number of angels from their
abode that morning, and when Logos arrived, each queried what was
happening.

Michael explained how he had found his sister. Logos bent down,
touched her forehead and closed his eyes for a few moments. He opened
them and Gemrayel gradually opened her eyes. She looked at Logos and
started weeping. Eventually she came to herself and said, ‘Satan.
The Saruvim. They, they forced me. And they hurt me.’ Logos looked
at the bruising on her arms and forehead and immediately then knew
just what depths of darkness his Saruvim brothers had declined to.

Michael shared with the gathered group what had happened, and Logos
stood to his feet. He instructed Aphrayel to take her to her abode
and to look after her. Looking into they eyes of Logos, there was
steel. Steel determination. His brothers, now, would be responded
to. They would learn just what the wrath of the Son of God was all
about.

* * * * *

Samael, gently patting Gemrayel forehead with a cloth filled with ice
to ease the pain of the bruising, turned his attention to her ankles.
She had been left like that all night, and they were greatly swollen.
It would take weeks for them to heal. Aphrayel held Gemrayel in her
arms, who was still silently sobbing, and spoke soothing words to her
heart. Eventually Gemrayel spoke.

‘I don’t hate them, you know. I don’t hate them. I know they have
done wrong, and they will probably be punished. But I don’t hate
them. I could see in some of their eyes. I could see it. They were
frightened. As if caught in something too big for them. Even Satan
at times seemed reluctant. Its as if they are in something which has
control of them – something beyond their power to resist. And I don’t
hate them because of it.’

Aphrayel nodded at Gemrayel’s words, continuing to stroke her
forehead. Samael spoke. ‘I fear, sister, that Logos will not be as
forgiving as you. I fear that, what has happened to you, may pale
compared to what he will do to the Saruvim.’

Aphrayel listened to that comment, and it resonated with her. She
knew Logos would be unhappy, perhaps to say the least. Just what
would happen to her Saruvim brethren now, she wondered. Just what
would happen now.

* * * * *

Logos looked at Michael, Gabriel, Raphael and the rest of the
Seraphim. ‘You know what we have to do, now, don’t you. Is there
anyone who will go against this? You have heard Father. He has no
objections to my judgement. Are we agreed on this matter?’ It was
Saruviel who spoke. ‘They have crossed a line, Logos. They must be
responded to. And I feel your judgement is sound. I am sure we all
agree.’ In turn, each of the Ecclesia nodded. The judgement had been
passed. Logos looked at them, grimly satisfied.

* * * * *

Logos sat in his abode. He had left it to the responsibility of his
Ecclesia to bring the Saruvim to the front of the temple. They would,
perhaps, not come willingly. But Logos had authorised force if
necessary to bring them.

After a few hours contemplation, Michael entered his abode. He gave
Logos a look, and Logos followed him downstairs.

In front of the temple the Saruvim were rounded up, each with arms
tied behind their backs, and wings tied as well. The ecclesia had
completed their tasks.

Standing by now where the whole community, including Samael, Aphrayel
and Gemrayel who was looking on at her brothers. Each of the Saruvim
remained silent, perhaps fearing to speak.

Logos came forward, looking at each of the Saruvim in turn, before
coming to Satan. He looked at him. He looked directly at him, and
spat in his face. Satan said nothing. Logos turned to the crowd.

‘Brethren. These are the Saruvim. You will not see them again.
Judgement has been passed.’ He nodded to Michael, and each of them
picked up one of their Saruvim brothers, and followed Logos who had
risen from the ground.

The crowd watched them as they departed northwards, eventually
disappearing out of sight. It was the last time the angels of
Infinity saw their Saruvim brethren.

* * * * *

Samael, entering Aphrayel’s abode, was greeted instantly with an
inquiry from Gemrayel. ‘Well, where are they? Where are the
Saruvim?’ Samael, having received the news that the Saruvim had been
cast beyond the great rim – with no ability to return – carefully
explained to Gemrayel this news.

Later on, he and Aphrayel were in conversation. ‘Yes, Aph. I fear we
may never see them again. Such was the resolution on Logos face that
I think we have seen the last of our brothers. Perhaps eternally
so.’ Aphrayel nodded. The news had been shocking, at first, but she
had gotten used to it.

A sombre mood came over Azion in the next few weeks. A mood of fear
and judgement. And regret. Each of them worried for their Saruvim
brethren, but it seemed from all conversations with Logos that the
judgement was final. They would not see their brethren again. They
were gone from them.

* * * * *

Logos sat in his abode. He sat there, occasionally taking an interest
in the game of Chess being played by Michael and Gabriel, but usually
lost in thought. He knew, in his heart, he had done the right thing
in casting out Satan. The spirit of evil which had come upon his
brother would have never left, and Satan would have been a thorn in
his flesh forever unless decisive action had been taken. Yet, while
he had told all the angels of Infinity that the Saruvim were gone
eternally from them, he had arranged with father a place were the
Saruvim would lie – going through their allotted punishment.

A rock. A solitary outcropping of rock, hidden beneath the Realm, had
been made for the Saruvim. Father would direct them their and ensure
they remain. They would spend centuries upon centuries there, in
isolation. Enough time to contemplate their actions and repent of the
evil which had come upon them. And then, eventually, if repentance
complete, Logos would allow them to return. Yet then, and only then.

* * * * *

Michael, firstborn of the Seraphim, first of the ecclesia,
contemplated Satan’s fate. He himself had cast Satan from beyond the
great perimeter – the conflux of space just beyond the rim which no
angel was able to pass. When they had arrived there, just as Logos
had stated, they were able to go beyond the perimeter for the first
time, encountering nothing but void. They had unbound the Saruvim’s
wings, enabling them to fly, and then just cast them from them, flying
back to the perimeter and the Rim.

Standing on the rim, Michael had watched the Saruvim in flight for a
few moments. They had all flown at level with the rim, but had
gradually disappeared down beneath the realm, falling ever downwards.

And then they had been gone.

Michael wondered what would happen to them. He took pity on his
brethren, realizing that their fate seemed unpalatable to most of the
angelic community, himself included. But such had been the
consequences for their actions. Such had been the consequences for
their evil.

He, in a way, now understood the purpose Logos had been trying to
achieve in himself and the rest of the ecclesia. They were to be
separated – cut apart – from such evil or even such ability to evil.
And having contemplated the fate of his younger brother, Michael was
now thankful for that simple fact. Quite simply thankful.

* * * * *

Yet, life goes on, as it always does and has. And while the Saruvim,
having found their rock beneath the realm, contemplated solitary
existence, the lives of the Angels of Infinity returned to something
approaching normality after its recent disruptions.

For Samael, whose 2000th birthday was at hand, life had, in a sense,
come full circle. The growth in his life which he had desired for
centuries had come, to a large degree, to pass. And with that growth,
he felt, the timing would be right to begin his work on his commentary
for the Torah. He planned on beginning that commentary on the morning
of his 2000th birthday, being Logos 2100th birthday.

The night before, sitting with Aphrayel in her abode, Gemrayel and
Sandalphon over by the side of the room quietly playing chess, Samael
contemplated his words. He had decided, perhaps in his quest for
originality gone too far, to go out on a tangent with his opening
dialogue for his commentary and then, slowly, work back towards his
main subject – the Torah and how life related to it in reality.

He shared this with Aphrayel who heartedly approved of the idea. She
gave the occasional suggestion of what he could perhaps include in his
commentary, reflecting on her observations of his life in the
centuries she had known him. It was very pleasant and soothing for
Samael that evening, reflecting over a life of 20 centuries. It had
seen much – much in the way of repetition naturally – but it had been
a learning experience, and one in which he was grateful to his eternal
father for having experienced. In consideration, if the next 2000
were as enjoyable as the first, it would be a life well lived.

Lying next to Aphrayel later that night, she shared with him that it
would be a traditional celebration for himself and Logos, along the
lines of last century’s big celebration. These days, the yearly
birthday was usually no great affair, but each century was generally
celebrated. It would be a day to look forward to, Samael hoped. A
day to remember.

Chapter Six

Samael, early on the morning of his 2000th birthday, sat down,
inspired. Picking up a quill, he began:

‘Life, it seems to me, has a merry hum and strum to it. Each of us
knows its ways and intricacies. Each of us familiar with its highs
and lows. Each of us understanding that the divine has, and
presumably always will, be there, which has led each of us to an
ongoing application of a code of behaviour – a code which the divine
placed before us, even before our begetting. Torah. Holy Torah.

For some of us it is a foundation stone: A rock to build a life based
upon its apparent eternal wisdom. For some of us it is a comforter –
a friend: A place to go to that reaffirms our beliefs and encourages
us to continue in them, giving us the understanding as to why and how
it will benefit us. For some of us, now gone from Infinity, it
perhaps was a thorn: A thorn of behaviour never agreed to, and
resented upon. And, for some, the Torah is simply the Torah: A
wellspring of knowledge and wisdom to, from time to time, study and
apply.

I have known the Torah for 2000 years now. Logos, upon my birth,
within a few hours of showing me the Realm, taught me some of its
basic lessons. I have studied it at length over these past 2000 years
and have, perhaps, gained an understanding of its purposes and the
wisdom contained therein.

In the end, and to conclude before I really begin, the Torah is life.
Its very principles speak of living, enjoying life, and promoting such
life. Ultimately, my brethren, to choose life is to choose the Torah
as well. Its wisdom will shape you, nurture you, and enlarge you as
you tread the footsteps of your eternal existence.’

He left off, and re-read the passage. Yes, it was good. It was a
good beginning. And the first word had long been the word he desired
to start his commentary with. He would show it to Aphrayel, later on
in the day, for her comments. And slowly, as time passed, he would
add to it. He would add to it until, he felt, it was either completed
or it completed itself.

* * * * *

‘Come on,’ said Logos. Samael picked up the strange looking object
which Logos had placed at his feet. It was a rod of some kind. A
long thin rod, with a reel at an end and some wire running down it
through attached hooks. Logos had called it a ‘Fishing Rod’, which
totally perplexed Samael as he had no idea what fishing was.

He followed Logos and, after they had picked up Aphrayel from next
door, the three of them headed for Rageeta Pond. ‘I have left a note
with Sandalphon. He was still asleep, but he should be joining us
when he wakes up,’ said Logos.

The pond was just a short walk and, arriving, Logos placed his rod
down beside the pond and looked down into it. ‘There’s one,’ he
said. Samael and Aphrayel came over to see what he was looking at.
Suddenly, a fish appeared on the surface, before swimming back down
into the pond. Aphrayel jumped at the sight of the fish, but Samael
looked on inquisitively. ‘What the heck was that?’ asked Aphrayel.
‘That, my dear sister, was a fish.’ Samael looked down into the
pond. He began noticing that the pond actually contained many fish –
all swimming around the pond merrily.’ ‘Fish,’ stated Samael, now
slightly amused. ‘Fish,’ echoed Logos. ‘Are they alive?’ asked
Aphrayel. ‘Indeed they are,’ said Logos. ‘And we are going to catch
some.’ ‘Really?’ said Samael, again amused.

Logos picked up a rod and telling Logos and Aphrayel to watch him
carefully, stood back a bit and gave the rod a flick. A little ball
of steel, with a hook attached, flew through the air and came into the
pond. Logos began reeling. Having wound it up he repeated the
action. Aphrayel and Samael both looked amused. Eventually Samael
could not contain himself, so asked the question. ‘What exactly are
you doing Logos?’ Logos smiled. ‘Fishing, brother. Now both of you,
pick up your rods and do what I do.’ ‘To what extent?’ asked Samael.
‘Why, to catch a fish, of course,’ replied Logos. Aphrayel, looking
on, shrugged, and picked up her rod. She tried doing what Logos did,
and found it awkward. But, with a little effort, managed to repeat
Logos’ actions, although a little clumsily. Samael had sat down on
the bench, and was looking on, rather amused at the apparent
pointlessness of there activity.

Suddenly, ‘Now what the heck are they doing?’ Startled, Samael looked
up to see Sandalphon standing just next to him. ‘Mmm. They are
fishing, Sandalphon.’ Sandalphon had a puzzled look on his face.
‘Fishing? What the heck is fishing.’ ‘Why not give it a go. Find
out for yourself.’ Sandalphon looked down at Samael, noting his
slight grin, but answered. ‘Well, I might just do that.’ He took his
rod, which Logos had left for him with a note, and watching what Logos
and Aphrayel were doing, started flicking his rod in likewise manner.
Reeling it in, immediately it started jagging. ‘I think I have caught
it on some weeds,’ he said. Logos, noting that the floaty was moving
around the pond, said ‘No. You’ve caught a fish.’ Sandalphon looked
at him puzzled. ‘A fish. What the heck is a fish.’ ‘Reel in your
rod and see.’ Logos and Aphrayel put down their rods and came over to
stand next to Sandalphon as he slowly wound his reel. ‘Careful,’ said
Logos, ‘or it might get away.’ Samael, unable to contain his
curiousity, came and joined them. Carefully, Sandalphon wound up his
reel, and after some turns, the fish started rising up out of the
water, struggling, with the hook caught in its mouth. ‘Oh, that must
hurt it,’ said Aphrayel. ‘Don’t worry about that,’ said Logos. Logos
grabbed hold of the line and raised the fish up for his brothers and
sister to examine. ‘So that is a fish,’ said Sandalphon, amazed.
‘Yes, that is a fish.’ ‘They are a lifeform like us? Aren’t they?’
asked Samael. ‘Not exactly like us. But yes, they are a lifeform.’
‘And they live in water, I take it,’ he again asked. ‘That is
correct,’ replied Logos. ‘Well, what do we do with it,’ asked
Aphrayel. Logos smiled, a slight grin on his face. ‘We eat it.’
‘Eat it!! You must be joking.’ ‘Not at all,’ said Logos. ‘They
taste fine.’ ‘A lifeform for food? But isn’t life precious?’ asked
Samael. ‘These lifeform's cease to exist after a point in time
anyway, Samael. They reproduce themselves, though. So we can eat as
many of them as we like, as long as we don’t over-indulge and reduce
their numbers too much. Samael nodded, now understanding his older
brother’s point.

Later on, after they had caught around a dozen fishes, they had
returned to the kitchen, were Logos was busy preparing them. It was
Logos on morning breakfast duty that morning, and every angel, minus
the Saruvim, was now present.

When Logos served the fish, alongside some chips with lemon on them,
everyone asked what it was. When it was explained to them, many were
a little nervous at eating a new lifeform, but most took to it without
too much fuss.

Samael took his first bite of fish. Fortunately, Logos had cooked it
to perfection, and Samael, having eaten through his first bite,
quickly took another, as did Sandalphon and Aphrayel.

Later on after breakfast, the whole community agreeing that fish were
a delightful addition to the menu, Samael wondered on this new
lifeform. Would, now that fish had been created, Logos and God bring
forth more new creations? It would be most fascinating, if they did
so, to see firsthand just what creative skills their father capable
of. Most fascinating indeed.

* * * * *

After Lunch on his 2000th birthday, Logos found Samael in his abode,
reading through the Torah. ‘Father wishes to speak with you, Samael,’
said Logos from the open doorway. Samael said ‘No worries. I’ll be
there shortly,’ after which Logos departed.

After taking a sip of melit water, Samael put down the copy of the
Torah and started his way to the throneroom.

Coming into the room he noted the sparks above the throne had, not
just one particular colour glowing, but a whole range. That was
extremely rare indeed. He came to the throne and spoke ‘Father. It
is I, Samael.’ Very soon he was answered.’

‘Son. How has your day been?’ ‘Quite well’, replied Samael, not used
to such a mundane question from God. ‘And how are your thoughts for
your commentary? Flowing well?’ ‘Why yes, they are thanks. I guess
I really shouldn’t ask how you knew, you being who you are.’ ‘I would
encourage you, in your commentary, be honest – be sincere. And let
that thought you have – that thought on life – be a spark growing into
a flame. I would encourage you on that my son.’ ‘Thank you father.
I will endeavour for it to be as such.’ ‘Very good. Samael, you are
dear to my heart. Never, ever, be mistaken in not thinking as such.
You are a precious child – firstborn of Angelicdom. It is a
responsibility and a pleasure. Because of it, though, you will be
sacred one day Samael. And in that sacredness you will have to learn
how to behave appropriately. This you will understand one day, dear
child of mine.’ ‘Yes, alright,’ said Samael, not really sure how to
respond. ‘Very good. I will conclude by wishing you the happiest of
birthdays, mighty Onaphim. Your happiness is a blessing to all. Be
at peace my child – be at peace.’ Samael nodded. The flickering
lights above the throne slowly turned from multi-colours, back to a
bright orange. Samael stood there, perhaps realizing that he had been
given a birthday blessing from his father. He backed away from the
throne, turned and veered to the side of the room, sitting down on the
benches which surrounded the room. It was kind of God to speak as
such, he thought to himself. And he would act upon those words and,
if at all possible, let a blazing fire be the light of his commentary
on the Torah. A fire to light their whole realm.

* * * * *

Later on in the afternoon, Samael having returned to his abode, Logos
showed up yet again that day. Inviting himself in he walked over to
the chess set which was by the side of Samael’s room. ‘Is it a game
in progress?’ Logos asked Samael, noting an apparently unfinished game
with the pieces still upright on the board. ‘Yes, actually. Between
me and Lovrayel. She challenged me to a game after our recent bout at
the new 4 player version. She is, strangely enough, extremely
challenging. Perhaps her secret strength really is quite simple. She
has obviously studied the game a lot and applies herself towards
victory. I am really not sure if I will win this game or not.’ ‘What
colour are you?’ asked Logos, who had sat down at the chess set,
examining the game. ‘Black. Lovrayel usually insists on being white
– suits her blonde hair, I think.’ Samael stood, went to his
kitchenette, coming back with some Lemon and Orange juice glasses, and
handed one to Logos who accepted it. Logos was in thought, looking at
the game. He was contemplating possible attacking strategies for both
Lovrayel and Samael. The thing was, while Logos had a vast mind, when
it came to competition his God and Father had deliberately worked upon
his thinking and thoughts to limit his capabilities to that of the
angels. It was as if something came over him when he was competing,
and he was alike his brethren. Almost a regular angel. ‘Yes, I think
she has the upper hand. 2 points ahead I make it with the 2 extra
pawns she has taken.’ ‘Yes, I had noticed,’ replied Samael. ‘Really,
to win this one, if I really had to, it would take one heck of an
effort. She is really fighting me on this one, I think.’ ‘Whose move
is it?’ ‘Mine, actually. When I have made it I will let Lovrayel
know the move, and she can move the piece on her board which is set up
like this one in her room. We have agreed that there is absolutely no
time limit on this game. Even if it takes centuries.’ ‘Really,’ said
Logos, most interested. ‘Do you have an idea for your next move.’
‘Several. I have been waiting for two weeks so far to make this
move. Really, I am trying my best to look ahead and think through
both my and her attacking strategies. I am trying to think at least 5
or 6 moves ahead. It will be a difficult one to win, but I am going
to go slow to try and get the lass.’ ‘Put her in her place, huh?’
asked Logos. ‘I don’t think Lovrayel really has a place, as a woman.
I know they are the softer sex and you teach us to act accordingly –
but they can take the competition like the rest of us.’ ‘Yes, I
know,’ replied Logos. ‘You know, in competition, I am just like the
angels. No special advantage.’ ‘Yes, I know,’ replied Samael.
‘Well, once you have finished this game with Lovrayel, I wouldn’t mind
playing one under a similar rule as well. No time limits, that is.’
‘If you like,’ replied Samael. ‘It should prove interesting. But,
dare I say it, if Lovrayel wins, perhaps you should challenge her.’
Logos nodded, considering that. ‘Perhaps I will play both of you –
have two boards set up in my room.’ ‘An interesting idea,’ said
Samael. ‘Actually, if you can cope with two games at once, I think I
can as well. If you want to play that game – no time limits – how
about we start right now. Perhaps with the set over in Aphrayel’s
abode.’ ‘Sounds good,’ said Logos. ‘Shall we?’ Logos asked.

The two of them placed their glasses in the kitchenette and made their
way over to Aphrayel’s.

They found her with Sandalphon over by the side, drinking scotch, with
Aphrayel next to Lovrayel on the couch, doing some crochet, and
Shadray lying in front of Aphrayel’s bookcase reading a book.

‘Hello Samael,’ said Aphrayel. ‘Hi Samael, Logos,’ said Shadray
looking up. Samael nodded to Sandalphon who grunted back. ‘Aphrayel,
I have a favour to ask,’ began Samael. ‘What is it?’ said Aphrayel
looking up. ‘Well, Logos and I are going to have a game of chess. A
game similar to the one currently going on between myself and Lovrayel
– one with no time limit.’ Lovrayel looked up, most interesting.
‘Did you challenge him, Logos?’ ‘Not so much challenged, but
suggested. I thought it might prove interesting to play in the no
time limit fashion.’ ‘Oh yes, it really is,’ said Lovrayel. ‘It
gives you plenty of time to plan your next move, instead of being
constantly rushed. Really, I guess, you can take years if you have
to, to make a move.’ ‘I might be years with my next move, dear
sister,’ said Samael to Lovrayel. ‘That’s alright, brother. You
might need to be,’ said Lovrayel, a slight grin on her face. Samael
gave her a cute look in response.

Aphrayel went to the cupboard and fished out the chess set. She
placed it on a side table and grabbed some chairs from her bedroom,
placing them opposite each other at the table. Samael and Logos sat
down as Lovrayel, excitedly, put the pieces out. ‘I suppose there may
not be that much action today, if you both plan on taking your time.
But I will watch on anxiously. Please – let me know when both of you
make your moves.’ ‘Certainly,’ replied Logos. ‘Will do,’ said
Samael.

With the pieces set up, Logos offered being white to Samael. ‘Seeing
as you suggested the game, I will let you choose,’ replied Samael.
Logos nodded. ‘Very well. You can go white. I will be black.’
Samael nodded, smiling inwardly at Logos charitable offer.

He contemplated his first move, Lovrayel and Aphrayel both looking on
anxiously and Sandalphon having taken an interest stood above the
board. ‘Try the classic opening,’ suggested Sandalphon. ‘Quiet
Sandy,’ said Lovrayel. ‘Let Samael make his own mind up. This could
be a long match, after all, and he will need to use HIS brain.’ Logos
looked down, pleased at being more involved with his brethren. He was
not always as such, due to his position. But being them was, in the
end, what life was all about after all.

Samael, thinking on Sandalphon’s words felt maybe, just maybe, he
would act accordingly. Perhaps, in this game, the most classical and
well worn moves would be the best to lead to success. Perhaps that
would be the strategy he would take. And so he moved Kings Pawn ahead
2 places. ‘This should prove interesting,’ said Logos. ‘Indeed
replied Samael. And then, the game of games got underway.

* * * * *

That night, at dinner, they had fish again, and everyone was in a good
mood, enjoying the new delicacy. Samael sat next to Dolphyel and
Garanel, for a change, happy to enjoy their company. ‘We bloody eat
living creatures. What do you think of that?’ Garanel asked Samael.
‘Apparently, that is what they were created for, according to Logos,’
replied Samael. ‘It is supposedly not meant to be a problematic
issue.’ ‘Fair enough,’ replied Garanel. ‘Whatever else they taste
great,’ he said, munching on some fish. ‘Yes, they do taste good,
echoed Dolphyel. ‘Hey, its 1, 2 and 3. Fancy that.’ Samael nodded,
realizing he was eating with the first three Onaphim angels. ‘I have
begun my commentary, brothers. It may take time – quite some time –
to complete it. But it is begun.’ ‘How does it start,’ asked
Garanel, now eating some beans. ‘Life. It begins with life.’ ‘Well
were else could it begin,’ said Dolphyel. ‘It is, after all, how we
all began. Isn’t it.’ Samael thought on that insight. ‘Good point,
Dolph. Very good point. Actually, if you don’t mind, I might comment
on that idea in the writing.’ ‘Feel free,’ replied Dolphyel,
finishing off his fish and taking a drink of Lemon and Orange juice.

Just then, Elendayel, last of the Celestyel Angels, and lastborn of
the angels, came over to sit next to Garanel. ‘Hi sis,’ said Garanel,
burping. ‘How pleasant,’ said Elendayel sarcastically. ‘She looked
at Samael. ‘Happy birthday, brother. He spoke to you, like last
time, didn’t he?’ Samael looked at his youngest sister. ‘If you mean
God. Yes. Like my thousandth birthday he gave me a blessing.’ ‘He
did that for me at my thousandth as well,’ said Elendayel. ‘I think
that is the number he works with for blessings.’ Garanel spoke up.
‘At my thousandth he told me he loved me and to be the fun angel I
have always been.’ ‘He likes pranksters, perhaps,’ said Elendayel,
kicking Garanel underneath the table. ‘Hey, watch it,’ said Garanel,
who proceeded to tickle his sister, who started giggling in response.
Samael looked at the two of them, chuckled a little at Garanel who was
his usual jovial self, and took another bite of fish. Yes it was a
blessing. And, so far, the day had been good. The day had been good.

* * * * *

‘Come on, bro. Let’s get pissed.’ Samael looked up at Sandalphon,
who was standing in his doorway, some bottles of beer and whiskey in
his hands. ‘A fair way to end my 2000th don’t you think?’ asked
Samael, a subtle grin on his face. ‘No bloody better way, mate.’
‘Come on in then.’

Later on, Samael was, actually, quite pissed. The two of them had
been talking usual Samael and Sandalphon dialogue, the various
philosophies on life, women and the meaning of it all – yet from the
demeanour of those quite intoxicated, which needs little elaboration.

Aphrayel arrived when Sandalphon was singing a song, and he invited
her to get drunk like himself. She declined on getting drunk, yet did
partake of some of the beer. She was wearing quite a short skirt,
with a pink t-shirt with a red heart on it. She sat next to Samael
and started stroking his hair. ‘Looksh lighke yur lucckkky tonite,’
said Sandalphon.’ ‘Looskh like itt,’ replied Samael. Aphrayel
grabbed his collar and dragged Samael into his bedroom, Sandalphon
continuing to sing his song.

Samael collapsed onto his bed, while Aphrayel closed the door and
started slowly undressing. She had taken off her top, and was making
seductive moves, swinging her hips, when she noticed that Samael had
not turned his head around to look at her. She got onto the bed and
looked at him closely. He was, unfortunately, already asleep. She
sat up at the front of the bed, folded her knees to her chest, and
said ‘Great.’ Her planned night of love had, unfortunately, come to
no avail.

* * * * *

Shortly before midnight Samael awoke. His head ached, and Aphrayel
was nowhere to be seen. He carefully, holding his aching head, made
his way into the main room, were Sandalphon was sleeping on the couch,
snoring loudly, occasionally speaking in his sleep.

He went to the kitchenette, poured a long glass of water, his usual
remedy, and walked over to the window to look at the temple. He stood
there, as the clock on the wall turned over to midnight, the usual
gongs indicating the hours.

Well, it had been quite a day. A day to remember, really. He had
begun his commentary. Gone fishing for the first time. Received a
blessing from God. Begun a game of chess which, perhaps, would last
millennia. Gotten pissed and, finally, almost made love to his
beloved sister. Yes, a day to remember.

He thought on Logos and wondered what kind of day his oldest brother
had had. Of course, Logos turned 2100 today as well. This was,
although only what had been called the begetting age of Logos, as he
had apparently existed in some other form before that time, likely an
important day for him as well. He had likely, if Father related
similarly to Logos as he did for the angels, received his blessing
last century, at his 2000th year. Yet, birthdays were generally
celebrated each century, and the community usually made a fuss for
each of the angels, Logos included.

He and Logos were, in some ways, alike. They, of course, were the
oldest of the community by over a century, and had a bit of an elderly
feel to them. As his father had told him today, earlier on, one day
he may be viewed as sacred. That had puzzled him. He did not really
think that his brethren would ever view him as sacred, seeing as they
were also now quite old and only getting older. But, as God’s words
always did, they would inevitably make sense one day. Not now, but
perhaps at some great time in the future.

What would tomorrow bring, he wondered to himself. If it was anything
like today it would be a memorable one. But all things considered,
today had been greatly enjoyable. A day to be recorded, in the heart
of Samael, as a day not to forget.

Chapter Seven

Logos looked down at the chess board in his room. 3 moves had been
made in the game between himself and Samael, all 3 taking place
yesterday. And then the game had slowed right down and – now –
careful and considered planning was the name of the game. This game
Logos would take seriously. Quite seriously. While, in truth, it did
not really bother him greatly when he lost at such competitions, that
being an inevitable reality of life, which beckoned acceptance of such
reality and ignoring of any feeling of defeat associated with it,
Logos did in fact like using his intellect and challenging himself to
achieve victory when and were he could in fact do so. And his younger
brother by one position of birth, Samael, seemed the ideal challenge
in this game of chess they had organized.

Also, set up in his room, was the game being played between Logos and
Lovrayel. He was, now, following this game as well. He had asked
both of them to be notified when moves were made so he could make the
corresponding move on his set. The main reason behind such an idea
was to gain an insight into the strategies his younger brother and
sister both employed. Through studying Samael’s moves in particular,
he could gain a greater insight into how his brother played the game,
which hopefully would only assist him more greatly in his own agenda.

Chess was, for Logos, an interesting diversion and game of skill. He
was not, in the end, exactly the competitive type. Not in any focused
sort of way. However, in his thinking, competition was a part of
life, and an aspect to be explored, taken part in, and enjoyed from
time to time. It was, he felt, natural that the angels have a degree
of rivalry. If, though, that rivalry led to heated argument, which it
had occasionally done so in the community, Logos saw this as a bad
thing. Competition was to test skill – not to exalt pride.

In his competition with Samael, though, if truth be told, he really
desired to see if he could defeat his younger brother. Samael was, in
some ways, a challenge to Logos. They had never been rivals, but
Logos saw, perhaps, in Samael’s character a challenge – a waiting
challenge – from someone who would never yield to the authority of
God’s son.

Logos viewed Samael as subtle, and hidden. As if he was aware of
things and events within the realm, yet never made his knowledge
public. Yet, perhaps, alluding to in his very demeanour, in a subtle
sense, that he was very aware of people and the happenings of the
realm. It was almost as if a faint shroud of mystery surrounded his
younger brother. A mystery God himself placed there, Logos
occasionally thought to himself.

Perhaps, in this extended game of chess, Logos would come to know
something of the mystery of Samael. Perhaps, over time, he would gain
an insight into the mind and mystery of his younger Onaphim brother.
Perhaps.

* * * * *

Elendayel, 70th born of the Angels of Infinity, 7th and lastborn of
the Celestyel angels, was happily lying on her brother Garanel’s bed
in his abode. Garanel had tickled her a lot yesterday and, later on,
asked if she would spend the night with him. She had agreed and,
lying there, was quite happy she had done so. They had not bedded
together for quite a number of years now, she usually preferring other
of her brethren. And, so it seemed, Garanel had rarely bedded in
recent years as well. He had mentioned that he had not had sex in
over 4 years with one of his sisters. He had mentioned it in an
offhand sort of way, as in passing conversation. But it had stung
her.

Garanel was, in truth, quite a coarse angel. Not harsh in any way,
but quite brazen and disgusting in some of his manners and language
from time to time. He was often untidily dressed, and a little dirty
in his clothing. Occasionally he smelled a little bad, often from the
alcohol. He was, in truth, sometimes hard to love.

Yet he was funny and had much charm when he chose to use it. And as a
lover he was quite affectionate.

She was, perhaps, not that surprised that he had not been with one of
the Celestyel’s for a while. His nature did not beckon the most
suitable of partners to spend time with. Yet Elendayel also knew her
brother deserved affection and love, as all the angels did, and was
upset with herself for not having been aware of Garanel’s situation.

Because of it she would take special care with Garanel for the
foreseeable future and, if at all possible, assist him in some of his
more uncouth ways and mannerisms. Bring him back, ideally, to the
kind of angel he was in his youth. It would be a challenge,
certainly. But a most interesting and delightful challenge. One
with, hopefully, a great reward. A great reward indeed.

* * * * *

It had been a hectic last few months, Dolphyel felt. He had
completed the 7 months of abstinence, as per Logos instruction, with
minor disruptions. And, perhaps, he had felt the benefit of it. The
benefit of obedience and holiness or purity.

Sandalphon had discussed with him his ideas of democracy just
recently, ideas which Dolphyel had slowly been coming round to, yet
which had, it seemed, been put on hold with the exile of the Saruvim.
Sandalphon had stated that, with the now more relaxed stance of Logos
on the issue of sexual behaviour, that the problem of authority – for
the time being – did not seem that problematic. Yet, perhaps one day
in the future – the dim and distant future – Sandalphon and those who
shared similar views could bring to light their plans in a more
definite way. Yet, for now, nothing more need be done. They would
sit and wait patiently – when the time was right for action, all of
them would know it.

Dolphyel had acceded to this idea, reluctantly though, having become
quite attracted to the ideas of freedom and liberty which democracy
spoke of. They seemed, to Dolphyel, who was a keen student of virtue
as befitted his principle of Torah, virtues in and of themselves – and
as such he greatly desired to see what they were made of in practice.
Yet, he would have to be patient. Perhaps, as Sandalphon said,
sometime in the future – at a more appropriate time – they could
proclaim what they felt was the best way for the community of the
Angels of Infinity to function.

* * * * *

Michael sat by Rageeta pond, looking at the fish swimming around.
They merrily went through the same old routine, as far as he could
tell, of eating food, swimming and not much else. How exhilarating,
he sarcastically thought to himself. Not much life for a fish.

Gabriel sat over on one of the benches near the pond, reading Torah
and praying in between each principle. It was a routine which had
developed amongst the Ecclesia, one which Logos had introduced. The
other Seraphim were presently at Raphael’s abode, likewise studying
Torah and in prayer.

Michael had noticed, in the months that they had been devoted to such
spiritual purities, they had indeed been becoming spiritually pure.
He thought in his thoughts, for a want of a better word, holy
thoughts. Thoughts of God and being compassionate, kind and
dedicated. Of setting an example in work conduct – one without any
complaints – and, generally, in everything he said and did, to set the
best possible example he could.

Logos said to him they were going through a ‘Refinement Phase’. A
time in which some of the rougher or jagged edges of their
personalities would be examined, rebuked and done away with. The
result: A purer, holier angel. And, as a result of this, in the
future the ecclesia could have a greater impact into the lives of the
angels of eternity – a constant reminder of the holiness which they
were capable of and, perhaps, expected of them. Such, it seemed, was
the major role and purpose for which Logos had brought the ecclesia to
be.

This fact, Michael did not object to in any great way. He understood
the importance of holiness. In the reality of the Saruvim he, oh so
greatly, understood the importance of holiness. It was, for now,
their life. It was, for now, what they were dedicated to. And, for
now, he would persevere with the lifestyle Logos required of them to,
ultimately, bring forth the fruit that Logos and each of them
personally desired.

* * * * *

Yes, in truth, Shadray was a gentle and humble angel. Firstborn of
the Noahphim, the ninth-born group of seven angels, Shadray, as much
like the Noahphim as well, was a gentle and kind-hearted angel. This
was what the Noahphim, in particular, were noted for. Perhaps, to
some, the Noahphim may have been the better choice for that of the
role of ecclesia that Logos sought. They were the more spiritual of
the two groups when Seraphim and Noahphim were compared. Yet, Logos
had chosen the Seraphim. Perhaps, in the end, it was the Seraphim who
needed the sanctification more than their younger counter-parts.

Of course, a divide had come into the community. One which bothered
Shadray each day, yet one he knew which had to be. The entire 7th
group of seven angels – the Saruvim headed by his brother Satan – were
no more. They were gone from the Realm of Infinity. That simple fact
bothered Shadray greatly. It was as if his home was no longer
complete. His brothers – ones which he had grown to love less and
less – were now gone completely. And while he silently rebuked
himself for the lack of love in his towards them in their last hours
in the community, he understood that what had come to pass must have
done so. Their actions needed to have been responded to in the manner
which Logos chose to. In that being the truth Shadray did not doubt.

Yet, whatever else, he still missed his Saruvim brothers and prayed
every night that, wherever they were, God would one day forgive them
and lead them through the necessary steps of a heartfelt repentance.
In this he would need to keep faith.

His other Noahphim brothers felt similarly. Koray in particular, the
most gentle of all the angels of Infinity, prayed for them constantly
and sought his heavenly father to forgive them and lead them back to
the pathways of love. Shadray, though, was not so naïve to think that
this would happen any time soon. They had grown into darkness, the
Saruvim. Bringing them back from this – bringing them back to the
light – would take time. It could happen no other way.

And so, alongside the rest of the Noahphim, he would keep faith and
hope and pray that one day restoration would come to the Angels of the
Realm of Infinity.

* * * * *

Gemrayel lay, staring at the ceiling, Sandalphon lying next to her.
Since the incident he had been her only lover, she not desiring to
come near another. She lay there, contemplating life. It was around
midnight, she guessed, and the newly created crickets were singing
their melody of life just outside her window down on the grass near
her abode. God, since the fish, had continued on in his new creative
endeavours, crickets being amongst the many of the new creations.

She was restless. Often she was restless, and when she was she
usually sang a song to pacify herself. She got to her feet, walked
out into her main abode area, opened a window to look out, seated
herself, and started singing:

This life we live, is just a dream

Of love and loss and vanity

We break their hearts, and they break ours

Then sit alone in lonely towers

We dream of love with brothers true

Who’ll take our hearts, when we are blue

And cheer us up, and give us love

As pure as God’s love from above

Celestyel’s adore their kin

Our love for life in them did begin

When they took our hands, our heads, our hearts

And told us then they’d not depart

This life we live, is just a dream

Of love and loss and vanity

Lovers come and lovers go

In this life in our eternal home

Gemrayel finished singing the song. It was, really, a sweet one. One
of Lovrayel’s finest compositions. And the melody had worked
somewhat. She was now more greatly at peace and, perhaps, ready for
slumber shortly.

She returned to her bedroom, and lay down on the bed. Her lover,
Sandalphon, continued snoring loudly, but it bothered her not. She
remembered countless times he had professed his love for her – a love
to not depart. And she guessed, in truth, that such love had
remained. That such love had remained and, perhaps, would eternally
do so in the life of love she lived in the eternal realm of Infinity.

* * * * *

Garanel blushed at the new clothes his sister Elendayel presented him
with. He looked over them, noticing how good the quality was.
‘Really, sister, why have you gone to so much effort. You know me. I
will only dirty them up.’ Elendayel responded. ‘That is were I would
like to challenge you, brother dearest. Your slovenly ways have been
noticed by me and my sisters for quite some time now, and they will
now have to cease. If you are to be granted the love you desire on a
more regular occasions, then you will have to do us the pleasure of at
least deserving it. And that means taking better care of yourself.
Okay.’ Garanel, reluctantly, nodded. He had gotten used to life and
his, so called, slovenly ways. They suited him and he enjoyed them.
Yet the temptation to love from his sisters for improving himself was,
to put it bluntly, to great a temptation to resist. ‘Alright,
Elendayel. I will wear the clothes and put in a much bigger effort.
You just remember to visit me more often, okay.’ ‘Why Garanel. If
you get your act together you can expect visits from all your
sisters.’ Garanel grinned a smile. That, at least, was good news.

She cleaned him up in the kitchen of his abode, using wet rags to wipe
down and clean all his body. And then she helped him into his new
fine clothes. A beautiful cream and white shirt, with lovely
designs. Corresponding cream slacks and socks. And a new pair of
silver-reed shoes – the stuff hard shoes were made from.

She brushed his hair and stood back to get a look at him. Mmm. For
once, her brother Garanel did look quite fine. She would take him now
and show him off to his sisters. It was a joy he probably had not had
in a long while and something which would do all of them some good.

‘Come on, Gar. Follow me. And don’t forget to smile.’ Garanel
dutifully smiled in response as his sister led him on a merry trip
that day to all of his beloved sisters’ abodes. Life, it seemed for
Garanel, angel of Infinity, was starting to look better. And thank
God for that.

* * * * *

Samael sat with Aphrayel by Rageeta pond, staring at the swimming
fishes. ‘I wonder how intelligent they are?’ queried Samael. ‘Oh,
don’t worry. You are just a wee bit smarter than a fish, dear
brother,’ jibed Aphrayel. He gave her a slight push, saying, ‘How
funny?’ He continued staring at the fish. ‘But, seriously. I wonder
– do they think much? Do they feel? Do they have emotions like us?’
‘I think they are simplistic,’ said Aphrayel in response. ‘If the
life they live is only temporary, I don’t think father would have made
theme to intelligent. They are probably just dumb fish.’ ‘I guess,’
stated Samael in response.

‘They do taste nice, though,’ said Aphrayel, who began chewing on a
cracker covered in fish paste.’ ‘Yes,’ agreed Samael.

They sat there, around lunch time, enjoying a picnic. Samael had
brought his rod and actually caught his first fish earlier, much to
Aphrayel’s delight. But most of the time he seemed, to her, to be in
a quiet and reflective mood.

‘What are you thinking on, dearest brother?’ she queried. He turned
to look at her, and then returned his gaze to the pond. ‘Well,
actually, if you must know, I am thinking on my next move in chess
with Logos. He has made a move and I am trying to understand his
attack. At this stage I am generally perplexed, but I will be
patient. I am sure I will make, with caution, the right move with a
concentrated effort of study.’

‘You two seem to be taking this game very seriously. It is going
awfully slowly.’ Samael considered his sisters response, noting the
obvious truth in the statement. ‘No time limits, remember. And I
think, the great time involved so far is that each of us has no
intentions of losing.’ Aphrayel, finishing her fish, suggested an
interesting tactic. ‘Why not lose to him deliberately brother? Why
not lose deliberately?’ Samael looked at her, curious as to such a
statement. ‘And why would I do that, Aphy?’ She smiled, happy to
share her wisdom. ‘There are – advantages. Advantages to sacrifice
which, thinking of it, I am not sure you are that familiar with. But,
if you take my advice, and go easy on this game, you may be surprised
at the ultimate results.’ Samael, thinking on that idea, grinned
after a little while. ‘Advantages? Mmmm. And what, dare I ask, are
these advantages dearest Aphrayel?’ ‘Oh,’ she said, taking a bite of
an apple. ‘I think you will work that out soon enough.’ He grinned
at the response and gave her a quick kiss on the forehead. These
advantages sounded most interesting to Samael. Most interesting
indeed.

* * * * *

And life, in the Realm of Infinity, passed on in its merry and happy
fashion. It passed on, with lives being led, loves being made and
hearts being given. Years came and years went. And lives were
lived. And, as time passed, a spirit of peace and love settled more
and more so on the lives of the Angels of Infinity, each of them,
perhaps, finding that meaning or connection in life which, ultimately,
made it all worth the effort in the first place.

The End of Part One

See: http://noahidebooks.angelfire.com for the rest of the story

[Scott Eiler]

I think you're looking for rec.arts.comics.creative, Daniel.

On Nov 20, 9:45 pm, daniel <danielthomasandrewd...@live.com.au> wrote:
> Seehttp://noahidebooks.angelfire.comfor the rest of the story