Morning Stars Chapters 3 & 4
The Way of the Eternal Dove
Chapter Three - The Rim
Michael, sitting his room one fine day in eternity, was contemplating some strategies in Chulara, which was also known as Katchular – or by the fuller name of Katchulara.
A knock came to the door, and he went to answer it. Elenniel, his twin sister, stood there. ‘Michael. We need to speak.’ He let her in and they sat down in his bed. She looked at him. ‘Michael. Do you love me?’ He looked at her, and looked down at his lap, thinking on his answer. He looked at her again, ‘Yes, sister. I do.’ She asked once more. ‘Do you love me. Do you love me in that special way you love no other sister?’ He thought on his answer, and in honesty knew he could respond in the way she perhaps desired. ‘Yes Elenniel. I do.’ She looked at him, kissed him on the forehead, and left.
He smiled, a slight smile and returning to his thinking of strategy for chulara, decided to go to visit the rim for some quite space to think. To think on Chulara and, perhaps, other thoughts which had just entered his head.
Coming down the stairwell and turning to walk along the corridor, a voice hailed him.
‘Michael, where are you going?’
Michael turned towards the familiar voice. It was Ambriel, of course. ‘Nowhere special, Ambriel.’
When Ambriel saw that his question was unlikely to be answered any further, he persisted. ‘Perhaps you may not think it special, but may I know where it is anyway?’ Michael looked at him and smiled. ‘Well, if you must know, I am going to the rim.’
A perplexed look came over Ambriel’s face.
‘The rim! Why would you want to go to the rim? There’s nothing there.’
‘I know Ambriel, I know.’ He paused before speaking further. ‘I guess I go there for a number of reasons. I like it there, and it gives me time to think. But I suppose I mainly go there to be alone for a while.’
‘Oh,’ Ambriel replied, slightly taken aback, ‘I guess you probably wouldn’t want any company then, would you?’ Michael considered his response before answering. He could tell him no, that he wanted to be alone, as he did. But something in his heart told him that if Ambriel really wanted to come along with him, then he should let him. ‘Well I usually go to the rim to be alone, but if you want to come along you may.’ Ambriel’s face brightened. ‘Are you sure it’s alright? You really don’t mind?’
‘No, it’s ok. Come on then.’ Michael turned and started walking down the corridor, Ambriel following alongside.
They came to the bottom of the keep and exited via the large entrance. The rim was some distance from Zaphon, the place they knew as home.
Michael turned to Ambriel and said, ‘Are you ready?’
‘Yes’, he replied. They both then unfurled their wings and took to the sky. Angels flew with grace and ease, and although the rim was a fair distance by foot, flying would not take them too long. As he flew, Michael looked over the golden landscape spread out below him. Close to home there were various gardens filled with all sorts of wonderful flora, but these disappeared the further they went out, to be replaced by large meadows and rolling hills. Here and there were occasional buildings, which some of his brethren stayed in from time to time.
After a while the hills gave way to larger mountains, a sign to Michael that they were getting near their destination. Shortly he spotted the edge of the mountains where they gave way to the rim. He waved to Ambriel, signalling that they should descend. Ambriel nodded consent and they started their way down. They landed near the summit of one of the smaller mountains and looked around to get their perspective.
‘Come on’, Michael said to Ambriel. He pointed towards the edge of the mountain, ‘The rim is just over there.’
The rim was, in essence, the edge of eternity. Beyond it lay a great expanse of nothingness - a complete void. To his Father it was the uncreated - a place where he had not yet done any work. To Michael it was simply the rim. When he was younger, Michael had flown off the edge to see how far he could go. To his great surprise he was only able to fly a few metres beyond the edge. After that, while he was still flying and felt like he was moving forward, he simply did not seem to be going anywhere. Apparently there was nowhere else for him to go. Nothing existed beyond a certain point except a great realm of emptiness. Today there would be no such foolishness. Michael walked over towards the rim and sat down, legs dangling over the edge. Ambriel soon came and joined him.
After sitting there for a long while and looking out at the nothingness, Ambriel spoke up.
‘I don’t think I have ever been to this part of the rim before. Is it a place you come to often?’
‘No, not really’, Michael replied. ‘In fact, I don’t think that I have been to this exact spot ever before.’ The silence resumed. Michael continued staring out at the emptiness, his mind going over recent events. Before coming to the rim he had been in his room planning strategies for Katchular. Katchular was a strategic game played with a mat and many different coloured markers. The object was to trap the opponent’s markers and eliminate them from the game one by one. Michael was good at the game, and had devised many different strategies for winning. One of the reasons for him wanting to come to the rim that day was to think about some new strategies he had been working on. For a long time he had been the best player at the game amongst his brethren, but recently Saruviel had started to improve greatly. He had even beaten Michael on a few recent occasions. Michael’s gameplan was usually built around a strong defence. When he had a strong position he would gradually attack outwards and wear down his opponents. Saruviel, however, was quite different. He would attack relentlessly – ruthlessly even. Michael had to acknowledge that the general strategy seemed to work, and had thought about using some of Saruviel’s moves in his own game. Michael glanced towards Ambriel and considered him. Ambriel rarely played Katchular. When he did he was usually beaten quite soundly. Perhaps that discouraged him from playing; however Michael didn’t think it was that simple. Ambriel was a gentle, peaceful fellow. He did not seem to like contests or competitions that much - they seemed somehow to go against his nature, or so Michael thought. That didn’t surprise Michael. Ever since he had known him, Ambriel had been like that.
‘Michael,’ Ambriel spoke up, interrupting Michael’s thoughts. ‘Do you ever wonder how Father made us?’ Michael found the question a little puzzling.
‘How he made us? Well, I guess I’ve never really thought about it that much. Thinking about it I suppose he just willed us into existence or something like that. I couldn’t say for sure. Why do you ask?’ ‘Well’, he replied a little hesitantly, ‘I was speaking to Saruviel a little while ago and he asked me the same question. I didn’t know what to tell him, so I thought that I would ask you’.
‘Oh. Well, perhaps you should tell him to ask Father. That would be the easiest way to find out.’
‘Yes, I guess you’re right. It probably would be.’
Ambriel paused a little, before speaking on.
‘Michael’.
‘Yes’, he replied.
‘Have you noticed anything different about Saruviel recently?’
Michael looked straight at him. ‘Different? What do you mean? He seems the same to me.’
‘Well’, Ambriel replied, ‘I guess you haven’t noticed, but recently Saruviel doesn’t seem to be getting as involved with things at home as he used to. He is sometimes absent when assembly is called, and he doesn’t come to many of the other gatherings. He seems to be keeping company mainly with Daraqel and Kantriel but few others.’
‘No, I guess I hadn’t noticed that’, Michael said. ‘Have you talked to him about it?’ Does he have a reason for his absences?’
‘Oh no, I haven’t talked to him about it. Really, it is just something that I have noticed recently and I was just concerned, that’s all. I thought I would talk to someone else about it first to see if anyone else had noticed.’ Michael thought on that briefly before continuing. ‘Well, perhaps Saruviel is just going through some changes. I remember that when I was younger and speaking with Father, he said that there would come a time in my life when I would go through many changes. He said that as I grew older I would mature, and that change would be part of my life, and with time I should learn to accept that. I may be wrong, but perhaps Saruviel is simply going through some changes at the moment and he may just need some time to himself to get used to those changes. That may be the reason for his absences and him keeping to himself. I could not say for sure, though.’
Ambriel looked at Michael for a moment as if considering what he had said and then turned and looked out towards the rim. ‘Yes, I guess it could be that. Maybe he is just going through some changes, as you say, and needs time to himself. Perhaps that is all it is’. Ambriel left off speaking and continued staring out at the rim.
Michael looked at him for a while, then turned his gaze likewise towards the rim. That was just like Ambriel, to be concerned about others, Michael thought to himself. It was something that Michael admired about him.
His thoughts, however, quickly turned to that of Saruviel. Michael had not really noticed anything different about Saruviel recently, but he could honestly say that he had not been paying a great deal of attention. As head of the assembly, Michael had many duties, which often kept him occupied for hours at a time. He didn’t always have the time to concern himself with the everyday affairs of his fellow brethren. It was not that he only had little interest in them; it was not that at all. It was just that his duties kept him busy for the majority of the time, and in his free time he usually liked to do his own thing.
Perhaps that was something he would have to look at. His responsibilities were important to him and he enjoyed doing them. As firstborn of the assembly it was his right and responsibility to be the head and set an example for his brethren. However, if those responsibilities caused him to neglect his friendships and relationships with his brethren, friendships and relationships that were fundamental to his life, then perhaps he would have to think again about how he handled them. ‘Was he really as involved with his brothers as he should be?’ he questioned himself. He always attended assembly and most of the gatherings, and at those times he would speak with many of his brethren. However, if he had really been taking an interest, why hadn’t he noticed Saruviel’s absences? ‘Perhaps I should speak to Father and ask his advice’, he thought to himself. It was a way in which Michael handled many of his difficulties. ‘If there is any problem, he will be able to help me.’
After having sat there for a lone while pondering the various happenings in his life, Michael turned his attention towards the sky. The afternoon was fading fast and night was approaching. Throughout the realm of eternity, as his Father had called it, there were divisions in time that he had called day and night. Day was the time when things were light and colourful. It was a time for activity. A time when work was undertaken and gatherings took place. A time that Michael enjoyed a great deal. However, when the day’s activities were done, darkness would descend. His Father had said that a period of rest was necessary. A time to be recovered and to be refreshed. Work could not go on indefinitely. There needed to be a time of sleep, as he had called it, after which the activities could begin again, with a renewed strength.
Michael turned towards Ambriel. “It’s getting late. We should probably be making our way back.’
Ambriel nodded his consent ‘Yes, I guess you are right. I have enjoyed myself though. I think I am beginning to understand why you like coming here. It is very quiet, and the rim does have a sort of attraction to it, doesn’t it?’
Michael smiled, ‘You’ve noticed. I don’t know what it is about this place, but it seems to help me focus my thoughts. A good place to think.’ Michael stood up and stretched himself. ‘Anyway, it’s getting late, and I am a little hungry. Are you ready to go?’
‘Yes’, Ambriel replied. ‘Let’s go’.
Michael turned away from the rim and took to the sky.
As they flew along, Michael thought on the afternoon he had just spent. He hadn’t really come up with any new strategies for Katchular, but that didn’t really bother him. Ambriel had been good company, and had raised an issue that Michael felt important. All things considered, an afternoon well spent.
As they got closer to home, Michael could make out the lights of Zaphon in the distance. Zaphon, or eternity’s haven as it was also called, was the place Michael knew as home. Thinking back, he remembered the time of it being built. Originally, when he was very young, he and his brethren had lived in a garden environment. The garden provided all they needed to eat and afforded many places for recreation and rest. However, after time had passed and more of his brethren had come into being, his Father had said it was necessary to build a more appropriate place for them to live and dwell in - a place which they could truly call home.
Building that home had been a valuable learning experience for Michael. Father had placed him in charge of the project and given him the essential idea of what he had in mind. Bringing that plan to completion was Michael’s responsibility. Before any of the work had taken place, however, Father had first taught the angels how it might be accomplished. He had given them instruction in how tools could be made, that were then used for cutting down wood and quarrying stone, which would be the materials used for the construction of the keep.
Countless days passed in the building of the keep, far too many for Michael to remember them all. But as it progressed and neared completion, Michael had felt a growing sense of satisfaction. Satisfaction at achieving something worthwhile. When the project was finally complete, there had been a great celebration. Working together, the angels had achieved something. They had built themselves a home. Those days were, of course, long ago. But Michael always felt happy in reminiscing about them.
As they both neared Zaphon Michael signalled that they should descend. Ambriel obliged and they started circling downwards. Once grounded, Michael waved to Ambriel, ‘It looks like dinner will be upon us shortly. I am going to go clean up a little. I will see you there?’ ‘For sure,’ replied Ambriel. ‘After that flight I am feeling quite hungry,’ Ambriel patted his stomach, ‘and my belly is starting to make strange noises.’
Michael laughed shaking his head a little, and then turned and started making his way up the steps of the keep.
After cleaning himself up with the wash basin in his room, Michael put on a clean tunic, and started making his way towards the diner hall. As he made his way along the upper hallway of the keep where the dorms were, his attention turned to the workmanship along the walls and ceiling. The construction that he and his brethren had done in the building of the keep had indeed been good work. The stone bricks and the woodwork fitted together perfectly, and it would likely be many millennia before any of it needed replacing. He particularly admired some of the engravings that Elenniel had carved into the walls. She was very talented at her craft, and all sorts of elaborate figures, shapes and designs were carved into the stonework and woodwork that ran along the halls of the keep.
Every now and again Michael would visit Elenniel at her workshop located north of Zaphon. She spent much of her time there carving and engraving in both wood and stone, and Michael enjoyed spending time with her inspecting her latest work. He actually liked spending time with her regardless. She was a quiet angel and did not speak very much. But when she did speak, it was obvious her words were carefully chosen. She often challenged Michael to think about things in a different light - to consider viewing things from a different perspective. It was a quality that he liked about her and something he tried to put into practice for himself. Taking one last look at some of the designs, he turned and started making his way down the stairwell to the bottom floor.
* * * * *
The dinner hall was alive with chatter as he came through the large doorways, a hush soon descending though, as his presence became known. He smiled and nodded at some of his brethren in his immediate vicinity and gradually made his way towards the table at the head of the room. Michael sat at the head table in the dining hall – one of the privileges of his birthright. Fortunately, he had come just in time, as he eyed a dinner trolley being wheeled in from the side doorway. Michael took his seat and glanced around. The room appeared near full. It seemed that most of his brethren were in attendance that night. It was not always as such. Often, many of the angels were away, staying at some of the smaller keeps located around the realm. It was usually only on special occasions that most were in attendance at Zaphon.
‘Michael,’
Michael turned his attention to the angel seated opposite him. ‘Yes Jerahmeel,’ he replied.
‘It would seem that you are almost late for dinner. That’s not like you,’ said Jerahmeel.
‘Yes, I do apologise’ replied Michael. ‘Ambriel and I had spent the afternoon away from the keep. Time perhaps got away from us a little. Anyway, most of the brethren appear to be here this evening. Is there some event that I am not aware of?’
Jerahmeel looked around the room. ‘Yes, the room does appear near full. But to answer your question, no, there is no special event that I am aware of.’ Jerahmeel looked at him, a slight grin on his face. ‘Perhaps a bout of homesickness has overcome some of them.’
Michael laughed. ‘Yes, I am sure that’s it.’
His attention turned towards the angel seated next to Jerahmeel. ‘Sariel. It is good to see you. I haven’t seen you at dinner for a while. Is there some special reason for you being with us tonight?’
‘It is good to see you as well Michael,’ Sariel replied. ‘Actually yes, I think I can tell you why there are so many of us here this evening. Gabriel has requested our presence. He came to see me, and many others, this afternoon and asked if I would come along tonight.’ ‘Oh,’ said Michael, his curiosity aroused. ‘Did he give you some reason?’
‘Only that he missed us, and would appreciate it if we came tonight. He may have some other reason, but he did not share that with me.’ Sariel’s attention turned towards an angel who had made her way to the side of their table and was about to start serving. ‘Dinner is upon us brothers.’
After making his way through a plate of steamed vegetables and baked langwah, Michael turned his attention back to Sariel. ‘So you say Gabriel asked you here tonight.’
Sariel nodded.
‘I wonder if he has an announcement to make?’ queried Michael.
Sariel smiled. ‘I wouldn’t know, Michael. I took what he said at face value. Simply that he missed us and would appreciate our company for dinner.’
‘Oh well,’ replied Michael. ‘I guess if he does have an announcement to make he will speak up shortly. Sariel, I was wondering ....’ began Michael, but before he could speak any further, a tinging noise was being made over to his left.
Heads turned to see Gabriel standing, tapping on a glass with a fork to gain the attention that was now focused on him. Gabriel looked around the room at his brethren. ‘Brothers, Sisters. I am glad that you could all make it this evening. On such short notice I am very grateful that so many of you were able to attend. Firstly, I would like to thank Shannel, Muriel and Kaladel for the excellent meal they have prepared for us this evening. The langwah is the best that I have had in a long time.’ Gabriel nodded towards the cooking staff seated at the side of the room. ‘A very fine meal Shannel. You have outdone yourself.’
Shannel, Zaphon’s head cook, smiled back. She was used to receiving compliments from Gabriel, but always received them graciously.
Gabriel resumed speaking. ‘Now Brothers, Sisters. As some of you may already suspect, I have not called this gathering tonight for no reason. Although it is always a delight to see you all together, there is something I wish to discuss with you.’ Gabriel paused, preparing for his next words. ‘We have all known each other for a long time now.’ Gabriel looked towards Michael, nodding in his direction. ‘Michael, of course, is our eldest, and he has known each of us from our birth. All in all, Father has brought to life 140 of us, 70 male and 70 female. We are the Angelic Seraphim. Children of God and Father’s precious delight. Father has given us this realm of eternity to live in, and Zaphon, the place we know as home.’ He paused again to add emphasis to his following words. ‘As many of you know, I speak with him often, and recently he has begun to tell me of plans that he has made.’ Gabriel paused briefly. ‘Plans to start creating again.’ A buzz quickly started around the room.
Michael looked at Gabriel in astonishment. ‘Creating!’ he mouthed to himself silently, startled at the announcement. ‘Creating?’ He is going to start working again?’
Gabriel started tapping on his glass again to silence the chatter. ‘Yes, I know the news may come as a shock to some of you. But let me first say that it has always been his intent to continue working at some time in the future. We and the realm that we live in are the first of his works, that is true. But he has told me quite firmly that the time is approaching when he will soon start his creative works again. He has not told me when this will happen, only that it will be soon.’
Matrel who was seated near the back of the room stood up and waved to get Gabriel’s attention. ‘But why would he want to create again? Is he not satisfied with us? With our realm? Is there something wrong with us that he would want to create all over again?’ His words seemed to echo some of the concerns of the other angels present.
‘Please, Matrel. Let me assure you that that is most definitely not the case. Father loves us - dearly. He often tells me how proud he is of each of you, and with the way that you are living your lives. This new creative endeavour that he plans in no way threatens what he has already done. He has assured me strongly that it will only enhance our lives. But please, hear Davriel. Father has given some words to him to share with us.’
Davriel who was seated next to Gabriel stood up and started speaking. ‘Brother, Sisters. let me first repeat Gabriel’s assurances in saying that this new work will only enhance what he has already created. Now, what he intends doing is simple. As some of you may know, the realm we live in stretches from Zaphon our home at the centre of the realm outwards, a distance of approximately 50,000 cubits to the rim. And the realm is roughly circular in shape. Father has told me that he intends extending that distance to the rim outwards, from 50,000 cubits to,’ Davriel paused and looked around to add emphasis to the words that he was about to speak, ‘to 5,000,000 cubits!’ The buzz in the room seemed to increase a notch with that announcement. ‘Furthermore, and this is perhaps the most exciting news of all. While we Seraphim are the firstborn of his children, it is his intent that we are to no longer be alone. Stating it simply, Father intends to add to us more brothers and sisters. To bring forth more members of the Assembly of God. And from what Father has told myself and Gabriel, they are to be vast in number.’ With those words said, the chatter around the room reached a new level. Davriel, satisfied that his words had been received and understood, returned to his seat.
Michael sat for a long moment staring towards Gabriel and Davriel, and then turned his attention back towards Jerahmeel. ‘Well’, he said after a while, ‘how about that!’
* * * * *
Later on, as dinner had ended and most of his brethren had retired for the evening, Michael made his way out of the dinner hall towards the lounge, where he had a hunch Gabriel would be. He found him seated on one of the lounges deep in conversation with Davriel. Michael sat down opposite him, and waited until he had their attention. After a short while Gabriel stopped speaking with Davriel and turned towards Michael. Sensing Michael’s mood, Gabriel put his hand up, as if to stop Michael from speaking. ‘Yes, I think I know what you are going to say. Why were you not told sooner?’
Michael looked at him sharply, a slight edge in his voice. ‘Well, yes Gabriel. With news like this I really should have been made aware of it before you had shared it with any of the others. As firstborn it is my right to know about things like this as soon as they are known.’ He paused before continuing. ‘How long have you known that Father was planning to do this?’
‘I understand your concerns Michael, I really do.’ Gabriel replied. ‘I had thought about sharing this with you as soon as I found out. But Father asked me not to. He simply said it would be better to share it with all the brethren at the same time. And that includes yourself. Only me and Davriel had known about it before tonight.’
Michael persisted, ‘And how long had you known about it?’
Gabriel gave him a look belying his frustration at Michael’s persistence. ‘You don’t give up, do you? Well, to tell you the truth, I first got an idea that this might be on his mind a few months ago. Father had not said anything definite, but he had perhaps dropped some hints that had given me the idea. But officially he told me three weeks ago.’
‘Three weeks!’ exclaimed Michael. ‘Three weeks!’ he repeated for emphasis. ‘And you have waited until now before sharing this with us? Why such a long wait?’ ‘Well,’ Gabriel began cautiously, sensing Michael’s disapproval. ‘Father felt that the time was not right to share it with all the brethren immediately. My belief is that he wanted to see how Davriel and myself handled the news before sharing it with anyone else. As you can probably understand, I was a little unsettled at first. But he has assured me that he knows exactly what he is doing, which of course he does.’
Seemingly satisfied with that response, the tension in Michael’s voice diminished somewhat. ‘Well, I guess if that is how he wanted the news delivered, then it was probably the right way.’
‘Yes, I think so,’ Gabriel replied.
Michael smiled. ‘You know, when I think about it, I guess I should have known that this would happen eventually. I was at the rim this afternoon with Ambriel. Looking out I remembered something that Father had told me when I was much younger. He said that the rim was the edge of eternity. That it marked the boundary between the created and the uncreated - between our realm and a place where he had not yet done any work. I guess the possibility was always there that he would work again one day. And I guess that day has come.’
Gabriel pondered those words. ‘To tell you the truth, I had never really thought about it. I don’t really go to the rim very often. It just seems like the edge of our realm to me. But, yes. It is where he will do his further work.’
Michael motioned to Davriel, ‘You said that there would be more brothers and sisters. More like us. I had thought that the number of Seraphim was complete. After all this time is he to add more brethren to our fold?’
Davriel considered his words carefully before replying. ‘Yes, it is as you say. The number of Seraphim is complete. Father told me quite clearly that our number will not be added to.’ Davriel glanced towards Gabriel before continuing. ‘As we said in the dining room earlier, Father has not yet shared all of his plans for our new brethren with us. All I can really say is that they will be like us in many ways, but that they will not be identical. They will not be Seraphim.’
‘Not Seraphim,’ Michael said. ‘Then what? Will they be angels like us?’
Gabriel answered for Davriel. ‘I am afraid that we really can not answer that question Michael. That is about the limit of our knowledge on the subject. But it is as Davriel has said. They will be like us in many ways, but not identical. However Father has said quite clearly that they will be our brethren. And that is all we know.’
‘Mmm. Well then,’ Michael said, and looked at them for a short while before continuing, ‘It would seem then that our lives are about to change quite dramatically. But if this is what Father has planned then it would be best if we got used to the idea.’
‘Indeed,’ Gabriel replied. Michael looked down at the ground, in thought, ‘I think it would be best if both of you made yourselves generally available over the next few days. I am sure that all of our brethren will be wanting to ask you many questions, especially those who were not at dinner tonight.’
‘Certainly.’ Gabriel replied.
‘Yes, of course’ said Davriel.
‘Good’. Michael said, ‘and I do appreciate the way that you broke this news this evening. It was handled well.’ ‘Thanks,’ Gabriel replied.
Michael looked at them a short while, seemingly satisfied with what had been said. ‘Well, if you two will excuse me, it is getting late and it has been a long day. A long eventful day. And I have much to think about.’ ‘Yes, it has,’ Gabriel replied. ‘I will see you tomorrow, Michael. Good night.’
‘Yes, good night,’ echoed Davriel. Michael nodded at them smiling, and made his way out of the lounge.
As he made his way along the lower hallway towards the stairwell leading up to the dormitories, a voice hailed him from behind. He turned to see Ambriel standing there, a big grin on his face.
‘Michael, isn’t this news amazing. We are to have new brethren!’
‘Yes,’ Michael replied. He could tell from the way that Ambriel was smiling that the news had gone well with him. Although he had fears for the way many of his brethren would receive the news, fears that they would feel threatened in their position, it was obvious that there would be no such problems with Ambriel.
‘Yes,’ he continued. ‘It looks as if Father has decided that we are ready to be added to. Our family is to grow Ambriel.’
‘Yes,’ he replied. ‘I can hardly wait. Do you think ...’, Ambriel began.
Michael put his hands up to stop him from continuing. ‘Please Ambriel. It has been a long day, and I am tired. I am sure your questions can wait until tomorrow.’
‘Oh. Oh, of course,’ said Ambriel, slightly taken aback. ‘Yes, they can wait. Well, good night then Michael.’ ‘Good night Ambriel.’ Ambriel smiled at him and then turned and walked away. Michael watched him briefly and the turned and started making his way towards the stairwell and up to his room.
Taking a small candle from a cache underneath a torch that was burning along the upper hallway, Michael lit it and entered his room. He sat down on his bed and placed the candle in the lamp that was on the table alongside his bed. With the lamp lit, he replaced it on the table, and sat back down on his bed. His thoughts were all over the place. As he changed from his dinner tunic into a sleeping gown, Michael wondered in his heart about how these new events would really affect life in Zaphon. He was now quite used to his life, and the little change that usually went along with it. Oh, there had always been new things. New events and occurrences which changed life somewhat. From the new inventions such as the lamp he used that lit up his room, to the various celebrations, and the new songs to be sung in choir. But these things never really changed the routine in Zaphon very much. Life went on as usual and lives were lived. However, now that Father was to begin work again, change was coming. And not minor change, but change that would alter the very way that they lived their lives. Michael was not sure if he was ready for such a change. He liked things as they were now. But if Father indeed wanted to begin working again, then he knew he should be in favour of it, even if his heart was not ready.
‘Perhaps I need to be more like Ambriel,’ he thought to himself. ‘He is looking forward to it.’ That was perhaps a strength in Ambriel that Michael didn’t have. It seemed that Ambriel could accept change quite well. But perhaps the real reason for Ambriel’s apparent joy, or so Michael suspected, was the announcement that Father would bring to life more brothers and sisters. Ambriel valued his friendships with his brethren a great deal, and now that there would be more of them, that only afforded him more opportunities to gain new friends and make new relationships. But whatever the reason for Ambriel’s reaction to the news, it was the positive example that he had set that Michael knew that he should try to emulate in some way. He was the firstborn and the head of the Assembly. He needed to be in agreement with this new direction that Father planned to take them in, to be wholehearted about it. And he needed his brethren to know that. Perhaps both for their sake and his. As he lay on his bed staring up at the ceiling, he wondered if that really would be the case. ‘Time will only tell,’ he thought to himself, as he closed his eyes and searched for sleep.
* * * * *
The Seraphim Saruviel sat alone, in the darkness, within Glimmersphon keep. In his mind, a relentless crusade had been happening. A crusade of questioning, seeking, trying to find answers to questions – questions which didn’t even seem to fit into words. Kantriel and Daraqel had left earlier that night, returning to Glimmersphon. He was alone, now, his only silent companion, the ever friendly and faithful, Dameriel, house-steward of Glimmersphon keep. Dameriel had sung a song for him earlier that night. It was entitled ‘This is your song?’ It was a gem to Saruviel – a masterpiece. And he appreciated his brother for it – with an appreciation he would have to, in time, show.
‘What is life?’ he thought to himself. ‘If whatever will be will be, as my principle of Torah says, is life unplanned? Is there no destiny?’ He thought on this. He thought on this and, in the end, reached no conclusion. For the time being it lay unanswered. Yet he would not yet relent – he would seek until he had found the answer – or the answers – his heart yet desired.
‘Perhaps it is just a mystery after all,’ he thought, and took another sip of Melit water as the dark night outside plodded along on its endless crusade to prepare for the dawn.
* * * * *
Sariel, sitting alone in Dalnaphon keep, on the northern edge of the Realm of Eternity, having just flown home from his dinner at Zaphon, contemplated his sister Gloryel. He was truly a solitary creature. Not that he didn’t find joy or peace with others of his brethren, yet the eighth born of the Seraphim of Eternity found so much peace, as his brother Azrael likewise seemingly did, residing alone. Yet Gloryel had visited him the night before, just to say hello, and he contemplated the fact that his twin, of all the females amongst the Seraphim, did seem the most appropriate to be his twin, whatever such realities ever meant.
Jerahmeel was due for a visit shortly, and he looked forward to it. Perhaps he would prepare a fine meal. It would be a quiet, peaceful way, to enjoy the company of one of his favourite brothers.
* * * * *
Ambriel was excited. He had spoken to all his brethren, practically the evening before and this morning, and looked into their thoughts on the new creation. It would wonderful – so wonderful – to have new brothers and sisters. His God, truly, was a God of love. And he would never forget the love of creation God had promised them. He would love each of his new brothers and sisters, and delight in their presence. What else, after all, could possibly give life meaning.
* * * * *
Meludiel was happy. Just plain happy. Her new musical work was now complete. It had been completed yesterday afternoon, and then the evening was marked with the news of the new creation. The timing of God, it seemed, was impeccable. Her piece, titled, tentatively, ‘The Life we Live in Harmony,’ it was another praise song dedicated to the Father of Glory who she loved with her whole heart. In him, she was complete. Who else could she ever possibly need.
* * * * *
Gloryel, in truth, loved her brother Ambriel. He was such a pure soul, that her crush from earlier days had not left her. She was determined, in a way. Perhaps, one day, if she remained near Ambriel as the new realm came to be, and so many other angels came along, she could win his love from the host of them. Perhaps, hopefully, one day she could achieve the desires of her heart.
* * * * *
‘I don’t know, Matrel,’ began his twin Amiel, sitting at the breakfast table. ‘I think the new creation will probably be fine. Don’t worry so much, ok.’ Matrel, who was indeed of the worrisome type, perhaps for reasons divine, was concerned. He was concerned that, with so many new brethren, he would one day be forgotten. Lost amongst a host of other superior angels. Left to menial tasks, to boring for others to undertake.
‘I just don’t think it is the best idea, Amiel. I thought we were the special ones?’ ‘I guess father has other loves as well, brother. We will just have to accept it.’ He looked at her and nodded. ‘I guess so.’
* * * * *
Michael sat in the library of Zaphon, Brindabel having just given him a morning mug of coffee, filled with soy bean milk. He noticed Davriel speaking with Brindabel, but returned to the text – early ideas of Davriel’s for a commentary on Torah, to be titled ‘Torah and life.’
One idea read as such. ‘Life is. It inevitably is. Wether there be those things which are not life, if in truth such can be, we Seraphim are not as such. We are living. We are life. And so, be alive, Seraphim brethren, I urge you. Be alive.’ Michael, thinking on this passage, had an idea for how it may continue. He would speak to Davriel a little later, with a few suggestions, and see what he thought. But Davriel’s ideas, so far, were really terribly wonderful to behold and think upon. For this little bit of inspiration, Michael was truly grateful to his Father for his youngest Seraphim brother.
Today he expected, perhaps, many inquires about the night before’s announcement. Whoever came to see him he would have to be ready for. To be ready to, hopefully, give a good answer and encourage them in the possibilities that God their creator would bring forth. It was sure to be splendid, he would teach them. It was certain to be for the best.
Chapter Four – Shadows and Turning
Shadows and turning. Dragons and demons. A dark lord, viscious in his might and then, suddenly, Saruviel, opposing him, defeating him, casting him aside. And then Dameriel awoke. It was the third night this week he had had similar dreams and, really, he was not quite sure what to make of them. Saruviel was currently residing in Glimmersphon keep with himself and Kantriel and Daraqel also as regular guests. Saruviel had asked nobody else to be permitted to stay at the keep at the current time as he needed some time to himself – to sort himself out, in his own words. Dameriel loved his brother Saruviel a great deal and found no great reason to refuse the request so happily acceded. But now, not really thinking he should turn his brother away, he was having slight regrets because of the frightening nature of the dreams he had been given. Really, they were not the cup of tea which Dameriel was used to receiving in his twilight slumber.
He rose from his bed, tried to shake the dreams from him, and took a sip of water from the glass beside his bed. After toiletries he came down to the bottom floor and began breakfast for himself and his guests. Eventually Saruviel, hearing the crackling oil, came down, sat at the table, and just looked downwards, seemingly deep in his usual current thoughts. Dameriel looked at him, was not really sure what to say and never really had been, but just finished cooking the meal and placed it in front of his brother. Saruviel started eating it, gave a cursory nod, and that was about it. Perhaps both the two of them had had bad dreams – perhaps it was a dark spirit currently hovering over Glimmersphon, not quite satisfied until it had completed its grim mission.
Later on in the day Saruviel again came downstairs into the living room were Dameriel was sitting quietly, as per his usual norm, reading a poetry book from Zaphon library, one of Rachel’s. Dameriel looked up at Saruviel, but Saruviel said nothing and just sat down on a couch, and looked downwards. Dameriel thought about it for a few moments, but finally decided against bothering his brother. Best to let him be.
It was like that for about half an hour, the two of them sitting there, Saruviel looking downwards, Dameriel reading his book, when Saruviel suddenly spoke. “And God? Why do we worship him?” Dameriel put down his book, suddenly perplexed, and looked at his brother. “I beg your pardon?”
“God,’ continued Saruviel. “Why do we worship him? I mean, what is the point? Why would he need the praise?” Dameriel was not really a theologian like Davriel or some of the others, but tried answering as best he could. “Because he made us Saruviel. Because he is our Lord and deserving of praise.”
“So what? Why does that mean he deserves it?”
“I don’t know. It is just the way it has always been. The way we do things in the Realm of Eternity.”
Saruviel looked at his brother, completely dissatisfied with that answer, but thought better about asking Dameriel any further questions. He would just get the same stock replies he had always gotten. The same simplistic answers. ‘Yeh, well. I will be upstairs Dameriel. Let me know when dinner is ready, okay.”
“I will,” he responded. Saruviel trudged off leaving Dameriel sitting there, thinking over what Saruviel had said. “Why did he in fact worship God? And to ask another question Saruviel might ask, did God actually care if they worshipped him or not? These ideas he softly thought about that afternoon, but as he got ready for dinner his usual thoughts returned and the everyday humdrum of regular life resumed.
Later on that night he dreamed dark dreams again. Dark and foreboding dreams, and Saruviel again emerged triumphant against a dark lord. And as those dreams gently gave away to quiet slumber a spirit of darkness outside hovered there. It hovered there, almost perplexed, watching over the slumbering Dameriel.
* * * * *
Kantriel was in a pensive mood. As he sat there eating a piece of toast and drinking a cup of dwarrow juice, he wondered to himself just how he would share this latest news with Saruviel. Saruviel had not been at dinner the night before when Gabriel had made the announcement. As had seemingly become the norm of late, he had refused Gabriel’s request, instead preferring to remain at what had practically become his home, the small keep at Golden Lake to the west of Zaphon. ‘If he has anything worthwhile to say, I am sure that you can inform me,’ were Saruviel’s last words, as Kantriel had left for the dinner the evening before. Kantriel found those words now mildly ironic, if not amusing. He knew that Saruviel would find this latest news, to say the least, worthwhile.
He looked at Daraqel seated opposite him. Daraqel had given little reaction to the announcement, and even now seemed largely unconcerned with it. He had spoken to him the night before and asked him his opinion of the news. Daraqel had simply said if that was what Father had planned, then so be it. Kantriel, though, did not have quite the same view. He shared some of the concerns that Matrel had expressed. Why would Father want to start creating again? What was wrong with what he had already done that he needed to add more to it? As far as he was concerned, what Father had originally made was perfect. And although he might not say as such to someone else, he felt that included himself. But whatever objections he might have, it looked as if the new work of creation would go ahead. It had pretty much been officially announced the night before. And when Father had made up his mind to do something, whatever that thing was, it was to be done.
Finishing off the last of his dwarrow juice, he motioned to Daraqel. ‘Are you ready?’ Daraqel drained the mug in front of him and nodded. They both stood and started their way out of the dining room. ‘Daraqel, have you given any more thought as to how we should approach Saruviel with this?’ ‘I wouldn’t worry about it so much, Kantriel,’ Daraqel replied. ‘I’m sure Saruviel can handle the news. I don’t think it will be that much of an issue to him.’ Kantriel shook his head. ‘No. No, I think you’re wrong. I know Saruviel. With news as important as this I’m sure he will want to know. And as soon as possible.’ ‘Well, that may be true,’ replied Daraqel. ‘But don’t be too disappointed at his reaction.’ ‘I won’t be,’ said Kantriel. ‘Anyway, we have to stop off and see Meludiel. We have choir practice this afternoon and Meludiel asked that we drop by for a copy of the new song that we are singing today.’ ‘Choir practice!’ exclaimed Daraqel. ‘I thought that was next week?’ ‘No, today.’ said Kantriel. ‘It doesn’t surprise me that you’ve forgotten. You’re always forgetting things like this.’ ‘That’s not true,’ replied Daraqel. ‘I simply conveniently chose to forget that it was on.’ Kantriel grinned. ‘Conveniently chose to forget? Yeah right. You forgot.’ Daraqel smiled. ‘Well maybe. Anyway, I would be more concerned with making sure Saruviel has a copy of that new song, rather than worrying about anything else. Despite his somewhat reclusive nature these days, he never misses choir.’ Kantriel nodded in agreement. ‘Yes, he does love music, doesn’t he? I’m sure he will probably have a copy though. Meludiel always brings her new songs to him for him to read through first. She seems to really respect his opinion on music.’ ‘Yes, she does at that,’ said Daraqel in agreement.
After exiting the dining room, the two of them made their way along the bottom hall of the keep in the direction of the choir hall located at the far end. Apart from the dining room and the throne room, the choir hall was the largest room in Zaphon. It was semicircular in shape for acoustic reasons, and its large panes of glass afforded an excellent view of the colourful scenery to be seen on the northern side of Zaphon.
When choir was sometimes held at night, there was a cauldron on the outside of the glass that was lit up, illuminating the angels as they sang. It was a wonderful sight to behold, the firelight adding a unique visible perspective as the angelic choir sang the glories of God. Upon entering the room Kantriel looked around and spied an angel at the far side of the room, busily leafing through some papers. It was Meludiel. Kantriel waved at her to gain her attention. When she saw them, she put down the papers she was leafing through, picked up some others, and started towards them.
As she approached, she smiled and spoke up. ‘Kantriel. Daraqel. I am glad you remembered to drop by. You two have been difficult to reach recently, and I want to go over this new song with you before choir practice today.’ ‘Sorry about that,’ replied Kantriel, ‘but we have been somewhat busy of late.’ ‘Really?’ said Meludiel. Sensing her curiosity, Kantriel changed the subject. ‘What is the new song about?’ “Oh. Well, it is basically a praise song. It is about our life here in Zaphon and our thanks to Father for this home that he has blessed us with. It also speaks of the fellowship that we have with each other and the joy that we share.’ ‘Does it have a title?’ asked Daraqel. ‘Well, I actually haven’t chosen one yet,’ replied Meludiel. ‘I showed it to Saruviel last week and he made some suggestions, but I want the title to fit the song perfectly. I think it is perhaps one of the better songs that I have written, and I would like the title to reflect it well. But the title that I am leaning towards is ‘The life we live in Harmony.’ It is taken from the opening stanza.’ ‘It sounds interesting’, said Kantriel. ‘Can I look at it?’ ‘Certainly,’ replied Meludiel, handing both him and Daraqel a copy. Kantriel started reading through the opening verses:
As we sing this melody
Of life we live in harmony
We thank our Father gratefully
For all that he’s given to us
This home of ours, we praise him for
A perfect work, it knows no flaw
In truth we hold our God in awe
For all that he’s given to us
Kantriel left off reading and looked up at Meludiel. ‘It’s good. I like what you have written.’ Meludiel blushed a little. ‘Thank you Kantriel. I put a lot of work into it. But please, continue reading. When you have finished, I will sing it through for you to give you an idea of how it sounds.’ Kantriel nodded and continued reading.
After singing through the song a few times, Kantriel put his hand up to stop Meludiel from continuing. ‘I think we have the idea Meludiel. But really, we must be going.’ ‘Are you going to see Saruviel?’ Meludiel asked. ‘Yes, we are.’ replied Kantriel. ‘He hasn’t yet heard the news that Gabriel shared with us last night and I am sure he would want to know. By the way, if you don’t mind me asking, what do you think of Father’s plan to start creating again? I myself have certain, well, reservations. I don’t see why he would want to enlarge our realm. What’s wrong with it the way it is?’ Meludiel thought carefully before replying to Kantriel’s question. ‘I don’t really know what to say at this stage, Kantriel. I guess I haven’t really thought about it very much. But I am sure if Father feels that this new endeavour is necessary, then he must know what he is doing.’ ‘That is sort of how I feel,’ said Daraqel. ‘I think that maybe Kantriel is over-reacting a little. Father knows what he is doing.’ ‘Yes. Well, maybe,’ said Kantriel unconvinced. ‘I just wish that he had told us about it first. He could have asked our opinion on it or something like that.’ ‘Mmm, I guess,’ said Daraqel. ‘Anyway, shouldn’t we be going?’ ‘Yes, of course. I was forgetting,’ said Kantriel. ‘Well, we will see you later Meludiel. And again, the song was very good. I look forward to singing it.’ ‘Thanks Kantriel,’ said Meludiel. ‘I will see you later.’ She gave them a little wave, and made her way back to the other side of the room, returning to her papers.
Exiting from the keep’s western entrance, Kantriel signalled that they should take to the air. Soon Zaphon was well behind them as they made their way towards Golden Lake, about 20,000 cubits to the west of Zaphon. Golden Lake was the largest lake in the realm of eternity. While there were other lakes scattered throughout the realm, Golden Lake was the biggest in size and by far the most popular. There was a jetty located on the northern shore, which had tied to it a number of small boats. Rowing on the lake had become a popular pastime amongst the angels, many of them enjoying the relaxation gained in simply floating over the still waters. There was also a small keep just up from the jetty. It only housed a handful of rooms, but it proved a popular place for many, especially as it afforded excellent views of the lake.
Dameriel was the house-steward of ‘Glimmersphon’, as the keep was known as. His responsibilities included watching over the keep, and maintaining the jetty and boats. He had gained a reputation amongst the brethren as a kind and hospitable host and one who always made visitors feel welcome. Recently, however, he’d had few visitors to entertain. At Saruviel’s request, the keep had become off-limits to others. Saruviel had asked Dameriel that he be able to enjoy the keep on his own for a while. When Dameriel had inquired as to why Saruviel should need the keep to himself, Saruviel had replied that he simply needed time on his own to think. To be in a quiet place, away from the activity of others. While Dameriel enjoyed the company of the visitors he received, them being his main avenue of social contact, he had acquiesced to Saruviel’s request. Dameriel did care for the welfare of his brethren, and if Saruviel needed time alone as he had said, then it was the least that Dameriel could do to make him feel welcome.
As Kantriel and Daraqel neared Golden Lake and started their descent towards the northern shore, Kantriel wondered to himself how long that stay might be. Saruviel had been at Glimmersphon for nearly a month now. And instead of becoming more sociable as time passed by, he seemed to have become even more reclusive. Kantriel had on occasion expressed concerns as to Saruviel’s behaviour, but Saruviel had assured him that everything was well with him and that there was no need to worry. That had appeased Kantriel somewhat, but he still felt justified in being concerned for his friend. Saruviel was not acting like himself. Something had changed in him. And a change that Kantriel feared may have long-lasting effects. As they landed just outside the entrance of the keep, Kantriel wondered to himself just how long, if ever, it would be before he would have the old Saruviel back. The Saruviel he loved and cared for dearly. ‘Time will only tell,’ he thought to himself. ‘Time will only tell.’
* * * * *
‘He what!’ The tone in Saruviel’s voice was something approaching incredulousity. Kantriel sat there, complete unsurprised at Saruviel’s reaction. ‘I will repeat,’ he said. ‘Last night at dinner Gabriel announced that Father intends to start creating again. His plan is to enlarge our realm quite significantly. Moreover he intends to bring forth more brethren for us. Not exactly the same as us, but from what I heard they will be angels as well. And no, he didn’t say when this would happen, only that it would be soon.’ Saruviel sat there looking at him, somewhat stunned. Dameriel, who was standing to the back of Saruviel against the wall of the small dining hall scratched his head. ‘Creating! That’s unusual. I thought he was finished with all of that.’ ‘Apparently not,’ said Daraqel, who was seated next to Kantriel. ‘But I guess, if you think about it, he is a creator and it is something that he does. Bound to happen again eventually.’ Saruviel looked at Daraqel, as if considering the words that he had just spoken, but remained silent. ‘But surely the only reason that he would want to create again is if he felt that there was something wrong with the work that he had already done,’ objected Kantriel. ‘He must not be satisfied with us in some way if he wants to bring more brethren into being.’
‘No, that could not be the case.’ said Dameriel, shaking his head somewhat alarmed at Kantriel’s suggestion. ‘Father thinks well of us. I know that. He has said so on many occasions.’ ‘Yes, that is true. He does,’ said Daraqel in agreement. Kantriel continued unperturbed. ‘Well that may be what he has said, but perhaps he is not telling us everything.’ Dameriel reacted strongly to Kantriel’s statement. ‘What do you mean? Surely you cannot be suggesting that Father is in some way hiding his true feelings from us!’ Kantriel, sensing the growing concern in Dameriel’s voice, backed off a little. ‘No, I don’t mean that. Well, look. I don’t know.’ He searched for the words. ‘All that I meant was that perhaps he is not sharing all of the concerns he has about us with us. And perhaps this new work he has planned in some way reflects that.’ Dameriel shook his head. ‘No. No, I can’t believe that. I am sure that if Father had problems with us he would share them with us. He would let us know so that we could correct them. He would not let us go on in a way that displeased him.’
Kantriel looked at Dameriel, considering what he had just said. ‘Yes, well, maybe,’ he replied, but the doubt in his voice was noticeable. ‘I think I would agree with Dameriel,’ said Daraqel. ‘If Father did find us displeasing in some way, I’m sure he would tell us.’ ‘Perhaps,’ replied Kantriel. ‘But perhaps he does not wish to hurt our feelings.’
He looked at Saruviel who had remained silent since hearing of the news. ‘You’ve said little. Tell us what do you think of this new work our Father has planned?’ Saruviel looked at him momentarily, then looked outside the dining room window, seemingly admiring the views outside. ‘This is - unexpected,’ he said at last. He turned to Daraqel. ‘As you said, he is a creator and it is his prerogative to create, if that is what he so desires.’ He turned and again looked out the window. It is his prerogative to create,’ he repeated. After that, silence settled over the small gathering at Glimmersphon keep. Dameriel, sensing that the conversation had finished, excused himself and left the room. Kantriel picked up a glass of water in front of him and took a sip. Looking towards Saruviel he wondered what was on his mind. Saruviel, seemingly oblivious to Kantriel’s gaze, just sat there, looking out at the surroundings of Glimmersphon.
After a while Kantriel spoke up. ‘Yes, he creates. But why? And why now?’ Saruviel’s gaze turned upon him. He looked at him for a while, considering his words. ‘Perhaps that is something you will have to ask him, Kantriel.’ Daraqel smiled. ‘Yes. Not a bad idea, Saruviel. Not a bad idea.’ Kantriel mildly embarrassed, replied quickly. ‘Well, perhaps I will.’ ‘Yes, perhaps you should,’ replied Saruviel instantly. Kantriel looked at him sensing that he was quite serious in what he had suggested. ‘Well, perhaps,’ he said, backing down. Saruviel looked at him briefly and then returned his gaze to the outside scenery. He sat there for a long while, just staring out.
Finally, he stood and made his way towards the doorway. Before leaving the room he turned to them and spoke. ‘I will need some time to think about this. It is most - unexpected, and there are - questions that I have. Questions that I would like answers for. If you two will excuse me then, I will see you later on tonight.’ Daraqel nodded. Kantriel put his hand up. ‘Before you go, have you remembered that we have choir practice this afternoon?’ ‘Ah, I had forgotten,’ said Saruviel. ‘Look, I do not think that I will be attending choir practice today. Could you please let the others know that I will not be able to make it.’ Kantriel, slightly taken aback at Saruviel’s reaction, persisted. ‘But Meludiel has written a new song and I am sure that she would like you to be there.’ ‘Yes, the new song,’ said Saruviel. ‘However, I am sure that Meludiel will understand that I could not attend. Please give her my apologies and let her know that I will speak to her later. Now, I have much to think about. If you will excuse me.’ With those words said, Saruviel turned and made his way out of the room, heading off for some unknown destination. Kantriel watched him go and then looked down at the glass of water in front of him.
After taking a sip he turned towards Daraqel. ‘Not much of an issue to him, huh?’ Daraqel smiled. ‘Oh well. I guess I can’t be right all the time. It does surprise me that he is not attending choir, though. But I guess that with his behaviour of late, it should be expected.’ ‘Yes,’ agreed Kantriel, and took another sip of water.
* * * * *
Later that afternoon, when Kantriel and Daraqel had left for choir, Saruviel came out of his room. As had become the norm of late, he had spent most of the day lost in his thoughts. Such had not always been the case. As a rule, Saruviel was a social enough fellow. He enjoyed the company of his brethren and took an active interest in how their lives were faring. Amongst other things, one of the responsibilities that his Father had given him was that of challenging his brothers and sisters to live full and satisfying lives. To question them on how they were fulfilling their various duties, and to see if they were reaching their full potential. It was a task that Saruviel delighted in, as he loved to see his brethren at their best. To see them shine. But recently he had perhaps been failing in that duty. Recently things had - changed.
After taking a glass from the kitchen cupboard and filling it with water, Saruviel exited the keep from the side door of the kitchen. Slowly sipping from the glass, Saruviel made his way around the side of the keep and down towards the direction of the lake. As he walked down to the lake he paid particular attention to the well-kept gardens that followed the path down to the jetty. Dameriel, or whoever it was that looked after them, certainly took pride in their job. The flower arrangements were excellent, the differing shades of colour complimenting each other perfectly. It was the work of someone who knew their job well, something that Saruviel liked to see.
Reaching the jetty, Saruviel walked to the end and sat down, legs dangling over the edge. He looked out at the lake. The deep blue waters stared back at him. He took note of the ripples and watched them as they travelled along, hitting the shore and then disappearing, only to be replaced by another in an endless supply. In many ways, the lake was a source of comfort. Watching the calm, still waters brought peace to the heart. It was a peace that Saruviel was thankful for, a peace that he was in need of.
After sitting motionless for some time, he picked up the glass and took another sip. Thoughts entered his head. Thoughts of the news that he had heard that day, and thoughts of other things. He had been considering his life. Considering the work that he had been doing, and the impact that it made. But above all, he had been questioning. Questioning the purpose to it all, questioning the purpose to God’s design.
Eventually, questions unanswered, he stood up and stretched a little, and then turned and started making his way back along the jetty. Halfway along, he veered to his right, and came standing to the side of the jetty. He put his hands on the railing and looked off towards the east, in the direction of Zaphon. ‘So,’ he said out loud. ‘You are creating again.’ Silence answered him. ‘It does surprise me, Father. It does surprise me. But if that is your will, then that is your will.’ The noise of the ripples as they hit the edge of the lake were his only reply. Saruviel stood looking towards Zaphon for some time, then finally turned, making his way back along the jetty and up to Glimmersphon keep.
* * * * *
The choir hall was starting to fill up as Kantriel and Daraqel entered through the large doorways of the room, having just returned from Golden Lake. After Saruviel had left them, they had spent the remainder of the morning in conversation, before having lunch, and then going for a row out on the lake. After that they had bid Dameriel farewell and taken to the skies, making their way back to Zaphon.
Coming into the hall, Kantriel looked around in search of Meludiel. He spied her at the side of the room in conversation with Gamrayel. I’ll go over and let Meludiel know that Saruviel isn’t coming,’ he said to Daraqel. Daraqel nodded in agreement. As he approached Meludiel left off speaking with Gamrayel and turned towards him. ‘Kantriel, it is good to see you.’ She looked past him in the direction of Daraqel. ‘I see that Daraqel is with you.’ She looked straight at him. ‘Saruviel?’ ‘Unfortunately Saruviel will not be joining us this afternoon,’ said Kantriel. ‘He has decided to remain at Golden Lake, but he sends his apologies. He asked me to tell you that he will speak to you later in person.’ ‘Oh. Well, alright then,’ said Meludiel, but the disappointment in her voice was obvious. ‘I guess we can make do without him.’
She looked around the room. ‘It looks as if just about everyone is here. We should begin. Gamrayel, would you ask everyone to take their place.’ ‘Certainly,’ Gamrayel replied. He moved towards the centre of the room and began to speak out loud. ‘Alright everybody. We are beginning shortly. Could you all please take your places?’ In response to his request the angels began making their way towards the glassed wall that overlooked the northern aspects of Zaphon.
There were three rows of angels that formed the choir. 14 in the front row, 18 in the second row and 22 in the last, the second and third row standing on raised platforms. All in all 54 angels formed the choir of the Seraphim. Today was a practice session and while it was not necessarily expected that everyone be in attendance, most usually were, Saruviel perhaps being a notable absentee.
When the choir performed formally however, all were naturally expected to be in attendance. Formal performances usually took place every five months, with monthly practice sessions in between. Sometimes these were made weekly when new songs were to be performed, and as Kantriel took his place he expected he may be singing again next week. Perhaps then Saruviel would join them, but on recent form Kantriel did not expect that event to necessarily occur.
When the angels were in place, Meludiel made her way towards the front dais. Ever since the angelic choir had come into existence, Meludiel had been its choirmaster. It was a job she did well, seemingly naturally suited to the task. She loved music. She took delight in the way the various melodies of the angels worked together in harmony, creating a glorious symphony of sound. She also found joy in the way the music affected her heart. It was a constant source of inspiration for her, an inspiration that moved her to reach new levels in her musical composition.
Apart from being the conductor of the choir, Meludiel, of course, wrote the majority of the songs that the angels sang. And it was perhaps in her song writing that Meludiel found the most satisfaction. In many ways, composition was also like creating. The songs that she brought forth were her own. Her little works of creation. And she cared for each one of them dearly, working hard on them all until she was completely satisfied.
Apart from the composing aspect of her work, seeing the choir perform at their best was also very rewarding. When they performed formally, and performed well, it was like seeing everything that she had worked hard towards all coming into fruition at that one moment in time. It was something that gave her great joy
Looking out at the choir, Meludiel smiled and spoke up. ‘Well, it is good to see you all here today. I trust that all of you have had a good week, and that you can bring that positive energy into today’s practice. Today we are, of course, starting on a new song. I know that most of you have had adequate time to read through it and practice it on your own, with a few notable exceptions.’ Kantriel grimaced, realizing that he was one of those notable exceptions. Meludiel continued. ‘And I hope you are all prepared to give a good effort today. With work I feel that this can be one of the best songs that we have sung. Anyway, enough with the speaking. Time to begin.’
Meludiel looked down at the musical score on the stand in front of her and then looked back up to the choir. Raising her hands she signalled to one area of the choir, and the singing began.
After having gone through the song a few times, Meludiel signalled that the choir should take a rest. As with all new songs, the first few efforts at singing them often sounded awkward with the voices not yet in perfect harmony with each other, but such was to be expected. The choir had to learn the song and that would take time. Time and a great deal of practice. All thing considered though, Meludiel felt that the choir had done well. She was satisfied that the main harmonies flowed together reasonably well, the important voices being clearly heard. A good performance, but the fine-tuning would naturally take time.
Kantriel felt much the same way, but had grave doubts about his own performance. He’d had little time to study the song, but that was his own fault. He had spent most of his time with Saruviel of late, which had led to other areas of his life suffering. It was something he would probably have to look at. As he thought on that Meludiel again took to the dais. ‘Well,’ she said. ‘That was, alright.’ Many of the angels smiled at the slight edge of sarcasm in her voice. ‘But I am sure that you can do better. This time I would like to hear more unity from the voices in the front row. You are not quite in time with each other. Anyway, if you are ready, let’s begin again.’ Once more checking her score, Meludiel looked up at the choir and signalled for them to begin.
‘As we sing this melody,
Of life we live in harmony,
We thank our Father gratefully,
For all that he’s given to us.
This home of ours, we praise him for.
A perfect work, it knows no flaw.
In truth we hold our God in awe,
For all that he’s given to us.
Glory to God, give thanks unto him.
Praise him for all that he’s given to us.
Glory to God, give thanks unto him
Praise him for all that he’s given to us.
Joyfully, Joyfully, we live and we pray.
At peace with each other, in work or at play.
And thanks to our father we do give each day
For all that he’s given to us.
Our fellowships in love and peace abound
A love from God is what we’ve found
And unto him we sing out loud
For all that he’s given to us.
Glory to God, give thanks unto him,
Praise him for all that he’s given to us
Glory to God, give thanks unto him,
Praise him for all that he’s given to us
Throughout this realm, wherever we be
In joyful strains of revelry
We praise our God so thankfully
For all that he’s given to us.
Our God he has cared for us right from the start
So we sing unto him from whom we’ll not depart.
We sing unto him with all of our hearts
For all that he’s given to us.
Glory to God, give thanks unto him,
Praise him for all that he’s given to us
Glory to God, give thanks unto him,
Praise him for all that he’s given to us
The song over, Meludiel lowered her hands and smiled. ‘That was much better,’ she said. ‘It’s starting to flow a lot more smoothly, and the harmonies are working well. Alright, let’s go through it a few more times, and hopefully we will get it just right.’
The choir ran through the song a number of times more, steadily improving with each attempt. When she was satisfied that they had a firm understanding on how it was to be sung, Meludiel signalled for them to stop. ‘Alright. Good, good. I think we are making progress.’ She turned towards Gamrayel who was standing to her left. ‘What do you think, Gamrayel?’ ‘Yes, they are definitely getting a handle on it,’ he replied. ‘It still needs work, especially in the front row, but they’re getting there.’ ‘Yes, I think so,’ said Meludiel in agreement.
She looked back towards the choir. ‘Alright, you have sung well today, and I guess we can leave it at that. Thank you all for your effort. Don’t forget that we will be having an extra choir practice session against next week. We need as much time as possible to practice this song before we sing in front of an audience. And please, remember to practice throughout the week. We can’t leave it all to these sessions.’ With those words said, Meludiel stepped down from the dais. The choir slowly dispersed, many of the angels leaving straight away, others remaining to chat.
Kantriel made his way over towards Daraqel who sang in a different section of the choir to him. ‘Well, how did you go?’ he asked him. Daraqel smiled. ‘I think I will take Meludiel’s advice and practice that song during the week. I was quite ordinary. And how do you think you went?’ ‘I was definitely one of those voices that Meludiel mentioned. Really, not up to scratch. I need to put a lot of work into it. I’ll have to try and find some time to practice it during the week. I did like the song though. One of her better works, I think.’ ‘Mmm,’ nodded Daraqel in agreement.
Kantriel looked out of the northern glazed wall, noting the time of day. ‘It is getting late. I guess we should be making our way back to Glimmersphon soon. Look, why don’t you go on ahead without me. I will see you later. There is something I have to do first.’ ‘Sure,’ replied Daraqel. ‘I’ll let Saruviel know that you will be a little late.’ ‘Yes, do that,’ said Kantriel. Daraqel nodded and started making his way out of the room. Kantriel watched him leave, and then turned making his way over towards Meludiel who was again in conversation with Gamrayel. Interrupting them he said, ‘Meludiel. Sorry for disturbing you, but I have to be going soon. I just wanted to say that the song was excellent, and I enjoyed singing it.’ ‘Thank you Kantriel. I’m glad you liked it.’ ‘Yes, I did. But I must apologise for my performance. It was not my best. I will practice though, as you asked.’ ‘Good to hear,’ Meludiel replied. ‘But really, you were fine. You just need a little work, that’s all.’ ‘Thanks, but I think I need more than a little. Anyway, I will see you later. Probably next week. See you then.’ ‘Good bye Kantriel,’ said Meludiel.’ ‘Bye Kantriel,’ said Gamrayel. Kantriel smiled at them, and made his way out of the room.
Tonight, as usual, he would be having dinner at Glimmersphon with Saruviel. He and Daraqel were the only company that Saruviel wanted of late, and Kantriel felt obliged to spend time with his friend. As long as he was going through this phase, he needed to know that he was cared for. He needed to know that he had a caring friend in Kantriel. But before that, he had something that he wanted to do. Something he wanted to know about this new work that his Father had planned. After his conversation with Saruviel that morning he felt stirred somewhat to find out if there was any truth to his suspicions. He genuinely wanted to know why his Father was creating again. To try and understand his true motives. ‘Gabriel or Davriel, he said to himself. ‘One of them will be able to answer my questions. One of them will know.’ With that on his mind Kantriel made his way out of the choir hall into the main hall of keep, in search of his brothers.