Infinity Chapters 1-4 - By Daniel Thomas Andrew Daly

[Noahide Videos Bible]

Chronicles of the

Children of Destiny

Volume Beta

Infinity

by

Daniel Thomas Andrew Daly

Copyright 6179 SC

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.

 

 

 

Chapter One

3099 HY

 

 

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’.

And then it had come to be, and Akalon was built, and then the Realm of Infinity, and Logos had a new family – a bigger family. He dwelt in Akalon at first, and he would go there, in quiet times, when the children of infinity wondered were he was, but they did not know of Akalon, for it was his hidden place, his sanctuary. Samael, he was firstborn of the 7 Onaphim angels of Infinity, an angel who shared the same name of Samael, child of heaven. And he was like him in many ways, but not identical. But Samael, he found, was his adversary. Upon the judgement of his very own soul he felt that – Samael of Infinity would be his undoing. But he loved his brother, regardless, despite his fiercely sarcastic tongue. And he sat there, that evening, thinking of Samael. Thinking on his devilish brother. And then, come morning, he was gone. Back home, to Infinity, and another day of adventure, another day of life as the Logos – the Word – of God.

‘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 is 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.