The Angel's Covenant (The Covenant series) (5 page)

"That was a good choice" Elina says, “the tribes separated to protec
t themselves and the book."

"Exactly.
Raphaim is the son of Samiel, half-human and half-angel, you would call him demon. He knows of the book and will do anything to get his hands on it” and taking a deep breath he says, "and the Key."

"The
Key, what is the Key Malach?"
"Not what, but Who Elina, Who is the Key?" he asks staring at her.
Elina stares at him shaking her head slowly, "No," she whispers standing up.

Standing up with her he continues
, "You are the key Elina. On the day you were born the Ketuwah lit, signaling that it is time for the book to be remade. Only the Keeper of the Light has the power to return the pieces to the flame. It is a great honor you have been given," Malach says.

"Honor" she says in shock. "Is that what you call it?" Unable to look at him, she turns away for a minute unable to hear what he is saying anymore. In her mind she hears the screaming of her family and friends, but also of all the
Watchers who came before her. She takes a step away from him and begins to run toward the water, porting just before she hits the pond.

Malach watches stunned, wondering what he said wrong, when a voice from behind him says
, "That went well, brother." Malach turns to see Simeon striding toward him with a smile.

"It could have gone better, but she will come around. She doesn't have a choice" Malach responds.

"Time grows short Malach. The demons are aware of the book and their attacks against the humans grow daily. They are looking for a clue to the book. Our brothers need you to return soon, there is a seed of malcontent growing amongst them,” Simeon states.

Malach looks at Simeon and says
, "I will do as our Father commands and nothing less.”

"Does the keeper know where the book is yet?" Simeon asks.
"I am sure once she goes to the Ketuwah she will be shown the path. The question is will she follow it?” Malach replies.

Simeon looks at his friend and asks
, "Do you doubt her faith?"
Smiling slightly Malach responds, "She can be stubborn, but her heart is pure. I have faith in her as does our Father."

"You believe this human is strong enough to return the book, hopefully she will liv
e up to your faith." Simeon states. Not responding, Malach turns away as he feels Elina returning. Simeon shifts and flies off.
     Returning in a full rage Elina struggles to hold her power in check. Stomping toward the large angel who was once her trusted friend, she pokes him in his tattooed chest and screams, "What gives you the right to choose my destiny?”

"It was never my choice, Elina. I did what needed to be done to protect you," he says calmly. "No, you lied and fed me half truths and for what? To clean up someone else’s mess? Why would an almighty Angel”, she sneers "need the help of a mortal girl Malach?"

"Once you have calmed down Elina, I will
explain,” he replies quietly.
"Calm – down,” she says through gritted teeth. “Tell me friend," with tears shining in her blue eyes, "How would you feel if your most trusted friend lied and kept the truth from you? Or is betrayal to much of a human emotion for you?"

His emerald eyes flash as his anger begins to grow. "I did not lie to you Elina! I
gave you a family, love, and… "

"No, you gave me Hope!” Clutching her heart she continues “Hope for a normal life...
” Turning away from him she asks again "WHY do you need me, why is an army of angels not handling this?"

"Because that honor was not given to us. When the Angels betrayed our Father he chose a human to be the protector of the book, as a precaution. The Ketuwah will only accept the book from the key, you. No other, human or angel is able to go to the light. You have to return the pieces to the Ketuw
ah, only then will it be safe."

"If I choose not to accept this honor, then what Malach?"
she asks him. 

"There was a time when the fierce part of your nature cried out for justice, where is that girl now!" Malach snarls
grabbing her by her shoulders.

"She found peace, and joy
," she whispers. "She let go of the past and accepted what is."

"No! She gave up and cowers in the mountains-Maybe you are not the
Keeper after all!” he says releasing her and turning to walk away.

Elina releases her fury, freezing him in place. Malach str
uggles against her hold on him. Smiling slightly she walks up behind him and runs her fingers over his beautiful blue wings. "Does it feel like I am afraid to you now, Malach?" Laughing a deep sexy laugh, she says "did you know that the spinal column is one of the most sensitive parts on a human body?” Tracing her fingers down his spine, barely touching the sensual spot between his wings. Fascinated she watches as chills erupt on his body.

Circling to stand in front of him she looks up into his beautiful eyes and asks
, "What would an angel know of human emotions?” Tracing the tips of her fingers over the markings on his naked chest she is enthralled as they shift and ripple at her touch. Malach breaks out in a cold sweat as she continues exploring his body. Running her fingers up and over his shoulder she follows the patterns down his arm, and leaning in she inhales deeply saying, "you always smell so good Malach." Lifting his hand she brings it to her face and rests it gently against her cheek, "Maybe you did not notice, but I am not a helpless child any longer Malach."

Looking up into his eyes Elina is blasted with a vision of Malach, dropping his hand she tries to step back, only to have both his hands grab her face and hold her captive. She sees Malach; kneeling receiving his tattoos, and hears a voice saying
, "Keep them safe until they find the Keeper." He is lifted into the air, screaming in agony as his body is covered in a bright blue light. He floats gently to the ground marked by the maker.

Elina stumbles back from Malach, staring at the runic tattoos. They begin to glow, swirling and moving. Once again he is lifted into the air and his wings extend fully as though stretched out by unseen hands. He does not scream this time for it is almost a relief to let them go, as they flow moving up around his shoulders, down his
arm pooling into his hand.

Gently floating to the ground Malach holds in his hand a scroll bearing the same runic inscriptions his body once held. Holding it out to Elina, he says "T
he Ketuwah waits for you."

Looking at Malach, she reaches out to take the scroll with a shaking hand, as she grasps the scroll he holds on for a moment. Fascinated by the softness of her skin he traces a finger down one cheek and looking deep into her beautiful eyes, he says "I noti
ced, Elina" releasing her.

Saying nothing she turns to walk away, picturing the bright blue light of the Ketuwah. It flares powerful, bright and stronger than ever in her mind. The light covers her in its brilliance, and she is gone from her protector.

Seven

Shaken by all that has transpired, Elina holds tight to her "gift" from Malach. Not sure where she will end up this time, she trusts in the light. A gust of arctic air causes her to flinch away and blink back tears. Chills erupt over her body and the wind blows her hair wildly around her face. The light that surrounds her begins to seep down her body flowing off her onto the rocky ground beneath her feet. It pours away from her disappearing into a
tunnel in front of her.

Another gust of wind pushes at her from behind as if to say hurry up! Startled; Elina steps into the tunnel following the blue river of light. Quickly looking around Elina realizes the tunnel leads to cave that looks more like the inside of an enormous wave that has been frozen. Indigo walls swirl around her and she hears the sound of water dripping. Reaching out she touches the wall and finds that they are surprisingly warm and very wet. It is then she hears the sound, the cracking and popping of ice with every step she takes. Looking at her feet she realizes that she is standing on a slippery wet floor of melting ice.

Carefully she moves forward, noticing that the deep blue of the caves walls are accentuated by the flickering of the flame. The river of light has formed a pool of light as if waiting for her. As she stares at the pool of water it begins to rise up forming an eight foot tall blue flame! From inside she sees the shape of a man; holding out his hand to her, he waits.

Stepping forward slowly she squints against glare of the flame. Elina gasps out loud when the flame moves forward to meet her, embracing her in its warmth.
"Hi Angel," the man says.
"Papi!" Elina whispers to afraid to move lest the vision disappear. He rushes toward his daughter and wraps her in his arms.  Pressing a kiss to her forehead, he looks down laughing and says, "I know it’s hard to believe, but I have been waiting for you Elina."
"Papi, how are you here, I don't understand," she cries out as her tears flow freely, holding on tightly to her Father.

“The Ketuwah brought me here to help you understand your destiny. Elina I am sorry this task has fallen to you, but I know you are up to this challenge. Everything Malach has told you is true, but there are parts to the story that not even the Angels know. The book does not hold just the power over the Fallen; but power over any who may choose to fall in the future.”

“I don’t understand,” Elina says.

“The book of watchers once in its original form can be added to. It is a protection, to ensure that any Angels who choose to fall will have their name added to the book. Never again will the demons have dominion over humans. The scroll Malach gave you was merely a tool to get you here, so you could
be told the rest. Look at it.

Glancing at the scroll she spreads it out and notices that for the first time, it is legible! “What is this magic?"
"Not magic Elina, a precaution. Only the Keeper of the Light is able to read the scrolls, and only the keeper can return the parts to the Ketuwah recreating the book. Once your task is complete it will be whole again.”
"Why me? Why not have the angels do this?” Elina asks frustrated.

"They betrayed all of us once, and when the name of a fallen Angel is spoken, he is freed from his tomb and at the will of the person who freed him. Would you give an army of fallen angels to a
demon like Raphaim?"

Understanding begins to dawn, "Of course not!
” she says fiercely. “Imagine what he would do, he would bring Hell to earth. That cannot happen! How am I supposed to do this by myself; against an army of demons?"

Stepping forward he takes her hands in his and says "You are not alone anymore Elina. Each piece of the puzzle will take you to our people, collect the scrolls and task them with helping you; rebuilding our
people as one nation again. Our power is greatest when we are together. United in our faith, they will follow you when you call."

"What if I fail?
” she whispers. "You Are the Keeper of the Light of all the chosen people of God. Do you think he would have chosen you if he doubted you?"
"So all I have to do is locate the parts of the book, while being hunted by Demons and Angels alike. Return the pieces to the ketuwah, and reunite Gods chosen people. No problem,” Elina says semi-hysterical.  "Elina when you help as a watcher, what do you see?" Papi asks her.
"I see hope, and love Papi," she says.

"Exactly.
  Hope that death is not the end; that love does not die when we do. Our maker chose you because you heart is pure and you understand that our life on Earth is simply a step in a bigger journey. I have faith in you; it is time for you to believe in yourself! Daughter, Will you help me take my next step?”

"I would be honored Papi. You
will hug them for me, wont you," she asks wiping her tears.
"Always, angel," hugging her tight he says, "I am ready."

"Picture her in your mind; see the love she has shining for you in her eyes. She waits for you Papi, the boys are longing to feel your arms around them...A white light appears like a door, picture it opening and them running to you,
and you are home again."

Pure Joy explodes from his soul, and he starts toward the light pausing he turns to look at her one last time, he says "We will be watching for you daughter." Then he turns back just as the door opens and Elina is rewarded with the echoes of joy, and laughter as her Father runs to her Mother and Senaka. The light begins to fade and they all turn to Elina and wave. Laughing and crying Elina watches as they begin to fade and it is then she realizes that she does not see Hemana. Her eyes snap to her Mother's and she shakes her head yes at Elina. The door closes and the light fades, Elina drops to her knees, "He's Alive!"
she whispers.

Eight

"He's Alive!" Elina had tried for the last ten years to not think about her brother, but she remembered everything. She remembers holding him in her arms, the way he smelled, what he wore, how he sucked his bottom lip when he was sleeping, everything.

Sitting on her knees freezing, Elina feels ...
hope. Laughing out loud she clutches the scroll to her chest and breathes a deep cleansing breath. "Thank you!" she says prayerfully, "I am not alone." Getting up from the floor she realizes the Ketuwah has moved away from her and now floats in front of her, waiting.

"I suppose if I give you this scroll, it solidifies my role in this
," she says out loud. Clutching it tightly against her chest, she thinks of all those who lost loved ones and of the destruction one fallen angel has brought, she can't imagine the evil a legion of angels would bring.  Stepping forward she says, “I will do everything I can with the power you have given me to set this right."

An explosion of hot, blue light ricochets off the silky walls and she reaches out toward the flame. Elina watches as the light wraps around her hand sucking the scroll and half her arm into its brilliance. A tentacle of light reaches out and forms a hand, which
softly touches her temple with its fingertips.

The vision hits her strong and hard, overhead a black night sky full of beautiful stars, shine and twinkle. A brilliant star begins shooting across the sky headed for Earth; it lands in an explosion of dust. Rising out of the earth is an Angel. Suddenly more stars follow, all of them
landing just as the first did. After the dust settles the One leads the two hundred who followed and they set off on their chosen path. They ignore the lightening, and thunder, and the cries of the heavenly brothers who watch and weep; for they can hear them no longer. With every step they take the cries of humanity shake the heavenly sky.

Four brilliant stars larger than the rest shoot across the sky and land in front of the fallen, making them tremble in fear. Rising from the dust are the four Archangels known as the
Fist of God. Uriel the leader stands nine feet tall, his white blonde hair blows around his shoulders. His muscular chest is covered in golden armor, in his left hand he holds a seven foot broad sword blazing with the Light of Heaven. The beauty of his white wings is astonishing. They are snow white except for the arches which are traced in a golden path leading to the gilded feathers. 

To his right stands Gabriel the warrior angel, every inch of him is covered in silver armor. He wears a molded face mask that shows only his black eyes. His breast plate is molded and muscular, and the crevices trimmed in red. His wings are more weapons than ornament. Where the other Archangel wings are feathered his are made out of whips of molten red electricity. They move around him like s
nakes looking for a target.

To the left of the one, stand Malach and Simeon. They are a striking contrast to each other. Malach is large as all archangels are, with long black hair and wings of cobalt blue and black. He wears armor hammered with the imprint of scales, alternating blue and black across the breastplate. His arms are bare and tattooed in a strange moving pattern that ripples and shifts. He stares at the Fallen with pity in his emerald eyes. Simeon stands a foot taller than Malach at just over eight feet. His head is shaved, and upon his beautiful chocolate skin he wears a golden chain mail shirt, a simple pair of black leather pants with a belt laden with weapons including
 a quiver of golden arrows. His muscular arms are free and in one hand he holds a golden cross bow. His gold wings are spread behind him, each feather a polished blade reflecting the eyes of the two hundred.

T
he largest Uriel steps forward and asks in a deep voice, "Why have you forsaken Eden, you were Holy ones, Immortal and pure?"

The leader of the fallen Samiel says "Tell me brothers,” he sneers “why should the
Sons of Glory bow to the Sons of Filth!"

A soft rain begins to fall as all
of heavens stars weep. Uriel's eyes shoot shafts of golden light and he strikes the Earth with his mighty fist. Cracking it open as the followers of the One tumble screaming into its fiery depths. Only Samiel remains.

"So he sent his dogs to earn their keep!
” Samiel says sneering at the four.  Malach strikes him across the face with his mighty fist and to Samiels shock he is knocked from his feet to the dust below. Wiping at his mouth his fingers come away tipped in ruby blood.

The three step forward as the Earth is sealed shut, and grasping Samiel they force him to his knees. St
epping forward Uriel pulls the Sword of Judgment and with tears in his eyes sentences his brother. "You shall spend eternity walking the Earth as a tarnished angel." The three force his beautiful white wings open as Uriel slices them from his body! "From this day forward you shall be known as the Mocker, for you mocked the gifts of Heaven. Your name shall be struck from all the books of eternity, never to be spoken again." Tossing him into the dirt, Uriel calls upon the fire of heaven and the four watch, as his beautiful white wings are engulfed in holy fire and burnt to ash. Then turning they return to heaven, leaving him screaming with his hands full of ash.

Elina stumbles as the Ketuwah leaves her and finds to her surprise that she still holds the scroll. "I don't understand." A loud cracking sound from behind has her whipping around. The water is up to her ankles now, and Elina says
, "Okay then, time to go." The blue light of the Ketuwah flares brightly catching her attention, it moves towards her and wraps her completely in its protective embrace.  From above they watch the caves walls crumble and she finds herself spinning through space and time. Dizzy she closes her eyes opening them when she stops moving. She finds she is standing near the barn, Elina trembles clutching the scroll and watches as the Ketuwah grows smaller and smaller, finally disappearing all together.

"Amazing!"
she whispers. "What is?" her Uncle Ronnie asks from behind her. Quickly turning around, Elina tries to calm her heart.  "I can't stop shaking," she says in a strange voice. "You okay Lina?" he rushes forward realizing he startled her. "Sorry, I have been watching for you.” Grabbing her arm, he says "No wonder Girl you’re soaking wet and frozen. Let’s get you inside your Aunt Ruby has been worrying me to death, pacing the floors and not resting."
Taking off his coat he wraps her in it and guides her to the side door, leading her into the kitchen.

"Ron?" Ruby says walking into the
kitchen ”Oh thank goodness!” Looking at her daughter she says "What’s wrong? Are you okay? Are you hurt?" Rushing over, she kneels down to take her hands but finds she is holding something. "Lina, what's going on?" she asks her.  "No, no I am okay; I just need a few minutes,” she responds in a raspy voice. "I just need to change, and get warm then we will talk, okay." Standing up on weak knees she walks slowly to the door, before she leaves she turns to them and says, "It's going to be okay" and heads up to her room. Ronnie puts his arm around Ruby and asks, "Is she trying to convince us or herself?"

Wiping steam from the mirror, Elina stares at her reflection. Her black hair is slicked back, highlighting the paleness of her skin. Her mother’s turquoise eyes stare back at her, older and wiser now with the burden they carry. Thinking about her family together at last, she smiles flashing a single dimple back at her. Her smile fades as she wonders about her brother. How is it possible that he is alive? Maybe Malach will have the answers.

Thinking about Malach, Elina stares at the woman in the mirror and feels ashamed. He was right, she was broken, and he gave her a chance to put some of the pieces back together. It is time she accepted her destiny. "Malach" she whispers "forgive me; I am sorry I lashed out at you." Thinking of how she taunted him, her cheeks heat. Remembering the strength of his wings, surprisingly muscular more weapon that ornament she feels her heart race. "You have always been there for me." Turning from the mirror she quickly pulls on her sweatshirt and jeans. Braiding her hair, she wonders if he will forgive her. The connection they share has always been so strong that she could feel him in her heart and mind. Now she feels nothing. Either he is blocking or he is too far away.

The smell of coffee drifts to her
drawing her to her family. Walking into the living room she sees Aunt Ruby setting down a pot of coffee, with a warm loaf of cinnamon raisin bread waiting. Uncle Ronnie says something that has her blushing and smacking at his hands as he laughs. Tears fill her eyes as she realizes that she has been incredibly blessed to be loved by these people. Quietly she offers a quick prayer of gratitude.

Turning at her sniffle, Ruby sees the tears and draws her into a hug. She says nothing, simply holding her offering comfort and love. It is enough. Ronnie walks over and wraps them both in a bear hug. Laughing from the circle of protection, Elina s
ays "Okay, I am good now."

Sitting close to the fire Elina stares at the flames, wondering where to start. "You know I spent so long trying not to think about my family and friends, that I forgot them. Today I saw them again. Looking at them she says “My Dad, Mom and brother Senaka." Wiping her tears away, she tells them how she helped him crossover. "This ability to be watchers is such a gift and I have taken that for granted. I can't hide from my
destiny anymore."

Ruby walks over and takes her hand "Elina what is it you are afraid to tell us?" Holding tight to her daughter she reaches for her husband’s hand saying “We are strongest when our family circle is connected. I can see if you will show me." Sharing her memories
she waits for a response.

They are visibly shaking when the connection is broken and staring at her. Elina sits on the couch waiting for a response. Uncle Ronnie says
, "Well I didn't see that coming. Ruby, how about a drink?" Ruby brings three glasses and a bottle of brandy. Trying to pour their drinks she finds that she can't stop shaking. Ronnie covers her hand with his, and they stare at each other. "I'll do it."

Sh
ooting back his drink, he looks at his daughter and for a moment he wants to take his family and run. Feeling ashamed he can't bring himself to say anything. Ruby sips her drink and looks at her daughter asking in her quiet voice, "Did you really slap an archangel?"
They all start laughing, and Elina responds "I know I should feel ashamed but he had it coming!"
"The look on his face was priceless!" Aunt Ruby says laughing till tears spill out.
"Blood thirsty heathens," Uncle Ronnie comments, and they all laugh harder.

After the fire is burned, lower, and the laughter fades away, Elina looks at them and asks "Did you know my brother was alive?"
Aunt Ruby says forcefully "No, we would have fought for him if we knew. Did they give you any clue as to how you should look for him?"

"It all happened so fast, there was no time for questions." Frustrated, she drops her head to her hands. "I'm so tired. Maybe in the morning
I will be able to sort it out." Watching her walk to her room, they both sit stunned by all they have leaned. Ronnie says "Let her sleep, we will tell her in the morning."