Sons of God Daughters of Men Page 4

  Caelan stepped forward, kneeled in front of her, and touched her left arm. A warm sensation moved throughout her arm, shoulder, and entire body. She shuddered, causing Caelan to withdraw his hand quickly.

  Caelan was uneasy. “Carissa, I am a servant of God. Please do not worship me.”

  Carissa suddenly felt weak. Feelings of inadequacy and remorseful swept over her. She tried standing, but felt too weak to do so. She remained prostrate on the floor, too afraid to look up. Caelan knew that the divine power of angels could have this effect on people. He grasped Carissa's arm and concentrated on using his power to strengthen her body. He then gently placed his hand under her chin and lifted her head.

  “Rise and be strengthened Carissa,” Caelan whispered softly as he smiled and stared into her eyes.

  Again, a warm presence enveloped her body. This time, she felt a sudden surge of energy, strength, and confidence. As Caelan fastened his eyes on Carissa, her fears and weakness vanished, replaced by a new sense of intimacy and trust. She could not understand what was happening, but somehow believed she could trust Caelan, or that she needed to trust him. She rose slowly, as Caelan still held her arm. They looked into each other’s eyes, separated only by a few inches, and an awkward silence. Caelan was grateful for her acceptance and trust. He wanted to speak, but could not. He wondered if felt what men called love.

  Caelan summoned the courage to speak. “Carissa, you do not have to continue to suffer in this place. I offer you the choice to—”

  “Yes!” she blurted.

  Caelan held her with both arms. “Understand Carissa, that if you leave this place, you can never return. You will have a new life.”

  Carissa nodded. “A thousand times I have prayed for an escape my lord. Today, you have answered my prayer.”

  Caelan smiled. He then pointed to where she slept and kept her belongings. “Quickly, gather your possessions and let us leave this place.”

  Carissa moved quickly, grabbing what few small items she could put into a tightly wrapped blanket. She had thought of leaving Nabal many times, but always changed her mind at the last minute. Surely this is nothing but God’s will for me to leave she thought. Carissa grabbed several pieces of fruit, a loaf of bread and rushed to the door. She turned one last time to view the house, and then looked at Caelan standing by the door. The house held many painful memories for her. It had never been the perfect home, but it was her home.

  “Carissa,” Caelan said softly. He opened the door and walked outside.

  With a heavy heart and tears in her eyes, Carissa turned and followed her new savior.

  There were few people filled in street at the late hour. As Carissa and Caelan walked, it became obvious that no one on both sides of the tightly packed two-story tenements could see Caelan. Carissa followed Caelan down the dusty street for about a half mile to the edge of the city. Caelan pointed toward Mount Carmel in distance.

  “You will be safe in the valley beyond the mountain,” Caelan said calmly.

  Let down, Carissa asked, “You are not coming with me?”

  Caelan turned away from her and remained silent.

  “What is your name?” Carissa asked.

  “Caelan,” he said.

  She took his hand into hers, and then stepped in front of him. “Caelan, take me to the valley.”

  Guardians were forbidden from touching human beings unless it was necessary. Now he knew why. Her touch stirred a fire in his hear that he had never felt. He gazed into the distance, knowing that if he continued with her, there would be no turning back. If he were going to forsake eternal life, he had to look at her once more . . . this woman that stole his heart . . . this woman that caused him to forsaking his vows. How easy love takes our hearts and our vows Caelan thought. Through the darkness, her green eyes, soft bronze skin and full, red lips stole his heart. It was as his mentor told him so long ago, be careful of forbidden things, for those are what the heart desires most. This human woman has captured my heart and desire he thought. Still holding her hand, Caelan started toward the mountain. He did not know he had a heart until he just felt it tremble.

  7

  THE DESCENT

  As they crept up the jagged mountain path, Caelan realized that he needed to find a place for them to rest for the night. He wondered what might happen if her husband Nabal came looking for them. Caelan resolved to never let Nabal touch her again. He was her protector now and relished every moment of it. He enjoyed how Carissa grasped his arm and touched his shoulders for support at every opportunity. As they walked along the path, their eyes met often...touches became more frequent. She too, enjoyed putting her arms around his neck and broad shoulders. Carissa's touch, as her gaze became more than flirtatious, it became mesmerizing.

  Angels and human woman to interacting was strictly forbidden. Watchers are taught to aid and protect humanity . . . not befriend or dwell among them. The highest law among Watchers is to maintain the strict barrier between the divine angels and lower human species. Its purpose was to preserve the delicate balance of nature that God had created. Violation of this divine principle carried the penalty of banishment or worse, eternal condemnation. Perhaps the breaking of this ancient law gave him his fear and exhilaration.

  As he and Carissa traveled up the mountain, they reached a small cleft. Caelan reached down to help Carissa climb upward through the steep path. She reached for his hand as she had done many times, but today, she chose not to let go. She stared into his eyes, flirting with him, tempting him to feel something for her. She noticed his glances and sensed his attraction to her, knowing that he wanted more. A gentle touch…an inviting smile…and subtle flirtations fueled Caelan’s growing passion. He was a powerful protector and a gentle guide, but if Carissa had her way tonight, he would also become her lover.

  Caelan leaned forward, placed his hands around her waist, and lifted her up. Their eyes met and locked together. He watched her quivering lips, wanting desperately to kiss them. He was nearly two feet taller than Carissa; stronger and more fearsome than her in every way, yet he was the one trembling. He paused after seeing his reflection in her eyes. It seemed a cautious reminder, one he quickly ignored by placing his hand under her chin, lifting her head, and pressing his lips to hers.

  His eyes opened and he felt her warm breath on his face. His nostrils filled with the sweet odor of perfume. A lifetime of passion erupted he cast aside all sensibilities and notions of right and wrong in favor of letting unbridled lust and desire have its way. Sensing a nearby presence, Caelan looked up and saw two angels in shining white garments standing silently in the distance.

  One of the angels was writing in a small white book. The other, he recognized. It was Lucius. His sullen looked disclosed feelings of betrayal and disappointment as he stared blankly at his former teacher. Caelan pulled Carissa closer and held her tightly. Perhaps he was protecting her. Perhaps he was justifying what he had just done. Carissa, unaware of the other angels, wrapped her arms around his shoulders and leaned into his chest.

  Caelan closed his eyes and then looked up into the sky. He felt different; somehow, he was empty after kissing Carissa. The divine power that normally coursed through his body was absent and he knew why. He had breached the ethereal barrier separating angels and mortals. It had cost him his power, perhaps more.

  A bright light appeared in the sky above them and a portal began to open. Twelve large angels emerged and stood in the sky. All the angels, except two in the middle, wore shortened robes, helmets, body armor and carried large shields and spears. A tall, imposing angel more than ten feet tall stepped out from the group and floated to within ten feet of Caelan. His long, flowing white robe held in place with a thick embroidered golden belt around his waist. Clean-shaven, with short black hair, blue eyes and stern features, he looked like a young man, but with a far more imposing glare. The white radiance around him was so bright that it forced Caelan and Carissa to squint their eyes. He looked on Caelan with contempt.

&nb
sp; “So this is the hour that angels desire to become men,” Uriel said in a thunderous, resounding voice.

  Caelan stepped away from Carissa and quickly fell to one knee and lowered his head.

  “Forgive me my lord,” he responded as Carissa tried to hide herself behind him.

  “Do not speak,” Caelan whispered to Carissa.

  Carissa then knelt to the ground.

  “Uriel my lord, forgive me,” Caelan shouted again.

  The other angels floated downward and landed on each side of Uriel. As he took several steps forward, the other angels moved in unison with him. Uriel turned his gaze on Carissa briefly, then back on Caelan.

  "What a shameful thing when my Watchers do more than watch,” Uriel's voice thundered.

  Caelan was anxious and fearful . . . feelings he had never experienced before losing his angelic power. Uriel was an archangel and among the most powerful angels in heaven. He was responsible for preserving order among all angels. All Watchers and Guardians serve under Uriel’s authority. A powerful angel more than a dozen levels higher than Caelan like Uriel would rarely speak with or associate with those of his lowly rank. Caelan guessed Uriel's appearance here meant a serious breach in protocol, which would probably result in harsh punishment. Now Caelan's had to answer for his actions. He tried to explain.

  “My lord, I...”

  “Caelan’s plans are known before heaven," Uriel said, while pointing his finger at Caelan. "Speak no more, lest a worse thing come upon thee.”

  Caelan lowered his head in shame.

  “You desire the life of a mortal," Uriel continued. "Today, we grant your petition.”

  Surprised, Caelan lifted his head. However, before he could speak, Uriel raised his right hand.

  “This day, Caelan, return that which God has given thee!”

  An unseen force lifted Caelan several feet off the ground. A bright beam of light erupted from the center of his chest and shot into the night sky. He screamed. His arms legs and arms snapped backward. White particles of light came from within his body, forming an aura around him.

  “Return to us your glory!” Uriel shouted and then snapped his fist backward.

  Caelan's body convulsed again. He let out another scream as the light tore through his body and shot up quickly into the sky. Caelan’s body then fell to the ground.

  Exhausted, Caelan turned onto his knees and lifted his head toward the sky. With a loud gasp, he took in his first mortal breath. Carissa ran to Caelan and wrapped her arms around him. She grasped him under his arms and held him up as he struggled to breathe.

  “Breathe slower,” she repeated frantically several times.

  Caelan held Carissa's arm tightly. The frailness of his new body had taken him by surprise. Carissa’s voice and tight embrace gradually calmed him and his breathing slowed to a normal pace. The angels with Uriel stared curiously at Caelan. None had ever witnessed an angel become mortal.

  “It is finished,” Uriel said before turning and walking away.

  The angels accompanying Uriel followed closely behind him in unison, except Lucius and the angel with the small book recording the events. After a few moments, the angel closed the book and joined the others.

  “Wait my lord,” Caelan shouted.

  Uriel and the angels stopped in unison without turning.

  “My lord, what shall become of me?” Caelan asked.

  “You are born of two worlds now Caelan, but a third shall have you,” Uriel responded stoically. He rose into the air and entered the still open portal. The other angels, except Lucius, followed Uriel into the portal and vanished one by one.

  “What does he mean?” Caelan shouted at Lucius, now the only remaining angel. Lucius smiled awkwardly, nodded, and then vanished.

  “What just happened?” Carissa asked.

  Caelan gazed up into the heavens. “An end and a beginning.”

  8

  GODS AND MEN

  Caelan felt overwhelmed by a myriad of new experiences and emotions as he sat on the ground trying to compose himself. Cold, hunger, fear, and pain . . . the fragility of human existence ate away at him. Now stripped of immortality and his angelic power, Caelan could feel the cold chill of night throughout his body. He moved his hand about his chest, searching for the steady thump of a newly beating heart, praying that it would not stop. The world seemed more fragile now.

  The nighttime seemed darker now without his angelic nature. Objects in the distance no longer seemed as clear as they did mere minutes earlier. Caelan strained his eyes to focus on the simplest of things, even in the bright light of a full moon. He grasped small rocks, then a fistful of sand and watched as it ran through his fingers and to the ground, noticing how different things now felt. As an angel, it took concentration to feel objects in the earthly realm and even then, the sand was not as soft and the rocks not as hard. It took more of and effort to stand, and when he did, he nearly fell. His new body seemed awkward and uncoordinated. Being human was going to take some getting used to.

  “Are you Okay?” Carissa asked.

  “I am fine, I think,” he said and then laughed.

  Caelan worried about punishment for wanting to be human and live with Carissa. He was alive, and besides losing his powers, he had escaped major punishment. Caelan had risked everything and won. He lifted Carissa into the air and spun around.

  “It worked!” he shouted and then laughed.

  Caelan lowered Carissa and then gave her another long hug. As Caelan held her, he sensed she was less enthusiastic than he. She must be thinking about what I risked and gave up to be with her he thought.

  “Why?” Carissa asked in a low whisper.

  “I did it for you . . . I did it for humanity.”

  As Caelan held her, he could feel the heaviness of her guilt.

  “I'm cold,” Carissa said. She stepped back, rubbed her arms, and avoided looking at him.

  “I will make a fire,” Caelan said. He knew that the cold was not the only thing bothering her. He sensed that she felt responsible that he had lost so much.

  Carissa laid her head in Caelan’s lap. He slowly ran his fingers through her hair, finally able to enjoy the closeness he had longed for through so many years.

  “You are like us now aren't you?” Carissa asked.

  “Yes. I am mortal now,” Caelan said.

  “And you did this for me?”

  “Yes,” he answered, still to gently caressing her hair.

  “Why? Why would you give up immortality for me?”

  “Because I love you Carissa. I always have and I always will.”

  Carissa turned over and placed her hand on the nave of his neck. She looked into his eyes. “Tell me about your life. I want to know who you are and where you come from.”

  Caelan smiled, “Okay, I will tell you the story of gods and men."

  “Long ago, before humanity was created, God made us, the sons of God. He created us in his image, perfect in every way. We watched as he created the heavens and the Earth. It was a magnificent to behold. At his command, out of darkness and void, the planets and stars emerged by his word. The constellations of Arcturus, Orion, Pleiades . . . God put them into their place. He then fashioned the streets of heaven, buildings, mountains, streams, and lakes . . . all of heaven formed around us. It was a sight to behold Carissa,” Caelan paused as he recollected the origin of all things.

  “It sounds beautiful,” Carissa said.

  “Oh it was," Caelan said. "We had knowledge of every angel, every name, purpose and duty. Somehow, we knew that heaven was our home, made especially for us. As we looked around and saw the magnificent works of God, glorious songs of praise and worship rang out from our ranks. And though we never studied, the sound of harps, timbrels, horns and all manner of music filled the streets of heaven.”

  Caelan's face soon changed as he stared into the fire. “As time passed, some angels grew disillusioned with the way things were.”

  Carissa turned over in Caelan
's lap. She was enjoying the story and looked up to see what had caused him to stop. Caelan smiled, leaned down, and kissed Carissa on the forehead to reassure her that everything was fine.

  “It was soon after that rebellion struck," Caelan said. "Tired of living as a servant and wanting to rule heaven, Lucifer gathered those unhappy in rebellion against God, with vain promises of freedom and power. Although they were free, Lucifer convinced them they were not.”

  Carissa interrupted “Any of us would love to live in heaven. Why would he do such as thing?”

  “He forgot his place in the universe," Caelan said with loathing. "He allowed pride to fill his heart. He was the Anointed Cherub and above all angels in position and power. The rebellious saw our Father as distant and uncaring. Lucifer used this to cause his followers to love him more than God. The more they loved him, the more he hated God until he could no longer bear having a master.”

  “How could God let this happen?” Carissa asked.

  “God knew what was in Lucifer's heart," Caelan said. "Some say it was a father's love that allowed Lucifer to go too far . . . the pain of seeing so many reject him and the desire to see them turn back. Whatever the reason, the rebellion tested everyone. Angels had the freedom to choose whom they would serve. Free will is a choice that needs to be exercised. God knew who loved him because of our choice to love him. By allowing us the choice to serve him, he sees who really loves him.

  Every angel chose a side: God or Lucifer. What many did not know was that Lucifer had told many lies to sway many angels to his cause. One third of our brethren chose to follow Lucifer and the rest stood against him. The first time that the Sons of God made war was to stop Lucifer’s rebellion . . . the war that ravaged the heavens and the Earth. The faith of many was tested. In the end, we were victorious. We captured those who rebelled and brought them before God for judgment.”

  “What was their punishment?” Carissa asked.

  “They were forever cursed and cast into the Earth to live outside God's presence," Caelan said. "Now they are fated to live as deformed, wretched, and miserable souls filled with hate for eternity, damned to dwell among those who will one day replace them. Living among you and knowing what is to come is more than they can bear. This hate drives them to destroy your kind.”