Exile of Lucifer (11 page)

"All I need is a show of strength--something impressive!"     81
"We merely came across him after meeting with you. I gather he is
not yet intimate with the movement. Though Rugio very nearly
brought him in--bantering such words as `revolutionary' and
informing him of our meeting with you."
Lucifer glared at Rugio. "We must be discreet, commander,"
he said, "and cannot take chances with casual chatter--and espe-
cially not to an elder whose final regards in this matter are still
developing. There's no shame in it, Rugio. Pellecus has himself on
occasion been given to carelessness." Pellecus looked grimly at
Rugio.
Lucifer invited the two to the conference area. "No, Kara is
not yet intimate with us," he said. "But he will be very soon. And
it is true that his devotion to the Lord is quite well known." Lucifer
went to a gold inlaid cabinet and pulled an ornate key out of his
cloak. "In fact, I would say that apart from Michael and one or two
others, Kara is regarded as the most loyal and devoted angel in the
Kingdom."
Lucifer opened the cabinet and retrieved a brass tube that
opened on one end. He then walked back to the table. "Kara has
cultivated, with some prompting on my part, a very public image
which inspires confidence and trust." Lucifer looked squarely at
the two angels and went on in a hushed tone. "Privately, Kara is
extremely loyal to me. I have not brought him in completely
because I want to see which way the Elders are going to go with
their recommendation to the Almighty on the stewardship selec-
tion. If the vote should go against me, I want him to be able to con-
tinue his association with the Elders without the appearance of
being biased towards me. He is quite useful to me on the Eldership.
How do you think I came by the information on the stewardship in
the first place? But...Kara also happens to be extremely ambitious
and cunning and must be handled cautiously."
"So what happens if they recommend another angel?" asked
Rugio. "Or what if the Lord decides on His own steward apart from
the Council?"
"That is highly unlikely in either case," said Lucifer, who
motioned for everyone to take a seat. "The Most High will desire

82           CHRONICLES of the Host: Exile          of Lucifer
the Elders to be involved because it is His nature to share such
authority. He must give the Elders something to do. And He will
consider their counsel quite seriously. He knows that to place in
such a significant position an angel who is either unknown or
untested would be inviting critical feelings from the Host--feelings
which are steadily increasing among the various ranks, are they
not? I'm ready for your reports. But first..."
Lucifer opened the brass container and pulled out a scroll,
which he unrolled all the way down the length of the conference
table. On the scroll was inscribed various headings and categories,
which were divided into three sections covering the three main
ranks of angels: warrior/ministering angels, wisdom/proclaiming
angels, and worship/praise angels.
Under each category appeared the names of the most influen-
tial angels in Heaven along with their positions, ranks, ministries.
These were categorized under the following designations: Loyal,
Likely, Probable, Possible, Unlikely, Impossible.
The angels in the "Loyal" section were those Lucifer knew he
could rely on completely, such as the angels on the Council, Kara,
and other ranking angels who were sympathetic to change.
The bottom portion of the scroll was headed with the desig-
nations "Unlikely" and "Impossible," and underneath these titles
appeared a list of angels as well. The names found here represent-
ed those angels who were most loyal to the Lord, such as Michael
and Gabriel, Crispin, and many others. A recently scrawled in
"Sangius" appeared at the bottom of the list with a question mark
next to it.
"This is how I view the situation thus far," said Lucifer, por-
ing over the scroll. "As you can see we have some work to do. But
I'm happy to say that there is a definite trend in our direction ever
since the news of the Creation was made known. It would seem
that Kara is not the only ambitious angel in Heaven. In fact, there
are quite a few angels who see my...our movement as an opportu-
nity for greater achievement in a less strident kingdom."
Rugio and Pellecus looked at the scroll, making an occasional
comment about names that appeared on the list: "Oh, you may

"All I need is a show of strength--something impressive!"        83
move Sep to the `loyal' side. He is definitely with us," or "I'm not
sure if Deter belongs in the `likely' category or not," or "Greka has
moved from the `possible' to the `loyal' category in such a short
time!" They examined the entire scroll and were quite encouraged.
Lucifer rolled up the scroll, and asked for a briefing on the latest
developments...
"I am happy to tell you that almost my entire command is
ready to follow me anywhere," said Rugio, beaming. "They are
desirous of a change and feel that the new world promises a great
adventure for them. I am also in contact with other commanders
who are sympathetic and will join us when prudence allows. They
have angels in their command whom we can count on."
Lucifer looked over at Pellecus, who began talking. "Many of
the teachers are with us," said Pellecus, "and therefore many of the
current students. They think that they will be able to teach with
fewer constraints in the academy that I told them I plan to create in
the new world. Those at the Academy who are still tradition-bound
are of no consequence as they are starting to lose students to the
more vocal angels like Berenius, who I must say is doing a splen-
did job."
"Excellent!" said Lucifer. "I knew I was right in reading Bere-
nius' character. But if we're not careful all of Heaven will join us on
the new world and there will be no angel left to serve the Lord!"
They laughed. "Except Michael and Gabriel...oh yes, and possibly
that simpering Sangius."
"Don't forget Crispin," said Pellecus. "He'll be needed to
maintain the Academy!"
"Enough of this, my friends," said Lucifer. "We must not cel-
ebrate too early or too openly. If there is anything that must be
stressed to all of our contacts it is the need for utmost secrecy. If our
ultimate intentions are exposed prematurely everything we have
worked for will be lost."
"Remember," said Pellecus, "that there are some who are
already suspicious. I'm afraid that some of our bolder angels have
become rather brash of tongue lately."

84           CHRONICLES of the Host: Exile            of Lucifer
"Then you put a stop to it," snarled Lucifer. "The supreme
challenge in liberating the angels is in not allowing them to become
too liberated. I believe, Pellecus, that you need to advise caution
among some of your disciples. Now as to suspicions already raised,
there may be a few angels who suspect that something is stirring,
but all they can ascertain is that there is movement...undercurrent.
They can't possibly predict the outcome or its source."
He held up the scroll as a point of reference and said, "I am
convinced that the Worship Council is ready for the complete pres-
entation. Now that Berenius has replaced Sangius, I have whole-
hearted support and can speak quite openly. I'll have Serus
announce a meeting as soon as possible. We must meet before the
Creation begins and while our strength is growing. I will instruct
each angel on the Council to press his influence with those angels
who are under him or work with him.
Lucifer stared icily at the two angels, as if he was looking right
through them and into the future he envisioned. "We must begin
setting up the new authority now; to have it in place and ready to
take control once the stewardship has been given to me. I'll report
to the Council everything we have discussed: They'll be pleased
and encouraged to know that the Elders Kara, Pratia and Belron are
already with us. Rega will follow soon now that his appetite has
been aroused. I will also report that the Academy and the warriors
are beginning to turn."
"Some of them, my lord," said Rugio. "The majority of the
legions are still loyal to the Most High. I would hate to do battle with
them. Though if it ever comes to it I will." He patted his scabbard.
Pellecus and Lucifer looked up at Rugio, surprised at this
aggressive declaration. "Thank you, Rugio," said Lucifer. "But I
never said we would need every angel to be with us. All I need is a
show of strength--something impressive that will underscore the
need for my appointment should the Lord waver for any reason. If
urgent support for me is widespread, it will take on the appearance
of a general consensus among all the classes of angels: wisdom,
warrior and worship. Then, following such a demonstration on my
behalf, the Elders, at Kara's passionate and skilled pleading, will

"All I need is a show of strength--something impressive!"      85
insist on my appointment and the Lord will comply out of desire to
maintain peace and order in the Kingdom." He smirked. "You
know how He hates division."
"Do you really believe you can shame the Most High into giv-
ing in to your plans?" asked Pellecus.
"I don't intend to contest the Lord publicly, merely persuade
Him privately," said Lucifer. "You and I know that we could never
defeat the Lord outright, He's much too powerful. I will never be
greater than He, but I can be as great as He. He will see the need to
share power or face a ruinous conflict. Of course it may never come
to such a scenario if I am elected outright. Either way, I will be
made governor."
"And what about Sangius?" asked Pellecus. "Now that he is
no longer with us on the Council isn't it likely that he will...talk to
someone?"
"Sangius serves us whether he is on the Council or not," said
Lucifer. "Naturally I would prefer him to be in a place where we
could...look after him a little more closely.
"However, since he is no longer on the Council we need not
fear him. There is not an angel in Heaven who will take him seri-
ously. He has compromised his reputation at the Temple and there
will be talk among the Elders of asking for his removal from the
Ministry of the Flame. Kara will see to that. All he will do is detract
from his credibility with his ridiculous tales of what goes on in
Lucifer's ministry."
"You are quite sure of this?" asked Pellecus.
"You let me worry about Sangius. I should have known he
was too weak to commit to anything so important as what we are
undertaking," Lucifer concluded.
Serus entered the room with a tray of drinks. "Ah thank you,
Serus," said Lucifer. He and the others each took a small gold,
jewel-encrusted glass in their hands and held them up. "Here's to
golden days for us all," said Lucifer.
They drank the deep blue liquid that filled the cups.
"Serus, I want you to call the Council together as soon as pos-
sible," Lucifer ordered. "And tell Octrion that I have completed the

86           CHRONICLES of the Host: Exile             of Lucifer
Creation music and wish to take him up on his offer to help me. I
want him to begin preparing at once."
Serus nodded and backed out of the room. As he shut the door
behind him a burst of laughter spilled out of the room. He looked
around the luxurious surroundings which served as both his min-
istry to Lucifer and his home. He wondered what the golden days
would mean for him? Surely Lucifer had something special in mind
for his most devoted servant! When the time was right he was
going to ask Lucifer about it. As he walked down the corridor he
stopped abruptly. He had meant to tell Lucifer something else, but
didn't know if he should go back in the room after he had been dis-
missed. He decided he could wait until later to tell Lucifer that he
had seen Sangius and Michael speaking together.
----------------
Michael had mixed feelings as his friends began seating them-
selves around the table in his house. Crispin and Sangius had
arrived already and knew what this was all about. Gabriel, how-
ever, presented quite a dilemma. It was not that Gabriel was thick-
headed, but he was very cautious in his judgments concerning his
brothers. He always thought the best of any angel, giving them the
benefit of any doubt, and one had to be very diplomatic in dis-
cussing such delicate issues with him. He was already suspicious
that Michael had a grudge against Lucifer, so it was essential that
the information be delivered in a sensible, logical way, that it, as lit-
tle of Michael as possible.
Michael, Crispin and Sangius were already seated at the table
when Gabriel arrived. He couldn't believe his eyes when he saw his
old teacher at the table, and rushed forward to greet him. "Master
Crispin!" said Gabriel, picking up the scholar and hugging him.
"It's been so long! How are things at the Academy?"
"Put me down and I'll tell you," said Crispin. Gabriel apolo-
gized and gently set his teacher back on the floor, giving him anoth-
er hug in the process. Gabriel then saw Sangius, and though he was
rather surprised to see him at this meeting he greeted him warmly.
"Brother Sangius! Good to see you!"

"All I need is a show of strength--something impressive!"    87
"And you," said Sangius, clasping his arms. "You make a
remarkable archangel!"
"What about me?" said Michael in a feigned slight. They all
laughed and Michael invited everyone to be seated.
Michael's house was just off the Grand Square. He had built it
so that the front door faced the Great Temple. He always enjoyed
the Temple being the first thing he saw every time he left the house.
His largest windows also were on that side of the house and the
light from the Lord's presence often filled his home to such an
extent that he could hardly see. But Michael loved it. He bathed in
God's glorious light, worshiping Him with upraised hands and
drinking deeply of His presence. Today's meeting, however, was
vastly different from anything so joyous as worship. Everyone
looked at Michael as he began speaking.
"Let me first say thank you to Crispin and Sangius for com-
ing. You both know what will be discussed here today and will in
fact be doing most of the talking." He then turned to Gabriel, who
had a puzzled expression on his face. "Gabriel, this meeting is for
your benefit as much as anything. Or rather it is for me to tell you
some things which you might not find so believable without other
witnesses. I only ask that you hold all your questions until you've
heard everything we know up until now, and that you keep your
mind open to the possibilities about to be unveiled. With that, I
guess I'll turn this over to Crispin and Sangius."
Gabriel, perplexed as ever, turned first to one and then the
other as they decided who should speak first. Crispin began by
recounting the things that he and Michael had discussed in his
chambers the day the Creation was announced. He described the
tense situation at the Academy, and the dismissal of Pellecus
because of his radical teaching. He used Berenius as an illustration
of how some angels were beginning to question the truths of God;
he mentioned Pellecus, and his association with Lucifer both in the
Council of Worship and as a probable vehicle for Lucifer's own philo-
sophical agenda. "My feeling," said Crispin in conclusion, "is that
the angels who are showing up at the Academy with this tainted