The Awakener (38 page)

Glancing
around, Eden saw Damon leaning against one of the walls, in the shadows.

Willow stepped in front of him and asked, “So
, are you going to tell me what’s wrong?”

Damon stared back at her. “No hiding things from
you, I guess.”

“Nope.”

His eyes dropped to his feet. “Nothing’s wrong. I’m just taking it all in.”

Willow’s lips opened, but Caitlyn said, “Look, there are moons now too.”

Distracted, Eden gazed up. The star motif now showed all phases of the moon from full to new. She sought out Trent. Surely, the stars and moons meant something. He was examining one of the pillars.

She squatted by him.
“What do you see?”

Andrew overheard and stepped closer
. Eden could feel him lean over her.

Trent glanced at Eden and then with a, “humph,” stood and strode towards Micah.

“Maybe it’s time we start telling the rest of the story, Micah,” he announced, grabbing everyone’s attention. Eden stood and nearly knocked Andrew backwards
.

“Sorry,” he muttered, backing up.
She stammered, “Its ok…” but he was already retreating, not looking her way. Sighing, she plodded over to Micah and Trent.

“Yeah, I think you’re right.
I think we’re far enough into the temple. We should be safe,” Micah agreed.

Oh great,
Eden thought, catching the eyes of the others.

“Let me rephrase that,” he said quickly, seeing the reaction
. “We shouldn’t be overheard now.”

She stared back at him thinking,
Who in the world could overhear us down here?
They were farther underground then she cared to think about. She didn’t want to start hyperventilating.

Micah cleared his throat. “Let me begin by telling you a little more about angels. Not all angels are guardians.
There are different hierarchies, or ranks, within angels, with different powers. In the highest ranking, or first hierarchy, of angels there are Seraphim, Cherubim and Thrones. These angels have specific jobs to do for the Captain and are granted power and knowledge to do it. Sage is Seraphim. They’re the closest angels to God. Eden’s guardian is Cherubim. He’s actually the leader of the Cherubim. He called down the angels with the flaming swords earlier to protect us.” Eden glanced around, wishing Gabriel were visible.

“Demons have an order too.
Astaroth was a Prince of Thrones. I don’t want to spend too much time there, other than to point out that the Devil isn’t that creative, and uses the same titles for his leaders, or princes. So that gives you a little understanding of the position Astaroth held. He was one of the more powerful demons. The other black demons you saw are what they call their pawns, minions, or just plain demons. They aren’t that lethal.” Micah paused, hearing the sounds of disagreement. “Unless there are a lot of them, like there were today. If there’s no end to their supply, even the most powerful of angels can fail. You all saw the hooded demons, right? Those were Astaroth’s Elite guard. Only princes of the first hierarchy have them. Anyways, enough on that, let’s get back to angels. So, we have the first level with Seraphim, Cherubim, and Thrones. Then there’s a second and third level; most of your guardians are angels from the third level. Some are ranked higher, like Sage and Gabriel.”

“What’s a
Throne?” Andrew asked. “You talked about Seraphim and Cherubim, but not Thrones.”

“To tell you the truth, Andrew, I’m not
one-hundred percent sure exactly who or what they are. In the Book of Enoch, he referred to them as the ‘many eyed-ones’. They’re portrayed as wheels conjoined, covered in eyes, in the Bible. Their primary purpose is to carry the Captain’s chariot. They see everything and they move the Captain’s plan forward. I’m not sure how exactly.”

“Wheels with eyes…
sorry I asked,” Andrew mumbled.

Micah chuckled.
“Well, it may be figurative. Cherubim are said to be part man, ox, lion, and eagle. Looking at Eden’s guardian, I can picture how his feet are like an ox, totally immovable, his body’s a lion, fierce in battle, and his eyes are eagles, missing nothing.”

“That’s really cool,” Willow said, rubbing her hands up and down her arms.
Eden wondered if she was cold or just got goose bumps.

“I want to tell you about another group of angels.
They’re angels from the second hierarchy. They’re the Watchers.” For some reason, now Eden’s body was covered in goose bumps too. “The Watchers are a group of angels given heavenly knowledge and power. During Enoch’s dad’s time, a group of these Watchers decided they wanted to be with mortal women. Angels are forbidden from having,” he hesitated, “human relationships with mortals, let’s just say. The Watchers knew they’d be cast out of heaven forever, if they did, but Semjaza convinced them to swear an oath to each other that they’d go down together and do whatever they wanted. So Semjaza, and two hundred other Watchers, made the pact, and came to earth, marrying mortal women and having children.

“Now this isn’t like in the books where an angel falls from heaven for a hot girl.
These angels knew they were banned from Heaven, and they wanted man to be miserable like they were. They used their power for evil. They taught mortals forbidden arts of enchantments and divination, sorcery and astrology, and one of the leaders, Azazel, taught them the art of war. He showed them how to forge weapons: swords, knives, breastplates, and shields.

“The angel’s offspring grew to be giants that consumed everything.
When the food and wildlife was gone, the giants began hunting down men, eating their flesh and drinking their blood.” Micah paused, peering at the group. “This is what Enoch was born into. When he was old enough, he went into hiding to stay safe, from not only the giants, but also the fallen Watchers. Enoch was lifted up to speak with holy angels a lot. As you can probably guess, people were praying pretty hard to be spared from the monsters. Well, another group of angels heard their cries. They’re known as the Holies. They’re angels from the first hierarchy. They’re basically next in command after the Captain. In this room, on these pillars, are the names of the seven Holies.” Micah turned to Trent. “Want to read them now?”

“Yeah
.” Trent pointed to the granite column in the point of the heptagon. “This one says Michael; he’s over the best part of mankind and over chaos.”

Chaos?
Eden didn’t have time to ask what that meant, for Trent was moving to the next pillar. “Raphael, over the spirits of men.” Trent moved swiftly to the next. “Raguel, who takes vengeance on the world of luminaries. Remiel, the holy angel who’s set over those who rise. Saraqael, over spirits who sin in the spirit.”

They were looping back around the room as Andrew muttered under his breath, “Are we supposed to remember any of this?”

Caitlyn shrugged. “Let’s hope there’s not a pop quiz when he’s done.”

Andrew laughed quietly as Trent continued, “Uriel, the holy angel who was set over the earth and Tartarus.”

“Tartarus?” Damon cut in.

“The lowest level of Hell.
The place prepared for the vilest and most evil of sinners,” Micah answered, peering at Damon. Eden was pretty sure Damon’s brow was permanently bent down by now.

I wonder if he’ll have a new wrinkle between his eyes when we leave this place,
she mused.

Trent interrupted her thoughts. “And finally, the last one’s Gabriel.”
She did a one-eighty, facing Trent.
Gabriel? My Gabriel?
“He’s over Paradise, the serpents, and the Cherubim,” he finished.

She felt a subtle
, warm breeze behind her and turned to see Gabriel’s blue gray eyes gazing back at her.

“You’re one of the Holies?” she gasped.

He nodded once.

“I had no idea
—all this time. Why didn’t you tell me? Oh wait, I mean, you don’t have to tell me anything if you don’t want to—”

“Eden,” Gabriel interrupted. “Calm down.
It wasn’t necessary for you to know about me, who I am. Personally, I would’ve told you from the beginning. It’s not that important.”

“Not important?
You’re one of the Holies! Your name’s on a pillar!”

Gabriel’s lips twitched.

“What?” she asked. “Why do you look like you’re about to laugh at me?”

“You’re right.
My name
is
on a pillar.” Gabriel’s tone was bemused.

Having his name on an ancient pillar’s probably the last thing Gabriel cares about
. With a suck in of air, she covered her mouth with her hand. Memories flooded in. All the times she called him weird nicknames, trying to nettle him into saying his name. The times she complained to him about schoolwork, or a thousand other stupid, little things, and all the nights she cried to him about Micah not liking her. Her cheeks burned with shame.

I even called him a cheater for not climbing through the tunnel with me!
She was mortified. She glanced at him, meeting his steady gaze.

“What’s wrong?” he asked, his faint accent sounding more pronounced for some reason.

She shook her head, aware her friends were gawking now, all except for
Willow, who only had eyes for Damon.

Gabriel stepped closer. “I’m sorry I laughed.”

Taken back by his apology, she sputtered, “No, it’s not that at all. I’m the one that’s sorry. I’ve treated you like my own personal diary for the past year. I’m so embarrassed.”

Gabriel’s shoulders relaxed. “Oh that.
Don’t worry, Eden. I wouldn’t have had it any other way.”

“Really?”

He grinned. “Guarding you has been some of my most enjoyable and
entertaining
years. You shouldn’t be ashamed of who you are.”

Her heart squeezed.
“Thank you.”

His smile reached his eyes.
It didn’t help her pathetic attempt to control her emotions; her eyes welled. Not wanting to make a scene, she took a deep breath.

Trent cut in, “Don’t want to interrupt anything here, but are we ready to move on?
I don’t know about you, but I’m dying to get to vault nine.”

Micah glanced at Eden and she nodded back at him.
“I’m good. Sorry.”

Damon went to work revealing the next hatch
. When Gabriel took a step forward, Eden grabbed his arm. “Do you have to leave again?”

He turned and gazed down at her.
“I’ll stay for the rest. Now catch up.”

Chamber eight had the same fossils in it, and Eden overheard Andrew tell Caitlyn he thought it was limestone.
There were eight granite pillars this time, and though they were embellished with carvings along the tops of stars, moons, and suns, there were no inscriptions for Trent to read. Again, there was an altar in the center of the room, and this time the ceiling was decorated with a large sun, as well as the moons and stars. The room was interesting, but she was anxious to get into vault nine.

Micah didn’t walk to either side of the room though, but leaned against the altar.
Soon everyone congregated, waiting for direction. “This is where my vision ends. I don’t know where the entrance is,” Micah announced.

“You saw the other openings in visions?” Willow asked.

“Yeah,” Micah said. “I saw everything, even what happened by the well, although some of that was a bit sketchy.”

More like terrifying
,
Eden thought as Trent grunted.

“Great,” Andrew muttered.

Micah glanced around. “I’m open to ideas.”

“Do you know the way?” Willow asked Damon.
His eyes clouded over, almost like he was trying to remember something. He shook his head. “But you knew the other ones, didn’t you?” Willow probed. He nodded slowly.

“Maybe there’s a hidden message somewhere,” Trent offered
. He began scouring the walls and pillars. Andrew joined in.

Gabriel shifted his weight, catching Eden’s eye.
“Do you know?” she asked.

Gabriel and Sage exchanged looks and he said, “This one’s for you to figure out.”

She wished she could think of a convincing argument, but knew better than to question two high-ranking angels. Damon’s lips began twitching.
He’s probably asking whatever will listen for help.

“But you’ve seen inside the ninth vault though, right?” Willow asked Micah, tapping her index finger against her lips.

“I’ve seen parts of it. I know we get into it. I’m just not sure how. Its sealed shut.” Micah still leaned against the altar, crossing his ankles.

“But all the vaults were sealed,” Damon stated.

“Yeah, but this one has a different kind of seal. It’s not meant to be found by just anyone.”

“You aren’t just anyone.
You’re the Seer,” Damon countered.

Willow peered at Damon, her face puzzled, and then she hopped on her toes.
“But
he
isn’t supposed to find the opening.
We are
.”

Micah smiled.
“Good, Willow. You’re using your gift. Trust your instincts.”

Willow missed the admiration on Damon’s face because she was already stepping away, but Eden caught it.
With head down, Willow slowly moved five or six feet and then stopped. She peered up at the ceiling, and Eden’s eyes followed. They were standing directly under the large, swirling sun motif.

Willow tapped her foot on the ground.
“The opening’s here.”

Damon dropped to one knee and touched the spot she’d indicated.
Eden wondered why he wasn’t already saying his ‘magic’ words.

After pushing the dirt around with his
finger, he said, “There are markings here.”

Trent bent down and Eden scooted closer to get a better look.
Symbols were engraved in the limestone, kind of like cursive writing.

“It’s Arabic for faith,” Trent
stated, peering at Caitlyn.

All eyes turned to Caitlyn.
“What? I don’t know how to open it,” she replied.

“But do you believe you can open it?” Willow asked, giving Caitlyn an encouraging smile.

Caitlyn’s hazel eyes shifted from Willow to Micah. “I don’t know.”

“Give her a minute,” Micah said, stepping away from the group.
Damon and Trent followed after.

“It’s ok, Caitlyn.
This is new to all of us,” Eden said.

“I don’t know what I’m supposed to do.
Do I just think ‘open up’?”

“Can’t hurt to try,” Eden laughed back.

Willow leaned over. “It’s ok if you have doubts, even with your gift of faith.
Listen to your gut, not your head.”

Caitlyn glanced at Andrew, who had remained next to her.
He bumped into her with his arm and shoulder. “You can do it, Yoda.”

Caitlyn sighed and closed her eyes.
Nothing happened at first, but then the ground moved under their feet, not violently, more like an elevator coming to a stop. The marking cracked in half as two stone tabs opened like shutters, revealing a square opening to below. A cool gust of air came out, smelling like a spice cabinet.

“Excellent, Caitlyn.” Micah squeezed her arm as he passed.
Then glancing over his shoulder, he called, “Gabriel, Damon, we’ll follow you in this time.”

Surprised, Eden watched Gabriel defer to Damon to lead out.

“Interesting,” Willow mumbled. Eden glanced at her and she grinned. “There’s so much to take in! It’s been like a feast, hasn’t it?”

Feast?
Not exactly the word I would’ve chosen
, Eden thought as she became aware of her grumbling stomach.
How long have we been down here?

She scurried after Gabriel, descending the white stairs.
The echo of pounding footsteps reverberated behind her. Entering the final vault, she gasped at the size of the massive room made completely of marble. Elaborate carvings and engravings covered the nine marble pillars spanning the room. She glanced up to see the ceiling was an actual mural, no longer just symbols of the sun, moon, and stars. It was an ancient fresco, depicting planets and galaxies.

She spun around, trying to take it all in, when she discovered a tall altar in the corner with another golden delta on top.
The triangle reached to the ceiling, its sharp point touching a yellow, swirling planet in the mural. Trent was standing in front of the altar, gazing up at the enormous delta. Micah and Damon were next to Trent, examining stacked stones on another altar. Noticing Caitlyn and Willow perusing the marble shelves lining the walls, Eden decided to join them.

“Look at this one.” Willow pointed to an emerald the size of a baseball.

“Wow.” Caitlyn leaned in. “Wonder how much its worth.”

The shelves were packed with artifacts ranging from pottery, vases, knives, beads, pieces of metal, gold, rare stones, and crystals.
Admiring the spread of jewels, it dawned on Eden they were sparkling. Not one piece in this collection was dusty. In fact, as she peered around the room, everything appeared clean.
How can that be?

Moving down the wall, the shelves no longer contained beads or gems, but were stuffed as high as the ceiling with rolled parchment.
Trent’s going to love this
, she thought, just as Trent’s face appeared next to her.

“Looks like papyrus.
And they thought the Dead Sea Scrolls were a find. Check this out!”

“The dead what?” she asked, glancing at him.

But Trent’s attention was redirected to Micah, who was approaching.

“Just one scroll.
Just a peek,” Trent begged, clasping his hands together as if praying.

“This isn’t what we came for.
We got what we need,” Micah replied, giving Trent’s shoulder a friendly slap.

“You did?” Eden asked as Trent grumbled.
She was shocked it’d happened so fast.

“Yeah, we did.”

She glanced at the two altars, where everyone else was gathered.
“Is it the big, gold triangle?”

“Well, sort of.
Come on, I have to finish telling the story,” Micah replied, taking her arm. Feeling his warm body, she realized how chilled her damp clothes had made her.

She peered at what everyone was gawking at.
On the alter sat stone tablets, rectangular in shape, perhaps an inch or two thick each, stacked to form three columns about two feet high. One stack was wrapped in a gold band.

Andrew’s blue
-green eyes spied her arm laced through Micah’s. When a frown tugged at his lips, she stepped apart from Micah, saying, “Why don’t you finish the story?”

Not missing a beat, Micah began, “Where did I leave off?
Oh yeah, the Holies. So, the Holies hear the cries of the mortals, as I said, and they go to God for a solution. God gives four of the seven Holies specific jobs to do. Uriel was to tell Noah about the flood coming and instruct him. I guess we can assume he was showing him how to build the ark.” He paused, raising an eyebrow at Gabriel.

Gabriel nodded and Micah continued, “Two of the Holies, Raphael and Michael
, were given the task of rounding up the Watchers and burying them in the earth. Azazel, the one who taught the art of war, was bound and thrown deep into the desert, where rocks covered him. Semjaza and all the others were thrown into the valleys of the earth. And Gabriel had to destroy the giants.”

“How’d you do it?” Andrew asked, staring at Gabriel with wide eyes.
Eden was pretty sure her mouth was hanging open.

“The flood,” Gabriel said simply.

“That makes sense,” Willow commented. “While the ark floated safely on top of the water, the giants drowned.” There were a few murmurs of agreement.

“So back to Enoch, before the Watchers were thrown into the dark pits, they
pleaded with Enoch to intervene for them. They called him the Scribe, since he could write. Since they were fallen angels, and not allowed in God’s presence, they wanted Enoch to write a petition, asking God for forgiveness. Enoch wrote it and had a vision of where God dwells. He describes it on this golden delta. Enoch used the deltas as a symbol of God, sort of like Moses and the burning bush.”

“What does it say?” Andrew
asked, pointing to the hieroglyphics etched into the gold.

Trent tapped his thumb against his lips as he read.
“Looks like Enoch’s words. It says, ‘I looked and saw therein a lofty throne: its appearance was as crystal, and the wheels thereof as the shining sun, and there was the vision of Cherubim. And from underneath the throne came streams of flaming fire so that I could not look thereon. And the Great Glory sat thereon, and His raiment shone more brightly than the sun and was whiter than any snow. None of the angels could enter and could behold His face by reason of the magnificence and glory and no flesh could behold Him. The flaming fire was round about Him.’”

Trent paused
. “Should I keep going?”

Micah glanced at Gabriel and Sage, who both nodded.

“Let’s see here. So, Enoch approaches God’s throne and basically falls on his face, trembling. Ok, here we are… ‘And the Lord called me with His own mouth and said to me, ‘Come hither, Enoch, and hear my word.’ And one of the Holy ones came to me and waked me, and he made me rise up and approach the door: and I bowed my face downwards … and I heard His voice: ‘Fear not, Enoch, thou righteous man and scribe of righteousness: approach hither and hear my voice. And go, say to the Watchers of heaven, who have sent thee to intercede for them: ‘You should intercede for men, and not men for you.’”

Trent stopped
. “You know, that’s a great line. Angels should plead for mortals, not mortals for angels.”

“So what happens next?” Willow asked.

Trent squinted at the delta. “There’s a name written here—”

“No!” Micah blurted
. “Not that!”

Trent stared back at Micah.

“Why? Whose name is it?” Andrew asked.

“It’s God’s true name, one of the many things buried in here to keep it hidden from the world.” Micah pointed at the delta.
“It’s written on this.”

“Trent knows it. What about him?” Andrew asked.

Micah peered at Trent. “Unfortunately, that’s going to be your burden to carry. You can’t help what you can see as Interpreter, even if it’s not meant to be seen.”

Trent threw his hands on his hips.

Micah soothed, “Just remember not to reveal it to anyone or say it out loud, and you won’t have to face something far worse than I did today.”