THE FALL (Rapha Chronicles #1) (The Rapha Chronicles) (5 page)

Rapha and heaven’s allies were busy sustaining those who called on Adonai. From the sprawling cities came a steady trickle of refugees seeking escape and communion with their Maker. Among these remnants of human kind were others, a manipulated and mixed species of beast, human, and angelic blood. They were a motley crew but they had one thing in common: a deep desire for truth and love. There were even beasts of hideous visage that possessed this hunger for purity, as if holiness was an anomaly Lucifer could not predict or destroy. Finally, Rapha understood Adonai’s patient unwillingness to destroy the seeds of goodness along with the wicked.

But the bloodbath was inevitable. When the shining star of earth’s cities sank into the earth and was buried beneath floodwaters, a result of Lucifer’s massive lairs beneath it, Lucifer’s servants fanned the grief and outrage, aiming it toward those who professed belief in the One True God. “They have been tunneling beneath our cities like rats!” his servants proclaimed. “They weaken our foundations of unity and power!”

The faithful sought refuge as Lucifer’s forces gave relentless pursuit, scarring the land with their engines of war.

When wasting disease swept the land, another result of joining earthly and celestial flesh, it was yet another opportunity to blame the followers of Adonai.

“This is the judgment of their cruel God!” Lucifer’s hordes screamed. “His prophets gave warnings, now Adonai has brought His plagues upon us!” So the hatred for and slaughter of those who professed fealty to the One True God raged stronger than ever.

Finally, no pocket of purity could be found on earth. Soil, air, water and flesh were corrupt. The only good dwelt within the hearts of those who sought Adonai. As these faithful ones endured torture, starvation, and death of all they loved, Rapha and his celestials ushered most of them one by one out of their diseased flesh and into paradise.

It was a wonder creation could resist as long as it did.

When earth could take no more, the spontaneous collapse was mirrored in all life. Structure was swallowed in chaos, harmony gave way to strife, and life finally succumbed to death. The earth, sickened to its core, vomited ash and fumes into the sky. The sun’s light turned a sickening sepia, then gray, until, finally, choking darkness settled over the land.

Through this horror, Rapha and his allies strove to preserve the seeds of faithfulness. Lucifer too preserved a remnant of his kingdom. So, in vast, hidden realms, separate yet still sharing earth’s hospitality, seeds of righteousness and evil dug deep to survive.

Thus the earth’s surface lay fallow while the carnage of battle and catastrophe decayed. Again, what was of earth was reabsorbed. But the leavings of immortality remained, an indestructible poison to add to the stores of former celestial corruption. Down through rock and soil this distilled toxin seeped, transformed but still indestructible. These caches were hidden but not forgotten. The day would come when mankind would possess the will and means to draw forth this poison once more. But that day was far in earth’s future.

Chapter Four

Grace

When the hand of Adonai reached to stir away the smoke and fumes, a deafening celestial cheer shook the heavens while the earth roared and rumbled to greet her Maker. Pure power coursed through Rapha’s frame, renewing him as completely as the freshly formed mountain ranges and lush valleys that rejoiced to hear the Maker’s long awaited summons. The scent of warmed soil and life-sustaining flora rose to heaven, the sweet incense of Earth’s gratitude.

The land once again felt the hoofs and pads of life teeming across grass-covered slopes, the swirl of fins through sun-warmed streams, and the stir of feathers on the wind as the leaves of tall trees and the chatter of waters answered Adonai’s laughter. Earth was pulsing with the life’s blood of its creator.

The scent of new life intoxicated Rapha. Atop a fragrant hill he dug his hands into fresh, fertile soil, all the more rich for its years of disuse, and swore he could feel Earth’s heartbeat throbbing through his fingers, sharing with him an almost unbearable joy. It had been too long. He had not realized how much he missed the simple stability of Earth’s rhythm.

That was it! The ebb and flow was addictive to a tired soul that had experienced too much. Perhaps the enemy still plotted revenge for ancient grievances, but the birds, flowers, and padding wildlife were free of it. Evil had no hold on fresh, earthly thoughts.

With a rumbling laugh Rapha flung his arms wide and felt the updraft of warmth rising from the sun-teased mountain lake far below. If it weren’t a talent he already possessed, that was a day to teach a body how to fly! Vast expanses of vivid greens and blues with vibrant splashes of crimson, gold, and purple spread before him, a flawless canvas kissed with the Master’s bold perfection.

Feeling newborn himself, Rapha stooped to grasp a shining stone. He studied flashing depths as it fractured, bent and multiplied the sunlight into dozens of glimmering rays. The substance was rare, composed of carbon, compressed and crushed in grinding darkness. Even to Rapha it felt ancient. This gem had survived the wars and cataclysms of the planet’s past while those stresses had molded and purified it into a thing of beauty and strength. Soon enough it would be coveted for its beauty. But on this day, it too deserved the chance to fly. With a childish whoop Rapha flung it high, toward the sun’s light, where it seemed to hang a moment, flashing, then began its plummet to join the clear, shining depths of liquid emerald in the lake below.

As the gem fell to the water with a distant splash a familiar voice said, “Careful. You might harm a witty, bitty fish!”

In the fraction of an instant before Rapha turned to face his ancient foe, the virgin air around the mountain was stripped of its virtue. Iridescent light pierced the lingering morning mist even as a choking darkness of deception clutched Rapha’s mind. His spirit responded to the presence of all that is unholy while his eyes were dazzled by splendor. Fragrant vapors encircled Luc’s image and formed a majestic train. He stood, proud and beautiful, his perfect body and diadem-encircled brow proclaiming him the unrivalled Lord of Earth even as the true, depraved image in Rapha’s mind snarled, fangs dripping gore.

“Aw, Rapha. So serious! Not even a ‘My Lucifer, you’re looking well?’ But you’ve missed me, I can tell.” The image changed. The majestic glow faded until he was simply Luc, Rapha’s old friend with the impish gleam in his eye. This less elaborate illusion more effectively masked evil and Rapha struggled to recall the repellant specter as he felt his heart drawn to ancient, innocent days.

“Well, well. That was quite entertaining.
‘Let there be LIGHT
!
’”
Luc made childish thundering noises and broad gestures with his arms before collapsing in a fit of giggles onto the green turf. “And they say
I
have a flare for drama.”

The sight of Lucifer taking on the form of his once beloved friend laid wide the ancient wound but Rapha harbored no illusions of a tearful reconciliation. “To what do I owe this honor?”

“Do I detect sarcasm? I’m so
proud
of you!”

When Rapha gave no answer, Lucifer hopped to his feet.

“I merely want to convey my deepest gratitude to Adonai for my lovely new home,” he gestured with his arm as if the fresh beauty was for his pleasure alone.

When Rapha again remained silent, Lucifer frowned. “You could at least be polite….”

“I have not attempted to destroy you.”

All gentility was dropped as Lucifer’s eyes glittered with malice. “Attempted, indeed. You have no idea the power at my command. With a flick of my hand all could be laid waste once more.”

“Yes, your
gratitude
is overwhelming.”

“More sarcasm? Aw, how did such a pretty angel get so jaded?”

“Perhaps it is the shrieks that rise to Adonai’s ears from those you torture.” Rapha felt the fury those cries ignited when Adonai withheld permission to destroy Lucifer and his strongholds. “Perhaps it is the ongoing disbelief that one who had all heaven and earth laid at his feet could yet be dissatisfied….”

Lucifer cut him off with a hiss. “All heaven and earth laid at my feet in order to steal it away!” The intensity of his gaze sought to strip the thoughts from Rapha’s mind. “Do you think I cannot perceive Adonai’s schemes? Do you think I cower in fear of almighty retribution? While He has rested,
I
have grown strong. No more do I await Adonai’s pleasure. I
take
what is mine!”

“And promptly bring it to ruin.”

“And prove Adonai’s
impotence
!” Lucifer smiled as Rapha winced. “It goads you, doesn’t it old friend? You have strained at heaven’s leash desiring to save a few pitiful beasts. Ah! If only you had cared so deeply for our angelic brothers, I never would have had to resort to drastic measures….”

“Do not blame your depravity on me!”

“New talents arise when one is betrayed.”

Rapha studied the accusing eyes, realizing Lucifer actually believed his own lies. “
Adonai
was betrayed. He is constantly provoked and grieved, yet He remains pure.”

“Not caring that his inaction tortures
you
.”

With diabolical precision Lucifer had found the chink. Sensing vulnerability, he aimed to deepen the wound, his voice a razor-thin whisper.

“Is it really long-suffering holiness, or is the Almighty
afraid of failure
?”

Without a conscious thought Rapha’s anger flashed, slamming Lucifer through tall evergreens, leaving a wide, torn path in his wake. Even as rumbles and cracks of crashing trees continued, Lucifer’s laughter echoed back through that corridor of destruction, growing nearer as he glided back into sight, small forms floating into his outstretched arms. Soon Rapha could discern the mangled bodies of squirrels, birds and reptiles held close to Lucifer’s bosom. He strode to Rapha and dropped the still twitching carnage at his feet.

“Look who drew first blood. So promptl
y
you bring Adonai’s creation to ruin.”

Speechless, Rapha slipped to the ground, horrified by the result of his rage. He lifted each body, gently separating fur from feather and scale among the bloodied mass, hardly noticing when five large, evil-eyed angels settled around him. Normally he would have summoned his own contingent but the pain displayed before him was his fault. A deep, guilty part of him hoped to receive the pounding he deserved when he felt the force of their combined wills paralyze his body. He didn’t even resist when crushed forward into the blood of the maimed creatures.

Lucifer’s voice was in his ear. “Ooh, you’re in trouble now. Wait ‘til Daddy hears about this.” Reaching toward the mound of dead and dying, Lucifer plucked up a tiny, struggling rabbit. Too late, Rapha realized his intent and fought against invisible bonds as, with one sharp twist, Lucifer detached one of the rabbit’s legs, relishing its pain-filled shriek and Rapha’s mute struggle.

“This is a momentous occasion. A proud angel is taught humility.” Lucifer squatted beside Rapha and shoved the writhing bunny into his face. “Take note little beast. This is the first to shed innocent blood in Adonai’s new world.” With a gentle caress, he held the mangled creature close. Then, gazing into Rapha’s eyes, he squeezed tighter and tighter, his gaze never wavering through the cracking of tiny bones and terrified shrieks until, finally, the mound of fur ceased twitching.

Lucifer tossed the limp form into Rapha’s face, then brought forth the severed leg and pressed it against the angel’s mouth. “Here. Kiss it. Perhaps it will bring me luck.”

As Lucifer stood to leave, Rapha felt his body and tongue released but had no will to fight. With the blood still warm on his lips and proof of his foolishness displayed before him, he remained kneeling, his spirit as broken as the animals’ bodies.

“Remember this position,” Lucifer stated from above. “I know I will.”

With that, Rapha was once more alone atop the mountain. If not for the suffering before him, he might have crawled away in shame. Even with countless years of experiencing Adonai’s fathomless love, his faith in the face of such guilt failed. But he could not abandon the innocence he had helped to crush.

“Please, Adonai,” he whispered, “come and heal.”

At first, the only difference was a new scent. Instead of the metallic smell of blood, there was a fragrance of sweet, honey-filled blooms and a particular type of fruit that grew only before Adonai’s throne. All was borne on a breeze of such unreasonable love that Rapha felt he could slip into glorious delirium if he took one deep breath. As it was, he kept his breathing shallow. He was unworthy of such a gift.

Then someone touched his shoulder. Warmth flooded his being and the sweet scent took physical form in his mouth, becoming the purest nectar that flowed over his tongue. But the bitterness of guilt welled up to repel this glorious intruder.

“Please,”
a soft voice with the magnitude of a surging ocean spoke,
“to heal them,
you
must first be healed.”

The kindness of that voice was a wedge to the vault of his pain. A trickle of purity slipped inside exposing the venom that sought to infiltrate every fiber of his being. The deep shadows were no match for that piercing light. Yet still Rapha resisted. He did not deserve absolution, much less this absolute bliss offered freely to his tortured soul. Besides, there was a question to be answered.

With his head still bowed, Rapha asked, “I sense the presence of Adonai, but He cannot dwell with impurity. Who are you?”

Rather than words, Rapha heard the most unexpected sound. Laughter. With a warm updraft the soil sighed, a flock of graceful birds took flight, the branches of surrounding trees waved as if applauding and, deep underground, Rapha felt the murmur of earth’s bones straining closer. Even the whimpers of the suffering animals hushed. Surprised, Rapha looked up.

It was the man who had offered restoration to Lucifer so long ago before Adonai’s throne. In contrast to Lucifer’s glory, the man bore a rough garment and unremarkable features. However, Rapha sensed distilled power as if the sun’s radiation were compressed into an earthen vessel. Rapha’s sadness and guilt could not exist before those eyes that peered unhindered into the core of his being and pulsed with delight. The power was soft and malleable, like water, trickling into every hidden place but capable of breaking the proudest rock with its patient assault.

As a mother might tend a messy child, the stranger lifted the edge of his sleeve to Rapha’s mouth and wiped away the blood. Rapha blinked in amazement as the garment absorbed the stain, leaving only snowy whiteness in its wake.

His senses probed into fathomless confidence and unbreakable love. Questions pulled at his mind but they too bowed, swallowed in this One who embodied the meaning of all things.

The familiar stranger breathed across the animals. One by one every wound healed and the shy creatures crept forward to nuzzle, perch, scamper, and slither to their heart’s delight. Once again, creation was gifted with His laughter. This time Rapha, awed that his failure was transformed into this moment of joy, also laughed.

He stared in wonder at the humble, human profile that contained the sum of Adonai’s character, discovering delight in the paradox. Why couple earthly flesh with divinity? Then again, at his lowest moment, this One provided what Rapha needed; not the Almighty surrounded in blinding holiness, but this Holy One choosing to wrap Himself in vulnerability.

Ultimate power
choosing
humility? Yes, that would be inconceivable to Lucifer.

But, wasn’t this One destined to appear thousands of years in humanity’s future?

The Son of Man addressed the unspoken query.
“What I will do is already recorded in eternity. That moment is as the pinnacle of this mountain. Those on either side can look up, ponder, and climb toward its height.”

Even as Rapha grappled with this concept, he noticed something odd. The tiny, abused hare struggled on only three legs as it tried to climb into the lap of its healer.