“It was once part of the Jewish doctrine and was also a large portion of the teachings of the early Christian church,” Juan answered. “The Roman Emperor Constantine rejected the book during his reign and the contents of the book were lost to many Christians. The Ethiopian Empire consequently did not reject the book and it came to also be known as the Book of Division. The words within the book were given to Moses atop Mount Sinai.
“The narrative tells of angels created on the first day of existence and from those angels, a group was dispelled for disobedience and afterwards called Fallen Angels.”
“Similar to the story that Abuelo told us,” Diego commented.
“Aye,” Juan said and continued. “The Fallen Angels produced offspring with mortal females to create a people of giants known as the Nephilim. Among the Nephilim was Rephaim, whose name was Hebrew for giant. Most of the Nephilim perished in the Great Flood but Rephaim and one hundred of the Nephilim survived.”
“That’s quite a story,” Diego agreed. “But what does it have to do with killing Antonio?”
“I’m not sure yet. Why don’t you keep guard while I read?”
Diego agreed. It was late and the palace was dark; it was an easy opportunity for an ambush by those suspicious of Juan and Diego’s presence. Additionally, they were warned that attacks from the Imam often came at night and they should be prepared.
Juan read the document long after the sun had risen on a new day. And as he read, he learned of a new kingdom that would be realized on earth. The kingdom would be made of men who had begun a transformation back to the original nature of man: man before leaving the garden. Through this transformation, all pain and sin would disappear from the hearts of men and the earth. Mankind would live in peace for one thousand years and then all would die and live forever as immortals in the spirit world.
Juan looked up after reading of immortality. Could this be what the Nephilim seek, to live immortally in the spirit world? They would be as angels again…or gods.”
He looked up at Diego and explained what he had just read.
“Does it say how we kill Antonio?”
“Either I haven’t gotten there yet or I missed it.”
“Keep looking. We have until dusk.” Diego glanced out the window at the sun that slowly climbed towards its noon position.
Juan nodded and turned his attention back to the parchment. From his reading, he learned that Enoch was the first man initiated by the angels in the art of writing and therefore wrote down the history of the heavens and the stars and of the ages of mankind. Juan recalled from book of Hebrews that Enoch had not received death but had been transferred into the Kingdom of God. If Enoch has been given the secrets of creation and can somehow be accessed through the garden, the Nephilim can ascertain his secrets.
He kept reading and knew time was growing short. The sun passed across the sky and Diego began pacing nervously.
Finally, the sun drew towards the western horizon and they both knew it was time to depart. Diego took a deep breath and turned towards Juan. He opened his mouth to speak but as he did, Juan looked up.
“You have it?” Diego asked.
“Aye.”
Diego exhaled relief. “Then let’s go.”
Juan agreed. “Let’s go.”
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
Juan opened his eyes and saw open sky. The perfect blue firmament created a sense of peace with an ambience of birds in the background. I must be back in the garden.
But then, the birdsong grew louder. Only seconds had passed but the birds ceased to be in the background and became ubiquitous. They were screaming.
“Juan!”
Juan rolled to his side as a sword blade pierced the ground where he had lain. The peacefulness of the prior moment passed and Juan drew his sword in a fluid motion as he rose to his feet. The moment his blade was drawn, he was forced to parry.
Instinct took over. He saw lucidly and all his senses heightened. The cold fear of battle overtook him and then slowly melted with the heat of fury that had always allowed him fight perfunctorily during battle. The lust for death consumed him and all he could think of was spilling blood on the ground.
He looked at the warrior in front him. The warrior was very tall and resembled a Man of Nod but there was a slight difference. Juan could not explain the difference but could feel it and he knew he was looking at a Nephilim.
Juan slashed at the warrior’s exposed sword arm, hoping to wound the man enough to loosen his grip. As the blade neared, however, the man moved to his left and Juan only nicked the warrior’s bicep. But from that nick, the blood flowed and enticed Juan further.
They fought for what seemed like ages but was in reality merely seconds. Suddenly, the warrior slipped on a ground slickened by blood. Juan took advantage and as the warrior fell forward, Juan angled his sword so the warrior impaled himself. The warrior’s weight caused him to slide down the sword until his stomach reached the cross guard on Juan’s sword. Juan kicked the man backwards and his sword was pulled free.
Just as the blade released, the next warrior attacked. Juan could hear Diego behind him cursing the other warriors.
Eduardo appeared from the periphery and Juan could see a Man of Nod and he were surrounded by four Nephilim. They were fighting well but were outnumbered and luck and skill had almost run their course.
The Man of Nod raised his sword to thrust but as he did, one of the Nephilim came
