“The tree of life represents our family, Varena. The family we are in Christ. The branches reach toward heaven because it is where we all long to be. If we keep our faith rooted in the truth of God’s love, it is where we will be united once more. I made the baby’s bracelet out of woven chord. I had help crushing the bloodstone, and it is imbedded into the very fabric of the chord. Alexandria’s tree of life is made out of wax for safety reasons. I hope they serve you well.” Tears flowing, Varena doesn’t know what to say. “I am speechless, Elsbeth. They are priceless, thank you.”
As they all watch Ruby hands the baby to her mother as Varena places her bracelet on her. Turning to look at Elina, Beth says “I saved the best for last.”
“Beth, you didn’t have to make me anything.”
“That is why it is called a gift, Elina” she says handing her a small silver box with a purple bow. “I hope you like it.”
Removing the lid, Elina gasps. Resting on a bed of black velvet is a beautiful silver dragon pendant. The dragon is wrapped around a ruby red blood stone protecting its treasure. Looking up, Elina says “Beth, it’s spectacular!” She hooks the silver chain around her neck; she lets the pendant drop and finds it rest over her heart.
“I am glad you like it, but I have one more gift. I need everyone to stand in a circle and hold hands, including baby Alexandria.” Elsbeth bows her head and begins.
“Father, you have blessed us with many gifts. As your children, we know our task is to realize them.”
At the sound of Elsbeth’s voice a pulse of energy leaps down her arms and into the hands of those holding hers. Warmth floods into each person, lighting each blood stone filling the room with a glow. Startled gasps run through the group. Smiling, Elsbeth continues,
“Help us never to underestimate our potential. Help us never to lose hope. God grant us the strength to strive for better, the courage to continue on and the energy to give all we have to offer” united they all say, “Amen.”
Twenty_Seven
Hell is never silent; the moans, screams, and pleas echo throughout the underworld singing its morbid lullaby. Weakened from the battle, Samiel hurries to his chambers, calling out for the Fallen to assist him. Thinking of the fresh blood of the human slaves, he smiles as he shifts back to his true form. All senses go on alert when he steps into his silent chamber.
Ready for anything, he slowly scans the underworld and finds a large group in the throne room. With a thought he finds himself entering the room. A hush runs across the crowd as he pushes his way to his throne.
Seated on the large, black rock throne, Raphaim lifts his hands with a smile. "We have been waiting for you, Father."
"Seize the betrayer!” He orders his guards pointing at Raphaim. No one moves. They stare at him "What is the meaning of this!" He asks turning to survey the room.
"Don't blame them, Father. They are only obeying their orders" Raphaim explains. Snarling at his son, he lunges for him in rage, a white hot burning sensation electrifies his back just before the darkness claims him.
Waking in the darkness, Samiel feels the cold, damp stone beneath him. Confusion gives way to fury when he realizes his arms and legs are shackled to the floor.
"Am I to be chained like an animal then?" he asks struggling to break free. A low murmuring sound fills the dark and he wonders at its meaning. The noise grows louder as he realizes it is voices all talking.
"Raphaim!" he rages "I know you can hear me. Set me free!”
An ember spark lights the night, flowing around him illuminating the prison wall.
"Really, father, there's no need to scream." Stepping through the glass wall Raphaim smiles and lifts his hand gesturing as he asks, "Don't you recognize this room? I had a few modifications made just for you."
Raphaim stays just out of reach as he walks close. With a smirk he says “The chains are infused with Holy Light,” laughing out loud at the look on the Mockers face. Bending over to look his enemy in the eyes the smile fades and his eyes fill with hate.
“You are bound for all eternity by the very thing you can no longer possess. Ironic, isn’t it?”
“How is this possible?” he demands.
Raphaim laughs as Nameed lands in front of the Mocker.
Nameed looks in disgust at the fallen before him; he turns to Raphaim with a grim smile. “The chains will hold. I infused them before I made my choice,” Nameed says. “The humans are on the move. Hunter took Varena and the baby with him.”
Raphaim looks pleased “Follow them, and keep me informed. When I have the final parts you will be free to do what you will with your female.”
Nameed flies away to do as commanded.
“You give them too much freedom.” The Mocker says laughing from the floor. “You will regret this day. Release me before it is too late!!!” he rages.
Raphaim looks at his father in triumph saying, “I figured it all out. You see humans as inferior. I see them as unique. They are simply tools to be used as I see fit. They are driven by one thing, the need for companionship. It drives their every thought. From the moment they are born, they need. The need is so great that without the physical and emotional contact from other human beings they wither up like a flower without sun."
"You are an almighty angel" he sneers. "You were created to guide, comfort and protect humanity with no will of your own. Angels are superior to humans in power and intelligence,
