“Excellent.” Caius presses a series of keys on a keypad and the back wall of the chamber opens. The demonic wolf leaps out into the night in search of its prey. It will return by morning and he will claim whatever is left of the bodies.
Chapter 20
Algeria (Gate 2)
Ahaggar National Park
Orifiel scans the jagged, volcanic, craggy mountains for a sign of his brother. It is beautiful here if one considers the deserted surface of the moon, beautiful. This part of the desert is remote and uninhabited, except for the occasional nomad. Glancing across the landscape he can’t help but stare in wonder. The setting sun breaks through the clouds painting the tops of large sand dunes and mountains in the dancing light.
Zachariel should return to relieve him soon. The gates are guarded by three archangels at a time. One works the gate, while the other two rotate in and out. They relieve each other and work whatever assignments are given to them from those inside of the realms.
“Zach is always late.” With a flap of his angelic wings, Orifiel leaps into the air, soaring across the jagged tops before passing over the tallest mountain, called Mount Tahat. The Gate is located on the other side, in the valley, between the mountain ranges and inside of the woodland refuge. Most of the animals who endure the hot summers and freezing winters, do so by finding refuge here.
Lush, green, grass, cools the bottom of his bare feet and he sighs in the relief that the setting sun brings. Small animals take their chances and scurry through the tall grass away from the angel. Beautiful flowers with a creek running by provides hydration for a fennel fox that desperately needs it. She is quick to run away when the sound of his beating wings reaches her ears.
Zachariel beats his massive, silver, wings and laughs out loud at the look of irritation on his brother’s face when his long blonde hair blows in all directions.
“Could you be any louder, Zach? I think the Nomads on the other side of the mountain didn’t get your exact location.” Orifiel stomps off expecting him to follow. Just beyond the trees is the entrance to the cave they seek. It is more of an overhang, an outcropping of rocks used six thousand years ago by the nomadic people who wandered the country. They left behind stunning rock art which still exists. One such piece of art is of a cheetah chasing a gazelle.
“Orifiel, it is good to see you too, brother. You’re in a jovial mood as usual.” He follows him beneath the vegetation making sure to watch his step. Though younger in age, Zachariel once held the position of ferrying souls to be judged.
“You are late… again. What kept you this time?” He asks as he searches for the gate. Each gate is unique. This one is known to move, hiding behind the different scenes left on the rocky wall. It frustrates him every time.
“Nothing much. I went back to the realm and visited with the newly appointed Angels. They need to be mentored, much as you all have mentored me. Just paying it forward.” Zach frowns and looks where the gate used to be. “Let me see if I can find it… there! Beneath the people or are they gazelles?” He touches the rocky surface and the gate snaps into place, visible beneath his hand. “You just don’t have the touch,” he teases.
Deep rumbling of the ground beneath their feet wipes the smile from Zach’s face. Pressure builds from beneath the key to the gate in an ominous glow. The power surge explodes outwards, throwing the two angels backward out of the cave, sending them skidding across the grass and dirt outside.
Orifiel struggles to his feet and turns to look for Zach. He finds his friend holding his ringing ears and attempting to stand. Blood seeps from the corner of Zach’s mouth and he ignores it as he looks in horror at Orifiel.
“What was that?” Zach groans out. Orifiel rushes to his side and helps him to his feet.
“I don’t know.” He falls quiet and rubs the back of his neck.
“You must go, Orifiel. Open the gate and get help!” Zach pushes him backward towards the entrance and prays for direction while hoping the gate doesn’t attack them once more. He pulls his sword and it instantly flames to life. Orifiel doesn’t move and falls oddly quiet.
“I’m afraid little brother, it’s much too late for that.”
Zach turns to look at Orifiel and is stunned by a blow across the face. He slams into the mountain wall containing the gate and rocks tumble down about him, pelting his wings and torso. Caius steps from the shadows, flanked by two more Guardians of the Gates. Nakir and Gadriel smile as they move forward to join Orifiel.
“Brothers, I have been waiting for this day,” Orifiel says in welcome. They move in on Zachariel and Nakir stoops to pick up the now dormant sword. Its keen edge gleams in the light as Nakir swings it, testing the balance of the holy blade.
“Zachariel, I will offer you the same chance Balthial was given and I pray you take it,” Orifiel implores. Dual swords hiss and spit as they flame to life in his hands and he smiles wildly as his wings spread out to their fullest width. “The Vampire King has provided us our freedom with all the abilities of an Angel, save one.”
“No.” Zach pushes back against the wall. His wings are broken and his head is pounding. He touches the back of his neck and feels the blood seeping through his long blonde hair. Still, dizzy from the shocking blow he leans back against the rocky wall of the mountain. “Brothers?” His eyes show the
