Chapter 34

 

Alex noted that the same six Fallen angels she had met the night before were still the only demons at the table during the late breakfast. She knew they had watched Than clean her tears away, and so she used the emotion as her excuse not to talk to anyone. Thankfully, the time passed in conversations which swirled around her, but were not directed toward her.

After the meal, it was Asterron who addressed her and told Alex that they would like for her to come to a meeting in three hours’ time. He stated evenly that others of his kind were coming to join them, and she calmly agreed. She told the demon that she was a little more rested and that she felt up to being there.

Than asked Alex to follow him on their way out of the dining hall, and he led her first back up to their bedrooms. He told her he wanted to show her something outside, and asked her to don a coat and her gloves. Alex was already wearing her tall, well-worn boots, so she only needed to add the top layer he had suggested. She retrieved her scarf too, then followed him back downstairs.

They left the castle by a rear door, and then headed across a snow-covered back lawn. Even with the white covering, Alex could tell it was meticulously designed and maintained. She saw a large structure come into view when they left the lawn, and Alex immediately recognized it as Than’s stables.

She smiled despite it all, and felt the warmth within the structure as he led her inside. Alex began to slow her pace so she could meet each mare and stallion he had in the stalls. She counted almost forty, and she was impressed by the quality of care he was giving the animals. Sadly, Alex wondered if he had given the slaves spoken of in the scroll the same attention. She knew the answer, though, and she let the depressing thoughts go.

Alex turned her form to see that Than was opening the doors for two horses. Both were tall, chestnut stallions, and they came to his call when he summoned them forward. Alex walked to his side and ran her hand down the flank of one.

“These are Bavarian Warmbloods, aren’t they? And sixteen hands tall, by the look of them,” she said, gently lifting one of the horse’s hooves to inspect it.

“They are. I’m impressed that you recognize the breed,” he said, turning to watch her as she thoroughly went over the horse next to her.

“They are beautiful, how could I not?” she said and smiled.

“These two come from a very hard to acquire bloodline. They were expensive, but well worth the price. The one you’re standing closest to is Sebes, and this one is Erős.”

“Swift and powerful,” Alex stated, interpreting their two names from the Hungarian language Than was using. She had to look away from him when she thought of Arvan and Boaz back at Elysium, and that their names also meant swift.

“Yes,” he smiled, “that’s right. Could I interest you in a ride? I know it’s cold out, but the temperature does not usually deter me.”

“I could go for a short ride,” Alex agreed, hoping she had emphasized the word short enough.

“Very good,” he said and nodded.

Than began to prepare the two for the ride. Alex helped as blankets, saddles, and bridles were brought over for each. Once she had Sebes ready, Than moved alongside Alex’s form and checked her work over. Alex stepped back and let him make sure she had each piece of tack secure.

When he stood tall again, Than quietly gave her a smile and then offered to help her into the saddle. Alex used the wind to lift her, not wanting to feel his hands on her waist, and he arched an eyebrow at her rapid ascent. She only gave him a shrug in answer. Than laughed at the innocent look on her face before he could stop himself, and then he also lifted onto his mount.

He directed them out of the stables and Alex wound her scarf around her mouth to prepare her lungs for the intake of cold air. She wished she could do the same for the two stallions, but knew that such was not possible. Instead, she maneuvered Sebes alongside Than and Erős so she could feel like she was on equal footing with the dark immortal.

Than led them through the forest which surrounded his estate at a slow, sedate pace initially. Alex asked him to tell her of the property and if he now lived there alone or with others of his kind. He told her he was alone most days, but that occasionally others he could trust somewhat would come for visits from time to time. Alex then asked him if he had ever been married, thinking of the bedroom adjoining his, and he laughed loudly then turned his eyes toward hers.

“No, Alexandria. My kind doesn't usually do that.” Than smiled and chuckled still.

“I know,” she said softly, then looked straight ahead.

He noticed the sadness in her tone and he wondered over it. Than studied Alex’s profile in earnest while she was not looking at him, trying to figure out this enigma in his midst. She was nothing of the enemy he thought he would find in her, and it baffled him.

Than knew one thing, however, for certain – his brother Anot did not suffer fools lightly. Hell, he thought, Anot had barely tolerated him and they were half-brothers. And if he had talked with Alexandria, given her not only words to live by, but also a gift that she had mentioned, then there was more to this young immortal than met the eye.

Than wanted to unlock all her secrets, but with so many of the Fallen looking on, it was a difficult undertaking. For some reason he could not explain, he wanted to shelter her from them all – even his own father.

“Shall we go a bit faster? Is that something you’re comfortable with?” he asked, and she inclined her head.

He began to set the pace, and found Alex more than kept up with him. She directed Sebes to jump a downed tree, and the two glided over the obstacle with no discernible effort. Than admitted to himself that, though she was not Arianna, he could see why Gaius had moved so quickly to reclaim her heart. If she had been his, Than knew he would never have let another possess her either. That thought led to others, and he had to turn his eyes away from Alex for a few minutes to stop the direction his mind was leading him.

Than had to laugh at himself, for he was not accustomed to waiting or holding back when there was a woman he wanted. It was such a strange feeling to actually hold to his word and not take her into his arms in the way he truly wanted to, Than conceded. And though Asterron had told him to make sure it was Than’s bed she sought out initially, he had also told his son not to move too fast. Alexandria was a prize, his father had decreed, and not to be scared away just because Than lacked the patience needed to handle her.

Alex’s light laughter broke through his reverie as she and Sebes jumped another fallen tree. This one was much higher off the ground than the first, and Than’s eyebrows rose as he watched her spur Sebes on once his hooves touched the ground. The two were really flying now along the path in the forest, and Than had to move Erős forward rapidly to catch up to her.

When she neared the end of the path, Alex began to slow Sebes. Eventually, they stopped altogether and she turned to see Than just behind her, doing the same with Erős. She glanced down quickly at her fingers, trying not to see one who was not her husband enjoying the recreation with her. Just a few more hours, Alex told herself. Just a few.

“Are you alright, Alexandria?” Than asked, moving alongside her.

“I’m fine. Just taking a moment for myself,” she said and looked back up at him. “Riding sets me free, so thank you for suggesting we take the time to do this. My spirit needed it.” Alex’s eyes left his face and looked over the thick, snow-covered forest she found herself in. “It’s so quiet here, so peaceful. You’re blessed to have such a home,” she whispered, awed by the beauty around her.

“I guess you’re right,” Than confessed, watching her more than the familiar landscape around him.

“You don’t see it, do you?” Alex asked, turning her eyes back to his. “Look around you, Than. So much simple elegance to it all. So beautiful,” she said, reaching forward to stroke Sebes’ neck and mane.

“I suppose I have not really stopped to take it all in,” he said, only to see her arch an eyebrow at him.

“What? In over 1,600 years, you’ve not looked at your own home and land. Than,” Alex chuckled, as though she were bowled over by his words.

“Well, when you say it like that, it does sound a bit ludicrous doesn’t it?” he said in chagrin, as he began to laugh with her.

“Just a bit,” Alex admitted cheekily. “Shall we ride back now, or is there more you want to show me?”

“Let’s ride on for a while. If we leave this path, there is another about twenty-five meters over to the east. We can take that and loop back through the wood,” he offered, and she nodded her agreement.

 

They spent the next hour riding at a leisurely pace beside one another. Alex listened as he detailed various features of his estate, trying to give Than her full attention as he spoke. But her thoughts kept returning to Gaius, and she could feel her aura pushing against her as though it wanted to go in search of him. She spent a great deal of her concentration just reining her own power in, as they steadily worked their way back to the stables.

When they re-entered the structure, there was no one else there to aid them, and Alex offered to help cool down Sebes so Than could attend to Erős. He tried to refuse her, but Alex told him she preferred his company to all those within the castle, and Than immediately relented.

As she removed each piece of tack from the horse, Alex admitted to herself that her words had been true – she had no desire to be among the throng without her false protector. For she was afraid she might have to call on her true power to fend one off, and thereby give herself away as the Trojan horse she was. She wondered if, at the end of the day, Than would see her as the harbinger of truth or doom. She hoped the former, though she feared he would see her as the latter.

 

Alex went back to her bedroom after the time spent outdoors with the horses, to bathe and change for a most critical of meetings. She mentally pondered each and every possible angle the Fallen might try to employ with Ganymede while she showered. Both knew the Fallen had to talk her into willingly letting them in, and this conference would most likely serve as the negotiation where the fine details were worked out to make their hopes a reality.

Alex also talked with her angelic father about how she might safely show Than the memories needed to plant the seed for change in his mind, without hurting her or allowing Asterron in as well. There were very few options open to them, and Alex listened to the three most plausible choices.

She could bring the scrolls to the false library, where Asterron could also walk; bring them out further to Than’s mind, where still his father had access, or pull Than in to her protected true Library, and let the Light keep his father out for her. But in so doing, Alex would still tip her hand that she was more than she appeared to be.

There was no easy solution, and no choice for her to make without some risk.

Alex set about drying her form’s hair as she and Ganymede concluded their words to one another. With the promise that he was with her still, she left her bathroom and crossed the bedroom. This time, she raised her hand and knocked on Than’s door without hesitation.

He opened it quickly and beckoned her forward. Alex saw that he had also taken a shower, and that he was dressed for the meeting in designer trousers and a tailored button-up shirt. She walked across his room while he slipped his shoes on and waited by the door leading to the hallway. Alex feigned interest in a painting near her, so she would not have to make eye contact with Than while he finished dressing.

It was not long before he moved to her side and asked her if she was ready to sit with his father and Asterron’s brothers. Alex could only nod her head. Than sensed her trepidation, and he took her hand in his again as they left the bedroom.

Alex used the steps needed to reach the large gathering room the Fallen were congregating in, to center her resolve and spirit for what she was about to face. More than once she heard Ganymede whisper to her mind that he was still with her. Than paused just outside the room on the second floor and turned to face Alex’s form.

“Alexandria, listen to me. If their collective power is too much for you, all you have to do is tell them or me, and I will help you leave the room. It can be overwhelming, even for my kind, to stand in the presence of so many of them. So be honest, and let me know how you’re faring through this. We’ve never brought one born of the Light into such a gathering before, and no one knows how this will progress.”

“I’ll tell you if I need to leave,” Alex said, nodding at him that she was ready.

“Alright. Let us try this then,” he replied and knocked on the door.

Asterron opened the door and invited them in, smiling at the sight of Than’s hand wrapped firmly around Alex’s as they passed by. Alex paused just over the threshold, and felt momentarily as she had when she was pulled to Than’s home under the influence of the Fallen’s power. She began to breathe slowly as the oppressive energy wafted around her form, snaking away from their bodies in a lazy river toward hers.

“Do you need to step out?” Than asked softly, staring intently at her pale face.

“Just give me a moment, please,” Alex said thickly, as she truly struggled. Her hands were shaking now and she could feel sweat breaking out along her form’s upper lip. How she wanted to call on her Light and let it envelop her.

“Take all the time you need. There is no rush,” Than said reassuringly.

There were now nine Fallen before her, and again she inwardly cringed that it was not all ten. Semyaz and Kokba’el had now joined the original six. Abaddon still was nowhere to be seen, nor was one named Ipos, Alex noted. In Ipos’ place, however, was a new face. Ganymede told her his name was Yeqon and that he was Za’Un’s father. Alex was shocked to see this powerful new player in the game before her eyes.

“I need to sit down,” she said, fighting the nausea that their auras induced in her.

Than guided her to a chair near the door, in the event he had to lift her and take Alex out quickly. He sat to her right and continued to watch her intently, as she leaned forward and settled her head in her hands.

“Alexandria, do you need some of us to leave this discussion?” Gomory asked her, standing and coming a few steps closer to her form.

“No, I just have to get acclimated to you. Please, give me another minute,” she asked, feeling Ganymede working internally to help her overcome her moment of weakness.

“There is no hurry, child.” Gomory smiled and glided a step away.

“Here, Than, use this,” Ratri offered, as he stepped forward from the place he had been reclining toward the back of the room. He handed Than a damp cloth, and Alex looked up just as Than took it with an unveiled look of contempt for his fellow immortal. Ratri merely smiled and then winked down at Alex before he resumed his seat.

Though he might have begrudged Ratri thinking she might have need of the cloth before he did, Than at least kept it and settled it on Alex’s forehead. She whispered her thanks to them both and then lifted her form’s hand to hold the cloth for herself. Than’s hand fell away, but he remained close as she closed her eyes and tried to draw in the scents of Ganymede among such foul beings.

When finally the smell of the ocean was within her nostrils and filling her mind, Alex sat back in her chair and looked around. She was regaining her equilibrium and she nodded that she was achieving some balance.

“Okay, let’s proceed. I’m better now,” Alex said, though her voice did not sound as strong as she wished it did.

“Well, I know that was a bit rough at first, but she recovered faster than I thought she might,” Berith said, as if in praise.

Alex schooled her face well, commanding her form to show nothing of her emotions. She thought back to the mask she wore when she was a child, and the visions and memories of old would come calling in a public place. She gave her aura that image and that direction, and it complied.

“Yes, I think she did well, too,” Morax said, inclining his head slowly. “And the more she practices standing in our presence, the better she will do.”

“Before we think in those terms, I propose we tell Alexandria why we have been reaching out to her so much of late. Why our sons and daughters have been trying to lead her to us, and why we want her to stay. She’s given us no promise to remain, so perhaps we should give her a reason why she should consider us a viable alternative to what she has been shown by our counterparts,” Asterron said, walking to the head of the loose oval all the chairs within the room sat in.

“I think that is a sound plan,” Berith agreed and turned in his seat to meet Alex’s gaze. “Dear child, we know your life has been anything but pleasant from the moment Bertrand found you and nearly killed you. You have been stalked relentlessly by two of our misguided former brothers, and in their quest to end you, they called hundreds of our kind’s children to their sides. Hundreds,” he spat.

Alex was not fooled for a moment. She knew Berith cared not for any losses in this battle, for he had gladly thrown Keres, his own daughter, in Alex’s path to be ended. She gave him no words, only nodded for him to continue.

“But we, Alexandria, are not Rangor nor Orus,” Gomory stated evenly. “No, we have no desire to end you. We want you to live, very much so. We want you calm and at peace, and we want you to be with your family. Your human family whom you love, and who you no longer get to see very often. It is our hope that, through a partnership, we can provide you with the security you’ve been lacking.”

“A partnership,” Alex said softly, letting her eyes roam over the powerful, malevolent ancients in the room with her. “Partners give and take equally. They share everything, and they never place themselves or their own needs above the other. Is that what you want with me?” All she could see in the moment was Gaius’ beautiful countenance, and she held to his visage as her true lifeline.

“Something very much like that, dear child,” Nisroc’s father, Gader’el, said with a sly smile.

“You see, we know you house all that was given to Arianna within you now,” Asterron said and took over the floor once more. “And in all that they gifted you with, our former brothers have placed more than any human should be asked to shoulder in your mind, body, and soul. It is like a storm, isn’t it, Alexandria?”

“Yes, my power can resemble a storm at times,” she said truthfully.

“And we want to help quiet that storm,” Asterron said gently.

“With the training you spoke of yesterday at dinner?” Alex asked.

“Indeed,” Berith said succinctly. “You need years of dedicated and deliberate training, Alexandria. You cannot keep going about just hoping that it will get better. No, much more needs to be done to hone your talents and gifts.”

“So, I will get years of tutelage under your supervision and time with my family. And in return, what do you want?” she asked, then added, “Or is there more that you are promising me?”

Many of the Fallen around the room laughed softly at her words and looked to one another before they refocused on Alex. As if she were a small rabbit, which a pack of wolves might encircle.

“I like this girl,” Azazel chuckled. “Bold, to the point, not afraid to say what is on her mind. A modern woman, most assuredly.”

“Leave her be, Azazel,” Morax chided, though he also laughed still.

“Alexandria, there is much more we can offer you. The material goods to which you are accustomed, would most certainly continue if you align yourself with us. We know you come from a wealthy, human family. And with us, there is nothing you could not have. No home, vehicle, piece of jewelry, whatever it is that speaks to you, will be unattainable,” Gomory said with a smile.

“Your every need, every desire will be taken care of. So you can rest assured you won’t have to slave your days away trying to eke out an existence as you have been. Those days will be over with us,” Azazel vowed.

“And if ever there comes a time when those of your kind try to force you back into their lives and make you fit into the mold Arianna left behind, you will have our protection. We and all of the children of our kind can form an impenetrable wall that you may always shelter behind. They will never take you from us, especially if you can help us see when and if they will be coming for you,” Berith said, watching Alex’s from closely as he uttered his final words.

At last, Alex thought to herself. Now she was about to hear what they wanted in return, so she continued to wear her mask as she stared at Berith.

“You want the future,” Alex stated evenly, showing no emotion or inflection in her tone.

“The past, present, and future, Alexandria,” Asterron said quietly. “As well as the power you wield, freely at our disposal, when it is needed to hold back the tide.”

Alex commanded her form to rise then, and it did. She began to slowly pace and Ganymede reminded her to stay calm and not agree to anything just yet. She nodded, but to the Fallen, Ratri, and Than, it looked as though she was having a conversation with herself.

“You offer me much,” Alex whispered, then stopped her movements and turned to face Asterron. They were so close she could almost touch him. “So much, and you do not ask for as much in return. But then again, you do.” Alex sighed heavily through her copy and she pushed her hair back from her forehead.

“I don’t believe in drawing important decisions and matters out for long periods of time. So, I will give you this for now. Let me go away from you all for a few hours, and ponder what you offer and what you have said. Let me think it all through and then, before we have dinner, I will give you my final answer. Would that be satisfactory to one and all?” Alex asked, looking first to Asterron and then to the others.

“You only want a few hours to decide what you will do with forever?” Gomory asked, a smirk lifting the corner of his lips.

“I have had two years to hear and see what those of my kind offer. Than has been a gracious host, Ratri went out of his way to save my life, and you have all been very forthcoming and succinct with me this afternoon. I have the two choices firmly seated in my mind now, and I can make a decision, yes,” Alex said confidently, staring at the demon without blinking as she gave him her final words.

“Unless you doubt me,” Alex added. “But then again, partners are supposed to trust one another without question.”

“Alexandria,” Ganymede called to her privately, and interrupted her thoughts, “be careful, daughter. Do not taunt them at all.”

Than and Ratri both began to laugh under their breath, and soon the Fallen were echoing their delight in her words. Alex looked up at Asterron, to find him studying her intently. She met his gaze and the two slowly smiled at one another. Alex knew he was feeling a step ahead of the others, because she had already promised his son images from the past.

“I like your directness too, Alexandria,” Asterron said and inclined his head in her direction. “Shall we meet back in this room when you are ready?”

“Yes, that is alright. Thank you, for taking the time to finally explain your intentions and plan to me. It helps make the road ahead easier to navigate, now that I know both sides of the choice laid before me.”

“You are very welcome, child,” he said, smiling slightly still.

“If any others of your kind want to work with me, please invite them to our next meeting. I will give my answer to you all, face to face. Until later, then,” Alex said solemnly. She turned around and silently left the room.

 

Alex did not look back, just left them all behind and walked directly upstairs to the bedroom she had been assigned. Within minutes, she had the fire rebuilt. Alex brought the blanket from the end of the bed and a pillow from a nearby settee over to the rug nearest the flames. She made herself an impromptu place to rest, and then silently stretched out.

“Ganymede,” Alex called to him, and he answered her immediately. “I followed your plan, but I feel such a sense of dread. Did I go too far with my words?” she mentally asked, hoping she had not ruined the entire effort with her one retort.

“No, I think your words did not offset their talks to the point of driving any of them away. They still seem quite hungry for all that you house, and that greed will bring them back for a second meeting.” Ganymede paused momentarily, and Alex sensed gravity in his tone and aura as they touched her mind.

“Alexandria, listen to me closely,” Ganymede privately beseeched her. “When you walk into the den in a few hours, my brothers and I will move in on the Fallen with no delay nor hesitation. At that moment in time, you must let your form fall away from all this. It has been decided that we will end however many present themselves, for the Lord has assured us in those moments the future will be opened to His angels. If others are coming for you, or are in this game, His Host will know and the guesswork will be removed.”

“Do you think He had the future obscured so I would have time to reach out to Than?” Alex asked.

Ganymede chuckled, and Alex felt a smile grace her form’s lips. “Alexandria, I do not second guess or wonder over the Lord’s motivations or reasons for His decisions. That is what faith is about, daughter. I have absolute faith and trust in my creator, and I follow His path in all things and in all ways.”

“As do I,” Alex mentally whispered.

“You have a few hours before you will talk with Than or the Fallen again. Do you want to let your mind rest while I keep the guard?” he offered.

Alex immediately agreed and she closed her form’s eyes. She drifted then, trying to ready her spirit and mind for a few of the most challenging hours she had yet to live through. Ganymede continued to watch from her mental courtyard while he also conferred with his Heavenly brothers.

The angels were preparing themselves for an encounter that rarely, if ever, came to pass. It would be a reckoning for their former brothers, and a heart-wrenching battle for those still loyal and in service to the Great I Am. For to take the life of one’s own brother, was not an easy undertaking. Even if the brother had gone so, so far astray.