me to question whose authority they are under."
"Speaking as an Elder I must admit that recent events have
become intolerable and I shall take them up with the Council to be
sure," Kara responded. "Perhaps we should discuss this with an
even higher authority..."
Michael and Gabriel exchanged discreet glances. Gabriel read
in Michael a cautionary expression.
"After all," Kara continued, "the Most High did create certain
chains of authority and resource for us to access. Perhaps we
should make this a Temple matter now. But of course..." He looked
at Gabriel as if recalling something. "Gabriel! You were recently at
the Temple and without summons. Was it possibly in connection
with any of this?"
"What are you suggesting, Kara?" asked Gabriel, wondering
what Kara might or might not know about his recent visit to the Zoa.
"I simply am suggesting that you were seen at the Temple on
your own authority," answered Kara, "and if it was in connection
with our little dilemma then I must congratulate your wisdom and
your discretion--even if you did supercede official decorum by
skirting established authority."
Gabriel wasn't sure how to answer Kara. "As a matter of fact
I did visit the Temple, Kara, but the business is of such an urgent
nature that I am not at liberty to discuss it except with the appro-
priate parties."
"I see," said Kara, trying to contain the offense welling up
inside of him. "Ah, Kingdom business. One never knows where it
will take an angel, hmm? I suppose then that in visiting the Temple
you spoke with the Zoa?"
"Was it really from this position all of Heaven was to quake?" 191
"Yes, Kara," said Gabriel, "as you know it is one of my func-
tions periodically as Messenger to have an audience with them."
"Quite," said Kara, perturbed at Gabriel's pointed discretion.
"Nevertheless, as you went unannounced and uninvited my pre-
sumption is that this was our business rather than theirs. And if
ours, then perhaps it would not break your trust to share what was
discussed. I am after all an Elder of the Kingdom, second in rank in
Council."
"I respect that of course," said Gabriel, "but..."
"Kara, we cannot expect Gabriel to violate this confidence,"
said Michael in a subdued manner. He did not want Gabriel to
reveal any intelligence to Kara until they had determined Kara's
allegiance. He also determined not to allow Kara to know that he
was aware of Kara's alleged alliance with Lucifer. "I was wanting
him to tell me as well but realized that this too was as inappropri-
ate request."
"Hmm. I admire your integrity, Gabriel. It speaks well of
you," Kara finally responded. "As long as you realize that some-
times it is in the best interest of the Kingdom to know where dis-
cretion ends and wisdom begins."
"Thank you, Kara," said Gabriel. "I will remember that."
Kara looked at the two angels, knowing he was finished here.
"Well, I must be off to Council. Please make me aware of any
developments. I'm sure we will take up the behavior of the Host at
the debate. Should prove interesting. Farewell!"
Michael and Gabriel watched as Kara's wings suddenly burst
forth and he took flight. They watched him disappear toward the
center of the City.
"How did he know you were at the Temple?" Michael asked.
"There are no secrets in Heaven these days, it seems," Gabriel
responded. "I'm not sure who to trust now. But why would Kara be
keeping watch on us? Isn't he with us in this matter?" He looked at
Michael. "Or is he?"
"Let's go to a more private place," said Michael, looking
around. "As you said, there are many eyes around Heaven these
192 CHRONICLES of the Host: Exile of Lucifer
days. And there is much to tell about my visit with Serus. He
proved quite revealing."
"Yes," said Gabriel. "So did the Zoa."
----------------
"Well that disaster could only have been encouraging to
Lucifer," Crispin said with disappointment as the group was dis-
cussing the debate. "Not that I did poorly. I believe I rendered a fair
and accurate presentation of the viewpoint of the Academy--but
the outcome was an embarrassment."
Michael, Gabriel and Sangius looked with sympathy at their
teacher as he sat behind his large table in his office deep within the
heart of the Academy of the Host. They had gathered to discuss the
visits with Serus and the Zoa, as well as the outbreak of conflict at
the Academy between the two emerging factions.
"You're right about it encouraging Lucifer," said Sangius.
"But he must be equally disturbed by the fact that Michael so easi-
ly stopped the brawl."
"Perhaps," agreed Michael. "But that was a complete surprise.
If it ever comes to a real contest he will be ready. Still, I was gratified."
"Yes, and I'm sure he is preparing for it even now," agreed
Crispin. "But as to a future contest, I believe that we will know very
soon the outcome of this entire episode--what with the Day Six
upon us."
"Day Six. How many more days until the Most High con-
cludes this Creation?" asked Sangius. "Surely He must be nearing
the end!"
"Never underestimate our Lord's ability to create," said
Crispin. "If He so desired I suppose He could create indefinitely.
However, I believe you are essentially correct. The order of Cre-
ation has progressed to a point of complexity wherein the final and
crowning achievement must soon occur." He leaned back dreamily.
"Day Six is proving itself most interesting. The Lord has designed
the most wonderful beasts and other animals to inhabit the land."
Crispin looked at Gabriel. "Only one creature remains--the great-
est of all. The Zoa referred to it as man?"
"Was it really from this position all of Heaven was to quake?" 193
"Yes," agreed Gabriel, looking at the others. "According to the
Zoa, the Most High has determined that man will have dominion
over the entire world--and without the assistance of or need for
angelic involvement."
"No angels involved in the stewardship?" said Sangius,
unable to contain his amusement. "What a very different world
Lucifer is envisioning! How disappointing."
"Really makes all of this a moot point, does it not?" posed
Michael. "Perhaps once Lucifer sees there never was an angel to be
named he will realize that he has behaved foolishly and bring
Heaven back into order."
"A reasonable observation," admitted Crispin, "were we deal-
ing with a reasonable creature. But Lucifer? I know that you will
call my judgment prejudiced but I cannot foresee him and Pellecus
and that swaggering Rugio coming to terms so easily."
"Nor I," agreed Gabriel, "and the Zoa intimated as much.
However, the Lord will prevail whatever the development. On that
they were quite deliberate."
"Should it come to that," said Michael, "I will of course fight.
But my hope is that
Lucifer will see the foolishness in this and end
it before it is too late."
"Angel against angel in Heaven," mused Sangius. "May it
never be!"
"I'm afraid that it already is," said Crispin.
The conversation shifted focus as Michael related his discus-
sion with Serus, Lucifer's chief steward. From time to time
throughout the report, Sangius shook his head in disbelief. When
Michael was finished recounting the meeting Sangius spoke up.
"So Serus has had a change of heart?" he asked incredulously.
"I must tell you, Michael, that as much credence as I hold for an
angel being able to change, I am truly at a loss here. Serus seems the
most unlikely angel in Heaven to turn from Lucifer--with the
exception of Lucifer himself perhaps." He laughed.
"All I can tell you, brothers, is that Serus seemed sincere,"
repeated Michael. He looked at Sangius. "Perhaps you're right. He
was never able to make the final break with Lucifer. I'm not sure he
194 CHRONICLES of the Host: Exile of Lucifer
ever will. Lucifer has a hold over him that defies his ability to leave
him--even should he so desire. Fantastic!"
"Not so fantastic," interjected Crispin. "Think of Lucifer's
ministry here. His ability to lead us into rapturous praise in which
we are completely intoxicated indicates his ability to capture an
audience." He looked up from his desk at the others. "Such aston-
ishing power for one angel to exert over another!"
"I can only imagine the influence he could exert over earth,"
said Sangius, almost muttering to himself. Crispin, Michael and
Gabriel looked at each other grimly as they thought of so powerful
a being ruling the new world.
"Don't give Lucifer too much credit," warned Crispin. "True,
he exerts a certain appeal and influence over others--but it is only
that--an influence! Angel or man--if one succumbs to Lucifer it is
by one's own choice."
"Man?" wondered Sangius. "You propose that man will have
such freedom?"
"If, according to the Zoa, man is to rule in the Lord's authori-
ty on earth," Crispin responded, "it follows that he will be an
exceptional creature and completely unlike the beasts now being
created. So I say again, angel or man--one who succumbs to
Lucifer does so on his own volition."
"What is it then to which Lucifer has succumbed?" asked
Sangius.
"Lucifer has succumbed to Lucifer," observed Crispin. "And
that is the reason I see little hope for an easy end to this matter.
Apparently the others have succumbed to him as well: Pellecus,
Rugio, Berenius..."
"Kara was certainly bent upon learning what the Zoa had to
say," remarked Gabriel, still disturbed by the awkward intrusion in
the garden. "I know he and Lucifer have always had a strong
friendship but..."
"A friendship of convenience I would say," said Sangius.
"Come now, Sangius," protested Gabriel. "Surely an Elder
like Kara would not allow the ambitions of an angel to compromise
his position? Would he?"
"Was it really from this position all of Heaven was to quake?" 195
"You don't know these angels, Gabriel," replied Sangius.
"They are driven. Something possesses them to push on and on--
closer and closer to the edge of complete madness." Sangius looked
sympathetically at Gabriel who always wanted to believe the best
about any angel. "Dear Gabriel, I wouldn't talk carelessly about
these matters. I want to believe otherwise but I cannot. I have seen
him for who he really is. If anyone could corrupt an Elder--even an
impeccable angel like Kara--it is Lucifer."
Gabriel did not like the direction the conversation was going.
He wanted desperately to believe that Lucifer had not compro-
mised the Elders. Could one angel hold such sway among the
Host? The Lord forbid it!
For the next few moments Michael and Crispin began outlin-
ing the reasons they felt that Kara could not be trusted further--or
at least must be approached with extreme caution. Gabriel listened
to the arguments made by both. He could tell they were trying to
soften the blow in deference to his own misgivings about it all, but
nevertheless they made their cases.
"It was Kara who led the delegation from the Council to
Lucifer's house when they told him of their decision to name him
steward," Michael said.
"And it was he who spoke to me of Lucifer, making excuses
for his erratic behavior," added Crispin.
"Naturally Lucifer acted completely surprised the day the
Council came to his house, but Kara was in shock to see me there
as well," Michael continued. "That was when Serus began signal-
ing me that he wanted to speak." The archangel began detailing his
conversation with Serus as to Kara's alliance of convenience with
Lucifer. He then summed it up: "If Serus is correct, then Kara is at
the very least motivated to further Lucifer's ambitions in order to
strengthen himself."
"Yes," remarked Crispin. "And you say he came to you imme-
diately after the debate to discover what was said to the Zoa--on
"We are now accusing an Elder of something very dark," said
Gabriel, quite disturbed. "Lucifer is one thing--he has always
196 CHRONICLES of the Host: Exile of Lucifer
seemed prone to such possibilities; always an independent spirit. I
am willing to believe that he is capable of these things. Pellecus we
know has been poisoned by this perverse doctrine and seems bent
on wreaking havoc in the Academy. Rugio is a bitter warrior who
never received the rank and promotion he sought and is now seek-
ing it elsewhere. These I can accept. But Kara? One who sits with
the other Elders in attendance to the Most High God? I realize the
evidence points to the possibility. But if this is true then who in the
Kingdom is above suspicion?" He looked the group over.
"I would say no angel is above suspicion," said Crispin,
standing up. "If Lucifer, who is called the Anointed Cherub; who
walks in the paths of holy fire; who has access to the holy places;
who leads the Host in praises to the Most High...if such a one can
turn away from the true Light, then I would say any angel might
turn to darkness."
----------------
Lucifer enjoyed his excursions to earth. Now that Creation
appeared to be nearing an end, he was anxious as ever to get on
with the task of stewarding the new world. He glanced up and
could see the Heavenly Kingdom looming in celestial splendor,
wondering when at last his freedom would come. Two strange
looking beasts wandered by Lucifer, casually looking up at him as
they passed. Lucifer watched as they disappeared into the woods.
He marveled at the Lord's creative ability.
"There you are, my lord," came a voice. It was Pellecus, who
was accompanied by Tinius. "I thought we would find you here.
This seems to be your favorite place on earth."
"Yes," said Lucifer, "I love this spot. I hav
e decided that it is
from here I will govern. It is quite lovely and gives vantage of the
Heavens and this beautiful world all at once. A medium between
two worlds, so to speak. This is where I shall place my throne." He
looked at Pellecus. "What developments have occurred?"
"Well, dear prince," said Pellecus, "the rather noisy climax of
the debate has created much stir in Heaven. You did well to retire
here for a season."
"Was it really from this position all of Heaven was to quake?" 197
"Discretion is part of the game too, dear Pellecus," said
Lucifer. "I bade my ministers farewell and told them that I was off
to meditate on the coming greatness of the Kingdom--which in fact
I am!" He smiled. "And where is Kara? I specifically requested his
presence."
"An official matter has come up," said Tinius. "He was called
to Council." He looked hopefully at Lucifer. "Perhaps news of your
appointment?"
"Perhaps," said Lucifer cautiously, thinking it over. "Yet that
would be of such enormous importance that myself and the
archangels would be summoned as well. No, I'm sure this has to do
with the outrageous behavior of Crispin's supporters at the debate.
They will deliberate and it will be soon forgotten. Kara is good at
making them forget."
"Rather an extended day this time," said Pellecus, looking at
the teeming wildlife. A loud bark of some animal sounded in the
distance. "If not a noisy one."
"Extended, how so?" asked Tinius.
"Well it is evident that the Lord has finished creating the
beasts--he must now create the lord of the beasts." He shot a
glance at a perturbed Lucifer and quickly added, "By that I mean
him whom you will steward, my prince. Surely the Lord will not
send an angel down to earth to keep his animals. No, there is
greater work to be done here. He will create one who will manage
affairs--under your careful hand, of course."
"You do well to remember that I shall govern this planet and
not some earth creature--be he beast, bird or fish," said Lucifer,