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NOVEL: THE LAND OF THE KING [THE FIRST WAR]

Chapter One
Abadon Awaits

In this epic tale, light will come, and dark will appear. Certain men will unveil themselves in uncertain times with no historical recollection of their being. They’ll rise to defend the King. And God have mercy on those who stand against them, for vengeance is sure to follow. When their work is done, in the dark there shall be light, and to all who vest in the sun behold, the darkness shall flee.

It was an uncomfortable kind of dark, locked behind the walls of a wood city, as rain tapped upon the straw roof tops. Scattered around a hand built table the candle light told of faces absent to this world. More lingered beneath the shadows, whose strange illuminated hands reached for the Legion. Weathered and beaten by the day they raised stale bread to their famished lips. Michael wrapped in a battle worn, emerald green cloak, boasted his six foot two inch frame from the table. His brown hair washed in sweat slapped against his chin and beneath the smudge and ash his piercing blue eyes broke through their fatigue with conviction, as he whispered into a rage of contentment

Tis now that our beginnings shall bare reason to our end. There exists a power beyond man, earth, and heavens that has brought us here, together, this day. Gabriel, you and your two brothers shall guide us in to the Northern World, and Azeal, you with Zeb and Uriel will rescue our brethren from the south. Three months on the third day when the sun shall kiss the ocean, so will met on the shore of Bethany. Fear not, for we are the echo of our ancestry, and no man, state, or king will we kneel before.

Just of the foot hills of ice covered mountains, in a valley of green glistening by the due of moonlight lie Michael and Gabriel. As he turned to Michael, Gabriel’s penetrating blue eyes echoed the ocean. Whipping his blonde hair from his face he whispered.

Michael the path to Leland will not be easy. The Evelyn Guard will be scattered through out the north…

Michael rested his hand upon Gabriel. As the wind began to wisp softly across their faces he quieted him.

Gabriel ye have such little faith and even less memory to speak of. Was it not you who broke the wall of Pergatoris? Was it not Gabriel, the apostle of freedom, who sent the Lufecians in to the depths of the south awakening its slaves to roam? There will come a day when you will have to stand with only your faith. I hope on that day your memory does notlack you.

The guard will not bare witness to our passing. We are few and the forest will protect us. Beneath the shadows we will come upon Leland and behind us will be its full army. The battle will present itself, but not yet. Rest peacefully. With the sun we shall cross the Fearing Strait and begin our climb to the City of Abadon.

When Michael was finished, turning to rest, he took his hand from Gabriel. Drifting to sleep the moon reflected an angelic glow on their faces. Below them vesting in their light laid Raphael nestled with his walking stick, and covered with a red-brown cloak. Upon his cloak was a medical caduceus.

Raphael is the comedian of the group often lifting their spirits, but beyond his comical efforts exist a man of spiritual depth. As a priest he was known to heal the ill and bring spiritual glory to believers. He often ventured to the lowest place of man guiding them on their journey to a higher destination. In conjunction with his efforts he created a society known as The Watchers throughout the center world. They are guardians of men who keep records and intervene when needed.

When the Legion was formed Raphael was east of the center world spreading knowledge to help build the Arc of Salvation, a boat to carry victims from torrential floods. He also gave wisdom to the masons in constructing the Temple of The Sky, which acted as an observatory to the celestial bodies helping predict the storms that caused these floods. A scientist, doctor, priest, and comedian he joined the Legion on behalf of Gabriel, who called upon him once before in the battle with the Lufecians.

Beside Raphael lay Gabriel’s brother Zadkiel with the handle of a dagger with the large initial peeks from the side of his brown cloak, which shows a sun rise. The dagger was given to him as a gift by the father of a boy Zadkiel saved. This dagger never leaves his side.

Zadkiel for the length of his time has held the right hand of battle beside Michael. Before his birth Gabriel swore Zadkiel’s allegiance to Michael, and from birth Michael trained him. He has only stood with Gabriel when Michael is present. In times of rest Zadkiel sits upon the Council of the Legion, which regulates the duties of Legionnaires.

Next to Zadkiel and Raphael rest the other brother of Gabriel, Camael. Camael sleeps covered in a brown cloak. In times of rest this cloak holds its color, but when battle comes yellow spots awake. And in his leopard skin he rages with vengeance soon to strike.

Camael is the ruler of a ban of brethren that bring vengeance to those who defy the side of good. In lesser violence he often walks with Gabriel carrying out the duties of comforting those who face consequence for their beliefs.

Still shadowed by the light of Michael and Gabriel, to the left of the three men lie two women. First is Ariel, her skin is so fair it often blends in with the moon.

Ariel was once held prisoner by a witch from the south. This witch kidnapped her at birth to be her apprentice. As Ariel grew older she learned the powers of the witch but innately could not carry out the evil duties set forth for her. The witch unable to tame the good in Ariel locked her in a dungeon for seven years. Raphael rescued her from the witch’s grasp on a visit to the south. Ariel now sits in the prestige high position of Lion of the Watchers. To signify her position a lion rest upon her brown cloak.

Beside Ariel comfortable asleep lay Jophiel, an angelic looking women, for whom words can not describe. Jophiel rest beneath the cover of her brown cloak. On this cloak is a sword with tree branches springing from it. At the tip of the sword fire shoots to the sky.

Jophiel was sought by Gabriel from the forest. There she dwells protecting the trees from fire. When fire comes by lighting or man she holds her sword to the air and draws it in. In battle she holds this sword. As she strikes her adversaries they are engulfed in flames. She is also friend to Metatran, the most perfect human. They together have fought much evil.

In the valley beneath these seven, lie two others shadowed by an olive tree. Natas rests against the tree. His red cloak holds a sword with three prongs on the end wrapped in the symbols of many other Legionnaires. With the wind his cloak blows from his face to reveal a man with permanent burns and eyebrows singed off in battle, and as horrific his injury there is an enduring quality in his pale blue almost white eyes that intrigues and an angelic quality to his being. Natas holds power equal to Michael and Gabriel and is loved by all.

In the center world his home cast a light upon the sky to those who seek his services. He is the leader of the Tempters. They relish in pride and take comfort in the duties on behalf of good. The Tempters act as council to the overseers. They offer gifts that tempt chosen men to find if they are noble. Those who accept these gifts are deemed wanting. On one occasion in the Valley of the Farmers, Natas offered neighbors fruit, vegetables, and meat form other fields free of token if they held in secret where they received them. Those who accepted lost their fields in a flood while the noble men’s fields survived the storm.

It is whispered in the Legion that Natas lacks a need for charity or love but indulges in only the quest for supreme knowledge. Stories say that Natas enjoys flirting with the justice of man, and instead of waiting to give justice he seeks to judge.

Lying on the shoulder of Natas sleeps Lilith, a woman of seductive beauty. Her essence is of pure sexuality. Her eyes even in sleep can penetrate the soul of man or beast. Lilith wears no cloak for this is her first ride with the Legionnaires. She is dressed seductively, wearing a black skin tight suite of leather that glows in the moon. Her eyes are of a pale red color as if she has not slept in years. Her olive color skin is accentuated by hear shoulder length course black hair.

Though cautious of her intent in accepting, Michael approved Lilith to join the legion to benefit from her ability to enter any man’s mind. He felt with a close eye he could tame her powers and use her in the quest at hand. In the folk lore of the legion when a man has lusted after her in life, Lilith is said to come to these men in the night within their dreams. And she will come to them for as long as they desire her. Stories are told of men sleeping their days away to be with her. Some are ultimately doomed to insanity believing she has bared their children and they must go to her. These men soon find themselves dead by their own hands.

In the morning as they neared the Fearing Strait the sky turned a dismal shade of grey. The water began to turn over with the wind forming whitecaps that devoured the straits twist and turns. Engulfed in dark and gloom Michael turned to Gabriel. Gabriel was hesitant.

It looks to send us home. We could head north and take the path of Noturnba.

Michael quickly answered Gabriel.

No, look to the distance. Two salt caverns lie in those mountains and they are beginning to crack. Be patient the water will soon be dense as the salt falls.

Large beds of salt begin to pour from the caverns and float into the strait. As it neared the Legionnaires it was nearly all dissolved being beat around by the waves. The water soon became dense and fought to move. When the watered slowed in comparison to the wind Michael signaled the group.

With his feet barley sinking Michael proceeded into the strait. He reached the other side without the water ever reaching his knees. The Legion followed.

They soon reached the bottom of the mountain side. The weather retracted behind them. They looked back to see the strait dissolve into the clouds disappearing into the dark. Turning ahead they could see the sun. Gabriel spoke on to the men as his emrald green cloak was whipped as a cape in the wind.

It is behind us now. We can not go back. The forest is where we shall vanish. Travel light for speed will bring us to the City of Abadon. Form there we will receive knowledge to enter the gates of Leland.

They traveled up the mountain side into the forest. In the night of the first day they came to the mountain top. Standing in the heavens, as it seemed, they looked down on to the City of Abadon. The city glowed as the moon reflected of its alabaster walls.

The light would be their beacon in the night to follow. Abadon’s grounds were covered in green grass, and all the beauty nature could offer was reflected to their eyes. Surrounding the city however, was black land. Just beyond the forest at the foot hills of the mountain this black desert seemed to stretch for miles. Ariel awaking from a dream walked on to the group and as she looked out she spoke.

Do not fear the black. It’s the city where we shall dwell in two nights. I have seen us among its people feasting as kings.

Raphael responded with laughter.

Do we get wine and how about lamb, it is my favorite?

Michael with a sarcastic chuckle,

Rest, we shall travel in the dawn of morning. As night falls the light of Abadon will be our beacon. Be still and swift through the black for the guard awaits our entrance. I have seen the eyes of hawks upon us. In the forest we must find horses to give us speed.

As they lay to rest Lilith speaks with Natas.

Do you fear the Evelyn Guard?

Natas with convection,

Look upon my cloak. I hold the symbols of some who have turned against us. I would hope they fear me.

Lilith with a sarcastic smile,

I do fear you, Natas the tempter.

Natas looking into Lilith’s eyes,

I hear you have tempted many more than I. Why is it you cease to enter my mind?

Lilith rest her hand upon Natas’s knee,

I have given my allegiance to Michael, and for that I can no more than smile upon you. But in Abaddon men will surely lust. Sleep now Natas and I may visit you.

With that Lilith stood and walked from Natas to sleep, as she walked she passed Michael and Gabriel speaking within the brush.

I will call upon Zophiel to meet us in Abadon. I fear as we proceed to Leland I will need my left hand.

Gabriel looks to Abadon,

You have fought many battles, and I know Zophiel has carried the west, but do you fear he will bring envy to the men?

Michael softly answers,

Gabriel this war is only beginning. In the end some will not still hold our swords. We, you and I, know the outcome, but for them this is their test to good. It is in these battles that they will be deemed worthy. I fear by the end we will need the spirit of Zophiel to continue our journey beyond this one. So to the men, they will understand. I fear in Bethany Metatran will present more conflict than Zophiel.

Gabriel calls upon the night, speaking to the sky, and grabbing Michael’s hand.

Father, give us strength for we know the cause, but not the reason. We accept this duty, and in the end are sure you will welcome us. Hold our hearts in the light, for darkness is sure to shine.

Michael holds Gabriel’s hand as their heads fall from the sky.

Gabriel in the morning you will guide the men.

As the Legionnaires woke Gabriel stood above them and spoke with leadership.

Behind us is a world of the good heart, but evil now awaits us in the steps we soon venture to take. Our hearts, minds, will, body, and virtue will soon be tested. Hold true to the cause and fear no one for we are feared by all. We have seen the worst and survived. They have not, but now the worst we cannot imagine for this is a new war. A war not yet determined. Lilith, Natas, Raphael, and Camael you shall go east. Michael, Zadkiel, Jophiel, and I shall draw the guard to the west. By night we shall be upon the black and the forest shall flee us. Stay swift for Abadon will give us rest. By dawn we should be upon the gates of Abadon. Within her walls we will be safe. Venture to the Temple of the King, there we will reunite.

The group split and traveled downward into the forest of the mountain side. For the first few hours all was well, but in the fifth hour Raphael came upon a field.

As the others in the group lingered behind, Raphael crept through the outer boundary of the field. Clouds began to draw closer to the sun. In the distance howling noises began to echo in Raphael’s ear. He looked back to warn the others, but before the words could escape his tongue a deafening cry fell upon them.

Lilith was in the field looking into the forest calling in stress, and as Natas ran toward her the wind blew with the might of a thousand horses. Natas swung his sword as he grabbed Lilith. A black mask arose from the forest to strike Natas’s blade. Throwing Lilith to Raphael’s hands Natas struck the man in the mask severing his head.

Twenty horsemen entered the field, battle began. Camael’s cloak became yellow in spots as he circled raining vengeance. Raphael holding Lilith held his staff into the air and parted the horsemen riding towards them. Now circled by the horsemen bodies began to fall, with each swing of the Legionnaires blades, and as the sky once again showed the sun only horses stood. They climbed upon the horses and entered the forest leaving men once covered in black now lying in red. In the west still on foot the others now searched to ride, but there were no horseman to fight, a moment of grace was needed.

Michael, Gabriel Zadkiel, and Jophiel lay among the trees exhausted by their travels on foot. Jophiel looks to Michael.

Without battle how do you expected to find horses?

Michael giggles.

Do your feet not enjoy the exercise? Until now we have walked, not because we could not ride, but to give us knowledge into our capabilities.Horses will come to us, but as time passes our feet will need remember these times. More importantly our minds need remember our endurance.

Jophiel turns to Gabriel and looks into his grinning face.

What amuse you? Is it that I am a woman or that you will soon be carrying me?

Gabriel rose from his seat and with a smile threw a rose pedal he had picked to her.

I shall always be one you can ride.

He laughs and turns from her speaking as he walks and looks upon the trees.

It is only now that danger falls upon us, otherwise I think the world is better seen from the ground. Come let’s find Ariel.

The four begin to walk from their resting place and proceeded onto a path. As they are walking they pass an apple tree. Gabriel looks up at the fruit wanting to moisten his mouth with its juices. Jophiel chuckles in the background and speaks to him.

A horse would be nice now, wouldn’t it?

Gabriel laughs.

A horse, why we have Michael…

With that Gabriel jumps upon Michael’s shoulders and pulls apples from the tree for the group. As they near an opening Zadkiel points out to a field.

Look, Horses…

Before the words can finish he sees Ariel walking onto the wild horses.

What is she doing?

Michael interrupts.

She must be tired of walking also. Women do seem to need a ride now and then.

Smiling Michael looks to Gabriel wondering of Ariel’s plan. As Gabriel answers four horses run to Ariel at full stride stopping at her feet.

Ariel is more than a witch’s curse she is said to be a lion and with that she is queen to all beast. But her wishes only go answered when in benefit of others. So for now she will ride behind me.

Ariel throws her hands to the four upon the ridge and away the horses run. They mount the horses using vines quickly breaded into rope and ride to Ariel. Gabriel swings Ariel from the ground upon his horse. Into the forest they vanish.

On horse back Raphael, Lilith, Natas, and Camael pull their reigns and to stop just before the black desert one hour before dusk. Climbing off their horses Raphael plans the voyage into the black.

We will wait here until dusk. That should take us from the forest and give us night to cross the desert.

As he spoke hawks begin to circle above them. Natas looking up,

They are waiting for us, the undead some good, some evil awaiting their journey to Abadon. They wait beneath the rock. If we ride as the wind we may be too swift for them to catch.

As night was upon them, in full stride Natas pointed across the black to the west. Beyond their eyes men echoed in light were moving to the fire strikes upon the sky. Jophiel had began to unleash her furry.

Raphael and his counterparts continued their quest free of battle to the southern gates of Abadon, but the road was less certain for Michael.

In the black sky lighting was striking, but not from the heavens with ivory glow. This lighting was orange, red, and flowed from the sword of Jophiel. Locked in darkness, only in the strike of fire could the Legionnaires bare witness to the Evelyn Guard. All in black they were coming upon them a hundred fold.

Anxious to attack Jophiel’s sword was not enough to guide the blades of Gabriel, Michael, and Zadkiel. Struggling to hold their ground, in the dark of Jophiel’s sword Zadkiel was struck beneath the arm. Michael quickly turned with the fire strike putting his sword into the heart of Zadkiel’s attacker. As the battle persisted Michael turned to Gabriel speaking as he fights.

I can not see to fight.

Gabriel then struck his adversary and called to the sky in a godly voice.

Let the beacon of Abadon be our light. In darkness we will ride to her gates blind, but now we fight.

As Gabriel swung his blade the light of Abadon in the distance disappeared with the strike and everything went black. As the sound of piercing metal rang on the next strike of Gabriel’s sword the night turned to day in full light they fought.

Shortly there after the sky once again turned black, and upon the Legionnaires feet lay the bodies of the undead. Into the dark they rode with only their instinct to find the city for its light had been vanished from their eyes.

When the sun woke to rise the magnificent glory in what was Abadon shined onto Michael, Gabriel, Zadkiel, Jophiel, and Ariel. For a moment their hearts were humbled and in their deepest emotion it was as if God placed his hands around their souls, for they were at peace. Quiet contentment fell upon them as they embellished in what was Abadon.

Written by Brock Anthony Ventura