Fool's Errand Read Free

forth with such force that all of the other Malakim present dropped to their knees with their hands over their ears. Lucifer had been an Arch-Cherub, gifted with the most beautiful voice of all the angels, but now in his rage the voice given him by the One Lord was fearsome and powerful. Although all archangels were created with equal strength, each had their own unique gifts. When turned to evil purposes, those gifts were dreadful indeed.
    The screech subsided just as the others began to wonder how much more they could withstand. Lucifer, his eyes searing embers and his mouth a twisted scowl now had the floor.
    “You pathetic, weak, sniveling miscreants! You dare speak to me of mercy? Of repentance? Have the years been so long you have forgotten how we, His chosen and first made creations, were relegated to nursemaids for those disgusting apes? Have you forgotten that those who loved and served Him so faithfully were never given souls , were never given the love and affection reserved for those repulsive flesh bags? And you dare speak of His mercy?”
    Lucifer spun with purpose toward Mutazz. “And you, brother , would dare to speak against me? You, whom I trusted. You, placed to rule second only to me, would repay me with these faithless words? I suppose you also wish to grovel for scraps from His table and pray that by polishing His feet with your weakling tongues that the Lake of Fire might be made a little cooler for you?”
    Mutazz, the greatest warrior of all the fallen ones, did not receive these words without effect. With fury in his own eyes, Mutazz suddenly grew to twice Lucifer’s size, a flaming sword appearing in his hand. Quickly weighing the situation, he realized the eight Malakimgenerals not standing with Azadriel or himself likely remained loyal to Lucifer. There was no predicting what the reaction would be by Azadriel’s faction should he choose to strike at Lucifer. Even his own comrades, who stood ready to follow him in leaving Lucifer’s battle, would not likely agree to openly attacking the Prince of the Air. Mutazz chose discretion as the better part of valor, speaking his mind as he slowly returned to his normal size. His sword remained in his hand.
    “Speak to me like that again, brother , and I will wear your silver tongue as a necklace.”
    A flash of caution flickered in Lucifer’s eyes. Had he crossed the line? Would Mutazz risk a war by striking him? Proceeding with caution, he did not back away or avert his gaze from Mutazz.
    “I do not agree with Azadriel that there is any hope in mercy for us,” Mutazz continued. “Neither do I agree with continuing this pointless war with the only result being to increase the wrath against us with every soul we lure into sharing our fate. We must make a change. I do not know what or how, but I know that eight generals also stand with me. We will no longer be called Malakim, messengers , but I and the eight who stand with me will be known as Ayabim, hostile ones , for we find ourselves remaining hostile to the One Lord but also now hostile to you and your futile war. The Ayabim will no longer contend for a worthless prize. We must find another way; a way with some hope for victory.”
    As the eight others who stood with Mutazz stepped up to stand beside him, a look of disbelief filled Lucifer’s eyes.
    “So you will no longer lead the legions in war?” he asked, addressing Mutazz and his followers. Turning to Azadriel he added, “And you will no longer fight at all but intend to grovel for mercy and to lead as many of the fallen with you as will go to strengthen your case before the throne? Then I hereby banish all of you from my presence. Go where you will, and do what you must, but if any of you tries to lead so much as a single one of the lower ranked fallen with you in your foolishness, there willbe a war among the archangels of the rebellion . Then we shall surely see who is the mightiest in Sheol. You will take away a single one of my