No Shadows Fall Read Free Page B

missed you very much, your majesty,” Azazel said.
    “Please, just Semjaza for now.” Semjaza gave Azazel’s hand a gentle squeeze. “There will be time for titles later when we put the world to rights and take back what is ours.”
    There were tears in Azazel’s eyes. “I never lost faith,” he said, his breath hitching as he spoke. “I never stopped believing you would return. Oh, I am so glad to see you!”
    Semjaza smiled. “I am glad to see you too, Azazel. I have learned much during my confinement, but I confess that walking these streets and listening to these children of clay—these humans—speak their languages is far different from observing from above.”
    “Did you have any trouble? I mean, how did you do it?” Azazel’s voice was full of wonder.
    “I studied, I watched.” Semjaza chuckled. “Are we not The Watchers, Azazel? Was that not our first occupation? So I did exactly that and watched the scientists and learned men who studied the stars, and I took their teachings to heart. I used my magic and their knowledge to break the bonds of confinement and open a small window between the Celestial bars of my cell.” He smirked, feeling superior to the mortals. “A mortal scientist would no doubt scoff at such a thing. But then, a mortal scientist does not have the abilities that I do.”
    “I confess I do not understand.” Azazel shook his head. “But that doesn’t matter. I’m glad you’re finally free.”
    “As am I, old friend.” Semjaza nodded to the waitress who brought glasses of wine, and when she was out of earshot, he went on. “Tell me, how are the rest of our choir?”
    Azazel sighed. “Not well. Many are in Hell, as you know. Those few of us who managed to escape and remain free are fewer now. Some gave up hope and willed themselves to cease to exist. Some went insane and were killed by Archdemons under Lucifer’s orders. Only myself, Kokabiel, Penemuel, and Baraqiel remain free and sane.”
    Semjaza’s expression grew sad. “I am sorry,” he said in a quiet voice. “I would have freed myself earlier if I could.”
    “It is not your fault, your majesty.” Azazel smiled a bit. “We knew that the situation would not be quick to resolve itself and that it would take time. We understood this. So, we have hidden ourselves and waited for this day to arrive. I pretend to be an advisor to the leader of this country, working in the field of weapons development for the military. Kokabiel is in Belgium, a country that borders this one to the north, working with astronomers there. And Baraqiel is with him, the two of them working together on the science of the stars. Penemuel works at the British Library in the land called England. I have not seen him for some years.”
    “We must call Penemuel, Kokabiel, and Baraqiel to join us,” Semjaza decided. “There is much to be done, and we need to gather our strength.”
    “Your will be done,” Azazel said, inclining his head. “I will contact them now.”
    “Excellent.” Semjaza sipped his wine, watching Azazel out of the corner of his eye as the other angel’s gaze grew distant. Semjaza could feel Azazel’s thoughts reaching out, hidden carefully from all save their own choir as he spoke to Penemuel, Kokabiel, and Baraqiel. After perhaps ten minutes, Azazel’s eyes cleared and he smiled.
    “They come. They will join us here in Paris in the morning. You would honor me by staying at my home tonight, Semjaza.”
    “Thank you.” Semjaza smiled. “I accept your offer of hospitality.”
    “What do you plan to do first, now that you are free?” Azazel asked.
    “I plan to find my sons and my wife,” Semjaza said, toying with his wine glass. “I plan to free our choir who are languishing in Hell. And then I plan to take back Eden and the lands called the Middle East and rule them as I did before. Finally, but by no means the least, I plan to kill Archangel Gabriel.”
    Azazel smiled. “An excellent set of plans, my