The Angel's Covenant (The Covenant series) (2 page)

“I need to talk to Elina”, he says in a hoarse voice. “We don’t have much time! Help me Rena!” With her arms around his waist, leaning heavily on his daughter he crosses to her side.

Dropping down to his knees in front of Elina he puts his hands on hers and says “Your Papi came to me just before the attack, he instructed me to protect the light?” he tells her.

In a whispered reply,
“I didn’t understand; I still don’t. What is happening?”

“No matter what Elina, I want you to remember that what I tell you is for your protection. Do what the elders are telling you, and go to the light. You can’t stay with us, for the sake of the village. This is not over yet, the demon is not finished. He will be back, and destroy us all trying to get to you. I know you are scared and confused but it will be explained to you, when the time is right. I failed you today; I hope one day you can forgive me
,” he says lowering his head letting the tears flow, he struggles to stand.

Looking at him Elina’s mind was spinning. “There is nothing to forgive. Where is Hemana? Where is my baby brother?”  Micah and Verena’s eyes meet just as Daya returns with three Elders. Looking at Micah’s injuries Daya says “I’m sorry but we need help with the dead. Can you help?” Micah nods saying “Of course”.  Verena hugs Elina quickly and follows her father out the door and into the dawning light.

Turning to look at the four elders before her Elina asks “Can someone please tell me, what is going on here? Wisigi started to, before they came for her.”

Daya turns to the elders saying, “I need one of you to go to the river and find the group of warriors there, and bring them back.  Also one of you go to the caves and see if the other party is still there. We will need them here soon.”

Watching the two elders leave Daya turns saying “Let’s sit and you tell us exactly what Wisigi told you, and what happened to her.” Sitting on her cot, in a shaking voice she recounts her talk with Wisigi, and tells of the shadow demons that came for her.

Daya and the elder sit in silence as Elina talks. The shock shows on their faces when they hear what Wisigi had to say. Looking at each other they now know what is happening. "She said I am the Keeper of the
Light, what does that mean?" Elina asks.

Daya begins
, "On the night you were born Wisigi went to the birthing hut to bless the newest member of our village, you. The moment she touched you she received a vision. At the precise moment of your birth the deep in the ceremonial cave the ketuwah lit. It is a light which stands as a symbol of our maker’s protection."

The other elder speaks saying
, "legend tells of the vessel of light that will protect our people during the darkest time. We were not positive that you were the keeper until today. It is our failure, we knew you were special because of your abilities, but it was our lack of faith that failed us all."

Placing a hand on his shoulder Daya continues, "Elina, our calling as the chosen people has been to watch and guide, but your abilities are unlike anything we have ever seen. We thought we had more time to complete your training." Daya turns to the other elder as
he hands her a rolled up scroll, "You are to take this with you. It is a critical part of our history and it will be safest with you.”

Elina takes the scroll tightly in her hand, looking young and lost. Daya feels guilty for the burden she will carry, but they had all seen what she was capable of. There is no doubt that she is the Keeper. Daya stoops down and looking into Elina’s tear filled eyes she says “Right now you feel scared and lost but I have faith in you! You hold onto the memory of your family and the people who love you and trust in your gifts." Wiping her eyes Elina whispers
, "Where am I going?"

"To the guardian of the Ketuwah,
you will be safe with him and he will help you find a sister tribe to instruct you," Daya stands. "Wisigi told you to picture the Ketuwah in your mind, but you must also feel it in your heart. Imagine the beauty of the blue light, feel its peaceful illumination. Wipe your mind of all else except the safety of the light."

Outside an inhuman scream echoes through the night. Elina jumps to her feet and they all look around in fear. Elina knows that sound. He will come for her and they will not be safe as long as she is with them. Turning Elin
a whispers, "I have to go now."

Daya turns to her brother elder and says to him
, "Go get Micah and bring her baby brother to her quickly!" Turning to Elina she says, "Okay it's time, I know that this is all happening quickly Elina but you must do as Wisigi said.”

Micah walks in carrying a sleeping Hemana. Elina can't stop her hands from shaking as she reaches for the baby. Holding him gently in her arms she weeps silently as she looks down at his tiny face. She leans down and presses a kiss to his forehead. "Be strong little brother
," she whispers. "Who will take care of him now?" She asks looking at the faces of those around her. Micah steps forward saying, "We will raise him Elina; he will be loved and protected." Gently Elina returns her brother to Micah, and turning to Daya states, "I'm ready now." The two elders and Micah form a circle around Elina and clasp hands. "We would like to say a prayer for a safe journey.”
    
"Father, be Elina's guide and her protector on the journey she is about to take. Watch over Her. Protect her from harm to body and soul.
Father, support her with your grace when she grows weary. Help her be patient in any trouble which may come her way.
Keep her always mindful of your presence and love. Amen.
May God in heaven protect you on the way… and may His angel accompany you."

Silently, Elina closes her eyes and pictures a blue flame. She fills her mind with the peace and serenity of the blue light. Opening her eyes she no longer sees the village or people around her.

Three

Falling to the earth, covered in Holy flames Rephaim’s screams can be heard for miles. Exploding through the dense trees, the weight of his body hitting the ground scorches a steaming groove deep into the dirt. Disoriented and in searing pain, he looks at the still smoldering spots on his body. Listening he hears the sound of a river nearby, stumbling to his feet he runs toward it and falls forward into it. The rush of the cool water momentarily soothes his pain. Rising up out of the water he tries to extend his wings.

Stretching out his wings he screams in agony. They are burned beyond recognition. His formerly lush ebony wings are hideously scarred reminders of what they once were. Now they are only leathery bones with tattered, charred skin remains. Standing waist deep in the slow moving river Raphaim looks at his reflection. The hideous beast mirrored in the rippling water roars in rage. Gone is the porcelain skin and ageless beauty. His melted face looks aged; the holes that held his beautiful eyes are lidless and full of horror. The skin on his body has hardened to a deep red. Cracked and covered in blisters, his angelic face is hairless, and disfigured. Beating at the water with his burnt fists he struggles to calm himself.

As an immortal, he heals but this was no normal fire. Holy Fire is pure fire. The burning in his skin is nothing compared to the burning thirst for revenge. Who is the girl? How does she have that kind of power? Slowly turning toward the shore, he steps out of the water and falls to his knees weak and exhausted.  Stepping into the clearing a group of eight warriors fan out in front of him, weapons drawn.

Sighing heavily Raphaim looks up at them and lifting his hands up as if in surrender, he is not surprised when two of the warriors move closer. The eldest of the group speaks first.

"Stand Demon, you must pay for your crimes against our people!" Surveying the clearing Raphaim notes that three of the group hold torches and swords, while two further back have crossbows trained on him.         With a burst of unholy speed he snaps his wings open and lunges forward, ripping the heads from the two warrior’s bodies. Twisting around he launches himself toward the warrior holding a crossbow he tears out his throat with a clawed hand. The man with the torch moves to attack him from the left. Now dripping with blood, Raphaim turns as the sword glances off his wing and kicks the soldier into the elder. As they fall to the ground, another warrior launches an arrow at the demon, sinking deep into his shoulder. 

Shaking with rage, Raphaim is distracted by a sweet smell of the blood surrounding him. Raising a bloody hand, he stares at it and is surprised by his desire to taste it. Two more warriors holding torches attack with sword and flame. Laughing now, Raphaim turns his evil gaze on the soldiers and watches as they explode in flames screaming. 

Attacking from behind with a growl, a warrior flings his tomahawk toward Raphaim’s face. Fear fills the warrior’s eyes as the demon catches it with a clawed hand. His fear quickly turns to horror as the weapon is engulfed in flames turning to black ash, sifting through his demonic fingers.

“No more time to play, I’m afraid,” he says leaping forward wrapping the man in his demonic embrace. The temptation is too much for him and he sinks his teeth deep into the man’s throat. He groans in ecstasy as his mouth fills with the sweet metallic taste of the others life force. With every swallow, he feels his strength returning, and he is shocked to find the man’s memories filling his mind. Amazed he drinks the man dry, and watches as his wings begin to fill out again. His beautiful ebony feathers are returning, the burns begin to fade and his mind is clear. Tossing the body down, he looks for more.

With a quick turn Raphaim stalks the two remaining men. The elder is being helped up by one lone warrior and he hears him tell the man to run. Placing his body between the old man and demon he reaches behind him and pulls two smaller daggers readying for a fight. Running as fast as he can, the elder has reached the trees. Raphaim rips the lodged arrow from his shoulder and launches it toward him, striking him through his calf. Pleased he watches as the old man falls to the ground.

Running toward the other man, Raphaim shifts into wolf form hitting him full force. He wraps his jaws around the man’s head savoring the pop as his canines sink deep, crushing his prey. Shaking and growling he tosses the dead man to the ground, advancing on the elder he shifts back to his demon form.

Crouching down in front of the trembling elder, Raphaim reaches out and grasps the arrow lodged in his lower leg. "I have questions for you old man; tell me who the girl is!"
"You will get nothing from me!" he says swinging a rock towards his enemies skull, only to have his arm stopped mid way by a clawed hand. With a quick twist Raphaim snaps his arm. Ripping the arrow out of the man’s leg he stabs it through his other arm, and waits for the screaming to subside. "I can do this all night, my friend. Just answer my question and tell me who she is.” Weeping and broken the man looks into the eyes of death and says, "I will never help you demon."

"So
be it" Raphaim replies and shoves a clawed hand straight into his chest grasping his still beating heart. With a slow twist he leans close and whispers "I will get my answers another way." Gently pulling out his prize, he is rewarded as the screaming stops suddenly. Rising from the ground he steps away from the twitching man and lifts the heart to his mouth. Taking a bite his mind is filled instantly with images.

His eyes glass over and the blood runs unchecked down his face. It is difficult to separate the instant ecstasy of the blood feeding his damaged body; from the information he is being fed. He sees flashes of a girl child being born, a blue flame flaring bright over a stone, the girl practicing with the elders.
Other images of her growing and being taught the history of her people. A scroll being unrolled before a young girl and to be taught from it. It is written in ancient language. The images begin to move faster filling his mind, and he drops to his knees. Throwing back his head he stares unbelieving at the night sky.

The scroll can only be the Book of Watchers! Jumping to his feet, he stretches his wings and is thrilled to see them fully feathered again. Sucking the heart dry, he drops the dried up shell to the ground and walks to the river to wash the blood from his body and wings.
Thinking fast he realizes the importance of what he has found. The book holds the name of the fallen watchers, some call them angels. With the true names of the fallen he would control an army strong enough to make all who hear his name quake with fear. Not only does it hold the names but it also tells the location of where their maker entombed them on earth.
Rising from the river at full strength once more, he launches into the air toward the village. The girl is the key; she is the Keeper of the Light!

Four

 
Icy cold tendrils snake around her bare ankles, wrapping her in its chilly embrace. She does not notice, for her mind is focused on the ethereal beauty of the blue flame. She wonders as it flickers, if she reached out could she touch it? Would it burn hot, or freeze her?
"Ketuwah" she sighs as she reaches for it. Startled Elina watches as the flame leans toward her hand as if attracted to her. Drawing her hand away, the flame snaps back. Staring into the beauty of the blue flame she longs for peace. Sorrow cloaks her soul, and she begins to weep. Will she ever feel safe again? With every misty breath she takes the flame glows brighter, stronger. Dropping to the chilly floor she lifts her tear stained face and watches as it moves toward her. Shivering from the glacial cold, the warmth emanating from the flame beckons to her. Rising to her feet, Elina hears a voice calling to her from inside the brilliant flame. Shaking she takes a frosty breath and steps toward it. Surging toward her the comforting flame enfolds her and the warmth seeps in.

Amazed Elina watches the twisting, curling movement of the flame
around her and exhaustion sets in. Bone tired and unable to keep her eyes open, she leans back into the cushion of the flame and drifts off. She does not see the flame grow, crackling and popping, nor does she see the speed at which it moves.

Reaching its destination the flame begins to twist, and shift. Growing large and taking shape he carries her in the safety of his arms, leaning against the warmth of the glacier wall he wraps them in his indigo wings and sends them both
to a deep sleep.

Elina opens her eyes to a galaxy of stars above her. A cool breeze brushes her skin and blinking she stares at the beauty of the night sky. From a distance she can hear the sound of running water. Sitting up slowly, she looks around and realizes she is not outside but in a strange cave. The sky above is a large vaulted ceiling lined in crystals. She is perched on a rock shelf, which is surprisingly warm. The air she feels is cool and welcoming and she sees even the walls are lined in the beautiful crystals. In the center of the room is a fire pit surrounded by larger rocks, and the orange flames bounce off the crystals creating a dance of shooting stars.

"Magical" Elina whispers. Looking and listening for signs of other people she quietly slips off the shelf. She looks for an exit to the room; the cave she is in has three distinct openings. One seems illuminated from within and the other feels dark and cold, the third holds the lure of bright sunshine and running water. She follows the magnetism of the sunshine and stepping through the opening, she is shocked to see a waterfall cascading out of a large opening into a pool below. Beyond the waterfall she can see beautiful greenery, and lush vegetation. The warmth of the sun beckons to her so she carefully makes her way through the cavern toward the falls. As she gets closer she feels the spray of the gentle falls, she realizes it is coming from a cliff above. The falls are small enough that she can maneuver around them. Stepping into the morning sun she closes her eyes for a moment against the bright glare.

Giving her eyes a moment to adjust Elina lifts her face to the sun and drinks in its warmth. A passing shadow overhead blacks out the sun for a moment, drawing her attention. Turning she is startled to see a large winged shape circling overhead. Elina starts to back up tripping over a rock she lands on the ground. Diving fast the shape becomes larger as it snaps out its blue wings, the wind coming off buffets her and with a thump he lands. The diamond pattern of his cobalt blue scales sparkle and shimmer. Magnificent in the morning sun, the Dragon stares at her with emerald green eyes and waits.

Chest heaving, breathing fast, Elina tries not to panic. Oh No, oh no, she chants over and over in her mind, the pressure in her chest begins to build.
Walking in a circle he settles down and wraps his long tail around himself. Sitting proudly like a king on a throne he watches her, his eyes never leave hers. His face is sharp and angular with black triangular plates starting at the top of his head and running down his back to his long tail. They are a striking contrast next to the cobalt blue of his body. A distinct black pattern is imprinted across his chest. It spreads from one shoulder to the other and down to a v.

Standing up slowly her hands begins to tingle as her body readies for the fight to come. Straining for control, Elina begins to back away to the cave. If I can just make it to the cave, maybe ..."Elina," A deep male voice asks in her mind "Are you shadow or light?
” freezing, her eyes snap to his.

"Who are you?"
she asks softly, as the pressure starts to ease. "You may call me Malach. I am the guardian of the light, Are you Shadow or Light?" he asks with his tail flicking.
"I do not know”, she says her voice growing stronger. "I thought I knew, but I have done things..." her voice trails off and she looks away.  "Elina, you did what you were born to do, and what no one else could or would do. You are safe here." Looking back at him she asks, "Why me? Who am I, what am I Malach?"

"We have time to answer your questions, but first you must renew. You have come to your own personal retreat, here you are untouchable.”
Staring at the beautiful dragon before her she can't help but be afraid. None of this makes sense. "You must trust in me Elina; it will all be explained with time. Inside you will find everything you need, food, and clothes." Bending his head, he lifts a large claw and begins to clean it with his tongue.

Turning to go back in the cave, Elina pauses and without looking at him says softly
, "You know the others thought they had time too. If they had prepared me sooner, many lives could have been spared."

Rushing into the cave, Elina returns to the safety of her cavern. She is surprised to find a bed freshly made with a small table beside it. On the table is a plate of fresh bread, and bowl of fruit. Light is provided by multiple oil lamps and candles throughout. On the other side of the room she sees a pitcher of water and cups for drinking. The cavern is spacious and turning she is surprised to see a stunning hand carved mahogany wardrobe. A beautiful floral design is carved into the doors. Running her hands over the wood, she smiles. She has never seen anything so ornate before. Opening the doors she finds clothing hanging, plus three shelves full of undergarments, sock shoes and all the necessary items
she may need.

Wishing for a bath, Elina hear Malach speak in her mind, “whatever you need will be provided, and you only have to ask." A sound behind her has her spinning in shock as she sees a large tub full of steaming water, with soap, fresh towels. A beautiful matching mahogany screen with the same flo
ral pattern stands for privacy.

Amazed Elina decides to enjoy, she has never felt so dirty before.
“Thank you Malach”, she thinks in her mind, feeling his hum of response. Sinking into the water Elina is amazed at all that has transpired. Her life will never be the same again. She wonders about her brother, will she ever see him again? Are the villagers safe since she left? Tomorrow I will have many questions to ask, but the day is catching up to her so she finishes her bath, and climbs out of the tub. Wrapped in a soft towel she picks out a night shirt and eat some fruit and bread. Drying her hair near the fire, she stares for a long time, until she is too tired to wait. Climbing into her bed she says softly "Malach, are you still here?"
"You may sleep sound, I will keep the demons away Elina" he replies. Yawning, she says "Thank you" and drifts off to sleep.

Outside Malach shifts from his dragon body to his true form. Stretching his angelic blue wings he paces.
  His emerald green eyes are filled with concern. Wearing only black pants, his muscular chest bears runic inscriptions from one shoulder down both arms. The tattooed symbols continue over his shoulders and end in a v pattern at a runic cross on his chest. This human child has the weight of the world on her shoulders, how to best train her and prepare her for what is coming?

A wind blows and he smiles as he watches a Golden Eagle flying over head. Just before the large brown raptor lands, he spreads his golden tipped wings and shifts to human form. Standing in the sinking sun, is a large muscular archangel. His chocolate skin and dark hair are stunning next to the golden wings. His wings are brown at the arches with a mix of dark and lighter brown feathers flowing to golden tips at the ends. Smiling from his perch on top of the boulder, the archangel bows slightly from the waist.
Malach says to his friend, "Welcome Goldie" bowing slightly as a sign of respect to his fellow angel. "What brings you here?" Malach asks.

Leaping from his boulder he floats gently to the ground, "Your distress called to me little brother." Simeon replies, greeting his friend with a warriors ha
nd shake. "Is the Keeper well?"

"She is grieving, scared, and her soul is wounded, but her spirit is strong. Even after all she has experienced she was prepared to battle." Pacing Malach continues
, "I can see why she was chosen, but I need to go slow with her training in order to let her heal, her anger is growing."

"That kind of power must be reined in. If she is not trained properly, it will destroy her
," Simeon remarks. "She is confused and rightly so, her questions will be many, how much will you tell her?"

"I decided to tell her the history of her people and the importance of the book of the watchers.
Now, I feel she is not ready for that, Raphaim destroyed her family and her trust," Malach said stopping to look up at his large friend. "I chose the form of the dragon so she will have some sense of protection, but that takes time to cultivate.”

Looking at him Simeon shakes his head and says
, "I do not envy you; this is a heavy load you carry. However, I know you we're chosen for a purpose and you must trust your instincts. She needs to heal, and her trust in you needs to grow. She needs a haven, and you must be that for her until she is ready."

“Simeon did you see the light in her? It is powerful; I've never seen its equal! Her control is growing, even when she does not kno
w what it is she is controlling,” Malach says obviously impressed.
     Simeon steps forward looking closely at his friend, "Be diligent, this power could be used for the wrong purpose, let the Ketuwah choose if she is ready or not. Never forget that the fate of more than just the humans rest on her young shoulders. I will help you any way I can."

A sound has them both turning toward the mouth of the cave
. "She dreams of the evil one," Malach says. "Thank you brother, you should go...” he starts to say, but her scream has him shifting into dragon form.
Simeon allows his eagle free, flying gently to a nearby tree and waits. Malach tries to wake her, calling to her with his mind, but she is blocking him. The screams, turn to panic, then he feels her rage.

In their minds they see her brother stepping out of the fire, fully ablaze reaching for her. "Lina, Lina help me!" Senaka cries over and over. From the fire her Father stands, yelling at her "Are you Shadow or Light Elina!" All the while the demons are slashing at her with their razored claws, while Raphaim laughs at her mockingly asking, “Yes E
lina, are you shadow or light!"

She wakes in a panic, screaming in pain. Scrambling off the bed she tries to make it out of the cavern, but the pressure is too much. Malach feeling the power building in her roars in frustration trying to get past the barriers in her mind.

The pain in her chest cannot be contained, the power pours from her eyes, her mouth, even the tips of her fingers and she directs it away from her towards the nearest rocky wall. The wave of light hits the wall detonating it in a shower of rocks, dust, and light. Dropping in the debris, Elina's last thought is of Malach, "I'm sorry," she says softly as she passes out.

Desperate to get to her Malach
and Simeon work quickly removing the rocks and debris. "She lives!" Malach calls out, thankfully offering a prayer in relief. Lifting the child in his arms he carries her quickly away from the destruction.

Simeon follows closely, "Let me heal her brother." Knowing he is a powerful healer, he allows his friend to help her. Laying her softly in the grass Malach steps back as Simeon kneels. Closing his eyes in prayer lifting his hands to the stars above then begins slowly sweeping them above Elina. Drifting like snow from his hands, a dusting of light covers her in a healing blanket. Her body glows white, then starts to dim as the cuts and bruises fade away. Able to send her into a deep sleep Simeon searches her for more injuries, finding none he then rises to help clean up
.

Malach quickly clears the area of rubble and debris, only to stare astonished at the opening of the cave. A once small pear shaped entrance with a small waterfall is now a huge rectangular shaped cavern with a much wider waterfall. After checking the caves
for stability Simeon returns.

"You know this changes everything."Simeon says. "This kind of destruction means she is not only a danger to herself but anyone she is around. She has to move on from here quickly. Her rage must be d
iluted, or she may be tainted."

"Simeon you are my oldest friend, but you are wrong. This is not anger but fear. Fear I can work with, rage can be directed but only time can heal the chasm in her soul. I will give her all the time I can, and I believe once she has the proper training she will have more control
," Malach states firmly.