Heaven and Hell (50 page)

Again the view changed, and within a few seconds their focus had shifted to the second planet. It was a world of blue oceans, predominantly green continents, and swirling white clouds. It was beautiful almost beyond imagining.

“Planets such as this are exceptionally rare in the cosmos. They require many billions of years to evolve. This system is a paradox. Based upon the condition of the inner planet, it is very young, but based upon the condition of the second planet and the empty space between them, this system is about the age of our solar system. These planets do not belong in the same system.”

Perhaps one of them was captured from another system,” suggested David. His words were faltering and uncertain, as if he himself didn’t believe his own explanation.

“What other system?” Johann asked. “The only other system in outer darkness is Hell. That’s too far away. And what mechanism ejected it from there or captured it here? No, this system is a true mystery.”

“Maybe God just created it this way for some reason,” suggested Chris.

“Perhaps,” replied Johann. “God could have created this system as you see it in a single day. But my experience indicates that He generally doesn’t do that sort of thing.” There was a momentary pause. “But this isn’t the most mysterious aspect of this system…this is.” The blue planet swung out of view to be replaced by a third world of misty white. It shimmered and glistened like nothing Chris had ever seen.

“I thought you said there were only two planets,” said Chris, stepping forward for a closer look.

“I did,” confirmed Johann. “I’m not quite sure what this is. It doesn’t seem to be shining by reflected light from its sun. It is in itself luminous. In fact, it is not circling this sun like the other two planets. It is standing motionless in space, unaffected by any of the natural forces around it.”

Chris looked perplexed. “But that’s impossible, isn’t it?”

“I would say so,” Johann said. “But I’m not so certain that it is a planet at all.”

“It almost doesn’t look real,” said Chris, as the image rippled and swirled, like a mirage viewed from across a torrid desert wasteland.

“It’s like this whole star system—a paradox,” Johann said.

“Maybe it’s not truly in outer darkness,” suggested David. “It acts like something that is out of phase with this space-time. Maybe it’s a part of another universe. It shares a couple dimensions with outer darkness, but not all of them. Maybe all of the planets in this system are like that.”

Johann shook his head. “That’s purely theoretical, David. To my knowledge there are no examples of such a phenomenon in the known universe, at least none that I have personally encountered.”

Chris had heard enough of this science lesson for one day. It seemed to him that Johann and David were far too easily distracted, and he was becoming quickly frustrated. “Look, I’m sure that all of this is quite interesting to you guys, but we have something else to do today, don’t we?”

The image vanished from their midst. Johann walked to the window and opened the shutters allowing the daylight to flood the room. “Of course, but I am convinced that what we have just seen is related to what we seek to do this day.”

Chris shook his head. “Oh, how do you figure?”

“I don’t know yet, but allow me to submit this for your consideration. I searched the realm of outer darkness many times over the past few hundred years and found it to be a complete void, until last night. Why now?”

The question went unanswered. Even David had nothing to say.

Johann looked at the small package in Chris’s hand. “I see you’ve put together your letter.”

Chris nodded.

“Very well, let us adjourn to the out-of-doors and begin our journey. I suspect that we might find the angel we seek this very day.”

The three walked outside into the cool afternoon air. The misty portal immediately opened before them and they entered. In a few seconds they were by a small lake, surrounded on all sides by tall golden grass and a scattering of pine trees. It was distinctly chilly, and before them a range of tall, snow-capped peaks towered toward the deep blue sky, their images mirrored by the calm waters of the lake. The area reminded Chris a little of Glacier National Park. He and Serena had visited that majestic region two summers ago. No, this was even grander than that.

“How certain are you that this angel is even going to be here? I don’t see anyone.”

“I am not that certain,” Johann said, looking around the peaceful meadow. “I can only tell you that he comes here often. Angels are not as complex as you or I. They tend to be creatures of habit. We might find him today. Then again, it might require several days for our paths to cross. However, he does frequent this place, he has for centuries. Eventually we will encounter him.”

To Chris, it sounded like visiting the mall in hopes of running into a specific individual. Sure, that individual might love shopping at the mall, but what were the odds of finding him there on any given afternoon? There had to be a better way.

The three scanned the area with their keen, other-worldly vision, looking for an angel. Along the shoreline, several hundred yards away, a winged being robed in white sat on a large boulder, looking out at the serene waters. The three visitors wasted no time moving in his direction.

“Congratulations, professor,” said David. “You were right on!”

Johann nodded. “Now, allow me to do the talking. This is a very delicate subject we mean to discuss with him, and there are protocols that need to be followed. It might be better if the two of you spoke only if spoken to.”

Chris had never heard anything about protocols for talking to angels. In actual fact, he had few opportunities to talk with angels since he had been in Heaven. That seemed sort of strange in retrospect. He had seen them often enough, issued forth many a friendly greeting that was always reciprocated, but the relationship had not been more than that. They weren’t the sort to strike up a conversation with you. Angels didn’t have much in common with their human counterparts beyond a common master and creator. They traveled in different circles, and Chris had accepted that.

The magnificent being noted their approach when they were still a hundred or so feet away. He rose to his feet; then stood as if a statue.

“I bid you welcome,” he said as the three drew closer.

“Peace be onto you, Aaron, messenger of God,” said Johann, by way of a greeting.

The angel scanned his three visitors. Chris was certain that there was a look of subdued surprise when the angel looked at him.

“We have come to discuss a matter of some importance with you,” continued Johann. “We are very much in need of an angelic messenger.”

Aaron nodded. “You have found one.”

“It is our understanding that you travel between Heaven and outer darkness on our Father’s business on a regular basis.”

“That is correct,” Aaron said. “It is my duty to ferry those human beings found unworthy in the sight of God to that place where they shall spend their eternity, the realm of wailing and gnashing of teeth. It is a task that demands much of my time. But why do you seek me, Johann Kepler? Certainly you do not wish me to deliver a message to Hell.”

Chris felt chilled as the angel turned to look at him rather than he who addressed him. Chris felt as if the angel was looking down on him, looking down upon the lowly human. He could hold his silence no more—this was the being that had delivered his love to her torment. “Sir, it’s about my wife, Serena Davis. I believe you know her. Or perhaps you knew her as Serena Farnsworth.”

Aaron gazed at Chris with calm, cool eyes. It might have been there, somewhere beneath the serene surface of his countenance, yet Chris’s comment had not elicited any sort of emotional response, at least not yet.

“You did ferry her into outer darkness, into Hell. I believe that’s the way you described it. You locked her in a cell to await satan’s pleasure, put her right where his agents could locate her. But before you left her, she gave you a message to pass on to me, her husband. You did tell her that you would convey that message to me if I should ever ask you about her. Well, I’m asking.”

Aaron turned away from the group, walking several steps before coming to a stop. He bowed his head as if in a state of contemplation and became totally still.

Johann turned to Chris. There was a sense quite close to anger upon his countenance. Johann had not anticipated this emotional outburst. He decided to say nothing, at least not right now.

After half a minute, Aaron turned toward the group. Johann had fully intended to offer an apology for his companion’s outburst. He was amazed at what he saw. Over the course of centuries, Johann had seen countless angels, yet never had he seen one with such a look of stunned amazement.

“Yes,” said Aaron, “I remember her. But how is it that you do? No man or woman in Heaven truly remembers those condemned to outer darkness. It is an act of kindness that the Father has extended to all of you.”

“I remember her, every detail,” replied Chris, who now struggled to remain in control. It was not easy under the circumstances. “Despite what you told her, she was and shall always be my wife.”

“Yes, of course,” replied Aaron, who seemed genuinely confused by this state of affairs. “I gave her my word that I would tell you all that she related to me, yet I suspect that you already know what she told me. Do you still wish me to relay to you what she said?”

“That won’t be necessary,” interrupted Johann. “Chris has already reviewed her book in the Hall of Records at least twice. Yet, that is not how he found out about her. I believe that his memories are genuine.”

Aaron looked deep into Chris’s eyes. “Do you believe that I find any pleasure, any joy, in delivering the condemned into outer darkness? Is this why you are angry with me Christopher Davis?”

Chris didn’t reply. His mind was far too awash in emotions.

“Are you then angry with God as well? It was He who passed judgment upon her, a judgment dictated by her own lack of faith in Him. It was my duty to see that His will was carried out. Where do you stand? What is it that you wish of me?”

He’d just blown it, of that Chris was certain. He had failed to anticipate his reaction to meeting this angel. Seconds passed, but no one spoke.

“What would you have me do, Christopher Davis?” repeated Aaron. His tone of voice was softer, more understanding this time.

It was not Chris, but David who finally spoke up. “Chris prepared a letter, a letter for his wife. He was hoping that you might deliver it. That is, if you’re allowed to do something like that.”

“I could deliver this message for you, if that is what you wish.” The angel’s words were slow and deliberate. He had obviously chosen them carefully. “It might be difficult to find her, but I shall make the attempt. Such an act would not be counter to the will of the Father. Still, I must tell you this; even if I did locate her, your efforts would probably be to no avail. I know not what torments satan has subjected her to, but it is most unlikely that she will be in any position to read the words you have set forth for her in this testament. Even if I were to read them to her, it is not at all certain that she would even comprehend their meaning in the midst of her pain.”

“She is in no torment,” said Chris, who had finally brought his emotions into some measure of control. “She was in the sea of fire, but not anymore; she escaped. She’s being hidden from satan, protected by a fallen angel.”

Aaron looked at Chris incredulously. “Protected by a fallen angel? None of satan’s minions would protect a human, not one. They are all totally loyal to their master. You must be mistaken.”

“I have seen it myself,” confirmed Johann. “What Chris tells you is true.”

“And this fallen angel, who is he?”

“His name is Abaddon,” said Chris.

That name brought yet another stare of amazement to Aaron’s countenance. “Abaddon?”

“Yes,” confirmed Chris, “do you know him?”

“We were close friends, long ago…though we have not spoken in many centuries.”

Young David was enjoying the conversation. He was certain that he was witnessing something most remarkable. Between Chris and Johann, the series of events that had brought them here were carefully unfolded to Aaron. It was when they attempted to describe the location of Serena’s haven that Aaron stopped them.

“I know of the dwelling place of the destroyer,” he replied. “He is one of the very few within the realm of Hell that would so much as consider giving assistance to a human. He is one of the very few who would even dare. He is indeed powerful, he might be able to shield Serena from satan’s vengeance for a season, hide her from his sight; but in the end, she will be discovered and matters will be worse. Still, that Serena should encounter Abaddon, that you should remember her, is no accident; of that I am certain.”

He took a step toward Chris, placed his hand on his shoulder. “It is important that you have this time to share your hopes and dreams with Serena. I know not why you have been given this opportunity, yet it is a fleeting and precious time, measured against the backdrop of eternity. Yes, Christopher Davis, I will help you. I will do it gladly. Give me that which you wish placed into her hands.”

There were tears in Chris’s eyes as he handed the package over to the angel. “Thank you. I’m sorry for what I said. I shouldn’t have blamed you.”