It is in the valley of Sealius that Semjaza alights to rest. Turning from the path he treads the angel looks up on the hidden ranges of Maenalus in the distance. There is warmth and light in Sealius but not a single star graces the firmaments. Birds with plumage of wondrous colors dart through the skies. Tufts of rich burgundy and rosy-red all hover near to him. Deer and Doe gather by the water and drink next to tigers. Unicorns race along a woodland by a spring. Semjaza takes in all of this beauty and sighs heavily as he steps closer to the cerulean waters. The angel places his hand on the broad back of the tiger. The tiger turns toward him, growls slightly and then bows in his direction.
“You know why I have come, my brother,” Semjaza says.
“I have counted the horsemen and seen the Unus,” the tiger answers. “And you a devil seek redemption in a time where the hours may be no longer like the sands. You seek the true strength of the one named Azazel. Gaze upon the surface of the spring, angel.”
Semjaza brushes the crystal clear waters with his right hand. The spring glistens for a moment and then reveals. The angel stares at campfires that seem to burn endlessly with scores of hell-beasts and riders.
“It is hopeless there are too many,” Semjaza says discouragingly.
The tiger growls louder this time and shakes his large head. Then with a gentleness that belies its great size it paws the stream near to where the angel had placed his hand.
The reflection in the water changes as the campfires fade from view and the great wolf Skool appears next to Canus on the crystal surface. Semjaza stares at the image and the picture clears. Reaching over, the angel touches the paw of the great tiger.
“They stand guard over the fallen body of the young wizard,” the angel says in bewilderment. “But they must realize that they have no chance, that enemy encampments burn all around them.”
“They have what you sorely lack, faith,” the tiger responds disconsolately. “You cannot have salvation without belief.” The angel turns around but the great tiger is now gone.
“Father,” the angel whispers.
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