Become reacquainted with the first and seventh archangelic brothers, Samael and Seriel, as their exile begins in Abbadon.
This second book of The Angelic Chronicles trilogy tells of the celestial exploits and continuing rivalry of the archangelic brothers, Samael and Seriel, after they have passed through the portal to Abbadon. This is a dark, hellish place where essence-drinking demons and energy-sapping plant life abound. The story has something for everyone, being a tale of adventure with a sprinkling of romance and some dastardly deeds by Samael, a.k.a. the Devil.
Both siblings are separated from their beloved Malkura in this angelic tale and the reader learns how the brothers handle this misfortune. Seriel is resigned to never having won her affection while Samael plots to regain what he has lost.
Abbadon is classed in the Fantasy genre, but it possesses a subtle, spiritual undertone. The trilogy books emphasize how free will can easily lead to unwise and even unholy choices. They also document the eternal battle of goodness versus evil and portray the celestial hierarchy in a somewhat more controversial manner than religion has previously given to us.
Excerpt
A silence ensued and no thoughts were exchanged. Suddenly the demon leader was standing at the open archway and his appearance startled many of the angels. The Lord of the First Essence’s hand reappeared from between his wings. He beckoned to the demon and invited:
“Come and join us, Shedim. We are discussing why these angels attempted to leave Abbadon.”
The shaitan walked over to Samael and stood beside his chair. He gave the shackled angels a cruel, toothy grin and admonished, “Shame upon you! Prince Samael has allowed you the freedom of Abbadon and yet you would wish to depart? If I was the master of this domain I would punish you without mercy.”
“And what punishment would you deem appropriate?” asked the first archangel.
“Some form of retribution that would deter others from ever contemplating such ungracious behavior.” Shedim stared meaningfully at the unchained angels, implying that his thoughts were also for them.
Samael looked thoughtful as though he was considering the demon’s suggestion. However, he was actually conveying this shielded thought to Shedim: “Earlier I proposed that you choose an angel for your essence drinking enjoyment. Yet it would please me well if you decide upon the female with yellow hair and whose helmet is set beside her feet. Her name is Mulciber and she is not in the least remorseful about trying to leave Abbadon.”
Equally shielding his answering thought, the shaitan replied, “I am happy to do your bidding, master. That angel looks most delicious.”
“I suggest you walk among the captives while I share my thoughts with them. Then you will be close by Mulciber when I signal you to strike.” The Lord of Lightning-Swiftness stood up from his chair and allowed his thoughts to be perceived by everyone. He invited, “I pray you, Shedim, make a close inspection of these disloyal angels, and then tell me whether you think they are worthy of a merciful pardon.”
The demon leader strutted over to the seated captives and began to move among them. Some attempted to shuffle away from him, but he deliberately walked around each one, peering into every face. Most of these angels either averted their gaze or turned their heads away from him. Three, however, stared back with an element of defiance, and Mulciber was one of them. In answer to these bold stares, Shedim crouched down in front of each of the three, in turn. He thrust his evil countenance into close proximity with each angel’s face and gave a long, low thought-growl.
While Shedim inspected the captives, Samael directed these thoughts to them: “You decided upon leaving my domain without asking for my consent. This has angered me greatly and must not happen again. Perhaps you were misguided into thinking that in this level all is choice as it was within the inner realms. Know now that is not so. I rule Abbadon and when here you will do my bidding.” He paused, and then asked, “What think you, demon?”
“They are not worthy of your pardon, master.”
“Shall we then set an example so that all will remember what I have decreed?”
“Yes, Prince Samael.” The shaitan began moving back toward Mulciber.
“Then choose an angel, Shedim. Show these wayward souls the folly of underestimating my power.” The first archangel sat back down in his ornate chair and folded his wings around his body once more.
The shaitan reached Mulciber and grasped the chain that bound her wings. He pulled her up into a standing position and declared, “I choose this one, master.” Shedim stood as tall as the female angel and was well-able to stare threateningly into her eyes. She looked straight back at him, but there was a hint of apprehension in her expression. The demon leader brought one hand up to her face and slowly dragged a long talon down the side of her cheek. Mulciber winced in pain as a deep claw mark appeared where he had scratched her. A light oozing of essence glistened along the injury line. The shaitan moved his face close to the angel’s cheek and eagerly licked the escaping fluid with his long tongue. He announced:
“This one is definitely my choice. Her essence is truly sweet.” Shedim attempted to lick the wound, again, but the angel pulled back and kicked out at him. In answer to this endeavor, the demon’s long tail uncurled its length from around his leg and quickly wrapped itself about her legs. This forced Mulciber to lose her balance. However, she did not fall because he held her tightly by the arms. Leaning over his victim, Shedim then clawed the metallic tunic away from her shoulder with one hand. He looked toward the first archangel with the eyes that were set in the back of his head and asked:
“Now, master?”
Samael nodded his agreement and Shedim opened his mouth.
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