CASTIEL'S REQUIEM

Chapter 18 : So What's The Plan

The village of El Camino, nestled between rugged hills and the turquoise Mediterranean, basked in the scorching summer sun. Whitewashed houses with terracotta roofs seemed to glow with a warm, golden light, their wooden shutters closed against the heat. Narrow cobblestone streets, worn smooth by centuries of foot traffic, wound through the village like a lazy snake. The air was heavy with the sweet scent of blooming jasmine and the distant tang of sea salt.

As the sun beat down, the village square came alive with the soft murmur of locals seeking shade beneath the ancient olive trees. The sound of clinking glasses and muted laughter carried from the nearby taberna, where patrons sipped cool drinks and savored the tranquility of the moment.

In the distance, the azure sea sparkled like a canvas of diamonds, its gentle lapping against the shore creating a soothing melody that seemed to lull the village into a peaceful slumber. The only movement came from the occasional flutter of a bird's wings or the soft rustle of leaves in the breeze, adding to the serene ambiance of this idyllic coastal haven. Nestled in the valley of a mountain of mountain El Camiño from which the village got its name was a  tiny cottage, which seemed to blend seamlessly into the natural surroundings. Its stone walls, weathered to a soft gray, appeared to grow organically from the earth, as if rooted in the mountain itself. A rustic wooden door, adorned with a wreath of dried wildflowers, creaked in the gentle breeze, inviting entry into the cozy abode.

The cottage's terracotta roof, worn to a soft patina, seemed to glow with a warm, earthy light, as if infused with the sun's rays. A delicate tendril of smoke curled from the chimney, carrying the scent of burning wood and baking bread into the crisp mountain air.

A small garden, bursting with vibrant wildflowers and herbs, surrounded the cottage, creating a colorful oasis in the verdant valley. A babbling brook, its crystal clear waters reflecting the sky's azure hue, ran gently through the garden, its soft gurgling providing a soothing serenade to the cottage's occupants.

As the sun began to set, casting a warm orange glow across the valley, the cottage seemed to radiate a sense of peace and tranquility, a haven from the world beyond the mountains.
"You will be safe here, ma'am," Rafael said, his Spanish accent more pronounced as he gestured towards the old cabin. Carolyn's eyes widened in disbelief, her gaze shifting from the cabin to Rafael. "I know what you're thinking, but believe me, you will be safe here," he assured her.

Carolyn's husband, Brad Harrington, stepped forward, his voice laced with skepticism. "Forgive me if I don't quite believe you, Rafael. This place looks like it'll be blown away by the next strong wind."

Rafael's expression turned annoyed as he addressed Brad. "Like I said, this cabin is safe. I blessed it myself. No evil shall come near. It's been here for a thousand years, and I hope you understand me, Señora President." He emphasized the last part, his eyes narrowing slightly as he added, "I don't have to explain myself to your...husband." The way he said "husband" made it clear he didn't think highly of Brad. Rafael's gaze lingered on Brad, his expression a mix of disdain and frustration. He thought to himself, "Why did the president insist on bringing this...this... Ex-football player along? Doesn't she know that this is a matter of life and death, not some trivial game?" He shook his head, his eyes rolling in exasperation. "Brad Harrington, the former quarterback, thinking he's some kind of hero just because he once threw a ball well. Doesn't he understand that this is a battle for the soul of the world, not a game to be won or lost?" Rafael's annoyance simmered just below the surface, his patience wearing thin.
Carolyn apologised without a second hesitation, suddenly scared of the angel. "I am totally sorry for Brad." She had seen what Castiel Azrael Wellington or whatever her real name had done, and this was a real archangel, and her godforsaken husband couldn't tell.