First of the Fallen (Neophyte Series 1)

18. The Warrens

         THE FOLLOWING MORNING WAS likened to the world's worst hangover, and for some quite literally as a handful of the Neophytes had consumed their share of alcohol the night prior, Shay making up for those who hadn't. Many groaned and squinted with the rays of the morning sun, a warm spring breeze unwelcomed in the grim shadows of indulgence and mourning. The Hakodesh had his gigantic feet propped up on the rim of the unlit fire pit, the early morning air a bit too warm for a flame. He sipped from a large glass a strange, thick mixture of his own concoction, a hangover remedy he had learned in his biker days, when drinking heavily was a nightly endeavor. In his other hand was a large pint-size glass of ale.

    'How the hell are you drinking right now?' asked Jonathan as he held his book closed in his hands, the letters swirling about the page if he even tried to focus.

    'Need to drown your hangover, Mate. Mix it with a few choice ingredients and it's gone in no time.' he grinned happily, no trace of a headache noticeable. Meanwhile, Jonathan stared at the thick, mud-like substance and turned a pale shade of green.

    'Urgh, I can smell it.' he groaned.

    'Mornin' everyone.' Ophanim flopped herself down on the couch next to them, and began reading the paper, waiting for the servants to bring their breakfast momentarily. 'How are we feeling?'

    'Like hammered shit.' Tyler replied, snatching Shay's mug of Ale from his grasp.

    'Atta boy, drink it down now.'

    Jonathan watched his brother gulp down mouthfuls at a time, hoping it would remedy his headache, a sight that bubbled the fluid at the base of his throat. He turned away as the rest of the group all gathered around one at a time. They shifted to get comfortable as two servants laid out platters of egg sandwiches and doughnuts, a fried meal usually reserved to help ease the spinning after a night of indulgence.

    'Alright, so before we begin our day, I'd like to address a lingering question.' Ophanim put down her paper looking bright eyed and alert. 'Might I assume we've all had adequate time to cope?' she looked around the room, being sure to check before moving on, and when there were no objections, she proceeded. 'So, why would the powers that be have any interest in taking Samael in the first place? I think we have established quite clearly that the Almighty is on board with whatever lies in store, but for what purpose is the real question. I'll leave the floor open for any theories.'

    'I'm bettin' on good ol' fashion revenge.' Shay was the first to theorize. 'I mean, they don't call him the Traitor for nothing, right?'

    'Perhaps but—'

    'No.' Michael squashed the idea straight away, cutting her off. 'I mean, don't get me wrong, revenge is an added bonus, I'm positive, but Lucifer is far more complex than a basic revenge plot. No, there is great purpose in his actions; I'm sure of it.'

    'Maybe it's not Lucifer behind it at all.' Urielle shrugged. Although they sat next to one another, there was a tad more space between them than usual. 'We know for sure Belial is behind the abduction, but he and Lucifer have always tussled for the position of alpha even before the fall. I'd like to formally suggest that he might be working independently—perhaps even without permission.'

    'It's . . . possible, but unlikely.' Gabriel replied. 'The hierarchy in Hell works like a pyramid; each brick has its value, but a part of the main structure regardless. If Belial makes a move, Lucifer is behind it whether he realizes it or not. I do not believe us naïve enough to assume that the Devil does not manipulate his own generals.'

    'I agree.' Melanie concurred. 'But that doesn't mean Belial isn't being worked like a puppet; it's what he does, after all. There are no trusted alliances amongst demons, only common cause.'