Order of the Golden Dawn (Neophyte Series 2)

CHAPTER 26 : THE JUDGMENT

        Our first order of business was to wrap the spear and secure it safely along with the Hand. When we arrived back at our quarters I was pleased to see that the Hand was still safe and sound where I had left it but as I set the spear next to it, the engravings up on the blade of the sword began illuminating blue.

    'What does that mean?' I asked as I stared hypnotically.

    'I'm not sure,' Edward said with a puzzled look up on his face. 'But I think it would be a bad idea to have those two objects so close to one another.'

    Using the leather wrappings, I rewrapped and once again placed it back into my carrying case, and as the secret compartment closed with the spear safely confined, I once more sucked on my finger to stop the blood and re-strapped Excalibur to my leg.

    Getting into the elevator and back at ground level we exited out of the safe and made for the outside patio to enjoy a well-deserved drink. Taking a long gulp of white wine I handed the glass to Edward and he was quick to top me off. I settled back in my chair, looked to the sky with greater appreciation for life, then glanced back to Edward.

    Looking into his eyes I was blown away to see that he slightly resembled his old self – with the same youthful exterior I remembered but slightly older than I recalled. Not being present for his early adult years, I assumed this was how he had appeared in his late twenties or early thirties.

    'How is all this possible?'

    'Apparently the Creator works in mysterious ways.' he replied, a sense of calm washing over him.

    'The angel said it was a gift; said his name was Asarfim or something.' The mention of the name almost caused Edward to spew his wine onto the deck.

    'I'm sorry, what name did you say?' When the name was repeated, a humble smile appeared on his face.

    'Do you know of him?'

    'You mean a Seraphim; the highest hierarchy of angels — and the guardians of the throne. They replaced the Supernals after the Great War in the heavens. If it truly was a Seraphim, my life must mean much more than I thought.'

    'I'm sorry, not quite sure what you mean.' I confessed.

    'If a guardian of the throne wishes me to be alive, then it must be for a great purpose.'

    'Well, I am pleased to hear that your path has been renewed. I have to admit that you had me worried; I thought I'd lost you. If you are truly as young as you appear, God must require you to stick around for quite a while. Either that, or possibly some heavy lifting will be required in the future.'

    When he began to laugh I had seen for the first time a version of Edward that I never thought I'd see. I didn't recall ever having seen him laugh before; at least not out of happiness.

     We sat, resting our bodies with appreciation for one another, then raised our glasses to celebrate our victory. His expression became solemn as he pushed his wine glass aside.

    'I really need to thank you, Meric.'

    'For what?' I laughed.

    'Everything. Rescuing me, trusting me . . . when I first grasped the Spear, I felt its power in my heart. Your words before you left me in the basement were the only light in my darkest of moments. I don't know where I would be without you.' Exchanging a nod of acceptance I motioned to his glass and raising them once more I accepted his gratitude as a true friend and family member would. Before the moment grew awkward, I changed the subject with a lingering question.