Genesis of a Hero by Chris Smith Read Free Book Online Page B

nasty blade pierced flesh, the door slammed open and Harold shot into the semi-darkness. A loud trumpet blared with his entry and he slashed at the black woman with the wrath of God. She managed to block the blow and sidestepped to gain room.
    A split second of hesitation from Charles let John slide Gabriel’s shield in front of the killing blow. The sword deflected off the Spirit-created guard and sliced through the black woman’s leg. Her heart pounding scream made the lion’s roar in their paddock – whether in delight or anger; John couldn’t tell. He pelted Charles with a blast from the Spirit then crushed down on Christy with his knees until she lay still beneath him.
    Denise had retrieved her sword and was crouched like a predator with her eyes on the Hispanic man who was looking warily at Charles. Grunts of pain issued from the corner where the black woman was pressing against the bloody gash in her thigh.
    “Odds are on our side,” John said and pulled on the Spirit. Shining manacles wrapped around Christy’s arms and legs binding her in place. “We have your sister.”
    “You won’t kill her,” Charles grunted . The cigar was still dangling from his mouth. Sweat was pouring down his face in dirty streams. Utter hatred flickered on his face like a snake testing the winds with its forked tongue. “You’re all weak. You won’t be able to keep her prisoner for long. She’ll get away from you and be back at my side in a day. Lucifer can’t be stopped.”
    “Or she’ll find her faith again,” Denise called as she stalked forward inch by inch , her sword poised for attack.
    Charles howled with laughter and shook his grisly head. “Come on,” he bellowed and shot backwards out the door. The Hispanic man darted right behind him, but the Spirit flashed from Harold and engulfed the injured woman. She twitched and winced then fell to the floor beside Christy. Chains of pure white snaked over her body like a boa constrictor.
    Denise let out a long breath and gathered up the fallen an gels’ swords. A radiant light welded them together and she tossed them at Christy’s feet. “Won’t do you any good, ever again,” Denise said in a barely controlled growl.
    Christy opened her mouth to yell curses, but John silenced her with a flick of his scepter. “Be silent,” he said.
    “What are we going to do with them?” Harold asked from a kneeling position where he was healing the bloody gash on the black woman’s leg.
    “I’ll call Aaron and have him send some people over,” Denise breathed and lifted her scepter.
    John nodded and watched the two fallen angels. This was the first time he’d ever captured any of Lucifer’s followers. He wondered about their pasts. What had caused them to turn on God’s love and mercy? It had never seemed even close to a viable option to him. Why forsake heaven for the agony of hell? He probed at the women with the Spirit but both their minds were locked tight against intrusion. A frustrated sigh escaped from his lips.
    “Looks like you’ll make it out of the lion’s den,” Harold said with a bright smile. “Seems poetic in a way.”
    John regarded his friend warmly with a chuckle. “Thanks to you,” he offered his right hand in appreciation. “Glad you volunteered to come.”
    “God answers prayers in weird ways,” Harold said and walked to look out the door. “I’ll go make sure none of the people outside noticed all the commotion. And make sure Charles and the other guy are gone.”
    Without a doubt, Harold was right about God’s guidance. John closed his eyes and said a quick prayer of thankfulness. Afterwards, he looked sadly at the scowl on Christy’s haggard face. God was on their side, but why did angels like her fail to see it? If he was sure of one thing, it was that he’d probably never know.

Chapter 5: Outreaching the War
     
    “How did Charles happen to be where you were going?” Xavier asked from across the long table at Whispering Trees.