Unholy Empire: Chronicles of the Host, Vol 2: Chronicles of the Host, Book 2 by D. Brian Shafer Read Free Book Online Page A

masters now—God
and
the dirty humans.” He walked over to Michael. “But you have taught me an important lesson today about this war. Next time I will be equally prepared.”
    Michael looked coldly into Lucifer’s eyes for a few seconds and then disappeared. Kara turned to Lucifer with a look of concern. “I had rather hoped that Rugio would make a better effort of it,” he said, watching Rugio speak with Nan over Lucifer’s shoulder. “I suppose there will be other chances. Still, I might have tried something a bit more convincing.”
    “More convincing than your present approach, I hope,” Lucifer said slyly.
    Serus remained behind on Michael’s orders to keep watch on the situation. He stood alone, looking at Lucifer, to whom he had once pledged loyalty. Snickering began to fill the air as Rugio and some of the other demons began harassing their former ally.
    “Well, Serus,” said Lucifer. “I have often wondered what my words would be to you when ever we met again.”
    Serus remained silent, ignoring Lucifer’s comments.
    “Tell me, Serus,” said Kara. “How does it feel to be a traitor?”
    Serus laughed. “You should know that, Kara. You betrayed so many.”
    “Well done, Serus,” said Lucifer with an astonished tone. “You have become bold since we parted company. You would never have been so brash as to speak to one of my highest officers in such terms when you were in my service.”
    “That is because I am in the light now,” said Serus. “I am free.”
    “No you’re not, my misguided friend,” said Lucifer. “You have exchanged one prison for another. You were worthless to me but I could have made you great. Now you are apprenticed to an archangel who will never share glory with you.”
    “Michael shares the glory with no angel,” responded Serus. “He gives all of it to the Most High. So you see there is none to share.”
    “I will one day settle accounts with both of you,” said Rugio, who was becoming increasingly angry. His reddish aura was beginning to manifest. “On my terms.”
    “That will be interesting,” said Serus. “I’m sure Michael looks forward to that day.” He then departed to keep watch over the human family.
    “How I hate that angel,” Rugio said, remembering bitterly the day that Serus had helped Michael escape Rugio’s trap.
    “Forget about Serus,” said Lucifer. “We have a much more severe problem to deal with.” He turned to Kara. “Call the council together immediately. We must take action.” Kara nodded and was about to leave when Lucifer stopped him.
    “Kara, despite your obvious appetite to become embroiled in this matter, I have a special assignment for you,” Lucifer said, putting his hand on the former elder’s shoulder. “I am removing Rugio from Cain. I know your ambition has made you eager to get into the game. Rugio is useful when force is necessary. But I need something…”
    “Subtle?” offered Kara.
    “Yes,” said Lucifer. “And final.”
    “I am at your command,” said Kara proudly.
    The two walked on together as Lucifer continued. “Cain must be continually encouraged in his wreckless anger,” he began. “It is our only hope in overcoming prayers such as Abel is capable of. In spite of this disappointing reconciliation between the two of them, you must compel him with everything in you to remain embittered toward Abel. I want a wedge driven between them so that Cain will become poisoned permanently.”
    Kara grinned. “I will not disappoint you.”
    “I am also sending along a very promising angel, who will become your assistant from this point on.” Lucifer laughed. “You, Kara, will plow the heart and mind of this tiller of the soil, and this angel I have in mind shall plant the seeds of his destruction.”
    “Who is this angel in whom you place such confidence?” asked Kara.
    “You recall Berenius,” said Lucifer. “He caused quite an uproar at the Academy of the Host—asked too many intelligent