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

questions.”
    “Oh yes,” said Kara. “He was one of Pellecus’s favorites at the Academy. He specialized in teacher baiting as I remember.”
    “Yes, well, I’m leading him in a new specialty now,” replied Lucifer.
    “Really, and what is that?” asked Kara.
    “Murder.”

C HAPTER 4
    “Let humans pray, so long as they are disobedient in their hearts.”
    Serus sat next to Eve as she stirred the evening fire. She and A’dam had discussed the events surrounding their sons’ offerings and were trying to determine the best course to take. She felt badly for Cain, but was buoyed by Abel’s report of the reconciliation that had occurred between the two brothers shortly afterwards.
    Abel joined his mother near the fire and put his head on her shoulder, resting there. Eve looked at her husband, who smiled at her across the fire. She loved moments like this, when the family seemed together and safe—especially in the uncertain world they had made for themselves. Even Cain, who was bringing in more wood for the fire, seemed uncharacteristically good-humored. It would be a good night.
    As Serus enjoyed the fellowship of the family, he thought about his own situation. How things had changed for him! While serving Lucifer in Heaven, he had been made to separate himself from the fellowship of the other angels. Now he knew of the power and importance of such community—especially when devoted to the will and purposes of the Most High God.
    “Enjoying yourself?”
    “Yes, Michael,” said Serus, looking at the archangel who entered the camp. “I was thinking back to how I once was so lost in Lucifer’s world. I thank the Most High every day that I saw the true nature of things before it was too late.”
    “I only wish these poor creatures had,” said Michael, indicating the family around the fire. “Things could have been so different for them.” The two angels sat for a moment in silence.
    “Michael, what will be Lucifer’s next course?” Serus finally said, looking at the archangel to whom he was now apprenticed.
    “Actually, Serus, I was going to ask that of you,” answered Michael. “You knew Lucifer better than any of us. What would you suspect is going on in his mind?”
    “To be sure the most significant thing that happened today was how you overcame Nan so strongly,” said Serus. “I too felt Abel’s prayer—but it wasn’t directed at me. I mean, I wasn’t compelled to act upon it for some reason.”
    “Serus, I can only say that as Abel prayed I sensed something building inside of me until suddenly I was released and knew exactly what must be done. It was as if the Most High Himself gave me an order upon the conclusion of that prayer. I was empowered from on high to act and I did.”
    “You certainly did,” admitted Serus. “The look on Nan’s face was unforgettable. And Lucifer didn’t look too comfortable himself.”
    “I suspect that as this conflict goes on we will learn much as to the nature of the prayers of men and our part in them,” said Michael. “But one thing must truly be unsettling for Lucifer: if humans can pray a prayer of faith that moves the heart of God and causes Him to act, or if they can pray and call angels down on their behalf…”
    “Then Lucifer and his party have a whole new war on their hands,” Serus said, finishing Michael’s thought. “And THAT is what is on Lucifer’s mind right now.”

    Lucifer quietly watched his leadership grasping for answers. He often wondered how he was to succeed in the war with such dissolution in the ranks. He counted on Pellecus to teach the new way of things, but even the new academy Pellecus was organizing could go only so far to indoctrinate these fallen angels. Somehow he had to clear Heaven out of their minds so they could see the potential in overcoming the enemy.
    Tinius’s voice finally rang above the chatter. “I don’t understand this,” he said. “Why was Michael able to rise up as he did on the strength