Dark Angel by Richard J. Mchale (read the beginning after the end novel .txt) 📕

Prologue
Chap.1 The Final Test, First Assignment
Chap.2 Dawning of a Day
Chap.3 Finding Mathias
Chap.4 The second Assignment.
Chap.5 And so it begins
Chap. 6 A first glimpse of the enemy.
Chap. 7 Scouting parties, a call to arms, and a resounding cry.
Chap. 8 subtle always subtle.
Chap. 9 Under a cover of darkness.

"we all know that angels exist, and that they watch over us, they walk among us guarding us from behind the scenes. Protecting us when we need it. What if you got the chance to do it? Long ago there were 12 angels. They were known as Archangels. Each one had a name. My captain was Gabriel. Not only that, he was my mentor. You see each Archangel captain had a protege, and up and coming warrior who needed the guidance and council of his teacher.

This is my story. The story of how I was given a chance to do something I never dreamed I could. and it all started with a test........”

The two angels, stood side by side, on steps of gold, looking out into the sun, from behind them all that is visible is two shadows of their figures with wings stretched high. This is a daily occurrence as it is a angelic stretch. It denotes reverence for The Most High. The two resemble each other closely enough that they could be mistaken for brothers, for indeed they were, brothers in arms. Their brown hair, and eyes matched almost perfectly. The only difference between them was their height. The taller of the two began to speak, and although he is talking quietly, his voice seems to boom out. Sounding out with a wisdom denoting his years. Betraying his age.

“you have done well in training Gabriel, the Lord will be pleased”, began the master, “I am proud of how far you have come. Before your final test, do you have any questions for me?”
“Yes Micheal. Why does God love such a violent race? I do not doubt his wisdom or even question his love, yet something seems to be wrong with them, and I feel as though something should be done.” replied the student.
“all in his time my student. All in his time. For now let us make our way to the Great Hall. The Feast of Life is about to begin. And you will need your strength for your test today.” finished Micheal. Turning, they make their way to the Great Hall. The sunlight glints off their armour, the purest of silvery steel. Shining bright, almost as if the light is coming from inside the armour itself. Their conversation continues as they make their way through the hall entrance, the hall itself resembles the Temple of Solomon from the old testament, only the scope and grandeur of this one is far more than one can imagine.
“Was your test hard Micheal?” asks Gabriel obviously curious to know how his final test will turn out.
“Yes, and no. It is up to you how it plays out. Just remember the lessons you have been taught, and you will do well.” replied the master.

They carry on in silence, each absorbed in their own thoughts. Gabriel going over every step, swing and shift of all the methods of fighting he had been taught by his teacher, he couldn't forget. It is not possible for angels to do so. They do need to have refreshers on things from time to time, and this was exactly what he was doing. Micheal however was saying a silent prayer for his student. Asking the Lord to make the test exactly what Gabriel needed to be tested in. He knew that his student had learned well. He also knew that the fighter nature in this young Archangel would be strongest, And it was not unlike the Lord to pull a quick one on a young angel and test them in a weakness. In fact. That is exactly what the Lord does.

They turn the corner and enter the outer chamber, taking the steps and distance in perfect unison. Their foot falls echoing as one. Both being masters in military movements. They quickly pass through the outer chamber and into the inner chamber, where the table is set with all manor of food, unknown and known to man. Although the table seems small, there is enough room for all the hosts of Heaven to sit and dine. As is customary, The Lord sits at the head of the table. Where everyone present can see him. His Archangels sit immediately on the left and right and then come everyone else. All the saints, saved souls and other angels sit without order, and once everyone is present, they all bow as Tao the great general stands. He turns to face the Lord and speaks in a gentle yet powerful voice.

“We praise you and give thanks in your name for the gifts you have given and will give. Thanks be to You oh Lord, for your grace and providence. We forever delight in Thee, And all the hosts say?”

A resounding “AMEN” is lifted from everyone in the room. The noise shakes the very roof. The Lord smiles and responds “take and eat my children, for I love thee, and I will feed thee with all my blessings.”

Everyone begins to eat. And although they give full justice to the meal, the food never runs down, their cups do not go dry. And each and everyone, for the oldest to youngest is satisfied. They do not leave, they remain seated and the idle chatter of voices quiets down as the Lord raises his hand. Once all become silent, the Lord begins to speak. Smiling with love in his eyes he looks to Gabriel.

“My son, I am well pleased, you have done well in training. You not only have become exactly as I had hoped, your teacher has also done well in training you in everything an Archangel of My Hosts needs to know. But now is your final test. And I have just one question. Do you believe that all men should be given a chance to change their life by accepting me as their Saviour? And If you do, are you willing to do everything I ask. You may question my motives, but still act as commanded. Can you answer these?”

Gabriel stands, and speaks out strongly, clear and loud so all can hear.

“this I respond my Lord. I believe that you in your grace and wisdom give each man his own chance to be saved by your love. I also believe that they only need to acknowledge that you are the only way to be saved. I will always question things, as you have made me to have a questioning nature, However I am a soldier in your name, and I will obey you, all your commands, for your wisdom is greater than mine. And I may not understand your orders, but you would never ask me to do something I cannot do or handle. For you alone give me the strength I need.”

“AMEN” came another resounding cry from all present as Gabriel sits smiling, proud that he could answer so easily.

“Well said my son. You have passed your final test. With that I award you the gift of having your own personal Sword of the Ages, and the rank of Arch-Angel among My Hosts” said the Lord. And, with that Gabriel's sword changes into the flaming sword of the Ages. “Use it well my son. As I am sure you will” said the Lord.

With that everyone present stands and leaves the table. They walk past Gabriel to congratulate him, and despite the amount of people present this takes a surprisingly short amount of time.

Smiling, Micheal turns to Gabriel. “well done, you are no longer a student, but a full Archangel. You will now receive orders without me being there to carry them out. You can call on any of your brothers to help you. And gladly we shall. I am proud to call you my brother.” with that Micheal leaves the Great Hall. Gabriel returns to his own suite in the Lords house. He takes his armour off, cleans it. And then puts it up in the corner. He then sits on his couch, and begins to create his own tombs of lessons to teach. He whiles away the time this way until noon day. Where upon he returns to the Great Hall to have lunch. He dines quickly, as it is not as formal as the Feast of Life, which takes place every morning. Once back in his quarters he begins crafting a flute. A lover of music, he creates the instrument with ease. Adding the love and care of a skilled artist. Once finished he tests it by playing out one of his favourite songs. It resembles an Irish ditty. But with some other personal elements he added to it, And pleased with it he sets it in its own finely crafted box. He lays it aside, and steps out the door. While he isn't restless, he feels a walk will calm the small amount of nerves as he anticipates his first assignment as an archangel. No one knows when they get their orders, so one must always be on guard for The Summoner. He walks to the Garden of New Eden. He always found it peaceful in the Garden. And he enjoyed walking in the cool shade of the trees. It wasn't long before The Summoner found him. He had found a bench and was sitting enjoying the day when the little angel flew up. “your presence is requested by our Lord. You know where to go.” said the little man, and he flew off. Going to deliver his next message. Gabriel rose and knowing what the little man meant he spread his wings and took flight heading for the throne room. He had always stood in awe of this part of the