CHAPTER TEN
“Here it is Satan – your home.” Arthur waved a hand, causing a golden glow to brighten up this vast garden before us. “It has remained untouched since the day you left, several millennia ago. As you can see, the colours have faded from the grass, flowers and trees. It started to drain of the energy as soon as you were gone. Nobody has been allowed in here, nobody has been allowed to talk about it, until you returned.”
Arthur stayed at the entrance – within the waterfall of multicoloured liquid that cascaded to disguise the marble archway from those outside. I walked around the garden and slowly inspected the colourless vegetation. My hand gently clasped the bud of a dark rose, immediately causing a hint of crimson to spread through the petals. The longer I held it the deeper the colour grew. The same happened to everything I would stroke or touch. The energy – the love – I was giving out, created perpetual healing throughout the scenic landscape. The scents, noises and colours of this place became more and more familiar. Still Arthur waited.
“Why are you still over there? Don’t you want to come in?”
“On the contrary, I would love to walk with you. I too have felt a loss at not being able to visit Eden. It had always been a favourite place of mine, a place to watch the growth of our creations. But, I will not enter unless invited. I would never intervene if you wanted your independence. Still, never be afraid to ask for my presence for I will always be there for you. I do not rule by bullying Satan, and I am sorry that you felt I had been like that in the past. I take part of the responsibility for our falling out, which is why you were able to come home. I demand respect however, and I demand of myself that I give it also. I respect your right for free speech, your new ways and your new ideas. I see the value of debate regarding my directive, and I see the wisdom in united thought. That doesn’t mean that I now agree with all you had wished to change, that is still to be discussed with the wise.”
There was a pregnant pause. “Please, enter, walk with me. These emotions, lying dormant for so long, are taxing me somewhat. I would really appreciate your support.”
Arthur proudly walked towards me. Even though he had remained within the waterfall he was dry to the touch as he held my right forearm in his right hand. “Welcome home my son, I hope you realise how much I missed someone I loved so dearly?” There were tears welling up in both of us.
“I am so sorry for the damage I had caused, I…I...”
“That is done, history. Painful lessons have been learnt, by both of us. Now, with evil in these realms destroyed, we can begin our creating again. This time we will get it right, I hope.”
“And what of Michael? I still feel he has not completely accepted me back.”
“Michael would be the happiest of anyone to have this place back as it was. You and your brother were inseparable until the fall. He is as much afraid of feeling that loss again as he is of finding that you are playing some kind of trick to get back here for another attempted coup d'état.”
“Trick? Do you think this could possibly be a trick?”
“You have proved yourself to us through the physical life of Stephen Lewis, and to some extent as Satan. There is an eternity to exist as you are now, so things could change. You changed once, let’s hope it will not be repeated.”
“So you don’t trust me either.”
“I’m sure any doubts shall be dispelled soon. You cannot blame me for questioning a little, surely?”
“I suppose not.” I felt a squeeze on my right arm. “I will prove myself…I will, beyond doubt.”
“Good, very good.” Arthur squeezed once more before letting go. Then he strolled over to a large red rose bush. He drew in its scent through his nose and closed his eyes. A smile of self-satisfaction widened at his mouth. “Time for me to return to my Camelot, plans to make and decisions to take.” He started to walk back towards the marble archway.
“About me?”
“Not necessarily. We need to finish the work that Stephen Lewis started on the earth plain. I don’t think that resurrection is an option in this case. We need a spirit to volunteer to take another physical vehicle.”
“Has anyone come forward so far?”
“Several candidates. The spirits of Joan of Arc, Gandhi, Martin Luther King, Daniel, Joseph…you know…the usual bunch.” He took an hourglass from the elaborate ceremonial cloak he was wearing, and placed it on a marble bird table. “Volunteers have until the sand has gone to come forward.” He made a respectful bowing gesture. I returned the compliment before watching him majestically exit.
I thought I had better make the most of these beautiful surroundings, I had a feeling that I wouldn’t have too long before I would be paying another earthly visit. It was a shame that what had happened to Stephen Lewis had cheated him of reaching his destiny, showing the world that he had great worth to it. His life had been lonely and painful in the greater part, and he had felt so much hatred through keeping his dilemma secret from all but a few. Before the sands of time had drained to the bottom of the hourglass I would like to create a mark of respect for my previous physical form. I took in a deep breath of wonderful odours, my last for a while. As I released the bouquet I started the journey to Arthur’s Camelot.
He was waiting with refreshments for me.
“That didn’t take long to decide?” he observed with a proud welcome.
“It was my unfinished job anyway. I do not wish to ask of someone, to do something, that I would not be prepared to do myself. It is my responsibility, after all, I was the one who changed the plan in order to save Sian.”
“Good. You have been taught well, your tutors should be commended.”
“Indeed. Perhaps it would be a nice gesture to celebrate the life of Stephen also. After all his family were put through because of his struggles, the least we can do is help them to realise how Special he was.”
“Are you asking or suggesting?”
“I am asking for your blessing to allow a single, simple miracle. Just to finish Stephen’s journey with a lasting happy memory for those who loved him.”
“This miracle will not disrupt anyone else’s journey through life?”
“Only if they have doubts about there being a God. They will know for sure you exist after this.”
“I hope you are not tempting me with egotistical rewards Satan?”
“That wouldn’t be in my nature anymore would it?”
“We have yet to see evidence of that.” He laughed. “You have my blessing, just don’t over do the theatrics.”
“I promise…thank you.”
“Please meet me here when you’re done, we need to get you back in the physical world as soon as possible.”
“Any particular reason why?”
“I’ll explain later.”
I bowed my head and left.
As far as everybody was concerned, in the physical world, Stephen Lewis just hadn’t been able to cope with the loss of his family to Paul. That was why he had taken his own life. The suggestion of a more supernatural and creditable reason was merely scoffed at. Because of this the turn out for the funeral service at the crematorium was only thirty people, mostly Stephen’s family. It didn’t seem right that such a courageous sacrifice was to go unrecognised. Permission was given to Michael and five other archangels to help me in performing the minor miracle.
We soared, invisibly, over the Eastern Valley of South Wales heading for the crematorium at Croesyceiliog. Although this area could not compare to the wonders of the gardens of Eden and Michael’s Genesis, it looked a lot more attractive now than it had through the eyes of Stephen.
The service was approaching its climax as we landed within the entrance hall. The seven of us, in full regalia and with wings folded back, allowed ourselves to become visible to all human eyes. Nobody challenged us.
As the curtain closed around the coffin, in order to hide the conveyor belt journey to the furnace, ‘Ar Lan y Mor’, my…I mean Stephen’s favourite piece of music, began to play over the speakers. Up the aisle marched seven heavenly figures that lined up in front of the curtain. I had the centre position, with three to my left and three to my right in a slightly pointed formation. The other six knelt down and bowed their heads as a mark of respect. Then, they began to pray.
I took two further paces forward and stood Excalibur on its point in front of me. After leaving the sword, which maintained its upright position, I turned to face Sian. Her bottom lip began to tremble. She could see the face of the stranger who rescued her from Hell. I blinked, the piercing blue eyes changed to the dark brown eyes that she would recognise as Stephen’s. When I slowly blinked again they returned to piercing blue. Behind Sian, Luke, Sinead, and of course Paul, were rows of wide eyes and open mouths.
Before I turned back to face the curtain I gave Sian a smile as I saw her take Paul’s hand. She mouthed the words “Thank you” before bowing her own head, she obviously now understood why Stephen had done what he had.
Seven angels opened their wings and wrapped them around their backs, shoulders and then chest. They began to shrink, finally becoming seven tiny bright lights, like burning specks of magnesium. These lights rose upwards and out of the ceiling. Excalibur vanished with a bright flash as the favoured piece of music ended.
With haste we all returned to heaven.
“Satan?”
I could sense the sarcasm in the tone of Michael’s voice. “What is it?” I asked with trepidation.
“Did you see the look on Father Carpenter’s face at the service?”
“Yes Michael I did.”
“Well that was the exact same look you had when…ha ha…when…hee hee…wh…when you thought you had cut Jesus’ head off.” Michael had trouble finishing his apparently hilarious comment. I must confess that it did make me laugh as well.
He was still laughing and teasing as we strode into the meeting place within Arthur’s Camelot. Again he wore a proud grin, as he observed the bonding between Michael and myself.
“I’m happy to see you both enjoying each other’s company. I take it that the minor miracle was a success?”
“I think everyone who witnessed the events will think better of Stephen than they had prior to the service. Yes, a great success, thank you.”
“Let us hope that we can make Scott Lincoln’s life just as memorable. He has been chosen as the physical vehicle to carry the spirit of Satan along the pathway that Stephen was prepared to take. The new church must be created. Phase 1 will need to be completed, Scott can take his place in heaven and you can take his place in the body. It is still your destiny to find the seven teachers to carry on the growth.”
“Will I be immediately aware of who I really am this time?”
“Yes, although you may feel a little disorientated at first. People who knew Scott before his car accident will assume that any changes in his personality are due to his injuries.”
“Good. So there should be no problems then?”
“Not quite that simple I’m afraid.”
“Why?” asked Michael.
Arthur looked deeply concerned. “Michael we destroyed all evil in this realm. However, part of the Devil’s spirit energy was alive in a physical vehicle upon the earth.”
“But he will be no match for Satan now surely?”
“I have no worries about him trying to destroy Satan.”
“So what are you worried about?”
“I think I know.” I had worked out the reason Arthur feared the ‘fly in the ointment’. “You are afraid that the Devil could tempt me again aren’t you. I am the threat to you now, you fear that I could fall again.”
Arthur did not answer the question. He didn’t need to anyway. The body language said everything. The jovial atmosphere changed to uneasiness. The fact that my father doubted my love and my repentance left me feeling a little hollow and a little bitter. I could feel anger building, hopefully not a sign that I was still the old Satan.
“It will be okay, we’ll just have to keep a close eye on things that’s all.” Michael’s tone of voice suggested a lack of trust also.
“But it doesn’t change the fact that I must go into Scott’s body. So, let us get down to that bit of business shall we?”
“Yes, let’s get this thing done.” Arthur spoke as he led the way toward two grand oak doors that boasted two enormous brass knockers. Pushing the doors open he revealed the crystal Cathedral that I had seen during one of Stephen’s out of body experiences.
As we approached the altar, our footsteps echoing in the enormity, a cloud of steam began to develop within a crystal coffin.
I climbed the five steps from the aisle up to the altar platform. Arthur invited me to rest my form in the coffin. As I approached it to climb in my father enveloped me.
“My love and my blessings upon you my son.”
“I will not let you down this time…I promise you that”
Michael shook my hand and then held me close.
“Where is my friend F…I mean Jesus?”
“He has been called upon elsewhere at the moment, but he will be near you at all times in the physical world.” Michael was confident of that it appeared. “He hasn’t finished teaching you yet, has he?” Then he helped me into the glass coffin.
As a couple prayed for the life of their thirty-five year old son, Scott Lincoln, I saw a flash of brilliant light. I was human again.
Scott’s eyes blinked. They were brown first, then changed to blue with another blink. Another blink and they went silver before returning to brown again.
Even God did not know what the Hell was going to happen now?
The End
© Stephen Lurvey 2000
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