Free Hidden Thrones by Russ Scalzo Page B

Jack, it said, “Well, if it isn’t Jack Bennett. I knew you
would come if I put on a little show for everybody.”
    Frank
tried to use his weapon, but he couldn’t move his hand. His whole body seemed
to be paralyzed, but not from fear.
    Jack
looked the creature in the eye, stood firm, and said, “You have no right to be
here.”
    It
glared at Jack, challenging him venomously. “Oh, but I do. I brought this place
down fifty years ago. The leadership was more concerned about preserving the
building than saving their own souls. They invited me in here with all their petty
bickering and backbiting. You have no idea how much fun it was watching them
tear themselves apart, so I can’t have you and the others re-sanctifying this
place. It was given to me, and I don’t plan on giving it back. It belongs to me.”
    Jack
knew all demons were liars, but in this case there was a measure of spiritual
truth there. Even so, he needed to stand his ground.
    Jack
responded with confidence, “It is my intention to take this place back in the
name of the Lord Jesus Christ. It was once dedicated to Him and it will be
again!”
    With
that, the creature repelled backwards. The name of Jesus seemed to penetrate it
like an electric shock. Taking a deep breath, the creature spat back at Jack
with fury, “I am the prince of the entire region you call the United States! I
will not be removed. You may hinder me for a short time, but I will destroy
this country from the inside out. You cannot stop it. It is already well
underway.”
    The creature
reached down, drew its sword from its sheath, raised it high in the air and
taunted, “I may not be able to kill you now,” motioning to Jack, “but I can do
away with this one,” turning his attention to Frank. Frank’s eyes grew wide and
he found himself completely unable to move, still frozen by some kind of
outside force.
    Jack
cried out, “Father! Remove this demon from this place!”
    At
that, incredible, bright streams of light began to penetrate the darkness and
fill the room. They seemed to be coming from every direction and flying in at
imperceptible speeds. The reddish-orange mist quickly began to dissolve as the
pure bright light filled not just the basement, but the entire building. The
creature jerked backwards, holding his sword out in front of him in a defensive
posture as another figure emerged. It was a gleaming bright angel of light
holding his own sword in his hands; only this sword pulsated with light as
bright as the sun. They could hardly look at it - it was so bright.
    Although
he was clothed in spectacular glory, Jack recognized his face as the hitchhiker
he has picked up in the car that day. He didn’t have much to reference given
that it was the only angel he had ever seen, but he had a strong feeling it
was.
    Jack
and Frank stared in amazement. Frank was still holding on tight to his weapon
and could finally feel his arms and legs coming back to life. Jack reached out
and guided Frank’s arms back down to his sides. There was clearly no need or
use for earthly weapons here.
    The
creature moaned in disapproval, “ Uriel,
we meet again.”
    “Yes , Dante. T he Lord sent me to
remind you that , once again , you hav e overstepped.
These belong to H im.”
    Dante
growled and indicated Frank. “Not this one.”
    “You
do not kn ow the plans of the Lord. Only H e can read the hearts of men.”
    “Why
does he bother with such fools?” Dante
retorted.
    “His
ways are not our ways and they are definitely not your ways. The Lord is reclaiming what is His, for His glory and His
honor.” Uriel then commanded the creature with
authority , “ Be
gone f rom this place and never return! ”
    Dante
winced in disgust , but added , “I will have my
day and this world and all the fools who live in it will obey me.”
    “That
may be , but
your time is not yet.” Uriel raised his
sword, glared into Dante’s red glowing eyes and
declared loudly, “The Lord God has