Free The Gift of Light: (Revised) (The Gifts Book 1) by Jen Gentry Page B

filled the air. Thanksgiving came faster than any of the children could imagine. Mr. Perry invited Marta and her family to a Thanksgiving feast at Perry House. The holidays always brought great joy and anticipation to both families as they prepared for the celebrations.
         The weekend before Thanksgiving, Bradley headed back to Hook Pond with letters of commendation regarding his excellent grades and outstanding drills. His professors and drillmasters spoke with praise and admiration for Bradley. He also carried with him his now well-worn and read Bible. He prayed on the flight home that his father would welcome him and be proud of his accomplishments.
         The angels at Hook Pond prepared for Bradley’s return, as did Azelius. A battle plan to keep the boy safe from the demon masses at the senator’s mansion was in place.
         The archangel Michael arrived with a battalion of angelic host. They met Bradley as he landed at the airport. His father’s limo waited for him, his father absent as usual.
     
        Azelius sent his own battalion to meet Bradley, but the demons, helpless against Michael and his warriors, quickly disappeared into the abyss. Michael and the other angels escorted the limo to the senator’s home. Bradley remained calm for the hour-long drive. He knew that Jesus was with him in his heart wherever he went. Jesus was his savior, no matter what awaited him.
         He made a quick call to his aunt from his cell to wish her a happy holiday and to let her know he was fine. She reminded him that if he had any problems, she would send for him or even come herself if need be.
         “I’ll be fine,” Bradley assured her.
         The angels of Perry House met Michael and the others on the outskirts of the grounds of the senator’s mansion. The demon horde surrounding the place sounded the alarm at their approach. Azelius met Michael face to face in the driveway.
         “You are not welcome here, Michael.” Azelius hissed.
         “I come in the name of the One who holds all power over heaven and earth. You will allow passage for all of us who protect the boy, in Jesus name. The boy has chosen and you may not touch him.”   
          Azelius hissed and screeched as he skittered away from the angels. The rest of the demons followed suit. A clear path opened for Bradley and the angels to pass into the house.
         Inside, the guru cried out and tore at his clothes. “A great evil has come,” he shouted to the senator.
         “My son is no angel, but he is certainly not
    evil.” The senator dismissed the guru for the very first time since he had the man brought into his home.
         Bathomet bowed low to the senator and took his leave to his own safe haven in the mansion. Bradley met his father in his office. He put the letters of commendation on the desk and sat down. Not expecting anything by way of a welcome home, he did want his father to be proud of his hard work with his schooling and training. The office was more crowded than the two humans in the room knew.
         The angelic host filled the room, led by Michael. The only demon allowed was the one attached to the senator, Azelius.
         The senator seemed pleased to see his son and Bradley became hopeful that maybe this could be a good visit between them.
         “I hear you’re doing well at the military academy. I’m pleased with the reports I’ve received.”
         “Yes, sir. I also have all these letters of commendation.” Bradley pointed to the envelopes he’d placed on his father’s desk.
         Before the senator could reach across the desk to gather the letters, Azelius mustered every bit of strength he had and struck the senator in the head.
         The massive migraine came on strong and sudden, just as it had before. The man collapsed to the floor in agony.
         Bradley yelled for help from the household staff as he ran to his father’s side.