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

hmm,” came Michael’s voice over the crowd. The angels dispersed and made a pathway for the archangel as he glided in to greet Crispin. Michael loved his former teacher and was not at all surprised to see him in the familiar role of interpreting events to others. He embraced Crispin warmly.
    “To be sure, poor choices often escalate as we have seen here in the Kingdom,” Crispin responded. “Lucifer might have stopped himself at any moment had he wanted to. A’dam might never have disobeyed had he truly not wanted to. In either case, both choices proved prideful and disastrous.”
    Just as he finished speaking the sound of trumpets blasted through Heaven, calling every angel to his designated commander. Michael watched as the angels around Crispin dispersed, each to his own legion in readiness for the same briefing that Crispin had been alluding to all along: a call to war. It was with satisfaction that Michael observed his angels in action—dedicated, loyal, and dutiful. Crispin caught the pleasure on Michael’s countenance.
    “You have trained them well, Michael,” said Crispin. “They are an efficient organization to wage war in the name of the Most High.”
    “Perhaps,” agreed Michael. “I am honored by their obedience. But I wish that the need for such a mobilization had never occurred.”
    “The war will be won by our Lord,” said Crispin. “This we all know.”
    “Yes,” said Serus, who had been silently observing the dialogue between Michael and Crispin. “But when will Eve’s child rise up? At what point will the prophecy be fulfilled?”
    “That is a puzzle, Serus,” said Crispin, smiling at Serus’s recently discovered knack for asking pointed questions.”Let’s take it up in my quarters.”
    They began walking toward the Academy. Since Serus was attached to Michael personally, he did not need to attend a commander elsewhere as did the other angels. Sangius bade the group farewell and departed for his duties at the Temple. The three angels made their way down the now deserted pathway and into the Academy. They didn’t speak until they found themselves in Crispin’s study deep in the heart of the complex. This was always a favorite spot for discussions and Crispin looked forward to such moments.
    “Now Serus, you had a question about the prophecy,” said Crispin. “But rather than give you my opinion I would like to hear yours.” He sat up in his chair and continued. “What do
you
think will be the outcome of the prophecy? When will Eve’s child ‘rise up,’ as you put it earlier?” Crispin settled back in his chair and awaited the response. He always enjoyed getting his students to think through things for themselves. Michael smiled at Serus’s quandary.
    “Well, obviously the Most High knows when and where the Seed should come,” Serus began. “And He is in control of the prophecy. So at His time and choosing the one who shall crush the serpent will arrive!”
    “I could not have reasoned it out any better myself,” applauded Crispin.
    “But I didn’t answer the question,” said Serus with a bemused look.
    “But you did,” said Crispin. “The time and fulfillment of prophecy is a matter too lofty for mere angels. Ours is to help the humans expedite the prophecy in a way and manner of our Lord’s choosing.”
    “Humans!” said an exasperated Serus. “That we should be allied with such capricious spirits! If we must depend upon the will of men to win this war we are defeated already—prophecy or not!”
    Crispin smiled. “True, Serus. If we were to depend on men for
anything
as to the successful conclusion of this war we would be beaten already. Fortunately, we are dependent upon neither men
nor
angels.”
    “Either way, it seems quite obvious that of Eve’s two children Abel shows some promise,” interjected Michael. “Perhaps Abel will end this nonsense once and for all.”
    Before the others could respond, a figure appeared in the entryway. It was