Fire of Truth: Strength, Valor, Hero

By D. C. Cowan

The fire eating dragon has consumed dying flames for centuries. He rekindles them for his own vicious purpose. The woman has lived one thousand years in the flesh rescuing the lost flames from the eternal fire. For generations a war has raged between the woman and the dragon – the mother of angels and the king of suns. They battle to win the favor of the lost spirits. The woman will commission a valiant champion who will face the evil dragon head on. Who will prevail in this ancient battle?

Three women . . . Three prophets . . . Three ages. . .

The spirit is like an eternal fire that burns within each of us. The greater the spirit the brighter the fire will burn. It’s a fire that will never be extinguished. This raging fire inside wants nothing more than to be released to freedom. As the flesh is aging and slowly dying, the fire within grows cold. The prophets of the One must let their light shine to a hopeless world driven into the dark. Fire is life. Fire is light. Fire is truth.

• Language: English
• Publisher: BookBaby
• Release date: Jul 1, 2014
• ISBN: 9781483532240

Book preview

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Title Page

Fire of Truth

Angelic Heroes Trilogy

Special Edition

Volume 3

By

D. C. Cowan

Black Rose Legend

D. C. Cowan

Author of

Black Rose Series

Angelic Heroes Trilogy

Elemental Angels

The Novels

My Amoretto

Quote

The great dragon was hurled down--that ancient serpent called the devil, or Satan, who leads the whole world astray. He was hurled to the earth, and his angels with him.

Revelation 12:9

And the Dragon raged against the woman and went to make war with the remnant of her Seed, these who keep the commandments of God. . .

Revelation 12:17

But you have come to Mount Zion, to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem. You have come to thousands upon thousands of angels in joyful assembly.

Hebrews 12:22

Story I

Chapter 1

I am Leviathan, but call me Levi. I am in this story somewhere, but I bet you will never guess whom. Maybe I returned as the king of Arcadia or maybe I am the high priest. Perhaps I am one of the orphans—there are thousands of them in the kingdom now. I can still hear the voices of those filthy little brats. Their voices rang through the narrow cave walls blackened by soot. Click, clack, tolling away . . . Swish crack working all day. . . Mining now, mining forever, orphans never know their mother! We work every day, too busy to cry. Who would miss us if we all die? Miles below the earth’s surface, the children sang in perfect harmony as they labored from sun up until sun down for long grueling hours. To pass the time the children made up that song and others. Why did they sing in a place where there is no light?

The song, to them, really did not mean anything, but to one girl the words haunted her every night. She dreamt about being an octopus creature forced to labor endlessly in the mine. She used her extra set of arms and legs to work twice as hard as she did in real life. The mine superintendent gave her two steam-powered machines to dig up the diamonds in the rough as the alchemists called it. She used each set of hands to operate one. The superintendent inspected her work while pounding a baton into the palm of his hand. Then she heard a hissing sound like from a snake echoing along the cave walls.

This was the part of the dream she feared the most, but she relived it every night. The hissing sound came closer. She could feel the superintendent’s hot breath on her neck, watching her every move. When she turned around, it was not the superintendent standing behind her. A flaming dragon with awful red and yellow eyes stood there, staring at her. She watched in terror as the fire dragon devoured the other children and set the cave ablaze. Everything would go pitch black and she could hear the children sing for the last time. Click, clack, tolling away . . . Swish crack working all day . . . Mining now, mining forever, orphans will never know your mother! We work every day, too busy to cry; who would miss us if we all die?

The next morning could not come fast enough. The girl lied face down in the daybed jerking slightly as she snored. A young man sat beside her with his hand laid over hers. Another orphan came into the room carrying a tray of tea. She had big green puppy eyes with bubble gum pink hair that cut off at her ears. Hey Mr. Rich Benefactor, I got some tea for you and Thea.

Oh please don’t call me that, the benefactor said with a smile.

But you’re one of those rich guys from the other side of town. The orphan handed the benefactor a cup of tea and left another cup on the coffee table for Thea. Here ya go pops, the orphan said.

His bushy eyebrow twitched slightly when she called him pops. Why thank you, little one.

Ha, I know you don’t like for me to call you that either, but you’re just too nice to say anything.

Guilty as charged. What is your name again? he asked her.

Sola, she said and grinned from ear to ear. It means solo and every orphan in this place is flying solo like me.

Yes, indeed, every orphan embodies the meaning of your name; you all are the personification of loneliness. Worry not, someday you’ll leave this place and have a family of your own. You’re such a helpful and adorable little girl, oh my, and so tiny too. Why you haven’t grown an inch in all the time I’ve known you.

Yeah, I know. I’m so cute. You could pinch these cheeks all afternoon and never grow tired. I dare the other kids to even try it. If they did, I’d slug them, she said and popped her chewing gum. But if I’m so cute, then why don’t no one want to adopt me?

Give it time, someone will come for you I’m sure. I always see the older children leave after a few years. Just keep your hopes up.

Okay, well, if you take Thea, I’m coming too.

Ha-ha, I understand. You two are inseparable. How is Thea? She’s usually up by this hour?

Nah, the Old Man caught her walking around last night. She’s afraid to sleep sometimes.

Why on Gaia would she be afraid to sleep?

I guess she was having another nightmare. Sometimes she wakes up screaming and wakes us all up too. Well, the Old Man sure has a way of making us stay in our beds. Sola rubbed her soar bottom and sighed. She eyed his jewelry and fine clothes. That’s a nice watch you got there, pops. She winked while popping her gum.

Yes, and I plan to keep it. It was a present from my brother.

Oh really. . . I ain’t never had a brother before.

"Oh, but you do have a brother, lots of them and sisters too! You have a big family here, wouldn’t you say?" The benefactor patted her head. He cupped his index finger and thumb together and brought it dangerously close to pinching her cheek, but before he could perform the forbidden act of cheek pinching, Sola busted out laughing.

Are you kidding? Sola asked him. This is a family here? We’re just a bunch of freaks. We’re powerful freaks though. I’m telling ya, we’re the strongest bunch of midget adults in Arcadia; all twelve of us.

Oh my. . .! The benefactor said, and recoiled his hand before it could touch her. You all have such amazing powers, but that does not make you freaks! All you have is each other and you have your power that makes you unique. Well, look at Thea here; she’s like a sister to you, isn’t she?

Yeah. Sola shrugged. Thea’s my best friend, ya know. She’s different from the others.

Yes, Thea is like an angel on earth. There’s no proper way to describe her. She possesses a hidden depth that even I lacked when I was her age.

Thea was the first girl I met when I was here. We tough it out in the mine. . . uh, I mean here together. We’re the cutest girls here, if you ask me, and I dare any of the other girls to say anything. She held up her fist. You’re lucky you get to see her big smile; she doesn’t smile so much when you’re not here.

She doesn’t?

Sola shook her head. Poor Thea. . . She never did no nothing to nobody. . . You know, she is like a sister to me.

And so she is. . . all you have to do is believe she is your sister and she will be. If she’s your sister then you have a family! You’ve had a family all along and didn’t realize it. His gentle words sunk deep inside Sola’s lonely heart.

Hey you’re right! Gee thanks! I didn’t have a family.

Of course not, that’s why you’re here, he said with a sigh. Sola rested her arms on her hips and stayed for a moment longer. Her eyes kept lingering on his expensive wristwatch.

I could get a lot of candy for the price of that thing.

Okay, he said breaking her from her thoughts. He looked at Thea for a moment then back at her. He rustled in his chair uncomfortably then cleared his throat. Whenever I visit, as you know, I always have my alone time with Thea. Both of us are soft spoken, so I took an immediate liking to her.

Ok, I can take a hint pops. See you around. Sola waved and skipped out of the room.

I have a name you know, he said, but she had already left. Sola hid around the corner so she and some other orphans could eavesdrop. Through a crack underneath the door, they watched and listened. Ah well. The benefactor sighed then looked back to Thea. He could stare at her lovely golden skin, hair, and eyes for hours; he loved to watch her as she slept—as I did as well. How I loved beautiful things such as her! She rolled over onto her back, her cupid curls sliding across her face. Aletheia. My sweet child. He pushed the curls from her eyes, and kissed her lightly on the forehead. He stood for a moment and parted the curtains for the sunlight to shine down on them. He could see the other children outside playing soccer.

From outside the door, one of the eavesdropping orphans could see the others playing. I forgot they’re playing soccer today. Later, one of the orphans said and bounded away.

Maybe we shoulda gone too? another orphan said to Sola. You know we’re only allowed to play soccer when that big shot in the room is here. Come on Sola let’s go! The orphan begged her.

No way. . .! I’m busy snooping. I’m not leaving Thea alone. . . no way. Thea is obviously his fav and you can tell from the way he treats her. He likes all of us sorta, but he likes her the most! I always watch just in case he tries to do something to her. I have to be here in case I need to crunch something below the belt and give Thea time to escape.

Ah, what could you do? You’re half her size and a few years younger, the other orphan said.

Hey! I’m always looking after this chick. You know that! Just being a good best friend that’s all. Sola told the orphan. The orphan shrugged and ran outside to join the others.

From inside the room, the benefactor watched as the orphan sprinted up to play soccer with the others. You should be out there playing too, the benefactor said to Thea as if she were awake. Always sick and in bed. . . It’s not right for a child. He sighed then started to hum quietly as he pulled the sheets up to her chin. His gentle caresses stirred her from her sleep.

Hum. . . she cooed. Her eyes blinked open then steadied on him. Oh, hello, sir! She sat up and smiled with trembling lips.

My precious angel, please don’t call me ‘sir’. Something less formal like— He fell silent and gazed towards the door. Sola ducked, hoping he would not see her. Like. . . well, call me pops.

Oh, I wouldn’t do that. Thea grinned wiping her nose across her sleeve.

Oh dear, mustn’t do that. It’s probably why you’re sick all the time. He took out his handkerchief of silk. Here use this.

Oh no, it’s too nice to do that. Just let me wipe it here. She took the daybed cover, but he pulled it away and placed his handkerchief in her hands.

It’s fine dear, just use this. I’ll acquire it upon my return next time.

Of course. While blowing her nose, the benefactor watched on with fondness.

Have you been eating well? he asked.

The face of the Old Man popped into Sola’s head. Don’t tell him the truth or we’ll get it. She cringed and waited for Thea’s response.

Yes, Thea said and Sola sighed with relief.

Good. Have you been gaming with the other children?

Oh no. . . well sometimes. She lifted her arched and buckled legs.

Yes, not much that you can do with those. He grazed her deformed legs. Perhaps another surgery or two.

Please, not again. . . um, sir, she blurted out. I mean, whatever you want. . . eh, pops.

As it be how you want it child. He pinched her chin and kissed her forehead. Well, it’s a shame I must go soon. These visits are just not long enough, especially when you sleep halfway through them. He chuckled tapping her nose.

Sorry. She choked slightly on her words.

No, no. Now look here. He tapped her chin. Keep that head up and be a ray of light to all the other children here. I assume it’s almost lunchtime. I don’t wish to spoil it, but I have something here. He handed her a metal tin of candy. You may share with whoever you’d like. She took the tin from his hand, took out a piece and held it out for him. Oh ha-ha. Thank you. He took a piece and placed it in his pocket. She looked at him with curiosity and then did the same with her piece. It dangled in the pocket of her nightgown. Oh silly child. He laughed taking his from his pocket and putting it to his lips. This is the proper place for it. I was trying to save mine for later, or for another child, but I can afford to spoil myself on a Turkish delight now and again. Thea mimicked him with a bright smile on her lips. Let’s eat.

Mm, she said. She held her arms out for him and he brought her close to his chest.

Alright, go get dressed for lunch. He pulled her from the daybed and placed her on her feet. She wobbled a little, but he handed her his silver lined cane for support. She wrapped her housecoat on. Come. He lightly placed a hand to her back and guided her from the parlor room. The light of the window shined bright against his diamond-studded cufflinks. Sola tucked and rolled away from the door before they could see her. As he emerged, Sola handed him his fur lined cloak, and dusted off his leather boots.

Here’s your coat and a show shine—free of charge, Sola said.

I thank you little one. He wrapped the cloak around his shoulders brushing down the ruffles in his blouse. The time came to say goodbye to the benefactor. All the children stopped playing and stood by the door to see him out.

Seeing all these fake smiles makes my stomach sick.

The benefactor patted them all along the head, giving thugs and kisses and a little bit of candy that he had not given to Thea already. Take care my loves. I’m sorry I can’t stay for lunch and dinner as I usually do, but business awaits. Oh, don’t look so down my children, I will come back to you soon enough. He waved goodbye taking a little longer to let Thea linger in his eyes. Adieu. When the door shut, the light from their eyes escaped with it.

The Old Man emerged from the darkness of the stairs with his precious cat in his arms. Alright you little turds, fun's over.

The children formed a line as he walked passed them. He treats that cat better than us sometimes, Sola whispered to Thea.

Sometimes it eats better than us too, Thea whispered back.

Twins! the Old Man said.

Without another word to them, the Twins knew what to do. Alright, we’re the oldest so listen up! one of the twins named Tick said.

We gotta get the cooking down, so hurry up, the other twin named Tock said. Each of the twin girls had long mossy hair of massive waves that reached down to their ankles. They wore baggy pants, sneakers with tight shirts that revealed their belly buttons. Though taller than the rest, their frame had the same thinness as the other younger children. The other orphans followed them into the cold and empty backrooms of the house far from the extravagant inner house. Thanks to generous donations, the Old Man built the front of the orphanage like a mansion, but the back remained shabby like an abandoned house. Pipes hung out of the wall, tattered rugs lined the floor, and windows without curtains had paint stains on the glass.

I won’t see you again until morning, the Old Man said before closing the door to the back house. I’m going to my room and I don’t want to hear a peep out of any of you tonight—especially you Thea. He pointed his sausage-sized finger at her. He slammed the door and headed to his room in the inner house. When the door closed, they shivered from the draft.

We’ll have to get the heater fixed, Tick said.

Another day in the life, Sola said.

Chapter 2

Another new orphan came. Abandoned, he sat alone outside on the step shivering in the damp evening air. It’s like one of those babes in the basket you hear about, one of the children said while looking out the window at him. You know, when the mother doesn’t want it.

Well, someone didn’t want him, Tock said and headed out of the room. I’m going to tell the Old Man we have another abandoned child here.

I think we all can relate to that, Thea said. We never had any other life, but this orphanage. We don’t know where we come from. My first memory is of this place, sitting outside on the stoop like he is. It seems like we just woke up to reality one day sitting on that stoop out there.

Yeah, and some days it seems we’ll never leave, Sola said. What happened to that kid who ran away a few weeks ago?

They sent him to internet camp, one of the young orphans said.

Cool, I want to go! Thea said.

Nah, you dummies, an older orphan said. "It ain’t ‘internet’ camp it’s an internment camp. You labor every day without a single day to break."

The Old Man strutted down the steps to take a peek out of the window along with the children. Perfect, looks like you little turds get another friend to roll around in mud with. I wasn’t expecting this one, but it’s a good thing I’m so kind. Doesn’t look like he has a representative from the adoption center either. Good, I don’t have to take them on a tour or do paperwork. Thank goodness for you little bastards, he said and pinched Thea’s cheek. The more of you I get more government funding and more tax breaks. Wherever there are children, there’s a dollar bill to be made. Go on, Twins, bring your new family member in.

When he entered the house, he slowly shuffled around as the Twins took him by the arms to a couch. Thea limped over handing him her glass of milk. He snatched it up and chugged it wiping away his milk moustache all in one movement. He clutched the glass in his hands, tapping his fingernails against it. The children circled his chair while examining him. Racially, he looked like the foreigners from the Eastern lands, high cheekbones, narrow eyes, pallid skin and hair as dark as night. His brilliant green eyes appeared yellow they were so bright—like two suns burning in his sockets. He finally settled his mysterious eyes on each child one at a time as he peered around the room at them. They lingered for a while longer on Thea. She twined her hair in her fingers then started to blush. He smirked at her then turned his attention to Sola.

What’s up? I’m Sola, Sola said and held her hand out to him. He silently shuffled the glass to one hand and held out his other to her. It felt damp and cold from the moisture around the foggy milk glass. Welcome to hell. He stared at her then started to snicker. Didn’t mean it as a joke, but okay. What’s your name?

Azrael, he whispered. Setting the glass down, he slid from the chair and wandered around the room. Little ornaments lined the wall along with paintings, all presents from the benefactor. He ran his fingers along the chestnut brown dressers each drawer lined with velvet.

Why do you wear so many bandages? Thea asked him and lifted up his bound hands. Are you hurt? I guess it was pretty chilly outside. It’s warm here in the inner house, so let me take them off—

Don’t touch my hands. He snatched his hand away and held them. The flowers hanging from a silver trimmed glass vase caught his attention. He took a whiff and tried to take one out, but the Old Man took his arm.

Don’t touch anything you filthy rat. You haven’t been accepted yet, so don’t get comfortable. You’ll be lucky if I let you live here and not out in the streets. What power you got boy? The boy glared at him then frowned. Well? You can’t earn your keep if you ain’t got nothing. The boy sighed and removed one bandage. He wiggled his fingers releasing a black mist then touched one of the flowers. It shriveled up, cracked up and disintegrated onto the counter. Great. Just clean this up when you get a chance. I don’t know what that power would be good for, guess you’ll have to use your muscle like the rest of them. Oh wait, I know. Ha-ha, you’d make a great weed killer. The boy gritted his teeth as the Old Man patted him on the head. The duty of weed killer undermined his true potential and ability. The children had never seen ability like that. They hoped to see it again in no one else. Alright you little turds; take him to the backroom and get dinner started. In the meantime Azrael, I’ll work on getting your papers together for adoption. Welcome to the family. He sneered before exiting.

Why hasn’t anyone killed that guy yet? Azrael said but the children all laughed. I’m serious. You want me to do it? Azrael held up his hand showing his black mist.

Thea lowered his arm with caution. Believe me, some of the other children have tried. It’s not right to kill so a lot of them are sent away or locked up.

If we tried, the Old Man would overpower us, Sola said. It happens every time.

So you guys don’t have powers?

Yeah we got powers! Tick said.

Let’s show him what we got, Tock said and lead the way to the back house. Alright newbie, take a deep breath; this can be a lot to handle the first time around.

Just wait until you get to see the mines, Tick said. Then chores here will seem like a piece of cake. Into the drafty backroom, they descended.

Has he started crying yet? Tock called back from the front of the line.

Azrael’s expression did not change once they crossed out of the elaborate inner house to the dingy back house. No way, Thea said. You must be a tough kid. Most of the other children, when they first arrive, they cry, bicker, or huddle in the corner.

Like that runt, Napir, over there, Sola said and pointed to him. They all laughed, but Napir frowned while sticking his hands into his pocket. Napir stuck his tongue out at her and Sola did the same to him. Ah don’t worry about him, Napir has it in for everyone cause everyone has it in for him. He thinks he’s so much cause he’s one of those Lunars. . . But that don’t mean nothing no more.

Maybe a thousand years ago, but not no more, Azrael said and they all laughed.

I can tell that I’m going to like this new kid already, Sola said to the others.

Alright, so I gotta live hell, so tell me about it.

We live back here and the Old Man lives up front, Sola said. The inner house—which we just left—is built complete with its own kitchen, a game room, parlor, and several fake bedrooms. We hardly ever see it unless the Rich Man visits. Only the Old Man uses those rooms. We have bunk beds stacked to the ceiling in the back house here.

It’s a wonder why we don’t have to sign a liability waiver to climb at our own risk or to just live in the house period, Tick said to him when she overheard their conversation.

Yeah, what she said. So now, with you, there are thirteen orphans here, which means we have to crowd into the bunk beds. One pillow each, one dirty toothbrush a piece, a coat, underwear, one pair of shoes, and one mining hat apiece. That’s all we own thanks to the Old Man. We share everything else, like hairbrushes and clothes. Except nightclothes, we ain’t got none, we just sleep in underwear. On days off from mining and when the Rich Man leaves, we all pretty much walk around in them. In the summer, it’s just peachy, but in the winter, it’s a drag and we have to wear our mining coats so we don’t turn into cold pops. The Twins don’t seem to mind.

What’s their names?

That’s Tick and Tock, Thea said. They actually have really long hair, but they usually keep it up in a bun like the picture of their favorite actress. They’re a lot older and the Old Man calls them. . . what does he call them? She turned to Sola.

The Tween Twins, Sola replied.

Oh yeah that’s it. They aren’t teens, but not children so they are in between—you know tween. They’ve been here forever so they know all the ropes, ins and outs of the house. They know what makes the Old Man tick—

Or ticked off! Sola said. Ah, but they’re the Old Man’s fav, so they never get in trouble. Boy, if he only knew. They set up pranks on him all the time. They’re tomboys though, they always hang out with the other boys cause no girl could get along with them. I think they like Thea, here.

Who wouldn’t? Azrael said and Thea turned red.

"Nah, I mean they like, like her."

That’s not true! Thea said.

Sola waved Azrael to leave his ear closer to her. The Twins always compliment her on her hair, open doors for her, and always smile at her. They don’t treat any other girls like that, especially not little runt me. So if you like Thea, you have competition, my friend, Sola said making Azrael laugh.

What are you talking about? Thea asked. Oh boo, I hate to be left out.

What power do the twins have? Azrael asked.

Oh I know! Thea said. I want to tell him. Their power over electricity comes in useful especially in the kitchen. Saves money on the electric bill and it’s probably why the Old Man loves them so much.

Once they entered the kitchen, the twins took Azrael by either shoulder and sat him down in the corner. What’s up? What’s going on?

We have to start dinner and you’ll only get in the way, Tick said.

The children assumed their positions and waited for their orders. Commence, the twins said at the same time. The children removed dishes from the cabinet and extracted leftovers from the fridge. They worked in harmony as coordinated as a dance.

Tick held the cord for the toaster in her hand. Her sister clasped onto the plug and like magic, it heated up as they placed the bread in. Hey yo Napir, get your little butt over here with that blender, Tick said.

Coming! Out of the way. Napir pushed Thea down and opened the cabinet behind her.

Oh excuse me. Thea helped herself back up on the counter.

Yeah excuse you. Napir stuck out his tongue at her. A foot tripped him up. Napir met face first with the floor and the glass all shattered. Hey Sola, that’s not funny!

Wasn’t me this time, runt. It was the new kid, Sola said and slapped Azrael on the back. I knew I was going to like this guy. I think I’ll call you Azra for short.

Hey you kid! Napir glared up at Azrael.

Ah come on guys, you’re killing me, Tock said as the toaster popped the first pair of bread up. Clean it up would ya, Sola?

My pleasure. She walked up popping her knuckles. Hey new kid, you might be wondering why she asked me to clean it up—here’s why. While waving her hand around in the glass the pieces reassembled and Napir floated back up as if nothing happened. That’s my power—time. I’ve cleaned up all sorts of accidents by reversing that ish. I love being me. Napir glared at all of them before taking the blender to Tick who snatched it away and began placing the vegetables another little orphan chopped up. The little orphan’s dusty brown hairline carved a short forehead on his face and furry sideburns caused him to have a chimp face.

Who’s that kid helping the Tick Tock twins? Azrael asked Sola.

That’s Reichan. He has a mean ability over plants and vegetable juice usually ends up as our drink for dinner. Azrael made a face. Yeah, it gets old, but what’s the use of complaining?

How old is he?

He’s only been alive for eight years, but someone would think he had a beard already.

Who’s the weird kid?

That’s Reichan’s best friend with dogs over there. His name is Valin. The Old Man calls him. . . something. He calls him ‘feral’? I don’t know what that means, but Valin can’t speak, but he talks to the Old Man’s pets. I usually find him squatting in trees or swinging from something.

Who’s the big black redhead?

Oh that’s Bast. She’s cool.

No, she’s hot. . . I mean, she’s sitting in the oven right now.

"Oh, the stove broke a while back so she just sits inside and