The Fall

By Ezra Carias

Aren is an angel created in Heaven. God the Father tasks him with a mission along with his angel brethren. The mission: to find a king to rule over all of Earth. While Aren carries out his orders, he learns how different things can be on Earth from his home in Heaven. He must consider the consequence of every action as he completes his mission.

Lucifer has a different opinion of Earth. He sees his time on Earth as an opportunity to show God how to make everything better. All he has to do is wait and ask for help. When the time is right, he will execute his plan and show everyone what he is capable of.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Ezra Carias
• Release date: Sep 27, 2018
• ISBN: 9780463143360

Ezra Carias

Ezra Carias is a christian writer and musician. He graduated from Florida International University with a degree in Music and Business Administration. He has worked as music teacher and volunteers his time at his local church. He lives in Miami, FL.

Book preview

Chapter 1

Open your eyes, said a voice.

The angel opened his eyes. He was laying on his back on the marble floor of an enormous room.

Here, said a voice. Let me help.

A being stepped forward, smiled and helped the angel stand. As he stood, the angel felt an overwhelming sense of peace the moment he looked into the brown eyes of the one helping him stand

Where am I? asked the angel.

The being who helped him stand smiled and pushed a long flock of his brown hair behind an ear. You’re in the Father’s throne room. I’m the Son, the one sitting on the throne is the Father and he -the Son pointed to the third being- is the Holy Spirit.

What is my name? asked the angel.

Your name is Aren, said the Father.

When Aren heard the voice of the Father, he staggered. The power in the voice made Aren lose his balance. The Son grabbed Aren by the hand and back of the elbow to keep him from falling.

Careful, said the Son with a smile. I think you need to get used to the Father’s voice.

Aren examined the Father’s face to find the source of his power. The Father’s encouraging smile, white hair and beard didn’t explain the effects of his voice.

Where am I? asked Aren as the Son stepped back

You’re in the Father’s throne room, said the Holy Spirit. We are very happy you’re here with us.

The Holy Spirit stepped forward and hugged Aren. The sense of transparency and reassurance Aren felt from the simple hug was intoxicating. He was disappointed when the Holy Spirit stepped back from the hug.

Aren, said Aren as he looked at his hands. He patted his chest to feel the texture of the white robes he was wearing. Where did I come from?

The Father created you, said the Holy Spirit.

Aren looked up and faced the Father. Thank you.

My pleasure, said the Father.

Aren felt the power of the Father’s voice and his knees weakened. The Holy Spirit stepped forward to steady him. He looked into the Holy Spirit’s blue eyes as he grabbed him.

Can you stand? asked the Holy Spirit.

I think so, said Aren.

Good, said the Holy Spirit as he leaned in and whispered. Next time he speaks, brace yourself.

Where did all of you come from? asked Aren.

We have always been here, said the Son.

A confused look came over Aren’s face.

Aren, said the Father as he stood from his throne and walked to him. I know you have a lot of questions, and I promise you, they all will be answered.

The power in the Father’s words struck Aren but this time, he was ready. He braced himself by bending his knees and planting his feet on the ground.

The Father walked to Aren and put his right hand on Aren’s shoulder. You’re an angel. You’re not the first angel I have created and neither are you the last. I have a specific task in mind for every angel I create. There is place I need the angels to go to and once they are there, they will have to carry out a mission for me. I would love for them to help me. Would you like to help me?

Aren looked directly in the Father’s eyes and felt an immeasurable amount of love in every word the Father spoke. He also felt a soothing feeling, reassuring him the Father was speaking the truth.

Yes, said Aren. What would I need to do?

I will show you what you need to do, said the Holy Spirit.

Don’t worry Aren, said the Son. I’ll help you too.

I want to help you, Father, said Aren.

Excellent! said the Father as he hugged Aren. You’ve made me so happy! I’m truly glad you chose to help me.

The Father stepped back and sat on the throne.

I will introduce you to the others, said the Son. Let’s go to the plaza.

Aren followed the Son to a set of enormous golden doors on the opposite end of the room. When they were close to the doors, they opened. The light reflected off the golden doors made a glint travel all over the room. The glint made the throne room sparkle as it intersected the gold veins woven into the white marble walls. Before going through the doorway, Aren turned around and waved. The Father smiled and waved back. Aren smiled.

We need to go, Aren, said the Son.

They walked through the doorway and the doors closed behind them. They entered an enormous rectangular hall with twenty four golden columns lined on either side along the wall. At the opposite end of the room was another set of golden doors with a similar intricate design to the doors leading to the throne room.

* * * 

Wake up Ovnion! said Ovnion’s mother. Your father is calling you!

Ovnion sat on his bed and rubbed his eyes.

Ovnion! called Ovnion’s father.

Ovnion’s mother came into his room, placed a cup of water on a small table next to his bed and lifted him by the shoulders with a grunt.

You’re getting too heavy! said Miwan. You’re no longer a boy, Ovnion. Get up!

Papa is here? asked Ovnion. I thought he went out hunting.

Ovnion’s muscular arms and legs along with his thick brow reminded Miwan of her husband.

‘He looks exactly like his Father,’ thought Miwan.

He’s here, said Miwan. You can ask him yourself why he’s not hunting. You need to go outside, he’s waiting for you.

Ovnion’s mother grabbed the cup from the table and splashed water on his face. The water drove away the last lingering bit of sleep in Ovnion. He dried his face and ran outside to meet with his father.

Raxan’s house had two windows on either side of the front door, which made it easy for him to see his wife walking around inside the house from the outside. Raxan crossed his arms as Ovnion came out of the house.

I thought you were out hunting, said Ovnion as he yawned.

I’m one of the leaders of the village, said Raxan. I’m allowed some leniency every once in a while. I told them we were going to join them in the hunt later on.

Can I stay home? asked Ovnion.

Raxan scratched his beard, ran his hand through his brown hair and took a step forward. No, you can’t stay home. I told you yesterday we were doing this today, you’re not backing out now.

Okay, said Ovnion.

Where is your spear?

Miwan threw her son’s spear and the dull tip hit Ovnion on the back before it clattered to the ground.

Ow! said Ovnion. That hurt Mom.

Thanks Miwan, said Raxan.

Bring back dinner, said Miwan from inside the house.

He will, said Raxan. Let’s go.

Ovnion picked up his spear and followed Raxan through the village. It was early in the morning and most of the villagers were still sleeping. The ones who were awake were merchants preparing for the day, most of them knew Raxan and greeted him as he walked by.

Raxan! said one of the merchants as he walked from behind his kiosk. Is there any way the sentries could carry out their searches faster?

The sentries and the wall surrounding the village are there for our protection, said Raxan. Let the sentries do their job.

I understand, said the merchant. It’s just that the farmers sometimes don’t-

I’m really sorry, said Raxan. There is nothing I can do.

I guess, said the merchant. I will recommend another leader in the next town hall meeting.

I guess you will, said Raxan.

The merchant gave Ovnion a dirty look before walking back to his kiosk.

Good morning, Raxan, said a sentry from the scaffolding at the top of the village wall.

Hello, said Raxan. Make sure you don’t fall as you make your rounds.

I won’t, answered the sentry.

Raxan and Ovnion walked through one of the village gates and headed to the forest. They reached the edge of the tree line when Raxan stopped and faced Ovnion.

Remember what I told you, said Raxan. Once you are in the forest, nothing should know you’re there. Silence is our best weapon.

Yes father, said Ovnion. I remember. Where are we supposed to meet with the hunting party?

They should be close to the river by now.

Why are we even going at all, asked Ovnion. Aren’t we too late already?

I told them we were going to join them later because I wanted to speak with you alone, said Raxan. One day, you will be a leader and it’s not a good idea for the villagers to see their future leader missing a hunt because he overslept. You would lose respect in their eyes.

I don’t care about their respect.

You have to care! shouted Raxan.

Ovnion jerked his head back when his father shouted at him.

You’re young now, Raxan said. You will understand when you’re older. But you have to trust me, even if you don’t become a leader, you still need the respect of others. If people don’t respect you, they won’t want to be near you or have anything to do with you. Every single member of this village has a responsibility to fulfill to their fellow villagers. Leaders make decisions and go hunting. It’s one of the ways the leader learns what it takes to feed the village. If you don’t fulfill your responsibility to the village, no one will want to be around you. You’ll be alone. You won’t be able to survive alone.

Ovnion nodded.

Raxan crouched and headed to the forest. Ovnion crouched and followed after his father.

* * * 

Aren and the Son stepped through the doorway. They were at the top of the steps leading into the hall of the throne room, below them was a plaza filled with angels. The sound of their conversations filled the air.

Aren, said the Son. These are other angels the Father created. Get to know them, I think you’ll like them.

The Son turned around and walked through the open golden doors to the hall. The doors closed behind him.

Hello, said a voice.

Aren turned around to face the owner of the voice.

My name is Kirian, said the angel with blond hair and blue eyes as he smiled.

My name is Aren.

Nice to meet you. Now, what do you think of the Father?

He seems nice.

Yeah, a lot of us have been saying the same thing. Come on, I’ll introduce you to some of the others.

Kirian led Aren into the crowd of angels and introduced him to some of the angels. They all traded stories about their interactions with the Father, Holy Spirit and Son. All their stories were similar. They all opened their eyes, learned their names and were asked to help the Father in a task. Afterward, they were led out of the throne room and have been waiting ever since.

Does anyone know who was the first one of the throne room? asked Aren.

There were three, answered an angel with short blond hair and brown eyes. If I remember correctly their names are Gabriel, Lucifer and Michael.

Where are they? asked Kirian. Are they somewhere in this crowd?

I believe so, answered the first angel. Why do you ask?

Maybe they know more about what the Father wants us to do, said Aren. I wanted to ask them about it.

I heard that the Father was going to come out to give us all more infor- said the first angel.

I’m sorry to interrupt, said Aren. What’s your name again?

Molok, said the first angel. My name is Molok.

Please Molok, said Aren. Continue.

As I was saying, said Molok. I heard it from an angel, who heard it from another angel, who heard it from another angel, the Father is going to come out of the throne room and give us more details as to what we should do.

How many of us are there? asked Aren.

I don’t know, answered Kirian.

No one knows, answered Molok. I’ve been asking around and no one has an exact count. When I came out of the throne room I counted one hundred and twenty. The Son just keeps on leading more of us out here.

The golden doors opened and two figures came out through the doorway. One of them was the Son and the other was an angel. The Son spoke to him briefly and returned through the doors. The angel stood in front of the doors until another angel went to talk to him. After they exchanged some words, the second angel led the newcomer into the crowd.

Hello, said a voice.

When the voice spoke, all conversation in the crowd stopped. The angels turned their attention to the golden doors. In front of the massive doors stood three figures: the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Every angel in the crowd recognized the voice, it was the Father.

I know you all have been wanting to know more, continued the Father. I’m here to tell you, all your questions will be answered soon.

There was a feeling of excitement amongst the angels. Some of them were nodding and smiling as the Father spoke.

Aren felt something peculiar about the Father’s voice. He felt the Father was speaking directly to him; his voice resonated inside him. He looked over at Molok and Kirian to see if they felt the effect of the voice.

I notice it too, Aren, said Molok.

How can that be? said Kirian. I hear his voice, but we are so far away from the doors.

There is going to be a period for you all to get trained, said the Father. I will make sure you learn all you need to know so you can accomplish your purpose. The Holy Spirit will inform you of what your next step is going to be. Remember this: Your task will affect the fate of countless numbers of beings.

I’ll be in charge of your training, said the Holy Spirit. I’ll assign three of you to train you in different areas.

As the Holy Spirit said this, he motioned with his left hand to three angels who were standing in the crowd watching him speak. When they saw the Holy Spirit motion to them, they walked next to the Holy Spirit and turned around to face the crowd.

These are the three archangels I have put in charge of your training, said the Son. Gabriel will be in charge of movement training.

When the Son spoke his name, Gabriel stepped forward, smiled and waved to the crowd. Afterward, he returned to his spot on the line.

Michael, continued the Son. Is going to be in charge of combat training.

Michael stepped forward, nodded at the crowd and stepped back.

Lucifer, said the Son. Is going to be in charge of strategic training.

Lucifer stepped forward and copied the actions of Michael. He stepped forward, gave a little nod and stepped back.

From where he was standing in the crowd, Aren couldn’t see the details of the archangel’s faces. He could only differentiate them by their hair. Michael’s long black hair made him stand out amongst the other two blond archangels. Gabriel wore his short and Lucifer’s shoulder length hair drew an unusual amount of attention to him.

All three of them are experts in the area they are training you in, said the Father. Make sure you learn all you can from them. They have been trained by me personally. You will need to know everything they will teach you.

Right now, this is all you need to know, said the Son. The Father, Holy Spirit and myself would like you to go explore the city. We will call you to train as soon as we are ready.

* * * 

The crowd of angels in the plaza thinned out as they walked on the gold paved streets into the city.

Lucifer, said the Father. I need to speak with you, please come with me.

Lucifer and the Father walked through the golden doors back to the throne room. They walked side by side until they reached the throne. The Father sat on the throne and Lucifer stood before him.

What is it you want to talk to me about?

I’m putting you in charge of all the angels, said the Father. I know you’re capable of handling this task.

Lucifer bowed. I’m honored.

Once the angels complete their training, you will all have to leave Heaven.

Where are we going?

Earth, said the Father as he scratched his chin. I wanted to inform you so you can mention it to Gabriel and Michael.

Lucifer nodded. I understand. Can I ask you a question?

Of course.

What are we going to do there? What exactly is our mission?

The Father smiled.You’re going to find and make a king.

Chapter 2

Raxan and Ovnion met up with the village hunting party near the river. They were crouched midway between the river and the forest tree line.

I have the plan, said Ovnion. I go ahead of the deer and hide. The rest of you position yourselves around the deer and scare it to my hiding place and kill it.

No, said Raxan. Your plan is mostly right but, there is one thing you didn’t account for. The deer is going to smell you way before you come out of your hiding place. You can’t be on the ground, you have to be in the trees. This is going to surprise the deer, most of the animals hunting them attack from the ground.

As Raxan was speaking, a member of the hunting party walked closer.

Your father is right, said Barban. I made the same mistake. Last time I was on a hunt, I bathed in the river to mask my scent but the deer smelled me anyways. I chased it but, it was too fast for me.

Fine, said Ovnion. I will be up in the trees but please, allow me the honor of the kill.

The hunters knew what Ovnion was asking, they all had asked for it before. He was asking for his first kill.

Raxan nodded.

The hunting party went into the forest. Ovnion went deeper into the forest while the other hunters moved themselves into position.

Ovnion reached a tree he judged to be the perfect spot to ambush the deer. He stood at the bottom of the tree while he gripped his spear. He considered leaving his spear on the ground, this would make his climb much easier but, the spear would become useful when it came time to kill the deer. He opted to take his spear up the tree.

Ovnion made the slow climb and perched himself on a high branch. He whistled a perfect imitation of a bird call to signal the others. The members of the hunting party whistled from their hiding spots around the forest.

The hunters interrupted the calm of the forest with the sounds of rustling of shrubs and short yells. The deer ran away from the sounds towards the only safe direction available, the path leading to Ovnion’s ambush spot.

Ovnion dropped from his branch moments before the deer was under him. He held his spear with both hands as he fell. He landed on the deer’s back and stabbed it on the neck. The animal dropped to the ground, blood pouring from its wound.

Ovnion stood as the deer cried out in pain and writhed on the ground, he stepped on the deer’s neck and pulled out his spear. The wounded deer struggled to get up as Ovnion stabbed it again on the neck but, this time he made sure the spear pierced closer to the head. The deer dropped to the ground and laid still.

Thank you for your death, said Ovnion. He picked up the deer carcass and walked back to meet with the rest of the hunting party.

After spending the entire morning hunting, they made their way back to the village. Every hunter carried the carcass of their kills on their backs. The long chases through the forest and the weight they carried made the journey back longer. Raxan and Ovnion walked side by side using their spears to help them keep their balance as they made their way through uneven terrain.

You did good today, said Raxan. You helped others get their kill.

It was the least I could do, said Ovnion. I might be an inexperienced hunter but I’m not selfish.

The other hunters slowed their pace and Raxan made his way to the front of the group. Ovnion dropped back to talk to Barban. Ovnion was deep in conversation with Barban when Raxan held up his fist and the whole group crouched.

Ovnion dropped his deer carcass and made his way to his father.

The sentries are not there, said Raxan.

What should we do? asked Ovnion.

We have to get inside without being seen, said Raxan. He turned around to address the rest of the hunters. Leave your kills on the ground.

The hunting party dropped the carcasses.

Raxan made a series of hand gestures. Two groups, each one enters through a different gate and remain hidden. They will meet in the village hall.

The hunting party split into two groups and made their way to the village. Ovnion was behind his father as the group reached the outer village wall, they ran next to it until they reached one of the village gates. Raxan leaned in to check the path ahead. He made a signal for the group to follow him and went through the gates.

As Ovnion followed his father, he passed the cracked wooden gate. It had been rammed open and the brace beam placed across to lock the gates from the inside lay in two pieces on the floor. The group made their way from building to building, making sure to remain hidden.

Ovnion jumped over upturned chairs and tables as he ran to keep up with his father. The smell of food spilled on the floor and smoke from the still lit fireplaces assaulted his nose each time he entered a new building. Raxan held up his fist and the group stopped in their tracks. He pointed to a spot outside the building they were in.

There was a soldier on the street, he was holding a spear in his left hand and his back was to the doorway. He was dressed in garments made from black animal skins which identified him as an enemy. Every villager in Raxan’s village wore brown animal skins.

Raxan placed his spear on the floor, sneaked to the soldier and grabbed him with a choke hold from behind. He placed his other hand over the soldier’s mouth while at the same time dragging him back into the building. The soldier shouted in surprise but, his muffled cry went unheard. The guard dropped his spear and grabbed Raxan’s arm in an effort to alleviate the suffocating pressure on his neck. The soldier thrashed about and the other members of the group ran to the windows to see if the abduction had raised an alarm. Once the soldier was inside the building, Ovnion ran to pick up the soldier’s spear, brought it back into the building and placed the tip against the soldier’s stomach. The soldier felt the tip of the spear against his skin and stopped struggling.

Stay by the windows and keep a lookout, said Raxan.

The hunters turned their attention to the street.

I’m going to ask you some questions, said Raxan. If you scream or if you don’t answer me truthfully, you will get a spear in your stomach. Do you understand?

The guard nodded.

Where are the villagers? asked Raxan. He removed his hand from over the soldier’s mouth.

The ones who survived the attack are in the village hall, said the soldier.

How many of you are there? asked Raxan.

Thirty.

Thirty? said Raxan as he moved his hand back over the soldier’s mouth. That’s a lie! That’s too few soldiers to take the entire village.

Ovnion moved the tip of the spear across the soldier’s stomach, drawing a thin red line of blood. The guard felt the spear and made pleading noises.

Raxan motioned to Ovnion and he moved the tip of the spear back.

What is it? asked Raxan as he moved his hand away to let him speak.

We were a larger force, there were two hundred of us. Once we broke into the village, we looted the houses and killed anyone who opposed us. A group of us left to go attack another village.

What are you after? You already took anything of value from this place.

We want the village.

You’re lying again! hissed Raxan. There is nothing here! You already have the village!

Ovnion moved the tip of the spear back across the soldier’s stomach.

Wait! said the soldier. Let me explain! We want the people in the village to keep on giving us food and shelter, we need supplies. Our Daim must rule all!

The soldier lifted his right knee and diverted the tip of the spear while at the same time, jerked his head back to strike Raxan. Ovnion drove the spear forward, missed the soldier, lost his balance and fell.

Raxan caught the soldier’s movement in time and moved his head away as the soldier jerked his head back. He tightened his grip on the soldier’s neck, grabbed the soldier’s jaw just below his ear and jerked it to one side. There was a wet crunching sound as Raxan broke the soldier’s neck and the soldier collapsed on the ground.

Are you alright? asked Raxan.

Ovnion stood. I shouldn’t have fallen down.

Just be more careful next time, said Raxan. Disguise yourself in the soldier’s clothes, go inside the village hall and find your mother. I would do it myself but, his clothes won’t fit me, he is smaller than me. I’ll coordinate an attack with the hunters, we will create a diversion so the villagers can attack or run away.

Father? asked Ovnion. What is a Daim?

I don’t know, said Raxan. Right now, it doesn’t matter. Just go and find your mother. Be careful.

Raxan and the hunters by the windows left through a side door.

Ovnion dressed himself in the soldier’s clothes, picked up his spear and walked out into the street. He followed the road to the village hall but before he could get to it, he ran into a crowd gathered outside of the main building.

The village hall was filled to capacity. The doors of the village hall were open so the villagers outside could see and hear what was happening inside. There were soldiers wearing black animal skins posted at the edge of the crowd, they didn’t allow any of the villagers to leave. Ovnion heard a voice coming from inside the building, someone was addressing the crowd.

Ovnion walked through the crowd of villagers gathered outside the village hall. As he got closer to the building, he could hear the individual speaking to the crowd. The speaker was on the raised platform at the center of the building. The were village elders and leaders standing behind him on the platform.

You have been free to do whatever you please for a long time, said the speaker. That’s fine, we don’t want any more slaves, we want partners.

The speaker had a beard and light brown hair. He was shorter than the rest of the soldiers and dressed in the same black animal skins. As he spoke, he moved around the stage and used hand gestures to draw in the attention of his audience.

What do you want from us? asked one of the villagers.

The speaker smiled. What an excellent question! It’s quite simple, we want you to be safe. There are many dangers out there we can protect you from. Our Daim has been gracious enough to extend to you this offer: you give us some of your best men for our army, food and supplies whenever we need them and we will protect you.

The villagers murmured amongst themselves.

We want collaborators, said the speaker. We need citizens willing to serve our Daim in his great task! No one person is able to accomplish much but together, we can do so much more.

The villagers raised their fists and shouted back at the speaker, the invading soldiers gripped their spears tighter and pointed them at any sudden movement in the crowd.

Ovnion leaned over to the villager next to him. Have you seen Miwan?

Ovnion! said the villager. Where is your father?

He is preparing an attack as we speak, said Ovnion. Now please, have you seen my mother?

She is on the platform. As soon as they gathered us in here they separated the leaders from the rest of the villagers. When is the attack going to happen?

I don’t know, but be ready for it. Spread the word: when the attack happens, escape.

The villager nodded, turned and whispered the message to the ones around him. Ovnion walked closer to the platform to get a better look at the village leaders on the platform.

What if we refuse? said a leader on the platform.

The speaker walked over to the leader who had asked the question and put his hands on the leader’s shoulders.

Why would you want to refuse us? asked the speaker.

We have our own soldiers, said the leader. "We have been able to defend ourselves from anyone who has attacked us in the past.