Before B.C.: A Story of Elohiym and That of Biyith Min

By Christopher Jon

How far would you pursue a dream

if it meant requisite isolation?

If every artless response

began to fester a mutiny amongst your closest of friends,

would you stay true?

On who would you depend for encouragement

if everyone you knew arched their chest against you,

or turned and sank away?

What would you do to protect an idea,

to keep safe your future?

What did God do?

Elohiyms decision to give his creation the ability to choose creates quite the commotion in the heavens, but none are ready to accept the danger that has suddenly appeared, a secret that Elohiym has kept to himself.

His friend, Beola Hone, tries desperately to turn Elohiym from his intentions, and to save him from a broken heart. For his personal story, that of Biyith Min, did not fair well when Beola Hone placed upon his Ambassador King the ability to choose.

• Language: English
• Publisher: WestBow Press
• Release date: Dec 21, 2015
• ISBN: 9781512717723

Christopher Jon

Author Christopher Jon resides in beautiful N.W. Arkansas with his wife and best friend Debbie, and their four children and six grandchildren

Book preview

Prelude

I t must be understood that the writing of this book to you, oh man, is not and cannot be entirely portrayed as correct to a T. For such things happen outside the realm of time where the rising and the setting of your sun do not tell nor give any power to the activities which are about to be described. Time will be both our enemies as I try to describe to you the happenings by which all things matter and how they are so related. For in doing, I must write to you in terms that can be understood, that seem to take place in progression and stated in layers as though they happened in order. These words will undoubtedly mask the greatness and grandeur of this story yet I am bound to explain them within these conditions. For inside of time is now, the eternal now. Your vocabulary limits severely my ability to explain, and as our points of view cannot be reconciled, I will endeavor to maintain true to the story trying not to mislead you.

CHAPTER 1

The Idea

O f them all, as varied and imaginative as they be, and although their creativity is beyond our imagination, there was one still who was not satisfied with the status quo even though there was no seemingly obvious status quo. His thoughts ran deep; every turn, every scenario, every aspect, carefully weighed. His eyes wandered in thought as he fiddled with the stubbled beard on his face, a pen nib stylus loosely held between his lips. A faint smile lifted the corner of his mouth as he considered the joy that was set before him. Yet his brow wrinkled as he contemplated the pain. None of the others had ever done anything like this. Not even close. And when word got out, and the others began to see his work and ask questions, he would only then begin, as begin it must, to feel the pressure to succumb.

How is it, he spoke to himself as he sat at his vast table, how is it that I will be able to do this great and wonderful thing? How will I stay true to the end? How can I know that I will not falter, I will not fail? If I falter, even in the slightest, everything, every little thing, will fail, and I am condemned by my own word and consumed by my own enemy. Hmm. A thoughtful consideration comes, My own enemy of whom I will create, but not as foe, but as a friend. How can I know, how can I be so sure of his outcome; his decision, and yet still question mine?

He pushed himself away, stood, and paced about in thought. Oh this thing I wish, this longing for closeness, beyond the camaraderie and companionship that I have with others like myself, this thing to fulfill, to fill the empty space within me. Contentment. To be wanted, to be loved not for what I can do, not because I create them that way, but because they choose to be that way.

He stopped and looked down at the pages that lie on the table in front of him. He picked one up for a moment, and then tossed it back to the pile.

And herein lies the difficulty, the pain, the heartache. Yet there is no other way, no other way to create. No, he paused, not create, for that is meddling. To birth… yes, yes birth. Two separate parties, two completely separate entities choosing to be close, choosing to love each other.

Elohiym?

The familiar voice of an old friend interrupted his thoughts. Ephah appeared, as all gods do, like a wisp, a steady distance, a courtesy as not to intrude.

Noticing his vast table and the papers strewn, he asked. What lies before you, and what’s with the silly grin?

Your gentle voice always brings me to grin, replied Elohiym, still looking over his thoughts. And I’m just thinking.

Thinking of what? pried his friend.

I’m just working on an idea, something new.

Is all this scribbling and sketching your idea? Ephah asked, pointing to the scattered notes and pictures lying about where Elohiym stood. May I?

Without waiting for an answer, Ephah reached out and gathered all the writings and sketches to himself, drawing them from the farthest corners of the table. Elohiym’s table was an immense slab, not unlike the banquet tables of parliaments, or kings, and yet several times over.

Is this an eco system? he asked as he began to lay out the pages, sending them off in gathered groups.

Yes, I was just…

Ephah interrupted, It’s very nice. You’ve put a lot of thought into it, he said looking to his friend. Flipping through more pages, he continued. Wow, this really is nice, Elohiym, much nicer than mine, he said glancing up. Of course mine didn’t require as much intricacy. The things living on it are pretty much run of the mill.

He continued to study the sketches, shaking his head in wonderment.

These really are something. It seems you have every conceivable angle figured. And your colors, your colors are fabulous Elohiym, absolutely fabulous. Your math is flawless, your chemistry, exact. Why, I haven’t seen detail like this since Ya’sady, and still yet yours, in my opinion, is much better than his. It really is quite remarkable. I think everyone will be quite impressed.

Thanks, Ephah, for the kind words, but could you do me a favor as a friend?

Sure, what is it?

Would you please not tell anyone about it?

Are you serious? Everyone is going to find out anyway.

I know, but I only let you see what I was doing because… He paused and took in a breath, You’re my best friend, okay?

Okay, all right. I’ll keep it hush, hush. he replied as he began to leave. He then turned and asked, Who is it all for, and why are you doing it?

I am creating it all for what I am going to call, ‘man’. And why I am doing it? I cannot tell you at this moment.

Why not? You can tell me.

Good-bye Ephah.

You’re not going to tell me? Your best friend?

Good-bye Ephah. Elohiym said with a grin.

Leaving, Ephah smiled and gave half a wave. Oh yes, he stopped quickly, pointing his finger at Elohiym, Beo’la Hone wishes your presence at his new wife’s unveiling.

Elohiym rolled his eyes and nodded. Ephah just shrugged his shoulders in agreement.

Good-bye Elohiym. Good-bye my friend. With that Ephah turned and disappeared.

Elohiym leaned in against the table. Closing his eyes, he took a deep breath. And so it begins.

CHAPTER 2

In the Very Beginning

M y resolve, I will create you from my purpose. Elohiym spoke to himself, leaning back, sitting in his chair. Business partners so to speak, to encourage me, no even more than that, to remind me of why I am doing this, to keep my feet to the fire, to keep them in the fire. I will be as fire to them; an unquenchable flame. But these that I create now will speak truth, and will not alter their message, a message that comes from a conviction that what I am doing is right, just, equitable, and true. I cannot waiver, and their message must penetrate me at all times. My word is and must always be.

With that, he stood and began to orchestrate into existence his throne and the vastness of his dwelling. The modest chair, in which he had been sitting, burst into flames as lightning shot out from its sitting, fashioning a throne, leaping with fire, brilliant with light. Its color was of jasper, as if burning through an engagement of copper. A river of fire and pure glass crystallized as it flowed from beneath the throne, the heat of the expression reaching further and farther. Seven lamp-stands fashioned themselves up from the crystal sea that formed before the throne, each unique to itself, yet similar in fashion. The visage of Elohiym himself changed as he stood at his throne. His feet, legs, and loins were as fire, terrible and bright. From his waist up he appeared as a radiant sardis stone, his hair white as wool, his eyes hot as coals. He cupped his hands to his mouth, breathed out, and then, holding his breath in the hollow of his hands, he flung them forward, his breath bursting into flames above the lamp stands.

He sat down on his throne, not as a pompous ruler not to be bothered, but as a satisfied architect, author of a destiny.

Now as it has happened through the passing of your time, oh man, you have forgotten

this simplest of things. So I am placed in a position to remind you of what you now consider so complex and uncomprehendable. I am annoyed at this and other seemingly simple concepts that you have forgotten and have replaced with far-reaching notions or inescapable theory, things Elohiym made so clear in the beginning, and even to this, your day. Yet I must not place all the blame on you.

Elohiym is the creator; he is the Will of what he desires to do. Equal to him is his Word. The Word of Elohiym stands separate, yet will not say anything that is not in agreement with Elohiym’s Will. They act as one. The Word is unseen until it speaks, and whatever it says, that it is. All things seen and heard are the manifestation of the Word. The Word agrees with Elohiym and his Will, so they are one. Everything that the Word speaks is held firmly together, and is seen because it is true. Equal to Elohiym is this Truth. The Truth of Elohiym stands separate, and will not disagree with Elohiym or his Word. This Truth is the flame and smoke that now burns before Elohiym. It is the illuminating power of the Will and Word, giving instruction and light, so that it can be understood. These three agree, and have always been.

To these next did he not create with the flare of his hands, or a gesture of movement. He did, in fact, speak them into existence. They were a response to his very word, like an echo retrieved from deep within the throne. Holy, Holy, Holy, are you Lord God Almighty, which was and is and is to come. As he spoke, smoke and flame from the seven lamp stands coursed their way into the throne.

From out of the throne, from within its authority- came a beast, lion like in appearance. Six wings fastened themselves along its back, tucked under the thick bristle. A mane, deep and plush, hung regally about its face. The strength of its legs rested upon four daunting paws.

A second beast appeared from within the throne, a calf, strong, agile, and without blemish. Six wings also did it have, attached after the same manner as the first beast.

Then a third beast came forth from the fiery throne, much like a horse, but with a man’s torso and face. Strong and sure it stood; its face set like flint. Six wings also did it have.

Flying out from within the throne, a fourth beast, an eagle. Its wings thundered the air as it soared about the throne; a great eagle with terrifying talons. Four more wings were tucked in beneath its span.

Their appearance was as a burning lamp that moved within them, gleaming like brass. All four beasts were covered with eyes, within and without. There was not a thought or deed they could not see, not a place, be it hidden neath rubble or seas, that it could not search out. They were quick to come, quick to go, like flashes of lightning appearing, and the sound of their wings were as rushing waters.

They were not of their own, but of one voice, with one breath, that of Elohiym. Continually they spoke, always reminding, "Holy, Holy, Holy, are you Lord God Almighty, which was and is and is to come.

I am ready, replied Elohiym. No one, having put his hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God. He looked around, smiled and sat back comfortably into his throne. This is good, would you not agree?

Together the four beasts replied, It is very good.

The flames above the seven lamp-stands agreed saying, Very good indeed.

Elohiym smiled. Well then, let’s get started. How about a little music?

Raising his arms, and with the flick of his hands, he began. The smoke from the lamp stands filled the air. Bring on the flutes, commanded Elohiym. A soft, light tune began to flutter into the ears of all, then out of the dense smoke and flame came angels, and more angels of flutes and piccolos of all kinds, hundreds and hundreds, their song sweet and pure. Now add with the strings, exclaimed Elohiym. Melodious tones, drawn out by the bow began drifting into the air. Angels of psalteries, of all shapes and sizes, began emerging from the smoke, even more as the playing of violins, fiddles, violas and cellos filled the air. Harps and Zithers were plucked, while ten stringed Lyres and guitars of all fashions, strummed their melody. The drone of bagpipes, along with a myriad of wood winds filled the ears.

Percussion began to penetrate. Thousands of angels of Bodhrahs, shapes of Ashiko, Aburukuwa and Chenda arrived. The unique sounds of talking drums, slit drums, and steel drums emerged. Timbrels chattered as they took in the excitement.

The heavens shook as the brass instruments thundered their way onto the scene. Powerful, reverberating tones that seemed to lift the very foundations of the heavens, clear and pure were the trumpets and cornet. The whole throne room was filled with music.

Now as not to lead you astray, for as though these things are common to me, I understand that they are not to you. For these angels did not carry the instruments that they played, but were the instruments they played. Their voice and name are of the same sound, and the appearance of them as much varied.

Bring in the singers, shouted Elohiym, who was smiling and standing at his feet at this point. Bring in the singers, thousands and thousands, and hundreds of thousands.

In they came, through the smoke and flame, singing the praises of the one who created them. Glory and honor and power be unto thee, Lord of Lords, King of Kings. For thou hast created all things for thy pleasure.

Looking to the four beasts and the lamp-stands, he grinned. They haven’t seen anything yet.

As he was about to raise his hands, Ephah appeared. A blast from the brass instruments causing him to step back.

Elohiym! This is fantastic. I am impressed.

Do you like it?

Like it. I love it. It’s absolutely beautiful. It simply cannot be topped, even by myself. And you, he laughed. Look at you, you’re magnificent, you’re amazing.

Thank you, Ephah.

Ephah turned and took in the grandeur of his setting. I understand the seven lamp-stands, and the truth of your voice being that of the flames above them, but what of these beasts?

They are the words of my resolve, exclaimed Elohiym. They are here to remind me, to keep me to my will.

Ah yes, your all elusive why, stated Ephah.

Yes, my reason.

Well, I know you’re not going to tell me, and that’s okay, I’ll not pry. But whatever it is, you certainly are going to a lot of extravagance for it. And I must say again, your choir and musical imagination are off the scale my friend.

And again I say thank you. I was just getting ready to put the ‘icing on the cake’ so to speak. Would you be interested in seeing the director?

Would be my honor. Which one is it? asked Ephah, as he searched the multitudes.

This one, replied Elohiym.

And with the roll of the hand, the heavens were made quiet. Then came the ostentatious sound; deep, pure, reverberations of brass pipe, a full composition of harmonizing chorus, like that of the most grandiose organ. Ephah stood amazed at the hearing of it. Brightness dazzled the eyes as its dance reflected from the beauty of its derivation. Like a beautiful, well cut diamond, his very presence commanded attention, and as the smoke from the lamp-stands fainted away, there standing before Elohiym and Ephah, bathed in jewels of light, was Lucifer.

Ephah drew up his hands and slowly began to clap. Absolutely amazing, he said, shaking his head in disbelief.

My Lord? said Lucifer, looking to Elohiym, bowing to his knee.

You are Lucifer, Son of the Morning Star, replied Elohiym, placing his hand on his shoulder. It has been given to you the wisdom and knowledge to lead such a great ensemble. You are my orchestrate.

And with another slight bow of the head, Lucifer stood, turned and lifted his hands out beside himself. Pausing, he drew in his audience, then began his symphony. The heavens were filled with smooth restful music, as the choir sang of the glory of their God. The lion, in his deep reverberating voice, spoke, It is good. Ephah, with his eyes closed, soaking in the sound, replied, Very good indeed. Elohiym smiled in thought, thinking of things to come.

CHAPTER 3

Lucifer’s Imagination

L ucifer’s talents were held back only by his imagination. Scores were written and sung, ensembles created for hundreds, and for thousands, layers of music moving in and out flawlessly, each with its own distinct sound, rhythm, and style. Those who were of Elohiym’s kind came to listen. Everyone, to his own opinion, was thoroughly impressed, and the accolades were delivered in grand and magnanimous fashion. All of this was quo pro for such an occasion, for you see this was a common occurrence, to create and parade what things could be imagined. Yet of all that I have seen, none did rival that of Elohiym’s.

Now these things said, though expected by Elohiym, tickled greatly in the ears of Lucifer, for much was said to him of his music and his ability to create such beautiful melodies. Yet in his heart, though he did not understand, sprouted a peculiar feeling.

What is this in me that I feel? he asked Elohiym. For none of the others, when they are praised or when I praise them, reply in a fashion that leads me to believe that they are like me. Their demeanor is not changed, nor does their visage blush. Only ‘that they rejoice in the God who created them, and are jealous toward him.’

You are unique. replied Elohiym. For I have given to you the ability to create from your imagination, to craft music and song. And your beauty, which is ordinarily saved for the gods, have I bestowed upon you greatly. Now with these things have I also hidden within you, a will, a choice. For it is by my choice that I created you, that you not be unlike myself, and that our relationship be not like those of the other angels, for I chose to honor you above the others, as I am in a place of honor.

Many talks, and much time was spent between the two, and though Lucifer considered more and more his greatness, he did not allow himself to cease honoring his maker.

Elohiym set forth his endeavors toward his next venture; the ‘eco system’ to which Ephah had given so much laud. This time, with the backdrop of music, he returned to his throne and began. Lucifer stood by his side, matching each movement with wonderful scores, anticipating perfectly. The heavens were drawn out, all in their vastness, each system a faultless arrangement. The stars were flung, and went straightway to their places. The planets turned, drawing in their moons, holding them to their course. Large and small, each held its purpose to cradle and keep in perfect place the purpose of it all. The earth hung like a jewel in a string of pearls, filled with plants, filled with animals, filled with life. Lucifer observed the joy like a glimmer in the eyes of Elohiym, as he looked upon this special planet.

What is it, my Lord? asked Lucifer. Why is this planet so special above all the others?

It is my dream, Lucifer. From here will come my bride, from here the one I love will spring forth and embrace me. A much different bride than any you have seen, not at all comparable to others that have been created by my friends. For theirs’ are much like the angels, beautiful indeed, but created none the less for their purpose, and to that end they serve. But this bride, like yourself, will have the ability to choose, and I will pour into her my very life, and love her with all my being. But these things we should keep to ourselves.

These words went deep into Lucifer, for up to this time he was the attention of Elohiym, his was his purpose. But rather than speak with Elohiym about this, he held it in, and pondered his questions, and as the other gods would, as they often did, did visit with Lucifer, he questioned them about Elohiym’s bride. Thinking he was justified in his concerns, they reassured him of his importance, not at all fully understanding the hidden conflict that began to ire in Lucifer.

It was not until later did a certain two of the gods, Ought and Luquid, hear of Lucifer’s concern. On such occasion was the gathering of all at Pierim Port basin. Lucifer had invited the gods to come, and as some would put it, Sentir la couleur de la musique, experience the color and texture of music. Pierim Port basin was an enormous concave of wilderness with a massive, jagged, fracture that splintered its way across the center. Twenty five places were royally set in line, just opposite the fracture, all facing the plains of Pierim Port, with the vast Mirum mountain range looming up behind them, like a massive crest of ocean surf, about to crash on those below.

The theater was set, each god settled into their seat. Acting as a stage, the lip of the basin introduced its first character. A pale white light danced just beyond the edge, as the soft sounds of contrabass flutes, barely audible, wafted over the edging. Peeps of piccolo skipped across the stage, as little Rayleigh jets of colored light peeked over the edge, jumping and disappearing. The sound of bass and alto flutes entered. The pale white light grew brighter along the lining of the rim. More and more flutes entered in, and more and more jets of colored light jumped across the apron, until finally one spilled over the edge, and ran down the basin a short distance before vanishing into the ground. Then another jet tumbled over and another and another. Suddenly hundreds, then thousands of jets of colored light were spilling over the rim, as the sound of deeper and deeper flutes pushed the ever brighter and brighter light closer to the edge. The colored light reached further and further down into the basin before vanishing into the ground.

Off in the distance a deep tone resonated through the rock, its throaty rumble vibrating the foundations on which the spectators sat. For the first time they glanced at each other, smiling with enjoyment. In the distance the horizon had risen and turned deep blue. Herald trumpets began blowing as the white light at the lip of the basin began building and spilling rapidly over the edge. The deep tones of tubas were joined with baritone horns and euphoniums. A tidal wave of green and blue light, hundreds of feet tall, rose ominously to the edge, till its crest could no longer stay intact. Coronets followed the charge of bugles, as the wave of light came crashing down into the basin, shaking the floor. The gods gripped their seats in anticipation. Colored light rushed across every rock, shattering into billions of pieces. Roars of white and blue and green advanced at terrifying speed, the music building and building. But, as the gods drew in their breath preparing for the impact, the towering wave spilled into the forgotten, jagged fracture, giving them all a sudden, yet mistaken, sense of security. For suddenly a powerful array of trumpets sounded, as a tremendous spray of white light shot hundreds of feet into the air, up out of the fissure, bringing with it, in all his glory, Lucifer himself, with his arms outstretched, smiling and laughing triumphantly.

Bravo, Bravo shouted the gods as they stood to their feet clapping their hands in enjoyment. Bravo, Lucifer, they continued.

Lucifer took in their generous applause with great joy. Looking to Elohiym, he smiled. Elohiym continued with applause, showing his approval.

Thank you, Thank you, replied Lucifer; his hand outstretched, requesting a hush to the applause which continued still for a short while. Thank you for coming, thank you. Welcome to the color and texture of music. Elohiym and I were traveling about when he brought me to this very spot on Pierim Port. He was showing off the handiwork of one of Ephah’s oldest designs.

Everyone began to laugh, for everyone knew how Pierim Port basin had come to be, except, apparently, Lucifer, for Ephah was Elohiym’s best friend, and he would not embarrass a friend for sport. And besides, his accident had become quite the spectacle.

Why is everyone laughing? asked Lucifer, quite astonished.

Have you not heard the story, my friend? asked Ought, his round belly still laughing. He threw his arm around Ephah, who happened to be sitting next to him, and in his chock-a-block voice he continued. His ‘handiwork’, as you so stated, was actually three score hours of mayhem. Smiling, he looked to the others There were to be six moons about Pierim Port but while he was hanging them, he dropped one of the moons out of orbit, and it crashed to the surface. Ought could barely finish his sentence, for he was laughing so hard. Everyone was laughing, even Ephah.

Ya’sady and I were nearby when we heard the crash, and came quickly to see what was done, replied Fispistant. Ephah was covered in dust, his hands struggling to hold the other 5 moons, while both his feet were cupped around Pierim Port.

Grab Pierim Port! he yelled and coughed. Its cracking! said Ya’sady. So Fisp and I grabbed the planet and pressed it together. That’s when Elohiym and Ought showed up. It couldn’t have been better timing, he laughed.

Why, what happened? asked Lucifer, who was now smiling and laughing, enjoying the whole story.

Ya’sady continued, Just as we pushed it together, they came flying over. A massive cloud of water, dust, lava and rock shot out of the fissure and plastered them. Ya’sady was laughing so hard he couldn’t continue.

We were all soaked from head to toe, mud running down our faces, rocks in our hair, our teeth, our shoes. laughed Fisp. But that wasn’t the funniest part. There was so much lava and mud showered on Elohiym and Ought that it shoved them into Ephah, and…

Fisp couldn’t continue because he was crying and laughing so hard.

What? What happened? asked Lucifer, barely able to speak himself.

Ought had to finish. He was crying and laughing so hard it took him a while to get it all out. There was so much mud that the three of us got stuck together.

By now everyone was bent over laughing. Ought himself was lying on the ground, curled up in a ball, holding his gut. Even Ephah was laid back in his chair, laughing uncontrollably.

When he was able to catch his breath, and could squeeze out a full sentence, Ought managed, So much for ‘handiwork’.

Everyone began to roar all over again.

When things began to settle back down, Elohiym spoke, I had rocks in my hair for weeks. Others nodded in agreement. Then looking to Lucifer he continued, Luquid allowed us all to come bathe at his planet. The warm spring waters had never felt so good. I think we soaked for days.

I think I soaked for months, said Ephah.

I must say, said Luquid to Lucifer and the others, Ephah’s idea of gathering all the dust and debris, and pressing it into a ring round about Pierim Port, was in fact quite the handiwork. It has been a very good idea that I am sure we all have used.

It was indeed a very good idea, Ephah, replied Elohiym.

Here, here, echoed the others.

And now Lucifer, please continue, as we will not usurp your show again.

The gods settled back into their seats, as Lucifer stepped across the crevice to conduct the remainder of the show.

Lifting his hand, a small breeze began to blow down and through the basin, accompanied by the charming sound of a string of chimes. The run of chimes intensified, as a swirling whistle brought with it a gust of wind about their feet. The strum of a guitar swept the wind across the basin toward the apron’s lip. Softer tones of a clavichord lifted the breeze up to the edge. The keys of a piano had been calling a stronger breeze from above, along the plain. They met at the rim with a clash of cymbals, and headed straight way into the basin toward the onlookers. Powerful gusts of strummed, plucked, and hammered strings mêléed the watchers, setting them back into their seats. The tempo quickened as wood blocks, bells, Timpani’s and Bass drums joined the drive, pushing the wind up, up and up, along the face of the Mirum Mountains, each new height met with glockspiels and xylophones.

Far off in the distance, ahead of the gods, the sky had been gathering a band of clouds. Clarinets, bass clarinets, saxophones and oboes were corralling together. White puffy sounds of bassoons, were bullying them toward the Mirum Mountains. The closer these two orchestras approached, the more obstinate the bassoons became, piling upon each other, billowing higher and higher. A burly contra bass clarinet bellowed. The wind along the rising face of the Mirum Mountains began to chatter with tambourines, as the two opposing orchestras grew closer. The climax was almost deafening. Just as the gods were about to cover their ears the instruments stopped, all but the noisy tambourines.

Anticipation hung in the air.

Plink, went the single sound of a banjo. Ought, who was standing, looking intently upward, glanced to his arm as he felt something cool tap him. Plink, plink. The others, who were also standing, began to look about. Cool drops from a plucking banjo began to fall. So refreshing was the sound and its coolness, that the gods began to dance right there, in and out of their places. Holding hands or locking arms, they kicked up their heels, and moved about from one partner to another, all the while smiling and laughing.

The sound of tambourines intensified, as the two ensembles were about to collide. Suddenly, a thousand cymbals crashed together, their reverberation racing to the surface. The impact so startled the gods they fell to the ground.

A plummet of piano keys began to fall, note by note, octave by octave, plunging to the surface, their reoccurrence never ending. Violins and Violas gathered together the fallen music, and with the draw of the bow, combined their harmony into a beautiful melody. Deeper and deeper it became, adding cello then bass. The gods were now floating in the deepness of it. A current of saxophones began to stir the sonata from its very depths. Flute and oboe turned the opus, slowly twirling the gods as they hung in its song. An eddy of clarinets and bassoons churned off in the distance against the Mirum Mountains.

High above the billowing, a piccolo began to penetrate the orchestra, little by little gathering courage, gathering friends. The timpani and bass drum, no longer able to contain the sound, split. The bright clear sounds of piccolos, flutes and all manner of horned instruments tore through, opening the gap. More and more the big band played, sending the sax and stringed instruments into the chasm. The gods were then set each perfectly back in their place. The band continued its beautiful music, allowing for every instrument to express himself. On the horizon gathered a multitude of angels, with even more stepping down into the basin. On all sides they gathered, even to the heights of the mountains. Lucifer lifted his baton, and with a rush of trumpets he threw the multitude into song. Their voices penetrated deep into the gods, bringing them near to tears. Theirs was a song of praise to the one and only God, Elohiym, (for they were his creation you must remember). And although they didn’t, each of the twenty four other gods felt a strangeness deep within them to turn and worship Him also. Elohiym’s eyes met Lucifer’s. A grateful and commending smile did he bestow on his creation. Lucifer beamed.

The song smelled of incense and was very pleasing to all. Lucifer led them through an amazing array of pitch and tone so soothing that every god found himself with his eyes closed, so relaxed in thought and lost in the aroma. He brought the choir to a soft ending, while at the same time introducing ever so quietly his own low chords. As the melodic tones of his organ brought the gods out of their dream, he began to blend in the voices of the choir. Ever so gradually he added both voice and instrument till all were a rush. The finale drew the gods to their feet as they clapped and applauded to every instrument, note and voice.

Each god took his congratulatory turn in heaping praises on Lucifer, of which Elohiym was first. They stood and mingled discussing new ideas, odd thoughts and old dreams. Gradually, each said his goodbyes and again thanked Lucifer for the wonderful exhibition. When only Ought and Luquid were left, Lucifer approached them and began telling them about Elohiym’s bride. He tried not to paint the idea in terms of disrespect, but they could see the concern on his face; yet did they not know or understand the hidden feeling that lay deep within. Their concerns were obvious though, and Ought had strong opinions on the matter.

Why this is pure nonsense. he remarked. To follow this conclusion is disastrous. To what end can it come other than rebellious madness.

Luquid added, You, Lucifer, are the greatest of all creations, even that of our own. We will talk to him, tell him of his madness. Tell him of his folly. For all of his kingdom is subject to ruin, to be destroyed by this ‘choice’.

Again they heaped upon Lucifer praises and prominence, assuring him of his place and importance. Why, you are as we are, remarked Ought. Creators from our own imagination. Your abilities are endless and astounding.

Lucifer dared not to expose himself to them, to let them know as he was made, but rather took in their praises as though earned and held tight to that which he should have released.

Ought and Luquid gathered the gods and went to meet with Elohiym to impress on him their concerns, and to try to draw out an answer to their satisfaction. Yet Elohiym stood firm in his resolve, knowing full well the consequences of his actions. The debate began in courteous enough fashion, but rather quickly did it temper.