Angels and Demons – The Scroll of Seven Seals

By Michael Ross

The cousins – Ella, Emma, Olly, Catherine and Tom are excited to be together again for Christmas. Soon after arriving at the old farmhouse in North Cornwall they discover the truth: they are from a family of Angels! Now, they must begin a journey to a faraway island to learn more about their past and discover their future.

Admitted to the School of Enlightenment for Young Angels, the cousins make new friends, learn to fly and explore the secrets of their school. However, their fun is disturbed by Ella’s dreams about an ancient scroll which has the power to destroy the human world. Can the cousins discover the truth about the scroll in time to save humanity?

So begins a story of incredible bravery and amazing adventure.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Austin Macauley Publishers
• Release date: Mar 31, 2022
• ISBN: 9781398425101

Michael Ross

Born and raised in the countryside, Michael Ross was originally inspired to story-tell by the books he read and the beauty of the natural world that surrounded him. Aged 18, he left for the city and studied law at the University of Edinburgh. A successful and varied legal career, spanning 25 years, followed. In the early 2000s, the first of his children was born and the stories which had been dancing in his mind burst free. At first, the stories were short and unwritten but as his children grew older, he began to write them down and they gradually grew in complexity and length. Leaving his career in law behind, he now continues the best traditions of Scottish storytelling, hoping that his novels will inspire the next generation of young readers.

Book preview

About the Author

Born and raised in the countryside, Michael Ross was originally inspired to story-tell by the books he read and the beauty of the natural world that surrounded him. Aged 18, he left for the city and studied law at the University of Edinburgh. A successful and varied legal career, spanning 25 years, followed.

In the early 2000s, the first of his children was born and the stories which had been dancing in his mind burst free. At first, the stories were short and unwritten but as his children grew older, he began to write them down and they gradually grew in complexity and length. Leaving his career in law behind, he now continues the best traditions of Scottish storytelling, hoping that his novels will inspire the next generation of young readers.

Dedication

This story is dedicated to Z.I.F.E.S.T. May your adventures in life be even more exciting…

Copyright Information ©

Michael Ross 2022

The right of Michael Ross to be identified as author of this work has been asserted by the author in accordance with section 77 and 78 of the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without the prior permission of the publishers.

Any person who commits any unauthorised act in relation to this publication may be liable to criminal prosecution and civil claims for damages.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events, locales, and incidents are either the products of the author’s imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.

A CIP catalogue record for this title is available from the British Library.

ISBN 9781398425095 (Paperback)

ISBN 9781398461932 (Hardback)

ISBN 9781398425101 (ePub e-book)

ISBN 9781398461949 (Audiobook)

www.austinmacauley.com

First Published 2022

Austin Macauley Publishers Ltd®

1 Canada Square

Canary Wharf

London

E14 5AA

Acknowledgement

I would like to thank my family, my wife and my children, for all of their day-to-day support and for reminding me that it is important to follow your dreams.

Part I

Chapter 1

Biscuit War

Ella sat beside her little sister Emma in the back of the car as it rolled slowly down the seemingly endless motorway. It was already too hot to be comfortable and foggy curtains of condensation had formed on the windows blurring the outside world. The car smelled of cheese crisps and oranges.

Ella screwed up her face and stuck her tongue out at her sister, just for something to do.

I saw that, said their mum from the front. Please settle down, we still have a long way to go.

Ella leaned into Emma and whispered, How could she possibly have seen that, she was looking straight ahead.

Emma shrugged her shoulders and stuck her tongue out at Ella in reply.

I saw that too! said their mum with a silent smile.

Minutes passed and finger drawn faces on the windows started to drip down the cool glass and the sisters drifted into distracting daydreams. They dreamed of making footprints in cold Cornish sand and of watching hollow surf crash against a broken coastline. They dreamed of playing in shore break and racing back up the hill, wet and cold, to sit in front of the warming fire of their holiday farmhouse. But most of all, they dreamed of their cousins and the adventures they were going to have together.

Wrapped in their daydreams, Ella and Emma ate mechanically and time continued to slip quickly and slowly by. The snoring from Saphie, their beloved Black Labrador and the chatter of the adults seemed to quieten as the motorway ended. The tyres of their car started to sing a happier song and the light around them began to soften. While Ella began to feel as if she was shrinking against the growing hedges and the widening sky.

So focussed on the familiar landmarks rushing by, Ella was surprised when her hand touched Emma’s on the edge of the biscuit tin on the seat between them. Very politely, both girls’ first reaction was to pull their hands back, to let the other go first, but a quick scan of the biscuit tin revealed that there was only one biscuit left.

Ella didn’t really want the last biscuit, but she knew that she wasn’t going to let her little sister have it. Fourteen years old: tall, athletic, loud and beautiful; Ella had all the ingredients to make her parents’ lives very difficult through her teenage years. But for now, she spent her time focussing on two things, avoiding her maths homework and annoying her sister. Emma, on the other hand, was twelve going on eighteen. She was beautiful, physical, thoughtful and streetwise and she didn’t really want the last biscuit either, but she wasn’t sure when she may eat again.

Despite the difference in their ages, it was easy to tell that the girls were sisters. Their piercing blue eyes, light brown hair with highlights and their caring but unmistakably cheeky approach to life made the fact that they were siblings obvious to everyone, except them.

All out biscuit war was threatening, the battle lines were drawn, the car seats were the trenches and the biscuit tin was in no-man’s land. The tension rose quickly and the first barrage of noise was about to hit when the car turned a corner and ‘the adults’ shouted, WE’RE HERE!

They had arrived at the farmhouse; their adventure was soon to begin.

Chapter 2

At Last We’ve Arrived

As they took the sharp turn from the main beach road into the driveway, Ella caught her first glimpse of the farmhouse. Its grey exterior was highlighted against a Cornish sky so clear and blue that it could have been hanging over a tropical island. For a moment, the world seemed to stand still, memories flooded in around her and she held her breath. Then, spotting the tree house, she came up for air and found her voice.

Let us out, let us out, quick, let us out! Ella shouted wildly, a chorus which was immediately joined by Emma.

The car stopped and the prison gates were thrown open. Ella, Emma (and Saphie) were set free. The burst of energy that followed was like a bomb exploding. They leapt from the car, shedding their travel skins of biscuit crumbs, cheese crisps, orange peel, jackets, toys and books. Everything tumbled out with them and landed in two small heaps, one on either side of the car.

To the treehouse, Ella shouted. We need to check if it’s in order and clean it up before the others arrive.

The sisters sprinted towards a cluster of trees at the edge of the driveway where the treehouse had been built years before. Through the trees, eight steps up the ladder, on to the balcony, around the corner, through the door and they disappeared.

The adults looked at each other and smiled a silent acceptance that they would be unloading the car, by themselves, yet again. Meanwhile, Saphie, with her nose to the ground and her bottom held high, swung a wide arc around the corner of the house and disappeared.

High in the treehouse, the girls admired the farmhouse and ‘their’ lands. Smiles stretched wide across their faces. Built on a hill overlooking the sea, the house was their castle. Views across the fields and down to the beach below meant that no savages could sneak up on them, they felt safe and always on the edge of adventure here.

Inside the farmhouse an ancient maze of rooms stretched this way and that. Children of all ages, over the years, had marvelled at the corridors they could explore. Secret doorways led to spaces that the adults would never know about; books and mysterious objects from the sea lined the walls. Magic seemed to warm the air. Neither of the girls would have been surprised if they had walked into a wardrobe and found themselves in Narnia.

Ella watched the adults unpack through the windows of the farmhouse.

I wonder if we will have as many adventures this holiday as last time, she said softly to the trees.

But the trees stood silent, like soldiers at the gates of the castle, watching her and refusing to answer. Momentarily distracted by her thoughts, she was jolted back to reality by a movement in the driveway. Two cars pulled in through the gate making the gravel crackle. The cars slowed to a stop.

Emma quick, its Olly and Catherine and Grandma and Grandpa! shouted Ella.

Emma jumped up and dropped what she was doing in the treehouse and sprinted for the ladder. Ella quickly followed her and hit the ground just in time to witness a second explosion of children from the first car. Olly and Catherine flew across the driveway and stopped at the edge of the trees, breathless with excitement.

There was only two years separation between Olly and Catherine – who were also fourteen and twelve years old – and they looked very similar. Dark hair, golden skin, beautiful, big, brown eyes and slim and athletic appearances made them stand out in any crowd. Fiercely intelligent, they possessed cheeky loving personalities; a love of the outdoors and practical jokes.

Has anyone been in our treehouse – apart from you guys, obviously! blurted Olly, as soon as Ella and Emma were in range. But not really wanting or expecting an answer, he quickly added, Come on, we have got so much to tell you and loads of planning to do.

Without a further look back, the children turned to run towards the treehouse.

Hold on, you lot, where are our cuddles? demanded Olly and Catherine’s mum, emerging from the car and stretching. And you haven’t even said hello to Grandma or Grandpa.

Enthusiastically, almost violently, the children ran back to share hugs with ‘the adults’. There were also vigorous pats for Cassie, Grandma and Grandpa’s dog (another beautiful black Labrador). Then, having performed to what they thought would be the minimum required hugging standard, the cousins took a step back and stared at the adults.

Go on then. Off you go, said Catherine’s mum, shaking her head and smiling.

Turning quickly, the cousins sprinted for the trees like cheetahs. Behind them, they left two more small heaps of orange peelings, shoes, jackets and crayons.

Chapter 3

Reunion

The cousins sat, cross-legged on the treehouse floor, smiling at one another.

Awesome to see you guys, said Ella. Emma and I have got tons of ideas of things we can do this holiday.

Same! replied Olly and Catherine together, barely able to contain their excitement. We wrote a list in the car on the way down, do you want to see?

Together the cousins exchanged holiday ideas and discussed the order of events. They had spent so much time together in the past that there was no need for small talk. They didn’t need to catch up on school, or dance or karate classes, they could immediately get on to the important things like how to plan their next adventure. But had they known that an adventure like no other was about to find them, they may not have spent so much time planning.

As the light around them dimmed, Olly switched on a lantern that hung by a thin string from the roof and Ella took this as her cue to stand up and address her audience.

Right guys, tomorrow we need to explore our lands. That means we need provisions. So, Emma, you and Catherine go for snacks. Olly, you and I will check our weapons and plan our route. Agreed?

Emma and Catherine answered by jumping up and running out of the treehouse. Olly watched them run across the drive and then shuffled slowly towards their weapon heap before swinging back to look at Ella.

Olly, what’s up? You’re doing that funny back and forth pacing thing that you do when you are worried. What’s on your mind? asked Ella kindly.

Olly hesitated. Well, I don’t know exactly, and it could be nothing but, on our way here, Mum and Dad were being weird. I mean, more weird than normal, they were really worrying me.

Why, what were they doing? asked Ella, her interest suddenly piqued.

They were talking about churches and about something that happens every 1000 years. They were talking like it was a big deal and I could tell they were concerned. They really scared me. What do you think it means?

I’ve got no idea, said Ella, suddenly bored by the conversation. You know what adults can be like, it’s probably about something really dull like politics or why we don’t clean our rooms or why we spend so much time on our phones. Ella pulled a face which made Olly smile.

You’re probably right, said Olly thoughtfully, deciding to change the subject. Anyway, we’ve got our own problems, some other kids must have been here, we are down to our last ten pinecone grenades. Come on, let’s go and get some more. If we get attacked by the savages now, we will be in real trouble.

And with that, all thoughts of churches and strange adult conversations disappeared.

Fifteen minutes later, the cousins were together again, reviewing their stocks.

Ten packets of crisps, three packets of biscuits, four chocolate bars and an orange, pretty good haul guys, you’ve done well, said Ella to Catherine and Emma.

Thanks, it was easy. The adults were all unpacking clothes, so we could grab anything we wanted. How did you guys get on? asked Catherine. But before Ella and Olly could answer, a strong gust of wind swept through the treehouse making the cousins shiver.

Can we go in now, I’m getting cold, suggested Emma.

Yes, come on everyone, we can finish this tomorrow, said Ella looking up at the darkening sky. I think there may be a storm coming.

Reluctantly, the cousins left the treehouse and crossed the gravel driveway to the warm farmhouse. As they did so, they felt the first snowflakes land gently on their cheeks; messengers of the storm.

Chapter 4

The Storm Outside

Early next morning, the adults heard dull thuds coming from the cousins’ room as if a herd of baby elephants were doing somersaults off their beds. In fact, the noise was being generated by an enthusiastic exercise in rucksack packing.

OK guys, if we are going to explore our lands, then we need to be prepared, began Ella. So, let’s have a quick check that we have everything. Compass, snacks, weapons, notebook and pen, phone… The list went on.

In response to each of the item called out, one of the cousins had to respond check until they had been through their entire list.

That’s it, said Olly. We’ve got everything on the list but there is one thing that wasn’t on the list.

What have we missed? asked Ella looking quite annoyed by the suggestion that her list was incomplete.

A Sherpa to carry my bag. Olly laughed. It weighs a ton.

The others laughed as much at Ella’s scowl as Olly’s joke, but the moment was interrupted by Catherine opening the curtains.

Err guys, I think we may have a little problem.

Outside, the storm had settled in around them. Thick snow lay on the ground and the wind was blowing so strongly that it looked like it could pick them up and fly them around the garden.

Oh no, this is going to cause us a bit of a problem with the adults, said Olly.

Why? asked Emma innocently.

Because there is no way that they will let us out in this. Even if we had goose down snow suits and ice axes, they would still come up with some reason not to let us outside in this, replied Olly with frustration.

But we should try, shouldn’t we? added Emma.

To the last point, they all agreed. So, with some difficulty, they shouldered their rucksacks and trooped downstairs to find a sympathetic adult. Cassie and Saphie barked and scratched at the kitchen down, sensing the presence of the children and wanting attention. Ella opened the door to let them in and chaos followed. The dogs bounded into the kitchen, slipping and scratching on the smooth stone floor and the noise levels escalated.

From their beds, the adults eventually had to accept defeat. Triple overhead pillow protection was not enough to defend them from the noise and they dragged themselves out of bed. Ella and Emma’s dad was the first into the kitchen.

Dad, can I have some fruit or a bacon roll, or both? shouted Ella as her dad attempted to stay upright as he was hit by the dogs and Emma.

Dad, can I have the same and cornflakes and Nutella on toast? asked Emma.

Can I have cereal too, please? requested Catherine.

Uncle Mike, can we go outside please? The only non-food-based, polite question from Olly.

Ella and Emma’s dad took a deep breath.

Hold on, hold on, let’s do this one question at a time. Ella you can have fruit and cereal for now and the rest of you can have cereal and fruit as well if you want.

What about us going outside, is that OK? asked Olly again, desperately hoping that his uncle hadn’t looked outside.

Olly was in luck. Yes, of course, you can go outside, anything which isn’t playing on a screen, came the sleepy response. But if it is like yesterday, it will be cold, so wrap up warm. Oh, and good news guys, Tom and baby Laura arrived last night.

The cousins drew a deep breath and shouted, Hooray, that’s all of us together again. The shout made the dogs run around in sharp circles and so Mike did the only thing he could and walked towards the sanctuary of the coffee machine.

The arrival of Tom and baby Laura meant that the cousins were now complete. Tom was cousin number five, thirteen years old, handsome, strong and brave beyond his years. Laura was cousin number six and the youngest of them all, still only a baby at eighteen months old but showing early signs of precocious intelligence.

The guys arrived late last night so please let them sleep on for a while, said Mike, now with a smile on his face which lifted a latte moustache above his mouth.

OK, we will. We can see them both after we have explored our lands, replied Olly, not looking up from his cereal.

Mike slowly lifted his head from his coffee comfort and for the first time that morning, he looked outside. Immediately, he realised his mistake.

Hang on a minute, that looks pretty nasty outside, he said.

The cousins had already practiced their response.

But you said we could go out, you can’t change your mind now, they chorused together.

Confronted by a potential mutiny, Mike was in a difficult position and he crumbled before partially recovering.

Err, umm, OK, you can go outside but—err, not until later when the storm has cleared, and you are properly bundled up.

Reluctantly, the cousins had to accept the compromise and they trudged off to their ‘secret’ HQ, under the stairs. They felt like prisoners again, hemmed in by the storm but at least they got to see Tom (and baby Laura) earlier than planned. Soon, they were all together and playing a game of hide and seek, hiding in the shadows of the large house and the world outside was temporarily forgotten.

As the game came to a natural end, the cousins regrouped in the HQ again and pondered what to do next.

Why don’t we have a band practice? said Emma. It’s ages since The Randoms have played together and we owe it to our future fans to practice.

What a great idea, said Ella, jumping up before turning to the others to ask, You guys have brought your instruments with you, haven’t you?

Yeah, course we have, replied Olly, looking genuinely offended by the suggestion that they would travel without their instruments.

The Randoms was the name that the cousins had given to their band. It hadn’t been a matter of lengthy debate; it was the first name they came up with and they stuck with it. This style of instant decision making was characteristic and although they didn’t know it yet it would be important if they were to overcome the challenges that lay ahead.

The run-down of the band was simple. Ella on lead guitar, Olly on drums, Catherine on bass guitar, Emma on bongos (and singing), Tom on keyboards and baby Laura was pencilled in as the future lead singer. For a band that played together only once every couple of months, they were surprisingly good and the dream – and frankly the expectation – was that one day, they would become international rockstars.

Unfortunately, as they gathered in the main living room of the farmhouse, they had to accept that they were way off achieving their goal and perhaps, they did need to put in a few more minutes of practice.

We have to play together, not try and play over each other, suggested Ella after a couple of false starts.

You’re right, replied Olly. But we need to think about what each of us is going to do rather than just jump in.

And so began a period of planning and an intensive spell of practice through which they actually started to sound like a band playing together. After about an hour, Emma and Tom were sent for snacks and hot chocolate and the discussion turned to the future.

What should we call our first album? asked Catherine.

I don’t know but based on our journey here, I thought about ‘Avalanche of Luggage’, suggested Ella.

Nice, I like it, but how about ‘Dead man’s suitcase’? said Olly looking over to Catherine who nodded her approval; they had obviously discussed the topic.

Perfect, said Ella. That has an air of mystery which is what we are all about, come and see us, and you don’t know what you will get when we open up.

By mid-morning, tired and over excited, Ella broke away from the others and climbed the stairs to the comfort of her bedroom to have some ‘quiet time’. Lying on her bed, she looked up with heavy eyes at the ceiling and lazily followed the curves in the old paintwork until she slowly drifted off to sleep.

Moments later, Ella’s subconscious, always alert and listening for danger, forced her awake. In the distance, a noise that sounded like thunder drifted to her ears. Sitting up in bed, she found, to her great surprise, that she was no longer in her room! She was now in a small dark room which was covered in cobwebs and grime.

What’s going on, where am I? she said aloud, attempting to draw comfort from her voice.

Shaking and uncertain, Ella stood up and looked around. On finding that the