Realm of the Dead by Donovan Neal

approached the throne of God, his spirit heavy.  There was a foreboding in every step.  Each foot placed before the other was as though weights were fastened to his ankles.
    The seven bowls of fire blazed atop the steps of gold and crystal. The Virtues wafted about, and the rainbow that arched over the throne bathed the two Arelim angels in prismatic color as they spread their wings over God, for El was clothed in unapproachable light and sat quietly on the throne.
    Michael knelt before his King, his head bowed. "My Lord, I come in consult, for I have returned a member of the Fallen to Heaven.  The renegade, Iblis, hath I sanctioned rescue.  Rescued, that I perchance might discern Lucifer's plans and curtail his strategy.  This I have done without seeking first my King and his righteousness. Two of the Lumazi on missions....one to destroy the false kiln Lucifer seeks to raise within the bowels of Hell itself, and the other to accompany Enoch across the expanse of Limbo to see Enoch safely to the shores of Aesir, and to consult with the other human you have brought to Heaven.
    "Now my Lord, are these actions to my Lord's will?  For wisdom resides in thee and I would not throw away my brethren to failure."
    El sat quietly looking at His Son. The brightness of His person receded, and the image of an aged man of many years then stepped down from the throne. God placed his hand under Michael's chin and lifted his head, gently leading him to his feet and spoke.
    "A certain man had many sons, but of his household, two stood apart. Both were loved beyond measure, and the glory in store for them was beyond imagination.  Nothing would he have withheld from them, yet the older, not willing to abide by his father's will, became angered, and whilst enraged sought means to usurp his father's rule.  Judged for his act of betrayal, he was thrown into outer darkness, forever dead to his father. Judged to lament in the wailing and gnashing of teeth."
    Michael's eyes darted to the floor as his head nodded, unsure if he truly desired to hear the rest of the story; nevertheless, queried the Lord.  "And the other son?"
    "The other son," said the Lord.  "Was also beloved of his father and was lifted to be first among his house.  In self-will, he also sought to obtain through wisdom what could only come from the father, and though well-meaning, his heart was not corrupt. However, he exposed his entire house to ruin.  Now, my High Prince, I ask thee, what meaneth this parable, and of whom do I speak?"
    Michael's heart was smitten, for he knew that the Lord spoke of him and his brother, Lucifer. He collapsed to his knees and tears surged forth. "It is I, my King, and I am bowed in sorrow. Forgive me, my Lord. In my own wisdom, I have made thy work of none effect. For I have sinned against thee and I beg thy pardon." Michael continued with his head bowed and hands outstretched on the floor. "I beseech thee, Heavenly Father, do away with the iniquity of thy servant for I have done very foolishly."
    And the Lord said unto Michael, "Thy sin is forgiven and thy iniquity is removed; nevertheless, thou hast greatly sinned in this thing for thou hast called good that which I hast called evil, thou hast put darkness for light, and light for darkness. And in thine own wisdom, thou hast recalled that which I have exiled.  Behold now, the sum of thy choices as thou hast wrought folly and unleashed contagion in the realm. Thy people will suffer greatly because of thine actions."
    Michael lifted his hands in an appeal to the Lord and cried out. "My Lord, I beg thee, have mercy, as they are but lambs...sheep who have followed their wayward shepherd."
    And the Lord spoke unto Michael, "I cannot turn my face from this thing.  For before the people, thou hast wrought folly in obedience to my name.  Therefore, I offer three things. Choose thee one of them, that I may do it unto thee. Choose thou either cure of the plague and thy people made whole, but the