Realm of the Dead by Donovan Neal Page B

started to walk through the portal Argoth had made, and the Head of House Grigori stepped in front of the human.
    "Know that I consider thee my friend, even a prince among us. And who knows that perhaps a day shall come when thou shalt even judge angels. For it is not oft that I meet someone to challenge me so.  Thou art translated of the Lord.  You have done me honor these many days.  Now go to, for God hath commanded thee to seek the Seraphim. May the Lord watch between me and thee while we are absent one from another, and His hand bring our paths to cross once more."
    When Argoth had said his peace, he moved from obstructing Enoch's path.
    Enoch smiled, then bowed his head in humble appreciation and looked over his shoulder to Gabriel.
    Metatron, Hadriel and the rest of the quartet followed him through the portal and disappeared into the rift.
    Michael then motioned Jerahmeel to his side, and the Lord of House Harrada walked to his brother and bowed.  Michael placed his hands on his brother's shoulders and spoke. "A season ago, I once told our brother that his orders were to return to me.  He hath been remiss in this regard.  When you find him, remind him that I take issue with this lapse of judgment."
    Jerahmeel's mouth fell open, his now bulging eyes growing wide above his smile. "Then I am free to see to our brother's wellbeing?"
    Michael turned and walked away, then spoke aloud for all to hear.  "Argoth, send the Head of House Harrada to the doorsteps of Hell.  Jerahmeel, see that the message we have for Lucifer is understood.  And yes, recoup our brother home."
    Jerahmeel nodded. As Argoth prepared a portal to the realm below, a tear strolled down his cheek and he spoke to himself.  "By God's grace, I will see the thing done." He turned toward his group, and Michael watched as his brother's team portaled away.
    While Michael stared after his departing friends, Argoth turned his attention to a recorded image of an angel's body lying on the streets of gold. "Michael, come here and look at this," Argoth said.
    Michael turned from eying the portal where his brethren had just left and walked towards Argoth who pointed at an image of the angel.
    "We have a problem," the Grigori said.
    Michael beheld the image of a bloodied body, exposed skin festered with blistered pustules that had burst, and the glow of his kilnstone shown no more. The angel did not move when called, nor stir when handled by those surrounding him.
    "It cannot be!" Michael said. The Chief Prince stared at the corpse, and nothing could prepare him for the realization before his eyes. Somehow, the immortality of his kind was stripped, and an angel now lay dead in the street.
     

*   *   *
     
    Lucifer watched the minions of his making swelter within the bowels of Hell. Each carried carrion and fragments of their brethren's Kilnstones into the fires of the Forge. All former members of House Kortai, each now mindless automatons of labor that built weapons of mass destruction to unleash against the righteous dead.  Weapons able to be flung across the gulf and obliterate what little light existed in the underworld of the righteous dead.
    Weapons designed by Lucifer's war-master Ares, and his commander of the region, Zeus, stood talking with Ashtaroth when Lucifer approached.
    "Report of thy stewardship?" Lucifer said.
    "My Lord, I seek permission to track the traitor, Iblis," Zeus said.  "I have reason to believe Jerahmeel travels with him," Zeus smirked and then grinned at his lord. "I would be most pleased to extend your hospitality to your brother, and bid my former master hello."
    Lucifer smiled. "As always, my friend, thou hast perceived you lord's will.  Go and see to our desire."
    Zeus bowed and turned to walk away. 
    "One thing," Lucifer said.
    Zeus turned. "My King?"
    "Leave enough of my brother intact that I too might enjoy some sport."
    A broad grin painted Zeus' face. "As you command, my king."
    Lucifer turned to the others.