The Gift of Knowledge (The Gifts Book 2) by Jen Gentry Page B

miles.
         The Meleke tribe’s settlement was a good fifty miles to the west of the base camp. He didn’t worry about the natives so much. They kept to themselves purposely, especially since the tribal council members were visited by angels a few months back and warned to send the white men away. Liam did not know why the Lord had ordered it to be so, he just knew that it was. The Lord revealed his ways and mysteries in his own time. Liam trusted the Holy Father’s will implicitly as did all of the angels under his command.
         On this evening Liam’s only concern centered on the demons he could see in the outlying forest and the ones he could not see. The demon ranks were being very careful not to disclose their true numbers. It was a strategic battle tactic that he himself had employed from time to time. Unfortunately, the tactic created a disadvantage for him in this quest.
         A ball of light headed towards the angels from the north. Liam recognized the angel Simon, who would be coming in to report on Lazar’s progress on reaching Ethan. Liam realized there must be something wrong. The angel was not slowing his speed. Instead, Simon headed right for him at full speed, until coming to an abrupt halt at Liam’s side.
         “Commander, I need reinforcements. Lazar has taken Jorge, his wife and children captive. He plans to torture them into divulging Ethan and Emily’s location and then to bring him to them.”
         Liam lifted a trumpet to his lips and sounded a battle call. All the angels in the area met him and Simon in the sky. He gave orders for half the legion to stay at the campsite and to keep a very close eye on Emily and Ethan at all times.
         “Simon, you will lead the way.” Liam turned back to the angels that were leaving with him and shouted as he lifted his sword high into the air. “For the Lamb, who alone is worthy.”
         The angels lit up the sky as one by one they streaked away leaving trails of light in the darkness.
     
    ***
     
     
         Back in the small town of São Gabriel da Cachochoeira, Jorge prepared to fuel his helicopter. His wife and two small children were tied, gagged and hidden in the cargo hold of the aircraft by an armed man unknown to Jorge. When this strange man broke into Jorge’s home and took his family hostage he made one simple demand, take him to Dr. Ethan McGowan and his team’s camp or Jorge’s family would die. Having no choice Jorge did what the crazy-loco man said.
     
         Liam and his warriors arrived just as Jorge hooked up the gas line to begin the fueling process. “They’re in here.” Simon pointed to the cargo hold where Jorge’s family was hidden with Lazar. Liam tore open the cargo hatch, pulled a stunned Lazar from the hold, and shoved him to the ground.
         “ARGHHH!” The demon inside Lazar screamed and wailed until hordes of other demons came out of the darkness to defend him. Thousands of demons of all sizes descended on Liam and the other angels, as more and more came to answer the cry of Armodius. Soon, the angels were outnumbered, and in the crush, Lazar slipped away.
         Just as quickly as Lazar disappeared so did the hordes of demons. The angels let the retreating creatures leave, as they began to minister to Jorge and his family. They freed his wife and children from their bonds, while Liam spoke into Jorge’s ears.
         “Telephono policia. Entonces advertir a Ethan tan pronto como sea possible.” Jorge must warn Ethan that the crazy-loco man was looking for him as soon as possible. Jorge and his wife were astonished. They did not know what had caused the crazy man to run away screaming or how the gags and ropes fell off them, but they gave thanks to Jesus for saving their lives.
     
         Liam spoke with Simon about the demonic attack before sending him back to keep watch over Lazar.
         “The demons are not behaving predictably. For some reason I can’t