Arcane Souls: Chapter XVII

Chapter XVII1

High above the bogged down slums of the lower Heavens rested the awe-inspiring capital of Eden. Numerous towers and castles lined the streets of Eden, and even more high ranking angels made their rounds in the sky above. The crowning jewel of Eden was the capital building known as The Mansion of the Moon. Lord Metatron slept within it’s walls.2

The Mansion was so secretive that Sandalphon had issued over nine hundred men to guard the surrounding area, and dozens more within the mansion itself. The doors of the mansion remained closed unless Sandalphon himself issued the order to open them, so secretive was he that anyone who disobeyed that rule was quickly executed.3

Sandalphon sat at a golden throne, lined with diamonds and garnets. His face was slightly obscured by his long golden bangs. He wore a satin cloak that wrapped around his slim body and hooded over the back of his head. His eyes were a pair of icicles that chilled all around them. It was Sandalphon who sat in the heart of Eden, and it was Sandalphon who ruled all of Heaven.4

“Dear friend.” Sandalphon said as he steeped his slender fingers. “Please tell me you have good news.” His words slid across the marble floor and into the kneeling figure of Lord Dobiel.5

“Your Majesty requested the discovery and destruction of the source of a powerful aura on Earth.” Dobiel said, choosing his words carefully. “I regret to inform you that–I underestimated the power that this aura stems from.”6

“You failed again?” Sandalphon asked as he ran his index finger over his left eye brow. 7

“Not entirely Your Majesty.” Dobiel said hesitantly. “My informants gave me word of what exactly we are dealing with.”8

“What you are dealing with.” Sandalphon said coldly. “Continue.”9

Dobiel looked up at Sandalphon’s cold eyes and continued. “It appears that the aura stems from a young boy. Seventeen in human years.”10

“A child is the source of the aura?” Sandalphon’s eyes widened slightly. “Are you certain?”11

“Yes Your Lordship. I had informants on the scene and they tell me that it is a young child. Christopher Hatcher. They are still searching for information. It appears that one of my men killed his only living family, an aunt by the name of Grace Hatcher.”12

“...A boy?” 13

“Yes, although I had unconfirmed reports that an angel is accompanying him.” Dobiel said with a certain confidence.14

“...I see.” Sandalphon thought for a moment. “Lord Dobiel?”15

“Yes Your Majesty?”16

“You will pull out the men you have tailing this boy. Keep your informants on his case, but further attempts to quell his power are to be avoided. I want you to devote your resources to discovering more about this boy.”17

“Yes your Majesty.” Dobiel bowed his head while still kneeling.18

“Very well. You are dismissed.” Sandalphon stood up and walked out of the gaudy throne room, his satin cloak trailing behind him. 19

Dobiel stood up and took in a deep breath. “He seemed uneasy.” Dobiel muttered to one of his guards as they escorted him out of the rooms.20

“You’re right sir.” Said one of the young guards, a blonde haired girl. “...It’s quite uncommon for Lord Sandalphon to appear uneasy.”21

Dobiel turned to the young woman and nodded. “Yes...” He paused. Perhaps there is more to this boy than I know of–if Sandalphon would be uneasy about him.22

Sandalphon walked down an ornate hall in the opposite direction of Dobiel. His walk was brisker than usual and he tossed his hood behind himself as he pushed himself passed two shocked nurses.23

The room Sandalphon entered was painted a bright silver. The floor was limestone, and a large satin bed was in the west end of the room.24

Sandalphon turned around to face the two uneasy nurses. “I believe your work is done for the day.” he said cooly. The nurses shook their heads hesitantly and hurried out of the room, closing the large-red doors behind themselves.25

Sandalphon walked over to the large-canopied bed and fell to his knees. His cold eyes faltered for a moment, showing distinct warmth. “Can you hear me?” He said softly as he brushed his golden hair from his face.26

It became obvious that something–or rather someone–was lying beneath the heavy-satin covers of the ornate bed. The pale face of a young, black haired man could be seen. His eyes were shut tightly and he didn’t move at all except for the slow breathing that rose in his chest.27

“I think maybe I have finally found him.” Sandalphon said kindly. “And this time, I won’t let his soul go untouched. I will bind him forever–just like Satan–he will rot for millennia until his soul is completely dissolved into nothingness.” he paused. “I will make him suffer, make him rot in hell for eternity.”28

Sandalphon placed his cool, slender hand upon the boy’s head. “I will torture him in ways that will leave him begging for death, and he will slowly melt away into a mound of lifeless flesh.” He smiled. “I will make him pay my dearest Metatron. You’ll see, I will finally kill that wretched creature. That hideous devil that did this to you.” 29

Sandalphon brushed the young man’s dark hair from his face. He lowered his head down and gently kissed the frail boy on his pale lips.30

He leaned over and whispered into the boy’s ear. “I will make Uriel burn in hell for you, my dear Metatron....”31