----------------
On the opposite side of the very wall where Michael and
Sangius had been talking, a figure stealthily peeked out of the flow-
ery shrubs. He made sure that he was quite alone, then stepped
onto the stone path. He was almost giddy, armed with the knowl-
edge of a conversation that would prove profitable to his future.
Serus intended to tell Lucifer exactly what he had heard--when the
time was right. This should prove his worth to his master once and
for all.
----------------
Chronicles of the Host
Heaven's Anticipation
The time for the Creation was fast approaching. All of Heaven
was in a state of joyous anticipation, and waited anxiously to
see their God in creative action. The scribes were preparing
their scrolls to ensure that every detail would be recorded for
the archives. The Elders announced that the angels would have
a gallery from which they could watch the entire proceedings.
But the questions that loomed on every mind, whether spoken
or held in reserve, were these: What will the Most High do
with the new world? Who will serve there? Who will rule in
the Lord's name?
77
Chapter 6
"All I need is a show of strength--
something impressive!"
Lucifer fulfilled his promise to Kara. He began work immedi-
ately on his Creation music and the only angel who saw him was
Serus--even the meetings were dispensed after a short time. Occa-
sionally angels walking down the street would see glimpses of
their worship minister at the window, or catch a brief glance at him
on the balcony, but for the most part he stayed in his study and
worked.
As time went on, Serus continued his errands to and from the
Temple, conferring with the Elders on the progress of the music.
Angels would stop him in the streets and inquire about Lucifer, who
had seemingly disappeared. He gave reports on how brilliantly
"their" music was coming together and hurried on his way. The only
other visitors who were admitted to the house were Pellecus and
Rugio, who always arrived together, and only after being summoned.
Soon, the Chief Elder felt that they needed a more direct com-
munication with the minister of worship, so Kara suggested that a
liaison be appointed to act on the Elders' behalf and volunteered to
serve in that capacity. He was instructed to visit with Lucifer immedi-
ately. Serus, who happened to be with the Elders when the liaison
78 CHRONICLES of the Host: Exile of Lucifer
was established, raced ahead of Kara to prepare his master for the
visit. When he arrived and explained the situation, he was sur-
prised to find that Lucifer was delighted to receive Kara, as if he
was expecting him. Shortly thereafter Serus was ushering Kara into
Lucifer's presence. He excused himself from the study and left
Kara alone with Lucifer.
"Good Kara," said Lucifer, "I'm glad you have come." They
embraced each other. "I've been needing to talk with you. I trust
the Chief Elder thought well of the idea of an embassy to me." He
smiled and added, "The music I have created is stunning!"
"I had hoped as much," said Kara. "The Elders are thrilled
with what they have seen thus far." They sat down on two golden
chairs with dark crimson cushions. Kara noticed a strong odor in
the room. "Your idea to get myself made a liaison was brilliant.
What is that fragrance?" he asked.
"Surely you've heard of my love for lilacs," said Lucifer.
"They're my only weakness, you might say. I keep them around me
always. I plan to speak to the Lord about these beautiful flowers
and make sure that He fills the earth with them." Lucifer looked at
Kara, folding his hands in front of him. "Which brings up what I
wanted to discuss with you. How go the plans for the Creation?
Any mention of when this will actually happen?"
"Nothing specific is known to any of us," said Kara. "Only the
Lord knows the hour. But I understand that the Three-in-One will
coordinate this effort together--Father, Son and Spirit are in com-
plete accord on
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