Chapter Five.
Garcia laid there, a thousand thoughts going through his mind. He was not a nice man, nor were his crew. This was the last thing that they expected. They had a deadline and needed to get under way but how? Those bird things are a huge deterrent. We need guns if we are going to get out of here. He tossed and turned for a couple of hours then since his crew was sleeping he got up and went to the front door. He opened it and looked out. He did not see Josh hidden in the blackness of the shadows. Garcia stepped out.
“Leaving so soon?” Asked Josh, pulling his hood off.
“I was just going to walk.” lied Garcia.
“Remember Lord Angel knows your thoughts. The guns are here and will remain for now. Come, sit with me,” he invited.
The pirate went and sat down next to him. He knew he was busted.
“Garcia you are as I was. I, too, wanted to leave and would not listen to anybody. I planned escape after escape for my brother and I. Then I was made Lord Angel and now we both love it here and want to stay. My brother is getting married and we will remain here. We came in a sailboat in the summer of 2019,” Josh told him.
“It is now 2021," said Garcia, "Only 2 years?” Wondered Garcia.
“Yes, we were called and my brother invented Eden’s football.” Smiled Josh.
“Football?” asked a surprised pirate.
“Well sort of,” smiled Josh. “You have your own football team I see.”
“How many on a team?” asked Garcia.
“Five and a coach.” Josh answered him.
“So you call this Eden, why?” asked the newcomer.
“Garcia this is the original Garden of Eden and you go to see the Tree of Knowledge that Adam, Eve and the serents ate from.” Josh told him plainly.
“The Tree of Knowledge? He asked.
“Yes, the one Adam and Eve, plus the serpents bespoiled at the beginning of time” answered Josh looking him straight in the eyes.
“Adam and Eve? What are you saying?” asked Garcia incredulously.
“Garcia. Eden was here before the earth was even ready to accept life. The tree has only fruited once and has grown for an eternity. It was from here that the Master drove the original inhabitant both human and animal all out onto the earth, serpents too, though the serpents claimed the island outside the wall. Now they are as you see them: feathered velociraptors, I think and I believe they are still intelligent." Josh explained.
“What do they eat? We saw no other life.” asked Garcia.
“Each other and any humans that they can. All must fight their way here. You were lucky, not all survive the five miles from the beach.” Josh informed him.
“Why is it this way?” the pirate captain wondered.
“Tradition and a policy of non-interference.” Josh told him.
“Seems opposite for what Eden should stand for.” Garcia brought up.
“It is, and it bothers me,” said Lord Angel.
“You know that the, what do you call them—the Bane, die? Asked Garcia.
“Yes, so does any Edenite outside these walls. It is very dangerous to leave and even if you do and make it to your boat the breakers and current won’t let you leave. We are all prisoners here and we work hard not to make it a prison.” Josh smiled.
“Why don’t we hunt them?” Asked Garcia.
Josh was taken aback. He had never thought of that.
“We have automatic weapons and thousands of rounds of ammunition plus men who know how to use them. Why not take the fight to them?” Asked Garcia.
“For it would be the genocide of a species.” said Josh.
“Didn’t you say the serpents went to earth as well?” brought up Garcia
“Well, yeah. You are right…,” Josh said thinking now.
“So it would just be cleaning up this island, I assume.” Garcia told him.
“But, there are thousands.” Josh reminded him.
“Looks like we have time Mr. Angel,” smiled Garcia. He wanted to go back to his ship to get personal items.
“We are called Lord Angel, Garcia.” Josh told him, smiling.
“Yeah, okay. We really have to go see this tree?” Garcia changed the subject.
“You really do and it will take two weeks to walk there and back. “ Josh told him.
“Two weeks! Walk! Oh. you drive a hard bargain Lord Angel.” Garcia teased.
Josh liked this man.
“As if reading his mind,” Garcia said, "You know we all have killed before.”
“I did not choose you, the Master did, Garcia, either that or an Archangel.” Josh told him.
“So we were meant to come here?” Asked Garcia
“In a way, though, we all have our own minds and will. It could have remained the way it was as well.” Josh explained.
“I like you, Lord Angel, we will go to this tree and try to understand.” He smiled and stood up.
“That is all we can ask for,” Josh smiled standing as well.
They shook hands.
“It is time to be open-minded,” Josh said.
“You, too, Lord Angel.” Garcia said then went black into the inn and to his mat.
Wu raised up on one elbow, “everything okay, boss?”
“Yes my friend it is.” Garcia said laying down.
Josh locked the rifles in the Dark Tower. And went back to the bench at the inn where he remained the rest of the night.
That is where Moriko found him and she slid in beside him.
“Moriko, I must walk to the tree but I will be here on that special day, I promise.” Josh told her.
She leaned her head on Josh’s shoulder and said “I will miss him.”
“Rick will not forget his first love, my dear and you need not worry or feel despondent,” You are adored by all of us and I love you very deeply. So does Rick.” Josh told her truthfully
She looked up at him and smiled.
He put his arm around her. Just then, Wu came out to talk to him and his eyes met Moriko’s and he was tongue-tied for a moment.
Josh smiled and thought, “One door closes and a new door opens.”
“Wu, this is my sister Moriko.” Josh introduced them.
“I am very pleased to meet you, Miss Moriko.” Wu said a little nervously.
She felt the energy between them as well and smiled.
“Did you need to see me, Wu?” Asked Josh.
“Not any more Lord Angel,” he smiled and bowed to Moriko. “I was honored to meet you, Miss Moriko.”
She turned red and smiled.
Josh smiled, but on the inside. He was pleased though he did not know Wu and vowed to before they got to the tree. “Wu, is everyone ready?”
“We’ve all had breakfast.” Wu told him.
“Call them out please,” smiled Lord Angel. He kept his arm around Moriko and gave her a little squeeze of understanding.
Wu poked his head inside and said “Let’s go, people. We have a date with a tree.”
One thing was for sure, they could not leave.
Chapter Six.
They met Rick and Agnes in the Fourth Village West. They were at the inn when the seven of them went in. They were traveling alone that time, although he had now been recognized as the football guy.
“Br…Lord Angel,” said Rick looking at the other six men. Obvious newcomers. He stood up and extended his hand. “I’m Rick and my future wife Agnes.”
“My name is Garcia and this is my football team.” This made them all laugh and Garcia shook his hand “congratulations you two.” He smiled, being polite and charming. His men just looked at him. He introduced them all to the couple and they sat down to have dinner. They were all hungry and a nice vegetable stew with biscuits were being served. Soon they had all the tea and meals and they dug in while Josh talked.
“Moriko is super busy but has a lot of work delegated. I had to bring our newbies to the Sacred Path.” Josh told them
“Oh it is so beautiful there. The smell is intoxicating and you feel at peace,” Agnes told them.
“You know what is incredible,” said Rick. “This is the tree that Adam, Eve and the serpents ate from.”
“No!” Said Garcia “I am still not too sure if I believe that.”
“Yes it is the Tree of Knowledge and is the oldest living thing. You will understand when you see it from the next village,” Josh told him
“See the tree?” asked Wu.
“Yes the crown is a couple thousand feet high. It has its own weather system. It is alway flowering but never fruiting.” explained Josh.
“It is incredible,” said Agnes. They were finishing their meal and all were tired. Rick and Agnes disappeared upstairs to their room while the other’s rolled out their mats obtained at the market in the Seventh Village West. They had also gotten hemp pouches and kept them full of food. This all went into the corner where they unrolled the mats and used the pouches for pillows. Laying down they were soon asleep amidst the quiet work of the keeper. Again Josh went outside to sit again on the ubiquitous bench that is always there. He was there an hour and Garcia came to the door, “Lord Angel? Are you asleep?”
“No Garcia we never sleep.” Josh said in the darkness of his hood
“No dreams then?” wondered Garcia.
“Not any more but we have visions sometimes.” Josh told him.
“Mind if I sit and talk with you?” he asked.
“No, not at all.” smiled Lord Angel, ”please do.”
Garcia sat down on the bench next to Josh. “I had four men killed by Bane, my Lord.”
“I’m sorry to hear that,” said Josh genuinely.
“They were the happiest in battle, anyway” Smiled Garcia.
“Tell me about yourself,” said Lord Angel.
“Well I am a pirate and a leader of men.” said Garcia, not hiding anything from Josh.
“Leaders are hard to find,” observed Josh.
“My men follow me,” said their captain.
“We are a good leader as well,” smiled Josh.
“Lord Angel how about we take those guns and carve a path to my boat where we can reload and bring more back with us. I have a score to settle,” said Garcia vehemently.
“I have been thinking of that. Not to settle a score rather make it safe for survivors to make it here safely. There are many Bane,” Josh told him
“We have enough to deal with them, I believe. Suppose we ask for volunteers and form a team of brave souls. I for one would do this, so would Wu and Carlos.” Garcia told him.
“My brother would do it,” Josh said. “That’s four,”
“We need six or even eight.” Garcia said.
“We can harvest the wrecks.” Josh told him.
“We also have two boats out there your’s and our’s, which is much bigger than your sailboat.” said Garcia.
“We could also set sail and look for survivors every couple of months.” observed Josh.
“We can also map the island. I know it is an island because we sailed around it,” Garcia told him.
We would need a handcart and to cut back the jungle enough to get it to the beach.” Josh brought up.
Maybe the second time Lord Angel. The first time we must ascertain the number and abilities of our enemy. It will be hard enough without the cart. However we can each carry back an extra gun and start bringing a small amount of ammunition. It is in metal boxes and it is heavy for one.
That is true. I like the way you think, captain. How would you like to command when we are outside and I will command inside.
Really? I would be honored, Lord Angel.
So we need up to four more.
We can take my other men who are new and untried in battle. Paul though is a vet and Billy is a scrapper and scruffy is, well, scruffy.”
This made Josh laugh and he said “we need another or replacements. Well captain, we have a full day tomorrow, going to the Third Village West so you should get some shut-eye.”
“True good night and thank you Lord Angel.” smiled the captain at Lord Angel.
“For what?” asked Josh.
“For still believing in me.” Smiled Garcia and he went back onto the inn
Josh then watched the full moon shine down and burst a millions diamonds on the pearlescent buildings
They were up and ready to go at first light. Rick and Agnes came down to say goodby and to head for home.
Hey guys, I will be there asap. Do not despair if I am a few hours late.I will try to get there the day before the festivities. I just have to go to the Great Tree and back to my tower in the First Village West. They will make it back or go to other parts of Eden. said Josh.
“No, we are coming back,” said Garcia, “all of us I think.”
“Sounds good br…er Lord Angel. Thank you,” said Rick. Agnes kissed Josh on his cheek, surprising everybody. Well shall we, my love?
Anges slipped her arm into his and smiling at Josh they stepped out. “Hey bro, looks like rain,” said Rick.
“Yeah we’ll stop at a shelter.” Josh told him.
“See you in a few days,” smiled Agnes, waving with her other hand.
Garcia let’s go said Lord Angel and they started for the Third Village West while the clouds, gray and menacing rolled overhead.
A couple hours later it started to sprinkle and they hurried another mile to a shelter built between the villages for just such a reason. There was a drover already in there with a handcart. He jumped to attention when Josh glided in.
“Hello,” said Josh, smiling at him. “Looks like we are going to spend some quality time together.”
The drover flashed a smile.
“I am Lord Angel while this is Garcia, Paul, Wu, Carlos and Scruffy,” introduced Josh. Josh looked at him expectantly.
Oh I be Joseph Lord Angel
“They are newcomers,” said Josh “when did you get here Joseph?”
1754 sir. I was slaved to da ship Hispaniola and escaped when we runned aground at the Northern Cove. I seed those Bane and took to dem trees. I stayed in dem until I gots to the Western Door.
Let me get this straight: you traveled in the trees? How long did it take you?” asked a surprised Lord Angel.
About two months, Lord. I slept in dem and ate da fruit. It worked.
Joseph We want you to join our team. We are organizing against the Bane and we have amazing weapons.”
I shot a wheellock afore oh and a flintlock. Smiled Joseph, remembering.
We will teach you, said Garcia stepping in. “I think that he is a good choice, Lord Angel but can you shoot, Joseph?
Sure.
Joseph this is very dangerous. We lose our immortality outside the walls. Explained Josh.
“I know, but I can’t cotton to dem Bane eating no more good people. So, I wants to help
“Joseph, we go to the Sacred Tree. Come to the Seventh Village West in 10 days. I will be there, ask for Moriko.”
Chapter Seven
They reached the Sacred Path by the fourth day. They had been seeing The Sacred Tree from the Third Village West and they were amazed at the immensity of the Great Tree. Now that they were there, the tree was intoxicating and they were suddenly eager to walk its Sacred Path.
Josh was busy answering questions. He was gliding along the path with them. He wondered at the apparent change in them the last couple of days. These were hardened men, used to getting what they wanted but they seemed to be receptive to the allure of the oasis. Here, they come face to face with their past, present and future.
Josh showed them how to sacrifice a flower to the spirit of Eden. He chose a flower but the men were sacrificing coins and bullets. Garcia pulled a picture out of his breast pocket and laid it on the ground next to the furrowed trunk. On it was a picture of a ship. He looked at Josh and said, “for my retirement. Looks like the unexpected happened.”
“Do not despair, for your life is just beginning. Breathe deep the perfumes and know that you are part of something really special. You have been chosen to participate, maybe because you are all warriors, but change is in the air and you should be proud to embrace it. I am proud to embrace you and your ideas.” This last he looked at Garcia and then smiled.
“Maybe Eden is in need of warriors for battles that seem imminent. I am tired of good people risking it all to come here and it is in my power to stop it. We are lord Angel and believe in divine intervention. Finish your walk. Go to where you started then turn around and walk again. Sleep in the high grassas and aromatic atmosphere this place affords. I must return to attend a wedding. You know the way home though you may go anywhere you choose, with my blessing. Those who return will have the option to join a special team. Garcia knows about it and is in charge of it. Be at peace and sincerely, welcome to Eden.” Josh smiled and returned the way they had come and slid out onto the western road and headed to the First Village West.
He thought a lot about Garcia’s idea and felt that it was the right thing to do for are not the Bane not the serpents? Is it Genocide or is it a necessary evil. But he does nothing that is evil and he does not feel that about doing this thing, this hunting of the Bane. If only one life is saved then it is worth it. He thought back to the visage of the man who was dragged away when they first arrived. His horror was still etched onto Josh’s mind.
Josh reached the village late morning and went directly to the Dark Tower. He opened the door and went inside. There was a form in the throne and a second waiting for him. He smiled, came in and sat down “Lord Angel,” he said “boy, am I glad to see you.”
The big smile identified Lord Angel to Josh and he was glad it was his mentor.
“Have you been waiting long?” Wondered Joosh.
Lord Angel stood up and said, “We have a wedding to attend, do we not?”
“Yes!” smiled Josh, ear to ear and they went upstairs to the White Courtyard. Going inside they went to the home throne and just as they were about to go through Josh asked Lord Angel: “How do I open the thrones to the White rooms?”
“You must have the blessing of the Archangel” Lord Angel told him
“Where is Lord Archangel?” asked Josh.
“At he White Tower,” said Lord Angel matter-of-factly.
“How… I mean how do I do that? Asked Josh.
“You already know; you must practice and learn.” Lord Angel smiled and started downstairs with Josh behind him. Lord Angel stopped at the six AK’s “These?” he asked.
“Modern weapons lord my last six newcomers carried them in. That is how they had survived the Bane.” Josh told him/
“I see,” smiled Lord Angel.
“I plan to use them,” Josh said boldly.
“I know, we will see what happens,” said his mentor.
Smiling, they opened the door to the village and it was midnight. No one was walking the streets, apparently the inn was closed.
“My Lord we can go to the inn, Moriko’s or just walk the streets and gardens.” suggested Josh.
I would do this game thing, he said smiling.
Moriko’s it is, let’s go. They glided silently through the streets until they got to Moriko’s darkened house. Smiling at Lord Angel he knocked. He knocked again and a sleepy Moriko opened the door, saw Lord Angel and her eyes widened and she immediately woke up. “Come in my Lords,” she implored and lit a candle placing it and its holder on her low table. Lord Angel sat down on a floor’s cushion followed by Josh.
“Moriko, how about a game for the three of us?” asked Josh.
She looked at Lord Angel, got up and grabbed the game with the map of Eden and villages with a whole lot of pebbles. Lord Angel was enamored at once.
They played until first light and surprisingly Lord Angel won all three games. They got up to go get Rick and Agnes who had just gotten back that morning having walked all night and gone to the inn. They followed and after hugs sat at the same table. Rick and Agnes were surprised to see Lord Angel, but pleased.
“Oh we have so much to show you but eat first. How was your journey?” asked Moriko.
“Wonderful though Rick invited everybody to the wedding.” laughed Agnes
“They have already started to arrive,” said Moriko. “The inn, rooms and floor were full last night and we are expecting an onslaught today and tomorrow. Friends are staying with friends, the square will be full as well as the football field and anywhere else we can bed them down. Everyone is very excited. Finish your oatmeal. We have things to show you. I am really happy that you Lord Angels are here for it.”
“That makes it extra special.” agreed Agnes.
They went through their oatmeal while Lord Angel told about himself. “We were in the straits when the ship landed here. I was the only survivor of the Bane. I am from Rome during the reign of Caesar Augustus. We had come down the coast and were going to the great southern river to try to establish a trade route between their gold and Roman wine. Instead we came here. I was a merchant.
“How did you survive the Bane?” Wondered Josh.
“I used the trees. I only had to make it to the Western door though I did not know that and I spent a couple months just going in different directions. Finally I found the wall and followed it to an entrance.” Lord Angel told them.
“When did you become Lord Angel?” asked Josh again.
“I was here only a year before my call by the Archangel. It took me just as long, young Angel, to figure things out.” smiled his mentor, “but you do well.”
“Thank you, Lord Angel,” smiled Josh
“Everyone finished? Let’s go.” said Moriko excitedly.
She led them out of the inn and down the wall’s Northern trail a mile then a lane extended out for a few cottages and their farms. She took them to the first one. She stood at the door and said. “This has been a labor of love by the whole village. This is for you…,” and she opened the door to the simple one room cottage now partitioned off by embroidered curtains to make two rooms one smaller than the other. The walls too were covered with embroidered panels of birds and flowers with mountains in the background. The house was furnished and like Moriko’s the table was low to the floor. All of Rick’s games were on the shelf over the counter.. She had everyone remove their shoes before entering.
“Oh,” gasped Agnes. “It is so beautiful, Moriko.”
“Your dress is behind the curtain but Rick shouldn’t see it and his blouse is matching and at our house.” Smiled Moriko.
Rick put his arm around her and said, “I love you, sis”
She smiled up at him and laid her head on his chest.
Extricating herself she went on, ”Now the back of the partition curtains are plain. Because of cooking they discolor and every once in a while as they yellow they will need to be changed. Thay all of course are washable, being cotton. Although over washing will result in the fading of the embroidery thread as the dyes are all plant based.”
“They are a lovely pastel.” Agnes said.
“Very organic,” smiled Josh.
“I miss the birds,” said Lord Angel.
Chapter Eight
As predicted the next day, the town was full. People were arriving by the dozens and poor Izaac was figuring out just where everybody would stay. The inn was swamped and extra cooks and help had been assigned for the next three days. The ceremony would be the next morning at sunrise and the whole town was excited and it was a festive atmosphere. Josh and Lord Angel glided everywhere smiling and welcoming people. Lord Angel was enjoying himself.
The town was packed by nightfall with mats unrolled just about everywhere. Lord Angels would patrol the streets to encourage people to rest for the next morning’s activities.
A couple of hours before dawn everyone was getting ready. Agnes in her beautiful embroidered Spring dress and Rick in his matching Blouse.
By sunrise they were out on the cleared football field and both Lord Angels stood waiting. Finally Rick came escorted by Izaac and Agnes approached escorted by her friends, The audience erupted in cheers and clapping.
The couple stepped up to the two Angels and Josh held his hand up for silence
“Rick. We are so proud of you and just adore Agnes. This was the best decision of your life. Agnes we adore you and welcome to the family.” Josh smiled and nodded at Lord Angel.
“Hold hands please,” said Lord Angel and he laid a cord over their clasped hands “You are now as one”
Suddenly the gallery erupted and during the din of celebration Rick kissed his wife.
“Mom and Dad would be so proud, bro,” said Josh, smiling glibly.
Lord Angel was smiling ear to ear and Agnes hugged Josh and Lord Angel who hadn’t been hugged in almost 2000 years. It was awkward but he loved it. There was lots of back slapping and congratulations coming their way. Food had been set out buffet style for everybody who got in line there or in front of the wedded couple to congratulate them.
While the Lord Angels went to the Dark Tower the wedding party went to the food line and had a thousand conversations going at once. The two Lords glided into the tower where they sat on two thrones for a bit.
“Lord Angel, I am going to have cushions made for each throne. It will be more comfortable.” said Josh
“Speak to me about those,” he said pointing at the guns.
“Those Lord Angel, are devastating weapons. We are forming a small team to use them for protection and to go to the boats moored here. There are more of use by us.” said Josh.
“The weapons are for Bane?” Asked Lord Angel
“Yes, we will kill them before they kill us,” said Joshua.
“You are treading a fine line young angel. This goes against all tradition however it, I believe as well, is not wrong and the Bane needs to be fed,” this last he chuckled.”just be aware of greed.”
“Yes, Lord Angel. Agreed Josh. “Good should always triumph over evil. This Eden has lived in fear long enough.”
“Do not let them go out by themselves” warned Lord Angel.
“No, I will always be there.” promised Josh.
“You must be,” said Lord Angel. “The rules are very plain on this.”
“Yes Lord, I will honor the rules.” Josh told him.
Lord Angel stood up and smiled. “We enjoyed the union of the two and bless their future.”
Thank you for coming. It was really special to all of us.” Said Josh genuinely.
“Lord Angel, do not forget the other villages.” remind Lord Angel and he went up the stairs to the White Courtyard, opened the door and disappeared inside shutting the door.
Josh opened the door to the morning and went to Moriko’s where he knocked. She came to the door and let him in saying, “welcome home Josh.”
“How long was I gone?” He wondered
“Three days today. Someone named Joseph has stopped by and is waiting at the inn.” Moriko told him.
“He is? I’ll go. Have the others got here from the Great Tree?” asked Josh.
“I haven’t heard,” she told him.
Alright I’ll go talk to Joseph. He has quite a story, I will tell you sometime. Josh promised and started for the door,
I enjoyed Lord Angel’s story of his beginning here.”
Yes that was amazing,” agreed Josh. Come with me to the inn.”
She nodded and walked out with him and shut the door. They went a few blocks to the inn and went inside. The inn was busy and Joseph was sitting by himself,
Lord Angel?” dame a voice beside him and Garcia was sitting with his crew. They were eating. Wu stood up, bowed and said “good evening, Miss Moriko.”
She blushed and her eyes sparkled, She smiled and nodded.
I’ll be back in a few. Moriko, why don’t you sing?” said Lord Angel.
So while Morikp sang the inn was quiet as all listened to the pleasing wavering notes. When she was done she told them what the song meant in English.
Josh in the meantime went to where Joseph sat. “Come, join us,” smiled Josh