The Broken Window Part 20

"I should think so," Tamaes replied.

"We're still in the orchard?" Marcus asked dubiously. "This can't be where Ephron is stashed!"

"No."

"Aww, man! You're leaving me behind?"

Jedrick's smile was sympathetic. "Were you Sent?"

"You know I wasn't," Marcus muttered.

"This is where you will remain," his mentor instructed. "Padgett will see to your safety."

"He's here?" Golden eyes scanned their surroundings, but there was no sign of the Caretaker.

"He is near," Tamaes offered.

Just then, a voice called from behind them, and Marcus whirled to see Milo strolling toward them, barefoot in the snow. The Messenger's wings fluttered in the contrary winds as he said, "We'll be trading places today, Marcus."

"There's no mail to deliver," the younger apprentice pointed out. "National holiday."

"Today was meant to be my last day with Aril," Milo replied seriously. "Thank you for filling in for me."

Marcus's eyes widened in comprehension. "This is ... that?"

"It is," Jedrick confirmed.

Padgett joined them then, slipping up without their notice. "Are you prepared?" he inquired. His teammates faced him, and all four nodded. The Caretaker beckoned to Marcus, then looked to Jedrick, simply saying, "Go."

Green, blue, and orange-three sets of wings disappeared into the storm, and Marcus turned to his companion. Padgett's long hair whipped around him, but he paid it no mind. "Come," he invited in a low voice. "I'll introduce you to Aril."

"The Gatekeeper?"

"Few know he is here. Fewer still have met him."

"I knew," Marcus revealed as Padgett opened the way. "Jedrick trusted me with the knowledge, but I was never called upon to... ." The young Protector trailed off as he lifted his gaze up, up, and even further upward, to gaze into a pair of fiery orange eyes. When he finally found his voice, he breathed, "Whoa!"

The unnatural storm stirred by the fallen Caretaker was devastating, and the whole earth groaned under the weight of his cursed influence. Winds shrilled their complaint, and the ground trembled under his feet.

Fitful gusts tugged at Jedrick's wings, and the very lack of light made it difficult to stay aloft, so he led his teammates straight upward. Together, they fought their way through the wintery maelstrom, bursting through the upper layers of whirling clouds. In the thin air high above the earth, the Protector picked out the weak glimmer of stars that were quickly fading before the pale sunrise. Normally, dawn drove the enemy into deeper shadows, but the current frenzy showed no sign of breaking up. Gruesome warriors screeched and cursed as they raised their weapons against rank upon rank of cherubim, filling the expanse with their clash.

"Have they guessed our purpose?" murmured Milo.

"I doubt it," Jedrick replied in a low voice. "Since the Deep was breached, they have grown bolder."

Tamaes quietly added, "They often test our boundaries. Nights have been long of late."

The Messenger suddenly dropped, neatly avoiding a fiery dart, and Tamaes quickly placed their unarmed companion at his back. With a rueful smile, Milo remarked, "We're attracting attention."

Getting his bearings, Jedrick called, "This way," and tucked his wings close around his body. Without hesitation, the other two plunged after him into the mad rush of the storm, angling to the northeast. Unfortunately, their departure didn't go unnoticed. Dark figures careened after them, the storm rattling through their ragged wings. Turning to fight wasn't an option, so Jedrick sharply ordered, "Faster!"

Milo's answering grin was fierce, and he darted to the fore, blue wings sweeping expertly through the fitful currents. They shot through the scudding snow, arrowing toward Sunderland State Park and the dark gash that rent the earth, the opening to the cave system that would lead them down to the Deep.

Jedrick banked into a tight spiral, but drew up short as soon as he realized that their way was barred. Tamaes hastened to place himself on the other side of Milo as they considered this newest obstacle. "Is that the only entrance?" the Guardian asked.

"Without a Caretaker's intervention ... yes," Jedrick grimly confirmed.

Suddenly, a luminous salvo of arrows cut through the murk, driving back the horde cl.u.s.tered around the entrance to the caves. "Press on!" called the captain whose Flight's bowstrings were already bent for another volley. "The way will also be clear when you return!"

G.o.d did not Send without making provision for those Sent. Nodding curtly, Jedrick beckoned for Tamaes and Milo to follow him through the opening they'd created. "Be ready!" he warned, giving his sword a twirl before firming his grip.

"I am prepared," Tamaes answered.

"I, also," Milo affirmed.

As one, they blazed into the darkness.

Prissie found it almost impossible to concentrate on the fun that usually came with opening presents. She kept checking the clock and wondering if her angelic friends were okay. More than once as the day wore on, she found her way to one of the windows to peer out into the storm.

"Whoever prayed up a white Christmas had a heap of faith," her grandfather gruffly announced. "But there's nothing to worry about. We've weathered worse."

With a sigh, Prissie offered Grandpa Pete a meager smile. "I know."

"Then what's troubling you?" pressed the old man. "Did you have your heart set on something that's missing?"

Prissie blinked in surprise at how close he was to the truth, but she quickly a.s.sured, "I'm happy with my gifts, Grandpa. I guess I'm just ... thinking about people who couldn't be with us this morning."

"Plenty of folk would have been welcome, but don't lose sight of what's right in front of you by hankering after what could have been." With a significant nod, her grandfather drew her attention to Koji, who was listening with incredible patience as Zeke rambled through a convoluted explanation of the rules to the board game they'd be playing next. "That boy's happiest when you're smiling, and you're being a mite stingy today."

Ducking her head, Prissie replied, "I'll do my best, Grandpa."

He nodded in satisfaction. "That's the way. Give your best, and leave the rest to the good Lord."

Swords flas.h.i.+ng, the three angels shot through the cave entrance, bowling over the few Fallen apparently left to keep watch. The demons squealed and scrabbled for cover, spouting profanities at those whose rank in the heaven-lies they'd once shared. Chances were good that they'd be bringing reinforcements.

For several long moments, Jedrick, Tamaes, and Milo gazed around the large, central cavern from which Sunderland's innumerable underground pa.s.sages branched. Without the overhead lighting switched on, the open s.p.a.ce was a formless void. While their own wings whispered softly in the stillness, the occasional sour note betrayed the lingering presence of those waiting for their chance.

"Which way?" whispered Milo.

Their captain hesitated, for his directive had only been to get them this far. With an almost apologetic smile, Tamaes stepped into the lead. "Follow me," he announced quietly, pointing deeper down the main artery.

Suddenly, the earth began to shake, and the trio moved so they were back to back, weapons raised. The faint patter of stones echoed in the darkness, temporarily covering any sound of approaching feet, so caution was called for. "More tremors?" Milo muttered. "Abner's not going to be happy."

"True," Jedrick agreed, tensing at the sudden crunch and scuff of footfalls from outside. A double line of cherubim strode into the cave, their wings and raiment bathing the vast chamber with a warm glow that was heaven-sent.

The incoming Flight's captain stepped forward and solemnly declared, "Make the way clear, and it shall remain clear."

"How many are coming?" Jedrick inquired, for warriors continued to sweep through the entrance, bearing swords, spears, and staffs.

With a flick of turquoise wings, the tall archer replied, "As many as it takes to light the way back."

With a grateful heart, Jedrick turned to Tamaes and urged, "Lead on!"

Before they were properly underway, however, Milo skidded to a stop and bowed his head. "It seems that this is as far as I will go."

Tamaes turned in surprise and searched his friend's uncharacteristically solemn gaze, then drew a deep breath before nodding. "I will bring Ephron to you. Stand ready."

Six cherubim flanked the lone Messenger, their weapons bristling in every direction as they closed ranks around him. Chuckling softly, Milo promised, "I'll be right here."

Ever downward, ever deeper-Tamaes led the charge, lancing far under the earth on a path that was clear to him, for he was Sent. Every few paces, one of the cherubim following would step to the side, standing guard over some offshoot of the tunnel or simply lending the light of his presence to a dark corner. The way back would be clear, but the way forward grew increasingly difficult.

"Are you certain all those who escaped were returned to their prison?" Tamaes murmured to the captain at his back.

"Quite sure," Jedrick replied as he struggled to use his sword in the close confines of the tunnels. "Save one."

"And these?"

"Future denizens of the Deep," the Protector decreed, the light of battle blazing in his eyes. "Many will be driven before the light and cast into chains before night falls."

"So be it," acknowledged Tamaes, although the battle had yet to be won. Darkness lay before him, sinister and secretive, but he tucked flame-hued wings against his body and pressed forward, defying it to swallow him. Fear had no place in his heart, only concern for the young Observer who'd languished in these depths for too long.

Every step he took brought him closer to the one he felt responsible for losing, yet farther from the one he was responsible to protect. As strange as it felt to leave Prissie in Taweel's watch-care, the voice of G.o.d compelled Tamaes. He obeyed, and gladly. Heavy boots beat against the stone floor, crunching on loose pebbles as he ducked and turned, twisting his body through the winding pa.s.sages that often grew narrow for someone of his stature. All the while, a single refrain sang through his mind-we are coming, we are coming, we are coming.

The instant Lavi returned, Ephron knew that the tiny angel had been helped, for he could feel the yahavim's renewed vibrancy. "Did you find your way back to Abner?" With a pang of longing, he admitted, "I miss him ... and the rest."

Enthusiastic fluttering and a generous portion of manna accompanied a hummed melody that spoke to his heart of heaven and hope, and the encouragement was enough to break the prisoner's heart. Without really meaning to, Ephron began to weep. Curling tightly around his faithful little friend, he poured out his sorrow with silently shaking shoulders and shuddering breaths. Lavi patted his cheeks and sang on, a gentle hum that reminded the captive that he wasn't alone ... and never had been.

Soon. The knowledge caught him off guard, and the storm of his emotions stilled. Dabbing at wet cheeks, he c.o.c.ked his head, listening closely as the promise was repeated.

"Soon," he echoed wonderingly.

Ephron struggled onto his knees and reached up the sides of the pit. The cool stone was rough under his sensitive fingertips, but he'd long since given up on finding a handhold. All the unforgiving wall did was steady him as he pushed shakily to his feet. Straining his ears, he listened intently, and Lavi lapsed into an expectant hush. For quite some time, the heavy silence pressed upon them, but then, in the distance, he caught the growl of voices. Friend or foe? He couldn't tell.

Noises multiplied, and Ephron flinched at the sudden clang of metal striking metal. "Did you hear that?" he whispered to Lavi. The yahavim crawled under the collar of the Observer's tattered raiment as the sound of footsteps entered the chamber above the pit. A rock was kicked aside. A blade rasped against its sheath. A pebble tumbled from overhead, plinking off his shoulder before rattling to the floor.

Although it hadn't been thrown with the stinging force Murque liked to use, Ephron's strength left him, and he slid weakly to his knees. Turning his head, he listened to the panting breaths of whoever was looking down at him, and he trembled.

"I found you," came a voice that was deep and dear. "Ephron."

"H-here," he called back, though his voice was little more than a whisper. "I am here."

"I am coming down," Tamaes warned. "Stay against the wall."

Ephron huddled as the air stirred musically through wings whose light he could no longer see. When his teammate's feet connected solidly with the ground, a part of Ephron wanted to hide, but big hands were lifting him. Tamaes quietly announced, "Everyone is waiting. Shall we go?"

"Please," he begged.

Without further ado, the Guardian gathered Ephron close, arranged his wings as best he could in the tight s.p.a.ce, and leapt upwards.

The weakened angel gratefully rested his head against Tamaes's shoulder as he strode away from the prison. It was a wonder to Ephron that the way out seemed so easy, for his teammate ran steadily, never hesitating along the convoluted route. Both of Tamaes's hands cradled him close, meaning the big warrior didn't even require his sword.

He was startled by a soft greeting; another soon followed. Ephron whispered, "Who is here?"

"Many," replied Tamaes.

Others called his name, welcoming him back, and the narrow tunnel echoed with an uneven patter as their footfalls multiplied. "So many?" he asked as the unseen warriors fell in step behind.

There was a smile in his teammate's voice as he declared, "The hosts of heaven s.h.i.+ne like stars underground. I wish you could see."

Touching the makes.h.i.+ft bandages covering his eyes, Ephron murmured, "Tell me?"

Tamaes kept his voice low as he shared the names, colors, and Flight placements of the cherubim who washed their route in light, protecting them from behind, leading them home.

Time pa.s.sed slowly, the way grew steep in places, and eventually, the tunnel widened. "Are we close?" Ephron asked.

"We are," Tamaes acknowledged, slowing to a stop in order to listen. The roar of battle reached back to them, warning them that they would have to fight for their freedom. Ephron curled more tightly against his rescuer, whose grasp tightened rea.s.suringly.

"Let us pa.s.s," urged the Protector just behind Tamaes's shoulder.

Tucking Ephron into the folds of his wings, the Guardian pressed himself against the wall, allowing the flood of cherubim to precede them into the main cavern. Tamaes followed more slowly and spoke in soothing tones. "Milo is waiting for us," he shared.

"Oh," Ephron breathed wistfully. "I am glad."

"And Jedrick," the Guardian added, adjusting his grip so he could draw his sword. "Naturally."

"Yes, of course."

Tamaes stopped walking, and Ephron shrank against him, unnerved by the noise. The Guardian hummed soothingly, then confidently said, "Your safe return is a.s.sured. Fear not."

"I will trust."

"Good," the big warrior replied before plunging into the melee.

Milo gratefully clasped Jedrick's arm when the Protector returned to his side. Without preamble, the Flight captain said, "I am moving you to the entrance."

"Now?" The Messenger allowed himself to be herded along the wall toward the mouth of the cave, but he peered back over his shoulder. "Aren't they coming?"

"They are," Jedrick confirmed. "Tamaes will bring Ephron to you."

"Is he all right?"

"Ephron is terribly faded," the Protector solemnly replied. "You will need to carry him."

"Not you?" Milo countered in honest surprise.

"You are the swiftest in our Flight. I will prevent any from following you."

"We," interjected one of the half dozen cherubim who'd been protecting the Messenger.