Part 20 (2/2)
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.
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