good eyes, Pearla. Let us see what he has to say.”
The two of them hover, one great and one small, several hundred yards in front of the army, watching as the Shield advances on their position.
“He flies with only one set of wings, Commander.”
“Well noted, little one. I do not believe our comrade is alone.”
Pearla encounters members of the Shield often enough, but it’s rare for her to see one with a charge tucked beneath his wings. It’s a curious thing to behold, and she continues to watch. He’s taller than most men—a common enough thing for Shields—but not nearly so large as Michael and the other archangels. She’s seen this Shield moving in and out of Stratus, but she’s kept her distance. Cherubic protocol. She’s to observe and report, not engage. It’s why her relationship with Michael is so strong. He’s nearly the only true friend she has.
“Canaan!” the Commander calls, his mind full of recognition. “It has been too long.”
The one called Canaan pulls up just feet from them, the smile on his face strained. “Commander, you approach Stratus?”
“We do. It’s a slow approach. The Palatine have just arrived. We mean to surround them.”
Canaan’s white eyes close. Pearla hears his mind thinking, turning over the thought again and again. Trying to make sense of it. “The Palatine are in Stratus.”
“In the skies above it.”
“Can you tell me why?”
“I can tell you what I know. Pearla”—he places a large hand on her shoulder—“a spy of the cherubic order, has been to Abaddon. In her presence the Prince received word that the Sabres had been released. He believes they’ve been asked to rend the veil over Stratus.”
“Yes, we’ve heard them, seen them. Will they rend the veil, then?”
“I’ve heard nothing from the Throne Room, but they’ve lingered here longer than would be expected if that wasn’t their aim.”
Canaan’s mind is quiet, his white eyes still.
“I’ve a charge inside. In Stratus.”
Michael indicates the boy secured in the safety of Canaan’s wings.
“Is this not your charge?”
Pearla watches the boy through Canaan’s wings. He appears to be sleeping, but even unconscious he fascinates her. Humans fascinate her. Has this one any idea the price that was paid for him? The sacrifice that was made?
“He is. They both are. And both of them have been targeted before.”
It’s a moment before the Commander’s mind speaks. “You aren’t under my command, Canaan, but I suggest you keep him out. The Palatine stand between us and the town. If they see you approaching, they will not hesitate to attack.”
Canaan’s wings push him closer, his voice tight. “We’ve heard from her, Commander. A demon stands guard over her house. One named Damien.”
The name is a light thrown into the confusion tickling Pearla’s mind. It draws her into the discussion.
“You are the boy then!” Her eyes alight on Jake once again. “The boy with healing in his hands.”
His eyes, closed until this very moment, open. His face shines with understanding, and he presses his fingers to Canaan’s wings.
“I am,” he says, his voice muffled.
“And the girl,” Pearla’s mind says. “The girl in Stratus . . .”
“Brielle,” Jake says, his eyes frantic. “Her name is Brielle.”
Pearla looks to Michael.
“She’s the one, Commander. Brielle Matthews. The girl who can see into the Celestial.”
“Well done, Pearla.” Michael turns back to Canaan. “What can you tell me about him? About this Damien?”
“Not so long ago, he was responsible for orchestrating a child trafficking ring, was responsible for the corruption of several men. One of them took the life of a young woman. His attraction to Jake seems to be based on the healing in Jake’s hands. His initial plans included corrupting the gift. Using it for darkness. I can only assume he wants the same for Brielle. For the gift instilled in her eyes.”
“Weaknesses?”
“He suffers. His eyes were damaged years ago.”
Pearla interrupts with a shake of her head. “He’s been healed. Not long ago, by the Prince himself. The Prince sent him to Stratus. Demanded he bring your two charges to Danakil.”
Canaan flashes red with anger.
The Commander’s face turns hard, but his words are measured. “Cold-blooded creatures like the desert, friend. The dragon is no exception.”
Pearla knows Michael was one of the angels who ministered to Christ after his own time in the desert. After his own time of testing. Does the Prince have similar designs for the boy before her? For the girl with celestial eyes?
“It’s true he was sent here for the two of you, but I think Damien has designs