SET YOUR MIND on things above with TAKEN--A Metaphysical Fantasy Audio Drama. He was wanted a cure. He found the Creator.
SYNOPSIS:
Enoch, an alpha-tracker and possessor of the One Mind, lives in a time of turmoil at the dawn of mankind. The curse promised by the Ancient One has come to pass. First Father Adam is dead and the dreaded plague that almost decimated the tribes 291 years ago has returned. Murder they understood. Father Cain taught them that. But, this sudden disappearance of the life force terrifies the clans of Adamah. They must find the “Bearer of the Seed”—the son of Eve the prophecy declares will cure the sickness and defeat death. Enoch and his powerful rival, Tubal-Cain, are chosen for the quest of a lifetime or rather the quest that will end their lives—find the cure, a miraculous healing plant known to grow near the Forbidden Garden, and stave off death once more. Only a fool would risk the dangerous trek to the Edge and the wrath of the terrible creatures guarding it. Only the favored son would find the way and return. Enoch quickly discovers he is not enough, but also he learns, he is not alone. A mysterious stranger leads Enoch through a portal to a metaphysical realm where past, present and future collide and now he finds himself in the middle of an ancient war. Supernatural forces are plotting too—one with a mind to destroy Adam's kind and the other with a heart to save it. Enoch must choose—angel or demon, friend or foe, dark or light before death overcomes and the Seed is destroyed forevermore.
--PLEASE share this UPLIFTING READ with your friends and get ready to SOAR. THANK YOU AGAIN FOR LISTENING and MAY THE FAVOR OF THE ANCIENT ONE BE ON YOU. Want to know the Beloved? – Visit - https://youtu.be/Bn4M7t69mB4
--DOWNLOAD TAKEN EBOOK FOR FREE through Amazon Kindle - https://tinyurl.com/y2v29fn6 OR through Barnes and Noble at https://tinyurl.com/cjpb5c6n
--VISIT https://karasmatic.com/TAKEN for updates.
MUSIC/SOUND SOURCES:
SET YOUR MIND on things above with TAKEN--A Metaphysical Fantasy Audio Drama. He was wanted a cure. He found the Creator.
SYNOPSIS:
Enoch, an alpha-tracker and possessor of the One Mind, lives in a time of turmoil at the dawn of mankind. The curse promised by the Ancient One has come to pass. First Father Adam is dead and the dreaded plague that almost decimated the tribes 291 years ago has returned. Murder they understood. Father Cain taught them that. But, this sudden disappearance of the life force terrifies the clans of Adamah. They must find the “Bearer of the Seed”—the son of Eve the prophecy declares will cure the sickness and defeat death. Enoch and his powerful rival, Tubal-Cain, are chosen for the quest of a lifetime or rather the quest that will end their lives—find the cure, a miraculous healing plant known to grow near the Forbidden Garden, and stave off death once more. Only a fool would risk the dangerous trek to the Edge and the wrath of the terrible creatures guarding it. Only the favored son would find the way and return. Enoch quickly discovers he is not enough, but also he learns, he is not alone. A mysterious stranger leads Enoch through a portal to a metaphysical realm where past, present and future collide and now he finds himself in the middle of an ancient war. Supernatural forces are plotting too—one with a mind to destroy Adam's kind and the other with a heart to save it. Enoch must choose—angel or demon, friend or foe, dark or light before death overcomes and the Seed is destroyed forevermore.
--PLEASE share this UPLIFTING READ with your friends and get ready to SOAR. THANK YOU AGAIN FOR LISTENING and MAY THE FAVOR OF THE ANCIENT ONE BE ON YOU. Want to know the Beloved? – Visit - https://youtu.be/Bn4M7t69mB4
--DOWNLOAD TAKEN EBOOK FOR FREE through Amazon Kindle - https://tinyurl.com/y2v29fn6 OR through Barnes and Noble at https://tinyurl.com/cjpb5c6n
--VISIT https://karasmatic.com/TAKEN for updates.
MUSIC/SOUND SOURCES:
Chapter 12 - Gates of Sheol
Molech clawed his way through the winding tunnel, grunting as he scraped away bits of rock in his haste. “Lord L will be most pleased with our progress, eh Tumuril?”
“Pleased is too small a word for such an occasion.” Tumuril kept in step with Molech’s fast pace but lagged a few strides behind. “Yes, our Master will grant us our kingdoms now. It is well within our grasp.”
“So why are you dragging your feet?” Molech asked. “You know how he is when we delay.”
“Sorry—your ongoing transformation is too hazardous for me,” Tumuril complained. “Just last eve I got this blistering welt thanks to your freshly appearing talons—and on my tail end of all places!”
“Well—no pain, no reign,” Molech repeated the cliché to comfort himself. “Besides, soon everything will return to normal, right?”
“I suppose these temporary setbacks are a small price to pay.” Tumuril stifled a chuckle, but not before he gawked at the latest development. “Although some of us are paying more than others.”
“What did you say?” Molech stopped.
“It doesn’t matter Molech—really.” Tumuril straightened his face. “But, just so we’re clear—I was the one who inspired Semjaza. I will be first in bringing the glad tidings. When Lord L asks for the news, I will go forward.”
“Not so, Tumuril, not so,” Molech said, surprised at his raspy voice. “After all, I intervened when you blundered the attack on Tubal-Cain,” he added, not slowing his gait.
The tunnel was darker now, almost pitch black. The rising light from the surface was far away, and he was glad the painful rays of this forsaken land would not torment him any longer. Once the dangerous beams of the morning sun were swallowed by the encroaching cave walls, Molech slowed and spoke again.
“Had I not redirected our company to the Seti of Adamah, we would not have escaped unscathed.”
“A trick of randomness may have inspired you,” Tumuril said as he seized the spindly tail and forced Molech to face him, “but do not be deceived. It was my cunning and forethought that led us to that Watcher Semjaza and the Sons of Cain. Had I not perceived they were ripe for the taking, there would be no glad tidings at all, now would there?”
Tumuril didn’t wait for an answer. Instead, he squeezed Molech’s tail with all his strength until Molech quivered uncontrollably under his grip. Tumuril released him with disdain, produced a glimmering sword and held it at Molech’s neck. “I wonder what would replace that pretty head of yours if you were to have an unfortunate accident.”
Molech glowered. Hatred and cool concentration flooded his mind. Tumuril may have outmaneuvered me this time. But I am patient. “Very well, Tumuril,” Molech said, allowing his voice to tremble, “it is as you wish.” Molech stepped aside and let Tumuril take the lead.
They walked in silence. Molech could hear the heavy steps of their troop catching up. The intense heat of the caverns beneath the surface engulfed him. Heavy waves of sulfuric steam rose from the depths beyond and drifted up to the tunnel ceiling, which became increasingly higher as they traveled deeper into the darkness of Sheol.
The shock of the intense blackness of the caves no longer bothered him as it once had. Somehow his eyes could discern shades and shadows—even in the absence of light, he could make out Tumuril’s form clearly about two paces ahead. The others, the lessers, had not adjusted as well. They groveled and groped and stumbled into walls often, whining about their new abode constantly. “Give us light, give us light,” they had demanded of Lord L. Molech stifled a chuckle as he remembered his master’s response. He’d grabbed the closest lesser and sent him sprawling into the boiling liquid lake in the heart of Sheol. The maimed, screeching figure that arose from that pool terrified some, but others were infuriated.
News of a revolt spread throughout. It was I, Molech, who told Lord L about the uprising and suggested the torches as a concession. He ignored the flick of the torches lining the walls of the broad path being lit. Had I not provided council to the Great Leader, Lord L, these weaklings would have surely rebelled. And now this upstart Tumuril thinks he can—
Molech stopped suddenly. The dim fiery glow provided just enough illumination to cast large shadows on the wall. A disturbing figure stood before him. It was upright with legs like a man. Slick ebony fur covered it completely except for the talon-lined tail. But the head startled him most. Gone were the gracious features of the B’Nai Elohim. In their place was the elongated nose of a wolf and the ears of a bull. “Agh!” Molech bit back a startled gasp. His new reality chilled him in spite of the unbearable heat.
He remembered.
That night in the wood of Avenland Forest—he assumed the form of a wolf. Lord L had said the possession would do no harm.
Then again—he had used the dactyl at the cliffs just outside the Forbidden Garden. The Great Leader had assured him the effects on his figure were temporary.
“No harm, eh? Well, just let that Tumuril go first,” Molech snarled under his breath. “It will give me time.”
###
Tumuril stood in the Grand Hall waiting for Molech and the others to catch up. “Your preparations are shaping up nicely,” Tumuril complimented a supervisor in passing.
“What do you think of our wall?” he asked.
“Lord L was right.” Towering pillars hewn from the stone wall were lined with intricate carvings depicting the Great Revolution. Tumuril stared at the ongoing construction and nodded his head with satisfaction. “The lessers do need something to inspire them—to boost their morale.”
The newly fashioned gates did lend a certain quality of grandeur—reminiscent of those other gates, rarely mentioned now, except in hushed tones when they were sure Lord L could not hear them. How wise of the Great Leader to keep the lessers busy with the trivial work of transforming the winding tunnels and caverns into a worthy abode.
A group of lessers carrying heavy bars molded into tightly woven criss-cross patterns trudged down the path to the lower realms. Tumuril shuddered. No one wanted to go to the lower realms. But as Lord L had said, “Someone has to do it and it might as well be those who have proved themselves unworthy of greater tasks.” He did wonder why they needed so many of those bars—and all those rooms—well, more like holes. Were they necessary? But, now that I have caused a great victory, surely Lord L will promote me to the Powers. I’ll be able to come and go as I please. I’ll be in on the plans for our next battle. I’ll—
Tumuril watched Molech’s loathsome figure saunter into the Grand Hall followed by a few commanders, a squadron of soldiers and a couple of lessers they had carried along for menial tasks. You would think that fool would learn some humility by now. How dare he raise his head to glower at me! Tumuril whipped out his blazing sword again. “Remember Molech, just stay back or I’ll rip that dog-head of yours off.”
“Tumuril,” called a smooth voice dripping with warmth, “I do appreciate your enthusiasm, but you must watch that temper of yours.”
“Oh!” Tumuril spun around quickly and bowed. “Lord L, do forgive me. I didn’t see—”
“No need to explain, Tumuril,” the Great Leader answered with a wave of his hand. “All is forgiven. I take it you two have good news.”
“Well, actually Lord L—it is I who bring glad tidings,” Tumuril said, stepping forward as he cast a warning glance Molech’s way.
“Do tell, my loyal Tumuril. Have my plans wrought their purpose?”
“They have indeed, Lord L. You are most wise. Our encounter with the humans worked a most interesting result on two fronts.”
“Go on, Tumuril,” the Great Leader walked toward Molech and looked him over with a curious stare.
“We infiltrated the Seti of Nod—at a most opportune time too. The one called Lamech was in a fine mood, just suited for our purpose—and that Watcher Semjaza, whom you know very well, has demonstrated his reasoning plainly.” Tumuril paused with excitement. “Lord L, Semjaza is exercising his freedom. He has taken on human form and all the others with him!”
“That is fine news indeed, Tumuril—not that I am surprised. No, I knew it, expected it—surely I planned it all along. I had my sights set on Captain Semjaza for quite some time. I knew he was too smart to stay in bondage to the Beloved. That’s why I shared the treachery of the Beloved with him. I told him of the Beloved’s plan to annihilate us through these human beasts. But I shared the good news with him—my plan of salvation for the Elohim who would receive it. Tell me, Tumuril,” Lord L asked as he approached him and stopped inches away from his face, “did he convince that idiot Lamech to cooperate?”
Tumuril knew the only answer Lord L would accept, and fortunately he didn’t have to lie about it—this time. “Oh, yes indeed, my Lord. I was the one who inspired Semjaza to go forth with boldness. I was unrelenting in my persuasion and influence. I told him of the Beloved’s treachery repeatedly, bombarding him until he had to see reason. Finally, he did see the truth.”
“Of course, he did, Tumuril.” The Great Leader strolled over to one of the Powers and grabbed his gleaming weapon. “Now tell me, was a union consummated? Because those were your orders, if my memory serves me correctly.” Lord L rapped the tall weapon against the stone floor like a staff as he approached Tumuril.
“Well, actually, I’m not sure—”
“Tumuril, are you telling me one of my best warriors, who I have called and chosen to perform the simplest of tasks, doesn’t know?” Lord L pointed the blade toward Tumuril’s throat.
“Well, no, I mean to say—” Tumuril stammered.
“Lord L, if you please,” Molech interjected in a low tone, “I believe I can be of some service to you here.”
“Good! I am glad all my soldiers have not succumbed to utter foolishness. Please speak,” Lord L said calmly as he continued to hold the blade against Tumuril’s throat.
“My Lord, while Tumuril was wasting his time frolicking among the humans and doing that which was unnecessary—for indeed my Lord, you had already convinced Semjaza of the truth and his blabbering was not needed— I, Molech, ensured that the union went forth. I did convince the woman called Naamah to submit to Semjaza. In fact, she was quite enraptured by him after I got finished with her feeble mind. You can be sure, my Lord that Captain Semjaza of the Elohim and the woman are as the humans say—husband and wife.”
“Excellent! This is praiseworthy news indeed,” the Great Leader said as he forced Tumuril down to the ground with the blade. “Although I must say Molech, you have seen better days. There’s so much hair about you, I wouldn’t know if you were coming or going if it weren’t for that humongous nose on you!” Lord L laughed.
As if on cue, a multitude of Principals, Powers, Rulers and lessers began cackling wildly. Molech seemed unmoved by the jeers, so common now.
Tumuril focused on the dirt and willed himself to be still. Molech’s response might get him out of this one. Molech clenched a short dagger, polished to perfection and almost hidden in his hairy hands.
“Lord L you are the cause of this atrocity. How dare you mock me?” Molech looked as if he would wipe the smug smile off the Great Leader’s face if he took one step closer.
“Now, now, Molech,” Lord L said as he pressed the tip of the blade slowly into Tumuril’s neck, “Put that silly dagger down. I am just having a bit of fun with you, eh? There’s no need to be so sensitive. After all, this revolution has left its mark on us all—myself included.”
Grunts and moans filled the Great Hall as rulers and lessers alike agreed. Arms lifted showing maimed wings, burns and boils plenteous on the once perfect figures.
“But, my comrades, my faithful,” the Great Leader said, lifting his voice for all to hear, “your condition is only temporary. Yes, we are bruised. Yes, we are battered. But our pain unites us and makes us one. It is a reminder of our great purpose and for that I suffer them gladly.”
Lord L dropped the blade from Tumuril’s neck and flew swiftly to the highest ledge in the cavern.
“I will restore your former glory!” Lord L suddenly burst into brilliant light and filled the cavern with the familiar golden hues of that other place. “Even as we speak, I am preparing new bodies for you—bodies that can live in this world and partake of its pleasures. Once again you will taste sweet flavors and experience the cool breeze. You will laugh with pleasure and sing for joy. But this time—this time you will do it without the bondage of that cruel usurper, the Beloved, and the foolishness of the Great Laws. No, this time you will be free!”
The leaders and lessers cheered with glee.
###
Onami followed the girl Tiph’arah closely. She is fast for a human, especially the woman kind. Her father had warned her several times to stay with the group. But when Father Seth wasn’t looking, she’d darted ahead of the party. “Stay with the girl,” Azam told him sternly. “The other Watchers can aid me. Just make sure no harm comes to her.”
Onami was about to ask Azam if one of those other Watchers could go instead. But, seeing the set look on Azam’s face, he quickly hid his disappointment and caught up with the girl.
Now here he was trudging nimbly behind Tiph’arah over the rocky path she’d taken—away from the others. Great. I get to trail this—woman, who is barely more than a childling, while Azam gets to have all the adventure.
###
Tiph’arah jumped from rock to rock. Down, down, down, the winding trail. I do hope Naamah is well. Father and Enoch were moving as slow as tortoises! She leaped across a wide crevice to a large bolder at least two lengths away, landing perfectly. Perhaps sleep had protected their kin from the presence of the Fallen, but who would protect Naamah from Lamech! Not Tubal-Cain—he would do anything to gain his father’s approval. Tiph’arah jumped again, aiming for another large stone jutting out of the rocky path. Not even Naamah’s mother will try to stop Lamech’s cruelty. No, I will make sure she is well.
(Onami hopped easily from rock to rock duplicating Tiph’arah’s steps. I say, this is sporting. At least she knows how to have a little fun. But she really should slow down.)
Tiph’arah moved faster now that she could see the valley below, and nestled neatly within it, the Seti of Adamah. Tiph’arah took one last leap toward a large bolder fixed firmly at the edge of the cliff, stretching out her lean legs toward the target. Her right foot connected—but before she could plant her left down beside it, she heard the unmistakable sound of gravel sliding.
The rock teetered.
Tiph’arah’s arms flailed wildly about as she tried to regain her balance. “Oh Father!” Tiph’arah lurched backwards to counteract the forward motion of the rock.
She was too late.
She felt the stone slip away from her feet, leaving her nowhere to go but down.
“Ah!” Tiph’arah fell forwards and squeezed her eyes shut—
—and opened them again.
Tiph’arah stared over the cliff in disbelief. She was hovering somehow over the edge. What? She reached back, twisting her head over her shoulder. What! There was nothing there. How?
Tiph’arah landed soundly on her backside and looked up at the gentle blue of the firmament overhead. She breathed deeply to calm her heart which was still pounding in her chest. What just happened? Surely the Ancient One has favored me today!
(Onami rested too as he laid flat on his back beside Tiph’arah. Yes, He has favored you, but a simple thank you will do. You really should be more careful next time.)
“I should be more careful next—”
“No!” a blood-curdling scream echoed from the valley.
Tiph’arah crouched on the ledge searching for the source, listening. That sounded like—
Tiph’arah inched toward the edge of the cliff, moving silently on her belly. She peered over the edge. That’s Naamah!
(That’s Semjaza! Onami scowled as the Elohim picked up a young girl and carried her toward a tent. She struggled helplessly against Captain Semjaza.)
“What is he doing?” Tiph’arah grabbed a stone and reared back, aiming for Semjaza. In mid arc, something grabbed her arm. It felt as if a thousand ants marched up her limbs and down her spine.
I swear a hand touched me!
Tiph’arah froze. Something is here. She stared straight ahead at the valley, too afraid to look right or left—at least a dozen or more Elohim moved into the clearing.
Tiph’arah shuddered with relief. If she had harmed Semjaza, the other Elohim, all equipped with bow and arrow, would have surely struck her down. Tiph’arah shivered, though the breeze was slight and warm, squinting as she searched the sky. Only powdery clouds bathing in the sun stared back. She searched below. All was quiet in the green valley—except for Naamah’s heart-wrenching cries. “Very well then, hide if you will. I may be a woman, but I’m no fool. I know you are there—so whatever you are—thank you.”
(Onami stood behind the girl, shaking his head in disbelief. His comrades, some of them friends, were breaking every oath. He looked at the human girl beside him with new respect—the dainty figure still had her weapon ready. I was wrong—all the adventure is with this one.)