Chapter 1: April 27

Here was a chance to fix things, to make them right. Halel himself had taken that chance, and he seemed to be enjoying the fruits of his fortune. For Jeqon to refuse such a generous and simple offer would be to refuse everything he aspired to achieve in eternity. He returned his gaze to the cherub.

“If I go to Shemihazah alone, he won’t agree to this. He knows that I spend my time in the Heavenly realm. Neither of us can be sure that what you tell us of man’s gullibility is true. He will want to be sure that man will fall for our ploy. He will want assurance of success. Like me, Shemihazah is not one to risk everything for no gain.”

“Of course,” Halel said sympathetically, “I already made arrangements for overcoming any lack of knowledge either of you might have about mankind’s simplicity. Come with me.”

Before Jeqon could protest, the cape upon Halel’s back wrapped itself around him until it covered him completely in soft, almost suffocating darkness. Instantly, it recoiled behind its master, leaving them both in a field of wheat with a few scattered trees. The experience caused Jeqon to lose a little of his glow, but Halel did not draw attention to it.

“Where are we?” asked Jeqon, more than a little unnerved from being surrounded by such a dark object. He felt slightly drained but did not have much time to ponder the experience.

“There is no need for alarm. As you can see, we are in the fields outside of Padooth. The reason I brought you here was to show you how to accomplish your goal,” he said, extending his right arm toward a nearby group of five trees. 

Out of the darkness a figure in a thick, pale, hooded robe stepped confidently into the moonlight. His hands were clasped together in front of him, concealed by the large sleeves of his garment.

The entire first chapter of The Corruption – Book 1 in The Age of the Watchers – will be published on this blog throughout the month of April.