Chapter 1: April 26

“If mankind accepts you, as Adam and Eve accepted me, then they are to blame for their transgressions… not you. And if, for example, you teach them the secrets of Heaven, they will give you whatever you want. They will serve you, give you homage, and even give their women to you… if you so desire. As long as they want your presence here, no judgment will come upon you. It’s that easy.”

Jeqon frowned as Halel continued. “Mankind is greedy and easy to manipulate. It should not be hard for you or any of your associates to keep them in the palm of your hand. Give them a morsel here and there. Stir up strife and then give them ways of resolving it. Make them think that you are gods and forget there is only One who currently holds that position. You will then be able to exercise your leadership and take what you desire. As long as you give them what they want, they will return the favor. If they don’t give you what you want, you can use retribution to show them who is superior. All they have to do is agree to accept your ‘gifts’ of knowledge. Once they make that contract with you, you can ask anything of them and punish them if they refuse you.”

“Have you considered all the issues that could arise with this plan?”

Halel turned his angelic face toward Jeqon and with a near sinister smirk said, “There is no point in taking on any endeavor unless you think through all your options first. That way you can do it correctly without losses.”

Jeqon looked away for moment, thinking about his life within the Heavenly realms. He had long felt that their existence did not seem to have any noble purpose. Angels were eternal and man was now mortal. Angels got to spend eternity taking care of these weak creatures with no personal pleasure or gain. Man on the other hand was allowed not only a variety of pleasures and gluttonies, but he was also given the choice to live their lives for the Almighty or to serve themselves. A look of disgust came over his face as he thought about the disgrace to all of angelkind. 

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.