Kesef

When the Watchers first land in Eden, they land near Kesef. There arrival causes an unexpected change in leadership that some see as the hand of God intervening in the affairs of men. The first book allows everything to be neat and tidy.

Some people may wonder why we include these details into the first book. We do get to see Barel and some of his interactions later - Barel is the son of Kesef's leader at the time of the angelfall. However, not much is developed with him, with his family, or with Kesef.

We do kind of leave people hanging, but there is a reason for it - in a later book we will return to Kesef to resolve some of the issues that were caused by the angel's arrival. I know, it's tough to have to wait, but in all, The Corruption was a pretty large book - and it is the first of three books and then a second series of many smaller books. Had we just written it all at one time, it would have taken so many pages that no on would have bought it.

Be patient, we are already starting to work on the second book. Soon you will get to see how some of the spare pieces we threw at you in Book 1 fit into the larger picture.

Razmadda

Razmadda is all of Eden united under the Iyr. Now the Iyr do not have a completely united kingdom - it is more like the United States. There is definitely some differences of opinion on how things should be run. The biggest power struggle comes between Ozael and Shemihazah. Shemihazah, however, doesn't realize the depth of Ozael's hatred or his lack of care for following any rules.

Within Razmadda, each city is ruled by a minimum of two Watchers (Iyr). These angels each specialized in something while in Heaven and that is the knowledge they bring to the city. They use religion - worshiping the Iyr as gods - to control the land. Although each city learns from the angels that are in charge of them, all the cities trade and therefore have access to all the Iyr technologies.

The angels still hold council meetings periodically to decide matters. Their meetings are becoming less organized as the corruption of the world sinks into them.

Meshfaht

Meshfaht is one of the cities that Adam founded immediately after being kicked out of the garden. This is where the story of Cain and Abel took place.

Now, by our story, we have it that Abel had both a wife (from his sisters) and children before his untimely death. Cain, however, did not have children yet. Think of him as one of those people who want to become established in the world before having kids.

Abel's children are the ones who found Meshfaht and turn it into a furniture manufacturing town. The water in the lake is not drinkable, but great for crops and growing trees for furniture works well. This is the home of Pethe and Aras.

Glossary?

There are many words in The Corruption that have been borrowed from ancient languages: Sumerian, Hebrew, and Sanskrit. However, we do not have a glossary at the end of this book.

Why?

Well, because this book is a series. The first three books: The Corruption, The Tribulation, and The Judgement makes up the Age of the Watchers. This series follows the reigns of Enosh, Kenan, and Jared. It begins with a prologue and it will end with an epilogue. At the very end of the trilogy will be a glossary for the reader's convenience, but we aren't there yet.

Structurally, we are following the Lord of the Rings. Yes, the prologue is a little slow - but have you ever read the prologue for the Hobbit? Feel free to skip it if it is dragging you down. It is Jennifer's nod to literary fiction by creating a frame story. The first seven chapters of The Corruption detail the angelic events, then the action switches to Siriad. Expect the other books to mirror this because we want to follow both the angels and humans during this time.

Once the Age of the Watchers is complete, we have a second series planned (The Age of the Nephilim). This series will be structurally different from the first. These are the Methuselah Diaries, and will follow him as he roams the earth hunting Nephilim. We have not decided on an official name for these yet. For people who prefer one-sided stories, these will be the books for you. They will be written entirely in Methuselah's point of view but span from Enoch to Noah.

We are not the only ones to place a glossary at the end of the trilogy instead of the end of the book. Our words will not change. However, just for reference, know that you are not missing much. Things that have ancient names are primarily: foods, animals, measurements, and people.

Pre-flood World Map

In addition to having the cover designed, we also had our map drawn out a little better. The new map will begin appearing in print books purchased today and after. However, as of yet, we have been unable to add the map to the Kindle version of the book. For this reason, we are uploading it here:

Some real history.

If you have been following us, you know the "Histories of Eden" is loosely based off of a true story. In Genesis 6, it says:

"And it happened that, when humankind began to multiply upon the face of the ground, daughters were born to them. Then the sons of God saw the daughters of humankind, that they were beautiful. And they took for themselves wives from all that they chose. And Yahweh said, "My spirit will not abide with humankind forever in that he is Also of flesh. And his days shall be 120 yrs." The Nephalim were upon the earth in those days, and afterward,  when the sons of God went into the daughters of humankind and bore children unto them. These were the mighty warriors from ancient times, men of renown.-(Lexham English Bible)

Some argue that the "sons of God" do not refer to angels, but the word that is used usually refers to  heavenly beings - not sons of earthly kings. Some might also quote where Jesus said that "the angels in heaven do not marry or are given in marriage..."Of course, the key phrase is "angels in heaven."

These angels abandoned their posts in heaven and came to live on the pre-diluvian earth. The apocryphal book of Enoch records about 200 or so of them. According to the Book of Enoch, the Watchers brought knowledge and technology to man and helped them to create advanced civilizations before the flood.

YEAH! We have a Cover!!!

Below you will get to see the cover for The Corruption. Our artist came through and got it done in time to make the New York BEA (more about that later)!

Now, this is only the front of the book, so the one going to New York will have a little different back (we haven't gotten the back yet). But, I think this is definitely promising. As soon as we have the whole cover, we will be putting it on Amazon.

Book Cover Update

We are hoping to have a book cover update soon. We will be getting the file in jpeg. Since CreateSpace requires a pdf, we learned how to make that conversion today.

We really need this book published by May 8th, so we may have to consider the temporary book cover/ and then trade it out with the natural one if it isn't done by then.

As we are chopping more things out, we are thinking about adding some of the descriptions here. What do you think?

Final edits

We want to give you the best book possible, so while we wait for the artwork, we are doing more editing. The book will probably not be perfect, but we are really trying to get it up there with traditional publishing houses that are a little older than us.

Most of the editing at this point is chopping it down to make it a book that doesn't drag - well maybe the prologue drags, but you can always skip that. Think about the prologue for the Hobbit and you will understand what we mean.

If you read through the first chapter in April, and then you get the book, it would be interesting to know if you think our editing helped. I know when I watch movie cut scenes that ended up on the chopping block, I am usually pretty glad they didn't include them in the actual movie. But, maybe you feel different.

The nice thing is we can always feature the scenes we cut here on our blog.

Thank you for bearing with us!

Okay, so you can now access the entire first chapter of the book on here if you read all the posts for April. Our goal was to launch the book, now, but as we were rushing to edit it, we overlooked a minor detail - the cover design.

If you have been following our blog, you know that we seem to have a hard time keeping artists around here. The first artist we hired to do Lillith (back in August 2013) just called today and says he is finally ready to give us what he has, but he isn't satisfied with it. As soon as we get it, we will post it. If you have seen the sketches we posted, it would be hard to think of a picture this guy does that isn't excellent, but artists get very self-conscious about their work.

The next guy we hired took our artwork in a little different direction, but we were happy. We ran into some problems on another book, though, and had to stop artwork on this one.

Naturally, he was my first choice when I thought about a book cover, but he isn't doing so much artwork right now because he has moved into trailers. Hmmm, maybe he would do our trailer.

So, on Monday we hired a cover designer, but it of course takes time. Right now we are thinking this will be done by next week, but we will keep you posted - and we will literally post the coverart as we get it.

Chapter 1: April 30

“It is time to take what is ours and overthrow the Lord of Hosts,” the creature spoke with a tone of satisfaction.

“Yes, indeed it is, and with their help, I will be able to remove the curse laid upon me in the Garden. Now, it is time for you to go. I need you to move things as intended in the Heavenly realm.” Halel said.

The angel bowed and extened his hand. The rip appeared again, its light leaking into this creation from the other and then closing up once the figure stepped through.

Halel stood alone in the field for a moment facing Padooth. With an evil smile on his face, as if he were a cat who had wounded its prey and was beginning to play with it, he said through clenched teeth, “No seed of woman will crush my head.”

His cape ballooned out behind him and formed into four wings on his back. Their dark plumage resembled that of a male peacock with black iridescent eyes everywhere as he rose into the air and disappeared quickly into the darkness.

***********************

With the last mourning visitor gone and the house prepared for tomorrow’s burial, Enosh and his kin stepped outside of Seth’s villa. The immediate pain of losing a loved one had given way to numbness and exhaustion.

Enosh started to pull the hood of his light robe closer around his head to keep out the violent wind, but by the time he had finished the gale suddenly stopped, and the air became instantly still and peaceful. Enosh looked at the others and lowered his hood.

“I feel the worst is yet to come my brothers,” he said. “I pledge to you that my father’s last words were not in vain.”

Deep inside him, the unease refused to rest. He only knew that this night was significant in a yet undiscovered way.

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. 

Chapter 1: April 29

“It seems as if you haven’t left anything to chance,” Jeqon said, smirking. Excitement began to vibrate through his body at the thought of how close he may be to attaining a woman. “I have no more questions at this time. Asbel and I shall bring this before Shemihazah. After he accepts, we shall begin preparation for our descent quietly so as not to draw any unwanted attention.”

“Good,” Halel said, more than pleased at Jeqon’s confidence. “Asbel’s suggestion was not in vain. Your talents are clearly being wasted in Heaven.”

 

“We shall be on our way then.” Jeqon bowed slightly. Asbel copied the motion. 

Jeqon reached one arm in front of him, which caused a slit of light to shoot from it. Both stepped into the light and disappeared as if someone ripped open the night to another dimension and then sewed it up again quickly before it could fully open and swallow this one. 

Halel stood there with a wicked smile upon his face. Turning toward a lone tree behind him, he spoke into its shadowy darkness, “Your help has been most instrumental.”

From behind the tree, a dark mysterious figure crept out into the open field. His robes were thick, and pale as the others had been, but his face was a pallid white alabaster instead of bronze. Ruby red eyes with flecks of gold in them peered out from underneath the hood, which was back far enough on his head to allow some of his contrasting jet-black hair to show. He stopped next to Halel clasping his hands behind him.

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. 

Chapter 1: April 28

“It seems that you have come to the same conclusion as myself, Jeqon.” The stranger’s hood fell so low over his head it almost concealed his entire face. Jeqon recognized the voice at the same time the stranger removed the hood revealing onyx black curls and a handsome, oblong face.

“Asbel,” Jeqon said in shock. “What are you doing here? Were you not sent elsewhere?”

Asbel chuckled. “I wasn’t sent elsewhere,” he said. “When I was called for this assignment, I told Shemihazah that there were pressing affairs in Metsad that could not be entrusted to a subordinate. I suggested he send you here. You see, Halel came to me in Habahrem. Personally, I find him to be quite remarkable.” Asbel looked over to the dark angel, and Halel bowed his head in acknowledgment of the compliment. “Nothing on this earth and little in Heaven escapes his notice even my whereabouts.

“He made me a generous offer, but I knew that anything I were to suggest would be dismissed. Everyone knows what little esteem I have for our current arrangement and how easily I would be willing to change my situation. I recommended he recruit you. I assume you accepted this chance to change our group’s dismal fate. Together, we should be able to convince our brothers to join us.” 

“I have almost decided,” Jeqon remarked. His pride swelled in the presence of the lower ranking angel. “There is one very important issue that has not been discussed. When we abandon our posts, we shall no longer know what is happening in the Heavenly realms. This will put us at a disadvantage if there is some offensive action taken toward us. How do you expect to deal with that?”

“There is no need to worry,” Halel responded quickly. “I shall make sure no offensive action takes place against you. As always, I have a plan for dealing with it,” Halel finished with a charming grin.

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. 

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. 

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. 

Chapter 1: April 25

“Do you think that He will turn a blind eye on us and will not be aware of our actions? What do we really gain if we are going to be subjecting ourselves to his judgment?”

“Relax, Jeqon. Why do you worry so much? Just because Michael caught you tonight, doesn’t mean you should fear Divine retribution. Or are Michael’s words changing your heart’s desire?"

“How do you know about my conversation with Michael?” Jeqon demanded. He knew that cherubim were not all knowing. He wondered how many angels had escaped his notice tonight yet were present to witness his embarrassing event with the archangel.

“I also found the event of Seth’s departure important to observe. Let’s just say I like to hear what men repeat in their gossip about me. I was in the courtyard watching and listening as you received your tongue lashing from Heaven’s watchdog.” Halel’s eyes glistened as he fanned the flames of Jeqon’s anger toward Michael.

“I wouldn’t have called it a tongue lashing,” bit back Jeqon. 

“As you say,” the cherub replied coyly. “You should take what Michael says with a grain of salt anyway. He has a tendency toward a stong belief in his own superiority. In order to maintain his authority, he thinks it important to try to sway others from doing things he may not do. His opinion does not mean they are wrong… if they are done right,” the dark angel soothed.

“So, if we come here, how do we acquire what ‘we’ want?” sulked Jeqon.

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. 

Chapter 1: April 24

Halel turned again and began walking back toward the left of Jeqon. This time, the angel was prepared for the lion’s face, which spoke in a baritone growl, “As one mind, you must abandon your posts in Heaven and take up residence upon the earth. Once you reside here, you may do as you will with the things, or should I say thing, that you desire. The key is that you all make a united abandonment of Heaven.”

“It will be difficult to convince Shemihazah to take part in something of this nature. I think you have underestimated him if you think minor temptations will convince him to abandon his Heavenly post.”

“That is where you must play your part, Jeqon. You are his trusted confidant. I know you are resourceful and can convince him. Shemihazah seeks out your council on all matters. He trusts your ideas and confides his own with you. Surely, you know that he has ambitions for a higher position than that of man’s bookkeeper. Perhaps you missed it, but I heard that he also has, shall we say, an affection for women and power.”

Jeqon was slightly concerned that an angel whom he had never encountered before knew so much about the council and hierarchy where he served. Halel no longer resided in the Heavenly realms and only visited when summoned. It was impossible for Shemihazah to hold him in his council and confide in him. Further, Jeqon doubted that Halel was ever admitted into Shemihazah’s trust. 

“How is it you know these things?” he finally asked.

“I have my sources of information. However, as it is in Heaven, information within my ranks is given only to those who need to know.”

This was surprising since Jeqon always viewed the cherubim as a loner. Occasionally, he may have hypothesized that he had other agents, but he never believed they would infiltrate Heaven. Still, knowing others were with him did nothing to settle the unease that remained inside him and conflicted with the growing pull to join with Halel. Jeqon was ready to obtain his desires, but not at a damning price. 

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.

Chapter 1: April 23

 “Us?” Halel chuckled. “I already gained power for myself. I am master over death and hold the key to the fate of man. Because man was willing to enter a covenant with me by disobeying ‘Him’, I have already become the god of this world. Though I, myself, will not be satisfied until the very throne of Heaven is mine,” Halel raised his arm toward Heaven and clinching his fist as though he were squashing something in it. “I retain sympathy for my brothers who have not yet escaped their chains. If you join with me, you can have whatever freedoms you desire.”

“What difference is it to free yourself from one just to serve another?” Jeqon asked, although it seemed serving Halel would be far more glorious that serving mortal creatures.

“I’m not asking you to serve me. I already have many who are willing to do that. I want you to join me side-by-side as equals so that we may overcome the One that has dealt us this injustice. United, we will suceed. So, tell me honestly Jeqon, does my offer interest you?”

“I find it to be an interesting proposal, but there must be some information you are leaving out. It all seems too easy.”

“I can see you are not one to miss minor details. I like that in an accomplice,” Halel smiled. “There is a small detail I neglected to mention. You see, I would need more than just your allegiance. You do not have influence over many. Shemihazah, on the other hand, has the influence to bring others in your council with him to aid in my plan.”

“And what plan is that?”

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.

Chapter 1: April 22

The revelation was almost as shocking as the bull’s face. “And what is it that you believe we both want?” Jeqon asked boldly. Subconsciously, his eyes darted around to be sure no other being was observing this conversation.

 “To change our fates… to fulfill our desires… to be our own gods,” responded the dark angel. His bull face smiled inwardly as shock and ambition flickered in Jeqon’s eyes. “You said it yourself, did you not? I believe your exact words were ‘We should be allowed to enjoy whatever we want.’ You also pointed out the indignity of powerful beings such as we are being forced to serve lower beings. What you want is to be able to change that… is it not?” The angel strode forward as Jeqon looked down at the ground and thought about it what was being said. Although Halel was infamous across Heaven and labeled as evil, he could see the cruel irony of the greater serving the lesser.

“And you think achieving freedom is possible? How are you expecting to gain this power for… us?” Jeqon’s said scornfully. As he raised his eyes from the ground, he was again stunned because instead of the man or the bull, an extraordinary golden eagle was looking directly at him out of the helmet. From this view of the angel’s back, he also noticed the creature’s polished bronze hooves peeking out from beneath the shadowy cape. 

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.

Chapter 1: April 21

Jeqon suddenly realized his precarious position. He wondered how he managed to go from bad to worse. He remained silent and motionless while his thoughts raced at full speed. What was this being doing trying to speak with him? Was this some trap? Did Michael…? But, no, he knew that Michael would have nothing to do with this cherub.

“Ah, wait… of course,” the being said, clasping his hands together. “How rude of me. I have not introduced myself to you.”

“There is no need for that, I know who you are…” replied Jeqon lowering his voice to a whisper, “Halel.”

“Very well then, am I right in guessing who you are?” Halel questioned, pleased that Jeqon responded.

“I suppose that depends on what you want,” replied Jeqon raising his chin a little and allowing his arrogance once again to get the best of him. The majestic figure turned and strode to the right of Jeqon.

Jeqon blinked in surprise because although the creature’s body was not facing him, the being’s face still looked directly at him. However, it was no longer the face of the delicately handsome angel, which he had just seen, but instead it was the face of a mighty red bull. Two dark horns poked through its helmet top. Although startled, Jeqon rapidly regained his composure when he remembered the cherubim had not one, but four faces. 

“What I want?” he said coyly, in a musically deep bass. “What I want is the same thing that you want. You and I are very similar in our wants. That is why I came to you.”

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.