They stumbled upon a pool
A dead pool, stagnant.
Striving to breathe,
Bereft of the elixir of life.
Cascading stream fell silent
The day avarice ate the woods
Paths around it closed in support
Rocks reiterate man’s ruse.
Continue reading at Emotional Shadows
Back in June 2017, I finally managed to break my journey between north and south to spend time at one of our mediaeval cathedrals…
In our modern world, when we are accustomed to seeing skyscrapers on every skyline, size seems to have lost much of its potency. Giant airliners fly overhead carrying hundreds of passengers. The biggest cruise ship could hold the entire population of my village several times over. But even today, the scale of a cathedral reminds you that size matters.
You simply cannot help it… walk into any cathedral and your eyes are immediately drawn upwards. For the modern visitor, there is a wealth of detail to be found and enjoyed, but there is more to it than art. The architects of the great medieval edifices were evidently psychologists too, and knew exactly how to induce a feeling of awe.
When the building of Lichfield Cathedral was begun a thousand years ago, most people lived in fairly primitive, single-storey buildings made of wood with a thatched roof. The barons had their castles… great structures of stone, or motte and bailey affairs, where the central keep towered from its mound. These were as much symbolic as they were defensive, stamping the authority of the conquerors on the landscape; there was no mistaking who held the power.
For the most part, the Norman castles were functional rather than decorative. At that time, there was a need for civil and military strength to be seen and understood. Apart from the great hall, the rooms were primarily small and ill-lit, with low ceilings and tiny windows. The great cathedrals, on the other hand, were full of light and space, with ceilings seeming to reach to infinity.
Cathedrals cost money, a lot of money… and the show of wealth has always been equated with power. Religion and politics were deeply entwined. I doubt that even the barons were in any doubt where the ultimate authority was held.
As for the common folk, whose homes were so small and simple, the wood and stone of the cathedrals, carved with the intricacy of lace, gilded, painted and glowing, must have seemed too awe-inspiring for words.
Vertical piers and soaring arches make the solidity of stone seem fragile and almost insubstantial. A delicate tracery supports the roof like a web or the veins of a leaf. The eye is carried beyond the earth to the contemplation of something far greater. Everywhere there is beauty and majesty.
Carvings and stories in paint, wood and stone illuminate through symbols and fantastic beasts adorn every corner. Light and colour flood in through vast windows, making the body of the church a grail to hold the Holy Spirit.
The high, vaulted spaces had another effect too… sound reverberates differently within the Gothic structures and elicits a different emotional response. The acoustics are amazing, and to hear a sung service within one of these cathedrals is a profoundly moving experience, even for those not a member of the faith.
The body of the church holds the tombs and images of the bishops, knights and saints of this world. Portraits of nobles and notables decorate the lower reaches of the space. Then eye, heart and mind are drawn up into a state of wonder, away from the earthly state to a heavenly life.
There, on the very edge of vision, are the images of another reality; images of faith and a kingdom not ruled by man…
… and all within the body of the Cross. Stepping within the walls of a cathedral, shaped in the form of the Crucifix, was, for the faithful, to enter into a Mystery under the aegis of a Master.
Little wonder that these incredible buildings still exercise such a fascination for us today. Our steel and concrete society wears a different cloak, but human emotion does not change and we are still moved by beauty and the unconscious response to the vision of a life beyond our own.
Even if we do not share the faith, there is a desire to believe in something bigger than the individual, whether that be a reality beyond the known or the possibility of Man becoming all he can be and fulfilling his potential with humanity… the ancient places, hallowed by a millennium of human prayer, still remain as vessels of hope and Light.
Less than twenty minutes later, I received a message from Michael. I was strictly ordered not to do anything but stay where I was. Andreas would pick me up a little later. In the meantime, I could work out in the gardens with some of the angels if I wanted to.
“I’m sorry, Zye. I must leave at once,” Uriel whispered. He kissed my cheek and was gone.
I worked out with Robbie and Daniel while Maria watched us carefully. All three of them were excellent sword fighters and we had a good time. After the workout, I rinsed the sweat off my body, dressed in black pants and a white t-shirt and went outside again to sit down and just enjoy nature for a while.
I watched frogs climbing out the pond, sparrows and hummingbirds flying and hopping all over the place and butterflies filling the air with breathtaking colors.
After a while, Andreas sat down next to me on the white bench. “Hello, Zye.”
“Hi, Andreas. I was told you were supposed to take me somewhere?”
He smiled. “Not just somewhere, Zye. You will be meeting the ‘Council of Twelve’.”
I froze. “Are you joking?”
He shook his head. “No.”
I felt my blood drain from my face.
Andreas jumped up. “Holy Mary! You’re not going to pass out on me, are you?”
I carefully stood up, testing whether my feet would still carry me.
My body trembled.
Andreas laughed. “Listen, Zye, there is no reason at all to freak out. Yes, they’re Archangels, but they won’t eat you. Don’t forget, Uriel will be there as well and he’s likely to protect you!”
I took a couple deep breaths. “Yes, he will. But what can he do when eleven others are voting against me?”
Andreas laughed. “What do you think they’d vote for? Killing you? Zye, they’re angels, standing on our side, fighting against evil. Just like what you do!”
His words made me think for a few moments before I finally replied, “I can’t help myself, Andreas. I’m still scared to death.”
He smiled mildly. “There is no reason to fear them. Of course, respect them. After all, they’re probably the most powerful individuals on Earth besides our one and only Creator. They’re not going to do anything bad or evil to you.”
I slowly tried to slow my heart rate and bring my trembles under control. “See? You’re getting better.” Andreas grinned. Then he opened his arms and offered to carry me to the assembly hall.
The so-called “assembly hall” was an enormous room, beautifully built, with polished marble of purest silver-gray, inlaid by some marble that looked like the veins of fire. The ground was covered with anthracite colored stone and harmonized beautifully with the light gray walls and the beautifully painted fiery ceiling. The ceiling was so high, even the Archangels could fly within the hall.
The room was equipped with a small waiting area with black leather seats and a small glass table. It was quite modern, but comfortable. Andreas gave me a brief description before we started to prepare me for the impressive and pompous sight.
After our arrival, I stepped away from Andreas and in my head heard Uriel’s voice: “If you’re going to do this more often, girl, I will have problems with that.”
I grinned. “There is only one solution to this problem,” I replied.
“And this is?” Uriel’s buoyant voice asked back.
“Next time pick me up yourself, Mr. Taxi,” I snarled.
I enjoyed the mental clash and the growing closeness it showed between Uriel and me.
Andreas curiously examined my face. “You were just somewhere else with your thoughts,” he commented with amusement.
I blushed furiously which made him chuckle.
“I’ll wait here for you.”
I swallowed. “I… okay.”
Then I turned to the huge ornate white door that opened by itself to let me inside.
There I found two huge angel warriors in full armor and a beautiful winged woman gesturing for me to follow her. She led me through a light, nearly empty corridor to a smaller pair of wooden doors. She opened them to let me enter. I hesitantly entered and the door closed behind me.
There I stood in front of a simple long table with twelve tall, exceptionally beautiful Archangels, each of them unique Still, I had the impression that these individuals formed an enormously strong singular entity.
Of course, I saw their different manifestations , but what caught me off guard was the fact I could perceive them all so clearly. Their smells and aromas were much stronger than the ones of other individuals I had encountered.
I already memorized Uriel’s scent. To me he was the purity of flames and heat, fire, and blaze. But to be truthful, he smelled deliciously like cinnamon. I hid a smile.
I interrupted my train of thought when Michael stood. “Please, Zye, come closer and meet the ‘Council of Twelve.’ From your left: Uriel, Myself, Anghariel, Zachariel, Centriel, Deonur, Raphael, Gabriel, Benadrel, Santanael, Tsechirel, and Simael.” He threw me a sharp look. “You seem to be totally in shock, Zye. Are you all right?”
I almost collapsed; my mouth was as dry as an Arabian desert. I had to swallow before finally I was able to reply. “Forgive me, Mylords. I just discovered that I apparently can catch your natural fragrance in a very strong and unique way. It hit me when I entered the hall.”
Gabriel rose, eyeing me curiously. “Wow, really? You’re not kidding?”
I only shook my head.
“Does that mean, even if you can’t see us, you’re still able to tell we’re here?” “Not only that,” I explained. “Each one of you smells unique.”
Gabriel seemed enthusiastic about this information. “You could tell us apart without even seeing us?”
“Yes, Sir.”
“No ‘Sir’ here, Zye,” he replied with the wink of an eye. “I’m Gabriel.” He turned to the others who had similar expressions on their faces. “Oh, please, can we take the time?”
Michael laughed. “We’re not in a hurry.” He scanned me quickly. “Are you up for a test?”
I swallowed dryly. “Yes.”
Uriel stood. “Fine with me, friends. But seriously: she looks like she’s going to pass out any minute. Would you mind being nice enough to offer her some water and let her relax for a couple of minutes?”
He walked around the table and handed me a glass of water. His hand was placed caringly onto my shoulder.
Just when I took a sip, Anghariel drawled, “Sheesh, Uriel. You sound as worried as Grandma Walton.”
I spit my mouthful of water across the floor, laughing. This unexpected little mishap made the Archangels stare at me in wonder before they smiled as well. I apologized, but it took a couple minutes until we all calmed down. By that time, I was visibly relaxed and Michael called his friends to order.
“What do you need for us to do, Zye?” he asked politely.
I smiled. “Not too much. I need to separate each one of you. I would say, at about the distance from here to the furthest corner over there. Then your natural perfumes won’t get mixed altogether.”
“Who do you want to start with? Uriel?” Michael asked curiously.
Anghariel chuckled. “I don’t think so, brother. I’ll bet my socks she knows his stench quite well by now.”
I blushed, Uriel grinned and eleven Archangels apparently had tons of fun. I bowed my head politely to Anghariel. “Would you mind if I start with you?”
He laughed. “Nope. It would be my pleasure.”
Copyright © Aurora Jean Alexander 2019
Book 3 of ‘The Council Of Twelve’
A. J. Alexander
Zepheira is the best Demon Tracker working for the Good side. With her unusual looks, her phenomenal sense of smell, and her bravery, she quickly draws ‘The Big 7’s attention to her talent. They hire her to find one of them. Leaving her familiar surroundings and regular work environment unsettles Zepheira at first. But the challenge to prove herself and to increase the reputation of her infallibility tempts her.
She is convinced she will be a great asset to ‘The Big 7’. Little does she know she will be a much greater asset in Heaven’s fight against Evil. Zepheira suddenly becomes more than a hired tracker. She finds herself an important pawn in the game of love, heat, and fire. Will her courage and sacrifice be sufficient to dance with the flames?
Available in these formats:
Amazon US Ebook Amazon US Paperback Amazon UK Ebook Amazon UK Paperback
Amazon DE Ebook Amazon DE Paperback Smashwords
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What is your e-reading device of choice?
I’m reading on a Kindle Paperwhite
Describe your desk
I have a computer desk with a laptop and an extra monitor, a multifunctional printer device and books, papers, paper sketchbooks and pens, pens, pens.
Where did you grow up, and how did this influence your writing?
My upbringing does not have any influence on my writing. I’m writing fantasy and paranormal romance.
When did you first start writing?
I’m not sure there ever was “a start”. I learned to write at the age of four and I remember developing little stories since I’m a Kindergarten kid. In school, when others complained about essays, mine were easily 6 – 10 pages long, I enjoyed it so much.
What is the greatest joy of writing for you?
Writing is my passion. Writing is a way to focus my creativity on building a (hopefully) good story. Writing relaxes me, calms me, challenges me, and it makes me happy. It is a part of my life.
What are you working on next?
I’m working on ‘The Council Of Twelve’ series and ‘Soul Taker’ is the first book of the series. Different books of the series are in different states of completed. Right now I’m writing the seventh and eighth book in the series while several are being edited or waiting with my editor.
Who are your favorite authors?
I love reading Eric van Lustbader, James Clavell, Clive Cussler, and many other famous writers. But: I read books by L.W. Smith, Merlin Fraser, Micki Peluso, Taylor Fulks, Jim Spencer, Allan Krummenacker, and many others who held me intrigued and entertained. There are so many fantastic new authors out there. I’m adding their books to my “to-read” pile. Every single one of their books can teach me a lot about writing.
What is your writing process?
The first draft is written by hand. By typing it into the computer I am able to catch the major flaws and can correct them. After that, the manuscript goes to editing, from there to filing for copyright. Then I send it out to Beta readers. That’s how I did it with the first book in the Series, ‘Soul Taker’. Let’s see how it works out and if the process will slightly change with the next books.
Of course, there are more things in between, marketing, book cover, writing blurbs, getting a trailer done, and so on.
How do you approach cover design?
I have KJ Magical Designs, Kathryn Jenkins, who does the covers for me. She is educated in graphic design and did a wonderful job with the first book of the series. I saw her work on other books and I’m happy I decided to pick her as my cover designer for that book series.
If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in your latest book?
The answer is no. If I wasn’t happy with the book the way it is I wouldn’t call it ‘completed’. My work is completed when I’m satisfied with the book, the characters, the plot and the entire story. How can I expect readers to like it if I don’t fully stand behind my work?
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Other books in this series
![Soul Taker (The Council Of Twelve Book 1) by [A. J. Alexander, KJ Magical Design, DSM Publications]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51N90G+d56L.jpg)
Soul Taker (The Council Of Twelve Book 1) After long years in the line of duty as a ‘Soul Taker’, Kate is worn out.
When she gets a new job offer from the ‘Powers Above’, she accepts her new job as a Guardian gratefully without knowing that her teacher is one of the most powerful beings in existence, the Archangel Raphael.
Along with Raphael, she takes on her new task and the connection between them grows.
Raphael helps, protects and supports Kate, but suddenly, she becomes a target for the Demons of Hell.
Raphael realizes that Kate means more to him than he expected, which causes him to fight furiously against danger. If he fails, Kate’s future will contain eternal darkness, evil, and torture.
![Sundance (The Council Of Twelve Series Book 2) by [A. J. Alexander, K. J. Magical Design, DSM Publications]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51K3Y+Jdz6L.jpg)
Sundance (The Council Of Twelve Series Book 2)Sundance is a promising young Warrior Angel, the first in centuries to join the Divine Army. With the help of one of the most powerful Archangels, her skill and talent develop, allowing her to master some of the most difficult tasks that face her kind.
Sundance, under the supervision of the ‘Council of Twelve’ seeks to prove that she deserves her unusual gifts in the eternal fight between good and evil. Follow her adventures as she discovers love, fights the good fight, and finds herself in the heat of battle trying to keep her wings from being singed.
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Water and the music in its roar
Such rapture on this lonely shore
With this we couldn’t ask for more
Blue sky and wind brushing my hair
You’re the answer to my prayer
Water and the music in its roar
Continue reading at Lady Lee Manila
*
NEW EUROPEANS
The desire for Truth.
That ‘temptress to risk’.
The veracity which all ‘lovers of wisdom’ revere.
*
Continue reading at France & Vincent
From out of the clouds they come
a torrent of aqueous creatures
lunging towards the destination they
long to be at, following each other
Continue reading at The Inkwell
I wandered out into the early morning garden, clad in sandals and dressing gown, in search of The Ball. The dog had hidden the darned thing again and stood at the door grinning, while I did what I was expected to do and looked for it. The Ball… the only one of the two dozen she owns that is no longer a ball but merely a few disintegrating shreds of furry rubber… can turn up anywhere… in any room…even in a cupboard. But, in spite of the innocent looks, she almost always knows exactly where it is and, if asked, will give you clues.
I had tried all the usual places, like behind the stereo or under the cushions, and eventually found it, with a little help from the grinning fiend, tucked behind the compost bin. Thankfully, mine is not a large garden to search… more of a pocket-handkerchief affair, with one small flower-bed and a lot of digging to be done.
Between the ground baking iron-hard and having spent the past year on my son’s garden, mine needs some serious work and more materials. So, I try to keep it tidy, designing wonderful planting schemes in my head that I know will never happen. On the other hand, the little patch of green offers me wonderful surprises every year as I let Nature play. Unlike the dog with The Ball, I am happy to accept what comes.
The hawthorn hedgerow that separates my garden from the fields is heavy with May blossom, its perfume filling the morning air and its branches alive with birds greeting the day. With robins, wrens, blackbirds and the occasional thrush, it is seldom silent. There is even a nightingale that sings there some evenings.
My strawberries died in the heat last year while I was away. I thought I had lost them completely, with just the brittle remains looking rather forlorn and reproachful in their pot and yet, I have a fine crop of self-propagated plants now growing around where the pot once stood.
Continue reading at The Silent Eye
I remember once
that cascading waterfall;
black stones in the pool
smooth, lumpy for feet
water as if from ice melt
yet I did submerge
Continue reading at Jules Pens Some Gems
One blessed moment
Life’s fragile tenacity
Held within my hand
Reblogged from Myths of the Mirror:
A very eclectic selection this month: sci-fi, fantasy, poetry, romance, Danny the Dog, historical fiction, and parenting advice! I hope you enjoy browsing my 4 and 5-star reviews. There are some great reads here. Click on the covers for Amazon global links.
*****
Running out of Space by S. J. HigbeeIf readers enjoy sci-fi and a powerful female lead character, this book hits the mark. Lizzy makes one reckless mistake, and her hopes to enter an officer-training program are dashed. But that’s not the end of her problems. She’s caught between competing forces who use her to solidify their power, and her plans to escape their clutches with the man she loves are repeatedly foiled. When things can’t get worse, they do.
Continue reading at Myths of the Mirror
Sue Vincent's Daily Echo 