Unholy Empire: Chronicles of the Host, Vol 2: Chronicles of the Host, Book 2 Read Online Free PDF Page A

refreshing sense of duty and obligation to the Most High. Since the horrible rebellion that saw Lucifer and many other highly placed angels expelled from the Kingdom, a newfound holiness had overcome the Host.
    “The fear of the Almighty Lord is a quick counter to foolish notions of rebellion,” continued Crispin, leaning back in his peculiar way. “It has a way of helping creatures keep a healthy perspective of their Creator. If Lucifer’s crowd had respected that fear rather than tempted it, they might never have started this nonsense.”
    “I must say that the Academy is a different place,” agreed Michael. “The vile attitude and poison of Lucifer’s influence has vanished.”
    “Yes, the Academy is clean once more,” said Crispin. “But all has changed, Michael. No longer simply a place for angels to grow in knowledge of the Most High, it has now has become a school of war—preparing the Host for the battle of the ages. Astonishing!”
    “Perhaps this was the school’s destiny,” said Gabriel. “To train angels in warfare and carry out the will of the Most High in Heaven and on earth.”
    “They certainly are in readiness,” agreed Michael. “The Host is eager to get into the fight. The only question is how to conduct a war that is so closely tied in with the hearts and minds of men. Our task is that of…what was it again, Gabriel?”
    “Ministering spirits,” reminded Gabriel. “We are to minister to the humans in the name and authority of the Most High on those occasions necessary when our intervention is necessary.”
    “Yes, and to keep Lucifer and his angels off their game,” added Crispin. “Or should I say ‘the fallen ones’?”
    “Ah yes,” mused Michael. “Demons, devils…”
    “Fallen angels…” continued Gabriel.
    “Evil spirits,” threw in Serus, who had just arrived.
    Everyone was amused at the new terminology that was creeping into the culture of Heaven. Crispin took exception to the attitude.
    “It’s not simply that the creatures fell and became demonized!” He stood up and gestured wildly. “There is more to it than that. Their new titles reflect the darkness of their hearts. They chose evil and therefore have become evil. I for one
prefer
the name ‘demon,’ or ‘fallen’ for these criminal angels, in order to distinguish them from the holy angels of the Most High! For the sake of the Chronicles and all that speaks true there must be a distinction.”
    “The Most High has declared them excommunicate and anathema to us—that is what really matters, Crispin,” said Gabriel.
    “Pardon us, teacher,” said Michael, realizing that Crispin’s academic sensibilities were upset. “We meant no offense. I realize for the sake of truth and teaching that such things are important. For me, whatever they are to be called, they are the enemies of the Most High and therefore my enemies.”
    “Amen,” said Crispin. “I quite agree. Nevertheless I shall henceforth refer to them as ‘demons’ for that is what they have become.”
    The others smiled at Crispin’s pure view of things. As they continued chatting, an angel came into the room and stood before Michael. It was one of Michael’s sentries, stationed on the outer edges of the Kingdom.
    “What is it, Darus?” asked Michael.
    “Lord Michael, the elder Kara…”
    “Former elder, Darus,” corrected Michael. “We must be precise about these things for the sake of the Chronicles.”
    Crispin shifted with a grunt in his chair.
    “Yes, the former elder Kara,” continued Darus, “was observed encroaching upon the Kingdom near the Lion’s Gate.”
    “Are you certain it was he?” asked Michael.
    “Yes, my lord,” said Darus. “He had positioned himself at the gate with a couple of other angels…”
    “Demons, Darus, demons,” said Michael, looking at Crispin, amused at the scholar’s countenance. “We must be accurate.” “Yes…um…demons were with him,” said a puzzled Darus. “At any rate,