THE LANTERN AND THE LIGHT: Book 2 of The Second Seraph Trilogy

Chapter 1

The Cryptic Message

The awakening dawn was shuffling in, highlighting the majestic mountains on the horizon, a purple haze of tree tops could be faintly seen.

My dress fluttered in the wind, distracting me momentarily from the cliff that I was standing upon overlooking all. Perched upon it as if about to take flight, I took a deep breath imagining myself as an eagle, my heels lifted off the ground, my arms extended behind me. I soon was soaring upwards into this atmospheric and when I looked down, the ground gave the impression of being desolate – the darkened forest intrigued me.

A sudden movement caught my attention.

Where am I? I thought.

The dawn’s light squinted through, shading this black and grey land, while the absence of colour told me that full daylight never arrived.

Time seemed to stand still here.

I circled, navigating then headed towards the faint light in the distance, the current of air glided me – the stillness equated to an absolute aloneness. I took a quick look at the darkened brush beneath, fully surprised when my feet landed upon a pathway. Still I saw no one… no wildlife stirred.

Am I the only one here?

The winding road seemed daunting, a fear lurked.

No human could live here, I thought.

The ambiance of déjà-vu took hold. I shuddered. The Automatons came to mind. They were cloned Souls that were used by the Dark Force to cause chaos and disturbance whenever and wherever throughout the realms – they were disguised as ordinary people. They infiltrated thoughts and lives, causing chaos wherever there was light.

As I walked along, I became aware of the gnarled trees, the barbwire shrubs. I felt imprisoned – a creeping fear that I was located in the Automaton’s dimension overtook me, expecting to meet up with them.

I noticed the trees were leafless; their limbs twisted and pointed as if chastising… others seemingly were directing the way – the hideous knots in the trees carved out grim staring faces. Nature seemed to be in telepathic relay– they knew of me. Keeping an even pace, a fork in the road faced me… then it delayed me.

Which way should I go?

Instinctively, I turned to see a rustle of leaves in the forest floor. Shadows of tiny figures ran along behind the hedge keeping well hid.

They want me to follow!

I picked up my stride and began to run after these little people – whoever they were – when a light flickered.

They’re lighting the way, I thought.

I stopped to rest; the constant rustling in the bush made me apprehensive.

Who are they?

I began to pace again when another light flickered, followed by another…

Creatures of the night, they are, were my thoughts – yet they hadn’t attacked.

My focus sought the edge of the high grassy patch when I spotted a tiny female face staring out at me. I adjusted my eyesight wanting to see more when she flew upwards and posed in mid-air; her wispy wings were a lantern of firefly light.

It’s a fairy! I gasped aloud.

She reminded me of a painting but I couldn’t remember the name.

Little people, fairies, elves and gnomes lived here… and why did I sense that they felt trapped as I did?

A loud flutter made me look up to see winged Angels descending. I ran along the pathway, chasing after them until a hill bade me to trudge up it, slowing me down…

When I reached the summit, a sunken valley faced me, it stretched beyond – my heart skipped a beat, as legions of Dark Force Angels encircled in the air above… some were landing. It was a coven.

Where am I?

A fear then lunged as if I was in the midst of natives who were about to go on the warpath…

They’re preparing for warfare!

I awoke from the dream terrified and only able to assemble the bits and pieces of it hardly making any sense. Not falling into sleep, I went to the kitchen and made a cup of tea to retire to the quiet atmosphere of the living room – Mother Annunciata at the Cloister in Seattle came to mind along with meeting Saint Teresa of Avila, a past life Subtle.

Distracted, I played with the tassels of the lampshade swinging them backwards and forwards. I then had to laugh for I was glad that I was doing it – and not one of the usual unseen Spirit Forces.

The wings on the Angel statue caught my attention shadowed upon the wall and reminding me of the Angels watching over us: not only our Guardian Light Beings but our Dark Shadow Angels.

Opposites attract! I laughed.

The silence surrounding me was welcoming for on the morrow it would all change when sharing news with Alicia about Father Hawn, the Church Investigator who was hot on her trail.

The word inquisition flashed – the Automatons were involved.

Earthly woman gave birth to them, I intuited.

I shuddered at the thought.

What reciprocal karma was this all about? And why am I reflecting about the Automatons?

The Dark Shadow Angels flashed in my mind’s eye when a mocking laughter echoed chilling my bones. My eyes searched out the shadows upon the walls but nothing was seen. As I turned out the light to retire, the Moon shone its beam. I closed my eyes, my thoughts drifting… I recalled the ET Moon-disc experience years earlier.

This is not my home, I thought.

I opened my eyes and gazed at the mysterious light surrounding the Moon.

You know who I am.

By the light of the Moon I made my way down the hall – then was taken aback by a cracking sound that made me throw my arms outward sideways touching the walls.

Earthquake! I panicked.

The rumble of the floor frightened me to flee elsewhere. I saw waves of energy flooding towards me – the walls shifting their shape. The top formed an apex; I was caught in a triangle of sorts.

The floor began to move, conveying me, frightened I would meet the end of the hall – it then disappeared. Daringly, I looked downwards to see my feet dangling over the Moon then aware of the starry night over my head. These walls were holding me in place…

It’s impossible, I can’t hold on!

I dropped off… then awoke.

I must have fallen asleep again, I thought.

Distressed, I wondered if the Dark Force had a hand in unfolding this nightmare. Or then, was it an insight trying to unfold? I couldn’t put my finger on it. Something was subconsciously nagging at me.

At any moment I could have fallen off of the Earth and landed on the Moon…

I’m giving myself a cryptic message somewhere in that sentence, I thought.

The Moon cast its magnetic spell upon us, as it did to the Earth’s tides, shifting water to shore and then sending it back again like clockwork – and no doubt it did the same to each of us – it captured me, my thoughts dwelling upon the mystery of it all.

Even in my paintings the night sky was haunting…

I recalled the dream again, envisioning myself lodged between the Moon and the stars… stuck on Earth, it seemed a nightmare in itself.

The mystery of the Moon and the starry night held me in an abeyance as if I was awaiting a galactic contact.

I laughed nervously thinking about Alicia—

She’ll love hearing about this, I thought.

Chapter 2

The Angels of Healing

Mother Annunciata was sitting at her desk, her thoughts fixed upon Sister Immaculata.

There was a knock upon the door.

Come in, Sister, Mother Annunciata called out.

Sister Mary opened the door and entered.

Mother, I’ve received news that Mr. Cage’s mother is very sick and in hospital. I am on my way to the chapel to light a candle for her.

It would be much appreciated, Sister Mary. I’ll prepare a picture of Our Lady for Mr. Cage to take to her – there is always the hope of a miracle!

Mr. Cage delivered their supplies and was held in the greatest of esteem, for he handled their much-needed repairs and also ran errands, asking nothing in return. He was Heaven-sent as far as Mother Annunciata was concerned.

Mother, Mr. Cage has said he would be dropping by today instead of next week for his monthly payment.

"Thank you, Sister Mary. I’ll have his cheque ready for him…

Sister Mary! Mother Annunciata expressed, keeping her eyes downcast upon her desk, I need to speak to the Sisters…

There had been so many calls for assembly lately, and now there was another.

Sister Mary nodded firmly as she left the room to inform the other Sisters about the meeting to be held in the chapel.

Unbeknown to the Sisters, the blessing had visited the Cloister during the early hours of the morning… and now, there was much to share concerning Sister Immaculata and the Child.

Mother Annunciata opened the top drawer of her desk where she kept holy pictures and put one into her pocket. She then made her way to the Crypt to pray for Mr. Cage’s mother – since Divine intervention was much needed. As she descended the stairs, a strong smell overcame her…

Roses, it smells like roses, she thought.

Intuitively, she turned round.

Her gaze fell upon Teresa of Avila standing in the shadows of the corner.

Mother Annunciata sat down on a step.

Teresa! she exclaimed.

Mother Annunciata, this Cloister is now a Sanctuary of Healing Light. Earth rarely catches a glimpse of such love, and when it does – its glory, its compassion raises up hearts and consciousnesses towards the Angelic Light… towards the God Light.

Mother Annunciata made the sign of the Cross.

Saint Teresa smiled lovingly.

"You have now met, Lori, the blessing – my Subtle future Spirit. She is the handmaiden who will assist you…

From this day forward, Jesus will walk with thee, Mother Annunciata… the ‘Imitation of Christ’ is upon thee!

Mother Annunciata’s hands tingled, a sensation of energy running through them.

Look at your flesh, Mother Annunciata!

Mother Annunciata gasped as she did… blood dripped from both her palms.

What’s happening to me?

Now look at your Spirit, Mother Annunciata!"

Mother Annunciata felt light-headed as she slid off the step onto the floor. Her eyes drooped as if sleep were about to overtake her while she was still aware that her blood trickled.

The next thing she knew she was standing in the centre of the room listening to Teresa directing her to look downwards.

She saw herself on the floor as if she was dead and was already missing her beloved Sisters – a sadness begun overtaking her.

But she was alive—

The fragility of Earthly life hit her like a ton of bricks and made her realize that ‘purpose’ must drive each and every Soul whilst upon it – life was so short.

The flesh dies, Mother Annunciata – we don’t. I have dropped an Earthly illusion for you to continue your walk upon Earth in the essence of your true Universal Spirit. You shall still wear your Earthly coat – and then be able to take it off when the need arises.

Mother Annunciata’s body stirred upon the floor. She heard the door of the Crypt open… footsteps descending the stairs.

It was Sister Louise.

Are you all right, Mother? Sister Louise cried out gazing at the blood on her robe. Don’t move, Mother. I’m calling Dr. Maine.

No, you mustn’t… this place is now a Sacred Sanctuary, Sister!

As Sister Louise helped her to her feet, Mother Annunciata looked around the room, noticing Teresa had disappeared.

Sister Mary has assembled the Sisters in the chapel as requested, Mother. I became alarmed when you didn’t show up – you’ve been down here for quite a while.

Mother Annunciata sighed.

Did you fall down the stairs, Mother?

No, Sister Louise.

You must have passed out then.

Not that I remember…

Mother Annunciata felt weak and grabbed hold of the banister when a pain seared through her right hand – the blood was still trickling.

Take my handkerchief out of my pocket, Sister Louise, and bandage my hand.

Sister Louise noticed her other hand was bleeding as well. She searched in her pocket for hers.

The bloodstains on her robe caught Sister Louise’s attention again.

Mother Annunciata noticed her staring…

We must wash this blood off immediately, Sister Louise, before the stain becomes permanent.

I will attend to it, Mother, after I have seen to your hands in the infirmary. Are you sore anywhere else?

No! Only my hands are tender. I must have broken my fall while protecting my face.

Finding nuns upon the floor is becoming an ongoing event! Sister Louise exclaimed.

It’s alright, Sister Louise – I’m not pregnant!

Sister Louise blushed.

She took notice of Mother Annunciata’s hands again… the blood seemed to have stopped.

May I take a look at your hands, Mother?

Mother Annunciata obliged showing them to her – small punctures were visible in each hand.

Mother, these are the marks of the Crucifixion… Stigmata! she exclaimed, genuflecting while making the sign of the cross. Do you remember anything about this blessing?

Yes, Sister Louise, but not about having been punctured.

Mother Annunciata took notice of the blood on the floor.

We need to clean up this mess right away, Sister Louise. I don’t want anything looking suspicious – Father Hawn, the Church investigator who is looking for Sister Immaculata could drop by unexpectedly.

God forbid, she thought.

Sister Louise escorted Mother Annunciata to the basement where they changed her robe and wrapped her hands with new handkerchiefs wanting to present her to the Sisters in the chapel as best they could. They placed the blood-soaked robe into the washing machine, then descended into the Crypt and tidied up before making their way to the chapel.

Have you been injured, Mother? the Sisters asked, seeing the bandages – all eyes were focused upon her hands.

"Mother has received Stigmata!" Sister Louise exclaimed.

The Sisters rushed towards her, surrounding her.

Are you in pain, Mother? Sister Mary asked.

I have a dull ache, other than this… I am fine, Sister.

Mother Annunciata knew they wouldn’t be at peace until they saw the wounds for themselves; she surprised them by asking Sister Louise to remove the handkerchiefs.

Each Sister observed the punctures as they kissed her hands.

When they had settled, she shared the news Lori gave her regarding Sister Immaculata and the Child – subsequently changing the topic of conversation to reincarnation. She revealed that Lori was indeed the blessing and that she had been Teresa of Avila in a past incarnation… then that Teresa was to assist them with the Second Coming of the Christ Light – for she was a handmaiden as they were.

‘Re-incarnation’ echoed in whispers amongst the Sisters – the perfume of roses permeated the chapel.

Teresa is here! Sister Cecilia exclaimed.

Mother Annunciata smiled a Heavenly smile.

Blessed Saint Teresa had just appeared to me in the Crypt, dear Sisters. She revealed that our Cloister is a Divine Sanctuary of Healing Light!

The Sisters bowed their heads humbly.

Sisters, while I was in the Crypt, I was given the experience of what it was like to be in one’s Spiritual body – as my physical body was lying on the floor, my Spirit body was standing beside Teresa talking to her. ‘How could I be dead?’ were my thoughts.

The Sisters’ murmurs filled the room.

Sisters, I can now consciously assist our ministry through my Spiritual essence…

All eyes were upon her, as if Jesus were speaking to them.

Teresa has taught you! Sister Martha exclaimed.

Can she walk on water? Sister Margaret whispered out.

The Sisters continued their murmur.

Mother Annunciata, the ‘Imitation of Christ’ is upon you, Sister Agnes declared.

I don’t think we can keep your Stigmata hidden for very long, especially from prying eyes, Sister Cecilia commented and loud enough for all to hear.

Mother Annunciata thought about Father Hawn.

Sisters, I have no choice but to hide my hands.

They bowed their heads petitioning God to protect them.

When the Sisters left the chapel, Sister Louise led Mother Annunciata to the infirmary to address her wounds. A knock upon the door disturbed them. It was Sister Mary.

Mother, Mr. Cage is at the kitchen door.

"Please see him to the office, Sister Mary, and offer him a cup of tea while