Rise of the Fallen by Chuck Black Page B

given Apollyon too much power? Would the war now come to heaven, to the very gates of Zion?
    Validus streaked across the pale-blue sky, racing to a place he had never been, to a land far beyond the borders of Zion. He skimmed the trees and waters at blinding speed, fleeing the questions and inner pain in his chest. What was the meaning of it all? Why did evil prevail? Why did he exist if only to spend thousands of years trying to be content yet denying the warrior heart that beat within his chest the opportunity to exact justice on the evil of all the realms?
    He slowed and fell to the green valley below, exchanging the beat of his wings for the sprint of his legs. In the distance he saw one of the stairways that led to the Middle Realm. He drew his sword and ran to a battle that did not exist. The images of Commander Danick standing like a stone wall against the tide of evil filled his mind. Validus jumped from a large boulder high into the air and swung his brilliant blade above his head. As he landed, he thrust the sword deep into the ground and knelt before it. His head drooped while his hands hung from the hilt of the unused sword of the King.
    There was so much about Elohim he did not understand. Pain, suffering, and evil seemed to abound. Many minutes passed as he became lost in questions and thoughts he knew he should not think.
    “What are you running from, my dear Validus?” The voice was strong yet gentle.
    Validus jerked his head up, and his stomach rose to his throat. The Prince of Perdition himself was there, and Validus was kneeling before him.
    Apollyon glowed in splendor, his wings white and his countenance nearly aflame. He did look different—better, more powerful. Though Apollyon’s eyes were brilliant white, Validus shuddered when he looked into them, for within their depths was something sinister.
    Validus stood carefully, keeping his hand ever on the hilt of his embedded sword.
    Apollyon smiled and slowly shook his head. One move and it would bethe end of Validus. No one had stood against Apollyon and survived. Validus began to tremble.
    Apollyon tilted his head to one side, looking deep into Validus’s eyes. “What are you running from, my friend?”
    “I am not and never will be your friend.” Validus became aware of dozens of darkened wings rising up from the stairway and settling down around him.
    The Prince of Perdition closed his eyes and took a deep breath. “I’ve been watching you, Validus. You have questions, good questions. Questions I once asked.” Apollyon opened his eyes. Wisps of red fire flickered in them, then faded to white. “My army celebrates victory as we speak.” His gaze turned lovingly down toward earth. “And it’s not too late to join me. His reign is over. It is obvious to you; I can see it in your eyes.”
    “No! You will never overcome Elohim. He is the Creator of all, and you cannot win.”
    Apollyon laughed. “Do not be such a fool. Did you see Him create me? Did any of you see Him create me?” He looked about at his gathering legion of evil warriors, and they shook their heads. “You have been lied to, Validus, for I am and always have been.”
    Validus searched for words of rebuttal, but there were none. Could it be true?
    “Join me, Validus, before it is too late. My victory over the Middle Realm is just a foreshadowing of my complete conquest. The war for heaven is coming, and you must choose. Join me and I will make you a king of lands!” Apollyon raised a clenched fist before him.
    The crafty words of Apollyon confused Validus, for they were supported by what he had just seen on earth and by the unanswered questions that daily plagued his mind. So many had chosen to follow him. Behind Apollyon he could see Niturni, his old friend, beckoning with a knowing smile. Validus scrambled to find something to hang onto, something that did not shift beneath him.
    He gazed into the mesmerizing eyes of Apollyon. He remembered looking into the eyes of Elohim,