Chapter 1

The steel-gray clouds encompassed the earth in all directions. It was as if the earth had been wrapped in a gray-fleece blanket. No one could explain what was happening to the earth’s atmosphere. The only reason anyone knew if it was day or night was because the clouds turned a lighter shade of gray during the day and went completely black at night. No one could see even the smallest part of the sky. The world’s best meteorologists gathered together to try and explain the changes in the atmosphere to the members of the United Nations that were present at Cape Concord.

On January 13, 3071, exactly three months since the sun was last seen bolts of colorful lightning skirted across the undersides of the clouds. Some bolts even clashed together to spill sparks towards the earth like fireworks. No one seemed to notice the large ball of fire hurtle through the barrier of clouds and crash into the cliffs off of Port Cynin, Ireland. Out of the large charred flaming crater emerged a broad shouldered, dark haired, blue eyed man. An immense grin spread across his full pale lips revealing pearly white teeth, “I made it brothers.”

Suddenly he reached over his right shoulder feeling frantically between his shoulder blades. Feeling nothing but flesh and muscle he craned his neck to look over his shoulder. Confirming that his large slate-black wings were no longer resting majestically on his back, he laughed and looked up at the sky, “It worked. I will complete my mission and return to the battle swiftly, my lord.”

A large bolt of neon purple lightning struck out across the underside of the clouds as if in reply to his words. He chuckled, “thank you sire.” The man rose to his feet, turned and proceeded down the rolling slopes of dying green grass and withering flowers. At the foot of the hill he came to a hard packed dirt road. Looking both ways he decided to go east toward a distant cottage. As he walked down the road he looked around at all the wonders of earth, the distant forest of pines and evergreens, the slight salty taste in the air indicating an ocean was nearby, and the meadows of wildflowers. He had been to earth a handful of times before, but each time new things were thought of and invented. 

Once he reached the cottage the man walked off the road and up the porch to knock on the door. After waiting a second he knocked again with an irritated look on his face. He had never been too patient when he had business to attend to. With a frustrated growl he turned to leave just as the door opened. “May I help…” the woman at the door stopped mid-sentence and stared with large deep green eyes at the very nude man standing on her porch. She cleared her throat, “do I need to call the Garda?” She pushed the door partly closed.

He laughed, gently as he turned back to face her, and smiled, “No, of course not Sara I need your help. My name is Gabriel.” Placing his hand on the door, he gave a beseeching smile.

She tossed her raven black braided hair over her shoulder, “how do you know my name?” Even though a part of her was suspicious of why a naked stranger was on her front porch and knew her name, a deep sense of calm washed over her telling her that she had no reason to fear this man, that she should even trust him. She opened the door. “I think I might have something that will fit you.” Leaving the door open she turned and walked down the hall calling over her shoulder, “don’t sit on anything until I get you some clothes.”

Gabriel chuckled, “of course, I did not realize the style of clothes changed so much.” When she looked back at him to ask what he meant Sara realized he was meaning her orange sundress with tiny multi-colored hearts all over it.

“What’s wrong with this dress? Yes, I know it’s a bit more colorful than normal, but other than that it’s fine.” She looked down at her dress as she said this then disappeared through a door on the right. 

He followed her down the small hall and into the room. It looked as if a tornado had come through here. There were bolts of fabrics of every color imaginable, ribbons, and yarn strewn everywhere. The only clean space was the desk that held a sewing machine. “Are you a seamstress?” 

Sara laughed as she dug through the closet, “Seamstress, I like to think of myself as a free spirited designer,” she turned with a triumphant smile, “perfect.” She held out a blue button up shirt with dark blue embroidery of Celtic knots along the collar and beside the row of silver buttons. Hanging under the shirt was a pair of black jeans with a leather belt that had a Celtic knot silver buckle.

“It is a bit, outspoken, do you not think?” he sighed at the look on her face, “very well. I will try it on and we will see.” 

“Good, you can take a shower before putting these on though.” While Gabriel was in the shower Sara went to the kitchen, opened the refrigerator door and started making sandwiches. She placed the plates of food on the small sky-blue colored round table. When Sara heard the water turn off in the bathroom she took two glasses from the mahogany hanging cabinets and filled them with ice and tea before setting them by the plates.

Gabriel walked into the kitchen while drying his hair. “I had forgotten what a hot shower felt like.” He grinned seeing the food.

After he had sat down and started to eat Sara set down her iced-tea and asked, “So, you said you needed my help with something. I’m sure it wasn’t about cloths.” 

Gabriel nodded, “I have visited your family in the past and left with them an important item. In order to know where to go in my mission I must get that object back. I was promised it would be passed down from mother to daughter until I returned for it.

“It is a round sphere the size of,” he paused and reached to the decorative bowl holding fruit in the middle of the table and pulled out an apple, “your apple. It would look fragile and made of glass, the color within changing constantly.” He proceeded to eat the apple as he waited for Sara to think of where the object might be.

“Well I haven’t seen anything like that around, but it could be in the attic. Just to warn you we did have a large yard sale a few months back. It could have been sold.”

“Sold!” He nearly choked on a bit of apple, “You must be joking.” Gabriel’s eyes turned a stormy gray with his fury. “that can't happen!” He stood, no longer interested in the meal.

Sara sighed grouchily as she stood and gathered the dishes “don’t get grouchy with me. I was never told about the bloody thing. Besides it’s not like I said it was gone for sure. It could be in the attic still. And if it was sold I’ll be able to find it easily enough. I’m sure I can remember who bought what.” she dumped the half eaten sandwiches in a green garbage can and placed the plates in the sink.

Sara turned to look at him, “let’s go look in the attic.” She walked past him into the hall.

“I apologize for my rude behavior. If you wish I left, I will do so.” He stood in the doorway of the kitchen watching as she pulled the rope attached to the door of the attic, letting down the ladder.

Sara rolled her eyes and replied, “I let a completely naked stranger into my home, gave him cloths and a meal, for no sensible reason at all. It’s my own fault if your rude,” as she climbed into the attic she said. “You may stay as long as needed.”

Gabriel nodded and followed up the ladder without a word. The only light available was a small bulb hanging on a small chain from the rafters. Looking around he saw that most of the space was taken up by boxes of various sizes. Sara moved around them expertly almost as if she were dancing. She disappeared behind a towering wall of boxes. Going behind the boxes himself Gabriel found Sara standing in front of an old trunk. It looked as if one touch would cause it to turn to dust. “This is the oldest thing up here.” Sara said looking back at him. “It was my grann’s last.” 

Gabriel moved forward and knelt in front of the trunk, “it is old indeed. Was this put out in your sale?”

“No. it was one of the few things I couldn’t part with. It didn’t seem right to sale such an old family heirloom.” Sara looked about uncertainly, “do you think it’s up here”

Gabriel sighed “it should have been. This is where it was placed when I gave it to your… great grandmother, but I do not feel its presence any longer.” Gabriel stood without opening the trunk. “The sphere is not in there.”

“How do you know that?” Sara asked in a non-believing way, “you didn’t even open the lid.” She moved to sit on a large box.

He stood as still as a statue, ignoring her questions, with his eyes closed. Gabriel slowly turned in place until he was facing the North-west. “Whoever took the sphere went in that direction. I will follow until it is found and I can begin my journey.” He turned to Sara, “thank you for all of your assistance.” 

She quickly stood knocking over a stack of boxes on her left. “You don’t think you get to just up and leave on this adventure without me do you.” She bent over and began righting the bottom boxes. The top box had fallen open, spilling its contents all over the attic floor. 

Gabriel moved to help, “it would be far too dangerous. I do not wish for you to get hurt.” He picked up a small floral carved box and opened the lid. The hinges squeaked before a beautiful melody began to play. 

Sara shook her head, causing her braid to lash out like an angry lion’s tail, “oh please, I’m not some damsel in distress. I can take care of myself. For your information I had ten older brothers, I think I could handle anything you can and I promise I won’t complain if anything goes wrong.” She looked at him imploringly, “I haven’t had any fun since my grann passed and since I was supposed to look after this relic thing I have to go with you to get it back.” She nodded as if that was the end of the discussion.

Inside the jewelry box was a number of necklaces and bracelets. Gabriel reached in and pulled out a thin silver chain with a deep green tear drop shaped stone hanging from it. Gabriel closed his fist around the gem, lowered his chin to his chest, and closed his eyes once again, this time as if he were praying. Sara watched in fascination as an amethyst light emitted from inside his fist. When the glowing stopped Gabriel opened his eyes and raised his head and gave her a knowing smile. Gabriel had known this woman would be a part of his mission before coming to earth. “I can see you are determined and will not be swayed, so I give you this necklace for protection. Should we get separated or caught by our enemies I will be able to use it to transport you to safety.”

The jewel had changed from its deep green color to a light blue-violet. Sara stood perfectly still just staring at this impossible man in front of her. She stammered before finally finding her voice. “How, that was, it changed. That’s impossible. What are you?” she moved away, backing up so quickly that she sent the boxes tumbling over once more.

Not Wanting to frighten her even more Gabriel stayed where he was, “You have no need to be scared. I would never hurt you. If you are still interested in traveling with me I will tell you who I am and what I am doing on earth.”

Sara wasn’t sure if she should run or faint, but then she remembered why she had let him in her home in the first place. She had felt an immense trust for this man from the first moment she saw him. but did he just say on earth, Alien! Sara slowly nodded, leaving the boxes scattered on the floor she said, “I think I’m going to need a chair to sit in. let’s go down to the living room.” Gabriel nodded and followed silently over to the ladder. 

Once in the living room Gabriel began to explain, “I’m sure you, like all the people of earth, are curious about the skies. Now I’m not sure how much you know of the Lord and heavens, so I will explain in more detail if you have any questions.

“When Lucifer argued against the Lord and was banished from the heavens all of his followers were sent with him. Lucifer has been fighting to get free of his prison, destroy the earth, and everything on it. Because of his prison the only way to get free is to manipulate and corrupt as many of the human race as possible and use them to unlock his bonds. He had almost succeeded in the past, but Our Lord’s son, Emmanuel, sacrificed his life to counter all that Lucifer had done. 

“He is no longer able to take over the world in such a way, but that does not mean he has given up. He now uses his minions that are able to slip through the realms to corrupt humans and the people he has already corrupted to do his work. Lucifer has somehow found out about a very rare item called Jrbium which was made into four different parts that once put together forms a key to release him. It was created before earth was made, but only a very few of I Am’s closest angels know of its existence.

“Unfortunately Lucifer found out about the key and managed to convince a large number of his followers to fight against the Lord and his Angels. The war between us is the cause of your clouded skies. I am and Jesus found out that Lucifer has sent some of his minions to get the items while his other followers distract us with this war. I have been sent to retrieve a part of the key before it can be used for evil.” 

Sara sat quietly then lowered her head to her knees. Taking slow deep breaths she allowed her mind to run wild for a moment then began to slowly process everything that Gabriel had just told her. She sat up and looked at him, “So you’re saying you’re an angel, like with wings and a halo? You said you visited my family before, when? My Gran would definitely have mentioned it. Why do you need this sphere if you’re supposed to be looking for a key thing?”

“It was not your grandmother I visited, but your great, great, very great grandfather Grinshauw. Your great grandfather lived in Rome as a sculpture. His daughter’s marriage into the O’Neil clan brought him to Ireland.” Gabriel leaned forward slightly evading the other questions and said in a serious tone, “I would never do anything that would hurt you Sara but I must find that orb. Do you still wish to go on this journey with me?”

Sara nodded and stood suddenly filled with excitement and energy. Remembering all the wild stories and adventures her grandmother would tell and take her on she said, “this is in honor of my grann. Where do we start?”

Gabriel smiled very pleased and stood as well, eager to be getting started. “We will follow the trail of the orb and find the person who stole it during your yard sale, if they still have it then that will be that. If not we will continue from there.” 

 “I better pack some things. Not too much though considering we will probably have to do a lot of stuff to get this orb back.” Sara said these things mostly to herself as she walked down the hall. She went into her room on the left at the end of the hall, wondering for the millionth time if she were completely crazy for doing this, and proceeded to gather for herself and the angel camping gear. Once she found the large tan packs she had made a few years back for an Indiana Jones Halloween costume she began filling them with everything she thought an adventure like this might need.

When Sara came back into the living room she handed Gabriel one of the packs and smiled, “there are some extra shirts and pants in there as well as supplies. Lets’ get going huh.”

Gabriel flashed a pearly white grin, “it’s always good to be prepared. Once outside I should be able to sense the direction the orb was taken more accurately.” He walked to the door and held it open for Sara.

Sara grabbed a cluttered key ring hanging off of a hook by the door before going out. Gabriel shut the door and went to stand in the middle of the front yard and again closed his eyes and stood perfectly still. Sara thought he looked like a statue, a very handsome statue, realizing she was staring Sara quickly went around to the garage on the side of the house. Inside the garage amongst all the empty paint cans and gardening tools sat a dust covered mini coop. It had once been all blue, but now had two bright orange doors, and a forest green trunk. Sara stood by the driver’s side door grumbling as she went through the many keys on the key ring in search of the car keys. 

Once she finally found the key Sara tossed her bag into the back seat and got in. the car was smaller than she remembered, but it was all she had, “unless Gabriel was interested in riding the pair of vespa's she had gotten for her last birthday” she idly thought before starting the car and driving it out of the garage. They were tucked away somewhere in the garage as well.

When Gabriel saw the tinny car he laughed, “You’ve got to be joking. How do you expect me,” he gestured to all of himself, “to fit in that toy car?”

Sara rolled her eyes, “it’s not that small. It’s really quite roomy in here, besides there isn’t enough time to find anything else, it there?”

Gabriel sighed and grumbled as he put his bag in the back and then began to squeeze himself into the front passenger seat. Sara tried very hard not to laugh at the sight of Gabriel with his knees practically to his chest and his chin resting on them. Gabriel glowered at her when a small giggle managed to escape the hand she had placed over her mouth. As they went down the driveway to the road Gabriel managed to point, “We will want to go northwest.”

Sara smiled, “northwest got it.” She looked in the direction he pointed, “Hey, that’s towards Galway. Maybe the thief will be easy to find.” Sara began to play with the knobs on the radio as she turned the car right onto the road. “Oh, I love this song!” she began swaying in her seat as she sang along to Because We Want To at the top of her lungs.

It was now Gabriel’s turn to try and not laugh as he watched her out of the corner of his eye. “Humans could be so odd at times. Then again maybe that is why He loved them so much.” He thought as they headed towards the unknown. After the third song Gabriel decided to join in, singing completely off key.

Sara laughed and grinned, “I thought angels were supposed to have heavenly voices.”

Gabriel did his best to shrug his shoulders, “I guess that is why I am a warrior angel instead.” Sara nodded in agreement.

Gabriel marveled at the scenery as they drove. Seeing it up close instead of from far above was very different. He was slightly disappointed as all the brown and yellow withering grass was soon replaced with buildings. “Welcome to Galway.” 

After driving down Sheri’ lane Sara turned into the parking lot of a small hotel called The Bloomin` Union. “It may not look like much, but it’s cheap and we won’t have to worry about pests.”

Sara got out of the car with an ease that Gabriel envied and walked to the front office to get a room. After Gabriel managed to get out of the car he grabbed both bags and followed Sara.His long muscular legs took him to the front door in quick easy strides “Ok, we got one room with two beds. We can put our things in the room then look around for the orb. Galway is much smaller than it had been years ago. Ever since that plague in 2030 the population world wide seems smaller, so it shouldn’t take too long to find this person. Ooh, do you think we’ll get to interrogate people like they do in the movies, because that could be fun.” She grinned excitedly as she reached for her bag, “thanks.” and turned to lead him to their room.

Gabriel shook his head glaring at the mini coop while he waited for Sara to open the hotel room door, “the first thing we are doing is getting a different car. I will not continue to cram myself in that atrocity.” 

Sara blushed, a little hurt at his tone “hey, it’s all I had. It’s not like I went to the car lot and said hmm, I think I’ll take that tiny car there because a giant avenging angel is going to need me to drive him everywhere and it would be the perfect torture.” Sara glared at the door to their room, thinking it probably would have been a better idea to get separate rooms.

Gabriel looked down a little sheepishly before grumbling again, “I’m sorry. I should not take my discomfort and soreness out on you, but it is a tiny car.” He looked at her then “at least we did not have to walk.”

Sara shrugged and unlocked the door to room 11. “Yea, well we can go to the used car dealership and see what they have, but unless you’ve got a ton of cash we won’t be getting anything much better.” 

Sara stopped in the doorway of the room her eyes opening wide with surprise. The room was hideous. The walls were a faded salmon pink color, with several paintings of various breeds of fish hanging hazardously on each wall. The beds were nothing more than a couple of cots with thin maroon coverlets to keep the occupants warm. Gabriel moved around her and placed his bag on the bed closest to the door before going to have a look at the bathroom. Opening the door revealed a small bathroom the same color as the rest of the room with the addition of a seashell shower curtain to go with the fish paintings. He grimaced and looked over to Sara, “I thought you said the place wasn’t so bad? This room makes a man want to vomit.” 

Sara moved to place her bag on the other bed “well at least if you did up chuck it would easily match the rest of the décor.” Gabriel couldn’t help but laugh and nod in agreement. Shutting the bathroom door he went over to his bag and began going through its contents. Sara sat on the edge of her bed. “So, we still have a few hours before the sun sets. We can go to the local pubs and see what we can find.”

Gabriel nodded and pulled out yet another fancy shirt. “Did you really think it was necessary to pack so many of these shirts?” shoving the clothing and other items back into the bag he picked up the cord of thin wire and the carving knife that had been in the bag before turning to face Sara. 

“Each of the shirts I packed for you will fit and they’ll look great with your complexion and eye color.” Sara had emptied out her bag and picked up the hand cuffs and rope that she had put in her bag. Since her back was to him she did not see the wide eyed look Gabriel was giving the lingerie that was mixed with the other cloths that were now strewn across her bed. 

Get control of yourself, even if you haven’t been with a woman in over a millennium or two, you have work to do. Even though Gabriel continued to tell himself this as he quickly turned his back to Sara he couldn’t help the way his voice changed to a deeper tone, “we should leave for that pub now.” he quickly moved to the door, “I will wait for you outside.”

Sara looked up from putting her things back in her bag to watch Gabriel practically run out the door. Well that was odd she thought then shrugged, then again maybe he’s just being moody again. Sara finished putting her things away before going out the door. She locked the door and turned to Gabriel. He was staring at her oddly, but she ignored the look, smiled, and began walking across the parking lot towards the crosswalk. Gabriel quickly caught up with her and easily kept pace as they walked.

Even though Galway was a small city now, it had a used car dealership that did quite well for itself. Even from a few blocks away Gabriel couldn’t help but notice the place. All the buildings in Galway were painted earthy tones tans, light greens, and the occasional gray. The car dealership stood out all the more because it had been painted a bright orange color. 

“No wonder your car is so small and colorful.” Gabriel eyed the place certain they wouldn’t find a car to his liking. Sara and Gabriel went into the orange office building were three men and a woman relaxed behind desks waiting for their next customer. All four employees wore red and orange checkered three piece suites. Two of the men had dark hair were as the third man and the woman had blonde locks. 

The blonde man came over with a pleasant smile, “How may I help you? Would you like anything to drink, coffee or water? My name is Anthony.”

Sara shook her head as she said, “No thanks. My friend here wants to buy a car, something big enough that we may fit in it comfortably,” As they shook his hand. Gabriel easily stood two feet taller than the salesman. 

“It also has to be fast.” Gabriel quickly put in as they left the office to look around the parking lot. 

Anthony smiled gesturing at all the cars they had, “I’m sure we can find something that will be perfect for you.” He began walking them to the back of the parking lot. “We don’t have many larger cars. I believe the biggest thing we have is a black Cadillac escalade.” 

Gabriel glanced at Sara for reassurance that this vehicle would be big enough. She smiled and nodded approval. “That will work perfectly.”

Anthony nodded, “here it is.” He presented Gabriel with a dark black square shaped four door vehicle that looks very spacious. Luckily it was all one color. 

Gabriel sighed and looked at Anthony very pleased. After a lengthy discussion Gabriel decided the escalade was the car for the job, “how much?”

Anthony smiled “well we are having a wonderful sale right now. You can drive off the lot with it for only £56,000.”

Sara smiled at Anthony, “Could you give me and my friend a minute to discuss this please.”

Anthony nodded easily, “of course, I’ll be in the office when you’re ready to sign the paper work.”

Sara looked to Gabriel, “how much money do you have? I’ve got about £400,000 in inheritance from my grann, we can us that if we need to.”

Gabriel shook his head, “nonsense we will get the car for free.” he strolled back to the office with a confident air. Sara staired after him in shock and disbelief. Then quickly caught up. 

Gabriel entered the office and found Anthony behind his desk. Sara stood back and watched as Gabriel didn't bother sitting down he stood infront of the desk, looked Anthony dead in the eye and spoke in a quiet but commanding tone. Sara couldn't make out the words, but could tell by Anthony's face that he was happy to help. 

Within minutes all paperwork was signed and sara and Gabriel drove the new Cadillac back to the hotel. They decided it would be best to walk to the pubs than drive since everything was only a short distance from the hotel anyway.

Once they got back to the Bloomin` Onion Gabriel said, “We should go look for that thief now.”

Sara nodded as she parked and got out of the car, “I’ve been thinking about that. Maybe we should look into some pawn shops. The thief may not know what they have is valuable.”

He grumbled at the very thought then shook his head, “No, he will know what he has, for he was sent for it specifically.” 

Sara shrugged, “so there are four pubs in Galway. We can start at Malone’s Pub and see where the night leads us.”

“Very well, just remember to wear your necklace at all times.” He stared intensely into her eyes, “I don’t want to lose you.”

Sara couldn’t find her voice; his eyes were like deep gray storms washing over her in slow crashing waves of heat. A nearby car honked snapping Sara out of her thoughts and making her blush in complete embarrassment. “Right, let’s head over to Malone’s Pub then.” She quickly started walking.

Gabriel ran his left hand through his hair and gave a courteous nod to the man that had honked as he went by. The man sneered at Gabriel before speeding to the other end of the parking lot. Gabriel quickly moved to catch up with Sara as he watched where the man parked. He soon caught up to walk next to her, “So what was it like when you were here last?” Sara asked.

Gabriel snorted in amusement as he answered, “Things were certainly a lot different then.” He glanced at Sara before continuing. “I had been in Rome at the time. The men there were fierce warriors. I even had the chance to play in the coliseum. It was marvelous to see how good their best soldiers really were.” 

Sara grinned, “of course a warrior angel such as yourself would love a chance to show off your skills in an arena, all those adoring fans cheering you on.” They walked three more blocks before turning right and crossing the street. A two story green building stood in-between two smaller gray shops. The green building had the words Malone’s Pub scrolled in a fancy blue arch over the door. 

Gabriel stopped on the sidewalk in front of Malone’s “the orb is not in there.” He turned to go.

Sara took his hand, “but maybe the thief is. Let’s check.” Gabriel sighed, but not wanting to let go of Sara’s hand allowed her to lead him into the pub.

Malone’s was packed tonight due to the great band that only played on Thursday nights. Many heads turned to watch the new couple as they slowly made their way through the crowd towards the bar. The tall thin man standing behind the counter gave them a smile as he continued to serve the other patrons, “what can I get you?” he finally asked as he came to stand in front of them. 

Gabriel shook his head, but before he could say they didn’t need anything Sara spoke, “we’ll have a couple Moose beers.” Sara laughed flirtasously, took a seat, and began watching the people on the dance floor and band.

“Why and what did you order?” Gabriel asked with an arched brow. He relaxed immediately when Sara smiled at him, took a seat, and began watching the people on the dance floor. He leaned back in his chair and as he watched her he thought to himself she looks so beautiful when she laughs like that.

Sara looked over at him and replied, “Moose beer is a very popular drink in these parts. Don’t worry it doesn’t actually come from a moose and as for the why, I thought if we had a drink brought over we could ask the waitress a few questions. Can you sense if someone has been around or has touched the orb recently?”

Gabriel shook his head, “No, I can only sense the orb, but even that doesn’t work all the time.” He began looking around at the couples dancing to the fast beat song currently being played, and the groups of people still sitting at booths, and bars. “What would you suggest we do next? I can still sense the orb. It is at least in Galway still.”

Sara shrugged and took a drink of her lime green beer, “but for how long is the question.” They stayed at Malone’s for an hour looking for anyone who acted suspicious before going on to the next place, the Dancing Mountain, which didn’t bring up any leads either. It wasn’t until the third pub that Gabriel sensed something inside the Gypsies Pie, “It’s not the orb is it?” Sara asked slightly disappointed that the journey would end so soon.

He shook his head as they walked through the front doors. “No, but just as good.” His lips slowly turned up into what could only be described as a mischievous smile. It was his turn to take Sara by the hand and lead them into the pub. The Gypsies Pie was a stout faded blue building with a round red door and purple oval windows. It looked just like a gypsy’s wagon.

As they entered the pub a loud boast of laughter could be heard coming from the middle of a large group of people. Gabriel led Sara straight towards the group. In the middle of the throng stood a man that looked as if he had just stepped out of a Vikings fable. He was nearly seven feet tall with long curly sun-kissed blonde hair. His arms looked as if they could easily break a man in two, but it was when the would be Viking turned around that Sara saw the most frightening part of him. His eyes were a golden color like that of a loin or hawk, pure predator.

A large grin broke across his face revealing straight white teeth when his intense eyes locked on Gabriel, “well well what do we have here?”

Gabriel laughed and managed to get out “I did not expect to see you here Drake,” before he was punched in the jaw with a perfect right hook.

The hit seemed to only amuse Gabriel, but Sara was furious, how dare this brute hit her angel. “well, I’m not going to stand for that,” she grumbled under her breath before stepping forward, making her right hand into a tight fist and punched the Viking in the gut as hard as she could. He doubled over with a groan, looking at the petite woman who had sent his liver into his throat. “Oy, lass, what I ever do to you?”

Gabriel doubled over with laughter, “Sara, this is my good friend Drake. He meant no offence when he hit me.” He managed to get out in between bouts of laughter. As Drake straightened and joined Gabriel in laughter Sara continued to glare as she looked between the two obnoxious men.

She shook her head, “you’re both crazy,” was all she could say.

The man, Drake, put his arm around Gabriel’s shoulder, “come let us find a place to site and have a drink.” As they walked away the group of men and women that had been avidly listening to Drake’s tale dispersed to their own seats in the pub. Drake noticed Sara following them, “who’s your shella? Not bad lookin.” He laughed, “You remember Margie.” Drake led them to a small round table in the corner by the front door.

Gabriel shuddered at the mention of the woman, “Sara is a friend and I would rather forget Margie. I am glad to see you are here Drake, I need your help.”

Drake beamed eagerly, “that’s great, wait you mean you have a way for me to repay my debt, yes?”

Gabriel thought about this for a moment before nodding, “yes brother this is debt worthy. I am looking for someone. They have something that is very important to our Lord, the orb.”

Drake cursed and pushed his pint away, “so it’s true then. He’s making the attempt.”

“Have you heard any word of where the orb could be? This is Sara O’Neill, she’s Ginshauw’s descendent.” Gabriel gestured to Sara before taking the discarded drink for himself.

Drake looked her over with more appreciation, then nodded to Gabriel before telling them about the gossip he had drug up recently. Sara sat idly as the men talking wondering how her angel came to know a man like Drake. Your angel. Where did that thought come from. A small voice in her head wondered. Sara jumped slightly when someone touched her shoulder.

Sara blushed realizing it was Drake. He had asked her a question. “Sorry what did you say?”

Drake chuckled, “you’re blushing, thinking of me hmm.” He grinned when she turned a deeper shade of red.

Gabriel growled, “leave her be Drake. How far is your thief? Should we get the car?” Gabriel walked out the front door of the Gypsies Pie, forcing himself not to look back and glare at Drake even though he really wanted to.

Sara quickly found her voice and pretended as if she knew what they had been speaking about at the table, “we should get the car either way just in case we need to chase this thief or something.”

Drake nodded nudging Gabriel when he caught up with him, “smart and beautiful,” before taking the lead. 

Sara and Gabriel walked side by side in silence for the next couple blocks before Gabriel said, “Drake has always been caviler with women. I had thought he would have grown out of that, what with women being so independent these days.”

Sara smiled, “its fine, I know his comments are harmless. Even though he is a bit imposing I would still feel safe.” She took Gabriel’s hand. He smiled intertwining their fingers before calling to Drake. “Unless you know where we are staying you should let us lead the way.”

Once back at the hotel Drake looked around, “so, what ones yours?”

Sara grinned and pointed, “it's the one that looks like we could be SII.” She said with a dramatic gesture and walked up to the driver’s side of the Cadillac.

“Even if it's the most comfortable car in the world I won't be associated with that berocratic nonsense.” Drake looked at the car as if it might be the worst car they could have picked.

Gabriel laughed as he led them to their room. “You should have seen the first car we were driving. It was a toy and none of the doors matched in color. Since it’s the only car available to us at the time you can simply lie down in the back if you’d prefer.”

Drake rolled his eyes and followed Sara and Gabriel into their room. “Oh my God, this is hideous. Do you like torturing yourselves?” He leaned against the wall watching as Sara and Gabriel packed. “Oh, after we get your car we can stop at my place for a few things, and then head out.” Drake said with a smile.

“We should also fill it up while we’re at it.” Gabriel agreed with a nod.

Sara looked at him with a confused expression for a moment, then realizing what he meant she smiled and shook her head, “gasoline has been obsolete since late 2013. What with the economy the way it was and the fact that some genius scientists were able to prove that if we didn’t do something soon the ozone was going to literally disintegrate within five years the whole world made gasoline illegal. If you could trade in your old gasser you would get a new vehicle for free. If you didn’t have a car to trade then you either had to continue with public transportation, which is all electric now too, or buy a car.”

Gabriel was impressed, “well, that would have been a good idea even if the ozone was fine and its one more thing we don’t have to worry about.” Sara nodded in agreement.

Sara made sure everything was in her bag before picking it up. Gabriel took his bag in hand and looked to Drake, “I call shotgun. Will you be going with us the whole way or just until we get to where this thief is?” Gabriel walked up to Sara and gently took her bag, “I’ll put these in the car while you return the room key.” She smiled, gratefully handing over her bag and headed out of the room to go to the hotel office.

Drake grinned, “I’ll be going as far as you Gabe.” He raised an eyebrow, “carrying bags now. When did you become such a chivalrous knight?”

Gabriel sighed and shoved the bags into Drakes arms making him grunt slightly, “I’ve always been thoughtful to ladies feelings. You’re the one that doesn’t think of the small things.” As they moved across the parking lot towards their car Drake chuckled. Gabriel opened the trunk for Drake to put the bags in.

Drake groaned as he opened the back passenger door, “I have a reputation to uphold, I better not be seen in this.”

Gabriel grinned and turned in the front passenger seat to look at Drake, “I’m sure you’re not complaining, after all, our next cohort could be a lush blonde beauty.”

They were both laughing when Sara got into the drivers seat. As she got into the car Drake watched as Gabriel’s attention become almost completely focused on Sara as she buckled up and started the engine. “So, tell us about this thief. How do you know her?” she asked as she pulled out of the parking lot. 

“Well, I met Cyla in a,” he paused and cleared his throat, “a gentlemen’s club. She’s a waitress there. At least she was for that particular hyste.” A slow smile spread across his full lips as he thought of the thief. “I haven’t seen her in over a year.”

Hearing the tone in his voice Sara glanced in the rearview mirror, “if you have a thing for her why haven’t you seen her in so long?”

Drake winked at Sara before being thrown forward, his seatbelt kept him from getting to know the back of Gabriel’s seat intimately. Sara had had to slam on the brakes due to looking at Drake instead of the slowing traffic in front of her. Drake grunted as he straightened himself, “I know I look great, but why don’t we keep your eyes on the road in front of you from now on.” He grinned, “and I was about to say, a man such as myself shouldn’t deprive all those lovely ladies out there just because I fancy one a bit more.”

Gabriel laughed as he tried to get more comfortable in his seat, “and when this thief decides she wants to settle down you’ll have lost your only chance at happiness.” The traffic began moving again once the light turned green.

Drake ignored Gabriel’s comment and directed them three blocks on the right to a small flat that looked as if it tended to leak during rainy days. “I’ll be right back.” He said and ran to the front door. 

As they waited for Drake Sara turned in her seat to look at Gabriel. “So where did the two of you meet again?”

Gabriel chuckled, “it was in the 13th century sometime. Drake was the son of some Norseman named Borrac. Borrac was the leader of a large group of Vikings and expected Drake to follow in his footsteps one day, but that wasn’t what Drake wanted. I had just arrived on earth at that time and was walking through a very dense forest. I ended up falling into a large hole that had been covered with leaves and branches. It turned out that the trap had been one of Drakes. He came along ten hours later to find me in the blasted thing instead of a deer or something else to eat.

After convincing him I wasn’t an enemy, which took longer than I would have expected, he helped me out. I couldn’t get rid of him after that, but we got along perfectly and it turned out he knew how to reach my destination, so we’ve been friends ever since.”

Sara was impressed and confussed, “but how on earth is he still alive? I mean is he not human or something?” she gasped in excitement, “is he an alien? Is there life on other planets?” 

Gabriel laughed and shook his head, “no, it’s nothing like that. Yes there are other planets that do and can obtain life. When Drake was helping me he ended up saving my life, but at a price. Back in that time there was this very rare plant called the ‘Nariu, these tribesman used to use the plant to make ink for their tribal tattoos. Drake had the choice to accept a very special tattoo and become one of their tribesmen or watch me die.”

“So he got the tattoo. What’s so special about that?” Sara asked in vast interest.

Gabriel grinned, “Now you can’t tell anyone that you know this, and don’t tell him you know. The tattoo gives him the ability to communicate with various kinds of animals, not all animals, but some. It also changed how he ages; it will take over a century for him to look as if he has aged one year.”

Wow,” Sara said in wonder.

Five minutes later Drake came sauntering out of his house to put his bag in the trunk with theirs and got back in the car. “Ok, let’s go.”