single mum would work that hard.’
‘I didn’t think she had kids,’ replied Verin.
‘These Halls have existed for almost as long as we have,’ Sophie told the students, ‘and it is within these walls that you shall learn about everything from the Rift to the Mortal realm as it is today.’
In Perdition, the Rift and the reasons for it had been a closely guarded secret. Kaarl had been given a brief explanation before Lucifer had sent him to Earth but he was under no illusions; most of the things the Light Bearer had told him were probably lies. Learning about the Rift, the war that had seen his parents cast from Paradise, from a more reliable source would be interesting.
‘If you wish to help Paradise and the Mortals then what you learn in this place will be essential,’ said Sophie. ‘There is a fine line between guidance and manipulation, a line that can blur depending on the situation you find yourself in. You will need a solid foundation to recognise the difference between the two and act with integrity.’
‘Been there, done that,’ said Verin.
‘During the next three years we will observe your progress closely. Your learning plans have been individually tailored, focusing on areas we feel you need guidance in. If, after your final exams, we feel you are not ready to represent our realm on Earth you will be forbidden to put a foot down there until you can prove yourself suitable.’
‘You didn’t tell us that,’ hissed Verin.
Kaarl shook his head in disbelief.
‘I didn’t know.’
Kaarl struggled to focus on the rest of Sophie’s speech. No matter how slim it was, there was a chance that he would be banned from returning to the Mortal realm. Paradise may have been his new realm but as far as Kaarl was concerned Earth was his home. He had worked hard to get there and even harder to stay. Kaarl had been under the impression that Angels could come and go as they pleased between Paradise and the Mortal realm. He had even used it as a selling point when convincing the twins to join him in his defection.
‘You said we could live in either realm,’ said Vetis.
‘That’s what I thought,’ replied Kaarl. ‘I mean, everything I was told –’
‘Enough,’ said Verin, cutting him off. ‘Don’t get us wrong, Paradise is OK but if we have to spend all of our time up here we will go nuts. We need Earth; it has just enough grime so we don’t lose the plot and go on a rampage.’
‘I’ll sort it out,’ Kaarl promised.
As the applause for Sophie’s speech tapered off Kaarl launched himself up and headed towards the stage.
‘I thought you would want to see me,’ Sophie said as he landed.
‘And I’m sure you know why.’
The Angel of Wisdom politely waved away a few other students as they approached.
‘We make allowances for essential travel and your task in the Mortals’ realm definitely qualifies,’ said Sophie. ‘You will need supervision but we have given that role to Gabriel so it is not a major change. The only difference is that you cannot live there; when you are not working you will need to be here. Until your studies are completed of course.
‘I was under the impression that when we joined you both realms would be open to us. I told Verin and Vetis as much when I asked them to come with me.’
‘That was not the reason you chose to embrace our cause,’ replied Sophie.
‘No it wasn’t; you showed me what I was doing in a different light and I knew it was wrong. Verin and Vetis saw that as well but freedom was a big factor in their decision to join me. They like it here but they need the chance to cut loose now and then. It’s just not in them to stay cooped up in Paradise.’
‘I am sure the twins will do everything in their power to pass their tests,’ replied Sophie, ‘and when they have done so they may come and go as they wish. I know these new restrictions will be difficult to adjust to but it should be enough to keep them happy. If worse comes to worst they’ll just have to re-sit. It is not like the door will be forever closed to them.’
‘It still feels like we were lied to,’ said Kaarl, crossing his arms. ‘Well, like I was lied to and I passed it on.’
‘It is true that you are free to move between realms, after you pass the tests.’
‘That’s a pretty important detail that was either left out or glossed over.’
‘I have every faith that all three of you will pass the first time around,’ replied Sophie, ‘so it is not that important. There was no attempt to mislead you, Kaarl; this has been our way since Paradise’s first dealings with the Mortals.’
‘That would have been a good thing to know before today.’
‘Would it have affected your decision to join us?’ asked Sophie.
‘No, but it would have been nice to have the full story. It was a big shock finding out like this.’
Sophie’s finger made a faint clinking sound as she tapped her chin.
‘I can offer to tutor the three of you personally if you are struggling,’ she said after a moment. ‘The fact you were born in Lucifer’s realm should be taken into account and compensated for.’
‘That seems fair,’ said Kaarl. ‘Verin and Vetis will probably still complain but it should go some way to smoothing this over.’
‘It will have to do for now,’ the Angel of Wisdom told him. ‘Sorry to rush you off but there are others waiting to see me and I have a lot to do today. If I think of anything else that we should have explained to you in detail I’ll let you know.’
‘That would be nice,’ said Kaarl, flaring his wings and rising up. ‘I’d better go find the twins before they break something.’
One of the benefits of Verin and Vetis’ unusual colouring was that they were easy to spot from above. The sisters were talking to three Angels as Kaarl swooped in beside them. The apparent leader of the girls was stunning; long-legged with skin of polished silver that glittered in the sun.
‘Listen,’ said Verin to the silver Angel. ‘I don’t know who you are or what your problem is but–’
Her sister pulled her aside and whispered in her ear.
‘Oh, you’re that Sasha. You got your boyfriend back when I was done with him so I don’t see what the big deal is. Get over it.’
‘I don’t think you realise who you’re messing with,’ replied Sasha, her delicate hands balling up into fists.
Verin stepped forward and smiled.
‘It’s you that should be careful,’ she told the girl. ‘I was born in Hell, I count Lucifer, Light Bearer and Son of the Morning, amongst my close, personal enemies and I’ve seen Million Dollar Baby like six times. Unless you really like hospital food I’d leave if I were you.’
Sasha
