The Broken Window Part 6

"May I ask about him?" Harken inquired.

"I guess."

"What kinds of things did Adin say to you?"

She needed to think that over. It wasn't so much that she didn't remember what the fallen angel had told her; it was embarra.s.sing to admit that she'd believed him. Adin had seemed so perfect. Very reluctantly, she confessed, "He said I was special, chosen by G.o.d."

"Arguably true." Harken nodded encouragingly. "What else?"

Prissie fiddled with her skirt, pleating the fabric between her fingers. "He talked about Ephron ... and Ransom ... and he asked questions I couldn't answer."

"Like?"

"Like ... why doesn't G.o.d hurry up and tell you where Ephron is? And why am I letting Ransom take my place next to Dad? And he asked me which of my brothers is my favorite."

Harken's expression grew solemn. "Did he, now?"

To Prissie's surprise, Koji grabbed her hand, pulling it into both of his own. "Adin stirred doubts, planted seeds of contention, and sought to divide Prissie from those who love her. I am grateful to G.o.d that we are Sent to her defense."

She didn't miss the subtle emphasis. "Who's been Sent? You two?"

"The whole Flight," Harken replied. "We're supporting Tamaes, which means looking out for you. Now! If you'll excuse me, I have a store to mind."

"Oh! Of course," she exclaimed, feeling bad for taking up his time. Prissie could see why her father had confided in Harken when he was her age. "Thank you for listening."

"Any time," he replied, making his reply a promise. "And stay as long as you like."

Since she wasn't in a hurry to go back out into the cold, Prissie basked in the warm light filling the forest clearing. As she'd once guessed, watching angels spar was much more interesting than football, but this wasn't just for sport. These two were cherubim, whose job it was to keep the Fallen at bay. Marcus was obviously young, but he was learning what he needed from his mentor. He was growing stronger through practice so that he could protect people like her.

A quick glance confirmed that Koji was avidly following every move, so she asked, "Do you understand what's going on?"

"Indeed."

"Could you use a sword, then?" she asked curiously.

"I have neither the strength nor the skill," he replied seriously. "And I am ill-equipped to defend myself." Marcus was blocking Jedrick's blows with his sword, and as she had noted once before, neither of them used any kind of shield. Just then, something happened that made Prissie lean forward. "What was that?" she whispered.

"Watch closely. They are sure to demonstrate again."

Sure enough, after a short interval, Marcus went on the offensive, swiftly launching himself at his mentor with sword upraised. Instead of bringing up his weapon, Jedrick's wings flashed forward, and to her amazement, they deflected the blow. "His wings!" she exclaimed. "He used his wings!"

"An angel's wings are a strong defense, shielding from blows of friend or foe," Koji recited. "They can also become a shelter from wind and weather, or a quiet place for healing and rest."

As she watched, the tables turned, and this time, Marcus's wings came around, the edges blending together in a seamless arc of light. "I never would have guessed," she murmured.

The Protector's lesson had already ranged from midair to a ground battle. Without warning, it changed again, and both angels were on the move. Prissie's jaw dropped as she twisted to follow the action. "What in the world ...!" she exclaimed. Jedrick and Marcus still crossed blades, but in a crazy rush as they wove in and out between trees. Their heavy boots thudded over the gra.s.s, and they added tight wingbeats for bursts of speed. All the commotion shook leaves loose from the trees, and Marcus caused the slender trunk of a young sapling to bow by using it to change directions without slacking his pace. "Is this really training, or are they just showing off?"

Koji's gaze was solemn. "The enemy does not fight in an orderly manner. They ambush the unwary, give chase over great distances, and use any means possible to inflict pain upon their prey. Improvisation is often required to avoid grievous injury or capture."

To her, it looked like a playful game of chase, and she enjoyed watching in spite of the underlying purpose of their pell-mell blitz through the forest. Jedrick's attacks grew more ingenious, but Marcus seemed good at evasion, and before she knew it, Prissie was rooting for her cla.s.smate. "He's doing well, isn't he?"

"He is doing all he can," Koji agreed.

Finally, Jedrick called an end to the lesson and strolled over to where Prissie and Koji sat. After a moment's consideration, he chose a seat on the gra.s.s in front of the two, placing his sword within easy reach behind his back. Koji quickly crawled over to sit at the big warrior's side and was greeted by a gentle inquiry. "How have you been faring, my young Graft?"

Marcus also laid aside his weapon and dropped unceremoniously onto the gra.s.s. His wings were already hidden away, but when Prissie stole a glance in his direction, his eyes were still a vibrant shade of gold. He smirked in a friendly sort of way, but his attention went right back to Jedrick, who was asking Koji about recent additions to his responsibilities. The more they talked, the more Prissie realized that the big Protector genuinely cared about her friend. If this was Koji's family, then as captain, Jedrick was sort of like a father, making Marcus an older brother. It made sense to her, like how Jedrick teased Baird, and the way everyone in the Flight came together to support Tamaes.

"Prissie Pomeroy," the big Protector said slowly.

With a start, she wondered if he'd said her name more than once, for his eyes held a spark of amus.e.m.e.nt. Feeling foolish, she mumbled, "Pardon?"

"You are welcome to join us," Jedrick invited.

At first, Prissie wasn't sure what he was talking about, but she should have known. Somehow with angels, everything always ended up in song. She thanked him awkwardly. "You go on without me. I like to listen."

With a nod, Jedrick began to hum, and his two young teammates tuned their voices to his. The melody was simple, and the harmony was sublime. Marcus threw back his head and sang with unabashed enthusiasm, adolescence adding huskiness to his tones. Koji's voice was as clear and sweet as ever, and Prissie's heart swelled with an odd mix of pride and joy.

Now that the battle had ended, the yahavim flitted out from hiding. Prissie played with the little manna-makers while the trio of angels offered thanks and praise, and she was thrilled when the tiny angels added a melodious thrum to the chorus. Prissie found herself humming a few s.n.a.t.c.hes every now and then, even though she didn't know the melody. She wasn't as talented as her companions, but she was glad. And the gladness just sort of spilled over. No one seemed to mind.

6.

THE GIVING.

SEASON.

Milo stretched his long legs and took in the view from atop the Pomeroys' barn while he waited for his teammate to rouse. The sun was just beginning to lighten the eastern horizon, but his shift at the post office didn't start for another hour or so. There was time enough for patience. Finally, Tamaes stirred, and the Messenger greeted him. "Good morning, sleepyhead. Pleasant dreams?"

The Guardian rolled to a sitting position and accepted the box of manna Milo proffered. "Ephron is the one who waits to be found, but I am the one who feels lost."

"Couldn't find him?"

Tamaes shook his head and gazed toward the rising sun. "Perhaps today will be the day."

"Amen," Milo agreed.

The mall parking lot was packed since there were only sixteen shopping days left until Christmas. Grandma Nell circled the lots while Grammie Esme sat tall, eyes alert for any sign of an opening. The latter whooped in triumph when they found a spot, then peered over her gla.s.ses at the young Observer in the back seat. "This is your first Christmas in the States, isn't it, Koji?"

"Indeed."

"Then you're in for a treat," she promised. "This is sure to put you in the holiday spirit! Isn't that right, Prissie?"

"Yes," she cheerfully confirmed. Grammie Esme had begged for a girls' day out, and Prissie had leapt at the chance ... and successfully pleaded for them to include Koji in the shopping adventure. "It's so much fun!"

They hurried to the big mall entrance, where the automatic doors opened with a whoosh of warm, peppermint-and-pine-scented air. Inside, they were met by the hubbub of voices, and a subdued jingle of seasonal music played somewhere overhead. Koji drifted to a stop, his eyes darting in every direction, for there was a lot to see. Grandma Nell checked her watch. "Do you want to meet up in the food court in a couple hours? You can show him around, and then we'll take a break to grab a bite."

Prissie glanced at her friend, but the young Observer was too busy studying an oversized set of silver bells to offer an opinion. "Two hours, food court," she briskly confirmed. As her grandmothers bustled in the direction of one of the large department stores, Koji wandered closer to the gla.s.s wall that rimmed the second level's walkway. She followed, but only partway. He might be willing to lean out over the edge to admire the view of the skylights up above, but she wasn't going anywhere near that dizzying drop to the lower level. "What do you think?" she asked, raising her voice to be heard over the din.

Dark eyes flashed her way. "It is interesting," he replied. "There is light and color and even music."

"All good things!" she exclaimed, smiling happily over the festive feel in the air.

As Koji rejoined her, his fingers touched the back of her hand. Eyes on the crowds, he quietly said, "I do not wish to become separated."

She glanced around, wondering if anyone would notice or even care, then sighed. Did it matter what any of these strangers thought? She didn't want to become separated any more than he did. "We'll hold hands when it's busy."

"Thank you, Prissie," he accepted, fitting his fingers between hers and holding on tight.

"Are you nervous?" she asked curiously.

He shook his head. "There is so much to see, I believe I will become distracted. However, I do not wish to behave irresponsibly. My place is with you."

She smiled at his earnest admission. "We can walk slowly. I like seeing the decorations too, so it's no problem."

"Thank you," he repeated.

They strolled along, looking in huge windows plastered with ads for holiday discounts and gift ideas, which got her thinking. How did one decide what to give an angel for Christmas? The list of people she wanted to do something special for had expanded considerably this year. "What do you think Harken might like for Christmas?" she quizzed.

Koji shook his head. "I cannot say because I do not know."

"What about Tamaes? Or Baird?"

"There is nothing we need that G.o.d does not provide."

Prissie stubbornly argued, "But it's Christmas!"

"On that day, as any other day, our desires are the same."

"But I want to be able to give you a present!" she pressed.

Dark eyes blinked. "Me?"

"Obviously!" she grumbled. "You and just about everyone else in your Flight!"

Koji only shook his head in amazement. "We expect nothing."

"That's fine," she said briskly, eyeing a display of baubles on one of the many kiosks they pa.s.sed. "Sometimes the nicest presents come as a surprise. They need to be perfect, though."

"Why do you insist on giving us presents?" he inquired curiously.

"Because ... because the wise men brought presents to baby Jesus!" she replied with a triumphant smile. He couldn't possibly argue with that.

Tipping his head to one side, the young angel asked, "Will you commemorate all other aspects of the events surrounding the birth of the Son of G.o.d?"

"Like what?"

"There was song," he replied, a hopeful light sparkling in his eyes. "Much song."

"Were you there?"

"No, that was before I was formed. But Harken told me about it. He was there."

"He was?" Prissie asked in amazement.

"Yes. He has told about many of the things he saw and learned while he was an apprentice," Koji explained. "It is good practice for me. Many of the records I make for Shimron have been tales of Harken's telling. His stories are vivid."

"Is that so?" she mused, pausing to admire a display of brightly painted nutcrackers. "It's hard to picture Harken being our age, but I suppose he must have been."

"Indeed." Koji leaned down to peer at the scene of a tiny village inside a snow globe. "He loves parables so much because he heard them firsthand."

"He knew Jesus?"

"Every angel knows Him," Koji said. "But, yes. Harken's mentor was close to the Redeemer while He walked the earth."

"Was he his Guardian or something? No, wait," she interrupted herself. "His mentor would have to be a Messenger too."

"That is correct," the young angel replied. "Harken's mentor was Gabriel."

Prissie was stumped. Scarves, hats, and gloves were pointless for an angel who didn't feel the cold. Plus, there wasn't a store in the world that carried clothes big enough for giant warriors like Taweel and Jedrick. And it seemed silly to get Harken a book when he owned an entire store full of them. "I wonder if there's any instrument that Kester doesn't have?"

"I do not know. Should I ask?" Koji offered.

"No, that would spoil the surprise." She frowned thoughtfully, then sighed. "I don't know what to get anyone! Maybe I could just bake for them again? But ... that might not be special enough."

As she rambled, Koji listened with a thoughtful expression on his face, but he offered no solutions. Finally, she huffed and glanced at her watch. "I guess it'll have to wait. Something will come to me. Let's go! We only have an hour left, and I want to start looking for my ornament."

Koji had followed her in and out of some of the smaller shops, never complaining like her brothers might have. He seemed just as interested in the items lining the shelves as he was in the people perusing them. As she steered him toward one of the big stores anchoring the end of the mall, he asked, "Ornament? Are you seeking some form of adornment?"

"I think the word you're looking for is accessory, but no," she replied. "I'm talking about tree ornaments."

"Your brothers have spoken extensively about your family's Christmas traditions," Koji noted, reaching for her hand as they joined the throng of shoppers entering the department store. "I am to be afforded a sock of my own."