IMPRISONMENT

Prologue:

In the Beginning, God created the Heavens and the Earth... God made man in their image and likeness. God created the Angels and Archangels. God created Three Archangels, The Archangel of War named Michael, The Archangel of Messengers named Gabriel and Last the Archangel of Praise and Worship named Lucifer.

Out of the Archangels, God placed pride and lust into Lucifer’s heart, as he gave glory to God. He felt a sure and strong foundation toward God. He didn’t want to just sit worshipping and glorifying God. He wanted to be ‘God.’

Having everything to his heart’s desire and everyone would bow their knees and worship him as a god.

One day, Lucifer approached the throne of Heaven.

"Oh Holy, Most High God of Heaven and Earth. Why do you sit here looking down on your beloved children? While we angels glorify you day and night?"

"Do I detect defiance in you, Lucifer, Great Morning star."

"What ever do you mean, Oh Great Glorious God?"

"Are you prideful of my Glory and my Holiness?"

"No, Sir." Lucifer lied. "Not at All."

"So Lucifer, You want to be god?"

"No, Sir." he lied once again.

God knew all things, even Lucifer’s hard heart. God began to get upset with him and spoke, "Lucifer, Oh Morning Star, Have not I given you everything. You are Worship leader to my Angels who stand glorifying My name. You are a light around My throne."

Lucifer in a displeasing manner broke, revealing the truth "Yes Lord, I want to be god. I want to be Most High above, not just all of the angels, but the humans as well and I want to be GOD!" He grinned evilly.

"Lucifer! You are full of pride, lust, and hatred. My kingdom shall not have such acts of evil. This place is pure and Holy, as I am Holy. This place is a light for my children."

"Be Gone, Your presence is no longer needed, you and your kind will wander the earth until your life will be no more." God paused one moment; "Oh Lucifer, if you want to be god, be god on earth, but not here!" said God raising his hand outward; Heaven’s gates opened.

"No!" yelled Lucifer as he fell to earth like lightning.

Jesus watched his Father send him.

~|------

Lucifer was bruised and battered and his presence was dim and musky as he stood and looked toward Heaven, yelling, "One day, I will be god!"

Many of his angels followed him in his rebellious cry.

Lucifer’s first act on earth was to bring sin into God’s people’s hearts. Temptation came from him and through temptation he told a serpent, ‘The fruit from the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil will not kill you, but make God’s children wise to know God’s plans’.

Lucifer waited, while the snake, sneaky and cunning, told Eve the lie. She was tempted and ate of the fruit, then gave some to Adam.

"Mankind has fallen to a lie." He laughed as he and his angels left the garden. For he knew somehow God would find out, just as God found the lie in his heart.

Later the snake approached saying. "You lied!"

"Of Course." Lucifer lied. "I am a god, God cursed you, you will follow me and I will make you a god one day."

"Really…" hissed the snake.

"Yes." Lucifer began. "In days to come, you will be a great monster, powerful and with breath of fire. You will be the great Snake that walked the earth."

"Thanks."

Later God came to Lucifer on earth. "Lucifer, Oh morning star. You are no longer worthy of your Heavenly name. You are now called ‘Satan, the opposed’. You will deceive my children for years, but you will be cast away and they will have authority over you one day…I promise you this."

"Authority over a god." Satan laughed.

Satan watched over the earth as his followers, the fallen angels, tormented human souls and deceived them into believing that which was wrong, was right. After the flood, he knew the snake would be killed and would live as a spirit being.

The fallen angels who rebelled against God were called ‘demons.’

Satan was lord over the demons of anger, fear, strife, death, lust, pride, and greed.

The snake, now a demon, approached Satan again.

God gave Satan power to overcome anything God’s children would possibly accomplish and he also had the keys of Heaven.

With his demonic power, He turned the snake into a black shadow dragon and he wandered the earth turning the people’s lives into darkness, away from God’s light. This second in command was named Mephisto, The demon of darkness.

Satan was named throughout the Bible as the Angel of Light and great deceiver of mankind.

Satan was defeated when Jesus, ‘the Word of God’ came as a man. He tried to tempt Jesus, but he wasn’t tempted. The battle of good and evil began when Jesus’ blood defeated Satan on the cross of Calvary.

Satan since that time waited for the day, when he could strike back at God’s children in revenge. He hated God’s children and tempted them into believing the Bible was a lie, their past was important, and their sins didn’t matter. He was a god and enjoyed the look on their faces.

~|-------

THE DOOR opened; the room was dusty and full of cobwebs. They lined the room’s four corners with vials of dead animals, things only a witch would have. They sat organized on the shelves. A cauldron sat in middle of the room. The big boiling stick stuck out of it and the room smelled like rotten eggs. A green light from the floor was dimly luminous.

A man, wearing silver armor with golden shoulders entered the room. He had a mustache down to his chin. Judging by the way he looked, he was a General in the army of some sort and proud of it. He was the guard of the musketeers in Paris France in the 17^th Century. He came in head up and bold, selfishly maintained, and he loved the sight of rotten flesh.

An old hag, about four feet tall stooped in the center of the room. She had gray hair and a cane to stroll around. She looked crippled and could barely walk. She looked into the man’s face and said. "Jean-Paul Borjour, sir."

"Yes, My good woman."

"What brings you to my underground lair?"

"Power, wealth and my heart’s desire."

"Heart’s desire?"

Jean-Paul grew up in Turkey then moved to Spain, where he fell in love and married a Spanish woman. They began fighting and nagging each other, so he left and moved to Paris where he wanted to rule France for himself. He first set out to take the largest city, which was named ‘Bourge’. He masterminded a way to kill everyone and slowly take over as many other cities around Bourge, as he could, including Paris. He did everything as ‘Captain of the Musketeers’ to lead a rebellion against the King and Queen, but someone or something stood between him and his pride. It was God and God’s servant, Ciel-Remi."

In a short period of time, Ciel-Remi became a troubadour, his heart’s desire. He had a dream to bring France back to freedom. Jean-Paul wasn’t going to let this happen. He needed a spell bound with powerful influence and came to seek it.

"What is amiss?" The witch asked.

"Ciel-Remi Lebejioux."

The witch walked over and spilled some bat’s blood onto a glass plate. She studied the dish saying. "Son of a Lord and Lady inside a Place destroyed, Banished from Paris to Bourge. A powerful force will bury him."

"Yes." Jean-Paul commanded. "Go on."

"Demon of Darkness awaits to open a forbidden portal---"

She screamed and dropped the glass plate on the ground, it shattered.

Jean-Paul wanted to help her, but she was frightened away. "No! Darkness will kill."

"Mephisto, Demon of Darkness will return to kill those who oppose me. I must have this power!"

"No!" She angrily yelled. She walked over to her Spell Book. She carefully turned to the page labeled ‘Legend of Darkness’. "Do you know who Mephisto is, Sir Jean-Paul?" She asked.

"No ma’am, I only know he is Satan’s right hand man."

"The Legend of Darkness, Mephisto, Demon of Darkness is a Shadow Dragon, born from the power by Satan after tempting Eve in the Garden of Eden. The Snake died in the great Flood and was given the power of ten men by Satan. He seeks to destroy and kill God’s army to bring revenge for his murder by God. The Old Reptile can imprison mankind’s soul for a servant willing to join his ultimate plan."

"The Power of Mephisto and his minions can destroy cities or towns. His power is to be a god and God’s nemesis. The Demon of Darkness will one day stand at Satan’s side and rule with him as the false prophet."

Suddenly without quoting anything further, the green light shut off, a glow surrounded Jean-Paul. The book was thrown to the ground and a demon the height a human’s fantasy dragon stood in front of him. It circled around him. He was scared. "Human! Do you wish to join my adventure, you have the soul of a servant and willing to take over and oppose those called ‘God’s chosen’."

The witch was frightened, she approached him saying, "No, Sir! You cannot, death will be yours. Serve him; you serve the devil himself---" before another word could be spoken, the dragon yelled. "Quiet, Human! Your service is no longer needed." It swiped with one hand. The witch was torn in half and thrown against the shelves. The shelves broke causing some of the vials to shatter, her body landed on the ground. She lay in a pool of blood.

Jean-Paul was afraid and asked slowly. "Is it true? Are you the tempter of Eve, the daughter of God?"

The dragon looked into his eyes. Jean-Paul was too scared to offend the beast; it spoke, "Yes Human. You have seen my power and strength. Do you wish to join me as I strike back at God?"

Jean-Paul remained silent.

"Or do you want to die like the witch before you."

"I will join you, Mephisto! You have control over my body…what women you sleep with and whatever you do, you have free reign. You have the same goals in destroying mankind and conquering this land."

Suddenly an earthquake came causing the shelves to break and the rest of vials to shatter; Mephisto entered through the mouth. Jean-Paul reeled in pain. Once imprisoned, the room stood still. The only thing he could see was the broken shelves, shattered vials, and the witch’s body.

"Finally! The World will be my Masters!" He yelled, looking at the cauldron. "Arise my Minions and show our Master Satan your great power!" He eyes turned red and face turned white as though he was no more.

He left the room, a torn blood soaked page read: ONLY GOD’S SALVATION WILL FREE THE DEMON OF DARKNESS.

THE SOUND of running people, they ran up the green lush hillside. Men had swords in their hands with angry looks on their faces. A man with golden blonde hair, and a trimmed goatee, by his looks he was probably around thirty-five years of age. He wore a leather-trimmed suit with a cape on his back; a mask covered his eyes and his eyes glowed, bright purple.

The man ran toward a monster, it stood seven feet, five inches tall, it had a two heads, one smaller head linked to the body of a dragon, it’s scaled green and wings with razor sharp hands, as big as a dinosaur’s.

The mud seeped through the man’s boots, as the rain poured down on them and they were drenched. He looked around him, and saw another man killing a monster. He saw a snake looking monster and another man-like monster, with tiny horns on his head. He also saw a robed skeleton with a razor sharp sickle in his bony hands.

One strike, the man decapitated one of the heads of the monster. It reeled in pain as blood flowed from the beast’s back. The blood red eyes peered into his face and roared, "You fool! You have injured me!"

The man held back his sword, prepared to totally decapitate the monster’s other head. He stood firm and yelled, "We wrestle not against flesh and blood, but the prince and the power of the air. Take up the full armor of God, that you may stand your ground in the end times."

The man’s sword glowed with a bright light. Before he struck the larger head, the monster yelled out, "NO! You will die!" The sword swiped downward cutting off the monster’s head, its body fell to the ground and disappeared. The man held his sword toward the sky..."

It was only a dream, as Ciel-Remi awoke on the hillside of Bourge. He was laying there, hands on his head, looking up at the sky. He was thirteen years old and had just become a man, even though he was just a teenager. Bourge was a huge town somewhere in the middle of France, just south of Paris. He was lying there waiting for sunset before heading back to his father’s house.

Ciel-Remi was a bit thin, blonde hair with hazel eyes. He was a shepherd for his father. His father was broad, having blondish-brown hair and brown eyes. He wore rugged clothes. His mother was beautiful. She had brown hair with green eyes and wore a beautiful blue medieval dress, with white fluff in the collars. She wore her hair in a bun. Ciel-Remi loved his parents, even though his father was over protective at times.

Ciel-Remi’s father always had him working. The sheep sometime were a handful. He often went into the hills to have time alone. He had love in his heart and always dreamed of being a troubadour or a musketeer, he believed he would marry a beautiful woman and told himself one day he would be in service of the king of France.

The razor-sharp green grass was poking into his back. Ciel-Remi lay there in wonder of the dream he just had, it seemed real to him. The verse sounded like it could have been in the Bible of the Catholic Church. Why was I given such a dream, war and battle?

France had just experienced a war, in the 13^th Century. Paris was taken over by England. For independence from them, they had to fight, and many people were killed. France was still at war with them. When they would be independent, no one really knew. He hated war or battles, if his parents were killed, he couldn’t have handled such acts.

A troubadour would see better action than one lying around watching the sheep or wrestling with wolves or any predator trying to kill them. Ciel-Remi’s father kept telling him that he would be like David, and even he grew up to kill bigger beasts, became king and also made mistakes.

Ciel-Remi thought his father was rough on him. He wanted to be better than a just a farmer. His father worked as a shepherd most of his life. His father felt he should follow in his footsteps. Except, God had a bigger plan for him and he knew it.

He heard a small soft whisper, Ciel-Remi, Get up and go to the church in Paris.

Ciel-Remi didn’t know where it came from and protested. "I cannot go I do not have my father’s permission."

Again the whisper came; you have your Father’s permission. Go to the church in Paris.

Ciel-Remi didn’t know what to do. He headed down the hill toward his parent’s home.

Ciel-Remi, head to Paris, You have everything you need.

Ciel-Remi went past his house and headed into Bourge. It was bigger than Paris. It had shops, an item stand, a church and a castle.

As Ciel-Remi entered the city, he watched as some people were talking to one another and some begged for money and places to stay. A guard hit another person who stole some pieces of bread. A man broad in size walked into a pub, he was drunk and struggled to keep his balance. A woman walked around gossiping with another woman. Another man stood in battle armor and held a sword in his large hands.

A guard which was quite heavy and large in size was near the city exit. He watched as Ciel-Remi walked by him and asked. "Where are you going, Son?"

"My father told me to go to the church in Paris. I must obey." Ciel-Remi replied. The guard had other ideas and blocked his way as he tried to leave Bourge but Ciel-Remi began to continue toward the exit still.

"There is a church here, go to that church." said the guard as he placed his sword on Ciel-Remi’s chest. "Son, they are saying to keep anyone from leaving Bourge. Paris is dangerous and the land around the city doesn’t like our kind out there, just go home or to the church here."

Ciel-Remi heard the soft whisper again, Fear not, Ciel-Remi, Go to Paris.

He stood waiting asked, "Why?"

"Why what, Son?"

"Why?" Ciel-Remi repeated.

"You are sounding like a child saying ‘why?’"

Ciel-Remi was tested by God to see if he would obey Him.

"I must obey My Father. Why do you think I am in danger?" He asked the guard.

"Who is your Father?" the guard asked.

Ciel-Remi waited about a second, before saying. "God is My Father."

The guard looked at him in disbelief. Ciel-Remi didn’t know what he had just said. Why did I say ‘God’?

The guard laughed, "You are obeying God. God is your father. You cannot disobey Him, so I will let you go." He said sheathing his sword and letting Ciel-Remi pass by.

He left the city and headed for Paris.

~|------

Dusk was falling as Ciel-Remi entered the small town of Chameceaux; (on his way to Paris), the quiet little town was home to many of his friends.

Ciel-Remi had no problem walking from Bourge to Chameceaux. God was watching his back the whole way there. Why he was going to Paris he had no clue, he just listened and obeyed.

Ciel-Remi watched people walking down the streets. He was going to have to stay the night to complete his mission.

Chameceaux was home to two of his best friends: Jean Duvicioux and Corrine LeChat.

Jean was a bit broader than him. Jean had brown hair with brown eyes. He had been like a big brother to Ciel-Remi before leaving Bourge. They both had a love interest in Corrine.

Corrine was the fairest of all maidens there. She was beautiful, blonde hair and gorgeous blue eyes.

They met her and her friend, Marie, when they were six years old and Jean was eight. They were playing knights and dragons when her family came into Bourge. Her parents let her play while they conducted their business. Even as youngsters Corrine and Ciel-Remi had feelings for each other, which made Jean jealous.

Jean’s parents moved to Chameceaux two years after Corrine had met Jean and Ciel-Remi. When Jean and his father would return to Bourge, Jean and Ciel-Remi would play ‘troubadour’ and ‘captain of the guard’. They promised each other that their dreams would come true one of these days. Ciel-Remi kept his dream in his heart.

Ciel-Remi passed a few buildings and headed to an inn to stay the night before going to Paris. He walked passed an item shop and living area. He turned the corner and followed the street down to a couple more houses.

"Ciel-Remi!" He heard someone yell out his name. He looked around to find out who had just yelled. Looking up, a young man, with brown hair and brown eyes leaned out the window as the breeze blew on his face. "Where are you going? Your father must be worried about you!"

"I am on my way to Paris, My Father has sent me there, I must obey!" Ciel-Remi yelled back.

"Paris, Ah…Did you know Jean was named ‘Captain of the Guard’ just this morning?"

"No!" Ciel-Remi yelled. "A fifteen year old ‘Captain of the Guard’, I will say ‘Hello’, if I run into him."

"It is nice see to you again!"

"Nice to see you, as well!"

Ciel-Remi recognized the young man as a friend of Jean’s. They became friends after he moved there. Ciel-Remi befriended every one of Jean’s friends.

Ciel-Remi continued down the street. He turned the corner and ran into a young man, who wore battle armor and sword. It was Jean. "Well, look what the cat dragged into Chameceaux." he laughed joyfully. "Ciel-Remi."

They hugged each other.

"Hey, Jean, I see your dream came true, ‘Captain of the Guard’ huh?" Ciel-Remi said.

"Nice huh?" Jean said, showing Ciel-Remi his golden handled sword and its sheath "What brings you here, Corrine?"

"No. Just passing through, after a night’s rest, I am heading to Paris. A mission from my Father."

"Paris…Hold on. Your father let you go to Paris." Jean began suspiciously. "Your earthly father? Or our Heavenly Father?"

There was no fooling Jean. Jean and Ciel-Remi knew each other too well to figure his motive wasn’t his own father’s and why he was going to Paris? He still couldn’t figure that out. He couldn’t lie to Jean, not to his best friend. He only said, "Jean, I do not know, why I am going to Paris? I am not sure if my father would allow such an act. I feel something strong telling me to go there. If it is God, then I must obey God, but I am still not sure."

"You are right. You must go. I am ‘Captain of the Guard’, I know about Paris being dangerous. No young man should be going there alone. They say it is a place of death. If God is telling you to travel there then He will protect you. I cannot stop His plan and you know He is your father, even though you do not believe it to be true. Get some rest, and then finish your quest." Jean explained.

"Thank you, my friend and brother. I thank you for everything."

"I am patrolling the street tonight, be careful. I hope that you can find a place to sleep. I will see you when you get back from Paris. Maybe when you return you will see Corrine while walking down the streets. Good bye and be safe."

"Thank you."

Ciel-Remi walked a few more steps before entering the inn.

A woman, wearing a blue dress and bit on the skinny side with brown hair and hazel eyes met him as he sauntered into the inn. "Hello Ciel-Remi, What brings you here?"

"A mission to Paris from God or my own father, I do not know." Ciel-Remi replied, seeing her smile. Marie was Corrine’s best friend and she was two years older than her.

"Paris, Only God would send someone there." Marie said, leaning down and whispered. "One day, I will rule as Queen of France."

"Oh…Really." He wanted to laugh and thought. Jean is ‘Captain of the Guard’ his dream has come true, Marie could be correct. Ciel-Remi asked, "How do you know?"

"Henry, the Prince would like to see me tomorrow night and though I do not know why as you do not know why you are going to Paris, I am still willing to do as I am asked."

Ciel-Remi thought Marie sounded crazy or just drunk. She was saying things, which may never be true. He dreamed about being a troubadour, anything could happen. He wasn’t old enough to join. The voice simple said the church. He only obeyed. He replied. "Marie, You believe and see it happening, stand on it, and it will come to pass."

"Thank you." She smiled. "You will be needing a place to stay tonight. Am I correct?"

"Correct."

"How much do you have?"

Ciel-Remi held out ten coins. "I have ten coins."

"You do not have enough, but since you are a friend. I am going to let you stay free tonight. Please hold onto those coins for another time."

"Thank you."

"That is not a problem." Marie smiled. "I will tell Corrine, ‘Hello’ for you."

Marie walked him up the wooden steps. She opened a door to a room with three beds in it and said. "You have a good night’s rest. I will see you tomorrow before you continue your journey."

"Thank you. Good night."

Ciel-Remi lay back on the puff pillow and dozed off into a restful sleep.

~|------

It was late morning when Ciel-Remi arrived in Paris. He saw Marie before leaving early that morning. He had arrived at his destination. Paris was bigger than Chameceaux and smaller than Bourge.

Ciel-Remi walked into the market place, watching people shop for various items. A woman with brown hair was picking up some apples and paid the gentleman then walked away. Another man was buying pears. He approached closely to the entrance of Notre Dame.

The outside of Notre Dame was still being built. The bell towers and the saints were in place. The Catholics took pride in their designs back then and he couldn’t wait until the place was finished.

Ciel-Remi turned and walked into another living area. People were coming and going from their houses. Houses were gray brick stone with piles of hay on them. The doors were made of brownish wood base. He walked further and saw a house that had been abandoned for a decade, and it was starting to fall apart. Rubble lined the outside of it. The hay was singed with black burn marks, which lay on the ground.

He saw the castle ahead being guarded so no one would come and go, unless the King of France or Prince had ordered them. Good luck, Marie.

A signed marked the road to the church, it read:

EAST: CASTLE OF PARIS. NORTH: CHURCH OF MARY MAGDALENE. WEST: TOWN HOUSES.

Ciel-Remi started up the road toward the church. He looked at the church and thought back to why he came here. He had left his family for this journey.

Ciel-Remi walked up the hill toward the front of the church. He watched as a lonely beggar sat near the steps. He was in ragged clothes with white hair, the eyes of silver lined his pupils and he stood with a cup in his wrinkly hands and asked. "Do you have money for a lonely beggar?"

Give your coin to the beggar.

Puzzled, Ciel-Remi approached and took out his ten coins. He dropped them into the cup. "Thank you!" The man said, still crouching there waiting.

Ciel-Remi proceeded into the church.

"Lord, this boy is the one, the first of many Soulfires." The old man prayed.

Yes, Gabriel, you know what must be done, when he comes out of the church, he will be a changed, a new creation of mine.

"Yes, Lord." The old man said and took out a Bible, old and stale. It was leather bound saying ‘Great Bible’. He also took another object out; a ring, round with silver and it would fit almost any finger. It also had an inscription written inside.

Ciel-Remi was inside the Church and waited on the voice to lead him to the next command to obey. Pews lined both left and right. A big stand was in the distance, two wooden booths on the right side. A statue of mother and son was on the left side.

Ciel-Remi started walking down the aisle.

He watched, as people would approach a candle, lighting one. They would return, kneel down, hands folded. He walked to the front of the building and looked up to see a stained glass window with a mother and her baby. The colors dazzled the eye in brilliant formations, they were red, blue, orange, yellow, green and some purple. They must be Mary and Jesus. He thought. What is important about Jesus and Mary?

Ciel-Remi approached the front, on the altar, laid a Bible. It is white covered and opened ready for anyone to read. He wanted to go up to read some verses.

A man came out from the left doors. He was broad, having white hair and wore a white robe was blue trimmings. He asked politely. "What may I do for you today?"

Ciel-Remi was nervous, struggling to get any words out, but said, "Hello…Father…"

"Come, come, son. You do not have to be afraid of me. I serve someone who loves you."

"Father, a voice has sent me here, what for, I do not know."

"Do you have your father’s permission to have come here?"

"Which father? Earthly or heavenly?"

"Earthly."

"I do not know, I have been following a voice unknown to me."

"What is your name?"

"My name is Ciel-Remi Lebejioux." he smiled.

"You know a lot for a boy your age, are your parents Christian?"

"No…Sir." he hesitated. "I have been going to the church in Bourge with my friends. That is where I met Corrine LeChat, do you know her?"

"Are you Christian?" the man asked.

"I do not know, I know who God is, I am longing for more than just being a shepherd for my father."

"What are your dreams?"

"My dream is to one day be a troubadour."

"That is a big dream, only God can give such a dream."

"Yes, I know." Ciel-Remi smiled, "Why did God send me to this church? And not the church in Bourge?"

"God’s plans were for you to come here." he paused for a second and then asked, "Did you do anything outside the church?"

"Yes, I gave away my coins to a beggar."

"God bless you. Do you know Jesus and why he died?"

"No…I know of Jesus, but I do not know Jesus personally." He said walking down the aisle with the priest until they stopped at the forth pew.

"God has spoken to you. You are empty inside and God wants to fill you up." The priest explained. "God has chosen you. You can take His free gift of life. He is offering it to you."

"How do I know Jesus personally?" Ciel-Remi asked.

"You need to know what sins you have done, confess them to the Lord and you will be saved."

"Ok…Father… May I have time before my Heavenly Father?"

"Yes. Take all the time you need." The priest said, slipping away to hear other people’s confessions.

Ciel-Remi saw the priest enter a wooden booth with a blonde haired lady. He knew he needed to confess his sins to Jesus Christ, not the priest. (Back in the 17^th Century they believe going to priest for confession was the thing to do.) He kneeled and started to pray. "Lord Jesus, I have been your faithful servant coming here. Lord, I have felt anger towards my father and I love him dearly, Lord, Forgive the unforgiveness in my heart. Thank you, Lord for being here. I want to know you better and take your path." He began crying. "Lord, I believe you died upon the cross for my sins. Let me be a light to a lost and dying world. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen."

Ciel-Remi wiped away the tears from his eyes. He had a new life inside, something he wanted his whole life. He had God’s presence upon him. He was a new creation. He was no longer in darkness, but in the light of God and he so rejoiced with gladness.

~|------

Outside, the beggar sat waiting in the sun.

He held the Bible and ring in his hand. Many people came and went from the church. The man quit begging for money, and only waited quietly.

Hours passed, Ciel-Remi finally opened the door. The man looked up at the young fellow and smiled joyfully.

The man stood and approached Ciel-Remi. "You are chosen by God. The Lord told me, a man will be sent from the south. He would give away much, all the money he had before entering the church. You must have these items." He held out the Bible and the ring.

Ciel-Remi was surprised. God must have a plan. He took them, saying joyfully. "Thank you, Monsieur."

"For your good deeds, Please take everything from my cup." The old man turned the cup upside down and the fell into Ciel-Remi’s hands.

"Thank you, Sir." He smiled.

There weren’t only ten coins.

There were a hundred coins.

God had blessed him ten fold.

"Thank you, Lord, for your blessings." Ciel-Remi prayed in excitement.

~|------

Ciel-Remi started walking down the hill, he looked back, but the beggar had disappeared.

Ciel-Remi put the hundred coins into a black leather pouch. He was amazed. A Bible, a ring, and a hundred coins. He knew God was his Lord and Savior.

"Thank you, Lord."

It was later than Ciel-Remi excepted, the sun started setting in the west. He wasn’t really ready to stay in Paris. He would either walk back to Chameceaux, having left Paris or stay at the inn.

Ciel-Remi ran down the hill almost bumping into Prince Henry and Marie. "Your Highness." He bowed before Prince Henry.

"You may raise, Ciel-Remi."

"Thank you, your highness."

"Hello." Marie smiled.

"Marie told me you would be here. We have just finished and were heading back to the castle. Would you like to join us?"

"Yes, Your highness."

"I will tell my father to prepare the guest room."

"Thank you." Ciel-Remi smiled.

They all headed back toward the castle gates.

INSIDE the castle of Paris, Prince Henry approached his father, King Francis. The king knew about his time with Marie, but didn’t know about Ciel-Remi. "Father, a friend of Princess Marie is here. I would like to have a guestroom made up for him, just for tonight. He will return back to Bourge tomorrow."

The throne room was huge, made to fit the space with many people. The castle walls were grayish brick layered stone and the floor was cobblestone, granite based. A red carpet lined its interiors, made of fabric and cotton. It surrounded the two thrones and ran down to the doorway. The thrones were a bit larger than chairs and they were screwed into the floor.

"He is a friend of Princess Marie."

"Yes, Father."

"Have him approach, send Princess Marie, as well."

"Thank you, Father."

King Francis was a bit broad, not too fat, white haired with crown of gold on his head. The queen sat next to him was a bit skinny. She had brown hair and also wore a crown. They both wore red garments with white lace on the shoulders.

Prince Henry had brown hair, blue eyes. He wore a blue top with whitish-beige pants and a purple cape was draped about his shoulders. Prince Henry turned on his heels and left the throne room.

~|------

Ciel-Remi was still a bit nervous as he entered the throne room, even though God was his rear guard and he loved Him dearly. He bowed before them. "Your Majesties, You have requested me to come?"

"What brings you to Paris?" The King asked.

"The Lord, Your Majesty." he smiled.

"Princess Marie is a friend of yours?"

Ciel-Remi was thrown by the words ‘Princess Marie’. Marie didn’t tell him she was a princess, of what city? He replied. "Yes, Your Majesty."

"Good, what is your name?"

"Ciel-Remi---"

"Lebejioux, son of Lord Lebejioux of Bourge?"

"Yes. Your Majesty."

"Does he know you are here?"

"I do not think so, Your Majesty."

"Since you are friend to Princess Marie, My son’s fiancée. You will stay here tonight and return home tomorrow."

"Thank you, Your Majesty."

"The Lord has brought you to Paris, you must obey Him."

"Yes, we must, Your Majesty"

"You are dismissed, Princess Marie should be coming in shortly. We will have her take you to the guestroom."

"Thank you, again." he paused "Your Majesty."

Ciel-Remi waited as Marie walked into the throne room. She had changed into a pink beautiful ballroom gown, with pink arm length gloves, also wearing a crown. He just looked shocked and confused, with his eyes and mouth wide open.

"Good to see you again, Princess." The King addressed her

"Thank you, Your Majesty."

"Would you show Ciel-Remi to the guestroom?"

"Yes, your Majesty."

Marie walked up to him, "Right this way sir " She said.

When they had left the throne room, and once they were in the main hallway, Ciel-Remi asked. "How long have you been a princess?"

"All my life, I am Princess Marie of Bourge. I did not want anyone to know. I ran away from Bourge to Chameceaux to disguise myself."

"You sure fooled me." Ciel-Remi laughed.

"Corrine and I were the only ones who knew the truth."

They walked up the steps on the left side, the castle was same gray brick stone, and in the main hallway and entrance were tapestries and another red carpet. They walked a few more steps before reaching the foyer. Ciel-Remi looked up and saw candle lit round chandeliers. The wax had melted on the thick base of the candles. They continued walking up the steps that led to the left side of the tower.

The steps were ten steps each. They led to a balcony type place. He commented again. "You are princess of my city and you did not tell anyone."

"Being a princess was hard and boring. My parents were nice people to let me see Corrine. I did not belong there. I left Bourge and started a job in Chameceaux, becoming an innkeeper."

"Were you a princess when I met you and Corrine?"

Marie stopped. "Yes, I was, I was only eight years of age, Ciel-Remi, Jean does not know about my being a Princess then and he still does not. You are kind enough, you will not tell him."

They continued down the long hallway.

"How did Prince Henry and King Francis find out about of you being royalty?" Ciel-Remi asked.

"As Bourge’s Princess, I am destined to be his bride when I have come of age. I am fifteen years old and ready to marry."

"King Francis knew about your being royalty through your parents? They would know your whereabouts."

"Yes, my parents know I am here. I am ready to fulfill my deeds as wife to Prince Henry." Marie began. "but, they did not know my whereabouts for the last two years."

"Okay, I will not say a word. Have you heard word from my father and mother?" Ciel-Remi said worried. "Do they know where I am?"

"Yes, your father sent a message to my father, earlier today; King Francis received a message reading: ‘If they had seen you to send word immediately to Bourge.’ When I found out, I told Henry, and he told King Francis. They have sent a message immediately to your home. They should get it before you arrive home, tomorrow evening."

"You are probably wondering why I did not tell my father why I had taken off without permission."

"You were confused; a voice told you to leave. You probably asked this question to yourself, ‘if God’s plan was for me to be here, have I done the right thing?’ Your father may not understand. You have a life with Jesus and God is in control."

"Thank you, your highness."

"Please do not use formalities when speaking to me. They make me sound ‘royal’ I am just an ordinary person. " Marie said irritated.

"Okay, What then do I call you?"

"Princess or Marie."

They found their way to the guest room; three beds on the right wall and a wooden table dresser for clothes and other items. He laid the black pouch on the dresser.

"See you tomorrow, before you leave."

"Goodnight, Princess." He chuckled, as she closed to the door.

Ciel-Remi prayed before getting some rest. "Lord, Thank you, please gives me the words to say to my father when I get home tomorrow night. Keep my family safe and Corrine, Princess Marie and Prince Henry. Thank you for your love, oh Lord, In the name of Jesus Christ. Amen."

Ciel-Remi fell asleep and God spoke, Good night, My child, I did not have you come all this way to be yelled at by your father. Soon you will understand the reason I had you leave Bourge.

~|------

Early morning, the birds were chirping outside Ciel-Remi’s window, he awoke to a surprise on wooden dresser; a new outfit with a note attached. It read:

Ciel-Remi,

So Ciel-Remi bathed and got dressed. He put the Bible in a brown sack. He was ready to head home. He had a story to tell his parents and was nervous. He didn’t know what they may say, so he prayed a short prayer, "Lord God, Please keep me safe on my way home, put peace on my parents hearts. Thank you for such a beautiful morning. Thank you for your gift of Salvation. In the name of Jesus, Amen."

At this point in time, he heard a knock on the door and opened it, Marie stood there in her yellow dress and she held a brown leather sack. She asked. "Are you ready?"

"I am ready, what about you? By the way you are carrying a bag full of items, this means you are not staying here?" Ciel-Remi commented.

"I am returning to my father’s castle. The messenger was delayed. King Francis has asked me deliver the letter to your parents in person. Except, I would like to stop in Chameceaux to see Corrine before we go to Bourge."

"Do you have a story to tell your parents?"

"I have told them what they need to know. I hope you do the same with yours."

"I just cannot lie, telling them I came to Paris to see you."

"Then, this note is useless." She smiled, holding up a folded note with a seal by the King and Queen. "This note came from King Francis. The note tells ‘where you had gone and why you were in Paris’. It must not be opened until you hand it to them."

"Yes, Marie. We have a journey ahead of us."

"King Francis has offered some horses. So we can ride back, instead of walking, which would cut time."

"That is fine." Ciel-Remi lugged his sack over his shoulders and they both walked from the room. They headed toward the castle entrance. "Are you sure Corrine will want to see me?"

"Yes. She will."

~|------

Princess Marie was born two years earlier than Ciel-Remi and she was bold enough as to command the French army. She came to know Christ when Corrine first invited her to church. She was plain and ordinary; she didn’t present herself as a Princess, even though Corrine knew she was.

Marie never really liked being called ‘your highness’. She served God who was called ‘Your Majesty, King of Kings and Lord or Lords’. Even though she was born of royalty, she didn’t fit in as a Princess.

Marie loved strolling outside the castle into town and befriended people. She met Corrine, while Corrine was shopping with her family.

Marie loved people. She didn’t want anyone to know about her heritage or her family line.

Marie was thirteen when she ran away and started the inn. No one there, except Corrine, knew she was a Princess. She obeyed the Lord and was blessed greatly.

Prince Henry was traveling down to Bourge to meet the one chosen for him. He had stop at the inn to stay the night. She dazzled the Prince, when he was ready to leave. Marie inquired. "Where are you going? Why?

Prince Henry told her. "I am going to Bourge to meet the Princess that one day I shall wed."

She knew right away, God had a husband for her and revealed everything to Prince Henry but told him. "Please do not tell my parents, I am willing to go to Paris with you."

Marie met King Francis. Prince Henry was a blessing. She sent word to Corrine and Jean. She didn’t know Ciel-Remi was coming to Paris, and she didn’t want to tell anything to anyone until God commanded her to do so.

They were headed back to Bourge, where Marie was away from for a long time. What would she say? What would Ciel-Remi say? She knew Lord and Lady Lebejioux well. She would help him by the way of the note she carried in her sack along with her belongings.

Marie mounted a black horse. The horse was tame and obeyed her every command. Ciel-Remi didn’t know anything about horses, other than what his father told him. She watched him mount a white-brown horse. The horse didn’t know him. She just laughed as the horse bucked him off and onto the ground but the only thing that was hurt was his pride.

Again, he tried to mount the horse. Marie rode up beside the steed and whispered, "You do not know Ciel-Remi, give him a chance, will not you do that for me?" She rubbed the horse on the mane. The horse let him on. They rode up to the city gates.

"Good Afternoon. We are returning to Bourge. May we go through?"

"Yes, Princess." The gate guard said and opened the city gates. "Be careful Princess."

"Thank you,"

They rode outside the city walls. The horse that Ciel-Remi rode, got used to his feel and Marie giggled as they rode toward Chameceaux.

~|------

Ciel-Remi hated riding horses. He knew how to ride them, but he just hated it. He would rather walk, than riding a bucking bronco. He did admit that horses took less time.

They were near the town.

Ciel-Remi looked over at Marie. She had her head down. He rode up beside her and asked. "What is the matter, Princess?"

"Nothing, I was praying and thinking about my parents."

"You do not think they will be angry for you leaving."

"No! I love them. Beside, leaving home was not my calling. Leaving home was God’s plan, exactly, why you left three days ago. God impressed on my heart to go to Chameceaux. I was obeying God and this morning I was praying and God impressed me to come back to Bourge and to leave Prince Henry in Paris and Corrine to become the Princess, I have always been." Marie explained.

"Maybe God is preparing and readying you for being Queen of this country." Ciel-Remi smiled, trying to encourage her. "You do not like being called ‘your highness’ what will happen when people start to call you, ‘Your Majesty’? What then?" He asked.

"God is preparing me for marriage and love with my husband. I did not need to go back there. God will show me in His timing, it is everything and no one alone can rush it."

"His timing is everything and when it comes upon you. We must be willing to lay down our lives for His sake and obey Him." Ciel-Remi preached.

"Are you sure? You did not know Christ before yesterday?" She asked jokingly.

"I knew much of the words of the Catholic Bible. I am just listening to what God is sharing. God gave me this Bible. In His timing I will learn much and how to use it. I do not know when, but the day will happen in His time."

"A Bible! God sent you to Paris for a Bible?" Marie laughed.

"Before going into the church, I gave some money to a man. After I came back out, he was still there and gave me the Bible and a ring for the good deed I had done."

"A beggar?" Marie asked.

"Yes, a beggar. He was sitting there all day long, before I ran into Prince Henry and you last night."

"A brave person to stay in the sun."

"Maybe, he was not a person."

"What are you saying? The beggar was not a human, then what?"

"An angel sent by God."

"You believe he posed as test from God?"

"Exactly, why, I do not know. I was chosen by God to come here, in obedience to Him and He chose me for His plan and His calling."

"Why are you? Many people are chosen by God, what makes you any different?" Marie asked.

"Princess" he sighed. "I do not know."

"You are trying to tell me. God chose you for something you know nothing about? God will reveal it to you in time."

"Yes, I guess so."

"You, guess so?"

"Okay." He sighed again. "I know so."

They came over a hill, the town came into view. They rode down the hill. Marie was faster than him when riding horses. His legs were weary and tired from riding.

In Chameceaux, they rode through to a building on the eastern hill. It was a beautiful mansion, three stories high, about hundred square feet in length. It was white was a reddish-pink roof. Two windows could be seen, one on each side. They could see the white marble pillars stand near the doorway.

The gate of the mansion read: ‘LeChat Estate’

Ciel-Remi watched while Marie dismounted her horse and approached the guard at the gate. "Princess Marie and Monsieur Ciel-Remi to see Mademoiselle Corrine LeChat."

"I will inform Mademoiselle Corrine you are here."

"Thank you, Monsieur."

The high social class guard walked down the driveway to the mansion entrance. He wore a bit of blue guard uniform with white-beige pants. The door opened and he started talking a lady. They were to far away to hear what he and lady said.

He came back, the iron-bared gate opened slowly. "You may enter Princess Marie. Corrine is expecting you and Ciel-Remi too." He said.

They walked up the pavement, as the door opened and they entered near the pouch, the lady said, "Princess, You and your friend may see Corrine. She is upstairs in her room."

"Thank you, Madam LeChat."

They stood inside the mansion, stairs on each side. One led to the right side of mansion and the other the left side. Two doors led to the kitchen and the living area. Two windows lined the mansion’s entrance hallway. Sitting near the door was a cylindrical table, three feet in diameter. On it sat a glass golden vase. It looked very expensive. The mansion was luxuriously decorated.

They walked up the stairs on the right side. The candle chandeliers hung in perfect formation. The steps lined with a purple carpet. The wooden handle was smooth, not rough. He never lived in a mansion, even though they were servants of royalty.

Ciel-Remi was still nervous and turned to Marie asking, "Why did you want to see Corrine?"

"To say ‘goodbye’. Once I am back in Bourge’s castle, I will not be permitted to see Corrine, unless she was to come there according to her own will."

They walked down another narrow hall. Tables lined every few inches apart and beautiful flowers sat upon them.

"Corrine’s room." Marie announced.

Corrine opened the door, before Marie could knock. "Welcome Princess." Corrine saw him. "Ciel-Remi," She blushed. "I did not expect you with Marie."

"It is okay, Corrine. He already knows I am a Princess."

"Yes Marie, except I still did not expect to him today."

"We are headed back to Bourge."

"From where?" Corrine asked.

"Paris." Marie replied.

"What were you doing to Paris, Ciel-Remi?"

"God sent me there." He just smiled.

"You are a Christian? You are not pretending anymore."

"No, I am saved and love God. God blessed me yesterday."

"Welcome to the family, would you be kind enough to wait for us outside. Marie and I have to talk."

"Yes."

They started chatting as he left the room closing the door.

~|------

Corrine loved Ciel-Remi. She didn’t want to give her feelings away until the time was right. Marie asked. "Corrine, You like him, do you not?"

Corrine blushed. "A little, even though I like him." She sighed. "I do not know him."

"Yes, but your feelings show everything. I am your best friend." Marie said. "No secrets, you do not just like him. You love him."

"I know, I can tell you anything." She looked depressed. "I am first class, I am wealthy, and my parents would not allow me to wed him."

"What about Jean? He is ‘Captain of the Guard’."

"Yes, but I do not truly love him. I truly love Ciel-Remi. I always have. I always will."

"Jean knows, does he not?"

"Yes Princess, he does. Jean will not try to interfere, only my parents will."

rule France. God has blessed me; I am ready to be Queen."

"Two years? Why not sooner?"

"It is in God’s time and the Prince is not yet ready."

"Why are you here?" She asked.

"Prince Henry wants me to return to Bourge and stay there for two more years. So, I will be able to live for France being God’s daughter and Queen of France."

"Are you here to say, ‘goodbye’?"

"Yes." she sighed. "I am here to say ‘goodbye’. We will see each again and you can always visit Bourge."

"Yes, I will see you again, my friend. I know we will be in good hands with a Christian Queen of France."

Marie hugged her again and opened the door.

"Nice seeing you again, Ciel-Remi!" She yelled.

My love, I will see you again one day.

"Nice seeing you…" She heard as the door shut.

Much sooner than you may think, Corrine.

~|------

"We had better get you back to Bourge." Marie said walking down the steps. She was fond of Ciel-Remi and Corrine’s love and he now showed God’s love and light shines brightly within him. "Goodbye, Madam LeChat."

"Thank you, Princess." She said.

Marie got on her horse. Ciel-Remi pulled the reigns of the horse and asked, "So, How many people know you are a Princess?"

"About ten." she smiled.

Ciel-Remi hopped on his horse. "Ten!"

"Ten." Marie said over her shoulder as she rode off.

~|------

Ciel-Remi was baffled. Ten people know she is a Princess, Who are they?

He rode next Marie. "Who are they?"

"Who are who?" she asked confused.

"The people who know you are a Princess."

"Oh." Marie put her finger to her temple. "God, you, my mother and father, King Francis, Prince Henry, Corrine and her parents…" she thought for a moment.

Ciel-Remi counted. "One…two…three, four…five…six…seven…eight, nine…"

"Sorry…Eleven."

Marie finished. "Your mother and father."

"My mother and father?"

"Yes, they knew before you were born. And all of these people know I hate formalities."

"What about Jean? Does he not know you are a Princess?"

"No! Jean will find out soon. Please do not tell him."

"I promise I will not tell him unless you have already."

"Thank you."

They reached the end of the town, when Jean approached from behind them. "Ciel-Remi, Marie, Wait up!" He yelled.

Jean ran up beside them. "Before you go to Bourge, You may want to know something."

"What?" Ciel-Remi panicked.

"The city of Bourge has been attacked." Jean said.

"What? No!" Marie had fear as she panicked. "We better get back home."

"Thank you, my friend." Ciel-Remi smiled, still panicked. "Do you know anything?"

"No! I just heard!" Jean yelled out.

"Okay, Jean!" Ciel-Remi yelled over his shoulder as they rode to Bourge and he prayed, "Lord, keep everyone safe."

~|------

They reached the ridge overlooking Bourge. In the distance, fire blazed making a black cloud of smoke. Marie commented. "My word, what happened here?"

"I do not know." Ciel-Remi said paralyzed.

"Whatever it is, we should check into it." Marie said. ‘He’ and the horse started galloping toward Bourge. He followed close behind.

They reached the entrance. Ciel-Remi saw the guard lying on the ground, with a sword in his back. He watched as they rode further into town.

Bodies of men, women and even children lay dead on the streets, most of them did not even see the horror coming, their eyes opened and faces as cold as ice. Some of them lay face down, but Ciel-Remi knew they were dead. Who could have done this?

Fire blazed in many places. The fires were burning some other bodies. Ciel-Remi looked at Marie. She had the same expression, of fear and wonder. He rode up beside her. "What or who could have done this?" She murmured.

"Why would they do this?" Ciel-Remi asked.

"I do not know." Marie commented. "You should go home and check on your parents. I will go to the castle to get some answers, whenever you find something to report." Marie put her hand on his shoulder. "We will find the answers."

"Thank you." Ciel-Remi said as Marie rode off toward the castle. He rode up to his home.

Ciel-Remi got off his horse near the house, unlike everyone else’s houses, his home wasn’t ablaze. He approached slowly, his face pale and yelled out, "Mama…Papa!"

He walked up beside the house, and then yelled out again. "Mama…Papa!" No answer. "Mama…Papa! Where are you?"

Ciel-Remi welled up with tears and yelled again. "Mama…Papa!" He cleared the house and walked a bit further. He was crying, "Mama!" he yelled louder, "Papa!" He cried, still no answer. He walked around another corner before stopping and froze.

Ciel-Remi, his eyes wide, mouth opened looked up into at the faces of his mother and father. They hung with a rope around their neck. Their eyes were opened and faces were cold. He felt his throat constrict as he realized his mother and father were dead.

Ciel-Remi stood there as tears ran down his face and cried. "Mama…Papa! How could they?" He fell to his knees and cried out. "Lord! Why did you allow this to happen?"

Where would you be if you did not obey me?

For the first time, Ciel-Remi realized, his disobedience would have cost him his life and couldn’t bare the thought.

"Thank you, Lord, for saving me." Ciel-Remi prayed as he pulled out his knife. He approached his parent’s bodies and cut the rope letting the bodies fall. "Lord, I should give them a proper burial before going back to tell Marie."

Ciel-Remi drug them up to a place where the ground was not hard, took the shovel, barely blunt and dug two holes, body length. He picked up his father and mother’s bodies and gently placed them into the holes burying them with the soft soil. He then found four sticks and made them into crosses and places them at the heads of their graves.

He stood up and wiped off the dirt from his hands and said brokenly. "Mama…Papa! Goodbye. Rest in Peace." He started crying again. "You were the best parents, I ever had."

After Ceil-Remi was finished he mounted the horse and rode back to the outside. The walls of the castle were broken and Marie stood there, her head down. He dismounted his horse and approached her. "Are you alright?" he asked.

"How are your parents?" Marie asked. She was always concerned for others before being concerned for herself.

"Gone, I buried them before coming back." Ciel-Remi explained, then asked, "You?"

"My father is still alive and my mother---"She welled up with tears. "---is dead."

"That is awful."

"Yes, I found out my mother was shopping when they attacked."

"My parents did not even have a chance."

"No one did, it was a surprise attack."

"Maybe I will get some answers about what happened before we leave to go back to Chameceaux."

"You are going there?" Marie asked surprised.

"I have nothing here, everything, my own life was here and now---"Ciel-Remi stopped, his throat tightening again, "---I have nothing."

"Why did God allow such awful events?"

"God did not, He already knew." Ciel-Remi said looking into her face taking his hand and wiping away a tear from her eye. "God sent me to Paris, so I would be safe. My disobedience would have killed me."

"Let us go talk with my father. I have found my life in Chameceaux that is where I belong." Marie said walking toward the castle.

"Good idea, I would like to know who attacked Bourge." Ciel-Remi said angrily.

"Yes, I would as well." Marie said sadly.

They approached the castle’s gate and went into the castle.

~|------

Marie was thankful for friends to love and cherish, in a few short hours she found a dear friend in Ciel-Remi. They comforted each other through the loss they faced. Marie made a decision; she would go back to Chameceaux.

Marie had known Ciel-Remi only for a short while. She heard much about him through Corrine and Jean. She was told he was a compassionate and an obedient person. No wonder Corrine loves him so.

They reached the throne room. The king was sitting there leaning over as if in great grief. Her father had white-brown hair, gray eyes. He wore a crown of one sapphire embossed in silver. "Ruined…everything is ruined." He murmured.

Marie approached him. "I know." she said hugging the king.

"Thank you, my daughter." He cried in his grieving voice.

"Corrine’s friend, Ciel-Remi is beside me, he would like to know who attacked Bourge."

The old man sat straight in the red and white leather chair. "You want to know who attacked Bourge." He announced!

Ciel-Remi stepped forward; he wiped away another tear and asked, "What happened?"

"I can tell you from what I saw, I do not know why or who would try to take over Bourge." The king began to explain. "All I remember was that I was sitting here talking to another poor soul when I heard a scream coming from outside the castle. Even though I hear them all the time, I also smelled the smoke. Someone came to tell me that the city was ablaze. I came and looked outside. I saw a man running from a silver armored man. The queen had gone to get some items from the marketplace. I had forgotten she had gone. I looked to the northwest and saw a guard lying with a sword stuck into him. I ordered everyone for battle, except it was too late. We closed the gates. They started climbing up ladders on the castle’s walls. I was still looking for my wife. A man, broad- shouldered with a black mustache stared straight up at me, held her hostage. The man yelled something. I could barely hear and then stabbed her in upper chest area. ‘No!’ I cried as her face went numb and she closed her eyes. The queen was dead."

The king took another breath; choked up by the tears, he continued.

"People invaded the castle. Many maids and servants were killed. They opened the gates for their leader. I was lost not knowing what to do, I just sat here, crying, grieving for my wife. I ordered guards to go fight to their death but to leave me alone. I prayed to God to save me.

The leader, the one who had killed my wife stood before me. I was afraid of death, even though I knew I would be in Heaven. I was still afraid to die. I just sat there waiting to die---"

"Father." She interrupted "I would have lost you too."

"Yes, Marie." The king told her. "The man before me unsheathed his sword, he was going to strike me dead, and a light filled the castle. The glow gave presence like an invisible person behind him. It held the leader from striking me. ‘What is this?’ he asked as he motioned for retreat. God had saved my life, only to lose many people. The invasion came from the hillside overlooking your house. They must have killed your parents before invading the city."

"My parents did not have a chance." Ciel-Remi said.

"No one did, I did not know until it was too late." The king told him.

She hugged her father again. "God saved all of us. God did not want us to die."

"Yes, Marie, God is gracious." The king commented and then asked. "What are you going do now?"

"Father, I believe it is best for Ciel-Remi and I to return to Chameceaux." She said.

"I understand, I have sent word to King Francis in Paris. We will have to rebuild Bourge, there is nothing left here. Take care, my daughter."

"Thank you, father."

"Take care, Ciel-Remi" The king smiled. "Your obedience, saved your life, no one knew why you went to Paris. You are truly chosen of God."

"Thank you, Your Highness." Ciel-Remi commented. "We need to get back to Chameceaux before sundown."

"You are right." Marie smiled. "Goodbye Father."

"Goodbye, my daughter." The king said sadly. "God Bless you."

"God Bless you, too" They said simultaneously.

They left the throne room and headed for Chameceaux.

THE IMAGE of Ciel-Remi’s parent’s deaths didn’t leave his mind. Looking into their cold faces, it never left his mind and he was still haunted of that day he returned from Paris to find them gone, dead, never to come back.

Ciel-Remi had nightmares about their deaths and Bourge, his homeland’s destruction. He was still raging inside against the one who had killed his parents, Marie’s mother, and almost her father. He told himself that one day he would find out who had done it.

After Ciel-Remi and Marie left Bourge they settled in Chameceaux. Marie took back her job at the inn and he stayed with Jean. He quickly found an easy job in town in a bakery.

Ciel-Remi and Corrine were able to see each other. They would go to Paris and walk around the river. He loved her very much. They would talk about their future together. God blessed them.

When Marie married Prince Henry, she helped Ciel-Remi become a troubadour. She wanted to see him as much as she did Corrine. She became a close friend.

A troubadour was a type of cadet for the military of France. A musketeer was a solider for the military of France.

Ciel-Remi had everything he had dreamed about. He had a beautiful ‘loved one’, soon be his fiancée. He had a job as a troubadour and two other friends to love and cherish. Most importantly he was a ‘child of God’. He was greatly blessed. Satan knew it and hated it.

The ‘Captain of the Musketeers’ Jean-Paul Borjour was a broad-shouldered man with a thick, black mustache, his eyes were like fire and he wore a Musketeer’s uniform. Jean-Paul became the supervisor over Ciel-Remi.

Ciel-Remi cared about and obeyed anyone who would have been in authority. Jean-Paul didn’t like his attitude.

Jean-Paul asked around for information about him, Jean-Paul found that, ‘Ciel-Remi had parents killed in Bourge.’ Jean-Paul just laughed and found, ‘Corrine was his ‘loved one’. He decided to pay a visit to Corrine’s parents.

~|------

Princess Marie was living as Princess again and not to her dismay she loved Prince Henry and as his wife she found that being the daughter-in-law to the King of France to be pleasing. King Francis was about sixty years of age and dying.

She would be Queen of France, with King Henry by her side. She saw Ciel-Remi once everyday to find out what God’s plans were for the kingdom and to see her friend.

"How are you today?" Marie asked.

"Working hard, Princess."

"Jean-Paul giving you any trouble?" she asked again.

"No, Princess, He is my superior. I must obey him."

"You are an obedient servant." She laughed.

"Thank you."

Marie was curious about Corrine. Ciel-Remi hadn’t asked to wed Corrine and she was willing to see God’s will done. She asked. "You and Corrine are in love, why have you not asked her hand in marriage?"

"Tonight, Princess, I was going ask her."

"I will await news tomorrow." She said. "You may go home early. If you run into Jean-Paul tell that I need to speak with him."

"Yes, Princess," Ciel-Remi said, turning to leave. "I have not seen Jean-Paul all day, however."

Marie was suspicious. What is Jean-Paul up to? Why was not he in Paris?

Ciel-Remi left, she went a few halls down into the library where Prince Henry was.

He looked at her.

"Jean-Paul is not here and has not been seen by anyone today. "Do you know where he might have gone?" Marie asked.

"My darling, Jean-Paul requested a day’s vacation. He was going to meet with someone in Chameceaux." Henry said.

Marie became more suspicious. "Thank you."

"Do not worry; Jean-Paul will be back tomorrow."

"I am not worried, I am just suspicious." She said.

Henry motioned her to come over to him. He wanted her to sit on his lap. "Jean-Paul was suspicious at first, but I have seen his work and felt he is trustworthy."

Marie sat on his lap, Henry started to comb through her hair with his hands and she looked in his eyes. She leaned down and kissed him. "I have some free time." She flirted.

"What are you suggesting?" Henry asked.

"Oh nothing." Marie said.

"Nothing, huh?"

"Did you know Ciel-Remi is going to ask Corrine’s hand in marriage tonight?"

"No." Henry said, "They will be happy together, it is God’s will and plan for them. So I will accept and support it."

"Thank you." Marie said rubbing his chest.

Henry took her hand. "You are beautiful." He motioned her to get up and Marie stood. He stood also. He picked her up and carried her out of the library to their bedroom. "I have some free time, as well." He said and closed the door.

~|------

It was near evening when Ciel-Remi arrived in Chameceaux. He was tired and exhausted. He was just going to go home and take a nap, before he saw Corrine.

"Yes, Lord"

Ciel-Remi walked to Corrine’s house, the mansion was dark as he felt an evil presence and thought nothing of it and continued walking around to the gate to the entrance of the mansion.

Ciel-Remi saw Jean near the gate. He approached asking, "Hello, my friend, what brings you to Corrine’s this night?"

"I have been ordered by Corrine’s parents to watch and let no one in without their permission. My guard over there is alert of intruders or people they do not want coming around." Jean explained.

Ciel-Remi was confused, her parents knew about them together, he asked. "Corrine’s parents know who I am. Why would they not want me around her?"

"Look, I heard, her parents have set up an arranged marriage to someone---" Jean paused and looked sadly at him. "---I am afraid it is not you, my friend."

"Corrine is marrying?" Ciel-Remi asked. "We have promised each other we would wed. I was going to ask her tonight." He felt sad and depressed. "This is not right. Someone is trying to break us apart. God’s plans are for us to wed."

"I know, another obstacle…I have my orders." Jean told him. "I will see what I can do."

"Thank you."

Jean approached the guard. He wore the uniform of a high-ranking official with a red sash and was a bit taller than him and a bit trimmer as well. He ordered the lower ranking guard, "Tell Lady Corrine’s parents, Ciel-Remi is here to see her."

"You know our orders. No visitors for two weeks."

"I do not take orders from man. I take them from God." Jean looked at the guard angrily. "Now do as you are told!"

"Yes sir, this will be on your head." The guard said leaving.

Jean walked back to him. Ciel-Remi asked. "Did I hear everything right? Corrine is marrying in two weeks; she is not to see anyone until such time."

"Yes, the wedding is two weeks from today. She is not to see anyone until then." Jean explained.

"Who is Corrine to wed?" Ciel-Remi asked suspiciously. "Come on, they must have told you."

"She is marrying your boss, Jean-Paul Borjour."

"What? Do you not see Jean, Jean-Paul knows about my happiness ever since he came here. He has been studying me. He is not a Christian. Plus, I am Corrine’s love, not his!" Ciel-Remi was irritated and didn’t know what to do.

The guard came back. "Corrine’s mother has told me, she is not free tonight. Please come back after the wedding." The guard explained.

"What?" Jean asked. "Ciel-Remi is Corrine’s dearest and beloved friend. I will have to see them later tonight about this."

"Dear friend or not, they have ordered it."

"One moment please." Jean told him. He took Ciel-Remi to a shadowed area, where it was darker and whispered. "There may still be a way to see her. I cannot get you inside the LeChat mansion, but I can get you onto the mansion grounds."

"Thank you." Ciel-Remi whispered back.

"Just wait until we open the gate, when I see the guard change, I will distract them, while you go to the bush below her balcony." Jean whispered and then looked around. "You will have to be careful."

"What are you waiting for?" Ciel-Remi asked.

"Jean-Paul Borjour to leave." Jean said.

"Okay, I will pray and ask God’s blessings."

Ciel-Remi knelt down and started praying as Jean returned to his post.

~|------

The LeChats, Corrine, and Jean-Paul Borjour were having a meal to welcome Jean-Paul’s engagement. Corrine’s face was downcast and depressed. God gave her Ciel-Remi and now she was going to have to marry some twenty-six year old man. She could feel Ciel-Remi’s presence near by, but she couldn’t do anything.

Corrine was blonde haired with green-blue eyes. She was beautiful. Tonight she wore a white dress. Her mother wore a blue dress, with a white fluff on the shoulder and her father wore brown top with beige pants. Jean-Paul wore his blue musketeer’s uniform.

Someone knocked on the front door. Her mother excused herself to answer it. Corrine was hoping it was Ciel-Remi. She hoped and waited for him to be standing close to her. Jean-Paul was talking with her father, he was telling him ‘what a beautiful daughter he had and lucking guy he was to wed so young’.

Her mother returned.

"Mother, who was it?" Corrine asked.

"The guard, your friend Ciel-Remi has stopped by." Madam LeChat said.

A smile came over her face. "I have sent Ciel-Remi away. You are busy and wish not to be disturbed." Madam LeChat lied.

Corrine was devastated and felt her heart break. She got angry and stood up yelling. "Like hell! I am busy!" Corrine shrieked, "I have been awaiting his arrival all night! Do not disturb me! I am going to my room!" Corrine ran up to her room crying.

Corrine ran into her room and closed the door. She ran over to her bed to lie down and cried, tears welled in her eyes. Only one thing she could do was pray. "Lord, I believe you have put Ciel-Remi into my life, I love him, I wish to wed him, not Jean-Paul. Lord, you know my heart. Ciel-Remi is my true love, let me know what to do."

Corrine waited a minute before the Lord spoke. Be Patient, my child, write a letter to your friend Marie, who is soon to be Queen of France.

Corrine calmly approached her desk, took out a parchment and the quill, dipped it into the ink and started writing a letter to Princess Marie or Queen Marie. (Depending on what happened throughout the night. She knew King Francis was dying.)

She finished it and laid it on the desk.

She heard footsteps. She grabbed the letter and hid it, in the drawer, under a book.

Corrine heard a knock and answered it. Her mother appeared and looked angry. "What do you call that? Young lady!"

"I am sorry, Mother, but God gave me to be Ciel-Remi’s one and only true love. You only met Jean-Paul today." Corrine sighed. "Now I am to wed him? Someone I do not love, someone twice my age?" She ran and sat on her bed, arms folded.

"You are going to wed Jean-Paul. You will see no one else until after the wedding." Madam LeChat said a far away look on her face.

"To Ciel-Remi, not Jean-Paul Borjour!" Corrine yelled. "I love Ciel-Remi, not him! You have never forbidden something like this before today. What has happened to you?"

Madam LeChat just repeated what she had just said.

Corrine remained silent.

"He will treat you right." Madam LeChat said.

"Like marrying a stranger, I know nothing about, made any difference!" Corrine was angry and they just argued more.

Finally her mother left the room. Corrine walked up near the door to listen in on the discussion downstairs. She could barely hear what they said, but it was enough:

Madam LeChat returned to the table. "What is it dear?" Monsieur LeChat asked.

"Corrine refuses to have anything to do with this marriage." She told him.

"Well, Lord and Lady LeChat, that was a good dinner, I must be going. The night is young, we have planning to do." Jean-Paul said boldly.

"Sorry about our daughter. She gets angry time and again." She said.

Corrine couldn’t believe her mother just lied, she didn’t get angry.

They walked Jean-Paul to the door. "Goodnight, have a good evening. We will see you tomorrow."

Tomorrow, He is going to monitor me, Jean-Paul has done something to my parents, He knew about Ciel-Remi and I, He is not of God, He is here to destroy our lives.

"Thank you, Lord." She prayed.

~|------

Ciel-Remi waited in the shadows, he prayed. "Lord, give me the wisdom and love to talk with Corrine."

Jean saw Jean-Paul Borjour leave. The guard opened the gate and Jean-Paul greeted him with a warm friendly smile.

Jean sensed and felt an evil presence around him. He was shaken. His gift from God was ‘sensing the evil presence’. (A gift from God known as the discernment of spirits.)

After Jean-Paul left, He approached Ciel-Remi and asked. "Did you feel that?"

Ciel-Remi just answered. "Yes, I did."

"An evil presence around Jean-Paul," Jean said. "Get ready, I am going to talk with him. The guard will suspect something soon."

Jean felt nervous. He was going to betray his friend’s parents for Ciel-Remi to see her. He also approached the guard who wasn’t paying attention. "Go tell Corrine’s parents, ‘Jean would like to talk to them’." Jean ordered.

The guard started for the door. Jean ordered again. "Before you go, open this gate!"

"Yes, sir." The guard said, he walked back, unlocked the gate, it clicked and opened. "Come in and lock it."

"Thank you, everything is in order." Jean commented. "Go tell the LeChats I wish to speak to them."

"Yes, sir" the guard walked toward the house. Jean watched him knock upon the door, it opened and he walked inside.

Jean signaled Ciel-Remi to come in and hide in the shadows near on left side of the gate. Jean warned. "Be careful, hide in the shadows while a guard is present, meet me here. You have ten minutes."

Jean watched as Ciel-Remi ran through the shadows near the left side the gate and waited.

The guard came back and told him. "They will see you, for a short time."

"Ten minutes."

~|------

Ciel-Remi waited until they went into the house to start toward Corrine’s balcony, the one which overlooked her window. He stayed in the shadows and moved gracefully across the grass from one bush to another near the house.

Ciel-Remi knew the grounds very well, being with Corrine for less than two years. They would often walk around them and talk to each other to get to know each other better.

Ciel-Remi ran to another bush near the corner, it was larger than the others, which hid him so well. He ran to the other side overlooking her parent’s window and balcony. He looked up at the light coming from window of her room. She is in her room. Good, this will make it easier to get her attention. He thought moving to the bush down below her window.

Ciel-Remi moved back a few steps. He was still in the shadows and quoted a line from Shakespeare’s ‘Romeo and Juliet’. "Is it light which thou yonder window breaks. Corrine is the sun and Ciel-Remi is the moon." He spoke through the window, quietly and mellow, so her parents couldn’t hear him.

~|------

Corrine was watching her mother and father as they saw Jean-Paul outside. They watched as he joyful slipped into the dark of night.

Soon after, she heard an interruption at the door. Madam LeChat answered and the guard stood there. He asked a question she couldn’t quiet understand, something about Jean was requesting to talk with them. "Maybe our friend Jean will see through my parent’s confusion and trickery." She quietly said.

Corrine watched as Madam LeChat let Jean and the guard in. Jean walked inside and signaled the guard to go back to his post. Jean thanked Madam LeChat for talking with him.

Corrine walked over to the desk and took out the letter.

"Yes, Lord."

She walked back to the door to see what was happening. Jean was arguing about something with Madam LeChat.

Corrine faintly heard a voice and knew it was Ciel-Remi’s. He was quoting Romeo’s line from Shakespeare’s ‘Romeo and Juliet’, one of Corrine’s favorite love stories. She many time watched the play with her family when they went to England. She enjoyed it, now the play reminded her about Ciel-Remi and her and the mess she was experiencing.

Corrine joyful ran out onto the balcony and spoke back. "Ciel-Remi, Ciel-Remi, Where art thou, Ciel-Remi?"

Corrine watched as Ciel-Remi stepped out from the shadows into a light shining down from her window. "Corrine, I am here, my love. Jean is making a distraction so I could see you, are you well?"

"Yes, quite well, Jean-Paul Borjour has placed a spell on my parents and forced them to have me to wed him."

"I have not much time, The Lord, while I was praying, told me you have something for Marie."

"Yes, a letter, she must get it tomorrow." Corrine said dropping the letter so Ciel-Remi could catch it.

"Corrine, Jean-Paul Borjour is evil. The Lord has a plan to destroy his pride, I must get back, and I will see you tomorrow. Your parents cannot keep me away from you for a long time."

"Tomorrow then and everyday after," Corrine said joyfully and walked quickly to her door to watch what was happening with Jean. Jean was told to leave. She ran back and quietly said. "Ciel-Remi, quickly, Jean is leaving. You must get outside the gates or else you will be caught."

"Thank you, my love." Ciel-Remi said slipping back into the shadows. She blew him a kiss. He caught it and pressed to his lips, "I love you." He mouthed to her. She mouthed back, "I love you, as well."

Corrine went back into her room, joyfully and in love. She fell back onto her bed with her hands crossed and prayed. "Thank you, Lord."

~|------

Ciel-Remi felt his heart beating as he hurried back to the bush near the gate. The guard saw Jean leaving the house and rushed to see him. Jean ordered the guard. "Stay here until I had left the premises. I will open the gate by myself." The guard stayed.

Ciel-Remi watched as Jean approached to gate. "Ciel-Remi, You are there?" he whispered.

"Yes, I am."

"You are in a good mood."

"God has delivered me an angel. I will tell you later."

Jean opened the gate. "Come on before the guard sees you and stay in the shadows."

Ciel-Remi dashed outside the gate quickly. He watched Jean close and lock the gate. Jean waved to the guard as they left the mansion and headed home.

As they walked down the street, Ciel-Remi asked. "What happened with Corrine’s parents?"

"They are possessed with a spell that Jean-Paul has put on them. They believe they are doing the right thing. They believe he is the ‘right man’ for her but we must find a way to break it"

"Right man!" Ciel-Remi said irritated. "Corrine does not even like him. She has written a letter to Queen Marie. I know her, Jean. She probably wrote to be free of him. She was happy to see me tonight."

"What did you do? Use your charm on her." Jean laughed.

"I used something on her. She was blushing like a lovers would." Ciel-Remi jested joining in the laughter.

"She is an angel. I hope you and she are happy together when this whole thing is resolved."

"I do not know Jean. God has our plans in his hands alone, not ours."

"What are you going to do now? Preach to me." Jean asked, still laughing.

"No, I just know God’s will is above any human’s will." Ciel-Remi said. "God gave me Corrine, I know that much. Come on, let us go home and rest before tomorrow’s day breaks and we are working again."

"Good idea." Jean yawned, "I am getting tired and we both have a long day ahead of us."

~|------

The next morning when Ciel-Remi awoke, his clothes were gathered neatly on the dresser across from his bed.

His room was a nice place to stay. Jean’s house was warm and gentle. The bed was soft and he had everything he could ever want.

Jean never lived as though he was rich. He was wealthy, but he lived as though he had enough and gave when he wanted to help the poor. Ciel-Remi knew this about his friend.

God had blessed them greatly. They both worked for the Queen Marie. Most of the time, Ciel-Remi was always working as guard for her, then a normal troubadour on the castle grounds.

Ciel-Remi bathed and got dressed in the purple tunic with black pants. He tucked the letter into a pouch to keep hidden from Jean-Paul.

Jean was standing outside the house in the fresh gentle breeze waving through his hair. Ciel-Remi approached Jean and asked, "Getting some breeze, my friend?"

"Yes, Ciel-Remi," Jean answered, "Great day today, the sun is great and blue skies are what we need these days."

"I have to stop by the castle before work." Ciel-Remi told Jean "To deliver the letter given to me by Corrine."

"Be careful, you do not want Jean-Paul to find out you have that letter." Jean warned.

"Yes, my friend, Queen Marie will see me before I am to go to work." Ciel-Remi began, "I will run into Jean-Paul, I will make sure he does not see the letter. I have a bad feeling about him."

"I felt it last night, while he left Corrine’s mansion. Jean-Paul is not human or controlled by a demon, I do not know which." Jean told him.

"You do not know, my friend, we can only wait and see what happens."

"I am ‘Captain of the Guard’ to King Francis. I have been a friend to Princess Marie and Prince Henry for a long time, before your hometown was destroyed. Jean-Paul suddenly appeared and was proclaimed the ‘Captain of the Musketeers’ of France. Do you not think this is odd?"

"Yes, he must have gotten help by someone higher than him and lower than royalty." Ciel-Remi laughed joking around.

"Jean-Paul was not able to put a spell on Corrine or me. People who know the Lord are immune to his spells. Her parents have told her to wed someone she does not love. God gave you to Corrine. Jean-Paul had to have known and cast a spell on her parents who do not believe in Jesus. They would not even come to such conclusion until the day they met him."

"Corrine and I are gifts from God. I am a soulfire. I love God, obey God and will die for Jesus. She has the same soulfire, as well. She is not affected by his spell."

"Okay. Okay. My friend, calm down. Take the letter to Queen Marie." Jean put his hand on Ciel-Remi shoulder. "Marie will understand and do something about