Dantalion did everything in his power to save them, and save me. With Dantalion now guardian of the mortal dominion, he was guaranteeing my safety. I knew from what he told me, that none of the other demons of the Goetia served as angels to God. They all wanted to be freed, to right their wrongs and live once again as men. The five demons remained on the stone pillars awaiting that freedom, while the rest just waited. The celestial order of angels appeared above them at the base of their hallowed ground. A golden brilliance moved among the nine orders, God once again making his presence known. Dantalion's piercing eyes met his brother demons', and spoke on behalf of the order.

"As promised, according to the will of God, and with the passing of two ages, thee shall be released of thy curse," Dantalion triumphantly announced.

King Vine, Prince Sitri, Count Halphas, Count Druitte, and Rowan all stood there, listening to every word.

Gabriel stepped forward: "By the order of our merciful Lord God, thy hath met redemption as Dantalion says. King Vine, forty fifth demon of the Goetia, thy seal fashioned of gold, thou who holds the serpent, and commands things hidden, no longer must you foretell what has passed nor what is to come, you are released of your servitude. Prince Sitri, twelfth demon of the Goetia, thy who appears of leopard's form, thy no longer inflict man nor woman with false love, thy art also released of your servitude. Count Halphas, thirty eighth demon of the Goetia, he who hath led many battles, skilled in the art of war, who by thy own hand hath taken the life of thy brother, Count Druitte, who also stands before us, wilt thou repent and be saved?" the archangel questioned them, translating God's will.

The demons nodded from their places in the circle. I saw the piercing blackness of Dantalion's eyes grow worried, focused on the last demon standing before the order of angels. I couldn't interfere. A force kept me from leaving the pedestal above the altar. The five demons stood surrounding the fire, and my eyes were directed on Rowan. He appeared like I had seen him last, in Satan's dominion, eyes still dark as pitch, bearing the seal of a demon, and wearing around his neck the bronze medallion with Gwynnedd's spirit bound inside.

"This young demon hath not met the passing of two ages!" Camael, the Chief Angel of Powers pronounced.

Dantalion stepped forward at the base of hallowed ground. "He hath sworn his allegiance to me to save the girl. By no fault of his own was he ever condemned," Dantalion protested.




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