Andromalius became uneasy, even for a demon. "The others are heading North, Belial, toward the Realm of Goetia," pointing his claws at the armies moving out from the Courtyard.
"Aye, so they are," his demonic eyes glazed over.
My heart began to race, knowing this was an act of mercy on behalf of Dantalion and the angelic order, yet what would this decision do to Rowan? Dantalion had shown Rowan the life of a demon, but would he survive? He was not released of his demonic form nor were the remaining others. They were no longer confined, imprisoned within the brass vessel, yet now, unleashed unto the second heaven , outside my mortal world, in the Realm of Goetia. I first rendered the decision to be pure genius, as both angels and demons were satisfied with the outcome, yet after overhearing what Belial and Andromalius were talking about, it now sounded dangerously evil.
Dantalion would still be archangel, protector and guardian to mankind, who could now take on human form. His brother demons, King Vine, Prince Sitri, Count Druitte, all could call upon him as mortal men. Though he had just reclaimed his immortality, would I be able to summon him as guardian angel if I needed him? Would he even hear me? Once, his was the only voice I could ever hear. Now there was only silence.
Above me, Dantalion and the nine orders, graced by God, ascended to the third heaven leaving the Courtyard of the Undead.
I watched as each of the Goetic demons regrouped with their corresponding legion of armies, all making their way beyond the pines and past the grove. It was late afternoon, and the summer sun disappeared once they made their way North into the forest toward the Realm of Goetia. Two remained behind.
"We should move out Belial, catch up with the others. See there, your legions wait by the stone border," Andromalius complained.
"Thy should go, tis true, as we know not where the Realm of the Goetia lies," Belial replied, pre-occupied.
"What are thee conjuring?" Andromalius asked him.
"Nay, tis only a matter of time," Belial scowled.
"What say you?"
"Thy calling forth of thy four great Kings of Hell. Satan hath ruled long enough as thy sole guardian of the Southern Infernal Realm. Tis the time that we are summoned," Belial chanted.
"We are demons of the Goetia. We need not summon up the four great Kings of Hell as we will be released of condemnation," Andromalius reminded Belial.
"Released of Servitude! I see now the ages that pass before my eyes, timeless suffering that kings subject unto demons, forcing upon us, to do their bidding, whilst we remain imprisoned, never to taste of the pleasures of lust, nor to stand our feet into the earth, when we are cast aside at their summoning, to hear lies from their tongues, and then bid them joy for their guilt! Nay, methinks my time of the passing of two ages comes not soon enough. Thou hath devised a new plan whilst we speak," Belial confided.