--
--
A
Tale of Two Pentacles and the Pentagonal Cycle of Venus
Ask anyone who knows me well, and
they’ll tell you television plays a significant influence on my writing. Exterminating Angel was no different. The
premise of an archangel unleashing a demon upon the city was inspired in part by
an Inspector Lewis episode “Dark
Matter,” which involved the Venus Transit. Even more interesting to me was how
the Transit is part of an eight-year pentagonal cycle.
For me, this was an excellent way
to tie in the two hidden pentacles – one silver, the other gold –
whose powers are at their
greatest when the pentagonal cycle is completed. And having both a power-hungry
archangel and a manipulative demon trying to find them, well let’s just say it
was fun overturning stereotypes. Lucifer may have helped Sorath forge the
pentacles, but no way would he ever allow the demon to use them to destroy the
universe. As for Zaphkiel, the thought of his scheming boss Ophaniel having
control of not only the pentacles but of the Throne angels (whom Ophaniel
refers to as Ophanim) is a definite reason to team up with the Devil to try to
stop them. Except Zaphkiel’s lost his powers and the Devil prefers to work on a
needs-to-know basis.
Making a deal with the Devil is
the least of his problems.
Excerpt:
Raziel dashed into Ophaniel’s
office the next morning. A second late, and he’d be cited for insubordination.
He saluted the Ophanim leader, although part of him preferred another, less
respectful gesture, and took his place at attention next to Michael, who gave
him a sidelong glance, but said nothing.
Sitting behind a massive
cherrywood desk, Ophaniel regarded Raziel with penetrating silver eyes. He
waved for them to sit in the two upholstered chairs, but they remained
standing. “I’m sure you know why you’re here.”
A ceiling-to-floor canvas
reproduction of Dore’s painting, The
Deluge, covered the wall behind Ophaniel’s desk. The sea green of the
churning waves continued on in the sinuous pattern of the dark green carpet.
Raziel felt off balance, as if one wrong step would cause him to pitch forward
and be sucked under torrential waters.
“It’s about Zaphkiel.” Raziel
wiped damp palms against his pants. Come
on, get to the point. You want Zaphkiel executed.
Ophaniel folded his hands on the
desk. “Murder is a grave offense.”
“Yes, sir.”
“What concerns me is this news
about Sorath.” Ophaniel retrieved a sheaf of papers from a hutch behind him.
“There’s a rumor concerning some pentacles.” He looked at the archangels. “If
Sorath found them, he could destroy heaven. Your orders are to get those
pentacles before he does.” He sliced open an envelope with a gold letter
opener. “Bring Zaphkiel back, too, or I’ll have your wings ripped out.” He
brandished the dull blade at them. “Understood?”
“Yes, sir.” Michael saluted.
This was the first Raziel had
heard of any pentacles. “How do you expect us to find them?” They might search
Kurt’s house, Sorath’s last known location, but unless one of them had a
clairvoyant ability to locate objects, they’d have better luck finding that
proverbial needle in the haystack.
Ophaniel glared at him. “That’s
your problem, not mine. And find them before the Venus Transit, when Sorath’s
powers are said to be strongest. Otherwise, if he gets those pentacles, you can
kiss your sorry asses good-bye.”
Haunted
Dreams, Dark Destinies (Website)
--
Thank you so much for having me, Laken. Appreciate it. :-)
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteAnytime, Pamela. I love that cover! :)
ReplyDeleteI loved how this excerpt described the scene/room. It all came into such vivid detail as I read.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Joanne. Although if I had Ophaniel for a boss, I'd be like, "I quit." :-)
ReplyDeletePamela, I love the idea of overturning stereotypes. And such an interesting way to do it. loved the excerpt.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Gemma. Some of my overturning stereotypes is based in part on research. But I like sharing new perspectives.
ReplyDelete