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continued.
"He was finally doing what he had been created to do. He loved to
worship. He always said that all he wanted to do was worship
God...forever. And God brought it all to pass. We were so happy for
our friend. And this was long before I was made a ruling angel. Do
you remember all that?" asked Michael.
     "Yes, Michael," said Gabriel curtly. "And...?"
     Michael looked at his friend and decided to speak his mind
even if it offended Gabriel. "I'm not sure. I believe he was...I don't
know...did you see him after the ceremony? He didn't even come
over to congratulate you. That's not how an old friend should
behave. He should have been one of the first angels to share in
your joy! Instead he barely even acknowledged you. I think he is
jealous."
     "Then why don't you go over and talk with him?" said
Gabriel. "Ask him, `Lucifer, are you jealous of Gabriel?' Then he'll
tell you `No' and you can forget about all this nonsense."
     Michael was beginning to feel a little foolish now but contin-
ued. "I know you think I am being ridiculous about all this but
something is wrong when the minister of worship acts so cold to
everyone on such an occasion--especially his old friends!"
     "Perhaps if you weren't so suspicious you could see more
clearly," responded Gabriel. "Try treating him as a friend rather
than a minister of worship."
"Let's make an archangel, shall we?" 31

    "Alright, alright," said Michael. "I won't say another word
about Lucifer...for a while anyway."
    "Thank you," said Gabriel. "Not another word, please."
    As he finished these words a long, low trumpet sounded from
the north.
     "Well," said Gabriel, "looks like I have to meet with the
Elders. And so soon! Guess they just can't govern without me!"
     "Well, they'll find that out soon enough," Michael said smil-
ing. "I'm sorry, my brother. And I promise. Not another word."
     Gabriel smiled at Michael as two great, muscular, translucent
wings instantly appeared from behind him. The wings did not
move rapidly like the wings of the seraphim; rather, they simply
unfolded and gracefully lifted Gabriel into the Heavenly sky, car-
rying him toward the golden roof of the House of Elders.
     Michael thought about their conversation as he watched his
friend disappear in the blueness of Heaven. He determined not to
bother Gabriel anymore until he either had something definite that
would give credence to his suspicions, or until Gabriel was himself
convinced that something was indeed wrong with Lucifer. Maybe
Gabriel was right and this was all a lot of nonsense. Perhaps this
sort of behavior was the way with some angels, particularly those
angels gifted in such demanding and creative ministry as Lucifer.
     As he reflected on these things, Crispin, a renowned angel of
wisdom walked by and nodded at Michael. He was on his way to
the Academy, just a short distance from the park entrance where
Michael and Gabriel had been talking. Crispin was a noted teacher
among the angels, and a favorite among those who were called to
special service in the Lord's house. It was widely held that Crispin
was one of the wisest angels in Heaven. Michael had sat under his
teaching, as had Gabriel, Lucifer and many of the other angels who
were now higher ranked. He was also a prolific writer and had
recorded much of the Chronicles of the Kingdom and was a foun-
tain of knowledge about everything concerning Heaven.
     "Good day, master," said Michael.
32 CHRONICLES of the Host: Exile of Lucifer

     "Good day, Michael," said Crispin, who was reading a book
bound in silver as he walked. "Beautiful service, beautiful service,
hmm?" he muttered.
     "More books, eh?" teased Michael. "You already know more
than all the other angels in Heaven combined! What could you pos-
sibly be studying now?"
     Crispin turned to Michael. "One can never have too much
knowledge, Michael. I hope you learned at least that much from
me." He then assumed a familiar teaching demeanor that was leg-
end throughout Heaven. "Michael, it is