Light, rays of light pierced through the window pane engulfing the bed of straws in which the human boy dreamt peaceful dreams of childhood. He came into this world a bit over seven years ago and soon it would be his brother’s birthday, when they would eat apple pie and play and laugh with other children from the village.  As he lay asleep, silver strands of mist twirled into the air revealing slender white fingers gently caressing his cheek.<br/><br/>“Sleep well, human child.” The gentle whisper took form, little by little. First the hand, then an arm, a round pale shoulder, the delicate base line of the neck, a milky complexion, the gentle curving of the lips, almond shaped eyes .. “Zefiriel!” and everything disappeared in a cloud of smoke.<br/><br/>The cherubim revealed itself with a stern look on his face. Was this truly the angel Antonius spoke of? It took a few minutes of silence before another angel appeared in the room. This time the transformation was completed and Zefiriel looked back at the cherubim with her almond shaped eyes wide open.<br/><br/>“Are you the one they call Zefiriel?” the cherubim asked doubtful.<br/>It took another few minutes before he got his reply.<br/>“I am.”<br/>“Our commander summons you. We shall go at once.” And the cherubim spread his magnificent wings and left the ground, beckoning her to follow. The angel called Zefiriel remained silent for a moment, looking up at him, facing the sun. Then spread her silver wings and followed, leaving the human child asleep on his bed of straws.<br/><br/>They flew for miles in a matter of minutes and all the while Zefiriel couldn’t think of anything else except the strange task ahead. Who was the commander he spoke of and what kind of business he could possibly have with someone like her? Zefiriel emotions heightened as she reached and passed layer after layer of Heaven, until her wings grew tired of flight, following the cherubim nearer the sun. It was only when they reached the war quarters that Zeifiriel understood where he was taking her and she gasped with admiration and fright.<br/><br/>“It cannot be” she whispered to herself and when her guide stopped in front of the columns she almost hit the ground while her wings gave in.<br/><br/>“I shall announce your presence to Lord Antonius” the cherubim declared and entered, leaving her to gaze upon the many faces carved in stone. They were beautiful, powerful faces of the warriors of light who had fallen long before her own existence came to be.<br/>