Chapter 11

Dean got up from the floor and stood up. "Okay Angie, you're not making much sense here. We know diddly squat about the Order of Melchizedek…"

"We know quite a bit more," Angela replied as she found the page she was looking for. "You see I had been thinking about the murders. They look like something involved in witchcraft but it is very specific. Most groups have certain oaths that inductees take as sort of a promise to uphold the group's traditions and secrets."

"And you're talking just about every cult out there," Sam replied trying to humor her.

"Actually I am talking about just one," Angela replied. Suddenly the timer went off. Angela headed over to take her dish out of the oven and put it on the counter to cool a bit. She talked while she was doing this, "Take the first murder: the body was found by the water plant and the throat was cut and the tongue ripped out."

"Yeah and it sounds like witchcraft," Dean replied.

Angela finished what she as doing and brought out the casserole dish that was filled with macaroni and cheese. She set it on the table while continuing the conversation, "It does but it's not. The second murder, the guy Tolbert was left in an open field with the left side of his chest torn out and his heart and vitals removed."

"And that's similar to a werewolf," Sam pointed out.

"But they are related," Angela replied. She pointed at the casserole dish and said, "Eat up." She then walked over to where she left her book and picked it up. "But they are the same. Both are mentioned in the oaths each level takes. I can't believe it I missed it. Then when Sam mentioned the third degree, it became clear." She started shuffling pages trying to find what she was looking for unaware that the brothers were looking at her as if she had been possessed.

Dean was eyeballing the casserole with anticipation and was already spooning some into a bowl. He was already digging in while Sam was playing with the spoon by his empty plate as he was watching Angela rifle through that old book like a crazed librarian. Dean said with a mouth full of food, "Okay so what became clear? You're talking in circles Angie."

"Exactly. The organizational structure is circular," Angela muttered as she finished rifling. Once she found the page that she was looking for. She clasped the book to her chest and walked over to the table. She then said, "The murders are a reflection of the Freemasons." She flipped the book over to show the entry.

Dean shrugged his shoulders while Sam asked to make sure, "The Freemasons? Angela the Freemasons are just a bunch of guys that just get together and supposedly control the free world."

"Actually there's a lot more to it than that Sam," Angela replied. She dropped the book with a thud on the table and spooned up a dish of her casserole and started eating. When she had a couple of bites, she continued, "The Freemasons have origins of the stonemasons and of course there is lore about the Knights Templars infiltrating and the conspiracies about a New World Order and one of the greatest secrets."

"Angela you do know that you are sounding like one of those conspiracy buffs," Sam ventured, not sure what to make of this sudden babbling she started. He couldn't totally discredit her words since he started looking at the entry of the history of the Freemasons. There were interesting tidbits on famous Freemasons.

"I know but there is one way for sure that it is the Freemasons. The murders themselves." Angela put down her plate and flipped the page that Sam was looking at to where the actual initiations of the degrees were. She pointed to the Entered Apprentice Oath and while Sam was reading it, she recited, " … binding myself under no less penalty than that of having my throat cut across, my tongue torn out, and with my body buried in the sands of the sea at low water mark… my solemn Obligation of an Entered Apprentice."

Dean had been happily eating his dish and was surprised that Angela had only taken a few bites when she had begun reciting. He listened to the words and when she was finished he asked, "So we got a case of Jack the Ripper then?"

Angela had picked up her plate and ate a few more bites after giving a slight kick to Sam's leg to get him to eat. She replied, "I wouldn't go that far but essentially, if you believe that the Ripper was a Freemason and was part of a government conspiracy."

"That still doesn't explain the connection to the Order of Melchizedek," Sam pointed out.

Even Angela knew that it was going to be a stretch to explain this one. At least she had her book to help with referencing. She took a breath as she cleaned her teeth with her tongue before speaking. She then said, "The Order of Melchizedek, from my understanding from Bobby that it is a priestly order." She thumbed open her book to another section that was titled 'Melchizedek' and gave a brief history, "Melchizedek was a priest king that served El Shaddai. I didn't think about it before since I was listening to Bobby but the term El Shaddai means Mountain Lord. What you would know it as is what has been translated incorrectly in the most widely sold book in the world… Lord God Almighty."

"Whoa you mean that this is an order serving God? Did we walk into a bunch of religious crap?" Dean actually dropped his fork and looked at Angela for confirmation.

Sam had been reading the section she had thumbed to and answered Dean's question, "She said a mistranslation Dean. According to this, Melchizedek broke bread with Abraham, the foundation for the communion rite but there are references to a bread stone?"

"What is that? Stale bread?"

Angela replied, "That's where the problem lies but the clues are in the fundamentals of groups like the Freemasons. True Masons believe that divine illumination is universal; that the light is recognized but the bearer." She saw that Dean was drawing a blank and that Sam was trying to understand. She barely understood herself and that was after a skim reading through the texts. She then said, "The name of the one God means little. He has multiple names and encompasses all. Anti-Masons would call it the one world religion that is predicted to mean the end of the world."

"So God does play a role? Peachy," Dean muttered.

"Well to be a Mason you don't necessarily have to believe in God but in a higher power," Angela replied.

"Makes sense since most of the founding fathers were Masons," Sam answered thoughtfully, "Yet you said illumination is the key. Wouldn't that mean more along the lines of enlightenment? If that is the case, then where does the bread stone come in? It doesn't make much sense unless it's like some lost technique or something."

"Well the Babylonians created some of the world's oldest batteries so it could be that," Angela replied with a shrug to the shoulders.

"I swear you two belong in a freak show with other geeks," Dean replied.

Angela gave a tolerant smile while Sam gave the bitch face. Angela couldn't help but share a tidbit here and there to people that she trusted. It proved that she was more than just a girl that could kick ass. Then again it came from years of schooling that her mother put her through. She had a tutor at the age of five and was taught the same things that boys were besides the domestic arts. Her father taught her how to fight and with those skills, they helped her to survive and adapt with the changing times. She childishly stuck her tongue out and replied, "I like being a geek freak. Anyway that is what I have."

"What about the brazen serpent?" Sam asked, "Didn't you mention that it was a symbol of healing?"

"Yes but it is also associated with wisdom. The whole thing about the bread stone must have some basis in that but I don't know."

"I might be able to help with that," a voice came from inside the room.

Angela was quick on the draw and pulled out the knife that was in her pocket and threw it at the intruder. She didn't blink when she saw that it was Hardman and he had grabbed it and held it up with an impressed look on his face. She said, "Haven't you bothered us enough?"

Hardman knew that he might risk the wrath of the malachi but this was surely a sign if she was here along with the Winchesters. He stood where he was and opened the door to allow Miriam and Nebi in. He said, "I know you three have no right to trust us but believe me when I say that we do need your help. We will tell you what you need to know and perhaps you may understand why things are the way they are."

Dean was the first to ask the questions, his normal suspicions taking over, "How did you find us"

Miriam replied, "It was a long shot but the medallion that you have, there are ways to track it. We had to do a wide search and then we eliminated all the members that were accounted for."

"So they're bugged?" Dean asked.

"I think she means supernatural means Dean," Sam answered. "So what do you want us for?"

Hardman looked at Miriam and Nebi. When he got the answer, he said, "We want you to…"

Alex sat up in his room doing his homework for the lack of anything better to do. It didn't take him long to finish since he was that disciplined not to goof around when it came to schoolwork. He thought about what had happened that day and he wondered if he was going to have to move again. He didn't want to leave so soon and he didn't want to leave Kelly or Mason behind. He threw down the pencil he had been using to write his history essay and leaned back to think about means of convincing his parents not to move.

Watching the boy through the veil, the sage looked towards the goddess and asked, "Is it wise to bring wisdom to one so young?"

Isis, the goddess of immortality, peered through the veil of her domain and observed the boy. She had been watching since her favorite daughter met him and the ancient order. It was then that she summoned the Apkallu griffin, one of the sages of ancient Sumeria that had been charged with bringing wisdom and enlightenment to men to take a look at the boy and determine if he was ready to receive the secrets of the shew-bread. She replied, "That is your choice. I merely called you for observation. I recognized the signs."

The Apkallu looked through his portal gaze at the boy. He had been monitoring the boy all his life and had seen the progression of intelligence and the execution of that intelligence in his decisions. Melchizedek's line had been chosen for the rights of this knowledge that the Apkallu griffin possessed and subsequent generations were given this knowledge as had been deemed right. The Plain of Shar-on was a sacred gateway to illumination. "He does have the characteristics of his ancestor yet this attempt on his life…"

"The same thing that has happened with all who have been chosen for something great," the goddess replied.

"You are referring to your favored one," Apkallu replied.

"She and the ones she travels with. A majority of the Creator's greatest creation lives in the simplicity of His world and yet only a select few are allowed to see things for what they really are."

Apkallu was about to say something when the boy Alex shifted in his seat to answer his cell phone. He watched as the boy spoke and a grin lit on his face as he said, "Kel, glad your mom didn't ground your phone privileges."

Alex listened to Kelly's response, "I don't know. Thing is I think my parents might want to move." He then frowned and then said, "I don't want to either. I don't know. Maybe you, me and Mas could ask those three to fix the problem. No, I'm not going to Nebi. He's a douche."

Apkallu commented to the goddess, "He certainly has learned a few words in the last few days."

"More likely has known them and never had an opportunity to use them," Isis commented. She watched as the boy talked to the girl Kelly. She may be the goddess of the immortals but she also had some influence over pairings even though that fell into the realm of the other goddesses that claimed that title. She laughed over her recent debacle with the Greek girl Aphrodite.

"I see you have something going on in that mind of yours milady," Apkallu observed. Sages were charged with bringing wisdom but that also meant that they were quite observant.

"Just remembering a rather 'friendly' conversation," Isis replied. She watched the boy and then asked, "Have you decided?"

Apkallu turned his gaze towards the boy. The boy was smart but some of his well laid out plans had led to near disasters. That was something that he would have to learn to avoid in the near future. He had the kindness and generosity that was characteristic of the line of healing and wisdom, the hallmarks of righteousness but Apkallu needed something else. He replied, "Not yet."

Isis glanced at the sage. It was easy to argue the merits of the boy but the sages knew best when it came to the knowledge they were to impart. In fact sages were a classification of the messengers if one wanted to scrutinize the hierarchy yet sages had more of a say when to dispense their wisdom. Messengers had to give it as soon as they got their orders. Isis recalled one such messenger that did his job but bent the rules or toed the line… barely. Isis looked at Apkallu and replied, "Such is your prerogative."

"Indeed milady though certain messengers have a certain trickster ability to them and bend the rules," Apkallu replied, knowing that she was thinking about a certain messenger that always made her laugh except when the joke became too deadly.

"Ah yes," Isis replied. She watched while Alex finished his conversation and picked up his pencil to finish his essay. When he was finished, she saw him pack his bag for school in the morning. "It looks as if our time has come to a close."

"Indeed," Apkallu replied, "Shall I escort you milady?"

"Excuse me?"

"You take my place as a substitute teacher. You will have a legitimate reason to be at the school and watch the boy," Hardman explained.

Angela was standing with her arms crossed facing five people looking at her expectantly. At that moment she got the feeling that she was caught in the middle of the biggest joke in her life. There were a few things that she could say with certainty that she was good at and what they were expecting her to do was not one of those things. She retorted, "And I would just be a legit as a janitor."

"What are you worried about Angie?" Dean was sitting on his bed munching on the bag of M&Ms that she had bought and stashed in one of the duffle bags. He looked like he was at a baseball game as he munched on the candies. "You're like Sam here… a geek and you did say you went to college once and you did live through history."

Angela narrowed her eyes at Dean. "I may be old but I'm not ancient."

Sam inwardly cringed. He had treaded this ground before with Angela and Dean may have just sunk his boat with this one. He said, "No one is saying that." When she rounded on him, he knew that he had to think fast or she may have more than a few sharp words. "The point is that you know more things about history. I'm pre-law and Dean is more like a gym coach."

"Hey!"

"Dean, just go with it," Sam urged through gritted teeth.

Hardman took the opportunity to add, "I know we have no right to ask the three of you to help but this would help us in eliminating a threat. As you may have guessed, my cover has been compromised."

Angela replied, "I am not a teacher. I may know things but knowing and teaching are two different things and this is coming from someone who was schooled in Latin and Greek at a time when only boys could be educated."

"I agree with you," Sam replied, "It is different but how can it hurt. You would be a substitute teacher. At best you would be following instructions left by this guy." Sam pointed at Hardman in a careless manner.

Angela was going to say something when suddenly her cell phone rang. She pulled it out of her pocket and checked the caller ID. It wasn't anyone she knew so she flipped it open and answered it well aware that she was making their visitors wait. The voice on the other end caught her off guard but she played it off, "Alex? How did you get this number?"

Found it on the desk where Mom put it. I called because I wanted to ask your opinion on something.

"Shoot."

Since Mr. Hardman was made to be part of my protection detail, it would be nearly impossible for him to do his job at school. I was thinking that maybe you and your friends could pick up where he left off. I would be protected and you can get the creeps that jumped me and your friends. By the way are they doing okay?

Angela bit the inside of her cheek as she fought hard not to laugh. She didn't know if this was a coincidence or a major prank being played on her. She replied, "They're fine. You did a good job by the way. Now why are you asking me? Couldn't your friends ask someone else?"

I don't want to have anything to do with Nebi and his douchebags right now. And I think you and your friends are a lot better at being people persons.

"I never quite heard put that way before," Angela replied. She glanced at the waiting people. Out of all of them only Nebi and Miriam showed no reaction. Looking at Nebi, Angela resisted the urge to smirk since Alex was still pissed with him. She returned her full attention to the phone conversation and added, "Seriously though how would all three of us fit in your school?"

One of you could take Mr. Hardman's place. Maybe a janitor or something? I think you would be great as a teacher.

"Really?"

To be honest, I want you there not only because you can kick butt… well you don't let anyone push you around and… this is going to sound weird but I just want to talk and I think you and your friends are supposed to be here.

Angela listened to the boy as he tried to explain his reasons. There were few things that could be persuasive. This was one of them. She replied, "Well I was given a similar offer."

Please take it. Please!

Angela sighed. It was like getting a taste of Sam's puppy dog eyes and so far she had proven resistant to them. This though was different. She didn't really know the kid and yet he was reaching out to her like she was a lifeline. The question she wanted to know was why? Why would anyone think she was trustworthy with their life? The fact that Sam and Dean trusted her, Sam a bit more than Dean, escaped her notice. Besides she saw it as keeping a promise. This was different and Miriam did tell her that there was a plot in regards to the boy. She couldn't leave him to fend for himself. "Alright kid. I'll let your friends know since they are here now."

They are? Don't I feel stupid.

"Don't be. It's because you asked."

Thanks Angela. Gotta go. Mom… you know…

"I know. See you tomorrow then." Angela clicked the phone shut and stared at it for a moment. She then looked at Nebi, Miriam and Hardman and said, "Alright. I'll do it but under protest." She then walked out of the room to head to hers and muttered loud enough, "It had to take a kid to convince me. I must be going soft."

Nebi waited until she left to say, "I don't understand why we ask these people to do this. It is obvious she doesn't want to and I seriously doubt these hunters know anything either."

Dean took offense to that and replied, "Hey Chuckles, my brother and me know plenty."

"You certainly know how to get yourselves shot," Nebi replied in cool composure.

Dean made a move to give a good punch but missed. He turned to face Nebi who was giving a cool sneer at him and made to swing again. All he got for his trouble was Nebi sneering at him and taunting him. He ignored the fact that Sam was trying to get him to stop. Nebi merely said, "And you seem to know quite a bit at missing the mark."

"Nebi, stop it," Miriam said. "It is not the fault of these people that they stumbled onto the scheme the brothers have in mind. The least we could do is inform them of the situation and the choice is theirs." She looked at the brothers with the youngest restraining his sibling from trying to tackle NEbi. She didn't blame him. Nebi sometimes could lord his abilities over others until someone better came along and humbled him. She said to them, "We are grateful should you decided to help us like your friend."

"I don't mind helping out. I like the kid," Dean replied after shrugging his brother off. "So what do you want from me and Sam?"

"It is no secret where the lodge is," Miriam replied. "The key is inquiring about membership."

"Wait, you want us to express interest in membership?" Sam asked the question after he released his brother. He made a slight face since Dean accidentally jarred his injured side. "Isn't that what got the other guys killed?"

"Unfortunately yes," Miriam replied. "Tolbert though was a genuine brother. He was trying to help us."

"To be honest, there are knights of the order serving in lodges all over the country. Their identities are kept a secret. How the brothers of this lodge found out, is a question we want to solve," Hardman added.

"Okay so why not grab one and interrogate him?"

Nebi snorted. Miriam gave a look. She replied, "If you could find one that is involved, that would help too."

Dean glanced at Sam. He noticed that a small red spot was staining his shirt and it was hidden by his jacket. Sam needed to take it easy. Maybe capturing and interrogating might help. Either way they needed a day. He replied, "I have an idea."

A/N: Well whaddaya know... the mysterious brotherhood is none other than the Freemasons! And they want Angie to teach? What is Dean's idea? Find out next time on The Order of Melchizedek...

A/N2: The word malachi is I believe a Hebraic word and it means "messenger" or "angel." Since Angie is referred to as this, I will leave it to you to think about it and what the implications are.

Historic Note: The Freemasons are one of the oldest fraternities here in the United States. The original Masons were three degrees but some versions like the Scottish Rite have 33 degrees as shown in Dan Brown's The Lost Symbol and of course there are the Royal Arch Masons. It is true that over half of the founding fathers were Masons including Jefferson, Washington, Franklin and Adams. The facts regarding admission and the oaths are Freemason practices in general were found in Secrets of the Freemasons. Each lodge carries the specifics of their practices.

Melchizedek is a biblical figure and did meet with Abraham during his military campaign in Canaan. He was a priest king and his name comes from the Hebrew stems of "king" and "righteousness." This was found in Secrets of the Lost Ark by Lawrence Gardner.