Chapter 5

Henry ran and did not look back. He ran until he made it to the building that contained his home. He heaved a huge sigh and sank into his armchair, and the fireplace ignited with a comforting warmth.

Who would've thought heaven would be like this…

Henry stared into the fire and watched the flame dance as he processed what he'd learned.

I haven't heard of Lillith before… And extermination? Are they not suffering already? What need could they possibly have to kill them?

A troubling realization occurred to Henry.

If God does not exist, then there's nothing assuring heavens superiority over hell.

The angels must be protecting heaven from a hellish uprising. Another realization occurred to Henry.

If there is evil in heaven, then there may be good in hell.

Henry contemplated. His whole life had been dedicated to helping others as a doctor, and now, even after death, he feels as though it is his duty to help those who cannot help themselves. It wasn't what Henry wanted… After witnessing so much suffering and wickedness, he may have to go to the place that was said to be the eternal prison of wicked people, who suffer for it.

Not to mention, he would be leaving the tremendous comfort of heaven. This room, which had been designed for him specifically, by an angel that knew him better than he knew himself.

Emily…. Emily and Sera are the only Seraphs I've met, and they slaughter hells residents every six months? I would've never thought…

Henry felt a swathe of emotions rising in him. Disappointment, hurt, betrayal, confusion and more.

How could one so kind and caring as Emily be so…. Heavy handed? Wait… Adam and the other angel… They were at the library in secret as well. Perhaps heavens hierarchy isn't so united.

Henry held out hope. He wasn't sure how wise it was, in fact, he thought himself foolish, but on the other hand, thinking that Emily could be bloody thirsty despite being so kind to him was a reality he was not ready to face.

Henry's thoughts shifted. I think I should go to hell, to see the extent of evil and good. If we are still imperfect in heaven, then we may be redeemable in hell.

Henry looked around and realized there was no bags or means of transporting belongings.

No reason to leave heaven… I wonder if anyone else had ever thought to leave.

Henry thought back to his experiences in passing with other residents of heaven and nothing seemed to indicate that they had considered it in the way he had. For Henry though, he was exposed to Adam very early, and wasn't so intoxicated with the riches of heaven as others who had plenty of time to enjoy heaven before asking any questions.

Was nobody else concerned that God, the lack of an infinite being, didn't exist? Have they even asked? Emily didn't seem taken aback when I asked, perhaps her answer was good enough for others… Or perhaps those who didn't like it were cast down.

Henry started jotting down the things he would like to have before going into hell. He didn't know exactly what he'd need, but it sounded like anything else that was dangerous and undesirable.

A notebook. I'm sure heaven has one that can fit more than an earthly one. I'm sure their feather pens work forever too. I can't imagine hell is safe, some kind of weapon would help…. I wonder if I could find a way to be armored as well. Would it be too obvious if I collected these things? Wouldn't people notice if I'm gone? If I die, will I return to heaven or hell? Will I return at all?

Henry thought it was a risk worth taking. Jesus went out on a limb for earth and was crucified. Even if he wasn't the trinity of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, infinite and love like Henry had thought, right and wrong still existed. If Henry didn't at least make sure there was no good to be done, he would have to fight off the curiosity, and potentially regret, for eternity.

Part of why Henry's life had been so fulfilling was that he learned how to delegate with himself, and anticipate what certain consequences would become of actions. If he did not do this, he would not be at peace. Better to die having lived righteously than live being wicked.

How do I even get there? How would I return?

A small memory bugged Henry, like an image… It was the pamphlet.

Henry stood up and grabbed it from the end table. He poured over it and there it was, at the very beginning: "Do NOT make a pentagram!" It was the only rule, and it didn't say why…. Maybe that is the place to start. Henry looked over other pieces of the pamphlet and numbered the amenities as he needed them.

Henry left his room and followed the map to the artisan's district. It was truly remarkable seeing the various crafts: Woodworking, marble etching, painting, glassblowing, you name it. It was there. But Henry had only one interest in mind: The smithing displays which were close by the forges.
Henry walked about and saw various sets of full plate, all shimmering in the heavenly steel. I'd stick out like a sore thumb if I wore that in hell… Henry proceeded and saw various sets of chain mail, also made out of heaven steel. His underclothes, long johns and an undershirt that was long sleeved, could work like a pseudo gambeson, and the chain mail wouldn't be noticeable. Henry walked to the owner of the display.

"Hey! Magnificent pieces you have here."

"Thank you, young man!" Replied the man. Despite calling Henry young, this man seemed as though he'd only died in the two thousands based off his clothes, and only around forty years old.

"I'm Henry, pleasure to be meeting you..?"

"Doug, the pleasures all mine."

"Say Doug, what got you into smithing and chainmail linking?"

"It all falls under smithing. I also make blades. I just really liked it ever since I watched the Lord of the Rings behind the scenes. I never had the means to forge in my life, so I decided to have a crack at it while here, y'know?"

"I hear you, I used to watch a show called forged in fire-"

"I saw that up here after I kicked the bucket! I sometimes wish I could go back down and compete."

"I think you'd win looking at your pieces. Can you show me a few?"

Doug showed Henry various pieces of armor, then showed Henry various blades that were forged with Damascus patterns.

"Why are your blades made out of a different steel than the armors?" Henry asked.

"Well, I tried folding the angelic steel in the same way you would with regular steel, and that worked. However, the angelic steel is impossible to acid etch since it's so impervious. I really like Damascus steel, so I asked for regular steel to make the knives."

"That makes sense." Henry thought, though, the expertise of it went over his head.

Henry spotted a short blade, a seax knife, with a beautiful Damascus pattern.

"You like that one, eh?"

"It's beautiful. How did you make it?"

Doug proceeded to spit tons of jargon that Henry was completely ignorant to, all that Henry retained was "Odin's eye Damascus pattern" and "Micarta handle."

"Well, it's phenomenal" Henry said.

"Do you want it?" Doug asked.

"Wait, really?"

"Well… Yeah. I don't have any use for it and if you're that interested in it then it'd be better on your mantle than on display."

"That means a lot Doug, thank you."

"Don't mention it. Is there anything else?"

"Uh… Yeah. That chainmail there. Would it be okay-"

"Here you go man." Doug said without hesitating.

"Are you sure?"

"It didn't cost me anything to make, and it is a joy to see others enjoy what I enjoy. Please, take it."

You see this is what I thought heaven was going to be.

"Thanks Doug. If you ever need anything just let me know."

Doug laughed. "What would I need here?"

"Fair enough." Henry chuckled. "I'll see you around."

Doug nodded and Henry nodded back.

Henry walked over to the creative writing area, where many books and pens could be found. It wasn't difficult to grab a nice leatherbound book and quill. Henry selected one that he could stow inside of his suit. After which, Henry went to his apartment and put on the chainmail, which ran all the way down his arms and legs. Henry's suit flew back on him after he was done. His suit was a very dark green color, so dark it could almost pass for gray at a distance, with herringbone weave. His vest and necktie were ivory, and his shoes were chestnut brown balmoral oxfords.

Henry looked at himself in the mirror, still getting used to his new face, then looking to see if any sign of the chainmail showed itself. After careful examination, it didn't seem so. Henry stowed the knife using his suspenders. Even though Henry was no knife fighter, if the armor was as impenetrable as they say, it doesn't sound like he needs to be talented in order to win a fight.

Now I believe I need to go play with pentagrams. Henry thought.

Hey everyone, while I'm not too fond of making author notes, I have been experiencing a small amount of anxiousness not hearing any feedback on this story. I'm not a writer and I don't have an editor, so a lot of my style is just other books I've read and a few YouTube videos. More than that though, I want to know what you the reader think and feel so far:

What are your favorite elements? What's missing? Is there too much of something? Am I making any literary mistakes? Do you have any questions that need answering? Is the characterization of Henry, Adam, and everyone else believable? Are you excited to see what happens next?

Without hearing from you, I don't know if you follow the story and never click on it again. So, after 5 chapters, would you please consider leaving a review and making my day? I would greatly appreciate it.